Holy Molar!

(Alright, technically it was an incisor. But holy incisor wasn't really working as a title)
Our little girl, Sophie, jumped through a rite of passage yesterday, at Evan Almighty (three thumbs up from Lisa, Anna, and Sophie). Her first tooth - outta there! Luckily she wasn't eating any popcorn when the tooth popped out.


Man, the tooth fairy has upped her prizes. I hear first teeth run $5! Dang. Back when I was a kid...

One Day Workshops

Today is one of our One Day Workshop days at GCC. We're doing a Maximizing the Arts workshop within this. A little lighter turnout than normal with only about 13 people, but still should be fun. My bros, Jason Miller and Trace Rorie (yeah, that's him above, the one with the good hair...) get to do our Developing a Worshiping Church session.

I always look forward to networking with other churches at events like these. It's a little humbling to consider that we have any influence in how people across the country do church. For whatever reason, God has decided to entrust us with this responsibility. I pray we're faithful in that call.

A Video for Every Teen to See

I was listening to my iPod today while cutting the grass and "Untitled" from Simple Plan came on. What a moving song, but add the video, and it is beyond words touching. There are certain things that I'm filing away for my girls as they grow, like Rob Bell's sermons on modesty. I think this video will hit the list. Nothing new here, just a reminder of something cool.

In the Little Things

Finding God in the little things:

1. My daughter Sophie riding her bike without training wheels. Realizing that day after day is literally a "letting go" (as I let go of the handlebars) of my kids. Putting them in God's hands.

2. Installing a drop ceiling with can lighting in our basement. Every step completed is a mini-celebration for Lisa and I. Painting done. Yahoo! Grid set in place. Yippee! Lighting installed. Hurray! Lighting actually works and hasn't burnt the house down. Hallelujah!!! Reminds me of creation, when God took a moment between steps to say "it is good". Enjoying the fruits of His labor.

3. Walks with just my wife and I this week. Realizing I got the best woman in the world for me. She is simply awesome. And I love her.

A New Look for Dan...

Coming this weekend...

Something different about Dan's appearance.

Hint: You may consider my new look a good "deal".

Just Had to Share

I found this picture we took last month, and just had to share it. My beautiful ballerina, Sophie. Right before she went on stage for her first dance recital! She did great!

What Friends Do

So I'm on this journey to discover on a deeper level the meaning and signs of friendship. Being a natural competitor, I have often seen friends as "the competition" - not helpful in making friends. So I asked God the other day to show me more about friendship.

He answered.

Anna is still recovering from a tonsillectomy. Surprise. Ding-dong. Anna's friend, Sarah, brought a sweet present of a Webkinz dog. First, it was a great gift. Second, Anna had been wanting one. Third, they can play together since Sarah also has one via the internet. The days of kids talking through open windows to their buddy next door (think the movie "Big") are a-changing. Example one of friendship.

And then my good friends Gene and Mary brought a cool art thing for Anna to use as another gift. Two total surprises in one day. Not that friendship is all about gifts, but, the right gift at the right time for the right reason can show a lot of love. Friendship is cool.