Stolen Bus!!

It's been about 4 months since I've put anything on here. This whole blog thing was Libby's idea and we don't even update it :-) So let me know if you read this!
It's 11:15 on thursday night and I just got home from being with the cops - and I wasn't riding along this time. I got a call tonight from a cop friend of mine saying that our church bus got stolen by an 11 year old and I needed to come down there to get it and do whatever to the kids. I thought for sure he was joking, so I reluctantly said I'll be there. Then I get a call from a detective at the police station asking if I needed a ride out there. Ok, now it's for real and I'm a little freaked out. Here's why...
Today I was talking with my boss about how great life really is right now. The past 2 months or so I have gotten more encouragement than my first 4 years in ministry. Normally this would be sweet for me...but it wasn't for some reason (that's a whole other mess), but I think I was scared because I feel like once life is great, something huge happens that messes me up. Saturday morning I leave for a middle school camp on that bus and I thought "Great, one more thing to stress out about with this camp". My whole thought process going out to this bus was all about me and what I was feeling. Then as we were getting closer my heart was POUNDING through my chest. I've never felt that way before. I felt like God was really working me over - as angry as I was and as much as I wanted to just roundhouse kick those kids - my thought was "don't press charges - make it so these kids have to attend youth as their 'punishment'" Luckily that part didn't happen tonight...I'll get to go to court for that one, so I can process this further.
I'm not sure why I have been emotional lately...I promise I'm not pregnant (yes, this is Gabe writing). But I about started crying when I got out to the bus. There, sitting on the curb, an 11 year old and 15 year old in handcuffs. I talked a little with the boys to know their life and see what got them to where they are today. The 15 year old - no family, lives with a nanny and parents have nothing to do with him. The 11 year old - mom makes meth, sells crack and the cops are always at their house. When the cops asked if his mom would care he was going to jail, he shrugged his shoulders and acted like it was no big deal.
This is my city. This stuff happens every day. There are hundreds, if not thousands of lives just like this in Anderson. This is why I live here and do ministry here. Sure, I feel unsafe at times, but I'm doing God's work, I'm in His hands, I trust His plan. Even though my heart is a wreck right now, I believe my eyes were opened so wide tonight to a hurting world all around me.
So I'm left with that and I won't be able to sleep tonight because I have one huge question that I can't wrap my mind around - NOW WHAT?

Malachi Joseph

So I'm an uncle again!! Joe and Natalie had their third child - Malachi Joseph. I haven't talked with Joe yet, but from what I've read, this child is a miracle. He was born over in Africa so their medical isn't that great compared to the states. When he was born, the cord was wrapped around his neck and was in a knot. But everything is fine and he's a healthy little boy!! But this is also hard for me too. I'm not sure if anyone even understands why except my family - but I've been at the hospital for the birth of all my nieces and nephews. But I won't see Malachi until he's about 11 months old.
I learned something over Christmas break that is huge in my life. My time with my family is huge for me. I love my in laws, they are incredible and couldn't ask for better in laws, but nothing can beat your family! I love getting to be with them and just spend time with them and I think too often people take for granted that family is always there. I guess it's not something we learn until our family is no longer close to us. I don't really have a main point in writing this other than to let people know about Malachi. But also to let ya know that I'm at a stuck point in my life. I know my brother is doing what he's supposed to be doing and there are missionaries all over the world that leave their families in the states. I just never thought that the family left here would struggle with it. Now that I'm on that end, I see that it is hard and I'm sure it's hard for my brother to be away from everyone. I've always had the dream of being an uncle like my Uncle Steve was to me. We had a cool relationship and felt like we were buddies and he called me "partner" and we wore the same hat when we were out on the boat. Just memories like that with my uncle, I want my nieces and nephews to have with me. Who knows what is in the future for our family, but I'm just trying to trust God's plan for all of it. Maybe we'll just have to have kids so I can have kids in my life to love and spoil :-) I think I need to take Vivian for a day (my niece in Indy) so I can get my fix!

Hunting!!

So it's been awhile since I went hunting, but I was thinking about it today for some reason. I'm sitting here in front of my TV, thinking I should be asleep, but I have a lot on my mind. I had a parent call me at 11 which I normally have my phone off by this point, but I think there was a reason I had it on. It started off not so great, but ended with the parent encouraging me and saying all sorts of goodies to me...I love it when people can catch a glimpse of my heart and know I have the best of intentions with their kids. Sometimes I don't think people get that, they think my job is a cakewalk and I should cater to their every need. It's not so glamorous all the time, but the most rewarding thing I could imagine for my life.

That's not the point in my writing, but it is what got me thinking. I have a lot of noise in my life. Libby tells me this all the time (she's a smart one), but she's dead on. I always have to have the tv on whether or not I'm paying attention to it, or I'm on my ipod playing or doing something that occupies me. But a month or 2 ago, I went hunting with a friend of mine from church. I'm not what you might imagine as a "hunter", but going out there really did something for me. I sat in a tree all day and actually read a book! When I finished the book, I just sat. As I was sitting there, there was no noise. I didn't have my cell phone ringing, I didn't have the sound of the heater kicking on, there was no traffic....nothing. It was in this time that i felt like I could just connect with God on a deeper level. I've always been able to connect better with God when I am out in nature, but this was just cool because I was up in a tree! I had a great time and felt the intimacy I believe we all long for with our Heavenly Father. But something just got to me tonight. I love the story of Elijah going up to the mountain to meet with God. He had all of these big "moments" happen where he believed God would be in the midst of them, and He wasn't. Then came a gentle whisper - and this is where God was.

We wonder why our relationship with God has its ups and downs. Look around you, look at the noise in your life. It's everywhere! I'm the worst at this by far! I think this will be a new challenge to myself - turn off the noise and be quiet before God. I think there's a reason He says, "BE STILL, and know that I am God" I think in reality God is saying "Would you stop for ONE SECOND and put everything down, turn off whatever you have on and just be quiet...then you'll see me" hmmm...powerful. Guess I should turn the TV off now and eat my own words. You only have 1 life, what are you doing to make the most of it?

Few weeks left...

And then we split the middle school and high school! I'm really looking forward to this. I got to go into the middle school yesterday and meet some new kids and make my face a familiar one to them. Hopefully I keep this up and we can watch the middle schoolers actually get involved in youth for once!! We've always been a large high school group, but I'm hoping the middle schoolers don't come because they're intimidated....we shall see! But with the switch, I think life will become busier! I'll have 2 nights of youth to go to! But I'm excited because I'll get to just hang with the high schoolers and really build the relationship instead of making sure the night goes off well. That's the ministry update...

Life - I just took Sadie to the vet! She's healthy and everything looks great. The vet sound I got an awesome dog and whoever had her (Pals for Paws in Kokomo) did a great job taking care of her and giving all her necessary stuff. So I'm happy, she's a great little dog and I'm looking forward to the companionship when she's older and more trained.

Libby and I went to her parent's house for Labor day. It was a good time and relaxing, which we both needed. We got to see her sister and brother in law which is always so good for Libby. She's so happy when she gets to be with her sister and mom together. They had their dog there which was GREAT for Sadie, she just wore her out and dominated her. I think that helped because Sadie has been so good since we've been home. She doesn't bite nearly as much and I think she gets that we're in charge :-) We also got to see her grandparents. They're always fun. It makes me wish I could've spent more time with my grandparents. I never knew my grandmothers (except my grandpa did remarry and I knew her a little bit), so it's great to have a grandmother in my life. I know she's not "my" grandma, but I think she is and I've grown to love her family as my own. I'm blessed, truly blessed and have such an incredible life. Not many people really enjoy their in laws, but I'm thankful to say that I do! Love you guys!

Reason why I haven't blogged...

First - Summer. It was busy...if I wasn't with Libby, I was with church people. But I believe it was the most impactful summer for many of the youth in the Bridge. Phil came on board and was announced as the high school youth pastor. That means my time will get to be mainly with middle schoolers!! Believe it or not, that's my passion. I went through a lot in middle school and believe that is the age where they begin to understand what a relationship with Christ is all about. So I believe a lot of life change will take place in these kids now that I can really focus on them. The problem in the past is that they would never come out because high schoolers are intimidating! So we never fully got to reach them the way they should have been. But I have a lot of work ahead of me to get into the middle schools and get kids excited about the change!! I'm excited though, I know anytime there is a split, there is growth so please be praying as this begins that God moves in the lives of these students and that we're able to reach many kids.

Second - Sadie. We got a puppy!! I'm surprised Libby hasn't posted about it...I guess she works a lot or something :-) Kidding, she's such a good teacher, I don't know how she does it. If the kids only knew how much time and energy she put into them, I think they would have a new appreciation for her. It makes me appreciate all the poor teachers that had to deal with me growing up! Anyway, Sadie is our little black lab mix puppy. She's the sweetest thing ever!! I knew I was a dog person, but she's got me. She also makes me exhausted. I get up every night at 2 and around 5 sometimes to let her out to take care of business. So I haven't had a solid night of sleep in awhile. Then I have to come home every couple of hours to let her out or play with her. The nice thing about school being back in session is that I don't have to be away too much. There isn't much office work when you're a youth pastor so my days are more open (except for meeting and planning stuff). Then I just go into the schools for lunch and spend time with them once school is out and go to their games and stuff. But I always have to be thinking about the dog and the next time she needs out! I can't imagine having kids...I don't even want to think about it right now. I know it will be different because Libby can stay home, but then I'll have a tired wife and a crying/poopy kid. I guess the madness will never end. But I'm glad we got a puppy first, great practice and realization for me that being a father can wait...a long time :-)

That's my update...I'm sure I've left a lot out because I personally haven't been on here in such a long time. But those are the biggest happenings lately. If something philosophical pops in my head, I'll write it out. I haven't had one of those moments in awhile....pray that I do, I love gaining new perspectives and wisdom that God can teach me in the little things in life.

10 Highlights of my Summer Vacation!

My kiddos come to me on Friday!!! I have two teacher work days on Wednesday and Thursday, so I officially have two full days of summer left. Gabe is taking those days off so we can spend some quality time together before I get back to working full time. I have to tell you, I have loved my summer vacation. I feel refreshed and rested for another year with my fifth graders. It might be hard getting back to the "busyness", but I know I will adjust.

Here are the highlights of my summer, in no particular order:

1. Waking up whenever I wanted to.....the type A personality in me still set alarms though.

2. Reading novels (I read about five this summer! That's good for me!) outside in my blue lawn chair

3. Going to Chicago to the Willow Creek Creative Arts Conference in June with some of my best friends

4. Planning Gabe's birthday party and then the party itself

5. The multiple trips up to Milford to hang out with my family.....sometimes Gabe would go but there were many times when I just went by myself

6. Going to King's Island with the kids in our church

7. Babysitting little Josiah on Thursdays and the times I spent afterwards with his mom, Marcia

8. The afternoon when Kylee, Marcia, and I played with Josiah in his kiddie pool in our swimsuits while eating Dilly Bars

9. Working on home decorating projects around the house.....

10. I loved spending time with Gabe and not having school distract my mind. We went to Cinncinatti to celebrate our one year anniversary.....that was the best trip! Short and sweet! I just think my husband is really cool and fun to be with. He's made my summer a good one.

And now, I am on to another adventure: a new school year. Yes, I am excited and anxious, but this year I have more peace about what will come my way and I hope to become a better teacher. I am praying for wisdom from the Lord every day in knowing how to best help my 21 students......you can be praying, too!

It's off to making Snickerdoodles now......Gabe's been craving them! :)

So, I took a long break....

Goodness gracious! I am not even sure where to start here. It's been way too long since I have written on our blog. Honestly, Gabe and I kinda forgot about it! I thought that maybe if I changed it up a bit, I would get new inspiration to keep up on it. But here I am at 10:36 p.m. on Sunday night thinking about what to write that would be interesting enough to read. I feel like I need to catch up you readers (are there any?) on what has been going on for two months, but that would take a long time.

What about summing it up in a nutshell? I am not even sure what that means...oh well.

I love having a summer vacation. I am headed back into the classroom tomorrow morning to work for as many hours as I can on my classroom. We start on August 14! It's going to be here before I know it. Eeek! I better get cracking!

My summer has consisted of bunches of relaxing, sunny days. I have spent some much needed time with Gabe and my friends here in Anderson. Great memories made so far!

I have been able to spend alot of time with my parents in Milford! It's only a few hours up to Milford so I have been able to see them every other week really. I love being with them. Actually, my mom is headed down here to spend the night on Thursday! We will have so much fun!

I have done projects around the house this summer! I am in the process of redecorating our spare bedroom! I painted it a pretty yellow color and am looking for a new bedspread. I am sure Mom will help me look....she has a great eye for things like that!

Every week I am helping my friend Marcia by watching her son Josiah one day a week. I have a total blast with that kid. He is sixteen months old and is learning to talk. I'd like to think that I have helped him learn a few things this summer.....we'll see if it sticks.

An update on Gabe....well, he just got back from the high school camp! He said it was an amazing experience for all the kids and for him. God showed up in big ways and real ways to the high schoolers and we are praying that these kids never forget what they have learned. He is working hard for The Bridge and loving his job. He gets to hang out with kids during the summer which is his favorite part of his job! I am proud of him.

That's not really a quick update on our lives, but it will work. I am just proud of myself for actually writing on here tonight. It's time to go to bed if I am getting up to work at school! More posts soon.....I promise it won't be two months from now. Way too long, my friends!

We love you!