Acting like a kid again

I took a student from church out to dinner and to his high schools football game last night and we had a riot. The game was terrible, but it didn't matter because we had a riot together. Others joined us including another youth leader friend of mine from church and more students and it became a special time of laughter and just acting like idiots. I have found that when you go to a loud outside sporting event like that, you can be as loud and obnoxious as you want without annoying anybody. It was awesome to just act silly with a bunch of students and connect with them on their level in their environment. I think those are some of the best times with others. The game turned out to be extremely lame, but that isn't why I went:)The Joe's

It's been awhile since my last post. You see, I have been a little preoccupied with something. I lost my job last Friday. It is a long story as to why, but here I am without work and looking very hard. It has been a wonderful thing to wake up each morning and confess to my God that I am not in control, he is. That isn't to say that I haven't had many moments of stress and fear. It is a sobering thing to find yourself out of work with a growing family to support with very little savings. I will have to admit, I have been pretty heavy emotionally lately. But it is a comforting thing to have moments where you leave it all on God's doorstep for him to sort through. I had a second job interview yesterday at a company and it went very well. I prayed all kinds of things before it and it just went super well. I have a third interview today. Guess what I am doing? The Joe's

Snow tommorrow! I think it is a little early, but that is what they are saying. Time to put the boat and all of the water toys away. Bring on the leaf blower! I like this time of year so much. There are so many things going on to be a part of. We had a great time with our nephews and neices this past weekend. We have been doing it for 10 years now and they still want to come and hang out with us for a weekend. Apple picking, Rennaisance fair, movies, and steak and shake. I know the investment we have made in them is so important and I think that because we have, we will always be able to positively impact their lives. On a lighter note, I am on top[ of the fantasy football world today. Went 2-o this weekend which make me 8-2 for the year. Not bad for a guy who doesn't even know all of the positions in football. Want to know my secret- I make picks from the gut. I like the guys who want to prove something and have heart. Okay, maybe a little luck has something to do with it.
Later! The Joe's

My wife Amy and I volunteer at our church helping in the youth ministry and last night was a great time. There is something about worshipping with a group of students that just gets me fired up. Last night was no exception. It's awesome to watch young people making a choice to serve Christ and come to church on Wednsday nights to learn more who he is and what he has for them. He has a lot and at no charge. Only to believe and trust in him. I went to church last night feeling kind of down about my job and also feeling a lot of pain in my back, but left feeling pretty good knowing that i get to be a part of what God is doing there. I have to admit that at 39 yrs of age, i am finding it a little harder to connect with students and keep up with what they like and are like. But the truth is that kids don't care how much you know or how old you are, they care about how much you care for them and if you are trustworthy. Kids need as many adults in their life like that as possible. If at all possible, be that for kids.The Joe's

It's late and thunderstorming out. i can't sleep. had a great weekend with friends at their parents cottage. Fishing, boating, Cider Festival abd many games of spoons. The kids had an awesome time. It gives me so much satisfaction to show the world that our God created, to my daughter. i love watching her exploring and enjoying life. Soon we will share our lives with a son. I may have to call on some of my friends who have sons and get some inside scoop from them.
Tired now, think I'll go nest now and get up early for a date with the treadmill. The Joe's: "o"