OK – don’t give me a hard time . . . I know that it is March, and I am just now posting our letter and video – sorry about that. I was in a cave for around 4 months – but better later than never right

We spend quite a bit of time on our letter, because we feel that having clear, intentional communication is very important – especially when you KNOW that people are going to be reading it. We just feel like this is yet another opportunity that God gives us each year to give Him glory by sharing the story of the past year as witnesses to what God is up to in our lives. So, here is the letter that we wrote and the video recap of our multiple celebrations!!!

THE LETTER:

The adventure continues 2009

Philippians 4:6: “do not be anxious about anything, but through prayer and petition submit everything to God, and He will give you a peace that passes all understanding.”

What a wonderful year this has been full of so much adventure. The year had such a difficult beginning with the loss of Ted’s aunt and uncle (Phil and Louie Rieman). They were such tremendous servants of peace and love, dedicated to trying to bring the Kingdom of God to everyone they encountered.  They are greatly missed –

Inspired by their legacy and the injustices witnessed through his trip to India, Ted began a journey to grow greenLockers (www.greenlockers.org – his non-profit organization) this past year, and God continues to bless the project with over  17 schools participating producing 9,000 lbs of supplies, which were given to 23 different charities in the area, as well as to orphans in Mexico and India. Ted continues to love teaching and mentoring students at Bethel, and has been humbled and honored by the influence that he holds on campus and in our community.

Angela feels privileged to be at home enjoying the little moments each day with the kids. She continues to equip psychology students teaching at Bethel one night a week. With a passion for family and fulfilling relationships, she loves getting to mentor several young women on campus as well as developing new curricula for the premarital counseling seminars at our Church.

As blessed as we feel with all of that, it pales in comparison to the newest addition to our family. Dane Justice Bryant was loaned to us on 3.3.09, and our lives have been enriched ever since. He is such a good boy with his favorite activities including pulling himself up on anything he can grab onto, and trying to sneak away from us to crawl as fast as he can to the dog food and water bowls!! J. Elliana, Kya, and Dakota are great with him – they love him so much!

Elliana started Kindergarten this year. . . she is growing up way too fast (ok, now I sound old J). Her and Kya both love their new public Montessori school that they are attending. Dakota gets to have some great time with Mommy and baby Dane in the morning, and he loves to “read” books.

Amidst the planning, and efforts to raise kids well, fulfill responsibilities at work, church, and in our community. . . . we were interrupted in September of this year. Since we know God loves interrupting our lives (i.e., look back at our track history the past 10 years), we decided to listen. What we heard was a call to help the broken children all around us by becoming a foster family. We have completed the paperwork and begin training early next year, with our first placement probably happening in March sometime. . . . the adventure continues J.  We are excited and nervous, but have decided – like most of the rest of this year – to live in Phil. 4:6. God has got our back, and so we are committed to love boldly in the opportunities He places before us.

We love you all so much, and are incredibly blessed to have you in our lives. We hope and pray that you and your families have the opportunity to love, and be loved, like never before this Christmas season!! Peace & love to all!

THE VIDEO

Christmas celebration 2009 from Ted Bryant on Vimeo.

So, we are in the middle of a parenting series at Church (GCC – you can follow this link to watch the full service), and this past weekend really made an impact on Ang and I. Mark Beeson encouraged us think about the vision, mission, and values of our family. Now, Ang and I had thought about doing this before, and there have even been a few times in the past few years that we actually set aside time to work on this. . . . . and . . . . nothing happened – something came up, . . . we just weren’t feeling like it that day, etc….. – you might have had similar days/thoughts.

So, chalk this up to a way in which becoming foster parents has already made us more intentional parents – we no longer have any time to linger in figuring this out. Don’t get me wrong, . . .  I feel like Ang and I communicate well, and are on the same page 99% of the time when it comes to parenting, but that reality is not an excuse for not thinking through these concepts and getting them on paper. The way that I see it – it will only improve our parenting and our family as we have something that we can return to and remember where our focus is – AND it is a tremendous tool to create a COMMON LANGUAGE of intention and purpose in our family that we can pass on to our children. .  . . . so, . . . yes. . . this will be hanging in our house

Here is what we have come up with

THE VISION (why do we do what we do):

The Bryant family has been given tremendous privilege, talent, resources, and heart to do great things for the Kingdom of God, and we will live to that purpose because we believe that loving other people first as Jesus does – without the worldly conditions of status, characteristics, beliefs, or past behavior – is the highest call given to us.

THE MISSION (what are the steps that we take towards the vision):

As a family we seek to always give God maximum glory by worshiping Him through all of our daily activities – regardless of the circumstances.  This starts with daily submitting our priorities, attitude, time, service, and provision to the LORD.  In addition to studying the truth found in the Bible, we will critically educate ourselves in the opportunities that God has placed before us and seek with great perseverance to be the best stewards of His gifts, which He has so generously poured out to us. If God’s revealed will is somehow in conflict with our own wants and levels of comfort, we will choose to “get over it” and trust Him. We refuse to believe that the greatest life that God wants for us is one of ease, but one that is full (Jn 10:10) – living at the edge of all possibility – accepting both the good days and the difficult ones. The Bryant family will always stand to fight against the enemy and his lies, and will not shrink back from the mantle of carrying the good news to ALL the world.

THE VALUES (how do we treat each other):

1. We choose truth over lying in every situation – regardless of the consequences that may follow.

2. We will treat each other with unconditional love – being accepting, respectful, and kind.

3. We will seek to serve one another before receiving.

4. We will encourage each other in every activity – choosing to build up, and never to tear down.

5. We will choose to view conflict as a tool for unification instead of division.

6. We will be grateful, not greedy.

7. We will sharpen each other to be healthy spiritually, psychologically, physically, intellectually, and socially.

8. We will generously give grace to each other – choosing forgiveness over condemnation.

9. We will try our best knowing that is all God ever asks of us no matter the result.

10. We will stand up for one another, and be there for each other no matter the sacrifice.

11. We will genuinely listen, seeking understanding not only of words but of the heart.

12. We will bring our fun with us; wherever God takes us .

- I encourage you, at whatever stage of life that you are in – to take the time to do this . . . establish your focus in life. . . it is worth the time and effort!

So, our square day (3/3/09) baby turned 1 a couple of days ago, and I just couldn’t believe how fast it happened. Ang and I love our little Daner (that’s one of our nicknames for him). He has been almost the first to do everything in his first year – including rolling over, crawling, and walking. Besides having an unbelievable grip (I have to pry his fingers off of me sometimes), he also has been very creative in how he moves around our non-carpeted floors. Basically, he will get behind almost anything that scoots (i.e., chairs, trashcans, dog, etc…), and uses them as his personal walker/transportation device to get across the room. He is currently up to about 5 steps on his own, so, I think the non-walking days are soon to be done. It has been quite an amazing adventure this year with him, and I remember going into the hospital with Ang for his birth – like it was yesterday. We pray that God continues to give us the wisdom needed to raise him (and our other children) in God-honoring ways  – with a love for Jesus that will always give them the strength and courage to love others well.

Once again, I can’t believe how God continues to expand our hearts to love him so much – our other children just adore him, and Ang and I are grateful for the honor of raising Dane Justice Bryant – here is a video recap of his first year. NOW listen, I am an amateur at the whole movie making thing – so please don’t judge – these songs were specifically selected to be a prayer for our relationship with him, and how he will honor God throughout his life. He was dedicated to God this past year, and that is a commitment that Ang and I take very seriously. . . . . and we are going to have a lot of fun along the way!!

Dane’s first year video from Ted Bryant on Vimeo.

1. Dakota – “ELEPHANT!”. . . Ang – “no, it’s chicken” (Ang was putting it into the oven)

2. I’m cleaning up, and I hear Ang say in the other room to one of the kids. . . “We’re not tying your brother up tonight”. . . .

3. Kya, Elli, and I are playing soccer in the living room, and Kya is the referee trying to decide who should get the ball first. . . . coin toss? No. . . He asks – “Elli, do you like green eggs and ham”, Elliana: “Yes”, Kya – “OK your ball first” . . . . . WOW – I had no chance on that one!

4. I say “why is Dane trying to eat my ear?” . . .Ang – “he is just trying to give you a kiss” . . . Me – “are you sure? that sounds like some famous last words” . . . Ang – “yes, it is just what he has been doing today” . . . Me – “ok” . . .Dane (11months) gives me a kiss on the ear, and then . . . Me – “ouch!”. . . Dane “***laugh*” . . . .

5. 2:30 a.m. and Dakota is calling Ang from his bed. . . “MAAAAAHHHHHMMEEEEEEEE, MAAAAHHHHHMMMEEEEE” – So, Ang gets up and goes into his bedroom (Dakota sleeps on the bottom bunk, and Kya is up top), and Dakota asks Ang “Ice cream shop?” – Ang – “later”. . . Dakota “OK” and he goes back to sleep. I love how Ang didn’t even try to say “no” to Dakota’s request to have ice cream in the middle of the night, but just redirected it. . . “Brilliant”!

- the really funny thing is that this is almost every day/weekend – I love being a dad so much. It is by no means fun and games all the time, but they really do crack me up sometimes. Praise God that I get to have them in my house for a few years !

****OH, and I just heard from Ang that we have been officially liscensed as foster parents by the state!!!. We (and especially Ang) has worked so hard on this process the last 5 months, and now we just wait. . . . and keep praying for the one who will soon show up at our door, not wanting to come in, but having to – - praying that God will use us to show them love. . . unconditional love.

John Piper had these videos on his blog yesterday, and I just needed to share them with you. As you know, I went to India last year, and currently work with a leadership team at our church considering how to continue to bring the kingdom of God there, and we sponsor an Indian child through Compassion . . . .OK  – you get the drift. . . India is very important to my family.

THIS IS HAPPENING. . . . Yes, it is very disturbing. . . . but, the real point is – what will you do to change the life you live today after watching it.

Persecution in India: Unedited Footage from Cornerstone Church on Vimeo.

Now listen to Chan’s response:

Persecution in India: Francis’ Response from Cornerstone Church on Vimeo.

LIVE BETTER BECAUSE OF THIS TODAY

We are excited and scared today as we take our fingerprints at an agency downtown. Everything then gets sent down to the state, and we have 30 days to get liscensed. What a culmination of a process that began back in August of 2009 when Ang said to me – “I really think God is calling us to be foster parents.” To which I replied. . . . “nah . . .” – I just wasn’t there yet. . . little did I know that God was just up to his old tricks

In the past 6 months we have:

- received CPR and First aid training for infants through adults

- been through a wide assortment of medical testing – bloodwork (including our children), TB tests, physcals, etc…

- started praying about a wounded soul coming into our home

- been to 30 hours of training

- read numerous articles (and tested on them)

- had a water test done

- background checks

- prayed more

- seen the disbelief in others eyes (and diagnosis of insanity) when telling them our news

- been drawn to the severe need all around us for GOOD foster homes

- spent countless hours completing over 50 pages of paperwork

- cancelled plans for a major trip this summer

- rejoiced at the perspective of the honor it is to truly help another human life.

- grieved the loss of convenience, comfort, and predictability that was hoped for in several areas of our life

- been drawn closer to God than ever before. . . . He really is in control

- reevaluated finances, eating habits, priorities, and spiritual goals within our own family – we want to be ready. . . . as ready as anyone can be.

God called Ang into this very strongly 6 months ago. . . . and He showed me, only after I trusted my wife AND opened my heart to actually hearing God. I’ll admit it, I didn’t ask the question for a long time because I was scared of what the answer might be. I felt like Joseph (only on a much smaller scale), needing to be visited by and Angel to confirm what his Mary had told him.

No angels for me, it just took my submission of the prideful and arrogant thought that I subconsciously held onto: “God has got to tell me eveything that He wants to do in this family, He needs to tell me first before we move forward – He will always go through me on the big stuff – I am the head of the household remember.”

PLUS –  You know – I backed off my schedule a little bit this Spring so that I could focus more on what I felt called to do with greenlockers. . . . it was all about me, me, me - ”What gives God? – How am I supposed to get things done that you have called me too when you keep adding stuff to our plate?, we don’t have time for this, and we already have not slept in 7 years – I thought we were just getting to the point of balance – what are you trying to do here?”

Praise God He is patient when we seek Him. . . and Praise God that He is willing to trust us with bringing His kingdom – even when I act so selfish and childish (Ang has been so steadfast throughout this whole process – just AMAZING).  Then on the way to work one day when I was genuinely open to hearing God’s voice I heard Him say “Ted, do you really think you are going to be the only one that I am going to use in your family to do great things? . . . Have you seen your wife lately? She’s amazing! . . . and I have amazing things in store for her too. . . trust me!”

So, I am leaving right now to get fingerprints. . . . let the wonderful adventure of being part of God’s kingdom take its next step. . . 1, 2, 3. . . JUMP

I really can’t complain at all, in fact – I can only give praise to God for the wonderful memories He has given us as gifts so for the Fall. Here are the picture highlights – enjoy

My Highlights

1. It all starts with Kya’s 4th birthday – it was great to be able to celebrate with Nana and Papa at the water park. Later, I took the older two for some go-kart runs!!
2. Lots of fun family photos!
3. Dane’s first taste of “solid” food – ok. . . nearly liquefied sweet potatoes – but it still counts!
4. A baseball game with the older two kids
5. First days at school for the kids
6. Lots. . . and I do mean lots. . . of pictures of Dane the last few months
7. My new Block class at Bethel – doing a team building low ropes course!
8. TREMENDOUS dedication to Phil and Louie at Manchester’s Peace garden – such an honor to be able to call them family. Also, a retirement dinner for Gary Zimmerman.
9. I don’t think bath pictures ever get old!!
10. Finally, a great day at Potatoe Creek State Park yesterday – playgrounds, a mile hike in the forest, a prairie maze, picnic, and of course Dakota found his hiking stick – just his size!!

In your life . . . what is your marshmallow that may be consuming your thoughts? 

Though our marshmallows are often more complex than this illustration, our obsession with them is no less intense, and our consumption of them no less obvious. Allow the Holy Spirit to give you eyes to see and ears to hear today what these might be in your life.

- Thanks Sue for the video

Last week at Bethel, we focused on sexuality in the chapel messages, and I thought that I would share some or the message material with you along with a few of my opinions mixed in.

The Walterhouses shared their story with us, which involved his addiction to porn for almost 20 years starting at age 14, and carrying through his entire training to be a pastor and his pastorship until he was caught. No one knew. . . . . not his wife. . . . . not his “accountability” partner. . . . no one.  These are some lies that he believe that kept him in bondage:

1. I’m the only person struggling with this sin - now he knew others were dealing with it, but not as bad as him, and wasn’t it supposed to go away after marriage – that’s what other people had told him. . . . what was wrong with him??

2. Everyone struggles with this sin (Lie of rationalization/justification) – in other words, when he heard his discipleship leader make a comment about “just because he is on a diet [i.e., he is married] doesn’t mean he can’t look at the menu” – he figured that this is just a man’s cross to bare, and that all men are dealing with it, so it is really not that big a deal.

3. I’m not hurting anyone else (Lie of denial) – this is just affecting me, noone else is getting hurt. Side not here from me – first of all, “you bring you into every relationship, thus, if you are affected then all of your relationships are affected!” Second, you only have a limited amount of passion and desire, and if you are using up some or most of it on porn, then guess who gets short-changed?. . . . your spouse, your friends, your vocation, etc….

4. I can get victory over this sin (Lie of self-effort) – in other words, if I would just confess it enough, pray about it enough, go to enough church camps, etc…. (his list was fairly long here) . . . then I can kick this thing myself, and noone has to know.

5. I can NEVER get victory over this sin (Lie of hopelessness) – After believing lie #4 and trying as hard as he could many, many times. . . he came to the conclusion that all was hopeless in conquering this. Side note from me: this is not uncommone to see with those struggling with addiction, and it goes something like this. People can maybe envision being strong for a few hours, or a day, but once they start imagining being strong for a week or 2 weeks, a month? – they feel overwhelmed, b/c there is no way they are strong enough for that!! and so they say “screw-it” might as well just give in now. . . .

You know what . . . part of them is right – the state they are in right now, they can’t make it a month, but the secret (that the enemy does not want you to know) is that Day 12 is not as hard as Day 1, and that you are being transformed throughout, so that one day at a time. . . you are getting stronger – sure you will fall, but God is there to keep building you up.

So, keys to victory, according to the Walterhouses:

1. Press in clost to the heart of God – emphasis on the HEART! – and that heart is of love and grace, yes. . . . even for this! He is ready to help and bring you back home!

2. be open with your sexual struggles (or hidden sin) with someone that has bite – in other words confess in a radical way – to people that might leave a mark (i.e., a spouse, an RD, etc…)

3. Call it what it really is. . . . Sin and Lies - and just like any sin, when grown fully leads to death.

One last note from my heart on this:

Deep within each man is a desire to be wanted, and wanted sexually – those images, those pictures. . . you know what they are telling men? “I want you” – “I WANT YOU” – “you don’t have to change, I will except you just the way you are, you don’t have to work to convince me – I am all yours”. That temptation strikes to the core of most men – you take into consideration that men or visually driven, and you have the recipe for a “fall.”

There is so much more to be said on this, but that is it for now – pray for the boys/men and girls/women that are in this addiction right now please – they need all of our help.

I was recently asked to put my thoughts down concerning when I feel most connected with God and disconnected from God. I only listed my top two insights in both categories, but I thought I would share them with you:

I feel God closest in either one of two ways. First, when I am in a different culture than my own – especially on a mission trip of some sort. I have been blessed to be able to travel around the world quite a bit, and many times I see God most clearly when I am staring into the face and the life of someone who is doesn’t look, act, or talk like me. Second, when I am on my last leg. This may the result of busyness sometimes, but when I need to get something done, but have no idea how to do it. . . .and no time to figure it out. . . God comes through in the clutch for me, when I am most vulnerable – I love that about Him!

There are also 2 main ways that I feel disconnected from God. First, a little background . . . see, many people are told the lie that “they’re not good enough” for much of their life – maybe from Mom and Dad, or a teacher, coach, or peer – and that can bury people, but that was not the case for me. See, most of my life I have been told, by many well-meaning people, a different lie that is just as dangerous – “I AM good enough.” At times, I can believe that I have all that it takes to succeed on my own – the talent, experience, athletic ability, looks, intellect, marriage, family, etc…. when I do, God usually feels distant b/c I have usually left Him in the dust. Second, I have often times in my life had an idol of “happiness” – and I pursue it fervently – moreso than God. Now, this is not neccesarily pursuing shallow things or buying “toys”, in fact, I am often times worshiping happiness with just establishing the simple expectation every day that a successful, God-honoring day must entail me being happy by the end of it. This is what I now know to be true – true happiness/joy cannot be pursued directly, but it is a perspective that is gained ONLY as a result of pursuing and trusting in God’s plans/purposes/work for me each and every day. Some days are difficult others. . . not so much – over time God’s spirit inside of me is teaching me the perspective of true joy, but when I ignore this guidance, and worship happiness – I distance myself from God.

I love my wife so much, and feel so honored to be able to be on this journey of life with her. It is so amazing to be able to do things like teach a journey class bible study with her in our church! She inspires me with her steadfast dedication to me and the kids – even during difficult days (and nights!), and most importantly – to the vision and grace of Christ. She will never get the appreciation she deserves this side of heaven for how well she loves our family (with such sacrifice!), and the light that she brings to those whose life intersects hers – even if for just a moment.

I posted this video not because I am comparing her to Ruth Graham, but because I don’t want to wait to tell my wife how much she means to me – and how much light and life she brings to me daily!

Fernando Ortega – “Give Me Jesus” from Adamson.TV on Vimeo.

Well, I closed the pool this past weekend, which is always the official end of Summer for the Bryant household (at least until we can afford a pool heater!). So, I thought I would catch you up on some of the highlights of the last few weeks – there are quite a few pix – enjoy!

My highlights:

1. Silverhawks Baseball game with Elli and Kya. . . and the ice cream of the future (dippin dots) – for the past 20 years!!!

2. Dress up time – caped crusaders and the hat club

3. Open house for Elliana’s and Kya’s new school – they were pretty pumped to get a locker!!

4. Actual first days of school for both (Kya’s picture is at the end).

5. Typical reading time in Kya’s bed – it is getting a bit crowded!

6. The smiling Dane show!

7. Boy group pictures, and then a little love from big sis!

8. Squeeze from Nana, and then had to get Dane in ND gear for the first game of the season!!

Jesus did not die so that we could be tame! I understand that there is a balance here between safety and risk. . . especially as a parent – because it is sooooo not about ME anymore, but I really do think we can all risk more. On my life performace, I want a high score – not to compare to other people, but so that the judge can see his divine choreography performed the way that he intended it to be in my life.

This is not just for me. . . . this what I want to bring to my wife, and my children. Just like in the workplace, who can the boss can use most? Capable people that are willing to give up the most. I pray for the courage to risk in life – not stupid things – but those things that have eternal potential – love, forgiveness, time, etc… and I want my wife and kids to be able to look to me to help inspire their own God-ordained risks.

I wanted to share some insights I have gained this week:

10. There is nothing like mid 70s and Sunny to create smiles on a college campus!. . . except for maybe free pizza

9. With regards to why I study Cognitive Psychology (how the brain processing information) – Romans 12:2 is my new favorite reason!

8. Death sucks!- no other way to say it. There is so much pain in dealing with someone close to you passing – Praise God that He has victory over Death! 

7. There is a lot of tension between Science and the Church – why? one reason is because the foundation for theories/beliefs in Science is evidence whereas the foundation of Christianity is Faith, which by definition is belief despite there not being quantifiable evidence

6. One of the hardest things about being Christian is living in the balance between preparation/prediction/planning and SIMLULATANEOUSLY being completely open to the unpredictability of the Holy Spirit, which could instantly erase all your plans

5. When the Holy Spirit shows up amidst a Chapel service about cultural reconciliation, Hope and Healing seem so close – Please . . . let them come!

4. The majority culture says “you [minority culture] are ok – I accept/welcome you” but the Minority Culture doesn’t “feel” it. . . . . . why?? It is neccessary for the Minority culture to learn all the details about the majority culture in order to survive and thrive. . . . however, when the Majority culture does not pursue the details of minority culture in the same way. . . in essence it is saying “your details are not necessary” – back to square 1 – the majority retains higher ground simply due to its ability to “choose” what it pursues. . . . and that freedom/lack of pursuit of the majority translates into arrogance and ignorance for a minority viewer – a hypocrisy of sorts. . . true acceptance does not come from a stated belief but can only come through authentic pursuit. . . . ever heard of a guy named JESUS? ****welcoming words without true pursuit of a culture is meaningless

3. What if science brings God joy like the joy that I get watching my daughter figure out a puzzle together all by herself?

2. I have such a heart for wanting Marriages to be healed, and specifically, through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2) – there is great value in studying your spouse.

1. Honestly (and praise God this is true!), the BEST part of my day is when I get to see my beautiful wife and continue the day’s “adventure” (and sometimes it really is ). . . together

A colleague of mine sent this to me (Thanks Sue!), and I think it could be very helpful for a lot of people. It is a dictionary/thesauras that displays everything in a connected image – check it out

http://www.lexipedia.com/

This is a graphic video that really tells a story that happens all too frequently today. Please – do not text while driving. This not just for your sake, and others riding with you, but for others driving as well. Think about it. . . beyond their own lives they may also have kids in the car, and those kids – need their mommies and daddies alive.

Please . . . it is not worth it!

Thanks DC Curry for the heads up

A colleague of mine sent this to me, and I have enjoyed thinking about it, and will soon be presenting it to my class for a discussion, but wanted to open it up to your thoughts first

As I am getting back into professor mode, I wanted to share a little story with you that I came across earlier today. Most people have heard about Autism, but not many have heard of Asperger’s, which is a form of high-functioning autism – even though it affects almost 1 in 300 births a year. This is a great story about someone who has succeeded to great heights with this developmental condition.

If you want to know more about this form of high-functioning autism go HERE

If you are a parent of someone with Asperger Syndrome – click HERE for a great resource

Seriously. . . . growing up waaaaayyy to fast. You would think with this being our 4th that we would be used to baby’s growing up so quickly. . . .just not the case. Here are a few pictures of the last few weeks, and several videos of Dane laughing now – very cute!!!

He loves the backpack!! So do we

Here is his first eating experience with “yummy” squash!!

Yeah – he liked it!!

First hair cut – yes, I know. . . crazy that he needed a hair cut at 4.5 months old!

Getting some love from Papa at Kya’s 4th birthday party

Videos of Dane’s giggle box

Same night, but this time with Kya being the entertainer:

I decided to interview Elliana on her first day of Kindergarten tomorrow. We had a great time at the open house tonight – this should be quite an adventure for our little lady