We're sitting in the Detroit Airport heading for Creation Fest the nations largest music festival. Laura and I will presenting Celebrate Your Marriage today and tomorrow.
Heading out today marks the beginning of almost three straight weeks on the road. Thankfully the "kidlings" will be with us most of the time!
We'll keep you posted on our travels and the "saddle soars" we develop along the way!
Blessings~
Friday, June 29, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Faith...Joy and Love like a Child
Our little Gracie is a continual reminder for us...some days she reminds us of what it means to "GIVE" Grace...we won't go there today :-) But most days she reminds us of what it means to LIVE in the midst of Grace.
Look at the smile on her face...that face is beaming the Grace we find in Jesus and I am confident that face is just like the one Jesus saw when he said "Let the little children come to me!"
It's a face that beams Faith...that my Father is going to keep me.
It's a face that beams Joy...because my Father is in control.
It's a face that beams Love...from my Father and enough for the whole world.
Find the beaming face of little child today and know they are reflecting the rays of the SON!
Blessings~
Monday, June 25, 2007
Teenage Fun!
It's nice to be known as the "cool" parents. Before school ended Torrey asked if he could have some friends over for a cookout and some fun in our pond. "Of course", we said, but asked "do you really think your friends will even GET in the pond?"
You see we share a pond with 4 other back yards. There are fish in our pond and of course frogs and turtles. It is however a POND with mucky bottom and scum on the top. Last summer Torrey and some friends tied a rope on a tree next to the pond and would swoop out over the pond and splash in for some refreshing excitement.
The night of the POND PARTY came and dozens of teens came by, eating hotdogs chips and drinking Mt. Dew. They literally spent 4 hours in and around that pond. Rope swing, skim boards, boogie boards and floaties were all used to create a night of memories.
When we sent them all home at 11 pm. Torrey came inside nodding his head..."YEP", he said, "it's official, you are the coolest parents...just don't let it go to your head!"
Life with teens is challenging. Tells us ways you stay connected to the teens in your world...
Blessings~
Jay & Laura
To see a video of the fun check out the video on the right!
You see we share a pond with 4 other back yards. There are fish in our pond and of course frogs and turtles. It is however a POND with mucky bottom and scum on the top. Last summer Torrey and some friends tied a rope on a tree next to the pond and would swoop out over the pond and splash in for some refreshing excitement.
The night of the POND PARTY came and dozens of teens came by, eating hotdogs chips and drinking Mt. Dew. They literally spent 4 hours in and around that pond. Rope swing, skim boards, boogie boards and floaties were all used to create a night of memories.
When we sent them all home at 11 pm. Torrey came inside nodding his head..."YEP", he said, "it's official, you are the coolest parents...just don't let it go to your head!"
Life with teens is challenging. Tells us ways you stay connected to the teens in your world...
Blessings~
Jay & Laura
To see a video of the fun check out the video on the right!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
He's SCARY...Make him stop!
Last night we said goodbye to Torrey as he left for a Missions trip to Los Angeles with our chuch youth group.
During the day as he was packing and getting things around for the trip, he was being exceptionally kind to Grace. At one point he took her to 7-11 for a slurpee!
As we were bidding him farewell, he put a bear-hug on Grace picking her up off the floor. He said "I love you Grace and I'll miss you!" Without missing a beat Gracie peered over his shoulder with fear in her eyes and said, "Mommy make him stop, he's scaring me!!!"
After we quit laughing, Laura and I looked at eachother and said "that's going on the blog!" Why? because we know that if your kids are like ours, you'll get a laugh too!
blessings~
During the day as he was packing and getting things around for the trip, he was being exceptionally kind to Grace. At one point he took her to 7-11 for a slurpee!
As we were bidding him farewell, he put a bear-hug on Grace picking her up off the floor. He said "I love you Grace and I'll miss you!" Without missing a beat Gracie peered over his shoulder with fear in her eyes and said, "Mommy make him stop, he's scaring me!!!"
After we quit laughing, Laura and I looked at eachother and said "that's going on the blog!" Why? because we know that if your kids are like ours, you'll get a laugh too!
blessings~
Friday, June 22, 2007
Rules for Life
This story from a friend was a good reminder for me!
Blessings~
Jay
A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed
Each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and
Shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing
home today.
His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home,
he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.
As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual
description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been
hung on his window.
"I love it," he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having
Just been presented with a new puppy.
"Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait."
"That doesn't have anything to do with it," he replied.
"Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my
room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged... it's how
I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. "It's a decision I make
every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in
bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no
longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.
Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new
day and all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for this time in
my Life.
Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.
So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the Bank
account of memories! Thank you for your part in filling my memory bank.
I am still depositing."
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Let Jesus free your heart from hatred.
2. Let Jesus free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.
Blessings~
Jay
A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed
Each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and
Shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing
home today.
His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home,
he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.
As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual
description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been
hung on his window.
"I love it," he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having
Just been presented with a new puppy.
"Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait."
"That doesn't have anything to do with it," he replied.
"Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my
room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged... it's how
I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. "It's a decision I make
every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in
bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no
longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.
Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new
day and all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for this time in
my Life.
Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.
So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the Bank
account of memories! Thank you for your part in filling my memory bank.
I am still depositing."
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Let Jesus free your heart from hatred.
2. Let Jesus free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Oh my word!
Okay, so I am watching TV the other night and really became incensed at how the media portrays marriage! It was a Home Depot commercial that sent me over the edge! Usually a Home Depot commercial makes me want to re-do another room in my house!
Anyway, it is the one, I am sure you have seen it....the daughter is telling the dad that they need a new frig, new cabinets, basically a new kitchen. He seems to agree and then the girl walks into the other room and the mother pays her for suggesting a new kitchen to her husband.... now at first glance it seems rather cute..that is how they reel you in! After seeing it a couple times,it really began to hit me that it was communicating that husbands and wives cannot communicate except thru their children. Something as simple and as huge as re-doing a kitchen is something a husband and wife should be able to discuss.
Now, some of you maybe saying, " Calm down Laura, it is just a commercial!" But here is the thing- if you begin to really watch TV, shows and commercials, you will begin to see how the media is really slapping at marriage.
Take a look and tell me what you see!
Anyway, it is the one, I am sure you have seen it....the daughter is telling the dad that they need a new frig, new cabinets, basically a new kitchen. He seems to agree and then the girl walks into the other room and the mother pays her for suggesting a new kitchen to her husband.... now at first glance it seems rather cute..that is how they reel you in! After seeing it a couple times,it really began to hit me that it was communicating that husbands and wives cannot communicate except thru their children. Something as simple and as huge as re-doing a kitchen is something a husband and wife should be able to discuss.
Now, some of you maybe saying, " Calm down Laura, it is just a commercial!" But here is the thing- if you begin to really watch TV, shows and commercials, you will begin to see how the media is really slapping at marriage.
Take a look and tell me what you see!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Fabulous Fathers Day~
I have to admit I had a great Father's Day. My Daughter made me a card. Got a grunt and a HUG from my teenage son! A nice new pair of golf shoes and a day at the lake. It was fun!
But I want to tell you what my sister-in-law did for her husbands 50th birthday which also was Father's day. Ray and Sandy have been married now for almost 13 years. It's marriage number 2 for both of them and I can honestly say they have done a GREAT job of tackling the challenges of blending two families.
Ray is a baseball fan...no question, no doubt! And for his special day, Sandy put together a baseball themed party on Saturday night which culminated in Sandy presenting Ray with a tube of "Ben Gay". Confused he asked "What's this for" to which she replied "You're going to need it after you spend tomorrow on the field at Comerica Park (home of the Detroit Tigers) at a fantasy baseball camp!" What a cool gift.
Gifts are a "love language" and in my opinion, the best gifts really don't depend on the amount of money spent. What matters is did the giver (as in Sandy's case) find a gift that was perfect for the recipient!
But I want to tell you what my sister-in-law did for her husbands 50th birthday which also was Father's day. Ray and Sandy have been married now for almost 13 years. It's marriage number 2 for both of them and I can honestly say they have done a GREAT job of tackling the challenges of blending two families.
Ray is a baseball fan...no question, no doubt! And for his special day, Sandy put together a baseball themed party on Saturday night which culminated in Sandy presenting Ray with a tube of "Ben Gay". Confused he asked "What's this for" to which she replied "You're going to need it after you spend tomorrow on the field at Comerica Park (home of the Detroit Tigers) at a fantasy baseball camp!" What a cool gift.
Gifts are a "love language" and in my opinion, the best gifts really don't depend on the amount of money spent. What matters is did the giver (as in Sandy's case) find a gift that was perfect for the recipient!
Friday, June 15, 2007
From the mouth of a child!
Many of you that are visiting our blog have attended our Celebrate Your Marriage Conferences , and have heard us,from stage, say that we are just like you! We struggle with the same aspects of marriage that you do. Well here is one for the books!
One of the lessons that we have learned over the years is that a woman needs 7significant non-sexual touches in a day in order to feel loved. A man needs one touch! We have purported that from stage at our Celebrate Your Marriage conferences.
The other day Jay and I were being grouchy with each other and with our kids. Many factors were playing a part in that not the least of which was the level of intimacy in our marriage over the past week, or should I say, lack thereof! Anyway, our Grace, who is 9 noticed that we were not being very kind and simply asked a question. " Daddy, have you touched mommy 7 times today?" Then turning to me, "Mommy, have you touched Daddy once today?"
Jay and I, needless to say, roared with laughter and then realized that kids do hear everything we say!
One of the lessons that we have learned over the years is that a woman needs 7significant non-sexual touches in a day in order to feel loved. A man needs one touch! We have purported that from stage at our Celebrate Your Marriage conferences.
The other day Jay and I were being grouchy with each other and with our kids. Many factors were playing a part in that not the least of which was the level of intimacy in our marriage over the past week, or should I say, lack thereof! Anyway, our Grace, who is 9 noticed that we were not being very kind and simply asked a question. " Daddy, have you touched mommy 7 times today?" Then turning to me, "Mommy, have you touched Daddy once today?"
Jay and I, needless to say, roared with laughter and then realized that kids do hear everything we say!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The night time sky!
Last night we had a rare treat! At around 10:30 pm our sixteen year old son,Torrey came bounding down the stairs exclaiming that his friend Brittany had called and told him that at 10:58 we could watch the space shuttle dock with space station. As ever skeptical parents we told him to go right ahead and watch! At 10:56 curiosity got the best of us, and we ran outside to see what we could see. The air was a tad cool and the ground was a little damp, but the sight was amazing! ZOOMING across the sky was what appeared to be a star but it was ZOOMING! After about 7 minutes we could no longer see it but what an amazing treat to know that we saw the space shuttle! The space shuttle was docking with the space station to get some needed repairs.
We stood in amazement that we could see this space shuttle flying across the horizon- it was not a star, it was not a plane, it was the shuttle!
Remembering once in a lifetime events gives our lives joy and reminds us of the awesome power of an amazing God!
What are some of your once in a life time memories?
We stood in amazement that we could see this space shuttle flying across the horizon- it was not a star, it was not a plane, it was the shuttle!
Remembering once in a lifetime events gives our lives joy and reminds us of the awesome power of an amazing God!
What are some of your once in a life time memories?
Sunday, June 10, 2007
The "GLAMOUR" of travel~
I LOVE almost every aspect of my job. Speaking at so many venues around the country and meeting so many cool people.
The one aspect of this job that is trying however is TRAVEL. We had a great week speaking at the AMFM confernce in Charlotte, NC. After our final talk we packed up our exhibit and headed for the airport. Little did we know the "JOY" we were about to experience.
We chose to fly out friday night in order to make it to Grace's dance recital with the Academy of performing arts on Saturday afternoon. We dropped off the rental car, and were greeted by enormous lines at the ticketing counter. Upon viewing the departure board behind the counter we saw the word every traveler fears beside their flight number..."Cancelled".
We were informed due to weather delays in Detroit and a HUGE FAA computer failure that we were not going to leave Charlotte that night. Our first thought was how devasted Grace would be if we missed her dance the next day!
We approached the counter for re-booking. As the ticket agent pulled up our new reservation she had a puzzled look on her face and said "Wow, this is odd, you are booked on the 9:22am flight tomorrow. Everyone else from your flight is on the 4pm. Aren't you 'lucky'". I said, "Nope, the Lord knew we NEEDED to be home."
Yes, renting a car for the night and finding a hotel with vacancy (thanks mom!) were a hassle. And yes eating cheese and crackers in our hotel bed for dinner because we couldn't stand one more restaurant wasn't what we had planned for the night, but it all paled in significance to knowing we were blessed by the Lord to get home in time for the dance.
The next morning we arrived at the airport to longer lines and a flight delayed for an hour...BUT we made it back to Alma with an hour to spare and a daughter's hug that made all the hassle worth while...
The Glamour of travel? It doesn't exsist for us...but the beauty of family does!
Blessings~
The one aspect of this job that is trying however is TRAVEL. We had a great week speaking at the AMFM confernce in Charlotte, NC. After our final talk we packed up our exhibit and headed for the airport. Little did we know the "JOY" we were about to experience.
We chose to fly out friday night in order to make it to Grace's dance recital with the Academy of performing arts on Saturday afternoon. We dropped off the rental car, and were greeted by enormous lines at the ticketing counter. Upon viewing the departure board behind the counter we saw the word every traveler fears beside their flight number..."Cancelled".
We were informed due to weather delays in Detroit and a HUGE FAA computer failure that we were not going to leave Charlotte that night. Our first thought was how devasted Grace would be if we missed her dance the next day!
We approached the counter for re-booking. As the ticket agent pulled up our new reservation she had a puzzled look on her face and said "Wow, this is odd, you are booked on the 9:22am flight tomorrow. Everyone else from your flight is on the 4pm. Aren't you 'lucky'". I said, "Nope, the Lord knew we NEEDED to be home."
Yes, renting a car for the night and finding a hotel with vacancy (thanks mom!) were a hassle. And yes eating cheese and crackers in our hotel bed for dinner because we couldn't stand one more restaurant wasn't what we had planned for the night, but it all paled in significance to knowing we were blessed by the Lord to get home in time for the dance.
The next morning we arrived at the airport to longer lines and a flight delayed for an hour...BUT we made it back to Alma with an hour to spare and a daughter's hug that made all the hassle worth while...
The Glamour of travel? It doesn't exsist for us...but the beauty of family does!
Blessings~
Friday, June 08, 2007
Skinny Rabbits
Laura and I have spent the week speaking at and participating in our first Association of Marriage and Family Ministries National Conference in Charlotte, NC. It's been a great week of connecting with others doing marriage and family ministry as well as seeing some old friends.
John Trent spoke Wednesday night on the subject of "Skinny Rabbits", a term coined in Texas for hunters who spend a lot of time hunting after something which does not provide much meat! His correlation to ministry was excellent, as so often we "chase" after the skinny rabbits of "power, prestige or position" instead of just loving the Lord. What a great reminder for ministry.
It was also a great reminder for Laura and I in our marriage. Often in many marriages we chase after the "Skinny Rabbits" of children, jobs and church work, instead of simply looking at each other saying "I love you" then working on ways to make that real.
So...what's your "Skinny Rabbit"?
John Trent spoke Wednesday night on the subject of "Skinny Rabbits", a term coined in Texas for hunters who spend a lot of time hunting after something which does not provide much meat! His correlation to ministry was excellent, as so often we "chase" after the skinny rabbits of "power, prestige or position" instead of just loving the Lord. What a great reminder for ministry.
It was also a great reminder for Laura and I in our marriage. Often in many marriages we chase after the "Skinny Rabbits" of children, jobs and church work, instead of simply looking at each other saying "I love you" then working on ways to make that real.
So...what's your "Skinny Rabbit"?
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Golfers Galore!
As many of you know, Jay has been a chaplain for the PGA for 2 years. Yesterday, I had the privilege to go with him to The Rex Hospital Open in Raleigh, NC, a Nationwide Tour event. What a blast!
We spent the day, in the hot sun, hanging out at the driving range and putting green with golfers, caddies, and golf manufacturers. It was a treat to meet the many men that Jay has met and ministered to and alongside of for these two years. It is always nice to put faces with names, especially when we watch them on TV every weekend to see how they are doing in their tournament!
While hanging out watching these men work,and I mean work!, was really fun. The best part of the day was getting to share with these men at the FCA Fellowship in the evening. Many of these men are married, some engaged or dating and then some are still looking for MRS.RIGHT. I was able to share with the guys four powerful phrases that the woman in their life needs to hear.
FCA has a very valid and necessary ministry among the ranks of the golfing world!
~Laura
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Recital Time~
Tonight we had the honor of attending Grace's annual piano recital. Grace has taken piano lessons now for 3 years. Her teacher and our good friend Jackie Woolsey just gets a kick out of how Grace always sings the song she is playing...
I think that's why tonights recital piece was "Happy Time Polka" which, you guessed it has no words. The night was filled with beginner songs like "Christopher Columbus" all the way to Bach, Schubert and Mozart.
What was very interesting to us was of the 21 kids who played 11 were BOYS. What a tribute to Jackie (who has 3 grown boys of her own)and the parents of those boys who have managed to keep their interest in music.
Bless someone you know with the gift of music and watch their spirit SOAR!
Blessings~
I think that's why tonights recital piece was "Happy Time Polka" which, you guessed it has no words. The night was filled with beginner songs like "Christopher Columbus" all the way to Bach, Schubert and Mozart.
What was very interesting to us was of the 21 kids who played 11 were BOYS. What a tribute to Jackie (who has 3 grown boys of her own)and the parents of those boys who have managed to keep their interest in music.
Bless someone you know with the gift of music and watch their spirit SOAR!
Blessings~
Saturday, June 02, 2007
I'm Home Improvement Impaired!!!!!
I often look forward to actually having a Saturday here and there where I am not on the road. Spending time with Laura and the kids. Playing a round of golf, or just relaxing.
Today however I was once again reminded by my Creator that I am HOME IMPROVEMENT IMPAIRED! I had a list of 6 simple chores to do around the house today...simple things like fix a broken chair, put salt in the water softener, clean the dogwood out of the airconditioning vents...you know simple tasks that would take a normal human about 90 minutes to complete.
Me? FOUR hours later I am sitting down at the computer to vent my frustration at things like bolts that won't turn, softner salt spilled all over the floor. And a chair that when finally fixed has scratches all over the arms.
I don't know what the Apostle Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was...but I know mine...ANYTHING that requires mechanical ability!
So...what's your "thorn in the flesh"?
Today however I was once again reminded by my Creator that I am HOME IMPROVEMENT IMPAIRED! I had a list of 6 simple chores to do around the house today...simple things like fix a broken chair, put salt in the water softener, clean the dogwood out of the airconditioning vents...you know simple tasks that would take a normal human about 90 minutes to complete.
Me? FOUR hours later I am sitting down at the computer to vent my frustration at things like bolts that won't turn, softner salt spilled all over the floor. And a chair that when finally fixed has scratches all over the arms.
I don't know what the Apostle Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was...but I know mine...ANYTHING that requires mechanical ability!
So...what's your "thorn in the flesh"?
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