Endurance and Perseverance

Endurance, it's what is required to make it through much of this life. God says it this way, "Do not get tired of doing good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." Galatians 6:9. It takes lots of endurance and perseverance to push through hardship in life. There will be many times when life will throw everything at you all at once and you won't be sure if you can handle it. Truth is, you can't handle it alone, and that's the way God wants it. Even the strongest men fall before God. God does promise he will not tempt you beyond what you can bear 1 Cor 10:13 but he also promises that you will suffer but with the promise to renew you and give you strength. He is the one who carries us through our toughest times in life. There are going to be times when you feel like there is no way he is carrying you and you'll almost feel abandoned. If you feel that way just remember God said this in Hebrews 13:5 "I will never leave you nor forsake you." He's pretty much promising that there is nothing you can do to get him to leave you alone. Just ask Jonah.

Something I realized while working out was how easy it is to push through and give your all to the very end when you know where the end is. When you can see that clock tick down and when you see where the finish line is it's much easier to push your body beyond what your mind thinks it can do. When you don't know where the finish line is it's tough to give everything you have not knowing how much further you have to go. That's when your only option is to give everything you have until you're certain you can no longer walk. That is when you will see that harvest of your work. Not giving up and going until you've given everything. You'll know you haven't made it if you can still stand on your own. Many troubles in this life will take all the life out of you and it will be tough but know that there is always great reward in the harvest. James 1:2-4 Says that you should consider it GREAT Joy when you face trials of many kinds. When your faith is tested it has the chance to grow and persevere and when you let perseverance finish its work you'll become mature and lack nothing. This applies to many aspects in life and pretty much everything you do. If you persevere through much your sufferings won't be less but they won't be able shake you or bring you down. One day I'll teach you about a man named Job and how he learned this lesson.

Love ya,
Dad

You're Mine

                            

I listen to this song and can't wait for the million times I will be able to claim you as mine. You're mine and I will always claim you, no matter what you do. There are going to be many times when you get into trouble and when you mess up but I won't ever leave you. I won't ever be ashamed to claim you as mine. I will always be proud to call you mine, in everything you do. God loves to call you his as well. He has great purpose for you and will never walk away from you.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD…”                                                                                   Jeremiah 29:11-14

Photo Opp and Verses that have encouraged me

You love to stick your tongue out.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

You've got your Dad's dimples.

1 Peter 3:8-9

I like to think that your were Tebowing here.

Titus 2:7-8

You have giant feet, Just like your dad.

James 4:6-7

I'd like to think you got my nose but I think it's more your moms.

Proverbs 3:5-8

You are the sweetest little boy.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

There you go sticking that tongue out again.

James 1:16-18

I love this picture. You are so precious and peaceful when you sleep.

Romans 5:3

You're little now but you'll grow to be big.

Isaiah 43:2

You're Such A Blessing

Hey son! Just to let you know you came a little early, about 10 days. That's alright though because you are just the most amazing thing to happen in my life. I love you so much. You were born at 4:44pm on 2/3/12. You were just a little guy with your dads long monkey arms and legs. You were 5lbs 15ounces and just about 20in long. It was so great seeing you for the first time. I was so excited meeting you. You were just squirming around under this heat lamp so they could keep you warm.  I saw them give you a bath, they had to scrub a bunch of gunk off you and you didn't appreciate it that much. Then I got to hold you and man was that just awesome. You were so peaceful and just absolutely amazing. Grandma got to hold you and she was just in love. She thinks the world of you and there's no doubt she'll spoil you. Your aunt Shondra held you and your grabbed her heart from that very moment. Your Uncle Preston and Aunt Shantel couldn't make it but they saw pictures and fell in love so fast. Then my buddies and your uncles came in and they fell in love. They are my greatest friends and have helped me through so much. They will be so helpful to you and are great to talk to. I just love you so much. It's impossible to explain but I thought I knew what love was until you came and exploded my chest with love. It's such a great experience and there is nothing like it in the world. I understand so much more now how God can love us unconditionally. It's amazing son and one feeling I hope you will have the pleasure of experiencing. I love you buddy!

I love this verse. A true explanation of God's overwhelming love. I love you like crazy and yet God still loves you more. Romans 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?


Love ya,
Dad

Sports

Hey bud I thought I would just share with you real fast that I can't wait until you get here. I love you so much I am so EXCITED!!! I can barely focus on anything else. I can't wait for our first ball game together. I'll take you to see the Rockies, Nuggets, Broncos, and any other team you want to see. When you're older, you and I will make a trip to North Carolina and you'll help your dad check a box on his bucket list. We will go to Cameron stadium to watch Duke take on North Carolina. I doubt Coach K will still be there but I will bleed that Blue Devil blue until I die. Coach K is a phenomenal basketball coach, I hope you get a chance to watch him. I'll let you take your pick on who you want to root for, even if you take the Tar Heels. That might make March even more mad but we would have fun! You can play whatever sport you want, I'll let you try any sport you want. I will be most helpful with basketball though. You can even do theater if you want. I did that as well. I'll always make time to throw a ball or shoot some hoops with you. Sports will play a big role in developing who you are and your character because you won't know those things until they are tested and sports are the best test of that.

I hope to be the best father in the world and hope that you will always lean on God. I just can't wait to share this life with you. I will aim to set the best example for you and always point to Jesus. I will grow in wisdom as the days go on, as will you. For those times that we fall grace is always sufficient 2 Cor 12:9. Your dad will make mistakes but I won't ever give up. You are so important to me, you won't even understand until you have a kid of your own some day. I never thought I could love someone so much until you came along and you aren't even technically here yet. Dude I can't wait!!!

Take heart and always stand firm in what you believe. Your dad is always there to support you even if I think you're wrong but believe me, I'll let you know that.

Love ya,
Dad

Excited!

Oh boy am I excited. You're almost here and can not wait! I am so excited to finally be able to hold you in my arms. You are the greatest blessing in my life. I am already so proud of you. You know why? Not because you've done anything but just because you are my son. I will always be proud of you. Not matter what.
Our dog Jaxson is going be so jealous of the attention you will get. He's kind of an attention hog. Just remember to rub his butt and feed him and he will always love you.
Love you son. Remember to always respect and love your mother. She's your biggest fan and greatest supporter. As am I. :-)

Love ya,
Dad

Christmas

As Christmas approaches this year you are still growing away inside your mom. I wish you were here and I can't wait till you are. It would have been awesome to have you as a Christmas present but I won't mind having you as a valentines gift. You've got a 2 months so don't pop out just yet.

I read an article from a father regarding Christmas and I liked it. It is good advice for me and I think you may be able to use it some day. Also feel free to call me out on it whenever I fall short.

Christmas can be a tough time of the year, can’t it? Aren’t you sick of all the commercials this time of year, too? Each one promising the same: a better body, true happiness and a more satisfying relationship…if only you buy their latest wonder product (“In just three easy payments!”). It’s enough to make me want to throw a brick through the TV set. 

My kids are most susceptible to the influence of this “want” advertising, and each day brings a new desire to be added to their Christmas List for Santa. I fall prey to it too: Yes, I want the latest Apple gadget, but I also want more money and more certainty in my life. All of that seems shallow and fleeting…and it is. 

The Bible makes clear what the real wants of men and women are: “Husbands love your wives” and “wives respect your husbands” (Ephesians 5). Guys, our wives or girlfriends want our love and our nurturing…and likewise, we want (and need) their respect and appreciation. But wanting to make your partner happy can be futile. The shiny, glittery things fade or rust; money is quickly spent (and gone); and there will always be “the next best thing”. Solomon, the wisest, richest guy who ever lived called these things “meaningless” (See: The Book of Ecclesiastes). So what’s a guy to do?!

I’m right in the thick of this. 

Looking deeper into my relationship, I want my wife to be happy this Christmas season. You know the saying “If mama ain’t happy, nobody’s happy”. But what I’ve come to realize, after many failed attempts, is that I can’t make my wife happy. No amount of money or bright and shiny things can take away the pain and grief she’s experienced this year: the death of her mother. Maybe I can’t make her happy…but what I can do is love her in the mess, and try and make a difference in her world. Like, doing more around the house. Helping out at meal time. Working with the kids on homework and not being so snarky about my own emotional and physical needs. And dare I say it…turning off the television. These are all steps that I know would lead to making a difference in my home.

After taking another look at the Christmas Wish List, I think it should probably look like this:

MY KIDS: My undivided attention (and not just during Halftime)
MY WIFE: My love and active involvement in the day-to-day life of the household

As far as I know, Apple hasn’t come up with an app that takes the place of a dad (thank God!), nor has RonCo created a replacement for a husband (“Slices, dices, does the dishes!”). Not yet anyway. Perhaps God is saying, “Be a good Santa and give your family what they really want…More of you.”


I currently am not around and have not been around during most of your mom's pregnancy with you. One day I will pour all the knowledge I learned, from my time not being around, into you. I tell you one thing though I love your mother and I always will. I am going to fight for your mom. I messed up and didn't do everything right when I found out you were coming along. Most of that was due to my lack of knowledge and the fact that I didn't have the greatest example set for me. I love your mom, though we are not together now I am going to love her with all my heart and always be there for you and her. Never forget the ones that matter, they are always worth giving up everything else for.


Love Ya,
Dad