New Year

Usually with a new year people including myself are thinking about how the next year will be different. Maybe you had a great year...you're probably still thinking about how the next one will be better. Maybe it was just ok or even bad....you're almost for sure wanting a better year.

I've certainly been blessed with a wonderful wife, children, family, friends and church. For the most part our family has been in good health.

I am honestly disappointed with my growth over the past year. I don't feel I'm where I should be spiritually. I feel like I could be a much better husband and father.

It all pretty much comes down to this...if I want to have a better year....it's mostly up to me. Now I obviously can't control other peoples health, life or death, or the decisions they make. But, I do play a large roll in what kind of person I become. I decide whether or not I sit down and read or study the Bible today. I decide how much time and effort I put into anything I do.

What will you do differently in 2009? How will you be better on January 1st, 2009 or December 31st, 2009? It's a slow process. One day at a time. Baby steps etc....

Have a great new year! May each day be better than the last and remember it's (mostly) up to YOU!

Merry Christmas!

Jimmy V's 1993 ESPY Speech

This is one of the best speeches I've ever heard. I go back to it every year around this time. It usually brings me to tears so make sure you have some tissue ready. Jimmy Valvano gave this speech on March 4th, 1993. He passed away on April 28th, 1993. To learn more go to The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Christmas program at Grand

Will and Zach's cousin Meredith singing during the Christmas program at GAB Church. Her mommy and daddy sang too but they were further away and aren't nearly as cute. Sorry Michael and Jennifer. They all did a great job!

Gingerbread House

Will and I spent part of our Saturday morning decorating this gingerbread house. You probably won't see us on the Food Network any time soon but we had a good time.

Will's class singing "All I Want for Christmas"

To Live is Christ - Ed Saucier

Portion of Ed's message at Community Bible Church from earlier this year. I'm sorry for the poor video quality.

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
Sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... An American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq

Send a note to our Hero's.

Holiday Mail for Heros
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Must be postmarked by 12/10

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address.

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I am thankful for my wife and boys, my parents and all of our extended family. I'm thankful for a wonderful church and friends. I'm thankful for a good job that provides the funds to have food, clothing, shelter, transportation and so many other things. I'm thankful for a God that provides all of this and more. A God who sent His Son to die so that I may have eternal life in heaven.

I'm also thankful for our country, pilgrims, Indians, Abraham Lincoln, turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie. For football, basketball and ESPN.

Have a great day!

Louie Giglio - Laminin

The following notes are an excerpt from the Passion Talk Series on DVD - How Great Is Our God by Louie Giglio (shown above).

Men go abroad to wonder at the height of mountains, the huge waves of the sea, the long course of rivers, the vast compass of the ocean, the circular motion of the stars... but they pass by themselves and don't even notice. Quote by Augustine

Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 33
6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.

13 From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;

14 from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth-

18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. The God of the heavens fashioned you together and He knows your name, and He knows every single thing there is to know about you.

Happy Birthday!

Today is Becky's birthday!

JQH Arena

New Links

I recently added two new links in the right column. The first is In The Thin Places by Chris Ediger. Chris is a Baptist Student Union friend from our college days and works for GiANT Impact in Atlanta. He oversees the development of all online aspects of GiANT and its brands (Maximum Impact, INJOY, Catalyst & Life@Work) - including websites, e-commerce, & email marketing. He has a very clean looking site with insightful writings.

The other link is Deadly Viper which I came across from Chris as well. Here is a description taken from their site:

Deadly Viper is an initiative dedicated to beginning a strategic conversation on the issues of radical integrity and radical grace. Our focus is to develop leaders who will have intentional, transparent, and honest conversations about key character issues.

Deadly Viper is a movement designed to help leaders finish strong and live a life with no regrets.

Grandma Stewart's Birthday

We celebrated my Grandma Stewart's 85th birthday this past weekend. All 3 or her son's were able to make it and some of the grandchildren and great grandchildren were there as well.

Slow Fade Teaching Video

Watch this first and then the music video below.

Casting Crowns: Slow Fade Video

So true. So true.

Tag I'm It

Well, my friend Trish has tagged me and this is a different type of tag than normal. Here are the rules:

Grab the nearest book.
Open the book to page 56.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post the text of the next two to five sentences.
Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book or the intellectual one. Pick the closest.

Here it is. The closest book is Raising a Modern-Day Knight by Robert Lewis. The fifth sentence on page 56 happens to be a replication of a letter from a son to his father shortly after the father's surgery to treat brain cancer. I'm going to include the entire paragraph:

Yes, we all do have to go sometime, but in real measure, we all live on in the sons and daughters in whom we invest our lives. I wonder if that's where the term "to pass on" comes from. People often say individuals have "passed on" when they really mean they aren't here anymore. But people really do pass on themselves... You have passed on to me and Bill, Don, and Greg qualities of devotion to Mom, wise decisions about important matters in life, and that delicate balance between concern for your kids and freedom to let them do their own things. All of that has worked together very well. Four sons with four stable marriages and four solid careers. That's a legacy to be proud of in this day. Dad, you have raised us all well, and in the process you have given me a sure road map for my own life. I'm just following you...
Love, Tom

7 Things You May Not Know About Me #3

As a young teen my parents bought my brothers and I a go-kart to ride around our 3 acres. The problem was that about 2 of the acres was mostly tall weeds and grass. Although we had a gravel drive that went around our entire house, my much OLDER and WISER brother Randy decided WE should burn a trail in the 2 acres. I'm sure I tried to discourage HIS decision but HE wouldn't listen. Should I mention the grass and weeds were very dry and it was a windy day. WHAT was HE thinking?

HE lit the match and our new trail was about to be ready for racing. That was until our new trail turned into an inferno. One of us ran to get the garden hose but it wasn't even close to being long enough. This fire was in need of Billing's finest, the Billings Rural Fire Department. By the time they arrived the inferno had finished off the 2 acres and headed across the fence to our grandfather's field. Fortunately they had it extinguished in no time.

If you knew me you would know that I was as much to blame, if not more, as Randy. The good thing was that we now had plenty of clear acreage to ride our go-kart. Boys will be boys!

Must See Movie

7 Things You May Not Know About Me #2

Becky and I just celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary. You may not have known that but you also may not have known that Becky and I got to know each other in bowling class at Missouri State University. We had met at the Baptist Student Union prior to that but hadn't been around each other much until bowling class. It was about 3 years later (Feburary 14th, 1997) that we actually went on our first date. 9 months later (November 8th, 1997) we were married.

Mark Reicht Family

Photo Editing

Before

After

If you're looking for free and easy to use photo editing tools, go to picnik. No software to download and no registration required. Just upload a photo and get started. I used it on the photo above.

7 Things You May Not Know About Me (7TYMNKAM) #1

As I mentioned in an earlier post I've been "tagged" by my friend Shelley. Now I'm supposed to list 7 things you might not know about me. I going to break it up into 7 different posts. I know that's probably goes against the "blogger rules" but I don't care. If the blogger police want to come get me... they'll have to find me first.

Okay, on with it.

#1 My nickname from about 3rd grade up through high school was Putter.

Most people that didn't know me would ask if I played golf. No, I didn't. Around 3rd grade a parent of a friend of mine misread my name as my basketball team was getting ready to leave for a Boy's Club game. She read my name out loud as Putt instead of Pat. Some of my friends laughed as they corrected her. Soon after they started calling me Putt.

Not long after that a friend extended it to Putter because he said it looked like I was puttering down the basketball court when I ran. Our son Will kinda resembles me out on the soccer fields. We might have to start calling him Putter 2, Putter Jr., or P2.

Flying Police Tow Truck

This is Will's own creation of a Lego's flying vehicle.

Brandon Heath - Give Me Your Eyes

One of my new favorite songs.

Rich Mullins - Creed (Credo)

One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite artists.

100th Post!!!

I've been thinking for several days about what my 100th post should be about. What else, but our boys. I feel very blessed to have two wonderful boys. They're not perfect by any means but I'm sure proud to be their daddy. Will is constantly amazing me and Zach may end up being more ornery than myself. I love 'em both and rarely does a day go by that I don't tell them that I love them.

I've been "tagged" by a friend to write 7 things that most people don't know about me. Once I can figure that out, I will post it.

Picture's of the Day

"Hmmm? I wonder what a 100 ft waterfall looks like from the top? I hope my wife never see's this picture."

This is my buddy Criagery at the top of the waterfall we visited in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and that's what he might have been thinking.

Picture of the Day

A few months ago I went into the bathroom after Will had taken a bath and this is what I saw. Will had done this on his own. I was very impressed with his stacking skills.

Smith Family Story

Smith Family Story from Matthew Singleton on Vimeo.

This video is about 25 minutes long so make sure you have time to watch it. Once it starts you won't want to walk away. It's an amazing story of faith and trust in God.

Warning: This family has a pregnancy that doesn't go as planned. If you think you're ok with it... make sure you have some tissues.

After you've watched the video above... watch the one below.

Todd Smtih "I Surrender All" from Matthew Singleton on Vimeo.

Me and My Bro

Stuff Christians Like

A friend of mine recently informed her blog readers of this guys blog. It's full of sarcasm which I find funny.

Happy Columbus Day!

I know....it's not one of those big holidays we usually think about. But, in 1492 he sailed the ocean blue. Read more on Wikipedia.

World AIDS Day: Rhythm of Life

World AIDS Day is December 1st but what are you doing today.... do something...

World Vision

Picture's of the Day

Here are some more picture's from our company fishing trip. October 2008.

Picture of the Day

After 3 days of trout fishing on the White River in Norfork, Arkansas I've finally made it back to civilization. It was a good trip but I'm looking forward to seeing my family and my bed. After 3 day's of no speed internet and virtually no cellular phone service it's nice to get back to a world or real technology.

Picture of the Day

Deer seen at Treasure Lake Resort in Branson, Mo.

2002 Aaron's 312 Crash at Talladega LIVE

Fans love wrecks. Teams hate wrecks.

Picture of the Day

This is one of my favorite photo's. It was taken at my parents house in Billings, Mo.

Talladega

This is my buddy Craigery. The reason I'm putting this on here is because it was taken while at a NASCAR race. This weekend's race is at Talladega and this is what half of the guys look like when you go there. They actually have cowboy boots on with their cutoffs and no shirt. Well, I actually only saw one guy like that. The other half of the guys look normal. In Craigery's defense it was hot and he only looked like this while we were eating some lunch out at our vehicle.

Talladega is one of the best races you'll see anywhere. If you get a chance to go...do it. Make sure you're at least 30 or 40 rows up or you won't actually see the race.

Picture of the Day

Mingo Falls at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park near Cherokee, North Carolina.

Photo taken in March, 2007

LOL

Happy Anniversary

Today is my parents wedding anniversary. Congrats to them. I believe it's been 44 years. They look so young don't they?

Shoe tying

Will learned to tie his shoes this past Saturday using a device similar to the one's shown in this photo. Sunday morning was the first time he tied his tennis shoes by himself and was so proud. His Sunday school teacher said he tied them several times and was doing a great job!

A little girl in Will's class at school gave these out as prizes on her birthday. Each child got one. I'm not sure where they purchased them but I believe these can be found online from Target. I'm sure they're available elsewhere. They're basically a foam flip flop with big shoe strings so you crafty people could probably make your own.

Company Fishing Trip 2006

These photo's were shot during our company fishing trip on the White River in October of 2006.

Fall is Here!

Fall is here and I love it! I love the cool foggy mornings and the beautiful afternoons.

Fighting

No, these kids aren't fighting. Our pastor Ed wrote on our church blog today about "Fighting when it counts". This isn't about physical fist fighting but more about fighting for our faith. He mentions the team concept in sports and how athletes fight alongside their teammates to win. A good teammate will encourage those who need encouraging during their fight to win.

In the few soccer games I've attended of Will's I find myself encouraging him from the sidelines to run faster, kick the ball, etc. I want him to do his best and I'll be there if he needs my support. I want to be there to cheer him on. When he comes over to the sideline I want to be there to give him a high 5 and say great job! Tonight he has practice so that he and his team can get better.

As Christians we should do the same. We should encourage others when they are down or just need a little cheering on. Sometimes I need someone to tell me to run faster or cheer me on or go to practice with me. I need to get better. I need someone to make sure I'm getting to practice. I've been riding the bench for a while and it's about time for me to get in the game and help my teammates. How about you? Are you riding the bench or are you out there helping your team? Do you need someone to help you with your fight? Is there someone around you that needs a high 5?

The following is one of my favorite passages in the Bible.

Imitating Christ's Humility - Philippians 2:1-11 NIV

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature^[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Whatchamacallit & Coke

As I sit here and eat my Whatchamacallit & drink my Coke I'm reminded that The Biggest Loser started this week. I'm always interested to see the transformation these people make in the several months of the show. They have to put a lot of effort into losing weight and becoming healthy again. I occasionally think I will change my habits but never do. If you're one of those people trying to lose weight, I wish you the best. Stick with it and don't give in to temptation or peer pressure. I hope those around you will be supportive and wise in their actions. Most of all I hope they don't eat Whatchamacallit's & drink Coke in front of you. If they do... just punch them in the nose. They probably won't do it again.

The Wrecking Crew vs. The Pink Panthers

Will had his first soccer game Thursday night and it turns out the uniform person for the soccer league must like pink. As you can see, the other team was wearing pink as well although a different shade of pink. Who would have thought there would be two pink teams? Besides the uniform lady? Our team decided to come up with the mean name of The Wrecking Crew while the other team chose to be The Pink Panthers.

Anyways...Will had a great time! There are 7 kids on his team and only 3 get to be on the field at the same time. Will was chosen as one of the starting 3. He only had one practice but when it was time to play he got after the ball with a smile on his face. He could hardly stop smiling the whole time he was out there. His cousin Alli and aunt Jennifer came by to watch so he had someone to talk to while he wasn't playing. His other cousin Meredith had practice on the other side of the park so it was a long walk for Alli and Jennifer. Their next game is Saturday at 9 am if Ike doesn't wash or blow us out.

Happy Birthday Aunt Jodie!

Today is Aunt Jodie's birthday! Although many people now associate this day with the terrorist attacks on the US it is also a day to remember a special person in our lives. Aunt Jodie has spent a lot of time on the phone with Becky giving us medical diagnosis or advice for our children. She and Craigery have also been very kind to share their home with us on many occasions. Even when the power was out for several days during an ice storm. We have many fond memories together but few as funny as the time we were in St. Louis. If you know her, ask her about VMI or TVMI or TMI. She'll know what you're talking about.

Operators are standing by

... call now

PINK?

I just got an email from Will's soccer coach saying that the uniforms are in AND they're PINK! There is one girl on his team. This just doesn't seem right... does it? I don't mind Will wearing a pink shirt to church or something like that. BUT, PINK uniforms in a competitive sport with mostly boys on the team? I guess we can be the team that supports breast cancer awareness. Others have suggested our team name be the Pink Panthers.

Labor Day Weekend

Will and I made a trip up to Missouri this weekend. Friday evening Will stayed with my parents while I went to a Springfield Cardinals game with our friend Craigery. We were fortunate enough to get to watch 4 free innings of baseball as the Cards beat the Tulsa Drillers in 13 innings. We also got to see the fastest fireworks show in history... due to a noise ordinance in Springfield they shot off the fireworks show in double time between innings just before 11 pm.

Saturday we spent the day with my parents, brother and my 3 nieces. We watched some football and ate steak and chicken my brother fixed on the grill. That's a good day for me!

Sunday Will, myself and Craigery spent the whole day at White Water. We all had a great time. I think Will did everything in the park except the huge slide that he isn't big enough to do. We left there to go check in to our hotel room that Craigery got us a great deal on. His wife Jodie met us there. After cleaning up and resting a bit we went down to the Branson Landing to eat. We ended up at Famous Dave's BBQ. Mine was very good but Jodie's pulled pork had a funny taste to it so she didn't eat much.

Monday Will and I went to ride go carts before heading home. We rode in some 2 seaters before going to Andie's Frozen Custard for a little treat. After finishing off our treat Will took to the stearing wheel of his own little go cart. He did a great job driving and didn't cause any crashes. One little boy spun him but they got going again pretty quick.

Today I'm sore and tired but it sure was worth every bit of it!

Kids Crash Go Carts

I took Will to ride go carts in Branson on Monday. This is what took place before he went. The little boy that slouches over after getting hit from behind wasn't hurt. He was just pretending. They all walked away mostly uninjured. Will's ride wasn't as eventful.

The First Day

Will's teacher (Mrs. McDonald) sent this home with him after his first day of kindergarten.

The First Day

I gave you a little wink and smile
as you entered my room today.
For I know how hard it is to leave
and know your child must stay.
You've been with him for five years now
and have been a loving guide.
But now, alas, the time has come
to leave him at my side.
Just know that as you drive away
and tears down your cheeks may flow.
I'll love him as I do my own
and help him learn and grow.
For as a parent, I do know
how quickly the years do pass,
And one day I, too, had a turn
to take my child to class.
So please put your mind at ease
and cry those tears no more.
For I will love him and take him in
when you leave him at my door!

I look forward to this fascinating journey with your child
as we start this monumental year!

Jury Service Complete

As of 5:17 pm today my jury service is officially complete. I will not have to serve again for 2 years. I sat on one jury which was the first day we were called in. I believe I only had to go in 3 more times over the next 4 months. My name was called to sit on another trial but I was excused because Zach was having his tubes put in.

My brother in-law's wife Jennifer has to report next week. I hope she enjoys it as much as I did.

Soccer Dude

Will had his first soccer practice last night. I guess he had as much fun as a kid can have playing a sport that he knows very little about. Other then watching his cousin Meredith play, he hasn't had much exposure to it. They really just ran through a few drills and then the coach talked to them about the rules. His first game is on his Aunt Jodie's birthday (Sept 11th).