So hard

Why do we make simple things hard? I've been thinking about this question lately as it seems to be a recurring one in my life. Instead of making a simple choice and being content with it, I get greedy or needy or insecure and make a harder choice which ultimately ends leaving me stressed out, frustrated, and/or unfulfilled.

It makes me think of Jesus' words about not worrying about tomorrow because tomorrow will have enough worry of its own. Instead, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him. He says that He is the way, the truth, and the life and that we can abide in Him. Again, a simple thing that I often seem to find some way to make difficult.

The Windy City

Last week I had the great priviledge of heading north to some much cooler weather and enjoying a few days in Chicago. We went to the Willow Creek Small Groups Conference and enjoyed a great time listening to guys like Erwin McManus and Donald Miller. It was also special in that it was the first trip Kaley and I have gone on together without the little ones. It was hard to leave them but they had a wonderful time at "Fama's" (as gabe says) house. They got to see cows, ride Fama's tractor, and take some walks in the park. Thank you Fama!

The last afternoon we were there we went downtown to see the sights with our friends who hadn't been there before. We walked by Buckingham fountain, up the Magnificant Mile, and finished it off with a deep dish Gino's East pizza. If you haven't been downtown since 2004, you need to go check out Millenium park. We spent the bulk of our time checking out the new outdoor theater, the oversized chrome bean, and enjoying the fountain that you can walk through, it's really cool!