An Amazing Week !

Zoo Day!

A Selfie

Yes, you can take your teen to the zoo! We had a blast as a family, without any distractions. Logging time and memories together is priceless. Highlights of the day included Dippin' Dots, a large elephant, a frustrated male zebra, swimming sea lions, and a five-hour-old double-humped camel being nursed by its mother.

My girls last went to the zoo on their fifth grade class trip. I enjoyed being able to go back with them again.

I told them yesterday that they had to write a paper about their trip to the zoo. They said "okay," without complaining, pouting, or grumbling. That took all the fun out of trying to get a rise out of them. They are growing up, and asking them to write a paper is like asking them to put their dirty glasses in the sink. It's not a deal anymore.

For all you younger parents: There is light at the end of the tunnel....there are many blessings ahead for you!

If you are not aware of this fact already, the St. Louis zoo is absolutely free. You don't even have to pay for parking if you're not picky. Our trip to St. Louis provided ample time for a short nap and a McDonald's breakfast. The trip back included a quick stop at Eddie Bauer, as well as some planning for our next family adventure.

A Selfie of a Selfie

Still Having Fun Together!

Cherish the Moments

It goes by so fast! I have heard that statement over and over again by countless parents. I made it my goal a long time ago not to be the person who would live with the regret of not maximizing my time with my kids while they live in our home. Regret is horrible!

Mich and Maddy

In making the decision to maximize my time with my kids, I have had to pass on a variety opportunities that have come my way, and have taken advantage of others. Soccer is something that I shared with Matt from the beginning of his career until the end. Mich and Maddy both play now, and I have the awesome privilege of coaching them. In no way have I regretted that decision! I am very proud of all they have accomplished on the soccer field and I look forward to summer soccer, which is only three weeks away.

My advice to any parent is to build into your child's life from beginning to end. Life is rich when you are close to your kids, no matter what their ages are!

The Well House of Quincy, Illinois

Some of the best things happening in Quincy are often overlooked. The are a variety of reasons why this happens. Usually, the people involved in doing good things are not looking for attention from others, but rather, they are about the business of making a difference.

My wife, Lisa, and I recently had the opportunity to sit down for a meal  with a group of ladies at The Well House. We so enjoyed eating a home-cooked meal prepared for the residents of the facility. Our time was enjoyable. Hearing what God is doing in the lives of these ladies was very encouraging. These women, who have come from all over the country, have found their way to Quincy through various circumstances. God has placed them in The Well House's care to provide a solid foundation to build their future upon.

Here is a brief description of The Well House Ministry.

Who we are: A Christ-centered ministry guiding women exiting incarceration to freedom in Christ.

Our Mission: To provide a safe environment for women transitioning from incarceration to well-balanced community living through…

The Well House ministry began in 1996 at the Adam’s County jail with a team of 12-14 women going in pairs each Saturday morning. The women offered Bible study and prayer and distributed Bibles to the inmates.

Upon release from jail some women received spiritual guidance, furniture for apartments, clothing, and help with utility and rent payments.

Today, the teams are still visiting the jail. Many of the charter women are still serving, as well as numerous new women with a heart for jail ministry. God has made the vision larger, as the needs are so urgent. The women exiting the jail desperately need a stable Christian environment to lay a firm foundation of God-based life skills, to make it possible for them to lead productive lives in our community.

For more information, visit the website at www.wellhouse.us. 

Celebration of Marriage Weekend 2014

Great Food 

Great Entertainment

Great Fun

A Snowy Trip to the Chicago Auto Show

Just the Beginning

Honda Concept

Look at that smile!!

A personal favorite

Checkout this price tag

Is that Jeff Albsmeyer?

That is Ice!!!!

Born for This

Living in the Midwest can sometimes warp my perspective. Life can be filled with ease, comfort, and entitlement. I tend to think about things that only matter to me and that are for my benefit. Every now and then a dose of reality brings to the forefront what really matters.

We live in a world where there are many injustices. The evil one seeks to destroy all that is good and leads people down paths of hopelessness and despair. It's easy for us to lose perspective on the larger battles that are being fought. Bigger problems than cold weather, poor driving conditions, and unexpected bills exist. 

This past weekend I received another (of many lately) wake-up calls. This happened for me in a parent visit to Kensington, Pennsylvania. Kensington is a community with great needs: spiritual, economic, social, and physical.

From on top of Esperanza 

My son, Matt, is spending a year of his life giving to the dear people of Kensington through a ministry called Mission Year. The community is a multi-ethnic, low income, urban area. High unemployment, addiction, and high crime make up the neighborhoods. He works at Esperanza Health Care Center. Esperanza provides health care assistance to low income families in the greater Philadelphia area.

I was amazed and encouraged at how well Matt fit into life in the inner-city. He has come to know countless people. The impact that he has made at Esperanza is evident. We went on a tour of downtown Philly where Matt introduced us to a older lady who works in guest relations in one of the downtown parks. He had met her there and drummed up a friendship. Everywhere we went, Matt was introducing us to "his" people.

Matt's Friend

The words came out of my mouth as Lisa and I were leaving the city... "I think he was born for this." We have been watching Matt develop for nearly twenty-three years. We have worked hard at shaping his experiences and supported the paths that he has taken. Now another journey begins for him. We are encouraged that Matt has not settled for a "less than" life.

What were your children born for? Are you leading them down paths in which they have no choice but to settle? Our expectations can often lead our children to become people they were not born to be.

Sissies need not apply!!!

Here are some pictures a friend just sent me. He serves as a missionary in Africa with A.B.W.E. His name is Kyle Farran. This was his description ;  "thought you would like a taste of Africa.... He picked our 4x4 three foot off the ground...... (before) .....the herd came up behind us and trapped us....the now very mad male in the musth noticed us.....we took off through the bush and he t-boned us, lifting us three foot into the air.... the sign appeared one month later"

Teamwork

 What a milestone!!! Tonight we expanded our leadership team in Pittsfield by two. We want to welcome Darin East and Dennis Will to our deacon fellowship. It is exciting to see this ministry grow. I am reminded once again that God desires to use us all for His glory.

Pittsfield Leaders

Death Bed Regrets

From The Top Five Regrets of the Dying : A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing by Bronnie Ware

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish I had let myself be happier.

"Stepping Up" Night # 1

Next Wednesday at 7:00

Circling Up

Full House