My newest angel!

God revealed to me today that this is exactly how He feels when someone receives salvation. He get so excited to see a new child added to his kingdom (I also believe he cries like I do). There is a party up in heaven every time and tons of rejoicing done by the angels. It’s like a spiritual rebirth into a new life. Truly explains the essence of being “born-again”.

I love how the practical world seems to mirror the spiritual world. God shows us so much about Him and His nature through the very events we go through.

I can’t wait to see baby Payton’s face very soon. I’m excited to know that another life is getting a chance to know more about our awesome God and His love. One day I will rejoice with my heavenly Father as she makes her decision to follow Christ.

M

M

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

M

Just last Friday I found out I’m having another girl! This will give us 3 girls and 1 boy. If I was so inclined (and trust me, I’m not) I could get the following stick-figure decals put on my big window of my automobile. I’m still blown away! 3 girls!! 1 Boy! All looking to me for their food, travel, health, clothes, toys…you name it. Not sure I imagined my life with 4 kids.

But boy am I blessed. I love them all and can’t wait to meet this new one. My life has truly been an adventure, but it’s no where near done. I think that’s one of the best things LeeAnn and I love about serving God. It’s truly an amazing journey into a world of things many people never get to experience. Isn’t it funny that most people think being a Christian is boring….WOW…you don’t know the kind of God I know.

I have, and will continue to travel around the world…have some amazing diverse friends in many different states and the world….have an opportunity to leave a legacy to many people (including my family)…have been blessed spiritually, mentally, physically and socially…I don’t have to worry or fear….my kids have the opportunity to do bigger and better things that I have ever done…and I plan on living my life on the edge by pushing the normal out of the way and doing things “out of the box”…doing all of this with my best friend and lover and 4 little ones in toe.

That’s how MY GOD does it. He flips your thinking and gives you a higher purpose and calling than you could ever get yourself. He gives you more than you could imagine and enough to help others. My children aren’t a nag but an amazing destiny and legacy I leave for future generations. I’m training up future stars to blow this world apart!

Did I ever imagine my life this way? …..Not in a million years and that’s why I’m glad I serve a God that is bigger than!

M

I went from the proposal…

to the wedding…

to today…

I’m a blessed man to be married to her …

Happy Anniversary LeeAnn. I love you and look forward to many more years!

M

For Christmas, LeeAnn and I bought both our parents a photo shoot with the amazing Kelli Trontell. It was a great day and I was surprised how much everyone enjoyed it. Just last December, my in laws ended up moving to Tennessee, which now means that our whole family lives here with us. How cool is that?

We are blessed!

M

I’m learned many things from being a parent. My son’s 7^th birthday has reminded me of them:

-My actions are viewed all the time and considered “normal” reactions to these little creatures. You ever wonder where kids learn all those “bad” words or why they reply to certain things in anger? They have to learn it somewhere…My hope is that they are learning all their “good stuff” from their Dad!

-LeeAnn and I don’t really get to make our own decisions anymore. As much as parents like to think they are in control, they really aren’t. In fact, if you don’t believe me, look at the food you cook, the movies you pick, what you do with your free time, the houses you buy and even the cars you pick. Trust me….NOBODY wants to drive a minivan…I know that from experience.

-Really good children’s shows are created by creative parents. Barney is horrible…kids like it though. But the really good shows are the ones where the creators actually write stuff for the parents as well. Of course we are watching it with them…most of the time we are forced to.  I think that’s what was so great about the Muppet Show…a lot of adult things in there to keep our interest. I miss those two old guys (Statler & Waldorf)

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

-Kids enjoy pushing the limits. If I were to draw a line in the sand and tell my kids where to stop, they will be edged up right on that line (probably trying to step over when I’m not looking). You can’t be a kid and not “push the envelope”. When we get older, culture and society dulls us to this. Sometimes that’s a good thing, but losing our passion for going beyond is not. We need to keep part of that passion for wanting more in life.

-God’s love for us is like our love for our children….only 100% more. As much as I want to give the best to my kids and will work my butt off to do so, God feel the same way about me, although He’s actually able to give it all…unlike me. I love knowing that!

-Kids can destroy a room faster than you can clean it….I believe that’s scientifically proven!

-Kids really don’t know the meaning to “No”, even though we ask them that question all the time.

-There’s also a law of physics that states that children will play with the box more than the actual toy that was in it. Unfortunately buying empty boxes as gifts doesn’t go over very well with kids.

-Treat them good now, because when you get old, they will have to take care of you…and possibly change YOUR diapers. What a scary thought.

-People say once you have more than 2 it gets easier which is not true. My experience is that it gets more expensive, louder, crazier, your house has to get bigger, your cars have to get bigger, they out number you (so in essence they can revolt) and it involves major planning to do anything outside the home. But I wouldn’t have it any other way….in return….you have more kids to love you, more fun than you could ever have with just your spouse, bigger and better holidays and vacations, a renewed sense of outlook on God, Christmas and Easter, family and really life in general. You will learn to love more, give more and appreciate the small things in life. Your priorities will change (for the better) and you and your spouse will grow more in love with each other (because you need them as an ally).

With all the “complains” I hear in the world about having kids, I always come back to the fact that having a family is a blessing. You only get one chance in their lives, so please make it count.

Happy birthday my son….I’m so glad you came and changed my life 7 years ago!

M

Have a Blessed (and safe) Thanksgiving!

M

Enjoy.

M

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]