Blogging Ain't Easy!

It's hard to stay fresh and think that anything I say is interesting to anyone else. I wonder to myself, "if this wasn't my blog would I read it?" The truth of the matter is I'm not sure. Most of the blogs I read are from people I know or have met. There is a big relational factor for me when reading blogs. So I wonder if that is the case with everyone else?

I ran into someone in Seattle a few weeks ago who said they where having fun reading Raising Daddy and I kind of laughed, but he was serious. So I took it as a complement and moved on. I guess there are a few of you who read this blog cause there have been over 400 hits since I started and I would guess I only account for 200 of them (just kidding I made sure my hits don't count). Thanks for reading and stroking my ego.

It is difficult to write a blog because it seems so self serving which for me it is, because I don't think that I give much valuable information and really I just talk about myself. That said I'm going to keep writing cause it gives me a place to share my thoughts (while my little one sleeps.)

Let me leave you with a few blogs that I have been reading lately:

John Stumbo's Blog ~ A pastor who has contracted a devastatingly mysterious illness that doctors are having a hard time diagnosing. John shares what God is teaching him through this.

SkyBox ~ Sky Jethani author of Divine Commodity & Editor of Leadership Journal shares thoughts and resources on ministry and leadership.

Stuff Christians Like ~ Funny yet insightful writings about Christians.

Added Bonus of just funny stuff:

Cake Wrecks ~ When professional cakes go horribly, hilariously wrong. Makes me laugh every time.

Fail Blog~ Funny video and picture mistakes there is some inappropriate ones but there is an option at the top of the page to only view G-rated entries. 

Hope you enjoy these distractions.

Raising Daddy Tip Of The Day

If you download children's music online make sure you listen to it before you play it for the kiddos. Sometime the song might not be what you think it is.

Planning a Romantic Getaway

This year Lisa and I celebrate our 5th anniversary on June 12th. It's amazing how quickly this anniversary came. We have been talking about trying to do something special, but there are two little hurdles that we have to consider. 

1. What about Kaden? It can be difficult to be focused on each other and relax if our little toddler wants to jump in and share what's on his mind.

2. What about finances? We have been trying to be good stewards of our money and be more aware of our finances.

So this is what we came up with. We're going to leave Kaden with one of my sisters for an evening. and head to the cost overnight. We found a nice little hotel right on the Lincoln City coastline. It is a little more spendy then we wanted, but it is our 5th anniversary and we haven't taken much time for ourselves since Kaden was born. (justifying my spending is something I am working on, honest!)

We're getting excited to get away and hope it will be a nice time of relaxing and regrouping. Not sure how romantic it will really be since I don't really consider myself  much of a romantic. Whenever I try to do something like that it falls apart and turns into complete silliness.  It doesn't help that I can't keep a secret either... I've found that "romance" has a hint of secrecy involved.

So here is a picture of the place we will be staying for our anniversary.

The Oregon Coast never looked so good!!

Ok this is more like where we will be staying at; I told you we were on a tight budget!

Stay tuned for the real pictures of our "Romantic Getaway."

Raising Daddy Tip Of The Day

Make sure you have extra paper towels around if you teach your kids how to blow raspberries or zirberts on your face. It can get pretty wet!

Church

I've been thinking a lot about church lately and what its all about. It started with a conversation with some friends about looking for a church that fit them. I'm not sure what that really means, but its a statement that many of us have used when looking for the "right" church. 

The church we belong to can be very telling of how we participate in life with God. It will shape and many times dictate how we are involved in ministry. So finding a church that can help us go deeper, challenge our understanding, grow in our love for God and others, extend our reach, and also care for our needs is a daunting task.

I read a book a few years ago that shaped some of my ecclesiology (the study and theological understanding of church) called The Local Church Agent of Transformation. This book was written from a Latin American perspective about the qualities that the local church must have to be prepared to take on the task of being "salt of the earth" and "light of the world." 

One thing I know about church is that none are perfect. And no one model is perfect. It's not easy finding a church that fits with your personality and comfortability and at the same time is "missional" meaning; the church is  investing in kingdom work outside it's four walls and building up those who are already within the community of believers. 

I've been fortunate to be a part of Mosaic a faith community that works hard at trying to do this. Like I said no church is perfect, because the people involved are imperfect. But I believe Mosaic desires and constantly tries to be salt & light. 

Here are a few other communities that I've visited or read about that I think have the same heart:

Quest Church: Seattle, WA

Cornerstone: Simi Valley, CA

Mars Hill: Grandville, MI

Simple Way: Philadelphia, PA (not a church but communities living on mission)

{DISCLAIMER} There are many churches and communities that are kingdom minded and are doing amazing things in their communities as well as globally. I don't think you have to be a large church or have flashy websites to communicate this message. Although the four communities that I highlighted may have some of that. 

Raising Daddy Tip of The Day:

It may not be wise to stick your finger into baby's mouth to see if they are teething. Ouch!

Surprise!!

Surprise a new MacBook!!!!

I was speechless.  I must have looked and sounded very silly as I thought about how big a gift a new laptop was. Really I never know what to say in situations like that, when the gift is so "over the top" that you don't know how to receive it or express your gratitude.

Lisa and I gathered family and friends together to celebrate my graduation, but also to thank them for encouraging and supporting us throughout this crazy seminary journey. I didn't expect them to get together and buy me a MacBook as a congratulations gift. I was thinking ,"maybe they'll get me a cake!"

To all who chipped in, all I have to say is WoW! I don't know why God chooses to put such amazing people in my life. I get to share life with people who are generous beyond imagination. And to everyone else who couldn't make it to the party or got me other great gifts I thank you also.

I ran out and bought the new aluminum MacBook on Monday and my buddy Mike came over to help me break it in. Very exciting. 

Thanks again everyone!

Raising Daddy Tip Of The Day

If you let the little ones run around naked after bath time make sure you keep a close eye on them. Peeing on a power-strip can make daddy's heart stop. And who knows what it can do to Jr.

Graduation Day!

It’s the morning after my hooding ceremony, when they recognize me as a “master.” I think to my self, “A master of what?” I have not mastered anything about God or the spiritual life. I know that I have been “mastered” through this process. God has put me through the fire, burning away so much that I had thought was absolutely true about the Christian life and adding into so much more life then I could imagine. I walk away with the thoughts of the tremendous burden I have been given through the seminary process. I’m reminded of Luke 12:48

But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

I’ve been entrusted with so much knowledge and thousands of dollars of scholarly training. It’s a scary reality kneeling in front of family, friends, and the Christian community while my mentors, professors, and the seminary powers that be recognize, affirm, and endorse my scholastic efforts. I have been entrusted with much, and I know more will be required of me.

The big question is, “Now what?” I have no idea… Over the last few years at George Fox Evangelical Seminary I have learned to loosen my grip and step aside. I have dreamed, schemed, and made plans only to realize that much of it is out of my hands. Yes, I have a responsibility to move forward and put myself in positions so that things can happen (being stagnant is not a good option), but ultimately my prayer is always, “Your will be done.” It is God’s will that I want completed in my life. I must hold my plans loosely in my hands and not force things to happen, because I may not know the best things that Christ has in store for me. For the first time in my life I am comfortable without knowing the future. I don’t feel like I have to make something happen for myself or for my family.

Lisa and I have decided to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Each day we will ask, “How do I serve you today Lord?” Each day there is new possibilities to glorify Him. Each day he will direct our path. Each day he will reveal His heart and his desire for our lives. And each day we will know what the next step is.

Thank you to all of you who have journeyed with us through the seminary process. I am so grateful for your love and encouragement.  Life was not meant to be endured alone and we are so blessed to live life with you.

 In Love & Gratitude ~  “Master” Joel To 

Raising Daddy Tip Of The Day

Bring cookies, snacks, and quiet toys to Graduation or any other formal ceremonies. Kiddos love pianos, tripods, and many other potentially embracing equipment. 

Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere....

There is some pleasure in being home alone for a few days. One of them is being able to sprawl out all over the house. Being a bachelor for me has always meant I could toss my clothes and junk around everywhere. 

Oh but as a daddy I now pay the price for my wild unkept ways! Lisa and Kaden are due home in about 4 hours. Plenty of time to do a deep clean. So I'll slam down a cup  of coffee or two, eat a hearty breakfast, crank up some good 90's Grunge/Alternative, and dive into the mess that I called freedom! 

Hmm..... I wish I had a maid!!!

Someone like Alice from the Brady Bunch. She always knew how to clean up the kids' mess.

Maybe Rosie the mechanical robot from the Jetsons. She would zoom around the Jetsons pad and use crazy gadgets that shot out from her iron stomach.

Florence the Jeffersons maid was pretty awesome, but she had more attitude then I could handle.

Oh boy... spent too much time on this post! Mommy and Baby will be home in no time. Gotta turn on my Pearl Jam & Nirvana and get to work!

Raising Daddy Tip of The Day

Using more detergent doesn't help to make the clothes cleaner... there is actually a setting for "heavy soil."

Crunch Time

I've had my face buried in books all weekend while the Mrs. and baby are out of town. It's a blessing to have a wife who understands what I need to get things done. Lisa grabbed Kaden and took off to Seattle so that I could have the entire weekend to finish my term paper. Amazingly I have used the time pretty wisely. 

The only problem is that I can't get myself to sleep at night. I toss and turn just missing them and then my mind wont stop processing all the information from the day. Oh I can't wait to be done with this program, but I also know when I'm done there will be a weird longing to be back in classes.

Hopefully my blogs will get back to fun random daddy & baby stuff soon. Life has just been a little too serious lately!

Raising Daddy Tip of The Day

Stripping baby down to the diaper during meal time can save you lots of energy when doing laundry! Schedule baby's bath time right after and you are halfway done...