Stuff I learned this past week...

O K,this is going to be one of those "smorgasboard" blog entries.

Which means there's a bunch of stuff all mashed together in one post.

Most of it will be bulleted statements, some because it's personal, some because details should be kept secret, but mostly because if I did write full descriptions of it all I'd be here till Tuesday.

So, here's what God has been teaching me this week:

• My first response is not always my best response, and if I'm smart, I'll keep my mouth shut and think for awhile so that I can be Christlike in the way I deal with people (and I actually DID do that this time. It just came again as a good reminder to me. So I guess I'm not a hopeless case with this...)

• In regards to the previous item, as well as all of life, it's good to have people you can just talk to who love you but will also shoot straight with you because they love you and want to see you grow in Christ (thanks Dad, and others)

• My daughter brings joy to my life in a way no one else can. Her expressions, love and "3 year old phraseology" could make a statue break out in a grin. Love you, Sweets!
  

• Cleaning up vomit is the ultimate expression of parental love for your child. Especially when it's after midnight in a hotel room in Vancouver.
  

• In regard to the previous item, my mother (who also, coincidentally, happens to be my daughter's "Nana") really knows how to love.
  

• Never leave your leftovers from the Mongolian Grill in the van with your dog. It doesn't matter if you leave her in the cargo area and your food in the very front of the van up on the dashboard to make a 2 minute potty stop with your daughter. The dog WILL turn into a ninja and gank them from you and lick the carryout box clean in that 2 minute span, and even half-retreat to the back of the van by the time you get back.

• In regard to the above item, do not then proceed to crate your dog for along period of time as punishment, as the Mongolian Grill will do wonders to their digestive system while in the doggie crate, and you will have no one to blame but yourself!
  

• I love my daughter beyond reason. And I will NEVER take my wife for granted. Why you ask? well, if for just one example, I have been taking care of my daughter this week while the wife went to Colorado to help out a friend. It has been, and currently is, one of the most challenging and rewarding events of my life as a parent (see above statement about vomit)

• In regard to the above statement, I have a renewed appreciation for all you single parents and/or Navy wives that play the role of both mommy and daddy. What you do is difficult and often thankless. Let the love you have for your child and the strength God provides be your foundation. I am awed by your dedication.

• Good friends, a cozy house, stroganoff, and word/picture games are an unlikely, yet unbeatable recipe for contagious laughter, great spiritual discussion, and true joy. Love to all of you in our small group.
  

• 

• "The puppet is free to command spiders" may be THE most hilarious statement I've ever heard (Thanks to Sunbeam, and to Sig for this great and descriptive artwork)
  

• A single, really good small group experience can light my fire better than a well-crafted sermon any day. (no offense to M. or any other preacher, including me?)

• Having to create a well-crafted and under-appreciated sermon week after week will be a daunting task for a few weeks, let alone almost 20 years. (Many props to you M. I love you, brother, and God speed your time of healing and recovery. I'll try hard to fill those shoes, even though I won't)

• Never stop being open to grow in your understanding of events that have shaped you in your past. Your understanding of those events will change as time goes by. You'll go from complete lack of understanding to partial understanding to what you think might be complete understanding to the realization that there's more to this thing that shaped you than you may ever know or understand. Peace is in there somewhere, you just have to be willing to let God show you where it is. (love you mom. love you dad. Always Your Son)

• Sometimes you have to apologize to someone not just for their benefit, but for yours as well, so you can apologize to your self, too. Sometimes you have to say "I forgive you" for the same reasons.
  

• God is not finished with me yet. Not by a long shot. This is both a challenge and a great relief. Show me what you have coming up next, Lord. I'm willing.
  

May God richly bless you this week!