When You're Tired...

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Matthew 11:28

Jesus' words are a source of rest and comfort. I've experienced the unforced rhythms of grace...it's amazing. Living in the world today though can be tiring. It's a fallen place...a lot going on. Again, I try and stay away from stuff like the news and such so I don't get focused on all the bad stuff happening. At the same time, I try and stay grounded in stuff like this from God's word.

I want to learn to live freely and lightly. I've done it to an extent...but I want to get better at it. Even though I know all these things...stuff still weighs me down. I get tired. If I'm physically tired, I tend to be spiritually and emotionally tired too. This weekend I played guitar in Fred-town...and though it's awesome...it is tiresome. I then went and played more guitar in the afternoon on Sunday...in preparation for next weekend's concert. At that point...I was exhausted.

After I got home Sarala and I went to the playground so her mom could rest (she's coming off being sick). We tried to fly an "Elmo" kite but there wasn't enough wind. We then played with some bubbles. Sarala was also tired...also coming off being sick. So, we came back home...played some more and God did something amazing. Through this little girl He gave us some laughter, joy...rest in the midst of our "tired-ness."

I'll let the video speak for itself.

And It Hit Me As I Took A Bite of French Toast...

Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.
Ephesians 5:17

I'm not a coach anymore. It's sad when I think about it. I got out of coaching primarily because of Sarala. I was gone way too much...the season lasted from October to March...but it's really all year-round because of camps, shoot-outs, tournaments, open gyms, etc. I still get asked about basketball by the local town-folks.

Yesterday morning I talked an older couple about AV girls' basketball as we ate our breakfast...we try and eat breakfast out every Saturday morning. We talked about the upcoming season...they wanted my outlook on things. I told them that we should continue to be successful because we've got a group of hard-working girls. I miss my kids...my team. We then talked about summer plans, Montana, gas...all kinds of things. What an opportunity to reflect Christ's love.

I love the relationships that I've built during my 5 seasons as coach. Parents, spectators, players, colleagues, and others have been supportive and great to get to know. I've decided that I'm not going to let the fact that I'm not on the sidelines anymore sideline what I need to be doing. I'm going to try and continue to build into people, maintain relationships, maintain the connections I've made over the past 5 years.

I've decided that I'm going to go to all the games...all home, most of the road, because the girls' playing the game are "my girls" and also I want to maintain relationships. What an opportunity! I'm trying to stay in tune with what God has got going on...I feel that I was in the position I was for a reason. My knowledge of the game allowed me to work in a position where I could positively influence a group of young people. They became like my kids because we spent so much time together. I'll definitely miss the people part of it...also...the craziness of the game I'll miss too. I can't lie...there's nothing like being 2 points down with seconds on the clock...with the ball on the sideline...running a play to perfection and getting the shot off as the buzzer sounds. Nothing like it.

So...live with some intentionality. The message from church last night coincided with my thoughts about this...gave me Ephesians 5. It's awesome how God does that. Seek God's will and see where it takes you. Get ready for a ride and...enjoy!

The Run of the House...or "Hizzle"

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
Colossians 3:15-17

I love the fact that we have some awesome truth around at all times...the Bible...Good Book.... It's got some good stuff to take note of. Take this passage for example...Paul is laying down some crazy simple truth here...keeping others encouraged. Two-thousand years later this applies to today, right now...my life in AV and your life wherever it may be.

We need to allow the peace of Christ keep us in tune with each other. Too often we get hung up on some of the stupidest things...trying to do our own thing. I also love how this is worded...cultivate thankfulness. I looked up this word...cultivate...in the dictionary and it says things like "foster the growth of; to improve by labor, care, or study; further; encourage." (props to Merriam-Webster Dictionary and its presence in my search toolbar)

We need to work at this whole thankfulness thing. We can become jaded...unappreciative of the things, people, and circumstances in our lives. This can lead us to not give God the "props" he deserves. I get caught up in the fact that I have to mow my lawn using a push mower. I have to remind myself everytime...EVERYTIME...that at least I've got a lawn to mow, the lawn mower to mow it with, and the ability to push it around. Thank you God. I also don't think about how much I really love my wife and baby girl until they're asleep and I'm here typing...blogging...reading. I need to be vigilant about making sure that the time that I spend with them is quality...not me just sitting in front of the TV occasionally entering the conversation. Now, that's not usually how I roll...but lately I've been tired and haven't played on the floor with Sarala or had a great conversation with my wife this past week. I need to fix that...and I have to make the decision to do so...each and every time.

Next, there's this phrase in the passage "Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives." I love the wording...have the run of the house. It needs to permeate every aspect of life...from the time I roll out of bed, get Sarala, watch a little Sesame, play, eat, go out into AV, drive, talk on the phone, blog...etc. You get the picture? We need to allow room for this to be present in our daily lives. Not just the weekends. We can fill up our lives with so much crap...I don't understand. I'm trying to make an effort to focus on a few things...do them well, and spend quality time where it's needed. Hopefully some of you are doing that...or will try this all out...being intentional about your time.

There are things that you "have" to do...like breathe, eat, sleep...yes, those require time that "must" be taken. Now, the rest of our days...we really don't "have" to do a whole lot...that's where we need to fix the idea in our minds...that a little downtime is okay...we don't need to fill it up. It can be tough at times...like tonight...being Friday, I figured we should be out doing something. But...Sarala just came off of a fever...and it was nice to just hang out at home...eat a great dinner (ribs) and watch a funny movie (National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation...which is on in June...?).

This last chunk of the passage just lays it out there...words for good living "Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way." This should be what we use as a filter for how we are going about our day. Are we directing others using good common sense...not always? Do we sing our hearts out to God...as long as no one is looking. Do we truly let every detail in our lives...words, actions, whatever, be done in the way of the master...giving glory to Jesus? Ask yourself these questions and see how your day stacks up against this. Try to do these things for a day and see what happens....

These pictures are a great example of how I feel about how God has blessed me. The fact that Sarala is in my life is something that has definitely cultivated a sense of thankfulness in my day-to-day stuff. Also, these blessings...the ability to go out and play with the dog and child...the weather...the fact that I love where I live...the everything...has caused me to sing...SING to God. And the fact that I get to do it on the weekends using my guitar or whatever...keeps me going. I love it. Have a great weekend y'all!

And Again I Wonder...Why Don't I Do This?

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Philippians 4:6-7

I have a habit about worrying about things. Not all the time...it just seems like I get hung up on stuff every now and then. The issue of finances...getting things done...are just some of the constant stuff. A present worry concerns my little girl. She's had this fever without any symptoms. It's been a little high for teething...so I don't know. We're just seeing how she does. She has been playing though...eating and staying hydrated. The pictures above show what she was doing yesterday morning as I was getting some cereal going. She decided that the "dog" needed a drink. Notice how the toy dog is "drinking" out of the real dog's water dish. How awesome is that...another example of why I keep my camera ready at all times.

I tend to worry about it before I pray. Why don't I do it the other way around? What?! It doesn't make sense sometimes...why don't I pray as soon as I begin to "fret?" I've prayed and I do feel a sense of peace...God has taken amazing care of little Sarala...He'll continue to do so.

Thank you God for all the blessings...little Sarala, her health, her being healed, everything.

How Much Did We Spend...?!

You've probably said this to yourself at some point..."We'll just run in...just get what we need and get out."

This is Wal-Mart we're talking about.

We decided to stop by Wal-Mart on our way home from Farm-town last night and ended up spending some money. $112 ended up being the damage...which isn't horrible, but it's more than we "planned" to spend.

If you notice...there's a large purple ball in the cart. This is for Sarala. We also picked up some bubble-making thing and some extra bubbles. Now, her stuff only added up to about $17...but everything else adds up. You'll also notice that there really isn't that much stuff in the cart. We got some drinks...Diet Mt. Dew, Sweet Tea, Juice...amongst other various food items. The prices of stuff have really gone up...the price of food to be exact. I was watching the news tonight and it's just depressing...the cost of food and gas going up...they talked about the stock market and how big companies like GM and GE are in trouble. This is exactly why I don't really watch the news. Too much focus on the bad.

So, it's time to focus on what's around us...and how we can affect the world around us.

Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God.
Philippians 2:14-15

Now, Paul is trying to get the people of Philippi pumped up...motivated to keep on "keepin' on." This is just another example of the time-less truth that can be found in God's word. It's up to us to not focus on the news, the economy, the price of Diet Mt. Dew, the price of milk, the price to fill up a vehicle ($50 for the Bravad-o)...etc. It's time to do everything readily and cheerfully...we need to be that breath of fresh air in a world that so badly needs it.

You'll see the effects if you do this...God will work and awesome-ness can occur. We need to provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. He's alive and doing things. We just need to be intentional in how we go about our day...even if we're at Wal-Mart dropping cash like crazy...be joyful. God has blessed us with the ability to do what we do (teach for me) which in turn gives me money (to spend on Diet Mt. Dew). In the words of the late Tupac Shakur..."Keep ya head up!"

Oh, you'll also notice how it seems like I had my camera on me...Yes...I'm trying to always have my camera around so that I can capture the awesome-ness of the experiences happening around me...;)

Tipi...My Daughter Says Piti (Peetee)

Here are some pictures of Sarala around a tipi. The bottom pictures are real tipi's from our Montana trip. The pictures below are of a tipi that is currently a part of our living room landscape. I want Sarala to grow up with the knowledge that she's part of a Native American family...she's my little indian baby...;)

The Chuck-It...

If you have a larger dog and don't have a "Chuck-It", you need to get one. It's this plastic handle thing that allows you to throw a tennis ball a lot further than you would by using normal throwing abilities. It also allows you to pick up the ball without getting all the slobber and stuff on your hands. This is pretty much what we do on a daily basis...take Sarala and Montana out and about and let them run around. Sarala loves to play with the dog. She'll try to throw the ball using the Chuck-It...but it's almost bigger than she is.

Use your free time wisely. Get out there and enjoy the sun, weather, God's creation.

The Letters on the Fridge...

It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
Ephesians 1:11-12

The picture at the beginning of this post still blows my mind...how small and sick Sarala was. She didn't have anyone to hold her, love her...it's hard to think about. This was the first picture we ever saw of her. Beautiful! I fell in love from that moment. The second picture shows her as of right now...2008, almost two.

I love the wonder in Sarala's eyes as she experiences things on a daily basis. These letters are a new thing for her. She has a blast being able to move them around...she'll move them from the front of the fridge to the side. I thank God for the chance to spend time with Sarala. Her story is one that will serve as a continual reminder that God has His eyes on her...has HAD His eyes on her. He's got a plan for glorious living...she'll find out who she is (a child of God...loved) and that she's got a part in what God's doing around her and through her. I pray that I can guide her and be the best that I can be for her.

These letters...it's just another example of how God has healed her...performed a miracle. She was so sick...wasn't projected to be able to do much of anything.... I love the curiosity, the words she's learning daily, the excitement, the ability to do what she does...I love it all.

Thank you God for taking care of Sarala.

Slow Down and Enjoy!

Read the following...Psalm 96 from The Message translation:

Sing God a brand-new song!
Earth and everyone in it, sing!
Sing to God—worship God!

Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea,
Take the news of his glory to the lost,
News of his wonders to one and all!

For God is great, and worth a thousand Hallelujahs.
His terrible beauty makes the gods look cheap;
Pagan gods are mere tatters and rags.

God made the heavens—
Royal splendor radiates from him,
A powerful beauty sets him apart.

Bravo, God, Bravo!
Everyone join in the great shout: Encore!
In awe before the beauty, in awe before the might.

Bring gifts and celebrate,
Bow before the beauty of God,
Then to your knees—everyone worship!

Get out the message—God Rules!
He put the world on a firm foundation;
He treats everyone fair and square.

Let's hear it from Sky,
With Earth joining in,
And a huge round of applause from Sea.

Let Wilderness turn cartwheels,
Animals, come dance,
Put every tree of the forest in the choir—

An extravaganza before God as he comes,
As he comes to set everything right on earth,
Set everything right, treat everyone fair.

Look...check out these pictures and think about the words above:










The photos above were taken by me in California, Montana...and yes...the beautiful Arcadia Valley.

Think about this:
This weekend we played this song called "God is with us." There is a bridge in the song that goes:

In the Autumn leaves, in the Summer sky, All around the world, I see the signs...He lives, Jesus lives...When Winter fades into the Spring, In you and me, in everything...He lives, our Jesus lives...

This song got me thinking about how God is with us...always. All around us. You look at nature, the clouds, animals, your baby girl doing amazing things, flowers (Sarala says "flou flou's"), the wonder of a small child, friends, a cold glass of Diet Mt. Dew, mountains, the ocean, the cross, the ability to play guitar, chicken wings, DVR, the moon, play, rest, love...it's ALL from Him.

Life can get crazy. It can be tough. We need to remember that God is with us...always and everywhere. The beauty is all around us, we just need to slow down and check it out. That's the hard part, especially in the way our world runs today. I feel extremely lucky since I don't have to work this summer...I get to slow down and spend time with my family. I've also been trying to do a better job at keeping God in on my thoughts...as much as I can. He's blessed me with so much...us with so much. The fact that we can enjoy something called Summer...it's awesome. Bravo God!

So remember, take some time to slow down...pay attention to God in everything and everywhere. Remember...He is with you...always...even when it doesn't feel like it. Thank Him for all the blessings and the fact that we get to enjoy so much...pray that He'll help us live lives that glorify him....

Picking "Flou Flou's"

Sarala calls flowers "flou flou's." I love it. Saturday's are great days...mostly because we really don't "have" to do much. I've made it a point to go out to breakfast with my wife and baby girl every Saturday...regardless of what's going on. This isn't as expensive as it could be since we go to Fort Davidson and get the "special." We talk to people, eat, and then usually go do whatever it is that we're going to do. Today we took Sarala and Montana to the park. They love the park...it's pretty much what I've been doing every day since we've been home from Montana.

Sarala loves to just walk around. She'll walk up and down things...that's the new thing. The dog loves to catch the frisbee or I'll use the "chuck-it" and we'll play with a tennis ball. As we were doing our thing this morning...Sarala noticed the "flowers" on the ground. Now, these are weeds...but she calls them "flou flou's." I guess that's how you'd spell it...because if it was "flow flow", that's something else entirely.







I guess what I'm trying to say with this whole thing is enjoy your weekend, if you have one regularly. I've made it a point since college not to work on Saturdays if I can avoid it. I was tempted to mow the lawn, but I can do that Monday, providing the weather isn't rainy or killer-hot. So, enjoy the summer...enjoy the weekends...play. Have fun. Pay attention to the FLOU FLOU's as Sarala would say.

Once again...it's back to ol' reliable...

You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
Matthew 5:5

I had to rely on my 1990 Toyota Camry again this week. We were getting some things repaired on the Bravad-o since it wasn't running so well (trying to make sure we're getting the BEST MPG's). There is a part of me that loves the thing since it's the car I had in college...undergrad...which means I've had it for probably 8 years now. Then, there's the part of me that hates driving it around. Why? Mainly because it's old. Stupid! Especially because it does get far superior MPG's than our Bravad-o does. I can get self-conscious when I drive it...because it can be the oldest car in the parking lot...it depends on where I go. We took it to the city last summer and found that it does get 26 MPG's...not bad for being as old as the graduating class of 2008. It was definitely the oldest car around though...;) I had to fight the desire to feel stupid as we went about our business in the Page Avenue area.

I had to wrestle with being content. I wrestled with it again this week...even today. I do this from time to time...and I do know that I should be content. God has blessed me with so much. It's the worldly stuff that pulls me away from focusing on my blessings and has me focusing on the fact that my car is ultra-old and yeah...I've got the ability to get something new. That's the tough part...but it wouldn't be good stewardship of my funds right now. We're living with only a house payment right now...and finishing up repaying some student loan action. So, we're maintaining the Camry. This way we'll be closer to having the ability to do whatever if God leads us in a certain direction.

This contentment thing can be rough on you. It hit me especially hard this week as Wednesday was payday. I know this seems small and trivial in light of things happening in people's lives...but these are thoughts that went through my head. We went to Wal-Mart in the Camry to load up on essentials. I saw a Wii that I've got the money for. I struggled with not coming out of there with it. I roll old school...the original NES...so it'd be nice to upgrade (I do have an x-box...but it too is a little old;) So...there it is.

It's times like these that God's word can help me refocus my thought-life. The words of Jesus are so right. I want to be content with who I am. God created me the way I am. It's me lining up with how He sees me and how He created me. When that happens, the blessings come and yes...they're usually the stuff that money can't buy...no Wii's. It's in these moments that I enjoy all of the stuff that can't be bought. I look at my baby girl...and just the fact that she's in my life...I'm incredibly blessed. I look at my little house...the fact that I've got a home...I've got a lawn to mow, even if it has to be done with a push mower. I look at my wonderful wife, my job, dog, guitars, abilities, friends, family...the list goes on. Who cares that I've got an 18 year old Camry...it does the job.

Oh...the days of Summer!

One of the bonuses about teaching is that you get summer break, like the students. Now, providing that I'm not needing the income...I take full advantage. I made the "mistake" of working summer school for three summers...it isn't something that I'd recommend. I haven't worked summer school since Sarala has been here and I wouldn't have traded...or trade...that time for anything.

Crystal has been working summer school though...so that leaves me playing the role of Mr. Mom. I've done this before, when Sarala first arrived...due to Crystal being a full-time student. I was able to take (P)aternity leave...not (M)aternity leave from school last spring.

These pictures illustrate perfectly what life has been like in the Buckman household...since we returned from Montana anyway:


Sarala enjoys scary things...like walking up and down this stump...with me close-by of course


Sarala enjoys eating...and sharing...her "bears." I've been taking her and Montana the dog to the park pretty regularly...they love it...as do I


Notice the purple sand...




I've been experimenting with my new camera...the ol' moon shot...not the type of "moon" that some of you think of when you hear "moon shot";) They've turned out pretty good...here are three examples from the other night, the night when the full moon was supposed to seem bigger than usual...I guess it was bigger





Crystal and I are very blessed. God is pretty amazing. We have an incredible little girl...and just the fact that I don't have to work makes the blessings more evident. Sarala is growing and learning...and it's crazy to watch. Sad, yet awesome. She's growing up.

I was doing some reading and came upon this verse...

How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.
Ephesians 1:3-6

I can attest to the first four lines...
"How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is!" Notice the !'s.
"...takes us to the high places of blessing in him." I experience this...or try and take notice of it...on a daily basis.
"...the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love." I've been made whole...since he's filled the "hole" that all of us have.

I also love how it says that he decided to "adopt" us into his family through Jesus. Sarala's adoption is complete...and I love her so much, I can't imagine or even fathom the love that we get from God.

So...try and look for the blessings in your lives. You've got them...even when you don't think so. God loves you. We can't imagine or even try to understand...there's peace that comes from remembering this. You've been made whole. Stop trying to fill up your life with stuff that won't do the job. Remember...

How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is!

Tomorrow is Friday folks...which means I'll play in the sandbox with Sarala, go to the park, and then take a nap...providing the weather doesn't keep us inside....

How Small Are They Going To Get...?

Celtics Basketball = Beautiful!

I haven't watched NBA basketball in a long time...a couple years to be honest. When your a high school basketball coach...you've pretty much had enough basketball once March Madness ends.

I've been watching this year's NBA Finals between the Celtics and the Lakers and it has me loving NBA basketball once again. It's got me yelling at the TV...pumping the fist;)

Specifically, I'm loving the Boston Celtics. They play defense and do a pretty good job of it. The intensity and desire...you could see it in their body language as they won the championship tonight in stunning fashion. They destroyed the Lakers. Wow!

The ball movement, defense, execution of offense, awareness, shooting, rebounding...they just flat out-played the Lakers. The game is being played the way it's supposed to be played. It makes me miss coaching basketball...the craziness of district championships and state sectional games. The chance to lead a group of kids to play to their potential...there's nothing like it. In my five years of coaching I was involved in three district championship games (we won 2 of those 3) and 2 state sectional games (lost both to a St. Louis team...which that team went on to get either 1st or 4th in state). There isn't much that can match it. I love it. We didn't end out our season this year like we wanted...but still...it was a great season. A good year to go out on...23-5.

Doc Rivers is a great coach with a great group of players under him. It makes the fact that they won even better...!

A Start...

I'm in the process of doing something with all of the Montana pictures and video. My computer is being slow though...so I'll start with this and post more later. The background music throughout the video is the David Crowder Band...I was going to put this information on the credits but the stupid-ness of the computer got the best of me and I called it good....

A Fun Summer...

Our little girl is growing up. She'll be two in August. It's crazy, sad, yet awesome all at the same time. She's learning so much with us around...meaning she's not at daycare nor am I teaching right now. What a way to spend a summer eh? Eh...like the Canadians say.

Okay...since she's growing up, we're beginning to get into some discipline issues, since she understands what she's doing and is also testing us. We don't spank and are doing the time-out thing. Our plan is consistency. Her time out only lasts seconds...but she understands that it takes her out of the action. So, I was reading and came across this as I was thinking about Father's day:

Parents, don't be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4

I love how the Bible is full of wisdom...timeless wisdom as well as everyday, practical stuff. My prayer is that I don't screw up and that I'll do right by our little girl. I want our relationship to be healthy. I want to be around. I want to raise her knowing about God...the fact that God loves her and she is God's baby.

Her life before she came to live with us was very different. She was completely alone. She had her social worker, the various nurses, and a foster mom that took care of her. That wasn't her home though. Through that time I prayed that she would be comforted, that God would take care of her. I love that she has the story that she does...a miracle baby that God has some big plans for. I pray that I can guide her along that path.

I pray that this verse from Romans resonates in her life, soul, and her journey....

This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children.
Romans 8:15-16

I Love This...

This is an older youtube video...but I happened upon it again and it's still awesome....

Father's Day 2008 is Upon Us...

Father's Day has always been a weird day for me. My dad passed away when I was six years old...so I've never really had a father that I got to know. There was a span from age six to age thirteen where there wasn't a consistent father figure present. Therefore...I missed out on a lot of the things that a father would teach his son. Thus I've never really hunted, fished, got into sports. I had to learn all I know myself. My older brother filled that gap as much as he could...he would take me fishing, out hunting horns, hunting...but he wasn't into the sports stuff. My mom tried, but there is a definite necessity for a father in a child's life. I am a father though and this is my second Father's Day. I'm enjoying fatherhood. I'm making an effort to be around for my little girl.

This day set aside for father's got me thinking about some stuff from God's word.

I hope your Father's Day is a good one...have fun!

This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children.
Romans 8:15-16

I love the the way this is worded ...adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. We, as followers of Christ, are part of a family larger and greater than anything we can imagine. I pray that I can consistently ask "What's next, Papa?!" We are God's children and he's our Father. Therefore, we needn't worry about things. He's got things under control. He's got things planned for us that are better than what we can come up with...it's a matter of choice that we look to Him for what's next.

How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.
Ephesians 1:3-6

This is just a reminder that He's got us in mind...and has had us in mind. So, again...we probably shouldn't waste our time worrying about too much.

You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.
Ephesians 4:4-6

We need to remember to encourage each other...we're all headed down the same road and in the same direction. Now, this doesn't mean we all need to be the same necessarily, but we are all part of the family.

Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. "Honor your father and mother" is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, "so you will live well and have a long life." Fathers, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.
Ephesians 6:1-3

This is just one of those passages that you've probably heard in messages around Father's Day. It's a good reminder for living well and long...leading our kids in the way of the Master.

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
Colossians 3:14-16

So...being part of this family...we are need to dress a certain way...compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, and discipline. If you notice, all of things are great things to use as filters for life.

So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives. Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy."

You call out to God for help and he helps—he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living.

Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.
1 Peter 1:16-21

We need to live a life energetic and blazing with holiness...I love that! God's a good father...as well as a responsible father. We need to remember this and look to Him for our future and present lives.

Walk...better yet...run!

In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
Ephesians 4:1-3

I'm sitting here on a Saturday, chillin' in the A/C...and thought I'd write about something that I just recently read.

I love how this begins with Paul encouraging us to run, not walk, on the road that God has called us to. Only then will we experience life the way it is intended to be. Keep in mind that Paul is said to have written Ephesians while in prison in Rome. Now, the hard part is doing this with a sense of discipline and humility. It's tough to keep quiet when someone is saying things about you that aren't true. It's tough to remain humble when your character is attacked. It's tough to remain disciplined about talking to God about things and keeping him in on your thoughts and actions. It's tough to stay on track...I find myself strolling off somewhere on occasion.

I struggled with this a bunch right before school ended. I tried to maintain a conversation with God about the things that were going on. I think that things went the way they did because of this. Also, I think it helped that I had a quick getaway to Montana to relax and refresh. My trip to Montana allowed a time of renewal...I'm ready for what God has ahead this summer.

The circumstances surrounding the end of the school year make it crazy for everyone...without the added stress of unnecessary drama. It is passed though...and I'm really trying to stay on the path with a sense of consistency.

Use these words as a filter for what's going on in your life. This passage coupled with a bunch of others from God's word will help you keep going...running down the road.

Hopefully you've discovered your path.

My Own Theme Music...

So, I am walking through Wal-Mart and I hear this ethereal music playing. I think...where is it coming from? Now, before I go any further...let me explain.

There is this aisle in the store that has music. It's not music that goes with the music department...it is by itself. You know the aisle...the one with all the candles in it. There's a panel that is surrounded by various cd's. These cd's include Irish tunes played on piano, classical music, yoga music...etc. Nestled amongst these various musical choices is a Native American cd. It has a tipi on it. I don't know who plays on it...what it's all about...but it seems to always play while I'm near. I tell Crystal that it's the music of my people.

Haven't you ever thought of what your own theme music would be if it played as you went about your day? Would it reflect your moods or be an all-time type piece? There's this movie titled "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka" which is a parody of a period of African-American movie genre. There's a scene where one of the hero's has his own theme music...like Shaft. There are two of them walking down the street and one of them has a bunch of guys following behind...the one guy asks "Who are these guys?" The old school hero replies "They're my theme music. Every hero's got to have some." How awesome is that?

Haven't you ever thought...I need my own theme music playing as I stroll into...wherever. Now, I don't know if it'd always be native music for me...it could be other stuff too.

So, to end this thing...think about it. What would your theme song be?

Mine would currently be "Soak it up" by Warren Barfield or "New Day" by the Robbie Seay Band.

Ever had one of these days?

Have you ever had a day where things didn't start out just right...the way you envisioned? Now, I awoke this morning to our little baby saying "Daddy? Daddy?!" My head hurt so I knew it that the morning wasn't going to go too well. The headache quickly turned into a migraine and thus my whole day was "shot"...;)

COMM-U-N-I-T-Y...

I think that the activities of summer can be amazing. Take flying a kite for instance...even though it was about 60 degrees...we had fun trying to get the Sesame Street kite to fly. It was great to go back to a park where my friends and I went sledding in winter and played frisbee, folf, grilled food, and went ice blocking when it was not winter. Summertime fun can be amazing in and of themselves for the joy that can come from them (t-ball, kites, baseball, hiking, camping, grilling, washers, fishing...) and then from the fact that those same activities can be awesome opportunities for building relationships with people.

Take t-ball for example. Now, I currently don't have a t-baller in my household (I imagine I'll be involved before I know it...) but I've got friends who have t-ballers. That's what the Buckman's did tonight...cheer on some t-ballers. The conversations behind the backstop are perfect for people to share Christ with others. This can be done by simply talking and listening with people, getting to know them on a deeper level. Talking about vacations, dreams, stuff that has been happening...etc. Sharing the things that God has done and living our lives honoring God. After the game we went with a group to Sonic to have some ice cream, and there the conversations continued. The weather was great...

So, be intentional about sharing the life that God has blessed you with when you are hanging around ball parks with softball, baseball, or t-ball. You can encourage other Christ-followers in their own journeys, or you can share life with those who don't know Christ. Listen.

My Stupid Flip Flops...

I think that when you get dressed in the morning, you’re really making a decision about your behavior for the day.
Like...if you put on flipflops, you’re saying:
‘Hope I don’t get chased today.’

- Demetri Martin

Or...if you wear flip-flips...you could may also add...Hope I don't have to run through an airport today...;) The trip was pretty awesome overall. The only part that won't qualify as great...but will certainly qualify as memorable...were any of our dealings with the airport...in pretty much any capacity.

We returned home from Montana yesterday. Sarala took a huge nap this afternoon and will hopefully get some much needed rest. Crystal and I just hung out...tried to relax and curb any desire to go anywhere. My body is used to being super busy...thus the time being midnight and all. It is only approaching midnight mountain time. That whole time change thing too...though not a huge change...is still something that I adjusted to being in Montana for 11 days.

Now, the weather in Minneapolis, which is where we connected, was terrible. The plane had to circle for an hour, which made us late for our connecting flight to Montana, and we also had thoughts of..."Is this it?" Seriously though, the turbulence was unsettling and the captain wasn't too reassuring. We had all of 10 minutes to make it from the gates 'G' to a gate 'C'. If that doesn't tell you anything...we had to run! Since I did not anticipate any sort of running...I was wearing flip flops...not the best for running in ANY situation.

A guy in one of those golf cart-type things saw us and picked us up after we had run for a little bit. Imagine carrying a small child + stroller (Crystal), and two carry-on bags (Wade). Wasn't exactly how I wanted to begin the trip. We did make it though...as I am alive typing this and recounting...and we made it to our connection. It was immediate...as I sat down...we taxied out and took off. Then, as we landed in Montana...the stupid door wouldn't open so we couldn't get off...we had to hang for about ten more minutes.

The days between the airport experiences were busy and a B-A-L-S-T. We have a friend to thank for the word balst ;) We arrived to the airport on the way out thinking...small airport...we have plenty of time. We got there an hour early and the security line was HUGE! It turns out that the early morning flights make for busy times in Billings, since a couple planes are all getting out of there within minutes of each other. I stayed optimistic though.

Wouldn't you know that our flight was "closed" as we were in line. Then...we heard the exciting Final Boarding Call...Northwest Airlines flight whatever to Minneapolis! If that doesn't get you going at 6 am?! I happened to be randomly selected and the TSA went through my carry-on. Now, I told Crystal to go ahead without me. At that point...I heard that the plane was leaving in four minutes. The Northwest desk guy asked if anyone else was going on that flight...the only one being me, and he said we had to go. He said that we had thirty seconds. Seriously?! 30 seconds? We ran from there to the plane itself. He carried the stroller and I had my bag. Again...I sat down and we taxied out. So much fun....

Then, our plane from Minnesota to St. Louis was overbooked. I figured at that point...whatever happens...it's all good. We'll just extend the vacation a little longer. We made it home though and it's great to be here. That's about all I can get out right now...the tired is now beginning to affect my thought process and word choice abilities. Time for sleep.

Fun, fun times. We won't be traveling anywhere on a plane for a little bit.

I Is Back

Well, the Buckman's are home. It's been awhile since I've had a chance to just sit down and post. I've truly been away from civilization for awhile...computers anyway. It was kinda weird to just disconnect from the blog and e-mail like I did. Just sitting down is something I haven't done in two weeks. It's really hard to not want to go anywhere. We did it though...hung out at home today and just rested. Crystal and I watched some TV while Sarala slept. She's exhausted. I should've taken a nap but I would've been down for the count...which is why I don't normally nap.

Montana was amazing. I never fully appreciated the mountains, nature, animals, all the stuff that comes to mind when you think of Montana. I missed it so much. Also, I got a chance to re-identify with a side of myself that I haven't seen in awhile (a side that loves nature and loves to be out in it...the "indian-ness"). It's too hot in the summer for me here...but I've decided I'm going to try and make more of an effort to get outside and check some stuff out. Well, time to continue to chill...literally, and then I'll post some pictures and stuff in the coming days.

I used to live here...in the town, not necessarily in the buildings in the picture...but I did live in an apartment complex to the south of this picture...;)

The Wonder...

For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me.

Matthew 18:2-5

I love the wonder in Sarala's face. We took her to the zoo yesterday, and to a wildlife refuge on Monday. She loves animals. She saw many new animals, like elk, buffalo, bears, eagles...and learned new words and sounds as a result. This wonder is also reflected in the people she meets. She is accepting and loving...regardless. She met some of my family for the first time and took to them like she knew them. It was awesome to watch.

What happens to the rest of us that makes loving people so hard? Yes, people can hurt you and can be very stupid, but at the same time...we need to love them. Now, that doesn't mean look past hurts or things like that...but love the person. Forgiveness can be tough and is something that I struggle with now as I type this.



Well, now we're off to the store to pick up some things for dinner. Sarala loves to go "bye-bye" now...loves to check out everything. We're going to Bozeman tomorrow so I hope she can see some animals as we go into the mountains.