Happy Thanksgiving

It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, "Tis the season to be thankful."  After all, Thanksgiving Day is almost here.  I have much to be Thankful for on this November Tuesday.  First of all, our family will be together.  All nine of us.  Justin, Sumer, Savannah, Lauren, Samantha, Corey, Kaiden, Jena, and myself (and Brandy too).  I can hardly wait.  Second, Jena is the most amazing cook and our Thanksgiving dinner will leave no complaints and eventually no scraps (after we eat leftovers for a few days).  I look forward to all the Thanksgiving traditions...the Macy's Day parade, football, turkey, naps, more turkey, family games, more turkey and more naps and maybe a movie?  Whatever the Thanksgiving holiday brings to you and your family, be blessed.  

RAW

Normally when I use the word "Raw" I am referring to the ministry experience at Shelterwood but this weekend it took on a new meaning.  Corey turned 12 on Saturday and to celebrate we had a WWE style birthday party with "John Cena" and "Ray Mysterio" grappling for the Main Event.  Translation: (Jason Ussack vs Nick Muroki).  Two of my friends.  As you can imagine, it was a riot and the boys loved it (if you have Facebook, check out the video).  Honestly, even though I laughed and even joined in as the Referee, I was humbled that my friends cared enough about Corey to practice and perform a wrestling event at the risk of looking ridiculous.  I am grateful and blessed.  Thank you Nick and Jason.

A few other cool things from last week...my good friend Jeremy was the guest speaker for Shelterwood chapel on Thursday.  He spoke on the ups and downs of life through the example of Elijah and Mt. Carmel.  It was just what we needed to hear and Jeremy did an excellent job.  

I recently started leading worship at our local church - New Community Church  http://www.nccbluesprings.org/.  In the process I recruited some talent from Shelterwood.  (Brad is playing the drums).  Always a win-win situation to worship along with a SW kid.  Brad did a great job and the worship time was amazing.  

One last note...this morning Tom and I did wake-up in the Guys House while the house staff was away on a leadership conference.  It was just like old times.  The guys make me laugh all the time I enjoyed spending my morning with them.  With an new guy coming Monday, we are now up to 10 boys (5 girls).  

Good Times

God is good.  Ministry happens and lives are changed along the road of everyday life.  This past weekend the road of everyday was just a little sweeter.  Maybe lives weren't changed but I had a great time along the way.  It started Friday night with our Halloween Party.  Jena and I hosted a costume party in our home.  What a blast!  Sharing life...looking ridiculous in our costumes...eating some serious grub!!  

Saturday morning was Doulos Open House out on the new property.  We sent out invitations to local neighbors and friends to come on by and see what we're all about.  We had coffee and donuts and gave tours of the buildings throughout the morning.  We had several guests.  Many of the local folks are retired and they, in return,  told us many stories of "back in the day" when our property was still a YMCA camp.  

Sunday afternoon I had a chance to take my son Corey to the Chiefs/Buccaneers game.  My first trip to Arrowhead Stadium and his first NFL experience.  It was ridiculously loud, raucous, and completely amazing.  The Chiefs lost in Overtime, I lost my voice and Corey will be telling all his friends about it this week in school.