Well we have returned from a great visit to my Mom and Dad's. Got to spend great time with my Nephew's Mark and David and see some old friends with a trip down memory lane at a swim meet last Thursday night. Also worked to get my Mom and Dad's computer up and running and clean up some of the issues they were having. This trip was one of the things I really wanted to do with my new found free time and the trip was better than planned for sure.
Now as I return home. My wife spent many hours putting the finishing touches on our new "little" home. It is amazing that we went from a 3500 sq ft house to a small two bedroom apartment and we are finding plenty of room for our stuff. I can tell you the cleaning and maintaining of our little house is so much easier, I really like it. Jodi put that speical touch with pictures and decorations that made it comfortable. The girls are settling into their bunk beds and sharing a room pretty well, it is a big change for them. But by the laughing and giggling coming from the room at night when the lights go out it can't be all bad. Do you remember those days if you shared a room with a sibling? So now its time to start slowly thinking about whats next.
God has told me, "one day at a time". I will honor that. Yesterday Jodi and I went to Wells Fargo and set up a bunisess account for her business. She has been successful in gaining some pretty good accounts and it is time to take it to the next level. We have hired our first employee, well second if you count me, our cousin Jon to help work the cities as he begins to use his degree to gain some experience. I also spent the night getting our credit card reader set up so we can now take cards off my Ipad and speed up the payment process greatly. This is all very exciting. My heart is being lead to this and it is where I feel God wants me to put my time. We are going to build a godly business with a good part of it going back to the Kingdom for what god intends the money for. Our business is JC Wanner Athelitic Apparel and Promotions. We will follow the book "Annointed for Business" as our model. In this book Jodi and I learned that the marketplace can be the best ministry there is and that god wants to use this area to reach the lost and to prosper the kingdom. We actually taught a class on it at our church where I think we learned more from it than anyone. Jodi is a gifted salesperson, she can sell ice to and Eskimo, I bring the business and admin piece to the puzzle and mirroring up our two talents should with God's blessing take us where we need to go.
But for now going to continue enjoying the summer. Tonight I am taking my mother in law and her friends out fishing. This has been something we have been trying to do for years and I really look forward to finally making it happen and maybe it being a regular event. Hope it works better than last night when the girls and I got chased off the lake by a storm that popped up. Oh well, Hayley still caught one fish in the 20 minutes we were out.
So I can say I am beginning to settle into a grove. Next major step is finding a church to settle into. Youth group is a very important requirement. Our girls have a solid foundation in the lord, I really want them to find a youth group where God can use thier gifts and talents and to grow in their walk. I think I know where god wants me to go just waiting for that validation. Take care and make sure you are taking time to spend time in his presence, it will make a difference believe me.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
News.....tough to watch
I wish I could write about the two great days I have had here in Rochelle but God has a different idea for me so here it is.
I first want to say I will add the families of all effected by the horrible tragedy in Colorado today to my prayer list. I hate watching the news it truly is depressing and rough to watch our great society slip deeper into disappear. So my heart and thoughts stay with those families while the news stations try to figure out how to make more money off these poor people. NBC news kept bringing a 17 year old boy on who escaped out of the theater, as the day wore on he was exhausted and they kept asking him questions to dig deeper to relive the tragedy he just witnessed and then said, "he must be in shock thinking about this", IDOITS!!!!! (sorry, just frustrated and hate stupidity)
I want to say I'm not political at all I think they all are messed up and have only thier self interests at hand. But I have to ask why are we shocked when a person acts out what is put out in front of us and our kids each day on a movie, tv screen or a video game system, where senseless violence and death our normal? Death in the game world isn't real and the more violent you make it the cooler and more popular the game. Just add a little sexual content and you have a mega hit on your hand. It is sad. Hey I'm far from perfect and I have watched plenty of movies that probably I shouldn't have but for today's society this is all the norm. I guess it is a lot easier to keep my girls away from it just because they are, well, girls. I guess the only way to control it is we as parents have to intercede and be parents not our kids best friends. I guess for anything they are exposed to via any medium has to be scrutinized. It drives my daughters crazy when I make them turn off Wizards of Waverly place because of the witchcraft reference. Our an I Carley or Disney show when the characters are just simply not talking nice to eachother. Jodi and I call it speaking life to one another and if the words are not positive about someone then they should be said.
God has placed it on my heart to be bold tonight so here it is. Look at what your kids are playing with and watching. Would it be pleasing to God and his son? And also wouldn't we honor those lost today by taking a stand against the things of this world that truly go against all that Jesus died for on the cross? Maybe your a non believer as you read this, then do it for those people and the shooters parents who just cannot make sense out of what happened and that a trip to a movie theater which we have all done, changed thier lives forever.
Jesus we need you, I need you and I pray for all those to come to know you, your safety and comfort and awesome love that I experience everyday.
I first want to say I will add the families of all effected by the horrible tragedy in Colorado today to my prayer list. I hate watching the news it truly is depressing and rough to watch our great society slip deeper into disappear. So my heart and thoughts stay with those families while the news stations try to figure out how to make more money off these poor people. NBC news kept bringing a 17 year old boy on who escaped out of the theater, as the day wore on he was exhausted and they kept asking him questions to dig deeper to relive the tragedy he just witnessed and then said, "he must be in shock thinking about this", IDOITS!!!!! (sorry, just frustrated and hate stupidity)
I want to say I'm not political at all I think they all are messed up and have only thier self interests at hand. But I have to ask why are we shocked when a person acts out what is put out in front of us and our kids each day on a movie, tv screen or a video game system, where senseless violence and death our normal? Death in the game world isn't real and the more violent you make it the cooler and more popular the game. Just add a little sexual content and you have a mega hit on your hand. It is sad. Hey I'm far from perfect and I have watched plenty of movies that probably I shouldn't have but for today's society this is all the norm. I guess it is a lot easier to keep my girls away from it just because they are, well, girls. I guess the only way to control it is we as parents have to intercede and be parents not our kids best friends. I guess for anything they are exposed to via any medium has to be scrutinized. It drives my daughters crazy when I make them turn off Wizards of Waverly place because of the witchcraft reference. Our an I Carley or Disney show when the characters are just simply not talking nice to eachother. Jodi and I call it speaking life to one another and if the words are not positive about someone then they should be said.
God has placed it on my heart to be bold tonight so here it is. Look at what your kids are playing with and watching. Would it be pleasing to God and his son? And also wouldn't we honor those lost today by taking a stand against the things of this world that truly go against all that Jesus died for on the cross? Maybe your a non believer as you read this, then do it for those people and the shooters parents who just cannot make sense out of what happened and that a trip to a movie theater which we have all done, changed thier lives forever.
Jesus we need you, I need you and I pray for all those to come to know you, your safety and comfort and awesome love that I experience everyday.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
My childhood home visit....
Just completed the 8 hour journey down to Rochelle, Il to my boyhood home to visit my mom and dad. Abbey and Hayley joined me, Jodi she stayed home because she had to work. That just sounds strange? Can I tell you god is always working. There were a ton of heavy storms in out path but as we got close to them they had either passed by or were just off to the west or north. God's perfect timing is in everything to keep us safe. When you believe and pray for God's protection it is always there, again, another simple example that I used to take for granted until I slowed my life down and now can see things more clearly.
As I write this post I am looking out over our backyard. A lot has changed, the trees are certinly taller, some of the landscaping is different but the yard where I played many hours of football and baseball our still in tact. This is the place where I was a all pro quaterback, an all star hitter, and a super hero, but most of all I was just a little boy who had everything in the world. I am very blessed to have had such a wonderful childhood, it made me the person I am today. My parents were terffic, loving when I needed love, hard on me when I was wandering off the path but most of all they just made things safe and comfortable. I think things today have become way to complicated, the I Pad I am typing on is great but for a kid it distracts them away from using their imaginations to be more than they are right now. Simple play. I remember one time we had a huge snow drift that I carved out the cockpit of the Mach V, that was Speed Racers car for those who don't know and I played in that for hours and days. I truly believed in my mind that it existed and I had more fun doing that than any toy I ever recieved. Dreams and Dreamers are what made this country, where has that spirit gone in this time of political correctness?
As for my Mom and her health, she looks great and is getting around well. My dad has been taking great care of himself also and has lost weight and is getting around much better than before. 17 years of my mom battling cancer has taken a toll though. Her short term memory from the chemo and radiation has been greatly effected though she works through it she gets frustrated at times the simple things she forgets. I say most of what she forgets are not important so I think it is a blessing. Having her girls here adds a spark to her step she said this morning that this is the best she has felt in a year, grand kids have that magic power you know, make sure your parents get to enjoy there grand kids no matter what family circumstance is occurring, it is just part of the natural flow of life.
My friend Jeff Kerr posted a great blog yesterday on following Gods path and trusting him and not what the world says is right or wrong. You can read it on his web site fourthfloor.org and see the amazing things God is doing with a family that has put all thier trust in him to take care of them. Though I am a baby on this journey I am on, it is great having friends we can turn to who understand the challenges we face. Interesting the challenges 99.9% of the time are not on what I am doing walking away from corporate america, it is more on the opinions and ideas others have on what they perceive on how I should live my life. I chose to trust god and not the world.
Today will be fun. Mom and Dad, Mark and David and the girls and I are going to surprise Uncle John for lunch for his 50th b-day next week. He flew into Rockford last night on a lay over so were taking this time to celebrate his day. He has no idea his nieces are here...SHHHHHHHH.....have a blessed day!!!
As I write this post I am looking out over our backyard. A lot has changed, the trees are certinly taller, some of the landscaping is different but the yard where I played many hours of football and baseball our still in tact. This is the place where I was a all pro quaterback, an all star hitter, and a super hero, but most of all I was just a little boy who had everything in the world. I am very blessed to have had such a wonderful childhood, it made me the person I am today. My parents were terffic, loving when I needed love, hard on me when I was wandering off the path but most of all they just made things safe and comfortable. I think things today have become way to complicated, the I Pad I am typing on is great but for a kid it distracts them away from using their imaginations to be more than they are right now. Simple play. I remember one time we had a huge snow drift that I carved out the cockpit of the Mach V, that was Speed Racers car for those who don't know and I played in that for hours and days. I truly believed in my mind that it existed and I had more fun doing that than any toy I ever recieved. Dreams and Dreamers are what made this country, where has that spirit gone in this time of political correctness?
As for my Mom and her health, she looks great and is getting around well. My dad has been taking great care of himself also and has lost weight and is getting around much better than before. 17 years of my mom battling cancer has taken a toll though. Her short term memory from the chemo and radiation has been greatly effected though she works through it she gets frustrated at times the simple things she forgets. I say most of what she forgets are not important so I think it is a blessing. Having her girls here adds a spark to her step she said this morning that this is the best she has felt in a year, grand kids have that magic power you know, make sure your parents get to enjoy there grand kids no matter what family circumstance is occurring, it is just part of the natural flow of life.
My friend Jeff Kerr posted a great blog yesterday on following Gods path and trusting him and not what the world says is right or wrong. You can read it on his web site fourthfloor.org and see the amazing things God is doing with a family that has put all thier trust in him to take care of them. Though I am a baby on this journey I am on, it is great having friends we can turn to who understand the challenges we face. Interesting the challenges 99.9% of the time are not on what I am doing walking away from corporate america, it is more on the opinions and ideas others have on what they perceive on how I should live my life. I chose to trust god and not the world.
Today will be fun. Mom and Dad, Mark and David and the girls and I are going to surprise Uncle John for lunch for his 50th b-day next week. He flew into Rockford last night on a lay over so were taking this time to celebrate his day. He has no idea his nieces are here...SHHHHHHHH.....have a blessed day!!!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Weekend in review
Man weekends are crazy but its a good crazy, you know the kind I'm talking about.
Friday night I took Abbey for her first trip into the pits at the races in Fergus Falls. We rode with Jeff and Larry in the hauler up there. She loved it, she is a Race Girl. She still has the arm band on that they give you. The race well that wasn't so good. Jeff got caught up in a wreck when the leader spun out on his own, really who does that? Jeff had a theory on why but I can't put that in print. The wreck started a quandry of errors that I will say upset Jeff just a tad and his car ended up staying in the inflield until after the races and the fireworks display was over. The night ended with a banged up car and some tired pit crew members and a race just 18 hours away. But true to form the team would sleep and ralley the next morning to get ready for Saturday night.
Saturday we got to spend a great time out on the lake with Mindy and Marty, Jacey and Tracie, along with Hayley, Jodi and me. Abbey was just a tad to tired after Friday night she needed a alone hang out day. Very hot the waters of Lake Carlos felt great!!! Then I headed off to the races to try it all again. And of course the 29 won less than 24 hours from the disaster of Friday night. I guess it is why it is so addictive, its the highs and lows but when its a high its a good high!! Hung out at the track after until 230 am. Thanks JT for the pizza after your win too, I do like the Philly Cheese Steak the best.
Sunday Jodi worked on organizing our place. Got through our room and getting our cloths taken care of. Its tight but they fit and it looks really good. Just the kitchen to organize and were done with this part of the move. Jodi started working at Angelinas last night. The girls and I went into visit. Man can that girl light up a room. SHe is so good with people and just loves to make everyone happy they are very lucky to have her on the team. I proud of you Jodi!!
Well its start of a new week, though I think I'm going to melt. It is suppose to be 107 with the heat index today.....Lake Carlos here we come!!!
Friday night I took Abbey for her first trip into the pits at the races in Fergus Falls. We rode with Jeff and Larry in the hauler up there. She loved it, she is a Race Girl. She still has the arm band on that they give you. The race well that wasn't so good. Jeff got caught up in a wreck when the leader spun out on his own, really who does that? Jeff had a theory on why but I can't put that in print. The wreck started a quandry of errors that I will say upset Jeff just a tad and his car ended up staying in the inflield until after the races and the fireworks display was over. The night ended with a banged up car and some tired pit crew members and a race just 18 hours away. But true to form the team would sleep and ralley the next morning to get ready for Saturday night.
Saturday we got to spend a great time out on the lake with Mindy and Marty, Jacey and Tracie, along with Hayley, Jodi and me. Abbey was just a tad to tired after Friday night she needed a alone hang out day. Very hot the waters of Lake Carlos felt great!!! Then I headed off to the races to try it all again. And of course the 29 won less than 24 hours from the disaster of Friday night. I guess it is why it is so addictive, its the highs and lows but when its a high its a good high!! Hung out at the track after until 230 am. Thanks JT for the pizza after your win too, I do like the Philly Cheese Steak the best.
Sunday Jodi worked on organizing our place. Got through our room and getting our cloths taken care of. Its tight but they fit and it looks really good. Just the kitchen to organize and were done with this part of the move. Jodi started working at Angelinas last night. The girls and I went into visit. Man can that girl light up a room. SHe is so good with people and just loves to make everyone happy they are very lucky to have her on the team. I proud of you Jodi!!
Well its start of a new week, though I think I'm going to melt. It is suppose to be 107 with the heat index today.....Lake Carlos here we come!!!
Friday, July 13, 2012
It has arrived....
Yeah, our stuff finally arrived about 3pm yesterday. We unloaded until about 7 pm last night and began unpacking. Looks like everything made it in decent shape considering it rode via truck and train. Got our bed set up and slept in it last night, now it feels like home. Chevy the cat who loves our bed slept with Jodi and I all night right in the same spot he always did, he also is settling in. Lots of unpacking to do today but it really should not be that hard. The challenge will be organizing in a smaller space as we have downsized greatly.
I guess I can close out this chapter of this great adventure that started on May 9 in Las Vegas when I was given a choice on my future and made the choice to trust god. Now on July 12 the first step of choosing to be free and take my life back has been accomplished, it took a ton of hard work and faith. God really did a lot these past two months. Not necessarily in the big things but all the small little things he manipulated to keep us on the right track and fill in our needs at every turn.
Now as we finished settling in we begin the next chapter. One thing for sure is that we will take it one day at a time. That is hard to do as you all know but if you walk through today and trust that god is out ahead of you clearing the path, it is much easier to stay on the right one. As we project into the distance and future we see so many things we want in our worldly minds that we start wandering off gods path and when you wander off it takes time to get back on and those are the seasons of trails in our lives.
My thanks go out to Jodi who has been the greatest wife through all this, her effort and support has been unmatched. She has and always will be by my side. She has always believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. She has honored god with her loving heart for all people no matter what and I truly believe the next chapter in our lives is more about her than me. Thanks Yolti for hanging in there these past two months you rock!!
My second foot just landed on the bridge of faith and I'm all in now.......
I guess I can close out this chapter of this great adventure that started on May 9 in Las Vegas when I was given a choice on my future and made the choice to trust god. Now on July 12 the first step of choosing to be free and take my life back has been accomplished, it took a ton of hard work and faith. God really did a lot these past two months. Not necessarily in the big things but all the small little things he manipulated to keep us on the right track and fill in our needs at every turn.
Now as we finished settling in we begin the next chapter. One thing for sure is that we will take it one day at a time. That is hard to do as you all know but if you walk through today and trust that god is out ahead of you clearing the path, it is much easier to stay on the right one. As we project into the distance and future we see so many things we want in our worldly minds that we start wandering off gods path and when you wander off it takes time to get back on and those are the seasons of trails in our lives.
My thanks go out to Jodi who has been the greatest wife through all this, her effort and support has been unmatched. She has and always will be by my side. She has always believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. She has honored god with her loving heart for all people no matter what and I truly believe the next chapter in our lives is more about her than me. Thanks Yolti for hanging in there these past two months you rock!!
My second foot just landed on the bridge of faith and I'm all in now.......
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View from our dock, St Augustine, Fl