Goodbye 30s!

You have brought me three children, one I never met, one Jesus is holding now, and one that is helping to prepare a "secret party" for me tomorrow. Shhh, it's supposed to be secret! ;)

You have brought me a decade worth of happiness with my wonderful wife.

You have brought me pain, joy, sadness, happiness, grief, pride, and continued Truth about His Word.

But today, 30s, I bid you farewell. Thank you for your visit, but the 40s come into town tomorrow. As did the single digits, the teens, and the 20s, we too shall part. Thank you for your wonderful companionship for 10 years. I will miss you.

What I'm Thankful for..

I thought I'd take a couple minutes away from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade viewing party with Aaron to come on here and just be thankful. Tonight, around 5:00, our families are going to come together in the traditional Thanksgiving Day meal, but my thankfulness is not just for the turkey, dressing, yams, or mashed potatoes. So, here is my "thankfulness list."

I am thankful for...

-My Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, that He created this universe, and He still cares enough about me to number the hairs on my head.

-Him placing me into my family. I have learned so much from my parents, all the great life lessons, and I couldn't have asked for better "partners in crime" than my two brothers.

-Him bringing Kate into my life. I have no doubt that it was His plan, not just coincidence.

-15+ years married to a beautiful and amazing woman, who sees the fact that I sometimes leave the milk out on accident when I'm in a hurry, and she loves me anyways.

-My three little treasures I never got to meet, but I love them dearly.

-My son, Aaron, who makes me laugh for no reason, and whose curiosity and wonder for life I hope never fades.

-My daughter, Grace, who is waiting for me to come Home. He gave her to us to teach us a lesson about His mercy and love, I'm sure of it. She's the first thought I think of when I wake up, and she's the last thought I think of when I go to bed. She will forever walk with me until the day that He calls me to Heaven, and I can see her face again.

-Being an American. I have been to several countries in my lifetime, and I am always proud to come home. This country isn't perfect, but it's such a beautiful land.

-Being a teacher. I remember being a young kid and thinking of some ways I could leave my mark on the world. This is it; I'm doing it.

-Having humility. My grandfather is one of the biggest teachers of this topic for me. It's not mine. It's never been mine. He's lending it to me. In a few minutes, Kate and I are going to take Aaron to a homeless shelter to serve Thanksgiving meals for its residents. It's important for him, and us, to see that we can help. We can serve. We can answer His call.

I was talking to Katie last night before we fell asleep (although I think she was half asleep when I was sharing my thoughts), and His Word was rolling through my head. Through the economic crisis, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the morality wars being fought, it's easy to stumble in your thankfulness to God and to get lost while trying to count your blessings. However, it's not about that. It's about His death on the cross. It's about his salvation for us who believe. It's about reaching out for His hand and holding onto His love for us. He is stronger than Nasdaq. He is mightier than Dow Jones. It's His world, and we have that to be thankful for this holiday season. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

My Nephew

My nephew, Nick, has finally proposed to his Cinderella. I wish the two of them a beautiful life together, serving each other while also serving our Creator. I can't believe he's grown up. When did that happen? He was always the little guy trailing behind me and under foot. Congratulations, Nick and Ali; despite what I know about her future husband.

Adoption Sunday

Today was Adoption Sunday at church. While Kate sang, I played "When Love Takes You In" by Steven Curtis Chapman on the keys. Katie and I are up to our eyeballs in paperwork, hopes, and dreams right now. Hopefully one day in a few years, I will be able to address the church on Adoption Sundays with my own little princess (or prince). We're still laying it at His feet.

Words of the apostle Peter

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Christ Jesus is revealed. 1 Peter 1:3-7

I've read this particular set of verses a few times in the past couple of days. Every morning, I'll read some Scripture before Kate and Aaron wake up. Every night before I go to bed, I read over the ones from that morning again. 1 Peter 1:3-7 has really stuck in my mind lately, so I've made a note to pray over those verses. His Kingdom is indeed waiting, and I can't wait to see it.

Today's that day

It sounds selfish, but I'd love some prayers today. It's been that kind of day. It's a hide the tears, dive into the Word, wish I knew the answer sort of day. I've tried to put a smile on, at least in front of my wife or son, but God sees what's behind it. I caught myself staring at the calendar today. It covers from 2007 to 2010 along the sides of it. The distance between 9/7/07 and today just kept grabbing my attention. When you put the absence in number form, it's unbelieveable how long it's been, and yet, it doesn't seem that long at all.

"Proud"

I heard this song recently, sung by Steven Curtis Chapman, and I had to learn it for Aaron. He's been through so much in seven short years, but I look at him every night right after he falls asleep, and I cannot even express how proud I am of the boy he is and the man he will grow to be one day. I haven't been able to find the guitar notes for this, so it's taken me longer. I've had to resort to listening to it a few times to pick up the chords. It's a tradition that, every night, Aaron and I (or just me) will play some songs on the guitar before bedtime. Tonight, I played "Proud." It's a truly wonderful portrait of what a father thinks of his child, and what our Heavenly Father must think of us when He sees us walking in His glory.

Proud

Verse 1
Strike three, bottom of the ninth and you were batting back the tears feeling like you let the whole world down.. down.. down..
You and me…driving home in silence I was searching thru my words trying to find the perfect ones to say out loud.
Well I don’t remember what it was I said to you but I remember what it was I wanted you to hear

Chorus
Proud...I’m just so proud,
I don’t know how to say it any better
Proud …you make me proud,
Win or lose well it really doesn’t matter,
Cuz you step up to the plate swinging for the fence
You’re gonna change the world around you, I’m convinced
Just look how you’re changing me

Bridge
We both know that sometimes you make me crazy
We both know that sometimes we let each other down
But I want you to know whatever you do
just because you are you ,
You will always be makin me proud..

Chorus
… don’t know how to say it any better
Proud …you make me proud,
Win or lose well it really doesn’t matter,
Cuz you step up to the plate and swing for the fence
You’re gonna change the world around you, I’m convinced
Just look how you’re changing me..
You’re making me proud.
You’re making me proud.
I’m so proud.

Tonight's Benefit

Money raised for a good cause is always a good thing. It's not really our money anyways, so giving it away shouldn't be as hard as some people make it out to be down here. The little girl who spoke at the beginning was named Grace. That right there completely made me lose any stoic behavior I had built up on the ride over this evening. She is currently in remission, having fought two rounds with a form of leukemia. She's not quitting. She's got her gloves on, and she's got God on her side. Sorry, cancer, I don't think you're going to take that little girl down.

There was a video after one of the speeches that was amazing, although I couldn't see half of it through eyes of tears, but what I saw was incredible. I told Kate I'd have to find out a way to have that video. Speaking of Katie, the three boxes of Kleenex tissues that were on our 6-top table somehow all collected right in front of her at the end of the evening. She used nearly every one of them too. Anyways, the video was of children, some in the middle of chemo, some that looked to be in remission, all battling or have battled cancer. Each child looked into the camera and said the same two words: "Thank you." Some extended out the comments to say "Thank you for fighting for me." "Thank you for caring." "Thank you for being there." The video was probably only a couple minutes long, but it felt like ten years. It was wonderfully made, as were each child in that piece. I left with the human emotion of sadness and grief over Gracie going Home last year, but I also left praising the One who created everything. I know that an entire eternity awaits us with Gracie. As hard as it was to sit there and know that some of the children talked about tonight, or some of the children in that video will be seeing Jesus long before we would like, time is all that separates us if we believe in His perfect salvation.

Benefit held tonight to help cure childhood cancer

We didn't go last year. It was only two months. Now that's it been 14 months, we're prepared to go again. I've been praying deeply for strength to see some of the images I know I'll see tonight. One of the men who will be speaking tonight gave his son to Jesus a month before we gave Him our Gracie. The ultimate Doctor is Jesus Christ Himself, but I would personally love to see a cure for this thing so that no other parent has to bury a child. The benefit starts at 6:30. A little girl who is currently in remission after two intense battles with leukemia is the lead speaker; at 10 years of age. These kids are incredibly brave.

This morning's lesson

Kate had to go to school early this morning for a round of meetings, and I was left home to get Aaron completely prepared alone. This isn't a problem; usually. I can call the school and have an assistant teacher manage my classroom for a few minutes in my absence. Today, however, Aaron wouldn't get out of bed. I had to eventually throw the above bedsheet off of him, open the windows, and pick him up. What'd he do? He slouched down of course. Every aspect of the weekday morning schedule was difficult without his cooperation. He didn't want to brush his teeth. He didn't want to comb down his hair. He didn't want to get dressed or eat his breakfast. I know when there is something bothering him and when he's just being a stubborn boy. He was just being a stubborn boy this morning. Finally, after a few attempts, we were on the road to school. He kept grumbling the entire way there. As we were walking in, he kept running ahead of me. The lower, intermediate, and upper schools are connected, but it makes for a large building complex. I had to wait in the lower school until it was time to release him. Once that time came, he walked down the main hallway, leaving my "I love you" in the dust. I then had to take the hike over to the upper school, arriving at the end of my first class.

The entire walk, I was talking to myself. I kept asking, "God, what was Your plan this morning? What happened?"

I arrived home before Katie and Aaron this afternoon. Once they did come home, Aaron found me and said, "I'm sorry I didn't say I loved you this morning because I really do love you, dad. I just didn't want to go to school, but I had a good day, so thanks for making me go!" He smiled, and the entire morning was then erased from my memory.

I believe God gave me a morning like this morning to show me two things. One, my wife truly is a Saint (which I already knew that). Two, no matter how difficult it is sometimes, being a parent is such a blessing.

What it means to be free

Today, I challenged my students to think about the freedoms they have in this country. I use the word "challenge," because it really is a challenge for some of them to understand that freedom isn't just about which combo meal to order from the drive-thru or which flavor to choose among the 32 flavors given. It's not just about buying a $49.99 video game or choosing to instead buy a few CD's (which were 8-tracks in my day). It's about so much more than the everyday choices we make for ourselves. Freedom was fought for on the beaches in Normandy. Freedom was fought for on the sacred ground at Gettysburg. Freedom is being fought for in the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan. Freedom is fought for by husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and by everyday Americans like all the rest of us. On this Veterans Day, I wanted to really show my students that people fought for so many of the things in our society that people just take for granted today. The world would look completely different, and we would be completely different, if those brave men and women hadn't of answered the call to serve in our nation's military. By God's grace, millions have returned home to their families over the years. Some have just simply returned Home. Regardless of your views on war, these brave soldiers of ours have to be given our respect and appreciation. God bless our veterans, and God bless those who are currently in service to this great nation.

One man band?

Two of the four main praise team band members were sick today. Where did that leave me? I played their parts; which included guitar, keyboard, and drums. Luckily, they weren't all on the same songs. However, that probably would have been something to see! We have had a good weekend, the three of us. Yesterday, Katie and I took Aaron to a science museum. He came home from the experience wanting to perform all these experiments in our house, some of which were too dangerous for a 7-year-old to attempt.

I'm learning so much about myself and our family through this entire dossier process. I didn't know my life was so complicated until I had to put it together on paper. Please keep praying for all of this because it's a lot more stressful than I thought it would be when we first started. To Him the Glory belongs, however, so we have faith that He will guide us every step of this journey.

Top Five Reasons We Have the Drums

Much to Katie's lack of approval, I couldn't help but put a set of drums in our basement. The church has gotten a new set. Aaron loves playing them during morning prayer meetings on Sunday and practices throughout the week. Truth be told, I love playing them too. Anyways, Kate was hesitant (probably still is), but she said that as long as I teach Aaron to play them, we can have the set. Behind her, I could see Aaron clapping with excitement. I do agree with one thing she said. I need to teach Aaron how to make music on them; quickly. So, for the top five reasons we have the drums...

1. When learned, it's a beautiful instrument.
2. Aaron loves them, so does his dad.
3. They were just given to us.
4. They are relatively new.
5. For the past 2 years, they have been a part of so many of God's beautiful hymns and worship music.

I actually just got done helping put our little drummer to bed. We played around for a few minutes tonight. He absolutely loves them. It's a big set for a little kid, but he'll grow into them. For my wife's sake, there is a list of rules that come with the drums, including a curfew for them (something we both agreed on), and they are in the farthest corner of our basement. But, we do have them!

Why I Love My Teaching Environment..

I could never see this situation happening in a public school classroom, unfortunately. During each of my classes today, we talked about last night's election. The kids asked questions, voiced opinions (which I welcomed, without voicing my own). However, it's what happened in two of my classes today that made me praise God for the wisdom of some of these young people. In each of those two classes, I had a student that asked if we could pray for the leadership of this country and for President Obama as we move forward. This is the beauty of these kids. I know that there won't be any parent telephone calls coming my way. I know that minds won't be angered because of this act. It wasn't an opinionated prayer filled with the sad bickering that many Americans feel toward "the other party." These kids get it, at least most of them hopefully do. It's not about who is in the Oval Office; it's about who is on the Throne.

Let Me Talk Politics for Just a Minute..

I have voted. I was one of the millions of North Carolinians who voted early this year. I'm not going to tell you who to vote for, and I won't tell you who I voted for, but I will tell you to vote tomorrow. I also hope you pray for the candidate who will eventually walk into the Oval Office come January. One thing I have been reminding my students of for the past couple of weeks is the importance of exercising this right. There are honest Christians on both sides, and there are negative attacks on both candidates too. Voting only takes a few minutes, but it could change the next four or eight years. If you don't like "the other guy," don't go negative against him. Just vote. I would also hope that no matter the outcome tomorrow, America can unite under the next President. Either way, millions of Americans aren't going to "get their way" tomorrow, but it's not about "getting your way." It's about advancing America forward and joining together for the future. I will be praying for this election and new president, no matter which candidate comes out on top. I hope you will too.

3-2-1, Cast Off!

Yes, that title is "cheesy," but it's how my son described my doctor's appointment today. He got to watch the procedure take place. My wonderful blue cast that I was getting used to wearing was removed today. No more crutches (though I rarely used them, against doctor's and my wife's orders). No more painful itch without the ability to scratch it. I forgot how ticklish having a cast removed can be, and Aaron thought it was one of the most amazing things in the world. It's also easier now to climb up on that ladder and clear the gutters of leaves....

Four more weeks of 30's

All right, we had an incredible worship this morning (although that Mr. Tyler guy got in the way up there on stage), and then someone had to remind me of the near conclusion of my 30's. Yes, they are almost over. In four weeks (November 30th), I will welcome in a whole new 10 years of wonder, aging, and yearning for the younger years. So, to honor the near end to my 30's and the preparation of my 40's, I thought I'd take a minute to celebrate them.

Katie and I never got to experience our first two children outside of her womb. I believe He knew exactly what He was doing, although the pain was great. In the last ten years though, He gave me Aaron and Grace. To be a parent is indescribable. I can't explain the love I have for all five of my children, even if I never met three of them. Aaron continues to inspire me everyday with his curiosity. I pray that He lets Aaron grow old. He will impact His kingdom in so many ways, and it's such a humble blessing to be his father. Gracie had me wrapped around her finger even before she arrived. Her beautiful determination and strength has transformed the way I view my life now. She will always be here. Her spirit in life was so big, death cannot diminish that.

In the last ten years, God's called Gracie Home. It was the worst path I've ever had to walk down in my life, but it's made me not fear death. It's made me Homesick. It's made me question so many of my beliefs, but an entire eternity is coming. I have an entire eternity to spend with Gracie. I can't wait for that.

In the last ten years, I have taken two missionary trips. I've seen God's impact throughout the world, you know, the world that goes beyond my little ol' farm. He's doing some amazing things in the farthest of places.

In the last ten years, I would like to believe that I have made an impact on hundreds of students that have walked into my classroom. I might not directly see the results, but I hope that someone out there right now is saying, "ah, I learned that in Mr. Tyler's 10th grade U.S. History class."

In the last ten years, I've watched Katie's beauty grow everyday. She has never ceased to amaze me. The way she has treated our children, the way she has treated OTHER people's children in her Kindergarten classes, and the way she worships our King; I know He has to be planning on giving her some amazing wings! He should give her those just for putting up with me all these years.

So, my last ten years are not unlike millions of other peoples' last ten years. There's been pain, suffering, sadness, hope, laughter, happiness, but there has always been God. He's the One I really should be thanking for giving me these last ten years. He's the One who will give me the next ten (perhaps). As for the next ten years, I'm looking forward to a hopeful adoption, Aaron's continuous milestones, and several more wonderful years with my wife. We'll see...

Trick-or-Treating Explained

I don't know why I have to explain this, but maybe I should in case someone is looking at me differently now since my post on Thursday. We did take Aaron trick-or-treating last night. We took him to my aunt and uncle's house, and we walked around their neighborhood. We avoided the houses with headstones in the lawn, witches on the porch, ghosts hanging from the trees; we just walked by them. Did I look at those houses and think the occupants were evil for their decorations? No; Katie and I just decided a long time ago that we A) didn't want Aaron scared and B) didn't want him to be completely submerged in witches, goblins, ghosts, etc. Again, if this is your Halloween decoration, that is 100% all right with me.

I had an e-mail sent to me on Friday afternoon that scolded me for letting my children participate in such a pagan holiday as Halloween, and how I could be a born-again Christian and allow my children to celebrate such a horrible holiday. Thus, I felt the need for an explanation. My grandfather was a minister. He did not allow his children, including my father, to have any form of a Halloween. He was angry, at first, when my father allowed his children to trick-or-treat. When I was growing up, Halloween was dressing up and getting free candy. That was it; the extent of the evening. We didn't participate in any 18th century pagan ritual. We didn't even understand, care, or even know the history of the holiday. All we saw was free candy, and the opportunity to spend a couple hours collecting it.

My son doesn't understand the history of Halloween. He doesn't need to know really. He just sees free candy. He just sees the opportunity to have childhood fun for a couple hours. That's why we let him trick-or-treat.

I'm not going to write a name for who sent the e-mail message, and truthfully, it's all right. I understand that Halloween is a very controversial day. I just felt the need to explain myself. Perhaps I didn't have to, but it might have been needed. If having my child walk around collecting candy last night changed your views or opinions of me or my family, I'm sorry.