Return of the Ice Cream Man

Grandparents are great. They love to spend time with the kids and do fun things that grandparents do. You have to love them for all they do and for how much they love their grandkids, but.....
Sometimes grandparents can swoop in and do something that becomes an expected standard for parents to carry on (aren't kids great!).
My dad loves the Ice Cream man - he always has, and he has passed that love on to his grandkids. Buy them ice cream once, and they think you're awesome - do it twice and it becomes an expected ritual. They can hear that annoying music from miles away and they sprint to the door every time (this is several times each week mind you), and of course you know that the Ice Cream Man knows a sucker when he finds one, and drives really slow going down our street, just hoping that maybe grandpa is here today.
The worst part of it for me is that I just can't bring myself to pay $3 for an ice cream sandwich when you can get a whole box of them at Walmart for that price - If you know me, then you know that would be excruciating punishment. I'll bet that guy drives a really nice car though :)
Maybe I should try that out... 100 ice creams per day at $2 profit each= 73k per year???

Job possibility...

I have really enjoyed spending some extra time with the kids the last week or so. I have played many board games (including pretty princesses - luckily Julie didn't have the camera handy to snap a shot with the earrings, necklace and crown) and being there when they get home from school etc is fun.
So the thought popped into my head - I wonder what it would be like to become a stay at home dad?
Today sealed the deal. I was cleaning up around the house (yes, mom, now pick yourself up off the floor) and as I joyfully went about the duties that many men never know about around the house, I was picking up the wayward dishes that somehow found themselves into the weirdest places around the house. My naive and unsuspecting nature went to pour out a sippy cup that certainly had some juice in it - but upon opening it and dumping (or lumping I guess) the clumps of curdled milk, I realized there are just some things that women can endure (like childbirth, cleaning up after a sick child - you know, the "puke" parent) that men were obviously never meant to do.
And thus, I am back to the drawing board on seeking what is next.

Day 3 - My 1st Job Lead

We were eating dinner tonight and Noah asked if I had a new job yet (after all its been 3 days now, right!?). I told him that I was still "looking" and that right now we were being patient and waiting on God, but reassured him that everything would be fine, and God would bring the right job at the right time.
To which Natalie replied in her very excited and animated voice, "Dad, I know, you could get a job at Petsmart! Then you could get us a free pet, maybe a new dog or a hampster!"

I assured her that I would keep that in mind, and who knows??? Of course if they ever found out about my blind 13 year old Bassett hound with no tail and our adopted 12 year old, deaf Cocker spaniel (what a dynamic duo they make!), I 'm not sure that I would pass their screening and reference process.

The only thing funnier than this was when Noah informed us that his arm was going numb from eating his broccoli. Now that was a new one for me.

My verse for today:

Isaiah 40:30-32 (New American Standard Bible)

30Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
31Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.

New Beginnings

For those that may have missed the announcement yesterday, I have stepped down from my job as Executive Pastor at Palm Valley. This was a rough weekend with lots of tears (many more inside than I let show - I didn't know if I was going to be able to hold it together on stage for 4 services, but somehow God got me through) - so many memories of the people and experiences that God has let me be a part of over the last 6 years. So many close friends/co-workers that I will not be doing life with everyday (guys I will certainly miss lunch at Barros every week :)
The thought of not greeting every person that walks onto campus each weekend, which I have come to love. The hugs and thanks and emails I received from people who God has let me serve and help in some way. I treasure all of this and truly give thanks to God for allowing me to serve Him these past 6 years, as He has grown me and changed me along the way, drawing me closer to Him.
But at the same time, I know it was a close to one chapter in my life and a fresh start to what I believe God is tugging on my heart and calling me to - not exactly sure what that is yet, but I truly believe that God has something new prepared for me to help meet people's needs and build the kingdom of God.
So, today is a day of new beginnings. Please pray for peace, patience to wait upon God (I need it), and provision, for me and for Julie and the kids. And for God to direct my path and open the doors that He desires.

Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.