I Think I Can, I Think I Can

by Mama Rita
I was happy to hear the following words from someone whose life has had several low points over the years: "I wish I had known three years ago that things were going to be so much better."

I want to remember those words for myself. We all have to "go through" some rough times. Sadly, we sometimes act as if the rough times will never end. I certainly have been guilty of that kind of thinking.

I encourage each of us to practice a lot of faith and a little perseverance the next time the hill of life feels like a never ending steep mountain. Remember The Little Engine That Could story? That little engine had faith that he could make it over the mountain and he verbalized that faith with: I think I can, I think I can.

And especially remember that God's word says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

So let's be sure to encourage each other to persevere and stand on God's word, even when the mountain seems humongous.

I think I can, because I know God can.

Everyday should be Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day has traditionally been the day that people express their love for one another. Minus the commercialization (candy, cards & Cupid), people who love each other ought to express their love for one another everyday. So, just in case you don't know it (because we don't say it enough) I love each and every member of the Village...not just today, but every single day.

Why Not Meet the Parents?

by Mama Rita
Hopefully by now the Village offspring know they have four sets of parents. Which means when the offspring "date," "are in a relationship," "have a boy/girlfriend," or whatever the appropriate label may be, the significant other may well meet not one, but up to four sets of parents.

Luke, Caleb, and I took Ryan to dinner (Ryan was in town for a law student's conference) this evening. We had a delightful time. Ryan even took my side on an issue we were discussing, which goes to show you he is a very smart young man.

There should have been one more person at dinner -- Ryan's s friend, Brittany. She wasn't there because she allegedly had cookies in the oven. I suggested to Ryan that was just an excuse to avoid meeting us. Ryan explained the Village kids don't like to bring their dates around the Village parents. He referenced the young man Courtney brought to a Village event that was told to "get your own plate." Regardless of that one event, I am just baffled by the idea that Ryan and the others may feel the need to "protect" their significant others from the Village parents.

Would the Village kids please explain why they wouldn't want the people who love them oh so much to meet the young man or woman that may one day be added to the Village?

Note: Ryan's friend picked him up from the restaurant, so we had the opportunity to meet her and have a nice conversation. They make a cute couple, as can be seen in the photo above. She is cute and smart and my soror. Best of all, she bought us a Ziploc bag full of homemade sugar cookies -- fresh out of the oven!

Does the Village Connection Trickle Down?

by Mama Rita

Earlier today I was trying to decide whom I should call to get advice on how to handle a problem I am facing. Among my list of possible "counselors" members of the Village immediately came to mind. It feels nice knowing that I have close friends that I can go to and feel confident that they would be there when I need objective, wise counsel.

I don't know why, but I am wondering if the Village offspring have the same connection among each other as the parents have among themselves. I remember one of the Village young people admitted he called one of the Village adults (the particular situation required avoiding alerting his parents) when he needed some "financial assistance" at college. I also have heard the funny story when Tim was helping Brandon long distance with a college accounting class. Which means the Village young people would, when necessary, ask one of the adults for help. But do they go to each other for help, encouragement, advice? (And an occasional posting on Facebook doesn't count.) Or is that component of the Village relationship only among the adults?

In other words, does the Village Connection trickle down? Village young folks tell me how y'all connect!

Why I Love the Villagers

by Papa Luke
The travel time from St. Louis to Kansas City is four hours plus or minus an hour; so this time gives one plenty of time to reflect. I reflected recently during a recent trip over the holidays why I love these villagers. Here's a brief list.

1. No pretense. Several of the adult villagers have accomplished much. For example, one villager is Vice President of an institution that will play a prominent role in getting our country out of the recession. One villager works for a highly successful and world renowned advertising firm. And one villager is a high ranking official with the city of Kansas City. All of us come from quite modest beginnings; yet, these villagers do not parade their amazing accomplishments. (Well, I guess the only pretense is that the ladies get their gray hair covered; us men, proudly show our gray.)
2. Laughter. Our village is one in which it is safe to laugh at each other and oneself. And we all have done things that warrant laughter. Our kids certainly do this well. There are often several times when we hear hearty laughter from our kids when they get together. And they seem to really like each other.
3. Place to learn. I always learn something from the men of the village. I learn how to be a better man, father, and husband. I also learn from our kids who range in ages from 12 years to the early 20s.
4. Critical thinking kids. We all have raised our kids to be critical thinkers. The proof of this is seen clearly when engaging in conversation with the two oldest kids. When conversing with the two oldest kids of the village, one needs to be prepared to go toe-to-toe. This is not to say that our kids are saints as they all have done some stupid things (as I did when I was their age). Yet, I am proud to be called "Papa Luke" by this group of kids.

The Village Journey – What a Trip!

by Papa_Stan

I was thinking about some of our experiences together as a village and realized it has been quite a journey. I bet you don’t even remember the time we roasted Luke on his birthday at Stake and Ale. Do you realize that we have been together for over a quarter of a century? And if you count Tim and Pat’s days in the Vineyard and Dorri and Ced’s days at Friendship, the time really gets staggering. But the truth of the matter, I’ve enjoyed every step of the way (well maybe except for the New Orleans trip). Anyway, I was wondering what has been your most memorable or enjoyable or controversial moment along this journey? Some ideas that pop to mind for me:
1. The Washington, D.C. trip
2. The New Orleans Trip (by way of Arkansas)
3. Rita’s famous “Snicker Bars”
4. Lake of the Ozarks Condo One (we all stayed in one big condo)
5. Lake of the Ozarks Condos Two (no jet ski for Caleb)
6. Golf at the Lake (it was like 105 degrees)
7. Allen Field House
8. The golf challenge at the picnic (were we trying to hit balls in a bucket?)
9. The Speech (“Oh the Places You Will Go”)
10. Golf at Big Swope (OK. So we’re slow players.)
11. Golf at Little Swope (Nice golf bag Courtney)
12. Picnic (you pick one)
13. Christmas dinner/gift exchange (you pick one)
14. Heart-to-heart talks
15. College send-off speeches
16. Caleb’s baseball game

Sometimes it Might be OK to be a Country Club

by Rita
An excerpt from an article in the New York Times:

"In the presidential campaign, the Obamas had a “no new friends” rule, surrounding themselves with a coterie of familiar faces. Even if the Obamas lift that rule in Washington, newcomers are unlikely to replicate the intensity of this group’s ties, formed over more than a decade by births and deaths, Scrabble games, barbecues and vacations, but also by shared beliefs about race, success and responsibility." (NYT, 12/14/08)

Full link here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/us/politics/14friends.html

I wrote in a previous post that a village can get you elected president. And it seems there might be times when it is necessary to be very intentional about protecting the village membership list.

Your thoughts?