I’m teaching something soon about adventure, and how it can pull you from a rut.

You can enter yourself into a random drawing for a $25 gift certificate from Amazon.com by answering this question:

What’s one of the biggest adventures you’ve ever been a part of?

Answer that by tonight at Midnight and you’ll be entered to win. Easy peasy.

Proverbs 14:4 says,

Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.

Without oxen…the stables stay clean. You don’t have to pick up ox poop. There are no ox-related problems to deal with. Life is less messy. It’s easier. But…

You don’t get any fields plowed.

There are no ox-related benefits to reap.

The use and blessing of a working ox isn’t a part of your life.

This has nothing to do with livestock.

Perfectionism has no place with humans. Every strength has it’s weakness and every gift has it’s downside. Are you going to be like the man who buried his single talent in the field because he was afraid he couldn’t do something perfect with it?

If you want to accomplish anything of value, you’re going to have to shovel some crap.

The terrors of the night can be overwhelming when you’re two.

Is there something under the bed?

What was that shadow?

I’m going to find mom and dad.

It doesn’t happen often, rather, what seems like the most perfect interval of time. Sometime between 2 and 4am I am invited into overtime with my boy. We’ve tried to send him back to bed, but on certain nights…you just know. And so we grab our blankies and we head into the living room. We snuggle and watch a movie or play a game on a digital device that we take for granted.

For certain people, overtime means pay plus another half…if it’s really special…double your normal wage. I’m not sure how to calculate what this falls into, but I love the overtime with my son.

I’ve been letting this little baby Claire sleep on me whenever I can…

I’ve been taking pictures of other people too…

I’ve been working closely with this dirty guy…

He is now the Executive Pastor of Vineyard Westside Church. He executivizes things.

I’ve been getting used to my new position at work. A little over a month ago, I was promoted to Senior Pastor. Although I’d prefer to be called Señor Pastor…it’s going pretty well so far. I’ve got a lot to learn, but thankfully God has been giving me what I need day to day.

Someday…I may blog regularly again.

Mama did exceptional this go around. Labor was rough, but I’d like to say she dominated it. Even though this was our third baby, we still had a lot of unknowns this time. With Ava and Finn, Allison had minor complications resulting in a C-Section and a forced induction. For you car nuts out there, this means my son was turbocharged. This time everything went according to plan, therefore, it was Allison’s first experience with the waiting game of full labor.
Babies really shouldn’t take so long to bake.

Lots of waiting eventually leads to 10 minutes of pushing and all of the sudden there’s another human lying on your chest. It’s surreal to say the very least. Babies are God’s way of saying that the world should continue. You have to agree when you hold a newborn and get lost in their massive tininess.

Claire Adele Detzel (that’s what we’re calling her despite the pleas of many people who are not her parents) was born on September 21st. She weighed in at 8lbs 14oz…a solid pound and a half heavier than her big brother.

Coming home was a little scary. A new human was getting ready to move in on the turf of a 5 year old and a 2 year old. This could be disastrous. But Claire was welcomed with open arms and her sister even devoted a wall to her.

Baby boy becomes big brother overnight and Big sister becomes downright stoic.
Mom and dad can’t help but to beam in awe at the 3 marvels set before them.

I am a very rich man.

My Granddad, Ralph Detzel, passed on from this life and received his ultimate healing on Monday morning. The phone buzzed early enough to worry about whatever news waited on the other end. I answered, listened, and only responded with “Oh…okay. I’ll be right there.”

I arrived at the hospital 20 minutes later and it was surreal to see his lifeless body lying there. His soul had gone and there was now an obvious vacancy. It hit most of us harder than we expected it to as if he had tricked us one last time. So many false alarms and so many recoveries. Even though he seemed so diminished, I think we still secretly believed he would pull through once again. Even if only to suffer a while longer. But, he went quickly and sprinted the last 100 yards of the marathon.

At 77 years old he took his last breath with his wife of 54 years sitting right beside him. She made the initial call and within the hour Ralph was surrounded by his boys. 4 sons, a brother-in-law, and his grandson. I looked around the room and felt an honor I can’t explain. We were his guys. The ones who were there for him when he needed us. What a privilege.

Romans 8:28 says,
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

In all things God works for the good…

Even during the bad…even in the suffering. And He did just that. When Granddad’s vitality went missing, we were invited to the search party. He couldn’t cut the grass anymore, so my Uncle Jay was there. Computer problems again and again…my dad and Uncle Eric were there. Needed rides to doctors appointments…my Uncle Jack and I were there.

We got to spend so much more time with him because he needed us to. I had more conversations with him in the past year than my previous 28 years combined. All of us did, and it was so good.

Most men use guns or bows to hunt…my Granddad used Beagles.

Most quiet men are shy and reserved…my Granddad was an excellent dancer who could Jitterbug circles around you.

Most hardworking mechanics lose their gentleness…my Granddad could throw darts and shoot pool like a champ.

I am going to miss him, but I also realize he was born to Heaven on that day and he has all the peace, rest, and happiness that he was missing out on these last few years. This brings a gladness to my heart and closure to the chapter.

Enjoy your eternal time Granddad, as one of God’s airborne troopers. We love you – see you soon.

I’d like to apologize for the poor quality photoshop job above…I did it in 30 seconds.

A few friends of mine were recently discussing the climate of multiple areas in our fair city. I live in Cincinnati. That means a variety of things to those of us who live here, and it means a variety of other things to those who don’t. One of the things it means to all of us, insiders or outsiders, is this; our sports teams suck.

Now before you jump on me for agreeing with this statement (you know…those few fans that actually exist), I’d like to say that I do not agree with this statement. Are our sports teams the greatest? Nope. But, I am a fan of those teams. Because they’re my teams. They represent my city…sort of. I say “sort of” because how many of the Cincinnati Reds were born and raised in Cincinnati? How many Bengals were born and raised in Cincinnati? They represent us…sort of.

It would be an entirely different situation, and quite a bit more understandable, if our professional sports team were a true representation of the talent that comes from our stock. How awesome would that be? Think about it. Every Reds player a native Cincinnatian. Every San Francisco Giant player a native San Francisconite. I actually have no idea what you San Fran people call yourselves. But you can imagine what I’m saying.

What I am not saying, is that I believe our professional franchises should only be filled with native city players. That’s not going to happen and I don’t know that I’d want it to. The point I am trying to get at is that we place a massive amount of weight on the way that people who get paid large sums of money to play games represent cities that they are not usually native to. It’s interesting. And here’s the part that I hate…

I hate that my city lacks the ability to hold it’s head up high because our sports teams aren’t winning championships.

There is a proverb that says, “They will grumble when the market prices are high, and they will grumble when the market prices are low.” It’s absolutely true. It doesn’t make sense at first, but it’s the reality we live in.

“Gas prices are too high!”

{gas prices drop to record lows for the past few years}

“Yeah…but I’m sure they’ll shoot back up soon!”

Even when we catch a break, or experience a blessing of some kind – we’re quick to dismiss it and focus on the negative. It happens in all sorts of areas, but the one that really sticks out to me is with professional sports.

“The Reds have a 3-game winning streak.”

“Don’t worry, they’ll probably blow it tonight!”

This wouldn’t be a big deal if it didn’t bleed over into other areas, but it does bleed over. I believe this mindset has moved in like a dark cloud over my great city. It wasn’t recent either…I believe it’s been here for many years. As a city, we have a defeated, negative, pessimistic, loser mentality. It’s a sad fact, but I believe it exists. IT. MUST. CHANGE.

Did you know that cities of winning sports teams have been proven to have better economies? Residents of “winning” cities make more money annually and lower rates of unemployment. We’re talking about sports teams people…whether they win or lose…determining the outlook and even real numbers in a city. You’d think we were discussing a salvational issue.

I could go on and on about it, but I think I’ll leave it at this;

If you allow your mentality as a human being to be determined by how well your team plays…

…knock it off.

Would you do this? I’d like to say yes…but probably not.

Having kids…I need this so bad.

How much skill and how much fluke?

Glad I could waste some of your time today.

You can earn points by purchasing certain products or participating online. Then, the points can be used to buy things with, or to be entered into prize drawings. The really cool part…in my mind at least…is that you can donate the points you’ve earned to supply more diapers to babies in need across the country. For every 2 points donated…1 diaper is donated. Simple.

You get 10 points just for signing up – which would allow you to donate 5 diapers right away should you be so inclined. It’s too easy not to do.

Take a look at the rewards program that Huggies is offering. This is just another way to get involved with the Every Little Bottom program. It’s a good thing. I realize that not everyone has the time or money to help people they way they would really desire to. It’s not just big stuff out there – sure, it’s great when people are able to make a large donation or fly across the world to aid the less fortunate – but we need things like this too. Add those points up and donate some diapers!

Disclosure:
I have partnered with the Huggies® brand to help promote Huggies® Every Little Bottom program. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program, which includes writing about my family’s own experiences from my sons/daughter’s point of view, and/or their experiences with diapers. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

A while back, I posted about our church worship CD that came out called Pushing Back The Darkness. It’s taken some time, but we finally have our CD available through digital distributors. Now you can purchase individual tracks from the CD or download the whole thing without paying for shipping. Instant gratification can be had through:

* The iTunes Store – $9.90

* Amazon mp3 – $8.99

* CD Baby – $9.99

This gives us a chance to share what God is doing through our worship team with the rest of the world. It’s exciting to me because I believe in this band more than they could ever know. Worship in the form of music has a very special way of breaking down walls people have built around their hearts. I remember when I used to hate the music at church…it just seemed cheesy and I wasn’t interested. Over time I found myself humming the very songs I hated as I was going on about my day. I’d catch myself singing these songs and then stop and shake my head. Eventually, I fell in love with worship. Now, it’s something I look forward to and it also helps me to connect with God.

All I ask is that you give it a listen…check out the samples available on those websites and see what you think. Sometimes it’s calming – other times it’s energizing. It’s one of those things where Jesus seems to meet people wherever they are. If you think I sound kooky that’s okay…I would have thought that a while back too. Hmm…still do a lot of times.

Ava,

Today you are 5 years old. Indeed your birthday is just one day after your little brother’s, but don’t worry…no one could ever steal your thunder. You are a firecracker. I had no idea that a 5 year old could be so teenager-esque in the wit and mockery department. You always make me laugh. Snappy comebacks and goofball answers are certainly your schtick. I hope you never lose that cleverness.

You’re going to Kindergarten this year…real school! This makes me so proud and also freaks me out quite a bit. Our firstborn baby has disappeared only to be replaced by a beautiful and intelligent young lady. It hurts and gladdens my heart at the very same time. We can only wonder if we taught you enough of what you need as others begin to teach you. Math and science are important, but your identity is what we really hope to have brightened. Our aim is to have rubbed off on you the way you’ve rubbed off on us.

I remember when your brother was born and we feared the jealously. Well, it happened and it still does from time to time. But, that jealously couldn’t touch the love you have for your little brother. It brings your mom and I the greatest joy to see you taking care of him and inviting him into the story of your life. I know you’ll be impressive again when your new little sister arrives. You’ll always be the oldest and that carries with it a lot of responsibility. Are you up to the challenge? We think so.

Ahead of us are times of hobbies and sports. I can’t wait to see what you love and discover new things you’re gifted in. You continue to surprise us every day with the things you are able to do. The best surprise of all is that you continually forgive us for our mistakes and truly believe we are the best mommy and daddy on the planet. We love you Ava Beans. Happy birthday, birthday girl.

Finn,

Today you are two years old. It seems so young and so old at the same time. You’ve changed so much in these two short years. I remember when you were in that snuggly stage and all you wanted to do was fall asleep on my chest. It was one of the only things that could get me to slow down…I just kept thinking, I hope he doesn’t wake up for a long time so we can just lay on the couch like this for a while. But you woke up more and more quickly until you never needed to fall asleep on me again. Unless you’re sick. Truth be told, I kind of enjoy it when you’re sick because you just want to snuggle. What can I say? I’ll take what I can get.

You used to smile at every stranger and make new best friends instantly. It’s a little different now…you hold your cards close to the vest and it would seem that people have to earn your approval. This amuses me. A 2 year old whose heart is guarded, but we know the truth. You’re still just as crazy and funny as when you were younger. My favorite thing is when you come to find me just to make sure you know where I am. It gets even better when I chase you through the house shooting a squirt gun at you or hunting for a tickle.

Being a little brother isn’t always easy. Ava’s got all the toys you’d rather play with and whatever she’s doing seems cooler than whatever you were up to. You do an awfully good job at it though. I see those times when you share and help out. You may not know that I’m looking but I am watching you grow up…and I’m so proud and excited by what I see. A little boy who loves his big sister. You may bother her, but that’s your job – to keep her on her toes. I love that you still need your mama and you want to show me how strong you are. I believe that you are an adventurer. It’s hard to imagine all the places you’ll explore.

There’s another baby in your mommy’s belly right now – a girl that will be here soon. You’ll be jealous for a while, but I know that you’ll be the protector of your sisters. You’ll help to keep them safe when me or mom aren’t around. I trust that you’ll grow to be as tall and strong in character as you are in stature. And you’ll have excellent dance moves. I believe you’ll gain favor among God and men – what a privilege it is to have you as a son. I couldn’t imagine my life without you. Happy birthday Finley. Daddy loves you no matter what.

King’s Island – 97 degrees – 1,100% humidity – everything costs a million dollars – so worth it.