Chelsey and I had a splendid time celebrating the union of Josh and Emily last weekend.   It was chilly in Denver, but it's never too cold to stare at Mountain Peaks.   Our sleep schedules were crazy, and I very well might have gained 5 pounds from the sugar & caffeine in-take, but it's all well!

I learned a lot this weekend, about both myself & Christ, that I wanted to share, but first a bit about the wedding.  

Saturday was not about Josh and Emily.  That was clear.  There wedding provided a picture of the union between God & His People (the church).   The ceremony was so spirit-led; from worship to the pronunciation of husband & wife, I felt like this was one of the more clearly presented pictures of the gospel than in weddings I've seen in the past.   That's a testimony to the hearts of Josh and Emily, but also the others involved -- Jason & Phil Wing included.   I pray that those present who don't have a relationship with Christ will remember it well.

But as I spoke about in the previous post, I was hoping this weekend could be a little vacation for Chelsey and I as well -- which I felt like we received (hopefully she feels the same).

There are two things that I felt God has laid on my heart as a result of this trip:

• Community is Key - The groomsmen spent the night up in a cabin near Beckenridge.  It was beautiful up there, as the snow had already began to cover the roads, and there air was bitter.   We had fun, guys being guys.  There was plenty of jokes, flatulence, and junk food.   But there was also this sweet since of community among us, and to be honest, it was uncomfortable for me.   I realized that for a variety of reason, I haven't had good guy-time community in my life, and I need more it.  I need to be able to share struggles, but also carry others as well.    I need time to joke-around, like only boys can, but also talk in-depth about the same things too.   I was refueled and challenged by the community we had.

• Serving our Spouse - A deeper book-report is coming out shortly, but I have been reading the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.  It has been a tough read, as it really challenges us that marriage is not simply about our pleasure, but God's Glory.   On our flight between Indy and Denver on Wednesday, I read the chapter entitled "Make Me a Servant."   Wow, did it knock me over.  I spent the weekend pondering the thoughts witch it planted, and how I need to be asking myself the tough questions about my role as servant, especially to my wife, more often.   It is so easy for me to forget that the  best way to lead is to serve.   We, Chelsey and I, have had some good conversations about this since the weekend already.   I want God to continue to mold me in this area, and help me learn how to die to self daily.

Last but not least, some photos to share:

Tonight, Chelsey & I take off for Denver, to be part of the wedding festivities leading up to the union between Josh and Emily Radcliffe (Was I the first to say that on the WWW?).   We are excited, not just to be part of the wedding party, but to get a mini-vacation out of Dayton.   It's been a busy few weeks, and sometimes, you just need a break.   It should be cool, refreshing time, surrounded by some very godly friends.

It's an honor to be able to be Josh's best man during the ceremony.  He and I have been doing life together, thru the sunshine and muck, for nearly a decade now, and to be able to be present in the moment with him Saturday is very special.   I have been reflecting a lot in the past few weeks on our history and brotherhood, and really can't describe it.   Josh has been one of the biggest change agents in my life for awhile now, behind maybe Christ & my wife.   I am a better man for our friendship.

This weekend is an answer to prayer from March of 2006, and living proof that there is a Redeeming God that loves us, and pours His Grace upon us.   Josh's faithfulness has been refreshing, encouraging, and powerful.... may the Lord Bless these two as they begin their lives together...

I remember many weeks at camp where everyone knew that on Friday night at 10:00 or so, you could be assured that one could find me down at the camp fire balling my eyes uncontrollably while trying my best to "sing" Friends in a very out-of-tune way.  There was something so special about camp: the mission, the friendship, what we were doing.  The tears would flow, likely at the first note of the song.

For the past few months, I have found myself tearing up in that same uncontrollable, yet sincere fashion on Sunday nights.  We've fallen in love with Extreme Home Makeover.    It's amazing what they do in such a short amount of time, and they just keep doing it, week after week.   They change lives, build homes, and give people at chance for a better lives to carry out a bigger hope or dream without the burden of a home that is no longer manageable.

One of the cool that is that as of recent it seems that ABC has not been shy of airing stories not just of need and hope, but stories of the gospel.  The message seems to be sprinkled throughout the show more and more each week.   And, yes, you never truly know where these people stand, but I want to believe that they are doing it with the knowledge and understanding of the real message they have opportunity to present. 

I think there is real-link between the show and Christ.   Those of us in the faith have all experienced that "Bus Driver, Move that Bus!" moment when we found Christ.  And after He came in a lifted the burden of sin in our lives, and moved it out of our life.   On the other side of the bus was something so much better, and surreal that we often just fall over in disbelief that someone cares so much about us, to give us everything and more.

I need more of those moments in my life.

My props to Ty Pennington, and the design team....  but also to the families for sharing their needs with us on TV, and the example many of them are what it means to give out.

And now if ABC could just find a better show to follow-up with, we'd be good.

Well, it's been two weeks since my last post, but that's for a good reason.   We're Home!

That's right, last weekend, Chelsey and I moved into a new house, and with a lot of help from family and friends, we're actually pretty well settled in.  It's been awesome!   It's been a journey since July living with friends out of two car loads of stuff, not having have seen 90% of our belongings since the fire -- It almost was like Christmas, as we unpacked our things.

It's still hard to believe that this place is ours.   I am overall very pleased with the quality of work that our builder did (nothings perfect, but it's fun to learn some basic maintenance).  We have had a few minor glitches here and there, but nothing major.

I really want to get a video tour for our friends up on YouTube, but here's a few pictures online for now: