Baby Jesus and Liquor

Last Saturday we did a "Gift Revolution" event at the "Fort Lauderdale Boat Parade".
It is an awesome event that is held this time each year. The idea is that boats decorate in all kinds of Christmas and holiday decorations. They give out prizes in a bunch of different categories. It really is a great event and has a great impact on the city.
While we were standing on the side of the waterway I noticed a boat docked beside us. As I looked down I saw that they had a Nativity display on the back of the boat. I looked above the Nativity display and there was a bar all set up for the evening.


It all felt a little weird for me. I just don't think God intended for Baby Jesus and liquor to be in the same boat!

Come check out What God did intend for us to experience at Christmas.

The Gift Revolution

The stories that are coming in to "The Gift Revolution" are awesome!
Check them out...

"The Gift Revolution"

MMM Good!!!

Yesterday afternoon I went down to my friend Arnold's house in Hialeah. I love Hialeah. Just driving down there yesterday brought back a lot of great memories.
Arnold invited us and some friends over because he was roasting a pig and celebrating some birthdays.


We had an awesome time and the food was incredible. I love my Cuban friends and the culture that is still strong among them. They love their families and if you are their friend you become part of their family. That is the way we felt last night.
My favorite part of the whole day was watching Arnold's father. He was so happy yesterday. His face was glowing with excitement. He was excited about the pig and the people that were there. He was sharing stories about Cuba and his family with anyone who would listen. He told me one story that lasted about ten to twelve minutes before hre realized that I don't speak spanish. He just laughed, patted me on the back and snuck another bite of pork. I really enjoyed watching him and the joy he was experiencing. He ate a lot! Every time we would turn around he was sneaking a little more pork.


I also thought about what a gift it was for Arnold and his family. The memories that were created will be cherished before long.
Thanks Arnold for letting us be a part of your family and the memories that were made.

On the other end

I was on the receiving end of "The Gift Revolution" today.
My sister-in-law lives with us. She moved in with us after my wife's mother passed away a few months ago. Lisa is very special to our family. She has special needs and continues to be a bright spot in our lives.
I was getting ready to take her to work this morning. She has a job at Publix and bags groceries three days a week. Before we left she told me she had something for me. She came in the office and handed me a "Gift Revolution" card. She then handed me ten dollars and told me to go by Starbucks after I dropped her off and get me a coffee.
She was so excited!


I was excited too.
I was happy for her because she is seeing the importance of this revolution.
"The Gift Revolution" is an opportunity to change the world. I have been on the giving end every day since it started. Today it was pretty awesome being on the other end.
Thanks Lisa!
It is cool to help change the world with you.

Good Stuff!!!

Major stuff going on at FRC!!!!

Check out these two video pieces and it will help you to understand.

http://www.vimeo.com/2378112

http://www.vimeo.com/2388524

JOIN THE REVOLUTION!!!

The Gift Revolution

We started a new series at FRC last week called "The Gift Revolution".


It was un-stinkin'-believable. You have got to check it out. Here is a link to see what took place. http://www.flamingoroadchurch.com/teachings

Don't miss this weekend!!!


Don't come without a friend!

Oh Yeah!!!!!!!!!! Pastor Troy is going to be on NBC 6 Saturday morning. Make sure you catch it.

Happy Thanksgiving

Have an awesome Thanksgiving!

Don't forget the many things we have to be thankful for!

Happy Birthday Dad

Today was my dad's birthday. He passed away back in March. I thought I was going to breeze through today but I soon began to realize that it was going to be tougher than I thought. I always like to think that I can keep everything in control but I caught myself being way more sensitive to things than I wanted to be. I didn't realize what was going on until I was sharing my day with my wife.

This is still kind of new for me. I always feel like I need to be the one taking care of everyone else, making sure they are safe, secure, and taken care of. I am learning that there are some things that I have to take care of in my own life; things that I thought I could control. For some this may be easy but it is difficult for me. I am learning that I can't control everything, not even my own emotions at times.

I miss my dad and I think of him every day. Sometimes I pick up my phone to call him. I will have a thought and then realize I can never again have a conversation with him here on earth.

I know I will see him again someday and I am looking forward to that.

For now I will just have to say it from down here...

Happy Birthday Dad!
We love you and miss you.

Wow!!!

Wow!!!
I know it has been a while but I have to post today.

Tonight at Flamingo Road Church we are starting a new series that we believe can change the world. I know that statement gets thrown out from time to time but we are not just throwing it out there we are backing it up.
You need to be there and I really believe that you will become a part of changing the world.
I wish I could say more but you gotta come and see for yourself.
What ever you do DON'T COME ALONE!

Bring someone with you and be ready to change the world.

Myths About Megachurches

I found this to be an interesting article on large churches. At FRC we are a large church but it allows us to do so much more to make a difference in our community. I am proud of our church and the way that God has blessed us. This article below shares some great insight on churches like ours. Here at FRC we exist to partner with people to reach their God-potential as they: connect with God, become like Christ, and influence their world.

Myths About Megachurches
New Research Debunks 11 Common Misconceptions

HARTFORD, Conn. — According to a groundbreaking new research study released by Leadership Network and Hartford Seminary’s Hartford Institute for Religion Research, many of the most widely held beliefs about megachurches couldn't be farther from the truth.

The Megachurches Today 2005 survey includes more than 1,800 churches that were contacted by e-mail, phone and mail since last June, with complete data for more than 400 qualifying congregations received, tabulated and analyzed.

The wide-ranging survey includes data on the many attributes that together define the nature and impact of megachurches in our society. Collectively, the results debunk 11 of the most common beliefs about megachurches:

MYTH: All megachurches are alike.

REALITY: They differ in growth rates, size and emphasis.

MYTH: All megachurches are equally good at being big.

REALITY: Some clearly understand how to function as a large institution, but others flounder.

MYTH: There’s an over-emphasis on money in the megachurches.

REALITY: The data disputes this.

MYTH: Megachurches are not serious about Christianity.

REALITY: Megachurches generally have high spiritual expectations and serious orthodox beliefs.

MYTH: Megachurches are not deeply involved in social ministry.

REALITY: Considerable ministry is taking place at and through these churches.

MYTH: All megachurches are pawns of or power brokers to George Bush and the Republican Party.

REALITY: The vast majority of megachurches are not politically active.

MYTH: All megachurches have huge sanctuaries and enormous campuses.

REALITY: Megachurches make widespread use of multiple worship services over several days, multiple venues, and even multiple campuses.

MYTH: All megachurches are nondenominational.

REALITY: The vast majority belong to some denomination.

MYTH: All megachurches are homogeneous congregations with little diversity.

REALITY: A large and growing number are multi-ethnic and intentionally so.

MYTH: Megachurches grow primarily because of great programming.

REALITY: Megachurches grow because excited attendees tell their friends.

MYTH: The megachurch phenomenon is on the decline.

REALITY: The data suggests that many more megachurches are on the way.

Downloadable copies of the complete Megachurches Today 2005 survey are available at www.leadnet.org and http://hirr.hartsem.edu.

Garland, Dad is in heaven now

I got a text message from my friend Jose on Sunday night that said, "Garland, Dad is in heaven now".
Jose's dad has been battling cancer for a long time. We knew the time was drawing near for him to pass on.
My response to him was, "I am happy for him and praying for you".
It is such a comfort when we know someone is going to heaven. That is the promise God gives us in the Bible when we have a relationship with Christ.

I am very confident that Jose's dad is in heaven and I am happy for him.
I had the privilege of baptizing him just a month ago.

Some of you may have seen the video at FRC on the weekend a few weeks ago.

I had the privilege today to do his celebration service this morning.

It was one of those happy yet sad times.

It was sad because we will miss this great man.
This is a man who brought his family to the United States with nothing from Cuba. He worked hard and made sure his family had everything they needed to be successful in life.
His was one of those stories that you could write a book about.

I am glad he did what he did because I was able to meet a man that I could respect. I am also grateful because his son has become a close friend to me.
We will all miss him.

It was a happy time because of the text I received Sunday night.
What a gift from God to receive the message, "Garland, Dad is in heaven now".

Family Fun Night

This weekend we are having "Friend Day" at FRC.
We are pumped and expecting a great weekend. Another thing that we are encouraging our friends at FRC to do is move to Saturday night if they come on Sunday morning.
The biggest reason for this is so that we can provide more room on Sunday for growth.
To help with this whole process we will be having "Family Fun Night" this Saturday night.
If you are a part of our FRC family make sure you invite your friends this weekend and bring them to one of our Saturday night services.
See you then!!!

This is good stuff!

Last night we had Ralph and Lisa come over to celebrate Ralph's birthday and their anniversary.
We only had one stipulation...
They had to bring the kids!
We had a great night together but this was my favorite part...
I don't care who you are; "This is good stuff"!!!

Moments like this are a gift from God

I had an awesome gift on this past Thursday.

I had the opportunity to baptize my friend Jose's dad.

I have known Jose for over 20 years. We moved into our current neighborhood directly across the street from each other without knowing we were doing it.

Over the years we have become very close friends.

I have had the opportunity to baptize Jose, his wife Mary, and their daughter Nicole.

Jose and his family drove all the way to South Carolina when my dad passed away just to be there for us.

We both love "The U" and have had season tickets together for many years.

We try to go to at least one away game with a few of our other close friends each year.

We have accumulated many great memories over the past years together.

This past Thursday was one of the greatest that we have shared together.

One of the things that Jose and I have always had in common is respect for our fathers.

This is something we have talked about often over the years.

I have seen this to be true in Jose's life over the past 4 years especially. His dad has had colon cancer and is now in his last days. He was in the hospital this past week where the doctors told Jose that it would be just a short time before his days are gone.

Jose and his dad have talked about baptism several times and this week decided that it was something that needed to be done before he passes.

They came directly from the hospital to the church when he was discharged and we baptized him.

A bunch of our staff came out to celebrate this moment with them.

I believe that this was one of my greatest moments in ministry.

I lost my dad just a few months ago and I am still working through the grieving process.

I know that moments like this are a gift from God. 

This is true not just for me but for all of us that were there.

After we were done I spent some time alone for a while just working through my own loss but also celebrating the gift that God gave us. 

This weekend we are starting a new series at FRC and we will be highlighting Jose and his dad.

Don't miss it!

Eatza Girl

Many years ago my wife and I had the privilege to take guardianship of a young man named Ralph Hernandez.
He was in middle school at the time and lived alone with his mother. She only spoke Spanish and they lived in a tough neighborhood in the Miami area. We took him in as one of our on and oversaw his schooling and things like that. He became a big brother to my daughters and a son to Kelli and I. Ralph was involved in everything we did.
He got a college degree, married a wonderful young lady named Lisa, worked in a couple a churches as a youth pastor, and is now a Lieutenant for Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue.Ralph and Lisa have a little boy named Joey. Joey is 2 and 1/2 and full of energy.
Last night we went up to West Palm for a special occasion and got a great gift from God for all of us...

"EATZA GIRL"

Lisa gave birth to their second child and she is gorgeous!
Her name is Annalise Mercedes Hernandez!You can tell how small she is when I hold her.
She has a head full of hair and can cry out with the best of them.
Last night was a special night for all of us and we are pretty pumped about our new little girl.
There is nothing like the birth of a new child.
We brought dinner in after she was born and took a moment to thank God for our new blessing.
Kelli and I are so blessed to have our beautiful daughters Noel and Danielle.
We are also blessed to have Ralph, Lisa, Joey and now Annalise in our lives.

Don't forget your bat!

"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"

~ Dr. Seuss ~

Good Year made for a bad morning

I went to get my tires changed out this morning. I was told that it would take 1 hour, maybe an hour and a half. I agreed for them to go ahead and do the work.

The tires I wanted put on my trunk were in the back of my truck already on rims. All they had to do was take the the ones on my truck off and put the ones in the back on.

I watch them do this in NASCAR races in about 12 to 14 seconds each weekend.

I understand that I had to wait my turn and they had to pull the truck in and the other three or four things that were necessary to pull this off.

When an hour and twenty minutes had passed by I noticed that my truck was in the same spot that I left it in so I asked if it would be much longer. I was told it would be 30 to 45 more minutes and they would be done.

After 30 more minutes were up I looked at my truck and it was still in the same spot untouched.

It was now 11;00 AM and I have a lunch appointment at 12:00. I needed to go home and get ready.

I approached the desk and informed them that I need to leave and they said okay. They got my keys, shrugged they shoulders and said, "sorry".

I didn't mind that they were busy.

What frustrated me was they weren't honest with me about the amount of time it would take to complete the job.

I watched two or three other people come in after me and leave before me.

Maybe they had an appointment. Maybe they had a friend that worked there. Maybe the people that worked there liked them better than me.

I know I enjoy those privileges when they happen to me.

I didn't get mad, I just left.

I felt like I lost my morning due to the neglect of others.

I left with the thought that I will never go back there again.

I always feel there are lessons to be learned in everything that we do or experience.

All of these things may have been out of their control but no one communicated that with me.

A little communication would have gone a long way.

A "you will be first next time pass" would have brought me back.

A smile and sincere "sorry" would have helped.

Instead I left feeling that "Good Year" made for a bad morning.

Proud of my daughter!!!

I have two daughters.

They are both awesome.

My youngest daughter is Danielle.

She lives in West Palm Beach where she attends Palm Beach Atlantic University.

She will be a senior this year. 

Scary!!!!

A couple of nights ago her and her friend and roommate Patty were driving on I-95 when they saw an 18 wheeler (big honkin' truck) hit a car.

The truck continued on without stopping. The car that was hit went into the median and flipped. Danielle pulled over immediately to help. Patty called 911 and Danielle headed for the car. When she got out and approached the car a dog ran up to her. She put the dog in her car and ran over to the flipped car.

When she approached the car the lady was upside down screaming frantically. Danielle told her to try and calm down so she could help her.

The lady started trying to crawl out and kept screaming the name "Lucy".

My daughter was trying to get the lady to tell her who Lucy was. She started looking in the car for a child seat or someone else. Finally the lady told her it was her dog and Danielle told her the dog was safe in her car. She was still trying to calm her down and ask her if she could pray with her. The lady responded, "I don't believe in Jesus, I am Jewish". Danielle told her that was fine.

They got her out of the car as others began to stop and help.

The lady then shared with my daughter that her dad had recently passed away and she also just lost her fiance'. She told her that if she lost her dog she didn't think she would want to live any more.

The lady wanted her phone and they couldn't find it. Patty called her number and they found her phone.

All the first responders showed up and the girls left after a while.

Later that night Patty's phone rang and it was the lady calling her and Danielle. She had Patty's number because Patty had called the ladies phone to find it at the accident.

She told them thanks and asked them if she could go to church with them.

They are going to pick her up this weekend and take her to church.

Patty and Danielle are excited about their new friend and hope they can be a help to her.

I am excited about who my daughter and Patty are.

They both love and care about people.

Peoples hurts always give us opportunities to make a difference.

I am proud of my Daughter.

I am proud of Patty too.

Peru

I just returned from Peru this past Thursday morning. 

I led a group of students from FRC on a missions trip to our campus in Lima, Peru. It was a long night flying back on Spirit Air.

I think most of our team was exhausted from the flight and the trip.

We had an awesome trip and I believe it was life changing for several that went down with us.

I am constantly amazed at some of the students I see around FRC.

We have some great leaders in the making and some of them were on this trip. When I see students like these I feel better about the future.

I am convinced that some of the ones on this trip will help to change the world we live in.

Here are some pictures and highlights from our trip.

Josh and Keith Inviting local college students to FRC Lima

David eating Guinea Pig

Dorcas explaining the new laptop given to the girl's orphanage

Our student's leading worship at the FRC Lima Youth Service

Bob with a new friend at Pachacutec (shanty town outside Lima)

Our team with the pastor and friends at Pachacutec

These kinds of trips change lives. I believe that is true for both those going and the ones we work with while there.

We have another trip in October for adults.

If you are interested in going you can get some info from our missions page at FRC.

Check out Craig Stephen's thoughts about the trip on his blog.

Got Gas???

This whole gas thing will give you gas.

I took this picture while we were in South Carolina last week.

We actually saw one station that was selling regular gas for $3.749.

I know state taxes have a lot to do with it but it is funny to see the difference in prices from state to state.

Whatever happened to hydrogen?

It is no more flammable than the gas we use now and the key source for it is water!!!!!

Out and In

I have been out for the last couple of weeks and got back in yesterday.

We went to South Carolina and a couple of other places on the way up and back.

Kelli and I were able to get a few days alone on the front part of our trip.

I always enjoy time with my wife. She continues to show me how much God has blessed me.

I have a few photos and highlights I will share over the next couple of days.

It was good to be back at FRC this weekend. I always realize how much I miss my church when I return and walk back in.

We had a great time out but we are glad to be back in!!!

Thinking

I am reading a book called "The Milkshake Moment" by Steven S. Little that I picked up in the airport in Chicago last week. It is a book about "overcoming stupid systems, pointless policies, and muddled management to realize real growth".

Little called by some "The Growth Guru" gives some great growth insights in this book. It starts with a personal story of frustration over poor customer service. Stories, examples, and advice are given to help practical leadership growth occur.

Here are some "extra toppings" as he calls them that I grabbed today...

• Accept that tension is inherent in any organization
• Recognize that the information age rewards thinking
• Don't waste your time managing the cash cow
  

Thinking is one of the values that we hold at FRC. Values are vital to any organization. It is confirming and motivating when you read, hear, or see the values you hold being lifted and used.

What are the values that you or the organization you are a part of hold. Are you living them out?

Do you see the people around you living them out?

If you can answer yes to these questions then go get a milkshake and celebrate!

Encouragement

This past weekend my wife and I were in Chicago. When I got up on Sunday morning and picked up my soon to be "old I-Phone" I started receiving text messages and e-mails. Almost all of them had the same theme. They were from friends and family sending "Happy Father's Day" messages.

The thing that made this so unique was they were not from my children. They were from those who wanted to invest in my life on a difficult day to encourage me.

As I tossed around in bed that morning before getting up I played the mind game for a while. I was contemplating on how I would try not to think about it being Father's day because that would mean I would call my dad first thing when I got up. At least that is what I would do every year until now. My dad was always an early riser so I would never have to worry about waking him up. It would also mean that I would have to face the pain of my first Father's day without him.

When I got up I did think about Father's day. I did push back the tears and hurt of my father not being here to receive my call. I took a moment and thanked God for all the awesome memories I have of my dad and then started receiving encouragement, love, and care from those that were sensitive to my needs on a tough day.

I was reminded again of the importance of encouragement and the difference that it makes.

When we made it back home Sunday night after a full day of traveling adventures and delays, I was greeted by my daughters with a homemade meal, gifts, and a lot of love.

Sunday was a good day!

 It became another day of thought, thankfulness, encouragement, love, and healing.

Family

I spent some time this week with a friend who was hurt by members in his family. 

I spent some time last night with a friend who was blessed by members in his family.

A friend of mine once told me that "the best and worst part of life was family". I know that there is some truth in that statement.

I sometimes say in joking but I guess still sharing truth that "everyone has a crazy aunt they keep in the closet". I heard that somewhere and at times it makes sense to me. I also wonder why it wasn't the uncle instead of the aunt.

I have heard some say, "you can choose your wife but you can't choose your family".

I was at a wedding last night. It was our First Impressions Director Melissa Nadlman's daughter Ansley's wedding. It was a beautiful event from the beginning to the end.

My favorite part of any wedding is watching people dance. There were some go-getters out there on the dance floor; in many ways!!!

One of the things that I observed last night was family.

I kept watching Melissa and her husband Jeff as they were watching their daughter and other family members. Their faces glowed with love, excitement and pride. They weren't missing anything. They reminded me of the mother duck in my back yard right now that is watching over her little ducklings.

I kept telling my wife, "look at Melissa's face", "look at at Jeff". It was fun watching their smiles and tears of joy in this moment.

What I saw last night was a family making memories. They were making the kind of memories that they will talk about and share for the rest of there life.

I really believe that one of the best parts of family is making those kinds of memories.

I can still remember some of the fun things that my family did when I was a kid. I have some of those memories now with my wife and kids.

I don't know what your family was like. I don't know if you have good or bad memories.

What I do know is you can change all of that now.

Start making memories that will last you a lifetime.

If you don't have a family, look around!

Our family doesn't just stop with those that live in our house it expands to those we do life with.

I believe the best place to find that is at church!

I love our church. "FRC"!

Congrats to Rob and Ansley! Go make some memories!

Weekend

We had an awesome weekend at FRC.
I had the privilege of speaking this weekend and that was a lot of fun.
Thanks for the opportunity Pastor Troy!

We ended the weekend with a beach baptism and celebration concert. We baptized 209 people and there was so much energy at the concert.

It was an amazing weekend!

I got this e-mail from a friend that was very encouraging.

Garland,

Wanted to say good job yesterday! I went through a self focused "poor me" month or so and your teaching yesterday helped me to emerge or at least begin to emerge out the other side. Kinda hard sometimes to remember that it isn't about me! Then God did as he does and when I picked up my Bible this morning I finished Esther and what comes next - you got it, Job! My poor me episode seems so pitiful. Just wanted to say thanks!

I have to be honest!
It is easy to get in the "poor me" place. I think it is harder getting out than getting in.
I really believe this is something most of us struggle with we just don't always admit it.
To do so may show some of our weak spots.
That is not something I enjoy doing.

When I get there I have to get honest with myself. I look at where I really am, I try to see what got me there, and then I try and take the steps to get out.
Those steps can vary based upon who you are and what the situation is.

Sometimes God puts things in your life to encourage you when your in what I call "the funk".

That is what this weekend was. I really believe God knew a lot of us needed it.

Thanks for incredible weekends God!

Prayer

My friend and bigger than that my pastor is Troy Gramling.
Right now he is with his mother in Charlotte NC. She has a brain aneurysm.
I am asking you to pray for her.
Her name is Linda and she is a great lady.
As of late I understand how important it is to pray for your parents. My wife and I have lost two in the last two months.
I am making it a point to pray for her several times a day.
I hope you will join in this.

Father I lift Linda to you right now. I am praying that you will give the doctors and nurses wisdom as they work with her. Our prayer is that you would heal her Father.
I also pray for Troy and the rest of their family. I ask that you would give then strength, wisdom, and a comfort during this time that only you can give.
We love you and trust you Father,
In the name of Christ,
Amen

Strange

It is Sunday night and I am sitting at the airport waiting on my wife to fly in from Boston. Pearl Jam is playing on the radio. It is one of the few songs I like by them. I think the song is called "Alive".
I think the airport is one of the best places to watch people. I really enjoy watching people. God has made each of us in such a unique way.
We often think others are so peculiar. I am sure they think the same thing when they look at us.

I am convinced the lady sitting in front of me is on some type of mind- altering drug though. She keeps hanging out of her car and doing some very strange things. Come to think of it my kids tell me I'm strange sometimes. I think they are right.


Why are we so judgmental when people are different from what we are?

• Maybe we are insecure!

• Maybe the people we are looking at are secure and confident in who

they are.

• Maybe that is why they are free enough to be strange.

Strange isn't it?????

Tribute

I have tried to pay tribute to some special people in my life over the past few weeks.

• My wife when we celebrated our 25th anniversary.
• My dad when he was getting close to the end and when he passed away.
• My daughter Noel and her fiance Jimbo when they got engaged recently.
  
• My mom just yesterday morning simply because she deserves that and so much more.

I need and want to do it today for my mother-in-law Eileen Roos.


Yesterday became another tough day in our lives because my mother-in-law passed away.

It seems that we are having a lot of those tough days lately.
She had been sick on and off for a while but it was still rather fast and a shock for us. I am so thankful for the time we were able to spend with her recently but it is never enough.

My mother-in-law was an incredible woman. After all she gave me my incredible wife.
She also gave all of us a special gift and that is my sister-in-law Lisa.
She loved her kids and those around her.
She always had her opinion on things but would always gracefully bow to those who had different thoughts and ideas.
She accepted and loved me as her son-in-law and that was something I never worried about or doubted. I will never forget the last words she said to me yesterday when she said, "I love you".

She gave my wife and I our first TV after we were married. She gave us furniture and whatever else she could do to help us out.
She loved her grandchildren and would always make sure that each of them had a gift on special occasions. Even when it wasn't their birthday they would still get a gift so they wouldn't feel left out.
The times that I saw her get worked up was when she thought one of the kids was getting picked on too much.
There are so many more things I could say about her but the biggest thing right now is that she will be missed!!!!!

We love you Mom!!

Eileen Gates Roos
February 26th, 1927 - April 28th, 2008

Another Hero

I just spent the last few days with My mom.


My father past away a month ago yesterday and I have said a lot about him over the past few weeks but not a lot about my mom. I think that even describes my mom a little. She has always been that quiet strength for our family. She stayed by my dad's side the entire time he went through his cancer. In the last few days she would lay on the floor or couch next to him listening for any small sound of need.
I went up to spend a few days with her this past week to help her plan for the future. We worked through all kinds of paper work, budgets, finances, bills, and a bunch of other things. I think we got a handle on most things.
We had a great time together. There were times where we laughed and other times where we cried a bit too.
We went to lunch one day and she looked at me and said, "we need to bring daddy here he would like this" and then we realized once again that he is gone. It is funny how we have those moments every once in a while.
One of the things that became obvious to me once again is how strong my mom is. She has her moments but she has such a positive outlook on things. I called her tonight to check on her and she told me that she spent the afternoon cooking a meal and a strawberry cake (her strawberry cake is unbelievable!!!) for a friend of ours that had a death in their family. She has such a deep desire to help others. We talked about some of the ways that she wants to be a help to single moms and other who are hurting.
I realize that I am blessed to have my mom in my life. She continues to be a Godly example to so many.
I am also aware of the fact that for the first time in over 54 years my mom is without my dad.


This past week my goal was to take some of her pain away and just be an encouragement to her.
I hope and think I was able to do that but as I look back that is something that she did for me. This among so many other reason is why she is another hero in my life.
I love you mom???

Proud Parents

I just want you to know that I am not the only one that brags on their kids.
There is a couple at our Sawgrass campus that do just that. I know there always needs to be a balance in how we brag on our kids. Some people do it so much that they don't realize that their kids are normal and make mistakes. They are kids after all and are probably a lot like their parents were.

Back to my friends Tom and Beth. These people don't just go to Sawgrass they are involved in making it work. they help with setup, tear down, small groups, and have been faithful to making it a success since we started it.

If you are around them for very long you will know that they love their kids. They love them, support them, are proud of them, and they share this with others.

Their two sons are both athletes.
Josh had a great football career in high school and got a scholarship to Missouri Valley College.
Their other son Kyle plays baseball and he got a scholarship to "The U".
There is a great article about him today in the Sun Sentinel.


Kyle had a great game last night as No.1 Miami(32-3, 16-1 ACC) beat No. 2 FSU, 11-4.
It is awesome to see parents who are proud of their kids.
Tom and Beth thanks for sharing this value with all of us.

Go Canes!!!

Noel

Last week I shared about my daughter Noel getting engaged. I also talked about her man Jimbo. I still feel the same this week.
I wanted to say a word about Noel.


She is such a good kid. I know she is 23 but she is my kid. She will graduate in the fall with a degree in radiology. Hopefully she will quickly land a job and save up some money for the future.

I am her dad and most would say I think she is perfect. No, I wouldn't say that. She is not perfect but she is a good kid. She has never given my wife and I any problems.
She loves God. She loves us. She loves her sister. She loves the rest of our family as well. Another important thing that she loves is UM. She really loves her horse Dakota.


I really enjoy being around her. We have a lot of fun together.
I want to say something that Is very important.
I AM PROUD OF HER!
Those are powerful words. I will blog about them next time.

I am proud of Noel for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons is because of how she loves and cares for others.
She is spending her spring break week with my mom.

My dad passed away on March, 26th and my mom lives alone now. It is a hard transition for her. They were married for over 54 years.
I think it is pretty cool that my daughter wants to invest in her grandmothers life.
Kelli and I are so blessed to have such a great daughter.

Father, thanks for giving us such a great gift in Noel!

I am proud of my other daughter Danielle too. I will write about her in the future.