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Our Latest Crisis

August 29, 2011 in Attitude, True Stories with 0 Comments

Home repair crisis’ are monumental hurdles in my life.  For instance, this weekend our refrigerator’s ice-maker stopped working so I turned to my friend, YouTube.  I figured that someone on there was awesome enough to share his or her wisdom with the rest of the world and I was right.  After only a minute or two of searching, I was able to locate a video regarding ice-maker repair.  The video made it seem easy to remove the broken ice-maker and diagnose the problem; however, I’m a dummy.  Removing the ice-maker only took the YouTube sensation a mere 30 seconds, while  it took me approximately 30 minutes (and I wanted to punch a hole in the wall).  Because I was already frustrated and ready for this “simple project” to be done, I decided not to attempt a “repair” on the ice-maker.  I called the Sears parts hotline to find out the price of a new ice-maker and the kind lady informed me that a new one would cost $137.00, Right then and there I made an executive decision to buy some ice-cube trays at Wal-Mart for $1.22.  I figured we’d go old school.  As long as Leah and I have been married, we have never owned ice-cube trays so that means our kids have not been exposed to how they are used.  Last night I gave them both a little lesson in ice-making and instead of them thinking it was lame, they have become obsessed with it.  There have been a few fights over who gets to twist the tray to break the cubes out; furthermore, they have even discovered that you can put different liquids in the trays and freeze them for delightful treats.  Can an ice-maker do that?  I think not.

I’m not going to lie. I will miss the convenience of my ice-maker.  Making ice will now require work, extra time, and a little more effort; however, having a broken ice-maker will be good for me.  I’ve come to expect instant and automatic.  Maybe it is time for a little working and waiting.

I’m Starring in a Movie!

April 18, 2011 in Attitude, Funny Stories, True Stories with 0 Comments

As a rule of thumb, I arrive at a movie 20 minutes before start time.  I broke this rule on Saturday and paid dearly.  This past Saturday afternoon the kids and I were finishing up grocery shopping and arrived at the theater  just as the movie was beginning.  Since the previews last at least half an hour, I thought that we would still be able to find a decent seat for three people.  I failed to realize that this was opening weekend for the movie and when I walked into the auditorium, almost every seat was filled.  Great.  Now to find seats in the DARK!  I quickly scanned the theater and spotted a couple open seats in the very back row.  All three of us began the long march up the stairs but I soon realized that the seats were occupied by people dressed in camouflage.  I believe their faces were also decorated with dark paint.  I could have sworn that those seats were empty.  I whispered to both of my kids that we were going to make the trek back down the stairs.  People nearby began to snicker when they realized our plight so I kicked a guy’s popcorn out of his hands.  Not really, but I thought about it.  As we were traveling back down the stairs I was desperately scanning every row for open seats.  Finally, I located three seats but some soccer mom had all of her kids’ jackets piled on the seats so that no one could sit there so I grabbed all of the coats and threw them on the ground.  Not really, but I thought about it.  Unfortunately, the dreaded FRONT ROW  is where we ended up.  I hate the front row.  The front row should be removed from every theater!

For the next one and a half hours, I was miserable.  I didn’t get to sit where I wanted to sit so I pitied myself.  I’m sure the movie was great, but I hated it.  When we left the movie, my kids were saying how much they enjoyed it.

Attitude was the difference.  We saw the same movie.  We sat in the same seats.  Two people were determined to enjoy it.  One person allowed circumstances to get in the way.

I was the star of my own movie.  Drama was the genre.  No happy ending.

My Temporary Job as a Hairstylist

April 11, 2011 in Attitude, Funny Stories, True Stories with 0 Comments

It was two hours before our friends arrived at our home for an evening of hanging out.  I had just awoken from a Friday afternoon nap (Friday is my day off) and Leah told me that she wanted me to cut a piece of her hair that she felt was too long.  I told her “no.”  Cutting your wife’s hair is a no win situation and after almost 14 years of marriage I was not about to do something that could endanger my life; however, she insisted that I cut the piece of hair right now.  I said “no” again but she started calling me a wimp for not being able to cut a little piece of hair.  She was just luring me into her trap.  After much threatening, she convinced me to cut a piece of hair and even marking the place where I was supposed to cut using her fingers as a guideline.  Initially, I told her that the marking was too high but she told me to stop whining and just do it.  As soon as I made the cut, I knew it wasn’t right.  The piece of hair fell into her hand and she said, “That’s a lot of hair!”  As she looked into the mirror, a look of horror came over her face and I ran for cover.  Good thing we don’t own a gun.

She immediately got on the phone and called the walk-in place at the mall to see if they could “fix” it.  They told her to come on over, so the entire family jumped in the car for our latest adventure…not to be confused with a nightmare.  I took the kids to the food court while a kind lady attempted to correct my beginner mistake.  After about 30 minutes, Leah arrived in the food court with a new style.  The first thing out of her mouth was, “I look like Johnny Depp from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!”  I assured her that she did not, but I believe the kids were quietly singing the Oompa Loompa song.   She told me to take her home right away so I did.  Upon our arrival at home, she went to work with her flat iron, hairspray, and a headband.  She really made the best of my mistake and her hair looks great.  Although she is not happy with her current hairstyle, she told me that it would grow out.

It’s true.  What has been done is done.  Giving circumstances a little time has a unique way of bringing renewed hope.

By the way, this story was used with permission.  I’m not stupid.  Also, I’ve retired from being a hairstylist.

Checking Insanity Off the List

November 30, 2010 in Attitude, Determination, Perspective, Thoughts with 1 Comment

Necessary tasks are not always enjoyable.  Changing a diaper, doing homework, exercising, taking out the trash, paying bills, shoveling snow, and [you fill in the blank] are not things I would stand in line to do.  These tasks are boring, somewhat unfulfilling, and often frustrating.  I’m sure you can relate; in fact, the unfinished tasks on your to-do list are probably still unchecked because they are not enjoyable.  Since all of us are regularly faced with undesirable duties, how can we accomplish them without losing our sanity?  Here are a couple things I have learned about making necessary tasks more enjoyable.

If possible, always do the most unenjoyable tasks FIRST.  Since they will eventually need to be done, you are better off getting them out of the way first.  This will hopefully remove dreadful feelings as you perform other assignments.

Think positive.  I know this may seem a little touchy-feely, but I really mean this.  Complaining and whining only make matters worse.  Remember Paul’s words in Philippians 2:14, “Do everything without complaining and arguing….”

Ask for help.  Sometimes you need outside help to maintain a right attitude and proper focus.  Personally, I think pausing for a brief moment of prayer helps my attitude.  You may also want to enlist someone to hold you accountable for performing certain tasks with a right heart attitude.

What do you do to make unenjoyable tasks more enjoyable?

Monday Morning Hangover

October 18, 2010 in Attitude, Determination, Failure, Faith, Life, Perspective, Relationship with God, The Church, Thoughts, Transformation with 0 Comments

You left church yesterday with the best of intentions, right?  Your Pastor talked about something relevant to your life and you decided to make a change in response to the truth of God’s Word. You really meant it.  This week was going to be different…but then you woke up this morning…Monday morning.  You already feel horrible because you aren’t sure that you can make a change in your life.  Doubt starts creep in and you begin to question if you really meant it.  Before you know it, you have given up and rationalized away those feelings of yesterday.  That morning after feeling is normal for all of us, including me.  So, how do we fight off these feelings and submit to God’s work in our heart?

Feelings must be overtaken by fact.  You may not feel as if you can make the necessary change to walk in obedience to Christ, but the fact is that God “…is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us….” (Ephesians 3:20).  God’s ability to change you far outweighs your feelings of doubt.  If God began a work in your heart yesterday, He is capable of bringing it to pass today.

Yesterday, God laid the foundation.  Today, construction begins.

Bringing Spanking Back

October 6, 2010 in Anger, Attitude, Relationship with God, Relationships, Thoughts, True Stories with 0 Comments

Although I am 37 years old, I can still remember a few spankings I deservedly received during my younger days.  I was the type of kid who started crying before I ever got the spanking because the anticipation was so overwhelming.   Usually swift discipline quickly put me back on the straight and narrow; however, with each passing year I noticed myself beginning to resent the correction of my parents and those in authority.  Every time an authority figure exposed a behavior issue, I would outwardly adjust my actions, but inwardly I was angry…angry that someone else was telling me that I was wrong.

Let’s be honest.  Who likes their boss correcting them in a company meeting?  Who enjoys a spiritual mentor pointing out areas that need to be changed?  What child happily receives chastisement from their parents?  Who can abstain from offense when the Pastor preaches against your sin?  What type of person can accept honest feedback from caring friends?  Who finds it easy to love God when He permits consequences for wrongdoing?  Although discipline is difficult to embrace, those who respond properly will live a life of righteousness.  The writer of Hebrews pens these beautiful words, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way” (Hebrews 12:11).

If someone cares about you enough you to correct you, be glad.  A proper response to correction can prevent future consequences.

A Natural Disaster Close to Home

September 29, 2010 in Attitude, Funny Stories, Perspective, True Stories with 0 Comments

Yesterday morning at about 5:00am, a huge crash of thunder shook our house and jolted me from sleep.  I thought we were in the midst of some natural disaster!  In a matter of seconds, our freaked out German Shepherd, Marley, started barking and then our bedroom door flew open and there stood both of our kids.  ”I can’t sleep,” said Tyler.  What he really meant was, “I’m scared!”  Since I had only gotten about 4 hours of sleep, I wasn’t very thrilled with all the commotion.  I told the kids to go get their stuff and sleep on the floor in our room.  They scurried down the hallway and then reappeared with pillows and blankets in hand.  The dog kept whining and barking.  Leah got up to use the bathroom and get the dog settled.  The kids were restless on the floor.  My alarm was waiting to sound at any moment.  I was slightly annoyed.  I prepared myself for a bad day ahead.

It’s amazing how we can allow an insignificant circumstance threaten the quality of our day.  Rather than overlooking the trivial, we are overcome with despair.  Although combating this attitude can be difficult, learning to ignore meaningless interruptions is vital for quality of life.  When you feel the weight of inconsequential obstacles, lighten the load by being consumed with things that really matter.

Put Down Your Middle Finger, Turn the Other Cheek

September 28, 2010 in Anger, Attitude, Character, Funny Stories, Loving Others, Relationships, True Stories with 1 Comment

A couple weeks ago I was leaving  Panera, one of my favorite places to eat, and there was a guy crossing into the parking lot right ahead of me.  Although the parking lot is a highly trafficked area, most drivers will stop for pedestrians…most of them.  As the guy in front of me headed to his car, a young driver decided that he wasn’t going to let him cross over in front of him.  They exchanged dirty looks and then the guy walking decided he was going to cross the street in front of this driver no matter what.  As the young man crossed in front of the car, he looked directly into the eyes of the driver and gave him a “one finger salute.”  I watched the entire scenario as if it were in slow motion.

Those types of occurrences don’t shock me, but they do leave me a little frustrated.  What was to be gained through that brief conflict?  As far as I can tell, nothing.  Although conflict is inevitable in everyday life, we can choose how we respond.  Many times we feel a need for personal retaliation when our so-called “rights” have been violated.  A smart remark, a dirty look, a word of gossip, or personal attacks top our lists when someone crosses us the wrong way, but is that God’s standard of conduct?  In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus throws out a couple words we might overlook if we don’t read carefully, “But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also” (Matthew 5:39).  Jesus commands His followers to turn the other way instead of seeking revenge on those who have offended us.

Retaliating is natural.  Pardoning is supernatural. Revenge may be our human reaction, but release is our divine responsibility.

The D Word

September 27, 2010 in Attitude, Determination, Disappointment, Failure, Family, Funny Stories, Perspective, True Stories with 1 Comment

My son is currently into “customizing” his toys.  Nerf guns, Star Wars Lego characters, and whatever else he can find are in danger of disassembly, a paint job, or being connected together with duct tape.  Although my wife is a little hesitant about him altering his new toys, I’m willing to let him explore his strengths and creativity.  This afternoon he was telling me about his latest project, which required the use of white out on a Lego character.  Of course I cautioned him about the dangers of sniffing white out, even though I think I did it once when I was in the fifth grade.  I also like the smell of Play-Doh and have even been tempted to taste it.  I digress.

After Bible Study concluded tonight, Ty retreated to the basement to “customize” his Lego character.  Thirty minutes passed and he returned to the living room where the rest of us were watching some TV.  First, I checked his eyes to make sure that the white out fumes had not caused disorientation and then I asked him how his Lego customization had turned out.  He said, “It didn’t turn out the way I thought it would.”  I could tell he was disappointed.

There is nothing more frustrating than putting effort into something, only to discover that it didn’t turn out the way you thought it would.  A marriage that ends in divorce…disappointing.  A failed business…disappointing.   A struggling author…disappointing.  An undiscovered musician…disappointing.  A young, passionate church struggling to reach their community…disappointing.  A single mom or dad struggling to make ends meet…disappointing.  An important goal that has not been reached…disappointing.  Financial stability is taking longer than expected… disappointing.

I’m sure I don’t have all the answers to combating disappointment (I still struggle with it), but I do know that there comes a time when you must pick up the pieces and begin again.  Today is that day.  Although you cannot change what has already been, you can change what will be.

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.  He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along’” (Psalm 40:1-2)

Adultery and Answered Prayer

November 9, 2009 in Attitude, Communication with God, Determination, Failure, Faith, Perspective, Prayer, Relationship with God, Spiritual Disciplines, True Stories with 0 Comments

We recently committed “cell phone provider adultery” by leaving Verizon Wireless, whom we have been with almost a decade, and going with their bitter rival, AT&T. The first few months have been an adjustment – new phones, new customer service, and a whole new process to learn. One of the things we did not anticipate in our initial switch was that most of our family still has Verizon as their service provider, so we went over our minutes in our first month because we lost our free mobile to mobile minutes. On the last day of our billing cycle I checked our minute usage and we were already 50 minutes over, which would have incurred more than $20 in overage charges. Maybe that is not a problem for you, but I HATE paying overage charges for anything! On a whim, I contacted AT&T customer service and explained my dilemma and the gentleman was very kind in listening to my predicament. As I was talking, I was thinking, “This guy probably thinks I’m an idiot! There’s no way he is going to respond to my request.” To my surprise, the AT&T customer service representative understood and told me that he would add 200 minutes to my account and that if I didn’t use those extra minutes this month, they would roll over to next month.

I learned something through that process – asking must precede receiving. Without asking, you’ll never receive. Maybe the reason you have not yet received something is because you’ve never asked. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).

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