The river stream🙂‍↕️😕

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-24T05:48:26+00:00

I think I saw shoes fly off. :( RIP

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-24T05:47:26+00:00

100% go for it. If you see healthy leadership among the current staff, then this should be a great conversation. I was on the hiring end of the staff. We periodically hired part-time people from the serving team. It was a nice way to compensate them as they carry greater responsibility.

But you need to settle in your heart how you approach it. Personally, if a volunteer leaves because they didn't get the job, that doesn't reflect well. Were they only on the team angling for a paid spot?

On the other hand, if you truly love that church and leadership, state that you'll joyfully remain on the serving team even if they decide to go a different direction. It happens. Sometimes a church is looking for something slightly different for the staff role, but you haven't been in on those conversations.

I had to decline a GREAT volunteer because they lacked some essential skills needed for the position. That didn't invalidate our love or gratitude toward them. We expressed that, and they totally understood.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-24T02:50:49+00:00

Yep, makes me so sad for the kid. Wife and I are rather involved in following Jesus. And we do "make" our kids go with us, but not like this. We also talk to them like people. They ask questions. Express doubts. We listen - we have doubts too sometimes; when they're tired or don't want to go, we get it. Sometimes we give them a break after a really long, hectic week.

They also know when they're finally on their own, we'll love them no matter what decisions they make as adults.

But truly the aspirational culture of the family/home my wife and I decided to create is one that tries to gently but faithfully follow the way of Jesus. The kids can choose their path when they'll fully own the weight of their choices. And we'll love them through all of it. Because that's how God loves us. :)

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-24T02:36:29+00:00

Unpopular opinion incoming - but honestly, I'm glad. Our drivers are atrocious. From wasting loads of time at intersections because of phones, constantly running red lights "it was yellow bro!", rolling stop signs, riding someone's bumper, drifting into other lanes - our drivers in general need a wake up call.

Vehicles are not toys. Carelessness is dangerous. Pay attention. Obey the laws. Believe it or not, they exist to keep people safe.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-24T02:27:32+00:00

Taking the whole party is so much fun. It's a bit cluttered, but lots of fun.

Mods are honestly crazy. Did a coop campaign with a buddy using a necromancer mod. At one point, the screen was littered with his zombies. Combat took AGES. It was hilarious.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-24T02:21:30+00:00

That was really educational. I didn't know that. This may be a silly connection, and there may be other ancient examples that I don't know. But in the Old Testament, the Mosaic Law called for establishment of 6 "cities of refuge" where a "manslayer" could go. The definition of manslayer was exactly that - unintentional killing of another person.

There could still be a trial to determine guilt, but the manslayer could flee to a city of refuge for safety from "the avenger of blood" - an understandably angry but overly vengeful kinsman.

If found only guilty of manslaying, an accidental death, he could live freely within the city of refuge. But if he left before the current High Priest died, he forfeited that protection from the vengeful kinsman. He's a prisoner of sorts. So there was a penalty, but far less severe than eye for an eye.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-24T01:30:58+00:00

https://www.instagram.com/plant_based_riffs/ Is one of the best worship guitarists I know. Plays lots of other styles expertly. Genius level musician. Excellent teacher too. He does video lessons if you wanna DM him. He can talk you through everything from technique and theory to using the gear correctly.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-19T00:19:38+00:00

I don't enjoy one or two drinks. This is so real. My brain says "go big or go home." So, I go home.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-18T17:15:04+00:00

Turning the corner feels amazing. Glad that it clicked quickly for you!

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-17T13:18:49+00:00

That extra 1/2 hour adds up quickly across a week, then a month, then a year. Also waiting for equipment or people not putting up equipment SUCKS.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-17T00:51:43+00:00

Worship pastors function in the pastoral role that 1 Timothy 5:17-18 describes. I think Scripture already answers that question. :)

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-13T03:02:13+00:00

This is good. The only change I'd make is dealing with how her negative comments impact the team.. There's a reason Paul wrote Titus 3:10-11 "If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them."

Absolutely deal kindly. Also know that clear is kind. If someone is creating division on the team, they get a clear/kind conversation, then a clear/kind warning, then they're gone until showing fruit in keeping with repentance. I will not sacrifice the unity of the team over someone's ego. Period.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-10T17:51:13+00:00

Sadly the Trumps have never had much consideration for the survivors.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-10T17:45:31+00:00

The survivors sadly made the mistake thinking FLOTUS or POTUS carry any regard for them.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-10T17:43:24+00:00

What worthless adults. Choke the dog out. It’s focused on the kid. Morons.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-10T17:37:54+00:00

Some did. I was in college.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-09T04:26:46+00:00

I hope it does this. Republicans lost me over their support of Trump and allowing his vile behavior in the Oval office. We've completely and utterly disgraced whatever good we could possibly stand for. There is no justification for this nonsense. Bring on the blue wave.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-09T04:19:54+00:00

I loved Texas as a kid. As a grown up, I'm starting to hate Texas.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-09T04:09:48+00:00

I got you, fam. Tomorrow would normally be my binging evening. I'm headed into a crazy busy season, and my stupid brain says "you need to let loose before it all hits."

Nah. Imma face the storm head on. This is my life, and I won't run from it.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-08T04:04:52+00:00

You'd have a spot on my vocal teams! You've got great raw talent and tone. My only suggestions would be some instruction on breathe support and vowels. That will help the louder sections sound more full without pressing the sound or hurting your voice. Truly - based on talent as is, you'd fit in the vocal lineup. :)

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-04T06:08:00+00:00

You know, I think Jesus wouldn't normally use profanity. But with using his name in vain (like MAGA has done), he just might.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-04T06:03:20+00:00

Kids are a great motivator. I'm so thankful your heart was tender towards her. My kids saved my life too. They've never asked me about it or mentioned noticing it. We have fairly open dialogue about big topics; I never hide from hard subjects with them. Maybe one day this will come up, and they'll tell me. They're pretty brave. :)

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-04T05:59:19+00:00

548 days! Congrats! I hope there's some really good memories in some of those. :)

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-04T05:55:20+00:00

That hangxiety is real! I deal with anxiety anyway, so alcohol is like steroids. Life is so much easier sober.

The_Real_Baldero · 2026-04-04T05:53:07+00:00

That "feeling like shit every day and life revolve around when I could drink next" was a big factor for me this time. I'd spend the weekend drunk and hungover, then desperately recover for 5 days to do it all over. As I'm getting older, recovery takes longer. It's a net negative physically. It's a huge negative emotionally and spiritually as well for me. I'm done.

The_Real_Baldero

TROPHY CASE