She really loves her "Cool Pops"

Last Sunday afternoon I got to hold Tenley and this was her reaction. She really is the sweetest little thing (even though her parents wish she would sleep a little more at night). I love being a Grandpa. Not too much in this world can make you feel better than that smile.

Call me "Cool Pops"

She has arrived! Tenley Grace Yandell was born Saturday, July 17 at 3:13 am.

She weighed in at a petite 5 pounds 13 ounces and was 19 inches long. She is home with Mommy & Daddy now and doing great. Tenley is our first grandchild, so we are not sure what she will choose to call us. Until then, someone suggested "Cool Pops" and I like it. So call me "Cool Pops". I cannot stand to be away from Tenley and her Mom & Dad. They live only 15 minutes away, but I have to keep doing this work thing. God has blessed our family in so many ways and Tenley is an awesome blessing. We love her and are so thrilled that we get to watch her grow up.

My new granddaughter or grandson looks pretty cool, huh? I cannot quite believe that this is real! But there it is. Suzanne is doing great and the baby did not like being photographed last week, so we do not know if it is a he or a she. Next month. Unless baby is still too shy. Cory had taken to calling the baby "Shrek", which I guess is OK until we find out the gender. I am so looking forward to being Grandpa. Way to go, Cory & Suzanne! Cannot wait for July 19th.

Compassion

OK, it has been too long, but here we go. My thoughts this week are related to compassion. You know, "Everyone needs compassion, the kindness of a stranger..." As a pastor I find that too many times my compassion gets stretched a little too far and I begin to get a little crusty around the edges. I find myself letting things slide by that I would normally pick up on. Or possibly I find it difficult to show a caring attitude toward some people.

So what does compassion look like? Does it mean that I just give and give and give until I don't have anything left to give? (I have been there and that is not a good place.) I know that compassion is what allows me to move through this world and be aware of the hurts and the frustrations and disappointments in people around me. It compels me to do something - anything - to help out where I can. Yes, there are times where I cannot do what I would like. Yes, there are even times when I fail to do what I should. But I love God's people and it hurts me to see them hurting. I am compassionate. I care for people and I want to help. God has done so much for me and I can show my appreciation by sharing that with others. I am praying that God will continue to soften my heart and prepare me for the work He wants done. Are you with me?

Gratitude

I am so thankful for family and friends. My church family is such a great blessing in my life. This past weekend I flew home in the middle of vacation to perform a funeral for a friend, Robyn White. I am now back in Florida (and it is a cloudy morning), but I am thinking about all the people who helped out this weekend. The New Community family stepped up in very incredible ways to care for the White's and I appreciate all of them so much. I could never thank each of you individually, but please know what this meant to Randy and his family. New Community Christian Church understands what it means to be a church family. The concern, the food, the kind words, the food, the support, and did I mention - the food.

In case no one knew it - I LOVE THIS CHURCH! I know I need vacation time, but I miss being with all of you each week. You are my family and I could not ask for any better family members. See you all soon. Kevin

Reconciliation

I love this theme and it is what we are talking about on Sunday. Two things I want you to do in advance of Sunday. Grab a Bible and read through the story of Jacob and Esau. This is some strong stuff! It is real life and there are some great lessons for us. Genesis 25:19-34; 27-28 and 32-33. Several chapters, but this will give you a heads-up on our discussion on Sunday.

The other thing may be a bit more difficult. Who is it that you need to be reconciled to? When we talk about holding a grudge and hurt feelings and being mistreated, who comes to your mind? I want you to be praying that God speaks clearly to you about that person and your relationship. With God's help I believe that Sunday can be a day of great reconciliation and healing. Will you do your part and prepare yourself for this special day? I am praying for you.

See you Sunday. I love every one of you. Pastor Kevin

I don't want to be Eeyore!

You know what I mean. I hate when I get to feeling a little down and then I begin to feel sorry for myself and the pity party is not far behind. I hate that. But I do that occasionally. I guess it is part of the cycle I go through. I have been a little down the last couple of days - nothing major (don't call the hospital or anything). But I was sitting here kind of moping and working on my sermon for Sunday (that should be an uplifting one, huh?!?) and I heard about the death of one of Steven Curtis Chapman's children. Talk about a slap from God.

I have so much to be thankful for. An incredible family who stands by me through some pretty tough crap that gets thrown at us. A wife who puts up with more than anyone ever should (and she looks cute all the time). Two great sons - I cannot believe they are in their mid 20's. And God has blessed us with so much. Cory is engaged to be married to the woman God chose for Him a long time ago when Cory was only a baby and Cindy began praying that God would bring the right girl into his life. And now we have this great future daughter, Suzanne Provance. We never had a girl and that sounds like fun. September 6 they will be married.

Cory and Suzanne are really growing closer to each other but also closer to God. They are involved at Eastview Christian in Bloomington, IL and are right now in Romania on a mission trip with 124 other young adults. It is so cool to see them grow up and give back. Also, Cory found out while in Romania that he has a new gig - full-time 4th grade teacher in Gibson City, IL beginning this Fall. It is so cool when God shows us His plan. You go, God.

Yes, I am a blessed man - no doubt about it. I will stop complaining now. If you see me and I look a little down, give me a hug, tell me you love me and then kick me in the butt. I may just need that!