And why are you going to Haiti?

Turns out that's a pretty common response when you tell people that's the Caribbean Island you chose as the destination for your time off work.  Going on a mission trip?  Going with your church?  Also common questions to which the answer is always, "Yep."

So why am I going to the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere?  Let's back up just a little.

As I worked through the "Follow Me" study from David Platt earlier this year, I began to realize something.  I'm just a fan standing on the sidelines.  I know all about the game.  I know the rules, the players, and the history of the game. I devote my time and money to the game.  I even make the game a family event.  But I fall short of making a real difference in what happens on the field.

Jesus's first and last commands on Earth were to "Follow Me." Very simple in nature, but we allow excuses to stand in the way.  Using my sports analogy, that is what I was doing.  I was using every possible excuse to not cross the line and get on the field.

Digging into God's Word in that study gave me a greater understanding on what exactly it means to follow Jesus.  It goes beyond Church attendance or memorizing Bible verses.  It's a commitment to serve Him in every area of your life.  We can't pick and choose what we will give up and what we'll hold back.  Jesus requires a full trust of your life to His service.

So this is the first step in fully living out that commitment.  It feels like learning to swim in the deep end of the pool, but our faith in Him will grow when we see His strength in our weakness.

I pray that every step is made in His direction, and that those I meet may know Him better because of my journey.

Who is your hero?

My heroes growing up were the type to have highlights on ESPN.  I loved Michael Jordan, Don Mattingly, Tim Brown, and anyone wearing Carolina Blue for the Heels.  My six-year-old now dreams of being a Jedi Master.  His heroes have gone from Woody, Buzz, and Lightning to Luke, Obi Wan, and Anikan.  Sometimes our heroes evolve over time.

Over the last couple of days, I've thought through something that I've really know for a while now.  My real hero didn't dribble, hit, or catch a ball for a living, carry a light saber, or have his daily highlights shown on SportsCenter.  My hero wore khakis, drove a station wagon for the large portion of my childhood, and slept in the room next to mine.  He is my dad.

After 42 years of service to the same company, he worked his last day for that company today.  He was given a party, a lunch, several dozen golf balls, and a fancy new driver.  However based on what I heard from those he worked with, he gave a lot more than that.  He gave many nights, most weekends, and everything he had.  Of course, I didn't need someone else to tell me those things to know that.  He's the hardest worker that I know.  That work ethic that he displayed inspired me and I'm sure countless others to always strive to achieve the best.  He never spent money that he didn't have and always sacrificed for others.  There are traits that I've always admired.

He's the first person I call when I'm unsure on something or need advice.  He's the realistic voice that keeps me from making a choice that I know I really shouldn't make.  I'm sure he's worried about the future ahead.  It's all he's known for 42 years.  I hope he enjoys the time that he has remaining; he's earned it.  He's basically worked his entire life so it's time for him to enjoy the fruits of his hard work and sacrifice.  That includes more baseball games, more tee times, and more time with the grandkids.

I love him, and I could not be more proud to call him my father.  And hero...

Where have I been?

When I started this whole blog thing, I thought it would be fun to share my random thoughts from time to time. Then like everything else I start, it got pushed to the side. I have been just a little busy in 2011 in the near 5 months since I had a posting.

I've turned 34, trained for a half marathon, ran my first half marathon, had my second child (ok, my wife handled that one), and sold my house. That's in addition to all of the other stuff that I was already doing to keep myself busy.

That's where I've been, but let's talk about where I am. As I write, I'm in a vehicle with my wife, in-laws, and my 2 boys. Everyone expect me (and the driver) is asleep so I have a few quiet minutes with my thoughts. No babies to feed or change, reports to catch up on, or meetings to run to.

We're headed west for my niece's high school graduation. This trip is as grueling as the half marathon I ran a month ago. It's a test of endurance and patience. The scenery is beautiful, but some stretches are oh so boring. Plus, it's made more difficult with a 4-year old in the back asking, "Are we there yet?"

We started our trip with an unknown noise coming from somewhere that one in our traveling party was sure was the wheel bearings. Not sure if she really knows what wheel bearings do ir look like. We decided to not let that detail the journey and traveled on. Luckily that noise has gone away.

After all this, I still wouldn't trade this trip for anything. I've learned to enjoy the ride of life no matter what unknown noises pop up from time to time.

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Why am i up at 6am on my vacation?

No, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, or Sarah Palin are not coming to the Graham Library for a book signing.

I'm going deer hunting. I'm currently camo'ed up and about to go out into the 22 degree weather to sit in the middle of the woods to find the ever elusive white-tailed deer.

I didn't grow up a hunter so this has been a fun learning experience for me. Lucky for me, I have patient in-laws that have joined me on the journey these last eight years. To some, it may seem mean or barbaric or just a plain waste of time. In fact, I accidently made a coworker cry one time just bringing up the subject. However, there is much more to the actual experience than the casual observer would expect. It's refreshing to be in the woods with absolutely no sounds. No airplanes, no cars, no radio or TV. It's amazing to hear the silence in nature just before the sun presents itself for the day or just before it disappears to reveal the darkness of night.

It's called a sport, but it's much more than that. Like anything, it can be abused or given a bad name. But it reaches back to the early days when man had to hunt their food. They may have not had high-powered rifles or Scent Lock clothing, but it's the same in nature. It's taking part in God's design that man care for the other beasts of His creation. Plus, it's just fun to go shoot guns with the boys.

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How cool was that?

The answer is very cool. This is a response to the last posting about President and Mrs. Bush's visit to Charlotte. The good news is that in day 2 of my line-standing journey, my experience was only a little over 2 hours long.

The whole event was very interesting. All the local news guys were there so you had that big event feel. As I was standing in line, I looked up and saw Greta van Susteren from Fox News. I found out later that she'd done an interview with Billy Graham and Pres. Bush.

We were still in line outside with no view of the W (if I may call him that with all due respect). However, things were surreal with all the secret service agents around. It was clear they were not going to mess around.

After about 2 hours in line, we made it up to the metal detectors. No pictures because cameras were not allowed inside and cell phones had to be turned off. Once you made it inside, it was a little like Disney World with the zig-zag rope lines. I eventually made it near the end of the line. I was about 20 people back when I just casually stuck my hand in my pocket. It was more out of nervous energy than anything. At that point, the secret service agent beside me kindly asked, "Sir, can you please take your hand out of your pocket?" "Yes sir" was my quick and alarmed response. As I waited for my heart to start beating again I finally approached the table. Mrs. Bush was first greeting everyone with a "Thank you for coming and have a Merry Christmas." She was as graceful as you'd imagine based on what I've seen on TV.

At the end of the table sat the man who less than two years ago was the most powerful man on earth. He shook everone's hand and offered a pleasant greeting. He looked up from signing a book, stuck out his hand, and said, "Thanks for coming. Have a Merry Christmas." It wasn't my wedding or the birth of my child, but that was one of the coolest things i've experienced. That may sound dorky, but for me, it's true.

He's just a man. But he's a man that I respect for his morals and integrity. Think of him what you may, it can't diminishy experience.

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Have you ever met a US President?

In the next couple of hours, we'll find out if I've joined the list. On Saturday, I stood in line for 5 hours for the chance to buy a wristband. That wristband has gotten me the chance to stand in line AGAIN at the Billy Graham Library.


So let's back up a little. Last Thursday I found out that George W Bush was coming to the library to sign his new book. My first thought was, I'm there. So on Saturday, I got in line at 7:45am for a book sale that didn't start until 9:30am. I stood in that slow-moving line until almost 1pm. Doesn't sound bad until you consider that it was in the 30's and sleeting/ snowing a good portion of the time. By the way, we were standing in line outside.

It's been an interesting experience so far. There are more rumors than a gossip website. We all get to see him. Only a certain color wristband is guaranteed to see him. Suddenly every has their sources or knows someone who works for BG ministries. So we'll see how this goes. Lord willing I'll have the chance to talk with the 43rd President of the US. I'll keep you posted...

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What are you thankful for?

Is it a day off work? A plate full of food and leftovers for later? Maybe football on TV all day on a Thursday? To be honest, I'm thankful for all those things. But. I'm also thankful for so much more.

First of all, I feel blessed to just be alive. I have a wonderful wife, a cool son, a terrific family, and a great job with good people to work with. This week I was witness to the sting of death. I had a fried whose father passed away. He was probably around 70+ years of age so I believe he lived a full life. He'd struggled with illnesses including cancer so he's in a better place where he's hurting no more. Still, his family will deal with loss as they go through this holiday season.

The other brush with death was far more sudden. We were driving home (actually from this visitation for the man I mentioned earlier) and saw fire trucks, an ambulance, and police cars lining the road. As we rolled past, we saw a body in the road covered in a sheet. We later found out the man was killed trying to cross a busy highway in the rain. He was struck twice by a car while trying to get to a gas station because his car had broken down. I don't know who he was. I'm sure he was someone's son, possibly a father, brother, or friend.

I tell of this not to depress or cause concern but rather to encourage. Oh really? Live every day with a purpose. Be thankful for the blessings you are given. Even on the darkest day, there is a light that will shine.

I'm also thankful because I don't fear death, the darkest of dark times. When Christ died on the cross, he conquered death for you and me. That's what I'm most thankful for, real hope. As I type this and ride in the rain, I look over and see a rainbow. That was first used by God as a sign of hope after a worried time. Just know that God is in control. Look to Him and be thankful.

And after you've had a chance to thank Him for your blessings, sneak back in the kitchen and see if there is any pecan pie left...

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