Stephen Bennett

That’s all that’s left before the school year for the kids begins once again (thank God!) Because of the economy, no vacations or major extravaganzas are planned this year (they never are anyways, so, nothing unusual.) We are going to try and do Six Flags sometime within the next two weeks, and possibly Newport, RI. Otherwise for the kids it’s swimming, shooting the BB gun (supervised, of course), walking and reading (they both still have a few books left on their list of 25 books for the summer.)

The staff is on “Summer Break” for the next two weeks, and everyone comes back on Sept. 1st, Lord willing, refreshed and rejuvenated — to get back to ministry.

So, just checking in. Lord willing, we’ll see you all back here on Sept. 1st. God bless you all. ~ Stephen Bennett

This year is flying by so fast. I can’t believe it’s August. The kids have only a few weeks left of their summer vacation, and it’s back to school.

It’s been a very busy summer thus far. Working on my book, as well as several other small projects. For now, every thing’s all quiet on the eastern front.

I pray you all have a great rest of the summer! ~ Stephen Bennett

For some reason, I just KNOW running the boys’ birthday party is going to be a LOT easier.

Yesterday, the girls began to arrive by 2:30 p.m. Everyone was happy, laughing, singing, playing in the pool and playing nice. But no offense “ladies” — the “drama” was just waiting to happen.

Have a room full of girls for 24 hours, and there’s sure to be a show.

Everything was going picture perfect. We took the girls out to Bertucci’s (a local pizza restaurant) and they all made their own pizzas. They all went in to see the kitchen and watch their pies go into the brick oven. After, a feast was enjoyed by all.

The girls then swam and played in the pool for an hour or two, then they all took showers and got into their “sleep-over” clothes — while my son and I watched wrestling (his favorite.)

My daughter’s theme: DINOSAURS.

Huhh????

Don’t ask me. That’s what she wanted. We bought Jurassic Park and showed it on the big TV last night while all the girls huddled together with their sleeping bags. Irene made the girls drinks and popcorn. Everyone enjoyed a dinosaur ice cream cake and presents were opened. It was a blast.

Until a little after midnight that is.

I hear a knock on our bedroom door and it’s a pile of girls. Many of the girls were there with clubs and torches as one of the girls was being “mean” and calling all of the other girls “bad names.” Now, I didn’t hear any of this.

So I figured, Irene’s a woman, let her handle this one.

“Talk to your mother,” I said half asleep.

I woke up this morning to the sounds of birds chirping around a quarter to eight.

Looks like the drama was going on all night.

I made my famous “Daddy Pancakes” at Chloe’s request, for all of her guests. These are pancakes with confetti cake mix, vanilla, Reese’s Pieces cereal, powdered sugar and butter, plus banana and rainbow sprinkles on top.

Oh, don’t forget the whipped cream (OOUUCH!! My stomach hurts already!)

Everyone loved it — except for a few who said it was “too sweet.”

Funny.. the food was completely GONE on those plates.

Irene, once again, had to march all the little princesses upstairs and have a little ladies’ lecture with them.

I THINK that took care of it — FOR NOW.

My son’s laser tag party begins in a couple of hours. A bunch of screaming boys, running around ready to whack each other over the head, eat some cake and juice, and then play some arcade games. I doubt there will be any drama… but “one neva knows… DO ONE???”

Happy Saturday to all.

Today is both of our children’s birthdays — July 23rd. Same date, but two years apart. One was late, the other early… but the Lord was right on time!

Happy BIrthday to the two most precious kiddos anyone could ever ask for!! Mommy and I love you both TOO much!!!!

It’s 12:55 a.m. on Monday morning and in a few hours, I’ll be leaving to go back home to CT. I really miss Irene and the kids.

This has been one non-stop “extended” weekend of ministry and fellowship.

I’m so tired, I don’t even think I can write.

I have a 1-1/2 hour layover tomorrow, I’ll catch up with all tomorrow (well, later today.)

What an amazing time of ministry. Good night…

I was talking with a friend today about what it’s like accomplishing things one could only dream of.

As human beings made in the image of God — especially being a child of God — I believe we each have the potential to do whatever we set our hearts and minds on: providing it is in the will of God.

Several decades ago when I was 18, I dreamed of singing one day on stage with Crystal Gayle. I traveled with her for a year or so handling her merchandising and art/design.

While I never did sing with her, I did end up recording three albums and writing the music on two of them. I never sang a note before, never wrote music and never played an instrument. Now, I did all three — and actually charted with one of my songs on the Christian Country charts.

That can only be the Lord.

Now, I’m setting out to do something again that I have never done before, yet believe this will be by far the biggest project I’ve ever done. I’m writing my first book.

I’ve shared this here before, but it is physically and emotionally draining. Remembering things that I locked away for so many years brings back the tears all over again.

I write - I read - I cry. I laugh, too.

I have several chapters written and Irene (my favorite supporter/critic) has been in tears herself. She says it’s the best thing I’ve ever written. I pray so.

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I leave for South Carolina next Saturday and will be down there for several days to spend some quality time with friends — both old and new.

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It seems the reality show we filmed in Hollywood back in January has begun airing in several different countries already. Can’t wait until it begins here. Hopefully in August — on VH1.

That’s all. Saturday night and bed time. Lord bless you all.

Today has been a real “odd” day. I had an appointment early this morning, which meant I had to get up at 6:30 a.m. I usually sleep a little later than that since I go to bed a lot later than usual. Last night, I was up until 1:30 p.m.

My main computer at work (a Dell) that was custom built for audio/video editing and production, was having problems for about eight months or so. It was slow as a mule. My Dell laptop is unbelievable — as soon as you turn it on, within ten seconds, everything is loaded and ready to go.

After praying and dreading what would have to be done, I finally decided to go and purchase a new 500G SATA drive and install it myself. Of course, that meant that all of my software I had installed, had to be re-installed on the new hard drive.

I’m still working on it — but my computer is like lightning now. It has one terabyte of storage (1,000 G’s). I also have my old 500G drive attached via USB, so in reality, it’s one and a half terabytes.

The office network router was several years old, and a “G” model. The new “N” series is up to 15 times faster. I decided it was time to access the Internet quicker and be more efficient, and today I installed the ministry’s new secure private network. (I love technology — especially when it helps me do my job quicker!)

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My weekend preaching in Hampton Beach has been postponed, due to a missionary family sharing that day. They will be leaving the country and going on the missions field. That’s OK. I have a lot to do back home.

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Chloe slept over her girlfriend’s house last night and Blake went with his friend’s family to the Fireman’s carnival. It was the first time Irene and I were “alone” in.. who knows how long. It was quite peaceful and relaxing. We both couldn’t wait though for the kids to come back. We missed them!

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The children’s birthday is in two weeks: July 23rd. The same day. This is the first year though they wanted to have separate parties (yes, they are growing up.)

Chloe is having a “GNO” (Girls Night Out) party — and all her friends are sleeping over. They’re going to have pizza and soda for dinner, then they’re all going to watch a movie on the big screen TV, and have popcorn and goodies. I’m told they all want “Daddy’s Famous Pancakes” for breakfast (made with Pillsbury Cake and Pudding Mix, plus sprinkles, powdered sugar and whipped cream. A SUGAR HIGH!!

One of the mom’s daughters slept over a while back and told her mother she wanted “Mr. Bennett’s Famous Pancakes” for her birthday party/sleepover breakfast. How honored I am. I need to e-mail her the recipe Irene said.

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The first chapter of the book is almost complete. I’m stuck on the last paragraph, yet it will come to me. The second chapter is already drafted, and I just need the proper entry into it.

Writing is extremely draining. I can’t believe how emotional it also is. When you pour your heart out, it’s bizarre how emotions really affect you.

After writing today, I literally felt like a truck hit me. I had to take a break and I’ll visit it again tonight after the kids are in bed.

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The phones have been extremely busy these past two weeks. It’s amazing how the call log fluctuates - not only from day-to-day, but from week-to-week. Is it because summer is coming/here? Who knows. But ministering to others is one of the most important things I believe I was called to do.

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Blake and I have been playing baseball & catch the last few nights in a row. He is FANTASTIC at catching a ball! He’s not afraid of it and jumps right into it. Also, baseball has always been one of my favorite sports, so we’re both having a great time (I’m focused on HIM having a great, fun time, not me.) Chloe joins in every now and then, only to clown around. She laughs and throws the ball up in the air, almost hitting her in the head.

We’re going on our “nightly” walk in a few minutes. We try to walk anywhere from one-and-a-half to three miles a day. It depends how hot it is, and what the weather’s like. Today — it’s perfect!

Well, that’s the Thursday update from here. Hope you all are doing well.

In Christ,

Stephen

First, thank you to all those who have served or those who are serving our country right now. We love you and truly appreciate each and every one of you.

Freedom isn’t free, and we are grateful for what we have.

It’s been a busy weekend with the Bennett clan. The above photo was taken at our annual 4th of July celebration in Shelton. We go each year with the family, and this year we also took along with us our “adopted” son and our “adopted” daughter (the kids’ best friends.)

We had a great time and it was packed as usual. There had to be at least 5-7 thousand people at the fireworks. Two cities — Shelton and Derby — both shoot their fireworks off at the same time across the river. It’s quite a sight to see. “Dueling Fireworks” we call it.

Anyway, back to work tomorrow. So busy. So many calls — many, so sad. We hope to encourage and be a blessing.

Happy Independence Day to all.

After years of thinking, praying and outlining, and a lifetime of developing content and characters, my first book is finally in the works.

I know what I’m in for. I did something similar back in 2000 when I wrote and recorded my first original music CD. That took me a full year. With this project, I’ve given myself four months.

Humbly I say this: I sure can’t say I’ve led a boring life.

I’m grateful to the Lord, family and friends for my journey thus far — and the new journey that I’m ready to embark upon.

These past ten years in ministry have been precious. They’ve also been difficult and challenging. However, a new chapter in the life of Stephen Bennett begins with this book.

I’ve decided to keep the title and content under wraps until the book is published, except for those few individuals who are directly connected with the book.

So, while I may not be online as much posting here on my blog or commenting on others, know this: I have made myself comfortable in my private little area with my laptop, my Bible, a few snacks and a sufficient stock of ice cold Snapple Pink Lemonade.

I’ve prayed privately and corporately with others, dedicating this book (and screenplay) to the Lord AND for His glory. I AM sowing, EXPECTING to reap a bountiful harvest (Psalm 142:7).

The ministry, office and online community will run as usual. We are on summer hours with staff now, so, if you get the voicemail, kindly leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

That being said, my laptop and Snapple is beckoning me… and off I go! A blessed summer to you all. ~ Stephen Bennett

I was just talking with my father on the phone and both of us were laughing. He was ranting, “I hate the weather man! He’s an idiot!”

Now, I wouldn’t have used that exact language, but hey, it’s one of the nicer comments my father has made.

We went through a horrible eight day heat wave a couple of weeks back. I’m afraid to see the electric bill. And now, it seems the oven temp. has been turned up 5 to 10 degrees more the past few days. Today will be the worst.

My Dad was complaining of course because of his garden. He has always loved gardening.

When I was younger and we lived in the big house in Easton (it literally had a roller skating rink in it), he had built raised garden beds in our yard. Each summer, we earned our allowance by helping him sift the dirt, move rocks, till and do some heavy manual labor!

He always started his plants though inside in our laundry room in the late winter, under grow lights. He prided himself in the fact that he would plant his Burpee seeds and months later, he would literally reap what he sowed!

The gardening thing never stuck with me. When I hear “gardening” I think of “Saturday Work Day” as a teen.

One thing I love to do though as I’ve shared many times here is cut my grass!! I can’t even tell you how much joy I get — as well as relaxation — just cutting the lawn and praying, and thinking.

My grass can use another cut today. My mother-in-law laughs as she sees me out there all of the time. In her broken English (she’s Polish) she asks Irene, “Why Steve cut grass again? He cut already this week!”

Irene answers, “Oh just let him cut it. It makes him happy.”

It does!

So, on today’s “muggy” forecast-schedule is: 1) Fix the upstairs toilet (the handle/pulley needs to be replaced); 2) Change the spark plug on my lawnmower (I just changed the air filter last week.. no WONDER the thing was smoking and bucking like crazy!); 3) Clean up my end table, as a new one will be delivered today (a piece of our new furniture arrived damaged a few weeks back and needs to be replaced); and 4) Take the kids fishing.

I was in the recording studio this week doing a lot of production work — editing, mixing and designing for a new project the ministry is releasing. It took a LONG time but came out fantastic! Praise God.

Monday I have a lot of important paperwork to get completed and filed, and then Tuesday… I BEGIN WRITING THE BOOK FULL-TIME!!

I can’t even tell you how excited I am.

This is a project I’ve wanted to do for many years, and it just wasn’t the right time. However, I know clearly without a doubt NOW is the time. The Lord held it back, and only now has released it — TO GO!

I have many chapters already written, which will be re-read, edited and used. I also have a new Editor, one who won’t change my words, nor the context of what I’m writing. I’m like a little kid on Christmas morning… I can’t wait to begin!

For those who are part of the project, you should have already received the private link to the Book Blog. If not, please contact me by e-mail. Should you want to be part of this very special project, please contact me by e-mail and I’ll send you the private info.

Well, off to work — OH NO — Saturday Work Day!!! Yikes!!!

Have a great day!