It's been less than a week since the last footage was taken, so you can see the progress that Jordy has made. If you're not one of Jordan's grandparents, I do apologise that it is a little boring. I've only just started with tinkering with home video editing. I'm sure that it will get better. Meanwhile, I think I've found a new hobby and way of keeping friends and family up to date with our family.
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Friday, 26 September 2008
Judah
I can't believe how big my boy has grown. Just last week I had to buy him new clothes (again) because he has had another growth spurt. His wrists, ankles and waist were poking out. But Judah is growing in more ways than one. He's proving to me more and more responsible and generally very helpful and considerate. He continues to surprise me with how grown-up he is becoming.
He's loving pre-school. It seems like he's making lots of friends too. As I walk him from the car to his classroom each morning, class mates cheerfully greet him by name, "Hi Judah." Now he just needs to learn all of their names! He has a lovely teacher too Mrs. Ledbetter who just adores his cute little Aussie accent.
Here's a song that Judah came home with today.
He's loving pre-school. It seems like he's making lots of friends too. As I walk him from the car to his classroom each morning, class mates cheerfully greet him by name, "Hi Judah." Now he just needs to learn all of their names! He has a lovely teacher too Mrs. Ledbetter who just adores his cute little Aussie accent.
Here's a song that Judah came home with today.
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Learning to crawl before I can walk
As I was watching Jordan learn to crawl today I had an epiphany. I approach my work the same way that he is approaching crawling. I'll look at the goal, then rock backwards and forwards some, not really getting anywhere, then I'll have a burst of energy and try my best often falling on my face. Then I'll get back up and rock some more at times inching forwards. Nearly there.....nup, need a rest. But one way or another the goal is inevitably reached. So you go Jordan - you'll get there, and remember, crawling is not the ultimate goal but yet another preparation for something greater.
Here some footage of the little guy in action:
Here some footage of the little guy in action:
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Nathan's birthday
Having been here only a few weeks, we didn't feel that we had any kid friends to invite for the party, and so fretted that it wouldn't seem enough like a birthday for him, so we did all that we could to make it special. In the morning we took the boys out for a progressive breakfast. Bagels at the bagel shop followed by donuts at the donut shop across the road followed by a play time in the McDonald's play area almost a block up the road. Unfortunately, the 13th of September was THE downpour day. There was six inches of rain and most of it fell before lunchtime (this is the highest recorded daily rainfall in Illinois' history - lucky us). As you can imagine, walking from bagels to donuts to McDonald's was more than a little problematic and despite bringing a large umbrella we were all pretty drenched...
When we came home, I distracted Nathan by taking him along with Judah to the post office. The postage situation is kind of funny here. I have a student mailbox which is also where I receive addressed mail. But if a package is delivered which is larger than the mailbox, then I get a slip in my mailbox with the details. This I have to take to the undergraduate (ie main) post office at the other end of the campus in order to claim the package. We're very grateful to the family who posted Nathan gifts. I'd been getting slips all week, but asked the post office if I could keep the packages until saturday. So I gave Nathan the slips and we went to the undergrad post office together to pick up his gifts.
Ange had organized all the "friends" (teddies, dogs, Shamu the whale, Remi etc) downstairs in the play room at a little table which had the cake on it. Nathan was delighted when he came in and we embarked on around six hours of family fun together - eating cake, opening gifts and playing together.
Again thank you to the family for making this day special for Nathan with the gifts you sent. Stay tuned for photos from Ange.
Clayton
"I'll never leave you or forsake you."
Ever wondered about that story in Exodus 33 where God decides to leave the Israelites to go on ahead without his presence? Its one of those classic theological dilemmas because after Moses pleads with God, God apparently changes his mind and decides to go with them after all. I personally have struggled with this story and with its implications, however tonight I saw it in a new light. It was one of those parenting low points - or so I thought. We had gone out for a late night shop at ALDI since the cupboards were bare. We finished shopping at about eight-thirty and while the kids had been pretty good, they were starting to lose it. Nathan in particular when he is tired cannot tolerate the restriction of being in his car seat. Two minutes from home he started agitating and crying saying he wanted to get out. In a moment of frustration (Jordan also was crying) I pulled a classic "Daddy move" and drove the car into a car-park and stopped. "Go on then." I said. "Off you go." I unbuckled his belt and opened his door expecting repentance, but humorously (with the benefit of hindsight certainly) he called my bluff and hopped out looking back at me defiantly. What to do? I did what any dad would have done. I put the car into drive and started to pull away. He ran beside the car for a little bit. In the end I'm not sure who "won" the standoff, but he did agree that he wanted to come home with us and got back into his seat.
After I got home I had a moment alone to be disgusted with myself. I began to repent for being so impetuous and said to God "see, I'm not a good dad. You wouldn't do that." Almost immediately I was reminded of the story in Exodus 33. Actually, God would and did do something very similar. Now I run a grave risk of over simplifying what has been for ages past a perplexing theological question in comparing my experience tonight to this passage. So let me not claim to have solved it, but I certainly feel like I identified with what God seems to have been feeling in this story - absolute frustration at the obstinate disobedience of his children. Yes sure, in my case it was certainly more than half our own fault for having them out so late, but work with me... Could it be that God was pulling a "Daddy move" to illicit exactly the reaction which he got - tears of repentance and pleas for his presence?
Well who knows. But Exodus 33 was certainly an encouragement to this imperfect earthly father tonight.
Clayton
P.S. and don't worry, he wasn't emotionally damaged. We had a good father-son talk, where I reassured him that I loved him and that I would NEVER leave him.
After I got home I had a moment alone to be disgusted with myself. I began to repent for being so impetuous and said to God "see, I'm not a good dad. You wouldn't do that." Almost immediately I was reminded of the story in Exodus 33. Actually, God would and did do something very similar. Now I run a grave risk of over simplifying what has been for ages past a perplexing theological question in comparing my experience tonight to this passage. So let me not claim to have solved it, but I certainly feel like I identified with what God seems to have been feeling in this story - absolute frustration at the obstinate disobedience of his children. Yes sure, in my case it was certainly more than half our own fault for having them out so late, but work with me... Could it be that God was pulling a "Daddy move" to illicit exactly the reaction which he got - tears of repentance and pleas for his presence?
Well who knows. But Exodus 33 was certainly an encouragement to this imperfect earthly father tonight.
Clayton
P.S. and don't worry, he wasn't emotionally damaged. We had a good father-son talk, where I reassured him that I loved him and that I would NEVER leave him.
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
We are responsible! (Response to Mike Guggliemucci and Todd Bentley)
The night before we flew out the news began to break about Ps. Mike Gugliemucci's two year deception. I do not know Mike personally and indeed have never seen him in the flesh, but I knew of him during my ministry at CityLife since more than once he preached for our youth group. As a fellow young minister I was delighted during those years to hear of his success in ministry just as I was devastated to hear about his public fall from grace a few short days ago. What a terrible coincidence that this news followed hot on the heals of another sad story of yet another high profile charismatic leader who was struggling, Todd Bentley.
Now that we've settled in, I've had a chance to think about it all wanted to get my thoughts down in writing.
Great crowds followed Jesus because they were awed by his miraculous signs, yet few were prepared to actually be his disciples (Jn 6). The disciples laid down their lives to follow him because in Peter's words, "You have the words of eternal life." But the crowd just hung around hoping to see another spectacular display. When I was thinking about this the other day I was frustrated to the point of tears that we have cultivated a kind of crowd Christianity where people flock to see the spine tingling and the sensational rather than laying down their life to follow Jesus. It is the environment created by this kind of 'christianity' which forces a charismatic and passionate young man with promising talent into the spotlight long before his character foundations have been tested. It is this kind of of sick sign based consumerism that applauds such a mans public success without ever caring to question his private world.
Jesus said "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." The crowds (and in the case of this quote, the Pharisees) demanded from Jesus the spectacle - the big meeting, the riveting preaching, the miraculous display, yet he continually pointed them to the purpose of his life on earth and to what would become the core of the Christian message - his death, burial and resurrection. It is wickedness and an adulteration of the gospel for us to shun a cross based Christianity while demanding performance and entertainment of our leaders. As an aside, it is an ironic reversal of the principle of Mark 16:15-18 for us to expect that the true gospel will somehow accomany a message which centers on signs (not as I understand the case with Ps. Mike, but worth saying in this context) rather than signs accompanying a proclamation of the gospel.
I'm sure that there are many good and wholesome reasons why people flocked to Toronto and to Brownsville and to Florida and why people flocked to hear Pastor Mike and why people flock to large churches to consume well promoted events. However, I'm convinced that one reason people do this is because "chasing the action" is more fun and considerably easier than sorting out one's own walk with God - and it feels better too. The only problem is that it creates enormous pressure on those who are thrust into the limelight. Mike Gugliemucci is one of a long line of unfortunate casualties of this pressure.
One additional thought. I wonder if there is a reason why Pentecostal/Charismatic leaders are over-represented in this category? I'm sure that there are many self congratulatory reasons that we could come up with, some of which may at least be partially valid - but this is not a time for self congratulation. Is it possible that we Pentecostal types are more likely to go after signs and spectacles than we are to go after God's heart? (I'm not saying it is, I'm just saying "is it?") Is it possible we are more likely to gather crowds rather than make disciples (I'm not saying it is, I'm just saying "is it?" Read the brochure for the last conference you attended before you answer). Of the many possible reactions to Mike G and Todd Bentley, I suggest that repentance ought to feature for we, more than we care to realise are responsible.
Now that we've settled in, I've had a chance to think about it all wanted to get my thoughts down in writing.
Great crowds followed Jesus because they were awed by his miraculous signs, yet few were prepared to actually be his disciples (Jn 6). The disciples laid down their lives to follow him because in Peter's words, "You have the words of eternal life." But the crowd just hung around hoping to see another spectacular display. When I was thinking about this the other day I was frustrated to the point of tears that we have cultivated a kind of crowd Christianity where people flock to see the spine tingling and the sensational rather than laying down their life to follow Jesus. It is the environment created by this kind of 'christianity' which forces a charismatic and passionate young man with promising talent into the spotlight long before his character foundations have been tested. It is this kind of of sick sign based consumerism that applauds such a mans public success without ever caring to question his private world.
Jesus said "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." The crowds (and in the case of this quote, the Pharisees) demanded from Jesus the spectacle - the big meeting, the riveting preaching, the miraculous display, yet he continually pointed them to the purpose of his life on earth and to what would become the core of the Christian message - his death, burial and resurrection. It is wickedness and an adulteration of the gospel for us to shun a cross based Christianity while demanding performance and entertainment of our leaders. As an aside, it is an ironic reversal of the principle of Mark 16:15-18 for us to expect that the true gospel will somehow accomany a message which centers on signs (not as I understand the case with Ps. Mike, but worth saying in this context) rather than signs accompanying a proclamation of the gospel.
I'm sure that there are many good and wholesome reasons why people flocked to Toronto and to Brownsville and to Florida and why people flocked to hear Pastor Mike and why people flock to large churches to consume well promoted events. However, I'm convinced that one reason people do this is because "chasing the action" is more fun and considerably easier than sorting out one's own walk with God - and it feels better too. The only problem is that it creates enormous pressure on those who are thrust into the limelight. Mike Gugliemucci is one of a long line of unfortunate casualties of this pressure.
One additional thought. I wonder if there is a reason why Pentecostal/Charismatic leaders are over-represented in this category? I'm sure that there are many self congratulatory reasons that we could come up with, some of which may at least be partially valid - but this is not a time for self congratulation. Is it possible that we Pentecostal types are more likely to go after signs and spectacles than we are to go after God's heart? (I'm not saying it is, I'm just saying "is it?") Is it possible we are more likely to gather crowds rather than make disciples (I'm not saying it is, I'm just saying "is it?" Read the brochure for the last conference you attended before you answer). Of the many possible reactions to Mike G and Todd Bentley, I suggest that repentance ought to feature for we, more than we care to realise are responsible.
Monday, 8 September 2008
Where is my treasure?
Since we've arrived here with little more than our suitcases of clothes we've had a bit of 'hunting and gathering' to do - otherwise known as shopping. I'll be the first to admit that I love shopping. I just enjoy buying things! Perhaps it's a girly thing, but it's just as well that every other member of my family (including Jordan) loathes it, otherwise I'd probably end up spending a lot more. Our home came furnished, so it has just been a matter of setting up with kitchenware, bed linen, towels and appliances.
It has been a huge blessing to have discovered the Wheaton College co-op - a place where college students donate their unwanted, or no longer needed clothes and household items. Students are then welcome to help themselves to the goods at no charge. I have been encouraged that our Heavenly Father really does know our needs before we even ask and that we don't have to worry about His provision.
We've also discovered that the good citizens of Wheaton host marvellous yard sales, and we've picked up some tremendous like-new bargains. We've picked up kids clothes - including a pristine Nathan-sized Ralph Lauren polo shirt for $2, beautiful toys, books and even a Sony television. It's been like God has known our needs (and even our wants) and has supplied everything for loose pocket change. A perfect example of this was when Clayton had only just been saying that he'd really like to buy for the boys an air-hockey/games table. Then what do you know? - we happen on a fabulous kid-sized games table complete with fuze-ball, air-hockey, snooker, table tennis and a myriad of other games all in perfect condition. The owners even sold it to us for less than they wanted when they heard that we were from Australia, studying at Wheaton. The aquisition of this games table was a beautiful reminder that God loves to give His kids good gifts.
Last weekend, there was an 'Estate' sale, where there were agents contracted to sell everything from the linen and appliances, to the house and car! We ventured out to this stately home, where I had to slip on booties over my shoes to protect the floor from being scratched. It was an impressive home and the owners had obviously had an eye for finer things. Everything was in like-mint condition and it was ALL for sale! What a comfortable life these people had lived however, there was a tangible sadness over the premises. Sympathy quickly set in when I ventured upstairs and saw the clean, pressed clothes of a middle-aged gentleman all neatly laid out for sale. Turns out that the owner of the home had fallen from a ladder and although 'lucky' to be alive, was now living bed-ridden in a care facility.
Not to say that bad things don't happen to good people, (the owner was probably highly regarded, probably even Christian); and not to say that there is anything inherently wrong in living in a beautiful home... it's just that the whole experience served as a harsh reminder that money can not buy happiness - not even health. I wondered how he had spent the best years of his life. Had he worried about storing up the earthly treasures that were now being sold to help pay for his health care? I was again reminded of that passage in Matthew chapter 6, where Jesus talks about not storing up treasures on earth, but instead, seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness.
I know that many people are struggling with the rising costs of living, but I hope that our story can be an encouragement to you that God we do not have to worry. Here's an excerpt from Matthew 6.
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Parents: Australian, award winning author Pamela Allen has a picture book called 'Herbert and Harry' (also published under the title, 'Hidden Treasure') which perfectly communicates this message to children.
"Allen's book presents a discerning look into the meaning of "treasure." Herbert and Harry are brothers who enjoy being together until they discover a treasure chest while fishing. The ensuing rift over ownership leaves Harry swimming for shore and Herbert escaping with the treasure. Herbert's concern over the treasurethat Harry or someone else will find it turns the find into a lifelong burden as he searches for an impenetrable hideout so he can sleep without worry. His is a life of constant vigilance, while Harry, who "had no treasure," is surrounded by plump grandchildren and is "always able to sleep soundly." Allen's vibrant line-and-wash color illustrations show page after page of Herbert's burgeoning problems and then, with one revelatory picture of Harry, shows how the brother's paths have drastically diverged. "
It has been a huge blessing to have discovered the Wheaton College co-op - a place where college students donate their unwanted, or no longer needed clothes and household items. Students are then welcome to help themselves to the goods at no charge. I have been encouraged that our Heavenly Father really does know our needs before we even ask and that we don't have to worry about His provision.
We've also discovered that the good citizens of Wheaton host marvellous yard sales, and we've picked up some tremendous like-new bargains. We've picked up kids clothes - including a pristine Nathan-sized Ralph Lauren polo shirt for $2, beautiful toys, books and even a Sony television. It's been like God has known our needs (and even our wants) and has supplied everything for loose pocket change. A perfect example of this was when Clayton had only just been saying that he'd really like to buy for the boys an air-hockey/games table. Then what do you know? - we happen on a fabulous kid-sized games table complete with fuze-ball, air-hockey, snooker, table tennis and a myriad of other games all in perfect condition. The owners even sold it to us for less than they wanted when they heard that we were from Australia, studying at Wheaton. The aquisition of this games table was a beautiful reminder that God loves to give His kids good gifts.
Last weekend, there was an 'Estate' sale, where there were agents contracted to sell everything from the linen and appliances, to the house and car! We ventured out to this stately home, where I had to slip on booties over my shoes to protect the floor from being scratched. It was an impressive home and the owners had obviously had an eye for finer things. Everything was in like-mint condition and it was ALL for sale! What a comfortable life these people had lived however, there was a tangible sadness over the premises. Sympathy quickly set in when I ventured upstairs and saw the clean, pressed clothes of a middle-aged gentleman all neatly laid out for sale. Turns out that the owner of the home had fallen from a ladder and although 'lucky' to be alive, was now living bed-ridden in a care facility.
Not to say that bad things don't happen to good people, (the owner was probably highly regarded, probably even Christian); and not to say that there is anything inherently wrong in living in a beautiful home... it's just that the whole experience served as a harsh reminder that money can not buy happiness - not even health. I wondered how he had spent the best years of his life. Had he worried about storing up the earthly treasures that were now being sold to help pay for his health care? I was again reminded of that passage in Matthew chapter 6, where Jesus talks about not storing up treasures on earth, but instead, seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness.
I know that many people are struggling with the rising costs of living, but I hope that our story can be an encouragement to you that God we do not have to worry. Here's an excerpt from Matthew 6.
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Parents: Australian, award winning author Pamela Allen has a picture book called 'Herbert and Harry' (also published under the title, 'Hidden Treasure') which perfectly communicates this message to children.
"Allen's book presents a discerning look into the meaning of "treasure." Herbert and Harry are brothers who enjoy being together until they discover a treasure chest while fishing. The ensuing rift over ownership leaves Harry swimming for shore and Herbert escaping with the treasure. Herbert's concern over the treasurethat Harry or someone else will find it turns the find into a lifelong burden as he searches for an impenetrable hideout so he can sleep without worry. His is a life of constant vigilance, while Harry, who "had no treasure," is surrounded by plump grandchildren and is "always able to sleep soundly." Allen's vibrant line-and-wash color illustrations show page after page of Herbert's burgeoning problems and then, with one revelatory picture of Harry, shows how the brother's paths have drastically diverged. "
Saturday, 6 September 2008
Thank you Lord!
Just a quick update...
Judah and Nathan LOVE pre-school. I had been dreading and feeling very overwhelmed at the prospect of having one boy in a morning class, and the other in the afternoon. I really had no idea how I was going to manage. Well, God answered our prayers, with a place opening up for Judah in the morning, only in a Pre-K class (that is essentially a 5-year-old pre-school class) that meets 5 mornings a week for 2.5 hours. What a relief to have both boys dropped off and picked up at the same time! To add to the blessing of our answered prayer, Judah gets to be in a more challenging class (as he is the youngest) and gets to enjoy a more structured class (which is perfectly suited to his personality). I was a little nervous for him, wanting him to have a positive first start - nervous that he had missed the first 3 days and didn't know any of the other children. His teacher reported that he did beautifully and fit right in. Nathan loved his class too and in fact, he cried about leaving!
Feeling more and more settled and set up. Loving Wheaton - it is truly a beautiful place. Clayton and I are still feeling very tired and physically stretched as Jordan's sleep cycle is still all over the place and he is not sleeping through again.
Thank you for your prayers.
Judah and Nathan LOVE pre-school. I had been dreading and feeling very overwhelmed at the prospect of having one boy in a morning class, and the other in the afternoon. I really had no idea how I was going to manage. Well, God answered our prayers, with a place opening up for Judah in the morning, only in a Pre-K class (that is essentially a 5-year-old pre-school class) that meets 5 mornings a week for 2.5 hours. What a relief to have both boys dropped off and picked up at the same time! To add to the blessing of our answered prayer, Judah gets to be in a more challenging class (as he is the youngest) and gets to enjoy a more structured class (which is perfectly suited to his personality). I was a little nervous for him, wanting him to have a positive first start - nervous that he had missed the first 3 days and didn't know any of the other children. His teacher reported that he did beautifully and fit right in. Nathan loved his class too and in fact, he cried about leaving!
Feeling more and more settled and set up. Loving Wheaton - it is truly a beautiful place. Clayton and I are still feeling very tired and physically stretched as Jordan's sleep cycle is still all over the place and he is not sleeping through again.
Thank you for your prayers.
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