Such Things to be Thankful For

God has an interesting way of taking away things in our lives that we thought we'd never lose. Yet in the place of those (sometimes painful) departures, he inserts fresh perspectives and opportunities for greater things. I am watching opportunities in my life disappear left and right only to be replaced by grander and more eternal opportunities. And at the opportune moment... ok ok enough with the cheeseball opportune-ness. You get the point. So today as our nation stops to be thankful, I too can say with confidence that I am thankful. Despite what emotions I might be feeling in regards to changes in my life, I am learning to see Gods hand in it all. Because His hand is there. It always has been, and always will be. Now there is something to be thankful for.

My Little Nephew

Seth Daniel Jose has arrived! :) Ok so he's not really my nephew, but it's close enough.

My Prayer Request

I need prayer. I know that God wants a bigger place in my life than I am giving Him right now. I want that to change. But I need Him to change me. I need His strength.

My God

"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell." -C.S. Lewis

Watching the sunset this evening brought a fresh reminder of who God really is. I really love sunsets. I look at God's creation and am so unbelievably amazed that I have the privilege to be called a child of God. No other species on earth can claim that position. We are created in the image and likeness of God, and yet we curse His name like it is meaningless. Why? When someone exclaims "Jesus Christ" in disgust or frustration I always say "Don't blame it on Jesus, He was a good guy, it's not his fault." Sounds silly, but it is true. Sometimes in my life, I feel like I set God up as my fall-back, or insurance. When really He should constantly be the fore front of my existence.

I mean look at that sunset! If that could be turned into a painting and you asked someone if they wanted to know the artist, they would say yes of course. They would feel honored to have the opportunity to meet such a talented person. God paints these incredible skies almost every night. And we disregard this display of His glory. Ignoring Him makes us like the lunatic the CS Lewis describes. God's glory will be ever present, no matter how much we choose to ignore. Let God's glory be revealed in your life. Let him be the incredible and powerful God that he is.

My Adventure (Part 1)

The last few days have been absolutely incredible! I've experienced so many "firsts" that I really don't know where to start. I'm working on writing out a log of our trip which I will eventually post. God is so good. I am so blessed to have been able to come down here with Mike. I threw in a teaser picture which gives you an idea of the boundaries that Mike likes to push when he shoots. I thnk those of you who sunbounce on a regular basis will appreciate this shot. :)
Much more to come.

My Perspective

Upon life's pinnacle of pomp and worth

Absent from want or fear

What can go wrong in such a place?

With every known at hand

Yet in hearts up here no hope is found

No salve to soothe the wounds

Wounds that scar the hopeless heart

All they need is Jesus

Down with the lowest of the low

Sunk deep in life's great mire

They pine for hope, that pinnacle

That seems so out of reach

Striving to gain but quick to lose

Till everything left is gone

To whom shall they go to find this hope?

All they need is Jesus.

If you now find yourself amiss

rocked on the tempestuous sea of life

Wondering if and when your broken heart

will find soothing and relief

And oft it seems we end up here

With nothing left to lose

There is one who lost all for us

All we need is Jesus

My Haircut

I experienced something today that was very new and exciting. Someone besides my mom cut my hair!! To the average person, that may seem like a mundane accomplishment, but for me it was a pretty sweet deal. I was lucky enought to make an awesome new friend who just happens to work at Salon Lux downtown. I was pretty blown away when I walked in the door and the girl asked me if I would like some water or coffee or tea. I mean really, refreshments and a haircut?? Someone was thinkin! :) Then she got me started with a scalp massage and a shampooing. I think I almost fell asleep. It was heavenly. If I could have been eating tacos at the same time I think it would have been quite possibly the best moment of my life! Oh and did I mention I got a stinkin bomb haircut? Yeah so pretty much everyone should go there. And Kimmy is awesome. And Phil's home!!!!

Laater

My Music

I'm blessed to have so many friends who are musically talented! I love playing guitar and singing, and when there is someone who can sing with me, it makes it that much better. It's awesome!

My Great Day

Today was a great day. I woke up, experimented with a new egg-scrambling technique, (and suceeded) and then worked pretty hard for most of the day. Then I got to spend several hours at the beach and surfing with the greatest group of friends. Capped the day off with a meeting with Mike Larson, and a warm slice of Rachel's homemade pumpkin bread slathered with butter. Deeelicious.

Watched a video tonight at Esteem that talked about God being our Father and what that can really mean in our lives. It was great. Some of the footage in the video was of a dad and his little girl baking and decorating a cake together. It was really cute and definitely warmed my heart. I look forward to being a dad someday and doing fun things like that with my kids.

And in case you forgot, God is good... All the time!

My Inspiration

I was inspired by a very dear friend to write out some things that I have been thinking about. For you to read, whoever you may be. Maybe no one will ever read this... and that's OK with me.

Simple is beautiful. It seems so cliche to say "I miss the simple things in life." But you know what? I do miss the simple things in life. And I'm not afraid to say it. I long for a life where love is pure and true, where friendships are lasting and real, and truth is prominent. Now again, it seems cliche to say "Our society is so messed up..." but I'll go ahead and say it. Our society is messed up. Love is no longer the unbreakable bond of true devotion and commitment with another person. It has been cheapened and reduced to a fleeting emotion that is manipulated for personal gratification. Friendships fail and crumble under minuscule trials. And truth has become whatever we desire it to be.

Back to love for a moment... Simple love, true and pure, is what my heart desires. Not just a feeling, but a complete and total dedication to someone that will withstand any trial, pain, or rainy day. And when I tell that person I love them, it doesn't just mean I care about them. It means that they are the priceless to me. That I would do anything, go anywhere, and endure anything for them, even if it meant giving up my own life. I see her as a diamond, perfectly cut and polished by God, a precious, precious jewel, laying in the palm of my hand. And I have been given the responsibility of caring for this treasure that God has given me. Simple love... a precious jewel in the palm of a calloused hand. To guard with my life "until death do us part."

And if God has given you that love, then cherish it! With every ounce of strength that you have. It is a gift, and a privilege. And think often of the simple things in life. Enjoy the beauty in simplicity. The beauty of God's creation and all it contains. Appreciate a smile, a laugh, or a bomby burrito. Live in the moment that God has put you in and allow yourself to be amazed by the beauty he has surrounded you with. Turn your phone off for a minute and just listen to the silence. Look around once in a while. You might be surprised at the beauty all around you. Or, since I'm being cliche "don't forget to stop and smell the roses." Whoever said that just might have a point.