random thoughts from my weekend...

Well, following a long week and trying to wind down for a weekend can sometimes be difficult. This one has been challenging for me. Here's sort of how it has gone...

- wrapped up Friday at work finalizing some significant projects and putting together some more proposals

- received a really nice card and gift certificate from my administrative assistant... the card was thanking me for being a great boss since it was "boss day" ... what's funny is that I had no idea! Thanks Michelle!

- watched a couple of more baseball games that Noah and Nate played in... one game was a winner, the other not so great... Noah got beaned in the head - the ball pitched hit his helmet and he fell like a rock - can't remember the last time I ran so fast - they couldn't keep me off the field - he's okay though, just a little scary!

- ran some errands and did some batting practice early Saturday morning with the boys

- went home to Dunn NC in the afternoon to participate in the 2009 softball reunion game ... it was old church softball team ... it was a really long time ago and you could tell ... the team that was assembled to play us had about 7 guys younger than 25 and the average age of our team was probably around 45 or so ... all of team left either limping or hurrying home to ice down

- lots of good feelings as the softball players honored my dad who was the team coach for many years... all had great things to say about the impact he had on them... me too Dad!

- now getting ready to speak tomorrow at True North Church... excited about it but a little nervous... it has been a while since I have spoken... and wow did I get a tough topic... we are in the middle of a series called "Relationships 101"... our pastor had to go to Iowa for a family funeral so I get to fill in ... the topic tomorrow continuing the series is "Men and Women: There's a Difference" ... anyone agree?

- also getting ready to fly out tomorrow afternoon to Austin TX for some business meetings... it will be good meetings but not looking forward to being away from my family... I will miss them!

proud of my boys...

Just getting home late tonight from two baseball games... Noah and Nate both played tonight at the same time... so I stand between two fields turning to watch one hit and then the other... cold and rainy but lots of fun with exciting endings!

Nate's team was down 14-12 going into the last inning. They got two runners on with one out and Nate gets a hit to drive in two runs and tie the game. He moves to second on a ground out... and then with two outs another batter gets an infield single and Nate scores all the way from second base for the winning run.

Noah also had a big night with at least four really good defensive plays at first base. Early in the game he had a line-drive single knocking in two runs for his team. In the last inning Noah hit a deep drive to right-center field that one-hopped the fence. He came all the way around for an inside-the-park three-run homer. It was the deepest hit ball I've seen hit in his league this season. He crushed it! Everyone was talking about how far he hit it!

yep... proud of my boys!

love small groups...

Angela and I just a couple of weeks ago began a small group in our home for True North Church. We met tonight for the second time. I am so excited about the people that God has put together. We are learning a lot about each other and what it means to celebrate the great things God has done and is doing in our lives ... as well as what it means to comfort and encourage in the struggles of everyday life. I have always enjoyed being a part of a small group... this one feels special...
We started studying Ephesians tonight. I really enjoyed the discussion and interaction. We had a great conversation about grace and some of the monuments or memorials of grace in our lives. God always comes through!
"Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us!" Ephesians 2 (MSG)

season is about to begin...

October 1 marks the beginning of the college basketball season. Practice begins at a full speed ahead pace. For those who don't know yet I have accepted a volunteer position at Wake Tech Community College as the Assistant Head Coach for the new basketball program. I am excited and am learning to love a group of 17 young men. It's way more than basketball to me ... these young men need lots of leadership and guidance in their lives ... many of them have experienced difficulties and challenges that we have escaped ... I am really enjoying the challenge of impacting their lives and preparing them to be great basketball players.
Anyway... looking forward to a great first season at Wake Tech. It's definitely going to be exciting. Find our schedule on the college website and come check out some games.