O Holy Night

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Who or what is Normal?

In my travels, I recently crossed paths with a missionary on his way to Paris. His wife had an article published in Christianity today a few years ago titled "A more perfect society." Good read. I also recommend you watch a sweet video of their son Michael. He is quite a dancer!

Been thinking a lot lately about terms like "normal" and "perfect"

Reflections on a year of Daddyhood

Our offspring recently turned a year old. I remember awhile back my friend Jason said that when you get married you discover just how selfish you really are...man was he ever right! This year ive learned that having a kid adds approximately 100 million percent to my selfishness factor....for example, why wont that goober stop crying so I can think enough to write this blog about him!

I always knew that being a father wouldn't be easy. What I wasn't prepared for was the range of emotions that comes along with it. From feelings of utter helplessness and sorrow to laughter and joy, no emotion is left untouched. This has been a long, interesting and beautiful year. Ive learned what it means to be needy and needed. More than anything, i have learned about grace and my desperate need for it. There is nothing quite like being a daddy-o. Happy birthday ya big chooch!

MnM

Our friends Jason and Vanessa had their precious babies Melody and Madison tonight. I cried as I held their lifeless bodies and my mind turned to heaven... a place where sickness, sorrow, pain and death are felt and feared no more. Thank you Delgados for letting us bear this burden with you....and thank you Jesus for defeating death.

Power Stash

Whatdayall think of my new look? Should I keep it or retire it lick-a-dee-split? Polls are open to your right.

Things are not as they should be.

Im not sure how big my audience is anymore, but for those who are following and would be so kind....please pray. Please pray for my friends Jason and Vanessa whos children need a heart...and lungs. As Jason said:

Have you thanked God lately for giving you a heart that works properly?

Pray for my other friends Chris and Stephanie who may lose the two kids they have been loving and caring for and been waiting for so long to adopt.

When I think about things like these and things like Children's hospitals and prisons and war and abortion...its then I know things are not as they were created to be.

Andrews update

No we are not doing an early Halloween...



The hospital visit last week confirmed what we had suspected; He is having seizures. They put him back on Phenobarbital and this has made the lad very cranky. He hates the taste of it, it makes him irritable and dizzy. Suddenly he is scared to death of the front door. If someone opens or closes the door he goes bananas...its pretty crazy. The upside to all this (if there is one) is that since starting him on it about a week ago his seizures have become less pronounced and less frequent. Thats about all we know right now. Its been a difficult couple weeks for us and appreciate everyones continued support.

This too shall be made right.

No Rest for the Weary

Seems like we have been going non-stop for a month. Couple weeks ago the chizzlewicks attended my good friend Rich's wedding in St Michaels Md. It was easily the most beautiful wedding I have ever attended. Drew was a hit with all the ladies, and it was a good substitute for my 10 yr HS. reunion. I cant believe its been that long. Pictures of the event (including one of my lovely and my son) are here.

Since then we were on the road for a couple weeks including a couple days with Mamo in FL. Again it was good to see family. Unfortunately Andrew has shown some signs of regression. We notice that at times he appears to be zoned out...he will stare to his right and seems to "lose it" for about 10 seconds before he snaps out of it. He will do it about three times in a row before he starts acting normally. We called the Dr so tomorrow we go in for an EEG and a 24hr evaluation. Updates to follow.

Happy Birthday Vic

Andrew helped celebrate my friend Victor's 10th birthday today. As you can imagine he is quite a hit with all the Castro ladies...and there are a lot of them. He got lots of hugs and kisses and enjoyed his first Mexican lollypop. There is something about the Hispanic culture I just love.

Vote Libriarian

People keep saying that this is the most important election in history. To quote Napoleon Dynamite "like anyone can even know that!" But since it seems so important, I gave it a lot of thought today as I was mowing the lawn.

At first I really liked a lot of what Ron Paul had to say, but as it turns out He's lame. I could say a lot about Obama and McCain but its all already been said over and over ad nauseum. Instead id like to point out the party I think is most ready to lead this country. The librarian party. No, I dont mean libertarian...we are not ready for that much freedom. I mean your local librarian.

Really, what better choice can one make? Librarians are very smart. Typically they can read and write and they have a world of knowledge at their disposal. Foreign policy, economics, war, health care, the environment..no problem! What subject has not been covered by at least a million and one books? I would be willing to bet that the majority of library's out there have a copy of The Constitution...something most legislators and judges are unfamiliar with. Besides if you can figure out the Dewey decimal system you can handle D.C..

Thats about when the mower ran out of gas...energy crisis, yet another problem any decent librarian would know how to fix.

Dont See This Movie

I like Indiana Jones. In fact, in highschool I wanted to be an archaeologist after growing up on Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom and the Last Crusade. We finally got around to seeing The Crystal Skull. How bad was this movie? I mean really, this has to be embarrassing to Harrison Ford, Stephen Spielberg and George Lucas. The story line was lame. The action scenes and special effects were horrible. Luckily we only paid $2.50 to see it. In Highschool $2.50 bought you a nasty hot lunch and a chipwich. Compared to this movie, it was money well spent.

Atlanta

We just completed a working vacation to Atlanta. The following is a summary of our trip.

Day 1:
We got up before the sun to get to ATL mid morning. We had no agenda the first day, so we go to the three star hotel that makes me wonder what 2 or 1 stars look like. Hey, at least it had cable TV and a microwave (two amenities you wont find at our home in Texas). Saturday night we showed up late to Perimeter Church in north Atlanta. The pastor preached the Gospel and they ended with my new favorite hymn Before the Throne of God Above. I cried.

Day 2:
Our busiest day. We started by going to a hipster church called Trinity Vineyard. The worship was fantastic. The demographic was mostly short haired white kids just like us..looking for a little more diversity, but overall we enjoyed the service. Next we went to the Atlanta Aquarium. My main mission here was to find the very rare and exotic "scribbins fish"


Mission Accomplished!

From the Aquarium headed to Southeast Atlanta. We attended a worship service in an old methodist church abandoned during a period of "white flight" to the suburbs. The congregation was a combination of locals, intentional neighbors, and at what appeared to be several homeless people. It was warm and inviting and followed up by a family style dinner. Afterwards we drove one of the members home and he showed us around his neighborhood. I really cant put to words all the thoughts I had that night. I got almost no sleep counting the cost of moving to a neighborhood like that.

Day 3:
After a sleepless night, I sat through 8 hours of ground school. I managed to get through it before meeting up with Mandy's friends from Florida in Atlantic station. This was pretty much the complete opposite of where we ate the night before.

Day 4:
The most uneventful day of the trip, managed to catch up on some sleep.

Day 5:
After work we met up with a handful of couples who are living and working in the city. We hear about the mortgage crisis in the news but until this trip I had not actually seen what it has done "to the least of these." I would guess that on the street we ate that night about half of the houses were abandoned. It was a good evening of food and fellowship. We got to ask a lot of questions and meet some wonderful people. I didn't want to leave.

Day 6:
The Chizzlewicks go home... at long last.

Overall we had a great trip. It was exhausting both mentally and physically. We certainty don't have anything sorted out, but intend to keep asking, seeking and knocking.

Of First Importance

Ive been a Christian now for about four and a half years and somehow during this time I have never been able to nail down a good definition of the gospel.

Uh...you know Curt this is like the most essential part of being Christian?

Really? You wouldn't know this by going to most churches, watching Christian TV or listening to Christian music.

Good Point.

The Gospel has been defined by many people in many ways. But I like what Paul says best:

"That Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day"

In your own words please Curt.

Ive never had an original thought but here goes:

The Good News is that my sins are not counted against me. Because God is Just, He must hold me accountable. Fortunately, God himself paid the necessary and due penalty for my sin when He came to Earth. God, in Jesus, was wrongly accused, beaten to a pulp and nailed to a tree by those for whom He came to save. The last part of Paul's definition is the evidence of God the Father accepting God the Son's sacrifice. The resurrection.

Common man lets not talk about sin, blood and guts its offensive and gross

If its not offensive and gross its not the gospel.

Fine then, what else is the gospel NOT?

Despite what I may try to make them the gospel is not:

Bible study, prayer or fasting
Calvinism, Armenianism or anything in between
Health, Wealth and Prosperity
Politics or Religion
Anything I can work for, earn or think I might deserve.

More recently, its not moving to the Inner City or serving the poor, hungry and destitute.

The gospel is also not:
My son Andrew or My Marriage or me being liked.

All of these things may be well and good but they are not the gospel.

Sheesh, Why dont you just go back to worrying about your fantasy baseball team?

Ok.

Friday Night Fever

There I was hanging out in Saint Simon Island minding my own business when John Travoltas 707 goes rolling by. That little speck in the background is his refurbished Boeing in Quantas colors. For just a second I felt like a celebrity pilot so I donned my rock star shades.

UPDATE:

Rich thought it be cool to make me into something im not by switching my seats (see comments) im down with that all he has to do now is photoshop another stripe on my shoulder and add $$$ to my paycheck!

Cheesus

Have you heard about the latest Jesus sighting? I was scoffing at this report when I heard the lady say that instead of selling Jesus on Ebay she plans to keep him in a safe deposit box.

Thats right about when the conviction hit me..hey Curt thats exactly where you keep Jesus.

DFW-ATL

After an unannounced blog sabbatical, I am back to catch Y'all up with us Chizzlewicks.

Its not that we've been bored or had nothing to say, I just haven't felt like writing lately...sorry. In fact, there has been a lot going on in our little corner of the world lately including many fun trips and major life decisions being made.

To address the latter, as many already know the Chizzlewicks are moving to Atlanta. This is a decision that we have come to after about a year of prayer, petition and much anguish. Leaving Texas will be very difficult and we have lamented this decision for a long time. The relationships that we have developed here are eternal but that doesn't make the thought of moving any easier. I have had no peace about this move until recently discovering a couple inner city organizations who share my vision. Where we choose to settle has not been determined but we know that when we seek Him and lean not on our own understanding He will make our paths straight.

Stay tuned.

Now I have have a Blog too!

Hey friends!!!! I am so excited to say that I too now have a Blog! Yeah!!! So feel free to come over and check it out! Thanks!!!!

-Mandy


http://themessymonkey.blogspot.com/ (guess who the messy monkey is :) )

For Sale

We are having a Tag sale this weekend. If we own something you want let me know or swing by this Saturday.

Hiyadoin Joe!

Today I was sitting in a pizzeria in Westchester (outside NYC) chewing on a slice of what may qualify as the best pizza I have ever eaten when the skipper for the New York Yankees (worlds #1 franchise) walks by with his kid. I nearly choked when he looked over and waved at a couple guys sitting at the table next to me. One says to the other "Yanks have an off day today" and they go back to their conversation.

Crown Him

"Sinner," he cried, "Behold the head this thorny wreath entwines. Look on these wounded hands and read thy name in crimson lines." -Joseph Swain

Dedication Day

Today we dedicated raising Andrew "in the fear and admonition of the Lord." Everything was going fine until I was handed the mic to say a few words. I got about a half of a sentence in before I was no longer able to speak. What I really wanted to share but couldn't because im a big cry baby is how greatful we are for the church...the whole church. Through the body of Christ, we have experienced the love of Jesus in a very real and meaningful way. You have been instruments of grace to which we owe a debt of love.

The good thing for me is that most days I really love the church, I love it with all its broken, imperfect, messed-up, sinners just like me.

Thank you Jesus for your church.

Mothers Day 1.0

Last year my wife was pregnant for mothers day so that was mothers day .5, this year im calling it mothers day 1.0. Andrew wrote his mommy a nice little letter saying how thankful he is for all that Amanda does for him.

Lately the Chizzlewick blog has had the spirit of telling everyone how wonderful we are...now we would like to extend that to the Chizzelwick grandmothers. Amanda and I are truly blessed to have been born into families with loving mothers, so we take the opportunity to thank MammaMo and Grandsmomma Chadwick for all they have done for us. You both are special to us and it pains us that we cannot be with you today. Thanks for all you've done and continue to do for the Chizzelwicks.

Love

Curt, Amanda and Andrew

The world's BEST Husband/Dad!

I am so proud to say that I have the world's best husband! It is so sweet to see him shower Andrew and me with love and affection. Here are just a few examples: 1) Today we fed Andrew his first bowl of cereal (photo above) and Curt had him eating like a pro! 2)If I ever can't get Andrew to eat (like when he came out of surgery and they would not let us go home till he did) all I have to do is give him to his father and he will eat. 3) My husband is so good at changing diapers! For those of you that have experienced a baby "BLOW OUT" you know what a mess they can be. Ten million wipes, one new diaper and one new outfit later you have a clean baby. 4) Curt is a morning person so when he is home he will take Andrew in the mornings and I get to sleep in (this has major bonus points for me cause I love sleep!!) 5) If you know my husband you know that he has nicknames for everyone, Andrew's is Scribbins and mine (this month) is Lovley. 6) He is a hard worker and provider for our family 7) He can always make me laugh! 8) He LOVES Jesus! Curt is passionate about his relationship with Christ and is an example of a godly husband and father for our family. Curt, thank you for all you do for our family, I LOVE YOU!

Andrews Brain

Is stable...we met with the neurologist today to discuss Andrew's progress and his most recent MRI. The MRI revealed pretty much what the Dr. had expected. The part of his brain that is affected is sandwiched between two healthy portions and it is possible that these will compensate for that which was lost. The small portion on the right side of his brain that showed damage on his first MRI didn't even show up! The doctor was well pleased with Andrew's progress. He said that he is further along than a lot of other kids he sees with similar experiences.

Questions we had for the doctor:

In light of his history and the most recent MRI, what are the chances of him 1: having further damage done to his brain? 2: future seizures?

1: Little to none
2: Higher than a normal kid...but less than 50%

What do we need to work on?

-Cognitive...Stimulate him as much as possible. Speech, etc are directly connected with this portion of the brain so we need to read and talk to him as much as possible.
-Physical, Occupational therapy. Work with his right arm and leg to ensure they develop properly

Will we ever know why this happened?

-no


Overall we are encouraged by the visit, thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

P.S. As I wrote this Andrew rolled over from his back to his tummy for the first time ever.

Into the Wild

Mandy and I recently enjoyed movie marathon night. The picture show I enjoyed most was “Into the wild”. I'd read about this kid Chris McCandliss and have been anticipating this movie for quite some time. Its been my experience that most things in life usually end up letting ya down. Not so here.

What I liked:

Chris renamed himself Alexander Supertramp, what a sweet nickname!

Supertramp’s reckless pursuit of truth

With the exception of his parents, the relationships he forged on his journey were full of humility, insight and grace. This reminds me of the one who is full of grace and truth.

The soundtrack

Notable Lines:

More than love, than money, than faith, than fame, than fairness... give me truth. (quoted from Thoreau)

Money makes people cautious

If we admit human life can be ruled by reason the possibility of life is destroyed.

...and a bunch of others

What I didn't really like:

They really beat up on Chris' parents, I don't know for sure but I have a feeling Sean Penn (director) embellished Chris' relationship with his folks...then again he did cut off all contact the last year or so of his life.

I could have done w/o all the nudity...but I guess thats how hippies roll.

If your into movies you can also read my friend Stephanie’s review of "Gone Baby Gone"

Hard Day Part 2

Today I broke just about every piece of yard equipment I own.

For a couple weeks now I have been unable to start my mower. (magnify the picture 1000x and you can read GTS-Guaranteed to Start written next to TORO) This morning I was tinkering with the carburetor (like I have any idea how it works or what might be wrong). As im loosening what appears to be an important bolt/valve/piece, it shears off completely. So I have taken a bad situation and made it worse. Sweet.



I figure at least I can weed-wack, then I will borrow my buddies mower. I go out to the shed to get the string trimmer. Im greeted there by a maggot infested rat and its awful stench. After fighting back vomit chunks and poking around some more, I find his half decomposed brother nestled into my jeep soft top. Apparently before they died, the two of them thought it would be a good idea to chew holes in it.

I clean out the shed and get to work with the string trimmer. About half way through the front yard, it inexplicably stops working...ok???

Well at least my hedge trimmer still works. Maybe I can at get something done after all...As I am trimming the overgrown hedges in my front yard, I accidentally sever the only extension cord I own. Oops...It gets better. When I unplug the the cord, somehow it tears male end of the trimmer's plug completely out...trashed.






Thankfully, my neighbor friend let me borrow his nearly new mower..i didnt feel so bad when the little flap that keeps the grass from flying everywhere broke off. Apparently it was already busted.

Hard Day

Andrew went in today for scheduled surgery to repair a minor birth defect on his pee pee. As any dude will tell you, there is no such thing as minor surgery when it comes to that part of the male anatomy. He has been in tremendous pain and discomfort all afternoon which has been difficult for all involved. For those who pray, please do so that he may have a speedy recovery.

He also had a follow-up MRI. I will post updates as they come available.

Curt

Hymage Homage

I recently made a compilation of my favorite gospel tunes. These songs speak to me like nothing else has. This is my list, what is yours? What do you think am I missing?



1 O Come and Mourn with Me Awhile - Sandra McCracken, Indelible Grace
2 Alas and Did My Savior Bleed - Greg Thompson, Indelible Grace
3 Christ, the Lord, is Risen Today - Jill Phillips
4 Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken - Christ Community Church, Indelible Grace
5 His Love Can Never Fail - Matthew Smith
6 Thou Lovely Source of True Delight - Jars of Clay
7 Hark, the Voice of Love and Mercy - Red Mountain Music
8 The Lord will Provide - Matthew Smith
9 Not What My Hands Have Done - Taylor, Indelible Grace
10 Windows of Thy Grace - Red Mountain Music
11 What Wondrous Love is This - Jill Phillips
12 On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand - Jars of Clay
13 All I Owe - Matthew Smith
14 Jesus Precious Blood - Red Mountain Music
15 I Boast No More - Caedman's Call
16 For All the Saints - Dan Haseltine, Indelible Grace

If you haven't gotten a copy and would like one, please let me know.

Trip to the Nutmeg State

The Chizzelwicks recently made a brief but enjoyable trip to Connecticut. It was good to see family and friends again. Amanda had quite an experience getting home..you will have to ask her about it. Photos here.

Mark your calendars, because we will be returning this summer the week of the 4th of July. If you are reading this blog consider yourself invited to come enjoy some time on the lake and an excursion into the city for D's 30th birthday.

The Man in the Plain White Tee

The wife and I met up with some friends Saturday night to catch Derek Webb and his 12 string guitar belt out some thought provoking tunes.

The venue was a new hipster coffee bar/church?? called mokah down in Deep Ellum. I was quite impressed with the sound quality and the atmosphere. Highlights of the evening for me were as follows:

1. A night out with friends minus our "bundles of joy"

2. His cover of Dylan's "God on our side" This is a song I vaguely remember listening to sometime in high school (my gosh 10 yrs ago). I am glad he chose it as it played into my recent wrestling with the issue of war and justice. Is God on our side? Perhaps the better question, are we on His?

3. His performance of "Savior on Capital Hill" It was a timely reminder in this politically charged hour, that despite all the promises and even their best intentions, no President will solve our problems. He said something to the effect that if you wanna make lasting change, get to know 8-10 people that live right outside your front door. As always, Thank you Derek for taking me out of my comfort zone. You can listen to it and some of his other stuff here.

Leonard Coughlin 1921-2008

Amanda's grandpa and Andrew's great grand-daddy Leonard passed away this week in his hometown outside Oklahoma City. I had the pleasure of spending some time with Leonard over the past few years, getting a taste of his happy-go-lucky-nature. In the short time I knew him, I discovered we had much in common. Both of us being born and raised in New England, we settled in the southwest after meeting the women of our dreams. During the second world war Leonard served in the Army Air Corp in Italy wrenching on B-17s. This just so happens to be my favorite vintage aircraft. Every time Amanda and I would go visit Grandpa Leonard, I would ask him to tell me all about the B-17s during the war. Without fail, His eyes would light up as he would tell me the story of how they made him a turret mechanic when he couldn't keep from getting airsick (he wanted to be an aerial gunner). After the war, He learned the lost art of watch repair (horology) and supported his wonderful family (pictured below). Leonard is loved by many and will surely be missed. I was reminded by his funeral that those in Christ never have to say goodbye.


(Wife Stephanie with Baby Boomers: Top, L-R Angie, Jeannie, Michele, Betsy, Pat (holding Danny) Front, Nina and Timmy

Tummy Time!

In this we trust or Chizzelwick Economics

As I lie awake in bed the other night I got to thinking about money. (you may notice the theme of my blog shifting from every single Drew poo to random thoughts and meanderings...hope you dont mind)

So anyway I was thinking about how much faith (trust) I have in the little green piece of paper pictured above. Truth be told, I rarely carry cash. These days all of my money is accounted for and all of my finances are done online.

Then I had a scary thought. Is my money even real?? I mean I never hold it, I never actually see it...its really just a bunch of numbers that zap back and forth through cyberspace. Direct deposit goes in..zap! Electric Bill, Water Bill, Mortgage go out...Zapp, Zapp, Zapp! Back and forth it goes on and on.

Then I thought, one of these days I am going to walk into the bank and ask for all my money in 1's. This way I can actually see it, smell it, and hold it. Reality struck as it occurred to me that I probably only have enough to fill a pickle jar (small one at that). But thats not the point. Its only numbers on a screen or small pieces of smelly green paper. By now you must be thinking "yur such and idiot Curt..money is all about what it can do for you." Sure, money can do lots of things for us no doubt...so long as there is something behind it. So what is behind our money? I suppose its the grace of the US government. Who trusts that?

Then I remembered hearing about that dude somewhere that is all wound up about taking the slogan "In God we trust" off our greenbacks. We probably have different motives but I agree, lets get it the heck off of there! Its a big lie. Instead I say we replace it with "In this we trust."

My prayer that night: "Lord, help me to trust you the way I trust my money"

Cinco Amigos

Andrew, Amanda and I are blessed to have the best friends anyone could ask for. Pictured above are Andrew's bestest buddies (BFF). The bookends are Kenya Grace Delgado (left) and Elizabeth Hodges (right). Second from the left is Jadyn Margret Sappington and second from the right is Noah Calfee.

More photos here and here.

The Bible, Slavery and the Sovereignty of God

Today I read President Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address and was totally fascinated. Of particular interest was his third paragraph in which Honest Abe asked some of the same questions I have often pondered. Namely: 1. How can a follower of Christ justify the bondage of another human..or can he? 2. Why would God potentially allow such carnage (over 600,000 dead in 4 years) between men who for the most part claim to follow the same God?

The easy answer and the one Abe seems to take is that the war is God's judgment against both the North and South for the injustice of slavery. I dont know why God did not clearly say "thou shall not" in regards to holding another man in bondage. Jesus says all who sin are slaves. I know he is referring to a different type of bondage than the one fought over on battlefields, but in a round about way this may shed light on a dark chapter of American History. What do you think?

Pictures Courtsey of Marin "Diggs" Scott

Click to Enlarge:

AAC goes to the MD

Andrew had is first outpatient visit to the neurologist this morning. They glued a bunch of wires to his head then turned off the lights and flashed a strobe in his eyes for 30 minutes. All this to say he had an EEG. The results of this and our meeting are quite encouraging. The doctor is pleased with Andrew's progress in light of his history. He directed us to cut his dosage of Phenobarbital in half. In three months Andrew will have another MRI and another neurologist visit. We are greatful for the healing that has taken place thus far and are confident He who began this good work in Andrew will carry it on until completion.

This Road

Here is the newest video from rock star producer Curt Chadwick. All is well in Andrewland. The little man is growing like the proverbial weed. Life is pretty much eat, poop and sleep, and in that order. Sometimes he likes to throw in an extended period of crying. Yes i know I asked for this. Sometimes he cries so hard he doesnt even make a sound! In other news the polls closed and it looks like most people think Drew has a good mix of his mummy and daddy. I suppose that is the safe answer, thanks to everyone who voted! Enjoy the movie.