We Broke into an Ice Cream Truck

May 7, 2012 Leave a comment

So maybe this bout of B & E will ruin any shot I have at realizing my dream of working for a church, but it is a story worth sharing as I look back on the life of a co-worker and friend.

The radio business provides many duties, and even the most seemingly trivial of assignments can play a huge role in a successful product.  One of the important things I needed to make sure of was that our company’s ice cream truck was plugged in and that power was going to the freezer in the back.  This was the responsibility of each shift, and is the best way to avoid a melted mess.

Well, I happened to come into work one night and noticed the power light had been off.  After talking to a co-worker, Dusty, we discovered it may have been off for quite awhile.  I opened the freezer in the truck to find a liquid catastrophe;  ice cream everywhere that needed to be dumped immediately.

The truck wasn’t parked near the dumpster, so I drove it down and emptied the contents.  It was on my way back to the truck that I realized the worst–I locked the keys inside.  Not only that, the engine was running.

I didn’t know what I was going to do.  Would my supervisors come to work the next day to find an ice cream truck that was out of gas parked oddly in the lot?  This was bad.

I turned to Dusty for help, and this is when he took over in leading our efforts of breaking into the ice cream truck.

As we started off simple, I’m sure we tried things like picking the locks, wedging the door open, and snaking a clothes hanger down through the window.  None of this was working, but Dusty was determined.

Because this was an ice cream truck, there was a huge double-window on one side.  For several minutes, Dusty tried to get this window open from the outside  with everything he could find, including a PVC pipe that was left in the parking area during some construction.  Nothing from the outside did it.  I knew it was time to make a call and tell all to our engineer so he would drive 20 minutes in the middle of the night to come unlock the truck.  Dusty was determined to finish the job.

The only other way into the ice cream truck was through a vent on the roof.  Sure enough, Dusty was climbing up there while I… uh… stayed on the ground and spotted him.  It took a little forcing, but Dusty broke past the plastic dome that covered the vent, and he now had an entry point!

Though jumping through the roof would have been cool, the opening was only big enough to fit an object inside.  With that in mind, Dusty guided a curved piece of PVC pipe to the double-window and used it to slide the window open.  He would then come down, climb through the window, and get the keys.  Victory at two in the morning!

This story is one that describes Dusty best.  He is someone I will remember as a truly good person who would do whatever he could for you, and not many people will climb to the roof of a truck, much less damage company property in an effort to stop you from making a phone call (side note: he was pretty sure he could open the top without breaking it.)  Dusty was that kind of guy.

I was sad to hear Sunday morning that Dusty passed away the night before–far too young and far too full of life and creativity.  I haven’t seen Dusty since he left radio last May, but I still remember him as someone who was always good for great conversation and would really look out for people.  I enjoyed keeping up with him online, with our last dialogue being around Easter.  It is hard to believe he’s gone, and I know he is missed by many.

Dusty, thank you for everything.  It was good working with you and extremely fun be an accessory to you turning around a disaster with the ice cream truck.  I am one of those who misses you.  I wish we were still looking at things through your eyes.

Filed under Reflections

Blessed and Moved

April 25, 2012 Leave a comment

Last night’s small group was not Bible study as usual, or any book or DVD for that matter.  For the past two weeks, we have taken a look at the issues of modern day slavery around the world.  This includes places like Romania, Greece… and Atlanta, GA.  Human trafficking–sex and forced labor, among many other horrendous types–is running rampant.  One thing I’ve been encouraged in since the beginning of this year is we all can do something about it.

My small group took a break from our usual meeting place to gather and be hosted by Augusta State University’s Jaguars Against Trafficking (JAT) last night.  Heading into the evening, people were encouraged to bring small gifts and toiletries for girls and young women.  It was learned during the night that these things would be shipped to Greece and distributed to those who have been rescued and are now living somewhere that restoration and freedom are parts of their lives.

Not only were items collected and these issues discussed from a variety of perspectives–the victims, the traffickers, and the consumers–as well as what actions can be taken, we reached out that night in a way that really touched me.  Last night became personable.

As a group, we ended the night writing letters to victims of human sex trafficking.  We wrote to people whose names we don’t know, who are now in safe places in Greece and Atlanta.  They are letters that affirm God’s love for them, and to let them know that they have been thought about and prayed for, as well as have lives of purpose and meaning.

What I will take with me most from last night is the feeling to writing to someone who was created in the image of the same God as me who is now on her way to getting her life back.  Someone whose background may not have been that different from mine, who listens to the same music as me, who I could see on a job, at the store, or at church.  These women matter, and they have the opportunity for a  life of fulfillment ahead of them, starting now.

What an amazing and simple way to be hope and encouragement to those who desperately need it in their states of extreme vulnerability and pain.  These things have left me blessed and moved.

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Relieved of Duties? Not Really.

April 24, 2012 Leave a comment

Since October, I’ve had my share of time outside of work.  Once for a two-month period, and now again for what will hopefully be a much shorter amount of time.  One thing I’ve learned from all this “free” time is that there is always something to do.  Unlike the summers of my school years, there’s rarely the extremely late nights followed by days of nothing.  I’m usually up for breakfast and have the opportunity to come in on the Today show by at least the third hour.  And before I know it, my schedule for the day is set.

I think it’s an important point to realize as we grow older that, regardless of whether or not we report to a job every day, there are still things that need our attention.  And truly, this is what keeps life moving right along.  There are things we are put here to do, and realistically only a seventh of each week was created for rest.

We should always be ready for what life is going to throw at us next.  Look at it like a baseball game.  Sometimes you’re at bat, sometimes you’re waiting your turn, and sometimes you’re on the reserved list waiting for your next step.  You may even get called down to the minors.  The important thing to know is that you are a valued member of the team who plays an integral role.  There’s a place for you in this life that only you can fill.  And because of that, your job is never done until the day you’re done.

What’s on your schedule?  How are you investing your time?

Each day matters, and there is always a purpose for the breaths we’re given.  Be glad for every opportunity you have to live yours.

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God’s Word in Me, God’s Word Out of Me

March 7, 2012 Leave a comment

Today at lunch, I noticed something in a brief part of conversation that I loved was happening.  In the past month, by two separate reading plans, I have been going through the book of Mark twice.  Although I’m not all the way through the second time yet, I have again read about Jesus feeding the 5,000 men and their families in one chapter, and 4,000 men and their families in another.

In each of these instances, Jesus took very little food, held it up and blessed it.  Then, the food was divided amongst the groups of 50 or 100 who were gathered.  There were even baskets of food left over each time.

I casually thought about this at lunch.  As I brought it up in conversation, what amazed me is how these stories were so fresh in my mind and how I could recall the details of Jesus’ miracles instantly.

Since mid-January, I have made a serious effort to spend more time in God’s Word.  My church participated in the 40 Days in the Word campaign with our series and initiative, 40 Days Between the Lines.  Additionally, I started back my Life Journal Reading Plan that I have been working on since Summer 2009.

It has been great having the opportunity to meet with God every single day (I think I’ve missed one.)  Hearing his Word come out of me at lunch today without even being engaged in serious dialogue was beautiful.  I encourage you to let him fill you with his truths.  If you have a Bible, read it.  If you don’t have a Bible, get one or read online.  And if you want to hear from God directly, as well as have his Word be a part of you, don’t ignore this invitation to spend time with him any longer.

You’ll be amazed at what God’s Word is capable of doing in your life.

Filed under Action, Reflections

Three Years!

January 19, 2012 1 Comment

Today is an exciting day for me.  Three years ago, January 19 fell on a Monday.  It was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  The next day was the Presidential Inauguration.  As you can see, a lot of historic things were going on around that time.

It was also a day where I decided to start a new venture.  After really enjoying my college years of blogging on the one-time coolest kid in school, MySpace, I found out that starting a “big boy” blog can be tough.  People don’t comment as much.  People don’t see what you wrote as often without steady promotion.  This, along with some serious writer’s block, discouraged me into closing the doors of several blogs.

But I knew I wasn’t finished writing online.  Every time I saw one of my friends had a new blog, it made me miss having my own hunk of space on the Internet.

I began 2009 with a goal in mind to do one thing new every day.  I’m honestly not sure how far along I got on that goal, but some cool things did happen that year–I gave Twitter a second chance; I got interactive with Scripture reading on YouVersion; I got back into the awesome life-changing experience that is small group Bible study; and I also started this blog.

Although there have bee large gaps between postings at times, I have enjoyed being able to come here and write what I’m feeling.  And knowing I’d probably just start another blog if I shut this one down over being in a dry season, I decided to keep it going!

It is truly great to see people some and comment, follow this blog, and have my friends write about and like posts on Facebook, as well as give me some retweet love.  It’s very encouraging.

I’ve been able to do some great things on here, too.  Highlights include my first book giveaway (ever!) with Granger Community Church’s Communications Director and author of Less Clutter. Less Noise: Beyond Bulletins, Brochures and Bake Sales, Kem Meyer!  Not to mention my second book giveaway with pastor/author/my small group leader, Gene Jennings for his book Laughing with Sarah (see outtakes here).

My goal for this blog has remained the same, and that is, in addition for the random stuff that pops out of my head, to bring forth inspiration, thought and further action.  To that extent, it’s been great to share what God has put on my heart, my reflections of what I’ve experienced, and ways people can get involved in changing the world.

Thank you for letting this be a place you’ve visited over the past three years.  I look forward to continue sharing things that I hope serve as motivation.

P.S. If you’re thinking about starting/shutting down a blog of your own, I hope this serves as a nudge to keep at it.  Your thoughts can and will impact somebody.

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Revival

January 17, 2012 Leave a comment

I’ve got one word on my mind as I write this: revival.

For the past two weeks, I’ve watched God do some incredible things with the potential for many more on the horizon.

Personally, He has led me on a journey to fall more in love with His Word as I seek to live a life on fire about Him and read Scriptures daily.

Collectively, I’ve watched Him take the generosity of 44,000+ college students and leaders and use it to prevent, end, and restore slavery in the lives of many.  Freedom is a costly venture, and the resources God has given us can make it spread to millions who only know bondage.

In the lives of friends, I can’t get over watching God work in so many people’s hearts and stir them towards seeking Him.

God continues to heal and make whole what is ill and fractured.

And the Church.  Oh, the Church… it’s only the beginning.  Honestly, just get ready for what’s ahead.  It will be truly unforgettable and move you to the path of righteousness heading right for the throne of God.  He wants to do some incredible things in the midst of our gatherings.  Let me give you some examples of what’s happened at my church in the past couple of weeks:

- Our weekly attendance has averaged over 1,700.  As we prepare to break ground and build a permanent base of operations, our current venue can barely contain everyone at times.

- God is stirring the hearts of many and making them mindful of worship, justice and compassion.  Just this past Sunday, the message was centered around the missions being done and coming up in the community, the state, and in places such as Guatemala and Southeast Asia.

- Child sponsorship greatly benefits the children you see on those laminated postcards.  This past Sunday, attendees had the opportunity to sponsor thirty children on-hand.  Out of those thirty, 28 will now have a loving relationship with someone who can pour into their lives as Jesus pours into them.  Amazing!

- Coming up over the next 40 days, my church will be joining many others nationally and globally who are preparing to learn, love and live God’s word in a major emphasis on Scripture reading and studying.

- As part of the 40 day emphasis, more small groups needed to be formed in order to accommodate everyone with the weekly curriculum.   So far, over 30 new small groups of people going through this live together are now in motion!

- There is also something in the works that has the potential to radically rock our community in a powerful and continual way that I can’t really divulge on at this time.  Just trust me: it’s going to be great!

And those are just SOME of the highlights!

When I look at things like that and I follow my friends on Twitter and Facebook and see a fresh passion in them and the people in my small group, I know that something only God can orchestrate is going on.

This year is starting out strong for the Kingdom of God as I see it.  The time for sitting comfortably is over.  Action doesn’t need to be taken anymore; it’s happening right now.  Are you on board yet?

Wherever you worship.  Whatever office or classroom or call center you get to carry Jesus Christ into.  However you’ve been placed to speak boldly about the Gospel.  Let it happen.  Serve others.  Love others.  Lift the name of Jesus high above others.

Make this a year of revival.

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Ending on a High Note

December 31, 2011 Leave a comment

Here’s how my first post of 2011 ended:

This should be an exciting year.  I’ve already felt like God is reminding me that I can’t do it alone.  Of course not!  I wasn’t designed that way.  None of us were.  I feel like there will be challenges, but there will also be growth.  I think it will be a year of faith-building.  Furthermore, it will be crucial that I let God be in control.  I’m excited to see what’s next.  I know His love never fails, and He will be with me every step away.  Bring it on, 2011!

About a month after that was written, I received a phone call telling me my mom had stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma.  About nine months after that was written, I lost my job in a company-wide position elimination.  This year has certainly had its challenges.  I am ending it uninsured.  I am ending it without my friend since fifth grade, my dog, Pebbles.  I am ending it… hopeful.

When visiting my uncle a couple of weeks ago, we took a walk, and he asked me how I was doing after losing my job.  I told him it was hard to be discouraged.  He was surprised by my response.

How can I not be discouraged?  I have every right to be.  The best answer I can come with is God doesn’t let me.

It’s not that I never feel the weight of the world, but that I know who to give it to when I do.  That is, when God even lets me feel it to begin with.  I left my job on a Wednesday and was hired for a seasonal position that Friday.  I watched my mom go through the hardest fight of her life and come out closer to God and healed of cancer!  Throughout the year, we have been blessed with everything from food to money to many words of support, and we have been bathed in prayer.  It’s been a difficult year, but through it, we were taught trust and obedience, our faith was built, and we’ve seen God’s hands at work.

With that, I look at 2011 as a year of triumph.  And it wasn’t all sad beginnings with happy endings.  I’ve got to have some incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences like they grow on trees.  It has been a year of celebration with weddings, babies, holidays, and praising God for how awesome He is.  And I end this year on a high note, closer to Him.

I’m heading into 2012 with many unanswered questions.  There is a lot of uncertainty, but like I told my uncle, it’s hard to get discouraged.  My mom is having an excellent recovery.  I’ll begin the year praising and worshiping God with thousands of others.  From there, it’ll be time to go back to work.  And although I don’t know what happens next, God does–and I know God.

Happy New Year, everyone!  May you all trust in Jesus Christ and make this best year you’ve ever had, living for Him!

Mom and I, Thanksgiving Day

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The Greatest Gifts

December 28, 2011 Leave a comment

Another Christmas has come and gone.  It’s kind of like breakfast, in a way.  There’s a lot of preparation involved, and then it’s over in an instant and we’re on with our lives.  This Christmas was so special to me, and that’s because of all the great gifts.  I had stockings full of candy and other knick knacks (including instant snow!).  There were gift cards, CDs, DVDs, clothes, and other keepsakes that let me know I was thought of.  I got cards from my parents and a very heartfelt note inside my mom’s.  I even got a Dundie Award from fellow fans of The Office, the Crossans!  As far as physical, material items, you can definitely say I racked up.

If you really want to talk about what made this a special Christmas, it had little to do with what I got to unwrap.

- The whole weekend was spent with friends and family.
- My mother and father both showed me how much they thought about me.
- A year of family and close friends being there for one another culminated with us enjoying each other’s fellowship on Christmas Day.
- I once again got to experience the joy of giving and seeing others be blessed.
- I got to experience God’s blessings as He worked through others to provide for me.
- The day after Christmas, we spent time with my 88-year-old great aunt, whom I love dearly.
- I watched my mom continue to be blessed abundantly in ways that are nothing short of God working in people’s hearts.
- I spent the evening of the 23rd worshiping and celebrating the birth of Jesus at my church, as well as the evening of Christmas doing the same thing at my mom’s church.
- After weeks of loss and sadness in the lives of those around me, December 25th finally came, and there was nothing stopping the joy.
- My mother was here with us this Christmas, and she’s still cancer-free!
- I was given a new appreciation of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

There truly is no one like our God.  He’s done so much for me that it’s hard to count all the ways and not leave something out.  God is amazing, and He is always on-time.

I loved spending time with so many friends and family this past weekend and over the past few weeks.  I can’t think of a better way to honor Jesus on Christmas than to worship His name and be in the company of those He has placed in my life–giving and showing my appreciation for them, and showing my love with my actions.

All of these things have been my greatest gifts.

I hope you had a blessed Christmas as well.

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The Big Dose of Christmas Post

December 22, 2011 Leave a comment

I’ve tried so many times to start a Christmas-related post, and each attempt has failed.  I have a variety of thoughts that could have been spread out in multiple posts, but I didn’t want to run with and one thing as an entire subject.  To that regard, I have compiled all of what’s going on in the ol’ noggin for one big post.

I must warn you, though, head on, one of the main reasons I wanted to separate these topics is due to the fluctuation of emotional tone each requires.  What I’ll do instead is place either a “:)” or “:(” at the beginning of each section so you’ll know what to expect.  That way, if you want to skip all the sad stuff, you can.  If you want to only read the sad stuff, well… what the heck???

Here goes…

:( Pebbles.  Monday was an especially sad day for me as I had to say “goodbye” to my dog since childhood, Pebbles.  She lived a great life of 16 years, and had given the family plenty of wonderful memories.  As she got older, leg problems and other pain really began to set in.  This wasn’t going to be an easy decision, but having to make it so close to Christmas also was challenging.  You always wonder if you’re doing the right thing.  I felt we were, for her sake.  I find comfort in knowing she isn’t suffering anymore, but I do miss seeing her everyday.

}:< Wrapping gifts.  Okay.  I apologize for throwing a knew emoticon into the mix like that.  For the past couple of years, I’ve been teaching myself how to wrap my own gifts.  Some people make it look so easy.  I’m slowly learning that it may always be frustrating and there will always be those who can do it better than me.  Perhaps I’m too much of a perfectionist for paper.

:) Done.  On a related note to wrapping gifts, I’m done.   The Christmas shopping is complete.  Everything’s ready to be opened.  Life is good.  Okay, so there always seems to be one more thing.  Regardless, the main stuff is done.

:) God provides.  This Christmas season, I’ve watched God come through and make things happen in some incredible ways.  Financial blessings.  Family togetherness.  A genuine spirit of love.  I’m so thankful for all He’s done to make things come together this Christmas.

:) / :( but mostly :D God heals.  I heard my mom say this Christmas is really special to her because she’s here for it.  That’s because at the beginning of this year, she was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma.  This whole year has revolved around that pretty much.  And after five chemo treatments (with a sixth to boot), God brought her through cancer and she is still in remission!  My mom was given a second chance at life here, and I love watching what she’s doing with it.

Even most recently, a good friend who is slightly younger than me had a heart attack.  He is now home from the hospital with his wife and four-month-old daughter.  Praise God!

I hope when you read this you know what an incredible and awesome God I serve in Jesus Christ.  This Christmas, I have a new appreciation for His birth.  The celebration of this time of year is for His leaving Heaven and taking the most innocent and helpless form as He came to Earth to make a way for all of us.  He began His ministry as a baby, and His coming was a holy time in which the angels declared, “glory to God in the highest.”  It was during this time that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords came to us.

Thank you, Jesus, for the gift you gave us on the first Christmas.  It’s one I’m still unwrapping today.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

P.S. Regarding my mom’s survival, I am forever thankful to the American Cancer Society for all they did in providing money for her treatments.  I encourage anyone to give what you can to the organization that gave so much to her.  My mom still being here is my favorite present this Christmas.

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There’s More to Me

November 28, 2011 4 Comments

… than the eye can see because His Spirit lives inside of me.

Those words were embedded in me at church several years ago by my pastor, and tonight, I think about them and cling to them.

No matter my time of rest…

No matter my funk…

No matter my screw-ups, faults, and sins…

I am a new creation in Jesus Christ…

I am whole in Him…

There’s more to me than even my own eyes can see…

Because the Holy Spirit of the living God dwells inside of me.

Amen.

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