Going to a movie

We are heading to the movies. A few folks have already seen this new film, and said it was good. I'm no movie critic, but any chance to see a movie with Erica is a good thing. So we're going.

A few other couples have said they're coming too. And you're invited too. We're hitting the 6:45 PM showing at Regal (Valley River Center) on Tuesday, October 7th. Then we'll head out to Starbucks afterward for an after movie coffee. If you want to join us let us know and we'll watch for you, so we can sit together.
More later.
VAN

Fridays in the Fall

I love Fridays in the fall. why? One word. football. And Friday is the day of anticipation for Saturday football.

College football to be exact. I love the anticipation of getting to watch the games on Saturday. Sam (my only begotten son) and I look forward to "man TV" day at our "2 to 1" female to male ratio'ed house.

Why do I like college football? I think simply because you witness communities of people all over the United States coming together to celebrate and cheer on young athletes. Now, I realize there is a lot of financial and emotional excess in this arena, but I've observed at the core a positive reason for people to be together. I so enjoy watching the range of talent and emotion displayed on and off the field.

So, that's one of the small and simple joys of the fall for me. I love the games, but the shared experience with family and friends really is the better part.

(If you are participating in the Marriage Refresher this weekend, we will enjoy a very enriching shared experience and still have time for the watch the Ducks beat USC. Yep, it's going to be a great weekend.)

Go ducks.

VAN

Something you should read

I read my sister-in-law's blog today. It was a good one. I think you should read it too. It will help you, it helped me!
Check it out the entry for September 9th.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008
a full cup
It seems to me that I have been doing some ecclesiastical living lately.A time for laughter. A time for sorrow. A time for sowing. A time for reaping.A time for standing up. A time for backing down. There is a time for everything.But I seem to feel like I am see-sawing back and forth... (to read more)

More later.
VAN

Happy 70th Mom!

I have four brothers. As the story goes, out of the five of us, I was the only one my mom planned. This once again proves that planning is a good thing. :-) So thanks mom (and dad) for planning. (Sorry brothers, but accidents can turn out good too!) Today, September 6th, is my mom's 70th Birthday. The year was 1938. Big things happened in 1938:

• The first ski tow in America began operation in Vermont.
• Wilhelmina celebrated her 40th anniversary jubilee as Dutch queen
• A nylon bristle toothbrush became the first commercial product to be made with nylon yarn.
• The Looney Tunes animated short Porky & Daffy was released.
• Minimum wage was established by law in the United States (.25 cents per hour)
• Evelyn Sue was born in Artusee, Oklahoma.

That last one is the most signficant. (However, that ski tow thing is nothing to spit at.) Mom was and is the best. Always up for something new, ready to serve, ready to chat, ready to go. Maybe she's slowed a bit over the years... but I doubt it. I just wish we could be with her today. So the video snapshot will have to do for now, until we see her in a few weeks. Happy Birthday MOM! I love you. VAN

Assignment: Snapshot

We're issuing a challenge to the church on Sunday. We've called it ASSIGNMENT: Snapshot! "Our community through your lens"

Everyone has taken great photographs, even if by accident. Now those photos that would be tacked to a wall or found at the back of your desk drawer can instead help us begin to see our community together.

We simply want to have anyone with a camera to take it and show us how you see your hometown. Who are the people, what are the sights, where are the places, that you notice.

We want to utilize the photos on our new website, do a photography display in the foyer, and to use as wall decor for our ministry offices.

How can we bless this community? How can we begin to see our city with new eyes? I think having some snapshots from our people will give us perspective and help us know how to pray, believe and serve.

More later.

VAN

First Day of School

September kind of feels like the real new year. I can remember getting a new pair of shoes, new jeans and shirt, just hoping I would look cool enough to all of my grade school friends. I totally remember when I finally got my first pair of Nike's... white with blue swoosh! That was a good day. Yes, indeedy!

This morning I helped Sam (4th grader) and Hope (1st grader) sharpen no. 2 pencils. That smell brought back memories that warmed my heart.

New school clothes and new school supplies are great; I guess because of what they represent. A new start. That's what this month is about for me. In fact that's what this very day is about for all of us. Jeremiah said it well... "His mercies are NEW every morning." This is a good day. Yes, indeedy!

Pencils sharp and ready to go!

VAN

20 Year Milepost

August 12, 1988.

It was 7 PM hundreds of our friends and family gathered at Christian Life Center in Santa Cruz, CA. I played the processional on the piano as the bridal party walked in. The music changed and I stepped to the front and that's when I saw her. Erica looked, well... radiant!

What a great day that was. One of the most significant of my life.

August 12, 2008

And now it's been 20 years. Three different posts of ministry. Four wonderful children. And one best friend for life.

To say that God has been faithful is only beginning to tell the story. Twenty years! Wow.

God is amazing.

More later.

VAN

P.S. Picture is the kids at the beach this summer.