Last week we our family spent the week with my parents and my brothers family at Orange Beach in Alabama.  We had a great time crammed into a condo.  This worked great for me because my brother has 3 kids that are about the same age as my kids – so they were able to play together.  This gave me the opportunity to relax some and read. 

Confessions of a Reformission Rev. by Mark Driscoll:  This book is about the history of Mars Hill Church from its inception to over 4000 people.  It is an honest account of the struggle of this pastor to reach people, pastor a church, and break growth barriers.  I sincerely enjoy his books because of his pithy statements throughout the book.  He had me laughing almost every other page.  As a church planter, I could identify with his struggles.  The book was very therapeutic and made me think a lot about a lot of things.  I have deep respect for what Mark has accomplished and continues to attempt for the kingdom.  You may not agree with all of his conclusions and practices – but you can’t help respect his insight, commitment, and boldness for the gospel. 

Simple Genius by David Baldacci:  This is a fiction book that is a suspense thriller.  It involves military secrets, corruption, and murder.  Though I typically do not read much fiction – the book was handed to me by my father-in-law.  I could see the story unfold as a movie within my brain and found myself obsessively reading from one chapter to the next.  I can’t say I learned much, but it was entertaining and relaxing. 

Restaurants near Gulf Shores:  For those of you that know me, you know of my love of good food - something that I have tried my best to curtail over the past year.  However, I love seafood and was little loose on my diet.  If you travel to the area – two must dine at restaurants are – Bahamas Bob’s and The Original Oyster House.  Both are in Gulf Shores Alabama. Our family had a great time at the beach as my boys waged war on jelly fish and my wife enjoyed the ocean.  My favorite part of the trip was playing football on the beach with my brother, sons, and nephews.  Additionally, anytime my brother and I get together at a pool – a wrestling/dunking contest will take place.  My apologies to the other guests - whose leisurely frolicking was disturbed.

I am Doug Walker, the senior pastor of Fellowship of the Parks in Keller, TX.  I am the husband of Kim Walker, the father of Seth (graduating 5th grade today), John (graduating 3rd grade), and Mark our 3 year old (who would want me to tell you he is almost 4).  I thought I would begin this blog by telling you more about myself and family.

First, my wife Kim has been married to me for 19 years.  She is a beautiful woman, a great mother, and an awesome wife.  She is passionate about being the best mother she can be to our three sons and being the glue for our family.  She lives in an all male household and is surviving the testosterone filled environment.  Prior to being a full-time Mom, she worked in social services with most of her career in adoption services.  In addition to being a volunteer with children at our church, Fellowship of the Parks (FOTP), she also volunteers at CASA.

My oldest son Seth could be considered the daredevil of the bunch.  He enjoys dirt-bikes, go-karts, and all the rides at Six Flags.  He plays baseball in the spring, football in the fall, and basketball in the winter.  He loved his Ipod until it went through the washer.  He has been begging for a phone (which is going to be his graduation present today).  This next school year he will be heading off for his first year of middle as he enters the 6^th grade.  Seth also enjoys learning and playing guitar.

John, our middle son, is the talker of the family.  He has a quick wit and loves to make people laugh.  He is somewhat the class clown at school, but also really excels at sports.  He plays the same sports as his older brother.  He is really enjoying baseball right now.  However, his favorite sport is football and looks forward to the season beginning.  John also plays the drums and he and Seth make our house reminiscent of the World Wrestling Federation.

Mark is our youngest son and is adopted.  Since I was adopted and my wife worked in adoption, it was something we always planned.  Mark is small for his age, but extremely bright.  He knows his alphabet and numbers, can read some words, and is amazing with a computer mouse.  His passion is computer games on NickJr.com.  He enjoys swimming and telling people “no”.  He is as cute as a button – but don’t tell him that.  He takes personal offense if you insinuate that he is anything other than Mark Walker.  He truly is a “Walker” in every way and makes our family complete.

My passion beyond being a Christ-follower is my family.  I devote myself to my boys interests and sports.  Often, I will assistant coach or help with one of their teams so it gives me a legitimate opportunity to yell from the sidelines.  When I get time to myself - I love to go see movies, watch sports, be with people, and read.  I also really enjoy golf, though I don’t often have many opportunities to play.  As our children get older, I hope to renew my passion for turning wood on a lathe (a facet of woodworking).  I also use to love riding dirt-bikes.  However, I put this on hold due to finding myself on the ground more than actually riding.  Finally, I love our church – Fellowship of the Parks.  I sincerely believe it is one of the greatest places on earth.  I have the privilege of being the founding pastor of over 14 years.

Welcome to My Blog!

Doug