Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Heart-Ache
Waking up to news about a massive earth quake is hard. My heart aches for all of those suffering from the earth quake that happened in Haiti yesterday. It is interesting to think about natural disasters. I am forced to contemplate the ideas of what would happen if I were ever caught in the midst of one. None of those people anticipated a massive earth quake striking when their days had come to an end. How would I react? Would I be able to react? Or would I be one of the unfortunate ones who didn't get the chance. Who knows. I am comforted by the idea that I have a promise waiting for me on the other side of death. I often stress out about the idea of flying. I am flying this weekend, and I was stressed about it until this morning. Knowing what those people must be enduring in Haiti, my stress was washed away. What I believe, promises that I shouldn't worry about tomorrow, that it will worry about itself. There is too much going on right now, today, that I can focus on. The world is a crazy place. The older I get, the clearer that becomes. Things like the Haiti earth quake, or the Tsunami a few years ago, or Hurricane Katrina, are often catalysts for people to blame God, or let it be a starting point for an unbelief. I view it just the opposite. I believe in God after these hardships more than ever. Although there is so much devastation, so much good will come from this. People of ALL races will come together to serve the nation of Haiti, and lift it up on their shoulders and put it back together. Instead of searching for the next tactic in warfare, or how to further it's countries goals, everyone will lay down their selfish obsessions, and carry the weight of a broken nation. I am saddened by all the people that lost their lives, or are injured because of this tragedy, but I am hopeful for what the outcome will be. God Bless Haiti on this January morning. They will be in my thoughts today, and tomorrow, and the day after.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
It's Beginning to Feel Like...
Hello. This morning I am tired. I happy to have Coffee in my hand, and Bon Iver in my ears. I am sitting at my desk and I am thinking. December is already here again. Thanksgiving has come and gone, Christmas is upon us once again. It is funny how different the feeling of the "Holiday Season" changes as you get older. I can distinctly remember this time 14 years ago. I would be counting and re-organizing the presents under the tree for the next 2 weeks. All I could think about was Christmas morning. Sitting in a living room with my family. I can remember that every year they would make me wait to open anything until everyone had their coffee. I would get so annoyed at how long it took people to get coffee. I mean, c'mon people, we got presents to open. I would always get some pajamas. As soon as I opened the festive box filled with great new pajamas (usually from my grandma), I would strip down and put on the new set and where it for the rest of the morning, unless I opened a second pair, then they would get their shot too. I still like the Christmas season, but it is for different reasons. I love the idea of watching my 4 year old niece open presents. My sister posted a status on FB last night that described how Dylann (my niece) has begun to notice all the different Christmas lights on all the houses. Warms my heart. I look forward to spending extended periods of time with my family, who I don't see near enough. I look forward to sitting in church on Christmas Eve with my wife. I look forward to reading the Gospels and reminding myself of the reason for the season. I also look forward to a new year and the promise of good things to come. But things are different now. I won't try on PJs as soon as I open them (Unless they are awesome of course). This Christmas my nieces will be the ones waiting for me to get my coffee before they can tear into their freshly wrapped presents, and let me tell you, I am going to take a LONG time to get my coffee. I paid my due, and so will they! Ha. It will be a good Christmas. I look forward to it. I hope you remember all the memories from this time of year, even if it feels different this season. Peace.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunny Disposition
Hello loyal readers? Anyway. Today, I am doing some work from home and thought I would compose a quick blog...ya know, trying to re-earn your trust as a blogger. I am sitting at my kitchen table, and there are incredible rays of sun pouring in through the windows.
So funny story. About an hour and a half ago I got a call from Lori. She was almost in tears and proceeded to tell me that some repairs on our car were going to cost us over $800.00 dollars. I told her it would be alright and we talked about it. After a few minutes, I asked her to have the mechanic give me a call and list the repairs for me. Everything sounded like important repairs so I gave him the ok to go ahead with the work. About an hour later, Lori called to let me know that there was some "good news" regarding our car. Apparently, the printout of repairs our car needed, was not our car at all. Lori was told about the repairs for the wrong car. Our car was just going in. Hopefully this isn't some sick joke where our car will end up costing double that, but we both thought it was pretty funny. I wouldn't be surprised if Lori told the same story in her blog. Ok, enough for today. Back to work.
So funny story. About an hour and a half ago I got a call from Lori. She was almost in tears and proceeded to tell me that some repairs on our car were going to cost us over $800.00 dollars. I told her it would be alright and we talked about it. After a few minutes, I asked her to have the mechanic give me a call and list the repairs for me. Everything sounded like important repairs so I gave him the ok to go ahead with the work. About an hour later, Lori called to let me know that there was some "good news" regarding our car. Apparently, the printout of repairs our car needed, was not our car at all. Lori was told about the repairs for the wrong car. Our car was just going in. Hopefully this isn't some sick joke where our car will end up costing double that, but we both thought it was pretty funny. I wouldn't be surprised if Lori told the same story in her blog. Ok, enough for today. Back to work.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Feeling Inspired
Hello all you faithful readers...? So it has been nearly a year since my last blog. I think maybe the reason for that is a lack of inspiration. It's not that great things don't happen everyday in my life, or hard things worth writing about, but rather that I am not near enough to a computer to put my thoughts down. And by the time I am, I just don't think about blogging. Well, my hope is that today is a turning point. My wife Lori is on a blog kick, and she is so excited. I think it will help me be motivated to blog some more. Anyway, enough about whether I will be blogging regularly or not, because, well, if I were you I wouldn't trust me until you see some results.
A blog is an honest space. One for introspection and thought. A place where I can share my thoughts for you to read, and give feed back or just chew on. I don't want to just give you an update on my life in this post, but rather describe my feelings today, on the morning of November 12th, 2009.
This morning I am contemplative. I have a cup of coffee, a banana, and a computer. Upstairs my wife takes care of our home and puppy. Down the road, some guy is driving my old car. In Santa Cruz, some kid is surfing. In Southern California my mom is answering phones for people who want to go places. In the Northwest my family contemplates sickness. Across the world men fight a seeming endless war. But I have my coffee, banana, and computer. I am a man of faith. I am a man who believes in an all powerful God. A God who has the power to do anything. Still, I am forced to ponder the intricacies of life. You know, why things happen the way they do. Why bad things happen to good people. I truly believe there is a purpose behind it all, sometimes it is just tough to grapple with. Why do people spend years working in jobs they hate. I love learning about a loving God. It is amazing to me that someone died for me before I knew them. It is amazing that someone can love anyone so much. Sometimes it is just hard to have faith in the general sense. As I write this, I am tempted to write something like; "I want results, I want to see a miracle." But as soon as I think it, My mind is flooded with examples of miracles, and results. Last week, I shared with a group of guys that I was a bit stressed about money. That I had an appointment the following morning that could potentially cost me a lot of money that I don't have. We prayed. The next morning, the appointment didn't cost me a cent. The same day I saw someone receive a check for $1575.00. He proceeded to say that his rent was due that day, and that he couldn't afford it. His rent was $1550.00, and that check covered his rent with $25.00 left over. That afternoon a dear friend of ours had their puppy get really sick. The vet bill was far more than they could afford. My friends wife called a friend to ask for insight, the friend proceeded to tell her that before she had called, the friend and her husband had decided to give them their tithe for the month. This random act of kindness covered nearly half of the medical bill for the sick puppy. I work at a summer camp that scholarships young children. Last year we ran out of money for scholarships really early due to a struggling economy. The same week that our funds were depleted, we received a call and were told that in 2007, the tax auditors made a mistake, and that we had $17,000.00 in our scholarship account, to use immediately. These things strengthen my faith. Some may read that and think I am naive, but if you look at just those four small things that happened in my life, 3 of which were in the same day, and don't believe that there is something bigger going on here, I think you are naive. There is a God at work, and in my life, it is more evident all the time. I believe and I trust in that fact.
Wow, sorry, didn't mean to go all spiritual in my first post back from non-existence, but I suppose that's what happens when I let my fingers do the thinking. Until next time...
A blog is an honest space. One for introspection and thought. A place where I can share my thoughts for you to read, and give feed back or just chew on. I don't want to just give you an update on my life in this post, but rather describe my feelings today, on the morning of November 12th, 2009.
This morning I am contemplative. I have a cup of coffee, a banana, and a computer. Upstairs my wife takes care of our home and puppy. Down the road, some guy is driving my old car. In Santa Cruz, some kid is surfing. In Southern California my mom is answering phones for people who want to go places. In the Northwest my family contemplates sickness. Across the world men fight a seeming endless war. But I have my coffee, banana, and computer. I am a man of faith. I am a man who believes in an all powerful God. A God who has the power to do anything. Still, I am forced to ponder the intricacies of life. You know, why things happen the way they do. Why bad things happen to good people. I truly believe there is a purpose behind it all, sometimes it is just tough to grapple with. Why do people spend years working in jobs they hate. I love learning about a loving God. It is amazing to me that someone died for me before I knew them. It is amazing that someone can love anyone so much. Sometimes it is just hard to have faith in the general sense. As I write this, I am tempted to write something like; "I want results, I want to see a miracle." But as soon as I think it, My mind is flooded with examples of miracles, and results. Last week, I shared with a group of guys that I was a bit stressed about money. That I had an appointment the following morning that could potentially cost me a lot of money that I don't have. We prayed. The next morning, the appointment didn't cost me a cent. The same day I saw someone receive a check for $1575.00. He proceeded to say that his rent was due that day, and that he couldn't afford it. His rent was $1550.00, and that check covered his rent with $25.00 left over. That afternoon a dear friend of ours had their puppy get really sick. The vet bill was far more than they could afford. My friends wife called a friend to ask for insight, the friend proceeded to tell her that before she had called, the friend and her husband had decided to give them their tithe for the month. This random act of kindness covered nearly half of the medical bill for the sick puppy. I work at a summer camp that scholarships young children. Last year we ran out of money for scholarships really early due to a struggling economy. The same week that our funds were depleted, we received a call and were told that in 2007, the tax auditors made a mistake, and that we had $17,000.00 in our scholarship account, to use immediately. These things strengthen my faith. Some may read that and think I am naive, but if you look at just those four small things that happened in my life, 3 of which were in the same day, and don't believe that there is something bigger going on here, I think you are naive. There is a God at work, and in my life, it is more evident all the time. I believe and I trust in that fact.
Wow, sorry, didn't mean to go all spiritual in my first post back from non-existence, but I suppose that's what happens when I let my fingers do the thinking. Until next time...
Friday, January 23, 2009
Blah Blah Blah
No real purpose for this post other than I feel like it. I am in Seattle right now, which is a great city. It's funny, because I am on a "business trip"...sorta. I don't know if it could be classified as "business." Eric, Sean, and I are here recruiting summer staff for this upcoming summer. Eric is off interviewing some potential staff, Sean is taking a nap on the bed to my right, and I am sitting in this dark room typing a blog. Seattle is a great city. I really enjoy it. It hasn't rained since we have been here (tuesday), so that has been a plus because we have stayed dry. The sun is shining today, but the air is still brisk. I love being able to put on a nice coat and walk around a city. I am still trying to get in the habit of using a our camera more frequently, but sometimes you just wanna cruise. I have tried 2 new kinds of food while here...Thai and Ethiopian. For anyone who knows me, you know this is a big feat for me. They were both great. Ethiopian was an experience none the less. We ate at a place called Queen Sheeba up on Capital Hill, and Jai Thai, in Fremont. I would recommend either. Alright, well, my eyes feel heavy, so I think I'll go take a nap as well. Peace
Monday, January 12, 2009
Been a While
So it has been a little while. Here is an update. The holidays were fantastic. I spent 10 days in Hawaii with my inlaws. It was really fun. The more time I spend with my new family, the more I love them. I am glad that's the way it worked out. A lot of people can't stand spending time with their in laws, but I can be honest in saying I really enjoyed myself. Lori and I returned on Dec. 31st, and went to bed around 10:30. It was a crazy night! Ha. Since then, work has started again, and so many things have already changed. Daniel is gone, and Sean has arrived. It is really bitter-sweat. Daniel was great at his job, and was a great friend. Sean is one of my closest friends, and is new at the job, but I am confident he'll do an amazing job. A good friend, Christian, got married the other day, and that is what the meat of this entry will be about.
Weddings.
I realzied somethings during this wedding. I had only been in two other weddings previous to this one. The first was my sisters, in which I was 8 years old, and I wore a white tux with tails (the only person there with this ensamble by the way), and served as the ring-bearer. The 2nd was my wedding. So, being a groomsmen in this one was a different experience altogether. It was so fun. I didn't have to nerves of all that comes with marriage, and I am old enough to be able to understand what it means to be asked by a friend to stand with them on their wedding day (arguably the most important day of their lives). One of the great parts of being a groomsmen is that you get to goof off. It is all jokes. One of my favorite moments of the weekend was at the rehearsal. I was standing with some of the other groomsmen, Reid and Taylor, when I looked down and saw Taylor making a call. Confused I said, who are you calling? He replied "Christian." I then turned to face the groom-to-be, as he was rehearsing what it would be like to stand on the alter with his bride, when his phone began to ring in all it's glory. Taylor Reid and I, began to laugh histarically as Christian fumbled in his pocket to turn off the distratction. He then looked at who had called and scowled at Taylor. Pricelss.
It was a beautiful ceremony. Christian's vows were perfect. Lacy's song to Christian was incredible. Being in a wedding is a great reminder of all the reasons I love my wife. It was wonderful to hear people make a commitment to eachother similar to the one I made just over a year ago. Anyway, It was a fun weekend.
Weddings.
I realzied somethings during this wedding. I had only been in two other weddings previous to this one. The first was my sisters, in which I was 8 years old, and I wore a white tux with tails (the only person there with this ensamble by the way), and served as the ring-bearer. The 2nd was my wedding. So, being a groomsmen in this one was a different experience altogether. It was so fun. I didn't have to nerves of all that comes with marriage, and I am old enough to be able to understand what it means to be asked by a friend to stand with them on their wedding day (arguably the most important day of their lives). One of the great parts of being a groomsmen is that you get to goof off. It is all jokes. One of my favorite moments of the weekend was at the rehearsal. I was standing with some of the other groomsmen, Reid and Taylor, when I looked down and saw Taylor making a call. Confused I said, who are you calling? He replied "Christian." I then turned to face the groom-to-be, as he was rehearsing what it would be like to stand on the alter with his bride, when his phone began to ring in all it's glory. Taylor Reid and I, began to laugh histarically as Christian fumbled in his pocket to turn off the distratction. He then looked at who had called and scowled at Taylor. Pricelss.
It was a beautiful ceremony. Christian's vows were perfect. Lacy's song to Christian was incredible. Being in a wedding is a great reminder of all the reasons I love my wife. It was wonderful to hear people make a commitment to eachother similar to the one I made just over a year ago. Anyway, It was a fun weekend.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Life in General
Ok, so maybe the title of this post is misleading because this isn't really about life "in general" but rather my life as of late. I haven't posted on this thing in a few weeks, so I figured I should do so. A lot of things have happened lately so I will describe some of them, I will put a heading over each "sub-section" so you can skip the ones you don't care about. Sound good? Good.
Fantasy Football
Most people don't care about this, but some of you do. I am really excited about the way Brian Westbrook played last week. Anyone else? I was losing hope fast. I am going to make the playoffs, but I was sure I was doomed because of Westbrook's injury ridden stats as of late. In his last game he put up over 110 yards and had 4 touchdowns. Incredible. Also, Anquan Boldin played terrible. But I can see this being a benefit to my playoff games. With a terrible game, comes one of redemption. Boldin was quoted as saying that was the worst game he had ever played. My hope is that that means he will play incredible in the next 3 weeks. Farve is unpredictable but I have to stick with him, I mean he is Brett Farve after all. I picked up Peyton Hillis who has been a monster lately so hopefully that will be to my benefit as well. Ok, that's all for Fantasy Football...wish me luck.
Dentist
Ok, so I have spent far too much time at the dentist in the last month. I had to get a bunch of fillings taken care of and that meant 3 trips to the dentist. By the last trip I was so absolutely tired of sitting in that chair with a numb face listening to the sounds of the drill. I hate the dentist's office as it is, and having to go 3 times in a month was brutal. Well, I am pretty sure I have to go again, because one of my teeth is hurting...bummer. I have a theory about the dentist's office, so next time you go, think about these things and get back to me. When you get there listen to the music. It is usually casual and soothing. Songs about love or good times. When you go in, watch and see if the assistant butters you up a little bit. Then when the actual dentist enters, watch how nice he is. My theory is that this is all because when you stand up from the chair and go to pay your bill, they have just cost you a small fortune. Shoot, I would do the same thing, because when I leave I am thinking "well at least they were really nice." Think about it.
Thanksgiving
I am thankful. My family is one of a kind and Lori and I spent Thanksgiving with them. It was the mellowest Thanksgiving I have ever experienced. Just my Mom, Dad, Lori and me. Something I am not thankful for is how out of shape I am. I played basketball with friends on Thanksgiving morning, and it was the first time in my short life that I felt as if I physically couldn't play anymore. I had to remove myself from the game because I was so tired. I was literally worthless. Normally I can sprint for days, but that day was a sad day. My hope is that it will motivate me to run or something...fat chance.
One-Year Anniversary
Lori and I have officially been married for over a year. Our anniversary was Nov. 30th. We spent a couple days at Disneyland to celebrate. It was supposed to be a surprise, but a friend of mine, lets call him Jonathan Trigg, blew it and spilled the beans in front of Lori. Let's just say it was an awkward moment. Either way Lori and I had a great time. We felt pretty old by the end of day 2 because of how sore we were from walking so much...depressing.
Life in General
Now to the general part. Life is good. I love my wife, and the life I am blessed with. I have great friends & family, and a God who loves me. I am happy to to live where I do, and serve in the place I serve. Years ago I would have NEVER have imagined myself as a Director at a Christian Camp, but it is a clear testament that God is bigger than my plans. If you are reading this, I hope you are well, and hopefully I'll have some more, "thought-provoking" blogs in the near future. Peace in your heart...
Fantasy Football
Most people don't care about this, but some of you do. I am really excited about the way Brian Westbrook played last week. Anyone else? I was losing hope fast. I am going to make the playoffs, but I was sure I was doomed because of Westbrook's injury ridden stats as of late. In his last game he put up over 110 yards and had 4 touchdowns. Incredible. Also, Anquan Boldin played terrible. But I can see this being a benefit to my playoff games. With a terrible game, comes one of redemption. Boldin was quoted as saying that was the worst game he had ever played. My hope is that that means he will play incredible in the next 3 weeks. Farve is unpredictable but I have to stick with him, I mean he is Brett Farve after all. I picked up Peyton Hillis who has been a monster lately so hopefully that will be to my benefit as well. Ok, that's all for Fantasy Football...wish me luck.
Dentist
Ok, so I have spent far too much time at the dentist in the last month. I had to get a bunch of fillings taken care of and that meant 3 trips to the dentist. By the last trip I was so absolutely tired of sitting in that chair with a numb face listening to the sounds of the drill. I hate the dentist's office as it is, and having to go 3 times in a month was brutal. Well, I am pretty sure I have to go again, because one of my teeth is hurting...bummer. I have a theory about the dentist's office, so next time you go, think about these things and get back to me. When you get there listen to the music. It is usually casual and soothing. Songs about love or good times. When you go in, watch and see if the assistant butters you up a little bit. Then when the actual dentist enters, watch how nice he is. My theory is that this is all because when you stand up from the chair and go to pay your bill, they have just cost you a small fortune. Shoot, I would do the same thing, because when I leave I am thinking "well at least they were really nice." Think about it.
Thanksgiving
I am thankful. My family is one of a kind and Lori and I spent Thanksgiving with them. It was the mellowest Thanksgiving I have ever experienced. Just my Mom, Dad, Lori and me. Something I am not thankful for is how out of shape I am. I played basketball with friends on Thanksgiving morning, and it was the first time in my short life that I felt as if I physically couldn't play anymore. I had to remove myself from the game because I was so tired. I was literally worthless. Normally I can sprint for days, but that day was a sad day. My hope is that it will motivate me to run or something...fat chance.
One-Year Anniversary
Lori and I have officially been married for over a year. Our anniversary was Nov. 30th. We spent a couple days at Disneyland to celebrate. It was supposed to be a surprise, but a friend of mine, lets call him Jonathan Trigg, blew it and spilled the beans in front of Lori. Let's just say it was an awkward moment. Either way Lori and I had a great time. We felt pretty old by the end of day 2 because of how sore we were from walking so much...depressing.
Life in General
Now to the general part. Life is good. I love my wife, and the life I am blessed with. I have great friends & family, and a God who loves me. I am happy to to live where I do, and serve in the place I serve. Years ago I would have NEVER have imagined myself as a Director at a Christian Camp, but it is a clear testament that God is bigger than my plans. If you are reading this, I hope you are well, and hopefully I'll have some more, "thought-provoking" blogs in the near future. Peace in your heart...
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