Hey Dude, Where's Your blog?

The last time I wrote was toward the end of June (on my & Christen's wedding anniversary, to be exact). Since then much has taken place. This post is meant to be a general update in answer to the title's question. I have been asked a few times (and only a few times, thanks to the sensitivity of those close to me), 'Are you still writing?' The fact is I was not. I had ideas, but even they slowed for a time. But the other day I felt the Lord impress upon to refocus. I had begun to settle into 'life', and Christen's words came back to reinvigorate me - Beloved, DO NOT SETTLE. So here I am, writing again. Here's what has gone on in the last few months (more will come of all of these snippets, to be sure, but it's a start):

For starters, Audrey has commenced first grade in public school. Many of you who previously read Christen's blog know that we homeschooled Audrey for the first couple years of her education. Prior to Christen being sick or passing, we had decided it was the best move for her to go to school outside the home. I am not interesting in starting a debate on this topic (at this point in time), but suffice it to say that we made this decision understanding all of the implications and feeling it was the best move for our family. So, off she went....for 4 days and then the teachers went on strike for 9 days....and then she started again! It's been a few weeks now, and Audrey is [mostly] doing well. She's bright, she's well-mannered, and she seems to get along with several people in her class. Her teacher said to me once, "She's very well behaved, and she's SO empathetic with any of the kids who are having a rough time." I was a proud papa on that one. Still, she has her struggles - namely that she doesn't understand why some kids just won't listen to the teacher! We are figuring out a good routine as each week passes and getting better with it. I am learning a ton about what it means to have a school-aged child. Better adjust fast - next year they'll both be in school. Yikes! But that's a separate post all together.

Additionally, I started in a new job in mid-August. I am currently the E-learning Systems Technology Analyst for Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. That's a fancy title. What it really means is that I work as an administrator, project manager, office manager, technology supporter, and database manager for all of the e-learning that takes place in the hospital, specifically as it pertains to training people to use the electronic medical records system. It's.....a lot. I am busy learning several systems at once while also learning a new work culture, new bosses, and a new team.

Also, I was quite busy through the summer working with the young adult ministry (called Advance) at my church. We saw some tremendous things take place, and it was a great blessing to be part of a team that came together to connect the young adults of our church to each other. It's a huge population in our congregation, and I have loved being involved with guiding and directing how we have done what we have done.

Beyond this, I have had the opportunity to speak a handful of times. I have had the privilege of speaking to a bible study largely made up of ex-convicts, to a small but growing church (both spiritually and numerically), to the young adults of my church, and to my hometown congregation in an outdoor service. Each engagement brought such a different dynamic to the table, and I was honored to get to speak about what the Bible says on a variety of topics - everything from the preeminence of Christ to His being sufficient for us. The responses of the people in each circumstance were as unique as the topics themselves. I was so grateful not only for the opportunity but also for the fact that God chose to use me to speak forth His Word. I felt greatly inadequate in and of myself, but I had such a confidence in what the Bible says and He enabled me to speak with boldness. I simply love seeing how God does that.

Through all of this, though, in the back of my mind, constantly, there was a desire to write. I have missed this. And so I shall write again. I believe now more than ever that this is something I must do, not just something I want to do. I allowed myself to be distracted - sure, with noble things, but distracted nonetheless - and I desire to be distracted no more. To write is part of my calling, a stewardship I have neglected for some months. I don't know what this blog will look like going forward - how often, when, what topics, etc - but it will not slip my time again. Even if I don't publish everything I put down, I will write. I look forward to what will come of it, just as I hope you will look forward to reading it.

Now, let's get started....