She's Still With Me

5 years.  Today, we celebrate one twentieth of a century of marriage.  I've got to say, its been...a lot of things.  I mean that in an INCREDIBLY positive way.  I am just completely in awe of the fact that so much has happened in so little time.


We've had two kids.


Kelly went from supporting us to staying home.


I worked no less than 7 jobs - some at the same time - to make ends meet.


I graduated from Texas A&M.


We bought a house.


We helped plant 2.5 churches.

We've become a family.

That last one - seems pretty obvious, doesn't it? We are married = we are a family.  We are married with kids definitely = family.


Sure, in the same sense that a car with no engine is still technically an automobile...
I'm not saying we always lacked an engine; we've been held together by God's grace from day one. Sometimes, hope in that grace was all we had.


In the words of Inigo Montoya, "Let me essplain.  No, there is too much. Let me sum up"...


5 years ago, I thought I knew what I was doing.  What a fool.  I convinced Kelly to marry me...which was a miracle in and of itself.  When I proposed to her, I washed her feet and told her it would be my joy to serve her the rest of my life.  Sweet concept, but  I had NO idea what that meant.  Not that Kelly has made it hard;  I just really was that clueless.  Its one thing to be blissfully ignorant, but another to think you know what's up but be so far from reality.


What happened after we said, "I do", has been an adventure.


As most of you know, we got pregnant pretty dang quick.  We were broke and without an income.  I was trying to finish school and Kel was looking for a job to support us.  We were unified ceremonially, but were probably very much on different planets emotionally.  Kelly bore the brunt of that chasm with patience and prayer, asking God to show me how to lead our family.  Riley was the catalyst for that.  We had a lot of choices to make when we found out January 17th of 2008 that we would be parents.


Flash forward to 2012.  I think Kelly and I would agree that we are understanding one another and serving one another in a God-honoring way.  I'm not boasting.  Boasting would require that I did something to merit what has happened.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  God has continually refined us primarily by two means:


By putting us in situations - or using situations we put ourselves in - to challenge us and our faith.  


And, by surrounding us with people who were able to speak truth to us and encourage us.


While I am no expert in the subject, I would like to point out a few specific things that, without which, we would likely be divorced - perhaps not legally, but practically:


We were surrounded by people who came around us in our most desperate time.  We were without food, but we never went hungry.  We were invited to dinners and sent home with leftovers.  Families gave us excess venison and beef - though we hadn't asked for it or divulged that we had a need.  


As God was providing in that regard, we were given sound advice.  Probably the best I've ever received.  Our pastor at the time gently put his boot up my rear and told me to get to work.  Whatever it required.  So, I did.  And again, God provided.


We made some difficult choices.  Choices on careers, incomes, lifestyle, etc.  What really helped through those times, I think, was that we wrote down family Mission Statement and Vision Statement.  We knew we had been convicted about a lot of things, but putting them into action was far from easy.  Again, thank God for continuing to work in and around us.


Truly, I am grateful to God every day for giving me Kelly.  She has challenged me, prayed for me, wept for me, waited for me, encouraged me, and been an all-around stud wife.


So as we celebrate 5 years of marriage, we celebrate so much more than time.  We are celebrating what God has done, and continues to do, in our marriage.  I cannot fathom what life and marriage would be without His saving grace, but I can imagine that it would be fairly worthless.


Kelly, thank you for being an excellent wife.  I am humbled to think of what we will be giving thanks for in another 5 years!

"The Best Time of Your Life"...

Is college, right?

That's what everyone says as you prepare yourself to make that transition from awkward teenager to adult...
"Live it up, it's gonna be the best time of your life..."

Why is that, do you think?

The average college student has an abundance of time and minimal responsibility.  15 ish hours of class every week and a test or a paper every so often.  That is SO realistic.

In hindsight, college was easy compared to what goes on now, though while I was in college (the first four years) I thought the weight of the world was on my shoulders.  I took my extracurricular activities very seriously.  I was so busy, or so I thought.

My story is essentially the "Tale of Two Students" - the first student (2002-2006) was not a partier, but was disconnected from a purpose and enjoyed himself way too much.  He had scholarships and didn't have to pay for much of anything, at least upfront.

The second student (2007-2010) paid heavily for the first's mistakes.  He worked through school by taking several varied and demanding jobs while learning what it meant to be a husband and father.  He appreciated every dime spent on school and got his money's worth.  By the grace of God, he graduated.

I think I've experienced the extremes of student responsibility - and everything in between.

So, no, I submit that college is not the best time of your life...

If done right, college should be the start of an increasingly fruitful and improving life.

If you or your kid is about to enter higher education, here are some things I learned that will help maximize the learning done - both scholastically and personally:

1a) Start with the end in sight.  Most kids will change their major an average of 4 times (at least at the time I was enrolled, its probably a little higher now).  That's okay.  Make a thoroughly thought-about and prayed-over plan and execute it until you feel led to change it.  I'll write a separate post about how parents can help their kids prepare for higher education long before filling out an application.

1b) Treat school like a 40 hour work week.  Most students will spend 15 hours in class, leaving 25 hours for studying.  Work 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (if you have a scheduled activity during that time, simply tack the deficit on to a later time slot.  Google Calendar was my best friend during the later years of my education. A 40 hour work week will serve you by ensuring you get time in studies, have time for other activities, and prepare you for the realities of post-graduation life.

2) Find a church and get plugged in.  A book could be (and probably already has been) devoted to this subject.  But here's my advice:  BEFORE signing up for any other activities, get involved in your church.  Find a family that resembles what you want yours to look like and spend time with them.  Serve them (babysit, hang out with their kids, mow their grass, whatever).  It will probably be the most fruitful thing you do as a student.

College students (and I will include myself in this lot because I was certainly guilty of it) spend WAY too much time with each other.  Though its GREAT to socialize and fellowship,  it should not be your only interaction.  Don't get stuck in the "bubble".

3) Find something to be involved in.  When doing this, think about where you want to be in 5-10 years.  If you want to serve in the military, join ROTC.  If there is a major-specific group, join it.  Be wise about how much you sign up for, though.  Don't spread yourself too thin.

4a) Get Scholarships.  These will ease your financial burden.  Don't get loans, though.  They will multiply your burden - and that at a time when it is most hurtful.

4b)Get a job.  Find a way to make money (legally).  Mow lawns, deliver pizzas, do something.  If you stick with the aforementioned 40 hour academic work week, you should have plenty of time to work (10-20 hours would go a long way).  A lot of folks will disagree with this, but I suggest paying for school as you go. Take as many classes as you can afford to take. It may mean staying longer, but when you graduate, you will have a piece of paper in your hand without the gloom of paying for it later.  It may mean sacrificing activities or something else, but it is the best way to go, in my opinion.

5) Summer time - I personally believe that this should be a time to take a break from school and apply yourself to something else.  I worked at a camp during the summers and LOVED it.  It led to meeting my wife.  I would encourage you to find something that will both challenge you and help you financially.  Getting a break from the academic rhythm will definitely pay dividends, particularly if you are like me and sitting still is an issue for you.

Other Free Stuff:

Notice that this post is free of the "spend time finding yourself" type stuff.  Its malarkey.  If you spend time with people who can lead you, work hard at your goals, and enjoy the fruit of your labor, you will cement an identity you, your parents, and your future family will be proud of.

Dudes, you will probably have a family to support within 8 years of getting your first school ID printed. Keep that in mind as you prioritize your activities.

Ladies, if you are in school, do school.  You may get an MRS degree while you're at it, but if the dude you're dating in college is more focused on having fun than getting work done, chances are he won't change too much afterward, excepting for the work of God in his life.  If it were me, I wouldn't hang around to see how long it takes.

I've got a lot more specific stuff I'd like to add, but this post is already long.  I'll probably write a follow-up post with some of those things.
This list should be a good starter to ensure that you get the most out of your time and pay for it the easiest way.

Extreme Makeover: Owen Edition

So, at dinner tonight, I was thinking aloud that it is much easier to read in coffee shops.  Actually, what we've been doing lately is taking the kids to the Safari Stop over at TWUMC.  While they are expending their energy ( aka - having fun while Kel and I almost drool over the idea of an early bedtime), I have a seat at the adjacent coffee shop area and do whatever reading or studying needs to be done.  So, my idea is to add a coffee shop room in whatever house we next live in, equipped with semi-comfy couches and cafe tables with warm lighting and a fireplace.  Well, that opened up a maelstrom of ideas.  It pretty much sounded like a brainstorming session for "Extreme Makeover".  Riley wants a princess room.  With a princess pillow. In a castle.  There will be trebuchets that launch pillows, etc. She spoke for Jack, who can't really articulate much more than the vowel sounds of sentences, and said he wanted a Jungle Room.  I'm pretty sure it would just be the Safari Stop with a bed in it.  Kelly and I designed our Tree House room (think Swiss Family Robinson).

Who wants to come visit?  Can't wait to see what the guest rooms are like...

Making Preparations

It's mid-July, which typically indicates two things:


My birthday and the midpoint of Summer Vacation.


Typically, during the summers of my youth, there would still be plenty of time left to spend roving the neighborhood on my Huffy, going to movies, playing pick-up games of street ball.


I've traded the Huffy in for...well...nothing.


There are no good movies.


Pick-up games have turned into picking up shifts at the pool where I do my summer work.


I'm not complaining, it's been an enjoyable summer.  I am mourning the loss of summer, though, just a little bit.  After all, my birthday no longer marks the mid way point; its more like the end of the 3rd quarter.  I go back pretty much full time in two weeks.


I've been teaching for a year and a half.  This coming year, though there are some changes, will be more like last year in a lot of ways.  I'm in the same position, coaching the same sports, with mostly the same responsibilities.


In a few short weeks Football will begin in full swing - a bittersweet deal for the Owen Family.


I'll explain to anyone who asks: I don't love football.  I don't love any sport, for that matter.  I enjoy them quite a bit - some more than others.  I do not coach for the love of the game, though.  As cliche as this sounds, I do it for the kids.  I know that junior high is where a lot of life decisions are made - most of which are almost subconscious.  Sure, the kids aren't preparing for college or choosing their careers - but they are choosing their lifestyle.  The choices made in junior high are formative and will dictate much of what is done in high school, which, subsequently, affects what is achievable beyond that.  I simply want to help usher these kids through what they don't even recognize as one of the most tumultuous times in their lives.  I have sympathy for them as I look back on my decisions (and lack thereof) at their age, ones which undoubtedly altered my life course.  In short, I love what I do - and coaching is the avenue by which to really impact these young men and women.


The long hours are not without their consequences.  Even though it is only junior high ball, there are lots of hours put in, lots of stress associated with the sports, on top of the normal rigors of teaching classes.  That combination tends to lead to poor eating habits, low energy, and so on.


Most importantly, though, there is a tax on my family.  Leaving before 6 am and getting home well after 6 pm is difficult on Kelly and the kids.  Sure, the worst of it only lasts a few months, but that does not diminish the sacrifice that they make to allow me to to my job.  Last year, it was particularly difficult.  I was new to the whole thing - to coaching and to my teaching position, which is a pretty unique job.  Needless to say, being a rookie made for a chaotic fall.


This summer, I am set on thriving during the upcoming busy season.  I am resolved to lead my family through it as well.  So, I have been preparing since late in the spring in the hopes that it will be an edifying time instead of a destructive one.


Here's what that looks like:


Kel and I have prepared a daily schedule for her and the kids, pretty much down to the minute.  When the days are long, the structure keeps the kids from going nuts and keeps Kel from losing it.  Downtime is LETHAL (except for naptimes).  Kel will be prepared for the day well before the kids even wake up - this will ensure that she stays in charge and that the day is not dictated indirectly by the kids.


I have done the same for my day.  I have a 45 minute drive to work, so I plan on making the most of that time by listening to scripture (Max McLean's rendering of the ESV) and sermons.  I have also calculated how many calories I can consume and meal-planned accordingly in order to avoid being hostage to cravings and whatever junk food is handy.  (I'm also making it a goal to work out in various ways during the week, but that will be a luxury.)


Kel and I have worked really hard at lesson planning for my leadership class, and I feel very prepared for the year.  I'm excited for the things the kids will be learning and doing and I'm praying it makes a huge difference in their lives.  Being on top of all that has practically diminished all class-related stress.  


I plan on being intentional with my time during my off period.  I want to stay on top of encouraging others (primarily through e-mail) and taking care of all the paperwork associated with my job so there is little to be worried about after hours (since "after hours" won't really exist; just early hours and late hours).  


Bottom line is this:  I know that with my job as a teacher, my rhythm is a little different than yours.  However, the amount of work and work-related stress is probably not that different.  We are all striving to be the best  (fill in the blank) we can be.  That means preparation.  If I wait until things begin to start planning, I have already fallen victim to the undertow of work demands and will be lucky if I get back to the surface to breathe.  I've learned that if I don't want to live in chaos, I have to over-plan.  If I'm feeling overwhelmed, chances are I was under prepared.  Not anymore.


Thank God for helping me learn from my mistakes!

Feedback Friday

TWO DAYS OF ALLITERATION IN A ROW!  An amazing feat in the blogosphere.  According to me.

Alright, true to the title, I need some feedback.  

I am compiling a list of books for my class this year.  I am teaching Teen Leadership (7th Grade) and want to include some good reads.  My kids will mostly struggle with reading, but I don't want to throw them some comic books.  I want to challenge them.  I'm gonna have them read every Friday from a book of their choice out of my growing collection. 

I'm hoping that the kids will pick up a book and give it a chance long enough to get caught up in it.  

Here are some that I've already got:

Gary Paulsen stuff

Chronicles of Narnia

Hunger Games

Walk Two Moons

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Do Hard Things

To Kill a Mockingbird

Huckleberry Finn

Jack London stuff

Lord of the Rings

Harry Potter

Holes

Horatio Hornblower

Percy Jackson/Olympians

 So,  here's where you come in:

What were some books that grabbed your attention when you were 5th-9th grade?  

Disclaimer

After posting that line about farting in the shower, I was scolded by my wife.  I then found out that not everyone does that.  Who knew?  My wife would like to make it known that she is one of those people.  For the record.

I'm dubious.

Throwback Thursday

Yep.  Its the obligatory alliteration post.

I thought it would be fun for me, if not for anyone else reading the blog, to go back in time to the good old days of simplicity and fun.

Today, we will go back just a few years to something some of you will love and some of you, like my wife, will think is stupid.

A bit of background on this:  when I was a first semester freshman at A&M, I had decided to give up all earthly possessions and freedoms for a life of service.  You're probably thinking Monk.  You are close, but wrong.  I'm talking about joining the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M.  Spring of 2003, I entered the fish Class of 2006.  If you're not familiar with the life of a fish (freshman in the Corps), it goes a little like this:

Live in a bleak, lifeless room filled with nothing but uniforms, a computer (for studies, of course), and beds. No Dave Matthews posters or stereos, no coffee maker, no microfridge, no sweets, nor any of the comforts to which your typical college freshman is privy.

Get up at 4am to clean the hole (room) using elbow grease, windex, and pledge.

Get back in bed and act like you were sleeping

"Wake up" at 6am and make the bed, get dressed, and get in the hallway for PT and Training time while the sophomores go and find that one dust particle you neglected and report it to the juniors and you get smoked (in trouble).

Eat breakfast, go to class, do more PT, "study" for 3 hours and repeat.

Somewhere in there, I used my computer and discovered something AMAZING.  While all my friends were downloading music illegally off the intranet and playing Halo, I was watching


                                                

That's right, Homestar Runner...The best.  I am sure its not as awesome as I once thought, but it was my only source of entertainment outside of Aggie Football  for a season of my life.  So there's that.

If you've never experienced it, you're welcome.  If you have the itch to go watch Strongbad Email or Teen Girl Squad, do it.

I dedicate this post to Jonathan Rogers and Chris Henson.  Both of whom do phenomenal Homestar Runner impressions.

Rite of Passage

Being a school teacher usually means having a plurality of jobs throughout the year.  Over the summer I have taken on these jobs, conveniently located at the same place:  Pool Cleaner, Swim Coach, Lifeguard, and Swim Instructor.  Its been fun and fruitful.  One bonus is that after spending hours in the sun, I look like my natural, part-Native American self. One negative is that the pool is the object of teen-aged vandals.

I got to the pool one morning a few days ago to find it trashed.  Chairs, tables, umbrellas, stands, ash trays, plants, dirt, anything that wasn't bolted down.  They even threw in the clock off the wall.  It was a mess.  I am INCREDIBLY thankful that they stopped short of pooping in the pool.  I've heard horror stories about that from the pool manager and I hope I never have to deal with it.

A few of us were talking about it after cleaning up, and the obligatory "Why?" question was asked.   Why would this seem like a good idea?  Why do these kids deem it necessary to destroy property?  What do they gain out of it?

My answer is this:  a rite of passage.

                                                       

Most kids don't even know what the term means.  But they default to it in almost every aspect of our culture.

Rite of Passage.  In other places in the world, and in other times in our country, these are fixtures of society.  A tangible evidence of the transition from boyhood to manhood.  The Maasai in Africa have lion hunts. The Jewish have Bar-Mitsvahs.  There are many other examples across the globe.  The purpose is fairly uniformed:  the individual acknowledges he is of age, sometimes accepts a challenge, and is honored with a ceremony where the society around him recognizes him as a young adult.  There are expectations and responsibilities that go with the passage to which the community holds him accountable.

Contrast that with our own society:  A general lack of understanding of the word manhood exemplified by bored boys with little ambition growing into bored grown-ups with little discipline or ambition.  I think we call it mandolescence or something to that effect.  Whatever the term, its usually manifested in video game-playing, pouty, irresponsible guys who may or may not be living with mom and spend too much time in their "man caves".  Think "Blank Check" where the little boy gets access to $1 million and buys a mansion filled with the stuff of his dreams ($1 mil wasn't enough to buy all that, even in the 90's)
                                           
Anyway, we don't train our boys to become men.  Granted, its hard to do that when you can't define what a man is.  I imagine that's why these kids and others like them choose vandalism and other destructive but daring tasks - to prove their bravado to themselves and others.  Imagine what could be accomplished if we, as a society, could channel that desire to productive things?  We have got to make some changes.

So, I'll start with my kids.

 I plan on doing something special with my kids, boys and girls, when they become young adults.  We'll probably follow the example of our friends and mentors, The Bloms, who have taken their sons on some incredible adventures, like bear hunting.  I mean, how awesome is that?  I've got a few years to plan it, but I know that whatever the rite of passage will be, it will be extreme, intentional, and fun.  Hopefully like all the years leading up to it.  One trip is not intended to substitute for time lost or as a "quality v. quantity" example, rather, it should enhance the strong relationship I have with my kids.  They will return with a sense of empowerment and encouragement and be given more responsibilities to back it up. Man, I'm getting pumped about this...I don't know if I can wait another 10-11 years...

Walking Through It

The other day, I went hiking.

It's something I've been intending to do for several years.  I love nature. Naaaature. Goulet!  Anyway, anytime there is a major transition, I have an itch to get out and just spend a good chunk of time in quiet solitude. Every time that itch came up, however, I've been to busy to scratch.  This time, however, I was able to slide a couple things out of the way and make it happen.  

So, I packed lots of water and trail mix, Anti-Monkey Butt (a real life saver - I'm not ashamed),  kissed the wife and kids goodbye, and drove a brief 45 minutes to Huntsville State Park.  I'd dreamed of going to the Davis Mountains.  Or, the Guadalupe Mountains.  Or, the Hill Country.  Unfortunately, I was bound by time and gas money.  So, the Sam Houston National Forest provided a suitable alternative.  

The specific purpose of this short excursion was to spend some time in prayer; to separate myself literally and figuratively from the things that have been plaguing me recently and purge myself spiritually of some gunk I've been building up.  

I arrived at the trail head just before 11 am and started on my way.  I elected to follow the CCC Trail, which is basically a trail that hugs the park boundary.  It is 8.6 miles or so, but I tacked on an extra 2 for kicks. The hike was intended to be a sort of detox before actually getting into a time of prayer and listening. I decided I'd really challenge myself and traveled a pretty stiff pace with few breaks. I even ran the uphill stints.  

It was a strange day, meteorologically speaking.  There were thunderstorms everywhere but on top of me.  I kept thinking I was going to have to seek shelter at any moment; I never did, though.  It was mostly just warm and humid.  The trail itself was nice.  A bit soggy from the early morning rain, but otherwise easily traversed.  It was difficult to really process many thoughts during my 3-hour hike, but I did pray quite a bit for specific things.  

As I was finishing the last two miles of the hike, it did start to rain, though not heavily.  I returned to my truck and set my backpacking tent up in the bed.  I've been many places with this tent - Montana, Colorado, Arkansas, and of course all over Texas.  It has definitely seen better days and I decided to retire it after this trip.  After getting things ready for bed, I realized it was only 5 in the afternoon.  MAN.  Time just lingers like a fart in the shower (yeah, you know what I mean...) when you don't have kids, students, tasks, and technology to occupy your mind.  I sat down on the picnic table to eat my dinner of a peanut butter sandwich and trail mix.  I was just musing over my aloneness when a squirrel joined me.  I kid you not.  

The pic is so blurry because she was so close my iphone couldn't zoom out.  I debated momentarily the idea of really making this a good trip and cooking the little dude, but I fed him instead.  Shortly after that, I had a Cardinal and some finches right next to me.  Kel made fun of me when I told her and compared me to a Disney Princess.  I was thinking Tarzan...

About that time, the sun was setting over the lake and I got to spend some quality time in thought and prayer.  Here's what I came up with:

     I am a sucker for my family.  I realized how precious and valuable my wife and kids are.  Being away from them for just a short time will serve to keep me from taking them for granted.  

     In regards to the upcoming transitions, I was feeling a little like I did before writing one of the many papers I wrote my last semester at A&M.  I could smell the books at Evans Library, stacked ominously before me as I pondered the details of my research.  I generally knew what direction I'd be going in shortly after starting research, but I still had to comb through the sources, knowing that the thesis I'd developed would probably change.  Similarly, I know generally the direction that the Lord is taking my family, but the details are far from ironed out and they could change at any time.  

     I realized, I mean REALLY came to grips with a sin issue I've been struggling with the past 4 years.  Kelly, as usual, noticed it and lovingly pointed it out, but it wasn't until I really looked at it that I saw the gravity of it.  I have been a working fool.  Literally.  Shortly after we found out we were pregnant with Riley, I let God correct my sin issue of laziness and passivity.  I became a hard worker almost overnight.  It was a wonderful transformation; one which has benefited us immensely as we grow.  Kelly was able to trust me as a husband and father after seeing my work ethic transform.  That was a huge blessing to me.  However, as we are apt to do, I took what God had done and twisted it into sin.  It was hard to notice for a while because my workaholicalism was so necessary and appreciated.  Over time, though, I made an idol of work.  Not my positions or jobs, per se, rather the concept of hard work.  I worked long, hard hours, and hated it. and loved it.  At the same time.  It was not dissimilar from enjoying the pain of a good work out.  You keep pushing, even though its hurts and you know you'll pay for it later.  Anyway, I became a slave to that love/hate idolatry of work.  I think I used it as a gauge for my success as a man; maybe trying to compensate for what I once was.  I don't think I'm alone in that, though.  Anyway, I was able to acknowledge that when things got tough or confusing, I would lower my head like a bull in the arena and charge blindly after some form of work.  You can imagine how counterproductive that is.  I literally took my eyes off the prize, and it wasn't without its consequences.  I am grateful that God used Kelly, as He so often does,  to correct me.  She is truly more valuable than anything I could imagine this side of eternity.

     In closing, It was a fruitful trip.  I had intended to stay the night, but it was so miserably humid that I just decided to head home.  I missed my wife, anyway.  

I have to say, though, that it is ridiculous that I needed to "get away" to accomplish this.  I'm glad it was only a day, but here's the real lesson:  If I had only been a better steward of my prayer time, I would have accomplished everything without leaving my family or routine. I am resolved to adjust my schedule and priorities to ensure that I do not continue charging in any which direction, without regard for God's will, to the detriment of mine and my family's spiritual well-being.  

So, I'm looking for input:  How do you structure your time to best orient yourself toward Christ on a daily basis?

Welcome

Go ahead.  Pat yourself on the back.  YOU are reading the inaugural post of what will become a fruitful, insightful, and delightfully witty blog.  I'm just kidding.  Don't pat yourself on the back.  You will look silly.

Why am I starting this blog?  Why does anyone start a blog?  Perhaps its for the friends and family far away. Perhaps I just think I have something worthwhile to say.  Perhaps its for posterity.  I really don't know.  I just  know that I was walking through the woods (more on that later) and decided I would start it again (I had about 20 posts going on a blog I created 10 years ago - WOW. Awkward).  

About the blog name and stuff:  I had some great ideas, but they were mostly taken.  Its humbling to see how original I am not.  Anyway, as a man, I have come to intimate grips with the responsibility I have to work for and provide for my family.  Its an honor to know that and be able to execute it, especially given my "nature" as a lackadaisical fellow (if you aren't someone I know from before marriage, ask someone who is).  

I am also working through what it means to be a man of God.  I have ideas from people I look up to, and that has been immensely helpful; but I have a son of my own and I want for him to be sure of his roles and responsibilities prior to being confronted by them firsthand.  I want my daughter to be keenly aware of what her future husband is required to be before she gets tangled up emotionally.  So, "Working Through It" sums that up.  The address to the blog, "Abide and Conquer", is a silly pun I made up and put permanently on my wrist.  It refers to abiding in Christ and Conquering things.  Pretty cool, eh?  Seriously, though.  Its good to be reminded that following Jesus, while it was never supposed to be easy, is at least simple.  Not some hokey pokey dance of to do lists and chants.  

Welp, that's about all I have to say about that.

'Night.