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Today marks twelve years of marriage with my one and only superstar. Twelve years, and I love her more today than I have --EVAR. She is my beautiful ewe lamb that God has blessed me with. Her beauty is breathtaking. Her partnership with me is inexplicable. I never imagined that I would love her this much, but I do. She is my superstar. I saw her once. She dated my friend. What a beautiful smile. She capsized my heart. Since that day, I loved her from afar. Now, she is my superstar. We grew to be friends. Having fun, playing around. The love in her eyes. She touched my soul hard. On another day, We drove in a car. Now, she is my superstar The friendship grew deep. I already knew. Touching her, touching her. She never left my mind. She said yes to a date. We went to a bar. Now, she is my superstar. Our hearts grew together. Woven into one piece. United, we married. My dreams all come true. Children we raise. ...

So being on a state board of directors for a professional association is pretty darned cool. We had our annual 'summer retreat' this week, along with the two day board meeting and the change of leadership dinner. I don't think people understand the value in being involved with such a great group of people that are committed to doing what is best for kids. Spending time hearing about the great things that others are doing, the success they are having, the passion people have for their work is very encouraging. Plus it doesn't suck that just about each one of them likes to have fun as well. I got to take superstar, the girls, and the in-laws went too. We stayed in a condo and had an incredible time, even if I was busy each day.... If you have not been there, you should go: www.crystalmountain.com It was just a really fun few days learning and pl aying at the same time. What a concept, huh? It was also interesting to me to see some beautiful parts of Michigan, and...

Sometimes I get so caught up in waiting to see God working in my life, I don't pay attention to how He is working in other people's lives. How stupid is that? Caya called Monday, seeking time with sick pete and I, and we did meet up with him last night. God clearly called him to "Get off the bench." Not sure what that means, nor does caya, but I can tell you that God is on the move. He is ALWAYS on the move. Pay attention to what is going on around you, or you will miss seeing Him move.

I have not written much about NASCAR since the beginning of the season. Don't fool yourself, it's not because I don't like it anymore. I can tell you that my commitment to God, my family, and putting others first has cut down on the amount of racing I watch. Sunday, superstar gave me permission to live father's day the way I would like. See the picture to the right? That was the view from my seat. NICE. And I won the pool when Junior won the race. What a father's day that was. I love racing, and something about all that horsepower going by you makes your innards crinkle.

So for the 8th grade completion ceremony (NOT A GRADUATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) I wrote a poem to read for the students. Funny how the poem applies to my life right now: Future Your future lies ahead, Your past has come and gone. But today you have a chance To write the lyrics to your song. As you leave this place, You'll find new things. The lyrics to your song, Only you can sing. So sing your song loud, So that all can hear. Your beautiful song, You sing without fear.

I never really understood why people would fast for God. Honestly, I did not get it. Even over the last six months, I have fasted from food for 24 hours, and still didn't get it. But this week I did a two day fast. Pastor's wife last Sunday asked about this job I'm up for-I explained to her that it is kind of a dream job. She says-"That's it then, we're fasting for two days this week. What days are we going to do it?" I'm like.........um...........ok. I really didn't think that I could do it. 24 hours was tough enough for me personally, and I like eating. So superstar, pastor's wife, pastor and I commit to doing this for two days. The next day, megs says she is in on the fast. Pastor explained in a different conversation that day that doing this as a community going before God and asking for his intercession is very biblical and humbling, and honoring to God. So I get all that. But the two days were very humbling for me. I drank j...

If you keep a journal, it's time for you to pull out one from six months ago and review. That's what I have been doing this week each night before I go to bed. It is great to look seriously at what God has said to me over the last six months, and see how those things play out in real life. If you take the time to listen, and write them down, go back and see where God has led you. If you don't keep a journal, go get one you slacker. It is a pretty powerful tool, and very encouraging to say the least. Just want to review what has been going on with my men's group-what an incredible group of men that are willing to be real about life. Three are now involved in some way doing a church plant of some kind. One has started a monthly men's group at his church. One is realizing the challenges of being a single parent. One is willing to share his struggle with pornography. Last night as we met, we all discussed how much we need the fellowship that is coming from our...

The 'official' commissioning at Kensington Community Church was this weekend for Communitas. What an honor to stand in front of others and represent the life that Jesus called us to while he was on earth. "Thy kingdom come" was something that I heard a lot in prayers growing up, but that was just a rote activity, not something that I meant as I said it. Nor did I see the people around me living it out here on earth. But now I am part of a group of people that are at the least trying to bring the kingdom of God to earth, and even more strategically, New York City. After the services, people came up to us and thanked us and prayed for us and shared with us. I can't explain to you in words the satisfaction of following Jesus with your life. That's because it is inexplicable. I continue to hope in His will for my life, and I ask Jesus to make it clear to me what it is that I need to do for Him each day. I can't wait to see how it will end in obtainin...

Another school year is down the drain. Each year seems to go by faster. It is kind of hard to believe that the students are finished, it doesn't even seem like the year should be over. Not that I am unhappy about that. The students I have absolutely no big problems with. I mean there are difficult situations to deal with, etc, but they are kids, so it is normal to expect dealing with poor decisions, young adolescent drama and the like. However, the adults are the ones that I am happy to see be done for the year. Especially the two that I can't hold accountable because the big chair won't allow me to. That should get interesting here in the next week. More on that later. Here's the best finish of a school year I may have ever had-Leave about 3:30, pick up my brother in law and a few Sparks. Golf the bent bush. Little warm, but beautiful day. Great conversations about being a man and truly following God with my 'hey bra' brother in law, Spankawitz. Ha...

You are made for more. More than you bargained for. You are my delight. Don't be so uptight. Listening is a skill. I found my thrill. Loving others is the way. Seize the day. You must follow to lead. Love others first, and you will be freed.

So I am going to miss camping A LOT when we move to the city. Big Red has been a trustworthy motorhome for the KKFT outings we have had. Anywhere from Uncle Don's family campground in the Creek (pronounced Crick), to a West Virginia Highway with no oil, to Muskegon where the fan belt came off as we pulled into the campground, to Talladega and riding in a car with some guy to get a battery after initially thinking my uncle had died inside the camper. Good times. Lots of them. I don't like camping, I love it. I will miss the sound of the Chevy 454 under my butt (figuratively and literally), and the 'race car' exhaust as superstar calls it. But until we leave or God shows me how to sell it with gas prices over $4.00 a gallon, I'll be sitting under the awning drinking a coffee.