Travis Crow

Fun Times

2006-09-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of Braden and Cara-Lee that I took summer of '05 when were on vacation at Lake Texoma. This was a fun trip for our family. We really did not do that much - hung out at the pool mostly, cooked most of our meals in the condo, and watched movies late at night. It was probably the most relaxing vacation we have ever had.

A few days ago Cara-Lee asked if we could go back there sometime. Braden agreed with that request. I am amazed at what sticks with my kids about vacations and fun times. We really didn't "do" anything while at Texoma. I like to think that the simple things are what stays with them. Maybe it was just having time to hang out with each other that was so appealing. Maybe it was being in the pool all day for a week. Who knows. It sounds good now, though.

Be good.

9/11 Tribute

2006-09-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

As many other bloggers have done, I have signed up with 2,996 to honor the victims of 9/11. Please check out this website to read about some truly amazing people.

I am honoring Syed Abdul Fatha. The following are two articles I found about him. Join me in honoring this man.

A Gentle Man Who Loved Children and the Elderly
November 28, 2001

They were bound by their religion, both devout Muslims faithfully attending the mosque near their Newark, N.J., home.
So it was a cruel irony when Nauzatool Umarally had to fear searching for Syed Abdul Fatha in the aftermath of Sept. 11's terrorist attacks.
"We were scared to go outside," said Umarally, 43. "We had to be accompanied by males. It's not the right thing ... because that's not Islam. Islam doesn't teach you to do that, to kill others."
Fatha, 54, who worked as a copy machine operator at Pitney Bowes on the 101st floor of Tower Two, is among the missing.
Though married under Islamic law, Fatha and Umarally were not legally married because he was separated and waiting to become officially divorced from his wife.
The couple lived together for three years with Umarally's two sons from her former husband, who died in 1988.
Fatha had six children from a wife in India whom he had divorced. He remained close with his children, ages 12 to 18, sending them money every month and frequently calling them on the phone.
In 1995, Fatha moved to the United States, marrying an American citizen from whom he later separated. He intended to divorce her when he became a naturalized citizen on Sept. 20, Umarally said.
Umarally and Fatha's friendship and subsequent romance began in an unlikely place: Penn Station. Five years ago they crossed paths. She noticed him, thinking he was from Guyana, her native country. He noticed her, asking her if she was from India.
Yes and no, she said, explaining that she grew up in Guyana but her parents are of Indian descent.
Both were Muslims, a connection that brought them together. Initially, he wanted to get married, and she resisted.
"I wasn't thinking about getting married again," she said. "But we got real close and I got to love him very much. Now, after 10 years I had found a man that I wanted."
He was a gentle man, who loved children and elderly people and treated Umarally's sons like his own, she said.
He was also a pious Muslim, frequently talking about Islam and religion.
"He educated me," Umarally said. "He taught me things I did not know. He taught me something new every day.
"I had a wonderful life with him. Very wonderful. I can never forget that."
-- Sumathi Reddy (Newsday)

Devout Muslim Found Office Convenient to Nearby Mosque
Nov. 6, 2001

Syed Abdul Fatha was a devout Muslim who observed the customary practice of praying five times each day. It was one reason he liked working at the World Trade Center.
Two blocks away was a mosque where he would go each day at lunch time.
"He was very devoted to his religion," said Nauzatool Umarally, whose husband of five years was a gentle, bearded man who was born and raised in Bangalore, India.
"Many times I asked him to leave and work over here, rather than in the city. He just didn't want that. There was a mosque on Warren Street, two blocks from the World Trade Center. Every day, he would go there. He would bring his lunch, and pray."
Fatha, 54, who lived in Newark, worked for Pitney Bowes on the 101st floor of the south tower. He was a Xerox operator in customer service. He had worked for the company for two and a half years. He also was active in the National Islamic Organization.
One of 10 siblings, Fatha was the father of six children, ages 11 to 17, all of whom live in India. He emigrated to the U.S. in 1995.
"He was very kind to old people, and he loved kids very much," Umarally said.
On Sept. 11, Fatha left the house at 7 a.m. Umarally was at her office in Newark when she heard the hijacked plane had struck the north tower. She called Fatha at work, but no one answered.
"I never got to hear his voice again."
Since then, Umarally, who is from Guyana, has felt the sting of American anger along with her grief.
"Me and my husband are both practicing Muslims. I wear the hijab. I'm being targeted a lot. I'm afraid, but I'm not going to drop my faith. People look at you and make remarks. They don't have any idea what I'm going through. We are victims. We are suffering, too."
--Kathleen Kernicky (The Sun-Sentinel)

Always remember.

God's Man

2006-08-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

This is taken from Every Day for Every Man by Stephen Arterburn, et al. It is great stuff.

Your next step as God's man is to understand the person of the Holy Spirit and get to know Him intimately. Then you can willingly partner with Him to reach new spiritual heights. Listen to what the Holy Spirit is ready to do in our lives right now:

change our hearts (Ezekiel 36:26)

move us into greater obedience of God's Word (Ezekiel 36:27)

remind us about what God has asked us to do (John 14:26)

guide us into the truth and teach us (John 16:13)

give us power to share our faith (Acts 1:8)

turn us away from evil deeds (Romans 8:13)

remind us that we are God's children (Romans 8:16)

help us in our distress and pray for us (Romans 8:26)

give us spiritual gifts to use for God (I Corinthians 12:11)

lead us to victory over the cravings of our sinful nature (Galatians 5:16)

Father, I want to know You more intimately. Send Your Holy Spirit to speak directly to me. Use me.

Back Seat Fun

2006-06-01T04:51:00.000-07:00

We took a road trip to North Carolina back during Spring Break. How things have changed since my parents took my family on similar trips. The entertainment factor alone is enough to make such a trip tolerable for a kid. Look at this pic. Braden and Cara-Lee watching a DVD. I think they watched "School of Rock" about 4 times. Some things you don't see in this pic are the MP3 players and Game Boy's that both kids used along the way. What comforts these kids have - their seats will also slightly recline. I remember fighting with my brother over who got to lie in the back of the car up above the back seat, and who could lie in the back floor board. Obviously that was before seat belt laws or common sense. My kids get to fight over who gets to SIT on the right, left, or middle. I guess they don't have it so good after all!

By the way, what do you think Braden is thinking here?

Prayers Needed!

2006-05-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted. Things have been so busy for me and our family for the last several weeks. I barely have time to read personal email. I have found a good number of good people through blogging. If you are reading this please take the time to utter a brief prayer for some things that are heavy on my heart right now. Here goes...

Thanksgiving for God's provision since Holly's layoff.

Wisdom and discernment for Holly in her job search.

That I will continue to be supportive to Holly in this process.

Wisdom for me as I lead our family.

That our house will sell.

For my brother's new baby.

For some good friends whose marriage is under attack. (This one is especially heavy on my heart)

Thanks to everyone who reads this. There is power in prayer.

Be good.

Happy 10th, Braden!

2006-04-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

Braden turned 10 today. Impossible. It is hard to believe that we have been blessed by his sweet life for ten years already. I believe that he had a great day. We have a tradition in my family that we celebrate by going to lunch or dinner together. Today we had a picnic after church with the family - Holly, the kids and me, along with my parents and brothers and my sister-in-law. Braden commented later that it was nice to be able to go to the park and not have to feel rushed in a restaurant, and that it was nice to be able to talk to everyone and be able to hear. He has such a sweet spirit.

We usually talk throughout the day about the birthday person and what a blessing he or she is, and especially include them in prayers at meal times and bedtime. Tonight after dinner Braden didn't feel like eating a piece of birthday cake, and just wanted to go and take his shower and get ready for bed. He came back into the kitchen after his shower. I could tell something was up. I asked him what was wrong and with a shaky voice he said something like, "well, I'm just getting older, and pretty soon I will be going to college and getting a job and paying taxes." I assured him that he would learn all about those things over the course of the next few years, and that he would continue to learn throughout his life. He asked if he would learn everything he needed to know in college. I said "no," and that I was still learning stuff and that when I needed help with something that sometimes I call Grampie (my dad) to help. I further assured him that he could call on mommy and me when he was older if he ever needed help. I sure hope he does.

So, here's to me son. He is my delight.

Report From Boot Camp #2

2006-02-12T20:29:00.000-08:00

Christianity is more than forgiveness. It is strength and masculinity - given by God. Genesis 1:1 introduces a strong god who created the heavens and the earth. Exodus 15:3 tells us that “The LORD is a warrior.” Yet which man reminds you more of men in church: William Wallace, as portrayed in Braveheart, or Mister Rogers? Most of us go through our church experience as Mister Rogers, when there is a William Wallace within us. The world has emasculated most men, but our core desires do not go away. They simply go underground and manifest themselves in some unhealthy way. And men become "posers". They pose as someone else in situations in which they feel threatened. Or they hide behind their title. And this is most of the time. Go to a dinner party and you will know what I mean. “Oh, I am a (fill in the blank) and am responsible for…blah blah blah.” Why can we not find our identity in Christ?

Why don’t we get what Jesus came to do? He came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). He came to preach Good News to the poor…to proclaim the captives will be released…that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors (Luke 4:18-19). We have lost our heart. It is the mission of Christ to restore and release us. The heart is not emotions and feelings, but the wellspring of life within us. The place that holds desire, belief, worship, faith, hope, love – the man inside – the core of the soul.

We have been wounded in our hearts. I thought that it was interesting that Eldredge said that he had never met a man that had not been wounded. Some wounds are obvious, others are not. Boys need to know that they have what it takes to be a man. Eldredge related a story about one of his sons in which he and his boys were wrestling. He casually told one of the boys that he was a wild man out there. Later in the day this son asked him if he really thought he was a wild man. It stuck with him. His dad had told him that he had what it takes to be a man. All boys need this validation from their dads. The father gives his son delight. “I love being with you.” “You have what it takes.” “You are the apple of my eye.” Notice that God did this to his son in Mark 1:11 just after Jesus’ baptism: “You are my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with you.” We have to entrust them with things, invite them into the fellowship of men, spend time with them, and teach them how to fight. As fathers we must pursue the hearts of our children, giving them freedom and life. Little girls dance between their daddies and the television, essentially asking, “Do you see me, Daddy?” We need to see them and validate them, because if we do not, there is a man (or men) out there who will. Physical affection is crucial for both boys and girls. They need to know that we believe their hearts matter. It’s one thing to be told that you have what it takes. It’s another to experience it. We will inevitably wound our children. The severity depends on us, and we must seek their forgiveness. Admit your failures - don’t try to defend yourself or explain things. Do this for their heart.

So, how does God view me? Psalm 139 says that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Romans 6 says I have died to sin. Colossians 2 tells me that I am alive. Ephesians 4 calls me a new man. Hebrews 10 says I have been made perfect forever. Romans 15 says I am loved and accepted. He is saying that I have what it takes.

Pretty cool.

Report From Boot Camp

2006-02-05T03:39:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a while since my last post on Boot Camp. I must apologize. Things have been crazy busy for me since I returned from Colorado. So here goes…

Let me simply say that Boot Camp was an absolutely incredible experience. Most of the men there had been at least once before. I would encourage every man to attend if he can possibly swing it. Wherever you are in your relationship with God, there is more. (Ladies, there is similar program for you. Check out the Ransomed Heart website and click on “Women’s Events”) It isn’t terribly expensive; even so, do not let cost be a factor. Enter the lottery and trust God to make a way. Eldredge would probably tell you to fight for it. You’ll understand more about that later.

As I said in my previous post, participants were asked to prepare themselves prior to Boot Camp. I re-read Wild At Heart, spent time praying and really thinking through the prayers that were provided, and began asking myself what I expected out of Boot Camp. A warning came with the registration materials: to be prepared for battle during the days and weeks leading up to Boot Camp – the Enemy doesn’t like things like this, and the battle would likely intensify during this time. It did. Holly and I argued over nothing; Braden started having anxiety attacks about sleeping alone; I got a speeding ticket; I felt like I was under attack at work – something that is completely absurd; I had three clients cancel counseling appointments and not reschedule; finally, I got caught in a blinding snow storm the night I was driving from Denver to Winter Park, and I honestly thought I would end up like the James Caan character in Misery. These are just a few examples.

Eldredge started out the first session on Thursday night by telling us that he knew it was hard for us to get there. He said that he knew many of us had outside pressures that really tried to keep us away. One thing that he said that keeps coming to my mind time and time again is that Satan attacks because he knows the potential that we have for the Kingdom, and it scares him. Wow. I, Travis Crow, scare the Father of Lies? What is it that I possess that he fears? My testimony? My possible influence on others?

If you have read Eldredge, you know that he uses a lot of analogies from films. At Boot Camp we get to watch clips at various times, and they are great. The battle that we are in is not unlike the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan. We are going into battle, knowing the enemy is out there, waiting for us. We know that some will be “taken out” (an Eldredgeism), and pray that it isn’t us. When I think about what my enemy fears in me, the thought of this battle goes from frightening to exhilarating.

I will post more soon. PROMISE.

Be good.

Boot Camp

2006-01-19T08:42:00.000-08:00

I leave today for Winter Park, Colorado to take part in the Wild at Heart Boot Camp. I have wanted to go on the Boot Camp ever since I read Wild at Heart. This was my Christmas gift from Holly and the kids; although I had to register months ago. This is put on by Ransomed Heart Ministries, founded by John Eldredge. Most of you have heard of Eldredge, many have read his books. I am looking forward to this experience.

The following is taken from their website:

Life is a Story. This is true for every soul.

It is a love story, we assure you. But it is set in the midst of a life and death battle. That is why it seems so hard.

The story of your life is the story of the journey of your heart through a dangerous and beautiful world. It is the story of the long and sustained assault on your heart by the Enemy who knows who you could be and fears you. But it is also the story of the long and mysterious pursuit of your heart by the God who knows you truly and loves you deeply.

As we live through the pages of this story, many questions arise. Who am I…really? Where will I find life…really? And, What is it God wants from me? We know those questions well, for we have lived them ourselves. And we offer here something of the beautiful answers we have found. Take a moment. Browse around. It will do your heart good.

Part of the preparation has been to read (or re-read) Wild at Heart. I read this a few years ago and really loved it. Reading it again gives new meaning to me. It has really challenged me to answer the questions that are posed on the website, as well as others in the book. In addition, I was provided with a few daily prayers to read. They are really powerful, and I will hopefully post on those in the future.

I probably won't be able to post while I am gone. I will be home Monday afternoon.

Be good.

Happy Birthday, Cara-Lee!

2006-01-12T19:29:00.000-08:00

Seven years ago, this life came into our world. She has been a blessing to us everyday since then. Cara-Lee is smart, funny, talented, creative, sensitive, thoughtful, spiritual, imaginative, ingenious, charming, generous, confident, I could really go on and on. Here are a few things that I have remembered about her from the past seven years.

On Braden's first day of kindergarten, it was Cara-Lee (then 3 years old) who went right in to Mrs. Cox's class, sat down, and began to work. She was very upset when we drug her away.

She can do the head shrug move similar to Michael Jackson's in Thriller.

She makes up her own songs, and they're good.

Once she came into the den and told me that she was bored. I showed her how to run laps in the backyard, thinking that she would blow it off. She ran laps for several minutes that day. For the next several months she would just go outside at random times and run laps. Hilarious.

Anytime she finds change she wants to save it for expenses for "our China baby."

She's an incredible artist, and loves to make birthday cards and other artwork as gifts.

She loves her space. We occasionally allow her and Braden to sleep in the same bed (weekends, holidays, etc.) Some times she just doesn't want to do that, which really bothers Braden, as this is a "special" thing.

She loves cats, and when we had to have hers put down, she was so brave. Holly and I were so proud of her.

She prefers to pull her own teeth. In fact, I don't know that Holly or I have ever pulled one of hers.

She wants to grow her hair out and cut it when there is enough to donate to Locks of Love. She saw this on a TV show where a lot of women were getting their hair cut at the same time. I explained what that was all about, and she decided it was for her.

She loves ABBA. Enough said.

Her first word was "momma" spoken on Holly's birthday.

Every once in a while she's daddy's girl. Here we are at Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas.

I love her, and I'm proud to be her daddy.

Chasing My Heart

2006-01-08T22:24:00.000-08:00

I have been excited about the new year for a number of reasons. One thing that I look forward to each year is selecting a new devotional for the year. For 2006 I have chosen The Ransomed Heart, by John Eldredge. I have read much of Eldredge's work, and have never been disappointed. This devotional is actually a collection of writings from several of his books. Reading the first several days has reminded me that life is indeed a journey of my heart, and how badly Satan wants me, because he ultimately fears who I can be. Beyond that, though, it reminds me that God is always chasing after my heart, and that He knows me and loves me.

If you are looking for a devotional for the year, I encourage you to check this one out. Find your heart.

Be good.

Merry Christmas in Song

2005-12-24T07:12:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas and I love the music of the Season. Here are just some of my favorites, from traditional to contemporary. What have I missed?

O, Holy Night
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Joy to the World (Avalon)
Not that Far From Bethlehem (Point of Grace)
Angels We Have Heard on High
Welcome to Our World (Amy Grant)
We Are the Reason (Avalon)
All I Want for Christmas is You
Silent Night
He'll Be Comin' Down the Chimney Down
Mary's Song

Merry Christmas

Adoption Story

2005-12-15T08:19:00.000-08:00

I met Jamie back in high school. She attended church with a really good friend of mine, Dean. During our high school/college years I would see her at their youth/singles events from time to time. Many years have passed since I have spoken to her. When Holly and I told Dean that we were going to be adopting from China, he asked if I remembered Jamie from his church back home. He went on to tell me that she and her husband, Brian, were also adopting from China. So an email/blogging relationship started. Brian and Jamie are in China as I write this. They picked up their daughter on Sunday. Please visit Brian and Jamie's blog to read about their incredible experiences. They have posted lots of photos which are great. All of this has really inspired Holly and me, and has made us so eager for the process to continue on for us.

Keep us in your prayers.

Seven Things

2005-12-11T12:06:00.000-08:00

Bruce tagged me, so now I get to list seven things on seven things, if that makes sense. Here goes.

1. Seven things to do before I die:

Have lots of fun with my wife
Enjoy my children while they are children
Enjoy the friendship of my children when they are grown
Spoil my grandchildren
Give away a lot of money
Have a second home in the mountains
Travel the world

2. Seven things I cannot (or will not) do:

Loose my salvation
Be separated from the love of Christ
Work on cars
Cheat on my income tax
Play the bagpipes
Read The Da Vinci Code
Live in Massachusetts

3. Seven things that attract me to my spouse (or significant other/best friend, etc.):

Her faith
Her spirit
Her compassion
Her beauty
Her commitment to me
Her intellect
Her desire for me

4. Seven things I say most often:

"oh, man!"
"come on!"
"move it, lady!" or "move it, dude!"
"idiot!"
"good night!"
"what's goin' on?"
"take care, man"

5. Seven books (or series) I love:

Wild at Heart
More Jesus Less Religion
Raising Cole
The Silence of the Lambs
I Love You Forever
What's So Amazing About Grace?
The Way I Was Made

6. Seven movies I watch over and over again (or would if I had the time):

Silence of the Lambs
City Slickers
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
School of Rock
Shawshank Redemption
Gladiator
Evita

7. Seven people I want to join in, too:

Craig
Brain and Jamie
Layla
Fred
Lucy
Kelley
Cindy

Tribute to a Fallen Officer

2005-12-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

Fort Worth Police Officer Hank Nava died after a gunshot wound to the head. He was doing his job, serving a warrant. He left behond a young wife and two small children. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram paid a great tribute to Officer Nava. Please click here to view the slideshow.

Peace

Tagged!

2005-12-02T14:28:00.000-08:00

Danny Sims tagged me with the following instructions:

1. Delve into your blog archive.
2. Find your 23rd post (or closest to).
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions. Ponder it for meaning, subtext or hidden agendas…
5. Tag five people to do the same.

I only had 21 posts, so I am taking the fifth sentence from the 21st post. Here it is:

"That was a MO-tel."

Let's see, "ponder it for meaning, subtext, or hidden agendas..." Notice the emphasis on "MO" in MO-tel. It clearly indicates, and indeed communicates, that the person speaking has a feeling of superiority, and that a motel is inferior to a hotel. A motel is clearly less than acceptable from reading this sentence. The author of this sentence has high standards and is not uncomfortable making known his dissatisfaction with subpar accommodations. The person speaking here is likely to have high expectations of self and others, and will not settle for mediocrity. Taken in context, the speaker communicates with specificity and clarity. He knows there has been a mistake, and he does not mind pointing it out. All this being said, the speaker will likely be a person who knows what he wants and is not going to be afraid to ask for it. He will give very specific instructions and will depend on those under his authority to follow through.

Let's see who was the speaker? Oh, yeah, my 9 year old son, Braden.

Thanks for the fun, Danny!

Be good.

Just Me and My Boy Part II

2005-11-17T04:54:00.000-08:00

One thing I forgot to mention. Toward the end of the trip Braden asked, "Daddy, next time we take a trip together can we stay in a hotel?" I answered, "we did stay in a hotel." His reply? "That was a MO-tel. I am talking about the kind where you get to your room from an elevator and walk down a hallway, ya know? Like the Wyndham or the Hilton." What am I raising?

Just Me and My Boy

2005-11-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

Braden and I went to Austin over the weekend. The main purpose was to catch the UT-Kansas game. If you keep up with college football at all, you know that it was pretty much a shut out. We had the greatest time. 50 yard line tickets and a parking pass - sweet deal.

We left right after school on Friday and got to Austin around 7:00 and checked into our motel - the Studio 6. I am a big Priceline and Orbitz junkie, so I felt like I got a pretty good deal. The motel was fine.

We ate at Threadgill's, a home cooking restaurant where they have live music on the weekends. They tout the fact that Janis Joplin got her start there. It is quite an experience, to say the least. They actually have a wireless internet connection, so we surfed Austin area theaters to see what movies were out. We decided to catch "Zathura", which is a great family film. I highly recommend it.

Saturday we went to the University Co-op to buy UT-related stuff. I felt like a kid in a candy store. I was doing some major mouth breathing as I walked around the store, checking out the latest Longhorn paraphernalia. Before the game we hung out with some old friends that I have not seen in many years. We had a great time catching up. It was hard to believe that it has been so many years since I had seen them.

The game was great to experience with Braden. He knows most of the players by name and position, which amazes me. He was so into it. He sang "The Eyes of Texas and "Texas Fight" just like one of the students. He was so into it. After the game we hung out with my friends again and left to come home about 8:00 pm. We stopped at the Heitmiller Family Steakhouse in Elm Mott, just north of Austin. Good value and huge portions.

Time between a father and son is really special. Braden said over and over again how great it was that it was just him and me on this trip. It really made me feel good that he enjoyed our time together as much as I did. Braden is already talking about the next trip we can take together. I look forward to it, too.

Be good.

Howdy, Folks!

2005-10-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

For those of you unfamiliar with this line, it is a direct quote from Big Tex, the host of the State Fair of Texas.

The kids had a holiday today. We all spent the day at the Great State Fair of Texas. Fun fact: Did you know that the State Fair of Texas is the largest state fair in the US? Now you do. We had a great time. It was the best $75.00 dollars I have spent in a long time. Braden and Cara-Lee rode the bumper cars, and the expressions on their faces were completely priceless: shear exhileration! They really love the fun houses, too. There are several of them out there now and the kids never tire of them. I remember what that was like, never wanting the ride to end, or back tracking through the fun house because the end was near.

Braden is so much like his dad in that he loves the auto exhibits. He knows more about the new models than I do, especially the trucks. His favorite is the Honda Ridgeline. Cara-Lee just loves to climb in and out of every one she can.

Of course, the food is something else, too. We did pretty well this year, only hot dogs and the famous Fletcher corn dogs. The turkey legs always look tempting, but I know better. I have had one and it is not worth 12 tickets ($6.00). I would have to say that the best buy at the fair is the ice cold canned soft drink or bottled water available from the Daughter's of the American Revolution Museum for a $1.00 donation. Good museum, too.
Being with the kids at the fair today was a load of fun. Seeing them have fun is always a thrill ride for me. I hope to be on this ride for a long time.

Be good.

Love in the 80's

2005-09-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, I couldn't resist. This was going around a few years ago and I recently found it again. It is in keeping with the theme from my last post. I hope you enjoy this piece by Eric Perrson.

I was working part time in a five and dime. My boss was Mr. Magee. He was six foot four and full of muscles and walked like an Egyptian, but I was happy to be stuck with him. One Manic Monday, while I was busy working for the weekend, I overheard him make a careless whisper. He told two of my co-workers, Jack and Diane, that I gave love a bad name. Well, I got so emotional, baby. I told him to say say say what he wants, but don't play games with my affection. He told me it was hard for him to say he's sorry and not to worry, to be happy. Then he blamed it on the rain. He was so out of touch. It just took my breath away. I couldn't fight this feeling any longer. I asked him "What's love got to do with it?" He told me to get outta his store and his dreams and into my car. So I figured I might as well jump. I cut footloose, went home and called my girl, Jenny. (You already know the number) She was on the other line with Amanda. They were talking about Mickey and how he was so fine. That blew my mind! Was she really going out with him? I told her that I had just called to say I love her.She told me she had been saving all her love for me, but now she was looking for a new love - asta la vista, baby. I thought "I can't go for that - no can do! Bring me a higher love!" I called up some of my old west end girls, hoping that one of them would want to get physical all night long (all night). First I called Billie Jean - she told me to beat it. I called Rosanna - her sister Christian blessed the rains down in Africa and then hung up on me. Come on, Eileen! ... no answer. Nobody told me there'd be days like these! I was feeling like the owner of a lonely heart. Then, out of the blue, my best friend's girlfriend (she used to be mine) Roxanne calls. Yes, the real Roxanne. She told me she still hadn't found what she's looking for and that she wanted to take on me. I said "I thought you were Jessie's girl." She said "Don't you want me? You don't have to put on the red light - I'm on my own." What a feeling! I had the eye of the tiger. Who was I f-f-f-foolin? Roxanne drove me crazy like no one else. She's a beauty!She blinded me with science, and weird science at that. There was always something there to remind me of her and I just knew that I'd have the time of my life. I wasn't about to la-di-da-di. I jumped in my little red Corvette and rocked down to Electric Avenue. I got my mind set on her. When I got to her house (in the middle of her street) I ran. I rapped on her front door and to this rapper's delight, I heard a voice say "Who can it be now?" "Here I am, the one that you love," I replied. I let my love open the door and was immediately lost in her eyes. I felt like a virgin touched for the very first time. She loosened her blouse and said "Rock me Amadeus!" Well, I felt it was my prerogative to bust a move. I told her "I'll tumble for ya!" as I pinned her on the stairs, hungry like the wolf. Just then I felt an invisible touch on my shoulder. "Turn around bright eyes!" said a familiar voice. As I did, Jessie hit me with a sledgehammer of an uppercut that spun me right round like a record. He was hangin' tough and continued to roll with it, knocking the wind from beneath my wings - broken wings by this time. He rocked me tonight, for old time's sake, beating me from head to toe, until my true colors were black and blue and blood was spilling from my mouth like red, red wine. "You don't owe me money for nothing!" he snarled. At this point I was livin' on a prayer. I crawled back to my little red Corvette and drove home thinking about how my tainted love had cut like a knife - how it seems that every rose, truly, has its thorn. No longer do I want to know what love is. Love stinks.

Wasn't that good?

The Best Music of 1985

2005-09-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

A friend let me know about this website, musicoutfitters.com. Enter a year into the search box to pull up the top 100 songs from that year. 1985 was the year that I graduated from high school. Reading through this list brought backs lots of memories, most of them relating to the videos back when M-TV and VH-1 actually showed music videos. I have added comments where appropriate. What do YOU remember when you think of these songs?

1. Careless Whisper, Wham! (How could this possibly be #1?)
2. Like A Virgin, Madonna (This was SUCH a forbidden song in my house)
3. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Wham! (My vote for #1 - Tracy, a HS friend. A-boom-boom-boom-boom...)
4. I Want To Know What Love Is, Foreigner
5. I Feel For You, Chaka Khan (David, a HS friend)
6. Out Of Touch, Daryl Hall and John Oates
7. Everybody Wants To Rule The World, Tears For Fears
8. Money For Nothing, Dire Straits (Me playing air guitar in the intro when Tracy and Holly - now my wife - came to visit me in college)
9. Crazy For You, Madonna (Slow dancing with Holly at prom, although we were not together)
10. Take On Me, A-Ha
11. Everytime You Go Away, Paul Young
12. Easy Lover, Phil Collins and Philip Bailey
13. Can't Fight This Feeling, REO Speedwagon
14. We Built This City, Starship (The CHS Volleyball team)
15. The Power Of Love, Huey Lewis and The News
16. Don't You (Forget About Me), Simple Minds (The Breakfast Club)
17. Cherish, Kool and The Gang (Rebecca, a summer fling that all my HS friends thought was anorexic)
18. St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion), John Parr (watching St. Elmo's Fire like a thousand times)
19. The Heat Is On, Glenn Frey
20. We Are The World, U.S.A. For Africa (Michael Jackson and lots of people holding hands. Hmmm...)
21. Shout, Tears For Fears
22. Part-Time Lover, Stevie Wonder
23. Saving All My Love For You, Whitney Houston
24. Heaven, Bryan Adams
25. Everything She Wants, Wham!
26. Cool It Now, New Edition
27. Miami Vice Theme, Jan Hammer
28. Lover Boy, Billy Ocean
29. Lover Girl, Teena Marie
30. You Belong To The City, Glenn Frey
31. Oh Sheila, Ready For The World
32. Rhythm Of The Night, Debarge
33. One More Night, Phil Collins
34. Sea Of Love, Honeydrippers
35. A View To A Kill, Duran Duran (Anything by Duran Duran was great)
36. The Wild Boys, Duran Duran
37. You're The Inspiration, Chicago
38. Neutron Dance, Pointer Sisters
39. We Belong, Pat Benatar
40. Nightshift, Commodores
41. Things Can Only Get Better, Howard Jones
42. All I Need, Jack Wagner
43. Freeway Of Love, Aretha Franklin (The pink Cadillac)
44. Never Surrender, Corey Hart
45. Sussudio, Phil Collins (Thinking, "What the h@** is Su-su-ssudio?"
46. Strut, Sheena Easton (Our cheerleaders doing a routine to this telling the sponsor it said "what you want from winnin'" when it really said "...from women." She knew better, and thought they really didn't know.)
47. You Give Good Love, Whitney Houston
48. The Search Is Over, Survivor (Holly - my wife, this was really OUR song. When she told me that, I knew that I would end up with her one day.)
49. Missing You, Diana Ross
50. Separate Lives, Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin
51. Raspberry Beret, Prince and The Revolution (Brett - a HS friend)
52. Suddenly, Billy Ocean
53. The Boys Of Summer, Don Henley
54. One Night In Bangkok, Murray Head
55. If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, Sting
56. Obsession, Animotion (This is the best style of music for dancing)
57. We Don't Need Another Hero, Tina Turner
58. Material Girl, Madonna (The beginning of the Marilyn Monroe wannabe, and I loved it)
59. Better Be Good To Me, Tina Turner (Tina, bobbing her head, demanding that I be good to her)
60. Head Over Heels, Tears For Fears
61. Axel F, Harold Faltermeyer (Todd B. - friend from college who could play this on his keyboard)
62. Smooth Operator, Sade (Thinking, "Where does she get "Sharday" out of "Sade?")
63. In My House, Mary Jane Girls
64. Don't Lose My Number, Phil Collins
65. All Through The Night, Cyndi Lauper
66. Run To You, Bryan Adams
67. Glory Days, Bruce Springsteen
68. Voices Carry, 'Til Tuesday
69. Misled, Kool and The Gang
70. Would I Lie To You?, Eurythmics (Short hair, wondering if she was a lesbian.)
71. Be Near Me, ABC (See #56)
72. No More Lonely Nights, Paul McCartney
73. I Can't Hold Back, Survivor
74. Summer Of '69, Bryan Adams
75. Walking On Sunshine, Katrina and The Waves
76. Freedom, Wham!
77. Too Late For Goodbyes, Julian Lennon
78. Valotte, Julian Lennon
79. Some Like It Hot, Power Station
80. Solid, Ashford and Simpson
81. Angel, Madonna
82. I'm On Fire, Bruce Springsteen
83. Method Of Modern Love, Daryl Hall and John Oates
84. Lay Your Hands On Me, Thompson Twins
85. Who's Holding Donna Now, Debarge
86. Lonely Ol' Night, John Cougar Mellencamp
87. What About Love, Heart
88. California Girls, David Lee Roth (The KVIL version, "Dallas Fort Worth Girls.")
89. Fresh, Kool and The Gang
90. Do What You Do, Jermaine Jackson
91. Jungle Of Love, The Time
92. Born In The USA, Bruce Springsteen
93. Private Dancer, Tina Turner (Tina dancing just for me, just prior to demanding that I be good to her)
94. Who's Zoomin' Who, Aretha Franklin (What does this mean???)
95. Fortress Around Your Heart, Sting
96. Penny Lover, Lionel Richie
97. All She Wants To Do Is Dance, Don Henley
98. Dress You Up, Madonna
99. Sentimental Street, Night Ranger
100. Sugar Walls, Sheena Easton (Tracy, a HS friend, who educated me about this song)

Adoption Update 9/7/05

2005-09-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

We finally got all of the letters from doctors that we needed yesterday and Holly faxed them to the agency. We received a telephone call tonight that we had been approved, and that an email would follow detailing the next steps. The email attachment was 12 pages long, 6 of which are the Fee and Service Agreements. We will complete those tomorrow, have them notarized, and send them on to the agency. We will then begin the process of having a home study completed by a Licensed Social Worker. We will then begin the process of preparing our dossier - a comprehensive collection of documents that will go to the Chinese government for final approval for us to adopt. This part alone takes 3-5 months. Whew!

Please continue to pray for all of us during this time, and check back for more updates.

For those of you who have no idea as to what I am talking about here, please check out my post, "Following God's Call."

Every Soldier's Battle

2005-08-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

For several years, Holly and I have supported New Life Ministries. During that time we have both been richly and forever blessed by New Life. One of the areas of ministry that New Life touches many lives is through the Every Man's Battle books and seminars. For men struggling with sexual integrity, this can be life changing. New Life is beginning a campaign called Every Soldier's Battle, and is hoping to touch the lives of our soldiers everywhere. Please consider following the links that I provided and making a donation to this great cause. As you will see, a small donation will go a long way in providing valuable resources to both men and women in our armed services who are waging a daily battle for sexual integrity.

Be good

Happy Birthday, Holly!

2005-08-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

Today is my wife's birthday. Holly is an incredible woman. She is beautiful, thoughtful, kind, loving, sexy, generous, Godly, forgiving, patient, joyful, peaceful, fun, romantic, gentle, nurturing, strong, humble, happy, trustworthy, faithful and supportive. I really could go on for quite some time. She is truly a woman of Proverbs 31, and I am indeed blessed to be her husband. I have taken portions of this passage and pasted it below. This is how I feel about Holly, taken from the New Living Translation:

A Wife of Noble Character

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She will not hinder him but help him all her life...She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She watches for bargains; her lights burn late into the night. Her hands are busy...She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household because all of them have warm clothes...She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions. She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Our New Addition

2005-08-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Here he is, our new addition. That's my son, Braden with him. When Sabella had to be put down we told Cara-Lee that she could name the new kitten. Holly and I wanted to name him Simon. Cara-Lee didn't like it. Then I came up with Toonces (of Saturday Night Live fame - the driving cat). The whole family thought that was a great name. However, the girl didn't approve. How about Napoleon? No. I think she didn't like these names because we all did.

The new cat's name? Muta. This is the name of a fat cat on an obscure film called The Cat Returns, which was made by Hayao Miyazaki, the creator of Spirited Away. Its a cute film and worth a watch.

Did I REALLY Nail That to the Cross?

2005-08-10T04:46:00.000-07:00

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to the cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." Galatians 5:24-25 (NLT)

Wow. I read this this morning and I began to question myself. "Did I really nail that to the cross? Or am I back at the cross trying to pull it back off for my own use?" God, I hope not. (That is a prayer, not a vain comment)

When my sin gets nailed to the cross, it is no longer mine. Sometimes I want it for myself again. Just for a few minutes, please? But it is no longer completely mine. I share it with One who knows everything about me and loves me anyway. Not my earthy wife, but my spiritual and eternal Husband. I am His bride and it is my desire to please Him - to present myself pure and holy to Him.

Do I still wrestle with sin? Yes. I argue, quarrel, lust, get jealous, get angry, desire the praise of this world, the list could go on. What is different is that I do not wrestle alone. There He is in the ring with me. No longer is He behind the ropes looking in yelling for me, cringing every time I get pinned down, waiting for the count and my defeat. He is in the ring with me, strengthening me for the rest of the fight.

Have YOU nailed your sin to the cross but find yourself looking back for it? Remember, it is no longer yours.

Be good.

Goodbye, My Friend

2005-07-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

The Crow house has had its share of sadness today. Sabella, Cara-Lee's 9 month old Sable Burmese, was put down today. She suddenly became ill last night, having seizures. Bloodwork detected nothing. Kidneys tested normal, although they were enlarged. She just seemed to shut down.

Cara-Lee has loved cats since she was able to talk. Before Sabella, Holly and I were NOT cat people. Santa brought Sabella this past Christmas, and she was the best pet ever. If anyone is thinking about a cat, but unsure if you really want one, research the Burmese. You will become a cat lover, too. They are great.

We were honest with the kids about everything. When we realized that Sabella would have to be put down, we let them know. Cara-Lee cried and cried. We went to the animal hospital and were able to visit with her one last time. Cara-Lee and Braden were so brave saying goodbye. They loved on her so sweetly and gently. Cara-Lee and I stayed with Sabella while the vet actually put her down. Cara-Lee gently stroked Sabella for the few moments that it takes for the process to work. We all took turns holding her again, and we said a short prayer, thanking God for allowing us to take care of Sabella for the few months that she was here.

Both kids are sad. However, I am proud that they recognize that death is a part of the life cycle, and that often times it occurs in the young, sometimes it is sudden and unexplained. And that it hurts, even with a kitty.

Incidentally, we are scheduled to pick up another Burmese next Saturday - something that was already on the agenda before these events occurred. We were really looking forward to having two. We'll see.

Discipleship

2005-07-29T04:05:00.000-07:00

I am about to enter into a pretty intensive discipleship training program. It is called COREgroups, and was developed by this great guy who is an elder at church, New River Fellowship. It is centered around the 3-strand model: crowd, cell, CORE, in which people get connected and build relationships through the church (crowd), LifeGroups (cell), and with 2 or 3 others of the same gender (CORE). The idea is that no one is alone, in service, developing, growing, seeking, or struggling. I am excited about entering into this deeper level of intimacy with God and others.

There is a difference in being a disciple and being a believer. I have never really thought about it that much, but it is true. Jesus' disciples followed him closely, and were eager to share with others the hope they had in Him. Believers heard the Good News and went on their way, certainly having been changed by their experience with the Savior, but going on with their daily lives. I feel that I have done that in my life. I know what God has done for me. He has saved me through His Son, and it was life changing. People I interact with - my family, co-workers, friends, acquaintances, cashiers, clerks, everyone - should be able to see that change in me, and I want them to know about it.

I believe, now I want to become a disciple.

Adoption Update

2005-07-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

Holly and I finally have our application ready to send to the agency that we selected - Chinese Children Adoption International. This has been such a tedious process. Every medical procedure and possible concern had to be documented and clarified by our physician. It is good to know that a hernia repair and gall bladder removal will in no way impair my ability to be a parent. Interestingly enough, neither does a vasectomy or hysterectomy.

We are excited, but now an entire new set of concerns come up. What if they say "no"? It had never occurred to me that this might be a possibility, but after completing such a detailed document, it raises the question. What if we aren't what they are looking for? Holly and I continue to feel convicted that this is the path that God is leading us down. Why has this become a concern to me? I don't know, really. I do know that I need to trust that God has a good and perfect will for us where our family is concerned. For every concern for that matter. He will provide the way for this to happen. We trust Him in that.

To those of you who read this from time to time, please keep us in your prayers as we continue on in this process. We have prayed for God's direction, and we feel that He has been faithful.

We continue to make this our prayer: "...for (we) did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but (we) received the spirit of adoption by whom we cry out 'Abba, Father.'" - Romans 8:15. I just need to remind myself of this a little more often.

For additional information on what led us to adoption, please read my entry titled, "Following God's Call."

Grandparents

2005-07-13T05:34:00.000-07:00

Braden (9) and Cara-Lee (6) are spending a lot of time at my parent's house this summer. They spend the night a few times a week. My parents love having them. They don't do anything special, but these are special times for my children.

When I grew up my grandparents all lived out of town. They were two and four hours away, respectively. I would spend portions of the summer with each set of grandparents. With Dad's parents we went on vacations - to see my aunt in south Texas, mostly. We would stop along the way and read every Historical Marker on the road. We went to all kinds of historical sites - the LBJ Ranch, Birthplace, Boyhood Home, Library, Lady Bird's Bithplace, John Nance Garner's home (he was VP under FDR who said the vice presidency wasn't worth a bucket of warm spit). A one day trip to my aunt's turned into a full two or three day excursion, complete with a stay in a motel - the kind where you pull your car up right in front of the door. We'd eat at Dairy Queen in whatever little town we were in, but usually ate out of the ice chest in the back seat.

Back at their house days were filled with picking vegetables in the garden, playing in the tree house that Grandad built for the kids, and drinking Coca-Cola out of the 10 ounce bottles from the fridge in the back room that was just for drinks. I can remember my Grandad coming in from a day in the oil field and sitting in his recliner with a cold Coke. I was always there for VBS, and would ride the Joy Bus to church - (Hello, Travis! Hello, Travis! Hello, Travis! We're glad you rode our bus! Merrily we roll along....) Great memories.

At mom's parent's house, who live on about 300 acres in Oklahoma, life was a little different. Huge garden - about an acre in size. One year there were so many watermelons that we literally gave them away on the side of the road. I would help my grandmother can all kinds of food - green beans, black-eyed peas, tomatoes, etc. They had cattle, and there was some kind of plant that was poisonous to cattle, and he would pay me one cent for every one that I pulled. It was on the honor system, and I was honest about it, and made quite a bit of money over the summers. I put the money in a savings account up there, and withdrew it when I went to college. Double Cola was the drink of choice up there. They don't make it anymore, but it was good. They lived on a river and we would set out limb lines every morning, and I would check them throughout the day. We ate a lot of catfish. We froze a lot, too. I could clean and fillet a catfish when I was about 12 years old. I also learned to drive up there on the land, starting at age 9. Great memories.

I am so glad that Braden and Cara-Lee are spending time with their grandparents. They are doing nothing special, but these are special times. One day they will have great memories.

The Ten Commandments: Words of Truth

2005-06-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

Each morning I read Devotions for Men on the Go by Steven Arterburn and Bill Ferrel. Today's devotion is especially relevant in light of the recent Supreme Court decisions. The following entry is the devotion, in its entirety. There is nothing for me to add. Enjoy.

To Read: John 17:17-26

There is a cleansing quality to truth. Those who are willing let it cleanse their souls, and they find freedom and consistency in their lives.

People look everywhere for truth. They set out on what they consider the pursuit for truth, thinking that it is somehow randomly available throughout the universe. In contrast, Jesus says to God the Father, "Your word is truth" (John 17:17, NIV)

In his New York Times best seller The Gifts of the Jews, Thomas Cahill wrote:

[The Ten Commandments] require no justification, nor can they be argued away. They are not dependent upon circumstances, nor may they be set aside because of special considerations. They are not propositions for debate. They are not suggestions. They are not even (as a recent book would have us imagine in the jargon of our day) "ten challenges."

They are exactly what they seem to be - and there is no getting around them or (to be more spatially precise) out from under them. But the only thing new about them is their articulation at this moment amid the terrifying fires of Sinai. They have been received by billions as reasonable, necessary, even unalterable because they are written on human hearts and always have been. They were always there in the inner core of the human person - in the deep silence that each of us carries within. They needed only to be spoken aloud.

Indeed, God's truth is not open for debate, and it is not something we can rationalize or negotiate. There is only one place you will find ultimate truth, and that's in the pages of God's written Word, the Bible.

Jesus, cleanse my life with your truth.

Have You Met Cecil?

2005-06-25T05:43:00.000-07:00

It can be devastating when someone we admire and respect uses words and attitudes, and just enough scripture to crush our spirit. That isn't necessarily their intent. Actually, the intent is to reveal the truth, at least the truth according to that person.

Braden came home telling us of a conversation he had with someone that he cares for very deeply. "Cecil" (which is not the real name of this person, but was chosen because it means "blind") told Braden that something his church does was wrong and that it said so in the Bible. I asked him what he thought about that. He replied that this person really didn't know. I also asked him if he thought that this statement was true. "No, because it's praising God," he said. I reminded him of what is in the Bible, in I Timothy 4:12. "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

Many of us have a Cecil or two in our lives. They think they are doing us a favor by pointing out what they truly believe are weaknesses of our faith. Sometimes it is hard not to be discouraged by such people, especially when they have been an integral part of our lives. I have found it best not to argue, but to live by example...in what I teach my children, in the way I live my life, in the way I love, in my faith, and in my purity. Cecil sees the fruit of this, I'm sure.

Father, open the eyes of the Cecil's in our lives. Let them see the real you. Help them to see past the rules and be buried in Your grace. And thank you for my little Timothy.

His Name On Their Hearts

2005-05-07T05:02:00.000-07:00

Several years ago Holly and I completed the series, Growing Kids God's Way at our church. We thoroughly enjoyed the class and came away with so many useful tools in helping us raise our children. Through that experience, we became convicted to pray for our children in a new and different way. We began praying that God would write His name on their hearts. We realized the importance of getting the meaning of the cross into the hearts of our children so that it becomes a part of who they are, as opposed to audibly hearing the message, cognitively processing it, and accepting it as fact without the tools to apply it in their lives. Over the past few years we have seen evidence that this constant prayer is being answered. This note from the mother of one of Cara-Lee's kindergarten classmates came home in her backpack a few days ago:

"Travis and Holly,

Just wanted to let you know something Katie said yesterday. Katie failed to get her milk money but said it was okay because "Cara-Lee let God's light shine and gave me some of hers." I thought this was a compliment that should be shared..."

I am more proud of this one act than of any milestone she has made all year. She's getting it.

As parents, we have a tremendous responsibility in helping our children develop a heart for God. Developmentally, children need structure, discipline, nurturing, protection, guidance, and consistency. Providing each of these for our children helps them to trust us, and to develop a compassionate heart. In turn, they live their lives boldly shining their light.

Father, Thank you for my children. Thank you for the work you are doing on their hearts to make them Yours. Continue to give me guidance as I assist you with this monumental task with an eternal consequence.

Following God's Call

2005-04-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

Holly and I recently attended the Steven Curtis Chapman concert. We were not huge SCC fans, and really went to see Chris Tomlin. SCC and Casting Crowns were really just a bonus for us. I have two SCC CD's, and have always liked most of his music. I'm a big fan now.

SCC gave his family's story of how they have been blessed through international adoption. His family has three adopted daughters from China. His testimony was extremely moving to me. I have thought in recent years that we should consider adopting a child from China, but have always put it out of my head, rationalizing that our family is "perfect" just the way it is - one boy, one girl; we can just afford to pay tuition for private Christian school, etc. At the end of his testimony he encouraged the audience to financially support adoption through his foundation. An intermission immediately followed his testimony. I sat back in my chair and said to Holly, "We have to do that." "Do what?" she asked. "Adopt a baby from China," I answered. She completely agreed, almost relieved at what I had said.

We spent the next week or so in prayer over this, and feel that God is truly in this. So the process has begun. We are investigating agencies, reading testimonials from families who have been through this, and talking with friends who have adopted or are in the process of adopting from China. We are strangely at peace with all of this. We do not have the financial resources at our disposal to go through this. It will be a financial sacrifice. But God is faithful.

I will be updating our progress through this process from time to time. In the mean time, anyone who reads this blog, please do one thing: pray. Pray that God will open the floodgates for this effort, and that we will find the funds necessary to make this happen...that we will remain diligent in our efforts...and that we will continue to follow His call.

I leave with you the words that SCC wrote after the adoption of his first daughter, Shaohannah:

I know you've heard the stories

But they all sound too good to be true

You've heard about a place called home

But there doesn't seem to be one for you

So one more night you cry yourself to sleep

And drift off to a distant dream

Where love takes you in and everything changes

A miracle starts with the beat of a heart

When love takes you home and says you belong here

The loneliness ends and a new life begins

When love takes you in

And somewhere while you're sleeping

Someone else is dreaming too

Counting down the days until

They hold you close and say I love you

And like the rain that falls into the sea

In a moment what has been is lost in what will be

When love takes you in everything changes

A miracle starts with the beat of a heart

And this love will never let you go

There is nothing that could ever cause this love to lose its hold

When love takes you in everything changes

A miracle starts with the beat of a heart

When love takes you home and says you belong here

The loneliness ends and a new life begins

When love takes you in it takes you in for good

When love takes you in

What is God calling you to do? Will you follow Him?

Obedience and Surrender

2005-04-22T03:51:00.000-07:00

This is not an easy one. It doesn't matter who you are, where you've been, or where you're going. Saying "no" to ourselves is not natural for us. We want to satisfy desires, enjoy life, and plan for the next indulgence. I love to eat out, have nice things, and go great places, and anticipate the next big thing. Lately I have been thinking about my own obedience and have realized that I have not been reliant on my Father to sustain me. I haven't completely surrendered. I want more. I'm sorry.

I want to be obedient. I love what Paul says in Romans 7:14-25 about the struggle between the heart and the mind and how that relates to sin. Any sin or struggle will do, really. "I know I'm rotten through and through so far as my sinful nature is concerned...I try not to do wrong, but I do it anyway...the sin within me is doing it...I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another law at work within me that is at war with my mind...Who will free me from this...? thank God! The answer is Jesus Christ our Lord."

Obedience requires surrender. Neither is easy. Faith is crucial to both. Childlike faith. When I think of childlike faith, I remember putting Braden on my shoulders as a young child (I'm talking under 2 years of age). He would ride around up there without holding on to my head, flailing his arms about, his dad only holding on to his feet. Until one day when his faith was broken. In an attempt to have a little fun, the faith of a child was broken by his father. While Braden was on my shoulders, riding around, wiggling and giggling, I thought it would be a "rush" for him if I jolted him back, just a little. He reached out and grabbed on to my head with a vice-like grip. I could hardly pry his little fingers from around my neck to get him off. He was scared. He had been exposed to the possibility that his father would let him fall. From then on, when he rode on my shoulders, he hung on. Shame on me, huh? (Just to let you know, Braden is fine now.)

Life experiences cause us to become distrustful of others. Someone takes credit for our idea. A friend betrays. A spouse leaves. We build walls of protection around ourselves and don't want to get burned again. We need to constantly remind ourselves that we can trust God by surrendering to Him and through our obedience to Him. A relationship with Him is unlike any earthly relationship we will ever have. Earthly relationships, no matter how healthy and loving, lead to some level of disappointment. An intimate relationship with God leads to blessing after blessing in all areas of our lives when we wait on Him.

Father, I want to be obedient to You. Help me to surrender to You again and again. Day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.

Nine Years Ago

2005-04-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

My son Braden turned nine years old on Saturday. It is so hard to believe that it has been nine years since he came into this world. I can remember his coming like it was much more recent than that. He was born about six weeks early, and Holly and I were fearful that early April Fool's morning that we knew she had gone into labor. Fear didn't last long, though. I felt a real peace about the entire situation. Holly and I had prayed diligently for a child, and we had been through a great deal before she got pregnant with him. He was born healthy and happy and came home right away. God answered our prayers. Since then we have prayed that God would guide us as we raise Braden, and that He write His name on Braden's heart.

He grew and developed like any other child, and started in the Three Year Old Class at Southwest Christian School. He is still there, in the third grade. His attention to detail and his desire to learn are really amazing to me. Braden enjoys science and history, especially anything that is extreme or has a significant story - Titanic, Hindenburg, Lusitania (yes, even as a first grader he was interested in the Lusitania), volcanos, earthquakes, etc. He loves to read about these types of things and find out even more information about whatever he is into at the time.

Braden is also very tender-hearted and caring. He is always concerned about others, making sure that everyone is included. He's a good guy, and I am proud to be his dad. He is by no means perfect. He has a lot of fun and enjoys life, makes mistakes, and even forgets to turn in an assignment from time to time. He's a normal kid, but pretty exceptional to me.

God continues to answer prayers.

The Art of Science

2005-03-10T20:42:00.000-08:00

My kids' school had an art showing tonight. The theme was "Once Upon a Time". Braden's work of art was a pencil drawing, entitled "God's Universe," which included the sun and planets of our solar system. Braden, who is eight, is more of a scientist than an artist, and I must admit that I initially thought that he must not have spent much time really thinking about his piece. The young artist told me that "once upon a time God created the universe." As a true artist would do, he allowed his imagination to permeate every other part of him. He knows the world was created by God, once upon a time. Imagination is a lot like faith. We cannot see it, but we can see the results. I love Braden's fresh imagination, and I love his fresh faith.