Special TUE edition of Mental Health MON

Ups & Downs . . . Highs & Lows

Ups . . .

• On SUN 10/29, we attended the Reformation Service at Concordia Seward. Music, message, hundreds of believers with hearts & minds lifted up together . . . And the German buffet that followed didn't hurt either. [Sauerbraten, German potato salad = Yes! Asparagus & brussel sprouts = Yuck. I let Lois have my share, although she wouldn't trade her black forest cake with me.]
• On SUN 11/5, we attended the Norfolk Circuit Reformation Service at Christ Norfolk. I was afraid that it would be a letdown after the awesome event at CUNE the Sunday prior. "O ye of little faith." It was awesome.
• On SAT 11/11, we attended a concert at Century Link in Omaha. It was Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, & Jordan Smith [no relation]. We both felt a little letdown at intermission time, but not because the pretzel & cheese sauce we enjoyed cost $7.50. Most of the music thus far had been secular. Although the musician-ship of the featured players, their band, their back-up singers, & the orchestra behind them was amazing, we had hoped to hear more Christian music. 
• Well, the 2nd half of the concert lifted us up . . . lots of Christian music, familiar & new Christmas songs, a sing-along by the whole gallery, & Jordan Smith. Not to take anything from Michael W. Smith & Amy Grant, but this young man has a set of pipes. We weren't familiar with him, although it turns out that he had performed on The Voice. I think he actually got bigger ovations than the two featured singers, & they didn't seem to mind a bit.

And downs

The Cornhuskers lost to MN last SAT 11/11. They lost ugly. They lost big. I really don't feel like "talking" about it.

Highs . . . 

• Last SUN 11/12, Lois & I attended the annual Christ Lutheran Church S.O.S. event @ Divot's in Norfolk. Gary Thies from Mission Central was the M.C. Grant Schmidt, our fearless leader at Orphan Grain Train, served as the main speaker. Funds were raised to help support 4 missionaries, including the Freese's, preparing for service in Congo. [Lois & I "adopted" these missionaries & also help support them.] Funds were also raised for OGT.
• Orphan Grain Train has "boots on the ground" in the Houston area, so now we're not only providing material support but also helping with volunteer support. OGT has mobile housing units, kitchens, showers, water tanks, etc., which have now been deployed. We are also working to bring relief to Haiti, Puerto Rico, Florida, plus all the other "destinations" we serve both domestically & abroad.
• DYK? About 97% of our monetary donations are [is?] channeled directly toward the relief of those who need help. Let that soak in for a moment. Only 3% of our donations are used for administrative costs. You can compare that to the Red Cross, but it's starting to sound like I'm bragging, so you'll have to check out their % yourself.

And lows

• I typically struggle this time of year for a variety of reasons. My father was taken home to be with His Savior ten years ago this month. He's in a better place, but I still miss him. 
• Three years ago this month I went on a medical leave from Lutheran High Northeast. At the time I had every intention of returning to my position. It turns out that my "temporary" leave of absence turned into a long-term "leave," & I never did return. God has led me to see that this was a blessing for Lutheran High & for me personally, but even after understanding this & even after 3 years, it still stings.
• I was invited to participate in an LHNE Listening Post last SAT 11/11, which was very much appreciated. I felt that I helped contribute to this effort for the school leadership to put together a strategic plan for both the near future & long term. On the other hand, I was reminded of my many failures. Now I can tell that I'm slipping into a pity-party, so time to move on.
• Although I like falling back way more than springing ahead, the change from daylight savings back to central standard time also affects my mood, I think in the same way as those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Trying to end on a positive note

• For a variety of reasons, I have been able to help Rachel & Derek by taking care of Bentley fairly often. Some days I take care of him all day. Some days I pick him up from pre-school at 11:00 & take him to his day-care provider. Some days I pick him up & take him home with me until one of his parents can pick him up. Some days I pick him up from day-care around 5:00 & take him home until Rachel or Derek can pick him up. He is every bit of a 4-year-old, & he is a hoot. Yesterday I made the mistake of taking him grocery shopping at Hy-Vee. Here's our conversation as we walked up & down the aisles.

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Bentley:  "Papa, I want a donut." Me:  No.
"Can I have a donut?" No.
"Papa I want a donut." Not today.
"There are my donuts, right there! [Pointing to the bakery dept.] Me:  NO!
"Can I have a donut?" 
Me:  Okay, but no more whining & begging, okay?
"Okay." [We choose a donut.]
Pause for a respite.
"Papa, can I have chips?" No. "Can I have BBQ chips?" No, we have some at home. "Are they BBQ?" No. "Papa, can I have those chips?" Okay. [Am I a doting grandfather? You be the judge.]
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• Last weekend our son-in-law Craig brought Brianna & Hadley along while he worked on a bathroom project in our basement. When he was deployed last school year, I traveled just about every week to Lincoln to help Sarah & the girls. Their visit this past weekend reminded me how much I miss that frequent interaction with them.
• Nathan & Laura "share" Calvin [1 going on 2 in JAN.] with us on FaceTime. He's a gem, & we look forward to seeing them at Thanksgiving.
• I am representing OGT at this weekend's Nebraska District Youth Gathering in Omaha. And I am thankful that it won't be up to me to help chaperone the hundreds of youth in attendance.
• My therapist reminded me yesterday that journaling, which includes writing for OGT & blogging, has helped provide relief for my depression & anxiety. I needed that reminder & will try to blog more. [A relief for you? You be the judge.]