Day 15 and I'm feeling tired

I was all set to write up a good post about a new non profit I discovered recently.  Then, today happened.  I'm a bit behind at work and I spent a majority of my time tonight trying to get caught up. I'm not totally caught up but I cranked out several days of email in a few hours.  I feel good about that but there's still lots to do and frankly, I'm tired.  I'll post the other one tomorrow.  But in the meantime, know that I'm still at it.  Even if it's a lame post about how tired I am.  Still at it.  I kind of feel like Lonestar crossing the desert with my sidekick Bart carrying her royal highness's matched luggage.  Oh waiter.  Check please.

Relationship. It's the key to everything.

This video popped up in my Facebook feed today.  (Thanks, Isaac for posting it!).  I have to tell you, I got a little misty.  Check it out:

http://www.aarp.org/disrupt-aging/stories/ideas/info-2016/what-is-old-video.html

Here's what got me right in the feels.  So much of our perceptions and preconceived notions are based in untruth because we don't know the truth.  The only way to know the truth is to experience it, to form a relationship with it and then to allow the truth alter and change us.  This video shows us all how beautiful that encounter can be.  These "younger" folks had thoughts and feelings about what "old" is but had those wiped away with a simple shared experience.

So much of our fear, anxiety, and hate can be destroyed in the same fashion.  It's easy for us to hang out, chat, and socialize with people we like or rather who are like us.  What about with someone who is not like us?  What about those who don't think or act like us?

It makes me think about the political climate today and how it's polarized us.  I think about the folks who will not talk about race and refuse to accept that inequality still exists.  I think about the oppression of women around the world and those who are oblivious to it.  The world is in need of life changing relationships.

In the beginning of our story, God commented that it's not good for man to be alone.  Now any mother will tell you that this is honest truth.  My great grandmother used to have a saying, "If you want something done halfway, send your son.  If you don't want it done at all, send his brother with him."  It's true.  Men need companionship and frankly we need guidance.  What I find interesting is that God was already in relationship before he created us.  He didn't really need a relationship with anyone else.  He was in perfect relationship within the Trinity.  We humans were created as a reflection of that relationship and are invited into it.

It's my belief that through real and honest relationship walls of prejudice, oppression and misunderstanding are broken down.  We can build foundations of a lasting unity and kinship from the pieces.  From the shattered shards of our shared experience, a beautiful mosaic is formed.  That mosaic has the power to change the world.  What a wonderful world that would be.

Hey, it's Day 14!  We're still here!

Take a walk

Today was a busy day.  I spent most of it teaching folks about the business group I'm responsible for.  I wasn't anticipating spending all day doing that but that's how it worked out.  By the end of the day, I was worn out.  All I wanted to do was come home, change my clothes, and go for a walk.  Yeah, I was surprised too.

I wasn't able to get my normal morning walk in today.  So maybe that had something to do with it.  But was really looking forward to the walk.  To be out in open air, my dog at my side and Gregorian chant blaring in my headphones.  Ok, so maybe not blaring but definitely loud.  And that's what I did.  It. was. awesome!

It was a good way to work off some steam and clear my head.  Now, the kiddos are in bed and Jen is watching her Royals play the Astros.  Currently, the Royals are down 6 - 0 in the bottom of the sixth. She's not too happy.  I keep telling her that it's at least a 9 inning game.  Stranger things have happened after all.

As you can tell, I'm kind of struggling with a topic today.  My mind is a little tired.  Hopefully, I'll have something tomorrow.  If not, I'll keep at it.  I think that's part of what I'm learning here is the habit of daily writing. Even if I'm too tired, not inspired, or just flat out don't want to do it.  Writers write, right?

Day 13.  Wheeee!

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

Today was a good day.  I finished up a few more things on the car and ended the day watching my youngest play her first game of basketball with other kids.

The first part, the car was a little trying.  I have a couple of books plus the owners manual and still don't have all of the instructions I need.  I guess that's kind of like real life too.  Somethings you just have to experience and figure out as you go along.  Jason was able to pitch in and help too so I'm really grateful for that!  Now all that is left is the spark plugs.  That shouldn't be too hard, right?

As for the basketball game, that was pretty awesome.  It's great to see my kiddo out there hustling and having a great time.  I love sports.  Really any kind of sports.  I'd watch pretty much any sport as long as it was a good competition and exciting to watch.  I get a sense that it must be somewhat like what God must experience as He cheers us on throughout our day.  There are great successes and great failures.  But through it all, He's right there with us.  Fathering us as we muddle through.  I'm really thankful for that.

So I'm on day 12 of the blogging journey.  I think I'm getting into a rhythm.  At least it feels like it.  As always, feel free to leave comments.  I'll try and respond as quickly as possible!

Zen and the art of automotive maintenance

Well the day has finally arrived.  The mustang is due for several maintenance items but I'm not worried.   I've done my research, studied up on how to complete all of the work, and now almost all of the supplies have arrived.  I guess I should mention that I intend on doing all the work myself.  Here's the list of the work that needs to be done:

Spark Plugs

Coolant Flush

Tranmission Flush

Air Filter

Cabin Air Filter

Fuel Filter

Don't worry.  I had help.  My best friend of some 37 years, Jason came over to lend a hand or two and provide intellectual and emotional support.  

I must say that it feels good to do the work myself.  I get a sense of accomplishment after being successful.  Each new challenge brings the opportunity to learn more about my car and how it works. Besides, I have always planned on keeping the 'stang for as long as Jen will let me keep it.  In order to do this, I need to stay up on the maintenance schedule.  Being that it's a used car, I'm not sure when all this was done.  So, I'm finally making sure it's done now. 

Well, the fuel filter was more of a pain that I thought.  Firstly, there is a protective plastic cover that needed to be removed.  Which doesn't sound so awful.  However, the bolt was about and inch too longer than it really needed to be which rendered my socket set practically useless.  Mental note to buy a deep socket set (Yea!  More tools!).

In order to remove the nut, I had to use an open ended wrench that due to the tight clearance, I couldn't turn but a 1/8 or so per turn.  In case you aren't following, it means it takes FOREVER to remove the bolt.  All while laying on my back, half under the car.  But, after many minutes and a few choice words about some Ford engineers, I was able to finally get the shroud lose enough to get to the fuel filter.  The rest of the job went pretty well.  Due to the extended time it took to access the fuel filter, I wasn't able to get to the coolant and transmission flush.  I get to tackle that tomorrow!  The spark plugs will have to wait until Monday.  I'm still waiting on some supplies for that.  

All in all, it was a pretty successful day.  I'll keep you all posted with the rest of the stuff tomorrow.  It's day 11 and I'm feeling great!  

Fortunately, it wasn't this bad.  Close though.

Great dinner and happy endings

Tonight we had some dear friends over for dinner.  The food was good.  The company was delightful.  The conversation was stimulating.  And, they took my children home with them!  Right now, my wife and I have the house to ourselves quite serendipitously.  So first of all, let me thank my friends for this most unexpected gift.  I had planned on another post entirely that I will be publishing tomorrow.  It's a good one and you don't want to miss it.

But right now, I'm going to enjoy this most precious gift of time with my wife.

What a way to end day 10!

Do you really know me? (Part two of today's double header!)

Last night the guys and I were talking about intimacy.  Crazy, huh?  A point was made that there is nothing more seductive than knowing that someone else knows (or gets you).  I kind of agree with that.  However, my feeling is that the seduction comes from being desired or at least the appearance of being desired.

So how do you show the one that you love that you desire them?  A small plug here.  Jen and I read a book as part of our premarital counseling entitled, The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman.  It has been really helpful not only in our relationship but also with our kids.  I strongly recommend it!

Throughout our time together, Jen has told me numerous times that she wants to feel that I know her.  How can I show that?  For a man, this can be a very frustrating experience.  But not impossible!  I've learned that I can show her by surprising her with little gifts I know that she wants.  How do I know what to get you may ask?  I listen!  It's really quite novel.

Every now and then, Jen will drop a hint, a small phrase, a passing comment about something that she likes.  I write it down.  Seriously, I keep a log.  If I don't, I will forget it.  It's my go to list around any gift giving day or if I just want to surprise her.  The key here is to listen, observe, and record!

I don't want to sound too materialistic.  It's not always about the gift.  Jen also feels loved by quality time and acts of service.  I've started making her coffee for her every morning.  It doesn't take really that much time, but it shows her that I'm thinking of her.

How can you show the one you love that you do?  Share your story in the comments!

*wipes brow*  That's the end of the double header, folks!  I hoped you enjoyed it!

It's all about people (Part one of a Double Header!)

It's all about people.  Well, at least people connectors.

Today I watched a keynote presentation given by Dan Harmon.  He is the executive producer behind some of my favorite shows of recent memory.  I've attached a link to the full video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej_aFOnT04g

His main point was discussing what he called People connectors.  In his keynote, he referred to both television and the internet as people connectors.  He also claimed that money ruined television and it will someday ruin the internet.  I can see myself agreeing with Dan somewhat. However, I see other people connectors as well.

To me, conversation is the ultimate people connector.  What better way to connect with someone other than talking with and listening to another person.  The second part is really important!

But as Dan mentioned, you can't take the connector more serious than the connection or else it loses it's effect.  In other words, don't be so focused on the medium as much as the content.  That's where the magic is.  In addition, I think it's important to be true to yourself and have your voice.  (You may have noticed that I inject my attempts at humor in my writing so hopefully, I'm staying true to this advice.)

What are your thoughts?  Let's keep the conversation going!

You may (or may not) have noticed that I missed yesterday.  This one was half written yesterday and I didn't finish it until today.  So, I'm pulling a double header!  Day 8 and 9!

The power of the written word

I was at the gym today and was watching a series of educational videos while doing my cardio.  What can I say?  I like multitasking.  Anyway, John Green (some of you may recognize his name) has a youtube channel called Crash Course:  https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse  The videos are brilliant and I truly enjoy watching them.  Back to my point.

This particular video was on how and why we read.  John made some really good points about how language, specifically written language has power.  (Side note:  He has the phrase, "This machine kills fascists" on his macbook pro which I'm sure is a tribute to Woody Guthrie.  This makes me like John Green all that much more.  Two reasons.  He's a Mac guy and obviously likes Woody Guthrie or at very least doesn't like fascists.  Either way, win win.) Back to the video.

He makes a point that reading is a conversation between the author and the reader.  I've never really looked at it that way.  I've always viewed reading as more like me consuming (there's that word again) the author's content.  It's an interesting thought to see myself as having a "voice" in that conversation.  I'm going to have to think on this some more.

Speaking of conversation, please feel free to leave your comments to this or any other of my posts.  I'd love to read them and respond.

Hey, it's day 9.  I mean 7 and I'm still here!  This is fun, right?

P.S. For those of you who are curious, here's the link to the video I referenced today:  https://youtu.be/MSYw502dJNY

A little siesta now back to the trail

You might have noticed that I missed  couple of days.  It wasn't really intentional.  The weekend was a little crazy.  No guilt or condemnation feeling here.  Being honest with myself that I just forgot about it until today.  So here we are.  Back on track.

Speaking of back on track, I also started a different strength training at home this morning.  My lower back has been hurting a bit after the weight training.  I had to recognize that my core is not as strong as it needs to be yet, so it's back to basics.  No reason to be concerned.  It's all part of the process.

This year is all about conditioning.  Physical, spiritual, mental.  All of it is in scope.  God is working on me.  Fathering me through this process.  I just need to stay focused and close to him.  I know that it will be hard at times.  Much like an extended hiking journey.  But oh the sights we'll see and the things we will experience along the way.  I have to keep reminding myself.  Keep moving forward.  Trust.

Officially, it's day 8 but only the sixth post. So, I'm counting this as the sixth day.  Let's build some momentum and keep this baby rolling.

An Empty Vessel

In a sermon I recently heard, I was challenged to become empty.  This is a bit of a challenge as I find myself constantly full yet always never satisfied.

Thinking about this reminds me of a time when I awoke at 1 am and couldn't go back to sleep.  As I laid there trying to relax and fall back asleep, I tried the normal routine of letting my mind wander and wander it did.  After a futile hour and a half, I decided to turn to prayer.  Within moments, a thought entered my consciousness.  "There is a void within me that only God can fill."  And then it hit me.  For as long as I can remember, I have tried to fill this empty space with anything and everything I could.  Nothing fit.  Nothing satisfied.  Because it wasn't God.

I then got a vision of what I would call an "idol room"  It was a collection of physical manifestations of all the things I had used in the place of God.  It wasn't a big room, more like a walk in closet, but it was full.  This gave me pause and has given me much to think about.

This is relevant to my current journey. I am attempting to walk closer with God.  I want to be able to hear Him clearly and be able to respond to His direction.  What is holding me back?

As I have discovered, choosing God is an active choice.  It's one that I'm obviously out of practice.  However, much like the proper diet and exercise is essential to life.   What idols am I turning to today instead of God?  I've mentioned gaming recently.  Surfing online is another popular choice of mine.  What about you?  What have you chosen as a surrogate for God?

Welcome to day 5 of my 40 day blog journey!  If you're just now joining the trail, welcome!  If you've been with me for a while, then it's good to see you again.  

I'm a consumer and I consume to satisfy cravings.  However, I'm learning that this type of consumption is not good for my health.

I've been working on losing weight recently so I have been paying close attention to what I have been physically consuming.  It's going pretty well.  Since mid January I'm down almost 30 pounds.  The process is relatively simple.  I need to consume less calories than my body will burn.  Simple math.  Create a deficient and you lose weight.  The trick is knowing what to eat.

Through this journey, I've learned that not all calories are created equal.  100 calories of chocolate and a 100 calories of salad look vastly different besides the obvious.  The main benefit to choosing the more healthy option is that I can consume more of it.  With the added benefit of it being good for me.  This is all fine and good but I've come to realize that I need to apply a similar process to what I consume with my mind and with my time.

So I'm going on another type of diet.  A diet for my time and focus.  Instead of playing games on my iPhone and/or iPad, I'm going to read a book instead.  Truth be told, I have plenty to keep me busy.  I did something similar a while back and was able to get through a couple of books.  It had a positive impact on my patience and overall mood.  Incrementally, I'm making positive changes and waiting for the results!

We're now on Day 4 and I'm still feeling strong.  But I'm a little hungry.

A selfish failure

I'm a selfish failure.  I guess a manner of explanation is in order.  I have for too long chased after my own desires for fulfillment.  Who better to know how to satisfy me than the one who created me.  Why chase after bread that spoils instead of the bread and wine that give true and everlasting sustenance.  Like Peter said "where can we go, Lord for you have the words of everlasting life."

I find myself going through cycles of "busyness and distraction".  These are great tools used by the enemy to keep us spun up and confused.  My wife remarked today that she noticed I have been playing games a lot more recently.  She has also noticed a change in my general demeanor and mood.  I seem drawn out and run down.  It's because I'm not filling myself from the true source.

A few months ago I went on somewhat of a distraction fast.  I spent the time I would normally spend playing games reading books instead.  I remember feeling good about the time I was investing and felt like I was accomplishing something.  Well, it's time to go back to that.

So, I'm back focused on the journey ahead.  This is now day 3 of my 40 day journey.  Stick with me.  It's starting to get good.

And so it begins

I've started walking with God. I mean, I'm literally walking with Him. For a while now, every morning, I have gotten out of bed, put on some clothes, and gone for a walk. Just me, God and my dog, Hank
. During these walks, I've been amazed to discover that although I am active, I am also still. It sounds a little strange, but it's true. I pray, I listen and I wait on God to respond. In the moments of quiet while I listen patiently for His words, I am serene, silent and at peace.

It has occurred to me now that I have been doing this for a while, how much I really need this time. Yes, I'm getting physical exercise. Yes, I'm outside and taking in fresh air. But it's much more than just those things. I am making a choice. I am choosing to spend time alone with God. I have chosen a designated time out of my "busy" schedule to make a date with God. Do you want to know the best part? He has never once stood me up. He shows up. Every single time.

It was during one of my walks that God impressed upon me the idea of writing this blog. It's meant to be a trip journal, so to speak. He wants me to share lessons I learn, images I see, words I hear, and wonders I experience. It is my hope that others who read this blog will do the same by leaving their comments. The Church needs to love, support, and encourage one other. I would like this blog to be a place where that happens.

This is now day 2 of my journey.  If you are just now joining in, welcome!  I hope you'll stay with me for the rest of the 40 day challenge!

One of our neighborhood deer!

The journey of 40 blog posts begins with a single word.

This morning during my quiet time, God challenged me to write a blog post a day for 40 days.  There is some background needed here.  You see, I'm a writer.  The problem is I haven't been writing.  I'm a Christian who believes and loves God but I haven't been spending time with Him.  This exercise is an attempt to do both.  I'm not sure what God is going to do, but I'm committed to following Him and finding out.

I liken it to taking a trip to a place I've never been.  Obviously, I'm nervous and excited.  Luckily, I have an expert Guide.  I'm sure He'll take me places I never knew existed.  He'll encourage me to do things I never dreamed possible.  I'll be pushed, stretched, and probably, at times, exhausted.  But at the same time, I will also be close to my God.  I can't wait to see what He shows me.

In the meantime, I'll journal the places I visit, the people I meet and the lessons I learn along the way.

I hope that you'll follow along by reading my writings and I pray that they will encourage you to either start or continue your own journey.  So, grab your walking stick and backpack.  I'll see you on the trail.  Don't forget the snacks.