we just got back from a whirlwind trip to Indiana to pick up Addyson, go to a wedding and see our families. it was so quick, but soooo good. it really showed me some cool things about who i am and where i came from. here are a few of bullet points:

- there’s no comparison to life with God and life without God. we got to spend time and talk with some of Brook’s cousins and extended family who are on fire for God now after many years of not and i was pumped up. Also spending time with my family and going to church with them on Sunday was so cool after many years of praying and wishing. God is still in the process of calling, saving, healing, restoring, working, loving…

- family is deeply imbedded and a part of us. we got to spend time with a lot of different people and it was so cool to hear and learn and share with all of them. there’s just something connecting us with our families even though we may only see some of them only once in a while.

- my brother and his family are true heroes! they are going thru quite a season right now and are facing it head on with amazing attitudes and fortitude. there is tremendous blessing on the other side of this - look out Farmland!

- ministry is a deep part of who we are. Brook’s family has a long history of ministry and building the church and pastors throughout the family and extended family. my family is becoming more and more embeded in the local church and building it. i love to find out more and more on both sides who are living out their calling.

- prayer is KEY! my mom prayed for years and years for my dad and now he is an amazing testimony. Brook’s mom is a prayer warrior for her family and now great things are happening. we pray daily for our families and staring to see some signs of great things to come. God is Good!

i’m just amazed at heritage and how things that were decided and done (good & bad) have consequences on future generations. i pray Brook and i and the girls continue on a Godly heritage day by day, decision by decision.

They know what a music geek i am & have given above & beyond.

for my birthday, they started a fund for in-ear headphones. i’ve added to the pot as i sold goodies on Craigslist. for my anniversary, my lovely wife arranged an audiologist appt to have ear-molds done. the cherry on top was this past week for Father’s day. they all chipped in a bit more to complete the process. i should be the proud owner of in-ear headphones in a couple of weeks.

i’ll be a real musician before you know it!

i was thinking the other day about why i like American Idol, why do i watch, why i blog, what’s the deal? i narrowed it down to a few things:

1. Family time - we all gather round the ol’ TV and watch together as young hopefuls sing in front of the judges and millions of people around the world. There aren’t many shows on right now that all 5 of us (age 10-ahem, moving on) can agree on.

2. Learning - a vocal instructor told me to watch shows like these and others to hear others sing. it’s said that to learn from your mistakes is good but it’s wiser to learn from other’s mistakes.

3. Courage - it takes some intestinal fortitude to stand up there in front of those judges and all the world and lay it out there for all to see. this ain’t no karaoke bar.

4. Entertainment - lets face it, it’s crazy TV. you get so many different styles and personalities and dramas. you get to see the journey from joe everyguy to megastar!

tonight, the top 10 ladies will be singing. i’ll have a full wrap up tomorrow.