Slowly but surely I am figuring this out. We have spent the last two weeks getting in and partially settled into our new place. We love it more and more all of the time. Click on the picture and it will take you to more pictures of the new Kuest household on flickr.com
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Josh Pitch 1
Still trying to figure out how to put pictures on my blog. The only way that I have figured out thus far is to go through flickr.com and blog about one photo. I'd like to put more photos up on a blog, but I still don't have that capability (I'm slow).
Anyway, I love this shot of Joshua pitching. Look closely for the "Thoughtful Tongue".
Anyway, I love this shot of Joshua pitching. Look closely for the "Thoughtful Tongue".
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Baseball Season Ends in Washington
It has taken me a day to blog this entry, partly because I am exhausted and partly because I don't want to let go of a baseball season that was so much fun and in which we interacted with so many great people.
Joshua, once again, was the starting pitcher for the Twins against the Mariners. Once again, Joshua was outstanding. He pitched three innings, struck out five or six and walked one. At the top of the fourth inning, the score was 1-0 Mariners. We brought in our next pitcher, who probably throws the hardest on our team and he was throwing harder than I have ever seen him throw. In fact, harder than I have seen any 10 year old throw this season. But for some reason, the Mariners drilled him. We brought in our next pitcher, who is as talented (but not always as strong upstairs if you know what I mean) as any kid in our league and he was toasted as well. It didn't help that our defense completely fell apart behind them and when it was all said and done, we lost 12-0. They looked as sharp as any team we have played all year and we looked as bad as we have all year. I think part of it was the exhaustion of the kids on our team - after two extra inning games and one that lasted two days, Joshua told me as we rode home that he was "kind of" glad that the season was over because he is so tired.
We take possession of our new house tomorrow. Moving begins and the exhaustion continues (but it you weren't tired, life would be boring, right?). We are all so excited about the move and can't wait to have our own place once again. There are neighbors to meet and a community that needs to be impacted. Let's get it on!
Joshua, once again, was the starting pitcher for the Twins against the Mariners. Once again, Joshua was outstanding. He pitched three innings, struck out five or six and walked one. At the top of the fourth inning, the score was 1-0 Mariners. We brought in our next pitcher, who probably throws the hardest on our team and he was throwing harder than I have ever seen him throw. In fact, harder than I have seen any 10 year old throw this season. But for some reason, the Mariners drilled him. We brought in our next pitcher, who is as talented (but not always as strong upstairs if you know what I mean) as any kid in our league and he was toasted as well. It didn't help that our defense completely fell apart behind them and when it was all said and done, we lost 12-0. They looked as sharp as any team we have played all year and we looked as bad as we have all year. I think part of it was the exhaustion of the kids on our team - after two extra inning games and one that lasted two days, Joshua told me as we rode home that he was "kind of" glad that the season was over because he is so tired.
We take possession of our new house tomorrow. Moving begins and the exhaustion continues (but it you weren't tired, life would be boring, right?). We are all so excited about the move and can't wait to have our own place once again. There are neighbors to meet and a community that needs to be impacted. Let's get it on!
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Twins Play Like Pros
If you want to see some GREAT baseball, you need to come watch the Twins play. I can now say that I have seen one of the greatest Little League games of all time. (Okay, so I'm a Dad who is a little partial, but I can't help it.)
The Twins played on Saturday afternoon against the T-Bird Red Sox. The Red Sox are what you would call a "stacked" team. They have 10 year olds bigger than me. They are a powerhouse and it shows. The Twins, on the other hand, have some great talent mixed in with some kids that are less talented, but the coaches have done a great job of getting them to play as a team.
I'll give the short version, because nobody really wants to hear the long version (I could go on & on & on...)
Joshua started pitching and only had three innings left (you can only pitch 6 innings per week). The Red Sox scored three in the first inning on a squib hit, a solid hit and two errors (the third out popped out of the right fielders mitt and turned into a two run double - those things happen in 10 year old baseball). Josh struck out the side in the second and then faced the top of their order again in the third and shut them down. In spite of the runs in the first, it was one of his best outings of the season considering the level the Red Sox play at.
We scored a run in the second and two runs in the third to tie it 3-3. It stayed that was through six innings (which is regulation in little league). Our tournament rules say that someone has to score to win, so we kept playing. Three more innings and two rain delays later it is still tied 3-3. Amazing! Everyone was playing perfect defense. We also had our leadoff man and quickest runner (twice) thrown out at home plate. Finally, they called the game because of wetness and scheduled it to be played out today (Sunday).
Today we showed up to play until someone scored. Joshua led off the game (we were visitors) and got a hit, but was forced out at second when the next batter hit it to the shortstop. A single and a walk loaded the bases for our "least likely to get a hit" player came up and what does he do? He swings, which he always does (at anything) and drives the ball between third base and shortstop. We ended up scoring two runs.
If your still with me you are either a die hard baseball fan or you are up late at night with nothing else to do so I'll give you the controversy. The Red Sox showed up today with three of their least talented players absent. This is important because these are the batters who were up to bat in this inning. They claimed that they refuse to play on Sundays. Who can argue? But I am sure if it were three of their best players they would have sung a different tune. So, they get skipped in the order and up comes the top of their order. I wish I could say that we held them and won, but with our top pitchers all having pitched yesterday, they started banging the ball around and promptly scored three runs to beat us. An amazing game.
We now move into the Loser's Bracket and play again on Monday and probably every day after that until the end of the tourney on Saturday. We'll keep you posted.
The Twins played on Saturday afternoon against the T-Bird Red Sox. The Red Sox are what you would call a "stacked" team. They have 10 year olds bigger than me. They are a powerhouse and it shows. The Twins, on the other hand, have some great talent mixed in with some kids that are less talented, but the coaches have done a great job of getting them to play as a team.
I'll give the short version, because nobody really wants to hear the long version (I could go on & on & on...)
Joshua started pitching and only had three innings left (you can only pitch 6 innings per week). The Red Sox scored three in the first inning on a squib hit, a solid hit and two errors (the third out popped out of the right fielders mitt and turned into a two run double - those things happen in 10 year old baseball). Josh struck out the side in the second and then faced the top of their order again in the third and shut them down. In spite of the runs in the first, it was one of his best outings of the season considering the level the Red Sox play at.
We scored a run in the second and two runs in the third to tie it 3-3. It stayed that was through six innings (which is regulation in little league). Our tournament rules say that someone has to score to win, so we kept playing. Three more innings and two rain delays later it is still tied 3-3. Amazing! Everyone was playing perfect defense. We also had our leadoff man and quickest runner (twice) thrown out at home plate. Finally, they called the game because of wetness and scheduled it to be played out today (Sunday).
Today we showed up to play until someone scored. Joshua led off the game (we were visitors) and got a hit, but was forced out at second when the next batter hit it to the shortstop. A single and a walk loaded the bases for our "least likely to get a hit" player came up and what does he do? He swings, which he always does (at anything) and drives the ball between third base and shortstop. We ended up scoring two runs.
If your still with me you are either a die hard baseball fan or you are up late at night with nothing else to do so I'll give you the controversy. The Red Sox showed up today with three of their least talented players absent. This is important because these are the batters who were up to bat in this inning. They claimed that they refuse to play on Sundays. Who can argue? But I am sure if it were three of their best players they would have sung a different tune. So, they get skipped in the order and up comes the top of their order. I wish I could say that we held them and won, but with our top pitchers all having pitched yesterday, they started banging the ball around and promptly scored three runs to beat us. An amazing game.
We now move into the Loser's Bracket and play again on Monday and probably every day after that until the end of the tourney on Saturday. We'll keep you posted.
I Forgot to Mention
Regarding the end of the Red Sox season, the tears were wiped away when one of the players older brothers showed up with 12 pie pans and 12 cans of whipped cream. Saddness turned to chaos and laughter as they had a MASSIVE pie fight to end the season. Sorry, no pictures.
Red Sox Season Ends
It was an incredible ride while it lasted. The Red Sox took first place in their league and then lasted five games into the city tournament and on Saturday afternoon, they bowed out to the Thunderbird Marlins 6-3. It was one of those games where we had every ability and opportunity to beat the other team, but the big hit or the big defensive stop at the right moment never came. We are really proud of their team. It is definitely not one of those "powerhouse" teams that we see in Little League on occasion. It's just a group of boys who are learning to be a team and as a team, they play way above their individual abilities. We really enjoyed the new relationships that we developed with families and were greatly impressed with Coach Wilson and the way he helped teach teamwork and other important nuances of the game. Great year, Red Sox.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Kyle sold his birthright for a chocolate cream pie!
We are still in the tournament. Tonight Kyle played his fourth game of the tournament. Three must win games have all been won and they continue...
Tonight we played a team that had beaten us in the regular season and exacted revenge. It was probably the ugliest game I have ever seen us play. We are usually a solid defensive team, but our defense was atrocious tonight, but timely pitching and timely plays saved the day. Kyle came in to pitch in the top of the fourth with the Red Sox down 3-1. He threw two shutout innings and our offense finally came alive to give a 6-3 lead going into the final inning (6th). Kyle came in and made it interesting for all of us. A couple of walks here, a bobbled grounder there and the bases are loaded with nobody out. Kyle got pulled (put at first base) at that point and our hardest thrower was brought in. Luckily, he was throwing strikes. He got two outs on KO's while two runs ended up scoring on a hit and another one of those errors. So here we are with the tying run 60 ft. away from home and two outs. The batter hits a ground ball to our shortstop, who fields it cleanly, takes a few steps to first (I thought he was going to run over there and hand Kyle the ball), and fires the ball into the dirt. Ol' stetch over there at first base reaches out and digs the ball out of the dirt, lifts it into the air and the umpire calls the third out. Game over.
Now at the end of every Little League game on the planet earth, there are snacks. All little leaguers love snacks - except for the Red Sox in the playoffs. Oh, we still have snacks, but they take a back door to our playoff tradition. A Pie. If we lose, we eat the pie. If we win, all player names go into a hat and one is randomly drawn. The drawn name then gets to place the pie wherever they choose - usually a face. Up to this point in time, this has been funny, but today, Kyle's name was drawn. I am sure that there are many people who deserved a pie in their face and I can think of many reasons why I did NOT deserve a pie in my face; however, reason did not prevail in this instance and I was the recipient.
Joshua will now inherit the oldest son's portion!
Tonight we played a team that had beaten us in the regular season and exacted revenge. It was probably the ugliest game I have ever seen us play. We are usually a solid defensive team, but our defense was atrocious tonight, but timely pitching and timely plays saved the day. Kyle came in to pitch in the top of the fourth with the Red Sox down 3-1. He threw two shutout innings and our offense finally came alive to give a 6-3 lead going into the final inning (6th). Kyle came in and made it interesting for all of us. A couple of walks here, a bobbled grounder there and the bases are loaded with nobody out. Kyle got pulled (put at first base) at that point and our hardest thrower was brought in. Luckily, he was throwing strikes. He got two outs on KO's while two runs ended up scoring on a hit and another one of those errors. So here we are with the tying run 60 ft. away from home and two outs. The batter hits a ground ball to our shortstop, who fields it cleanly, takes a few steps to first (I thought he was going to run over there and hand Kyle the ball), and fires the ball into the dirt. Ol' stetch over there at first base reaches out and digs the ball out of the dirt, lifts it into the air and the umpire calls the third out. Game over.
Now at the end of every Little League game on the planet earth, there are snacks. All little leaguers love snacks - except for the Red Sox in the playoffs. Oh, we still have snacks, but they take a back door to our playoff tradition. A Pie. If we lose, we eat the pie. If we win, all player names go into a hat and one is randomly drawn. The drawn name then gets to place the pie wherever they choose - usually a face. Up to this point in time, this has been funny, but today, Kyle's name was drawn. I am sure that there are many people who deserved a pie in their face and I can think of many reasons why I did NOT deserve a pie in my face; however, reason did not prevail in this instance and I was the recipient.
Joshua will now inherit the oldest son's portion!
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
A Slice of Little League Heaven
Kyle's team (Red Sox) is fighting for their lives in the Loser's Bracket after being upset in their first game of the tournament. Tonight they played their third game of the tourney against another Red Sox team from Bellevue West L.L. I'll boil this one down quickly. Kyle was the starting pitcher and threw three shutout innings and our Red Sox scored 10 runs quickly to bring on the mercy rule and win the game 10-0. Kyle got the game ball. (I'm not a proud papa or anything.)
Joshua played tonight as well and was the starting pitcher for his team's (Twins) game as they played the #1 seed (Rockies) in the whole tournament. He threw phenomenally - allowing only three unearned runs in the first inning and shutting them out the next two innings. Here is where the story gets intense - cause this was probably the most emotionally exhausting game I have ever seen played - at any level! When Josh left after three innings, the score was 3-2 in the Rockies favor. In the top of the fourth, we went ahead 4-3 and held them in the bottom of the inning. The fifth inning got dicey. We did not score and they came up, scored the tying run with guys on first and second with one out. At this time we inserted our ace pitcher who had been on the shelf with a sore arm for the tourney thus far. He came in throwing BB's and struck the guy out (out #2). He and the catcher thought that was out number 3 and started celebrating as the guy from second took off for third. He realized (parents are screaming at the top of their lungs) what was going on and gunned it to third in time to nail the guy for out number three. (Whew!) The sixth inning was stressful, yet both teams failed to score - but not without dramatic moments. (I'm sorry, I can't relay every dramatic moment to ya'll - you had to be there)
Now it gets a bit heated because there are some different interpretations of the rules. Little league games only go 6 innings. Thus, many on the Twins side of the fence believe that the game should be called due to time constraints - reverting back to the last full inning in which a team had the lead - making us the winners. The Rockies obviously did not see it that way. And as it turned out - neither did the umpire, who declared that we would play until we had a loser.
Up come the Twins to put 10 runs on the board in the top of the 7th; thus invoking the mercy rule, and we emerged victorious 14-4.
That was simply the most amazing little league game I have ever seen played - and these are 10 year olds.
Now we both move on - the Twins in the winner's bracket still and the Red Sox fighting their way through the loser's bracket. The Red Sox play on Friday night (they play four straight days if they continue to win) and the Twins play again on Saturday morning.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Joshua played tonight as well and was the starting pitcher for his team's (Twins) game as they played the #1 seed (Rockies) in the whole tournament. He threw phenomenally - allowing only three unearned runs in the first inning and shutting them out the next two innings. Here is where the story gets intense - cause this was probably the most emotionally exhausting game I have ever seen played - at any level! When Josh left after three innings, the score was 3-2 in the Rockies favor. In the top of the fourth, we went ahead 4-3 and held them in the bottom of the inning. The fifth inning got dicey. We did not score and they came up, scored the tying run with guys on first and second with one out. At this time we inserted our ace pitcher who had been on the shelf with a sore arm for the tourney thus far. He came in throwing BB's and struck the guy out (out #2). He and the catcher thought that was out number 3 and started celebrating as the guy from second took off for third. He realized (parents are screaming at the top of their lungs) what was going on and gunned it to third in time to nail the guy for out number three. (Whew!) The sixth inning was stressful, yet both teams failed to score - but not without dramatic moments. (I'm sorry, I can't relay every dramatic moment to ya'll - you had to be there)
Now it gets a bit heated because there are some different interpretations of the rules. Little league games only go 6 innings. Thus, many on the Twins side of the fence believe that the game should be called due to time constraints - reverting back to the last full inning in which a team had the lead - making us the winners. The Rockies obviously did not see it that way. And as it turned out - neither did the umpire, who declared that we would play until we had a loser.
Up come the Twins to put 10 runs on the board in the top of the 7th; thus invoking the mercy rule, and we emerged victorious 14-4.
That was simply the most amazing little league game I have ever seen played - and these are 10 year olds.
Now we both move on - the Twins in the winner's bracket still and the Red Sox fighting their way through the loser's bracket. The Red Sox play on Friday night (they play four straight days if they continue to win) and the Twins play again on Saturday morning.
Stay tuned for more updates.
You Know You Are In Seattle When...
Leslie and I have been looking for some children's furniture as we get ready to move into our new home. If you've heard of craigslist, it is an online ebay sort of site only you can view things that are in and around your city. All that said, we were looking for a crib and came across this ad on craigslist.
"Solid Oak Crib with mattress and Changing Table - $200
Solid Oak Crib with mattress and Changing Table with padded mat. Very good to excellent condition. Non smoking and No pet home. Extra crib matress included. (that's two matresses total) We also have a matching dresser (it is in excellent condition and currenlty in use) it can be included but that would make our asking price significantly higher. If you voted for George Bush or Dino Rossi DO NOT EVEN think about it just go away."
I am not trying to make a political statement - just trying to say that this made me chuckle!
"Solid Oak Crib with mattress and Changing Table - $200
Solid Oak Crib with mattress and Changing Table with padded mat. Very good to excellent condition. Non smoking and No pet home. Extra crib matress included. (that's two matresses total) We also have a matching dresser (it is in excellent condition and currenlty in use) it can be included but that would make our asking price significantly higher. If you voted for George Bush or Dino Rossi DO NOT EVEN think about it just go away."
I am not trying to make a political statement - just trying to say that this made me chuckle!
Monday, June 06, 2005
Tournament Update
I know that most of you are not interested in following little league baseball in the state of Washington, but our family if fairly consumed by it right now - and I love it. Kyle's team won tonight in a nail biter. The final score was 9-9, but because of little league rules that won't allow play beyond 2:15 from the start of play, they went back to the last team with a lead at the end of an inning -which was the Red Sox (us). Kyle went 2 for 2 with a walk and three runs scored. Have I told ya'll how much I like little league baseball?
On a really cool note, I have had some great conversations with Joshua's coach. When he approached me about Joshua playing all-stars, he began asking me about how I knew I should go into ministry. It started a conversation that has not ended yet. He had a daughter who died of cancer at age nine - he had told me that in a previous conversation. He then said we should get together for coffee so he could tell me the story of his daughter. I am calling him tomorrow morning to see if he can do that coffee. I pray that God will give me His heart and His words as we talk.
On a really cool note, I have had some great conversations with Joshua's coach. When he approached me about Joshua playing all-stars, he began asking me about how I knew I should go into ministry. It started a conversation that has not ended yet. He had a daughter who died of cancer at age nine - he had told me that in a previous conversation. He then said we should get together for coffee so he could tell me the story of his daughter. I am calling him tomorrow morning to see if he can do that coffee. I pray that God will give me His heart and His words as we talk.
Way Overdue...Your Voice Has Been Heard
Yes, it has been ages since I have put my fingers to work in updating you on our Seattle Sojourn. I want to encourage you to visit our other blog if you are looking to know what is happening with Pathways Church, but this space will primarily be used for blogging our family life. I'm recommiting myself to blogging here more often, so here's to a new beginning - spread the word.
Both the Chandler's and the Kuest's are in the process of closing on homes right now. Both of us will close around the 15th of June - so that has added to the hectic environment around here as well. We are really excited about the house that God has provided for us. It is far more expensive than our house in AZ (our mortgage doubled) but will fit our family perfectly. (I wish that I knew how to put pictures on here - I'll have to ask John how to do that.)It is in a fairly new community and is in a cul-de-sac which is perfect for the boys. We don't really have a backyard as the pictures will show, but instead have a downgrade that leads to forest/greenbelt. It is gorgeous and has a 700 sq. foot deck that is stunning. It will be great for having people over and sitting out on the deck and chatting or eating.
The church is officially incorporated with the state and IRS now. We have our banking account set up and are in the process of signing with Mill Creek Elementary school to have our worship services there. It is in a great location on a main street that is directly across the street from most of the new housing that is being built.
Our family doing great. In the midst of all of the stress, we find that God is more than enough to meet us where we are at. It has been difficult at times for Leslie and I as we have coped with stress in different ways. When you think about leaving a good job, having no income for 8 months, living with your parents/in-laws, homeschool your children, try to plant a new church, and then deal with everyday stuff that we all deal with - that is a pretty stressful recipe. Leslie has been amazing through it all as have her parents. It really could not have worked out better at their house. All the while, God refines us in the midst of all of this fire. We have had some great talks about this and are looking forward to our new home that will give us our own space and allow us to "be" in the community of Mill Creek.
We are getting information and registration ready to put the boys in public school next year. They are all excited. Kyle will be in Middle School and Josh will be in 5th grade, Andrew in 1st grade and Brett will be in Kindergarten. We will be in the Snohomish School District which has a really good reputation. We think that homeschooling was the right decision at the time that we made it and that public school is the right decision for our family right now.
The boys are doing awesome. Baseball is so much fun. Kyle's team (he's 12) finished in first place in their league and are now in the city tournament. They were upset in the first game on Saturday and so now they have to fight their way through the loser's bracket. They have a big game tonight. It will be tough so we'll see what they are made of. Kyle is probably the most well-rounded player on his team. He plays SS (even as a lefty), 1B and Pitcher. He's not the most overpowering pitcher on his team, but the most consistent and his defense is solid. He made an amazing stab at first base in their tournament game on Saturday. Plus, he hits far better than his father ever did. He's hit some shots that sailed over OF'er's heads, but none that have cleared the fence yet - he's a gapper.
Joshua's team finished their league in third place, but are far better than that. They are in the city tournament as well and won their first game on Saturday. Joshua (10) was the starting pitcher and went three solid innings. Coach says that he will start again on Wednesday for their second game. Josh is the most consistent pitcher on the team and a coach favorite. He is not fazed by stressful situations, which is why the coach likes him to start these tournament games. He is a great glove in the field and plays 2B when not pitching. He hits better than I did - but don't most little leaguers, but that is the area that needs the greatest improvement in his game. The coach uses him as a clutch bunter because he lays some beauties down and is a left-handed hitter - quick to get down the line. Can you tell I love little league?
The one thing I am grieving over is that both of their coaches approached me about them playing all-stars and we just can't commit the time needed to let them play. We are closing on our house just as the city tournament ends and moving 30 minutes away. Getting them to the practices and games would be impossible.
Andrew is still all about people. I think he is more extraverted than I am! He loves Kindergarten in the homeschool group that we are a part of and can't wait for public school next year. He did not get to play little league this year because trying to schedule all the boys going in different directions is a bit much. We are going to sign he and Brett up for soccer in the fall instead. Andrew can read better than most high school kids (that's an exaggeration, but not by much). He is a reading machine and is almost finished reading Stuart Little by himself.
Brett is still the boss of all of his brothers at age 5. He loves taking charge and wants to read like Andrew. He is well on his way. That has been one of the greatest thrills for Leslie and I about homeschooling our kids - watching them learn to read and developing a love for learning. Brett loves anything Basketball or Baseball and quickly became a Mariner fan because their second basemen has such an excellent first name - Brett. He is also unable to talk about baseball without mentioning Ichiro!
Jamie is now 11 months and jabbering like he knows what he is saying and that we should understand as well. He is quite the character. He still has not conquered crawling but that does not prevent him from getting places. He's got the military crawl down to a science and moves very quickly from place to place. He lives with four brothers an inch away from his face constantly and I am convinced he will grow up being a "close-talker" and having no concept of personal space.
We miss Arizona. Don't be shy about leaving messages here or emailing!
Both the Chandler's and the Kuest's are in the process of closing on homes right now. Both of us will close around the 15th of June - so that has added to the hectic environment around here as well. We are really excited about the house that God has provided for us. It is far more expensive than our house in AZ (our mortgage doubled) but will fit our family perfectly. (I wish that I knew how to put pictures on here - I'll have to ask John how to do that.)It is in a fairly new community and is in a cul-de-sac which is perfect for the boys. We don't really have a backyard as the pictures will show, but instead have a downgrade that leads to forest/greenbelt. It is gorgeous and has a 700 sq. foot deck that is stunning. It will be great for having people over and sitting out on the deck and chatting or eating.
The church is officially incorporated with the state and IRS now. We have our banking account set up and are in the process of signing with Mill Creek Elementary school to have our worship services there. It is in a great location on a main street that is directly across the street from most of the new housing that is being built.
Our family doing great. In the midst of all of the stress, we find that God is more than enough to meet us where we are at. It has been difficult at times for Leslie and I as we have coped with stress in different ways. When you think about leaving a good job, having no income for 8 months, living with your parents/in-laws, homeschool your children, try to plant a new church, and then deal with everyday stuff that we all deal with - that is a pretty stressful recipe. Leslie has been amazing through it all as have her parents. It really could not have worked out better at their house. All the while, God refines us in the midst of all of this fire. We have had some great talks about this and are looking forward to our new home that will give us our own space and allow us to "be" in the community of Mill Creek.
We are getting information and registration ready to put the boys in public school next year. They are all excited. Kyle will be in Middle School and Josh will be in 5th grade, Andrew in 1st grade and Brett will be in Kindergarten. We will be in the Snohomish School District which has a really good reputation. We think that homeschooling was the right decision at the time that we made it and that public school is the right decision for our family right now.
The boys are doing awesome. Baseball is so much fun. Kyle's team (he's 12) finished in first place in their league and are now in the city tournament. They were upset in the first game on Saturday and so now they have to fight their way through the loser's bracket. They have a big game tonight. It will be tough so we'll see what they are made of. Kyle is probably the most well-rounded player on his team. He plays SS (even as a lefty), 1B and Pitcher. He's not the most overpowering pitcher on his team, but the most consistent and his defense is solid. He made an amazing stab at first base in their tournament game on Saturday. Plus, he hits far better than his father ever did. He's hit some shots that sailed over OF'er's heads, but none that have cleared the fence yet - he's a gapper.
Joshua's team finished their league in third place, but are far better than that. They are in the city tournament as well and won their first game on Saturday. Joshua (10) was the starting pitcher and went three solid innings. Coach says that he will start again on Wednesday for their second game. Josh is the most consistent pitcher on the team and a coach favorite. He is not fazed by stressful situations, which is why the coach likes him to start these tournament games. He is a great glove in the field and plays 2B when not pitching. He hits better than I did - but don't most little leaguers, but that is the area that needs the greatest improvement in his game. The coach uses him as a clutch bunter because he lays some beauties down and is a left-handed hitter - quick to get down the line. Can you tell I love little league?
The one thing I am grieving over is that both of their coaches approached me about them playing all-stars and we just can't commit the time needed to let them play. We are closing on our house just as the city tournament ends and moving 30 minutes away. Getting them to the practices and games would be impossible.
Andrew is still all about people. I think he is more extraverted than I am! He loves Kindergarten in the homeschool group that we are a part of and can't wait for public school next year. He did not get to play little league this year because trying to schedule all the boys going in different directions is a bit much. We are going to sign he and Brett up for soccer in the fall instead. Andrew can read better than most high school kids (that's an exaggeration, but not by much). He is a reading machine and is almost finished reading Stuart Little by himself.
Brett is still the boss of all of his brothers at age 5. He loves taking charge and wants to read like Andrew. He is well on his way. That has been one of the greatest thrills for Leslie and I about homeschooling our kids - watching them learn to read and developing a love for learning. Brett loves anything Basketball or Baseball and quickly became a Mariner fan because their second basemen has such an excellent first name - Brett. He is also unable to talk about baseball without mentioning Ichiro!
Jamie is now 11 months and jabbering like he knows what he is saying and that we should understand as well. He is quite the character. He still has not conquered crawling but that does not prevent him from getting places. He's got the military crawl down to a science and moves very quickly from place to place. He lives with four brothers an inch away from his face constantly and I am convinced he will grow up being a "close-talker" and having no concept of personal space.
We miss Arizona. Don't be shy about leaving messages here or emailing!
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Giving Up
I was looking through my journal tonight and found this from last year at this time. A poem of sorts.
Giving Up
Teach me to lose myself in you
Teach me to lose myself
my desires
my plans
And be consumed by you
your desires
your plans
I'm giving up my fear
I've been hanging on too long
It drives me from your doorstep
And parks me in the alley of indecision
I'm giving up
Giving Up
Teach me to lose myself in you
Teach me to lose myself
my desires
my plans
And be consumed by you
your desires
your plans
I'm giving up my fear
I've been hanging on too long
It drives me from your doorstep
And parks me in the alley of indecision
I'm giving up
Thursday, February 10, 2005
www.pathwaysblog.com
A new blog is up and running that will keep you up to date with Pathways church in Bellevue, WA. Click here to get there.
I will continue to post here regarding our family stuff, but will now be posting things about the church there. Add it to your favorites!
I will continue to post here regarding our family stuff, but will now be posting things about the church there. Add it to your favorites!
Saturday, February 05, 2005
And God Said, "It is Good."
Today are the tryouts for Little League Baseball for my 10 and 12 year olds. All is right in the world.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Take the Quiz and Comment
Okay, this will only be interesting if you actually take the quiz and comment on it. Here is the deal. Below you will find a list of 14 belief systems. Rank them from 1 to 14 with 1 being the strongest belief system to which you hold yourself. I did this in a class and it really made me think about what I really feel strongly about what is only theory in my life. In the comment, list how you ranked them.
Law and Order: elimination of crime and unrest
A Comfortable Life: a pleasurable and successful life
A World at Peace: a world free of war and conflict
Your Life: protection of your life
Equality: brotherhood, equal opportunity for all
Lives Of Our Loved Ones: survival of your loved ones
National Defense: protection from attack
Personal & Family Security: safe and free from worry
Respect From Others: looked up to, admired by others
Salvation: saved, eternal life
Self-Fulfillment: developing myself, my life fully
Wisdom: a mature, satisfying understanding of life
Democracy: a truly democratic representative government
All Human Life: the survival of all human life
Law and Order: elimination of crime and unrest
A Comfortable Life: a pleasurable and successful life
A World at Peace: a world free of war and conflict
Your Life: protection of your life
Equality: brotherhood, equal opportunity for all
Lives Of Our Loved Ones: survival of your loved ones
National Defense: protection from attack
Personal & Family Security: safe and free from worry
Respect From Others: looked up to, admired by others
Salvation: saved, eternal life
Self-Fulfillment: developing myself, my life fully
Wisdom: a mature, satisfying understanding of life
Democracy: a truly democratic representative government
All Human Life: the survival of all human life
Back
The rain followed me to San Diego then it followed me to AZ - cleared up and the clear followed me to Seattle. Weather does not get any nicer than it is here right now.
San Diego was awesome in that Leslie and I got to spend time talking, praying and laughing with John and Sherri Chandler. We are so excited they are coming to Seattle.
I also got to spend time with a guy named John Hickman - one of my new heroes. He has been a pastor in Spokane, WA for 26 years. Recently, he has become more and more convinced that God was calling him to start a new church - one that would reach out to a younger generation. He left his church, which did not understand, and has stepped into the unknown to follow a call that God has laid on his heart. Awesome! But that is still not nearly as awesome as the heart of this big guy. Praying with him in tears as he lifted John and I up before our Father was a holy moment.
San Diego was awesome in that Leslie and I got to spend time talking, praying and laughing with John and Sherri Chandler. We are so excited they are coming to Seattle.
I also got to spend time with a guy named John Hickman - one of my new heroes. He has been a pastor in Spokane, WA for 26 years. Recently, he has become more and more convinced that God was calling him to start a new church - one that would reach out to a younger generation. He left his church, which did not understand, and has stepped into the unknown to follow a call that God has laid on his heart. Awesome! But that is still not nearly as awesome as the heart of this big guy. Praying with him in tears as he lifted John and I up before our Father was a holy moment.
Monday, January 24, 2005
Off
San Diego tomorrow morning (this morning technically). Pray for us. We are looking forward to seeing and being able to think, pray and talk with John and Sherri as we seek God's heart for the future!
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Party at the Cabin
Kyle, my oldest, turned twelve yesterday. So for his birthday, I took him along with Joshua (younger brother) and Kyle's two best friends up here to Grandpa and Grandma's cabin for an evening of twelve year old heaven. That's right - GameCube, all the Mt. Dew and Dr. Pepper you can drink, Pizza, Chips, and Ice Cream with no curfew. It was like a twelve year old bachelor party.
The following morning (they eventually crashed around 3:30 with some encouragement from myself) we hiked to the top of Huckleberry Mountain which is just behind the cabin.
Great times were had by all, but I was ready for a nap after the hike - they were still going strong.
The following morning (they eventually crashed around 3:30 with some encouragement from myself) we hiked to the top of Huckleberry Mountain which is just behind the cabin.
Great times were had by all, but I was ready for a nap after the hike - they were still going strong.
Friday, January 21, 2005
From Religion to Incarnation
I got to take in a church planters get together at Mars Hill in Seattle this week. It was probably the most thought provoking exercise I have taken in since coming to Seattle. They dished up hot breakfast and lunch (free) so that guys could interact and then Mike Gunn of Harambee Church laid out some stuff that he has been processing. I'll share thoughts (that's what a blog is for - right?).
The church is far too known for what it stands against rather than what it stands for. Take a poll on the street and you will find people are very clear how the church feels about homosexuality and totally fuzzy about what it means to be "saved". Why? Because the church is much better at pointing fingers at people and their behaviour than it is at pointing to Jesus through demonstration of His love and grace. This is why the church has lost it's influence. Leslie Newbiggen says correctly, "The church is the hermeneutic of the gospel." In other words, the world interprets the gospel through the observation of the church. We have been an embarassment (on the whole) in this department. If we want to penetrate our communities with the gospel, it must be demonstrated in the mission of the church.
What is the function of the church? Mission - Bearing witness to bring glory to God
"The church in our culture; however, is more structured for maintenance than mission."
The Glory of God is the mission of the church, not evangelism, conversion or growth!
"Mission can no longer be thought of as simply soul saving, but must also include the creation of Christian communities, the struggle for justice, and the stewardship of creation."
Pendulum Warning: Evangelism brings glory to God and is part of mission. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. However, what we have done in the past is focus solely on Evangelism and World Missions (with an emphasis on evangelism) to the exclusion of justice and liberation from oppression. If we would lead in these areas, I believe the world would be much more willing to hear our voice and we would be much more effective as evangelists.
The church is far too known for what it stands against rather than what it stands for. Take a poll on the street and you will find people are very clear how the church feels about homosexuality and totally fuzzy about what it means to be "saved". Why? Because the church is much better at pointing fingers at people and their behaviour than it is at pointing to Jesus through demonstration of His love and grace. This is why the church has lost it's influence. Leslie Newbiggen says correctly, "The church is the hermeneutic of the gospel." In other words, the world interprets the gospel through the observation of the church. We have been an embarassment (on the whole) in this department. If we want to penetrate our communities with the gospel, it must be demonstrated in the mission of the church.
What is the function of the church? Mission - Bearing witness to bring glory to God
"The church in our culture; however, is more structured for maintenance than mission."
The Glory of God is the mission of the church, not evangelism, conversion or growth!
"Mission can no longer be thought of as simply soul saving, but must also include the creation of Christian communities, the struggle for justice, and the stewardship of creation."
Pendulum Warning: Evangelism brings glory to God and is part of mission. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. However, what we have done in the past is focus solely on Evangelism and World Missions (with an emphasis on evangelism) to the exclusion of justice and liberation from oppression. If we would lead in these areas, I believe the world would be much more willing to hear our voice and we would be much more effective as evangelists.
San Diego, CA
So the church planting organization tells me a few months ago that we need to go through "Boot Camp" soon, but they can not find one in an appropriate time frame up here in the Northwest. So they say to me, we have to send you to San Diego in January. Now I can think of a lot of places that I would NOT want to be in January, but San Diego is definitely not one of them. Someone has to do it.
On a serious note, we will be studying the "Nuts and Bolts" of church planting this upcoming week. Please keep us in your prayers. Leslie and I are really excited about this. We were even more excited when we learned that John and Sherri Chandler felt called to come work with us and the CEA offered to pay for them to come to Boot Camp with us. It will be a great time of formulating the heart of what we pray God will do through us in Seattle.
Following San Diego I get to make a four day trek back to good old Mesa, AZ. Good times.
For those of you keeping track (which might only be my children):
January 24-28 - Boot Camp in San Diego
January 28-Feb 1 - Mesa, AZ
On a serious note, we will be studying the "Nuts and Bolts" of church planting this upcoming week. Please keep us in your prayers. Leslie and I are really excited about this. We were even more excited when we learned that John and Sherri Chandler felt called to come work with us and the CEA offered to pay for them to come to Boot Camp with us. It will be a great time of formulating the heart of what we pray God will do through us in Seattle.
Following San Diego I get to make a four day trek back to good old Mesa, AZ. Good times.
For those of you keeping track (which might only be my children):
January 24-28 - Boot Camp in San Diego
January 28-Feb 1 - Mesa, AZ
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Moved by an "Evangelical turned Agnostic"
I love to backpack. I love taking my wife and boys out into the wild and living in it. I don't do it enough, but we have spent many a night along the Wonderland Trail of Mount Rainier as well as nights in the mid-summer air of Mogollon Rim of Arizona. Nearly heaven.
So, I subscribe to Backpacker magazine. The December issue came and finding myself too busy to really sit down and read it, I finally picked up the magazine during a quiet moment in a small room adjacent to my bedroom (if you get my drift). My eye was caught by an article written by Michael Perry who described himself as an "Evangelical turned Agnostic". Being a pastor, I had to read his artlice, "Running the River Righteous".
I looked online for the article, but it's still on the newsstands and you can't find it online. I wish I could type it out for all of you to read, but it would take days (the man is prolific). It describes a rafting trip that he took through the Grand Canyon with 34 other people who were all fundamentalist Christians as they "toured" the canyon for proof that the earth was created in a literal 6 days.
Let me pause here for those who may not know me well. I believe in the God of the Bible. I believe that it holds the truth and that God has used Scripture as a tool to commicate His heart with His creation. At the same time, I am not sure that I believe that the world was created in six literal days. I fully believe that the Bible can be understood very clearly as saying that the earth was created in six periods of time (See Hugh Ross). I find it disconcerting that many Christians are so militantly against anything but a literal six day creation, when there are so many more important things to discuss in Scripture. That said, let me get back to the article.
Perry says throughout the article that he comes from a great home, with a great family. He speaks of enjoying the morning and evening devotionals throughout the trip and the rousing hymns that were sung around the campfire. All throughout the article he speaks of wanting to believe. Yet, his intellectual understandings of an old earth keep him from claiming their truth. That and the sermon he heard before the trip started. Let me quote.
"After hymns and prayer, a preacher from ICR got to going, and brother, could he bring it. I like some good preaching, and this was that. He paced the riser, he found his cadence, and he worked it. He took it up, and he took it down...He mentioned Carl Sagan, and did a little billions and billions impression. Then the preacher came to a full stop, stage right, and looked out at us...then said, "By the way, ol' Carl knows what's going' on now!" The congregation bubbled with chuckles...And I'll tell you he lost me right there. You want to lure me back, brother, show some compassion. Before honor is humility, if you'll allow me a little Old Testament. Dropt o your knees and pray through tears that our fellow sinner Carl might yet be redeemed. What you had here was a jig danced on a lost soul. I'd heard those chuckles before, from peple of my own congregation, as they listened to one of our preachers recount how he turned his back on a struggling member after he caught her wearing shorts. From that day I have tried to reconcile the deep goodness of my childhood church with its poisonous little seams of petty certitude. I found myself doing a similar thing the canyon, trying to reconcile the chuckles on the rim with the sincere smiles around me.
The thing is, as we float deeper into the canyon and creationism, I want to believe...
He ends the article with a statement, The jouney of faith is constant - there is grave danger in assuming you have arrived."
I have little left to say but my heart was broken because Christians have allowed an inexact science and cinicism to allow Perry to walk away from a nine day boat trip with only good memories and a further commitment to staying clear of those who think they have arrived.
So, I subscribe to Backpacker magazine. The December issue came and finding myself too busy to really sit down and read it, I finally picked up the magazine during a quiet moment in a small room adjacent to my bedroom (if you get my drift). My eye was caught by an article written by Michael Perry who described himself as an "Evangelical turned Agnostic". Being a pastor, I had to read his artlice, "Running the River Righteous".
I looked online for the article, but it's still on the newsstands and you can't find it online. I wish I could type it out for all of you to read, but it would take days (the man is prolific). It describes a rafting trip that he took through the Grand Canyon with 34 other people who were all fundamentalist Christians as they "toured" the canyon for proof that the earth was created in a literal 6 days.
Let me pause here for those who may not know me well. I believe in the God of the Bible. I believe that it holds the truth and that God has used Scripture as a tool to commicate His heart with His creation. At the same time, I am not sure that I believe that the world was created in six literal days. I fully believe that the Bible can be understood very clearly as saying that the earth was created in six periods of time (See Hugh Ross). I find it disconcerting that many Christians are so militantly against anything but a literal six day creation, when there are so many more important things to discuss in Scripture. That said, let me get back to the article.
Perry says throughout the article that he comes from a great home, with a great family. He speaks of enjoying the morning and evening devotionals throughout the trip and the rousing hymns that were sung around the campfire. All throughout the article he speaks of wanting to believe. Yet, his intellectual understandings of an old earth keep him from claiming their truth. That and the sermon he heard before the trip started. Let me quote.
"After hymns and prayer, a preacher from ICR got to going, and brother, could he bring it. I like some good preaching, and this was that. He paced the riser, he found his cadence, and he worked it. He took it up, and he took it down...He mentioned Carl Sagan, and did a little billions and billions impression. Then the preacher came to a full stop, stage right, and looked out at us...then said, "By the way, ol' Carl knows what's going' on now!" The congregation bubbled with chuckles...And I'll tell you he lost me right there. You want to lure me back, brother, show some compassion. Before honor is humility, if you'll allow me a little Old Testament. Dropt o your knees and pray through tears that our fellow sinner Carl might yet be redeemed. What you had here was a jig danced on a lost soul. I'd heard those chuckles before, from peple of my own congregation, as they listened to one of our preachers recount how he turned his back on a struggling member after he caught her wearing shorts. From that day I have tried to reconcile the deep goodness of my childhood church with its poisonous little seams of petty certitude. I found myself doing a similar thing the canyon, trying to reconcile the chuckles on the rim with the sincere smiles around me.
The thing is, as we float deeper into the canyon and creationism, I want to believe...
He ends the article with a statement, The jouney of faith is constant - there is grave danger in assuming you have arrived."
I have little left to say but my heart was broken because Christians have allowed an inexact science and cinicism to allow Perry to walk away from a nine day boat trip with only good memories and a further commitment to staying clear of those who think they have arrived.
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