Finding time for things that matter most

Last night, as we were settling in for bed, my beloved comments "I don't like being so busy all the time". *sigh* I have mentioned several times that I feel we are too busy, but then I am 'shown' all the 'neccessary' activities we participate in and I just stop commenting on it. There are times when experience is the best lesson. My main problem is that I don't have a reasonable explination, or idea, of what to do different (other than to stop everything). Right now this is an idea of our schedule: Monday: Gymnastics for DD Tuesday: Soccer practice for DS1 Wednesday: The schedule is free, but usually gets filled in with something Thursday: Soccer for DS1, therapy riding for DS2 Friday: Home group Saturday: Soccer game for DS1 Sunday: Church (which usually includes serving for at least one service in Children's ministry), Soccer game for DS1, Awana's This outline does not include music (additional therapy) lessons for DS2 which I can't remember which night that is on - or church council meetings for my beloved (Children's Ministry), or date nights (which are all too infrequent), running to the store for whatever, etc. I mean our evenings are so crowded with stuff, and we are so tired from running around all we want to do when the kids are in bed is crash ourselves - that is if we aren't folding laundry. I mean in order for my beloved and I to have any alone time I had to run home in the middle of the day to "bring her lunch". I have seen a lot of sermons, and other Christians, talk about how we make our lives too busy. How we crowd out so many other things. But I think it's more a sign of changes within our society. Have you ever seen the list of how anyone over the age of 35 is "lucky to be alive" - I need to find it and post it... it's pretty funny, but it's also a sad commentary of where things are (IMO). I can't really compare my childhood to what was the 'norm' for a middle class family growing up, because I didn't grow up middle class. But in many respects - things like being out playing till dinner (or dark in my case), and then going back out again till bedtime - wandering all over the neighborhood or even town. Those days are gone for the most part. People do not feel comfortable allowing their children to roam. I don't know how many times I've told my kids that they could not play down the block simply because I was not able to keep an eye on them. Is this because we are actually less safe as a society? Or are we more aware of the dangers? The truth probably lies somewhere with both of these statements. So we as parents feel guilty for keeping the kids couped up all day. We want them to get out, to run and play, to socialize with their peers. So, to ease our minds we get them "involved". And in the meantime we run ourselves ragged trying to keep up. In my case some of those things are necessary. My beloved and I really want DS2 to grow up strong and independant. But in order to give him that chance we need to make sure he gets certain 'training' (or therapy) that we are not able to provide. Meanwhile Ds1 and DD see DS2 out doing things... and do we just say 'no' to them all the time? Loving each one, and showing each one, how special and important they are... well, it's hard. I just don't want to get to the other side of parenthood (having kids at home) and regret not showing the kids how much I really love and appreciate each of them. Verse for today: Psalm 139:1-6, ESV O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

Pieces of Memorabilia

Over the years I have been careful to not go crazy with various memorabilia for the Carolina Panthers. On my own I have never spent more than $5 on any piece of Panthers gear (eBay is a great thing). Over the years I've gotten a little more 'generous', but for the most part I do not like to spend a lot of money on these things.



Most of what i do have have been gifts either on my birthday, or for Christmas, or for my anniversary. This year I was just doing a random search on eBay for anything John Kasay (#4, place kicker for the Panthers, and last original Panther). What I was really hoping to find was one of the Panthers "throw back" blue uniforms - they are my personal favorite, and they only wear them twice a year - for Mr. Kasay. Why, you might ask? I have been wanting to get Panthers shirts, or sweatshirt, or Jersey of the three uniform colors to wear on game days (I have several items in black... I still need white and blue). But to cut to the chase, I found an autographed mini-Ridel helmet, signed by John Kasay himself.



After 1) seeing that it was to raise money for a cancer patient, 2) that the Panthers organization (supposedly) donated this helmet for said "charity", and 3) was signed by a man who I have considered a stand-up man for God, and example of a Christian man in the midst of success, a humble man - and of course the last original Carolina Panther; I quickly decided what my maximum bid would be and waited.



I was very happy when I found out that I had won this item. Those eBay commericals are coming back to me now. Anyway... I just wanted to share something silly... and now I am feeling a little bit self consious... and maybe even selfish...



I doubt Mr. Kasay would ever read this, but if he did I would like to tell him that as a Christian brother, I am inspired to be a better man of God by his remote example as displayed over the years. May God grant you the highest success - that of being drawn closer and closer to Him.



Verse for today:
John 17:1-4, ESV
When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

Fantasy Football - what a great marketing ploy

I am pretty sure the NFL was at least indirectly behind what is known as Fantasy Football. I don't know when this really got started, but there are a gazillion FFB services out there. (Personally I favor the Yahoo set up.) This has been a thing that really gets a fan to follow more than just one team. Watch more than one game. I know it has had that impact on me. When I was younger I could care less about any other team than the Redskins (they were my team because both my mother and father were fans), but now - in addition to watching any and all Carolina Panthers game I can - I will watch any other game (albiet with less intrest) I can. Sometimes it will influence who I root for, but over all it is just because I am actually more interested in the NFL overall. Susan commented on my blog yesterday about her brother having problems with his FFB QB. Man can I relate. This past weekend I got blown out in 2 out of my 3 Yahoo games, just because Steve Smith (I gotta have a Panthers on my roster somewhere... Steve Smith, Jake Delhomme, and/or John Kasay) did not have a big stat day. Sure he was an influence on the out come (read about how he rattled DeAngelo Hall at ESPN) of the game, but as far as FFB was concerened he was a dud. As a Panthers fan I was more than happy to lose those games though. So, I think people would be in agreement with me when I say that fantasy football is a good marketing ploy to get people to watch more football. :) Verse for today: Psalm 127:1-2, ESV Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Tuesday is for those who slept through Monday

Yesterday was a blur, and today is not much better. As a result I am going to have a bunch of random thoughts... my catch all. LOL

1) The New Orleans Saints looked like they could salvage their season last night. Up until halftime that is. After that is was pretty much a disaster for them. I really want to root for this team (when they aren't playing the Panthers that is), especially being priviledged enough to be down there shortly after Hurricane Katrina and Rita blew through - I sort of feel connected to that region now (please pray about perhaps donating either time or resources to Habitat for Humanity - there is still a lot to do down there). I had not know this for sure until last night... Since this team started playing in the NFL in 1967 they have had a whopping total of eight (8) winning seasons - I really can't say all that much. The Panthers have only had three since 1995.


2) What is the deal with Webkinz? LOL - my kids love this phenomenon. Ever since we bought my DD3 her little "Lucy" it has been a craze in my house. DS1 and DS2 each have their own, and I've caught my beloved playing this too. Then it happened... I found out that they now have a black cat... well, now this samurai has one! LOL - that's right! I wanted him because of the Carolina Panthers... and I have named him "Sir Purr". I'm sick I tell you. The company has it out for Halloween (my least favorite "holiday" of the year) - fortunately this little guy also looks like the mascot of my favorite NFL football team. :)


3) My best friend in life (who I've known since my Junior year in high school) has had a life long battle with his heart. Before he was eighteen he had had a valve replacement operation three times. Since then he's had one more (this one with a more 'premenant' solution). We've done almost everything together, or in parallel since then. I love football, he loves NASCAR. When I found my true love, he did as well (we were both married to gals who went to the same college, and were good friends there). My friends wife was instrumental in leading my beloved into a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, and I played a role in his salvation. We both enjoy playing strategy wargames. Well, recently (to my shame) I finally learned that his favorite Super Hero is Iron Man. Paramount pictures is working on an Iron Man movie (currently scheduled for release 2-May-08). I am planning on taking him to see this movie. The trailer has captured my attention... I am so looking forward to this movie.


Well, I need to run... after all, I need to save some randomness for future ramblings. :)

BTW - I tried to spruce up the ol' blog today. Hope you all ike it.



Verse for today:
Proverbs 25:4-7, ESV
Take away the dross from the silver,and the smith has material for a vessel;5 take away the wicked from the presence of the king,and his throne will be established in righteousness.6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presenceor stand in the place of the great,7 for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.

Too tired - is it Friday yet?

This past weekend was out church's family retreat weekend. I had to work some overtime Friday night for an emergency issue, but to make that part a little shorter - I arrived out at the retreat center about 9:00 PM, and got settled in. There was a nice get together around a bonfire until 10ish. We then got all of the kids to bed and we stayed up playing 'Golf' (a card game) until about 1:00 something or other. The next day we were up bright and early to get to breakfast and the various organized activities we had set up. I shadowed DS2 (my 'Aspie') to a basketball skills activity, and then to the pond for fishing (man he loves fishing!). We enjoyed a nice lunch and then some family game time. I helped out with the 'baloon slingshot' game (all the while keeping tabs on DS2, and two kids from our friends who were also staying in our same cabin). That was a hoot. After this I suited up and took all of kids down to the pool for a couple hours while my beloved tried to get a nap (which was impossible BTW). Spagetti dinner was enjoyed by all - my beloved had signed up to help to make and serve, while I was signed up to help with the clean up. In hindsight, I got the raw end of that stick. LOL - then it was off for another fun campfire - with some skits put on by two of our resident funny men. The night did become a little stressful - and here I will get even more brief. DS2 went off to play with a friend of his - one my beloved and I trust. About 15 to 20 minutes later I thought it best to just go check on him (by now it was close to 9:00 PM). I wonder halfway across the camp to find an several of my son's friends all playing touch football. but no DS2. I was told that he stomped off in frustration. For anyone who deals with these types of children you probably know, this means that they are getting into a 'mode' where they close down and they do not always respond to outside sources. It took almost 30 minutes to find him (he had returned to the cabin and was in his bed - thank You God), but I also found out the source of his trouble. He had an altercation with some older boys that escalated until it was essentially 4 on 1. In the end God made sure that the Holy Spirit was with me as I was able to really deal with the situation fairly calmly (including a second confrontation with the older boys in question). I could type out another hundred words on this - but, it really raised the stress level. We closed out the night getting all the kids to bed, and playing some more cards with our friends until about 12:00 midnight. For a variety of reasons I didn't get to sleep until about 2:30 (ugh). Up again at 7:00 AM for Breakfast, Chapel, and clean up. But we were home by 12:30. DS1 had a friend come over - which really was a blessing because, once I picked up McDonald's for lunch, and my beloved got 3 out of 4 loads of laundry started we both settled down and took naps while the kids played (with me in front of the tube for some football!). I kept up with the Panthers via the local Fox network (watching/sleeping-through the Redskins/Giants), and the NFL channel, and my cell phone - man they came close to losing that game. The Buccaneers come to Charlotte next week - and I don't mind saying that I am a little nervous for my Panthers in this one. Well, enough rambling for now... Verse for today: James 2:14-17, ESV What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good [2] is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Is this the state of corporate America?

There is a training class that my company wants me to attend (IPv6) to prepare for future deployments that is over fifty miles from the office I currently work at. They are more than happy to pay for the training, but they are balking at putting me up at a hotel, and even paying for my meals. I'm not asking to be put up at the Ritz Carlton, and I am not expecting Filet Mignon everynight. But I think that it's crazy that 'they' are so stubburn about the accomodations when the training class was encouraged (not required just yet) by them, and arrangeed for, by them. I also have trouble getting appropriate training for the other certificates that I am expected to carry. I have trouble with on-line courses. I do not do very well with them. But I am expected to use them because they are cheaper than live instructor led ones. I get so frustrated that I've considered paying out of my own pocket to pay for testing to see if I do indeed have some kind of learning disability. Sheesh... If they want an educated work force, there should be some kind of accomodation for it - IMO. Verse for today: 2 Timothy 2:15-19, ESV Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, [2] a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

Is it Thursday already?

I woke up very groggy this morning. I had a hard time remembering what day it was until I was in the shower. I could have sworn it was only Wednesday. Today is another practice day for DS1, and usually this would be a "light" day for me to work out. But tonight my beloved is teaching some social skills at out local Autism support group and she is nervous. So, I will be dropping DS1 off at the practice field (leaving my cell phone number with the coach) and then heading back north to be near her and DS2. Maybe I can get out for a jog when we are all done. Tomorrow we are taking the family on a church retreat. It should be a pretty nice and relaxing weekend. Nothing much to do, even Awana's will not be happening Sunday night. The only thing we will have is a soccer game at 5:30 Sunday. Although I keep most of my thoughts regarding the Panthers on my new Panther's blog I thought I'd comment here today as well. The team really is playing fairly well. Last week against the Texans was pretty bad, and there was plenty of blame to go around, I am still pretty hopeful for an above .500 season. A lot of people might be looking past the Falcons right now, but I am praying that the Panthers aren't. On any given Sunday any team in the NFL can beat any other team. The next three weeks are against division rivals (@ Atlanta, Tampa Bay, @ New Orleans). Each of these teams look to be ornery. Besides, there is still plenty of football left to play. Verse for today: Proverb 20:9-11, ESV Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”? Unequal [2] weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord. Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright. [3]