A Simple Narrative

Simple, not shallow; Strong, but vulnerable; Passionate and Courageous, but meek and modest.

That is what I hope is said about the life I've lived when it has finished. I hope that my life is remembered as a story, not fancied by made-up entities, but raw and real. Through the years I've spent on this earth, I've been lectured on this idea of leaving a "legacy" behind me.
After much thought, and consideration, I decided for myself that a legacy was unnecessary. I feel as though we have to many of those filling our history books, and being recorded in other mediums. My hearts desire is that I do not let my life turn into another strive to make it into world history. But rather that it becomes a narrative, simple, but inspiring. Please do not let the world remember me by the speech from my lips, the ink from my pen, or certainly not a picture of my face. Let them remember me in a different light.
In the light of a daring tale that lives on in the memories of my friends and family. And when all has been accomplished by all that was to be accomplished by me on this earth, look to my life as a piece of literature. A story, with a definite beginning and ending, and an author who orchestrated my steps through it all.

Let the cover read 'A Simple Narrative' because the critics of the novel should say

"From the beginning, to the end of this account, my heart was moved, my soul was inspired, and my humanity was stretched. The world should read and gain small but certain truths from the life lived in this Simple Narrative."

Turn Down The Music

I went to see my favorite duo, Shane & Shane, live on Monday night with my buddies Dan and Josh.
I was excited to hear that they had a new worship CD, and that they're set that night would include several songs from it.

They sang a song called "Turn Down The Music." The song was so convicting. Listen to it, and you'll see why. This is a random video that someone put together after going to Kenya on a missions trip. I'm posting it so you can listen to the word of this song. Hit play, and read the lyrics below.






If you were hungry, would we give you food?
If you were thirsty, would we give you drink?
If you were a stranger, would we let you in?
What would be the song we’d sing to you when they're in need?
Would it be an empty hallelujah to the King?


Turn down the music
Turn down the noise
Turn up your voice Oh God
Let us hear the sound
Of people broken willing to love
Give us your heart oh God
A new song rise in us


If you were naked, would we give you clothes?
If you were an orphan, would we give our homes?
If you were in prison, would we visit you?
What would be the song we’d sing to you with everything
Would it be an empty hallelujah to the King?

Let it be our worship
Let it be our true religion
In this world but not of it
Holding on to our confession

Snowboarding & Adventures with Greg

A couple of weeks ago, my coworker and friend Greg Hammond and I went snowboarding together. Greg, an experienced snowboarder, had made all the arrangements. He took care of boot and board rentals, and called ahead to make sure we had the best possible conditions at the slopes of our choosing.
I was so excited. The hour and a half drive was nearing its end, and my heart was pounding. I cannot describe accurately how deeply I love the mountains, the outdoors, or recreation. The beauty of the landscape as we drove higher and higher increased with every mile we drove.

We were about fifteen minutes away from Appalachian Ski Mountain, when we reached a flagger who motioned cars to stop and turn around; the road was closed! The woman had told us a detour route as we approached, so we whipped around and went on our way. We came to the turn that the woman had prompted us to take to initiate the detour, but Greg's GPS told us it new a better way, so we trusted the small computer.

Before we could blink, we were on a dirt road that was one lane big with no guard rail swerving about and down, around and about the mountain! There were patches of gravel here and there, but we were stranded on this proverbial "highway to hell". We drove 8 miles an hour for an additional 60 minutes! We drove so slow because it had rained earlier that day, and we were afraid we get stuck, or worse.... Slide off the road.

It was awful. We were the only car we saw. Patches of ice came frequently, steep drives and sharp turns abounded every inch of that wretched road. Finally, we arrived back on a main road, and were minutes from our destination. I will never trust a GPS again. When we arrived, we bought our lift tickets, headed to the restrooms, and then made our way to the glossy white hills. It was amazing. The sight was beautiful. I spent about an hour and a half on the "bunny hill" trying to perfect my beginner abilities. I fell a lot! My butt felt like jello at the end of the day. The slopes were about to close for an hour for grooming, and Greg challenged me. He told me that I should go straight to the hardest hill, to which I replied "WHAT!!??? Seriously?" I couldn't even go 10 yards without falling, and Greg is asking me to go on the black diamond hill? I didn't even know how to properly exit the lift, let alone make down the steep and busy hill.

My boyish wits got the best of me, and I accepted the challenge. I was overcome by the beauty of the landscape more than ever when I reached the top. The view was so much different than on the bunny hill. My position was higher up, and I could see thousands of miles out. The beautiful peaks and snow-covered forests were breathtaking. It was time for me to descend. I did incredible. I fell only three times! That is really good! (considering that the hill was long and steep; and that I couldn't hold myself up on a kiddy hill). I was so proud of myself. The wind battered my cheeks, the cool air filled my lung, and the adrenaline pumped through my body. It was a rush indeed. I would attempt it three more times following. The next time, I fell twice. The third run, I fell once. And on my last run before they shut down to groom, I never stopped until I reached the bottom of the hill.

We rested in the cabin while our boards rested outside. Sadly, someone stole one of our boards while we weren't watching. We were so angry. But life went on. We rented another board, and soon, the slopes were open and we were back in action.



Isn't it amazing what people will do to entertain themselves. I mean, think about it. Who would think to stand on a plank and endure high speeds down icy slopes? I don't know, but I'm grateful for who did. My heart is beckoned to venture out onto those icy hills soon. I don't know whether it is because of the sport itself, or the adventure that surrounds it.

BoneMan's Daughters....

My amazing older brother Dylan got me this fantastic book, by NY Times Best-Selling author Ted Dekker, called "BoneMan's Daughters."
The story takes place present day. It revolves around a genius of a Naval Intelligence officer named Ryan Evans. Ryan is an analytical machine. His job with the Naval Intelligence is to process intel received from intercepted communications, satellite imaging, from field evidence, and from other resources. He looks at life as a puzzle, or game, so to speak. Every problem has a capable resolution; every code can be cracked.
While Ryan is stationed in Iraq, he is taken hostage by insurgents who blow up his convoy. It is in this moment that this man, whose brain is as sturdy as iron, begins to deteriorate under the torture and graphic horrors delivered by his captives.
Being mindful that his life was the military, his family back home in Texas is falling away from him.

During his tour, back in Texas, a serial killer is on the lose. A serial killer who wishes to find for himself a daughter to replace the one he once lost. This killer receives his nickname 'BoneMan' because of what he does to his victims. He kidnaps young women whom he wishes to "adopt," and after discovering that each one cannot love him as a father the way he wants them to, he stakes their limbs to the ground and proceeds to break every single bone in their body. He leaves his victims alone, in agonizing pain, and suffering from massive bleeding caused by internal damage.
When Ryan finds out that his daughter is taken by the BoneMan. His weapon of a mind aims to track down this murdering lunatic.

That is the main plot without giving away any of the 'good stuff.' If you like thrillers that make your skin crawl and your mind lost in making sense of what's happening, you should read this book. If you don't like mysteries, don't read it.

Ted Dekker, you're amazing dude.

Men And Boys

Today I read an article from a woman's perspective on immature men. The author proceeded to explain how men (in the past 50 years especially) have stopped growing up. She claimed that the majority of broken families, underdeveloped children, and cross-gender distrust is the result of men who wouldn't stop being boys. Is she right? I think I agree. Men were once those responsible for leading the family and setting an example for others, and yes, as a whole, we've compromised this status. Today, I stopped and looked around at people I know. I looked around at friends, family, co-workers, and strangers, and realized something... Most young women today don't want a man, they want a boy (notice, I said young women). They stopped looking for someone to be the hardest worker, the most trustworthy friend, the highest role model, and the best possible father for they're children. Instead, they strangely seek out shallow and weak men who validate them, not support them. They surrender their emotions, thoughts, and bodies to fragile and fickle boys. And those boys create for themselves an illusion of masculinity in their own minds as they indulge themselves. Thus, two broken people search for wholeness in each other. It is, therefore, no surprise when fleeting happiness fades and only chipped damaged goods remain. Fellas, lets decide to take the lead. And by leading, we make decisions out of wisdom, not out of emotion. To be an agent of stability, not validity. Young ladies, don't seek out boys. Companions are not meant to be hollow and easy, they're meant to be challenging, but rewarding.

The Blood

Countless sonnets and songs have been written about the blood of Jesus Christ. I've personally sat in worship services where we sang songs saying "Oh the precious blood of Jesus" and have heard people describe the blood as "beautiful." Even in our prayers we pray and plead the blood of Jesus over circumstances and happenings of life.

Unless you've jumped on the recent "Twilight" bandwagon, there probably is much that is exciting about blood.

If I were someone opposite my present self, someone who had perhaps never heard of Christ or the events of Calvary, how would I react to such? Lets pretend I walked into a foreign country and therein was a temple where people were rejoicing over the blood of their God, truthfully, I think I would get a little freaked out. I'd probably haul my heavy self as far away from those involved in the experience as fast as I my legs would take me.

So if for some reason friend, you find yourself asking similar questions, perhaps asking "What makes the blood of Christ so significant that it would be counted precious as diamonds and lovely as roses?"
It is because once you have experience the blood, there is nothing like it. According to what we read in scripture, sin (which is the unavoidable result of being imperfect) has a demand... Sin demands death (Romans 6:23). The only cure or relief from sin is DEATH. I'm sure when you read that, some sort of depressing or gothic image flashed in your mind. But that is where the beauty of the blood comes in. The blood of Christ is significant because Christ relieved us from the curse of sin by taking our sin upon himself. We owed a debt that we could not pay, and he paid our debts which he did not owe. This friend is why we celebrate the blood.

Purpose

It amazes me how many times a human being, like myself for example, struggles with the idea of purpose. Sometimes, we wonder what our purpose in life is, and other times (usually most of the time) we wonder if we have what it takes to accomplish it... The truth is, I don't believe that there's just one thing I'm supposed to do. I have to believe and dream that my everyday purpose in life is being fulfilled daily. If we are to grow deeper as intelligent beings, then we must realize this: though standing around and calling out heavenward begging for answers can be helpful in recognizing the sovereignty of God in our lives, we cannot hinge our energy on the idea that there's simply this "one thing" that we have to do in life, and if we miss the mark, then we have failed. Feeling purposeful isn't always pleasant. Sometimes it stings and even scars. But the beauty is, no matter what chips are knocked off of our fragile emotions, that we have the ability to know in fact that our lives were truly lived and not simply wasted.