Po's Page

Things You Don't Say To Your Wife

2009-04-01T11:22:00.004-05:00

I saw this on my bro-in-laws blog. I stole it. Put it on mine. Its worth a listen. You will have to pause the Ornan's Floor music player first.

Is Satan Real???

2009-03-27T22:30:00.002-05:00

I just watched this series from ABC's Nightline. It was very interesting. Something I certainly don't face. I had heard of Pearson before, but never Chopa or the lady who was next to Driscoll. If you are interested, here is the thread. Check it out. Share your thoughts. I am also going to try and blog soon about all that has been going on over the last few months. I need to be more consistent with this.

Day 18-31 of Shea's Blogs

2009-02-04T21:47:00.002-06:00

Well...I failed yet again in my poor attempt to make a post everyday. I am going to try and finish it all up now. By the numbers.

Day 18 - I am missing Shea right now. She is in Louisville visiting family and her new niece. I may get to claim her some day, but for now she is Shea's.

Day 19 - Shea is amazing.

Day 20 - This day is my Mom's birthday. She wouldn't let me settle for just any girl. When she liked Shea I knew that Shea was special. This is also the date we got engaged. I lost the bid for ASU Homecoming King. That night I proposed and felt greater than a king. This is also Jacob's birthday. Our first born is an amazing blessing. He blows our minds constantly.

Day 21 - This day is Ryan's birthday. Ryan had a small part in Shea and I ever even meeting. He followed the Lord to ASU, we met, he introduced me to his oldest sister, a year later we started dating and soon after that we got married. Ryan continues to be an encouragement to both of us and a great uncle to out boys.

Day 22 - Our wedding day. I will never forget that memorable event. I go over it in my head often. Seeing my bride coming down the isle. Her beauty and smile. I felt at that moment like the luckiest man in the world. I still do. This is also the day of Shea's father's birthday. I am forever in debted to Don for raising Shea in a Christian home. He showed her the love of the Father. He also trusted the Lord enough to grant me the greatest pursuit of my life.

Day 23 - I want to praise Shea's amazing grandparents. Eldon and Catherine Bebee and James and Alice Franklin. They have all loved me like I was there own. They all love the Lord and walk with Him. Papa Jim is walking with God in Heaven while the other 3 walk with Him on earth. I cherish my relationship with all of them.

Day 24 - Shea's aunts and uncles are amazing. Jim and Carye Gillen, Bill and Linda Bebee, Jerry and Dayle Aulds, Tommy and Gayle Doulin, and Lisa Franklin. They are all loving people. All of them are very generous. They all have given me some helpful advice during my marriage to Shea.

Day 25 - Shea's Gillen cousins. Drew and Lindsey, Blake and Brianna. They are great friends. I have had the privilege of spending some great family time with them. Some of the funnest times I have had over the last 7 years has been at Drew and Lindsey's wedding and a family reunion at the lake house. Its never the same when the Gillen's aren't there.

Day 26 - Shea's Bebee Cousin. Kyle and Meredith and Clay. Kyle is so good at what he does. He is also very giving. His heart for his family is so encouraging to me. Kyle and Clay both work well with people. Another great memory was Kyle and Mere's wedding. I don't know Mere very well, but she has a huge heart. Kyle and Mere are going to be great parents. I have laughed harder with few people than Clay Bebee. Our personalities mesh well and we play off of each others humor real well. I wish we had time to write a script. We would make millions. Kyle and Clay are great.

Day 27 - This is my favorite mother-in-laws birthday. I am certain I have done things that makes Debbie wonder what goes on in my head, but she still loves me. I am thankful to the Lord for so many reasons when I think about Debbie. She loves my boys so much, she is a great cook and she continues to seek the Lord in all things.

Day 28 - This is the day Kyle was born. March 2007. Our lives have never been the same. Kyle keeps us moving. He is daddy's boy, but when momma comes home his heart still melts...and so does hers. It is also the birthday for my first niece...Brooklyn. I love her and I have never seen her in person.

Day 29 - Ryan and Sarahs Wedding day. What a blessing Sarah has been to our family. God made the perfect match for Ryan with Sarah. They are now the proud parents to Brooklyn. They will be great parents too.

Day 30 - I LOVE MY WIFE!!!

Day 31 - It is no wonder Shea is born on the 31st. She strives to be the Proverbs 31 woman. She is the greatest blessing in my life. She encourages me and loves me. She puts up with me and I am overwhelmed with joy when I think about her. I LOVE YOU SHEA POLITTE. I desire to love you as Christ loves the church. Thanks for being patient as I get my act together.

You Must Suffer

2009-01-29T13:25:00.001-06:00

This isn't about Shea, but it is because its about all of us. This man may have had the single greatest influence on my life outside of Jesus.

Day 17 of Shea's Blogs

2009-01-21T17:46:00.004-06:00

I know you may all find this hard to believe, but sometime what I think looks cool DOES NOT!!! That is where Shea comes in. My helpmate of fashion. When I met Shea and we were dating she started buying me outfits. This was one of the ways I knew God was revealing her worth to me as a wife. I remember the first outfit she bought me. It was a pair of jeans, a white short sleeve button down shirt and a green corduroy jacket. She made it very clear that I was to eat NO PIZZA while wearing this out fit. I thought it was AWESOME. It was something I would have never bought myself, but she thought it would look good and at the time she was the only one I was concerned about when it came to how I looked. She has continued to be my own personal GQ magazine. She tells me what looks good and what looks...bad. Shea has an amazing sense of fashion. She can make jeans and a sweater look like a million dollar outfit. She can take the stuff off the sales rack and make it look like something Gucci made. She can also take me and make me look like an over sized model. Which is cool with me. She also loves to shop for our boys and man. We have to be the best looking group of guys in Eldorado. Shea finds great joy in making us look good and it is really cool to me. It is another reason I am so thankful to be married to her.

Lord thank you for my fashion savvy wife. Thank you that she is not entirely caught up in looks, but wants to look good and wants us to look good. Thank you that she doesn't spend extravagant amounts of money on clothes for herself or for us. Thank you Lord for giving her a desire to clothe her family. Thank you that she can make a lazy eyed dude and make him look straight. Lord thank you for Shea's ability to take the sale rack and make it look something right off the runway. Thank you Lord for my own personal fashion critique.

Day 16 of Shea's Blogs

2009-01-21T13:17:00.002-06:00

I am going to let you guys in on a little secret...I am a pain in the ______ to live with sometime (Fill free to fill in the blank). Shea can testify to this. So can anyone else who has ever lived with me, but after our second year of marriage I had lived with Shea more than anyone else. I do things that normal humans don't do. I could eat pizza every meal. I don't have the best hygiene when it come to my teeth (I have putting things in my mouth and I hate gagging!!!). I am selfish at times and get butt hurt over stupid things. I already mentioned about how I throw fits like Kyle. I mean all in all I can be a _______ to live with. Even in spite of me being a __________ to live with Shea does it. I make it real hard to do with a smile, but she manages one here and there. I'm sure I've made living with me at times miserable, but she keeps doing it. You may think, "She had to, she is your wife." I agree to an extent, but that doesn't make it easy. Shea loves Christ and that's what makes her stay when I am acting like a 3 year old. She perseveres and continues to love me. She fights through all of the jerk things I do and still loves me. I don't care what you say it takes a special lady to do that. MAKE NO MISTAKE...I KNOW I GOT A SPECIAL LADY.

Lord thank you for my special lady. Thank you that she loves me when I am unloveable. Thanks you that when I am acting like a _______ she stays. I'm sure part of her wants to head for the hills, but by grace you've given her a Spirit that says ,"Love this _________ through this." I am awed by Shea. I can't say that enough. Thank you Lord for who she is. Thank you for giving me 16 days worth of things to write about her. I am pretty sure I will need more than 31.

Day 15 of Shea's Blogs

2009-01-19T22:53:00.004-06:00

Day 15 will be dedicated to Shea and Tyman and her Papa Jim. Ty's birthday is on the 15th day of September. Shea's grandfather James Franklin went to be with His Savior a few days before Ty was born. Bare with me a few seconds. His middle name was always going to be Ty, but we went back and forth with his first name. A few days before Papa Jim passed away Shea and I were headed home I told Shea that I knew how special Papa Jim was to her. I explained that I would be happy for one of our children to have his name. The next day Papa Jim became ill and went Home a few days after that. Shea got a call early in the morning hours that he had passed. She came and woke me up and then told me what had happened. We decided then that out second child, born 9/15/04 would be James Tyman Politte. The one time I had the honor of meeting Papa Jim he told me he loved me. He couldn't have known me. He had Alzheimer's. I met him after much of his memory was gone, but I could see in his eyes a heart. When he put his hand on my back and said, "I love this guy." I sent chills down my spine. I think it meant even more to Shea. Papa Jim was a pastor. He loved to serve the Lord. Many of his poems are full of scripture and love. I can only imagine the kind of man he was as a Shepard of God's people. He influenced his family. All of his children grew to love the Lord. They are all saved and continue to live out many of the lessons Papa Jim taught them. I can only pray that my little Tyman will be like his Papa Jim. The man Ty has never known, but I am confident that Papa Jim watched Ty leave Heaven. Thanks Papa Jim for serving the Lord and leaving a legacy.

Let me know brag on my Tyman. He loves people. He is so thoughtful. He is always looking for ways to serve people and meet peoples needs. He is also a cryer. Not in a bad way, but he puts so much emotion in to things that sometimes it overwhelms him. Those are things Ty gets from his mother. They are good things. Ty is also very compassionate. He hates to see people hurt. There are kids who always come in crying at Preschool. Ty is the one who tries to console them. It is such a gift. Another sweet thing about Ty is that sometimes he loves you so much he can't stand it. He has this thing with ear lobes. He can't help himself, so he grabs them. is his way of showing his love. Weird I know, but it is his way. Ty is our tender warrior. I tell people all the time that he is our kid who could jump off the house and land it and then get so upset because he knows what he has done is wrong.

How does all of this reflect Shea??? Well...not only is she his mother, but he has the name of a man that had a huge impact in her life. Shea constantly shows me ways I have to love Ty. She sees areas in his personality that I don't see. She knows Ty so well. Ty loves to spend some "lovin'" time with his mom. She is always happy to oblige. The way Shea nurtures Ty can not be done by anyone but her. Ty tells us constantly how much he loves us. That is a result of his mothers love. She is always encouraging us to share our love. Ty does it well.

Lord thanks you for the mother Shea is to Ty. Thank you for using Papa Jim to influence Shea in such a Godly manner. Thank you that you have equipped Shea with the ability to love Ty and grow areas of his character. Lord continue to use her to shape the parts she needs to. Father thank you for Ty. Please continue to use us as his parents. God continue to strengthen this bond between a mother and her son.

Day 14 of Shea's Blogs

2009-01-18T21:30:00.002-06:00

Let me list here 14 things that attracted me to Shea early on (in no particular order):
1) Her physical beauty
2) Her smile
3) Her green eyes
4) Her passion to know Christ more
5) Her desire to search hard for answers
6) Her thoughtfulness
7) Her ability to listen to rambling and make sense of it all
8) The way she pointed out things I never saw
9) The way she cared for people and took care of them (This is embarrassing, but I got hurt cheer leading and Shea took care of me.)
10) The way she dressed
11) Her drive to be perfect at all she does (It can be hard at times, but most of the times it is a huge asset.)
12) The woman she desired to be in the Lord
13) The mother she desired to be in the Lord
14) The wife she desired to be in the Lord and how much she loved me

Day 13 of Shea's Blogs

2009-01-18T21:20:00.003-06:00

I know I am still behind, but my goal this week is to get caught up.

We just had our disciple now weekend and the Lord reminded me yet again how vital Shea is in my life. When God created woman for man he told Adam, "I will make for you a helper suitable." She is all that and then some. This weekend she made herself available at all times. Not just to me, but to the students, DNow leaders and whoever needed her. There were little instances this weekend where God smiled at me and said, "See...I created her to help you with this." I mean little things like getting me a band aid for this nasty wart on my finger. Helping clean me up after Ty spilled tea all over me and my dinner. Then she got me another plate of food. She also went to all the girl homes and checked up on them, so that I wouldn't have to go to 6 houses in one night. Shea gets extremely tired when she doesn't slow down, but she kept going to help me. I am so blessed. She helped with some logistical things, fielded some questions and really just took a load off of me. Friday before DNow I was frustrated with some things and really just under an attack spiritual. I was talking it over with Shea and some how in her most stern coaches voice she said ,"Sylas Politte, I love you (those words again). You have to fight this and get your head right for these kids this weekend." A light went off in my head and it was like I could see again. I mean...it has probably happened before, but at that moment. I felled like God gave Shea the exact words I needed to hear. It came from the voice He probably uses the most, but I often ignore due to Sports Center or laziness. Shea helps me all the time, but it is weekends like this where I am in awe of our God for Shea.

Lord thank you for my "helpmate." You have equipped Shea to come along side me and provide assistance, encouragement and love. Only you can give her a heart to put up with me. Only you can give her the ability to persevere when I am hard to deal with. God not only did you create her to be my helper, but you made her stinkin beautiful. She is gorgeous. God thank you for giving me a wife who love to minister to your people. I am blown away yet again by the bride you have blessed me with.

Day 12 of Shea's Blog

2009-01-16T00:12:00.003-06:00

This is something you all may already know, but Shea is really smart. I think she is way smarter than me and I am not trying to be humble it just a fact. This is a good thing for several reasons, but the one I want to mention is her ability to listen to a sermon or several sermons and then relay all the vital information. Shea loves to listen to sermons. She is constantly listening to sermons while she is driving. When she is done listening she always tells me what she has learned followed by, "You gotta hear this." I have listened to a few, but for whatever reason I miss a lot. What this shows me is...not only does Shea want to grow, but she wants to share what she learns. She wants everyone to hear God's Word come alive like it has for her. It is like she witnessed something amazing and can't wait to tell someone. Its super encouraging. She grows and shares with others what she has learned so they can grow. Not only does she tell what she learns, but she finds the best way to explain it, so that the listener will have a better understanding. Its so cool to have a wife who loves to hear God's word taught and loves to share it with others.

Lord thank you for a wife who desires to grow and share. Thank you that she wants to soak up all the great teaching you are sharing with so many great teachers. Lord continue to use her to be another voice in the chain of proclaiming truth. Thank you that she is in my ear constantly about great sermons. Thank you that she is smart enough to explain it in a way that I can get it. Thank you Lord for my wife the sponge of truth.

Day 11 of Shea's Blogs

2009-01-15T09:45:00.002-06:00

It may take several more days, but I am going to get caught up with this.

Today Shea is on her way with a sweet gal from our church to Angelo. Shea has the amazing privilege of spending some time with this lady about 2-3 times a week. This lady is older in years, but sharp as a tack. She has some much insight into things through the many challenges life has thrown at her. She continues to trust the Lord and persevere. What does this have to do with Shea??? A servant's heart.

Shea in compensated for her "work," but we see it more as ministry and encouragement. When we heard that our friend was needing some assistance a couple of times during the week Shea said she would love to do it. We made a few phone calls and Shea started helping out. Its little things like trips to the grocery store, picking up laundry, going to the doctor and other errands like that. She helps her decorate her house and put things where they need to be. Shea looks foreword to doing this every chance she gets. She has a genuine desire to serve this sweet lady in our church. Shea demonstrates her love through serving. It is so sweet to have a wife who loves to serve others. Whether it is a sweet card telling people we are thinking about them or making food for people, Shea gets it done. Not only does she get it done, but she makes people feel so special in doing it. The neat thing about spending time with this lady is the love that is returned. God has truly blessed Shea's obedience in loving and serving others by having it come back to her.

Lord today I am again so blessed to have a wife who loves to serve. She has the heart to serve because you gave it to her. Not only have you given her the desires of her heart, but you bless what she is doing. Lord as she is daily given opportunity to serve I pray that you would direct her to the precise places and people where she needs to be. Her heart will lead her to do it all, but you know what is best. I thank you for the way she serves her family. May you continue to be glorified in Shea's service to others and may people honor You most of all. Thank you for your love through service Shea.

Day 10 of Shea's Blogs

2009-01-14T23:09:00.003-06:00

As we speak, Shea is having some "girl talk." I of course has no idea what they are talking about. What I do know is that at this point during the day Shea is exhausted. Does that cause her to say to this girl, "Can't it wait until tomorrow?" or "I can't believe that she came over so late." What Shea is thinking right now is, "How do I counsel this girl biblically." "How do I discern all this information and give her sound advice." It may not even be that big of a conversation, bu Shea's major concern right now is the glory of God in that conversation and letting this girl know that she is loved by God and Shea. I will probably fall asleep on the couch soon, but Shea will listen to that girl until the cows come home or that girl goes home. (No, we don't really have cows, but we do have a herd of boys.) This is another thing I love about Shea. She is dead tired, but dead set on listening and providing counsel to this girl. We don't get to see this girl as much as we once did, but like I said before, you'd think Shea sees her every day. Her desire to lend an ear, provide Godly counsel and love on these people is such a blessing to watch. It is also the best ministry tool I have.

Lord thank you for all the life circumstances you have carried Shea through. Thank you for showing her that it was all for your glory. It was for these long nights when girls would come knocking for a friendly ear and not a snapping parent or shameful conscience. Thank you that Shea fight hard for your glory. Lord please give her the energy she needs to be who she wants to be tomorrow and who she wants to be in these conversations. God continue to give her the wisdom she needs to provide counsel. Lord thank you that Shea's listening ear is available to me ever day. Help me see that as a gift. You continue to amaze me by my help mate. She is more than suitable.

Day 9 of Shea's Blogs

2009-01-14T11:52:00.002-06:00

I was thinking today that one of the coolest things bout Shea is that whether you see her everyday or your haven't see her in years she greets you like its been ages. I mean she is genuinely happy to see people. I mean she greets you with a smile and make you feel like she is really happy you are there. I know this may seem like the norm, but it just isn't especially for me. I don't do good byes well in that I just say see you next time. I don't really do greeting well minus the occasional head nod. I am working on this and Shea is a big reason for that. You'd think that after losing my father suddenly and several friends that I would NEVER take advantage of a goodbye especially with family. I have tried to be more proactive and letting people know how I am feeling. All of that is a byproduct of Shea's heart. Her desire to let you know she loves your there and that she is going to miss you when your gone.

Lord thank you for the greeting and goodbyes that come with Shea. I can only imagine (sing it with me) what it will be like when we are greeted by you. The great thing is you never say goodbye. I truly can feel the warmth of the Lord with every hello, good morning, good to see you, etc. Even when it is to people she hardly knows and hasn't seen in 5 years. Thank you Jesus that it is just as important to her as it is to you to greet some one friendly.

Day 8 of Shea's Blogs

2009-01-13T10:32:00.003-06:00

There are moments when things seem so overwhelming. Those times when you know whats right and you want to keep pressing on, but it seems so hard and so unattainable. It feels like you are public enemy number one and everyone would love to see you in the gallows. The you wife udders the words you longed to hear when you dated, the words you longed to hear during your engagement, the words you shared on your wedding day and the words that will never get old - "I LOVE YOU SYLAS." There is only one person that God has equipped with those words to send chills all over me every time I hear it. That person is Shea. We have exchanged I love you's several times, but most of the time it is in passing when we are going in or out (Mostly ME). We end most phone conversations with a casual "Love ya babe!" Then there are those times when you know that as your bride, the one God made for you, the one He is knitting you to says I LOVE YOU and you know at that very moment they are feeling the same thing you are. That is special. Its words that say, "I love you in spite of your flaws, in spite of the mean things you say without thinking, in spite of making messes everywhere, in spite of this or that." Those words say, "I know you were created for me too and God designed you as a tool for sanctification in my life."

Shea those words will never grow old. My heart longs for them. Every time you say it I am rushed to the first time I heard you say them to me. When times are hard and when times are great it is those 3 words that make me feel like the most blessed man alive.

Lord, thank you for love today. Thank you for first loving us and giving us the ability to love others. Thanks you for the love Shea has for me. Thank you for the encouragement that comes with those words. Thank you that when I am unlovable those words to not become void. Thank you that you are LOVE. Thanks you for redeeming love. Jesus continue to show me how to love Shea best. She is worth it.

Day 7 of Shea's Blogs

2009-01-12T16:12:00.003-06:00

I just want to spend this blog praising my wife for some things. No real relationship to the number. I have been blown away by Shea in so many ways over 7 years that I am just going to boast in the Lord for a while for who Shea is:

I love that Shea is a woman who pursues perfection. It is almost to a flaw, but I think that is where I come in. I am on the other side of the spectrum. Together we balance each other out. Her drive to be perfect really comes into play when she decorates our home or a party, when she plans things and just in who she is as a Godly Woman
I love that Shea puts up with all my crap. I'll admit and she could testify that sometimes I act like a 5 years old. It use to piss me off when Shea would say that she was raising 4 boys until one day...I was throwing a fit and thought I look like a 5 year old. All the times I talk before I think. The hurt I cause her by my selfish actions and stupid talk. The frustration I cause her when I leave my dirty close in the room she just got done cleaning. Having to stay on me to get things done that she needs me to do that only I can do. In all of this...it drives her insane, but she still fights to love me.
I mentioned this in a blog before and I probably will again, but the transformation she has under gone is amazing. I mean she has physically bettered her life more than anyone I have ever met and she did it without some TV show. She has almost lost 100 lbs. I never thought she could have been big enough to lose 100 lbs, but who did? She felled awful and since she started seeing results she has stayed the course for the most part. She can feel when she starts slipping with what she eats, but she gets back on track. She looks SMOKIN' HOT. Jacob even started telling people that she is one HOT MOMMA. I can't put into words how great she looks. She will always be beautiful to me. She encourages me to take better care of myself. Now I just need to act on it.
She can listen to people talk bad situations and then through her response bring so much hope into their life. Its not just what she says, but the way you can physically see that she is bearing their burden with them.
I love that Shea refuses to let past sin conquer her. She is a fighter. She will not let the enemy still her joy. She has been persevering like no other.
I want to shot from the roof tops how much I LOVE SHEA POLITTE!!!!!!!!!!! I love every bit of who she is. I love her heart, I love her passion for women, I love her smile, I love humility, I love her green eyes, I love her curly hair that she fights to straighten, I love her in the morning and in the afternoon, I love her in the evening too. I know I am leaving things out, but we have 22 more days.

Lord thanks you for all that you do in Shea's life for Your glory and her good and to encourage other people. Thanks you that I get a front row seat to what your doing in her life. Thanks you for everything you have done in her life. I do thank you for all the great time and all the bad times that you made good. I thank you Lord that she wants to be like Christ. I thank you that she doesn't want to be silent about the truth. I thank you that she wants to invest in me, our boys and this ministry for YOUR NAME!!! I thank you most of all that in all my sin she still loves me. I know the only reason that is possible is because of YOU!!! Thank you Lord again for my Shea.

Day 6 of Shea's Blog

2009-01-12T13:49:00.005-06:00

OK, I am not keeping up with this very well. I'm sorry to Shea most of all and to the other two people who read this second. Life has been beyond crazy lately, so I could make several excuses as to why this hasn't gotten done, but the bottom line is I just haven't done it.

Six is a weird number to work with. There is really only one thing that come to mind when Shea is involved with the number 6.

I remember the day well. I don't recall all the events of that day, but I do remember one MAIN event of the day. I actually don't even recall the exact day specifically, but the month was for sure JUNE. The 6th month of the year.
Shea and I were preparing to go to camp for our first youth camp at FBC Eldorado. Shea was feeling under the weather and had missed some work that week. We had played in an all nighter softball tournament the weekend before, so we just thought she was extremely exhausted. During the tournament she felled nauseous. She drank some sprite, played the game, hit an in the park homer and was fine the rest of the day. The next morning she felled bad a again. I was a little worried, but just thought she got some bug. I joked with her that it was morning sickness. You may have figured out by now that IT WAS!!!
Shea went to our extremely sanitary grocery store and bought a home pregnancy test. She came home took the test, we waited the right time and then Shea went to check on it. She called me into the room and said, "Do you love me?" I thought...we've only been married for 6 months and your already questioning my love for you. Any way I said, "YES I LOVE YOU." She said, "Good, because your going to be a Dad." I was SO EXCITED/FREAKED OUT/NERVOUS/OVERWHELMED. I mentioned before that doctors told Shea she would have a hard to conceiving a child. God thought other wise. We kept it a secret for a little while and then we let our families know. 9 months later we welcomed Jacob. I sit here with tears in my eyes thinking about how far we have come as a family since that June day in the bathroom. Jacob is growing a lot. I am still excited/freaked out/nervous/overwhelmed, but I know that Jacob belonged to God before he belonged to me. I am charged with raising him and Ty and Kyle for the glory of God. I couldn't do it without the perfect mother for 3 Politte boys. That day is a fond memory of our early days together.
A funny thing was that our friend Kay Creek was pregnant with Jacobs best friend, Michael. Kay's husband was going to drive the bus to camp for us and come back to pick us up. Kay and Shea could both smell the bathroom cleaning products. The bathroom was in the back. No one else could smell them. Kay commented, "I guess I can smell them because I am pregnant. You senses a stronger when your pregnant." Shea without thinking said, "Yeah I can smell it too." We ended up telling them later that Shea was prego too.

Lord thank you for the joy of hearing you will be a Daddy. Thank you for allowing Shea and I to bring a child into the world, 3 children. Thank you Father for watching over Shea as she carried the children and for growing them in her womb. You knitted and formed them and overwhelmed us by your goodness. Thank you for that day in June of 2002 when you revealed to Shea and me that YOU are the great physician. Doctors may think they know the outcome, but you God wanted Shea to be a mother. There was nothing that could thwart that divine plan. You took our doubt and fear and gave us 3 healthy boys. You are good and your love endures forever. Thank you for opening the womb and bringing life into our home. Thank you Lord for that June day when Shea told me I would be a Dad. You gave me that desire and I pray that I am fulfilling it to Your glory.

Day 5 of Shea's Blogs

2009-01-06T21:10:00.002-06:00

Five is pretty easy. I graduated in 2005. Shea encouraged me constantly to finish school. I did. There were several occasion I wanted to quit, but she kept me going with her loving words. I got some great graduation gifts and I loved them all, but the gift from Shea was the BEST.

I had several packages to open up from Shea. I opened a baseball, an apple, and a pair of red socks. The gifts didn't make sense at first. Until I put them all together. Baseball, an apple, and RED SOX. She got me tickets to go see the RED SOX, but what was the apple for??? The BIG APPLE, New York City to watch the Yankees play the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. YANKEE STADIUM, the house that Ruth built. The history, the games, the stories, all the players who played in that park Yankess and others. It was amazing. We flew in during memorial day weekend. We got there late on the first night, so we went to the hotel first - THE DRAKE HOTEL MANHATTEN. The bell man was giving me lip about my red sox hat. We beat the Yanks that day 17-1. He didn't have much to say. He was a cool guy. We get into the hotel and the desk guy says, "Mr. Politte welcome, its appears we have overbooked your room." I was thinking several things:
1) Get those people out of my room.
2) So do we share with whoever is in our room
3) Where is another hotel we can stay.
The man came back from talking with his manager and says, "Mr. Politte, sorry for the inconvinience. Will our Park Avenue Suite be adequate for you and your wife." After I picked my jaw up off the counter I said, "I guess so." It was a sweet suite. That night we went out and took a cab to time square. It was bright.
The next day we slept in, get a late brunch, did some shopping and got ready for the game. We decided to take the subway to the game. Kinda scary, but tons of people were doing it. We got there, walked in, went through memorial park, and headed for our seats. Shea got the tickets on EBay. We went up, and up, and up, and up until finally there was only 1 more row in the stadium. Our row was second to last. Not exactly the view Shea saw on the internet, but we were at YANKEE STADIUM. I loved it. Ate a dog, drank a beverage and soaked it all in. Mike Mussina and Derek Lowe were on the bump. Big Pappi went deep and the Sox won 7-3. We went ome happy fans.

The nex day we went sight seeing, ate at Mickey Mantle's Diner, took a double decker tour bus, bought some stuff on the street, at at the ESPN Sports Zone Time Square and had a great time. We did a little more shopping the next morning and headed home. It was my all time favorite trip up to this point in my life. Forget the degree, the trip was worth graduating for.

Lord, thank you for a wife who would give me such an amazing gift. Put her feeling s aside of a beach front get away and go to NYC for a baseball game to make me happy. Thank you for the suprise it was to open all the small gifts. Thanks you Lord for providing all the finances and making it a debt free trip. Thank you for keeping us safe. Thank you for a wife that made graduating in 2005 a year I will never forget.

Day 4 of Shea's Blogs

2009-01-06T20:50:00.002-06:00

So I am still behind, but I am working to catch up. We are on day 4. Four is a weird number. It doesn't really have much to do with Shea. I am going to take the number 4 and talk about some of the special things Shea does FOR us.

Where do I start??? I mean practically speaking she does our laundry, makes sure we have clothes to wear, cooks our favorite foods, and stuff like that. She makes sure the house is clean. She cleans up after 4 boys (and one of them has tons of body hair). She does all of this FOR us because it is what we need and it makes us happy.

Some of the coolest things Shea does FOR people is baring their burdens, listening, offering sound advice and finding solutions to problem. Shea puts all of her feelings into seeing the situations people face. Her heart feels the pain, sorrow and hurt others are dealing with. She also finds the joy, excitement and happiness people are experiencing. I have learned a lot from that. When girls come over broken hearted from something Shea will listen to them FOR hours. She counsels them, points them in the right direction and loves them through whatever it is that is bothering them. She really cares FOR others.

Lord on day 4 I thank for Shea's heart. The way she cares FOR others, takes care of others and reflects you FOR others. I pray that would be contagious to my boys and I and everyone who is able to witness it. Thank You Lord FOR a woman who is all FOR You and your glory.

Day 3 of Shea's blogs

2009-01-05T17:05:00.002-06:00

Day 3 is easy. There are sveral things I think about on day 3. I think about how Lakan told us that Christ is the 3rd partner in our marriage. I think about our first official day of dating on 9/3/01. I think about 3 hour trips to Lubbock and Austin to visit our family. The most precious thing I think about when the #3 is involved is our 3 sons. Shea was told that she may not ever be able to conceive children. We have 3 reason to think other wise. Shea was such a trooper through being pregnant. Each pregnancy came with extended stays in the hospital, scares of preterm labor and all the other pains and annoyances that come with being prego. Through it all she was amazing. With each kid the pregnancies became more difficult, but she "labored" in love (no pun intended). On 2/20/03 we welcomed our first, Jacob Ryan Politte, 9/15/04 we were joined by James Tyman, and our recent addition came 3/28/07 with Justice Kyle. Our 3 boys are such a blessing to us. Shea is the perfect mother. She makes sure they have what they need for school, what they NEED to eat and nurture them like no one else will ever be able to. She cares for them like no other women can. Every time they say "mom" or something like it their faces light up and so does hers. Kyle refuses to say I love Daddy. Its always I love Mommy.

On day 3, I praise the Lord for the mother of my children. I am awed by her perseverance in being the mother they deserve and the mother she strives to be. I love how the Lord has given her a heart for these 3 boys. She is gentle and loving. She certainly sacrifices at time so the boys will be happy. She is creative with meals and loves to plan fun things for each boy. There is a look every mother has for her children. A gleam in their eye that they will never forget. Lord I thank you for that look and how Jacob, Ty and Kyle will never forget it. I pray that Shea will continue to be the mother you would have her to be for your glory and for our boys. I thank you Lord for my Shea, the magnificent mother.

A few days behind...

2009-01-05T16:36:00.002-06:00

I know you have all frequented my page lately looking for the newest installment of the Shea Blogs and have left disappointed. I apologize. I should have more computer time now that we aren't traveling. I am going to start where I left off.

Day 2
When I think about the number 2 I think about how passionate Shea is about becoming a Titus 2 Woman. I really had no idea what a Titus 2 woman was until I met Shea. She certainly fits the description of these verese: "3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled." She is an older woman. Older than be by 2 years. She is older than the girls in our ministry. She has been through so much and wants to teach these younger girls to love Jesus more. She isn't a slave to wine, but she does enjoy a glass here and there. She does love training young women. I can't count how many ladies young and old in our church have seen the Word of God revealed through Shea. She strives for this passage. When she gets even close to getting away from it she is quick to get back to it. Shea is this verse. There have been several older women who have invested in her and she is returning it now.

For Day 2, I want to thank the Lord for my Titus 2 woman. I pray that he would continue to give her the desire to pour into younger girls. I also pray that He would place older women in her life to pour into her. I pray that she would love working at home and working along side me in everything. I pray that God would use Shea to write a book on her dealings with this text and that it would bless so many. I pray that many young girls would grow in Godliness because of Shea's fervent passion to speak truth into their lives. Thank you Jesus for my Titus 2 Woman.

1 Your Like a Dream Come True - Shea

2009-01-01T12:22:00.002-06:00

This month my beautiful wife of 7 years will be turning 30. She has changed so much over the last several months she could pass for a college student. Which may not be too far from accurate if she goes back to school this spring. Anyway...her birthday is January 31. I am dedicating my blog posts and this month to MY SHEA!!! Each day will have a different post (LORD WILLING). Some days will be random things that I absolutely love about my wife. Other days will have numerical significance. I hope you will enjoy reading as much as I will enjoy exhorting the best thing that happened to me since Jesus.

Day 1
There are several things when I think about Shea and the number 1. Obviously all the firsts in our lives.

The first time we met at Focus 2000. I was easily attracted to her beauty, but was certain she was "out of my league." I flirted with her as much as I could indirectly, but we both recall a point where I said, "Shea, we will hook up some day." I thought for sure it would never happen and really never thought about it much again.
Our first real conversation/email - We were working a Spring Break retreat. Ryan was working with FBC San Angelo and I was youth minister at Robert Lee. Shea was a sponsor for FBC. We talked a little during the weekend. I wrote a song encouraging her to attend ASU as she was considering transferring to San Angelo. The speaker that week was ridiculous. His preaching was empty and his character was shady. He and his "accountability partner" spent most of their free time flirting with the high school girls. He made a comment that really rubbed me the wrong way to Shea. He said, "the only place a woman belongs is in the kitchen." It frustrated her and other girls. I sent Shea an email the next week encouraging her again to attend ASU. I also told her not to listen to the moron speaker because he didn't know what he was talking about. I assured her that she would make some lucky guy a good wife some day.
Our first real date - We had spent everyday together leading up to me getting the courage to ask her and her father if I could court her. (There was one day we didn't see each other, but we talked on the phone.) Our first date was labor day 2001. Not sure about the date, but it was labor day. Shea and I went to Walmart and she helped me shop for my new apartment. It was so much fun. That night we watched a movie at my house. Before she left, we discussed the possibility of being married.
The first time I told Shea that I loved her like no other. We were standing in front of my mail box at my apartment. I looked in her eyes and told her I loved her. I wanted to marry her, but since I didn't have a job at the time it would be foolish to consider. That night will be forever ingrained in my mind.
Our first home, our first child, our first pet, our first major purchase of a Piece of Crap truck, etc.

The thing I think about the most when I think about Shea and the number 1 is God. He designed Shea and I to be ONE. We are interdependent on each other. Its taken me the better part of 7 years to really understand that, but I'm working on it and so is she. There have been several obstacle, trials, attacks to divide us, but God has been faithful to bring us back to each other. To impress on us that we are ONE. Just like He is ONE in the trinity. I am so thankful that I have a wife who desires to be ONE with me. Even when it is hard and even when I make her not feel like it. Even when I say hateful things or do something without thinking about how she would feel she still loves me. I make it a challenge do to my pride and lack of spiritual discipline, but she fights against her emotions and tries hard to love me. That what its about. I am working to correct much error in my life and God is working on both of our hearts to continue to make us ONE.

So today I want to thank the Lord for all of our "firsts," (And I am certain I left some out.) and I want to thank him for creating a woman for me who loves Jesus enough to love her 3 boys and her wretched husband. I want to praise him for making all of her strengths my weaknesses and vice versa. I want to thank Him for forgiveness that He extends to us, so that we can extend it to each other. I want to thank Him for my in-laws. Don and Debbie both did a great job in raising Shea. Ryan and Cara were an amazing brother and sister. Mamaw, Pampaw, Granna and Papa Jim where and are God loving grandparents. Her Aunts and Uncles and cousins are all people who love the Lord. Carye, Dayle, and Linda are aunts who love Shea as more of a daughter than a niece. Jim, Jerry and Bill are the same way. Blake and Brianna, Drew and Lindsey, Kyle and Meridith, and Clay are all the most loving extended family I have ever seen. They all welcome me every time they see me no matter how long its been. We just pick up where we left off. The entire Bebee Family love me and my boys the way they have loved Shea her whole life. That is a gift and a Cherish it.

Thank you Lord for the One Jesus Christ and the one Catherine Shea Bebee Politte.

A Spontaneous Song

2008-12-25T21:35:00.001-06:00

Came across this tonight. He is an amazing man.

7 Wonderful/Painful/Sanctifying Years

2008-12-23T09:25:00.002-06:00

Well...since Shea takes most of the pictures it was hard to find one of just her. This one should do.

We celebrated 7 years of marriage last night. We went to Alamo Drafthouse for dinner and a movie. It was a pleasant experience, but the movie was not very good. Pretty predictable and at times just stupid. I did laugh hard at times, but at other times I had to keep myself from vommitting it was so lude. We went to see Yes Man. After the movie we went to the mall for a little while. All in all it was a good night.

Looking back on our 7th year of marriage I praise the Lord for EVERYTHING!!! It was probably the most difficult year yet. I'm sure they will get easier with time, but last year was down right hard. The hardship came from several obstacles, but the biggest one was ME. Why it wook me 7 years to understand my role as a husband I don't know, but in April it finally clicked. I desired to be the husband God had called me to be and the man Shea deserves. I fail miserably at both, but God is teaching me so much.

This year we endured several things in no paticular order:

Jacob starting Kindergarten, Ty and Kyle both starting preschool. - All a huge blessing, but also a reality that our boys are growing up so fast.
The YFZ raid in April. - Shea and I were both heavily involved in coordinating food and supplies for the women and children. We were so exhausted.
Lyme's Disease/Phybramyalgea/Chronic Fatigue/What is wrong with Shea. - Shea was really feeling bad. It started really after she had TY. Yes Ty and not Kyle. It progressively got worse adn to the point where she couldn't function. The saying was so true in our home that "When momma ain't happpy ain't no one happy." She was a trooper and persevered the best she could, but it was an uphill battle. She couldn't be the mom she wanted to be or the wife she wanted to be. In April she started seeing Dr. John Hernandez in San Antonio. He is a natural medicine doctor/miracle man. He has transformed peoples physical and emotional lives like no one I have ever heard of. I had witnessed it in several people, but what he did with Shea was a God send. She has lost 80 lbs to date. She feels great and look AMAZING. She is still disciplined in eating and taking her supplements and vitamins. Tanks to everyone who prayed and helped financially. Dr. H is great, but you get what you pay for. The say your health has no price tag. Ours did for sure. Thank You Lord for provision. Please keep it coming.
Tonsil, Adnoids and Tubes - This summer Kyle had tubes put in his ears and Jacob had a tonsilectomy and adnoidectomy. Neither surgeries were fun. Kyle was a little less grouchy than Jacob, but it was understood. It was a rough few weeks with Jacob down, but we got through it.
Sports, Sports, Sports - Most of you all know that I love sports. I coach every chance I get. Hopefully soon I will do it for a school. (Whatever the Lord has is great.) I coach football and little dribblers, but the only sport I coach where my kid is actually old enough to play is baseball. Shea loves the games, but not the time it takes away. I have seen it finally and know it is too much. She again endured it...again. We will see what happens next year. This year Jacob and Ty(even though he isn't old enough to play) will be playing TBall. They both can already hit soft toss, so this year should be fun. They both love getting outside and playing. Jacob practices shooting and Ty searches for treasures. Its a fun time.
Spiritual Attacks - Like most people we face spiritual battles daily. This year we faced a full blown attach on the foundation of our marriage. It was the hardest thing I have ever dealt with thus far in my life and I know it was the same for Shea. God enabled, empowered and watched over us through the whole thing. Through it all we were placed in the fire of affliction, refined and freed of the dross that polluted us, pulled out of the fire and bathed in grace again. We are stronger. I love Shea now more than ever. I just have to figure out how to show it.
Student Minstry - Many of you know the ministry of any kind is hard at time. We have students we invest in who face trials that are huge. Everything from suicide to homosexuality to boyfriend/girlfriend stuff to divorce to atheism to bittner, hate and anger. You get th idea. I know everyone deals with this, but the problem comes when people don't respond biblically to these problems. The model students see is worldly. God has entrusted Shea, me, and others in our fellowship to love this students, point them to the Gospel and the Cross and fight this fight together. At time Shea and I feel like mighty warriors going into battle, but there are also times we are the wounded soldiers who need a medic. Jesus is both our leader/field general and out Great Physician. Ministry is great, but please pray for us and our students as we stand on the front lines and FIGHT!!!

That all I can think of for now. If your still reading. There has probably been more, but that its for now. God is so good. I'm still walking with a big grin when I think about my bride. I am so confident that God will continue to sanctify us and grow us closer to Himself and each other. We are working hard at being interdependent. I need Shea and she needs me and we both desperatey need Jesus. I love my wife now more than I ever have before. What a gift from the Lord she is to me and our boys. I can't wait to see what God has for us. I can honestly say that some day people could talk about Shea and her teaching heart the way they talk about Martha Peace, Carolyn Mahaney or Beth Moore. Yeah I just said that. God has started rollin the ball and you watch. This snowball will be able to fill the Grand Canyon. Please pray that I will continue to grow and love and lead Shea. I am certain that all of those women have amazing husbands and teachers. I have to get there. Please pray that we will encourage each other. Pray that we will raise our boys in the way that they should go, to love the Lord and make Him known. Pray that we will be a light in darkness. Pray that ALL our relationships will be fruitful. Please pray for us often. We need it. Thanks for reading.

PS - Shea turns 30 on January 31. Check my blog in January for the 30 days of Shea.

PSS - Please forgive all grammatical/spelling errors. Our keyboards is missing 4 keys and I am a chicken pecker.

My Favorite Rapper

2008-12-11T10:36:00.001-06:00

I have enjoyed LeCraes music for a long time and this interview affirms for me why I liek it so much. BECAUSE HE IS SOLID!!!

Pastor Tim Interviews Lecrae from Re:Sound on Vimeo.

Quick Update

2008-10-10T08:46:00.003-05:00

Well...as my avid readers know. (Does anyone read this anymore?) I never got around to posting the other night. Sorry.

I did want everyone to know that Shea got home safe Wednesday night. Jacob, Ty and I were excited to see her. It had been like forever. At least thats what Jacob said. I know she had a sweet time in Louisville and loved being with her family and friends. Next time one of us come we are both coming, so get ready for it.

Ty and Kyle are developing a little sibling rivalry. Its all based on their selfishness, but we are working through it. The first six weeks ended and I was eager to get Jacob's first report card. Much to my dismay, he won't get a report card until the 3rd six weeks. I guess they evaluate kindergartners every semester. He is doing great though. He sems to come home with a new story every day. His teahcers ask me often if he smiles all the time. It brings joy to my heart to know that Jacob's sweet face is bringing joy to some one elses heart.

Well...please keep praying for us as often as you think about us. The attacks of the enemy are constant, but God has given us the tools we need to wage war. We are killing sin in our own lives. It is great to be sanctified. Its not ever easy, but its good. Kinda like getting your teeth cleaned. Sometimes it may be uncomfortable, but the end result is gleaming.

Until next time my avid readers...

A page is Turned...

2008-08-31T20:36:00.005-05:00

I know...I'm like you...I can't believe Jacob has already started Kindergarten. It was a rough day for Shea. It was a rough day for me. She did all the crying, but I for sure felt her pain. Pains really not the right word. We are so blessed to have Jacob in a school like Eldorado. His teacher was a sponsor for me at church camp. She loves tot each and she loves Jacob. I started this post on the first day of school and am finally getting to it today. Jacob's principal is a very Godly man. He moved here from the Waco area and I could not be more blessed to know him. He and his new wife Maria are eager to grow and unashamed of the gospel. Jacob loves school. I get to go read to the kindergarten every Thursday. I have read The Kissing Hand, I Love You Stinky Face and Hello, Hook 'em. I love to see all the kids that Jacob is with in school. I was thinking the other day how cool it will be spend time with these kids once a week for an entire year. Sometimes I get to go and hang out with them at recess. Its an aspect of parent/child relationship I never had. Jacob is so pumped when I show up and honestly so do the other kids. You'd think I was a rock star or pro athlete. Jacob is learning to read and add numbers. He says math is his favorite subject and I certainly want to cultivate that. I was not very good at it. I'm sure I will post more about Jacob and school as the year goes on.

Ty has also started preschool. He was a little upset that he didn't get to go to bubbie's school, but he got over it. He is one of the oldest at preschool and doing well. He is the big brother to Kyle over there and takes care of him. He and I get to go to his favorite restaurant every once in a while...Cross Country a.k.a Town and Country. Yeah...the gas station. He like eating there for some reason. I try to talk him out of it, but it never works. He is maturing so much. He is really goofy, but he is learning a lot. His cognitive skills really impress me and his ability yo sort things out in his head is neat to watch. He and I spend a lot of time together.

Kyle started Mother's Day Out (MDO) this year. He cried the first couple of times when we would leave, but most of the kids do. The sight of his face when we come to get him will never get old. The sound of "Daddy!!!, daddy!!!, daddy!!!" Will never get old. He for sure loves his Daddy. He loves Shea too, but I think he is a bit attached to me. Literally some times. He is adding some words to his vocabulary and its fun to watch him learn.

As for my beautiful wife, she is amazing. She looks like a million dollars. I might even have to say better than a million dollars. I've never seen a million dollars, but if I had...I would pay for all my friends to go t seminary and buy a house or 2. Anyway, Shea is feeling tremendously better. She has Tuesday and Thursdays off. She usually eats lunch with some girls or friends, runs errands or cleans house. It been nice for her. She looks amazing. She is teaching out girls Sunday School class and it is going real well. She is constantly listening to them, encouraging them and rebuking them when she has too. Have I mentioned how incredible she looks. She has helped me a ton. She is great and I am blessed to call her my bride.

As I'm sure many of you know I started coaching YMCA football. It gives me my feel of coaching. I love it. The heavy weight team is undefeated and the light weight team is getting better each week. I am also the Elementary PTO president. I get to work with some great people and really work toward making Jacob's school better. I have also been doing the sideline reporting for our local radio station. Its been fun and I enjoy it. If you want some games let me know and I will email you an MP3. ESPN may be calling any day :)

I just wanted to give you my update on the family. I know. I should do this more, but I don't. I will tell you in advance that I will be posting again tonight when Jacob and Ty go to bed. Shea is in Louisville and Kyle is in Liberty Hill, so its just us guys 'til Wednesday. Tonight's post will be a bit more serious. Thanks for reading.

Super Encouraging

2008-08-20T11:41:00.000-05:00

I hope you like this.

To Be Like You

2008-08-18T11:00:00.001-05:00

There are times I wonder why things happen like they do
There are days when all I know is that I trust in you
There are moments in life when I lose sight of your face
Every time I need You most You pour out your grace

CHORUS
I want to be like you and who you’ve called me to be
I want to love like you and speak with humility
I want to live a life that shows the gospel is true
Lord I commit to follow hard after You (follow hard after You)

I love to hear the story of how You change a stony heart
I love to see the passion of the saved to be set apart
I love to call you Father and I love that you call me son
I love to know that because of you the victory is won

CHORUS

And when a girl wakes up from her bed at night
To repent of her sin and make things right
When a boy comes home and shares Your love with his family
When Your Spirit leads a man to share his faith in another country
I stand amazed and marvel at all You do
What a blessing it is to be loved by you

I am hoping to record it soon. I will let you know when that happens. You can buy it on iTunes :)

Most Amazing Summer of Ministry

2008-08-18T10:05:00.003-05:00

This post is long over due, so if I attempt to even go over everything it will be crazy long. I am going to put some of the highlights of the summer, but for more information call me.

Where do I begin??? I think I already blogged about our amazing VBS and Preteen Camps. Scroll down a few posts and you'll find it.

Lets talk about Wild Week Camp at Alto Frio. This is a camp Ken Freeman has done for quite a while. I must say I was apprehensive at first, but after the first day that passed. This was the best camp we had been to in my time in Eldorado. It may be the best camp I have ever been to. Why you ask?? Several things. The schedule was great. The music was great. The speaker was...OK. The atmosphere was great. The rooms were less than ideal, but what would you expect??? The theme of the week was the "I AMs" of the Bible. Ken did a great job communicating those. On the first night of camp we had 8 kids get saved. A very cool night of repentance and God moving. Wednesday night we took the Lord's Supper. 550 people at a camp all took the Lord's Supper. Ken had told me earlier in the week we would be doing this. I thought he was crazy. That many people taking Holy Communion. How many young people really understand this sacrament??? I've taught it to my group, but that doesn't mean they all get it. Ken started off the night be asking everyone to enter the sanctuary in silence. For the most part they did. He then explained what we would be doing that evening. He was very clear on who could and could not take communion. Several students and adults left the sanctuary before communion to go and make phone calls to get right with people before they took the bread and the cup. They also showed an edited clip from the Passion of the Christ. We sang Jesus Paid It All. God started breaking me. It was a sweet time of sanctification and crying out to the Lord. I was able to serve my wife communion for what may have been the first time. God did so many amazing things that week. The last night we were there Ken gave the invitation to receive Christ. It is, but it isn't your typical invitation. Anyway, people started making their way to the front. I was sitting there watching things unfold and with my lazy eye I saw a kid jump over one of our kids. I thought, "What is about to happen?" It was another one of our students. His name is Louis. He's had a rough life. He is a very tough guy. He jumped over his buddy, came and sat by me and said ,"I need help." I wasn't sure what help he needed, so I asked him what he meant. He said, "I need to repent of my sin and get saved." I was shocked. He went forward and wrote some things on a card and nailed it to the cross to leave there. He and I went outside to talk for a while about what he was thinking. He gave his life to Jesus that night and it was awesome, but not as awesome as what happened next. When Louis and I went back into the sanctuary, several of our students were at the door to greet him. Tears filled their eyes, hugs, word of encouragement, etc. I walked back to my seat and balled. I thought, "What will Heaven be like when he walks through those gates?? When I walk through those gates?" It was an amazing time. We have seen so much fruit from that week. I will tell you more about it in a little while.

After camp things slowed down, but not for long. Shea went on her annual girls retreat. She is going to have to post the particulars from those 3 days because I don't really know. I know they took 26 girls and sponsors, but that's it. The theme they went with was I am BELOVED in the BELOVED. I will encourage her to post about it soon. This is a retreat that Shea has done for several years now. We've never done a guys retreat until this year. It was great. The guys retreat theme was IDENTITY-Who we are in Christ. We looked at 3 topics. Our Identity apart from Christ - I taught. Who we are in Christ - taught by my good friend Micah Mariano. Then we had Who God calls us to be as Godly men - taught by Joel Perritt. Joel's talk was so good for all of us to hear. There were even 8th grade boys talking about how they wanted to be that man. It was so encouraging. Joel shared the gospel that night and told the group that if they wanted to be a Christian they should talk to a sponsor. One boy talked to Joel that evening. His name is Bailey. Let me back up a little. Bailey is a brother to John Espinosa. John was saved at camp. God rocked his world then He rocked his home. John came back from camp and as his mother puts it, "He is not the same kid that left." Is that not cool??? John encouraged his whole family to get right with the Lord. So, I think you know where this is going. Bailey was saved that night. A whole family came to Christ through John.

Yesterday, 8/17/08, we baptized John and Bailey and their parents Juan and Sandra. They were all so moved by being accepted into a church and loved by this church. There obedience was so encouraging. It was a beautiful picture. We also baptized a girl named Krista. Krista has struggled with fully giving her life to Christ, but this summer God has transformed her. One night in youth Krista was sharing about what God has done in her life. She told the group that one night she was sleeping and woke up all of the sudden. She couldn't go back to sleep and all of the sudden God told her to get up and repent of some sin in her life and trust him. She said immediately she got on her face in her bedroom floor and prayed/cried out to God. How cool is that??? I wrote a song Saturday night that God has been laying on my heart for a few weeks. I sang it at church yesterday. I am going to put the lyrics in my next post.

That sums up a large part of our summer. Jacob starts kindergarten a week from today. I don't think Shea or myself are ready for that. He is more than ready though. He is picking out his clothes and school supplies. He is going to do great. I will post more on this later this week. Well, if your still reading, thanks. I hope you are encouraged and that 14 boys aren't laughing every time they have to asks Mrs Butts if they can go to the restroom. Have a great day.

Goin to the Chapel.

2008-08-12T14:46:00.003-05:00

I had the honor and privilege of performing the wedding ceremony for Johnny and Mayci Herrera. It was a sweet time of seeing old friends and seeing two friends you love united in HOLY matrimony. The ceremony was nice. Mayci looked beautiful and Johnny...looked like Johnny. All the groomsmen were very handsome. Th ebest part was spending a short amount of time with all the old gang. Andrew and Summer, Weley and Lindsey and everyone else. It was a sweet time.

The next weekend my sister-in-law was married to my favorite Korean guy. Cara and Cheese got hitched. It was a quick courtship, but I've seen quicker (Shea and I beat them by 10 days.). The Bebee family descended on San Angelo. It was so nuice to get to see everyone. I missed the family reunion to do Travis and Alison's wedding, so getting to see everyone was a treat. Its always special to get to see that side of the family. Blake, Brianna, Addison, Will and Maggie had to stay home, but I hope to get to see them during the holidays. Cara was a stunning bride and Cheese was a glowing groom. I cried when Jacob and Ty walked down the isle. I was so proud to be their dad and to know that some day, I pray, their brides will come to be married to them. And I pray that unlike my father, Lord willing, I will be there to see it. The entire family collababorated to pull this thing off. They turned a basketball gym into an elligant reception hall. It looked beautiful. The food was great, even though I didn't get enough because I waited too long to eat. The cake was great. The coffee was tastey. Jason and Cara finally got to head out for their honeymoon around 11. They got to Abiline for a 3-4 hour nap and had to head to DFW to fly out to Cancun. I'm guessing they had a sweet time getting crushed by waves. We all enjoyed the wedding. Kyle hated the hotel though. He and I drove home Saturday night and he was happy to sleep in his own bed.

Each wedding I attend makes me think of my own and wan tto be a better husband. I am still working on that more. The last 5 days especially have been so good. God has driven home so many truths to me over this time. I am daily making changes to better reflect God's design of marriage. I am striving to be who I need to be for Shea and the boys. I praise God for this season of my life and the future He holds for me.

All the weddings this summer were special in there own way. I wish I could say more. Congrats to all the newly weds. Tomorrow I will post about the best summer in ministry I have ever had. I hope this is sufficient Mrs. Butts....ha! ha! Mrs. Butts. Mrs Butts. Ha! Ha! Ha! (prequal to what 14 boys in one class will sound like.)

Summer Time and the Livin' is...

2008-08-12T14:39:00.002-05:00

CRAZY!!! I haven't posted in so long I'm not sure where to start. I may have to break this up into a few different post topics over a few days. Let me first say that my super hot wife is still lookin super hot in her new figure. She has lost about 50lbs and gone down 3 dress sizes. Yep, all while living with me. I had nothing to do with her discipline and wieght loss except encouragement. I, unfortunately, kept bringing home food that she couldn't eat. Not good :(. She is feeling way better than she did a few months ago, but there are still some things we have to get checked out. She doesn't have to go back to the doctor until September. Seeing as teh bill was up to $15,000 thats a good thing ( I only wish I added too many zeroes).

I did another wedding. I watched a wedding. Youth camp was AMAZING. Our guys retreat and girls retreat were so powerful. I will separate those into 2 different blogs. Things have been really cool. There have been a few things that haven't been pleasant. I may discuss them, but I may not. Just pray. Nothing big. Well. Here comes the next post. Hopefully people will read this.

I'm not crying, I'm frustrated...

2008-06-26T23:54:00.001-05:00

Can anyone explain how I can change my template, but not loose my side bar info?? I found a new background, but when I try to load it I loose my sidebar settings. Can anyone help me??? This is just a small request. Thanks for the help.

A busy Summer...so far

2008-06-26T15:24:00.003-05:00

Well...I keep thinking I will post more frequently, but I some how neglect it. I apologize to my faithful readers and I WILL try harder. (No promises!!!)

I want to start with some congrats to a few people. I am very far behind here, but I want to do it any way.

First of all congrats to my beautiful wife. She has lost about 45 lbs. over the last 2 months. She isn't feeling up to par yet, but the doc said by August, so we'll keep trusting that. She is, for the most part, super disciplined in her diet and taking her pills and supplements. I hate pills, so every time I see her take one it hurts. She has been a trooper through it all. I can't tell you how proud I am to be her husband. Any of you know that with me around diets are almost impossible.
Second, congrats to the new parents. Blake and Shaunna and Slade and Laura. Both welcomed new babies about a month ago. The future husband and wife are 1 day a part I'm pretty sure. Laura has already called shotgun on the marriage rights of Abigail. I think Slade and I will settle it in a game of golf. Wyatt will be a good suitor, but Justice Kyle is my pick. What a blessing it is to see Godly people blessed with children. I know ?Addilyn? and Wyatt will be raised in homes that hold a very high value of Christ and His Word. Again congrats!!!
Next, congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Travis Dawson. Not only was I super stoked about them getting married, but I got to perform the ceremony. I got a little emotional up front, but I held it together. There wedding was the best yet. No offense to any of the others I've done, but the entire gang got back together the night before and I laughed until my stomach hurt. What happened at the lake house, stays at the lake house!!! What a handsome groom and lovely bride. I am certain the Lord will bless and keep them. Now lets find a chick for Brent and Kyle.
Next, congrats to 1st Lt. Jay Scott and his new wife Meredith. They got married sometime recently and I am sure it was AWESOME. Layne's first ceremony. I look forward to hearing about it. I was going to ask Lee at Trav's wedding, but he didn't come.
Next, congrats to Mayci and Johnny and Cheese and Cara. If you haven't heard they all got engaged. Well Mayci to Johnny and Cara to Cheese. I'm sure you have all heard by now, but I did want to say congrats. I will again have the honor of performing the ceremony for Mayci and Johnny. I will probably cry. They are both special to me and this town and it is neat to see God fulfilling his purpose in their lives. These two couple get married in consecutive weekends with Mayci and Johnny going first. Congrats engaged folk.
Next congrats to my seminary friends. Another semester in the books. I'm sure your excited and so are yoru spouses (if you have them).
Lastly, congrats to you. You've read this far and if you can endure more I'll tell you about my summer. I do have another congrats, but I don't have permission to say it yet. When I do I will dedicate a whole blog to it.

On to my crazy summer. If you read Shea's blog you know how hectic things have been around here over the last few weeks. If you haven't go read about it here. It has been full speed ahead. The baseball tourney was great. We had 26 teams in 4 divisions. It was the biggest tournament around. The next week we had VBS. We had 275 kids register and an average attendance of 210. Many seeds planted and we have already seen some fruit. That weekend was Trav and Alison's wedding, again, a highlight of my year. The following Monday I left with 48 preteens (3rd-6th grade kids) for Kid's Kamp. I played in the band with Micah and we had a blast. The kids really enjoyed it and had a great time. We had a view kids express an interest in salvation, so I am talking with them about that. I want them to understand what they are doing and what all is going on in their hearts. Its been sweet to watch God pursue these kids. This week I have been getting ready for Wild Week Camp @ Alto Frio Baptist Encampment. We will leave Monday morning again and return Fridau afternoon. We have 45 students signed up right now. We may get more, but who knows. If they show up we'll take 'em. This past Tuesday Kyle also had tubes put in his ears. It needed to be done. We got to the surgery center at 6:30. Shea did paper work while Kyle and I played with the toys. About 7 am they called us back to a pre-op room. At 7:20 am they took Kyle back for surgery. At 7:35 am they called us back to be there when Kyle woke up. At 7:50 am we were leaving the hospital with a ticked off baby. The sleeping meds are hard on them. We went to Chic-fil-a for breakfast and Kyle ate some biscuit, cried himself to sleep and we headed back to Eldo. We got back about 9 am. Kyle slept til 11:30 and Shea slept til 11:50 (she went back to sleep when we got home. she had gone to San Antonio on Monday at 5 am). They both woke up and were happy.

So thats our summer so far. Hopefully going to Sea World with the boys soon. Jacob has a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy on 7/11. He is a little nervous, but again, it needs to be done. He snores really bad and has a hard time sleeping. The doctor told us they are using a new procedure that is 1/5 on the pain and 1/2 the recovery time. He is just looking forward to playing Wii all day and eating ice cream. He went with Shea Monday to SA and bought us both some Red Sox hats. They are SWEET!!!. He was so proud of himself for picking out our hats.

If your still reading I am sure you are sick of it, so until next time...

Changes to the page...

2008-05-08T09:12:00.001-05:00

My wife surprised me with a change of scenery on my blog page. She also suprised me with all of the links disappearing. It was an innocent mistake and fixable for sure. I need you to put your blog address in the comment box if you read this blog. I will add you to the webpages and blogs that I read. I hope your having a great Thursday. Go check out Shea's blog for some cute pix of baby Kyle.

Seminary Drop Out

2008-05-05T15:17:00.004-05:00

I have tons of friends in seminary, friends who have graduated, friends planning on attending. People tell me all the time, "You should go to seminary." It sounds good for a second, but then I recall how much I hate school. The honest truth I think at this point is that I am way too undisciplined to piss away the money it would cost to go to seminary. I have read more in the past 3 weeks than I have in the last 3 years, but that's not enough. Ministry here is hard at times, but it is the ministry that God has entrusted to Shea and I. I struggle with things constantly and think of how much better it would be if I were around all my seminary friends, but it that true??? Luckily, several of my seminary chums have been checking up on me lately. I have started reading a book because I want to grow and because I know I am going to have to speak about it at the end of May. I thought I would take some online classes in the fall, but Shea and I decided it may not be the best time to start. That doesn't mean I am going to stop reading though. I love hearing the story of men who labor through books and are discipled by amazing men and become great ministers. I desperately am looking for a Paul figure and working on the reading part. I respect all those who choose seminary and pray for them often. I am really just trying to say that I am not going to attend online in the fall. All you seminary folk feel free to send me the reading list and I will try to get on it.

The family is doing well. Kyle will have to get tubes put in his ears, Ty is doing everything he can to be the first Politte boy with a broken bone and Jacob is getting smarter by the minute. My little wife, and I mean little, has lost 30 lbs. She has always been a diamond to me, but she is looking so good now. She even feels good a lot of the time. She challenged me to a weight loss contest. IT'S ON!!! She gets to use the weight she's already lost, so I have some serious catch-up to do. It will be a discipline issue for me. I am so weak when it comes to food. My eyes have always been bigger than my stomach. I stepped on the scale today and it yelled at me, "Get off!" I weigh 330 lbs. I know super unhealthy, super stupid considering my family history. It was a wake-up call. People are always saying, "you don't look that big." Well people....I AM THAT BIG. Muscle weighs more than fat, but with this much weight its not enough muscle. Pray for me. I guess the loser will have to do something, but I'm not sure what. Maybe I'll take up tennis. Who knows.

Well until next time...

Your Mercy Rains

2008-04-28T13:47:00.002-05:00

Things between my wife and I are better than they have been in years. I can say that confidently. I am seeing changes in myself that are spawning changes in her and I am overwhelmed with thankfulness to the Lord. It was something that could have happened all a long had I taken the initiative to be who God had called me to be. I am understanding that more and more with each new day. I am trying harder to meet Shea's needs more each day. I still mess up quite a bit, I still speak hastily, but God is working it all out. I read some stuff today by Dave Harvey that hit home.

One of the big things he was talking about, in Chapter 6 for those of you who have read When Sinners Say "I Do," was mercy. SO many good things. Most of what he talked about is in the Bible. That's why I love it so much. He pointed me to Luke 6 and talked about what Jesus was saying. I understood it all and thought how neat it was for us to just forgive other. As a prideful guy, if you hit me, I am going to hit you back - harder!!! In that mindset there is ZERO MERCY. I began to find out that most, if not all, my arguments in life and marriage were from a lack of mercy. Sure I want God to show me mercy, but do I really need to show others that same mercy??? YES!!!!!!! Like Harvey says, "God back up that truck of mercy and pour it on." I want to lavish mercy on my wife, my boys, my family, my church, my students, my friends, the people I come in contact with and especially the people I don't like. The problem is that I am so self-righteous I can't even see it. It was painful to read the verse from 1 Peer about love. I just convicted me so much that had I been loving Shea as Christ loved the church then it would have covered sin. That idea of forbearance was AWESOME. Certainly something that I need to be trained in. I am hoping to instill it in my family as well. Forbearance mean that you can bring love into play in such a way that you can cut someone free from their sin against you - without them even knowing or acknowledging what they've done! Forbearance covers huge sin and small sin that leads to huge sin. I hope this all makes sense. Please pray that would put to practice the things I've learned. My heart broke for Emma, a lady Harvey uses to prove his point. (if you want to know more - go read the book). My heart broke because of how she felt and how I know I've made my wife feel at times. Emma also encouraged me. Through her circumstances she remained faithful.

Anyway, I hope you are all have a glorious day. Remember, this is not out home. This world has nothing for us. Be encouraged friend that God's mercies are new everyday. If your struggling in a relationship - go make it right. Guys tell your wife's you love them. List the reasons why. I plan on doing it in a few minutes. Think about the idea of forbearance. It is most demonstrate din Christ. Thank you Lord that while I was in sin you died for me. See you guys later.

Great is your faithfulness

2008-04-23T22:26:00.002-05:00

I have begun to make some changes in my life. Slowly but surely. I have read more in the last three days than the last three months. Unfortunately, it wouldn't take much. I am reading the Dave Harvey book When Sinners Say "I Do" and I am going to be reading another book as well. I haven't decided yet, but I'll let you know.

We have been studying the Attributes of God on Wednesday nights here in Eldorado. We have missed a few night due to concerts and the FLDS stuff. Tonight we looked at God's faithfulness. I know I take it for granted. Time and time again God has proven his faithfulness in scripture. It was encouraging to look at scripture and show the students countless record of God's faithfulness. Everything from Abraham, to Moses, to Noah, to Jesus, to Sylas, to you. God is a faithful God. He is faithful. I know at times it is harder to understand that and at times it is easier, but be encouraged friend that HE WILL NOT CHANGE. He was faithful from beginning and He will be faithful until the end. We looked at how God is faithful in preserving us, in punishing us and in glorifying us. When we can truly believe that it will help us to not worry and have more confidence in God. It was a good night. Micah Mariano does our music and is so great with the students. The songs are all God centered and the students are really starting to worship in song from hearts that are believing the lyrics. It is a blessing.

I am going to try and update this more. Thanks to Jamie and Blake for reading. I think you may be the only two readers. Anyway, if you are reading feel free to comment. Until next time.

Prodigal Po and the Beautiful Bride

2008-04-21T13:47:00.003-05:00

I would make apologies for not posting in a while, but I'm not going to. I have been super busy and had very little time even for my family. After reading this blog you will hopefully understand. I will tell you I am not sure where all of this will go or if it will make sense. Where to start...

Well, for those of you who know anything about me...I AM A SINNER. I am redeemed by grace, but I am at the core a wretched sinner. You can ask my wife. She, unfortunately, knows better than anyone else. You could ask my boys, maybe not Kyle, and they could tell you. For the past 6+ years I have wondered from my Biblical calling as a husband. That's where the prodigal part comes in. I haven't been into any adulterous living, debauchery or anything like that, so breathe easier now knowing that. I did do however, is get hooked up with an amazing woman of God. I mean she is more beautiful than I deserve, she is smarter than I deserve, she is way more patient than I deserve. People are constantly asking me, and they have since we started dating, how did a guy look you get a girl like that. All I can say is GRACE and MERCY. Shea is the best thing that ever happened to me. She really has provided more encouragement for me than anyone else in my life. She dreams bigger for me than I dream for myself. So I bet your wondering, if you know all that, then what the problem??? Why have you abandoned your calling??? Great questions.

I don't want to offer any excuses or reasoning, but to let you know where I have traced this problem in my life we need to start somewhere. When I was 3 yrs. old my parents divorced. I saw them both as much as I wanted to, but never saw them together. I never saw my parents hug, kiss or anything close to that. They were civil for the most part, but had their arguments. That's what I remember most. I had no man in my life to personify, exemplify the Christ church mystery. I didn't have the fattest clue about what it meant to be a H-U-S-B-A-N-D. I wanted to be married, but I don't know how much I was prepared to be a husband. Shea and I went through premarital counseling and I thought I was ready, but the past years have proved otherwise. I have performed 4 weddings and had premarital counseling with three of them, but for some reason never took my own advice. You can see how this might affect my wife. We have had endless nights of discussing my state and need for guidance and counseling. Many nights, to my shame, I told Shea what she wanted to hear, changed my ways for a time, but always digressed back to an immature boy. Very few situations in the scope of being a husband have I handled Biblically. I have not led spiritually or emotionally. I have not encouraged and exhorted spiritually or emotionally. Lets just say...if its something a Biblical husband is suppose to do, I probably have not done it. My sin has created several boundaries in my marriage to Shea.

As the leader of this family, which I have never disputed, but often neglected. All the problems we have accumulated as a couple have fallen on me. I am the leader and if I were leading the right way things would be better. My sin has caused my wife to sin. I am not going to speak to that, but I want everyone to know that a consequence of my sin is having to see my spouse struggle with sin. I have created anxiety in her, loneliness in her, stress in her. All of that is a result of my disobedience. Through it all I have seen it as her problem or the result of growing up with no Godly example. The reasoning for it all is my distorted view of the Gospel. Would Christ ever give his bride a reason to feel lonely??? Would ever ever leave a need unmet to create anxiety in her heart??? The answer is a loud, RESOUNDING --- NO!!!! No He wouldn't and no He hasn't, and after last week, I am resolved to LOVE MY WIFE AS CHRIST LOVED THE CHURCH.

Where did this sudden change of heart come from??? The T4G conference. Those of you who where there are wondering...there were no talks over marriage. Not specifically. Ligon Duncan's introduction of CJ Mahaney was what the Lord used in my heart. Most of you ahve had the privilege to read Mahaney's books on marriage. I haven't YET, but it is in cue to read next. After I finish Dave Harvey's book When Sinners Say "I Do." I got to meet him at the conference and had so many questions, but all he wanted to talk about was the FLDS. I spoke with my friend and brother-in-Christ, who also happens to be my brother-in-law Ryan Bebee. I was encouraged by the obstacles in which the Lord has removed in his life. I spoke with another brother in the faith, Micah Mariano. They both have encouraged me and challenged me. That is what this blog is about. Please mail me, call me, text me, whatever...I am in desperate need for accountability. If you need some affirmation of that, call Shea or email her. You could even call Jacob. In all seriousness, I know I am not the husband God desires for me to be and I am not the husband He created me to be for Shea. THAT WILL CHANGE. God has already begun to open my eyes to where I have failed Him and Shea. I don't want that anymore.

I know in time God will heal my heart and heal Shea's heart too. She is amazing. I know that he will mend both of our hearts and reconcile us back to Himself and one another. Friends, family, please pray. If you need me to send a a prayer bracelet as a reminder I have them available. Just send a self addressed stamp envelope to me and I'll send it back to you. Our wedding anniversary is 12/22. Perhaps you could pray for us at 12:22 pm each day (if your up in the a.m. that would be cool too). I am sure I haven't communicated all my emotions and heart in this, so if you'd like give me a call. Please pray for Shea, the boys and me. God is gracious and I know He will help us though this.

Valero Alamo Bowl

2007-12-30T15:06:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, Shea, Ryan, Sarah and I left Liberty Hill about 1:30 pm for San Antonio. Nonnie, Bawbaw and Boo kept the boys which was a HUGE blessing. The boys were sad to see us go, but it was good for them and for us. The boys got to go to McDonalds, so that made everything better. Tyman cried himself to sleep which made me a little sad, but its good for him...right???

Ryan, Sarah, Shea and I were arrived at our hotel around 3:30 pm. We were being put up for the night by a great friend in the Hotel Contessa. It was Ryan and Sarah's 3rd anniversary. If you looked at the hotel, you can see that it is absolutely amazing. Shea and Sarah decided to go shopping before the game, but Ryan and I wanted to get there early. At 5:30 our ride came to pick us up and take us to the game. It was a little overwhelming. When we got the game there were a ton of Aggies. Not the best environment for someone who bleeds orange, but bearable. Almost saw a few fights over spots in line for bear and souvenirs, but nothing too bad. The game was pretty exciting. We also kept up with the NYG vs. NE game. I thought the Giants might have had a shot at winning, but they lost. Then the Aggies ended up losing also. I have a few ideas about the game:
1) Something is wrong with Stephen McGee's shoulder. His release was very low and I think it caused him some problems on intermediate routes. He threw the shuffle pass a lot and the deep ball, but intermediate routes were a problem.
2) On 4th and 1, why do you try to run outside against a very fast defense and probably the best set of linebackers in the nation??? Why A&M didn't put J. Lane in the back field and give him the ball is a surprise to me, but they didn't. He was visibly upset, for good reason, on the sidelines. McGee slipped and the game was over.

Downtown was nuts after the game. We got back to the hotel around midnight and tried several places to go eat. We ended up all going back to the hotel and ordering pizza. That was my first choice, but everyone else wanted something different. It was a long night, but a great time. Hopefully we can do it again. I am hoping to get down to a Spurs game later this season.

Most of the family, minus Shea, Tyman and Kyle are heading to Buckner tonight to hear Ryan teach at the last Buckner reunion. I think it will be tough for most of us because of Buckner being shut down and what it means to the family. Ryan had been a camper or counselor almost every year it was open. The details are hard to go into, but the bottom line is it will be a rough, but enjoyable few days. We are headed back to Eldorado January 2, 2008. I think we may go via San Angelo. We're refreshed and looking forward to getting back. Hope you all have a Happy New Year.

Happy Non-Denominational Winter Holiday/Christmas

2007-12-25T19:00:00.000-06:00

I know its been a long while since my last post, so for all I want for Christmas is some leniency. I plan on finishing the people who have influenced me later, but now is not the time. I just wanted to make a short post about the last few weeks. It has been a whirlwind. Here are a few key dates:
December 2, 2007 - All Church Christmas Dinner/Caroling
December 6, 2007 - Pre-K trip to the Christmas Tree Farm with Jacob
December 9, 2007 - Christmas Music Program/Open House
December 10, 2007 - Ref basketball
December 13, 2007 - Young Adult Sunday School Party/The night Shea started having back pain.
December 14, 2007 - Shea visits chiropractor/Dr. Day to see whats wrong with her back
December 15, 2007 - Shea is laid up in bed most of the day in pain/I DJed a wedding for a former youth
December 16, 2007 - Cara speaks at church/Business meeting(always fun!)
December 17, 2007 - Shea visits Community Medical Center for MRI/visits chiropractor for a free consultation and two free xrays
December 18, 2007 - Preschool Christmas Party with Tyman/Shea visits chiropractor and finds out she has a protruding disc/I visit one of my students (Brian Parsely) in the hospital recovering from an apendectomy
December 19, 2007 - Shea visits chiropractor
December 20, 2007 - Shea visits chiropractor/Jacob and I run errands in Angelo and visit Brian again
December 21, 2007 - Shea visits chiropractor/Ty and I get ready for Creek Company Christmas Party/6:30 pm before Creek party Jacob smashes his small finger inside the door to the truck/7:15 pm MC Creek party and give away door prizes/9:15 Michael Creek falls and gets a small cut on his head/9:45 Visit michael in the ER/10:30 Get home
December 22, 2007 - 6 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!! Can you believe that??? More to come.
December 23, 2007 - Go to Austin for Christmas with the Bebees
December 24, 2007 - Attend 11 pm Christmas Eve service in Liberty Hill at Fellowship Baptist Church
December 25, 2007 - Suprised by Brother Ryan and Sarah at 9:30 am (they weren't suppose to be here until Thursday)/opened presents/lunch in Austin at Mamaw and Pampaws house

At some point Jacob had broncitis, Tyman had a cold, Kyle had a double ear infection and I had a very sick looking wart I ripped off my finger. I know that is probably not the most sanitary or conventional method, but it had to be done. It was a crazy few weeks and I am certain I left things out. Christmas has been a sweet time to reflect on where we have been as a family and where the Lord is leading us in the future. We pray so much that we would move as God moves us. This doesn't necessarily mean physically, but spiritually. We want to do what God stirs us up to do. The boys have all grown so much. They loved getting there Christmas gifts. We still have Christmas to do with my family Jan. 4th, so they know there not done yet. Shea's back is getting better. Its going to take time, but God has already done so much. Call us or email and we'll tell you more. We have been so blessed!!! I will try (TRY) to make a "Year in Review" post later.

Now, onto my anniversary...Shea and I were blessed to have a former youth VOLUNTEER to babysit for us all day. We finally left the house about 3 pm after doing Christmas with the boys, packing for Austin and cleaning up a bit. We got to run some errands in Angelo and eat at Olive Garden. OG has become a favorite for us. It was a great day to spend with my wife. So in honor of her I am going to list the top 6 reasosn why I am the luckiest man in the world to be married to Catherine Shea Bebee Politte:

6. She is resiliant. She will not stay down. When she is confronted with a problem she finds a course of action and over comes. She single handedly watches 5 of the most active boys alive 3-4 days a week.

5. Shea's passion for the truth, desire to see people(especially women of all ages) walk and be trasformed by the truth and her sweet heart are unparalleled. She doesn't sugar coat things in her counseling, but instructs in love.

4. Did I mention she can cook. Most of the recipes are inherited, but does that matter. She makes the best stuff in out house. Chicken Spagehtti, potato casserole, choclate chip cake, cream corn, chicken and rice, etc. Its always a pleasant suprise to walk in the house and smell things baking or dinner cooking. Not every guy gets that, but I do. You try juggling three boys under 5 and cooking dinner for a 300lb. man and see how things work for you.

3. She does everything she can to make me the best man I can be. That can be hard becuase like most men I am prideful, arrogant and flat STUPID. She does her best to encourage me, but most time I take hte wrong way or take it personal. After I finish eating crow and apologize for my childish behavior I realize that she isn't doing it to make herself look good...she's doing it for the over grown kid playing father/husband.

2. When I married Shea I also was adopted by her entire family. They love me like I am their own. I adore the Bebees, Aulds and Gillens. What a blessing it is to be a part of those names. Just a few stats on this family:
2 lawyers that have practiced for 34 years and one just starting
Retired Bank President from Austin who started as a paper pusher
Marekting Director for the Texas Beef Counsel

2 Sons in the realestate business
Magna Cume Laude Graduate from Texas A&M and very a successful business man at 27
I don'tknow what Clay does, but its AWESOME-something that has to do with going to Africa and opening major resorts for people and running from water buffalos.
5 stay at home moms, that raised/are raising some great kids
3 grankids in ministry (one youth minister, a missionary and a seminary student)
The best stats of all is that they are all Believers in Christ. What a huse testament to Mamaw and Pampaw and the legacy they leave. They now have 6 great grandchildren to spoil. I'm sure there are most things, but I am getting hungry.

1. The number 1 reason why I am the luckiest man in the world to be married to Catherine Shea Bebee Politte is that God made her for me. To love me, to bare my children, to encourage me, to pray for me, to do all that I every dreamed of in a wife.

Well, I hope that cateches us up some what. I am going to do as little as possible over the next few days. I plan on watching UT beat the crap out of Arizona State and then I am headed to San Antonio Saturday for the Alamo Bowl. Merry Christmas everyone. We love you. Now for a cute video.

Grandmother Remembers

2007-11-08T10:53:00.000-06:00

I only knew one of my grandmothers. We call her MeeMaw. Being the third grandchild I didn't get to pick, but the name was fine with me. Elouise Katherine McKinney(maiden name) Craig (Peepaws name) Wilson (Bob's name/step-grandfather). She was married to Calvin Cornelius Craig, Jr. Oct 29, 1945. They were engaged in 1941 before PeePaw went to WWII. There plan was to be married when the war ended, but no one thought it would last as long as it did. I didn't know Peepaw well, but I am proud to be his grandson. He was an architect. He designed some of the most famous buildings in Lubbock. He died in 1985. I remember the day for some reason. I was 3 years old. It was after Christmas. I recall everyone crying. I asked for peepaw and they told me he went to be with Jesus. That was good enough for me. She remarried to Bob Ambrous Wilson in 1992 on a cruise. He was a family friend and his wife had died. He liked Meemaw, she like him and they got married on Barbados. It really is a sweet story. More about Bob in a later blog. Well, back to Meemaw. She was the mother of three children. She had two daughter and a son. My mother is the youngest. I loved to hear Meemaw tell me stories about my mom and other things. One of the best things about Meemaws/grandmas, for the most part, is they CAN COOK. My Meemaw was no different. I would invite friends over to show her off to them. She loved me. I remember countless times staying with her. Sleeping in her bed and her driving all the way out of town to take me to school. I loved it. After my father died, she came rushing to our house to get us. My mother was out of town. I remember her holding all three of us, my brother, sister and I, and letting us know it would be OK. My father died in our house. We watched it and didn't want to go back there for a while. Meemaw let us live with her for about 6 months. It was a special time in my life.

Meemaw, in my opinion, was God's instrument for setting a Biblical foundation in my life. She took me to church more times than I can remember. I loved going to church because that meant lunch at Meemaws later. She loved the Lord. She made a memoir book for each of her grand kids called Grandmother Remembers. It is full of her life story, Reader's Digest version. She mentions in the book that she would like to write a real book later, but God had other plans. In the book there is a sentence that reads ,"My deepest values are the belief in Jesus as the Son of God, My Savior. That means more to me today than when I got the book for Christmas. This book is way more important than underwear (the usual gift). She taught me how to serve unconditionally. My mother did as well, but where do you think she got it? Meemaw was a constant in my life. After my father died, I felt alone. I had so many plans for us as father and son. I longed to see how proud he would be when I made the varsity football team, won state power lifting, graduated, went to college, got married, etc. He was gone, but Meemaw continued to encourage me that things would be alright.

She prayed for all of her grandchildren. One night, believe it or not, I did something really stupid. I was riding in the back of a friends truck, reaching in the window and slapping him in the face. He turned to see what I was doing and when he did he almost ran into a fence. He corrected the car back onto the road and when he did I fell out of the truck. I landed on my headed and bounced end-0ver-end 3 times. When I finally came to a stop I was 3 ft. from a brick mail box. Long story short, went to the ER, got put in a neck brace, X-rays showed a break in my C-6 vertebrae. At the time, I was told no more football, turn over the wrong way without a brace on and maybe no more walking. They would need to possibly do surgery. I remember my grandmother and my mother praying over me that night. Meemaw came at like 3 in the morning, I was a little loopy from shock and drugs, so it may have been earlier or later. Either way, it was way past her bed time. She prayed and prayed. The next morning we took another picture. The doctor said it was a shadow on the ones from the night before that looked like a break. I missed one game of football and have been able to walk pretty well since then. I know it was the Lord and the prayers.

Well, I remember some things about Meemaw. I remember walks to the park to feed the ducks. I remember her coming to watch all of our games when she could. I remember homemade birthday cakes with my name on them. Chocolate Cake with Chocolate icing. I remember her sewing a quilt for my 5th grade class after I volunteered her without asking. I remember sick day at meemaws house - sprite, spaghetti with butter and Parmesan cheese and a movie. I remember cooking with her in the kitchen, playing with her in the backyard and mowing her grass. I remember trip to the Dairy Queen for ice cream. I remember thanksgiving and Christmas meals. I remember her cornbread. I remember my favorite hiding spots in her house. I remember her hugs. I remember when she got sick. I remember they day she died. I so wanted her to meet my bride and for Shea to meet her. I would get to show them off to each other. I would have loved for Mamaw to meet Meemaw. I would have loved for my boys to know MY MEEMAW.

I'm sure there are several other memories, but you get the idea. She was my only grandma. Now she worships Jesus face-to-face. She isn't looking down on me, she is looking up at Him. I know when Meemaw got to Heaven she was greeted with "Well done, good and faithful servant." Meemaw didn't lead me to the Lord, but she planted seeds that are reaping a harvest. She is one of the many people who have shaped the PO.

People who shaped the Po

2007-11-07T17:04:00.000-06:00

Over the next few weeks I will be bloggin about people that have been influential in my life. Each blog will be dedicated to a different person that the Lord has used to shape who I am today. I think I will concentrate mostly on the positive. This may sound odd, but I have been effected by some people negatively. I hope to get at this tonight or tomorrow. I meant to start today, but plans changed when Jacob had to go to the doctor. He played in some weird sand on Saturday and since then he has been breaking out in these weird hives. Shea took him in today and he had to give blood. She said he was a trooper. The nurse couldn't find a vein, so she just kept digging until she did. Jacob sat there like a soldier. He never cried, he never jerked. He did almost pass out from not breathing. Between you and I if that had happened, you know what would be ALL over the fan. When the got to the car Shea asked him how he did that. His answer, "I know I am loved by my God." I will post the exact quote later. I learn more from that boy all the time.

I did want to mention that these people will not be in a paticular order. Because they go first or last doesn't mean their impact on my life was more or less. Just FYI.

Monday, Happy Monday

2007-11-05T09:45:00.000-06:00

Where do I start with this blog? THE EAGLES ARE GOING TO THE PLAYOFFS. We beat the dirty Forsan Buffalos at their place last Friday. It was a great game. Shea even liked it. I'll let you know more about this when I have more to tell.

This weekend Don and Debbie came to stay with the boys and me. Shea took some girls to Waco and Austin. The wanted to watch Baylor play Tech. I told them that might as well just go to Austin. I think they had a good time for the most part. Don, Debbie, the boys and I had a great time together. The boys got to see their Nonnie and BawBaw, I got to rest and no one got hurt. We went to the annual game dinner Saturday afternoon. Their was pile of sand and Jacob and Ty seemed drawn to it like I am to pizza. They were playing in it and I thought nothing of it until I noticed little pellets of goat poop. I told them to get off. I was the only Dad telling his kids not to play in the...poop. The boys couldn't understand why. When we got home, Debbie bathed both the boys and Jacob broke out in this weird rash. It lasted until last night. We looked at him this morning and we will check it later, but if it still their we are off to see Dr. Acton. It never hurt him. It just itched. He told everyone it was ant bites until he figured out it wasn't. Yesterday was a crazy, busy day. We had a Deacon Breakfast(meeting), high attendance Sunday(lowest attended, high attendance Sunday ever), Ladies Day Out (The deacons take widows out to lunch), church last night and get ready to start the week. Shea and the girls got back about 8:00 pm. Shea got me some sweet pants and some pesents(presents) for the boys.

I would ask that you pray for my family. Shea, Jacob, Ty, Kyle and I. We face things in out church that we often do not agree with, but trust the God is still in control. We are currently faced with a situation that I do not support. I will tell you more if you want to contact me in person or email. We face sin daily and it can be overwhelming. If we call you, its because we need you. We need you to listen, provide counsel, but more than anything else PRAY!!! I know it is a discipline that I lack in. I don't pray like I should, I don't pray for you like I should. I know some people read this blog and I am asking you to pray for my family and my church. Shea and I both are in teaching positions, we both think a bit differently than traditional Baptist and we face spiritual warfare daily. Like many of you know this affects all relationships, so I am asking you to PRAY!!! I am confident that God, through His magnificent Spirit, will guide these prayers. I want to ask you to also pray for our friend Christi Collins. She is having some health issues with her thyroid. Not sure of the nature of it yet, but she has had 2 biopsies and neither have worked, so she will go back at the end of this week and have another test. She is the wife of our superintendent Billy Collins. She is a mother of 2, cheer leading sponsor, basketball coach, special ed teacher. Please remember her. Well, I love you, I miss you, I'll see you sometime Lord willing.

Book Wishlist

2007-11-01T15:01:00.000-05:00

Well to some of you, especially my wife, I am making a book wishlist. I have tons of books I haven't read, but I am making an effort to read more. My friend Jay Scott asked a question about books and it made me wonder which books I would like. Here is a list courtesy of the book concordance:

Each for the Other by Bryan Chappell
Sex, Romance and the Glory of God by C.J. Mahaney
The Mystery of Marriage by Mike Mason
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
Whatever is on the Reading List for Seminary Students at Southern
Family Driven Faith by Dr. Voddie Baucham

I will add to the list soon I bet. My goal is to put somethign on the famous Booked Blog someday. We'll see if that happens.

Great Salvation

2007-10-28T22:53:00.000-05:00

Our pastor was out of town tonight and asked me to "fill the pulpit." I didn't really know what to preach on. Abstinence doesn't work for this group of people. Don't drink won't suffice either. If most of them didn't take drugs they would be in bad shape. The average age of this group is easily 70. I always take a chance to preach at our church. I rarely get a morning service, but its OK. I preached out of Hebrews 2. As I prepared to teach, I wondered to myself, "Do you even think about how great salvation is." I honestly take it for granted at times I think. When I really spend some time thinking about it, I am overwhelmed. The Cross of Christ has done EVERYTHING for my life. Without I am dead, with I am alive. Without I can do nothing, with it I can do ALL things. You know what I mean. I am able to experience an abundant life, unconditional love, forgiveness, mercy, grace. I know, unfortunately, that when people look at me on a daily basis they don't see a light representative of a great salvation. They may see a flicker of light, but not a light that would show the Light of the World.

A man in our church died today. Granvil Hext. He was up in year. I think he was around 89 or 90. He was old. No matter what we were ever doing he supported the student ministry in Eldorado. Never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He was a light. About 6-7 months ago he had a stroke. I knew it would probably go down hill from there. He was placed in our local nursing home. I went to see him a few times, but not much. Last week Hospice was called in and I had planned to go see him. Today at about 4:15 pm a lady called to tell me he didn't have 24 hours to live. He died at 4:20. I never got to go see him one last time, but the GREATNESS of SALVATION is that I will see him again. Granvil lived a full life. He loved his family, his church and had a heart for lost people. I need to add him to the list of men who have influenced my life.

Well, those are the thoughts from today. My Red Sox are about to sweep the Rockies, so I am going to watch. You guys leave some comments or something and let me know what you think.

Undefeated

2007-10-27T22:50:00.000-05:00

My first season as a football coach at any level comes to an end. The Eldorado Pee-Wee team I coach, made of 3rd and 4th grade kids, finished the year undefeated. Our final record was 7-0. We had some great kids on our team and some great coaches. Our 4th grade boys were really good players. Our 3rd graders show a lot of promise for next season. Tonights game was a tough one. We got into an early hole when Sonora went up on us 6-0. Our offense then took the field and went 70 yards on 4 plays to score. The conversion was no good. It stayed that way until the 3rd quarter. We had a touchdown called back in the 4th. On 3rd and goal from the 15, coach called a pass play. Remember these are 3rd and 4th graders. Quarterback drops back, has a reciever open in the endzone...the throw...no ones near the reciever...TOUCHDOWN ELDORADO. We got the conversion and that made the final score 14-6. We shut them down on defense to end the game. It was fun and the kids had a good time. We're not suppose to keep score, but honestly thats like telling a bunch of guys/boys "Its just for fun." My wife took some sweet pics and I will try to get them put up soon. I think today is a posting record for the Po page. We'll see if I can keep it up.

Hula Boys

2007-10-27T09:36:00.001-05:00

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!Do not operate heavy machinery while viewing this film. We apologize for the stumbling this must cause you all.

Dancing With The Polittes

2007-10-27T09:34:00.001-05:00

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!We rehearsed briefly and then we just did it. It was AWESOME. We will be preforming at the Running of the BUll in July of '08.

Here is one of the videos

2007-10-27T09:21:00.001-05:00

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

What A Week and JibJab

2007-10-27T09:09:00.001-05:00

MOST weeks at the Po House are full. Full as in we have something to do every night. This week was no different. Monday we had football practice, Tuesday I subbed for Kindergarten(chinesse water drop torture), then we went to Angelo to take pictures at the pumpkin patch, followed by dinner with Ryan and Kira Connel and Kristin Booth. Wednesday we have church. Thursday we actually stayed home. Last night, friday night, Ty, Kyle and Shea stayed home from the football game while Jacob and I watched the Eagles beat Irion County to solidify a playoff spot and possible share of the district crown. Today, Saturday, My mother and step-father are coming to see us. There is a sweet bean cook-off at the Nursing Home and then we have a YMCA football game at 6 pm in Ozona. My little team is so fun to coach. We are going for an undefeated season, but we don't keep score (wink! wink!). Thats a normal week at our house. Tyman and Kyle both were sickly most of the week and still are to a degree. My Tyman is a different kid almost. He has a virus of some kind and is very fussy and babyish. Please pray for him and his brothers and his mother and his father.

Yesterday my wife checked her email around 8 am. She discovered in her inbox a forward from one of her friends. She reluctantly opened it to find quite a treasure. It was a video of two of our youth doing disco together. Its hard to explain, but they put there heads on two real disco dancers and made a video. My creative wife then took the heads of our families and made a few videos also. You can few one in the next post and I will publish the others after this. They are pretty funny.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I started reading a new book and I will post more about it later. It has challenged me and encouraged me. I look forward to reading it unlike othe rbooks I am currently reading. Much Love.

Here is a new pic:

A New Voice in My Head

2007-10-22T09:48:00.000-05:00

Many men have inspired me throughout my Christian life. They have all been used by God to make a significant impact on who I am. The obvious men would be John Piper, John MacArthur, Charles Spurgeon and CJ Mahaney. I'm sure many of you feel the same way to some extent. Others men you may not know that the Lord has used to shape me are Lakan Mariano, Jerry Hale, David Creek, Steve Sessom, Glen Howe, Brent and Kyle Dawson and the Bebee/Gillen Men. I could easily put the Bebee/Gillen men into a category by themselves and explain what each has meant to me, but I will save it for a future post. Where does all of this come from? I have stumbled across a new voice that God is using to put me in my place and reveal sweet truth to my heart. His name is Matt Chandler.

He is the pastor of The Village Church in the metroplex area. They have recently gone to 2 locations. Chandler preaches at 4 of the 7 services they offer each week and the other 3 are recorded sermon with live worship. I came across his podcast and decided to download some stuff. He had a series of messages calle dthe Role of Men. I thought, "I could use some of that." I listened to the first of 3 messages on masculinity last week. I have since listened to the message 4-5 times off and on throuout my days. It was the best thing I had heard on Biblical Manhood in a while. He reserves nothing to make his points. They are all biblical and practical and put in a way that any would could understand it. He is very down to earth and very rooted in sound doctrine. I was skeptical about that at first because I had heard him speak before. He has changed for the better sense then. I didn't knwo how the 2nd message coudl compare to the 1st, but it was BETTER. It totally reveals where I screw up and how I do it. It like he is reading my biography. Its pleasant though to know that I am not the only guy struggling with being a Godly man. So...all this rambling to say this. I have wondered who would take the place of these mighty men in my life that I have admired so much and aspired to be like. Well...Matt Chandler is becoming that person. He has no seminary background, but I could argue that he does have a seminary education. He has an intense passion for the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I will post later about all that I have learned from the messages.

Let me publically confess some things on my blog. I do this for prayer and accountability. Please, check back with me and see how I am changing. If all this stuff just sounds good to me, but never produces change then something is very wrong with my heart. I do a poor job at being the husband Shea needs and deserves. I won't call it failure, but it is close. Like William Hung I have no professional training. I have no training period. I can learn from the great men I have mentioned before, but I have to be diligent in it. God has given me a diamond in Shea and she has been patient throughout this process. We are both being sanctified daily. I am a way better Father than a husband. I have thought for years of ways I wanted to be a father after losing my own, but very few on how I wanted to be a husband that glorified God. Sure I wanted to be married, but I had no clue what it meant to be a husband. I only saw the father role of my own Dad. I never saw him as a husband and that sin has caused more damage in my own life than I can explain. I see so many men falling into the same snare of divorce as my father and it breaks my heart. I make no excuses for the state I am in, but it does put things in perspective. Looking back I can see where some of my close friends ended relationships with girlfriends out of fear of failure. I think they understood more than I about what it means to be a husband that honors God. I still desire greatly to be that man, but somethings in my life MUST change. So I ask you (friend, family, reader), to intercede for me and pray that God would "finish the good work he started in me." That God would continue to place men into my life that will invest in me, that will disciple me. Feel free to comment or call withany questions.
I hope to do this more. Sorry if tis scattered, but its my heart. Until next time, I love you.

Govenor Huckabee

2007-10-17T10:17:00.000-05:00

I found this very interesteing. My good friend, and soldier, Jay Scott has this on his blog. I wanted to share it all with you. I am not sure who I will vote for, but this guy has to be a front runner at this point.

In an election that could for the first time see a muslim, a mormon and a moron (hilary), you gotta wonder where our country is headed. Praise the Lord that this is not our home and that this world has nothing for us. Let me know what you think.

First Day of Pre-K

2007-08-26T23:02:00.000-05:00

I recall about 4 1/2 year ago bringing home a little boy with a large head. I was so overwhelmed to be called DAD. I still feel so blessed to hear that name in reference to me. Tomorrow I will hear that title I am sure. Only this time, that little boy with the large head will be going to Pre-K. He is more than ready. It will probably go down like this:

Me: Homie, I'll see you after school. I love you.

Jacob: I love you too DAD!!!

Nothing out of the ordinary, but right after that, he'll walk into a class with his other pre-k friends. I'd be lying if I told you I was totally cool with it. Part of me can't believe he is starting school. Its only 3 hours/day, but its 3 more hours of the day he will be at school. The Lord is using this time to show me how precious my time with Kyle and Ty will be before they are starting school. I have taken my time with Jacob for granted. We still pray together at night, we learn our memory verse and he still goes running around with me at time, but with 3 kids Shea and I usually focus on the two that need more attention. Jacob has started to notice his being left out a bit and Shea and I have made steps to fix that. He got to spend good time with Mommy last week. I will have some sweet times of picking him up from school and going to lunch with him. All of this to say that my boy is growing up. He is so smart and so loving and I am so blessed to call him SON.

Give him a call and ask him about his first day tomorrow. Aunt Boo(Cara) came to stay with us for a few days. When Jacob saw her tonight he told her, "Aunt Boo Jesus died on the Cross for you sins." Ty followed with,"And Kyle's too." I pray that Shea and I are raising him up in the way he should go. I'll try to post some pics tomorrow of the BIG DAY.

The Prosperity Gospel

2007-08-19T20:40:00.000-05:00

I got this from my friend Blake White's website. I couldn't agree more. I praise the Lord for John Piper and how God uses him. Curious as to what you guys think. Let me know.

The Best of Times and The Worst of Times

2007-08-12T22:32:00.000-05:00

You can tell by the title that things in Eldorado aren't so peachy. I want to make very clear to all who read this and care about my family...MINISTRY IN ELDORADO IS GREAT!!! I mean that. We are consistently reminded by our encounters with people that God is using us in all of our weakness to minister to all groups of people in this place. The best of times are the moments of ministry when someone comes to the house burdened for Godly counsel and by His grace and mercy Shea and I are able to provide what we know. Most often, it is a situation God has carried us through and given us a voice to speak about His goodness in the darkest times. We have been blessed to see several people touched by the Lord through or ministry in the past few weeks. You say, then what could be so wrong with that??? Well, the worst part is that some people don't see it that way.

I am not going to go into any detail, but know that the only thing I need right now isn't my own selfish vengeance against those who would try to hurt me and my family, it isn't for those people to be replaced, it isn't for me to prove them wrong and disregard who they are, it is God's mercy. I know this is vague, but I need your prayers. I don't want a solution to fix this. My flesh does, but I know that the best thing is to do what God has called me to do. That is: respect the authority placed over me by Him, trust Him and let Him direct my steps and KNOW that I am loved by Him. He has given me a huge responsibility as a husband, father and minister. The enemy would love for nothing more than me to get caught up in my selfishness and self pity and completely miss what God has for me. I know God is bigger than that, but I am so weak. I could probably bench press 350lbs and squat 550lbs and I haven't lifted anything besides large boys with large heads in a long time, but I can not lift the feelings of pain, anger, frustration, bitterness, hurt, etc. I have in my heart. I am giving them to the Lord. I know He died from all of those things in my life. I am working hard to replace these thoughts with positive thoughts and God is showing me favor in that en devour. The part is checking my flesh when it swells up inside me. I truly feel the struggle Paul is speaking of in Romans 7. I know what God would have me to do Biblically. I know how He would have me respond. The problem is that sometimes I do the opposite.

GOD WILL BE GLORIFIED IN THIS. I know that He is putting me through this trial for a purpose. I wish I could say that I have been placed in the fire and come out stronger, but I think that I am still in the fire. That is where you guys come in. I am confident that those who read this will intercede for my family and I during this time. I am struggling to deal with this whole episode. I have said things that were ungodly out loud and inwardly, I have thought things that were not glorifying or showing any regard for other people and worst of all I have not been the type of person I preach for my students to be all the time. This past Wednesday ironically I preached on Romans 12:14-15. Its not irony, its sovereignty you guys know that. As I taught through these verses I was very convicted. I felt that God had dealt with me and I was fine, but I kept reverting back to the mindset that made me feel better. I am sure you all know that it was only temporary. I will have to change some things in my life. Please pray that God will continue to sanctify me and I will be OK with it. Pray that I will be slow to speak and quick to listen. Pray that I would love my enemies and bless them. Pray that I would not give a seconds thought to ungoldy things. PRAY!!! PRAY!!! PRAY!!!

I know these are always too long and if your still reading - THANK YOU!!! If you'd like to talk more, just call or email. The family is doing well. Jacob and Tymonster went to stay a week with my mom last week and loved it. They came home and were spoiled rotten. Baby Kyle is getting huge. Shea is being and Excellent Wife and AWESOME MOTHER!!!. I am not always the easiest to live with, especially when I get mad, but God has placed me with someone who will love me through my flaws. Can I get an AMEN somewhere fellas??? I do hope you are all well, wherever you are. An update on family is this: my little big brother gets married in 2 weeks, Cara graduates from CPCP on Friday and travels to KY on Saturday (I'm a bit jealous), both cousins Drew and Lindsey and Blake and Briana(sp?) are expecting baby girls and Jacob starts Pre-K 2 weeks from tomorrow. Time is flying by. Thanks again for listening to my babbling. Much love to you all.

As the World Turns

2007-07-31T22:27:00.001-05:00

So do the days of our lives. My life does so often seem like a soap opera. Many variables contribute to that mood, but for the most part I am the main part. Its been a week gone by and so much has happened. Where do I start???

Many of you know that I decided not to take the coaching job. I was fairly certain I had kept it under wraps pretty good. Some of the kids found out and were discouraged that I would turn down an opportunity to be their coach. I assured them that it wasn't them. We discussed God's Sovereignty. I told them that if God wanted me to coach right now he would have to make it happen. This past Sunday I was discouraged to find out that some of the info about the meeting I had received was inaccurate. The part about me never getting to reclaim my position had not been discussed. I am still struggling with my decision, but I am still resolved that when the time is right all the hearts of the right people will be right. Hopefully that all makes sense.

On a brighter note, I have been busy the last few days working for Creek. I am leading a crew of high school boys. Our task is to: re stripe the school parking lots, remove old signs and hang/order new ones, remove old wood chips from 2 play systems and fill with new pea gravel, paint swings, picnic table, and other things, remove posts, cut down old posts not being used, remove stone around the old marque...just to name a few things. It is taking a while, but we are accomplishing out tasks. Did I mention we have to do all that by the time school starts on Aug 27th??? I have worked very long hours.

Jacob and Ty will be headed to stay with my mother tomorrow. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous. I know my mom won't let a thing happen to those boys, but this is the first time they will have stayed with my mom in Lubbock. Firsts are always a bit nerve inducing, but its all good. Shea is taking them to meet my mom in Big Springs tomorrow.

My cousin Blake used a great text of scripture to encourage me this week. It was Romans 5:1-5. It described the way I feel, and after some conversations with Blake, I know he feels the same way. God's Word is so comforting. Shea uses words so often to open my prideful, angry eyes to what God is really doing. What a blessing to have such a great family and be a part of such an awesome body of believers.

Please continue to pray for my family and I, our ministry at FBC and in Eldorado and anything else the Lord will entrust us with. We love you and we miss you Kentucky folk a little bit. Hopefully I will be able to get up there in April. Save me a couch. I'll try to blog more this week. Maybe some funnier stuff. Like a top 10 list or 2. Peace out my ninjas.

Not My Will

2007-07-24T23:32:00.000-05:00

Well, I can now comment on the situation I mentioned for prayer the other day. Eldorado is having a hard time hiring coaches due to a lack of housing in town. I though to my self, "Self, you have a house, a teacher certificate and a degree...why don't you coach." At first it sounded great, but as time went on the decision became clear. I called the superintendent in Eldorado, the athletic director and some spiritual leaders of mine. All of them thought it sounded pretty good at first. The draw back would be my time. Time for family, time for ministry and time for coaching. I was convince and still am to an extent that I can handle it all. No one has really doubted that from the beginning. I then talked to my pastor. This was very difficult because I thought there was no way he would go for it. The first words from his mouth after me telling him what I was thinking was shocking. He said, "Sylas, you are destined to coach. I have thought you should be a coach for 6 months. I don't, however, think you can do both, but out of love and respect for you I am willing to try it." We continued to discuss details and after a lengthy meeting we set up a time to meet with the personnel committee. The personnel committee was willing to give me a year to see how it worked and at the end of the year if it wasn't working they would look for a new full time youth minister and I would have no say of whether or not I wanted to take back the job full time. That was a huge blow to me. I was hurt. I called one of the deacons in our church and a mentor of mine, Steve Sessom to come over to the house and help me sort through my emotions. He brought his wife and we labored over this for 2 hours. They provided what counsel they could and went home. That is when things get shaky. I became very angry that the church would throw away 7 years of service like it was nothing. I was hurt that people on a committee who have nothing to do with my ministry would be able to make that decision. My hurt was quickly channeled to anger. I said things that were foolish and ungodly. My excellent wife encouraged me and cried tears I couldn't. After about an hour I laid it before the Lord. It was very hard. I have long desired to be a coach. I love sports and I love to teach people how to play them. I have dreamed of being a Godly coach. That may still be in the cards, but not at the cost of losing this ministry right now. This all happened in 72 hours time. Since Sunday night I have come to grips with the fact that man plans his way, but God directs his steps. I called back the superintendent, the AD and those men and shared with them my decision. They all understood and that was that.

My heart still desires to be a coach, but more than anything I want to serve the Lord in what I am doing right now. The Lord has affirmed in several ways since Sunday night what Shea and I are doing what we are doing...FOR HIS GLORY. It not my will, but HIS. Its not my life, but HIS. I may or may not coach this year. I don't know. If God wants me to coach it will have to be ALL of Him and NONE of me making it happen. I still need your prayers. Pray that God will continue to be glorified in the student ministry of FBC Eldorado. Pray that God would continue to mold and sanctify me into the image of Christ. Pray that Kevin Chapman will now accept the call from the Lord and me to come to Eldorado and coach or go to hell.

Shea and I have counseled several people with various situations over the last week. Much of what I say is on the fly. I seldom remember it until my wife uses it on me. Praise God for our helpmates right fellas??? Our situation reminded me of a scene from A LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN. There is a part of the movie where Quartermain is shooting at Mr. Jekyl. The young man in the movie keeps telling him after each shot, "your missing him." Quatermain replies, "I'm not trying to kill him I am trying to turn him." My wife used it against me this weekend. The Lord was not trying to kill me through all of this or kill my dreams to coach for that matter. He was trying to turn me. Turn me toward what he would have me to do. I am satisfied with that. I will continue to do what He wants me to do. I will coach my dynasty on NCAA football. I will do it all to the glory of God.

Sorry these are always so long. I'll try and do it more so I can keep up with my blogging wife. Love and deuces.

Whats going on???

2007-07-22T15:45:00.000-05:00

I know its been a while since my last blog. I've been a little busy. I took kids to preteen camp at Camp Butman near Merkel, TX. Came home and did a wedding reception the next night. Left for Student Life @ Glorieta the next day. Came home one night. Went to Liberty Hill to see my boys (at that point it had been 2 weeks without seeing them). We celebrated the 4th with my in-laws. It was SOOOOOOOOO much fun. Rained every day. We got home from that, tried to get into a routine and have had no luck. We had a semi-normal week and then a good friend-Fonzi Villanueva lost his mother unexpectedly (meaning she wasn't ill that we knew of). She had severe cancer and it led to her heart attack after a surgery she had to remove part of her infected lung. Our pastor was out of town, so my good friend Steve Sessom and I were left with the responsibility of our first funeral. It was one of the best funerals I've ever attended. The next week I worked in Sonora for a transport company while Shea went to a luxurious hotel for the annual girls retreat in San Antonio. The boys and I attended a San Angelo Colts baseball game one night and had a blast. My great brother-in-law and his wife Sarah came to visit last night and they painted the boys room and this morning Ryan and I bunked the boys beds in one room after some minor repairs from Jacob jumping on it. We are using the other bedroom for an office and Kyle's room. That should semi catch you up if your still reading this rambling.

I really wanted to blog to seek your prayers. I have a lot on my mind right now about our future in Eldorado. NO DESIRE TO LEAVE. There are some things presenting themselves right now that take a lot of thought. They are huge decisions we have to make. Its hard. I want to do right before the Lord, my family and the church. When I can go into more detail I will, but until then, please intercede for my family and I. We covet your prayers. I'll hopefully be able to go into more detail later today, so if your interested you can call us.

Other than that, Ty is still a monster, Jacob is getting smarter by the minute and Kyle eats, sleeps, cries and poops. He is getting bigger and he is adorable. Jacob is counting down the days until Pre-K and Tyman is pottying like a rock star. Yes you heard it here. TYMAN IS POTTY TRAINED. We sing "Potty like a rock star" when he goes to the bathroom. Jacob said we need to quit cheering for him already. They are still loving each other and we are blessed to raise them.

Hope you are all well. Promise to try and do this more.

Which one is it?

2007-04-21T12:46:00.000-05:00

Three's company or Three's a crowd???

I am still trying to decide. Honestly, three boys has not been near as hard as I thought it would be. Shea has basically handled the baby duties and I tackle the Tyman duties and we let Jacob take care of himself. Each new day is an adventure. Earlier this week, I decided it was time for a new vehicle for our family. With each new arrival we have gotten a new vehicle. I can tell you now that we will have a new vehicle next time before we have another child. I decided to take Ty with me. This ended up being quite amusing for the good people at the dealership. Our car dealer is in Del Rio, so we were stuck at the dealership ALL day while things got finalized to prevent making another trip. We ended up with a 2003 Yukon XL. It is a great vehicle and we already love it. The rest of the week was full of meetings. Today (Saturday), we are planning on doing as little as possible. We are planning on it, with this crew...it may not happen. Tuesday Jacob took a field trip to the dentist's office and came home really pumped about being a dentist. He has decided that he needs to drink water and milk ONLY. We'll see how long that lasts.

It has been a tough week. Its amazing how a tragedy can put a million things in perspective. While I was traveling to Del Rio Monday, Shea called to tell me of that tragedy that had struck Virginia Tech. Like most of the world I thought of Columbine, UT Tower shooting and Wedgewood Baptist Church (1999 SY@TP Rally shooting at the Fort Worth church). My thoughts then turned to my mother who's library is at the front door of the Lubbock Cooper JH, how this could easily happen in ANY facility in the US and what drives people to do this? In the next few days, I feel that the media did a very poor job with handling this tragedy. Maybe as bad of a job as school officials did in handling their situation that morning. I don't usually get into this kind of stuff, but this has sparked me. This guy obviously had issues. Criminal Psychologist have decided that he had some very serious "mental issues". He must have been molested as a child or something of that sort. I think most of the people who will read this blog don't need a criminal profile to understand what caused this tragedy - SIN. I told my students Wednesday night that the same things that caused the events on 9/11, 4/20/96 (Columbine), this past Monday and every vile attack of any kind that has ever occurred was all a result of the sin that dwells in the hearts of man. We were talking about the Great Salvation we have in Christ from Hebrews 2:1-4. I wanted them to understand that without Salvation we are still dead in our trespasses in sin and SUBJECT TO THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR. Without this great Salvation that Jesus has paid for in full our lives would be full of tragedy that had no hope. Praise the Lord that He is drawing men to Himself. I hope this makes some sense.

I am sure that the events that took place in Blacksburg last Monday will linger in society for years to come. My prayer is that the Lord would shower comfort and peace to everyone who needs it. My prayer is that people would run to Jesus and never look back. I hurt for the thousands of people directly effected by this and the millions of people indirectly effected. I know that God ultimately has intended this for good (Rom. 8:29).

Here are some more pics of baby Kyle and the dentist. We'll talk to you soon. We love you all - for the most part :)

My Three Sons

2007-04-08T16:37:00.000-05:00

The number one question I've received the last few days is, "What's its like to be a father of 3 sons?" My answer is always...pretty cool I guess. I mean Kyle and I haven't spent that much time together, but it will come. I still spend lots of time with Ty and Jacob and it is ALWAYS an adventure. I am amazed to sit and think that God would allow me to Father three boys. Not just three boys, but three healthy young lads. I am most curious about what baby Kyle's personality will be like. Jacob is the oldest and very sweet most of the time, excluding bed time and when he doesn't get his way. Ty is sweet, but he is very daring. He has no regard for his health or yours, so if there is a ball around...either cover up or keep your eyes peeled. Will Kyle be the joint of the two or all to himself??? Only time will tell, but the one thing my boys share that fills my heart with joy is a curiosity about JESUS.
My favorite time of the day is Prayers. Ty is always so eager to say them. In fact, if he doesn't get to say them, he will have a harder time going to sleep. Jacob says some very profound things. This doesn't mean that either will be the next great Theologian of thier time, but we pray daily that God would save them and raise them up as mighty men, with a relentless passion to make Jesus known.
Today was Resurrection Day, Easter to some. During the children's sermon, Jacob was on his game. I told the children that after Jesus died he rose again. Jacob was quick to point out that "Dad He rose three days later and He didn't just die on a cross He died for our sins." People often think I prep him each Sunday, but it is just truths that he has in his heart.
Its been interesting to juggle the routines of 3 boys under 4, but like I have said before, it is a burden I will gladly bare. Its such a busy time of year. I was gone most of the time last week at night. Luckily my super mother-in-law was here for a week. When she left things slowed down, but unfortunately most weeks are like that. I know the Lord will get us through this and it will require me saying NO to more things. Saying NO has always been hard for me and others in my family. Everytime I talk to my mom she is telling me how she is doing so much because people "NEED" her to do it. I say, "Mom that's why you had a heart attack because you were doing too much for everyone but yourself." Then I think about myself. I am certain that there is a fine line between serving others and saying no politely. I wish I knew where it was clearly, but I don't YET. The Lord will show me soon. Either through my own time or the lives of my family. I hope it is the first.
Well...Happy Resurrection Day to ALL. Thank you King Jesus that you are risen and alive and well and that your Spirit lives in me. Continue to reign over your people. We love you guys. Call, email or come visit. The latter includes helping with the boys. Here are some pics.

Justice is Served

2007-03-31T09:54:00.000-05:00

Well, to those of you who live in far off places or haven't heard. Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 11:28 am Justice Kyle Politte entered the world by teh grace of God. It was quite a sight to see. I've watched all my boys being born and I would not trade it for anything. Shea looked like a million bucks after everything was over, but we spent it all on the hopsital stay. We are so blessed as a family. I am so blessed as a Father. What a delight and a burden that I gladly bare to raise three boys up in the way they should go. Shea and I desire your prayers as we begin our new family of 5. Shea is very tired, but she is a trooper. Pray for her to have strength and energy and that the rest she gets would be exactly what she needs. Will there be more kids?? Do we want to have more?? Lets ask those questions after Kyle is 3 or 4. You get what I'm saying. Jacob and Ty are in love with their brother. They are always concerned when he cries. They want to do whatever they can to make it stop. WE ALL DO!!! Especially after endless attempts. I hope to blog more later, but it may be way later. Hope you enjoy the slideshow. We'll talk to you soon. Feel free to call or email.

What going down???

2007-03-15T10:22:00.000-05:00

I know it has been long over due and many of you have missed reading this like the desert misses the rain. Either way I hope this will satisfy your little hearts.

Where to start?? It has been a pretty rough this past month to say the least. I have been way too busy, my wife in a word is MISERABLE and there have been some things happen that have been hard to deal with. It all started...

Last month we had our annual Disciple Now. It was probably the best one we've ever had. It was hard from the beginning. The hardest time I have ever had to find leaders. Several conflicts with the date would prevent kids from coming. Just stuff like that. On the last day of the weekend a student from the HS died in a car accident. He was a popular kid every knew, looked up too and liked a lot. Most of you know in small towns you go to school with people your whole life. This was no different. It was very hard for the kids to deal with, but it was encouraging to see them minister to each other. The school asked me to come in the entire week for counseling with the students. Things have gotten better, but still hard on the heart. I was gone most of that week with students and things like that. I was home long enough to eat and sleep. Not a very productive home environment. The Lord taught me so much through this time and it was hard to learn, but God is God and that is comforting enough.

Shea has been diligently carrying our third child - Justice Kyle - longer than any woman would like. It been very difficult for her, the toughest pregnancy she's had by far. Many sleepless nights and other difficult pregnant women things. She has gestational diabetes. Its not life threatening, but it is a pain to deal with. The baby is 7 lbs, 7 oz. right now according to the most recent sonogram. His head is measuring 2 weeks ahead of his body. I know you are all shocked by that since my head is so small. We pray that the Lord would deliver the child soon or give Shea the energy and strength to continue. We'll send you pics soon of the new baby, but here is a sneak peak.His head is on the right and you can see his little chubby arms the best. I think he is praying.

The other two boys are doing great. They can't wait to see THEIR BABY. Ty keeps trying to shove balls and sippy cups up Shea's shirt to share with his new brother. Jacob asks when he'll be here and says, "That takes forever (with a pouty face)". They are excited to say the least. They love playing with each other most of the time. This morning Jacob was reading Ty the Bible. I thought it was cute. He was saying things like, "It says that Jesus loves me and you Ty and He died for our sins and God is our defender and He loves me and you." It was really cool. Then Ty led them in a chorus of Jesus Loves Me. Their own little morning devo. Jacob is at the age where he has to go to church. He is too old to stay in the nursery. Every Sunday I do the children's sermon, but lately I have had some help. Jacob answers all my questions and fills in what I leave out. People often ask if I prep him before hand, but I am really just hoping he is quiet long enough to get through the thing. They are so much fun.

We have passes to Sea World, so if any one wants to go with us, let us know. Here are a few rescent pics(rescent as in past 2-3 months.
I guess that all I have for now. I am ready for a weekend of college basketball. I love March Madness. It is a lot of fun to watch. My heart is for the Horns always, but my logic is going with...well I'll tell you after the tourney. Here are some rescent pic, as in the past 2-3 months. Hope you all are doing well and wherever you are we miss you. Call us, email, comment on here...something. I'll try to post again soon.

Blogs still to come

2007-01-09T23:02:00.000-06:00

Guys I am sorry it been a while since I last blogged. I promised to do it more and I have let you all down. My faithful readers. So much has happened since my last post. I do plan on letting you all know what all has gone on later this week. I just wanted you guys to know we had a great Christmas with a few setbacks (Shea was in the hospital for a while with a kidney infection, Jacon threw up Christmas Eve and I almost did too), but other than that it was delightful. Got to see the best brother-in-law in the world and his wife. The ever so loving inlaws. My family which is alwasy and adventure and so much more. Check back around Thursday to find out more. Hope you guys are having a great new year.

A Day Wit Dem Boys

2006-12-09T22:54:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow night Shea and I must entertain the people who pay my check every month. The entire church is coming to our house after the church musical. No its not big enough for everyone, so it is cramped. Everyone isn't here at the same time though. They come eat our goodies and leave. The cost of the evening on our part isn't even covered by my "Christmas Bonus." It does give us a chance to say "Thank You to our dear church family though. (Treasuers in heaven, treasurers in heaven.) Ok, anyway, the boys and I went to Angelo at 10:30 this morning so Shea could do what neded to be done to get the place in shape. The house looks AWESOME. Jacob and Ty will be spending the afternoon with friends, so the house will more than likely make it until tomorrow night. The boys and I went to my favorite restaraunt in Angelo - Double Daves. We all love it...maybe too much. We were there for a while, then went to Family Christian/Larry Boy Store to look around. After that, we went to the mall and rode the merry-go-round. Well the boys did. We paid for one ride, but they rode it 5 times. Other dads kept paying for one kid and I threw my boys on there!!! Smart or what? Then we went to watch the Eagle Boys Varsity win the 2006 Wildcat Classis in Water Valley, TX. It was a good game, but they have a long way to go to make the playoffs. When teh game was over we went back to Angelo and got some McDonlds and then looked at Christmas lights. (I know this was an unhealthy day of eating, but it worked.) After the lights, we wen tto the 1A Division 1 State Semifinal Football game between McCamey Badgers and Valley Mills Eagles. The Badgers pulled off the upset and Jacob was stoked. Ty loved being there too. It was cold and Ty didn't want to cover up with Daddy, so pray that we don't get sick. Then finally we came home and the boys went to bed. I am telling you all about our day and thats it. I'll let you know how the party goes.

One last funny thing. Shea decorated the top of our tree with a very pretty bow. Jacobs knows that only girls wear bows. He said, "Mom we have a girl tree, I don't like girl trees." Shea and I laughed and tried to explain to our savvy almost 4 year old that its OK. It didn't matter. Last Thursday at pre-school the fine teachers decided that as a craft they'd make trees out of popsicle sticks and decorate them. Of course, they put a star on top of the tree. Jacob came home and showed his mother the pretty star on his tree, pointed to the boy on our tree at home, then says to his Mom, "You see there are boy trees and we have a girl. Get up dere(sounds like there) and make a boy tree. I laughed hard and then told him to not talk to his mother that way and he apologized. It was much better in person than me recollecting it for you in words. Merry Christmas ya'll. See ya later.

A Night at the House

2006-12-07T22:24:00.000-06:00

It has been a busy week to say the least. Monday night I officiated basketball games, Tuesday night I took the boys to watch some Eldorado basketball, last night was church and we finished the study on Heaven, Sunday School meeting after that and tonight I had a Booster Club Meeting. When I got home I just chilled. The boys and I watched one of there shows on TV and it made me praise the Lord for such a sweet time with my two boys. I'm not sure if this sounds selfish, but when I was sitting there tonight and it hit me that we (Jacob, Ty and myself) only have about 5 more months of just us. Don't get me wrong. I am really looking forward to having 3 boys, so it was a weird emotion to experience. It just encourage dme to spend as much time with the 2 I have know until we are blessed with the 3rd. The othe rnight Ty crawled up into my lap as usual and was talking jibberesh to me. I looke daway for a split second and he socked me in the nose. The blood flood like the streams of ancient Babylon. I thought it would never stop. It finally did and all he could say was, "Sawy Daddy, I hert you nose." I smiled and said, "You ever do it again and I will hit you back." Not really. Put the phone downa nd don't call CPS becaus ethey won't take him I promise :) A sweet time with the boys. We ended our evening with some VTech games (gaming for kids) and off to bed. I was the winner of course because that what Dad does.

As I mentioned before, we concluded our study on Heaven last night. Probably the most I have learned in a long time. The entire study took about 10 weeks. I pray that it would change all of us from the inside out. I'm hopeful that it will and students will begin to change some life habits as a result of the lesson. Just some Biblical application if you will. We had about 35 last night. It was a good time. I wan tyou to pray for a boy. I mentioned a few weeks ago about him understanding Salvation and getting saved for the first time. The other night I was giving him a ride home and he told me he had made a Christian rap. I thought...well lets hear it buddy. He started flowing and it sounded pretty good. He was real excited about it. I asked him if he had ever been baptized before and he said no. I encouraged him to do so and we left it at him talking to his parents about it. He did talk to his mom, but it didn't go too well. You see his family is mormon. (not like the mormons that live outside of town) His mom said, "I am not ready for him to change religions. He has the rest of his life to do that." I am OK with him going to the baptist church, but I don't want him getting baptized or anything like that. This kid use to get in trouble all the time, but he has changed a ton. Hasn't been in trouble to speak of in about 3 weeks, his grade are improving and teachers are starting to notice. He tells everyone he is a Christian now and wants to live for Jesus. His mom isn't buying it. She says it is a phase all kids will go through. There is more, but you get the idea. Anyway...he didn't come to church last night. I am hoping he had to go to Angelo ro had something to do. We'll see. Please pray for this young man. It breaks my heart, but it part of the ministry God has trusted me with.

Well, that about it from here. We have a busy weekend ahead, so pray for my pregnant wife. The boys and I will be together a lot this weekend. It should be real fun. We're going to a buttball game (football for those of you who are thinking badly). I'll blog again later. I tried to put a movie on here, but could not figure out how. Those of you with any insight into this please call or email or post and let me know how. I got some funy stuff of Jacob. We love you guys. Stay tuned for the Politte familt 12 days of Christmas coming soon!!!

Christmas Time!!!

2006-12-05T22:08:00.000-06:00

Well...Christmas is in full swing in the Politte house. Shea has been busy getting ready for an Open House we do every year that is coming up this Sunday. I enjoy Christmas, but I'm not really in to decorating and things like that. I know Shea loves it, so when I get over myself I try to do as much as I can to show I care. This picture was taken before Sunday school this past Sunday. I'd like to tell you they are practicing for the music program this weekend, but they are just saying "Cheeeeesssseee!" These boys are so sweet. I can't recall if I told you or not, but I woke up the other day to my precious Tyman saying, "Merry Chismas Daddy." It is priceless. It never really snowed here in Eldo, but it was very cold. I LOVE IT!!! (You can always put clothes when, but it real hard to take them off-especially if you're me.)

I subbed at the school the last two days. The more I do it the more I enjoy it. I wish I could use it as an excuse to say, "God is calling me to teach and coach," but we're not there yet. Everytime I get frustrated with ministry I am encouraged in the most random of ways. I went to Uvalde this past Thursday to teach at a bible study with my buddy Q. It was a sweet time of studying the word and worshipping the Lord. When I was finished I got to meet some of the people who attend the meeting. One guy told me how much he enjoyed the lesson and how much it mean tot him. Then his brother came up to me and said if you drove all the way here just sto talk to my brother then I can honestly say you were sent by God. He told me about how his brother was saved, but continued to struggle with things. It was just a sweet time. That night we (Jacob and I) drove to Bracketville to stay the night. We were staying with some friends in their travel trailor. At first Jacob, was not to keen on the idea. He really said, "Dad we have to go home, I am not sleeping here, it smells wierd." With some persuasion and encouragement he decided we could stay the night at 1:30 am. The next afternoon we drove to Del Rio and went to see Flushes Away. It was a cute movie. We met Micah Mariano and Joel Perrit and drove back to Bracketville after a stop at McDonalds for Jacob. Micah, Joel and I were set to lead worship for a youth lockin and I was going to preach that evening. The night had a very weird feel to it. We started off singing and the kids were just jacking around. It was evident that these students had never been involved with cooperate worship. I really wanted to stop, but something kept telling me to go on. I prayed that the Lord would reveal Himself to each person there and inhabit the praises of His people, but it didn't happen. Little did I know that only 3 kids from the church sponsoring the event were present and of the 3 the pastor was certain of 2 being saved. I was taken way off guard. I couldn't gather my thoughts to teach at all. Had I know that the majority of the kids were unreached I would have prepared much differently. I have prayed every night since then that the Lord would use what was said for His glory. The pastor was very encouraged and wants us to come back.

We have a busy few days coming up. Church tomorrow, subbing thursday and fridya for me, praty set up for Shea and Cara, Saturday the boys and I will be kicked out of the house, then Sunday church, music program and party. The boys and I are going to try and go to a football game Saturday night. I will probably have more to say tomorrow. Comments if you read any of these and tell your friends that Po's Page is back Jack.

Wednesdays-Nuff said

2006-11-29T22:55:00.000-06:00

Well...I had to sub today in ISS all day long. I felt like I was being punished. I only got a 45 min. break and 1 trip to the bathroom. There were 5 guys in there. The day started out so slow, but it quickly gained speed. I told the guys, "Consider today your day off, but don't get out of hand." Some of these guys have been in ISS for so long that it's engrained in them that they can't have fun. All of the guys were laughing and enjoying themselves. Guess what...they did their work. You say...Sylas thats what they're supposed to do. Well, on their log sheets it always says, "Sleeping doing nothing." I know they should be punished, but ISS is not a deterrant its a holding pin for kids no one wants to mess with. I asked the guys questions like, "What do you want to do with your life?" I got some crazy answers. Most of the guys (3 out of 5) had no idea. They said they'd probably hang out or something. These guys have no hope. Minus the fact that they don't know Christ, no one in that school gives them a fair shot in my humble opinion. One of the guys, Daniel, and I always get a long. He shakes my hand, like a gangsta, but I'm cool with that. He looks me in the eye for a brief moment, but enough to know he respects me. He asks me questions because he knows I'll give him a straight answer. I hurt for those guys. They have no hope at home, school or in life. I pray that Jesus would save them in ISS in front of whichever teacher is there and it would cause them to all fall on their face before a mighty KING!!!

As for church tonight, It was cool. In our series on heaven we talked about what we will do in heaven. The simple version is that we will worship perfectly and reign along side Christ as heirs to Heaven. If you want to know more about it go here and read about it. My prayer is that the more my students understand heaven the more they will long for it and pursue righteousness. I leave there encouraged most of the time. After church Shea and I both met with two different girls struggling with things. One tried to get Shea to justify her attraction to an unbeliever in hopes that Shea would say, "Go for it, its OK if he only cusses a little." The othe rgirl is really being convicted about her lifestyle of on again off again Christianity. I encouraged her to get involved with church on Sundays, surround her self with Christian friends and trust the Lord. We talked about other things, so pray for these girls and I'll keep you posted.

Shea and the boys are in bed. I am going to Uvalde tomorrow night to speak at a bible study with my buddy Q. I think Jacob is going with me, so it could be quite interesting. The next day we drive to Bracketville for a lockin. Should be an eventful weekend. I doubt I will be blogging the next two days, but I have already blogged more the last few days than I have the last few years. Hope you are all well. We love you and pray for you.

What a day

2006-11-28T21:45:00.000-06:00

Tuesdays are great around our home. We wake up, take the boys to school and work doing whatever we need to do. I really enjoy taking the boys to school. I'd like to think they love it too. Not many memories of my Dad dropping me off, but plenty of him picking me up. I get to make both sets with my 2, soon to be 3 sons. Its a special way to start my day. Then I normally do errands, work at the church and do what needs to be done. I reffed JV girls basketball this afternoon. Its not the worst thing, but only because theres JH girls. Its $20 easy bucks and I am out the door no matter who wins.

Tomorrow I will be subbing all day in ISS. I look forward to it. There are 4 guys in there right now. I know all of them and have a good rapore with 3 of them. I'm going for 4 tomorrow. I am going to attempt to talk with/counsel on of the young men. The HS princiapl requested that I try to figure out whats going on with him. He is a kid who calls home wherever he end up that night. His parents are not involved and he's really never had much discipline. Thats a problem in a school setting for an aged child, but one like this one is even worse. He is such a leader becasue of his size and influence with his piers. A lot kids follow his lead. If he disrespects, they disrespect. If he stands up for something, they stand up for it as well. There may be some Jesus references tomorrow in our discussion. WHo knows? We may start a revival in ISS tomorrow. Oh Jesus, please let that happen.

Well, just wanted to let you all knoe whats was going on. Jacob is begging for his 3rd glass of milk. He is suppsoe to be going to sleep, but he has a hard time going to bed. He thinks he'll miss something. I am going to have to discipline him for being out of bed, give him a kiss and some milk and put his rear back in bed. We love you guys.

(2 days in a row, what you know about that?)

Its Been A While..

2006-11-27T21:40:00.000-06:00

Since I posted anything. I just thought I'd give this a go and try to keep up with it for a while. Where do I start? For thsoe of you who don't knwo Shea and I will be welcoming another son into our fold. We are kicking around several names, but who knows where we will end up. Jacob and Ty are grwoing. Jacob is really the smartest kid I know. That sound slike a typical Dad thing to say, but I guarantee he can surf the net better than his grandparents. I know thats not saying much, but he only free(3 in Jacob language). He is a head taller than his friends and do I even need to say how big??? He'll play D1 for sure. Tyman is our fire ball. I am always wondering when I will look out of my office window at my house and see Tyman preparing to jump off the house. He knows know fear unless your a 6ft tall eagle. He is very aggressive and loves his brother. They really do look out for each other. Over Thanskgiving we were at Shea's grant aunts house one of the new little cousins hit Ty, Jacob told the boy very politely, "You don't hit my brother." Part of me said, "thats right or you'll have the whoel family on you kid." The other part was glad Ty didn't retaliate or it could have gotten bad. I am so excited about adding a 3rd. What will he be like, who will he look like??? So many questions left up to the only one qualified to answer them-GOD!!! Shea has had a very difficult time with this pregnancy. I try to be supportive and do other chores, but it only helps to a certain point. Shea is gracious and has patience, but I know she secretly wishes I had a little sick feeling in my stomach all the time:)

As for our ministry, it is blowing up. We are consistently averaging 50-55 students every Wednesday evening. My good friend micah Mariano is leading the worhsip time and it has added so much to our time together with the students. We've been going through an 8 week study over heaven (thank you, Dr. MacArthur). Its been awesome. Its on biblebb if you want to check it out. We are trucking along and trusting the Lord. This football season was the hardest ever. I was defintely more torn between being a student minister and being a coach than ever before. It added unneeded stress on my family and me, but I learned a lot. The number one thing I learned is that I needed to pick one and do it. My desire is to coach and teach in Eldorado and do student ministy. There is a coach in Eldorado who does what I do, so the job I need isn't available. I consider often about moving to a new place and starting fresh as a coach, but never feel that is what I need to do. I know it won't be written in the clouds or appear in a spilt bowl of ice cream, but I am always looking. When/if a ministry change does come up I will let you know. I am president of the Eagle Booster Club. Its time consuming to say teh least. I haven't done much in a while, but we'll get rolling again soon.

The students and people in Eldorado are like all people...in desperate need fro Jesus. Our prayer as a ministry this sememster has been that the Kingdom of God would forcefully advance in Eldorado. I told our student to pray that also. How great it would be to wake up and see hundreds of people from the FLDS coming to town talking about how they were saved in their sleep or by seeing the sun rise and need the saints in Eldorado to encourage and feed them as babes in Christ. It would be AWESOME.

We miss all of our Kentucky friends who read this. Disciple Now will not be the same without you. I find great joy in saying half of my leaders are attending on eof the best seminaries in the world, so they won't be making it this year. We miss our friends around TX that we don't see much. We'll al spend time together sometime I am sure. Until then, Shea, Jacob, Ty and I pray for you daily. We love you. I will try to get this out more often now. Keep in touch.

This is a test

2006-10-01T23:00:00.000-05:00

This is a test to see if anyone ever comes to this blog anymore. This is only a test.

Substitute Teaching

2005-12-05T10:42:00.000-06:00

I do this pretty regularly. I enjoy it for several reasons, but the biggest reason is I get to see the kids in their environment. Many times I find that what I assumed was true. I mean when kids come on Wednesday or Sunday it would be easy to decieve the youth minister into thinking everything was cool, but when your at school and they don't know there is no acting. I am not trying to spy or catch them in the act or anything. I really just want the kids in my youth group to be different. Many of them have made a committment to doing that, so when I can see them at school I can hold them accountable for things.
For the kids not in my youth group that I have built a relationship with, I hurt for. Many of these kids go through things we read about in the news or some horror story. Kids come with burdens daily and face issues that are huge. I want so badly that they come to know Jesus. The only thing that will truly give them a future and a hope is the Cross of Christ. Many days I come to school and see the devestation of a long weekend of hurt in the face of these kids or the disappointment of not being loved by anyone. There are pregnant girls, abused boys and girls and suicidal kids. I pray that by being at school and relating with these kids they would come and see me in my environment at church. Many kids have and the Lord has doen amazing thigns in their lives. I am working in AEP(its like ISS, where "discipline problems" go). All the kids in AEP are male. All of them have horrible if any type of relationship with their fathers. One of the guys is in my youth group and has made some huge changes for the best in his life. The other 3 are constantly in rebellion. I truly hurt for them. I don't pray for them enough, but as I type this I am praying. That the Lord would reveal who He is to them. If these 3 guys were saved this school would truly be different. I believe that. They are so influential when it comes to causing trouble that if the Lord were to save them and use them to save others it would blow people away. Thats what I am praying for. My flesh wants to look at them as lazy punk kids because of their attitude and my pride, but my Spirit reminds me that if the Lord no longers shows them mercy and grace and they dies they will go to hell.
I just wanted to share with you my day as a sub. Many relationships have been formed with students and teachers. I have been given an avenue for my ministry that few youth ministers have or would take. I am encouraged when I see a kid come to church that I never would have imagined would darken the door fo a church. It is an even greater joy to see those same kids come to salvation. Please pray for my time as a sub. Pray that I would walk upright, live above reproach and be the salt and the light Jesus has commanded I be. Thank you my friends and family for praying for my family and I. I hope you are all well.

The Lord IS Salvation

2005-11-28T21:58:00.000-06:00

Tonight I had the AWESOME opportunity of seeing a guy truly understand and receive Salvation. We went to a revival with Ken Freeman. If you have ever heard Ken before, you know how he operates. He loves the Lord, but I worry that as a mass number of people go to receive Jesus that it will last. Don't take this the wrong way, but I am pleased to tell you that this guy (Adam) was not "saved" at the revival. We were driving home and I really wanted to know where Adam stood with the Lord. I began to ask him to explain to me his relationship with Christ. He was very genuine in the way he said things. I asked him if he understood his sin, his need for a Savior and what it meant to die to self. He didn't, but he knew that Jesus died on a Cross that he deserved and without that sacrifice he would go to Hell. He understood that because of his sin he had earned death, but Christ died to give him life. Adam said, "I don't know how to explain it, but I feel bad when I do bad things now and before I didn't." He also said, "Since I've ben coming to church I feel myself wanting to be there more and more." I asked him why he thought that was and his reply was, "to quit sinning." I talked to him about accountability and needing to have Christian friends. He agreed. We talked about baptizing him which is beautiful to me yet hard to watch (church reasons ask me later). The bottom line is that Adam is a different kid from when I met him in AEP (alternative Education Placement-where bad kids go). He is kind, caring, considerate and wants an abundant life. He said he has been around drugs his whole life and done s few, but he wants to quit all that and live for Christ. I wish I could box Adam up and send him to you so you could see his joy and life change. The other two guys that were with me in the car both said that was the coolest thing of the night. We got to pray for Adam before he went in to his unsaved family. He thought that was very cool.

Pray for Adam as he is a babe in Christ. Pray for people to be involved in his life and encourage, exhort and guide him daily to Jesus. Pray that his family would come to find the same gift of Salvation and that the Lord would save them. Pray that Adam would resist evil and cling to what is good. Oh friends, rejoice with me in the greatness of our God and King. Rejoice that he saves us yet while we are still filthy, He takes us and cleanses us of ALL our nastiness. Praise the God of our Salvation. I was listening to David Crowders new song Here is Our King today. It brought tears to my eyes as I sang the lyrics, "Here is our King, here is our love, here is our God who came to bring us back to Him, He is lovely, He is JESUS."

I hope you are encouraged by hearing the great work the Lord continues to do in Eldorado. I hope you also remember us (Shea and I in our ministry, the community) whenever you pray. Thank You Jesus for all that you do.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-11-24T10:11:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you amigos on Sylas's Blog! Travis Dawson, long time no talk. Miles, I mean Slade, how goes ya?

I wanted to give a quick shout out to you El Dorado people who check this BLOG. Wow, you have been through so much as a community these last few years. I'm so sorry to hear about the recent loss of your dear friend, Thomas. I don't really know what to say, but we're praying that the LORD would continue to give you divine comfort.

"I have a great need for Christ. I have a great Christ for my need." - Spurgeon

jcm

Hearts of Servants.

2005-11-17T20:21:00.000-06:00

I started reading John MacArthur's The Book on Leadership Today I am blessed everytim eI read or hear him. The beauty of this book is that it is teaching me to do what I feel like I have been "called" to do. I came to find out the Dr. Mac believes, and after seeking the scripture I agree, we are all commanded to be leaders in some way. That doesn't mean that if you aren't currently viewed as a leader to get up and seek someone to lead. It means that we need to lead the way Christ has called u sto lead. He teaches that we should become servants. I struggle daily not only with serving my wife and kids but with serving people. I know that Jesus is teh example of total servanthood. The more we study his life the more we will be able to be servant leaders. As I continue to read I hope to take you on the journey with me. I want to be the leaders that the Lord desires and that my family, friends and youth deserve.
I also wanted to ask you guys to pray for the couple I have been counseling. They are currently contimplating divorce. They had come so far from where they were and had an awful week. They are so selfish about their stuff and prideful about a lot. I'll be the first to say that only by grace do Shea and I not act the same way. I know that God hates divorce and I want so badly for Him to deliver this couple from even the idea of divorce. They have three children. I know as a child of a "broken" home teh consequences of divorce. I would ask that you guys pray hard core for this couple to seek forgiveness from each other, swallow their pride and fall in love again and be real with each other and the Lord. I am so thankful that you guys are here and will say just a short prayer for this couple. The husband said he doesn't want to meet anymore, but I told him that I hadn't given up yet and I wasn't going to let him. I spent too much time talking to them tonight and made Shea late for our church party. After being disciplined when I got home, we went to the party and were happily ever after.
I pray that you guys are learning and growing and being taught daily. Pray for me that I will immerse myself in truth and walk in the Spirit daily. Pray that I will grow as a leader for my family, my friends and others. I'll be talking to you. Pursuing Christ...

Dedication of This Blog

2005-11-16T10:59:00.000-06:00

Lord, it is my hope and prayer that this blog will be used for Your glory. I pray that everything said hear would be said in love, immersed in the truth and come from Your Spirit in the lives of Your saints. I don't want this to be another avenue for people to "stay in touch." I want this to a place full of encouragement, accountability, compassion, restoration and fellowship. King Jesus I want You to be the focus of our speech. If this blog ever becomes anything more than a tool for equipping the saints, praying for the saints, lifting up the saints, then remove it. I want this to be a way for Christians to gather and seek Goldy counsel and recieve heart-felled prayer. Thank You Jesus for the Cross. You are our Treasure, our Passion, our Satisfaction, our Fullfilment, our Savior. Be glorified in this. Amen.

I hope you enjoy being a part of this blog and are truly blessed.