Baseball season. Good times.

I remember vividly my little league days. Yep, it was 30 years ago, but I remember it. I loved baseball and I was pretty good. Pitcher, catcher, short-stop, third-base. I even made the all-stars. My team was Nob Hill.... wait for it... Foods. A grocery store was our sponsor. I always wanted to be Round Table Pizza, but everyone felt real sorry for the Hicks Lumber team. Good times.

Sammy's playing baseball. Good times.

We got a new glove, batting gloves, new balls, and even bat/gear bag. I think I had more fun than him. But he is getting it now. He looks pretty cool with his cleats, ball cap and his bat bag slung over his back. Good times.

The best part is watching Sam start to understand the game. Playing catch, batting practice, grounders, and pop flys. He is a "rules" kid. Before the first practice, his biggest concern was that he didn't understand how to steal bases. I explained it. He's got it... sort of. Though I just want him to have fun; in order to have fun he does need to understand the rules.

So here it is (sorry for the simplistic analogy, but I learn so much about how God sees me when I see things in my kids.) I think God enjoys watching me learning the ways of His kingdom. Loving others, worshipping Him in the midst of difficulty, and living with integrity are all His ways. I have more joy and freedom when I understand and walk in His ways. He does want me to have fun, but He knows how much more fun I'll have when I do things His way.

So today, I asked Him to teach me how to not steal tomorrow's worries. I got it... sort of. I think He'll have to explain it again. But I'll keep asking.

Your fellow question-asker,

VAN

P.S. Pictured above. (left) Sam's first MLB Game at RFK Stadium. (right) yours truly, circa 1978.

so-so days and life with friends

Time flies when your not blogging. :-)

April was a big month. Lots of activities with great people. I never want to stop enjoying the adventure of relationships. Sometimes friendships are bland like a bowl of cornflakes... bland but nourishing. Sometimes friendships are power packed with flavor like a gourmet meal. On any given day friendships can be great or just so-so.

I like so-so days and the great days. In fact, so many so-so days in good friendships add up to great friendships.

I would think the Lord would tire of the so-so days He has with me. Days where there is no great insight into the word, no powerful prayer prayed, no exciting spiritual mountain climbed. If I were Him, I'd be weary of the lack lustre devotion on my so-so days. But He takes my so-so days in stride.

The folks in Hebrews 11 had too many so-so days to count. Abraham, in particular, had some pretty non-eventful days... but he was labeled a "friend of God."

How about you? Is today a so-so day on your journey with God? That's okay. Just keep walking with Him, talking with Him, and enjoying your days with Him. All the while remembering you're building a friendship that is SO, SO very lifegiving and eternal.
More later.
VAN

The Shape of Me!

Here's a video we played this past Sunday. Hope was happy to help her Dad with his message. Dad was quite proud of her! Enjoy.

More later.

VAN

Birthday Video from my kids

Hola!
This was a little creation of my two eldest daughters. They played this in front of my friends. So I thought you also might like to see the effect of time. Let's just say "time is effective!"

Thanks for listening/watching!

VAN

U of O Track Meet #2

Went to the Pepsi Invitational today. GO DUCKS!

Inclement weather, but a wonderful outcome. An ancient competition, historic location, and the best track crowd in the world! Good day.

Also, it's my 40th birthday. 5 mile run. Espresso and Hot tea with Erica. Hot chocolate with my kids. Talked with my mom and dad. Enjoyed my once a year kielbasa sausage for lunch. Good day.

Yep, good day.

VAN

First U of O Track Meet

Got season tickets for the U of O Track meets as an early birthday present! We went to the preview meet this past Saturday. It was cold (and hot chocolate cost $3.00 for a 12 oz. cup.) but it was worth the chill.

I stepped down onto the track level and watched the 200m race. The runners look fast from up in the stands, but on the track level... it's a bit more, well... fast. These athletes are strong, lean and determined. That's what makes it fun; watching well trained athletes put their hearts into it.

This was just a preview meet, but it was still a record attendance. So I can't wait until the next meet on April 5th. It's a new reason to love spring!

More later.

VAN

Marathon Water Outreach

Here's the video we played this past Sunday. We had a great response of people wanting to participate. How about you? You can sign up in the foyer on Sunday or call the office 686-8651 ext. 116 or email us at life@willamettechristian.com.

More later.

VAN