Here's another song that's truly blessed me this week.
Because of who You Are - by Martha Munizzi
Because of who You are, I give you glory
Because of who You are, I give you praise
Because of who You are, I will lift my voice and say
Lord I worship You, because of who you are
Lord I worship You, because of who you are(repeat)
Jehovah Jireh, my Provider
Jehovah Nissi, Lord you reign in victory
Jehovah Shalom, my Prince of Peace
And I worship You, because of who You are
Monday, October 27, 2008
Bless the Lord
Times are tough, folks. Really tough.
What do you do when it gets tough.
God's led me to spending more time with him and I'm spending much more time with praise and worship music.
I'm going to try and post the lyrics to songs that bless me every day. I pray you will be blessed as well.
He Knows My Name - by Tommy Walker
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls and
He hears me when I call
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls and
He hears me when I call
What do you do when it gets tough.
God's led me to spending more time with him and I'm spending much more time with praise and worship music.
I'm going to try and post the lyrics to songs that bless me every day. I pray you will be blessed as well.
He Knows My Name - by Tommy Walker
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls and
He hears me when I call
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls and
He hears me when I call
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Well Hello!
Sorry. I’m back. Had to step away for a second.
Ok….so it was longer than a second. It’s been 6 months! 6 MONTHS!
A lot has happened since the last post. I remember sitting in the room posting to the blog. I remember being a nervous 1st time dad, with a preemie born 6 weeks early. I remember being scared. I remember being proud, Proud as a father, proud of my wife, and proud of my son.
Jakin showed so much fight that week. He was a stubborn boy and he’s stubborn somewhat today. As frustrating as that can be when we’re trying to feed him or soothe him, it’s a trait I’m glad he has. His stubbornness to learn to breathe is part of what has him with us today.
I apologize for not keeping the blog updated over that last 6 months. I had every intention to keep everyone up to speed on the Hoods and Jakin’s growth and development.
Life kinda got in the way. I’ve been busier than ever at work since about 2 weeks prior to Jakin’s birth. It hasn’t really slowed down. And when I get home, I just want to hang out with my boy.
Sure, I spent time on the computer keeping up on current events and my fantasy sports. I posted a fair amount of pictures out there too. But I didn’t keep up with something I love and that’s writing. I missed it, but didn’t want to miss time with my growing family. Liza, Jakin, Kobe and I have had the time of our lives since March 10. The day he joined our family, our whole life changed for the better.
It’s been awesome.
I’ll share the Reader’s Digest version now.
Jakin was born March 10th and had to stay in the special care nursery for 8 days after he was born. Those 8 days were really long in my opinion. Liza spent the entire time at the hospital. I think I stayed 2 nights and drove in the other days. I’d spend all day at the hospital. We’d try to feed him every 3 hours. He was so little and it took time for him to learn the sucking reflex. We’d hope to get an ounce or 2 in him every feeding. They had to add Human Milk fortifier for calories to help him put on weight. I joked that he was on HGH or steroids.
He fought jaundice and spent a lot of time under the blue lights and in a warmer. He didn’t have enough fat to keep warm. We were so happy when he was able to lose the breathing tubes and IV. He showed progress every day, and we know we had a fighter.
I was concerned about Eliza for awhile. Her mothering instinct is strong and she wasn’t getting much sleep at the hospital. The nurses and I had to convince her several times that they were there to help her. They could feed him during the night so she could sleep and recover. We kept telling her that when she went home, she wouldn’t have that help available. She got used to the idea and started sleeping through the night. But she made sure she was there bright and early every morning to feed him.
A big day for us was getting her out for a couple hours. I took her out to eat, did some shopping, and over to my parents to see Kobe. She and Kobe are so close. She cried when she saw him and cuddled him. I think he was just as happy.
Finally, after 8 days we got to bring the little man home. He was so tiny in his car seat.
We brought him into the condo and gave Kobe a few minutes to check him out. Jakin was sleeping, and I have no idea what Kobe was thinking. But he handled it well. Almost as if he approved and thanked us for the new toy.
The first few weeks were tough, as expected. It was easier for me, as I’m not equipped for nursing. Liza tried nursing for awhile. For whatever reason Jakin didn’t take to it, so I was back on the feeding duty cycle. There were times he cried and screamed and we had no idea what to do. Liza and I both had frustrating moments where we weren’t sure if we were cut out for this.
I remember one day where I got sick really quickly and suddenly at work. It came out of the blue and it was violent. I came home that day and Liza , after a long day with the baby, was ready to hand Jakin off to me. Tears filled her eyes when I said no and suggested her and Jakin head to her parents overnight. It worked out. Liza’s mom helped out with the baby and Liza was able to rest.
After the first 3-4 weeks, we’ve had the time of our lives. Liza sends pictures to me throughout the day as Jakin learns new things. She’d send pictures of his first smiles, of tummy time, of nap time, of puppy time, of just about everything new. Of course I wanted to run right home when I would get the pictures.
One of my favorite times so far was one morning when he was about 3 months old. He’d been sleeping through most of the night by this time. It was a Saturday and the sun was starting to shine through the blinds into his room and crib.
I walked into peek on him and he was waking up. When he saw me he gave me this cute little happy smile. Almost like, “Hey Dad!” Now I’d seen a few smiles from him already, but this one was special. There was no prodding. No silly talk or faces. Just a pure, innocent, happy baby smile. I reached into his crib, touched his hand and he grabbed my finger. I ran and got the camera and started taking pictures of our interaction that day. I’ll always remember it.
Around the same time he started his cooing. Then he started trying to roll over. Then he was kicking. Soon he was trying to talk. The big thing (literally) was him trying to keep his head steady. Jake’s got quite the noggin.
I rolled about 6 months of development into 6 paragraphs to get to where we are today. Jakin’s caught up in length for his age. He’s right there on weight too. He’s doing just about all the things a 6 month old baby should be doing.
He has a big blue eyes, and a great big belly laugh (which is appropriate for his great big belly!), and we know all his ticklish spots. He’s a happy baby for the most part and he’s has an infectious smile and laugh. He gets lots of attention when we go out, and he’s already a bit of a flirt.
He loves being picked up to “fly” around the condo. The other day I even had the Superman theme song playing as I flew him around the house. He was so happy. I think he thought he was really flying.
He’s responding to his name. He goes by Jake, Jakin, Jake Jake, and Jakers. I call him Champ and Li’l Man.
Jake loves being outside and he absolutely loves Kobe. Kobe seems to love him too, but does get jealous of all the attention Jakin gets these days.
The best thing right now is you can see that Jake absolutely loves Eliza and I. He saves his biggest smiles and laughs for Mom and Dad. You can see it in his eyes that he knows who were are and that we are his favorite things in the world. He is such a happy baby most of the time. And when he’s not, we put a bottle in his mouth and 10 minutes later he’s happy again.
This by far has been the greatest adventure of my life. Being a father surpasses anything I’ve ever know or any feeling I’ve ever had. Before he was born, I said all the right things about it not mattering if we had a boy or girl. I wasn’t being honest.
Jakin is the son of my dreams. I always had a vision of being a dad and having a son first. I always pictured myself teaching him how to throw and play sports. I pictured the 2 of us sitting down watching a ball game together.
And it’s such a peaceful thing living that life.
An old childhood friend of mine contacted me this week. We hadn’t talked in over 15 years. But in our conversation we talked about the journeys we’d taken and how God has guided each of us to where we are now.
When I started writing this today, I planned on giving a quick update on Jakin, and then talk about how scary this world is. There’s a lot of things to be scared of. Unemployment, economy, war, diseases….
But I have a confession to make. I’m so happy where I am right now. I married the girl of my dreams. I have the son of my dreams. I have the worlds greatest dog too. I have a good job. I have a condo that will be too small for us soon, but it’s our condo and I love it. I have more friends than I can keep in touch with. I have a great family and great in laws. I know my God and my God knows me.
To quote the famous Yankee Lou Gehrig, “today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth.” But I’m not lucky, I’m blessed.
So with that I’m happy to announce another blessing. Liza and I have another baby on the way. She’s due April 3oth! We are blessed!
Ok….so it was longer than a second. It’s been 6 months! 6 MONTHS!
A lot has happened since the last post. I remember sitting in the room posting to the blog. I remember being a nervous 1st time dad, with a preemie born 6 weeks early. I remember being scared. I remember being proud, Proud as a father, proud of my wife, and proud of my son.
Jakin showed so much fight that week. He was a stubborn boy and he’s stubborn somewhat today. As frustrating as that can be when we’re trying to feed him or soothe him, it’s a trait I’m glad he has. His stubbornness to learn to breathe is part of what has him with us today.
I apologize for not keeping the blog updated over that last 6 months. I had every intention to keep everyone up to speed on the Hoods and Jakin’s growth and development.
Life kinda got in the way. I’ve been busier than ever at work since about 2 weeks prior to Jakin’s birth. It hasn’t really slowed down. And when I get home, I just want to hang out with my boy.
Sure, I spent time on the computer keeping up on current events and my fantasy sports. I posted a fair amount of pictures out there too. But I didn’t keep up with something I love and that’s writing. I missed it, but didn’t want to miss time with my growing family. Liza, Jakin, Kobe and I have had the time of our lives since March 10. The day he joined our family, our whole life changed for the better.
It’s been awesome.
I’ll share the Reader’s Digest version now.
Jakin was born March 10th and had to stay in the special care nursery for 8 days after he was born. Those 8 days were really long in my opinion. Liza spent the entire time at the hospital. I think I stayed 2 nights and drove in the other days. I’d spend all day at the hospital. We’d try to feed him every 3 hours. He was so little and it took time for him to learn the sucking reflex. We’d hope to get an ounce or 2 in him every feeding. They had to add Human Milk fortifier for calories to help him put on weight. I joked that he was on HGH or steroids.
He fought jaundice and spent a lot of time under the blue lights and in a warmer. He didn’t have enough fat to keep warm. We were so happy when he was able to lose the breathing tubes and IV. He showed progress every day, and we know we had a fighter.
I was concerned about Eliza for awhile. Her mothering instinct is strong and she wasn’t getting much sleep at the hospital. The nurses and I had to convince her several times that they were there to help her. They could feed him during the night so she could sleep and recover. We kept telling her that when she went home, she wouldn’t have that help available. She got used to the idea and started sleeping through the night. But she made sure she was there bright and early every morning to feed him.
A big day for us was getting her out for a couple hours. I took her out to eat, did some shopping, and over to my parents to see Kobe. She and Kobe are so close. She cried when she saw him and cuddled him. I think he was just as happy.
Finally, after 8 days we got to bring the little man home. He was so tiny in his car seat.
We brought him into the condo and gave Kobe a few minutes to check him out. Jakin was sleeping, and I have no idea what Kobe was thinking. But he handled it well. Almost as if he approved and thanked us for the new toy.
The first few weeks were tough, as expected. It was easier for me, as I’m not equipped for nursing. Liza tried nursing for awhile. For whatever reason Jakin didn’t take to it, so I was back on the feeding duty cycle. There were times he cried and screamed and we had no idea what to do. Liza and I both had frustrating moments where we weren’t sure if we were cut out for this.
I remember one day where I got sick really quickly and suddenly at work. It came out of the blue and it was violent. I came home that day and Liza , after a long day with the baby, was ready to hand Jakin off to me. Tears filled her eyes when I said no and suggested her and Jakin head to her parents overnight. It worked out. Liza’s mom helped out with the baby and Liza was able to rest.
After the first 3-4 weeks, we’ve had the time of our lives. Liza sends pictures to me throughout the day as Jakin learns new things. She’d send pictures of his first smiles, of tummy time, of nap time, of puppy time, of just about everything new. Of course I wanted to run right home when I would get the pictures.
One of my favorite times so far was one morning when he was about 3 months old. He’d been sleeping through most of the night by this time. It was a Saturday and the sun was starting to shine through the blinds into his room and crib.
I walked into peek on him and he was waking up. When he saw me he gave me this cute little happy smile. Almost like, “Hey Dad!” Now I’d seen a few smiles from him already, but this one was special. There was no prodding. No silly talk or faces. Just a pure, innocent, happy baby smile. I reached into his crib, touched his hand and he grabbed my finger. I ran and got the camera and started taking pictures of our interaction that day. I’ll always remember it.
Around the same time he started his cooing. Then he started trying to roll over. Then he was kicking. Soon he was trying to talk. The big thing (literally) was him trying to keep his head steady. Jake’s got quite the noggin.
I rolled about 6 months of development into 6 paragraphs to get to where we are today. Jakin’s caught up in length for his age. He’s right there on weight too. He’s doing just about all the things a 6 month old baby should be doing.
He has a big blue eyes, and a great big belly laugh (which is appropriate for his great big belly!), and we know all his ticklish spots. He’s a happy baby for the most part and he’s has an infectious smile and laugh. He gets lots of attention when we go out, and he’s already a bit of a flirt.
He loves being picked up to “fly” around the condo. The other day I even had the Superman theme song playing as I flew him around the house. He was so happy. I think he thought he was really flying.
He’s responding to his name. He goes by Jake, Jakin, Jake Jake, and Jakers. I call him Champ and Li’l Man.
Jake loves being outside and he absolutely loves Kobe. Kobe seems to love him too, but does get jealous of all the attention Jakin gets these days.
The best thing right now is you can see that Jake absolutely loves Eliza and I. He saves his biggest smiles and laughs for Mom and Dad. You can see it in his eyes that he knows who were are and that we are his favorite things in the world. He is such a happy baby most of the time. And when he’s not, we put a bottle in his mouth and 10 minutes later he’s happy again.
This by far has been the greatest adventure of my life. Being a father surpasses anything I’ve ever know or any feeling I’ve ever had. Before he was born, I said all the right things about it not mattering if we had a boy or girl. I wasn’t being honest.
Jakin is the son of my dreams. I always had a vision of being a dad and having a son first. I always pictured myself teaching him how to throw and play sports. I pictured the 2 of us sitting down watching a ball game together.
And it’s such a peaceful thing living that life.
An old childhood friend of mine contacted me this week. We hadn’t talked in over 15 years. But in our conversation we talked about the journeys we’d taken and how God has guided each of us to where we are now.
When I started writing this today, I planned on giving a quick update on Jakin, and then talk about how scary this world is. There’s a lot of things to be scared of. Unemployment, economy, war, diseases….
But I have a confession to make. I’m so happy where I am right now. I married the girl of my dreams. I have the son of my dreams. I have the worlds greatest dog too. I have a good job. I have a condo that will be too small for us soon, but it’s our condo and I love it. I have more friends than I can keep in touch with. I have a great family and great in laws. I know my God and my God knows me.
To quote the famous Yankee Lou Gehrig, “today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth.” But I’m not lucky, I’m blessed.
So with that I’m happy to announce another blessing. Liza and I have another baby on the way. She’s due April 3oth! We are blessed!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Speechless
There's no other way to put it.
I'm sitting in the hospital right now thinking back on the last week. If you would've told me last week I'd be here with Liza and our baby, I would have laughed at you.
Just last week, Liza made a marvelous roast for dinner. We had our friends over and played games too. Apparently, it was an appreciation dinner for the help I was giving Liza while her back was acting up.
It was a great night.
Last Friday, my friends at work threw a little shower for us. A little shower with big gifts. It was nice.
We had the final baby shower last Saturday. Again, family and friends showered us with love and gifts. Liza's parents and Julie came by and helped organize the gifts in the baby's room. Terry, Rhea and the kids stopped by to check out the room too.
And we made a short list of things we needed to get done over the next 6 weeks.
Sunday, Liza was tired, but still wanted to go to church. She had missed a couple weeks and really felt like she should go. It was a great service.
As we were leaving, Rick Collins told Eliza to stay away from sharp objects.
She turned around and said, " I know, I might just pop!"
We headed over to my parents after church for a birthday party for my sister in law Nicole. We ate lasagna, had some cake and ice cream and we were home by 7:30 or 8.
We just relaxed at home, discussed how busy my life was going to be that week. Based on the outside of work schedule, I told Liza I was going to have to work late Monday. Here's how my week looked as of 8 pm on Sunday, March 9.
Mon - work late
Tues - Liza dr. appt (3:45) and our birthing class (6:30)
Wed - Pistons game
Thurs - Pistons basketball clinic at OU
Fri - Gary Allen fam birthdays at AJ and Julies
Sat - Couples small group and bible study
Somewhere in there, we needed to get a few more things off the registry, pack her hospital bag, I needed to get the dogs nails clipped and get their heartworm medicene.
So we turned the lights out at 10:30 pm Sunday, March 9 "knowing" what the week ahead was going to bring at us.
12:30 am Monday March 10 2008
"Nate"
"Nate"
I look around....Kobe's looking at me like "Dude, she's talking to you and I want to sleep."
I finally see Liza leaning out of our bathroom.
"I think my water broke."
Still groggy, I said, "What?"
Then I see it looks like she wet her pants.
So I said, "Are you sure?"
She said she just couldn't control what was happening.
I panicked for a second, but realized panic paralyzes, and gives me a migraine. So I took a deep breath, and rolled out of bed.
We discussed whether or not , but the more we talked about it, the more we figured it was.
So, since we hadn't packed her bag, I pulled out the book from our birthing class to see what we should pack.
While packing, we kept discussing whether or not her water really broke. I went back to the only thing I somewhat remember about the water breaking.
C.O.A.T.
Color, Odor, Amount, Time
It seemed like that's what it was.
So, we got it all together, packed some extra towels, and got in the car at 12:45 am.
We laughed because it was so early.
I turned on the radio, and just to hear the song "Feels like Tonight" by Daughtry. The next song was "The First Time' by Lifehouse.
Now we're really laughing at the songs that were be played.
So I switch stations to 99.5 and the next song was "There goes my life" by Kenny Chesney. Those of you who know your country music know it's a song about a young man having his first baby.
We got to the hospital within 25 minutes.
The security guard wheeled Liza up to the Labor and Delivery, and they gave us a room. The nurse came in and checked the fluid to make sure it was the amniotic fluid.
"Oh, yeah." She said and we started making the phone calls.
It was a whirlwind from there. We took notes, but thoughts are blurry right now.
It went something like this:
Labor started around 6:30 am with contractions 4-6 minutes apart
10:30 - Dr. checked and she was dilated to 2 and the baby was 80% effaced.
11:30 - Liza gets her epidural.
12:05 - Baby's heart rate dropped and we alerted the nurse station. All is well.
1:00 - They start Petocin (Petossin?) to help the contractions.
1:40 - Dilated to 3+, 90% effaced stop Petocin.
3:30 - 100% effaced, dilated to 6
4:15 - More Petocin
6:00 - Liza started pushing
7:17 pm - It's a boy! Jakin Christopher joined our family.
I'm still breaking down the moments from the nurse's "Oh, yeah" to them whisking our little man away, to watching him breathe so rapidly trying to get his air, to watching his amaizing progress, to where I'm at right now...
Sitting in room 214, thinking about the strength and determination my little boy has already shown me and the world.
The name Jakin means "He establishes" and one of the pillars of Solomon's temple was named Jakin.
A pillar holds things up, and our little guy has held us up with his progress, development and strength.
That's my boy.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
The issue at hand
Who do you like?
I like Huckabee. Some Republicans and conservatives don't.
Seems the media like McCain. I don't doubt he's a decent man, and should be commended for his war heroism. But he's not the best man for this job.
People these days want to talk tax record. What's so and so gonna do for my pocket book?
Others want to talk foreign policy.
Some want to talk "first black president."
Some want to talk "first woman president."
In my opinion the latter two are ego based, and not based on the good of the country. The principles are out of whack. But isn't that all politics are anymore? Ego. Leaders should lead, naturally. The egos are so bad nowadays, that its like elementary school politics. Talk bad about the other guy, side step my issues, and hope I win.
It's really not about country anymore. It's about being President.
We have an attorney who think she knows how to run the country because she watched her husband run the country.
Huh?
We have a young energetic, multi-ethnic candidate who would be the ideal image in today's diverse America. But what does he stand for?
They seem to be the favorites in today's anti George W world.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we've let todays world and media tell us what we should be voting on and who we should be voting for. CNN was even predicting winners in today's Super Tuesday before voting was half over.
So I have an important question for you.
It's not "What's the candidate's stance on taxes?"
It's not "What's the candidate's stance on gay marriage?"
It's not "Who has the best chance of winning?"
The question is "What was this country founded on 230 years ago?"
It was Godly principles.
The only guy left out there with the Godly principles is Mike Huckabee. He uses scripture in his speeches. He opposes abortion. He's in favor of teaching morals. He's against gay marriage. As Christians, doesn't he sound like the guy we should like.
But then they bring up his tax record.
It isn't the greatest, but from what I understand, they were short term, and the intent was to fix economic and financial problems in the state of Arkansas, where he was governor.
But do you want to know his plan for taxes? It's the "fair tax plan".
It eliminates the income tax and the IRS! It eliminates corporate tax and the Social Security tax. You would not be taxed on what you earn, but on what you spend. Essentially, it's a sales tax. And yes on everything. Supposedly, it's a 23% tax, some say it's closer to 30%.
But your income, no matter what level or amount, wouldn't be taxed. Your spending would be. Is that a bad tax plan?
Sounds fair to me.
I mean, think about our tax structure today. Depending on your income, most Americans are giving back 15-35% in federal tax. That's before state income tax, any city income taxes and social security.
That's alot of taxes. It's all gone before you spend one dime.
Now, to be fair, I'm sure nearly the same amount of taxes will make their way back to the government.
But Huckabee's plan basically, let's you choose your taxes. It's your money after all.
By the way, Huckabee is a licensed minister and pastored churches prior to being governor of Arkansas.
The important issues are the ones God says are important, not Fox news and CNN.
So while most of my audience lives in Michigan and our primary happened, pray about it tonight.
And ask yourself, if God were voting, who would he vote for.
I like Huckabee. Some Republicans and conservatives don't.
Seems the media like McCain. I don't doubt he's a decent man, and should be commended for his war heroism. But he's not the best man for this job.
People these days want to talk tax record. What's so and so gonna do for my pocket book?
Others want to talk foreign policy.
Some want to talk "first black president."
Some want to talk "first woman president."
In my opinion the latter two are ego based, and not based on the good of the country. The principles are out of whack. But isn't that all politics are anymore? Ego. Leaders should lead, naturally. The egos are so bad nowadays, that its like elementary school politics. Talk bad about the other guy, side step my issues, and hope I win.
It's really not about country anymore. It's about being President.
We have an attorney who think she knows how to run the country because she watched her husband run the country.
Huh?
We have a young energetic, multi-ethnic candidate who would be the ideal image in today's diverse America. But what does he stand for?
They seem to be the favorites in today's anti George W world.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we've let todays world and media tell us what we should be voting on and who we should be voting for. CNN was even predicting winners in today's Super Tuesday before voting was half over.
So I have an important question for you.
It's not "What's the candidate's stance on taxes?"
It's not "What's the candidate's stance on gay marriage?"
It's not "Who has the best chance of winning?"
The question is "What was this country founded on 230 years ago?"
It was Godly principles.
The only guy left out there with the Godly principles is Mike Huckabee. He uses scripture in his speeches. He opposes abortion. He's in favor of teaching morals. He's against gay marriage. As Christians, doesn't he sound like the guy we should like.
But then they bring up his tax record.
It isn't the greatest, but from what I understand, they were short term, and the intent was to fix economic and financial problems in the state of Arkansas, where he was governor.
But do you want to know his plan for taxes? It's the "fair tax plan".
It eliminates the income tax and the IRS! It eliminates corporate tax and the Social Security tax. You would not be taxed on what you earn, but on what you spend. Essentially, it's a sales tax. And yes on everything. Supposedly, it's a 23% tax, some say it's closer to 30%.
But your income, no matter what level or amount, wouldn't be taxed. Your spending would be. Is that a bad tax plan?
Sounds fair to me.
I mean, think about our tax structure today. Depending on your income, most Americans are giving back 15-35% in federal tax. That's before state income tax, any city income taxes and social security.
That's alot of taxes. It's all gone before you spend one dime.
Now, to be fair, I'm sure nearly the same amount of taxes will make their way back to the government.
But Huckabee's plan basically, let's you choose your taxes. It's your money after all.
By the way, Huckabee is a licensed minister and pastored churches prior to being governor of Arkansas.
The important issues are the ones God says are important, not Fox news and CNN.
So while most of my audience lives in Michigan and our primary happened, pray about it tonight.
And ask yourself, if God were voting, who would he vote for.
Friday, February 01, 2008
2008 = No Worries
Looks like I’m back to my 2 month layoff between posts.
Sheesh!
So much has been going on.
Of course, the biggest thing in my life these days is the countdown to the birth of our baby. It’s been fun watching Liza go through her changes, and how great of a mother she already is. It’s fun feeling the baby move.
I can’t believe that we’re just over 2 months away!
We’ve got the furniture ordered, but not yet picked up. We have the ideas for painting, yet still have to paint. Things are so close, but at times seem so far away. We’re on the verge of being ready, but not really ready yet.
It’s fun watching Kobe protect his “mumma”. The other day we were at my parents and had Kobe with us. Kobe usually adores Tiger (my dog at my parents house), and annoys Tiger because Kobe always wants to be around him.
But Monday was different. Kobe was protecting Eliza from Tiger trying to get near her. Maybe it was jealousy, but that would surprise me. The 3 of them have cuddled many a time on one of the couches at my parents.
So my guess is Kobe knows Eliza is going through something, and is protecting Eliza.
Eliza is definitely “beaming” as a mother. It’s fun seeing someone become what they know they were born to do.
Surprisingly, I haven’t even fretted about changing a diaper yet. Can’t say I’m looking forward to it….but I’m not worrying about it.
As excited as I am about being a father, it still hasn’t sunk in. Me being who I am, I think more about the financial side of it right now. Things like:
Am I going to be able to provide enough?
What do we cut if the costs are higher than expected?
Can we survive without Eliza’s income?
We need a house?
But can I afford a house?
But then I have to think, “Life is good for the Hoods.” Praise God for it.
He’s always provided, and I know He always will. Even recently, I got good news in relation to our financial situation. Wooo Hooo!
See, I’m a “think through it” guy. I’m always thinking “what if…” and running scenario after scenario through my mind. But I know that all the planning I do, can often change with the direction God moves us. And then I start “what iffing” again.
Recently, another potential development made an appearance in decision world. The house and property that the Hood generation before me grew up on went on the market. And it's a steal. Ideally, I'd sell my condo today, purchase the home, and decide whether to renovate or build new.
What to do, what to do?
Here's what I've decided to do.
Not worry.
I was reminded of this great thought when I went with the Allen clan to see the Lion King at the Detroit Opera House. It was a great show, but I got something out of it too….
Hakuna Matata
No worries.
That’s how we should be. No worries. God’s got it all in control. He tells us countless times in His word not to worry. To know that He is in control, and He is God.
I knew that.
But it took a Simba, Pumbaa, and Timon to remind me of it.
So as I start the first blog of the new year a month late! Let me remind you…
Hakuna Matata.
Sheesh!
So much has been going on.
Of course, the biggest thing in my life these days is the countdown to the birth of our baby. It’s been fun watching Liza go through her changes, and how great of a mother she already is. It’s fun feeling the baby move.
I can’t believe that we’re just over 2 months away!
We’ve got the furniture ordered, but not yet picked up. We have the ideas for painting, yet still have to paint. Things are so close, but at times seem so far away. We’re on the verge of being ready, but not really ready yet.
It’s fun watching Kobe protect his “mumma”. The other day we were at my parents and had Kobe with us. Kobe usually adores Tiger (my dog at my parents house), and annoys Tiger because Kobe always wants to be around him.
But Monday was different. Kobe was protecting Eliza from Tiger trying to get near her. Maybe it was jealousy, but that would surprise me. The 3 of them have cuddled many a time on one of the couches at my parents.
So my guess is Kobe knows Eliza is going through something, and is protecting Eliza.
Eliza is definitely “beaming” as a mother. It’s fun seeing someone become what they know they were born to do.
Surprisingly, I haven’t even fretted about changing a diaper yet. Can’t say I’m looking forward to it….but I’m not worrying about it.
As excited as I am about being a father, it still hasn’t sunk in. Me being who I am, I think more about the financial side of it right now. Things like:
Am I going to be able to provide enough?
What do we cut if the costs are higher than expected?
Can we survive without Eliza’s income?
We need a house?
But can I afford a house?
But then I have to think, “Life is good for the Hoods.” Praise God for it.
He’s always provided, and I know He always will. Even recently, I got good news in relation to our financial situation. Wooo Hooo!
See, I’m a “think through it” guy. I’m always thinking “what if…” and running scenario after scenario through my mind. But I know that all the planning I do, can often change with the direction God moves us. And then I start “what iffing” again.
Recently, another potential development made an appearance in decision world. The house and property that the Hood generation before me grew up on went on the market. And it's a steal. Ideally, I'd sell my condo today, purchase the home, and decide whether to renovate or build new.
What to do, what to do?
Here's what I've decided to do.
Not worry.
I was reminded of this great thought when I went with the Allen clan to see the Lion King at the Detroit Opera House. It was a great show, but I got something out of it too….
Hakuna Matata
No worries.
That’s how we should be. No worries. God’s got it all in control. He tells us countless times in His word not to worry. To know that He is in control, and He is God.
I knew that.
But it took a Simba, Pumbaa, and Timon to remind me of it.
So as I start the first blog of the new year a month late! Let me remind you…
Hakuna Matata.
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