Marshmallow Memories

Last night, Angela and I hosted a party for our son Tyler and the new Lee Singers at our house. For nearly four hours, these students played Frisbee, pulled each other across the field in an old kayak with a John Deere Gator, shivered in the cold wind, ate tons of food, laughed and laughed around the table while talking with my wife, and roasted some marshmallows over the fire pit. It was just plain fun.

A few hours after these students returned to their busy collegiate schedules, I was soon to call it a night when my youngest son (Ben) asked "Dad, do you want to go roast marshmallows with me?" To be honest, I was tired and really didn't want to be bothered. My energy had been zapped and my aging body really didn't want to move.

Then I realized what was happening-my 15 year old son wanted to spend time with me. We bundled up and headed out by the fire for a few minutes, downed some air puffed marshmallows and shared in some memorable conversation.

To parents young and old, never grow tired or weary in your task of realtionships. Our children need our energy and priority.

Procrastination = Enemy #1

Creativity is an interesting phenomenon. Some people are dripping with this amazing gift while others seem to color within the lines all the time. Regardless of which side we reside on, one thing is true. The Creator – in my belief, presents all of us with a measure of creativity. See Psalm 139 for future insight your created existence.

Now – back to creativity – procrastination is the #1 enemy of creativity. The problem is not that we just waste time or spend energy needed for some other purpose the problem with procrastination is that it robs us of our best work.

Because of my ability to procrastinate effectively, I recently recognized the expense of this horrible crime. I was working on a project with a due date quickly approaching and realized that I had to accept less than I was capable of producing because I ran out of time.

If you procrastinate like me try to remind yourself that we are responsible to be good stewards of all that has been entrusted to us – yes, that includes time and resources.

Lesson Learned

Teaching students is a blast. Watching them "get it" and understand the complexities or simplicities of life is worth all the hours spent shaping knowledge into bite sized nuggets of value. At least its valuable to someone.


I recently spent some time with one of these student types on a 10 day trip to Honduras. As a result, we have connected and he stops by my office regularly to say hi. Because he doesn't complain or ever seem to busy to help, I think I took advantage of his kindness today.


When I heard him walk in the office I yelled his name knowing he would help me meet a daunting task. My young friend heard me and replied "Yes, Mr. Lamb." His simple "yes"awarded him the task of cleaning out the Salvation Army truck. As we lugged a two day old cooler of coffee to an available drain, it hit me - this kid doesn't need service hours and he isn't getting paid so why would he spend an hour doing grunt work.


So, I asked him: "why are you doing this?" he replied "why not?"


My friend's genuine gesture of goodness reminded me that the simplest yet impacting task of lending a hand just might be what the world needs most from Christians steeped in religious jargon and theory.


Thanks, Jeff, you encouraged me today.

Why would anyone do more than necessary?

This question has been on my mind lately. It seems that our lives are busier now more than ever. Attractors are pulling at us from all directions and they never seem to grow weary. Deadlines crowd us with intense pressure. If not wise, we can become complacent and even lethargic in our response to this busy lifestyle and neglect caring for others. I belive if we chose to go the extra mile and do a little more than expected we could bring forth substantial change. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• condense your table dishes to a presentable pile - assisting the waiter/waitress
• leave the front row spaces to others
• use handles limiting the fingerprints and facial impressions on glass doors

remember: "and some have compassion making a difference" (Jude 22).