~Adam
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Here's to 10 Years of Memories!
~Adam
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Special Time...
Hello, friends!
I was talking to a coworker of mine the other day about how busy life has gotten with school and all the extracurriculars that have started. Ezra is playing soccer and both Ezra and Thaliea are in Cub Scouts. Between the stuff for the kids and our commitments with church, Megan and I have both mentioned how it seems like we have something every night of the week.
One of the things that I used to do with the kids before they were in school was "Special Time." It usually involved me taking one of the kids to QT to eat a donut and to talk about their day. Then, I'd drop off that kid to pick up the other kid to do the same (Jonah was usually napping). It was great because the kids felt like they got some one on one time, and I got to eat multiple donuts. It really was a win-win. When Ezra started school, it got a lot harder to find time for us to do "Special Time." Now that Thaliea's in school too, she's also missing out. In some ways, it's a definite bummer.
But, as I was talking to my coworker, I realized something. I'm coaching Ezra's soccer team, which is sort of like our own special time. I'm leading Thaliea's Cub Scout den, which she absolutely loves because to her, that's our special time. On Mondays, when both of the older kids are at school, Jonah and I run errands and such for our own special time. It looks different but it's still something that resembles one-on-one time with each kid.
We only have 3 kids, compared to the 4 that my parents had, so I'm not sure how they juggled all of it, especially when I think about all the extra-curriculars my siblings and I did. I have also noticed that Ezra is going on more play dates with his friends, which means he clamoring less for "Special Time." I guess that just comes with the times. Still, I'm super thankful for the ways time that I have now to spend with each kid individually. Hopefully, they'll remember our Special Times with fondness and know that I saw them each as their own person and loved them best I could.
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Pray for Fall Conference!
Hello, friends!
InterVarsity Fall Conference has a very special place in my heart. It was at Fall Conference during my Freshman year that I had a major encounter with Jesus and really started my faith journey in a profound way. As a staff, I've seen students have those same profound experiences with Jesus at Fall Conferences. I've had the pleasure of preaching at Fall Conferences and directing Fall Conferences (I'm pretty sure I was much better at the former than I was the latter).
Fall Conference is special for a number of different reasons. In InterVarsity land, it is often the official "end of NSO season." Much of the invitation that happens during the first few weeks of school is to get students to Fall Conference. It's pretty common for students who attend Fall Conference, especially those who make significant decisions to follow Jesus at Fall Conference, to be committed to the Fellowship for the rest of the year. Added to that, Fall Conference is special because we know that the Holy Spirit moves there. I've seen it with my own eyes. I've experienced it as a student and as a staff. Fall Conference changes lives in a really cool and powerful way.
Creighton is going to be having its Fall Conference this weekend, from Friday-Saturday. Megan, as interim Area Director for Nebraska, will be helping with conference logistics. I'll be with the kids but we plan on visiting after soccer on Saturday (#GoBlackWidows).
Would you please be praying for Fall Conference this weekend? Pray for the staff as they lead students. Pray for the students who will be in attendance and for those who are thinking about coming. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move at Fall Conference and that this will be a catalytic moment for the IV chapter. Pray for all the logistics, from travel to housing, to snacks. Pray that the kids (or me) won't miss Megan too much while she's gone. =0).
Have an excellent day!
~Adam