Chosen & Given

We have many relationships with others in life—some chosen, and some given.

My relationship with my wife Alison was chosen. After some time of knowing her we chose to date. After some time of dating we chose to become engaged. And after being engaged, we chose to take it all the way with marriage. It's a great thing! We love each other and chose to commit to life together as husband and wife. I chose to marry her and stay with her knowing her gifting and the things that irritate, knowing what she likes and doesn't. I chose her, and thankfully, she chose me back!

My relationship with my son Isaiah was given. Sure, Alison and I had the desire for a child, but everything about this relationship is given. I didn't choose Isaiah knowing what he likes and what drives him crazy. I don't know what his gifting or the things that irritate me will be. I don't know if he'll like to play music, sports, video games, or just play in the dirt. With Isaiah, I get who I get. I get who he is.

One must decide well with the chosen relationship of marriage so they can face their given relationships—with all the late nights, rude awakenings, poopy diapers, and great joy—fully unified and confident in running the whole race, side by side.

And yes, I chose well!

Big Arms

Isaiah flexing for the camera

My boy is a strong little guy. Yet not strong enough to do everything (nor much) for himself. Though he and we are learning how to adjust to life together, Alison and I want what's best for him, and we are here to help him.

Sometimes when he's crying, I'll wrap him up in my arms like I'm swaddling him, letting him know that I'm right there protecting him, working for his best, solving his problems. And yet, he cries. I imagine now that it must be hard as a parent to watch your kids bang their head against the wall so to speak as they try to solve problems in the wrong way. Because you know their needs, you know how to protect them.

And yet, it reminds me of our Father, the one who holds us in His big arms. Yet I squirm and fuss, trying to solve my own problems, forgetting I'm in His hands.

Check out this video of J.J. Heller singing Your Hands.

May we remember to rely on our Strong Tower (Psalm 46), and rest in His big arms.

Nothing & Everything Changes

There isn't much better than being a parent. I've been told this by many, but now having an almost week-old son,  I know they're right!

Isaiah Aaron Geist was born Monday, September 27, 2010 at 10:34pm, weighing in at 9lbs, 1oz. and measuring  20 1/2". He is a joy and a blessing, just like Psalm 127:3 "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him."

It's amazing to me how this small (yet very big) event changed nothing and everything all at once. You see having a child changed nothing about me: I'm still as selfish, have the same fears, passions, desires, I didn't magically learn a new song to sing.

And yet, everything changed: There are now three in our home, my schedule changed, I'm now a father and Alison is a mother, there's lots more crying...by all parties involved, and the rest of my life is going to be different.

And all this happened in an instant.

A surprise gift from mom

I received a surprise gift of my mom's creativity and handiwork today, created in 1982. Apparently she actually painted/did calligraphy of this scripture for many new moms and their babies. This one was given to Vicki at our church for the birth of her son.

Today, Vicki paid it forward, so to speak, and gave this calligraphy in a new frame to Alison and I. We'll hang it above our changing table and remember to pass my mom's legacy down to our son.

Thank you Vicki!

Crater Lake 2010

With more pictures to come, check out a glimpse of our family's trip to Crater Lake.

Benham Falls

Here we are in Sunriver, enjoying the sun where it's actually cooler than Portland. Crazy! Here Larry, Patrick and I ride the trails to Benham Falls. It was pretty fun. We took the trail with many rocks, branches and hills on the way for a total of 12.2 miles. Thank goodness for mountain bikes and low gears!

It's gonna be a boy!

Many moments, big and small alike, have passed by since the last entry here on this blog. While I could go into excuses about why not, or promises on how this digital chronicler will be filled soon again...I won't.

Yet, this moment is too big to pass. Yes, if your eyes drifted downward already, you've seen the ultrasound of my (wait my? I'm going to be a dad?!) child. The cool thing about this ultrasound—taken May 3—is that while I've not posted the revealing photo, this 20-week scan shows that we are going to have a son! How crazy is that?!

I'm sure I'll have more to post soon...no promises!

Sunriver 09

Ali and I are finishing up our vacation at Sunriver with her family and what a restful time it's been! We've enjoyed the typical stay here with much biking, swimming, reading, eating and playing games. I learned how to play bridge last night but can't for the life of me fathom why there would be a game where one person doesn't get to play each round?!!! I don't think bridge is for me; I'll stick with whist.

I haven't snapped too many photos but the sky and deer have been fun to shoot. Here are a few of my favorites.

Birthday song

Now that I can take video with the phone, I thought I'd get one of
Alison bringing my birthday cup cake, but she grabbed the camera and
key shooting.

March - June Recap

What a ride! I'm beginning to wonder if life ever stops changing and settles into a routine. I don't think it does, but it's sure been good overall. Here's a snapshot of the busy & life-changing past season.

Moving on: Just as the 30 Hour Famine ended, my friend, mentor & boss, Brian Eberly, moved on from his role as youth pastor at Grace Point into the unknown of what comes next. Though I miss working closely with him, he has settled down at Rock Harbor, Pastoring students there. I look forward to getting our groups together for local events!

Taxes: Taxes are never fun, but when your wife is a tax accountant, it's a whole new level. Mostly I just don't see her for 3 months...so I was glad when April 15th came around and my Ali returned home.

Beach Retreat: As soon as tax season finished, I entered the full swing of Retreat Season...planning games, sessions and more. What a great time we had though, exploring the theme One. Check out the pictures.

Wedding: May 17 marked a new era in the lives of the Geist family. My dad, Dan married Denise in a hot church sanctuary with a beautifully decorated reception. It was a great weekend as my mom's family was in town and we got to enjoy seeing them too.

New Job: In June, our church voted to bring myself and one other gal on staff, me as the new youth pastor. It has been a great month so far...lots to do...lots of people who need Jesus daily...and a constant reminder of my own need.

Moving on Part 2: Thank goodness for technology! Just a week and half ago, my brother Andrew moved out to South Bend to get his Masters at Notre Dame. I am bummed to see him go but am glad to see him growing and moving on in life. I'm glad for technology because it has never been easier to keep in touch with those far away.

Camp Harlow: After being away from Camp Harlow for 10 plus years, I get to return, this time with a group of high schoolers eager to counsel their first group of day-campers. Wow...I remember my first time in '94 when I took the camp name Wet Willy for a Spring Break camp. That was so long ago, but an important experience in why I love ministry today.

New Decade: On Wednesday, I entered the land of those past their 30th year on this earth. I am truly glad to be here and look forward to the added wisdom and maturity that sometimes come with age. Of course, now I'm almost 20 years older than the 6th graders that just joined our mid-school group!

Moving: After 4 great years in this apartment of ours, Alison and I will move into my dad's house this Summer. It is the house I grew up in and helped build. What fun that will be!