Archives for posts with tag: family

Day 30 No Internet

November 24, 2011 //
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The past month has been a painful yet funny experience at the Lundstrom house. We have officially gone without Internet access or at least have experienced painfully slow speeds (worse than dial-up) since a Sprint Wireless broadband tower has failed in our area. We currently live in the country and Internet options are limited (almost non-existent). Thought I would jot down how this affected us the past 30 days.

Effects of No Internet (+ positive / - negative )

  • Time with Sprint on-phone/ in-store (-10 hrs total)
  • Progress on design/development projects (-10-14 hrs weekly)
  • Stressing about project timelines (-1 hr daily)
  • Television watching  (-1.5 hrs daily)
  • Visits to Starbucks/Other for Wifi (+1-3 visits weekly)
  • Chloe reading activity (+1-3 books weekly)
  • Myra & I talking & hanging out (+2-6 hrs weekly)
  • No Access to Xbox 360 LIVE (+1-2 hrs daily)
  • Sleep (+6-10 hrs weekly)

Yes, we still would like to have Internet at the house, but it has been great in some ways to not have it available. The Internet or lack-of has changed the way we live. 


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Categories Uncategorized

Big Dreams

October 8, 2011 //
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Just to warn you. This is a response to a challenge to define what my BIG DREAM was and if I still had it in me to go for it.  If you don’t know my story this may seem a bit odd but here you go. This is the bullet point version with many gaps but it’s a start.

Part I – Us

I am working daily to clarify my BIG DREAM but as of right now it’s making sure our kiddos know they are loved and that they have a solid foundation for life. To find out how to consistently love my wife Myra in the way she needs. We are both so broken it’s tough sometimes. By broken, I mean we have survived excruciating loss. I’ll have to write a book on all that but trust me when I say broken for us is sometimes best described as a black hole. So the first part of my ‘dream’ is to get ‘us’ right. That’s a huge deal.

Part II – Connected 

I would love to start a “connected” community hub that integrates tech/design/new media & a mentor/relationship with real accountability for people who want to step off a path that leads to nowhere onto a path with possibility. Accountability for personal goals but also measurement for real world – real impact goals.

To underline that while we have this awesome time on Earth we also are a part of a larger plan. We were created to love Him and love others. To share His story of sacrifice for us. He could have come to this earth to destroy us… to punish us… which is what we have seemed to do very well on our own. But He chose to send His son to let us know there is a different choice, even in pain, hurt and wounds — we could still choose to love.

Part III – Discovery

I think my dream is to be what I have always wanted. A real encouraging, loving, friend. The issue, for me at least to is being able to look past my own void and actually be just that. Most of the time I am the exact opposite. Especially to those I love the most. Not cool but true.

That’s a start for me. What’s your BIG DREAM?

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Categories getting here, The Lundstroms

Paradise

June 17, 2010 //
2

Paradise, Texas June Sunset

It has now been a month since I have relocated to Paradise, Texas. For the first time in four weeks I have been able to spend more than three days in a row with my beautiful wife and two amazing kiddos! I thought it would be tough but tolerable to be here without them waiting for school to end and for the house to sell. It’s been tougher than I could have imagined. The good news is we are moving our essentials up this weekend!

Imagine 81 acres in the country with a stocked fishing pond, a metal barn that has been converted into a house and wide open space to roam. There is also a creek that cuts through the rock & hills lined with huge trees! Every bit of the area was created to photograph. Beautiful wild Texas flowers, tall grass perfect for horses, cattle and a spectacular sunset every night! God knows what we desire and in time He speaks.

This was a very tough transition for us relationally – we are starting over 100% in every way. For me things went quiet almost over night. Timing is never what we expect but each step has been one of faith – and believe me mountains have moved. For Myra she is leaving so many great friends and memories. But somehow it seems like God is underlining that He created us to do life together. He has a purpose for us that we do not yet fully see or even understand and that He desires our full attention.

Funny – how just two years ago I sat in my car in a shopping mall parking lot reading over with the faith of a mustard seed we could move mountains. I literally began to pray for mountains to move, for anything to move – for one particular brick on a wall to just move an inch! I trust God, I have faith that He loves us and would do anything for us – He truly does want to give us our heart’s desire – it’s just not the way we ask or expect sometimes. Honestly, I began to pray that He would give us Colby back – that losing him had caused so much pain – left wounds that we could not repair. Just as in 2 Kings – I expected for God to raise him and give him back to us. I truly believe God could do that and I wanted to see it happen. That we did not deserve to lose our son and that Colby did not deserve to go at the age of three – especially to Cancer.

For the next two years – I prayed, pushed, ran out of patience and let myself burn out. I was insistent on my timing for everything; our finances, my marriage, for leaders to lead & love, for negative or blinded people to find Jesus again – to forgive. I had faith that a mountain would move but I was more focused on my wants rather than His will. Even though I was not asking for anything out of the norm – I was unknowingly expecting it to happen now. I was fighting God. Again. I kept it up until I exhausted everything in me.

When we tell God that we are in control we are taking the first steps to totally messing up. I promise. We can move mountains without God – it’s called dynamite – it ugly and destructive. It’s impatience, selfishness and hurtful. Blasting your way through a mountain to get your way is not His plan.

When questioning His plan and thinking about heading out with our own He allowed us to go through some of the toughest yet most clarifying trials in our life. He hammered us with trials and storms and each brought a clear choice. Each one with very clear consequences. It was then I heard clearly “it’s your will or Mine”. In his grace, He allowed us to see that he was in control, that we have no clue what’s best for us. He knows exactly who we are and how He wants to use us.  We had to choose. Especially since we claim to believe that Jesus died for us – and that we are to spread His story to the world, but we could not be in His will without choosing Him every-time – not just when we feel like it. Every time.

Mountains have moved. Our hearts have moved. Our vision, passion and love have moved. Stone by stone I have seen the mountain move. I am grateful to have chosen Him every step of the way.

God thank you for who you are – we truly do get to experience Paradise with you, here on this earth if we simply seek and trust you. Thank you for calling us to a place where relationships are first – with You & with others. Thank you that we are on our way to being totally who you created us to be. Thank you for using us.

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Categories The Lundstroms, getting here

Easter with Family & Friends

April 2, 2010 //
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Enjoy Easter with family & friends wherever they are! // Easter 2010 is LIVE Online!!! Send them to http://live.woodlandschurch.tv
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The Crick Family – Hospital Trek in New Zealand

March 14, 2010 //
3

My sister and her family are currently in New Zealand working to connect with the local church in Queenstown and surrounding area. My brother in law is suffering from major lower back pain and sounds like the doctors are saying he has a bulging disc. Lay-mans terms, lots of pain. Last night around 8:30pm an ambulance transported him to the nearest hospital with MRI scan capabilities so they could get an updated look at how bad his back is. Blows my mind what we take for granted here in the states. Quick info-graphic showing the trek. Took 3 hours to get there.

Google Map Link with more detail >>

Praying constantly for them. They are 100% supported by donations and are currently spending the last part of their savings on the medical expenses. You can learn more about The Crick Family at their blog. Thank you for joining us in praying for them and they definitely love reading and hearing your encouragement while they are on this journey. bit.ly/crickfamily

I will be more organized on my next post – just being a bit of a concerned brother at the moment.

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Categories Missional Church

Clean Drinking Water & Supplies for Haiti.

January 14, 2010 //
1

What we can do to help those impacted by recent earthquake:

1. Pray for the people in Haiti.

2. Pray for our pastor of disaster relief Jerry Davis and our team as they go into Haiti and direct our relief effort.

3. Give to the relief effort to provide water filtration systems and other needed relief supplies to the people of Haiti.

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Filtering to the next Generation

November 19, 2009 //
1

Working through the principle – What we do effects everything. We can have a positive impact on this world or the inverse – and it’s our choice. What impact are you having on the world around you? What we are doing today will eventually filter down to the next generation. It will. You can bet on it. Ripple Effect. Starting this weekend @woodlandschurch

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Categories Church Marketing

Types of Control Freaks

September 14, 2009 //
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controlfreak_notes

Great word this weekend from the “Pleasers, Perfectionists, Procrastinators and other people like me” series.  Control Freaks is the topic. So which are you? I really identify with all of them at one time or another but recently I seem to fit into the “Worry wart“. Seriously, have I always been that way and just never noticed?

Just in the past year I have really began to experience the consequences for being a control freak. I seem to be very frustrated, fatigued and honestly feel like I am failing. So what now? Lately, I feel like God is just trying to show me how to do well with what I have been given, with what is right in front of me. Make sense, but harder than it sounds. My mind tends to stay 2-5 years ahead of where we are and if I/we are not making progress towards those goals, dreams and the vision then I panic. Still working on this and other things. Feel better just writing it down though. Peace.

Oh yes, types of Control Freaks just in case you can’t read my writing:

  • The Intimidator
  • The Perfectionist
  • The Worry Wart
  • The Uber-Planner
  • The Anti-Planner
  • The Master Manipulator
  • The Micro Maniac
  • The Opinionator

Are you a Control Freak? Comments from You

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Categories getting here

@WoodlandResort

August 2, 2009 //
0

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named… be strengthened with power through His spirit in you and the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith.”

Ephesians 3:14

Thank you for today. You are our Father and you only want the best for us. Sometimes you let us see it through our choices or possible choices. Our hearts can be filled with so many things. Thank for time enough to slow down to make sure it is you.

Sitting Poolside at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center. Beautiful place.

hp_forestoasisroof

Posted via email from Everything Designed

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Categories getting here

Where does compassion come from?

June 2, 2009 //
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Join in the conversation. This week: “Where does compassion come from?”

What makes up our soul? Where do feelings come from? Why are we compassionate for other living things?

Seriously, where does compassion come from? From our neurons firing in our brain, from within a group of muscles in the middle of our chest pumping oxygen and platelets and fluid around? From where? How is it that we have the capacity to love and hate with such intense emotion?

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Discussing now @ Soulpancake.com or http://www.soulpancake.com/view_image/1000/1/photo-3967040.html

We find one example in Genesis 2:7: “The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul [nephesh]” (King James Version). The New International Version says “man became a living being.” More can be found in scripture at YouVersion.com & also in “The Scrpture Doctrines of the Person of Christ.” Google docs are amazing.

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Categories getting here

Lawn Scrabble

February 19, 2009 //
1

Great summer project actually.

Some of my favorite games; Risk, Scrabble, Monopoly, Chess, Apples to Apples and others. Wow, how excellent would it be to have a lawn Risk or Scrabble game. Thinking this will have to be a summer project.

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Categories just cool stuff

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

November 27, 2008 //
0

 

Today I am thankful for so many things. I will be back to record them here (after we eat and chill). What are you thankful for today?

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Categories Uncategorized

Blakers Selected to Present Award to Lloyd Meador

October 17, 2008 //
0

I am chilling at Panera Bread this morning before my son’s school dedication and award ceremony. He mentioned last night right after baseball that he was supposed to present an award this morning at school. Myra and I had not heard a thing about it but apparently the school was holding a dedication ceremony and presenting an award to W. Lloyd Meador this schools namesake. He was so excited, he looked straight at me and said “you have to be there”.

I am very proud of him. It is interesting how our kids and families help keep us anchored and focused on what is important. Over the past several weeks, some of my best and happiest moments have come from spending time with my family. Thank you God for your reminder of what is most important in this life.

Lloyd Meador Quick Facts from HCNOnline.com

Named in honor of a long-time Willis resident, W. Lloyd Meador Elementary features nearly 45 classrooms and six labs in seven hallways.

Born and raised in Willis, William Lloyd Meador graduated from Willis High School in 1942. His three children, including Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike Meador, all graduated from the school in the top of their class. William Lloyd Meador also served 14 years as a WISD trustee.

Link Here: http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2008/08/28/conroe_courier/news/wisd0828.txt

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Legacy or Leftovers

August 10, 2008 //
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Pouring a fresh cup of coffee this morning and thinking about how cool it would be to tap into the coffee business. My Grandmother just told me about six weeks back that her brother owned a Community Coffee plant in Monroe, Louisiana (Jack Kelley). How cool is that, our family owned a community coffee plant? I love the taste of Community Coffee (almost as much as Starbucks Coffee). It just really makes me think about the risk he had to take to get that bad boy off the ground, the hard work and time that was invested. Was he able to leave the plant to someone he trusted; to his kids or to a trusted business friend? Did he sell out and use the money for something even bigger or did he just blow it on something else? I will definitely have to dig a bit to pull out the details on that one. How cool would it be to know that one day you would be left something as big as a Community Coffee plant? That opportunity would be amazing!

Family History and Legacy is interesting for me. I have not exactly been left a Community Coffee plant. To be honest, to think about what our parents left us is extremely painful at times, yet some parts are so mysteriously gratifying. Even though things have been tough, we are “struggling well” today.

Option #1 – Leave an Amazing Legacy

Our mom invested in us Spiritually, she followed Christ and submitted her life to God – not perfectly but she did. She loved us, she loved others, she loved life and we saw it. She got all that from her mother who got that from her Father – my great grandfather. They have instilled a deep rich love for God and Christ that I am so grateful for. Even though I have struggled through this life I know I have a Father God who cares for me and has invested in me and protects me even today. So my mom, grandmother and great grandfather loved Christ – for some reason they all chose to settle down with people who could care less. Two very important words come to mind: equally yoked. This inequality in Christ and contrasting views of life have made a ripple in our family that we are still battling today.

Option #2 – Leave a Painful Leftover

When I think of leftovers, I think of the “stuff” that we were left with that we are still struggling through today even with God leading and guiding us. We are still paying for what our parents left us. This isn’t your normal mid-life crisis bullet list – we were left with some crazy stuff (Drugs and Alcohol use, domestic violence, loss of parents, divorce, shame, guilt, physical abuse just for starters) that has really brought all of us to our knees to focus on God’s plan for our lives. At times we have allowed our parents consequences to impact our choices in a negative way which brings about more negative consequences. I learned this lesson quick.

Myra and I talk about this every now and then about how God must have a plan for our lives – it is really amazing when we look back and see what we both have experienced and how God had protected us but that most of what we experienced was a direct result of our parents decisions and their consequences. We are still experiencing their consequences, the trick is for us to do the hard work and trust God to help lead us into a place where we can leave a legacy for our kids. To throw out the leftovers.

At the Leadership Summit Bill Hybels presented the life of Mother Teresa as an amazing testimony to leaving a legacy. She clearly heard God’s call on her life and left everything she knew to go care for the sickest in the world. She did not live to leave a legacy she just answered a call to care for others which left an amazing impact. She was not all jacked up on her ego, escaping in drugs, trying to be like everyone else and “buy” a better life. She simply prayed that God would use her and that He would speak to her and that He would love her. He did. Even when she did not feel so loved, she still did His work. She left an amazing legacy.

Am I going to inherit and pass on a successful coffee plant or something a bit simpler yet so much more impactful? We were designed to leave our print on others; to let God work through us. We were designed to leave an amazing legacy. As I begin to think about the legacy that was left for Myra and me and our brothers and sisters it makes me want to live a life that our kids will one day be proud to write about – that they will feel that we cared for more than just ourselves. That we have had a glimpse of the life that we were created for and that we will make the choices that will leave a legacy that will outlast us.

Something cool, get a FREE Legacy Journal online here to get started thinking about the legacy you are leaving your family, friends and community: http://www.legacyjournal.org/

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Categories getting here

Short and sweet

May 15, 2008 //
2

these blog posts are probably going to be short and sweet to get it going. Pumped about my family right now, Blake is stepping it up in little league baseball – and it’s really more that he is becoming confident in himself and what he can do. He is really quite shy and likes to play it safe but Myra and I are seeing a different side. Lots of thoughts on how and why this is all happening now (more on that later).

Myra is heading up the summer program at First Baptist and we are beginning classes on adoption this summer. Exciting and scary all at the same time.

Chloe is a spunky firecracker. what else can I say – she is going to grab a hold of this world and shake it – because it is her ball and she will do what she wants with it. Thank you God for her confidence – I just ask for grace and favor with helping her channel it.

Lots of good-crazy stuff at the office aka “the church” – I will drop some of our projects on here – it is great to see how things change and progress over time.

Short. Sweet. Out.

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Categories The Lundstroms
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