**Mustard Seed Distributed**

I realize this morning that I have blogged in December for three years now, and I have yet to mention the 'annual bowling extravaganza' as berman likes to call it. There have been many guest appearances at the extravaganza over the years, but the three constants are myself, berman, and big swinging D. We all taught together years ago, and started this event on our Christmas break. How it used to go was lunch in Flushing at Skips, then bowling at Jacks. But the tradition has moved to the oldest continuously running bowling alley in the country, The Garden Bowl. If you are from the Detroit area, you must bowl here. Are the lanes smooth you ask? Not really. Do they have the this or the that? No. But they do have 'Ghettoblaster' Beer (made in detroit), they do have satellite radio pumping first wave tunes into your eardrops, and 'Papa Joe' just might buy you a round if you are the only ones in there. Papa Joe's dad bought the alley 63 years ago, and ...

This Christmas, I am fortunate enough to be able to travel to MI and visit with friends and family that I don't get to see as often now that we live in Brooklyn. Truth be told, I honestly was not looking forward to getting in the car and driving again for the holiday. But now that I get to be here, and hold my loved ones in my arms, see relatives I don't often see, and enjoy time with them, the trip was beyond well worth it. The presents are nice to get, but my emotions again get the best of me as I pause to seriously ponder the love God has for us. And I experience that love deeply in a few ways. One is music-it immediately connects me to our creator. Two is nature-even if it is in the form of a man made building, seeing the creator's creativity in all things blows me away. But perhaps the one He truly intended for us to experience is third-through other people. The innate need for community with others is powerful. And as I sit in this beautiful room that is bigg...

I came to the vivid realization of generational sin this morning on my way in to work. Of course, listening to Danny Cox's music on the way places me in a realm where my spirit is engaged with 'the mind of christ' on a much deeper level than when I'm not listening to it. And the vividness I experienced was the fact that Jesus came here in human form as God in man. Further, that he bore all the sin of the world so that we might have life. I've heard people and the bible speak of 'your cross to carry' in the past, but I realized the brevity of the cross we all carry, which is nothing in comparison to the cross Jesus carried for us. ALL THE SIN. HE BORE IT. So that WE MIGHT LIVE. All the sin He didn't even commit, he took it on, faced death, and rose from the dead. And I realized just how much our individual choices hinder the next generation. Sexual sin. Divorce. Abuse of our resources. Speaking falsities. Gossip. Think of the reality of our...

Among other things, over a foot of snow fell upon this grand city Saturday afternoon/evening on into the morning of Sunday. We landed at about 13" in "The Terrace", and I realized just how much a snowfall brings me into the spirit of Christmas and brings joy to my heart to see all things white. The beauty of the flakes, the quiet that falls from above paints things like they were not before. There is so much beauty in that. Speaking of beauty, Kushmonkey came and watched the girls Saturday night so we could enjoy an evening out with some dear friends of communitas. What a perfect evening to be out in a blizzard....and I actually mean that. Walking in the city with the hustle and bustle slowed to a crawl because of the snow, great conversations at a lovely restaurant that was actually reasonable-much praise to RR for putting it all together. The beauty I see in my closest friends is that of Jesus. Their willingness to show their brokenness and live open handedly he...

The sound of Christmas Carols, the Menorahs lit up across the landscape, Christmas lights on every corner, and even a bit of colder weather. Now it is feeling like Christmas. It might seem odd, but even with Thanksgiving and my bday-which usually instantly jump start the 'holiday mood' for me, it has not seemed like Christmas already to me. I thought maybe it was because the fall seemed to be trickling here in nyc, as it lasts much longer than in MI. The leaves stay on the trees, the weather is much much warmer, and it is sunny more often. But I think I have come to the conclusion that because I am engaged more in the day to day of life, and at least trying to do my best to follow Jesus, the time of year does not engrain itself into my daily thoughts and life as it used to. I am more 'present' in the 'present'. I am engaged more in daily life and the day, not the season. So as school this calendar year winds down, (or is it up?) I look back on 2009 and ...

Well, my superstar is in a new city doing new things, and along those lines, she was offered a job doing a new thing. Oh, you say to yourself: "Self, she was looking for a job then, right?" And I say 'no'. She wasn't looking for a job. And she was offered one. So we move to the east coast, and superstar feels like God continues to tell her 'be available'. For what? Not sure, but God continues to reveal new things for both her and our family each day. But this is quite a decision for our family. We have really felt blessed to be able to have the star be a CHO-Cheif Home Officer for the kkft. Her availability and pouring into our girls and our home has had an incredible impact on all of our lives. So now we think that God may be changing that mindset. The position is one that would be a family liaison/parent coordinator at a local middle school. Let's see-the position would entail a supporter of public education, holds family values at a hi...

Well, even though the kkft was a bit too tired to stay awake untill the end of the show, we did get to experience carnegie hall last night. We were in the nose bleed section, but that didn't matter. Pastor's wife even made it, even though she wasn't feeling the greatest. We got to see "Handel's Messiah", and the level of talent that was on the stage was quite impressive. The amount of hours in practice that must have went into the overall group is probably astronomical. But sitting there realizing the level of talent not only last night, but the amount of talent that have used their God given talents and brought joy to peoples hearts and minds there. Unbelievable. Thank you for that experience PS130. Even better-I got to have a 'date' with all three of my beauties, eat dinner in the city, and see the beauty of the city on a cold December evening. And so, I sit here and develop my talents. On Staten Island of all places. I never thought I woul...

Today marks the first day I have fasted in quite some time. It is a discipline that I have learned truly humbles you with our Creator. We take food for granted each day. I know that I almost always pause before eating and thank God for the food, but even with that moment of thanks I take the food for granted. But when you go without food, you have no choice but to be humble. To be without energy, without the ability to conquer this world. And so I come before God today with a triple threat request. Yesterday, Superstar was offered a job. She wasn't looking for it. She hadn't applied for it. We were thankful being here in nyc that she is able to stay at home and organize our lives, pour into our girls, and do all the things that we take for granted. This position would be serving families and parents in a local school. Is this God's plan for her? For our family? For the people she would be serving? We don't know. And so we ask God to guide us in this major...

Today marks the two year point on the timeline of this blog distributing mustart seeds across the airwaves. To me, it seems like this journey to NYC has been longer than two years + a few months. It seems like the journey has been happening for more like five years or ten years, and I am not really sure why that is. Maybe because what now seems 'normal' to me leads me to aplace of comfort and peace that transcends time and space. Maybe because I am not encapsulated into thinking like the world thinks. Maybe because I am finally seeking what I should seek, and living the way God designed me to live. Let's not get carried away with our thoughts, because I am not living the perfect life. I am currently under a struggle of selfishness and selectively choosing to turn my eyes from God. Why is it that I know what is right, and I choose to sprint down the path going in the other direction? Into the darkness and out of the light? I choose to dishonor God even though I kno...

Well, today marks the beginning of the 40's for T$. Yes, I was just talking about myself in the third person, and that's dumb. Yesterday, I got many birthday wishes from so many friends and family-thanks to all of you that shared well wishes with me. I got to go watch the HS football games with my bro, dad, and mattsy. We enjoyed an afternoon together in and around the D. What a great way to spend your birthday, no matter the number. So as we were winding up the great day, I wanted to be sure to be back to my parents' house by 7-7:30 because that's when superstar said we would eat dinner. I knew some of her family was coming over, and I caught a ride with JW. As we pulled in to the driveway, for a moment I thought to myself "that's a lot of cars", but nothing more because I wasn't sure who all my mom invited over. But when I came to the door, people were waving me into the house, particularly superstar. Unbenounced to me, friends and family h...

So you have seen the signs out on the yard, the advertisements in the newspaper, the painted sheet hanging from the pole barn, whatever. People inform us of the big four-o in many ways. Forty always seemed like an 'older' adult to me. Until you actually hit it yourself. Now, forty doesn't seem old at all. It feels pretty fantastic to be honest with you. I am (I think) the healthiest I have been since I was in high school-unless of course you want to talk about my back hurting me this week. I feel like I have hit a sweet spot in my life, and I am enjoying nearly every aspect of my life like I have never enjoyed them in the past. I don't feel like forty is old anymore. I feel like it is the best age to be. Top that off with being able to return to MI for Thanksgiving-spending time with family and friends being thankful together. What a treat for your birthday weekend, and what a way to enter the next decade of life. I am thankful for the last 39 years. Each mo...

Yes, it's true. I'm still a gigantic NASCAR fanatic. I love racing. I so appreciate the amount of work that goes into what most people dub: "driving around in circles". Yeah, that's why Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and Toyota pour millions and millions of dollars into the sport. Anywho, a few of my compadres have had a fantasy league for a few years now, and that makes it even more interesting. Again this year, I came up with the championship with a margin of 269 points. I felt kind of like Jimmy Johnson at the end, and here's my post to my competitors that donated their money to the championship purse: I can't say enough about the crew, my sponsors-Red Bull and Belvedere Vodka, Starbucks, and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Without them, we would not have been able to have the season we did. Although I did feel a bit like Jimmy Johnson during the chase, it was another great year of racing with y'all. Can't say how I'll spend the winning pur...

It is not very often that I get to the movies, and it's only a matter of time availability, because I do enjoy the movies. But this week, the girls' school had a movie night that was put on by the PTA. They showed the movie "UP". So superstar was at an open house for a middle school-yup-we are in the process of finding a middle school for Alli next year-YIKES MORE TO COME-and so I took the girls to the movie night. If you haven't seen UP, you need to. THe amount of parallels to real life are overwhelming. As I sat in the cafeteria with a bunch of students and parents, I couldn't help but be thankful for the school community that our girls ended up at. It was so cool to look around at the people there, say hello to the principal, and of course Liv's awesome teacher, Mr. Tantillo. It was a nice evening to say the least. But I am not sure that anyone else was crying like I was. The emotions I felt as the story line unfolded, and the connections I mad...

Alright. So you're sitting in front of your computer right now. And you're saying to yourself at about 8:00 pm: "Huh. It's been dark out for nearly three and a half hours now. What else can we do for fun?" Well, sir, we have the answer. Take a look at this.

So many things that happened this week, it's hard when I don't take the time to blog about what is happening to keep it all straight in my head. But I can tell you that I did visit Michigan this week, and you would think that it would have been 'like going home'. But it wasn't. It was actually an odd feeling to be there, and only having officially lived in nyc since June, you would think that nyc would not feel like home already. But it does. This is my home. This is my city. This is where I live. This is where I stay. And I love it so. But a couple of observations from my trip-first the boy is so cute, it's sick. It was nice, even if it was only for a few minutes, to bounce him on my knee, to hear him say 'ma', and to hear him giggle. Another observation is the very clear reminder that God gave me the entire time to there and fro that He has put me here for a reason. I helped a guy that shared the row with me on the plane, he was a first tim...

At our school, we provide a 'moral focus' aspect to our students' education. We teach a moral virtue each month, and provide students some guidance on what those aspects look like in our school, in our community, and in our world. As part of this learning, we have an assembly daily where the entire school community gathers to focus on this learning. This month, as would be expected, is 'GRATITUDE.' (Shout out to tmp for thanksgiving thursdays this month.) And over the last three weeks or so, our communitas planning team challenged each other, or was it pastor that challenged us? Anywho - here is the gig. Wake up each day and pray the prayer "Jesus, reveal yourself to me today." It's a simple prayer when you say it out loud, in your head, or write it in your journal. Anyway you look at it, it's simple. And why is it surprising to me that Jesus doesn't respond to my asking over the last few weeks with some gigantimous event, but putting...

So this morning, superstar, pastor, the razorback and I made our way over to prospect park. Star, pastor, and I participated in the 'Fuggetaboutit 5k'. No-I mean for real. That was the name of it. I have the shirt to prove it. Razorback is a little more ath a letic than we are, so he participated in the duathalon. That was a 5k, a 14 mile bike ride, then another 5k. He came in fifth overall, and it was really cool to cheer him on, I think he enjoyed the competition much. I also thoroughly enjoyed the competition....with myself. My time this race was 30:57-the last one was 34:06. So much improvement. If it weren't for that gigantic hill in the last mile, I think I could have cut even more time off. So here is a photo of the three winners. Notice the trophy in superstar's hand-she won first overall for the women. You don't see the pedometers we all three won for being first in our age division. But you can see the medals we are wearing. Those are actually meda...

You would think that with a post title like that, this would be a 'dark' and gloomy post. But it isn't really. Moving this far East has changed the dynamic of so many things in our lives as we traverse this grand city daily. One major difference that is quickly realizable from the earliest moments of the day to the latest moments you can remember laying in your bed is the fact that we are located on the Eastern end of the Eastern time zone. Living in MI, we were on the Westernmost end of the Eastern time zone. So, particularly during the summer months, daylight could last until nearly 11 pm. But the late fall/through winter stages of daylight savings really didn't mean much on the savings end. But here in Brooklyn, even when I awake at the early morning hours I keep, I am not greeted by complete darkness from the moment I wake until later in the day when I happen to look out a window at school. No. I am greeted by a glorious sunrise in the Eastern sky out out b...

This morning, I was able to really spend some time in the bible and with God. I think God is trying to teach me specifically about 'listening' and about being 'faithful'. I have kept my habit of reading my bible daily, for the most part without fail. However, while working in the D last year, I took time almost daily to 'be still' and listen. This habit has not stuck with me as much, but I feel like I need to get back into that habit, and feel like God is calling me to respond to that. Anywho-I ran through Prospect Park this morning (3.35 miles in 34:48 booyah), I was enjoying so much the fall colors, the 64 degree weather that I was able to run in shorts and a T-shirt, the smell of the leaves, and all the things that go along with fall. It reminded me of coaching football in MI, and for some reason I was running phrases through my mind that we would share with our players. "Every Play Counts" kept hitting me. And I think it was God telling me t...

Today, I have an interview with a board of directors. It is for a potential charter school that I would open next fall. I say it like this because the board has the final say in who they hire, not my organization. So if you read this today, say a prayer that God's will be done in this interview, and if this is where He wants me, that the outcome would be just that. And if not, that He would lead the next steps for me. Humility is something I continue to learn....

It is certainly a challenge for me to struggle with one of my colleagues at work. It is a challenge for me to have a certain level of expectations for someone, and to watch, listen, and experience the exact opposite. As I attempt my best human effort at this unsettling experience, pastor helps me by learning with me to 'have the mind of Christ' and encouraging me to do what is right. I can hardly imagine the unsettling feeling Jesus had as he was scoffed at, belittled, and rejected by nearly all of creation. I can hardly imagine the unsettling feeling He experienced in His moments of torture as He took on the sin of the world so that we might experience resolve with our Creator. This was highlighted to me again at our gathering on Sunday when we watched the movie MOST as a group. If you haven't seen it, go here , and get you a copy. You will not be disappointed, and you can bogo and send one to a friend. I digress. So why is our natural reaction not the 'mind ...

Today, the beauty that I am surrounded by simply overwhelmed me. First off, my wife is an incredibly beautiful woman. There have been days and seasons in my life that I have not appreciated the depth of her beauty. Her smile. Her laughter. Her servant heart. (Warning-PG rating now in effect) Her smoking hot body. And if you read superstar now and again, you will see pics like this. My daughters are incredibly beautiful. Allison is becoming such a wonderful young lady, and her beauty is stunning. Olivia also continues to blow me away with the beauty she has. And the beauty of these two is not simply their looks, it's their heart for life and love. And then I look around me in this incredible city, and beauty is abundant. As I ran around Prospect Park last night, I found new places I had not seen before, and they were all equally beautiful. The trees in fall across the lake, the pinks and blues of the sunset, the elderly couple walking along hand in hand, the high schoo...

Jesus, my King. My Savior. My Solace. My Provider. Jesus, my Savior. Interesting. Engaging. Trustworthy. Jesus, my Word. My King and my Savior. Jesus. Lives in me. Invests in me. Pours into me. Each day. Each moment. Each instance. Living. Breathing. Investing purpose. Investing love. Care. Compassion. Hope. Mission. Vision. Jesus, my King. My world is evolving because of Him. My interestes evolve with His. My time is invested in more of His desires, and less in mine. Jesus, my Love.

What is it about sitting next to the ocean that reenergizes your soul? What is it about walking on the beach that brings a peace and joy to your mind, your spirit, your soul? What is it about watching your children discover crab carcasses that is enjoyable? Special thanks to Raver and Ricker for allowing us to stay at their home, for cooking us an incredible meal, and for spending time on the bench with us. Little did I know five years ago that I would spend time there because it is just under two hours from my new home.... Shout out to Jimmer for inviting me there long ago, and to all the Ben oits worldwide. :)

It is the old addage that 'time flies when you are having fun'. Time also flies by faster as you get older, which I have certainly learned as I move along this journey we call life. I am blessed beyond belief with a life that I always wanted, and I realize that is because I have allowed God to work in my life, and realized the meaning of Jesus' teaching. It is almost hard to believe that as the star and I first began our marriage, I was thinking that I didn't want kids, but God changed my heart on that. And look at the joy that my life now contains because of my response to his promptings. This young lady that continues to develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually is a young lady that I am proud of to the nth degree. The joy she brings to my heart and soul is beyond measure, and inexplicable with mere words. I struggle with the fact that the star and I may already be beyond the half way point of our large sphere of influence on her life, but know s...

This last week has been a bit challenging for me personally. The 'daily grind' as it were began to set in for me at my new school. Moving about in this grand city on a day to day basis is exactly that--a grind. It is hard to move anywhere with the mass of human beings that call NYC home. And yes, I know it is a priviledge to be in this incredible city. But all of this combined with the fact that basically, I have no 'chums', 'pals', 'buddies' or the like in this city is tough. I miss my buds in MI a lot. Especially my boys like sick pete, cayuh, mg, the Donald, moons over my hammy, etc. Then my family also. Even though I would not go out of my way in MI to visit them, having them close meant something. And I am not one to complain. Not one to wallow in squallor. (Thanks hammy) But this week, it has been a bit tough just with the realization of all these things. Time leap: Saturday. My mom and sis and izorama arrive. It feels like I got a ...

Fall has always been a great time of year to me, the coolness in the air, football games on Friday nights, leaves crunching under your feet, camping in the cool weather. But this fall things are much different. It is still a beautiful time of year to me, but I look around and see new things and new places to experience fall. Not just fall, but life. Life is different for me now. In so many ways. Each day is a challenge to trust Him more. No matter what the season.

So look closely, and you will see what I mean. A dog in a doggie wheelchair. That's right. The hind legs don't work, you get Fido a wheelchair. Only in nyc. After seeing fido scooting along, we got to spend time riding our bikes in Prospect Park with Mateo and the Mayes'. What an incredible place to live. While spending time at the park, we got to see the bridge near the audobon center that was built in the 1880's and a monument erected about the same time for soldiers that died in the revolutionary war in that location. I am amazed at the fact that the history of this city goes back to the beginning of this country. And that I get to live here.

Today I sit in my new homestead realizing the glory of God and his promise of faithfulness to us. Today was the ribbon cutting for BSCS, and I got to hold the ribbon on the end while students, staff, and school board members did the proverbial cutting of the ribbon. It's still somewhat of an odd sensation when I look around and realize where I am working this school year. I am amazed at the fact that sometimes, I drive over the Brooklyn Bridge. Me. T$. I sometimes see the Empire State Building if I am on a tall building in Brooklyn. I help to set up and tear down equipment for a church that is starting a new thing in Manhattan. I get to run in one of the most beautiful parks I have ever seen in my life. I get to learn things like what language they speak in Nigeria, and I get to hear parents use it when they pick up their kids from school. A school of hope and of promise. I get to find out that the charter met final approval for what may become the school T$ gets to lead...

This type of encouragement comes in many ways. Here are the ones that I experienced this week: Through the Holy Spirit-the gentle voice of God coming to you continually--but only when you actually engage in listening and heeding His voice Through an incredible mentor-someone that can guide you in wisdom, knowledge, and the challenge of truly following Jesus Through a wonderful spouse-someone that loves and serves you more than themselves Through children given to you from God-my daughters have a zest for life that continuously reminds me of the joy of living Through the support of family and friends-this happened without even speaking to any of them. Just knowing that many that I love believe in me. Through justification through Christ-knowing that my sins were bore on his shoulders so that I might have relationship with the Creator Through God's people-I am encouraged simply by the immense population of God's people, black, white Korean, foreigners in a land--just like I am ...

Today marks the first morning gathering for communitas. Many years and many tears have passed before this day by many people involved directly or indirectly in this church plant. But for me, as I woke up well before my alarm this morning, it is an honor to be a part of this morning's festivities. It is a priveledge for me to be involved with a courageous group of people united together in a dangerous mission with an unknown outcome. God continues to surprise me with His mighty providence for me, for my family, for my brothers and sisters in Christ, and for communitas nyc. It is an honor to serve His glory and majesty in this world where we try to bring a piece of His kingdom here to earth. It is an honor to work to take over territory from the enemy for Him. It is an honor to get in our van this morning, drive into Manhattan, and gather with others that are seeking to track their lives the way Jesus wants us to track them. It is an honor.

Today was the first time that I got to run in over a week (I think). I've been quite busy working for the last few weeks helping prepare to open the new school. There is a lot to do, and I'm still learning a lot each day about what that looks like in Brooklyn. Today at work, my supervisor told me that the co. will have their vote on the 15th of Sept. That vote will be to approve the site for dreams. That site happens to be less than 2 miles from our apartment. What are the odds? Oh, hang that. "Jesus is with you." That's what I heard on my run today as I pondered just how close that is to our new home. Running has become a time for me to work out with my excercise partner-Jesus. I didn't realize how much I checked out of life and checked in with Jesus on my runs. But today it was invigorating physically, mentally, and spiritually. With the first week of school nearly under our belt, dkny said to me this week after the first day-"just think, 3...

These are the words that my boss used to describe the first day of school that happened today. Those words resonated in my head for quite some time today, and all the way home, and throughout the evening. These words are a great descriptor of my experiences in being involved in the opening of a new charter school in Brooklyn-'an absolute delight'. It has been a lot of work. It has been a lot of pushing. But it has been an absolute delight. To listen to the girls talk about their new school tonight at dinner-an absolute delight. To hang out with the neighbors on our front stoop and play four square-an absolute delight. To know that I am living here in WT because I am following Jesus-an absolute delight.

Living in this city has not worn off on me in the least. I am blown away each and every single day that God had this city in His plans for the kkft, and in particular for me. I mean, usually we are going camping for the Labor Day weekend with the whole K gang at Uncle Don's Campground, and that I missed because of the fun laughs and smiles we would share, even if Shivo was making her noises. But this year's LD weekend involved a few new experiences. Sick pete and two of the girls were with us. No big whoop. Wedding in Central Park Saturday morning with one of my heroes, briggsy. (Why is he my hero? Because he is following Jesus, and because of that, he came to nyc with no job. Wanted to leave, but continued to follow Him, and then he found his wife, moved back to MI to get real jobs, and ....) Then we spent time doing wonderful things with them, including getting caught up into Brazil Fest 2009. So full, you can't even understand how to move from one inch to the n...

Sunday, pastor's wife asked me to speak to communitas at the gathering. About the 'daily bread' that God has given superstar and I in our journey to nyc. It was a great excercise in processing the daily struggle to follow Jesus. Particularly when He calls you to do something that is abnormal-sell your house, quit your job, move to one of the largest cities on the planet, and start a church. See, I enjoyed my daily bread in my suburban lifestyle. Waking each day in the home I built the way I wanted to build it, with the car I wanted to buy in the garage, going to the job I thought was best for me, eating, drinking, smoking when and what I wanted when i wanted it, serving myself first instead of focusing on others, living my life the way I wanted to live it. Don't misunderstand, I think I was following God somewhat, but not really. So my daily bread conversation at the gathering (that was supposed to be 10 minutes, but went 20) was a strengthening reminder to me...

It stands today in my new city. My growth and my knowledge of just what it means to be a participant in the daily life and living here continues. Each day. I learn something new about living here. Today, the kkft made our way into Manhattan to serve at St. Joe's Soup Kitchen. The three hours we were there were over in a flash. Thanks and kudos to 'Steve' that runs the place. He made the girls feel special in their tasks. "I need a driver," he would say. And one of the girls would drive the cart full of fruit cocktail to the other end of the 'restaurant'. "I need a washer," he would say, and they would hurry to get to him and wash the table. Precious to see their faces in a serving role. I got to open so many large cans of stuff. Also got to put our hands into the spaghetti and meatball sauce and smash tomatoes. The thing is that what I wanted to do today was lay in my bed this morning. I wanted to take the whole day and serve myself...

Part of the interesting lifestyle of New York City is the distinct ownership in one's neighborhood. No matter where you live in this grand city, people take great pride in 'their neighborhood'. And you certainly don't want to live in another neighborhood if you like yours. And this is part of my acculturation to New York City, to Brooklyn, and to Windsor Terrace. This is MY neighborhood. And I love it. I am starting to own it, and I'm not even sure that I have the right to own it if I have only lived here for a short time. But I do. Running down third to ditmas today, I saw people of at least seven to ten different ethnicities. And I loved it. I wonder if this will be my neighborhood for a generation? My neighborhood.

I know, I know, I know. I have not TAKEN the time to blog this week. I know. It's not that I didn't want to. I did. So many unbelieveable things to write about. The Gerdy family was in town this week, and it was so cool to have them in our new home. Good time had by all, and really enjoyed sharing things in the city with them. Especially enjoyed the 'boys night out' and attending the Staten Island Yankees game. The stadium is right off the Staten Island Ferry, and you overlook the southern tip of Manhattan from your seats. Pretty neat. Also have really spent this week trying to understand my role in communitas-what is it that God wants me to do to be fully devoted and serving to this church so that others might see Jesus through our work in this great city. I am starting to think I have an idea of the role He has for me here, but I am ever prayerful in that thought process. If you think of it, pray that God will reveal to me what my specific role is in commu...

ALL THAT YOU WANTED Give it all, and get it all. My desires destroyed to fulfill the purpose. Great suffering in order to live freely. Anguish in watching the world go farther away behind me. New places, new times. Not what I wanted, but what I needed. Homogeneity destroyed. Love pours over, the waves rush in; the tide is higher than ever before. All that you wanted. All that you wanted. All that you wanted.

So as I sit on the porch on LBI-thanks once again to raver and anne-I reflect on a few things. One-I will miss my pal Jimmer. I so enjoy just being with him, talking with him, laughing with him, talking about life with him. There are only a few men that I have deep relationships with in this world, and Jimmer is one that will last a lifetime. Bench good-beach bad. Two-a get away is necessary at times in your life. You must leave your current state of chaos in order to make order and sense of this world. Physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. Three-how do you serve people that are not church going and tie them into a community of Jesus followers? I sit on this deck on a Sunday morning thinking of my community of Jesus followers and what Sunday means to them. And I look about this house, and this street, and this island and see people that don't even know what that means. How to you connect their life to the life of our creator that they don't know? Back to the ...

It is a challenge to sit in the passenger seat for me. It is hard for me to allow people to make decisions I already think will not work out. Much like pastor, I don't like to pass by things and what I see as wasted time to do things that are not proven to be successful. It is hard to be humble. It is hard to put others first. It has been a challenge for me this week with all the things to do on the list for our new school opening to let go of things that I think should be this way or that way. On the bright side, our family has a new home. It is beyond my belief to come home to my family in this city that is ours to live in and serve others. Meeting with the pastor this week in our new city renewed my sense of growth and accomplishment in personal and community growth for communitas. I am so looking forward to being here on the ground to serve our church community and start a small group in our home. That has been the biggest part of our lives over the last ten years, and...

Well, after much ado about summer, vacations, trainings, travellings, etc., Saturday meant piling all the kkft into the van and heading 'home'. After living the last 4 odd weeks out of a suitcase, it certainly felt great having a final destination of our new home in Brooklyn. It was beautiful to look around me in the van and see the three most beautiful girls in my life surrounding me on my journey. However, it was an emotional morning for all as we gave our final hugs and kisses to my family. Friday night meant the panks, the in laws, the cuz's, and us hung out by the fire and had some pie. But the morning brought emotions I may have been ignoring. Maybe I just already detached myself long ago from the idea of leaving our family and friends. Maybe I just realized how hard this is emotionally for everyone. In any case, many tears were spent by a number of people. But in reading Nehemiah this week, in particular on the first morning official with the kkft in place, t...

No it's not so random, so people should stop saying that. However, I will use the term appropriately with my 'random' thoughts: -Summer vacation for at least three weeks without serious work hours is something everyone should get and do no matter what their profession. Stress in the world would cease to exist, and there would be no such thing as road rage. -I love my wife and my family. Spending time (as mentioned above) with them leads me to the reminder that I have the greatest life in the world and the greatest wife and the greatest children. Cedar Point, bro's house, butt tree's, soak city, the maples hotel, the motel 6, hog heaven, the amway grand, the terrace motel and the beauty of a wedding and dancing with my daughters and wife. Life is grand and I love them. -I have the greatest job in the world, and I am convinced it is a gift from God because I trusted Him with everything. I am so thankful that I love what I do, the people I work with, and the peop...

It has been over a week since my last post, and summer as you may or may not have read is in full force. But this week was devoted to the kkft, and just the four of us enjoying some quality time together, even if it did take us across six state lines. Muchas gracias to my bro and the bama girl for taking our girls, they loved time with their cousins very much. And we had a great visit in Phatlanta as well. Excercise, day on the boat, lots of pool time, and time with the family. Much fun. Then we had a chance to visit maid of honor and her family, much fun there also. But the best part of the time together was going to Soak City and Cedar Point for a three day fun festival. Superstar screaming and making her coaster face for three days was a delight. Perhaps even funnier was the seven year old riding the millenium four times in two days without hands. And the nine year old riding the raptor several times only to want to ride it again and again. It is pretty cool when you can r...

Summer vacation. It has always been my favorite time of year, ever since I was a little creeker (pronounced cricker) growing up in Smiths Creek (pronounced crick). Summer time then meant swimming in the pool all day, spending time with my brother and my cousins-Jimmy, Johnny, Todd. If you were lucky, Todd would come and stay in MI, or you got to go to TN to spend some quality summer time. Wiffle ball, bike riding, swimming, camping, at the beach, cruising the strip, family reunion, all kinds of great things. As an adult, summer vacation for me has been much the same. I'll not soon forget the first summer after getting a teaching job, when superstar asked me what I was going to do or where I was going to work for the summer. I said something like-"I'm not." For educators, I think this is a much needed break from the on-ness of being with kids all day throughout the year. Particularly from a leadership position-you are at every moment through the year-responsibl...

So last night, the superstar and I just happened to go to a concert in Prospect Park. It is a 10 minute walk to the bandshell where the 'Celebrate Brooklyn' series takes place. Free concerts all summer long (although they ask a 3$ donation to enter) with some really great artists. Last night, we saw 'los amigos invisibles'. Here's how I would describe them: A latin dance/funkadelic/rock/disco/party/clubbin/trance band. Put that category into your i tunes search box, and these guys would come up. I can't even explain how much I enjoyed it. So go buy their album. This is just one very simple example of the incredible opportunities that are here -I mean right here- in our neighborhood. As I ran the other day in the same park, I was running along the 60 acre lake, looking around at the water, the trees, the lawns that go on forever, and I was saying to myself "I can't even believe that I am running here in this beautiful place". And very clea...

Thirteen years of bliss. That's what I get for today. I love my superstar more than words can describe. Thanks to my brother and sister in law, the superstar and I got to spend our evening out last night in the city. Walking along, we just happened to walk next to four of our friends from communitas.... But we had a lovely evening. I love my superstar. That's all. For thirteen years I have loved her more and more and more. Today more than ever. Tomorrow more than today. Year fourteen will prove that my love for her can grow stronger. Love. Her. Mucho.

The fourth of July weekend has come and gone for another year, and what a joyous time of year. So many fond memories of the Walsh family reunion at "Hon and Hon's". As kids, we would hang out and play with our cousins, swim all day, watch fireworks at night, and maybe even spend time in Tennessee if it was your lucky year. But this is the next generation. Now I'm the adult watching the kiddies run and swim and play all day. This year, the fifth of July meant a fiesta bell grande for the kkft as we loaded up for the last (ok, second to last) time to head off to our new home in Brooklyn. Friends and family came to wish us well, spend some time together and enjoy the absolutely perfect day in the sunshine. Laughter, smiles, hugs, and love passed from one to another. Great friends stopped by that we will miss so much at our new residence. Family members that have supported us since childhood and poured love into us will be seen less often because we will live som...

If you are in my 'demographic group', you have most likely seen the movie from the 80's The Breakfast Club. For people my age, it was a first to exemplify the teen angst that goes on in all types of kids from different cliques. It taught us that even if you are from different backgrounds, interests, and socioeconomic lines, you can get to a point of commonality. Let's get back to the point- As I went for a jog in my neighborhood Sunday morning, I was thoroughly enjoying the sabbath my superstar encouraged me to take and enjoy. (PS-Congratulations to the star for today is our 13th Wedding Anniversary. I love her more today than ever, and long to kiss her on the mouth and hold her in my arms.) My first thought was to walk up to the park and run there because it is so beautiful. But I felt prompted to run through our neighborhood. As I created my own route 'up the hill' (that's how they refer to the hill in our neighborhood-you either live up the hill o...

What is it about music that my soul resonates with? Upon hearing almost any type of music whatsoever, I sense God more keenly-or at least I think I do. Music for some reason particularly enhances any spiritual experience I have. Wherever. Whatever. Music enhances my senses of the Holy Spirit speaking to me, moving in me, showing me what to see. Even as I sit in the airport in Albany, NY after a LLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGG week of sit and get, I listen to my ipod and I am immediately tuned in to seeing things more clearly with my eyes. The people about me pop more. The sunshine is brighter. The bricks are straighter. The sky is bluer. My inner spirit bounces along with the beat. It tunes me in and tunes the 'world' out. I am not really sure how to explain it. Or if I am? But music allows my mind, my heart, and my soul to meander through thoughts and ideas that I don't think I would normally land on without music falling through my head. Of particu...

This week has been such an incredible week. After nearly two years, the kkft finally landed in our new apartment in Brooklyn. It is an area that we never considered, it is bigger, badder, and better than we ever expected, we love the neighborhood, and we have parked our van at the front door of our building each night. (Even parked the moving truck there on Monday night) It is an incredible place, and as I shared with small group on Tuesday, it is overwhelming to me to see a glimpse of the Glory of God shine on me. I am not worthy to receive these incredible things. A couple of people have said something to me about the fact that superstar and I have been so faithful over the last two years that this is the only thing that would have happened. I think that is pretty flippin sweet. We truly engaged with following Him, and He continues to bless us beyond our comprehension. Engage, participate, and elevate your game-TODAY.

It is a blessing from the incredible God we serve. To land in the 11218 area code. I lay in our new apartment tonight on our raised up bed from Dad, and feel the gentle cool breeze flowing into the front window. This is a beautiful place, and I can't even believe I get to live here. My girls were so excited to sleep on their new bunks tonight. Pastor, the Yankee, kushmonkey, and my boy p all came to serve us. P did most of the work, and I am so thankful for his time and energy. All the toil and energies that were used in getting the kkft here, and now I get to rest on this bed. Thank you God, for guiding our steps to get here. Thank you for this beautiful place. And thank you for the block party that is happening Saturday-welcome to the neighborhood as my new neighbor said this afternoon. I can't wait to see what awaits us here in the WT. Today, tomorrow, and beyond. See you in the neighborhood.

This morning, as I sat at Mariner Park in Detroit, I knew it was the last time that I would spend my quiet time there as an employee at DMA. The last year has been so very cool for me, and the culminating activity was attending the 8th grade graduation last night after flying back to the D. The ceremony was in a church in the D, and as I sat there and watched and listened, it was very cool to pray for the 'class of 2009' hoping fro greatness in each of their lives. But this week also brought a lot of 'lasts' to T$'s world. The last night staying in a hotel in Brooklyn. The last trip to and from being a non-resident. The last trip to the D as a person that is stationed in the D. The last time driving down 94. The last time of this and the last time of that. It still doesn't seem like Monday we will move in to our new home in WT. Perhaps it doesn't seem like it because I know in the back of my head that the kkft won't all be there full time truly ...

The journey from R town to NYC has been long, and I dare say the most fruitful journey I have ever been involved in. Saturday, I ran an 'official' 5k for the Blue Water Hospice. I was sponsored by some fantastic co-workers to run the race. I didn't start the pavement on fire with my level of speed, but I did finish without walking in 34:06. If you read my post about doing the 5k on the treadmill, I have improved my time by more than two minutes since then. But I must tell you that the entire experience was a spiritual one. As we started the race, I ran among many people. All taking their own pace and approach to the race. All (I think) working to accomplish something, perhaps a goal that they set long ago, perhaps a goal they set that morning. But as my vision lost focus on the heads 'bouncing' around me, and as I clearly felt God confirming my efforts over the last (nearly) two years, I felt like he was saying to me-ok. Now your training is complete. Now...

I have been spending a lot of time in nyc for work the last month or two, and I have enjoyed being here, enjoyed the work we're doing, and enjoyed making new friends. I have also missed my friends and family in MI. Today, as I drove to the airport once again to board a plane, it was a bit different. This is the first time I have boarded a plane to nyc knowing the date the kkft will move. A new revelation that has come to fruition for our family, and such an incredible place that God has picked out for us to live. So much excitement in showing the video to the girls, in spending time talking things over with my superstar, making plans for this summer. Usually by this time of year, we have a pretty good grasp of what our summer will look like. That all played out this weekend as superstar and I developed an outline for the move. This is where we will be heading on June 15th-an area of Brooklyn called Windsor Terrace. This will be our new neighborhood. Our new home. Our new place to p...

Seriously-I have a signed copy of the lease. Windsor Terrace is where the kkft will land in Brooklyn. No broker fee, no rejection waiting period, 3br/2ba with terrace AND outdoor space. Five minute walk to subway, 10 to the good school for the girls, 10 to prospect park. God completely overwhelms me with his gift of an incredible apartment. More this week, as I will actually have internet access. :)

Well, if you follow along at home kiddies, you know the history of the kkft trying to find a home here in the big apple. (By the way NO ONE calls it that) I am really trying to focus my energy on listening to God, because He clearly keeps telling me to do just that: LISTEN. I think I am. I think I am. But I'm not hearing anything. Why? Because I live in a society of self-gratifiers that want immediate gratification in all that we do. Everything. Now. No money down. No interest for the rest of your life. Easy terms. You deserve it. You've worked hard. But following Jesus is another thing altogether. Today in my quiet time I felt like God was telling me 'not yet', and I'm ok with that. I realize it is my brain that wants to check it off the list to move on to the next. Crunch time seems to be here in my mind, but I beat my body into submission so that I might earn the prize. See you on the other side of the tunnel.