Spengler Spot

A gift well-received

2012-02-05T12:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning, Zach received the Lego Star Wars Encyclopedia, a book he had taken out from the library many times... "I got my own copy?!" The perfect response!

Daddy got a new Photoshop book... and is trying out some new techniques ;)

Canoeing

2011-07-24T17:07:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic day on Saturday! We started with canoeing for 2 hours along the Nashua River. We found our way to a small still tributary that was filled with dozens of turtles. The kids had a blast, but the heat finally wore us out. When we returned to the dock, we jumped in the river with our lifevests and cooled off in the slow current! Finally, when we got home, we spent some time on the slip 'n slide in the backyard! We went to bed that night feeling exhausted, yet very fulfilled! What a great day!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Lindsay!

2011-03-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

Linsday Joy turned 2 yesterday. I can't believe how fast the time is flying by! We celebrated last night, then had a party with Karen's family this afternoon. She was thrilled with her butterfly wings, boa, tutu, rain jacket and umbrella, and baby carraige! She is such a joy to us, and she really seemed to enjoy the last two days.

Final pics of winter?

2011-03-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Now that the snow is just about gone, I thought I would post some more of my favorites from playing in the snow...

Not at the highest point of the snowbank, but getting there...

Shoveling off the roof!

The luge is ready... again!

Now that's the look of determination... looking for a new Personal Record time!

The snowman became like part of the family!

You'll notice there were no pictures of Lindsay in the snow... she wasn't a fan, and didn't last long enough to get the camera out. Of course, if the snow was up to my armpits, I probably wouldn't have been so excited about it either.

Another Fine Ski Day

2011-03-06T12:36:00.000-08:00

This weekend, Karen went away on the Women's Retreat with Grace Community Church. So, Saturday, Nana watched Lindsay while Chip took the boys skiing at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA (about 45 mins southwest). Althoug we didn't get to do any skiing in February, both boys picked things up as if we had skied last weekend. They did great! Good turning and stopping, well controlled, and able to moderate speed. We were even able to get all 3 of us on and off the lifts with no problems! It helped that Chase was able to get himself on and off the lift without any help!

We started out the day with some drizzle, but by 2:30ish, there were blue skies. It was so great to watch the boys skiing, talking and laughing together... just enjoying our time! I'm looking forward to MANY more of these trips... someday even with all 5 of us!

The only downside was that by the end of the day, they were bored with the "Lower Mountain Pass" that for a discounted rate gives you access to just the magic carpets and 1 chair lift... Next time we'll have to pay the full rate for the whole mountain. But that's a cost I'm willing to pay for the fun we had together!

Alaska in February, of course!

2011-02-28T12:15:00.000-08:00

Finally made it to Moose Pass!

Lindsay and I (Karen) had the amazing opportunity to travel to Moose Pass, Alaska to visit my dear friend, Wendy Joy Milligan....this is the friend who Lindsay Joy is named for. We spent five full days with Wendy and her beautiful family in their beautiful location. Although it seems odd to got to Alaska in February, it was actually a great time to visit. First, the mountains were stunning covered with snow. Second, because there was less daylight and less to do outside, Wendy and I got to spend a lot of time "doing life together" and TALKING...oh, and drinking chai lattes :)

Two things stand out most about the trip. First, is the time Wendy and I did have together. We quickly and naturally reconnected as if we see each other daily, rather than reality: that we live thousands of miles apart in very different worlds. She is a rare and treasured friend who "gets" me and ...I think... I "get" her. (WHAAAAA?!) What a blessing. The other thing: meeting Karis Lemlem, Mark and Wendy's daughter who they recently adopted from Ethiopia (she had only been home 2 months when we came to visit). I loved the time really getting to know all four of their kids, but it was really a gift to hold and love this beautiful baby girl...and listen to that giggle.

We spent one day with Wendy's family in Soldotna taking family portraits (Lindsay and I spectated...well, there was a picture taken of Wendy and I that looked oddly like an engagement picture, but....), eating Coldstone's, having lunch at Wendy's parent's home (in that order), and laughing a whole lot....I mean, really, these people live up to the responsibility of having the last name: Joy! It was so fun to see all of Wendy's sisters and her Mom and Dad again. We went to Moose Pass Community Church on Sunday where Mark is the Pastor and Wendy leads worship...so great to see and experience what they have been pouring their hearts into for so long. We drove to Seward one day to gawk at the mountains dropping into the sea (actually, it's a fjord)...amazing! Andrew (Wendy's oldest, 8 yrs) and I went snowshoeing on our last day there...what a blast!

Lindsay did great on all the flights! Thanks for the prayers. Only a few minor hiccups....but, I could see and feel God's grace through the whole experience of flying so far with a toddler on my lap. He is so good! She is a great little travel companion! Thankfully, she is also living up to the name "Joy"!

The whole experience was so ....hard to sum up in words. It was a gift, it was fun, it was an adventure, it was a challenge, it was beautiful, it was heart-filling (I don't know if that's a real phrase, but it works for me), it was life-giving. Thank you, God! Thank you, Wendy and Mark! Thank you Chip and Mom for making it possible! And, thanks to all of you who prayed us through the travel! (I sound like I'm accepting an Oscar :)

Taken from the Milligan's living room the first morning we were there. As the sun came up I could not believe what I was seeing (we arrived in the dark).

Almost time to say a tearful goodbye at the beautiful Anchorage airport.

Karis Lemlem Milligan...aka: Cutie Patootie!

Moderately successful attempt at brainwashing the Milligan children (Andrew: 8, Anna: 3, Jacob, 6).

Seward...a sight to behold!

Too much snow?

2011-02-27T14:28:00.000-08:00

You know you've had a lot of snow when even the snowman says, "Enough is Enough!"

This was actually taken several weeks ago. Since then, after some warm days and even some sleet & rain, he's not looking so good. Guess he shouldn't have been complaining after all!

Sunday afternoons with friends

2011-02-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, our buddy Joe came over to play. We had a surprise snow storm drop 6" instead of 1-2" that had been promised. So, after a pizza lunch we went tubing in the back yard. We had a great time... just a little too much speed kept the boys jumping over the 4' backstop. Fortunately, no injuries!

Boston Tea Party

2011-02-26T16:31:00.000-08:00

Lindsay chillin with her peeps...

Ice Skating

2011-02-26T14:16:00.000-08:00

Ice skating was the one thing Chase asked to do during February vacation week. After spending most of the week with a house of sick people, Friday Karen was finally able to take Chase and Zach ice skating at the local rink. The boys used the new skates they got for Christmas and had a great time. Z spent most of the time gripping Karen, but ventured out on his own a little. C on the other hand, really enjoys his independence. He's still mostly just walking on the skates, but every once in awhile, there's an actually push and glide... it just takes time.

Another 6" of snow!

2011-01-21T20:30:00.000-08:00

Here's my favorite pic of the day...

The luge has been groomed and it's running fast today. Needless to say, we had a great time in the snow!

Zachary Skiing January 2011 - Nashoba Valley

2011-01-07T12:32:00.000-08:00

Here's some video I took of Zachary skiing at Nashoba Valley yesterday. We had another ski day with just he and I, and we both had a blast! The snow was faster and he was coming down some "Blue Squares" after just 2 runs on the magic carpet to get warmed up. Later in the day he had his first trip up the rope tow, but really it was just me holding the rope and him leaning against my legs. It's amazing how fast he's picking it up!

Skiing with Zachary

2010-12-21T19:24:00.000-08:00

Today I took Zach skiing to Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA. We had an AMAZING day! It was roughly 32 degrees. Despite a windchill in the teens in the morning, we were bundled up enough to stay warm. The snow was in great shape and there were only a few people on the entire mountain! He and I spent the majority of the day there and it was just a great time together. He did great! Only his second time out, he was skiing top to bottom (on green circles) on his own, making full turns all the way down. We spent the day laughing, cheering, and just plain enjoying our time together. It was everything a father and son ski day should be! I think it was one of my best days ever!

Check out a couple of the pictures in the album taken with our compact camera...

October 2010

2010-12-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

October Pictures!

I love living in New England, but especially in the fall! The colors are so vibrant, the air is just the right amount of "crispness", and there's plenty to do for our family's outdoor adventures. Take a glimpse at how we spent our month of October.

Another fun week!

2010-09-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

Chase started soccer this week. He's having a blast! Tomorrow will be the first game.

Today Chip had the day off and spent some time alone with Lindsay in the morning, then joined Karen and Zach for a picnic lunch at the park.

What a beautiful family I've been blessed with!

Retro Pics

2010-09-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

I've been scanning some old photos my grandmother gave me. Most are pictures of my father... from 3 weeks old through about 28 so far. It's been fun to look through them again and think about what he was like at each stage. I've scanned about 70 photos so far and have about 90 - 100 left. Here's a few I scanned last night. I still need to edit them to clean them up, but I think the images are great!

Easter in New Jersey!

2010-04-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

We've had a great weekend celebrating Christ's resurrection in New Jersey with Chip's family. We went to the zoo on Friday, the Greentree Church Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, and church today followed by dinner at Aunt Michelle's house. Mixed in has been riding on Pop Pop's golf cart, coloring eggs, Karen's trips to Starbuck's (essential), and lot's of chocolate!

Lindsay's 1st Birthday Cake - video

2010-03-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

Unlike her brothers, slow and steady wins the race!

If it won't play above, try this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kOzbuoiZ6k

Lindsay's Birthday Weekend

2010-03-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, it was close to 70 degrees so we packed a lunch and headed out to for a picnic and hike. It was a beautiful day! Chase summed it up well when I asked him if he enjoyed our hike. He responded: "It makes me happy inside when we hike in the woods." Mommy replied, "It makes my heart happy just to hear you say that!"

On Sunday afternoon, we had Lindsay's birthday party. She had a great time... as you can see!

Happy Birthday, Lindsay Joy!

2010-03-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

I can't believe our little baby is already a year old! All I did was blink! Although we always loved the middle name Joy, we had no idea how appropriate it would become! (Much like Chase's name :) Lindsay's smile and happy disposition has been a great treasure. I'm not sure which came first... her constant laughter or the fact that she has 4 other people spending all their time just trying to get her to smile or laugh! It doesn't matter. Thank you God for such a sweet little girl!

For those of you keeping score at home, she just had her 1 year Dr. appointment and came in at 90% for both height and weight. Yup, she's one of ours! 6 teeth: 4 on top, 2 on botom. And, one of her new favorite places is climbing right INTO the rubbermaid cabinet!

Happy Birthday Linday!

Harvard's Museum of Natural History

2010-03-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we had another Open House. So, while we needed to be out, we headed off to Harvard University's Museum of Natural History. The museum is over 150 years old and on Sunday's it's free to Mass. residents before noon. Fortunately, we were able to get in just under the wire!

Although Lindsay wasn't too interested, the boys loved looking at shiny rocks, dinasour bones, stuffed animals and bugs! What could be better?! Personal favorites? They both loved the giant dinosaur (don't ask me it's name), and Chase especially loved the giant turtle (over 6' long from a river bed).

And here's a couple shots for some special people...

For my brother Rob who loves Pangolins:

And for Grandmom who, well, you know...

A great day skiing

2010-02-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

Today we took Chase and Zach out skiing to Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA, about 45 minutes away. It was our first trip out this winter and Zach's first ski day ever. It was a high of 44 degrees and the sun was shining. It was a perfect day!

By the end of the morning, we would go down about 1 turn and Zach would just dive bomb down to us... that was how he was happiest! Chase started the day a little tentative, but by the end of the morning, he would get off the "magic carpet" and just head down the hill by himself... unconcerned if anyone was with him (although he would check to make sure we were at least watching how fast he was going). He was able to do multiple turns linked together, keep some speed while still keeping control... he's clearly his father's son when it comes to control!

It was so fun to have both our boys out skiing together... now we can't wait to get that little girl out there! It was really just a great day!

For Sale: 164 Main Street

2010-02-12T18:53:00.000-08:00

http://www.newenglandmoves.com/viewDetails.nem?GLID=1012052054&selectTab=1&propertySearchType=7&associateSearchType=&cid=1210206

Well, our house is on the market! Wanna buy it? We're not moving far... in fact, we'd love to stay in Chelmsford if we can. We're really just trying to take advantage of some timing opportunities to see if we can upsize to accommodate our growing family! We've been working long days and nights to rearrange everything in the house to appease our interior decorator... in order to entice folks in. Hopefully all the hard work will pay off. Well... it's in God's hands... we'll just have to wait and see.

Our first Open House this Sunday! We'll keep you posted.

1st day of Pre-school for Zach

2010-01-10T18:01:00.001-08:00

Last week marked another momentous event in our lives... Zachary started pre-school. After watching his older brother, Chase, go to pre-school last year and then on to Kindergarten this year, Zachary has been very excited about the idea of school. This summer, we sent the two of them to the pre-school for a two week day camp and Zach could talk of nothing else for weeks! This is now his big chance to take it all in for himself! Despite a somewhat slow and shy entry into the pre-school, and a reluctance to say Hi to the teacher and other kids when he first walked in, Zach quickly warmed up. According to his teacher at the end of the day, Zachary responded to the end of music time with "What's next?" Clearly, he had high expectations for all the fun they were going to have!

Zach attends Star of Bethlehem Christian School (where Chase went) on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Although somewhat pricey (with the cost of tuitions, I don't understand why pre-school teachers don't drive Jags!), we just couldn't bring ourselves to deprive the poor kid any longer. He is clearly our little social butterfly! Since we're starting him in January, there's no outdoor pics... we decided to not torture him or ourselves, and did our photoshoot in the livingroom!

Christmas in Massachusetts

2009-12-21T18:40:00.001-08:00

They boys have been super excited this year... such fun ages for Christmas! The cuteness levels have reached new heights... especially with our new little girl mixed in. This snapfish album is just the highlights. Enjoy!

Click here to view photos

Thank you for lives changed!

2009-12-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

As runners (well, ok, walkers) in the Grace Race in October, we received the following email from one of the Leaders for the Grace Race organization. As many of you supported us in this effort we'd like to share with you the results...

Dear Grace Race participant:

We are so grateful for your running or walking in the 6th Annual Grace Race on October 10th! We hope you enjoyed the experience. You were part of our biggest field to date. It was also a day for new records, as both men's and women's course records were broken. We have received all of the pledge money and have finished tallying up the proceeds from this year's event. Through your support, we raised over $120,000 this year for the project in Kenya! All of this money goes directly to the construction of the orphanage, school, and vocational training facility being built in Naivasha Kenya.
Because of your help, 100 orphans now living in extremely difficult conditions will have room, board, education, and vocational training - all at the same site. Because of your help, these boys and girls will have a safe and secure environment in which to grow and learn. You are doing your part to improve the lives of needy kids, giving them tools to succeed and hope for the future. The plan is to complete construction of the dorms and administrative wing by next fall, so that orphans can move into the facility by this time next year. Please visit www.gracerace.org to see photos of the race and photos/blogs covering the team's trip to Kenya after the Grace Race.
We also have a group on Facebook, which you are welcome to join. Mark your calendar for the 7th Annual Grace Race, Saturday October 9th 2010 10:00 AM. Please tell your friends about it too. You can register online - via coolrunning.com or by following the link on our web site. We'll have child-care available again, for those with children too young to walk or run.
To complete construction of the classrooms and vocational training rooms we will need to raise another $100K. Together, with your continued help, we can do it! If you would like to make a donationto the Grace Race Fund to help us get even closer to the finish line,you can do so anytime - online through our website, or by writing a check to The Grace Race Fund, 275 Billerica Rd. Chelmsford MA 01824. Thanks again for being part of a wonderful and diverse community that is helping the orphans of Kenya, "one step at a time"! Best wishes for a safe, restful, and joyful holiday season.
Sincerely,The Grace Race Team

Thank you, thank you, thank you for supporting us and the lives of these children. Know during this holiday season that you have been part of something bigger than yourself and have done great things for "the least of these". It is awesome to be able to complete a 10 year plan for these kids in only 2 years!

This is how we roll...

2009-12-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

This is how we roll in New England...
Kindergarten December 9, 2009
Over 6" on the ground and still falling.

Following God

2009-12-08T05:34:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know that my family is extremely important to me. You've probably heard me talk specifically about my brother, Rob. If you and I haven't talked recently, perhaps you don't know that Rob, his wife Becky, and their 3 small kids are getting ready to move to Haiti to be missionaries. This is no small change! Although they've been working for this missions organization (Reciprocal Ministries International) for a number of years, and have been extremely active in their local church, they have felt God leading them to do more: to go work directly with the people of Haiti.

I admire their courage and their willingness to truly follow God where he leads. Many of us say it, and perhaps even feel like we mean it... but would I be really willing to move to someplace like Haiti? with all of what that means for my family? not sure. I'd like to think so, but as I see this become more real in their lives, the more I wonder if I could do it. So, in the meantime, I am doing what I can to help get them there.

They are still in need of roughly $9,000 to make this move. The shipping container to carry all that they own (and it's not a big container) is waiting to be loaded in their driveway. They are sending it in less than 2 weeks. Then they try to raise the last of their funds before they head down to Haiti in February/March.

Can you help them get there, too? It doesn't have to be a large sum. If I learned anything from our Grace Race earlier this fall, it's that every dollar helps. Can you spare a cup of Starbucks this week? How about Dunkin Donuts? How about that gift for someone who already has everything? How about...?

Check out their blog at: http://robandbecky.blogspot.com/

Photo Equipment for Sale!

2009-11-30T06:21:00.000-08:00

As some of you may heard, I am upgrading cameras. As a result of a package deal I found, I have my old camera for sale with some new lenses and a new printer that I didn't need. Here's the craigslist post:

http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/pho/1487779605.html

For friends and family, I'm willing to bring the prices down... I posted them a little high to give me some room for negotiations. Obviously shipping would be extra. For those in NJ, I'll be in there for Cmas if you would like me to bring them when I come.

Guess what she's into now

2009-11-23T18:15:00.000-08:00

Lindsay is making new strides (literally) every day. Lately she's been adding new "real-people" foods to her diet... yogurt, bananas, etc. can you guess her favorite?

What miracle do they make those things out of, anyway?!

Can't get enough?

2009-11-15T13:50:00.001-08:00

In case you haven't had enough fall pictures of our kids, you can check out our latest snapfish album here.

Happy Birthday, Karen!

2009-11-13T06:18:00.000-08:00

I won't mention your age, but thank you for all you do for us! You are a great mom and an amazing wife!

We love you! Happy Birthday!

Nov 12

Obsessed already?!

2009-11-12T14:07:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago, we pulled out Zach's Tom Brady (#12) jersey from the Winter clothes bins. A couple days later, we received a hand-me-down Ty Law (#24) jersey. Ever since then, he insists on wearing one of the two of them just about every day. He's already a huge Pats fan! And that started BEFORE we went to the game!

On the field with the Pats!

2009-11-09T20:23:00.000-08:00

Virtually a dream come true! Karen's brother Keith bought us front row tickets to the Patriots / Dolphins game this past Sunday. It couldn't have been any better! A huge division rivalry, a cloudless 60 degree day in November, free child care, and there we were at the front row looking down the goal line! What an amazing day! Oh, and of course our Pats won 27 - 17!

Church Shoot Out!

2009-11-07T15:55:00.000-08:00

This morning, our Men's group from church (Men of Grace), held one of our monthly "Challenges". Although there was no real competition this time... just a manly event... shooting guns! Some of us have been shooting all our lives, others had shot years ago, and some had never shot a gun in their lives! We had 24 men join us and about 40-50 pistols, shot guns and rifles. We took turns shooting each other guns, comparing the kick and talking about such manly things as "calibers", "grain size", and "recoil". Although I have my own 30-06 rifle, shotgun, and muzzle loader, it's probably been a decade since I've shot anything besides my bow. It was great to be outdoors, smelling the gun powder, feeling the power of these weapons, and spending time with other Christian men. When the last of the rounds were gone, we spent some time talking. We talked about how our words can sometimes be like bullets, and the way we shoot can be like how we use our words. Are we careful where we point? Do we take the time to focus, slow our heart rate, control our breathing, before firing off some potentially hurtful words? After all, although we can always apologize, we can't really get our words back... just like that bullet once it's fired.

Those words were right on target for many of us.

It was a great morning!

Fall Colors!

2009-11-04T18:38:00.000-08:00

The leaves have now fallen, but we've enjoyed a beautiful fall this year!

Trick or Treat!

2009-11-04T17:57:00.001-08:00

The kids had a great time trick or treating. More candy than ever! The pictures don't quite show it, but that were super excited! And old pros.

The Scariest Garden Gnome you've seen!

2009-11-04T07:50:00.001-08:00

Probably the Scariest Garden Gnome you've seen!
Originally uploaded by JonathanRobsonPhotography.com

This is not my picture, but I wish it was! Isn't this hilarious?! The costume is great, but it's the expression that makes it! I think this could work for Lindsay in a year or two. What do you think?

Grace Race

2009-11-02T19:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you! Together, we raised over $100,000 for our friends in Naivasha, Kenya! Never before have we raised nearly this much... not even close. Between fundraisers, volunteers, runners & walkers, etc., there were over 250 people involved.

Chip's parents were in town for the weekend, so they joined us for the 5k walk. Lindsay rode on Karen's back. Chase and Zach took turns walking, riding in the stroller, and on Chip's sholders. At the end of the race, there were people cheering as we came up across the finish line. The boys got very excited and started running up across the finish line. Once we crossed, they handed out "Grace Race Finisher" medals. Chase and Zach were so excited! They were convinced they won the race!

Perhaps the best part, though, was when we had dinner that night at a restaurant a stranger asked Chase what the medal was for... he responded that it was a race at our church where we raised money for orphans in Kenya! He understood! It was great to hear him telling someone else about it!

Thank you for your support!

Phone Down

2009-10-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

Our home phone is down for the next few days while we transition from AT&T CallVantage to ViaTalk. The AT&T plan was nice while it lasted (rarely a problem), but they're closing up shop which forces us to make a change. We expect to be back up before Halloween. In the meantime, you can reach us on our cell phones.

Changing the world...

2009-10-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

Can I have $10 to change the world?

This Saturday, October 10, our church, Grace Community, is hosting the annual "Grace Race". For the last several years this race has been the primary source of funding for the Grace Orphanage in Naivasha, Kenya. Over the last couple years, we have raised roughly $35k. That money has gone towards the purchase of 5 acres of land, irrigation, and food for these orphans.

This year, we have taken the challenge to a whole new level! After discussions with the pastor in Kenya who runs the orphanage, we realized that his 10 year plan of raising $250k could be realized in perhaps a single year! Through the running of this 5 acre farm, the orphanage trains these young people how to function as a contributing part of society within the context of a church and family... not to mention food to eat and clothes to wear. The $250k will be used to build new housing to take in more kids, a clinic, a school, and the equipment necessary to train them properly. Right now, they live with the pastor's family... in his home.

We're not asking for $1000. We're not even asking for $100. We know things are tight for a lot of people right now. But can you spare just $10? That's just 2 cups of coffee at Starbucks. A lunch at the cafeteria. A couple of sodas. We're certainly not limiting people to $10... but don't wait to give until you figure out how much you can give. The race is this Saturday, so time is short. Just click the button on the right that says "Grace Race" and you'll get instructions to give.

It is a reputable organization, run by friends of ours. But if you're hesitant to give your info... can you just send us a note saying that you'll give and then send us a check?

It's not everyday you can invest $10 to change the world!

U2 concert videos

2009-09-23T16:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a clip of the song Magnificent played the night before we went, taken from almost exactly where we were standing.

Here's a clip of Amazing Grace and Where the Streets Have No Name... it gives some perspective on the stage.

Still getting over this concert... simply awesome!

Photo courtesy of Charlene Carroll (a friend of ours who wasn't far from where we were, but the night before).

U2 at Gillette Stadium!

2009-09-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Karen and I spent Monday night at the U2 concert at Gillette Stadium. Unbelievable! We had General Admission tickets which meant we didn’t have seats, but we were able to get into the “inner circle” and were about 10 feet from the stage! It was wild!

Over the years, I’ve had several friends tell me that they’ve had “spiritual experiences” at U2 concerts, and to be completely honest, I haven’t fully understood. Sure, the music is great, and there are some references to God, but a “spiritual experience”? Now, I’m still not sure I’m ready to say I had such an experience at the concert, but there was some amazing things going on… and very thought inspiring. Did I mention the music was great?! Not to mention it’s hard to beat a U2 show!

Here’s some clips of songs they sang…

I was bornI was born to sing for you

I didn't have a choice but to lift you up

And sing whatever song you wanted me to

I give you back my voice

From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise

...Only love, only love can leave such a mark

But only love, only love can heal such a scar

Justified till we die, you and I will magnify

The Magnificent; Magnificent

__________

I have climbed the highest mountains

I have run through the fields

Only to be with you

Only to be with you.

I have run, I have crawled

I have scaled these city walls

These city walls

Only to be with you.
But I still haven't found

What I'm looking for.

But I still haven't found

What I'm looking for.

I believe in the Kingdom Come

Then all the colours will bleed into one

Bleed into one.

But yes, I'm still running.

You broke the bonds

And you loosed the chains

Carried the cross of my shame

Oh my shame, you know I believe it.

___________

I can't believe the news today

I can't close my eyes and make it go away.

How long, how long must we sing this song?

How long, how long?

'Cos tonight We can be as one, tonight.

Broken bottles under children's feet

Bodies strewn across the dead-end street.

But I won't heed the battle call

It puts my back up, puts my back up against the wall.
Sunday, bloody SundaySunday, bloody Sunday..
And it's true we are immune

When fact is fiction and TV reality.

And today the millions cry

We eat and drink while tomorrow they die.

The real battle just begun

To claim the victory Jesus won

On...Sunday, bloody SundaySunday, bloody Sunday..

Now don’t get me wrong. This post is not to praise Bono or even to argue for the legitimacy of his faith. That’s not what this is about. However… it was amazing to see a stadium FULL of people with raised fists singing “How long must we sing this song…” calling for the end of violence across the globe. Singing for human rights. Singing “To claim the victory Jesus won” and about “magnify[ing] the Magnificent”, and “You… carried the cross of my shame.” Oh, and did I mention that there was a snippet of “Amazing Grace” in there that was followed by crazy cheering? The interesting thing was that there was perhaps just a small percentage of us who were specifically thinking of God, Jesus, and our Christian faith. As Karen and I discussed it on our way to the car, she referenced Luke 19 where Jesus says, “If they keep quiet, even the rocks will cry out.” Hmmm. That was an interesting reference, considering my thoughts during the concert… When was the last time our church services inspired us to shake our fists and sing out against injustice in this world? The concert felt more like a revolution campaign than a rock concert… and it reminded me of Jesus. He was a revolutionary. He calls us today to revolution. To change our world. Say what you will about Bono’s inappropriate behaviors at times, but he has managed to mobilize huge numbers of people to take action against poverty, human rights injustices, inadequate healthcare in 3rd world countries, etc. To some extent, Bono has become a phenomenon due to his politics, and change he inspires. Are we making a difference? Again, I reference, “if they keep quiet, even the rocks will cry out.” Are we keeping too quiet? Or are we in this for revolution?

I went to the concert expecting a good time with my wife, enjoying some of our favorite music, without the distraction of the kids. What we had, was so much more. So, perhaps I did have a spiritual experience, afterall.

Cute disobediance

2009-09-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

It was only a matter of time. Although our boys know that markers are for paper, with the amount of time they spend using them, we somehow knew that eventually it would end up on their bodies. Last night after dinner, the boys were coloring with markers at their table. Then it came. That giggling that can only mean trouble. If you have kids or have been anywhere near kids, you know exactly what I mean. Then came the evidence that they didn't really know they were doing something wrong... they came to show off their artwork. "We're being cats!" said Chase. So, as Karen was telling them why this was wrong and not to do it again, of course Chip was off to get the camera! We just couldn't resist taking a few shots before wiping them down. Do you think they believed us that they shouldn't do it again? Time will tell.

Thank God for "washable" markers! It actually came off with just a single wipe... no scrubbing necessary. Of course, I'm sure it helped that we didn't wait for it to dry.

Return to cold water!

2009-09-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

As a kid, my family and I took many vacations. One of which, was a trip up through New England up into Canada. Along the way, we travelled along the Kancamagus Highway, in New Hampshire. At one point, we stopped at a trailhead and hiked up along a stream. When we got to about as high as we were going to go, we tried taking a dip in the stream to cool off. Now that was some COLD water! We took turns daring each other to see how far we could go into the water. Now I'm sure I'll get a scathing comment if I don't give a nod to my oldest brother, Tom, who actually sat in the water in the middle of a small waterfall, essentially submerged by this frigid mountain run-off. Nice work, Tom! To this day, our family still all remembers just how COLD that water was!

Well, over Labor Day weekend this year, Karen and I found ourselves in the Conway, NH area and decided to take a trip along the Kancamagus Highway. We happened to come across a place called "Sabbaday Falls"... and I am convinced that this is the same trail and stream we hiked along all those years ago. And the water is just as cold as ever! As if they knew the story, as soon as Chase and Zach felt how cold the water was, you could see them essentially daring each other to go deeper. We spent over an hour at a spot along the stream where we could sit on rocks, dip our toes in the water and scheme ways to get in deeper... and of course, enjoy the amazing beauty of it all. Here are just a few pics...