“Imitators of God” and twisty DNA

• I’m happy to say there has been a huge surge of activity on this blog over the past few days, including a fair number of additions to the “follower” list. So if you’re new to this space, then “Welcome!” I hope you’ll visit on a regular basis - DEREK
• Here’s today’s weekly short video-post, “Smile, You’re On Video!” Please take a look and feel free to share around.

oday Rebekah is home again. She’s been up in Connecticut for a week, visiting with our daughter, Naomi, her husband, Craig, and David (THE one and only grandchild).

Rebekah says David is a hoot and a half, which I already know from the extensive Skype sessions we’ve been enjoying. He’ll be 18-months in a couple of days, and (no surprise considering his extra-twisty DNA) David has already developed a profoundly independent mind of his own.

So you can be sure that Rebekah has enjoyed a lot of one-on-one time with David. You can tell by the big smirk all over his face that “Grandmama time” has been just fine with him.

CREATIVITY: The other part of Rebekah’s visit was to help Naomi get the nursery ready for “Baby, Part-Deux, the Adventure Continues.” Yes, Rebekah-Mae is expected to make her debut appearance around the end of June. The (former) guest room has been completely remodeled from the ground up, including several hand-made items Rebekah worked on over the past couple of months.

Rebekah painted, went to Ikea, assembled furniture, painted some more, went back to Ikea, went to the hardware store, and hung stuff where Naomi wanted it.

The result really is quite splendid. But Naomi and Craig could put Rebekah-Mae in a cardboard box, line it with an old sheet, and stow her in the guest room “as is” – and she’d be fine, because she’s going to have all she needs to thrive. She’s being born into a family that loves her, and her parents are prepared to do absolutely anything and everything in their power to make sure she learns and grows in a safe and stimulating environment.

STIMULATION: And boy will she ever be stimulated with an older brother like David bouncing around!

And so I’m thinking about how complex it can be to raise a young family in the 21st-Century, and at the same time I realize how straightforward and uncomplicated the task really is.

A new child is very much a metaphor for how we all live, and how we all could live. We really do make a complicated mess out of the most straightforward things so much of the time. But at the heart of it all, we know that what really matters is love, and what really matters is guarding our relationships like they are the most precious thing in the world… and that would be because they really are.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 4:32-5:2)

It’s such a simple equation, and yet it breaks down so much of the time. Why is it that we devote so much time and effort to the unimportant, and at the expense of love? There is a better way; won’t you let Jesus be your guide?

- DEREK

PS - Here’s today’s weekly short video-post, “Smile, You’re On Video!” Please take a look and feel free to share around.

pressed down, shaken together, running over…

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

me and my buds

Today is the 12th day of Christmas. The song repeats the ongoing phrase, “my true-love gave to me,” over and over. Gifts, gifts, and more gifts.

Personally, I’m more interested in the giving than the receiving part of the equation. However, this Christmas season has been defined by gifts received, the blessings that have been, to use the phrase from scripture, ”A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over…”

Hence the featured photograph here, “A grandaddy and two of his good buddies.”

NOT ALL FUN & GAMES: It’s not always easy to host wall-to-wall people for an extended period of time. Routines get shot; people need more personal space; schedules don’t always overlap seamlessly; and sometimes family members forget the foundational idea I advanced in yesterday’s post, that of always putting the needs of others ahead of our own.

But still, today is the 12th day of Christmas, and I can say that my family, rough edges included, is a gift of immeasurable worth.

“ALL ABOARD:” By the time most of you read this, Andrew and Alicia will be on a  Lufthansa jet, winging their way back to Europe, she to the Ukraine and he to Northern Italy; Naomi and Craig will be steaming out of Tampa on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship; and David will be having fun with his grandaddy, right here at Maul Hall.

The crowds will be down, way down, but in many ways Rebekah and I will be busier than ever.

But this Christmas the blessings haven’t been all that much about peace and quiet.

In fact, the more I think about it the more I’m beginning to understand that giving and receiving are often almost the same thing, that receiving has more to do with – first – giving than anything else, and that if all you’re interested in is giving, then what you receive can’t even be contained, a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.

- DEREK

another epic day (as told by david henry)

We’re getting pretty tight

Today, by way of variety, I’m letting my grandson, David, write the post. But you’ll have to allow for the fact that he’s only 13-months.

DATELINE VALRICO – Another epic day with my grandparents. Here’s a pic of me with grandaddy. He’s pretty cool for an old dude.

Grandaddy is funny about this “nap” thing. He keeps trying, day after day. He’s like, “It’s nap-time, David,” and I’m all, “Yo, gramps, this aint no kindergarten!” Hey, what can I say, I’m from Connecticut (it’s not like my parents let me watch The Sopranos!).

But I really do like him. Every time he introduces me to someone new I hold on extra tight and nuzzle my face into his neck. He seems to think that’s a big deal because he smiles a lot and then sometime he wipes his eyes.

Tackle Grandmama

REBEKAH: Grandma Rebekah cracks me up. I like to tackle her when she’s not expecting it. She goes down pretty easy, you know. But she’s all smiles, and she tells the best stories. She said she can’t wait to tell me some extra-good stories about my mama.

When Grandma says goodnight she puts her hand on my head and she prays for me; I don’t know why, but my heart feels so good and so peaceful when she does that.

SCOUT: That dog sure puts up with a lot! I tried putting her leash on for about half an hour this afternoon. All she did was sigh, get up, move across the room, lie down, look over at me, and sigh again. Then she rolls her eyes.

Scout stays as still and as quiet as she can to pretend she’s invisible. But then I find her again. She must have moved at least a gazillion times.

Sidewalks are the best!

WALKS: Grandaddy takes me for lots of walks. I just figured out this walking thing and I can’t get enough of it. Do you know how cool it is to listen to the sound of your own feet going up and down the hallway? Fifty times? It’s the best!

And the grands have sidewalks on their street. I’m going to ask my daddy to build me one. Sidewalks are so much fun!

Later Grandaddy took me to see the great-grandparents in Sarasota. They’re even funnier than grandaddy.

“Touchdown!”

I learned a new game in Sarasota. I made it up. It’s called “Run through the house with both hands in the air while squealing.” Grandaddy said I reminded him of someone called “E.T.”

WORN OUT: What I don’t understand is why Grandma and Grandaddy look so tired all the time? It’s like they can’t keep up or something?

So tomorrow I might consider taking one of those naps they keep talking about. Just to keep things fair. It’s the least I can do.

so much to do and so little time…

But I am having so much fun. I really love it here, and it’s wonderful to know how much love there is in this house. The week’s going to be over before I get half the things done I had planned.

Wait, I know what I can do, I could trade in some of those naps for more fun stuff. That’s right, and I’ll get up earlier too….

- DAVID HENRY

a day in the life of a curious child…

How David became Scout’s new BFF

et’s cut to the chase here. I’m exhausted; and I probably will be through next Sunday afternoon. Consequently, squeezing out blog posts is going to be hit-or-miss at best.

But it’s all good. My reason for being bone-weary is 13-months old and beyond cute. He is, of course, our grandson, David Henry. His parents are two-days into a seven-day cruise and we get to be grandparents literally 24/7.

Oh, and this also happens to be the first time he’s been away from his parents for more than a short evening out.

It’s all fun and games with grandmama

AWESOME: But I have to admit David is one wonderful cutie-patootie. So I’ll simply share a few pics from the first day and include a little commentary to move us on to the next image.

First, as you can see from the opening picture, Scout Labradoodle is a big fan. She’s three times David’s size but gentle and patient beyond our dreams. Scout mostly stays prone and still, and pretends to be invisible. But mealtimes are providing foraging opportunities previously unimagined. Mostly it’s all about spillage, but David does slip his new friend the occasional bonus.

Maybe if I push this one here…?

MICRO-FUN: There are many ways to measure and predict intelligence. But for me there’s no better gauge than curiosity when it comes to babies. David has been a problem solver from day one and he loves to figure things out. So when he heard our microwave go “beep” he grabbed Mr. Elephant and the two of them trucked on over to take a look for themselves.

David doesn’t have the finger push strength to activate any of the buttons, but he routinely tries every one on the keypad just to make sure. Mr. Elephant looks disappointed.

“Look, another curve in the path. I wonder what’s around this corner?”

LIMO-RIDE: David got a little fussy after nap-time so we took a long walk with the stroller (a behemoth so big, by the way, that it will not fit in the trunk of my mid-sized car!).

I thought he’d maybe settle back into sleepy-land. But no, absolutely everything fascinates him. There’s this whole huge world out there, and he just drinks it all in. It’s kind of the same approach I’ve been advertising in a lot of my writing and speaking lately, and I recommend it wholeheartedly. I pray and I pray and I pray that David never allows the vacuous dullness that defines so much of our culture to seep in and take his curiosity away.

I pray and I pray and I pray that David never allows the vacuous dullness that defines so much of our culture to seep in and take his curiosity away.

STORY: Finally – and after a dozen more adventures comprising blocks, and shapes, and playing ball in the long hallway, and toddling faster and faster around the great living/dinning/kitchen circle that’s fascinated him since he first discovered the endless loop last Thursday afternoon… and so much more – it was time for an entertaining bath and then story-time with Grandmama Rebekah.

Story-time with Grandmama

And you can guess how story-time with Grandmama Rebekah goes. There’s the book, there are the words, there are pictures… and then there are the fascinating embellishments that Rebekah manages to work, seamlessly, into the narrative. And, like all children, he was riveted with interest until he slipped into the land of Nod, where Winken and Blinken were waiting for him too.

Good night, sweet boy, and rest well for the adventures of tomorrow – Grandaddy Derek

PEOPLE – not the magazine, but the real deal

“Be our guest” night at Disney’s Luminaire’s Dinning Room – David, Grace, Haley, Naomi, Rebekah, Craig, (David), Derek, Andrew, Drew, Hudson, Hannah

There’s only room for so many cruise stories and so many pictures of big boats, so I think today’s post will have to be a wrap on this Disney series. I’ll make this one about people, and people were the exact reason we steamed out of Port Canaveral in the first place.

The Disney Magic Cruise was the official “60th Anniversary Celebration” for my parents, Grace and David Maul. The actual date is May 24, and we’re going to celebrate with a small family dinner at our home. I plan to write more about the providence that guided two young Londoners from the 1948 meeting where David first heard Grace lift her voice in prayer (sight unseen) to today’s extended family based here in Florida. But in this post I’m simply going to share “formal night” from the cruise.

Andrew Maul and Naomi Campbell

DRESS UP: Personally, I’m not a big one for dressing up. But it is fun when we all do it together for a special occasion.

The setting was “Luminaires Restaurant,” themed from the dining scene in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and if there’s one thing Mickey Mouse and friends do well then it’s play dress-up and put on a show. It was all “be our guest” all evening long and we had a lot of fun.

Our children, Andrew and Naomi, have always made us smile. But what a treat to enjoy this time of our lives together! They’re both so genuinely happy, and fulfilled, and overflowing with authentic life. Andrew and Naomi make this world a better place by virtue of how they live their lives, and there’s little that could make us more satisfied as parents.

Naomi, David, and Craig Campbell

GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: For my mum and dad, on their 60th, great-grandchildren are just icing on the cake. They have three. There’s our David Henry, of course, but then my niece Hannah and her husband Drew have Haley and Hudson.

My brother Geoff, bless his heart, hit the jackpot with his grandchildren and – as you can tell just by looking – there’s a great deal of his spirit in both of them. Haley is a bona-fide princess, and Hudson is completely at ease mixing his formal tuxedo with large amounts of messy chocolate.

Drew, Hudson, Haley and Hannah Roberts

Hannah and Drew live in Palmetto. She is a social worker and he is finishing specialized training as a medical technician.

My brother poured himself into Haley and Hudson over the final years of his life, and while his passing left a profound vacuum, his lovingly applied presence also left a legacy that is tangible and permanent.

That same evening I convened a family gathering at a quieter location in the ship. I asked everyone to share a favorite memory of Geoff so that he would be  a deliberate part of our conversation as we celebrated together. Haley honed in on a unique aspect of her grandfather’s personality when she said, “Pop-pop always told me we should have a ‘Plan-B’… and ‘Plan-C’… and ‘Plan-D’….”

David and Grace – still smooching after 60 years. Good for them!

MISSING PICTURE: It looks like no-one snapped a photo of Rebekah and me that evening other than the group shot above.

But I did make sure and catch this one (left) of the celebrated Diamond Anniversary Couple. We’ll make them do it again on May 24th, you can be sure.

But I can’t think of a better reason to get on a big boat, dress up, and celebrate together. Sixty years of committed, faithful love. Not 60-years of easy love; not we-never-had-to-try love; not life-is-a-bed-of-roses love. But faithful, committed love.

It’s the best love there is. - DEREK

it’s another new day; I choose life

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life… - Deuteronomy 30:19-20

David doing the airport dance

I was up late last night (beyond midnight) picking up Naomi, Craig, and our grandson David from the airport.  And then I’m up very early this morning (5:30) in order to be ready for Praise Band practice before the early service at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon.

It occurred to me that both ends of the equation had – have – everything to do with choosing life.

Every day, in both the exciting events and the routine happenings, there is always this opportunity to make the choice to “hold fast” to God, to “love God,” and to “listen to God’s voice.”

Because, as the passage concludes, “The Lord is [my] life.”

It’s Sunday morning. What better thought and intention to begin the day with; what better response than to head on into church for worship.

I’ll see you there - DEREK

Derek and Rebekah’s Official 2011 Christmas Newsletter

“Shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life.” – Philippians 2:15-16

(It’s possible one of these might make it in the mail with a nice Christmas/New Year’s card, one day… but don’t hold your breath). Hmm… where to start? None of us want to be labeled, “That family forever flaunting flashy facts, fun features, and fortuitous fortune…” However, if we didn’t say 2011 has been over-the-top awesome we’d be flat out lying.

• 

  Craig, Naomi and David

  First off the “no-brainer.” WE ARE GRANDPARENTS! Wahoo; yippee, drum-roll etc. That’s right; October 16 saw the debut of a healthy happy David Henry Campbell, born in Connecticut. Naomi and Craig Campbell are in love with their new addition, Derek and Rebekah are ecstatic, and David is already engaging life full on.

Andrew with Alicia in Kiev

Andrew (a.k.a. International Man of Mystery), is making the most of his experience living in the Chianti region of Italy. During 2011 he travelled extensively in Europe and North Africa, made several trips home across the big pond, and participated in a number of mission projects. One sequence of cities: Venice, Vienna, Kiev and Pisa, represents the first four liaisons with his new friend, Alicia, who has been omnipresent in conversation, Skype and scheduling.

• 

  Rebekah and David in our garden

  Rebekah has enjoyed another positive year enjoying a fruitful experience in ministry. October marked 15 years as senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Brandon. During 2011, the congregation celebrated 50-years of witness in the community, completed an extensive building project, and continues to respond positively to the constant challenge of reinvention and creative discipleship.

Derek in Italy

Derek spent 2011 speaking in communities throughout the United States, completing manuscripts for books #4 (Reaching Toward Easter) and #5 (Ten Life-Charged Words), writing for several news publications, taking a gazillion photographs, and building an audience for his daily blog, “Life-Charged Life.” Another unforgettable highlight was a father-son 8-day tour of “Andrew’s Italy.”

Scout

Darth

Scout Labradoodle (5) continues to keep Derek fit and to amuse Rebekah. Darth Cat (12) is slowing down, but sill remains super-cool.

LIFE: There is so much we could share about the wonder of living day-to-day as life-charged followers of the Way of Jesus. We love our home, it is a true sanctuary; we enjoy our children and we’re thrilled to see them live with such passion and purpose; we are immeasurably blessed to be part of such a dynamic community of faith; we are thankful for an extended family where love and respect define our relationships; we treasure our friends; and we are grateful for the opportunity to live in such a place as the United States, where we are secure and free.

David Henry Campbell

PRAYER: Yet, and not forgetting all these mercies, we grieve for this deeply troubled world, the undercurrents of war and desperation that color every observation of international news, and the growing cynicism that defines politics at home. That is why this scripture keeps coming to mind.

“Shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life.” – Philippians 2:15-16

In love, and because of love – Derek and Rebekah

The David & Grace Maul family

Family? There’s an App for that!

David Henry on SKYPE yesterday

When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed. – Jeremiah 29:12-13

Finally we got in a little SKYPE action with our grandson, David Henry. Our Connecticut family have been having virus issues on their computer, but it seems that SKYPE has successfully installed now without any associated problems.

It’s a good thing too. Especially when you factor in the huge amount of time between now and April, when we officially get our next shot of baby time.

Meanwhile, David Henry has been growing like a weed. Smiling; playing; laughing; interacting. In short, a whole lot of seriously cool baby stuff going down while hanging out with his loving parents, 1,300 long miles away.

We’re close, we talk by phone several times a day, the Campbell family is always on our hearts and minds… but April is a long time coming.

"Hi, grandmamma, what's up?"

HONEST: But I have to be honest, other than attempt to lick the screen and beat on the keyboard, David was apparently completely unaware of the presence of  his grandparents, ogling at the laptop on the kitchen counter in Valrico.

I tried singing my best version of “You are my sunshine” but I didn’t get anywhere. However, we are going to be diligent about consistent face time and we’re confident that, at some point, David is going to begin to make the association between the two blobs on the computer screen and the hearts-aching-with-love they represent.

EFFORT: Because even family – no matter how far, or close, you live – still requires an effort. It’s a matter of making the decision to make the connection work and then following through.

And – of course – that’s true in any relationship.

• So you want your marriage to be more alive? Be deliberate and do something about it!
• You want to be closer to your kids? Turn off the television and design some creative family activities!
• How about faith? Maybe you wish you had something going on with the Creator other than “Well, I guess I believe in God”? So attend church; join a small-group; get involved in mission….

"Hi, grandaddy Derek!"

Rebekah and I still date. I talk/email/Skype with Andrew and Naomi. I plan on a lot of communication with David Henry. Every new day begins in devotional time with God.

Bottom line; just do it.

When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed. – Jeremiah 29:12-13

- DEREK

Love that glimpses eternity

And the LORD said (to Moses), “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” - Exodus 33

Rebekah and David Henry

It was inevitable that I’d eventually post another picture of  our two-week-old grandson, David Henry. First off, he’s undeniably adorable – that’s a given. Then I love the image of Rebekah holding him. It was taken at the airport as she was leaving last Friday, so he was 12-days-old at the moment.

I’m also very much conscious that this blog has a wider reader base than just people interested in family photos! The stats this past month have told that story very clearly.

FLUMC Connection: Additionally, placing a link to this page on the United Methodist Conference website reminds me that my overarching interest in “The Fully Engaged Christian Life” is always the most consistent lens that I look through when I write.

God is most gracious: But this is a post that sits easily in both dimensions – personal and public. Looking at the photograph this morning I thought of a hymn I haven’t sung in decades. The words have been lodged deep in my consciousness since I was a child. The first verse goes like this:

I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!
He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love,
And thus He bound me to Him.
And round my heart still closely twine
Those ties which naught can sever,
For I am His, and He is mine,
Forever and forever.

Just a glimpse....

A Glimpse into Eternity: I have loved David Henry since the moment I learned he was on the way. I loved him “ere [he] knew [me].” But where does such an ability to love someone you don’t know (yet so completely) come from? It has to be an echo of the kind of love God has had for me (and you) since God first imagined us. It has to be a glimpse into eternity.

C.S.Lewis (one of my favorite mid-20th-century authors) wrote a lot about the “glimpses” we often get of the deep truths that live so magnificently in eternity. (It’s a lot like the idea the Greek philosopher Plato wrote about when he discussed “forms” or perfect renditions of objects and ideas.) Lewis argues that music and art and beauty in general offer us glimpses – previews – into heaven.

Too much beauty would – essentially – destroy us if we were exposed to it, and the truth about love is more “terrible” still. This is the line of thinking we read in the Old Testament, the idea that humans can’t look at God because God’s purity and beauty and majesty would be too much for us. We just can’t bear purity and light like that.

Well the love that I feel for David Henry  ”ere he knows me” tells me something of the scope – the length, breadth, depth, height and words that enter other dimensions – of God’s amazing love for me. If the great thinkers are right, then the love we’re talking about from God is beyond my capacity to even begin to imagine. Wow!

So God has given me – given us – David Henry. Given this privilege, this glimpse into the heart of love and the source of God’s ongoing care for each one of us. Considered in those terms, God is beyond too much… and so God continues to teach me via my own grandchild.

How gracious. How merciful. How kind.

In love, and because of love - DEREK