So while in Europe I got the opportunity to be a part of the IBC (International Baptist Church) in Weezembek, BE. From a church perspective, the experience was an incredible example of how God can work through a collective group of differences. Each week I had opportunities to meet and hear from different cultures and backgrounds and was always amazed at how many visitors were there. It would seem that weekly there was always a different country or nation represented.

In addition to being fed by the fellowship of the congregation, I also was asked to be a part of the music ministry. Of course for me, this was a huge blessing. I had prayed that God would allow me to be part of a ministry while abroad and He definitely answered my prayer in this regard. Not only did I get to continue playing bass but I was able to lead the congregation in worship several times as well.

As I have returned now to the US and have pretty much picked up where I left off, I am grateful for the friends and experiences I was able to have. If you ever get a chance to visit the IBC church, please do its definitely a place where Gods is working in the lives of His people!

So it’s been some time since I have written anything “interesting” and have wanted to share it with the world. It has been my intention to keep up with this blog if for nothing else to help me recall the wonderful memories we have made while living in Belgium as well as to share the tidbits of oddities I encounter on a daily basis. But life has been pretty crazy here and having two children under the age of two make it a challenge to sit and have any real coherent thought much less the time to write them down!

However, today I celebrate five years of marriage to my wife Melissa so I figured what better subject to write about than the wonderful gift of God that I have had the pleasure to share a life with. It’s hard to believe that we have only been married for five years today. We have experienced so much and yet it seems like only yesterday we were meeting for our first date at Applebee’s on my lunch hour. And although her first impression of me was not all that great, she said yes to a second meeting and the rest… Well I guess you could say it turned out well for me.

For those that know her, Melissa is a true friend, a good mother, a gifted teacher and above all she strives to be a true believer in Christ. She sometimes wears her emotions on her sleeve and rarely will hide her opinions on a matter if she truly believes in the cause. Her passion for life is seen in so many ways in the practical things she does for people. She has made me a better father and demands that I be a better man.

In all of this, she continues to show me grace every day when I make mistakes, forget special days or simply scowl when in public (I’m awkward like that…). In all things, Melissa strives to live out the idea of unconditional love. Her desire to see God work in all things has helped me maintain a more positive outlook on life and her ability to see the good in things helps keep my pessimistic nature in check.

There are so many things I could write but if I go to long she will think I am trying to butter up for something (which I might just be!).

So with that, I close this “replacement” for an anniversary card (which would be in French anyway…) to say Melissa Ann I love you and am so thankful for who you are in my life and look forward to growing old with you and raising all these kids!

Papi’

So I am in Mons Belgium for my second day in the country. My first experience outside the US and I must say it has been interesting. There are so many things to experience yet I find myself looking for things familiar to me. There are a lot of things that remind me of home. The people although (although I cant understand them…) look and dress very similar to the folks I see in the US. The food (at least so far) is wonderful. They seem to enjoy putting fish in everything, so that takes a little getting used to, But otherwise is a very good. Everyone is very polite and no one seems to be in a hurry unless they are driving!

I am hopeful that by the end of the week I can work out my un-easiness with being here and settle in to being a citizen of Belgium!

So its been a while and things have changed in all areas of my life. I can’t say that all is great, but God is definitely doing some pretty cool things. I am not sure I will like or enjoy all the upcoming changes, but I am ready for the ride. My relationships continue to get stronger with my children and I am seeing that patience is the key when dealing with a teenager. Elle, Jacob, Andrew and Kaleb… daddy loves you!

It’s amazing to me how those that used to be a part of your life but later make a choice “not to be a part of your life” , continue to do everything in their power to make your life miserable. Sometimes its better to just leave well enough alone and live the new life you now have.

Sometimes the best laid plans just don’t work. Sometimes regardless of what you “think you know”, life just shows you that you “really know nothing”. Good thing God gives us patience!

Over the past few few months I have been learning a lot about not getting caught up in “my plans”. As I consider upcoming moves, job changes and general life issues, it seems I am always required to adjust my thoughts and goals in regards to the plans I make. As much I try to schedule and plan out many areas of my life, I am always at the mercy of “Murphy” who seems to always show his ugly head and at the most un-opportune time.

Years ago I was told in regards to change, “It doesn’t matter what change is required, that just life! What matters is how you respond to it?” For me that has been true. No matter how much I fret or even get upset, in the end all I control is my reaction to it. There is no secret formula to the acceptance of change, you simply just have to do it!