Rubberband Flonging

Dan Pena (pronounced...Pen-ya) is a recent addition to the Tulsa staff. He is our new youth pastor and is working out great. He fits in really well. He even took a nice pelting to the neck from over 7 yards from a high-velocity band of rubber.

In an effort to keep office moral up, we bought 15 pounds of heavy rubber bands and when the mood is tense enough, someone (usually me) breaks out a rubber band and hits someone in their back fat hard enough to illicit a vocal outcry! Then a rubber band usually bounces off of my face or mouth from someone else. However, I pummeled Dan and here is the proof. No, that's not a tapeworm...that's the impression of the rubber band all swolt up on his neck region.

Observe...

Whew...been a while!

So, I've taken a blogging/social network hiatus the past couple of weeks. I've been in a maintaining mode and focusing my energy on some other things. With getting up early to run, helping out at home, putting in 50 plus hours a week, and trying to be a good husband/father/son/friend....I'm pooped! So, I'm having to shift some things around in order to make my priorities an actual priority.

On the positive side, work is good, the running is good, my son is awesome, and Rachel and I are getting some good quality communication. Once I get a handle on the priorities I'll resume quasi-normal blogging life.

Henslee Generation Quatro

While visiting our family in Antlers we got a good picture of all us Henslee boys. My WWII Veteran grandfather, Clyde. My dad Rick, Me...and of course the Ezra man.

Ezra's New Doo

Well,

I guess it was time for Ezra to get a haircut. It seems odd to take our 7 month old for a haircut, but man...his hair was crazy! Rachel gave him a smooch and I got some pictures of it. That day we went to Belissimo Salon which is owned by our friends Isai and Jodie Mireles. Jodie gave him a big boy cut and everyone said he was the cutest ever.

The thing is....when he would cry before...his hair was crazy and in his face, honestly, it was a little endearing. Now, he looks like every other short haired crying baby....not AS endearing. He's still the cutest thing I've ever seen though!

22 Miles A Week

So last week I ran....and ran....and ran. We did 5 miles for 3 days. Then on Saturday, I punished myself and Aaron and I ran 7 miles. Wait, did you read that right...yep. 7 MILES!!!

This has been a really cool thing the past month. Apart from my right foot falling asleep on the third mile, all has been really good. I went to Fleet Feet to address the foot issue. What I thought was going to be a 30 minute process turned into 2 hours. I had to run on a treadmill while they videoed me, told me what I was doing (Overpronating.) Then, they gave me 4 different brands of shoes, made me run in them all and narrowed it down to the best shoe for me. When I told the lady helping me that I like the way another shoe looked (actually a more expensive brand) she said that my foot didn't know how my shoe looked so it didn't matter. Hmmm, works for me!

So, my goal is to run a half-marathon (13.1 miles) at the end of November. The Route 66 Marathon is here in Tulsa and will be a great goal! I'm not planning on running that fast, since a 10 minute mile kicks my butt, but mainly just want to finish!

If you see me around, be sure to ask how it's going. I could use the accountability!

Ezra Visits Antlers America

Yup, we took Ezra to visit his Great Grand Parents! He has 5 of them, and four of them are on my side of the family. He got to meet Mommo and Daddo a few months ago. This week he got to meet Memomma and Grandad! We also posed for a 4 generation photo opp... He won't remember any of this, that's why we took the pics and the video clips....Enjoy!

The Xander Effect

Rachel and I went to the Cleary's house tonight. We dropped off some desert and some supplies. We got to talk to Billy and Sheila. In spite of the worst possible situation, they led their friend to Christ today! Sheila told me that her friend was feeling a lot of remorse. The party was at this lady's house and she was grieving. Billy and Sheila have been praying for her and her husband for a long time. She was talking with Sheila and was admiring Sheila's resolve and faith. Sheila shared Jesus with her and this lady became a believer today!

I am really in awe of how God uses people and situations. This month we've been doing a series called "30 Days To Live." Sheila quit her job after hearing the first sermon so that she could spend more time with her kids. She told us that he died 30 days after she heard the sermon. That brings a lot of things into perspective. I'm about to go to bed, but not before I lean over Ezra's crib and kiss and pray for him. Life's too unpredictable to let any moments slip by.

Tough Situation

After leading worship at our OKC campus this weekend, we (Rach, Ezra, and I) drove home. We prepared for a down evening together but got a phone call from Aaron at work who informed that one of our families at church found their 18 month old face down a swimming pool. CRAP!!! Xander was flown to St. Francis and died shortly after getting there. When I got to the hospital there was other staff members and this family's life group members there.

There really aren't words to describe how someone might feel in that situation. I know that when I got home I went into Ezra's room, bent over his crib and kissed and prayed for him for a long time! I cannot imagine what this family is going through. But, with the staff, and their lifegroup, we'll help them get through as much as we can. Pray for the Cleary's. They will definitely need it.