This afternoon, I spoke with Governor Malloy and FBI Director Mueller. I offered Governor Malloy my condolences on behalf of the nation and made it clear he will have every single resource that he needs to investigate this heinous crime, care for the victims, counsel their families.

We’ve endured too many of these tragedies in the past few years. And each time I learn the news, I react not as a president, but as anybody else would as a parent. And that was especially true today. I know there’s not a parent in America who doesn’t feel the same overwhelming grief that I do.

The majority of those who died today were children — beautiful, little kids between the ages of 5 and 10 years old. They had their entire lives ahead of them — birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own. Among the fallen were also teachers, men and women who devoted their lives to helping our children fulfill their dreams.

So our hearts are broken today for the parents and grandparents, sisters and brothers of these little children, and for the families of the adults who were lost.

Our hearts are broken for the parents of the survivors, as well, for as blessed as they are to have their children home tonight, they know that their children’s innocence has been torn away from them too early and there are no words that will ease their pain.

As a country, we have been through this too many times. Whether it is an elementary school in Newtown, or a shopping mall in Oregon, or a temple in Wisconsin, or a movie theater in Aurora, or a street corner in Chicago, these neighborhoods are our neighborhoods and these children are our children. And we’re going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics.

This evening, Michelle and I will do what I know every parent in America will do, which is hug our children a little tighter, and we’ll tell them that we love them, and we’ll remind each other how deeply we love one another. But there are families in Connecticut who cannot do that tonight, and they need all of us right now. In the hard days to come, that community needs us to be at our best as Americans, and I will do everything in my power as president to help, because while nothing can fill the space of a lost child or loved one, all of us can extend a hand to those in need, to remind them that we are there for them, that we are praying for them, that the love they felt for those they lost endures not just in their memories, but also in ours.

May God bless the memory of the victims and, in the words of Scripture, heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.

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Jolene has been a Pampered Chef rep for a long time now and my bride has gotten me lots of great items for our kitchen (winking at my knife set).  If you would like to come out and enjoy some good food, see/purchase some great products, and have some fun, join us this Saturday 14 July @11am.  If you are not in the area but would still like to pick up some great tools for your kitchen Check out our events page here.

You can see some great how-to on the Pampered Chef YouTube Page.

Here is a video of one of our favorite products.

3 when his lamp shone upon my head and by his light I walked through darkness! - LinkThis is the first thing that Job mentions about being God's Man.  Job knew who God was and understood that God knows what is best.  He used this wisdom to navigate through the world that was around him.  Do you truly trust that God has an answer for every situation that you find yourself in?  I wish that I could say that I have this one locked down but honestly I cannot.  On the big things I lean in to God but for the small stuff I find that I rely on my own strength.  This is where things can get out of whack.  It is in the incremental decisions where I can get off course.  Time to get my eyes fixed firmly on God.

My prayer for you today is that you would allow God to be the lamp that lights your way through this dark world.  Let Him guide your steps.

God's Man

Earlier tonight I sent this txt to my god daughter, "You need a Job 29 Man". I know that she is used to my very random text messages. Here is the text of Job 29 for your reading pleasure. I have spoken on this scripture in these posts "Portrait of a Godly Man", "Agent of Change", "Servant Leader" and "Thoughts For Today". I will be back later to flesh out this letter to my daughters.

^1-6 Job now resumed his response: "Oh, how I long for the good old days, when God took such very good care of me. He always held a lamp before me and I walked through the dark by its light. Oh, how I miss those golden years when God's friendship graced my home, When the Mighty One was still by my side and my children were all around me, When everything was going my way, and nothing seemed too difficult.> ^7-20 "When I walked downtown and sat with my friends in the public square, Young and old greeted me with respect; I was honored by everyone in town. When I spoke, everyone listened; they hung on my every word. People who knew me spoke well of me; my reputation went ahead of me. I was known for helping people in trouble and standing up for those who were down on their luck. The dying blessed me, and the bereaved were cheered by my visits. All my dealings with people were good. I was known for being fair to everyone I met. I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame, Father to the needy, and champion of abused aliens. I grabbed street thieves by the scruff of the neck and made them give back what they'd stolen. I thought, 'I'll die peacefully in my own bed, grateful for a long and full life, A life deep-rooted and well-watered, a life limber and dew-fresh, My soul suffused with glory and my body robust until the day I die.'> ^21-25 "Men and women listened when I spoke, hung expectantly on my every word. After I spoke, they'd be quiet, taking it all in. They welcomed my counsel like spring rain, drinking it all in. When I smiled at them, they could hardly believe it; their faces lit up, their troubles took wing! I was their leader, establishing the mood and setting the pace by which they lived. Where I led, they followed." (Job 29, The Message)

Happy Father's Day out there to all of my brothers. Today is a day to be reminded of the call that we have, hopefully, embrace. I have been trying to find my place today. I have two beautiful and amazing daughters who show me love each and every day. I have a beautiful and amazing wife who honors me and shows me love every day. So when a holiday like Father's Day rolls around I don't expect lots of fanfare. I am actually put off but that kind of thing.

My morning started with breakfast in bed with all of us crammed into our Queen size with trays. The baby stealing pieces of food from my plate before taking from her own. My oldest chattering about her upcoming birthday. My wife and I listening and trying not to rush to get ready for church. This was a moment to listen. A time to pull back from the whirlwind and embrace the present moment. I wonder when we stopped doing that? We used to cling desperately to each moment. Now we seem to rush from one thing to the next.

I had a vision of my father today while I was at church. My father, who is very much alive, is a big part of my life. He helped me shape so much of who I am. His joy of life and easy going nature are part of who I am. The vision I had was not about the present but about the past. It was a memory of a snow storm that we had when I was smaller. I remember going outside with my Dad and trying to follow him through the deep snow. It was hard because my legs were small. He told me to walk in his tracks and it would be much easier. So I did... and it was. That simple moment has really clarified for me what being a father is all about.

Dad's clear the way for those who follow. So that we not only have a path to follow but that some of the rough spots have been ironed out. Notice that I didn't say all obstacles have been removed. Dad's are not here to take all the roadblocks away. There are some times when we need to experience the bumps and bruises along the way.

This lead me to thinking about all the other men who have been instrumental in my life. From my first pastor, Rev Timity, my Grand Father and Great Uncles, to my spiritual mentors, Pastor, Bro Phillips and Pastor Paul. Even some of my business mentors have had tremendous influence in my life. I thank God for the men he has brought into my life. Each one has left an impression in my life that I hope that I will have the privilege of sharing with others.

That is really what we are here for. To help each other grow and share in each others journeys. So as this Father's Day draws to a close I hope that every man out there knows that they are impacting the lives around them. For good or ill...

I hope that you all of you who need too have reached out to those fathers in your lives. If you haven't now is the time. If you are feeling like you do not have a father to talk to then let me share a secret with you. There is a Father who has his hand extended out to you right now. He wants to hear from you right now and He will always listen. He will never and has never left you. No matter what you have done He is ready to receive you with open arms. All you have to do is call out to Him. He will answer.

I love you all and wish you the best this Father's Day.

Go Go Go

I learned this the hard way when I took my daughter to see the movie,"Happy Feet" . I loved the first part of this movie. The music was awesome, the dance sequences were also amazing. As a 3D animator I was impressed with the technical skill it took to create this movie. What caught me off guard about the movie was the flaming environmental message in the movie. The movie would have been so great without the second half of the film.

Anyway I am going to spend the next few posts talking about 5 movies that have influenced me spiritually. You might be surprised by my choices. This is my contribution to the Top 5 Group Writing Project over at ProBlogger.net

God's Man