Cry in Daddy's Arms

Recently Gracie was celebrating Gabby's fifth birthday with the family. She saw that Gabby had opened a gift with a pretty little baby doll and being a little girl who loves baby dolls as much as any little girl. She ran over to pick up the baby to play with it before Gabby had a chance to look at it. Daddy and Mommy told her it is Gabby's baby doll.
The dissapointment from her understanding spread across her face and a pouty lip came out. Daddy held out his arms and she ran over to burry her face in Daddy's chest. Then the sobs and big tears flowed. Daddy wrapped his arms around her little body and kissed her on the head to consol her dissapointment and calmed her.

As an adult we often times take for granted what it feels like to have arms to run to and burry our head and cry freelly when we are hurt, discouraged, and disspointed with life's circumstances. My beautiful little girl needed to be loved on and know that Daddy was there to hold her close and make everything ok. I need the same thing. Unfortunately there aren't many arms big enough to wrap around me as I cry.

Scripture tells us to cast our cares on Him (Christ). This is picture above will be a constant reminder to me that when I am down and just need to cry that I can run to Christ and burry my face in his chest with his warm and caring arms around me and cry. He will make it all ok.

Gracie knows that Daddy would take all her pain away if it were possible. But she also knows that Daddy can make her feel better. There is no difference with the Heavenly Father. Jesus is Always there, never dropps the ball, and has big enough arms for the biggest of us.


Blessings, and Happy New Year


Mike III, AKA: Big Daddy

Playing in the Sand

                                          Big Daddy and my girls on the beach East of Nome


Being a Youth Pastor/Associate Pastor/Children's Pastor/and Missionary, there is little time to spend enjoying life. A life of service brings happiness, but true joy is found in honoring my wife, children, and God. I serve in Obedience to God, but if I do not take care of my wife and children and minister to them I fall short of the calling God has placed on my life...

I have served as a Full Time Youth Pastor for a little over ten years. Throughout those ten years my family has suffered from the lack of Daddy time. If my service to my youth take me away from my responsibility to love and cherrish every moment with my wife and children, then I fall short of what God has ultimately called me to. Moving back to Alaska, to Nome especially-I have learned what it means to take a brake and leave everything behind for a time to enjoy the moments of playing the sand. One of the most popular Christian poems is "footprints in the sand." It talks about Christ carrying us when times are hard and we don't have the sgtrength to walk on our own. Scripture tells of Jesus writing in the sand at the persecutors of the adultrous woman. Then there is a story of the house built on sand. Not that I am concentrated on sand. But not all that many months ago I was out playing on the beach with my wife and children. I looked back over where they had been and their footprints marked their path running spiratically in and out of the waves crashing on the beach.

In the midst of their laughter I was blessed beyond all measure and thrown into tears of joy. Walking hand in hand with my girls I realized more than ever the importance of those moments with them. My oldest daughter just turned five years old. Five years have gone by so very fast. Time goes by to quickly to give up the moments.

Watching my kids play in the sand sitting with my wife laughing as they screetched with joy throwing sand and water in the air, brought me the joy of a life long memory created. Those memories upon recall will bring me joy for the rest of my life...


So here's Big daddy saying: "Take some time to play in the sand!"



Blessings,


Mike III AKA: Big Daddy

                                                            Mike and A hand in hand!
                                                          Beach in Nome Alaska 2010

First Christmas at "HOME"

                                          Pastor Mike and the Children's Christmas Party 2010

So this Christmas I realized the importance of the season with far more relevance in past years. I also know now how it feels to have a Christmas in a place you that you truly feel as HOME... Growing up as a pastors kid that moves almost every two years you never get to feel as though there is a place that is "home." Sadly I felt only two places as home and now when I return to those places they still feel like home. The one would be with my dad's family in West Virginia and the other Camp Lex. A camp? Sure, for 17 years moving all over Nebraska, I can honestly say we spent more time at Camp Lex than any home we had in ministry. So it became home to me. I can't speak for my brother and sister, but some of my best memories are from my time on that campground.

But this christmas, something was different. I was blessed beyond measure. Yes, my wife and kids were with me and I had a LOT of snow. But, this was my first Christmas where I felt like I was spending Christmas at home! Even my time in the ministry there has not been one place that God had not spoken to me and told me that "this is just a stop on the road." Nome is truly the first time where I feel like we are not going anywhere. The place that I feel God has called us to without "the stop of the road of ministry." I didnt' realize how important it was to me until I read old journal entrees. When it hit me, I was filled with a warmth and security I had never known...

I hope your Christmas was as blessed as mine. And if you are just on a breif stop on the journey of life in a place, I hope that you to can get to a place where you feel like you are spending your Christmas at "HOME."


Blessings,


Mike III AKA: Big Daddy

Birth of Pride

Gabby and Gracie

Once upon a time, in a state far far away. There was a mommy and daddy waiting patiently. No stork, no baskit with a bundle of joy wrapped in a blanket. But the real thing! Waiting and anticipating the arrival of their first born child.

For nine months mommy grew bigger and bigger and daddy waited paitently with excitement growing at every kick of mommy's tummy. A name was chosen by God, clothing and toys given, a room set up with crib and chair. Now they waited for the day when they met their first baby face to face.

During the coldest morning of the winter mommy rolled over and woke daddy. "It's time!" Daddy jumped up and with a flash started the car to make the dash! A full day of labor and ice chips followed. That night, the 22nd of december daddy and mommy recieved the best Christmas gift ever!

Daddy saw you first eyes so very blue, born face up looking at you. We wrapped you warm and gave you to mommy, daddy cryed tears of joy as did mommy...

That night this daddy learned what true pride and joy could be. Today is my Gabby's 5th birthday. For five years she has brought us joy beyond measure. She's our princess and much much more than a treasure. Jesus gave us this bundle of blessing to raise and keep safe. We are watching her grow into a beautiful little girls. Bright eyes and big smiles make our home full. God gave her a spirit of kindness and love for others. She's just like mommy and no other. I am more blessed than I could ever immagine to celebrate the birth of my first born daughter.

Thank you Jesus for the blessing of our children you gave us to take care of.

I love you Gabby more than you will ever know. Our connection will never grow old. You are daddy's girl until the day I pass. Never forget that Daddy loves you!

Merry Christmas,

Mike III AKA: Big Daddy

                                                Gabby and Gracie on the beach outside Nome

Fighting the Cold

It wasn't that long ago when I read about the Pharaoh of Egypt and God making his heart like stone. I have been thinking a lot about the coldness of hearts even in the warmth of the Holiday season. I am one that is prone to compassion and love for others. Sure, there are many times that I would rather not give the benefit of the doubt.. Don't we all? There are also times when I am angry and want to hold a grudge and I can be pretty good at that! Can't we all?

But, is there really any excuse for having a cold heart. Sure, there are circumstances that make us unhappy people. Life goes on! Have you ever run into that old person who is always grumpy and is feared by every little kid on the block? I wonder what their story is. When I was a kid and living in Lincoln Nebraska there was a grumpy old man that lived on our block. We were little enough that we had to stay on our street never leaving. So, we would ride our bikes up and down the block. Part way down the block there was this house with a very green yard always perfectly cut. Riding by feeling the wind in my face, I would always grip hard making my hands turn white and began to shake as I rode by this house. The old man was always sitting in front on his porch in a folded lawn chair. There was a lot about this old man that would make a little kid be afraid. He had huge knuckles from arthritis and longer fingernails than I had seen on most men. He wore a frown like a Halloween mask that seemed to never change. Hit snow white hair was short and seemed to be as icy as his heart.

One day i was riding down the sidewalk and didn't see a stick. I hit the stick solidly and was sent off course. As I pushed my feet back to brake my tires skidded on the sidewalk. My front tire went off the edge into this mans yard. My chain popped off and I flipped forward into his soft grass leaving the indent of my little body and a gaping hole from my bike pedal. When I realized I was in his yard my little body went into fear. I looked up and didn't see the man sitting there on the front porch like I had grown so accustomed to seeing. My momentary sigh of relief was shattered as big cold hands wrapped around my chest and arm. I could have sworn that my heart actually stopped. It wasn't long before I was lifted to my feet. I turned slowly and saw this old man with a frown on his face. He looked down at his perfect grass now broken. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes while waiting for him to yell at me or do something to me that my little imagination had so often done. Would he carry me to his basement and chain me to the wall? Would he yell at me and make me work as a slave to fix his property? Would he call the police? Would he walk me to my house and yell at my parents for letting their little boy destroy his yard. He had yelled at me before for accidentally riding through his yard. I fought back the tears and looked down to afraid to look into his eyes.

He let go of my arm and picked up my bike. I stood there when he said "come on." I walked up to his driveway. He opened his garage door and pulled a stool and a chair out. "Sit down." He turned my bike over and put the chain back on for me. Then grabbed a tool and tightened the chain. He told me I should pay more attention or I could get hurt.

I told him I was sorry for ruining his grass. He told me that while he worked very hard on the grass and loved to cut it and keep it green, it wasn't near as important as me being safe. I looked over at me and smiled. I had never seen him do this before and was in shock. I could almost hear his face screech as it moved from the frown and into a smile. As any little boy my mouth opened and words came out before my brain could stop them. "Why are you always so grumpy?" Uh oh! He looked at me and told me he wasn't grumpy, just lonely. He told me he lost his wife just before we moved in, and all the laughter was a reminder of the happiness he had before his wife died. We didn't live there real  long, but after that every day I would sit with the old man and talk with him while having a glass of tea. He told me all kinds of stories.

I don't remember the old mans name and I remember more his Knuckles than anything else. But, this got me to thinking about my life. I ran into some people who seem to be unhappy more than they are happy. What is their problem? Life isn't that bad. Well, how do I know what they have gone through? Maybe they got some bad news, maybe they lost the love of their life... I'm not saying we are justified to be grumpy. I am not even saying we don't have reason to be unhappy from time to time. What I am saying is that, there is a reason why people act the way they do. Allowing our hearts to grow cold and push people away only means one sure thing. Continued loneliness!

Today I hope and pray that if you are warm and happy you can look past the cold heart and grumpiness of others. Let your warmth warm them!


Merry Christmas,

Mike III AkA: Big Daddy

More than a moment

Sunset Bering Sea Outside my Office at OCS (Nome Alaska)

I am of the belief that we do not take the time to slow down and enjoy the moments we have. Last night I had to stay at the office later than usual for a treatment team meeting. This was the second night in a row that I saw the sun start to go down. But last evening in between calls, I stood at my window and watched the sun go down over the horizon. My office filled with a brilliant pink shade that covered the white walls.

This got me to thinking about those moments. As I stood there and breathed deeply quieting my mind, I realized that I need to take time. Sometimes we need to wake up and realize that there are more than just the moments. A moment can turn into an eternity, playing out in our memory.

When I was in College I would go to the Nursing Home (which was definitely out of my element) and read Scripture to an old man. He loved the King James version, which I do not prefer. Covering his walls were photos of family and one section that highlighted his younger years in the military. Before I would read, he would recall with clarity past events and tell me stories of what at the time would have been an insignificant moment if he hadn't taken the time to enjoy it. What I realize now is that there are no insignificant moments in time. They are only insignificant to us if we do not slow down and experience them. This old man couldn't remember what he had for breakfast or who he had talked to the day before. But, he could remember 50 plus years ago with precision of detail.

This got me to thinking about our twilight years. This old man isn't alone when it comes to short term memory loss. It's a fact of life that as we get older we have a hard time remembering things. But what stands out to me is the fact that our memory from years ago stays sharp. So every opportunity to just relax and take in the moment is significant. The old man would smile with every story he told me, sometimes the same story over and over. The moments we take can bring us joy as a snapshot memory from so long ago.

I took the picture above and below over the last couple of nights. But I won't remember from pictures as much as what I saw in that moment. Pictures fade and lose their detail and clarity over time. A memory may never fade...

So take the moments and hold on to them. Let them sink in through your eyes and be burned into your memory to recall in your twilight years!

Blessings,

Mike III AKA Big Daddy

Grace (Gracie) Elizabeth Christian 12-8-2010

Speculation and Assumptions

With social work we are trained not to speculate or assume until we have all the facts and are able to assess ourselves with our own eyes...
Throughout my training the four weeks split into two at a time, there was a lot of speculation on hypothetical cases. I couldn't wrap my head around what people would come up with on such few details. Isn't this what we do with God. Think abou it a minute!

So many out there living life have their reasons for not seeking God and in place seeking everything else to fill the void. They have all of these ideas on what they have heard or seen... Yet if seeing is believing then most haven't taken the time to see or experience for themselves.

When I was 17 I took a trip to Florida with a friend to visit the Pensecola Revival we had heard so much about. It was a birthday gift from my parents. I will admit that I speculated on if it was real or not from what I had heard. All the stories were to much to swollow because I had not experienced it myself. I had not assessed and come to my own conclusion about the supposed move of God that was taking place.

What I found is that it was real. There were thousands upon thousands of people waiting in line for hours, many from outside the country and of different beliefs, all to experience what they had heard. To find out for themselves if it was real.

I have come into contact with people over the years, and still do, who tell me their views on God. All of which have not given the change to experience and assess themselves. They have all these thoughts and opinions without assessing and creating their own thoughts and opinions. Let's talk about the birth of Christ. Mr and Mrs. so and so watch a special on the History Channel (which I normally  love) and see scholars talking about thier opinions and speculation on the birth of Christ. They paint a picture of Mary the mother of Christ being a prostitute and that she was knocked up by someone other than her husband or the Holy Spirit planting Christ's seed in her. So if Mr. and Mrs. so and so haven't assessed and experienced for themselves to weigh out thier salvation and the truth, they can easily take this and justify why they won't give self observation a chance.

Life is full of speculation and assumptions. The problem is and will remain that most times we are WRONG! I can assume and speculate that from what I have heard that a family is abusive and visit to assess and find that someone other than the family is just trying to cause trouble. What about the teen that everyone says is a troublemaker and hopelessly lost to help...? Speculation only adds to the despair of that kid. If no one is willing to get to know him or her and see who they really are, then what is the point.

Alaska is full of suicide, murder, and accidental death. How many of those who take thier own lives would have gone through with that act effecting so many others if they had just had ONE person to show love and compassion, looking past the speculation and rumors?

Do you speculate and assume to much?

My prayer is that we all take a moment and throw out the speculation and assumptions and live on truth and our own personal assessments!

Blessings and Merry Christmas,

Mike III AKA Big Daddy

Under the Surface

An empty house of worship,

under the surface on filled during times of hopelessness...

Look under the surface and find behind the scenes someone kneeling.

It's not about the house we fill,

it's about the house we create...

It's about the house we are and will become!

Look under the surface of me!

What do you see?

Look hard,

peer past the darkness beyond the bright eyes of hope.

It's there,

a hole mess of hurt and pain.

Under the surface,

I am weak, broken, bruised and scarred.

I am:

a failure to self and God...

a desperate soul crying out like any other.

Trapped under the surface is a servant,

binding the warrior God wants me to be.

Under the surface is a man, who needs help, favor, and love!

What are you under the surface?

Are you an empty house of worship under the surface!?

Blessings,

Mike III AKA: Big Daddy

Pretender

In the late 90's the Pretender was a popular show about a guy who pretended successfully to be someone he wasn't. Playing the part of many different people from many different lives with a goal. It isn't important what the goal was or the plot of the show, or even why it was cancelled.

What is important is that we all are pretenders at some point in time. We pretend to be strong when we are weak. We pretend to have compassion when in reality we are thinking quite the opposite. We pretend to live a life that we do not live behind closed doors. We are all pretenders...

I knew of peers in high school that acted different inside school than they did away from school. The things they said and did were to get approval from other peers, that all elusive "popularity." This in many ways made me sick. I never wanted to be around fake people. I just wanted to be me. I wanted to be around real people. If that meant hanging out with people that no one liked, at least i knew they were real!

See, in school I was the same as I was at home. The only time i was different was on the football field. I became a different person there because I knew I had to be more serious, dedicated, demanding of self, and ruthless. Behind the eyes of my ruthless play you could see that I deeply cared when I hurt someone. Behind the eyes the truth was there. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. I believe this... Look at someone who is truly evil in their lifestyle and thoughts. See if their eyes don't tell you a story and send chills of fear down your spine...

I am doing my best not to be a pretender in life... Do you pretend to be strong when you are weak..? Do you pretend to be something that you are not?

It's time to get real!

Blessings,

Mike III Aka: Big Daddy

Losing Daylight

We here in the frozen tundra of Nome Alaska are currently at 4 hours and 20 minutes every day of daylight. That number will continue to dwindle throughout the winter. It's got me to thinking. Much of the world thrives and works during the light hours. We do not! The differences in life and how life is lived is as different and vast as the miles that seperate us from the lower 48...

We dress different, most times giving little thought to our appearance as long as we are warm. The way we spend money is different as well. We purchase snow machines and 4wheelers not for entertainment but to survive and get from one place to the other. (I have not recieved one yet!) We buy more than the 15$ shovel from Wal Mart. Ours is a 70$ oversided snow pusher. While it cuts the work in half we have 5 times the amount of snow to move.

We buy less food at two to three times the price. We put more appreciation on warmth and hand crafted items and gifts. Fellowship is not only a fun time but a way of life. Drug addiction and alcoholism is worse and you can bet statistically we have more depression and suicide than most anywhere in the world.

People take Vitamen D to help with the depression that is supposedly caused from the lack of sunlight. We think word travels fast in the lower 48! Try living in a village! village gossip is faster than the internet or phone service. I call it VDS (Village Digital Service).

Even with our differenses there is much to be learned that can only be learned by living here and experiencing the lifestyle and culture. Once you are here and give it a chance, you can bet you will find it hard to leave!

Merry Christmas


Mike III, AKA Big Daddy

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

There is no mistake that the picture above is a nice painting of a wintery wonderland and not Nome Alaska. Firt of all we do not have trees, nor stone bridges, and trees do not exist unless of course you are brave enough to travel about 30 miles into the tundra. And to be completely honest, currently we have twice that amount of snow. Oh, and just so you have another tidbit of information: Our houses sit up on stilts with no basements!! :)

So, while I love snow and the added feeling of Christmas it brings, I am not at all thrilled about moving the massive amount of snow that fell, continues to call, and the wind blows into massive drifts outside our door and next to the cars. Last night I moved snow for more than two hours all to have it coverd by more than 4.5 inches through the night. Almost getting stuck trying to make it out of our driveway in the oversized 4wheel drive SUV from work and three times on the way down the main strip and in our work driveway was not a pleasant trip!!

But I do love the beauty of the fluffy white stuff. The excitement of my girls standing on the coutch peering out the window and the shreeks of joy coming from their little bodies while they watch it fall, makes me laugh and smile... Today though, while all of Nome is warm in their homes with school being canceled I am at work clicking away at the keys and returning calls hoping people will be in!

This is a morning that I would like to sit on the couch with a blanket cuddling with my wife and kids with hot cocoa, and "White Christmas" on the TV. So, if you are in Nome, enjoy your day of snowy leasure and try and stay out of the blowing wind that is cold and brings tears to your eyes. If you are in the lower 48, enjoy a day filled with work. But to all remember, that Christmas this season is only seasonal if you allow it to be. If you live Christmas and keep it well in your heart, it is Christmas all year long!


Blessings, and Merry Christmas

Mike III AKA: Big Daddy

Blessing and a Curse

I believe that each and every one of us have been gifts by the hand of Christ. I beleive that before we were born He knew us, and believe that He gave us gifts that are unique to who He wants us to be. While these gifts are a great blessing that I would not trade they are also a curse! Not that I see them as a constant curse but a curse as in, the inability to detach my feelings, compassion, love, and heart from a circumstance that requires me to be focussed on what the world would say is more important, the job!

You see when I chose to accept a position in Social Work, I saw it as an extension and open door to minister in a relevant way. I saw it opening doors for me to go to places that I would not usually be able to go. And, it has done just that. I have been part of the goods and bads, the ups and downs, in these children's and families lives. My heart breaks for them all.

Because of privacy laws i cannot share the heartbreaking story that is unfolding in my work right now. But, what I can say is, that i feel very uprepared and am completey and utterly without words to consol these children in their loss. How do I be there for them as a Social Worker and hold back the desire to minister to them as a Youth and Children's Pastor? I cannot separate my heart and who God made me because of the "law" of the land. Yet, Christ told us to abide by the law of the land. I know that I can be compassionate, and gentle, and more than anything listen. But, I am helpless and my hands are tied in how to really conduct myself tomorrow on this investigation...

My dream life cry's out when I see or hear about things of this nature. I am tormented and my heart shatters... Why does humanity do the things they do? Why do parents do the things they do to their children and around them? Why do they expose them to the evil of their hearts so freely without regard to what they may create and the dammage they WILL do? What is their consequence? I know they will be judged by a loving God. I know my Jesus loves these children more than I do and more than their parents could ever hope to. It's a good thing that I am not God. I would not be tolerant of these people. I would not offer them chance after chance!

How do you describe the your heart when there seem to be no words? This is causing me to lean more on Christ Jesus than ever. I have not the strength on my own. I need his wisdom and love to flow through me. My knowledge of the scripture is not near what it should be but maybe more than others. I know that acting upon our knowledge is showing wisdom.

"Jesus give me strength. Give me wisdom to say the right things. Let my compassion flow, and allow me to be who you created me to be. Help me to maintain a behavior that would honor you when I interview the perpetrator against these children. Let me approach this case with the love that you would! Let the love you have for them shine through me. Set me apart more than you already have, and give me favor and safety in my travel to this village. I love you Jesus and Praise you for what you have given to me and taken!"

Always Praying and Obedient to the Call




Blessings to you today,

Mike III AKA Big Daddy

Candy Cane

Christmas Candy Cane Poem about Jesus

Look at the Candy Cane
What do you see?
Stripes that are red
Like the blood shed for me
White is for my Savior
Who’s sinless and pure!
“J” is for Jesus My Lord, that’s for sure!
Turn it around
And a staff you will see
Jesus my shepherd
Was born for Me!

Candy Cane

Have you ever wondered about where the candy cane came from? Well here ya go!

"The first historical reference to the familiar cane shape goes back to 1670, when the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, bent the sugar-sticks into canes to represent a shepherd's staff. The all-white candy canes were given out to children during the long-winded nativity services.
The clergymen's custom of handing out candy canes during Christmas services spread throughout Europe and later to America. The canes were still white, but sometimes the candy-makers would add sugar-roses to decorate the canes further.
The first historical reference to the candy cane being in America goes back to 1847, when a German immigrant called August Imgard decorated the Christmas tree in his Wooster, Ohio home with candy canes."

I found it interesting that candy canes were designed to have spiritual significance. This past sunday I taught the children not about the origins of this treat that now comes in all sorts of flavors and colors, but the spiritual significance. The red signifying the blood christ shed and the white the clean and holiness of Christ Jesus.

For years as a child i loved eating candy cane's. We had them all over our tree at home and at church. The church tree decorated with candy canes would often be ransacked by many children including myself as a treat to enjoy inbetween services or on the way home. I never gave the meaning behind them a second thought. Now after I have researched and taught the meaning behind the candy cane i have a whole new appreciation for this treat that goes beyond it's ability to satisfy my sweet tooth...


Blessings,

Mike III AKA: Big Daddy

Reminders of Joy

Sometimes we need a reminder... A reminder that the hollidays are not because of the cute Santa photo like above, but because of the spirit they bring. We need reminders from time to time. I had a co-worker that used to tie string around his fingers for reminders. One day i asked him if he remembered to turn in a paper. He looked at me then down at his right hand. He had multiple strings tied to every finger. While this is funny, it also serves as "the other side of the coin" as it comes to reminders. You can set up reminder bells on your cell phone and a multitude of alarms on your watch. But if you never look at the phone to see why it is dinging annoyingly you will not remember why you set it in the first place.

Do you remember the feeling when you have been late on an assignment in school or forgotten all about it until the day it is due and realize you never even started? Your core temperature immediately goes up and you begin to sweat. You begin to realize what anxiety is.

The Holliday's are suppose to be a time when we don't have to struggle with anxiety and being overwhelmed. But then, you get sucked into the Black Thursday histeria of shopping for Christmas gifts at the day after thanksgiving deals and wading your way through the waves of crouded shopping malls and stores.

Lets put the "spirit" of the Holliday's back wehre it belongs.


Blessings,

Mike III AKA: Big Daddy

Commercials that tug at the heart

Have you seen the commercial about the lady who stops a man from stepping out into traffic keeping him from getting hit by the passing cars? Someone was watching and did another kind act because of what they saw. It was a ripple effect of kindness to one's fellow man. From time to time there is a heartwarming commercial on TV. Not to often but every now and again we see something that inspires us.
Initially with that particular commercial I just waved it on as another brake in my program. But later I saw it again and was inspired.
As a Youth Pastor there have been more than a few times where I have seen students act in extraordinary ways toward strangers. When you teach Christ's heart to students it is always an emotional moment to see them act out without having to push or prod them in any way.

The following is a short testimony to kindness playing out in front of me and the overwhelming pride and joy that filled me at the sight!

I had been a Youth Pastor for almost six years and we had taken over the project of starting a new program from nothing in Skagway Alaska. Before long we had a small group of kids that were coming around on a regular basis. One family in particular had three kids coming to the weekly meetings. They were all on fire for God and excited about our upcoming trips. The trip we took was to Anchorage driving 17 hours to Youth Convention. This was to be the first Youth Convention in the history of the church in Skagway. We took seven kids on this trip and were able to have a great time. During one of our lunch times at Taco Bell one of our girls noticed a homeless woman sitting by herself trying to get warm from the freezing temperatures outside. My student asked me if she could visit or sit with her. I told her it would be fine with me. I watched as this young lady with a great call of God on her life sat away from the group with this lady eating her meal and sharing her Christ warmth with her. Before we left as the group was throwing away trash and getting their coats on so we would be on time to our next meeting, I saw this girl praying with the homeless woman holding her cold weather warn hands in hers. I was moved to tears as I watched. My wife squeezed my hand so I wouldn't stare. I looked at her with a smile on my face as we quietly waited for our student. When we got in the van and drove away the kids were all talking and having a good time. That student tapped me gently on the shoulder and asked if she could give her gloves to the woman.

I am inspired by people who act selflessly for others. I am touched beyond words when students I have "get it." I believe it truly is a ripple effect and who knows who was watching this girl and did something great for someone else!

Blessings,
Mike III AKA: Big Daddy

"You Can't Handle the Truth"

A few good men... The phrase made infamous by this movie "you can't handle the truth" has been used and re-used in various forms over the years. While the movie was very good it seems that this quote is more famous than the movie itself. Other phrases barely match the value of this as soon as you hear it you can't keep from seeing the snarling face and hearing the tone of Jack Nicholson as the words are spit out of his mouth.

But, for many of us who live a life reflecting our belief in the truth, this phrase holds a lot of value. Often times we cannot handle the truth. In a society where truth is relative, meaning that one can make his or her own truth, contradicts any belief in what truth is. We are taught as children not to lie, cheat, or steal. We grow up hearing about the little white lie. This in itself is false as any lie is BIG, and often has bigger consequences. Scripture tells us that the truth will find us out. Celebrities have been caught in lie after lie and rarely just get a slap on the hand, the same is true from sports figures. Relative truth has taken over and real truth has almost vanished in the fog of the biggest lie of all time. That lie is that there is no real truth. Relative truth has spread our nation as quickly as the current clothing fad, or newest i-phone technology. But, unlike technology which is always changing, relative truth will continue to stay. Why? Because it's the perfect cure for any sort of conviction.

Relative truth takes away any second thoughts. It removes remorse and substitutes it for the perfect justification: "Well if I believe it's true, then who are you to tell me it's not true?" One who sits in a service and listens to a preacher share on sin being sin, and sharing God's word on the topic is less overwhelmed and convicted by their actions, because they justify it any way they can. I am living out of wedlock with another man, I love him and society is OK with it so why not? (Who are you to judge?) I am drinking to intoxication everyone is so what's the problem? I am having multiple partners and cheating on my spouse, but who are you to judge? My truth says it's OK so it must be...

Come on! "You can't handle the truth." Sin is sin. I am not different than the next person. I struggle with sin just as much as anyone. But, I do believe in a profound real truth. Truth in what scripture says. Truth in the values of what our Nation was built on, truth in what I was raised to believe is ideal character and integrity. The mist of popularity can not take away the value to hard truth. Eventually as all falls down, we won't even have relative truth to hide behind.

Can you handle the truth?

Blessings,
Mike III AKA: Big Daddy

Creating a new "norm"

Greetings from Nome Alaska (on my lunch brake)

So, taking a "working lunch" I decided to not answer the phone and make it a non-working lunch time. I usually use my lunch time as a self-imposed breathing time. Spiritually reflecting and mediating to get my spirit and mind straight after dealing with cases for most of the day...

My family is from all over the lower 48 and enjoying not nearly as cold a winter as we have not to mention far less snow, even though we haven't begun to see the amount of snow that will hit. What is considered a snow storm down south we had hit up here a few weeks ago and it was considered flurries! But hard enough wind and snow to knock out power all over town and phone lines. Computers go black and phones go dead. Not a bad thing for a day in my line of work. :)

Nome is a place that most only know about from the movie "Balto." I remember watching shows where they would mention Nome and it was just a foreign place that I didn't give much thought to. Now, it's a different story. Living here is like living in a different world. Not even spending much time explaining the culture and how to live here, the envioronment it'self is one of a kind. Depending on what you find beautiful, Nome could be considered beautiful, or it could be considered ugly and to most uninhabitable. I love where we live. The people, the winter, the summer, the ocean, and the tundra. All of what Nome has to offer, my family loves. No, we don't have all the conveniences of Wal Mart and fast food restaraunts, but we don't need those. Living where we do makes you realize what is a need and what is a want. The reality is: we think we need most of what we are accustomed to having. This is in no way true. In fact, we don't need half the stuff that fills our lives. We don't need fast food ( and our bodies would thank us for not having it), we don't need Wal Mart (while convenient it takes money that would be better spent somewhere else), we don't need traffic and fast pased life, we don't need to drive for miles and miles using up fuel that is rising in price (in Nome it's over 5$ a gallon). The things we think we need, I believe we would be shocked to find that is not a necessity for survival if it came down to it.

Boy would people be shocked if a time came where the things that make life easier were not available anymore. I think about the Jews prior to and after the Haulocost who lived very differently. They had to learn to live on much less. The clothing, food, and furniture that held value, was no longer a need. A warm coat and some bread and beans meant more than the fasion and expensive foods.

Let's face it, we have created the beast of "keeping up with the Jones's" mentality that palgues us all. I enjoy the releif from all the stress of the outside world. When I have to make a trip to Anchorage or the lower 48 it isn't long before I am tired of the convienence of things. I long to come home to Nome. I long to be where things are slower and I don't have the ability to walk out the door and drive a little bit to fill my body with food that I shouldn't eat to begin with. Call it a matter of will power, or just what it is: The ability to have at the touch of a finger or the press of a pedal enables to get what you want.

So from Nome to you, hey: slow down and get away from Wal Mart, the movie theaters, the fast food restaraunts, the stylish clothing, and video games. Stay in stay warm, and enjoy a board game or music with the family! Turn off the cell phone and TV. Do something that is out of the norm and create a new "norm."

Blessings,

Mike III AKA: Big Daddy

Letter to my Angels

There have been times where in journaling I have sat down and wrote letters for my girls to read when they get older and are given the massive amounts of my thoughts penned over the years. So I figure one day if I take advantage of the offer I see from time to time on here about putting the blog in a book they will have that too.

Dear Gabby and Gracie,

Daddy is on brake at work and decided now is as good a time as any to write you a letter. Now neither of you can read yet so this is for the future, for one day when you are much older and will at that time be able to appreciate the things that Daddy has written.

Both of you are my angels and mommy is my queen. You both are more than I could ask or dream of. Jesus blessed me far beyond my thoughts and dreams when He gave me the two of you. To be a daddy can be a scary thing. Daddy's mess up, and learn along the way. What I want to teach you is more than a lifetime with you would allow. My hope is that I honor Jesus, mommy, and the both of you as your daddy. I want you to know what being loved is and seeing how much mommy and daddy love you and love each other. I want you to have a Godly example of what a husband should be, so when the time comes when you find "the one" God has for you, you will be able to judge by who your daddy was and is.

The both of you are growing up so very fast. Every moment is a moment I charish with you. I love watching your run through the waves on the beach, building sandcastles together, and playing the snow in your parka's that wouldn't fit daddy's hand. I look through the thousands of pictures, smiling knowing many thousands more will follow as you grow. Gabby, mommy won an on line photo contest with a photo of your newborn feet in Dady's big hands when you were just a few weeks old. One day I will find that book that photo is published in and you will have it.

Gracie you are my rough and tough "ice box" linebacker. You have grown to be a daddy's girl and I love you so very much. We spend hours together while daddy puts you to sleep in the confines of my office. You make me laugh when your tummy growls and you look down wondering what that was and back up at daddy and laugh. You are my kindred spirit with stubborness and agression. But I know you will grow loving Jesus...

Gabby, my princess, so petite and loving. From birth you had a bond with daddy. I could pick you up at any point with you in tears and you would stop crying and go into a peaceful sleep. Daddy was scared when you were born not because of you but because of the enormous responsibility I now had and the fear that I wouldn't be a good daddy. You have a love for singing and art. It is evident that you love Jesus and people just like your mommy...

My girls, I love you soo very much. I would give my life in a blink of an eye for you, I would fight for you, and I live for you. I pray over you as you sleep, I cuddle with you like there will not be the next moment to have.

Daddy loves you both with all of who I am!

Always and Forever

Your Daddy

Chalk on the portch

Chalk art by: Adrienne and my girls

Chalk on the Portch

One day I came home for a quick stop in what would turn into another long (very long) day added to the stretch of long days, during a full time Youth Pastorate. When I walked up the first flight of stairs and turned to the main portch before heading up the second flight, something caught my eye. Chalk art!

I was covered in sweat from mowing and weadeating the cemetary on our church property, and just wanted to shower before doing visits and working in the Youth Center. I was tired, overworked, and very much overwhelmed with life. Trying to make ends meet while dealing with people in leadership who were always at my throat was almost to much to bare. But when i saw this wonderful chalk art it made me stop and smile. I could see that my wife and girls were outside playing and having a good time while Daddy was away. Their footprints and the art that was around their names made me realize that they were growing so fast.

I stood there for more than a moment and just looked at their tiny feet. I took in all the detail that was etched into the wood on the portch. I immagined their laughter as momy drew around the outline of their feet to fill in the middle, or rubbing the bottom of their feet with the chalk to make the initial impression of the bottom of their feet, and tickle making them giggle. With sweat pooring down my face and dripping around the drawing I was in a trance. I am sure to anyone that could have been around I would have looked crazy standing there with my head down like a statue, smiling from ear to ear.

Sometimes we need to take more than a moment to tickle the feet and draw with chalk. Time to laugh, and sing. So I went up the second flight of stairs with the humidity draining my energy. I walked in the door to a gust of cool air took off my shoes covered with strands of grass and then my socks so I wouldn't spread the mess knowing my wife had been cleaning. I opened the second door to find my youngest daughter sitting in her diaper and a tank top on the counter smiling and yelling "Da..." I walked over and kissed her, careful not to get grass on her. I looked over and mommy's back was to me making lunch for the girls. Gabby was on the floor in the living room watching a show on the TV and didn't hear or see me. I walked up to mommy as she turned around and smiled at me. I grabbed her and pressed my sweat covered shirt and the smell of fresh cut grass against her. Her efforts to push me away was in vain as she laughed and told me to go and shower.

I cherrish those memories. Even during a hard time in our life and stress filled work, there were a few things that stood out as blessings. My family is a total blessing. Now my girls are a year older than they were then and both their birthdays are coming quickly. They are growing up so fast...

I want every moment to count.

Soo, this is Big Dady saying: Take time to draw on the portch with Chalk!

Blessings,

Mike III, AKA Big Daddy

mommy and the girls (same day as the chalk art on the portch)

Daddy Hold Me

"Daddy Hold Me" are the words that I hear quite often from my two going on three year old frequently...

Other than "Daddy I love you" there are few things that can stir such feelings of pride and love in a Daddy's heart. I wonder if we take the time to realize that our Heavenly Father is the same way. If He truly loves us far more than we can fathom, then why would He feel any differently about us?

Just a thought for today!

Blessings,

Mike III AKA Big Daddy

Presidential Screwup

This just in hot off the morning internet news! Obama to meet with Mulsim head for relations...

No matter your beliefs or understanding of politics, this is total stupidity. Knowing that a good percentage of Americans are now Muslim I still have no problem saying, "Dear Mr. President, You are a complete moron." Why would this guy want to build relationsh with Muslims? Let me see, muslims view America as the "Great Satan." They see Christians and the killing of Christians as a way into heaven, their ultimate paradise. It was Muslim extremists behind the terrorist attaks of 911, and they have been behind more American soldier deaths. They freely admit this... I know there is some confusion to the question weather Obama is Muslim. Let me see, well what I know of Muslim is once a Muslim always a Muslim. I know this can be wrong given the heart. I know of some preachers who were raised Muslim but now believe in Christ and preach his love.

Do I think this is what OBAMA is doing... Heck no... Come on Mr. President... Why not open the door completly and say, "Hey come on in. Take our land, our jobs, and set up fractions of operations designed to bring America down in a pool of blood."

Blessings,

Mike III AKA Big Daddy

Let it Snow Let it Snow Let it Snow

I had to come in this morning for a few hours to make up some time that I was sick so that I do not have to use my leave time... So I figured while I wait for a client to get back to me I will write about what is rolling around in my mind. What would that be? As the title says "SNOW."

When I got out of court yesterday for work I looked out the window and my attention was drawn to snow falling. Immediately a smile broke across my face and the song came to my mind "Let it snow." Now, I am one of very very few who actually enjoy the snow here in Nome as it stays longer than the summer months. And, I have been told that by the end of the winter I will be so sick of snow that I will be like everyone else! This remains to be seen... (I don't believe that I will be)

You see, to me snow is something beautiful. I don't really enjoy walking on packed snow as the sound and feel under my feet make my teeth grind together. But I do love everything else about it. Snow reminds me of Christmas. Christmas is my favorite holliday for all sorts of reasons and one of which is NOT getting gifts.

Christmas is a time of the year when most everyone has more patience and tolerance than normal. People are more willing to do things for others and act without selfishness. Colored lights go up, songs that remind us of the spirit of the Holliday are playing everywhere, and snow...

Jesus is the reason for the season right?! Well, that is Christmas, and in my house when we get things set up, we keep our tree up year round. Not because we are to lazy to take it down but because it's a reminder of the attitude we should have not only once a year but the whole year round. Giving of ourselves, more tolerance and patience, and LOVE.

Jesus didn't have snow on the day of his birth. Likely he was not born in December, but snow has come in my mind to represent Christas as much as the brightly lit trees, and gift giving.

So it's early, but Merry Christmas! :)

Blessings,

Mike III AKA Big Daddy

To Posess

They say possession is nine tenths of the law, I have no clue what that actually means.. But I have been thinking about the things we possess lately. What do you possess? Do the things you possess really possess you? We put so much infacis on the things we acquire. Even to the point that they end up possessing us. Man, the importance of "things."

Last nigtht as I put Gracie to sleep I watched "Inkheart". There is a scene in this movie where Brenden's aunt is in the library and the "bad guys" come in to take away her and his child to get him to read bringing the words in the books to life in physical form. They begin to rip apart her books. The aunt goes crazy at the loss of what she holds the most value in. They are her possession's, but it is clear that her possession's truly possess her.

Sure thing should have some importance. But given the uncertainty of life I think it's a bit odd to allow our possession's to possess us. Things come and go. "It is what it is!" But thinking about possessing and asking what possess you, brings me to this:

If you are a believer does God possess you more than you possess Him? We have had a week of powerful services here in Nome AK, for CAMP meeting. Bondages have been broken and people got saved. "Praise God." But last night I couldn't help but thinking about what we possess. The things we hold on to can keep us from our further possession of God. These things can get in the way of spending time with him and in fellowship with other believers that is so important.

Does you possess God as much as you possess the other things in your life? Better yet and more importantly, are you allowing God to possess you?

Blessings,

Mike III AKA Big Daddy

Definition of Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-13
 "Love is patient, love is kind. it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.For now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

     Love is something that many take for granted. Also, many do not understand or able to put into practice correctly. We learn to love from watching others. The environment we grow up in often is the teacher for how we practice. Some grew up in homes where their parents were the perfect example of love (if there is one). Others grew up in homes where love was not shown in many ways but talked about. It's hard to put into practice what we are told, but much easier to do when it is showed.

    We are all products of the environment that we were raised in. There is a specific family who will go unamed, who recently approached my wife and asked her not to let our daughter hug their five year old girl, or tell her she loves her. This parent said they do not show affection to their kids nor to eachother in front of their children. They have a six month old baby boy and I have never seen them give him kisses or hug him as most would be doing. I never realized it until my wife told me of the converstation. This parent said that their kids will only get those things from their spouce.

    Now, I am not one to judge but since finding this out I see why it is hard for these kids to make friends and even communicate with other kids on a level that draws young people to them. They do not play normal and showing affection is foreign to them as they get none shown to them in the home.

    I am however a firm believer that whle your environment can teach you how not to implement correct love and show it in a way that will make anyone feel appreciated, one can change when they see they have not been taught right. I am, for a better word, a tradition braker. While my parents were loving toward us they rarely showed affection to each other which is something children need to see to learn. My pops was not huggy and I only remember him telling me "I love you," twice growing up (until I got into College). My momma did a good job of hugging us and telling us she loved us. So I had half of the example. But after I got married I saw first hand that while I hated not seeing it and vowed I woudl be different, I became for years what I dispised. Sometimes I showed little affection without knowing it. It was not second nature to me.

    Now of course it's a different story. I can't wait to love on my wife and kids. I did good all along about showing love to my two beautiful girls but left my wife "out in the cold" often times without realizing it. It took me almost seven years to realize what I was doing. When I did, I was ashamed and hearbroken. I now don't need to make an effort to show her love and effection. It just happens. It has become second nature.

    Love is a very powerful gift. The love we are suppose to show and do show are often two completely different things. I think it's time we, as they say, "be the change we want to see."


Blessings,

Mike III AKA Big Daddy

wind blown

Ever stand in a wind and fall back knowing without a doubt that it will hold you up? Somthing like the scene in Brother bear where Koda and Keni are stading at the top of a hill and are blown up until the wind stops and they fall...

As usualy i got up this am and got ready for work with my eyes half closed. I was blessed to roll over at the sound of my alarm and see that neither of my girls were in our bed and then realized that neither myself or my wife had to get up during the night to calm them or get them back to sleep.

I got my clothes with the light of my cell to keep the burning sensation from hitting my eyes when turning on the light. Got dressed deoderized, teeth brushed, and kissed the wife as I headed out the door.

I opened the door expecting snow on the grownd and was let down when there was no fluffly white stuff laying out. Then the wind hit me in the face sending cold chills down my spine. Talk about waking up immediately. It was like having someone come in and throw a ice cold glass of water over you as you sleep warm in the bed. I put on my Chicago Bears stocking hat and got in the "on-call" car. Driving to work the wind was blowing hard enough to rock the massive hunk of metal I was driving. I got out to hear the ocean in a fit of crashing waves thrown by the wind. I had thoughts of allowing myself to fall back and let the wind hold me up, but knowing I could crash to the cold grownd and still not fully awake I covered up hard and ran into the building...

If it were warmer I would have enjoyed the wind blowing. Life is like that sometimes. The wind blows hard and some wind is nicer than others. Those nice hard windy days in life make you want to slow down and just let it slap you in the face and blow your hair around (if you have hair!). But, what of the days with a hard bad wind? The wind of missing family who have been gone or are a good distance away? Those winds we want to allow to blow away quickly...

So today my hope is that you have the good wind that makes you pause!

Blessings,

Mike III AKA Big Daddy

Loose your mind

"When you lose your mind, you will come to your senses."

(Dan Millman, Way of The Peacefull Warriror)

Our minds are controling and can keep us from the goals, dreams, and successes we have planned in the future. Thoughts creep in at times without warning that send us down a thought path that we can't always control. Before long the precious moments we have are gone never to be regained. The mind is powerful and yet fragile. It is far to easey to get caught up in our thoughts. Deep thinking isn't a bad thing when it causes us to evaluate who are and re-evaluate who we were, opening the door for change.

To many times we see the world from the viewpoint of our own personal cravings. I have been told what comes out of the mouth is a miror to what's in the heart. Our minds on the other hand are linked to both the heart and the random nothingness that can distract us from the importance of the moment and the future.

Think about it! How often do you have negative thoughts that get in the way of your time? If you could take some time to write down every thought that was counter productive and negative in general, I would be willing to bet you would fill a journal within a week. Thoughts of the mind are hard to control. These thoughts can lead to many emotions. For example: The thought of a loved one and the recent passing lead to the emotions of pain and remourse. The thought of someone who disrespected you or a fight with your spouse lead to the emotions of anger and being ashamed. Our thoughts are a powerful link to our emotions. Our emotions can take us away and before we know it time has shifted and nothing is accomplished.

In my job it is important for me to make the best use of my time. Prioritizing is important. The moments add up. Wasting time is frustrating when things don't get done. When I have to wait for programs and files to load and the internet to move quicker than it does in real time, I get frustrated quickly because those minutes and moments are gone forever. I can't get those back!

The same is true for our thoughts. In many ways I consider those random thoughts that are at times hard to control as trah in my mind. They serve not purpose other than to distract us. I am someone who see everything and hears almost everything. I get distracted easily. This is shy I tell my youth that their cell phones have to be on silent or off while we are in service. This is also why I close my door through the day.

When I give real effort into clearing the trash out of my mind and focussing on the tasks at hand, I am amazed at how much I get accomplished.

Time to clear the trash!

Blessings,

Mike III AKA Big Daddy

Finishing

I have been thinking a lot lately about "finishing."

When I was in high shool I played on our school's football team that was said to have a very bad year because of our lack of size and ability. We went into the season with a chip on our shoulder. Prior to any games our own sports writer was saying he saw a dismasal season approaching for the Bulldogs.

Something that defines a great team is the their ability to finish. A team can play a great game and overpower their apponent but not finish and end up losing the game. Something that we did well as the "underdog's" in high school was finishing. Going in with a chip on our shoulder to "prove everyone wrong" and be able to use what we knew we had. We were fast, angry, strong, and far better than the credit we were given. The fact that we finished well set the tone for a history of winning and further undefeated seasons with many appearances in the state playoffs not to metion a span of ten straight years as being District and Conference Champions.

In College I was part of a team for the first three years who would dominate most every game but did not finish. It takes the hole team to finish the game and have a "W." The same is with the NFL. My favorite team tends to start slow and finish well (exept in two losses this season).

The same is true in life. I have wanted to leave things unfinished. I have wanted to walk off the job that has been a great blessing in my life because of two bad days. I finish most everything I start. I am someone who was raised to not quit anything. In fact, the only time I have quit anything in my life I regret because I was young and immature and allowed my anger to control me.

The ability to finish gives us the ability for the most success. Finishing is the a powerful tool if used correctly. Being ruled by our thoughts and emotions only sets us back and allows us to justify quitting and not finishing. I have to make a real effort to tell myself to finish when things get hard. What is the over all goal? What do I need to do to meet my responsibilities? How do I provide for my wife and kids, what example am I setting?

I want my children and the youth I serve in work and in ministry to see a man who finishes no matter how hard things get.

Are you finishing?


Blessings,
Mike III AKA Big Daddy

Travel Good and Bad

Travel is sometimes both good and bad. I have to travel at least once a month for work... Today I fly out for a day trip to Elim. It won't be long and a day trip can turn into a two day trip if the weather is bad.

There are definate goods and bads. What I consider good is this: I get to see the beauty of Alaska by air and the beauty of another village. I get to help out some kids and meet new people from another place. But, they say that distance makes the heart grow fonder. And, it's this that is a two edged knife. I believe this... Because, while I am gone I miss my family very much. I miss my wife knowing I am only a walk away if she needs me and that I get to see her and the kids when I get off work.

So, this leads me to the bad... Last time the engines went off midflight. There is always the possiblity of the plane going down. This year so far in Alaska there have been reported more than eight planes going down, from large props to small planes. At least five were major news worthy events. Then there is the other edge to the saying "distance makes the heart grow fonder." That part of the edge cuts and hurts. When your marriage is doing good and where it should be with growth you want to be around tha person as much as possible. Your heart doesn't like the sepparation and pain is involved. I get this feeling when I am gone. Like the other half of me is incomplete. As dumb as it sounds, right now, I feel like at times we are dating again. What a great feeling.

Travel is both good and bad... But, it does open possiblities for blessing not to mention a brake from cell phones and the office. It's just to bad that the work piles up while I'm gone!

So, word for today: "Enjoy" 
Enjoy what life has to offer. The trips, the ups and downs, the time away from it all, the warm baths or hot showers, the hand holding, or even holding your kids when they are sick (as both of mine are now.)

Enjoy!!!

Blessings,

Mike III AKA Big Daddy

Giving up

Have you ever just wanted to give up? You just get tired of all the crap of the job and life... My life is more than pretty good outside the doors of my job that pays the bills. I have a stunningly beautiful wife and angels for children.

For the most part I enjoy my job, because I get to help kids. Even when they lash out at me (which they have the right to do with someone) I am helping them be safe and trying to re-unite them with their families. But, when people who are not really part of the case throw out their opinions and wild accusations my way, that is when I get unhappy and want to revert to the former Mike who wants to take a bite out of their life and make them misserable with the most powerful life giving and taking thing available, my tongue!

I am amazed at peoples ability to tare down others and not even batt an eye then turn around and whine and complain when it is done to them. I sit back and listen to this mess of self-causing crap and roll my eyes and want to tell them to grow up "you reap what you sow, if you sow discord and harm, that is what you will reap."

So, here's the lesson for today.... Don't ruin a day or a life for the moment if you don't want your ruined. Not everyone deserves to be treated poorly. If you are one of those people, here's my advice: Check yourself... Ask yourself, "Would I want someone in my face or sending me nasty e-mails? Maybe I should verify the facts before spouting the poison that can ruin a day of someone who does not deserve it."


Blessings,

Mike III

Two Stars

TWO STARS:

Stars fill the night sky bringing light that shines...

When two hearts bind together,

that light is ignited forever.

One star never shines as bright without the others combined.

Our girls were born of two stars,

who are bound,

and only shine when together...

You have sparked the light in me.

You have given me reason to be,

the Man God wants me to be...

Let us hold on to one another tight.

Embracing all the light...

God gave me you,

my one and only,

my ALWAYS AND FOREVER!!

I love you babe (Adrienne McTear Christian)

Mike III (AKA: Big Daddy)

CLICK

Maybe this should be titled "hit the pause button" or "slow motion." Either way "Click" is good enough.

Not all that long ago Adam Sandler was in a semi popular movie called "CLICK." It didn't do all that well in the box office but the profit would have been something we poorer people would have been able to get out of debt with. Maybe it was the thought behind the movie that brought it "some" attention. The story line wasn't all that great and the overall plot and acting wasn't even something remotely inspiring. But having a majic remote control for life! That is a worth while thought.

Being able to slow things down, fast forward through certain parts or skip them alltogether, would be in some cases a blessing. Given of course the thing didn't screw up like in the movie. There was this one scene where Adam hit the "pause" button. Slapped his boss in the face, jumped up on the desk and ripped a juicy nast fart right in his nose. Then he hit "play." I found this wildly funny. How many of us would have liked to do that very thing?

What about pausing in life? What about hitting that mental pause button where everything else in life that really and truely doesn't have meaning and enjoying everthing that does?! Seems my blogs of late are a lot on life and slowing down. But the older my kid get and every year there is an aniversary of my marriage that comes and goes, I realize the importance of hitting that mental "pause" button on life. All the e-mails that should be in our "junk folder", all the serfing of the web, the countless hours that add up from texting and talking on the phone, not to mention the waste of time by sitting in front of the TV and shoveling the crazy amounts of unhealthy food into our yap's...

Why not do something without those distractions? Leave the cell phone off, let the screene on the TV stay black, shut down the computer and disable the internet, un plug the phone, toss the keys to the car and office in it's place and do something a little more worth while. Like, spend time with your kids (or family if you have no kids of your own). Play a board game (which I will admit I do not enjoy all that much), build a house of cards and for the very purpose of bringing joy to the kids as they destroy it. Build them a massive tent or cardboard box mansion. When we lived in Skagway, we had a one bedroom overpriced apartment with no extra money for cable or satelite. So TV was on much less. Before I worked my four jobs that I quickly acquired after my wife got pregnant with our second child, I found ways to do crazy things with Gabby, while mommy was away at work. Sure, we took semi long walks, until of course she was to tired and daddy had to carrry her for the countless blocks back to the house or around town. But every now and again on a Sunday or just for fun I would do Gabby's hair (what little she had). Gabby didn't have much hair at all for the first two years of her life, so we did very little with it. But daddy being the creative geneius he is, would do her hair up for all the world to see. She wasn't embarrassed. She loved it. One Sunday morning I took her into the bathroom while mommy got ready for church. I sat her up on the counter and grabbyed my mouse. Squeezing more than i needed into my hand to be sure the little bit of hair I had to work with on her head would be rock hard, I skulped a masterpiece pointed mowhawk. Spikes pointed razor sharp in the middle of her head some much higher than others made me smile, and when I turned her around to look in the mirror her little giggles rang through our apartment causing mommy to come running. Luckily my wife was not mad but laughed and rolled her eyes.

See, I hit the pause button on the rest of life to have a little bit of fun that created a memory to write her and bring a smile to my face as I clicked away at the keys. Aren't we suppose to enjoy life for what it's worth?

Do yourself a favor, HIT THE PAUSE BUTTON ON LIFE. Everything will be there when you push play again.


Blessings,

Mike III