Drained

Well last time I posted I told you I would post about the wedding. That is still to come I just need some time to do it. So check back later for that information.

Have you ever been so drained that it takes great effort to do just about anything? Well that has been me over the last few weeks. I am battling some sort of chest cold and I have been for weeks. I have been having a hard time sleeping some nights due all of that. Not to mention I have tons of homework that has been due. I will be glad when I am just back to my Tuesday classes. Then mentally my brain has been drained leaving me wondering around in la la land. Finally I have been spiritually drained. Yes that is right sometimes pastors get that too. That effects everything else. Fortunately I know how to refuel for that.

Me and Buffy haven't been out on a date in months. It really doesn't have anything to do with the children because we usually can get someone to watch them for a few hours. It is mostly work, school and other things that have lead to our date night being pushed away. We have like 4 different types of gift cards for food and movies but no time to use them.

Now for many of you this may seem like a pity party for me. Maybe it is somewhat but I tend to write what is on my mind. That is what I am going over in my brain at this moment.

So for my wife:
Will you go out on a date with me maybe this weekend? I think we can do this...I miss our time alone. I love you and I need that time where we can just share what is on our hearts.

For my children:
Daddy is going to slow things down a little and spend some more QUALITY time with you.

For me:
Slow down ...Focus on what matters most.

Most importantly for God:
I am devoting more time to you. I need a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.

A cold cold day.

The weather around here is really weird. It will make it to 60 degrees on one day and then like right now it is 24 degrees. Makes you wonder why everyone is so sick. At our church 3 kids have had type A and B flu. One had RSV and another pneumonia.

If you come into our church on Sunday it is hack fest 2007. Everyone (including myself) has junk in their lungs and are coughing like crazy. I have been to the Dr 2 times and the last one they have me an inhaler and some more predinsone. My children all have coughs and Buffy is just now beginning to be inducted into the Hack Club.

I have no idea why I just typed most of that. It all lead from the cold weather I guess. So you all stay inside, bundle up and eat Vitamin C like it is candy.

Oh and one more thing. I will post some things about John and Rachel's Wedding next post. I had to complete the AZ Mission info first. Cya all!!!

Gila Mission Day 8 (Departure)

We all got up early and headed back to Phoenix. The week was a blessing but I was ready to see the family. I was so tired I fell asleep in the airport floor. All the flights arrived on time and I made it home. My family was so great to wait for me to have our thanksgiving dinner. John and Rachel picked me up and we headed home.

Seeing my wife and kids was the greatest part. Leaving to serve the Lord is always great. Leaving the family is no so easy. Maybe some day we can minister to these fellow brothers and sisters as a family.

As for now I would like to leave you with some pics I took. I don't claim to be an artist but I thought it was fun to take some wild shots.

This one has special meaning to me. I grew to love both of these men. Scott (left) is a fellow youth minister and friend. Woody (Center) was our Navajo guide, driver, friend, prayer warrior and pretty much one of the most encouraging Christian I have seen in a long time.

Gila Mission Day 7

We got up early in the morning to go to the Grand Canyon. This was going to be a long trip and it was really really early. I decided to rest in the car. I rode in the car with Dr. Cecil, Mary and Mitchell. I woke up a way down the road and didn't feel well at all. I thought I was going to hurl at any minute. I wasn't going to tell Dr Cecil I needed to stop but he must have seen me look green. He exclaimed to his wife Mary "Mary I think I need to make a rest stop". I was like praising the Lord for this stop. I ran out quickly and headed to some brush. You know I ain't barfin' in a public restroom. I mean I might as well puke on myself, it would be cleaner. Well I did manage to find a place to relieve the tension in my esophagus. I took a cool picture right close to that spot.

Finally we made it to the Grand Canyon. It was beautiful and no picture or video would ever do it justice. Yes people it is a big hole!! Although this big hole is painted with reds, oranges, browns, black, yellows and other wonderful colors. I am terrified of heights but there was no way my phobia was going to ruin this. I ventured all around and took pictures. I also found some shops up there where you could buy Native American crafts.

On the way back I spent time learning about Dr. Cecil and Mary. It was a great trip and one that I will never forget. We all returned and spent the night in fellowship and recalling the past events. The next morning we would fly out.

Gila Mission Day 6

This day we got up had breakfast and coffee and headed out for a full day. We went to visit another Indian Cultural Center (Closed for Thanksgiving).

Once we left there we headed to Dr. Cecil's house. There we saw a wonderful retirement village. Everything there was beautiful with flowers, green grass, palm trees and an orange tree.

We had lunch there and went on our way to the Phoenix Zoo. Dr.Cecil and Mary wanted to treat us to a little R and R time for all the work we did. As soon as I got in the zoo there was an all to familiar smell. It was in the air and was sweet. That is right! It was a Starbucks. Nobody would believe me that I could smell a coffee shop. Once I sniffed it out they were amazed at my keen sense of smell (for coffee). The zoo was wonderful and we had a good time hanging out and taking pictures.

After the zoo we were all ready for dinner. But finding a place to eat on Thanksgiving would be a chore. After checking many places we found a awesome Mexican place. The food was great and we had a great fellowship. I realized that God had put one of the best mission teams together ever.

That night we headed back to the house and rested. That night we just spent time talking and remembering the week. Stay tuned for Day 7.

One of these days I will finish my posts about the AZ Mission.

That is the problem with people with ADD. Getting them to finish one project is a task in itself. I PLAN on posting tomorrow trying to get back in the blogging mode. So come back then and there will be more.

I bought a new keyboard for my computer. It is a G15 Gaming Keyboard. This thing is awesome and you can use it at night. The keys light up in a bright blue. There is a whole other keypad made just for programming your games to. There is a flip LCD Screen that rotates from a clock,timer, CPU and Ram usage. This thing is like something from a sci fi movie.

Bro Dennis is on vacation so I am the lone gun man for awhile. I preached Sunday and I think it went ok. I don't really like to comment on my own sermons. I still have one more to do Wed night.

Well it is late and I need to head to the bed....Good nite all!

All is great.

Sorry I haven't posted much. With the holidays and then John's wedding I haven't had much time. The wedding went great and so did the holidays. I hope you all had a safe and great New Year.

I will try to post tomorrow trying to conclude the AZ Mission trip. Until then keep Christ First!