Song of Solomon

It's now the end of a five-week series at our church on the Song of Solomon... What a series it's been. There have been tons of conversations at our church about relationships, sex, dating, marriage, how to talk to your kids... I'm so grateful for a church family that is open about talking about this kind of thing. Because, the truth is, I need these conversations. We all do. My wife and I can't have a successful marriage without constantly turning to friends and family for support. We have NO idea how to raise our kids without watching how other families do it... and talking openly about the areas where we're struggling. In fact, I believe even the Christian journey can't be done successfully without being surrounded by other people. God has existed from the beginning in perfect community with himself, and authentic community is one of those things that he gives us; it's both a good gift, and a vital tool for doing life well. And I think that's a little bit (okay, a little bit) of what Song of Solomon is about. This couple turns to community for support, and so should we. We were created for these life-giving relationships. So can I just encourage anyone who's reading this... how's it going with the relationships in your life? Anyone that you need to talk to? Anyone that needs some encouragement? Is there someone you could learn something from... if you just reached out?

Motorcycles...

I know, I know. If anyone was reading this before, they certainly aren't now, since I haven't updated it in about 3 months. Well, let's give it another go.

I rode my brother's 2007 Honda Rebel motorcycle today. And now I'm hooked. Many of you know that I have had the itch for about a month now. My brother's looks pretty much like this. I'm pretty much getting one.

It will save on gas mileage, it's cheaper to own and extends the life of my current car, and it's just freaking cool. In the words of Michael Scott, it's a "win, win, win."

I'm looking forward to going to my nephew's baseball game tonight, on the first day where the weather is perfect, and I've actually been able to enjoy.

Does Tim still have a blog?

At least one of you (out of the five) have been asking me to update my blog, so I figure I'd better do it. So for fun, here's a picture of my mom trying to play "Message in a Bottle" on Guitar Hero around Christmas time.

Now here's what I need from you. Post comments to this post with topic suggestions for what my next blog entry should be about.

Merry Christmas!

For the three of you that are reading my blog these days, Merry Christmas. May the promise of what happened in Bethlehem two-thousand years ago find its way into your every day. May you sense God's work of grace as you breath each breath. And may you find time to play, and experience God's pleasure.

Brunswick Zone

Alright, I've been nudged by enough people now that I believe a new post is in order. I have some pictures I'm hoping to post soon that I think will be amusing, but for now you'll have to wait. For now, I have to tell you about what I believe is the coolest new hangout I've been to in a while. The friendly Brunswick people (I've been bowling with them ever since I rolled my first 6-pounder down the lane) has opened up a new alley out by us, and I have to recommend it to anyone looking for something fun to do. You forgot all about bowling, didn't you? I'm guessing you're like me, and the last time you were at a bowling alley, you walked out coughing up second-hand smoke with a stomache cramp from the nasty hot dog they fed you, and vowing to find another hobby. Brunswick is smoke-free... they have a server that brings your shoes to your lane, and takes your food orders (they claim to have really good pizza). If you have a two-year-old with you (like I do), he can bumper-bowl, but you don't have to. Because the bumpers are automated and pop up from the gutter whenever it's his turn. Really cool. And you never have to leave your lane. For anything. In fact, when you're done playing, you pay your server, leave your shoes, and walk out the door. They also have lazer tag and a pretty cool arcade, if you're into that kind of thing. So there's some free advertising for the Brunswick people. In the meantime, I hope everyone has a blessed, relaxing, and joyful Christmas!

My Friend Mary

Yesterday was the "first day on the job" for my friend Mary who just started working at the church where I work. Mary and I used to work together at another church... she was the Children's Ministry director and I was the Youth Director. So I'm very excited to be working with her again!

And since it was her first day on the job, I offered to carpool with her, since we live relatively close to one another. She accepted, and I picked her up in the morning as planned. When the end of the day came, however, I left early to run a couple errands, and LEFT her at the church! Whoops! Some friend!

Anyway, Mary I'm SO glad that we're working together again, and I hope you know that, even though I'm forgetful from time to time, you're a great friend. And Kim and I are so glad to have you and your family in our lives!

Let's dive right in...

So here begins my little corner of the world wide web. Let me predict right now that this will either be a lot of fun to use, or I will slack off in a month or so, and it will sit out there in cyberspace for years until blogger finally gets sick of it and removes it. We shall see. In the meantime, I hope I can provide you with some entertainment and encouragement. Stay tuned... I'm just figuring this thing out, but there will be more to come!