KUM-BA-YAH!

Alas...

the drought of bloggery is over!

What I set my sights on at quarter 'til 6:00 this morning is now at hand...after the morning get-kids-to-school rush (with clean teeth, fairly ironed clothes, non-red behinds, and sane parents); the MUCH-NEEDED  STARBUCKS drive-through; a bank deposit; Walgreens formula/pedialite run; gas fill-up (since my dearest can't pump her own gas...nor should I ever wish her to); and trash ditch (to avoid the "we've got to clean this car out" lecture); followed by a quick "please get the diaper bag packed while I finish my hair if I'm not at the Dr.'s office when they open I'll be waiting 'til supper" line (just like that with no punctuation or pause)...THEN "away to the door I flew like a flash" as I escorted my lover (of 10 yrs+ who happens to also be my wife) and newest addition (baby nate) to the car...they pulled out...I shut the garage...plugged Christmas Tree #1 (yes, there are more) and wondered.......why is EVERY LIGHT IN THE ENTIRE HOUSE ON? 

No matter, as I faithfully, dutifully, CONTINUALLY do so often...I walk about flipping switches, pulling chains (closet lights are stubborn), and returning dimmers to their rightful positions.  I grab my laptop, my latte, my Bible and journal, and two bags of new books I purchased the other day, and walk to the Family Room...plug in Christmas Tree #2, open the blinds, sit on the sofa, crack open the Mac (the only computer that matters...ask Jadon Ellender) and sigh..."it's time to break the silence..."

I know what some are thinking..."must be nice...I have to be at work at ? o'clock on Mondays...yaa, yaa, yaa..."  I'll deal with you in a minute!  Mondays are one of my work-from-home days...I used to call it my "day off," but realize my prophetic gift and faith gift weren't that mature yet, so I at least have a combo day where I get to work on home, my stuff, and work and do it all without a shower!

Mondays are our Saturdays/Sundays...In ministry, we have the honor of pouring our life out for God's people...while this is a 24/7 lifestyle (not a job)...Sunday is GAME DAY!  It's when the heat is on and the future is decided...all of our energy, focus, and time is pointed toward Sunday...therefore, it's not until AFTER then, that we can truly relax and re-tool.

So, here's my Monday list (an impossible task, yet noble attempt)...

1. Write a paternal Christmas letter to our wonderful congregation, get it to the printer, and set up mailing with the mailer.
   
2. Assist in picking up the house (major brownie points)
   
3. Blog (at least one thing will get done today)
   
4. Exercise (prob. not going to happen, but should be on the list)
   
5. Make some pastoral phone calls dealing with sensitive issues and precious people
   
6. Finish Christmas shopping - 17 days to go!
   
7. Wash the car...(or have it washed :)
   
8. Follow up on various emails that have been waiting in the Inbox
   
9. Clean the garage (for the 12th time since we've been remodeling)
   
10. Re-stake the inflatable Manger Scene and Santa-on-a-Harley in the yard ravaged by the wind
    
11. Spend quality make-up time with my wife/baby (since neglecting them for church stuff the last few days)
    
12. Plan the much-awaited Anniversary Day (our 10 year marriage day on Dec.12)
    
13. Work some more on this weekend's message (gonna be great with a guest appearance by PK)
    
14. Continue letting last week's message work on me...whew!
    
15. Get all of this done and de-stress before the kids get out of school at 3pm so I can have some make-up Daddy time!
    

Much more I'm sure, but I'd rather not think @ it...PLUS, none will happen if I don't STOP THE RANT!

My renewed commitment to all who may enjoy reading this blog (whether many or few)... 

1. I will give advance warning should there be another drought coming

2. I will blog AT LEAST more than once/wk

3. I will attempt TWITTER for a week...but ditch it if it is too maintenance intensive

AND...

4. I'll shut up now!

PS... IF YOU READ THE BLOG...YOU MUST SIGN UP AT BLOGGER.COM & POST A COMMENT ON THE POST...it's not enough to just read through the email...I need your comments to make me happy :)

Later!