Wrapping Up 2011

Whoa...

Hmmm....

Uh....

Well...

Where do I start in talking about 2011? LOTS to "unwrap" here...LOTS happened...

I started this blog a few days ago...decided I just didn't like it! I saved it for myself for another time. Frankly this year has really hurt...I have felt lost...awkward...confused...just strange for a a great deal of the 2nd half of this year. The year started with a dream...a challenge...renewed vision and direction for me and our church...anyone who has read this blog or lived this with me...knows where that journey led...(if you're new to the blog...just head back to May and June and start reading!)

God's faithfulness though is what has been my focus over the past week as I thought about how to finish off the year...I have thought about this BEAUTIFUL, funny, adorable, cute, snuggly, little girl that was a true gift from God this year. She has been sunshine in the midst of a storm...a true miracle and treasure from God. SOOOOOO grateful for her and that God blessed us with Sadie Lynn Boucher THIS YEAR...that wasn't an accident!

I'm also quite grateful that the very week that the decision was made to close our church (and put me out of a job) that our school system offered me a full time position. WHO GETS THAT?!?!?! God was soooo good to us...to give us $ and insurance while many struggle to find a job. AND to have a job that I enjoy...I'm grateful.

OBVIOUSLY there are other blessings...Sadie isn't the only amazing family member that I have!! But those 2 things are my 2 biggest highlights from the year.

Our Little Puppy

Alright...for those of you who love pets beware! If you don't like pets...SOFTEN UP!

Today was a sad day over here...after 12 1/2 years, we had our little puppy Zeke put to sleep...I know...12 is old for a puppy, but he was a Yorkie...so he was forever a puppy! That little dog brought a lot of joy to our family...he was my leg warmer while watching TV...my playing buddy...he was sooo stinkin' stubborn! He just did things his way...I'll even miss yelling at him for his little whimpering when he was gated!! (That used to make me sooooo mad though!)

I still remember like it was yesterday...the first time we brought him home and I played with him in the kitchen...FUN!

The bottom line...for us...he was part of the family. Just part of who we are...A LOT of tears were shed today...lots...I already miss the little guy...his night time licks...even right now...if he were here he would be looking at me with his little Zeke look...head tilted a little...as if to say..."WHAT ARE YOU STILL DOING UP...get to bed!" I think people really miss out when they don't have pets...I know that loss is hard...that life has enough trouble without pets making it harder...but the fun and joy is sooooo worth it!

Here is what is on my mind though...enjoy the moments...sure with pets, but more than that... With the people in your life. Don't have regrets...say you're sorry while you still can...forgive that person while you still can...run after that dream while there is still life in you...use your life...your remaining days to influence people in positive ways...AND DON'T STOP OR LOSE HOPE...appreciate what you have while you have it!

A MRI...A Picture...Today

I had a MRI today on my right knee...it's been bad for over 20 years...hurt it back in High School. Kels made me an appointment with a knee doc a couple of weeks ago...guess she was tired of watching me struggle to get up and stuff...(BTW...is it bad when the doctor walks in and says..."oh...from the looks of your x-ray I would have thought you were 20-30 years older!" Nice!! Guess my knees really are 60-70 yrs. old!!)

ANYWAY...today I had a MRI...they put you on this uncomfortable table...tell you to not move anything...AND they keep the room freezing cold...THEN the machine turns on...and it is STINKIN' loud!!

SO...during the time I was in there...I prayed...for 30 straight minutes...with loud banging of the machine...I prayed...prayed for A LOT of people...friends...family...pastors...marriages...perspective...students...teachers...principals. It was just sooooo good to come before God and put some people in front of him.

Then...there was physical therapy today...while I was in there the therapist had a picture on the wall...it said: "Attitude...a little thing that makes a BIG difference." The picture was of 1 drop of water falling onto a completely still body of water...then you see the ripple effect...it was really a powerful pic for me...1 drop of water created a GREAT DEAL of ripples...our attitude will dictate whether those are positive or negative ripples...

Which brings me to today...what are we going to do today? How long will we allow the circumstances of our past dictate how we live TODAY? When will we step up and say...I am a child of the LIVING God...saved through the blood and resurrection of Jesus Christ...I am created to do great things for God!

LIVE. Live today. With whatever circumstances you are in...THRIVE. Make the most of what God has placed in front of you. Don't be so consumed with yesterday or tomorrow that you miss your chances today!

Dashboard...GREAT STUFF!

Pastor Sam NAILED it yesterday...we started a new message series at church called Dashboard. You know...the warning lights that go off on the dash of your car or van...they let you know...TROUBLE...BETTER GET YOUR VEHICLE IN TO BE FIXED! (I probably like this soooo much 'cause of our own dashboard problems!)

So Sam hit 12 Spiritual Warning Lights that could go off on the dashboard of our lives...here a some highlights that hit me..

*If God answered all of your prayers NOTHING of significance would change on earth...
This one is HUGE...we pray and pray and pray for God to help US with this...help US do that...be with OUR kids...OUR homes...OUR jobs...NONE OF WHICH ARE BAD...but what about earth shaking stuff...what about people that need Jesus...what about issues that affect our city, nation, world...what about...Are our prayers EARTH SHAKING? Are we PLEADING with God to do some CRAZY STUFF?

*You keep going back to a place where God moved you to spiritual growth.
-This is mine RIGHT NOW! Been thinking of this one for a couple months...I used to go to the East Race...down to the river...for times of meeting with God. Over the course of this year I have tried to go back there...to have that time with God...only I've been forcing it. The time has come for me to find a new spot...a new place to connect with God...I've been moved into a new season of life...and the time has come to find a new spot to connect with God. I look forward to finding it, just as I have finally gotten to a point of being excited to find out how God wants to use us now.

Here is the thing on the last one...you can't force it...you can't force change...simply make the most of each moment that you're in right now...seek God and wait...and wait...and wait...NOW that is ACTIVE waiting! It's not lazy...it's not just sitting around...BUT waiting on God...looking for him and GRABBING EACH MOMENT AS IT COMES!

Can't wait to see where my new spot will be...can't wait for that feeling of connection with God...the time of seeing HIS clear vision for how HE wants to work in his church and through me...did I mention that this is fun! (Now there is a shift over the past few months!) It's fun to try to unpack what God is doing all around me and how I and my family fit into that.

Enough for now!!

Reflections

Had the privilege to preach today at Keller Park Church...the church is making a HUGE difference in the Keller Park Neighborhood here in South Bend...Really making a difference as they practically have been serving there...Their pastor...Ryan Yazel...is a friend of mine and has a true shepherd's heart...a deep care for people and where they are. I believe the work he does there brings a smile to God's face!!

Today I talked about wisdom...about making sure that we have the right filter...that we use GOD's filter for figuring out what the best decisions are for our lives. And I'll admit it...it was just good to preach this morning...not because I was preaching, but the process it takes to get it done...and the opportunity to speak to a group of people...a group that is truly living out the Great Commission...I enjoyed the time of prayer...pleading with God for words to share...for insight...the research through the Word...looking for ways to practically connect the Word to our lives...(Not tooooo hard to do when you get to speak on the book of James!)...the concern on Saturday night of whether people would connect with it...Ryan thanked me several times...but let's be honest...I'm the one who is thanking him for the opportunity to share the Word...to have my own heart stirred up again...

Word of the Week: Courage!

Asked my students what courage was...some really good discussion! We decided that if fear is absent then you don't need courage. Why be courageous if you aren't worried or afraid...it just isn't needed. So in order to have courage, we have to be confronting a struggle, fear or worry of some kind...

When I think of courage with my students...my mind runs to their homes...I don't know all of their stories. I don't know what life is like at home...but some of the stories I know...it's heart-breaking...students dealing with sick parents...another with a parent that has passed away...some not living with mom and dad anymore...others watching mom and dad going through a divorce...One student came up to me and told me how her young cousin passed away in a car accident.

These kids have courage to simply SHOW UP and give their best at school. I'm so proud of them...for working hard...for working to overcome some of their life circumstances. It is a privilege to teach these kids.

Then I think about the teachers and staff...thinking of things that are happening in their personal lives yet...they show up every day and pour their lives into these students...all while more expectations are heaped on them...and frankly the much of the blame for student's low scores. It is a privilege to serve with a group of people that want to make a difference in these kid's lives.

Then there are our administrators...both have walked through some illnesses over the years, yet they still have smiles on their faces as they work with us, the kids and their parents. They have courage each day as they face the struggles of doing what is best for our school...I don't envy the principals, and I'm soooo glad that they have not lost hope in these kids!

COURAGE...facing TOUGH STUFF and being willing to walk through it.

What is your struggle...your fear right now? What is the wall that you can't see over? The thing that makes your stomach turn? Will you be willing to face that struggle? Will you be willing to walk through that fear? It may not feel good...but as you face it and walk through it...YOU are living with courage!! So take the next step...(Hey...have you ever written something and thought that just maybe you were writing a note to yourself?? Hmmmmm....)

Random Stuff Around the Bouchers'...

Random Stuff as it pops in my head...
-Chloe ran a FANTASTIC final race at her City meet this week! SO proud of her!!
-1 1/2 years ago, Chloe would walk during a 1/2 mile run!! SO STINKIN PROUD OF HER!!
-DID I MENTION...how proud I am of the way she has improved...NICE!
-Wish I would have been a swimmer...that has sure helped Chloe's running!
-Wonder what Sadie will grow up to be like...the older 3 are so unique...wonder what...
-Luke received his first progress report...It was really good!!
-Teaching today...it was like watching myself through the lives of several kids...
-What is it about drummers...they just have to push and tease people...then they give that smirk...the "What?!?! I didn't do anything?" smirk...(not that I have EVER given that look!!)
-Teaching is really tiring...it is like preaching 5-6 times a day...I come home feeling spent each evening...
-Why do we sometimes expect more out of others than we do ourselves...that sure is backwards!
-Teaching a group of kids math...helping with their skills...the group is a challenge, but I really am enjoying connecting with these kids.
-Took my 7th grade band out to the football field today...rehearsed for a halftime song we are playing next week...
-Since we were outside...I raced the band in a 40 yd. Dash......
-OH...did I mention that I beat the 7th graders?? Some athletes in the class...guess the old band teacher can still run a little
-SPEAKING OF RUNNING...Jaden ran a 6min. 30 second mile...WHAT?!?!?! That is faster than any of my mile times this year!! (OR last year!!)
-THE KID IS 8 YEARS OLD!! Now he just needs to keep his limbs healthy
-I'm a different teacher after having worked with Jim Brown and the guys at Grace Community...I work differently...and better...A little of that DNA rubbed off!
-Wonder what life will be like in 5 years
-I know this...Sadie will be 5...Luke 10...Jaden 13...Chloe 16...Whoa!
-This weather is AWESOME! 80 during the day...cool at night! Almost makes me want to move to Cali!
-Feeling really blessed...amazing Savior...BEAUTIFUL wife...great kids...and so much more!

You just never know...

You just never know what is going to encourage someone...I cannot tell you how many times a simple note or text...really encourage me. Today was one of those days. 3 very simple things made my day...

First it was a call from a very good friend...the call was for a microphone that he needed, but he ended up encouraging me more than I can express...AND it all happened in less than 5 minutes! It was simple...but soooooo good!

Then I received an email...from another friend...asking for help...it came out of the blue, but his request really encouraged my heart.

THEN...the icing on the cake...it was really short...the shortest of the 3...a text...YEP...you got it...a text...very few words, but it came from a person I deeply respect and haven't talked to in a while...it made my day and encouraged my heart to hear from him and know that he was thinking of me.

You have been there haven't you? A time when someone shares a simple word...a phrase that just lifts your spirit...just pushes you forward...simply makes your day. Not a huge conversation, but something to boost you up...

Today made me think...who do I need to encourage...who do I need to give that boost too...let's be honest...most of the time we don't even intend to encourage in those moments...they simply happen. BUT let's pray...pray that God allows us to influence people...not just in the BIG ways that many can see...but in the little things...in the simple conversations...in the times that we may never even know about...

SO DO IT...send that text...that email...that quick call...the one that will lift someone up...don't think for a SECOND that it doesn't matter...do it!

Word of the Week: Integrity!

I have been wrestling this school year with how to best influence my students...I realize the fact that the majority of my students will not be playing the instrument they play right now when they are my age. So yes...OF COURSE I long to see them be the best musicians they can EVER be! And MORE THAN THAT...I long for them to be the BEST PERSON they can possibly be. THE VERY BEST!

SO this week I started a word of the week...we take some time to discuss the word...and my hope is as we do this week after week...these life skills...maybe a story that is shared will help to shape my student's minds, hearts and lives.

This week...it is all about integrity...all about doing the right thing when people are and are not watching. Being the very most trustworthy people...people that their parents, teachers, peers can trust...

This made me think about my life too...how am I doing with protecting and guarding my integrity? I have LONG had the desire to be the same man at work as I am at home...to be the same at church as I am at home...

If you are reading this...that is my prayer for you...my prayer is that you will walk through this life with integrity...that you will hold your head high, knowing that you are trustworthy...that you do the right thing even when people aren't watching you. AND I pray...that if there is something...something that you are holding back...something that you think no one else can see...something that holds you back from living with integrity...that you will deal with it through the forgiveness of our God AND through walking with others in accountability!

If this couch could speak...

15 years ago my brother and sister in-law gave this couch to us...before that it belonged to my grandma...I remember when it was moved into her new apartment when I was in 5th grade after my grandpa had passed away.

Whoa...lots of memories...think of all the things that this couch has seen...think of the moments...the memories...sad stories...heart breaking stories...AMAZING joys...tears of joy and broken moments...prayers...teaching moments...wrestling...couch-covers...TONS of desserts...movie nights...FUN memories!!

A couple of moments for me...

My favorite of all would have been sitting on that couch interviewing my grandma...I had to interview someone and then write a paper on them in high school. I will never forget (I just got CHILLS thinking about it!) that time with grandma...it was sooooooo priceless...hearing about her growing up years...her life with grandpa...how she missed him. (Over 50 years of marriage! Cool story there...Kelsey's wedding ring has gma's diamond in it...so it is rounding 70 year of marriage in that diamond!!) Priceless times.

I also remember watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy with Gma...THEN YEARS LATER...I got to sit on that couch and watching the same show with MY KIDS!

That couch has a lot of memories...it was beat-up...torn-up...but it was still hard for me to send it to the curb...LOTS of memories!