Like you, I have days, weeks, and sometimes months where I just can’t seem to keep my head above water. We all long for times when we want things to just “click.” Here’s what I have found: When things “click” good things begin to happen, and happen, and happen, and happen. Now the problem becomes, “What good things do I say no to, and what good things do I go forward with?” I’m learning to say no to good (even great things) in order to keep sanity in my life. Here’s some updates on ye ‘olde fam:

Bryce was accepted into honor choir (her school took first place last year)! We are VERY proud of her! This was a HUGE step out of her comfort zone. Here’s the problem Ren and I face, a lot of her concerts are on weekends (when Ren’s at work and I have all 4 kids by myself) and she is not allowed to miss any concerts or she’s off the choir.

Kyla is growing like a weed! She grew almost a full inch in just a few months! She’s doing awesome in school (we can actually read the words she’s writing now and can spell very well)!

The tweebs, well, what can I say. They started pre-k this year and love it (except for the dropping off part… but I hate that part too). We celebrated two-years of survival (for Ren and I, not them) last week. We invited friends, family, and neighbors to the event… we ended up with 36 people there for the birthday party of two-year olds! It was a blast! We have the best neighbors in the world and I cannot say enough good things about them. We live in a neighborhood where I have no problems leaving my kids with any of them in case of emergency and I know I can knock on their doors at any time for help.

As for Ren, she’s loving the fact that the kids are back in school! Now that the tweebs are in pre-k and gone two days a week, she has her Monday’s to sleep and her Wednesdays to do whatever she feels like (mostly play catch up on house cleaning).

Me, well, I’m still going to school full time (I’m holding onto my 4.0 gpa by a thread at this point). I’m working full time at NorthWood (the most amazing place I’ve ever seen in action, seriously), and trying to manage family time.

We are counting down the days until we get to come home for Christmas! We leave Texas on December 22 and come home January 4th. We’ll spend Christmas in Durango at the L’il Ranch, then come up to Junction for a few days to see friends and family there. Can’t wait to see you all!

This new blog is designed for Church Planting Wives, but more and more people (men and women) are becoming huge fans! Kevin and Amy Colon are Church Planters in Superior, Colorado and are two of the best people I’ve ever met. All our Colorado friends, if you’re ever in the Boulder/Superior area, check out Cool River Church!

Here’s Amy’s blog that we just put on the Glocalnet site!

The September Campaign Trailer from charity: water on Vimeo.

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

UPDATE
This was his first video from 2006… his moves have improved from this video!

If you haven’t read the book or seen the documentary, do so… now… I’ll wait while you do…

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Saw it? Changed your worldview, didn’t it? No matter where you fall on the theological spectrum, this movie (and book) will touch you deeply. Here’s the author/producer/actor who did it all in an interview on the Today Show…

I’m really caught up in this line of thought of God revealing everything to little children. So I’ve begun watching and listening as my girls play. This morning I hung out in the children’s wing at NorthWood and just watched. Amazing how much truth lies within a child. They have not learned the fear of rejection yet, they haven’t learned that there are people who are different than them, they haven’t learned that everyone isn’t a friend. I began to long for that again. To remember what it was like to walk into a room full of people you’ve never met and be friends instantly, regardless of race, creed, and status. They didn’t judge what the other was wearing, they didn’t judge the words coming from their mouths… they were just friends to be played with and to be enjoyed.

Where do we lose that? What happens in those pre-teen years that causes us to become harsh and jaded individuals?

Oh, to have that child-like faith once again!

I’ve been sick the past few days. The girls had it before me and we’ve all been down this week. I came in to work this morning only to find that one day missed at NorthWood is like missing 10 regular days. As I sit here at my desk, emailing and phone-calling, it occurred to me, what if I was the one to change the world today? Sounds crazy, I know. I mean, I have zero political power, zero public influence, and my charisma level is so low it’s not even on the chart. But, still, what if? What if I said something to someone today that caused a chain reaction of good deeds and faith that eventually led to massive world change? What if what I did with my daughters today causes them to stand for injustice one day and bring about better days?
That’s when it hit me, you don’t need political power, or popular influence, or high levels of charisma. All you need is the love of Christ and to live your life in such a way that influences even the strangers around you to do better. Yes, I’m ignorant enough to believe that one person can change the world. I also believe that it’s not the politicians or those of influence in the world who hold the answer… no, I believe that if we listen close enough to the screaming whispers of the children, therein lies the genius of a changed world.

“At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, and revealed them to little children.” Matthew 11:25 (NIV)

There’s a lot of debate these days over politics in church (both church politics and governmental politics). Most of the churches I attended growing up were very political. At a church I was on staff at in the past I preached a sermon and said something to the effect of “government doesn’t belong behind the pulpit” which resulted in an uproar afterwords where an elderly gentleman wanted to (quote), “take my head off.”

I think that proved my point.

In a recent article in the NY Times, Darrin Patrick of The Journey Church in St. Louis, MO talked about how younger believers are not following in their parents and grandparents footsteps this election year. But I’ll get back to that in a moment…

Do you know where and how American Evangelicals entered into the political arena and claimed an entire party for itself? It (somewhat) began with Roe v. Wade and then outspoken pastors and leaders such as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson began to speak out. The Republican party saw the writing on the wall and began to market their party on the platform of “family values.” Next thing we know, to be a christian (small “c” used on purpose) meant to be a Republican.

But that always left a horrible taste in my mouth. Anytime I hear political propaganda come from the pulpit, I either stand up and leave, or I hold the vomit back (usually both). I want to worship God with my family at a worship event, not hear another Fox News report on the political landscape.

What happened to voting out of convictions and voting for the person who is best suited to run the country, not be a christian (again, small “c” used on purpose) “voice” in office. I remember when I was 9-years-old and I asked my Dad, “What party are you?” And he said, “None. I vote for the best guy.” I’ll keep that with me forever. About three years ago I pulled my Republican card out and tore it up.

Here’s the sad fact of this election year… I’m not thrilled about the Democrats OR the Republicans! I think this may be Ralph Nader’s year! ; )