Sunday, May 30, 2010

Freedom & Memorial Day Weekend


I'm sure there are a thousand ways to define "freedom" and chances are we all have different ideas behind it's truest meaning. I would suspect most Americans do not have a notion of what it would mean not to have freedom...including myself.

So I try to educate myself and remember what was put on the line in order for me to do something as simple as blogging, not to mention a thousand other things that we Americans have the "freedom" to do.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day...formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. I can't recall anyone in my family who has died while serving in the military...but when I get a chance to speak to a veteran I try to convey my thanks to them for their service.

A high price was paid, no doubt. I think a great reminder for all Americans is to watch "Saving Private Ryan" if not the whole movie, just the first 15 minutes. It depicts what D-day could have looked like. It's gruesome and raw to watch. One day I want Bryan to sit and watch it with me. I think it's a good reminder to know the price for freedom.

In connection to my relationship with God. I have experienced "freedom" from a former way of living by accepting God's son Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. But that freedom came with a price.

No huge plans for Memorial Day. Bryan has to go to school. Holly, Ellie and I are going to help a fellow church move to a new location. It will some great time spent with family and friends.

Monday, May 24, 2010

It comes with the territory



Bryan had an unfortunate skateboarding accident Saturday afternoon. He was on EKU's campus riding on his new long board. He was shredding into a curve that was a little too sharp and he knew he had to bail. So he jumped for the grass and the pictures tell the rest of the story.

I'm hurting for my son...as a parent you never want your children to encounter any kind of harm. But, being that Bryan is a skateboarder...this comes with the territory.

I remember when I was 13 years old and went down a hill that was way too much for my ability...I ended up with a lot of road rash much like Bryan's...even have a scar on my hand to be a permanent reminder!

After he was cleaned and bandaged up I asked him if he was getting back on that thing...he said, "Oh yea!" I'm glad to hear him say that...just because you fall down doing something you love, doesn't mean you just stay down...that's where the passion and zeal kick in!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

GLO


I recently purchased a new bible software called "glo". It's a multi-dimensional bible program with HD videos, Interactive maps, time lines, and oh yea it has the bible as well!

I've been playing around with it for a couple of days. Very impressive...very user friendly. I amazed how passionate people are about putting God's word in a format like this with some very cool 'bells and whistles'.

Here's a link to check it out...enjoy.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Running after the Mini


I ran the mini marathon a few weeks ago...13.1 miles! This is was fourth time running this race, twice in high school...last year of course was the "Run for Ellie" and then this year.

Finished the race despite some serious leg cramping at mile ten. Never have I experienced this kind of cramping before. I guess not enough water inside of me.

This year I was extremely excited that Holly completed her first mini. Even with a temperature of 101 at the beginning of the race. Her fever broke about mile nine and she finished very strong! I was so proud of my wife!

So...it's been almost a month since the mini and on Tuesday this past week I ran for the first time since and in all actuality it felt as if it was the first time that I had ever ran!! Dang it was tough. Just ran three miles, but it felt like ten.

Got out again tonight and ran three again...not as bad, but tough.

Not sure what's next in my "running career." I'm considering doing a 5K on Memorial Day and then a 10K on July 3rd. I really enjoy the first mile and then when the running is complete.

We'll see...my goal is to do three miles three times a week, maybe build from there. My mind would like to attempt a full marathon...but my body at this point is yelling, "You got to be kidding me!"

Sunday, May 09, 2010

Happy Mama's Day


Holly is an excellent mom. Lately Ellie has been calling her "mama"...not sure where that came from, but it's cute.

I've learned so much about being a parent by watching Holly with Bryan and Ellie. She loves her children..she exercises great patience with them...she's definitely a nurturer. I love to listen to her explain life things to Bryan and Ellie...she uses great discretion with them and she knows how to be a fun mom.

But most importantly she is a Godly mom who strives to teach God lessons along the way. This comes natural to her because she is a Godly women.

Happy Mama's Day Bird...I love you so much...You are an incredible mom.

Thursday, May 06, 2010

Marking up your bible


I remember sitting in a seminary class once and the discussion came up about underlining your favorite verses in your bible...you know marking it up.

One guy in particular said that he doesn't do that because you would have to underline everything...everything is "worthy" of underlining in the bible. I didn't really agree...I'm pretty sure not too many people have underlined Psalm 137:9 (go ahead and look it up, it's one of those obscure verses in the bible, but there for a reason...that's another post)

Well I'm a bible highlighter. I've underlined verse, written notes, etc. all throughout my Bible. I also sometimes put dates beside a verse...all of this to remind me of a particular season of my life where that verse was powerful and helpful.

Is it wrong to mark up God's word? I don't think so. Matter of fact I think Christians cut verses out of the Bible that they don't like...maybe not literally, but they may ignore verses that strike some serious nerves in our lives. Believe me, I'm guilty of this too!

I remember a quote from my youth minister Kerry Jones...he was preaching in "big church" once and he said, "I want you to underline that verse, use a pen, pencil, crayon...gosh maybe even spit on it to remember where it is."

I've underlined in pen, highlighters, pencil...but never spit. At least not yet!

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Happy Star Wars Day


Huh? I had no idea and I consider myself a Star Wars nerd...a cool Star Wars nerd (Can nerd and cool exist in the same sentence??)

Anyhoo...it is unofficially Star Wars Day.

Here's an insert from Wikipedia:

This day is considered an unoffical holiday by Star Wars fans to celebrate Star Wars culture and remember the films. [1]

May 4 is called Star Wars Day (also sometimes known as Luke Skywalker Day) because of a pun on the similarity between "May the 4th be with you" and "May the Force be with you", a phrase often spoken in the Star Wars movies.

May the Fourth Be with You!