THE BUTCHER BLOCK

Whew! It's Christmas Time!

2005-12-27T04:36:00.000-08:00

Can't believe it's been so long since I posted! If you're reading this you're a true friend for not giving up on me!

Just finished the busiest Christmas season ever!! The church/school schedule just about did us in this year! It was crazy. But now looking back, I can say it was great! God really blessed at every turn. Here's a partial list:

*"Christmas Joy" - Our church's gift to the Community (See http://theblattclan.blogspot.com/ Dec 9 entry)
*Two weddings performed (including rehearsals, dinners, & receptions)
*Two Children's Christmas Programs (Church & School - also on Blatt's blog above)
*Two boards at our house for dinner
*Moving Laura's Mom into a retirment home
*Laura's colonoscopy
*Laura's Parent Teacher Conferences
*School Grandparent's Day
*Two Christmas Dinners at Church
*District Advisory Board Dinner
*Hospital Visits
*Caroling for shut-ins (Drove bus for 35 people)
*Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
*Christmas Day Worship Service (Who put Christmas on a Sunday?)
*Four Family Birthdays

So that's why I haven't blogged. And why I'm tired. And why Christmas should never come on Sunday. BUT we flew to South Carolina yesterday and NOW are ready to have VACATION with the Smiths & Lipscombs. YAY!!!!!!!!!!! - GRANDKIDS & KIDS & FOOD & GAMES & PRESENTS!!!

We started the season with "Christmas Joy" - Now we'll end it with CHRISTMAS JOY 'til Jan 3rd!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS !

Is She Precious or What???

2005-11-09T23:10:00.000-08:00

McKyah Faith Lipscomb - the cutest 10-month old I know!

Oklahoma Gang

2005-11-03T23:25:00.000-08:00

Since Micah & Julia are not online, I have included a couple of Halloween pics for them here. Lexy & McKyah enjoy Halloween!

Travel Plans

2005-10-16T22:31:00.000-07:00

Well, it's off to South Carolina during the holidays! We have decided it's important to us, so we're going to scrimp & go spend a few days with the east coast crew. And it turns out several Butchers will be headed to the same place at the same time. Should be fun! Few things make me happier than being with my progeny!

Once a Month Post

2005-10-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

Been bad on posting. Will I try to do better? Maybe.
Took the wife to see "The Gospel" after reading the review at PluggedIn Online. We both really enjoyed it. The "happy gospel" music set our feet to tapping. Don't go expecting it to be a blockbuser. But it's not a poorly made "evangelistic film" either. I think you'll find it enjoyable, entertaining, and even somewhat uplifting. It attracted a respectful, but lively mostly black audience for our viewing. To my surprise nobody got up to clap, jump, or dance, though I almost did myself! (Who is this Boris Kodjoe guy? He's too good looking for his own good! And Tamyra Gray can do more than sing. That girl is a great little actress!) This is one we'll get the soundtrak to!

Who's moving now?

2005-09-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like my wife, Laura's Mother will need a place to live very soon. She's 86 years old, and although she suffered a stroke 12 years ago which has affected her speech, she is quite healthy and very independent. (Still driving, managing her own affairs, etc.) She has lived with Laura's sister in Cerritos for the last 12 years.

Well, they (Laura's sister & her husband) have decided to begin their retirement & move out of state. Mother does NOT want to leave her dr's, church, senior center, etc. So-o-o, we have tentatively offered for her to live with us.

I say tentatively because we have two adult kids living with us. And there are enough challenges with TWO generations living together, we don't think THREE generations will be compatible! Besides, for mother's independence & space for "things" she needs two rooms! So-o-o we have encouraged Corrie & Jeremy to begin looking for other alternatives. (Not a bad thing, but a financial challenge in So. CA)

Good thing? or Bad thing?

2005-08-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

I have become increasingly dependent upon my technology. Is that a good thing? or a bad thing? Well, my laptop went dead - no power. That's a bad thing. Of course it took several days before I could get out to get it looked at. Then discovered that it was the ac adapter. That's a good thing! (Not a problem in the laptop) I Ordered the part to be shipped directly from Toshiba to my house. That's a good thing! They are back-ordered. That's a bad thing! But they can send a battery next day. That's a good thing, 'cause I need one anyway. But a battery is no good without the ac adapter to charge it! That's a bad thing. For the last 3-4 yrs I have used a laptop exclusively (at work, at home, on the road - the same computer.) That's a been a good thing. But when it's dead, that's a bad thing. So I have been without my computer for over a week. I DO have, however, my Palm Treo 650! That's a good thing 'cause it has all my contacts, calendar, etc. But internet connection is limited because of the small screen & memory. So, no blogging, reading blogs, quick searches etc. Sorting through 40-50 emails a day is also a big pain. That's a bad thing. (I think!) Sooo, good or bad, I can't wait to get back to normal. (Whatever that is!) And by the way, is "normal" a good thing or a bad thing?

Joy at Work?

2005-08-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

“Managers control people and things.
Leaders give up control and serve people.
There’s a huge difference—
and that’s the essence of creating joy at work.”
--Dennis Bakke

You can read the whole article "Joy at Work: An Interview with Dennis Bakke"

I'm "batching it"

2005-08-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

Laura left yesterday to spend 2 weeks visiting our kids & grandkids in Oklahoma and South Carolina. (She will get to see her sister in Carolina too!) I'm so glad she gets to do that before she has to go back to school. But it's weird. 'Don't think we've been separated that long before. And it's usually ME that's gone to a conference or something while she stays home. A great thing is this trip is FREE!! Using frequent flyer miles! Delta Rocks!

Funny thing: She decided that she needed to prepare and freeze a bunch of meals for me, so she worked for a week cooking & planning! Remember, I have 2 adult kids living in the house. We are ALL very capable of preparing our own food and often do so when she's home. Oh, well, it's nice to know we're loved!!

Grandsons' Sleepover

2005-08-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

We love it that our grandkids enjoy coming to our house! We met our oldest daughter & fam for dinner last night. Our two "first" grandkids are Kevin (10), and Aron (8). When Aron found out that we were just going to dinner & not to "grandpa's house" he was sullen & sad. So, of course, we said, "Hey, why don't you come spend the night tonight!?" And suddenly Aron's whole outlook changed. We don't even have to do anything special, just hang out - and they still love it -- and so do we!!

We're ready to plan for one of my long-time dreams -- Cousin's Camp! Having all the grandkids who are old enough to come to our house (without Moms & Dads) for a few days of just us, just fun! Time to get a date set for next summer!

What a Thrill!

2005-08-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

Doing something worthwhile for someone else can bring deep satisfaction. I directed a camp for kids last week, recruiting and coordinating a team of 62 volunteers. We had 172 kids (3rd-6th graders). The purpose of this camp was to encourage kids to make a personal decision to accept Christ and to "Follow Hard" after God's truth. What an exhilirating experience to give of yourself to these kids 24 hours a day for nearly an entire week.

The program included sports, crafts, archery, rock-wall climb, outdoor science, crazy games, etc. etc. The campground was just great! The chapels were a dynamic combination of praise music, skits, humor, Bible stories, and lots & lots of "choreography" to involve the kids in multiple modalities to help them remember the truths they use. It's amazing the gifts & talents that came together to cover all the bases of such a diverse program. Also amazing was the unity of purpose & servants heart of the volunteer team.

There aren't many things more physically exhausting than being a camp counselor with very few breaks from the kids all week, dealing with their owies & disagreements, lack of sleep, getting them to activities on time, answering their questions, keeping a positive attitude, etc. etc. etc. But Wow! They did it! God really gave them supernatural patience & strength.

One kid was shocked to hear that none of us were paid for the week. When we explained why we do it, there were several who said they want to be camp volunteers when they grow up. Yay!

But of all the joy that camp brought me, the absolute greatest was the fact that there were 32 kids who invited Jesus to be their Savior for the first time AND dozens and dozens of "testimonies" from kids about their commitment to follow Jesus for the rest of their lives! It makes me want to do camps again & again & again!

I know these kids will face tough times and discouragement. Please pray for them to stay true to their convictions!

Lost Track of Time!

2005-06-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

Don't know if anyone even checks anymore, since I haven't blogged in over 2 months! Good to be able to check in on all you "young uns" though when I get a chance. Things I should post:
1. My new Palm Treo 650! Awesome electronics!
2. Remembrances of my Uncle Ron - a great Christian Gentleman - who passed away
3. My beautiful wife's horrible year as a teacher
4. Being responsible for aging parents encountering serious health issues
5. Response to Corrie's lament about Youth Ministry
6. My parrot Scooter's latest new words: "Who made this mess?!"
7. Lamenting of Tim & Jamie "taking our grandkids" to the other side of the nation
8. New "Celebrate Recovery" group starting

Well, that kind of catches me up in a thumbnail sketch. If anyone reads this & interested in more on any of the above, let me know.

LIFE

2005-04-06T22:43:00.000-07:00

Isn't life interesting? Each day brings its own stresses and adventures, challenges and joys, temptations and lessons, trials and opportunities, weak times and trong times, monotony and excitement, prayers and answers, shadows and bright spots, sunsets and sunrises, anger and forgiveness, slips and hits, disappointments and achievements, sensitivity and brashness, tenderness and frankness, pickles and ice cream, salads and burgers,deals and ordeals, business and pleasure, babies and grandparents, colleagues and family, antagonists and friends. So, when you feel the downbeat of the rhythm today, remember that the upbeat comes next!

Ah, the Joys!

2005-03-11T15:25:00.000-08:00

Dealing with elderly parents is a whole experience of its own. So strange to be "counseling" your Mom, that maybe she should think about not driving anymore... "instructing" your Dad on how to keep track of his medicine... "scolding" him for not wearing his hearing aids when he goes to the doctor (so all he can do is smile and nod while they're telling him that his kidneys are failing)... "helping them" find a place to live where their needs will be met, but that won't seem like an institution... "concerned" about their finances, but it's none of your business (until the money all runs out - then whose business is it?)

Well, the GOOD thing is that we really do love them, respect them, and choose to honor them. So, we do the best we can!

BEAUTIFUL DAY!!

2005-03-02T11:10:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining! (Lord forgive me for taking it for granted!) The air is clear, the sky is blue, the grass is green!

Here I am trying to lift my own spirits by realizing what a beautiful day it is.
Sometimes life is like tromping through a swamp, carrying a heavy pack, the sky full of clouds, and people are drowning around you. You feel like crawling into a hole and just ignoring it. Anybody else ever feel that way?

Well, I started out that way today. But I realize that the "stuff" that life throws at us is nothing compared to the JOY that God gives us right in the middle of the "stuff" when we realize how much He loves us & that His grace is enough to see us through.

So, the SON is shining. His love spirit is clear, the sky is blue, and money is just green! PTL!

STILL ALIVE

2005-02-24T15:56:00.000-08:00

Yes, the old Butcher is still around. Have had intermitant DSL at work (like only an hour at a time, twice a day - and completely unpredictable). I can't believe how that knocked me out of comission on so many projects! But I'll try to do better.

Haven't done any reading of blogs for the same 7 weeks! So, other than family, I haven't kept up, so I've got alot of catching up to do. I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks for checking back to the BUTCHER BLOCK. I'll be trying to post more consistently. 'til next time! TTFN!

Finally, a new post!

2005-01-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

Well, the whirlwind of traveling to Oklahoma to see the new grandbaby, returning just in time for Christmas church events, then Christmas family events, then New Year's Church events, then New Year's family events, hosting my aging parents in our home, driving them home to San Diego, then gearing up for a new-year-strategic planning session with the church board ...... I just haven't logged in.

But things are now back to normal. (Which is only wild & crazy - much milder than 'whirlwind.')

I've got to check all my friends' blogs & get caught up! In the meantime, Happy New Year everyone! The most exciting "personal trivia" things for the new year are:
1. Laura & I gave each other Disneyland passes for Christmas! Yeah! We've missed visiting the magic kingdom.
2. I am shopping for an mp3 player (or PDA w/ mp3) with Christmas money from my kids!

McKyah's newest pictures

2004-12-17T19:43:00.000-08:00

Check out the album. It has a new look & new pics.

Friends Retiring - Someday it'll be OUR turn!

2004-12-17T19:29:00.000-08:00

Our friends, Mike & Sue Kitsko, are retiring this summer. They live in Norwalk and where in the world do you think they bought their retirement home? A lakeside resort town called Grove, IN OKLAHOMA!!! And it's only an hour & a half from Bartlesville, where Micah & Julia live (and where we are right now). So - we went there today to see their home. Wow! You can get a GREAT house for a third of the price of one in So. Cal. So, guess who's thinking of retiring in Oklahoma? Of course, that won't be for a LONG tme & who knows where all our kids will be by then!?

New Life

2004-12-16T07:02:00.000-08:00

Think about it. When you put those two words together, "new" and "life" it brings fresh, awe-inspiring, wonder to the human heart. There is no life without God. And when we watch Him create new life, it boggles the human mind! Yes, the cynic may say, biology takes its course, but after all, human reproduction was God's creation in the first place! It's truly a miracle! And here we are in awe & wonder at the miracle of McKyah Faith. She is just PERFECT! every finger, every toe, beautiful eyes.... Thank you, Lord for the miracle of new life!

In Oklahoma!

2004-12-14T21:35:00.000-08:00

We are on vacation in Bartlesville, OK, visiting our new granddaughter (and her parents, of course). She is sooo cute in person. And sooo cudly. And sooo smart. And sooo precious. Oh, sorry. I just get carried away.

It's supposed to get down to 18 tonight! Only got up to 40 today. That's FREEZING for us Californians. But the days are sunny, so we can deal with it.

To see updated photos check out the photo album!

(11:30 am) SHE'S HERE!!!

2004-12-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

McKyah Faith Lipscomb has arrived! She weighs 8lbs 1 oz, 21 inches long. Everybody's doin' fine! See for Yourself!
WHEW!! PRAISE THE LORD! Way to go, Julia!!

(10:45 AM) BABY UPDATE

2004-12-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

Everyone on the West Coast is going crazy not knowing WHAT'S GOING ON!!! 'Sounds like hard labor! Wait! Just got a phone call! Julia IS SLEEPING! What a time to take a break!?!?!? 'Guess that means things have slowed down. Waiting for Dr. to evaluate for next step. So, take a deep breath! Breathe a prayer! And I'll keep you posted!

(9 am) TAKING HER TIME

2004-12-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

Just like a woman (even an unborn woman) she's taking her time! The In-Laws are there. Lexy is there. Micah is there. Julia is there. But no baby yet. She's still at 9 cm and the word is, "doing good."

(6 am) ALMOST HERE!

2004-12-09T06:17:00.000-08:00

Just got a call from the In-laws. Julia is dilated to 9!!! They have picked up Lexy & are still on the road. So the baby will arrive before any grandparents do! Oh, well, we can't control these things! Keep praying!

(Wed 2:30 am) THE BABY is COMING!!!!!

2004-12-09T02:40:00.000-08:00

Last night around 9 pm Julia called to let us know she had been having contractions all day. From experience we know that doesn't mean anything except that the baby will come within the next 7-10 days. Well, at 2:30 AM we got the call from the In-Laws. Julia & Micah are at the hospital and she's dilated to 6! (centimeters that is.) That means THE BABY IS COMING!!!!! It will be TODAY! Please pray for a safe delivery.

Back Again

2004-12-06T23:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I knew it would be hard to post regularly during the holidays. Laura & I have been going nuts trying to do ALL our preparations for Christmas EARLY. We leave this weekend for Okie-land and won't be back 'til Christmas Eve. Hope we're there for the arrival of grandbaby #7! In the meantime it's back to the craziness of preparations at school, work, & home.

'Tis the Season

2004-11-24T22:25:00.000-08:00

The Holiday Season has officially begun. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving day. My mouth is already watering just thinking of the Turkey & fixings! And I will be doing my favorite thing in the whole world: enjoying just hanging with my kids & grandkids.

Last night we (Tim, Jamie, Laura & I) went to the Crystal Cathedral for a preview performance of "The Glory of Christmas." It was a beautiful show. Of course, we thought the dancers were outstanding, especially one young guy whom we know personally! (Our son, Jeremy) It was typical Crystal Cathedral tradition & glamour, but also a clear message of who Jesus really is!

A Great Surprise

2004-11-08T22:36:00.000-08:00

Last night Laura and I went to a banquet to honor a friend of ours, Jan Fedde, who is retiring after 26 years as the director of Child Evangelism Fellowship. Jan is one of those people who gives & gives & gives of herself far beyond the call of duty because of her passion for what she does - sharing Jesus Christ with boys & girls. It is truly an honor to know her.

But the kicker was: Laura's sister, Linda, was the coordinator of the event and we got to sit at her table along with the headliner for the evening: MARY RICE HOPKINS. Now if you don't know who that is - she has written & performed hundreds of songs, mostly kids praise songs. (My favorite is Hip, Hip, Hipopotamus.")

So we chatted and found her to be very down-to-earth and delightful. When it was over we couldn't resist buying some of her books & tapes & had them autographed. Gotta find out which ones the grandkids already have before Christmas! In the meantime, can't get those tunes out of my head!

GET OUT AND VOTE

2004-11-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

CHECK THIS OUT!

2004-10-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Our nephew, David Byers & his wife, Rachel are launching out on a NEW MINISTRY. You can view a brief video to encourage you to PRAY for them.

BEEN TO THE HOSPITAL

2004-10-29T14:56:00.000-07:00

It seems I have spent an unusual amount of time in hospitals this week.

- A visit with a new mom & her beautiful daughter -only a few hours old. What an incredible joy to celebrate a new life!

- A mentally ill gentleman who is contesting his brother's action to be his "conservator" because he wants to make his own decisions. It's hard to realize our own limitations & trust someone else.

- A senior citizen with a brand new artificial hip - Looking forward with anticipation to walking without pain.

- A young father, a stranger to me, who suffered a blood clot to the lung after a difficult back surgery - Trusting God that he knows what he's doing even though his young family is desperately missing him.

- A lady waiting for hernia surgery - She has heart trouble so many things could go wrong, but she prays "Thank you Jesus!, Thank you Jesus!" as we pray for her safety during surgery.

I feel blessed to be there. It's my job. It's my calling. It's my privilege. I leave having offered nothing more than my prayers & friendship - BUT having grown in my own trust of God who is bigger than ANYTHING a human being can encounter!

Kansas City

2004-10-19T21:03:00.000-07:00

I've been in Kansas City for 2 days working on business related to Nazarene Christian Schools. I am working with some of the most intelligent, passionate, hard-working people that I know. They all have a heart for, and a call to Christian Education. I am challenged and blessed to be part of a great team! It has been hard work (though not physical) and I am tired. Tomorrow I leave at 4 AM (CA time) to fly back home where my gorgeous wife and a long day of ministry await me. But it is GOOD to be busy with things that really matter. Now, for a few hours of sleep..

2004-10-14T23:32:00.000-07:00

Scooter

FOR THE BIRDS

2004-10-14T22:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I think I'm gonna need to start a new blog for this topic. I have discovered that I am a Birdaholic. Anyone know what that means? Well, it means I am interested in parrots: their habits, their psychological make-up, their habitat, their though processes, their language, their care, their feeding, their breeding, their speaking ability, etc. etc. And I have discovered that there is a huge world of knowledge out there just on these amazing creatures.

I have also discovered that I am not alone. Just do a Google search using 'parrot' or 'african grey' or 'macaw' and you will find hundreds & hundreds of sites, chats, books, articles, stores, supplies, etc. etc. etc. Although "birdaholic" may not be a common term. (although there IS a birdaholics anonymous on the web) there are definitely alot of people out there like me.

We love to hear about other people's parrots - their names, antics, words, games, toys...... We love to share about the latest thing from this list that OUR birds have done. We love to share advice & help each other out. We love to learn about other species than the ones we share our homes with. And we are really jazzed when we find another insane person with the same obsession.

ANYWAY - in spite of the fact that birds are NOT the most important thing in my life. (My faith, my wife, my kids, my grandkids, my ministry - ALL come first!) I find great delight in God's amazing creation. And I am convinced that these intelligent, beautiful creatures were intended for mankind to admire, learn from, and enjoy.

As I said, another blog is probably in order for those who share my intrigue. This one is already way too long for non-bird people. But for those of you who have been owned by a parrot - those who are little (or more than a little) crazy - you know EXACTLY what it means to be a 'Birdaholic'. Check back because as time permits, I hope to begin a new blog just for us crazies!

IT'S NOT TOO LATE!!

2004-10-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that the two candidates for President of the United States each represent the values and philosophy of their parties in a more distinct and clear way in this campaign than they have in previous elections. The debates have demonstrated to me the absolute contrary "world views" of the two.

I do not recall such a clear polarity between contrasting ways of thinking. It makes it very clear to me which candidate's values & world view I share! And it also makes very clear to me the very different paths that our country will take as a result of which man is elected. My choice is clear!

If anyone is still "on the fence," I urge you to PLEASE ...

- EVALUATE these candidates and the issues they stand for in light of the BIBLE!
- PRAY for our country and the upcoming election.
- REGISTER to vote. (***THIS IS THE LAST WEEK***) AND
- VOTE your conscience!

Laura steps out in faith!

2004-10-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

Since the enrollment is down in many schools in our area, they are shuffling teachers around to schools where they are needed. Having prayed about changing schools for some time, Laura decided to volunteer to move to another school. (She has enough tenure that she would not be forced to move.) Well, she didn't get the school she wanted, but accepted the change they offered any way.

So she was notified Wed AM. We moved all her stuff out of her classroom Wed PM, and she reported for duty Thur AM -at a school where she knows no-one - trying to move into a room that is currently being used by another class & another teacher! (who is being displaced by this change) What a whirlwind! In addition they are scrambling to get her curriculum so she can prepare to teach the new grade. ALSO - this school has a temporary principal (who has been there 3 days and will be replaced very soon).

The good thing is they granted her 2 extra days to get set-up & ready before she begins teaching a newly formed combination class of 1st & 2nd graders. AND her new classroom has AIR CONDITIONING!! So when she gets settled in she will be cool, calm & confident!!!

What an adventure! Huh?!

I am so proud of her for taking a risk & going for this new start!

Finally! An update!!

2004-09-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

Well,
Going to Promise Keepers in San Diego this weekend along with six other guys. Looking forward to it. Always great praise, worship, challenge & inspiration. Kinda bad timing, though 'cause Laura (my gorgeous, thin wife) could use my help with a yardsale. Darn! I can't be there.

Clean Feet or Humble Heart?

2004-05-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I had a very humbling experience. As a pastor, I'm used to being the one leading my people in displaying a servant attitude - showing the love of Christ to those around us, finding ways to meet one-another's needs. Well, Sunday I was the recipient.

I was asked by a lady if she could wash my feet as part of our worship service. She is going on a short-term "Work & Witness" trip to Mexico this summer and wanted to have her church share in praying for her ministry there. She shared the scripture of Jesus washing His disciples' feet and how she was willing to serve Him in whatever capacity He asks her to do.

So, an act of humility and servanthood blessed a whole church. They were inspired to foster a servant's attitude toward those around them. And I was humbled & blessed by the experience as well!

STILL LEARNING

2004-05-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

Well, for several days I couldn't find my account. I wanted to post & couldn't figure out how! I Finally discovered that I had established TWO ACCOUNTS and my blog was only linked to one of them. Chalk it up to old age! I'm glad that I finally figured it out. That drives me CRAZY when I can't solve it. I guess that gives you a big hint to my personality issues.

2004-05-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

Steve & Laura cruising Long Beach Harbor

INTRODUCTION

2004-05-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

Hello, and welcome to The Butcher Block. Where does that name come from? Well, it's a respectable trade; meat cutter that is. And my ancestors plied the trade in England. The name was assigned just like Taylor, Smith, or Baker. So, this is my site to post my general thoughts.