Balloon 26

Thank-you, Lord, for Charlie Lester.

I had the privilege of having Charlie pray for me a couple of weeks ago.

Prior to that I had not understood the power and feeling of having someone pray for me in my presence. I have been part of prayer in small and large groups, and have had people pray for me in their personal prayers. When Charlie prayed for me at a ministry leader meeting, it was a moving experience, and I finally got it.

Thank-you, Lord, for Charlie Lester.

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Balloon 25

Thank-you, Lord, for the morning bike/ride guys.

Thank-you for planting the idea to get a group of people out moving in the mornings to begin with, but more importantly, thank-you for the guys who have been joining me. Todd, Dusty, Mike, Mitch, Burt, Dan, Jason. I know I would not still be out biking and running if I didn't think they would be there waiting for me. I love the biking, I am coming around on the running, and with both I can feel myself getting stronger.

I pray you continue to give me the strength to improve myself, and keep the guys interested and showing up. I know the exercise and the comradery is good for us all.

Thank-you, Lord, for the morning bike/ride guys.

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Balloon 24

Thank-you, Lord, for a successful launch for Hope Johnston-Grimes.

What a fantastic start to another mission in building your kingdom. I don't think anyone on the team imagined we would have over 500 people in attendance. The way you work never ceases to amaze me. It is my understanding that many of the people in attendance do not currently have a church home. I pray that you send all of those people and more back to us next week and beyond.

We had been preparing for that day or a long time and were amazed at the blessing you gave us. We joyfully accept the responsibility and the privilege to be a blessing to others.

Thank-you, Lord, for a successful launch for Hope Johnston-Grimes.

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Balloon 23

Thank-you, Lord, for. Pastor Tom.

It has been a long time since I have seen Pastor Tom, but at one time we were pretty close. Tom was instrumental in my journey back to you, Lord.

I still remember the first time I met Tom. I had been looking for a place to start rediscovering you and attended Point of Grace church one Sunday on the suggestion of a co-worker. The next day, Tom was in the office for a meeting that I was not involved in, but he made a point to stop in my cube to introduce himself and thank me for attending on Sunday.

After that, we met often to talk about many things, I joined his morning seeker bible study, and on March 28, 2000, in Tom's living room, he helped me ask Jesus into my heart and my life.

Sadly, Tom and I grew apart, but as I write this blog, and think about my faith walk, I can't help but think about Pastor Tom and the role he played in my journey.

Thank-you, Lord, for Pastor Tom.

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Balloon 22

Thank-you, Lord, for this beautiful morning.

Wow, Lord. What a beautiful morning you provided for us today. The moon was bright, even as a waining crescent, the stars we brilliant, and the run was improved. If is were not for my wheezing and plodding footsteps, it would have been the perfect opportunity to gaze at your creation in wondrous silence.

Thank-you, Lord, for this beautiful morning.

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Balloon 21

Thank-you, Lord, for the opportunity you have presented us with Hope Johnston-Grimes.

At first I thought it would be a fun excuse to get out of my comfort zone and be a part of something from the beginning. It has turned out to be so much more. I know I am getting a better understanding of what it means to serve you and be a part of your Kingdom. Church is more than Sunday mornings. Prayer is for more than before dinner and at bed time. I am especially moved by the fact that the stress I should be feeling right now, as we are up against our deadline and not finished with all of our tasks, is virtually non-existent for me. I pray the rest of the team is not feeling any undue stress. I contend that it is the imperfections that will make the memories as we move forward in this adventure.

Thank-you, Lord, for the opportunity you have presented us with Hope Johnston-Grimes.

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Balloon 20

Thank-you, Lord, for my Grandma Castello.

I am still thinking about my Grandmas.

Grandma Castello left us less than two years ago, but she led a full life and left us with lots of memories.

We would travel to St. Louis every Thanksgiving and spend it at Grandma's house. Be it 1005 Lafayette or 1112 Marxkors.

I tried to help Grandma out with her specialty advertising business. She was patient with my in and out interest in the business. In the end, I made a few sales, but more importantly learned that I didn't want to go into sales.

Grandma used to take me golfing. I always enjoyed our time on the course. We didn't play nearly enough. The last few times we went out, she would only play a few holes, but it really wasn't about the golf.

Thank-you, Lord, for my Grandma Castello.

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Balloon 19

Thank-you, Lord, for my Grandma Willrich.

With the loss of Heather's Grandma, I got to thinking about my Grandmas. I know she is with you know, but I have many fun memories of Grandma Willrich.

Christmases at her house are the first to come to mind. Grandma was always good for a pair of sock and some cash. However, if you got a gift from Grandma with the tag written in all caps, you usually didn't want it. I don't think those were really from Grandma.

One time I was at Grandma's for some reason, I don't remember exactly why, but she took me to Stuart for dinner at the local diner. It seemed to me to be the best taco salad I ever had. I have since eaten at that place, and the taco salad wasn't as good the second time. I think it was the company I was with that made it so good.

Grandma went to be with you a week before my wedding. It was sad that she couldn't be there with us physically on our special day, but I know her spirit was with us.

Thank-you, Lord, for my Grandma Willrich.

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Balloon 18

Thank-you, Lord, for those who risk our lives to save others.

On 9/11, I was reminded of those who selflessly risk their lives to help other despite the danger. So many people died that day in an effort to save the people trapped in the buildings. Certainly some didn't know exactly how much danger they were charging into, but those who went into the second tower after seeing the first tower collapse had an amazing love for their fellow man.

Thank-you, Lord, for those who risk our lives to save others.

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Balloon 17

Thank-you, Lord, for this beautiful evening.

I have spent the last hour or so outside with my awesome boys this evening. Right now, Levi is reading, Ben is a puppy and Seth is eating a pencil. I guess I had better get that away from him before he hurts himself.

Thank-you, Lord, for this beautiful evening.

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Balloon 16

Thank-you, Lord, for the financial position you have put me in.

I know many times I think about what I could do if I made more money, be it more charity, more savings, more for the kids or just an improved lifestyle. However, last weekend you reminded me to be thankful for what I have. Sunday morning we went out to discover an issue with the van. After getting it fixed I thought about how thankful I was that an unexpected vehicle repair did not put our budget into a tailspin. Certainly I was frustrated that we had to deal with it, but thankful that we could handle it.

Thank-you, Lord, for the financial position you have put me in.

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Balloon 15

Thank-you, Lord, for my sister Libby.

Libby is my baby sister, a lawyer, soon to be a wife, and an awesome aunt.

Since Libby is the baby, she and I did not do much together as kids. She is the only sibling I remember being born. As I recall, grandma Castello came to stay with us while mom and dad went to the hospital.

I really enjoyed the few sporting events that I attended that Libby played in. I was most impressed with her soccer playing. A good leader of the defence and not afraid to mix it up anywhere on the field.

I had more fun playing sports with Libby. She joined us on the soccer field a few times. In one game we all learned she had an aversion to people diving to get a call. On another occasion we were playing volleyball together and she took a hard shot right in the face. After a few minutes, she was back in there without showing any fear.

I look forward to Libby's wedding in January. Sounds like it is going to be quite the party. I like that she is taking a different approach from what the typical ceremony is, but that is her attitude. She doesn't do what everyone else does just because "that is the way it is done".

Libby lives in California with her fiancee, Matt. Please be with them and keep them happy, healthy, and safe.

Thank-you, Lord, for my sister Libby.

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Balloon 14

Thank-you, Lord, for my brother, Jake.

Jake is my little brother, a husband, a coach, and a dad. Somewhere along the way I dubbed him "Jakey Poo Poo Head."

I should probably apologize for the mean big brother things I did to Jake, like handcuffing him to the swing and putting sand down his pants, playing bull fighter and running him head first into a wall, missing his spring football game due to excessive celebration of my 25th birthday the night before, to name a few.

Being the boys, Jake and I played together quite a bit, even though we are several years apart.

My biggest memory as kids was playing football in the yard. I was in junior high and had all of my football gear. I would wear the pants, and Jake would wear the helmet and shoulder pads. We would play our version of one-on-one football for hours. I like to think I had something to do with his later success on the football field. I know it really comes from his hard work and dedication.

I always enjoyed making the trip to Kirksville to watch him play football. Then go back to his place and hang out. I am not sure where it went, but we made a sign for him to hang on the fence at the field. I wanted to put his nickname on the sign, but my wife talked me out of it, lucky for him.

Jake is now married to Erin and has a boy of his own, Payton, and another kid on the way. Lord, please be with them all and keep them happy, healthy, and safe.

Thank-you, Lord, for my brother, Jake.

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Balloon 13

Thank-you, Lord, for my sister, Erin..

Erin is my younger sister, a wife, a coach, a teacher, and a mom.

I remember a time when we tried to get the nickname "Moose" to stick for Erin. Turns out mom was not a big fan of that nickname. In the end, we settled on "Bear". I do not remember how we ended up with that name, but it stuck, and to this day many of us still refer to her as "Bear."

Growing up, I have a few memories of playing together with Bear. One particular memory was an accident ... I think. I must have been 6 or 7 and she was 4 or 5. We were with a group of friends digging in the yard with the claw end of hammers. I guess we didn't give Erin enough room, and when she took a swing, she hit me squarely in the top of the head. I ended up in the doctor's office getting stitches, and I still have a dent in my head today.

In high school, we had separate friends and did not hang out much. I do remember watching her dominate the basketball court back in the days of 6 on 6 girls basketball. It always made me proud to see my sister be the star of the game.

Erin has become quite a volleyball coach. Some in southeastern Missouri even call her a legend. She met with success almost immediately when she became a head coach. Many times I have heard her say that her teams continue to exceed expectations. Her teams are regulars at the state tournament. I can't think of a better person to shape the lives of young women and teach them the lessons of team work.

Erin is now married to Dave and has a feisty little girl, Lexi. Lord, please be with them and keep them happy, healthy, and safe.

Thank-you, Lord, for my sister, Erin.

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Balloon 12

Thank-you again, Lord, for the courage to step out of my comfort zone.

I know I have talked about this one before, but you gave me the opportunity to take on a huge fear for me on Sunday.  I auditioned for the worship team at the new Hope Johnston-Grimes satellite.  With exception of the shower or the car, I have not purposely sang in front of anyone in at least 25 years.  Heather has encouraged me more than once to give it a try, but I was too scared.  Thanks to you, I finally gave it a try and did pretty good.  Thanks for Matt McNeese for his kind words of encouragement.  My talent did not knock him off his chair, but he did suggest that I had potential that could be developed in the choir. Maybe this was just a nice way to say you are not good, but you are not bad.  As nervous as I was to sing for Matt, I am equally excited to be a part of the choir and see how my voice grows.

Thank-you again, Lord, for the courage to step out of my comfort zone.

Balloon 11

Thank-you, Lord, for my wife's parents.

Certainly without them, Heather wouldn't be here.  They were quick to accept me into the family.  Sometimes we joke that I am their favorite kid and I am not even theirs. 

It is easy to see that they would do anything for family, to the point where it feels like we take advantage of them.  For example, Heather doesn't like to drive, and it seems she can get her dad to take her anywhere with even the weakest excuse.  Or when I forget tell Heather about an evening meeting, they are quick to watch to boys for us so neither of us has to miss our event.  This definitly makes life easier for me.

We definitly take advantage of their position as Grandparents.  There are weeks where I wonder if the the boys get confused as to who their parents really are.  Their willingess to let us take advantage of them allows Heather and I to participate in a lot volunteer opportunities which is important to us.

Gary has a lot of useful tools that he lets me use.  I am glad he will let me just drop in and take what I need to get the job done.  This makes it easier to get the honey-do list done without running into town to buy tools that I might only use once.

I know they are excited to build their dream log cabin in the woods. I hope they can realize their dream soon.  After raising three kids and giving them everything they need, to the point of spoiling them, they deserve something for themselves.

Thank-you, Lord, for my wife's parents.

Balloon 10

Thank-you, Lord, for my daddy.

My daddy is the best daddy in the world. 

I was born the day after Easter, 1973.  My dad was a high school math teacher at the time.  I am told all of his students would tease him that the Easter Bunny brought me.  A few years later he would take me to class with him to "teach" his students the shapes in geometry class.

Dad taught me how to work hard.  For a time he was a door to door insurance salesman.  I remember rubbing the bottom of his feet for luck some mornings before he went out.  It was hard work, but he was good at it; good enough to be able to provide everything we needed. 

One day as a kid, dad had sinus surgery.  I didn't intend for what I said to be funny, and it really wasn't a funny statement.  Of course, because it hurt to laugh, it was the funniest thing my dad had ever heard.  Dispite the pain, he couldn't stop laughing.  We still laugh at that statement today. 

Dad taught me sports, especially football.  I remember playing high school football and looking up into the stands.  All of the fans would be cheering except dad.  He would be standing on the top bleacher with his arms folded absorbing the game.  After my first varsity game my freshman year dad gave me a simple piece of advice that stuck with me the rest of my football career.  He told me he knew every time the play was to be a pass.  Apparently I had developed a habit of licking my fingers as I approached the line on a pass play.  After that conversation, I licked my fingers before every play.  A little gross, but I didn't give the play away.  My dad knows football.  Well, except for the fact that he is a Bears fan. 

The most important lesson my dad taught me was to take responsibility for my actions.  My junior year, after a football game, some friends and I had decided to get some alcohol and go camping.  We got caught.  When we went before the Good Conduct Panel at school, all of the other kids parents pleaded for mercy for their kids arguing that we were kids and just made a mistake.  Not dad.  When the panel asked what dad what he thought he simply said "throw the book at 'em".  I didn't like his answer even though I knew he was right.

My dad is a great dad.  I hope to be half the dad he is.  If there were more men in this world like my dad it would be a much better place.

Thank-you, Lord, for my daddy.

Balloon 9

Thank-you, Lord, for my mommy.

My mommy is the best mommy in the whole world.  She is patient, kind and loving.  I get my compassion from her.  She always did everything she could for me and my siblings.

She worked from home so she could be there for us after school.  I recall times when I thought I would like it better if she wasn't there when I got home from school.  Now that Heather stays home with our kids, I understand what a blessing that is.

She would make our lunch every morning so we would have a healthy meal.  Even when I was in high school she still made my lunch.  Some of my friends gave me crap about it, but I liked that she would do that for me.  A sandwich, some chips, a piece of fruit and a Little Debbie snack.  Maybe if that was all I had for lunch these days, I wouldn't be so fat.

At one point she tried one of those home party companies.  She really liked it, but it took her away from home in the evenings and our family didn't like that, so she quit.  This experience taught me that after you have kids, it is all about them.  I try to have that attitude with my own children.

I am still sorry I told her to shut-up in front of Mr. Davidson when I was in Junior High.  My grades went in the tank so bad and we didn't know why, but she still believed in me.  I turned things around in high school.

She taught me to be nice to everyone, even if it is hard to do so.  This lesson has served me well through my life.  Even when it is hard to be nice, it is easier than being a jerk and certainly less stressful.

She did her best to teach me about you, God.  Even when I went through my rebellious years and questioned your existence, she never gave up on me.  I know she was sad and disappointed, but she just kept praying for me and eventually I came back to you. 

I love my mommy.

Thank-you, Lord, for my mommy.

Balloon 8

Thank-you, Lord, for your nudge to push me out of my comfort zone.

It seems you have been doing this to me a lot lately.  A very powerful example happened today.

I am not totally comfortable praying out loud in front of and for others. With exception of the standard "Come Lord Jesus" dinner prayer and "Now I lay me down to sleep", I feel really awkward.  Today in our men's bible study, during the breakout session, we got on the subject of prayer and I shared my feelings on the subject and how I am trying to overcome my awkwardness.  At the end of the session our leader suggested that one person in each group pray for the other guys in the group.  Well guess who everyone in my group looked at to pray.  That's right, me.  So I did it, and it was awesome.  Once I started it just flowed as if you were speaking through me.  I felt like a pro and was very comfortable. 

Pushing my comfort zone most times turns out to be quite an experience.  I hope you continue to challenge me and give me the strength to follow through.

Thank-you, Lord, for your nudge to push me out of my comfort zone.

Balloon 7

Thank-you, Lord, for my parents.

Yesterday was my parents forty-first anniversary.  WOW.  You know the game they play at wedding receptions where all of the married couples get on the dance floor and the DJ slowly eliminates couples based years married starting with the newly weds.  Well mom and dad are close to winning that game.   I know I was excited when Heather and I got to stay on the floor when the DJ announced ten years.

My parents are an inspiration to me in my marriage.  It seems like it is getting harder and harder to find people who stay together for more than a few years. I have a great example of how a marriage is supposed to be very close to me.

As parents, they are great.  They gave us we needed, taught us right from wrong, to work hard, to take responsibility for our actions, to be friendly, and to love others.  Even though we were not an openly affectionate family, we all knew there was plenty of love in the home.

It is fun to see how their marriage evolves now that they have reached that life stage where all of the kids are gone.  New hobbies have emerged like drinking wine, smoking meat, bike riding, collecting yard gnomes or pigs, and most importantly, being grandparents. 

They are awesome grandparents.  They do so much with the boys. In fact, grandma is taking Ben to the zoo tomorrow.  He will be so surprised when she shows up at the door in the morning.  Sometimes I worry that we take advantage of there generosity in terms of watching the boys, but I am very thankful they are around to have fun with the boys.

Thank-you, Lord, for my parents.

Balloon 6

Thank-you, Lord, for baby Seth.

Seth is our "little fat baby."  Compared to his brother, he seemed huge.  Turns out he is average.  Straight up 50% tile.

I love how whenever I come home from work, he can't drop what he is doing fast enough so he can come running to see me.  He has just learned to walk so he comes running with that new toddler wobble, arms out, huge smile, and squealing with excitement.

He also has his mother's spirit.  Strong willed, he wants what he wants and he wants it now.  When he is in that mood, I usually let his mother deal with him so they can match wits.

He is learning so much now and talking a lot.  He is so polite.  He says "tank-oo" when he gives you something.  I think that really comes from us saying "thank-you" every time we take something away from him that he shouldn't have.  My favorite is when he shouts for Levi.  It sounds more like "EEEEE-IIIIII."  And he sings the ei-ei-o part of  Old McDonald.  Every day is something new and I can't wait to see how his personality develops.

Please give me the wisdom and patience to be a good daddy to him.  Don't let me screw him up.

Thank-you, Lord, for baby Seth.

Balloon 5

Thank-you, Lord, for baby Ben.

I know he is not a baby any more, but we still call him that, much to his displeasure.  He is such a little guy, with a mighty spirit.  He is so cute, and I think he knows it.  Why else would he try to push the envelope so far and just give you a sly little grin when caught. 

He is my outdoor guy. If he had his way, he would be outside all of the time.  I predicted that Heather would routinely find him asleep in the yard or on the play set this summer.  I was wrong.  Too much to do...no time to sleep.

He loves many of your creatures that he finds in the yard.  One day a neighbor brought over a bucket full of toads that he had retrieved from an egress window well.  Ben tried to carry all of them at once. His arms just weren't quite big enough for all of the toads.  The last one that couldn't get away, Ben aptly named "Toad Willrich"

Ben starts preschool next week.  What a fun adventure that will be for him.  He even gets to ride the bus to the school and back.  He was so disappointed last year when his brother got on the bus, but there was no bus for Ben.  Needless to say, he is very excited for this year.

Please give me the wisdom and patience to be a good daddy to him.  Don't let me screw him up.

Thank-you, Lord, for baby Ben.

Balloon 4

Thank-you, Lord, for those who will risk their lives for others.

If I were following the pattern that is emerging, I would be talking about Ben today.  There are no rules for this, so I am going to go a different direction today. 

As I returned home from an errand, all of our community's fire trucks were in the road and the fire fighters were at the neighbors house.  It was only a small electrical fire that was quickly contained with little damage, but it made realize how thankful I am for these folks.

There usually isn't a lot of adventure associated with our small town Fire and Rescue department.  It is strictly a volunteer department, though the City does pay a small stipend for their troubles.  All of their members give their personal time for hours and hours of training.  I know these people would be there in the event of a large fire or accident to help anyone in need, and for only $5 per call.  Truly these are brave people who do it for the love of others.

Thank-you, Lord, for those who will risk their lives for others.

Balloon 3

Thank-you, Lord, for Levi

I remember a time when I was quite sure I was not interested in having children.  I am so thankful that you changed my heart.  Levi is an amazing little boy.

The journey getting him here was difficult, mostly for his mother.  Several trips to the hospital, several weeks of bed rest, and a slightly premature birth.  Even thought he was 4-1/2 weeks early, we were blessed with a healthy baby boy.

He is definitely his mothers son.  This was reaffirmed today at the fair when, every time we passed a food stand with candy or ice cream or cotton candy, he wanted some, and was very adamant about it.

I can't believe the brain you put in that boy's head.  I learn something new every day.  Not just a lesson in fatherhood based on an experience, but an actual fact.  Chemistry, algebra, the solar system, the human body.  He reads like most people breathe.  When most kids go to sports camps, Levi spent two weeks at an algebra camp, and he loved it.  I pray I can provide what he needs to nourish his desire to learn.

As the first born, he is kind of like an experiment in parenthood.  Sometimes I think my expectations are too high.  With that brain, I tend to forget he is only seven.  Please give me the wisdom and patience to be a good daddy to him.  Don't let me screw him up. 

Thank-you, Lord, for Levi

Balloon 2

Thank-you, Lord, for my wife.

After more than 12 years together, 11 married, I still find my love for her growing each day.  I am still convinced that had we taken the personallity test our pastor gave us before we got married he would have advised us not to get married.  Our personallities were on oppisite ends of the spectrum.  As it turns out, we took the test after we were married and it was too late at that point.  In the end it is our differences that make us work.  It is so cliche, but she is the ying to my yang.

I still remember how supportive she was when I was working crazy hours trying to work my way up the ladder at the architecture firm.  I knew she hated it when I worked into the wee hours of the morning, but she was behind me all of the way.  Her support through those years made me who I am professionally today.

She is an awesome mother to our three boys.  I can't think of anyone who loves those kids more, except maybe me.  Without her, I would be lost trying to raise children.  Her knowlege and understanding of the child's mind  seems to make things easier when dealing with our kids, and probably me.

Thank-you, Lord, for my wife.

Balloon 1

We watched the video "99 Balloons" this morning in our men's bible study, Men Inspired, at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines.  Here is a link: http://youtu.be/th6Njr-qkq0.  The story is about a little boy, Elliot, who was diagnosed with Edwards Syndrome while in the womb.  The doctors predicted that he wouldn't make it to birth.  The story is a testament to the power of faith and prayer in that Elliot was not only born, but he lived for 99 days.  Elliot's parents chose to make every day with their little miracle a celebration and give thanks. It is easy to see the amount of joy Elliot's parents experienced even for the short time he was on this earth. 

The video made us all think about all of the blessings we have been given in our lives and we challenged ourselves to do something in the name of God for 99 days and see what happens.  I have chosen to create this blog and give thanks each day for one of the blessings in my life.  Many will be the obvious, some may be corny or whimsical, and others may deep or philosophical, although if you know me, philosophical thought is not a dominant characteristic I possess.  I don't really care if anybody reads my blog, it is really just a modern day journal that I am willing to share if others are willing to read it.

For day one...a summary...I am thankful for all of the blessing the Lord has given me.