I spent the day last Friday playing golf with an old college friend. He and his wife were in town for Thanksgiving, so he sent her out shopping and we chased a white ball around the golf course.

We played 72 holes of golf and had plenty of time to talk and catch up. They’re expecting their first child in just a few months, so naturally we talked a lot about the feelings and preparations leading up to the big day.

Naturally I looked back at the time leading up to Caedmon’s arrival. There were so many things that had to be done. We had to prepare a place for Caedmon to sleep. A place to store his clothes, his diapers (both before and after), his toys, and well… everything else that was given to us.

As he grew and began to crawl and then start running overnight, we had to make sure fragile things were out of reach, safety plugs in all of the outlets, locks on doors. It was a lot of work and preparation into getting everything in order, but it was definitely worth the investment.

Now I’m able to run around and play with Caedmon without having to worry about him getting into something that may be dangerous. If I had not done this I bet I would have been saying this a lot: “No, don’t go there! Don’t mess with that!” Instead I’m able to enjoy laughing and making great memories with Caedmon.

We’re in the season of Advent where the church prepares for the second coming of Christ by remembering the time leading up to his first arrival as a baby boy.
You’ve probably gathered this isn’t a post about keeping Jesus out of your home. Great job for being intuitive!

This is about preparing our homes and lives to experience the fullness of Jesus. It’s time to take a look and check on the things that could be dangerous to our relationship. It’s time to find the things where we would cry out, “No, Jesus! Don’t go in there—don’t touch that!” and get rid of them so we can laugh and make wonderful memories together.

 

What does Jesus-proofing your home and your life look like?

 

It most likely won’t be an easy process.

 

But it’s worth it.

“It’s a beautiful day and I thank God for the weather / It’s a beautiful day and I’m living it for the Lord / It’s a beautiful day and things are going to get better / Living each day on the promises of God’s word.”

 

I have wrote about this before, like way back in February of 2005.  When I lived and worked in Alaska we would wake up singing this song if the weather was dreary.  Pastor Jimmie Stringer taught this song to us during our first week in the rain forest of Southeastern Alaska.  He also instilled a deep truth about pushing through circumstances.

So yes, I love rain.  It brings back some wonderful memories and seems to always put a new beat in my step.

 

Last night I finished the lengthy process of importing my xanga posts from 2004-2005.  After going through each individual post and reading all of the comments I derived the following list:

• I was a broken and confused college kid.
• God certainly has done a lot of healing since then.
• In spite of the healing I could see other things I still struggle with currently.
• I have lost contact with several good friends from my past.

It’s no surprise to anyone who knows me that I love spending time with my son. 
If I don’t pull out my phone within the first 15 minutes of our conversation to show you the latest picture or video, you’re not that close with me.  So, let’s grab lunch someday soon?

Anyways, last year I took a moment to write about my ten favorite father moments. I figured it was fitting to look back and think of five more great moments with my boy, Caedmon.  Plus it gives me a reason to post pictures and video of the love of my life. (As if I needed a reason)

1. Going to Panthers games.
We technically have only gone to one game together.  We went to the first preseason game against the NY Giants, on my birthday.  We witnessed Cam Newton’s first official play as a Panther. Hopefully this is only the first of many great experiences in this stadium.

2. Going to the park.
Caedmon LOVES zooming down the slides.  A lot of great memories will be made here.

3. Bath Time.
I can see how this would be overlooked, but to me this is one of the most special times between Caedmon and I.  We have boat and car chases through the great depths of Ocean de Tub.  Splashing to the music (when we play music).  It’s a great opportunity to engage and make lasteing memories. Give it a try!

4. Playing music and singing
“If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands… … if you love your mom and daddy, they’re the best you ever haddy, if you lover your mom and daddy clap your hands.”  I make up a lot of verses to that song.  it’s fun to watch Caedmon shake his head to the beat and clap on cue.We’ll even sit around and play guitar/sing.   Check out this video of us from earlier this summer.  He had the shaker in his right hand for the longest time and switched right before I hit record.

  5. Worshiping together.
We’ve done this alot at home listening to songs on Spotify.  But over the last few months this has became something even more dear to my heart.  One of the local churches I’ve been visiting with over the last few months keeps their kids with the adults during the opening worship set.  Caedmon’s at the stage where he “sings” along to songs.  Having my boy in my lap and hearing him cry out to God brought tears to my eyes.  Watching him clap during and after the songs fills my heart with joy.  This kid is going to be a worshiper.