As I've said before in a blog or two, I'm not the brightest bulb when it comes to sports. So having two kids who are very involved in baseball and softball this year has completely rocked my world. My time is consumed with driving to ball games, scheduling ball games, taking snacks to ball games, watching ball games, and yes, even cheering at ball games. I've even learned some things from sitting through so many of them this year. Here's a few:
1. "Nice squeeze" has nothing to do with a hug...unless, of course, you're talking about a mitt.
2. Sunscreen should always be in the car...along with an umbrella.
3. Watching my children play gives me pure joy. Sitting outside in the sun all afternoon gives me a headache.
4. "Sweating is good for you" is my mantra to getting through the whole game.
5. With all my "non-knowledge" about how to play the game, even I can see when our players get to the base before the ball does!
6. If you listen close enough, parent sideline chatter can be the most interesting, newsy, and ridiculous conversation ever!
7. "Choke up" is not synonymous to strangling someone while in a vertical position.
8. Encouragement is important on and off the field. Great reminder for the rest of life too!
9. "Find a hole" doesn't mean to stop what you're doing and actually find a hole.
10. Blue is not a color. It is a person, who is apparently comfortable being yelled at. I hope he has awesome friends.
Give It Up for the Old Guys!
He may not know me, but he's influenced my life.
I eat lunch with him often, and he refreshes my soul.
He took my awkward teenage self and taught me what it means to love people.
Many miles separate us, yet I know he prays for me continually.
I've only known him a short time, and I'm glad he's in my life.
Sunday's sermon has been on my mind all week. The passage was Genesis 13, and the practical tip was to "get an Abraham in your life!" A faithful, encouraging, old guy with a heart for God.
Fortunately for me, I've got five old guys to make fun of....ummm....to "enjoy" in my life.
Chuck Swindoll is a preacher at a church in California. His radio show, Insight for Living, is on at 12:05pm each day on the local Christian station. As much as I can, I try to take my lunch break at 11:55am so I can get my lunch heated or ready to go and head to my car in the parking lot. Especially on pleasant days when I can roll down the windows. I tune in to hear the next in his sermon series. Most recently he's been walking us through all the books of the Bible, sharing highlights of each, giving background, and always including a practical tip for the day. His powerful words are encouraging. His laughter is contagious (he always has a great story!). And he has influenced my spiritual life without even knowing it.
Work is an expression of what God can do through me. Purpose is as important to me as anything, and the work I do at Standard Publishing is very fulfilling--getting incredible resources into the hands of church leaders who will share Jesus with others. All the details of "work" become fun and exciting for me each day, and I find it enjoyable to eat my lunch while working. Occasionally, however, I need a break from the routine. On those days, I am honored to enjoy a lunch out with my friend, Mark Taylor. He's one of my favorite "old guys" to hang out with. He enjoys people, good food, and a hearty laugh! By the time we get together, I'm always in the mood to chat and he's always there to listen. Best of all, he's wise. He's lived far longer than I, and I respect his careful words, encouraging spirit, and "normal-ness." I am myself and he's okay with that. He certainly refreshes my soul.
I was a dorky teen. Skinny, pimply, and introverted. Fortunately, Dan Baker took the time to get to know me. He was my youth group leader. And what I remember most is just hanging out. Going places, laughing, babysitting his kids, playing video games, and having fun. Not sure if it's a spiritual gift, but God definitely bestowed ENERGY upon Dan, and he is awesome at sharing it! He is my complete opposite: outgoing, outgoing, outgoing! I thank God that he came into my life at such an important time. He saw "me" and drew me out of the shell I was hiding in. Since then, we have had multiple opportunities to have lunch, laugh, and hang out. His love for people is contagious, and he changed my life for the better.
Love has no boundaries. Good thing, because this guy is one of my favorites and he lives many, many miles away. My dad, John Faust, is a patient, caring, follower of Christ. As I grow older, his example reminds me of multiple Scripture verses about family (Deuteronomy 6, Joshua 24:15), marriage (Ephesians 5), living on this earth (Philippians 4:4-9), and staying focused (Mark 12:29-31, Romans 12:10). He taught me about Jesus through his life, his marriage, and his work. And now that I'm a dad, he continues to teach me. I hear his words of encouragement, and I see "him" in me when I react a certain way. He was a faithful prayer warrior when I was young. And I know he prays for me now. He showed Jesus to me then. And his legacy continues through his prayers, my life, and through our family in multiple ways.
Most recently, I have had the privilege of knowing Tom Van Meter. I call him "old guy" and he calls me "young kid." He and his wife, Joann, know my grandparents. They actually have a very funny story about Pop and Gramma...a story I love to remember because I chuckle every time. Tom is a great guy! Though he retired from Standard Publishing, I was able to work with him for a little while. His focus was on the Biblical Choices Christian school curriculum and our paths crossed when he traveled to events that promoted it. Since then we work together under different circumstances. He works as an independent contractor for Standard, and I coordinate his activities. He calls me "boss." I call him "crazy old guy." He's old, and he's fun. (proven by the picture below!) Among his many positive traits, I have found a great listener and friend. He is careful with his words. I am quick to let my tongue roll. He enjoys getting to know people and is easy to talk to. I struggle to stay focused on one person at a time and really listen. His life mirrors Christ. And I find that I grow closer to Christ when I spend time with Tom.
Give it up for the old guys!
"Old Guy" and "Young Kid" in Nashville, TN
for a Christian School Convention
I eat lunch with him often, and he refreshes my soul.
He took my awkward teenage self and taught me what it means to love people.
Many miles separate us, yet I know he prays for me continually.
I've only known him a short time, and I'm glad he's in my life.
Sunday's sermon has been on my mind all week. The passage was Genesis 13, and the practical tip was to "get an Abraham in your life!" A faithful, encouraging, old guy with a heart for God.
Fortunately for me, I've got five old guys to make fun of....ummm....to "enjoy" in my life.
Chuck Swindoll is a preacher at a church in California. His radio show, Insight for Living, is on at 12:05pm each day on the local Christian station. As much as I can, I try to take my lunch break at 11:55am so I can get my lunch heated or ready to go and head to my car in the parking lot. Especially on pleasant days when I can roll down the windows. I tune in to hear the next in his sermon series. Most recently he's been walking us through all the books of the Bible, sharing highlights of each, giving background, and always including a practical tip for the day. His powerful words are encouraging. His laughter is contagious (he always has a great story!). And he has influenced my spiritual life without even knowing it.
Work is an expression of what God can do through me. Purpose is as important to me as anything, and the work I do at Standard Publishing is very fulfilling--getting incredible resources into the hands of church leaders who will share Jesus with others. All the details of "work" become fun and exciting for me each day, and I find it enjoyable to eat my lunch while working. Occasionally, however, I need a break from the routine. On those days, I am honored to enjoy a lunch out with my friend, Mark Taylor. He's one of my favorite "old guys" to hang out with. He enjoys people, good food, and a hearty laugh! By the time we get together, I'm always in the mood to chat and he's always there to listen. Best of all, he's wise. He's lived far longer than I, and I respect his careful words, encouraging spirit, and "normal-ness." I am myself and he's okay with that. He certainly refreshes my soul.
I was a dorky teen. Skinny, pimply, and introverted. Fortunately, Dan Baker took the time to get to know me. He was my youth group leader. And what I remember most is just hanging out. Going places, laughing, babysitting his kids, playing video games, and having fun. Not sure if it's a spiritual gift, but God definitely bestowed ENERGY upon Dan, and he is awesome at sharing it! He is my complete opposite: outgoing, outgoing, outgoing! I thank God that he came into my life at such an important time. He saw "me" and drew me out of the shell I was hiding in. Since then, we have had multiple opportunities to have lunch, laugh, and hang out. His love for people is contagious, and he changed my life for the better.
Love has no boundaries. Good thing, because this guy is one of my favorites and he lives many, many miles away. My dad, John Faust, is a patient, caring, follower of Christ. As I grow older, his example reminds me of multiple Scripture verses about family (Deuteronomy 6, Joshua 24:15), marriage (Ephesians 5), living on this earth (Philippians 4:4-9), and staying focused (Mark 12:29-31, Romans 12:10). He taught me about Jesus through his life, his marriage, and his work. And now that I'm a dad, he continues to teach me. I hear his words of encouragement, and I see "him" in me when I react a certain way. He was a faithful prayer warrior when I was young. And I know he prays for me now. He showed Jesus to me then. And his legacy continues through his prayers, my life, and through our family in multiple ways.
Most recently, I have had the privilege of knowing Tom Van Meter. I call him "old guy" and he calls me "young kid." He and his wife, Joann, know my grandparents. They actually have a very funny story about Pop and Gramma...a story I love to remember because I chuckle every time. Tom is a great guy! Though he retired from Standard Publishing, I was able to work with him for a little while. His focus was on the Biblical Choices Christian school curriculum and our paths crossed when he traveled to events that promoted it. Since then we work together under different circumstances. He works as an independent contractor for Standard, and I coordinate his activities. He calls me "boss." I call him "crazy old guy." He's old, and he's fun. (proven by the picture below!) Among his many positive traits, I have found a great listener and friend. He is careful with his words. I am quick to let my tongue roll. He enjoys getting to know people and is easy to talk to. I struggle to stay focused on one person at a time and really listen. His life mirrors Christ. And I find that I grow closer to Christ when I spend time with Tom.
Give it up for the old guys! "Old Guy" and "Young Kid" in Nashville, TN
for a Christian School Convention
50 by 40
In December 2011, the goal was set: lose 50 pounds. The timeline was yet unknown.
The belly gets flatter and the body gets stronger, amidst pain, sweat, walking, a 5K, diet (ahem.."food balance awareness"), 15-minute online workouts, travel for work, and vacation.
The attitude has changed. Energy has returned. Tying a shoe is no longer an early morning Olympic event. The shirt and pant sizes are shrinking....as well as the consumption intake. Playing in the yard includes actually running to retrieve the ball. Sweat has become a friend more than a foe.
Time to coin a new motivational phrase. Ah...."50 by 40"
Lose 50 pounds by 40 years old. The progress is worth noting: almost 40 pounds lighter as of August 1. Now just a few months to reach the goal's end on November 1.
The challenge is real. And it's possible.
The plan is in motion. And it's a daily choice.
The ultimate goal is balance.
50 by 40. The results are [finally] within reach.
The belly gets flatter and the body gets stronger, amidst pain, sweat, walking, a 5K, diet (ahem.."food balance awareness"), 15-minute online workouts, travel for work, and vacation.
The attitude has changed. Energy has returned. Tying a shoe is no longer an early morning Olympic event. The shirt and pant sizes are shrinking....as well as the consumption intake. Playing in the yard includes actually running to retrieve the ball. Sweat has become a friend more than a foe.
Time to coin a new motivational phrase. Ah...."50 by 40"
Lose 50 pounds by 40 years old. The progress is worth noting: almost 40 pounds lighter as of August 1. Now just a few months to reach the goal's end on November 1.
The challenge is real. And it's possible.
The plan is in motion. And it's a daily choice.
The ultimate goal is balance.
50 by 40. The results are [finally] within reach.
This city boy is being countri-fied!
This year has been full of doing something new, and Memorial Day Weekend was no exception.
On this holiday, our family has enjoyed camping
with my in-laws and extended family. And
it’s my kind of camping…via motorhome with all the primary needs: shower, comfortable bed, refrigerator, and
air conditioning! In a beautiful part of Ohio, we relax with a swimming pool, shade trees, grilling out,
campfires, s’mores, fishing, and more!
The 3-day weekend is both exciting and restful. The kids enjoy playing with cousins, and the
adults enjoy reading, talking, and laughing together. We spend most days hanging out…until special
moments come along that we participate in.
And two of those times are worthy to write about today.
The first was my son’s desire to “go fishin’.”
As my father would say, I’m not the brightest bulb when
it comes to sports…and fishing is no exception.
My grandpa had a pond in the back, and I vaguely remember going out with
my brother and dad to fish…only to realize I didn’t like slimy worms, hooking
the bait, waiting, or standing there waiting to catch something. I don’t remember catching anything, and even
if I did I wouldn’t want to remove the fish from the hook (Stick my hand in
that thing? Yuck!)
And now, 25+ years later, my son wants to fish. Of all the things in the world to do…
The great news is that my wife’s cousin and family enjoy
fishing, and they know how to go about it, and they are willing to teach my
son. Yay for family! So one early evening, we set out to
“go fish” with fishing poles, bobber thingies, a container of nightcrawlers
(Ew!), and a hope that we’d be able to catch something. I was there to watch and encourage the rest of the bunch.
For me, this is where it got interesting.
The fishing part was pretty straight forward. Tie the hook and bobber thingie, attach the
nightcrawler, press the button, throw and release the line, wait, reel it in
slowly, and start over. It took my kids a little bit of time, and then they got it. Other family members were using the same
technique…at first.
The interesting part was when we all started to pay attention to our surroundings: the shady parts of the lake, where the sun was, where the fish were, who was hooking the most fish, why they were successful, etc. The kids started listening to the wise counsel of our fishing-friendly family members. They watched where the fish were swimming and then moved to where the fish were biting. They patiently waited, allowing the fish to first notice the bait and then second act on it. They took great care to make sure the bait was ready on the line and not tangled in a web of plants nearby. Watching the fish nibble at the bait and either grab hold of it or choose to move on, the kids were giddy with excitement and trying hard to wait patiently. Once the fish did grab on, they quickly reeled in the line and a beautiful fish soared into the air! The rest of us yelled and screamed and whistled and hollered at the JOY as another fish was presented to the family!
The interesting part was when we all started to pay attention to our surroundings: the shady parts of the lake, where the sun was, where the fish were, who was hooking the most fish, why they were successful, etc. The kids started listening to the wise counsel of our fishing-friendly family members. They watched where the fish were swimming and then moved to where the fish were biting. They patiently waited, allowing the fish to first notice the bait and then second act on it. They took great care to make sure the bait was ready on the line and not tangled in a web of plants nearby. Watching the fish nibble at the bait and either grab hold of it or choose to move on, the kids were giddy with excitement and trying hard to wait patiently. Once the fish did grab on, they quickly reeled in the line and a beautiful fish soared into the air! The rest of us yelled and screamed and whistled and hollered at the JOY as another fish was presented to the family!
Once we were aware of what we needed to do and then by
refining our methods, we experienced much more JOY and much better
results. Hmmmm….reminds me of a certain verse about fishers of men…how interesting.
Have you ever seen the movie Son-in-Law? If you haven’t, get it now. If you have, then you’ll appreciate this
story all the more.
This city boy is being countri-fied.
On Sunday, it came to my attention that there would be
line dancing in the big shelter. If I
had a bucket list, line dancing would be on it.
My wife and family were a bit surprised by my
excitement at the thought of "gettin' cowboy" and "cutting a rug" with the country folk, but I was serious! When am I ever going to do this?!?! And the best part: no one knows me here! Why not? We all decided to “check it
out” and walked over to the big shelter at 7pm to see what it was all about. The temperature outside was about 95 degrees
and in that shelter, well, it was hot! There
were approximately 15 women and a few young guys copying what the instructor
was teaching them. And they were pretty
good! The unfamiliarity of this peculiar
movement combined with the ridiculous notion that I have rhythm and/or ability
motivated me (and my wife’s cousin) to jump right in and try it!
While I am truly embarrassed by my ability, I am not too
proud to post this video on facebook to prove that I actually did it!
What a blast! We
learned and danced the “Chattahoochee” as well as the “Electric Slide.” As much as I wanted to make fun of the whole
line-dancing crowd, I have to admit it was hard work. I was sweating head to toe and definitely got
my cardio workout in! The moves were
fairly easy to learn, and when the music started it was a challenge to keep
up. Once I was able to focus off the instructor and on to the dance itself, it was easier to
enjoy the experience! If I had the
opportunity again, I’d do it again in a heartbeat!
I may be a horrible dancer, but oh! It was so much fun!
Getting out of my comfort zone is always a good thing. Many
more things in this world are available for me to enjoy…if only I will throw
myself out there one more time and take another step forward.
A Great Day for a Race!
The Faust Family completed a 5K together!
The day started out a little bleak, with a spitting of rain at the start. We drove downtown early and parked, then walked to the "starting point" near Reds stadium. Chaos was the word of the morning, with more than 4200 participants - the highest ever to participate! We got into position on 2nd Street and counted down from 15 until the horn blasted, and we were off!
(We had a quick family meeting during the cattle herding and decided to start out walking, which we all agreed to. Then, when the horn went off, we actually just stood there because there were what seemed like a billion other people merging into a tiny space to get through the "gate" and so we didn't actually start moving for another 5 minutes)
And then we were off! Each mile was a bit more challenging than the previous, and we all had a great time walking, jogging, and even running a lot more than I thought we would! As much as I thought I'd have to walk more, I surprised myself by breathing well and jogging/running without much problem. It was so refreshing to feel the confidence and pride after working hard at home.
My daughter is convinced we'll be doing the 10K next year!
The "Finish Swine" was the most fun. The kids and I finished about 5 minutes before Mommy, so we had the opportunity to cheer her in and the kids really enjoyed that! They called all of our names when we passed the finish line and it was an AWESOME family moment! Especially when we all received 5K Flying Pig medals! We were proud of each other for all coming in under 45 minutes, too!
I've always loved time with my family. This day made me proud to be husband and daddy even more. Maybe we will do the 10K next year. As long as it's together, I'm up for anything!
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