Lessons learning

It's hard not to weigh in on the tragic Tiger and Elin Woods situation. I have remained relatively silent because it's not any of our business. Sure Patti and I have talked about the situation at home, but I refuse to cast stones. I only choose to talk about it now because I feel that it's actually a wonderful, yet painful, platform for a lesson to be learned. There are many lessons that can be learned from the Woods' situation.

I have chosen not to judge Tiger for his adultery, or judge Elin for staying or not staying with Tiger because I too have made some monumental mistakes. I don't feel as if what Tiger has done as any worse than some of my past poor decisions. There's a blaring difference...I'm not Tiger Woods. I'm not the most recognizable person in the world. I'm not an iconic figure. Those who have stated how awful he is, should really look into their closet and see if they are qualified to make such a statement. Those who question the man's character need to spot check their past for times in which their character was in-consistent. I am a judgemental person. This is a sin that I struggle with still. I have actually taken this tragedy and used it to re-examine my life and the decisions that I've made in the past. I'm in no place to judge Tiger, and neither are you.

I think that another lesson that can be learned is that with out a God centered relationship and focus we are doomed. You may not have that type of relationship with God and still have a wonderful committed relationship with your spouse, but eternally you will be doomed. This man who has claimed to be "religious" in the past is clearly lost. He is so amazing, determined, and focused on the golf course, but is a complete disaster off. Imagine if Tiger takes this trial in his life and puts as much energy, focus and determination into developing a relationship with God! Can you imagine the impact that he could have? I pray that this happens.

I truly believe that God only gives us what we can handle. He never intends to break us, but rather break us down in order to build us back up into a stronger more effective disciple. God has allowed Tiger to make some choices that have sever consequences, but God has been training Tiger for this his whole life. God has given him all the tools necessary to come through this a better man. I look at my life and some of the choices that I've made in the past and I thank God that He put me through the ringer at times. God has given me some great lessons to draw strength and courage from. He's also shown me what life is like with out Him, and I choose Him.

Have you learned anything from the poor choices that Tiger has made? Have you learned from the poor choices that you have made? Have you sat in judgement on him and his family with out looking at your own life? Can you say that your sins and mistakes aren't as bad as his? I pray that you also seek God in all of this, because I certainly have been.

Love you all.

It's been a while...

Hey everyone. It's been a while since I've posted anything, so I will make this one about the recent happenings in the Durham world.

Recently I started a new job. It has been a fun and exciting new venture. I'm still doing the same thing (Construction Manager in landscape construction), with a different company. It has been challenging because I'm having to delicately wrangle power away from my boss. He's been doing everything on his own for a couple of years now, so he's having a hard time letting go of the operation side of the business. Slowly, but surely we are both making strides towards a really nice partnership. This has the potential to be something special, but at the same time I'm not ruling out other opportunities...especially if that opportunity were to take us out of the oppressive, communist regime of Russiafornia.

At the beginning of November Patti was able to take her and the kids to Arizona to help my parents organize the most massive garage/yard sale in history. I've heard of friends and neighbors doing one big co-op garage/yard sale, but those wouldn't hold a candle to the one at my parents house. There were items that they got rid of from a time when we lived in Texas...keep in mind we moved to Arizona in 1989! There were items that they got rid of that were purchased from HSN and were NEVER opened! We did get some pretty nice swag for Patti's efforts. It was a really nice trip for my family to be with Patti and the kids too.

Matthew is just an amazing little boy. We have recently started potty training him and he is doing GREAT! He has only had a couple of accidents, but for the most part is doing wonderful with it. He's also more and more loving and concerned with his sister. He loves to hold her and sit with her and talk and laugh with her.

A couple of weeks later we all went back out for Thanksgiving. It was a really special time for all of us. Chris flew in from Boston and it was so fun hanging out with my brother and best friend again. He got to meet his new niece and nephew for the first time! To wrap it up we had a few friends that we hadn't seen in a really long time over for some football and my special Carne Asada!

In the meantime we have added a couple of new additions to the family. Liberty and Dubya are our conservative lab pups(7 months). We love them.

Last night we went to Patti's parents house for the Annual Pre-Christmas Awesome Fest. It's a party that her brother Mike and his friend John have been hosting for many years. It is a lot of fun.

Now we're getting ready for Christmas. This is our favorite holiday and time of year. Patti and I have become more and more grateful for God's blessings. He has given us some of the most valuable lessons to learn from this year. He has brought us closer to Him, which in turn has brought us closer together. We have been through(and still are) tough times that have forced us to go deeper with Him than we ever have or knew we could. We couldn't be more happy with the direction that God is leading us. I look forward to growing more in Him and more with my wife.

Merry Christmas from the Durhams! (we say Christmas in this house)