Among quite a few other things I did today, I was able to head over to Noblesville and bless some dogs in their home……Labrador Retrievers……four of them.  It is always a hoot to be there, and especially now for me as we have taken a break in the dog breeding business, because we usually have four or five Goldens at home ourselves.  We now however, are just down to one…..Viper.

But unlike Viper, these dogs we awake and ready to roll!  It was a blast too.  If I just had a tennis ball and a big field I would swear I was in heaven!  There was a lot of tail wagging, ear scratching, and laughter.  It really did make my day.  And, it was something that I really needed.

Too often in life the details get in the way.  Sure, they are important, but often it is healthy for us to just set them aside, even for a minute, and play.  Simple things, like scratching the ears of a dog and just knowing they are glad to see you, can bring a lot of life and joy back into a day.  I’ve got a lot on my plate, and these past few months have been terrible.  But the dogs didn’t care about that, they were just happy to see me, as I them.  And quite honestly, they didn’t care if I was there to bless them or not.

If only the world would be so gracious and kind!

Yep, I am home, and back to being hard at work.  But tonight I thank God for my four four-legged friends, who gave me a good dose or just exactly what I needed!

Goodnight my friends and God Bless!

Tommy+

Yes, we have been working on the truck.  And although ideally the thing to do would be to have it professionally done, we cannot afford that, so Scott and I have been improvising.  This is a truck we only use to haul sticks and limbs, and get mulch.  There is no daily driving of it.  It just doesn’t need to be an eyesore.

And now of course it is not, that is unless you get up next to it and see the “non-professional” job we did. But the cool part is that you can now not see through the sides of it, it does now STOP, and it is actually pretty fun to drive.  It does not have air conditioning, and I need to fix the fan on the heater (as well as the turn signals) but as soon as I do we will have an all-weather truck.

So yes, at least for now we are back to “drivable,” which means in our family “to drive without embarrassment.”  It will not win a beauty contest, nor is it the kind of thing you would take on a long trip. But at least it is ours, and more importantly, no longer an eyesore to the neighborhood!

Goodnight my friends and God Bless!

Tommy+

I really cannot believe I forgot this story, but on Saturday night Ben snuck into our bed at about 3 or 4 am.  That is not the interesting part of the story.  The interesting part is how I was summoned back to our room by my wife who said she wanted me to see something.  And there in my bed was Ben…….with a big hunk of chewing gum in his hair.

Of course this was not my first rodeo, so I said to him, as he was visibly upset about the gum in his hair, “where did you get that gum, and how did it get into your hair?”  And he looked at me not able to tell as lie just as George Washington when confronted about that cherry tree (yes, I know that is probably not a true story) and said “Scotty put the gum in my hair!”

I do know that this was not true.  Ben probably snuck some of his brother’s gum and had it in his mouth as he went to bed.  Kids often do that, and I am just thankful his emergency haircut wasn’t worse.

But what made me remember this was finding out from Scott that Ben wore his Halloween costume to Cindy’s today.  Scott didn’t know he wasn’t supposed to, but Ben did!  So when I told Amanda about it he did what any other four year old would do……….he blamed it on his brother!  As I have shared these things with Scott he just smiles, but they are brothers.  Ben will feel some revenge sooner or later I am sure.

Goodnight my friends and God Bless!

Tommy+

Amanda is at a conference, but it is local……it’s just that we do not live all that local anymore.  So since she was in Indy till 9 tonight and needing to be back there early, she is staying the night at my dad’s.  They always have a full-house, but there is always room.

But when I told Ben that his mom was staying the night at grandpa’s he got real quiet.  So I asked him why, and he was not happy.  He said, “But that’s MY grandpa!”   Too funny!

Of course I made sure and told my dad, who was clearly touched by the jealousy.  I didn’t have a chance to tell Amanda though, as talking to her when she is at these things is always sporadic, as is my memory.  She will have to learn it from my dad.

But I made sure I let Ben pick where we would go for dinner because I wanted him to be distracted.  He chose Red Robin, not for the food, but he likes it because he always sees the bird (Red) and gets a balloon.  (He chooses most restaurants this way).  The bottom line however was that he, Scott, and I had a marvelous time.  (Scott and I like the food!)

The best part though was that he seems distracted and that is a victory for sure!  He is at the age where he is very attached to his mom, and I know that will be switching soon.

And when it happens I will just need to figure out a good excuse to get to Red Robin.

Goodnight my friends and God Bless!

Tommy+

Yep, the weather is getting colder, and Amanda does not like the heat on until there is at least 3 feet of snow outside, so that means for the next six months or so the cat will get very friendly.

Cats of course are finicky, and Puddy is no exception.  She is perhaps the most independent cat we have ever owned, and along with that, the most vocal.  There is no doubt about what she ever wants.

But I cannot get past the possibility that she might just do all of this on purpose.  It sure seems that way.  But regardless, we are going to see a lot of her over these next few months.  It is looking to be a long winter!

Goodnight my friends and God Bless!

Tommy+

Although I think my life is pretty interesting, our dog Viper is often just not all that interested in taking part.  I picked him up at the vet recently (where he got a bath and a haircut from their groomer) only to be told that he had fun and might be a little tired when he got home.  I really couldn’t tell.  He sleeps 23 hours a day.

But your suspected diagnosis of narcolepsy would be errant.  Viper lives this life by choice.  He has interest in the things he wants to and other things he just ignores (he’s like a big cat with personality).  This picture was taken during the Notre Dame game, which doesn’t mean he isn’t a big fan.  He is always aware that a touchdown could mean a trip to the kitchen or an available hand to pat a head.  He in truth is probably just conserving his energy, for if I said “hey, let’s take a ride,” he would beat me to the door.

But he really is a great dog. And no, we do not count on him as a guard dog, we have an alarm….but the cat can be pretty mean.  I do however admire him and his easy-going style with all my heart.  If only all of us could relax in such a way!

Goodnight my friends and God Bless!

Tommy+

I have been working from home all day, and although I have accomplished A LOT, I do not feel that I have made any significant progress.  I suppose treading water does keep you alive, but you still need to get somewhere so you do not drown.  The good news is that perhaps I can find a way to chalk it up as exercise so I can feel a bit better about it.

But we, and when I say “we” I mean the clergy and churches we serve, are on the cusp of some transition and we just want to be both careful and intentional about moving through it.  Change always brings a level of tension, and tension if not handled correctly can really poison the well.  So we are being very intentional as we seek God’s Will for us through these times.  My preference of course would be if He’d just send me an email or even call……but I will not hold my breath for that!

On the upside, things, although slow, seem to be moving along well.  And the clergy should have some recommendations within the next two weeks.  But the bottom line is that we would like to plant deep roots now and then just grow.  Hopefully the Good Lord will grant us our prayer.

But with that, maybe I should just stop typing and go see if my beloved Chicago Cubs are playing tonight in the playoffs.  They aren’t, but I can dream!  And hopefully next year at this time, when we are settled and well on our way, I will have a productive day filled with progress……and close it by watching the Cubs play on their way to 2012 World Series greatness!

Goodnight my friends and God Bless!

Tommy+

As I was leaving NE Ohio this morning, due to time restraints I had to make a choice.  I could either meander across the center of the state to visit my great grandparent’s graves (which I often do) or I could head into Barberton where Stephanie and Scotty were both born and enjoy a few memories.  I chose the latter.

The picture is of what used to be, and may still be, the largest single planting of mums in the world.  I would not get a picture of them all together, but as you can see, they are beautiful.  (They all will be on sale soon too!)  The Mum Festival was last weekend, and it brings a LOT of people downtown.  And just beyond the mums is the beautiful Lake Anna.  Barberton is the only city in the country with a lake downtown.  It brought back a lot of great memories.

In the spring, the mums are replaced by tulips and it is every bit as spectacular.  I just remember how important that lake was to me, because my church was just a block away, and walking around it relieved a lot of stress.  It was really perfect I tell you!

I also was able to go by the church, my old homes, some other sites, and the homes of some friends.  It all looks very different in a lot of ways, but it felt the same…..great.

I will get over to the cemeteries within the next few weeks and pay my respects.  I was glad however to choose how I did.  Oh the memories!

Goodnight my friends and God Bless!

Tommy+

Yes, they are called the Zips…..and it is the mascot fo good old Akron University in Akron, Ohio.  I am here tonight for a meeting, but the meeting in now over and I am in the hotel and will return home tomorrow.  It has been a busy day, but a good one.

Of course the BIG question is, “WHY the kangaroo…and PARTICULARLY in AKRON, OHIO.”  I have no clue as to why this is, but any university that will award a degree to my friends is suspicious from the start.

But for now I will not judge, but just enjoy the scenery of Akron…..(which is very similar to Barbados).  I am just glad to be here, but look forward to heading home where the mascots do indeed make sense.

Goodnight my friends and God Bless!

Tommy+

Well since I FORGOT to get a good picture today, this one is an old one and one of my favorites.  It is  Ben just home from the hospital.  For us it was a blessed day…..not only did we get to take him home, but in four-plus years, this was one of the only times he has been quiet.

So tonight I am here in my office typing this after a long, busy, and productive day.  Of course there are no distractions…..just Scott, Ben, and Viper running and screaming and laughing all through the house.  Scott better get it out of his system too.  As I understand it, the United States Marines don’t do the “playtime” thing before bed.

And although Scott is not yet off to boot camp, he has made it clear…..he wants to be a Marine like his brother will be.  Scott will shout “Semper Fi” and Ben will shout back “Ooh Rah!”  It is funny now, but I know at this time next year one of my boys will be a Marine.  The other probably will follow.  Ben idolizes Scotty and they are truly best friends.  I am pretty sure we will be repeating lacrosse and all the hockey stuff too.

And it is all fine with me.  I wasn’t much of an example at Scott’s age, in fact quite the opposite.  At 17, I went to the Marine recruiter to both join and straighten out my twisted life.  It was a desperate attempt on my part to get my life together.  Sadly, in my mind though he already had me enlisting, he chose to lie to me thinking I was not totally committed.  I left his office rudely and abruptly.  I am surprised he didn’t punch me.  But I consider this one of the biggest mistakes of my life…..others say however, this was just God’s plan.

I suppose all this might say that God’s plan is often something that surprises us.  To be honest, I would have been a far better Marine in my mind than a priest.  Somehow I have always considered it some sort of heavenly joke.  But the proof is in the pudding as they say, and I suppose I cannot deny I have had a remarkable ministry.  I just always thought I would have been the Marine.  “Ooh Rah” and “Semper Fi” all through my house if you want, that is fine.  I wanted to be a Marine, my son, and maybe sons, will become one.  To me, it is a far higher honor.  Scott is in the gym everyday preparing for his entrance test, and his Sergeant is there with him (I WOULD say cheering) egging him on.  He will become what I could not, and man, that just makes my day, if not my life. (and he is not even joining because he is screwed up).  I am just a humble (young, and delusional) priest.

But the best part is that I have included a great picture!  We are actually ALL together in it…even my mother-in-law who you cannot see.  It reminds me of easier times.

Steph is now living in Missouri, although traveling as her team played this weekend in the Carolinas.  Scotty will be leaving for San Diego soon.  Ben will be starting school any day, and Amanda and I probably just ought to pre-plan my funeral!!  (It’s all good, I have a lot of experience now).

But the truth is, life changes, and we have no guarantees.  It rarely turns  out as we imagined, and time is the judge of how we do with it all.  But as for me, although I am disappointed at parts, I can see God’s Hand in it all….despite the fact that I wished for different outcomes.

In the end however, God is in control.

I hope He knows what He is doing…..after all, He made me a priest!

Goodnight my friends and God Bless!

Tommy+