ONCE A WEEK

Man, this whole get back on track of spiritual things ain't working so well. I haven't kept track of life in a week. Well, the breakdown goes like this...when I sleep I am a much better person. The problem is, to get everything done, I really don't sleep. It doesn't make sense. There is nothing I "have" to do, but I still stay awake late every night. I did have a disturbing dream this week where people kept changing from devils to angels and where I was doing the same. It really made me reconsider the importance of the decision to be a Christian and contemplate what I am doing to help myself and others in their struggle to find God. I want to do more, but just don't know where right now.

PERCY JACKSON

I stayed up all night to catch up with Mark in the Percy Jackson series...and then he goes to school and reads 6 chapters! I can't win. I did love by serving, even though I was really tired. And then I go to eat with Kevin and didn't want to go, but it turns out it was really worth while. I have a renewed passion for God, praying and doing spiritual stuff.

NO MORE SICK

It was another day of getting well. First, suprisingly I took two naps. This was good, especially after staying up late to watch football. I was much more loving to the kids today, trying to build them up and being positive recognizing their gifts and talents. I really believe that I have to try and keep our home a happy and fun place. We have to make it a real place where the kids, and the adults, can enjoy. Life should be fun!

20 MILES

I woke up today at 3:00 am and ran 20 miles. I really needed that. You can't help but feel good about finishing something like that. Even if I didn't finish the marathon at this point, I am really glad to know that my body can do that still. Church was great again, with a reminder that I have to treat my wife like the most important person in the room, and when she is not there, I have to do the same for my kids. I am getting more of a sense of living for God. I just ask that you help me figure out what you would like me to do. It is much better living for you.

MEAN DAD

I am feeling a little like the guy who I used to hate so much. Right as I start to get on a roll, I go two steps backwards. Not very loving the last two days, and it isn't all about sleep. I have been getting stuff done, but when I get away from being the person I think you want me to be, and when I get away from dreaming big, then it starts to really go down hill. I know you have a plan for me, and while it may not be anything that I ever expected, and it may not make me famous or part of some great master plan...there is something for me and I have to keep shooting for it. I can't let the little things get me down. And I have to remember that 20 miles is just around the corner, after which I can get to work on some of this "working hard" stuff. I have to admit that I am getting life in order, now I just have to get back to putting God first!

Love is a Verb

It's crazy that I have not written since Friday. Maybe good though, because at CCC on Sunday, we heard all about love and how it is a verb. The telling point to me was that we are supposed to love regardless of how we are feeling about the person. We may be right, but that doesn't change how we act. It is amazing how smart my parents have turned out to be. First, we were brought up in a home that almost insured success for us, being given acceptance, love, confidence, etc. And Dad's advice of "just love 'em", turns out that Jesus has the same advice for us. And I have the doctorate in Bible?

CLEAN KITCHEN

It seems that every day seems to get better. I really feel like that with the sleep I am getting and the work of running I am doing, life seems to be so much better. I did love Kathy today by doing the family meeting. And the kids and I got to hang out, which was awesome. I really do love my life. Sure, I wish that I could get more stuff done, but all in good time! People are what matters to God!

HOME REPAIR

Dude, was I tired today! After getting the kids to school and trying to get the house ready to paint for Mom and Dad, I was exhausted. This old age thing bites. At least I tried to be fun and high energy...gave it the old college try. I do believe we can make life better for people if we make it fun, so that is a focus right now in my "love focus". And it turns out, picking people over money (fantasy draft instead of Famous Dave's) was a good choice.

FUN

I stepped on the scale today and it was another step in getting back to who I hope God wants me to be! I found out that I was weighing in at 182, and it was just another way for me to become more disciplined. At work, and at home, I realized that even food was playing too big a part of my life. It hurt my service at work and even took away from me trying to help others enjoy their time at Famous Dave's. I realize this. Many people don't want to be there. It is kind of a down time. I really believe that I can best love the Famous Crew by making it fun again and bringing a new attitude. In fact, in all areas of life, that seems to be the case. In our home, that has to be the case also. Just be fun and help our kids to "live life to the full".

A New Plan

For awhile now, even though I have the life I have always wanted, I have been as miserable as I can ever imagine being. I don't know why, but nothing seems fun or good or right. My head is out of wack. I can't work hard. I am always tired. I don't look forward to anything. So I decided to hang out with God and figure out what the heck is wrong. Amongst other things, I realized that my life was spent in "survival mode" rather than "attack mode". Each day I have been just trying to "make it" instead of growing and making my life what I think God wants it to be. I think I have lost self-confidence, passion and the desire to do great things. But that is going to change. I have decided to get back to doing what is important and planning my life accordingly. I don't know what kind of change it will make, but with a little time of reflection and a lot of help from God, I hope that my life will take on more meaning!