New Office

I have a problem. I know, I know...you already knew that fact. This problem has to do with my new office. It's not just that I have a new office, it's that this is my 4th office in 2 1/2 years on staff at First Christian Church. Sad part is that I have not fully unpacked in any office. I just don't know what to do with the stuff to make it look good. I'd just assume show up to Starbucks and let their decor become mine. I actually painted 1 of those offices 3 times because I didn't know how to choose the right colors to go together. Thankfully I had an assistant with some abilities (thank you Reena).

Well, here I am at my new office (for 2 months) and it still looks pathetic. Oh well...I'll look at it from the bright side...maybe I make this office look good. In my mind, problem solved.

If You've Got it All Figured Out

An ode to the ones who have it all figured out...by Scott A. Rosen

Good luck with that.

The end.

Some Things You Just Can't Make Up

There's a true story I just have to tell.

Last week my wife went on a 5 day trip to be refreshed before this next baby comes. I was so excited to give her time she needed. The first two days she was gone, I had to split my time with the kids at home and at the office in some meetings.

Here's where the story get's interesting. My meetings on day one took more time than I anticipated and my 5 year old was missing me :). He decided to get the phone and call my cell phone which he was sure would be the same number as our address. The first two numbers are 9-1. He dialed the 9 and the 1 and proceeded to hit the #1 again. When he did not get the response on the other side he anticipated he left the phone on and dropped it on the couch while he and the others kids played and screamed. You think you know where this is going don't you.

Shortly after, a knock came at the door. And, yes it was a man dressed in fine official gear asking if someone called 911. When my oldest found the phone and showed it to the officer he politely saw it was an innocent situation and asked a simple question. "Where are your parents?" Quick with her wits, she told him that "Mom is not here and my dad is on his way home from work." This reply satisfied the officer and he left. I quickly got a phone call and thankfully was on my way home.

I decided that this was a story that just had to be shared in my sermon on Sunday morning. I told the story and people just howled in laughter. If this was the end of the story it would have been great...but it's not! After the 3rd service ended and the kids were herded, we proceeded out to the parking lot with the other 3 families left in the building. The 5 year old decided to try and outdo himself and go #1 in an outside drain. I was able to stop him and take him inside to finish business while the others got settled in the van.

When I returned with the boy, I found my kids laughing with a family I did not know (always makes me suspicious) and since I wasn't in a hurry, I decided to be friendly and join the conversation. Once everyone got settled down from the laughing my oldest gave me a sheepish look with a smile and proclaimed, "Daddy, this is the officer that showed up at our door!"

Seriously, you cannot make this stuff up! The officer and his family only come to church as often as he does not work on Sundays and this was one of them. Funny thing is that he was taking a phone call in the lobby while I was telling the story and didn't know what had happened until his wife shared the story and he saw my oldest at the car. Amazing. Simply amazing!

Humilty Matters

I spent time today (well spent time I might add) at a friend's house. The circumstances were a birthday party with 4 girls, the dad and myself. Dad and myself hung out in another room. We would have ruined the whole thing anyhow.

We talked about normal guy stuff until he mentioned his side business he does with stock trading. Now, you have to understand of whom I speak. He is a theology chair of a local university, a Princeton grad, Oxford graduate and doctorate acheiver, and has spent time all over the world. His dad was even led to Christ by Bill Bright of Campus Crusade. This guy has all kinds of credentials by this culture's standards. But you would never know it from spending time with him. He is a kind and quiet person that is genuinely interested in your life.

Anyhow, after digging a little bit about the side business he goes to his office and comes back with a book. A book written by him. A book written by him published by a not so obscure publisher. I was shocked. This guy never ceases to amaze me...mostly because he doesn't try.

It's made me think again about the role of humility in a follower of Jesus Christ. What way to live. No wonder Jesus was so liked. Humility shapes you to love others for their sake and not your own. I'd like a drink of that cup please. Right now, it really matters.

Together is Better

At home, we have established a new method of getting things done...teamwork. I know the concept has been around for a long time...call us late bloomers.

We have begun doing what is called "The Walkthru" Basically we take two times a day (and as needed) to gather the troops to start in a corner of the main floor and like a locamotive, we get the cleaning job done fast and well. We have found it brings us closer together as a family. In the past we have done some chores individually but that has led to a lot of comparing of who does what and it takes longer. Not to mention the tons of management.

As I have reflected on this little change that has brought great harmony, I have wondered what else at home, in ministry, friendships, and life could we engage to bring teamwork and harmony.

Any ideas?

New Life Lessons

I was on my way home tonight from work. The wifey was at a woman's gathering and the kids were building forts in the living room. Everyone was content...until kid #4 forgot to flush his #2 and kid #6 wandered away from #'s 1,2,3, and 5. What happened next is not unfamiliar to the most rugged of parents but it did teach us a few lessons. You know what happened don't you? No need to bring details. I'll just let your imagination finish the story.

What were the lessons?

Lesson #1 - Always flush.
Lesson #2 - Always know where #6 is at.
Lesson #3 - When lessons # 1 and 2 are not followed turn your head and laugh hysterically.
Lesson #4 - Love covers a multitude of...sin.

Good lessons...good family...good times.

Change is a Comin'

Ch...ch...ch...ch...ch...changes. Change is a constant for most of us these days. I'd have to say that change is certainly constant in my family. This next month poses quite a few changes for the Rosen's.

#1 - We're starting new homeschool curriculum.
#2 - I'm changing my schedule at work so that I'm doing a better job of discipling my family and discipling people at the church...We hope.
#3 - We've restarted our whole food business called Juice Plus+.
#4 - We're looking for a new home.

All of this is a response to what we think is the next step of faith for our family. This has been an exciting time of change. I'm more stoked about life than ever.

Maybe we're out of our minds...maybe we are "filled" with faith. Regardless it's change.

I'll keep updated as time goes by which it is.