I’m still a guy

So the other night we dropped Amy off so she could get her hair did, and Macie and I had some time to kill before picking Amy back up. As we were driving around, Brad Paisley’s song “I’m still a guy” came on the radio. Macie is in a stage right now where she wants to sing everything she hears. Literally every show she watches she knows the songs to and will break into them at any moment which makes for some interesting grocery store and potty stories (more on that later). As we were singing along she did her own version that left me gasping for air in between my laughs. Macie’s version went something like this, “My daddy, he’s still a guy!” I have never been so proud! She still likes to sing her version of that song whenever she gets a chance.

I mention this funny episode because I am a guy and guy’s don’t always score so high on communication exams. So, I want to try to improve in a few areas. Today, will be communication, and I want to communicate how proud I am of my brother. We don’t say that often enough to each other, because we are after all guys and we usually communicate using nods and knuckles, but I am very proud of him. He is getting ready to graduate from seminary, speaks God’s truth in relevant ways, and will embarking on a journey to plant a church in downtown Richmond. I have always been amazed at how I can see God doing things in Cliff’s life, and how I can see Him using Cliff as His mouth piece. I have seen Cliff walk through tough times and choose the tough path when it came time to make things right. I must admit I have been a bit jealous because apparently God forgot to give me muscle so He gave Cliff a double portion. But, I have come to terms with that! Today Cliff sent me the web address he will be using for his new church plant. It is still at least a year away, but the Movement is beginning. Check out their site and visit often. There is not much there yet, but book mark it now so you can check his updates. This is going to be a movement and a journey worth watching. I have great expectations for him and I have a pretty good suspicion our Father does too.

I have another little brother I am proud of, but I will save that for another day! But, I have another suspicion that one day Cole will be bank rolling all the ideas God gives to me and Cliff. As soon as he stops spending all his money on carpet, and by carpet I mean the clothes that pile knee high on his floor. 

So, for today, I just want to say I am a proud big brother!

Crazy weekend

Ok, ok. So I lied when I said I would write on Saturday. I meant to, but life got in the way, and by life I mean a 2 year old. This being Mother’s Day weekend and everything, I decided it would be a good idea to take Amy and Macie to the local Nursery and buy some plants and flowers for Mother’s Day. The plan was sound and strategically set to take Macie during her morning “good” time. After breakfast we headed out and things were good for a little bit. Macie was having fun as we walked around looking at all the beautiful plants and she even deemed the area with the little palm trees the Jungle. She was doing well until she started to throw rocks and sit down in the dirt. When we asked her to stand up she did and started to wander off. The warning system paid little dividends as she would smile as she rounded the table in search of freedom. Not wanting to make a big scene and still try to enjoy the trip, I calmly picked her up and headed to the van. Maybe some time in the cool van watching Veggie Tales would be the cure. Apparently she thought she was headed for the Gulag and she went crazy. There is not a more violent animal on the planet than a two year old in peak form. Her arms and legs served as lethal weapons as she tried to stop the march to the van. Once I placed her in her car seat she flexed every muscle in her little body to prevent me from strapping her in. She is one tough little booger! After strapping her in, Amy appeared and sat with her while I finished the plant search. A few minutes later I see the two of them gently skipping down the walk to where I was standing. Apparently Amy had used the old bait and switch and swiped some other more peaceful child. I am not sure what happened in the van after I left, my first thought is that the anger that turned her into the Incredible Hulk had resided and her passive side returned. But from there we were able to buy our flowers and return home no worse for the wear. Except for the battle bruises I acquired wrestling the rabid wolverine and trying to lock it into it’s seat. Two year old’s, you gotta love them! Any help for how to deal with an angel/monster? Will it end when she turns three? Do I just adjust to living with Jekyl/Hyde? Help a brother out please.

I am a slacker

Apparently, two weeks is too long in between posts. Stop sending the hate mail, I will resume my blogging today. Not right now exactly, but later today. I will return with vengence or at least a funny story or two. In the mean time check out two of my favorite blogs Aaron Ivey and Jon Acuff. You know how preachers will call on the Gideons to give their presentation when they are going to be out of town, Aaron and Jon are going to serve in that role for me. They are both worth reading and both will be writing for me in the future. Check them out and let me know what you think.