Randomness

It seems hard to match up the times I sit down to blog and the things I think of to write about.  Well, here I am with a little bit of time to collect my thoughts and hopefully get them onto the Internet before they’re gone forever.  Who am I kidding?  I’m actually going to freestyle this one.

Tuesday night, I was excited to learn of a possibility.  In the meantime, I pray all parties involved arrive at the best decision.

Yesterday morning, my weekend came early.

Last night, I watched Conan for the first time in awhile.  I’ll consider that a perk.

I’m listening to Hillsong’s CD “God is Able” as I type this.  It’s amping me up.  I’m ready to go to a worship service now.

Halloween-themed Thursday night shows on NBC tonight.  My favorite characters in costumes is always fun to watch, even if I’m not super big on Halloween.

Hope and future.  They’re both mine.  My Father said so.

Eye Deers

I’ve realized something.  Being around people who have goals is contagious.  A breakfast meeting at the end of the week had me excited for someone and what his plans are, and it has also been inspiring.  I feel it’s helped give me directions on a short-term idea that I have a date in mind for.  In the mean time, I will water it with prayer and continue to seek God and what He wants.

And speaking of deer, I see them on the way to work at least two or three times a week.  As pretty as they may be, that’s WAY too often to see them on the side of the road or running across the street while I’m driving.  I think we need to make a pact.

My Friends Make it Happen!

God has surrounded me with some amazing and gifted people who are getting stuff done!

Two good friends of mine recently brought life into this world.  Another is doing her part in leading the way of ending the injustice of human trafficking.  A few of my friends just came out with their first CD.  A friend of the family is preparing to start a ministry of people using their skills to help others.  And another is making a difference day-to-day in the adoption process.

What can I say?  I’m blessed to have these people in my life.  They are doing great things, and God is being glorified in all of them.  I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them!

I think of other friends who are parents, teachers, ordained ministers, on-air personalities, photographers, and newspaper writers, and am amazed at who I get to associate myself with.

My friends are living out their passions and making a difference in this world, and it’s incredible to watch!

I just wanted to take a minute to brag on my friends.  Hopefully, they know who they are.  And if I didn’t get you this time, know you’re still awesome!

P.S. Not to mention, one of my friends just became a world heavyweight champion in professional wrestling for the second time!

Questions of the Future

There are two questions that are commonly asked about the future:

Where do you see yourself in five years?

If you could find out exactly where you will be 10 years from now, would you want to?

What will the future hold? (Forgot about that one.)

The future is one of those weird and puzzling things to think about.  We look at what’s happening in our lives and can be either optimistic or really bummed about it.  Maybe we’re given a clue or told about something that’s coming our way, and we really don’t see how it’s possible to manage.

There’s the ultimate question about the future (okay, so maybe there are more than two questions): how will it all end up?

Then there’s the more immediate future where we don’t always see things as means to an end.

God has plans for hope and a future for all of us (Jeremiah 29:11).

When you know hope is always available in your outlook, how does that change what you see in your future?

To Dad

I remember my college graduation day well  (not a bad thing, considering it was only three years ago, huh? ).  My 83-year-old great aunt was in attendance.  She didn’t make it to my high school graduation, but she was there for this one and later told me on the phone how proud she was of me.  I went to lunch afterwards with my mom and a few good friends, so I got to spend time with her.  My aunt had a knee replacement surgery several weeks prior, and when her new knee wasn’t bending like should, she had to have it manipulated the day before, causing her to miss it.  These wonderful people in my life who have all had a great hand in raising me, shaping me, and making me the person I am today all have one thing in common concerning my graduation ceremony: I never saw any of them there.

The graduation was held in our civic center, and I marched right past the section my mom and I were sitting in, totally missing them.  I gave them permission in advance to leave after my name was called, because who needs additional punishment?

I also remember after the ceremony, as I was on my way either to or from the alumni house to pick up my diploma, my best friend called me.  The purpose of his call?  Congratulatory?  Try again.  He wanted to know if I had someone’s number.  After we talked until he was ready to wrap up the conversation, I added at the end, “by the way–I graduated.”  LOL.  He missed the graduation due to work, and it totally slipped his mind it was that morning.   We both laughed at that.

By now, you may be wondering why I titled this post, “To Dad.”

In thinking about Father’s Day, moments like my dad taking me fishing and letting me drive his boat as a kid come to mind.  I even have him to thank for my first experience with independent wrestling at Tubman Middle School in Augusta, GA.  And I always enjoy our trips to Massachusetts to spend time with him as we visit his side of the family (man, I bet that place is nuts right about now… so glad his team won the ‘Cup).

As for that graduation day, a day in which I hadn’t seen any other relative in attendance, as I returned to my seat from walking across the stage, I looked up from the floor.  To my right, in the upper level, sitting towards the top of the civic center, there was my dad.  He was still cheering for me and waving at me long after the professor on stage had called my name.  He just saw his son graduate.

Dad, I thank you for being there on that day.  A Saturday at that, when it’s especially difficult for a sales manager to get away from his store.  Thank you for taking the day to come and cheer me on.

Over the years, I’ve come to find your congratulatory gestures very welcoming.  Even in the things I think are small accomplishments, you’re there to extend your hand.  You’ve also been there on a number of occasions to support my causes.  Thank you for that.

You continue to make an impression on my life.  I appreciate the way you do that.

I love you, Dad.

Happy Father’s Day!

Where to Turn

My mother asked me yesterday how I’m supposed to fight without my sword–meaning Bible.  Considering how often I go without feasting on God’s Word, it’s a good question to consider.  I’m thankful for her accountability.

This past weekend, I went to Buford, GA for a wedding of two friends.  The groom had two best men.  One spoke at the rehearsal dinner, and the other at the reception.  They both reminisced on times with the groom where laughs were shared, hobbies were formed, trips were taken, etc.  The best thing to hear was how they both ended their speeches with how the groom has led them closer to Christ over the years.

So, there was a man predicting the world was going to end this past Saturday.  Now, the same man is saying it will happen in October.  Be it jokes, protest, belief, upset, etc, there was a lot that could’ve been gotten out of these claims.  One of the big things I picked up on is how many people were talking about the rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  People all over, who may not even know much about the book I often neglect to study, were knowledgeable and attentive to these events; whether they believed the 21st would be the day or not.  That, more than trying predicting a day and time when the Son of God doesn’t even know it, is what I’d like to see come out of all this.

In the above paragraphs, God’s Word, Christ’s followers, and Jesus’ return stand out as themes that encapsulate the matter of existence.  What are you going through right now?  Have you been hurt?  Are there things happening in your family or job that leave you feeling like you’re drowning?  Where can you turn for hope and joy?  In the Bible for words that are alive.  In followers of Jesus who are there to help carry your burdens.  In Christ, and the promising future He has in store for believers.

Stay hopeful, and do it via the Source of hope.