Around this time of year, I traditionally do an end of the year recap. I wanted to change it up a bit this year. My reasoning for this is that when you find that a direction is calling you...follow it.
When a year comes to an end, I like to reflect on everything that happened because as long as a year is, it can go by in the blink of an eye. That whole year, is a piece to my puzzle called Life. And the dawn of each new year allows for a fresh start, a new beginning, a new hope. It paves the way for dreams to be fulfilled.
I'm a dreamer. I have been since I could walk. If I could only give you one piece of advice for 2019 it would be this: No dream is stupid. No dream is too big or too small. If you have at least one, fight for it. Do whatever it takes to make it happen. In doing this, you will feel so alive. You'll see life through a different lens. And the moment that dream becomes a reality, you'll realize everything you went through to get there was 100% worth it. You'll reflect on that moment for years to come.
I say this from experience. If you've been a long time reader of this blog, you'll have seen this topic come up quite a lot. You'll also know that travel is in my blood. When opportunity arises, I snatch it. This year I went to Cincinnati, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Chicago, Seattle, and New Orleans. Visited 2 new states (32 left) and three new cities. But what's the current dream you ask? First and foremost, Italy. Has been for as long as I can remember. Rome, Florence, Venice, Sicily, the list goes on. That's priority #1. Followed by visiting all 50 US states and thirdly, seeing an baseball game in every MLB stadium across the US. Pretty ambitious no?
So what happens if a dream becomes a reality? Live in the moment, soak in every detail, capture it in any way you can. Then what? Pursue the next dream. Because it is those who dare to dream and see those dreams fulfilled, who really know how to live. Some of the best moments of my life come from the adventures I took and the people I did them with along the way. NYC, Boston, Raleigh, Chicago, Seattle, Austin, Sydney, New Orleans. Those adventures will live forever inside.
As for 2019, be on the look for the New Orleans posts. But if you can't wait for the in depth detail, check out the Vlog (3 parts): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-tJmTEIGew&t=15s
Also for 2019, I'm going to do an entire month of top 10 lists. If you know me, you know that I love to make lists and I've done something similar in the past. Plus these lists will reveal it bit more about me you may not already know. If you don't care for them, that's fine. I won't be offended. Just put the blog on hold until the next month.
As 2018 draws to a close, I look forward to what 2019 has in store. I'm going to leave you with some quotes I discovered this year.
"I think summer is the world reminding us to get out and live a little."~Casey Neistat
"Every dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."~Harriet Tubman
"Yes: I am a dreamer. For a dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world."~Oscar Wilde
Friday, December 28, 2018
Saturday, December 1, 2018
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
There's a hymn that I find myself singing more often than not. It's the title of this post. When you explore this hymn, you find how rich, profound, and true it is. For something written like this, you'd think it would've taken hours, maybe weeks. But in reality, it was written in 5 minutes. There's not a whole lot of things you can do in 5 minutes. Yet the words penned in that amount of time have touched many and continue to do so to this day. Below is the entire hymn.
I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.
O Light, that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to Thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in Thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.
I yield my flickering torch to Thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in Thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.
O Joy, that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to Thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain
That morn shall tearless be.
I cannot close my heart to Thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain
That morn shall tearless be.
O Cross, that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from Thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.
I love this hymn for many reasons. The first being the four points the verses talk about. O Love. O Light. O Joy. O Cross. Believe it or not, they all represent one thing, or person for that matter. They all represent Christ. And each verse opens with something marvelous Christ has done, and in response, the author does something in return. But let's dive deeper shall we?
The first verse talks about a Love that will never let go. No matter what you do in life, no matter how awful you have been, no matter if you think no one will love you, this Love will never let go. Then the verse goes deeper. The author says: I give Thee back the life I owe, that in Thine ocean depths it's flow may richer fuller be. Christ gave us life. Christ gave up His life for us. We owe him our life. But in this case, not to an end. To lose ourselves so deep in the Love of Christ, that it'll make it rich and full. That's amazing.
Verse two talks about Christ going wherever we go. Lighting our path so we don't stumble and fall on the things that darkness hides. He will never fade and never go dim. In light of this, we ourselves are but a candle compared to His blaze. I yield my flickering torch to Thee is the author recognizing this and surrendering it to Christ.
The third verse is one that penetrates the inner depths of my soul. Where there is much pain, there is no joy. But the Joy of Christ will seek you in that pain. Even though every ounce of your being wants to shut Him out, your heart just can't do it. And with this Joy comes the promise that though there may be pain in the night, His Joy comes in the morning. No matter what you are going through, have hope, that Joy shall soon return.
The fourth verse can be really tough to take. But it's meaning is so powerful and is the epitome of the Christian life. After three verses of hope, comfort, joy, love, etc, we get a more sobering one. It takes about an amazing picture of Christ's sacrifice for us. Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world. The cross lifted up His head. When you choose Christ, you too are sharing in His death...and resurrection. The author realizes that because Christ hung on the cross for him...for the world, that as painful as it was and the suffering that sometimes comes from following Christ, is not worth leaving. Because life's glory on this earth is truly dead. But when Christ died, and His blood was shed, that sacrifice, that ultimate gift, promises eternal life to all who believe. "And from the ground there blossoms red Life that shall endless be."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt69WDtYNLo
I dare not ask to fly from Thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.
I love this hymn for many reasons. The first being the four points the verses talk about. O Love. O Light. O Joy. O Cross. Believe it or not, they all represent one thing, or person for that matter. They all represent Christ. And each verse opens with something marvelous Christ has done, and in response, the author does something in return. But let's dive deeper shall we?
The first verse talks about a Love that will never let go. No matter what you do in life, no matter how awful you have been, no matter if you think no one will love you, this Love will never let go. Then the verse goes deeper. The author says: I give Thee back the life I owe, that in Thine ocean depths it's flow may richer fuller be. Christ gave us life. Christ gave up His life for us. We owe him our life. But in this case, not to an end. To lose ourselves so deep in the Love of Christ, that it'll make it rich and full. That's amazing.
Verse two talks about Christ going wherever we go. Lighting our path so we don't stumble and fall on the things that darkness hides. He will never fade and never go dim. In light of this, we ourselves are but a candle compared to His blaze. I yield my flickering torch to Thee is the author recognizing this and surrendering it to Christ.
The third verse is one that penetrates the inner depths of my soul. Where there is much pain, there is no joy. But the Joy of Christ will seek you in that pain. Even though every ounce of your being wants to shut Him out, your heart just can't do it. And with this Joy comes the promise that though there may be pain in the night, His Joy comes in the morning. No matter what you are going through, have hope, that Joy shall soon return.
The fourth verse can be really tough to take. But it's meaning is so powerful and is the epitome of the Christian life. After three verses of hope, comfort, joy, love, etc, we get a more sobering one. It takes about an amazing picture of Christ's sacrifice for us. Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world. The cross lifted up His head. When you choose Christ, you too are sharing in His death...and resurrection. The author realizes that because Christ hung on the cross for him...for the world, that as painful as it was and the suffering that sometimes comes from following Christ, is not worth leaving. Because life's glory on this earth is truly dead. But when Christ died, and His blood was shed, that sacrifice, that ultimate gift, promises eternal life to all who believe. "And from the ground there blossoms red Life that shall endless be."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt69WDtYNLo
Friday, October 5, 2018
Seattle Continued...
I apologize for publishing the two parts of my Seattle adventure so far apart. I don't apologize for life getting in the way of that. Between my job, service to the church, my vlog, hanging with people, and all the other things that come between, it's not that easy for me to just sit down and write a whole blog post anymore. I also hate rushing pieces out because I want them to be well written, typo free, and worth your while to read. So seeing as the weather is changing, why don't you find a comfy chair or couch, grab a steaming mug of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, sit back, relax, and come with me as we explore Day 2 in Seattle.
As mentioned before, one of my reasons for coming here was to see people I hadn't seen in awhile. One of those people was Adam Bettcher. Adam was someone I had met when he came to our church for the first time. He had found us because some of our kids gave him an invitation and he decided to check us out. I'm very glad he did. He wasn't in Cleveland too long because he got offered an architecture job in Seattle and accepted it. My other friend, Nick, had to work again so I had planned on spending the morning and early afternoon with Adam.
Adam and his wife Lisa picked me up a little after 10AM. Our first stop was a breakfast joint that had amazing biscuit sandwiches and a tea called Seattle Fog that was deliciously addicting. Next we ventured over to a small park where there was an art fair going on. A lot of the local architect firms had pieces there, including Adam's. His was this cool octagonal dome that produced a strange alien like noise on the outside, but when you stepped inside, you heard a message clear as crystal.
We then took a driving tour of the city, passing by specific buildings, sights, and the Amazon Orbs. One of our stops was Seattle's massive 10 level library. We took the escalators to the top and then walked down the spiral floors past rows and rows of books. My goodness that place was huge.
Amazon Orbs
Next on our list was a lighthouse and we drove way out to a state park to see it, unfortunately you needed a parking pass to park near it, which we did not possess. So we decided to check out another awesome view of Seattle. It was weird because we drove through suburb after suburb and after entering an extremely wealthy neighborhood, this spectacular view comes out of nowhere!
The view.
Deciding on where to go next, Adam asked if I had been to Pike's market. I had, but mentioned I was too late to see them toss the fish. "Let's go then!" he said. So the three of us meandered over there and the place was as busy as ever. It wasn't long before I heard the shouts and watched as the ocean's finest went flying through the air. The place is a seafood lover's paradise.
It was getting late in the afternoon and I had to get going to meet up with Nick and Lau. Adam and Lisa kindly drove me to my next destination and we exchanged goodbyes. Man it was so good to see them. Come visit us in Cleveland soon!
While waiting for Nick and Lau, there was an open air preacher with an exceptionally powerful mic preaching to the masses around me. He had a partner with him who held up a sign saying "Jesus is Weed". If you didn't know, weed is legal in the state of Washington. These guys weren't being cruel or abusive, but speaking the truth. However, most of the masses were not pleased. They swore at him, made inappropriate gestures, among other things. I just hope that some people actually listened.
Finally Nick and Lau arrived and it was time for the fun to begin. It's been a bucket list item of mine to see a ballgame in every MLB park. Today I got to check Safeco Field off that list.
As mentioned before, one of my reasons for coming here was to see people I hadn't seen in awhile. One of those people was Adam Bettcher. Adam was someone I had met when he came to our church for the first time. He had found us because some of our kids gave him an invitation and he decided to check us out. I'm very glad he did. He wasn't in Cleveland too long because he got offered an architecture job in Seattle and accepted it. My other friend, Nick, had to work again so I had planned on spending the morning and early afternoon with Adam.
Adam and his wife Lisa picked me up a little after 10AM. Our first stop was a breakfast joint that had amazing biscuit sandwiches and a tea called Seattle Fog that was deliciously addicting. Next we ventured over to a small park where there was an art fair going on. A lot of the local architect firms had pieces there, including Adam's. His was this cool octagonal dome that produced a strange alien like noise on the outside, but when you stepped inside, you heard a message clear as crystal.
We then took a driving tour of the city, passing by specific buildings, sights, and the Amazon Orbs. One of our stops was Seattle's massive 10 level library. We took the escalators to the top and then walked down the spiral floors past rows and rows of books. My goodness that place was huge.
Next on our list was a lighthouse and we drove way out to a state park to see it, unfortunately you needed a parking pass to park near it, which we did not possess. So we decided to check out another awesome view of Seattle. It was weird because we drove through suburb after suburb and after entering an extremely wealthy neighborhood, this spectacular view comes out of nowhere!
Deciding on where to go next, Adam asked if I had been to Pike's market. I had, but mentioned I was too late to see them toss the fish. "Let's go then!" he said. So the three of us meandered over there and the place was as busy as ever. It wasn't long before I heard the shouts and watched as the ocean's finest went flying through the air. The place is a seafood lover's paradise.
It was getting late in the afternoon and I had to get going to meet up with Nick and Lau. Adam and Lisa kindly drove me to my next destination and we exchanged goodbyes. Man it was so good to see them. Come visit us in Cleveland soon!
While waiting for Nick and Lau, there was an open air preacher with an exceptionally powerful mic preaching to the masses around me. He had a partner with him who held up a sign saying "Jesus is Weed". If you didn't know, weed is legal in the state of Washington. These guys weren't being cruel or abusive, but speaking the truth. However, most of the masses were not pleased. They swore at him, made inappropriate gestures, among other things. I just hope that some people actually listened.
Finally Nick and Lau arrived and it was time for the fun to begin. It's been a bucket list item of mine to see a ballgame in every MLB park. Today I got to check Safeco Field off that list.
The Kid a.k.a. Ken Griffey Jr.
When's this game gonna start?
Look! I can see Century Link Field from here!
What a view.
The Mariners were playing the yankees in what proved to be an intense game. What made it more interesting was the mass horde of yankees fans that showed up to the game. So every time either team did something good, the place exploded. I do feel bad for the Mariners fans that a bit of their home field atmosphere got taken away and they had to deal with all the yankee noise. The Mariners ended up trailing in the 9th and had a chance to come back with the bases loaded, but ultimately they couldn't deliver and fell to the yankees.
Funny story. After we left the stadium, instead of getting transportation right away, we made our way to small vendor tent. Lau started speaking to the lady and then the lady pointed to a cooler. Lau opened it and pulled out Nick's backpack. Nick had come straight from work to the ballpark and being a cook, he had his expensive knives with him. Well there's no way those were getting into the ballpark. So Lau had found a vendor who kindly stowed the backpack with the expensive knives while we watched the ballgame. Hey you gotta do what you gotta do.
We made one last stop for the night at this place that served really good pizza. Not quite as large as the one I had in Chicago, but good nonetheless. Then we headed back to Nick and Lau's for some much needed shut-eye. I was Cleveland bound by the morning.
Nick and Lau, thanks again for having me. Seattle was a blast! Until next time.
Friday, September 28, 2018
God Keep My Head Above Water
I apologize to those of you expecting part two of my Seattle trip. That post will have to wait. I got hit with a strong wave of inspiration this morning and I knew immediately I had to write about it.
My commute to work is roughly 30 min in normal traffic. However, with all the construction going on along the shoreway, it takes me 45ish minutes or more. Depending on my mood each morning, I either flip the radio on to the Fish, which is one of the major Christian music stations here in Cleveland, or I have a conversation with God. Today was more of a music day.
The sun was out, it's Friday, and I was feeling great. I was one minute from work, sitting at the bottom of the hill on Nobel Rd, when they started talking about Avril Lavigne. They mentioned they were about to play one of her new songs. My attention was instantly honed in. For those of you who don't know, Avril Lavigne is a pop/punk singer/songwriter who came onto the music scene in 2002. She produced popular songs such as Sk8er Boi, Complicated, and Girlfriend. If you look at the lyrics to these and more of her songs, you would wonder why in the world a Christian music station would play anything by her. I know I did.
Eventually, the fame died down. She hasn't put out an album in 5 years, has been divorced twice, and had a nasty bout with Lyme Disease. Here was someone who was on top of the music world who had miserably faded away. But when the Fish played her new song this morning. I was moved. The song is called Head Above Water. Before you read on, I encourage you to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKF6ghfcQic
She was in a place where the Lyme Disease was so bad, she thought she was going to die. She had mentally prepared herself for the end. But then, in her weakest moment, she did the unthinkable. She prayed. She said "God, please help to keep my head above water." Then the song you just heard came forth. She beat the disease and has a powerful testimony.
The reason I was moved is because Avril was someone who had it all. She was as far away from God as anyone. But He changed her heart. He changed her life. He gave her this song that I can see will help so many people. And the thing that makes me believe this is the work of God and not some fancy schmancy fake publicity stunt? The first half of the chorus: "God keep my head above water, don't let me drown, it gets harder. I'll meet you there at the altar, as I fall down to my knees." In the old testament, the altar is for sacrifice and spiritually it represents the burning off of your self. Falling down to your knees is a sign of surrender, but in this case, it's the best kind of surrender.
You may not be inspired like I was. You may not even like this song. But for me, it made my day. It's a constant reminder that no matter how high or low we are, we must rely on the Lord and surrender all. God is truly Amazing.
My commute to work is roughly 30 min in normal traffic. However, with all the construction going on along the shoreway, it takes me 45ish minutes or more. Depending on my mood each morning, I either flip the radio on to the Fish, which is one of the major Christian music stations here in Cleveland, or I have a conversation with God. Today was more of a music day.
The sun was out, it's Friday, and I was feeling great. I was one minute from work, sitting at the bottom of the hill on Nobel Rd, when they started talking about Avril Lavigne. They mentioned they were about to play one of her new songs. My attention was instantly honed in. For those of you who don't know, Avril Lavigne is a pop/punk singer/songwriter who came onto the music scene in 2002. She produced popular songs such as Sk8er Boi, Complicated, and Girlfriend. If you look at the lyrics to these and more of her songs, you would wonder why in the world a Christian music station would play anything by her. I know I did.
Eventually, the fame died down. She hasn't put out an album in 5 years, has been divorced twice, and had a nasty bout with Lyme Disease. Here was someone who was on top of the music world who had miserably faded away. But when the Fish played her new song this morning. I was moved. The song is called Head Above Water. Before you read on, I encourage you to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKF6ghfcQic
She was in a place where the Lyme Disease was so bad, she thought she was going to die. She had mentally prepared herself for the end. But then, in her weakest moment, she did the unthinkable. She prayed. She said "God, please help to keep my head above water." Then the song you just heard came forth. She beat the disease and has a powerful testimony.
The reason I was moved is because Avril was someone who had it all. She was as far away from God as anyone. But He changed her heart. He changed her life. He gave her this song that I can see will help so many people. And the thing that makes me believe this is the work of God and not some fancy schmancy fake publicity stunt? The first half of the chorus: "God keep my head above water, don't let me drown, it gets harder. I'll meet you there at the altar, as I fall down to my knees." In the old testament, the altar is for sacrifice and spiritually it represents the burning off of your self. Falling down to your knees is a sign of surrender, but in this case, it's the best kind of surrender.
You may not be inspired like I was. You may not even like this song. But for me, it made my day. It's a constant reminder that no matter how high or low we are, we must rely on the Lord and surrender all. God is truly Amazing.
Friday, September 21, 2018
Seattle
Last weekend I took a trip to Seattle Washington. Why Seattle? Why not? Actually there are many reasons. I have some dear friends who call it home. My wanderlust was acting up again. It was on my Places to See bucket list. I could go on. Seattle was calling my name and so I went.
Before Seattle, I have found myself in Boston, New York City, Chicago, Indianapolis, Raleigh, Pittsburgh, Austin, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Columbus, Buffalo, Toronto, and Sydney. The desire to travel has been coursing through my veins since high school. I love exploring a place I've never been, seeing the sights, experiencing different foods, cultures, navigating it's transportation, meeting new people, the list goes on. So much so in fact that I have multiple bucket lists, mainly filled with travel stuff. I know they'll never be fulfilled, but I can dream can't I? It's also that drive to complete them that pushes my dreaming forward.
I've always wanted to visit Seattle. I have a job. I'm single. I'm young. I know people who live there. What's stopping me? Nothing anymore. I got a hold of Nick Caudill, said something along the lines of "hey can I come visit you?", bought a plane ticket, and the rest is now history.
I landed in Seattle around 9:30pm. Nick has a baking job and had to be up mad early the next day, but he and he wife Lau still came and picked me up at the airport. Such a swell guy. We made our way back to their apartment where we chit-chatted and ate brisket doused in death sauce before finally hitting the sack.
Because Nick and Lau had to work, I had the whole morning/afternoon to myself. Being an avid geocacher and Seattle being home to the headquarters of geocaching, that's where I headed first. I arrived outside HQ an hour early, so I went geocaching and managed to run into a troll. He was quite friendly though so y'all should say hi if you're ever in Seattle.
I left the troll to his bridge and went hunting for more geocaches. Near the headquarters are 9 caches that are hidden that are part of what's called a Geo Tour. A Geo Tour takes you to interesting places while finding cool caches and once completed, you can earn a digital souvenir and in some cases a cool coin. For this tour, I counted rocks to get a code, let a chair down from a tree of chairs, learned the history of a rocket, gathered info to open a locked box, dialed a coded telephone number on a pay phone to reveal a box, etc etc. I stopped by HQ in between and again at the end to complete the tour and enjoy all the HQ has to offer. That was just my morning.
I was told of Gas Works park and this amazing view of the Seattle skyline.
Notice that green bike on the ground. Those are called Lime Bikes and they are all over the city. The are parked nearly anywhere and everywhere. To use them, you download the app, link your credit card, and scan the QR code on the bike. The bike will then unlock and you can use it as long as you please and park it anywhere (As long as you aren't damaging it or there's no police order) you wish. Just remember to lock it so it stops charging you. I used one to get here.
After my morning excursion, I decided to walk to my next destination...
Before Seattle, I have found myself in Boston, New York City, Chicago, Indianapolis, Raleigh, Pittsburgh, Austin, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Columbus, Buffalo, Toronto, and Sydney. The desire to travel has been coursing through my veins since high school. I love exploring a place I've never been, seeing the sights, experiencing different foods, cultures, navigating it's transportation, meeting new people, the list goes on. So much so in fact that I have multiple bucket lists, mainly filled with travel stuff. I know they'll never be fulfilled, but I can dream can't I? It's also that drive to complete them that pushes my dreaming forward.
I've always wanted to visit Seattle. I have a job. I'm single. I'm young. I know people who live there. What's stopping me? Nothing anymore. I got a hold of Nick Caudill, said something along the lines of "hey can I come visit you?", bought a plane ticket, and the rest is now history.
I landed in Seattle around 9:30pm. Nick has a baking job and had to be up mad early the next day, but he and he wife Lau still came and picked me up at the airport. Such a swell guy. We made our way back to their apartment where we chit-chatted and ate brisket doused in death sauce before finally hitting the sack.
Because Nick and Lau had to work, I had the whole morning/afternoon to myself. Being an avid geocacher and Seattle being home to the headquarters of geocaching, that's where I headed first. I arrived outside HQ an hour early, so I went geocaching and managed to run into a troll. He was quite friendly though so y'all should say hi if you're ever in Seattle.
I left the troll to his bridge and went hunting for more geocaches. Near the headquarters are 9 caches that are hidden that are part of what's called a Geo Tour. A Geo Tour takes you to interesting places while finding cool caches and once completed, you can earn a digital souvenir and in some cases a cool coin. For this tour, I counted rocks to get a code, let a chair down from a tree of chairs, learned the history of a rocket, gathered info to open a locked box, dialed a coded telephone number on a pay phone to reveal a box, etc etc. I stopped by HQ in between and again at the end to complete the tour and enjoy all the HQ has to offer. That was just my morning.
I was told of Gas Works park and this amazing view of the Seattle skyline.
Notice that green bike on the ground. Those are called Lime Bikes and they are all over the city. The are parked nearly anywhere and everywhere. To use them, you download the app, link your credit card, and scan the QR code on the bike. The bike will then unlock and you can use it as long as you please and park it anywhere (As long as you aren't damaging it or there's no police order) you wish. Just remember to lock it so it stops charging you. I used one to get here.
After my morning excursion, I decided to walk to my next destination...
Hello Space Needle! It cost $38 to go up to the top, but it was so worth it.
By this point my phone was running low on juice, so I spent the next half hour searching Yelp and wandering around for a local coffee shop that was an actual coffee shop and had enough outlets that I could use at least 1. As mentioned in my vlog, I had an interesting bucket list item that nagged at me for so long. Which was to sit in a Seattle coffee shop (not starbucks), drink a Seattle coffee, and watch the city move along before my eyes. I don't know why I desired to do this so much, but it was totally worth it.
An hour and a half later, I wandered down to the ocean. I made stops at Olympic park, the Big Wheel, the piers, the gum wall, and Pike's market. Unfortunately I was too late to see them toss the fish, but seeing the market was awesome.
By this point, my legs were dead as I probably walked close to 6 miles. It was getting dark, the skies were threatening rain, and I still hadn't heard from Nick. I knew I had to head North, so I began walking up what seemed like San Francisco streets. I started at 1st ave and by the time I got to 6th, the sky burst open. I ducked for cover under the nearest awning as it poured. I saw a rat or two dart out from their hiding places, but they fled at the sight of me. My phone was running low again, but thankfully Nick texted back. Work let him go late. Forty-Five minutes later, I was rescued. We met his wife for dinner at a scrumptious seafood restaurant. First time I had oysters. They were good, but oysters aren't my thing. The crab roll and fries on the other hand were amazing. We capped the night with some weird-flavored, but delicious ice cream. That's all for day 1. Stay tuned for day 2.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Miracles Exist
The opening for this blog nearly hit me last night. As I was enjoying an evening walk down the streets of this vibrant city known as Lakewood, I saw something coming towards me out of the corner of my eye. I instinctively ducked and then heard a loud thud. Without turning around, I knew exactly what happened. My mind began processing the whole incident. Why in the world had it done that? Was it coming at me? Was it mad? Did it just lose it's sense of direction? I hope it's not dead. It's probably dead.
I slowly turned around and saw a full grown robin lying on the ground. It's wings spread wide, beak open, and head twitching. I was sure it was good as dead. I wasn't going to leave it though. Too much foot traffic, too many cars, and many creatures that would have loved to end it's existence. So I sat there and watched it. I warned people passing by as some nearly squashed it by not paying attention. I sent out a post on the community page, hoping someone nearby could rescue it.
Finally a police officer passed by and I got his attention. I explained the situation and he said he'd call the animal control people. By now the bird had managed to stand up, but still seemed as if it wasn't going anywhere. I watched him all the more, making sure nothing happened to him. Then, a few minutes later, a passerby nearly kicked him. I warned the guy, but he was a bit closer than the bird liked. Suddenly, as if by miracle, the bird jumped into the air and flew to the safety of a nearby tree.
I sat there stunned. I just witnessed the little guy crash full force into a window, which is fatal in most cases, nearly get trampled, and in a matter of no longer than 15 minutes, make a full recovery and fly away.
People claim today that miracles don't exist. They say people don't walk on water, can't be healed by a single touch, be raised from the dead, so on and so forth. They're looking for the wrong kind of miracles.
Here's the thing. Miracles are happening everyday. They come in all shapes, forms, and ways. Some examples include but are not limited to a drug addict becoming clean, someone's cancer disappearing and never coming back, the person who received a meal after going days without one, a baby being born, or that bird that hit a window and was surely going to die, but made a full recovery.
I had a fair share in my life and even dedicated entire blog posts to them before. Today I'm giving you the highlights of some of them just so you can really see that miracles do exist.
After I had finished my second year of college, I took a year off to do a Christian training. Halfway through that year, we were given two weeks break for the holidays and to get our bearings straight. I had this week long trip planned to North Carolina to visit another trainee and his family. The first day of break, I get a Grand Jury summons in the mail. This was the worst timing ever. Not just for the trip, but for the rest of my training. This is where I looked to the Lord. I had no idea why this happened then, but I trusted him. After days of prayer, I had to be in Toronto for a youth conference. If I got deferred, I'd have no way of knowing until the day before I was scheduled to leave for NC. A few days later, on the way home from Toronto, the moment we we're in the US, I checked my phone. There was an email from the court. I was not deferred...I had been fully released! How often do you hear of someone getting released from Gran Jury duty for a Christian training?
The next instance was when I was 20 years old. I had my driver's license for a year. I was in a bad mood on a slightly rainy day. I was caught in traffic, but had a clear lane next to me. Problem was is that I was at a dead stop. Annoyed by the guy in front of me trying to make an impossible left turn due to the traffic, I pulled out into the other lane and right into the side of a brand new 2012 ford focus. I was driving a big suburban and barely going 5mph so my car barely had a scratch. I put a huge dent int the Focus. No one was hurt...just my wallet. I had just finished the Christian training and since I wasn' working the previous year, I didn't have much money and wouldn't be receiving a paycheck for at least another month. The ticket I got (because making a lane shift from a dead stop is illeagal in Ohio) took 60% of what I had left. I didn't know if I was going to last a month. Guess what. I did. So this was a double miracle. No one got hurt and my needs were met.
One of the worst debts to have are student loans. Unlike a single car loan or a mortgage, they pile up so fast in 4-6 years and then hit you with mad interest once you graduate. It's the main cause for so many debt issues in the US. I was in college for five years worth of classes. I didn't have any scholarships by my third year and the financial aid didn't cover everything. Now Cleveland State is on the cheaper side of college tuition, but college is still expensive. Thankfully I was smart enough to put money away from co-ops I had done as part of my engineering program. I wasn't actually putting it away for school, but rather to build up savings. I talked to the Lord about this one a lot. On a great deal of faith, I asked Him to allow me to come out of college with no debt and $500 left in my savings. Graduation came and I got my final loan statement. I checked my savings and saw that I had exactly enough to pay off the loans and with about $250 left over. Some would say that the Lord didn't come through because it didn't turn out exactly how I wanted. I didn't have $500 left, but somehow had just enough to pay off all my student loans and be free from one of the most awful debts in the US...
...but this miracle doesn't end here. A couple weeks later, my state refund check came in. Can you guess the amount? Yup, $250. I put that into my savings and there sat the $500 I had asked for.
This last one happened last year. If you have been reading my blog since July of 2017, you'll know this one all too well. I had been job hunting for a year since I graduated. By the time July 2017 hit, I was down to $72 to my name and had no idea what I was going to do. But during that year, I put my trust into my Lord. I ended up doing a lot of projects for the church, helping out people when they needed it because I had plenty of time on my hands, and filling in for an after-care program for pre-school children for a year. Even with all of that, having trust in the Lord, didn't make the anxiousness or uncertainty completely go away. Then, on July 10th, 2017, I got a phone call saying General Electric had made me an offer. At my wit's end, not knowing what I was going to do, the Lord came through with another miracle. I have been at this job for a year. It is almost everything I wanted for a first job. Not too far from home, co-workers my age who are social, a boss who's super chill, and it covers my expenses.
This is how the Lord cares for us. Like that bird I mentioned earlier. We struggle and hit walls in our lives. But rather than instantly fix everything, He brings us through our struggles and pain. In a metaphorical sense, keeps people from kicking us, dogs trying to eat us, and teaches us how to overcome hitting that window. Then smiles as we spread our wings and soar. So don't look for someone walking on water. Don't go seeking out the Red Sea being split in two. Reflect upon the events of your life and you may just find that miracles exist.
I slowly turned around and saw a full grown robin lying on the ground. It's wings spread wide, beak open, and head twitching. I was sure it was good as dead. I wasn't going to leave it though. Too much foot traffic, too many cars, and many creatures that would have loved to end it's existence. So I sat there and watched it. I warned people passing by as some nearly squashed it by not paying attention. I sent out a post on the community page, hoping someone nearby could rescue it.
Finally a police officer passed by and I got his attention. I explained the situation and he said he'd call the animal control people. By now the bird had managed to stand up, but still seemed as if it wasn't going anywhere. I watched him all the more, making sure nothing happened to him. Then, a few minutes later, a passerby nearly kicked him. I warned the guy, but he was a bit closer than the bird liked. Suddenly, as if by miracle, the bird jumped into the air and flew to the safety of a nearby tree.
I sat there stunned. I just witnessed the little guy crash full force into a window, which is fatal in most cases, nearly get trampled, and in a matter of no longer than 15 minutes, make a full recovery and fly away.
People claim today that miracles don't exist. They say people don't walk on water, can't be healed by a single touch, be raised from the dead, so on and so forth. They're looking for the wrong kind of miracles.
Here's the thing. Miracles are happening everyday. They come in all shapes, forms, and ways. Some examples include but are not limited to a drug addict becoming clean, someone's cancer disappearing and never coming back, the person who received a meal after going days without one, a baby being born, or that bird that hit a window and was surely going to die, but made a full recovery.
I had a fair share in my life and even dedicated entire blog posts to them before. Today I'm giving you the highlights of some of them just so you can really see that miracles do exist.
After I had finished my second year of college, I took a year off to do a Christian training. Halfway through that year, we were given two weeks break for the holidays and to get our bearings straight. I had this week long trip planned to North Carolina to visit another trainee and his family. The first day of break, I get a Grand Jury summons in the mail. This was the worst timing ever. Not just for the trip, but for the rest of my training. This is where I looked to the Lord. I had no idea why this happened then, but I trusted him. After days of prayer, I had to be in Toronto for a youth conference. If I got deferred, I'd have no way of knowing until the day before I was scheduled to leave for NC. A few days later, on the way home from Toronto, the moment we we're in the US, I checked my phone. There was an email from the court. I was not deferred...I had been fully released! How often do you hear of someone getting released from Gran Jury duty for a Christian training?
The next instance was when I was 20 years old. I had my driver's license for a year. I was in a bad mood on a slightly rainy day. I was caught in traffic, but had a clear lane next to me. Problem was is that I was at a dead stop. Annoyed by the guy in front of me trying to make an impossible left turn due to the traffic, I pulled out into the other lane and right into the side of a brand new 2012 ford focus. I was driving a big suburban and barely going 5mph so my car barely had a scratch. I put a huge dent int the Focus. No one was hurt...just my wallet. I had just finished the Christian training and since I wasn' working the previous year, I didn't have much money and wouldn't be receiving a paycheck for at least another month. The ticket I got (because making a lane shift from a dead stop is illeagal in Ohio) took 60% of what I had left. I didn't know if I was going to last a month. Guess what. I did. So this was a double miracle. No one got hurt and my needs were met.
One of the worst debts to have are student loans. Unlike a single car loan or a mortgage, they pile up so fast in 4-6 years and then hit you with mad interest once you graduate. It's the main cause for so many debt issues in the US. I was in college for five years worth of classes. I didn't have any scholarships by my third year and the financial aid didn't cover everything. Now Cleveland State is on the cheaper side of college tuition, but college is still expensive. Thankfully I was smart enough to put money away from co-ops I had done as part of my engineering program. I wasn't actually putting it away for school, but rather to build up savings. I talked to the Lord about this one a lot. On a great deal of faith, I asked Him to allow me to come out of college with no debt and $500 left in my savings. Graduation came and I got my final loan statement. I checked my savings and saw that I had exactly enough to pay off the loans and with about $250 left over. Some would say that the Lord didn't come through because it didn't turn out exactly how I wanted. I didn't have $500 left, but somehow had just enough to pay off all my student loans and be free from one of the most awful debts in the US...
...but this miracle doesn't end here. A couple weeks later, my state refund check came in. Can you guess the amount? Yup, $250. I put that into my savings and there sat the $500 I had asked for.
This last one happened last year. If you have been reading my blog since July of 2017, you'll know this one all too well. I had been job hunting for a year since I graduated. By the time July 2017 hit, I was down to $72 to my name and had no idea what I was going to do. But during that year, I put my trust into my Lord. I ended up doing a lot of projects for the church, helping out people when they needed it because I had plenty of time on my hands, and filling in for an after-care program for pre-school children for a year. Even with all of that, having trust in the Lord, didn't make the anxiousness or uncertainty completely go away. Then, on July 10th, 2017, I got a phone call saying General Electric had made me an offer. At my wit's end, not knowing what I was going to do, the Lord came through with another miracle. I have been at this job for a year. It is almost everything I wanted for a first job. Not too far from home, co-workers my age who are social, a boss who's super chill, and it covers my expenses.
This is how the Lord cares for us. Like that bird I mentioned earlier. We struggle and hit walls in our lives. But rather than instantly fix everything, He brings us through our struggles and pain. In a metaphorical sense, keeps people from kicking us, dogs trying to eat us, and teaches us how to overcome hitting that window. Then smiles as we spread our wings and soar. So don't look for someone walking on water. Don't go seeking out the Red Sea being split in two. Reflect upon the events of your life and you may just find that miracles exist.
Monday, July 9, 2018
I Have A Confession
Disclaimer: I know I missed last month. It is not the first time this has happened and I doubt it'll be the last. No it wasn't because of the vlog. It's because I wanted to get this post right rather than rush something out there. Thank you for your patience. Blog begins below.
I have kept this blog going for seven years now. For at least once a month I've posted something here. Some posts have broken 100 views and some have only one. In my last post I explained all the reasons behind why I still keep it going even though not many read it. I'm not going into that again. Instead I'm going to explain something else. Something that I no longer can be silent about.
If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm a Christian. A strong one. Well in the sense that my faith is the most important thing to me. How important? Well for starters, the girl I marry has to be Christian. Because if she doesn't share in the most important part of my life, that relationship isn't going to work. I guarantee it. Non Christians have questioned me because of this. They have said I'm narrow minded. But most of these people have not been in a relationship with someone who shares different beliefs. I have known people in these types of relationships and in my own personal experience, the majority did not last or they forsook the Christian life altogether. I can't speak for all people and I wouldn't want to. For me personally, that's the way it has to be.
When I started this blog in 2011, it was supposed to be a reflection of my year of serving the Lord. For the most part it was, but after that year ended, it contained less Christian related posts. This was because the full year of serving ended and rather than make a second blog, I figured I'd dump my thoughts here. Which I have done. But with how society is today, the explosion of social media, information flying faster than it can be fact checked, and so much crap being spewed by both sides of the chaos, I have done the thing I shouldn't have done which was say nothing. Every time a flash flood of something touchy, controversial, or plain wrong hits social media, I refused to get involved.
I didn't input my 2 cents because that's all it would've been worth I did it then. I have many friends on both sides of whatever storm comes next. I felt that if I made my opinion heard, I would lose some of them and that wasn't worth it for me. Another reason I did not speak was because I didn't have all the facts. Police shootings, Trumps policies, school shootings, etc. There are so many lies that are out there, it takes time and reason to obtain a truth. I would not enter a debate with out carefully discerning truth from lies, but it seems that all the careful planning to do so would cause an uproar among the most stubborn. Lastly, I know that certain things I have seen deeply anger me and responding to them while in anger would do more harm than good. So in many ways, it was good I said nothing...
...but I still failed. And by saying the things I'm about to say now will probably cause backlash. But that's okay because I'm doing this from the love of the depth of my heart and to maybe change someones life.
You see it's really hard to be a Christian in this day and age. More so for the people in other countries. What I mean by that (for those that live in a country built on freedom) is that there are too many Christians by name and not by faith who don't actually live by the teachings of Christ. They skew the word to their own advantage or misinterpret the bible. One of the most famous misquoted verses in the bible is 2 Timothy 6:10 which states "For the LOVE of money is the root of all sorts of evil, and some, by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." It is misquoted by saying money is the root of all evil, when it is actually the love of money. Big difference. Not all, but a good deal who misinterpret this verse or others, don't take the time to try to understand God's word. Their foundation is weak. Cases like that can be destructive.
So why bring all that up? It's because people like that tend to give the people who truly love and follow Christ a bad name by lumping them with all the so-called Christians. So whenever I mention to some non Christians that I am in fact a Christian, they see me as a bigot, a hater of certain groups, and in some cases a disgusting person. If I try to share anything pertaining to my faith, often time persecution comes, even from those who once were Christians themselves. It just became easy not to say anything.
A quote that follows me around goes "God can use whatever you say to bring His Word to men, what He can't use is your silence. With that in mind I say this. I will never try to force anything on you. If I am talking to you about Christ, the bible, or anything along those lines, it's because I care about you that much. Because for me, knowing Christ is the greatest gift I have ever received. The road hasn't always been easy and has hit some critical moments, but what I have and have been through all of my years of walking with Him has been worth so much more than ever walking away because of things I don't agree with. "Your love never fails. It never gives up. It never runs out on me."
So if you are reading this and you don't know Christ, then I'm so sorry for not telling you about Him sooner. I could tell you countless stories of the amazing things He has done for me, the hardships He has brought me through, the trials He placed before me knowing I would overcome them. I can't exactly tell you why it makes sense in human terms because this is something you have to experience for your own. I've told different friends this over the years and one who couldn't understand/refused to believe, finally let go and let God. When he did that, everything I told him over the years made perfect sense to him. He was feeling the love and peace of God that can only be felt by those who take that leap of faith.
My other intent for doing this is because I am concerned about your future. In this next statement I'm only saying "if" to make a point. I don't believe the "if" exists here. For example, IF heaven and hell don't exist, if Christ is not real, and if God is a lie, then what is the purpose of this life? To be born, to be a kid, to grow up, graduate college, gain a career for the next 40-50 years, get married, have kids, retired, then die and...nothing? What a sad life that would be. If this was my state of mind, I'd look forward to the next thing more than focus on the now because that's what I'd be living for. And to have this short life on earth just to be "successful" and/or live a "happy" life only to have it all be for nothing to me is a tragedy.
This is the admission I make. I am a sinner. I make mistakes all the time. I'm flawed. I'm human. Being a Christian alone does not make me better than an unbeliever who also makes mistakes that may hurt someone else. Being a Christian does not give me a right to judge someone else for actions that are wrong or the bible claims are wrong. Being a Christian most certainly does not make me higher than anyone else. Being a Christian means to love thy neighbor as thyself.~Mark 12:31 To love my God with my whole heart, my whole soul, my whole mind, and my whole strength.~Mark 12:30 To love my enemy~Matthew 5:44. To submit myself to God and resist the devil~James 4:7. To deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Him~Mark 8:34 And so much more.
I want to leave you with the final thought. John 3:16 declares : "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
It does not say that God only loved Christians. Or that God only loved good people, white people, rich people, humble people. NO. It says FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD. Still don't get it? If anyone ever tells you that God hates homosexuals, they're wrong. If anyone ever tells you that God hates liberals, they're wrong. If anyone ever tells you that God hates the unbeliever, again they're wrong. God loves Every. Single. Person. What He does hate, is sin. He hates the sin of the unbeliever. He hates my sin. The sins I commit Every. Single. Day. But because He loves man so much, He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, as the single sacrifice, to cover Every. Single. Sin. Past. Present. And Future. All you have to do is believe. He gave you that choice. It's yours to make and yours alone. No matter which way you choose, I won't think of you any less. But I wanted to share this with you in the hope that maybe you could find what I have and see why I love it so much.
I have kept this blog going for seven years now. For at least once a month I've posted something here. Some posts have broken 100 views and some have only one. In my last post I explained all the reasons behind why I still keep it going even though not many read it. I'm not going into that again. Instead I'm going to explain something else. Something that I no longer can be silent about.
If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm a Christian. A strong one. Well in the sense that my faith is the most important thing to me. How important? Well for starters, the girl I marry has to be Christian. Because if she doesn't share in the most important part of my life, that relationship isn't going to work. I guarantee it. Non Christians have questioned me because of this. They have said I'm narrow minded. But most of these people have not been in a relationship with someone who shares different beliefs. I have known people in these types of relationships and in my own personal experience, the majority did not last or they forsook the Christian life altogether. I can't speak for all people and I wouldn't want to. For me personally, that's the way it has to be.
When I started this blog in 2011, it was supposed to be a reflection of my year of serving the Lord. For the most part it was, but after that year ended, it contained less Christian related posts. This was because the full year of serving ended and rather than make a second blog, I figured I'd dump my thoughts here. Which I have done. But with how society is today, the explosion of social media, information flying faster than it can be fact checked, and so much crap being spewed by both sides of the chaos, I have done the thing I shouldn't have done which was say nothing. Every time a flash flood of something touchy, controversial, or plain wrong hits social media, I refused to get involved.
I didn't input my 2 cents because that's all it would've been worth I did it then. I have many friends on both sides of whatever storm comes next. I felt that if I made my opinion heard, I would lose some of them and that wasn't worth it for me. Another reason I did not speak was because I didn't have all the facts. Police shootings, Trumps policies, school shootings, etc. There are so many lies that are out there, it takes time and reason to obtain a truth. I would not enter a debate with out carefully discerning truth from lies, but it seems that all the careful planning to do so would cause an uproar among the most stubborn. Lastly, I know that certain things I have seen deeply anger me and responding to them while in anger would do more harm than good. So in many ways, it was good I said nothing...
...but I still failed. And by saying the things I'm about to say now will probably cause backlash. But that's okay because I'm doing this from the love of the depth of my heart and to maybe change someones life.
You see it's really hard to be a Christian in this day and age. More so for the people in other countries. What I mean by that (for those that live in a country built on freedom) is that there are too many Christians by name and not by faith who don't actually live by the teachings of Christ. They skew the word to their own advantage or misinterpret the bible. One of the most famous misquoted verses in the bible is 2 Timothy 6:10 which states "For the LOVE of money is the root of all sorts of evil, and some, by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." It is misquoted by saying money is the root of all evil, when it is actually the love of money. Big difference. Not all, but a good deal who misinterpret this verse or others, don't take the time to try to understand God's word. Their foundation is weak. Cases like that can be destructive.
So why bring all that up? It's because people like that tend to give the people who truly love and follow Christ a bad name by lumping them with all the so-called Christians. So whenever I mention to some non Christians that I am in fact a Christian, they see me as a bigot, a hater of certain groups, and in some cases a disgusting person. If I try to share anything pertaining to my faith, often time persecution comes, even from those who once were Christians themselves. It just became easy not to say anything.
A quote that follows me around goes "God can use whatever you say to bring His Word to men, what He can't use is your silence. With that in mind I say this. I will never try to force anything on you. If I am talking to you about Christ, the bible, or anything along those lines, it's because I care about you that much. Because for me, knowing Christ is the greatest gift I have ever received. The road hasn't always been easy and has hit some critical moments, but what I have and have been through all of my years of walking with Him has been worth so much more than ever walking away because of things I don't agree with. "Your love never fails. It never gives up. It never runs out on me."
So if you are reading this and you don't know Christ, then I'm so sorry for not telling you about Him sooner. I could tell you countless stories of the amazing things He has done for me, the hardships He has brought me through, the trials He placed before me knowing I would overcome them. I can't exactly tell you why it makes sense in human terms because this is something you have to experience for your own. I've told different friends this over the years and one who couldn't understand/refused to believe, finally let go and let God. When he did that, everything I told him over the years made perfect sense to him. He was feeling the love and peace of God that can only be felt by those who take that leap of faith.
My other intent for doing this is because I am concerned about your future. In this next statement I'm only saying "if" to make a point. I don't believe the "if" exists here. For example, IF heaven and hell don't exist, if Christ is not real, and if God is a lie, then what is the purpose of this life? To be born, to be a kid, to grow up, graduate college, gain a career for the next 40-50 years, get married, have kids, retired, then die and...nothing? What a sad life that would be. If this was my state of mind, I'd look forward to the next thing more than focus on the now because that's what I'd be living for. And to have this short life on earth just to be "successful" and/or live a "happy" life only to have it all be for nothing to me is a tragedy.
This is the admission I make. I am a sinner. I make mistakes all the time. I'm flawed. I'm human. Being a Christian alone does not make me better than an unbeliever who also makes mistakes that may hurt someone else. Being a Christian does not give me a right to judge someone else for actions that are wrong or the bible claims are wrong. Being a Christian most certainly does not make me higher than anyone else. Being a Christian means to love thy neighbor as thyself.~Mark 12:31 To love my God with my whole heart, my whole soul, my whole mind, and my whole strength.~Mark 12:30 To love my enemy~Matthew 5:44. To submit myself to God and resist the devil~James 4:7. To deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Him~Mark 8:34 And so much more.
I want to leave you with the final thought. John 3:16 declares : "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
It does not say that God only loved Christians. Or that God only loved good people, white people, rich people, humble people. NO. It says FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD. Still don't get it? If anyone ever tells you that God hates homosexuals, they're wrong. If anyone ever tells you that God hates liberals, they're wrong. If anyone ever tells you that God hates the unbeliever, again they're wrong. God loves Every. Single. Person. What He does hate, is sin. He hates the sin of the unbeliever. He hates my sin. The sins I commit Every. Single. Day. But because He loves man so much, He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, as the single sacrifice, to cover Every. Single. Sin. Past. Present. And Future. All you have to do is believe. He gave you that choice. It's yours to make and yours alone. No matter which way you choose, I won't think of you any less. But I wanted to share this with you in the hope that maybe you could find what I have and see why I love it so much.
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Thoughts
I'm sticking to my commitment of writing here at least once a month. Usually I was pretty good about coming up with something to write about. But I disliked the times I had to force something. So why did I write then? And why try now? It seems like a lot of effort for minimal reads. And it is. However, I'm going to share with you why I continue to stick with it. Why I share my thoughts and other things in my life, sometimes so personal that I have to ask myself "Why did I do that?" Well you're about to know.
1) Because I know some people still read it. That's what gives a writer their drive. Knowing that people will read what I wrote. Heck if only one person read this blog, I'd still write it. Which leads to the next one.
2) Because I have the hope that the things I write will inspire, help, and entertain those that read it. Sometimes I write things aimed at specific people with the hopes that they one day may be reading these very words and realize what they mean to me or how I want to help them, or that they are missed. It goes on and on.
3) It's basically a semi personal journal for me. I write things here that I would probably not share in person. But sharing it with hundreds to thousands of people at once is okay...at least that's what I'm saying when I post something super personal. That and I can see how my writing changes throughout the years. I can reminisce on so many great memories. I can recall struggles and learn how I overcame them. Writing is a powerful tool if you can hone it.
4) I started this blog as a gospel blog in the hopes of sharing my Christian faith and experiences with those around me. It was also a way of commitment to remind myself why I chose this path and why I want to share it with others. For those who have faithfully been here since I started this blog way back in 2011, you know it hasn't stayed that course. The reason is is sometimes I have to let what's on my mind loose rather than force something I wouldn't feel satisfied with sharing. So in a way, I still want to use it as a source of the gospel.
5) There are so many people who I haven't seen in so long and I miss dearly. I love when they are active on social media because it allows a window for me that I can see into their world. In a way, this blog is me offering y'all a window to mine. I don't strive for a popular blog, rather all I want is for those I care about to know what's up with me and maybe get inspiration of their own.
6) Lastly, because writing matters. Commitment matters. People matter. This is partially for me. Yet, as Julian Smith used to always say before he quit comedy..."I made this for you."
Thursday, April 26, 2018
I Started A Vlog!
If you are living under a rock or you are reading this without seeing the link when posted on Facebook, you'll have noticed I started a Vlog. Don't worry. That does not mean that I'll stop writing here. I'm going to continue to keep my commitment to write here at least once a month. As mentioned in my first video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3VX-3OyX_k) my reason for doing this was inspiration based, to take my creativity to another level, to serve as a video diary of my life, and it's something I've wanted to do for awhile.
I did a raw vlog four years ago on our family vacation in Wisconsin. I videoed everything and uploaded the raw videos to facebook. That was the start. The inspiration that pushed me to put this project into full force was Casey Neistat (https://www.youtube.com/user/caseyneistat). I came across his videos this year and I'm absolutely obsessed. I can't do an everyday vlog like him because I can't film at work and I don't have the will power nor desire to do so. But seriously, go check his stuff out.
I don't plan on trying to make it big with the vlog nor do I plan on doing all the nutty things to get more views. I will also not ask you to subscribe, like, or even ring that stupid bell youtube added. It's a hobby I picked up and am sharing a view into my life with whomever may be interested. The only reason I'm announcing it and sharing it is because it's also for y'all. The people in my life who matter and may want to know what's going on with me. Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC__Q2za--t7qb8bsfZ_aS2g
Go check it out if you want...or don't. Totally up to you. And here's an awesome song that has also run true with me lately. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUFpGGe8U_E.
End Note: If you want to see me do anything on the Vlog I'm open to suggestions. Just an fyi.
That's all I got.
I did a raw vlog four years ago on our family vacation in Wisconsin. I videoed everything and uploaded the raw videos to facebook. That was the start. The inspiration that pushed me to put this project into full force was Casey Neistat (https://www.youtube.com/user/caseyneistat). I came across his videos this year and I'm absolutely obsessed. I can't do an everyday vlog like him because I can't film at work and I don't have the will power nor desire to do so. But seriously, go check his stuff out.
I don't plan on trying to make it big with the vlog nor do I plan on doing all the nutty things to get more views. I will also not ask you to subscribe, like, or even ring that stupid bell youtube added. It's a hobby I picked up and am sharing a view into my life with whomever may be interested. The only reason I'm announcing it and sharing it is because it's also for y'all. The people in my life who matter and may want to know what's going on with me. Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC__Q2za--t7qb8bsfZ_aS2g
Go check it out if you want...or don't. Totally up to you. And here's an awesome song that has also run true with me lately. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUFpGGe8U_E.
End Note: If you want to see me do anything on the Vlog I'm open to suggestions. Just an fyi.
That's all I got.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Dude Perfect and Boomerangs
Not a normal monthly post because hey, normal sometimes gets boring. If you don't get the title, Dude Perfect is the name of a trick shot group that's one of the most popular channels on youtube. They started out in 2009 just a handful of college kids doing basketball trick shots in their backyard. They kept putting out videos and pretty soon they became a sensation. Now it's what they do for a living. They have major sponsors, a multi-million dollar facility to perform trick shots, their own TV show, merchandise, everything. I have been watching their videos from day one.
Since they've become so popular, they've done way more than just basketball trick shots. They've had Drew Brees and Russell Wilson for football shenanigans, soccer players from Chelsea, Brodie Smith (one of the best frisbee players in the US), pool pros, bowling champs, etc. The video they released this week is with the best boomerang thrower in the US. Logan Broadbent. Logan has also appeared on two seasons of American Ninja Warrior. Just google his name and a lot of interesting things come up. But all this is not my main reason for this post.
You see, the beginning actually takes place way back in 2005, the same year youtube was born. I was in the 8th grade. Our school had the privilege of being entertained by a boomerang expert. The man dazzled us by tossing boomerangs around the room and catching them behind his back, in his teeth, and even did a handstand and caught the boomerang between his feet. The man's name was Gary Broadbent. Yup, that name is familiar because he is Logan' father. Thirteen years ago, I was entertained by the man who fathered the best boomerang thrower in the US, and American Ninja Warrior, and honorary Dude Perfect member. And I know him personally.
Yup. You read that right. I know Logan Broadbent on a personal level? How you ask? For all the things he has accomplished and achieved in life, he also leads a down to earth one as well. I met Logan when he came up to our part of the office to discuss a project he was working on. That's when I found out who he was, that I had seen his father perform those tricks all those years ago, and that he works at GE.
It all comes full circle and still blows my mind. Youtube was born in 2005. I was awed by Gary Broadbent in 2005. I start watching Dude Perfect from their first video, been a fan since the beginning, meet Logan 6 months ago, and he get's invited by Dude Perfect to do a boomerang trick shot video. It's the crazy coincidences in life like this that I love. And in case you missed it, Logan's a pretty fly dude. Checkout the video here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9KxqRUcnCU
Since they've become so popular, they've done way more than just basketball trick shots. They've had Drew Brees and Russell Wilson for football shenanigans, soccer players from Chelsea, Brodie Smith (one of the best frisbee players in the US), pool pros, bowling champs, etc. The video they released this week is with the best boomerang thrower in the US. Logan Broadbent. Logan has also appeared on two seasons of American Ninja Warrior. Just google his name and a lot of interesting things come up. But all this is not my main reason for this post.
You see, the beginning actually takes place way back in 2005, the same year youtube was born. I was in the 8th grade. Our school had the privilege of being entertained by a boomerang expert. The man dazzled us by tossing boomerangs around the room and catching them behind his back, in his teeth, and even did a handstand and caught the boomerang between his feet. The man's name was Gary Broadbent. Yup, that name is familiar because he is Logan' father. Thirteen years ago, I was entertained by the man who fathered the best boomerang thrower in the US, and American Ninja Warrior, and honorary Dude Perfect member. And I know him personally.
Yup. You read that right. I know Logan Broadbent on a personal level? How you ask? For all the things he has accomplished and achieved in life, he also leads a down to earth one as well. I met Logan when he came up to our part of the office to discuss a project he was working on. That's when I found out who he was, that I had seen his father perform those tricks all those years ago, and that he works at GE.
It all comes full circle and still blows my mind. Youtube was born in 2005. I was awed by Gary Broadbent in 2005. I start watching Dude Perfect from their first video, been a fan since the beginning, meet Logan 6 months ago, and he get's invited by Dude Perfect to do a boomerang trick shot video. It's the crazy coincidences in life like this that I love. And in case you missed it, Logan's a pretty fly dude. Checkout the video here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9KxqRUcnCU
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
God Does Not Care About Your Sports Team...Or Does He?
This is what happens when inspiration hits me like water rushing from a broken dam. I write and I write a lot. This latest inspiration was to good to let simmer or marinate. Am I making you hungry? Sorry. Wait. I'm not sorry. I liked that opening and I'm keeping it.
If you've ever followed sports or know someone who does, you probably know the passion involved. If you've ever been to a game, you witness thousands of people adorning their team's colors, logos, name, or anything that relates to that team. You see the people that brave scorching heat, torrential rain, and blinding snow to watch one group of humans duke it out against another group. You see the tears shed in jubilation or in agony. You see the huge celebration when a championship is won, and in some cases riots when a team loses it all. This group of people called "fans" are an unusual bunch. They support something they can't participate in. They pay lots of money to watch one rich guy's team beat up another rich guy's team. And yet they know all of this and still do these crazy things. Why? Simply put, for the love of the game.
Love can make one do funny things. If you've ever been in love with someone or loved something, you know what I'm talking about. I, however, am thinking of one thing in general. And that's praying to God to allow a team to win. You may laugh, but it happens. Believers and even non believers do it. Heck I even did it as a kid, as a high school student, and I believe I might have done it in college. Why do people do it? Do they really expect an all divine being such as God to change the outcome of a worldly sports game? In most cases they do, hence the reason they pray. Usually this action is met with the response "God doesn't care about that game, sports, or your team winning or losing." And in one sense, that statement is true.
But what God does care about is people. He cares about reaching them. Getting them to choose Him. God cares about man's heart. And because He loves man so much, he'll use whatever He has to, to see His will for man accomplished. Even sports.
For many years, fans who sit behind goalposts at various football games have held up a simple sign that says John 3:16. The reference to the most famous verse in the Bible. The verse that states how much God loves the world (the people that make up the world). Millions of people see those signs. Some who may not know of that verse are probably inclined to look it up out of curiosity. That's a small thing, but it can have a major impact on many people's lives.
This past football season, I witnessed how God can really use sports to further His purpose. As you all know, the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LII. And if you watched the trophy presentation, you heard head coach Doug Pederson thank his personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You heard tight end Zach Ertz give glory to God. And you heard Quarterback Nick Foles do the same.
Before I get to my point, I need to give a little context first. It's not just those three people on the Eagles who share this belief. Nor is it just a mild belief. What God has done amongst many members of this team is unreal. Throughout the season, articles and videos came out of faith related things going on with the Eagles. In October of 2017, Eagles player Marcus Johnson was baptized in a hotel pool with many teammates there to witness it. Before Nick Foles signed on to be the Eagles backup QB, he thought about retiring and becoming a pastor. And he will do that once he eventually retires. Carson Wentz has a strong faith and has given messages before. Being with Carson and seeing his faith allowed Zach Ertz to fully commit himself to Christ. There are many members on this Eagles squad who are devoted to Christ. Torrey Smith, Trey Burton, Chris Maragos, Jordan Hicks, just to name a few. The team holds bible studies. And even after they won the Super Bowl, Doug Pederson gave a post game speech that ended with every player in the room getting down on one knee and reciting the Lord's prayer.
As you can see, many of the Eagles are invested in their faith and God. So how did God use this? Because the Eagles were winning and because Carson Wentz was taking the league by storm, people started to pay attention. Games got nationally televised. They made the playoffs all the way to the Super Bowl where it was hard for millions of people not to notice. Articles were written about the faith of these Eagles. Videos produced. Their faith was heard by many. Even if the Eagles lost the Super Bowl, they made it there in front of the biggest viewing audience in the US. If nothing else, many people heard and saw what faith in Christ can do.
God's desire is for all humankind to know Him. And while He may not help you favorite sports team win because you ask Him to, He will use sports to accomplish His will and desire.
1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
If you've ever followed sports or know someone who does, you probably know the passion involved. If you've ever been to a game, you witness thousands of people adorning their team's colors, logos, name, or anything that relates to that team. You see the people that brave scorching heat, torrential rain, and blinding snow to watch one group of humans duke it out against another group. You see the tears shed in jubilation or in agony. You see the huge celebration when a championship is won, and in some cases riots when a team loses it all. This group of people called "fans" are an unusual bunch. They support something they can't participate in. They pay lots of money to watch one rich guy's team beat up another rich guy's team. And yet they know all of this and still do these crazy things. Why? Simply put, for the love of the game.
Love can make one do funny things. If you've ever been in love with someone or loved something, you know what I'm talking about. I, however, am thinking of one thing in general. And that's praying to God to allow a team to win. You may laugh, but it happens. Believers and even non believers do it. Heck I even did it as a kid, as a high school student, and I believe I might have done it in college. Why do people do it? Do they really expect an all divine being such as God to change the outcome of a worldly sports game? In most cases they do, hence the reason they pray. Usually this action is met with the response "God doesn't care about that game, sports, or your team winning or losing." And in one sense, that statement is true.
But what God does care about is people. He cares about reaching them. Getting them to choose Him. God cares about man's heart. And because He loves man so much, he'll use whatever He has to, to see His will for man accomplished. Even sports.
For many years, fans who sit behind goalposts at various football games have held up a simple sign that says John 3:16. The reference to the most famous verse in the Bible. The verse that states how much God loves the world (the people that make up the world). Millions of people see those signs. Some who may not know of that verse are probably inclined to look it up out of curiosity. That's a small thing, but it can have a major impact on many people's lives.
This past football season, I witnessed how God can really use sports to further His purpose. As you all know, the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LII. And if you watched the trophy presentation, you heard head coach Doug Pederson thank his personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You heard tight end Zach Ertz give glory to God. And you heard Quarterback Nick Foles do the same.
Before I get to my point, I need to give a little context first. It's not just those three people on the Eagles who share this belief. Nor is it just a mild belief. What God has done amongst many members of this team is unreal. Throughout the season, articles and videos came out of faith related things going on with the Eagles. In October of 2017, Eagles player Marcus Johnson was baptized in a hotel pool with many teammates there to witness it. Before Nick Foles signed on to be the Eagles backup QB, he thought about retiring and becoming a pastor. And he will do that once he eventually retires. Carson Wentz has a strong faith and has given messages before. Being with Carson and seeing his faith allowed Zach Ertz to fully commit himself to Christ. There are many members on this Eagles squad who are devoted to Christ. Torrey Smith, Trey Burton, Chris Maragos, Jordan Hicks, just to name a few. The team holds bible studies. And even after they won the Super Bowl, Doug Pederson gave a post game speech that ended with every player in the room getting down on one knee and reciting the Lord's prayer.
As you can see, many of the Eagles are invested in their faith and God. So how did God use this? Because the Eagles were winning and because Carson Wentz was taking the league by storm, people started to pay attention. Games got nationally televised. They made the playoffs all the way to the Super Bowl where it was hard for millions of people not to notice. Articles were written about the faith of these Eagles. Videos produced. Their faith was heard by many. Even if the Eagles lost the Super Bowl, they made it there in front of the biggest viewing audience in the US. If nothing else, many people heard and saw what faith in Christ can do.
God's desire is for all humankind to know Him. And while He may not help you favorite sports team win because you ask Him to, He will use sports to accomplish His will and desire.
1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Monday, January 29, 2018
Fly Eagles Fly
Ever since I was very young, I had a love for playing sports. There's a picture in an old photo album of me when I was two years old, holding a red plastic baseball bat, wearing a blue baseball cap, and sporting a huge smile. That's the proof from that young of an age, sports were going to be a huge passion of mine.
Growing up I played them all. On summer days, we'd go to the local baseball diamond and my dad would toss me balls while I slugged them as far as I could. We had a portable basketball net set up in our yard and we played on grass until we wore a permanent dirt patch due to the lack of a driveway. We were given a soccer ball one year and found two sets of trees on our property that made decent goal posts. We spent countless hours playing soccer out there and sometimes that drew the attention of the neighbor kids to come join.
As I grew older, I picked up street hockey and was darn good at it. Whether I played at a park, in a parking lot, or during gym at school, I found a way to score. Heck, when I saw my middle school gym teacher almost three years ago, I reminded her of the goal I scored on her back in the 8th grade and she told me I'm still the only student to have ever done so.
When I moved to Cleveland, the kids my age and slightly older had a passion for Ultimate Frisebee. Pretty soon it became my passion as well. I also added Tennis and Volleyball to my arsenal. But playing them wasn't enough for me. Watching the pros and becoming attached to professional teams became a thing for me in 2001. If you've talked to me a time or two, you've probably heard the stories of how I became fans of the teams I root for. That's a whole other post in itself. So to keep it short, I am passionate about the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia Flyers, Cleveland Indians, and the Philadelphia Eagles.
I can tell you countless memories and stories of amazing moments I witnessed, spectacular plays, amazing wins, agonizing defeats, and where I was when each of those happened. But that's not what I'm truly writing this post for. In six days, Super Bowl LII between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles will take place. It's the biggest sporting event in the U.S.A. That Sunday is called Super Bowl Sunday and it's an unofficial holiday in the U.S. As it's name denotes, this will be the 52nd Super Bowl. This one means more to me than the other 51...combined.
In 2001, living in southern, central, PA, at 10 years old, I fell in love with the Philadelphia Eagles. They were two seasons removed from being the second worst team in the league. Their fortunes had turned the previous season as their young and upcoming QB Donovan McNabb had led them to the playoffs the year prior. This team consisted of players I looked up to. McNabb, Staley, Thrash, Runyan, Thomas, Douglas, Trotter, Dawkins, Vincent, and of course Akers. Coached by Andy Reid, this team was something magical. I watched in awe as they took the toughest challenges and overcame them. They made the playoffs that year and I was elated. They tore through the Buccaneers and Bears to face The Greatest Show on Turf (St. Louis Rams) in the NFC championship match. The game was a shootout, but ultimately they fell just short. Anyone who pays attention to sports or was following them that year knows what happened next. The legend of Tom Brady was born. That was the first super bowl I watched and to see what Brady and Vinatieri did to the Rams, I was not only awestruck by what happened, but knew the Eagles could could have a chance to do that one day.
I wasn't wrong...well for the most part. That day came in 2005. After losing three straight NFC championship games, the Eagles had finally made it to the super bowl. They had a couple new players that helped them get there in Brian Westbrook and Terrell Owens. But their opponent was the greatest challenge of all. Bill Belichick. Tom Brady. And the New England Patriots. They had two super bowl rings to their names and the Patriots were as feared as the Greatest Show on Turf. The game favored the Patriots, but the Eagles hung in. Losing late, they scored a touchdown to bring the score within three. But it was too late. Time was not on their side and Vinatieri's lone field goal was the difference. Tom Brady got a third ring in four years. The Eagles still hadn't won a Super Bowl since it's birth in 1967. My 14 year old self was crushed.
The next four years the Eagles barely made or missed the playoffs. They finally had another good run in 2007, only to run into the explosive Cardinals and Larry Fitzgerald in the NFC championship game. They lost. Just short of another super bowl appearance. Two year laters McNabb was gone. Three years after that the Vince Young proclaimed "Dream Team" led to a 4-12 season and Andy Reid was fired. Things couldn't be worse...
...that is until the third season of Chip Kelly being the head coach of the Eagles. After two 10-6 seasons he wanted to make a change. He cut talent. He traded away talent. And he built "his team". That team crashed and burned. Philly fans, me included, felt the sting of the players we lost, the disappointment of how awful that season went. We were hurt and it was the lowest of lows. Kelly was shown the door. But that didn't make up for everything that happened.
Enter 2016. The Eagles hired former NFL QB and Kansas City OC Doug Pederson as their new head coach. They made a lot of moves and acquired the number 2 overall pick and drafted QB Carson Wentz. Sam Bradford was the starting QB in Philly. But after the Vikings lost their QB to a freak injury, they traded for Bradford. Wentz was thrust into a starting role. The Eagles didn't end up with a horrible record and Wentz did show potential, but it wasn't enough to make the playoffs.
Then in 2017, everything changed. No one expected what was about to happen. this team was given a 9-7 potential record at best. But this team shocked the world. They were winning. Not only were they winning, but they were putting up 30+ points nearly every game while limiting their opponents to 20 or less. Then they hit bumps in the road. They lost their future hall of fame left tackle to injury; they lost their explosive running back; then a key line backer and special teamer. Then with only a few games left, Carson Wentz tore his ACL. Their record was 11-2. They were the number one seed. But with Wentz lost for the season, everyone counted them out...again.
The next week they won and won big. The week after, they played sloppy, but pulled off a victory and the number one seed. They lost the next week, but that was expected as they rested most of their starters. Their first playoff game came against a potentially explosive Atlanta team that just took down a more explosive Rams team. The number one seeded Eagles were considered the underdogs. Everyone was counting them out. They didn't put up many points, but they won.
Next they faced the Vikings who had a fairy tale season of their own. They boasted the #1 ranked defense and a dangerous offense that moved on from the last round by a walk-off touch down, or the Miracle in Minnesota as they called it. Once again, the Eagles were considered dog meat. "They stand no chance" some said. The marketing facebook page even prematurely posted an image of the Patriots/Vikings facing off in the super bowl. Once again, this team proved the doubters wrong. They tore the number one defense to shreds. Foles had a 300+ yard, three touchdown/no picks night. They are going to the Super Bowl.
A rematch. Eagles/ Patriots round 2. Tom Brady is still their QB. Bill Belichick is still their coach. The two of them have won five and are going for number six. Not many outside Philly fans expect the Eagles to have a chance against them. I've heard it all and will probably continue to do so until the final whistle. "It's the GOAT. He can't lose". "Five Rings." "Gonna be a blow out". "It's Tom Brady." "The refs are against Philly" "The experience is against you." It goes on and on...
...But you know what? Bring on Tommy boy. Bring on good ol William. Bring on the Patriots. To be great, you have to beat greatness. To beat the GOAT, Belichick, and the Patriots in the Super Bowl, would be the ultimate victory and I wouldn't have it any other way. How can I be so confident? Because I've watched this team all year. I've followed every step of the way. Not only were they winning, but they were having fun while doing it. Just look at their endzone celebrations. The way they treat each other like a family. And to lose your potential MVP QB and still win games and make the Super Bowl against great odds, is extremely hard to do. Just ask the Raiders of last year, or the Packers and Texans this year.
The Philadelphia Eagles represent more than just a football team to me. They represent a city. They represent a passion. They represent an 10 year old's hopes and dreams of finally seeing his team win the biggest prize of them all: The Lombardi Trophy. So no matter what flak continues to come, no matter what the doubters and haters keep spewing, I believe they can win it all. Fly Eagles Fly.
Growing up I played them all. On summer days, we'd go to the local baseball diamond and my dad would toss me balls while I slugged them as far as I could. We had a portable basketball net set up in our yard and we played on grass until we wore a permanent dirt patch due to the lack of a driveway. We were given a soccer ball one year and found two sets of trees on our property that made decent goal posts. We spent countless hours playing soccer out there and sometimes that drew the attention of the neighbor kids to come join.
As I grew older, I picked up street hockey and was darn good at it. Whether I played at a park, in a parking lot, or during gym at school, I found a way to score. Heck, when I saw my middle school gym teacher almost three years ago, I reminded her of the goal I scored on her back in the 8th grade and she told me I'm still the only student to have ever done so.
When I moved to Cleveland, the kids my age and slightly older had a passion for Ultimate Frisebee. Pretty soon it became my passion as well. I also added Tennis and Volleyball to my arsenal. But playing them wasn't enough for me. Watching the pros and becoming attached to professional teams became a thing for me in 2001. If you've talked to me a time or two, you've probably heard the stories of how I became fans of the teams I root for. That's a whole other post in itself. So to keep it short, I am passionate about the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia Flyers, Cleveland Indians, and the Philadelphia Eagles.
I can tell you countless memories and stories of amazing moments I witnessed, spectacular plays, amazing wins, agonizing defeats, and where I was when each of those happened. But that's not what I'm truly writing this post for. In six days, Super Bowl LII between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles will take place. It's the biggest sporting event in the U.S.A. That Sunday is called Super Bowl Sunday and it's an unofficial holiday in the U.S. As it's name denotes, this will be the 52nd Super Bowl. This one means more to me than the other 51...combined.
In 2001, living in southern, central, PA, at 10 years old, I fell in love with the Philadelphia Eagles. They were two seasons removed from being the second worst team in the league. Their fortunes had turned the previous season as their young and upcoming QB Donovan McNabb had led them to the playoffs the year prior. This team consisted of players I looked up to. McNabb, Staley, Thrash, Runyan, Thomas, Douglas, Trotter, Dawkins, Vincent, and of course Akers. Coached by Andy Reid, this team was something magical. I watched in awe as they took the toughest challenges and overcame them. They made the playoffs that year and I was elated. They tore through the Buccaneers and Bears to face The Greatest Show on Turf (St. Louis Rams) in the NFC championship match. The game was a shootout, but ultimately they fell just short. Anyone who pays attention to sports or was following them that year knows what happened next. The legend of Tom Brady was born. That was the first super bowl I watched and to see what Brady and Vinatieri did to the Rams, I was not only awestruck by what happened, but knew the Eagles could could have a chance to do that one day.
I wasn't wrong...well for the most part. That day came in 2005. After losing three straight NFC championship games, the Eagles had finally made it to the super bowl. They had a couple new players that helped them get there in Brian Westbrook and Terrell Owens. But their opponent was the greatest challenge of all. Bill Belichick. Tom Brady. And the New England Patriots. They had two super bowl rings to their names and the Patriots were as feared as the Greatest Show on Turf. The game favored the Patriots, but the Eagles hung in. Losing late, they scored a touchdown to bring the score within three. But it was too late. Time was not on their side and Vinatieri's lone field goal was the difference. Tom Brady got a third ring in four years. The Eagles still hadn't won a Super Bowl since it's birth in 1967. My 14 year old self was crushed.
The next four years the Eagles barely made or missed the playoffs. They finally had another good run in 2007, only to run into the explosive Cardinals and Larry Fitzgerald in the NFC championship game. They lost. Just short of another super bowl appearance. Two year laters McNabb was gone. Three years after that the Vince Young proclaimed "Dream Team" led to a 4-12 season and Andy Reid was fired. Things couldn't be worse...
...that is until the third season of Chip Kelly being the head coach of the Eagles. After two 10-6 seasons he wanted to make a change. He cut talent. He traded away talent. And he built "his team". That team crashed and burned. Philly fans, me included, felt the sting of the players we lost, the disappointment of how awful that season went. We were hurt and it was the lowest of lows. Kelly was shown the door. But that didn't make up for everything that happened.
Enter 2016. The Eagles hired former NFL QB and Kansas City OC Doug Pederson as their new head coach. They made a lot of moves and acquired the number 2 overall pick and drafted QB Carson Wentz. Sam Bradford was the starting QB in Philly. But after the Vikings lost their QB to a freak injury, they traded for Bradford. Wentz was thrust into a starting role. The Eagles didn't end up with a horrible record and Wentz did show potential, but it wasn't enough to make the playoffs.
Then in 2017, everything changed. No one expected what was about to happen. this team was given a 9-7 potential record at best. But this team shocked the world. They were winning. Not only were they winning, but they were putting up 30+ points nearly every game while limiting their opponents to 20 or less. Then they hit bumps in the road. They lost their future hall of fame left tackle to injury; they lost their explosive running back; then a key line backer and special teamer. Then with only a few games left, Carson Wentz tore his ACL. Their record was 11-2. They were the number one seed. But with Wentz lost for the season, everyone counted them out...again.
The next week they won and won big. The week after, they played sloppy, but pulled off a victory and the number one seed. They lost the next week, but that was expected as they rested most of their starters. Their first playoff game came against a potentially explosive Atlanta team that just took down a more explosive Rams team. The number one seeded Eagles were considered the underdogs. Everyone was counting them out. They didn't put up many points, but they won.
Next they faced the Vikings who had a fairy tale season of their own. They boasted the #1 ranked defense and a dangerous offense that moved on from the last round by a walk-off touch down, or the Miracle in Minnesota as they called it. Once again, the Eagles were considered dog meat. "They stand no chance" some said. The marketing facebook page even prematurely posted an image of the Patriots/Vikings facing off in the super bowl. Once again, this team proved the doubters wrong. They tore the number one defense to shreds. Foles had a 300+ yard, three touchdown/no picks night. They are going to the Super Bowl.
A rematch. Eagles/ Patriots round 2. Tom Brady is still their QB. Bill Belichick is still their coach. The two of them have won five and are going for number six. Not many outside Philly fans expect the Eagles to have a chance against them. I've heard it all and will probably continue to do so until the final whistle. "It's the GOAT. He can't lose". "Five Rings." "Gonna be a blow out". "It's Tom Brady." "The refs are against Philly" "The experience is against you." It goes on and on...
...But you know what? Bring on Tommy boy. Bring on good ol William. Bring on the Patriots. To be great, you have to beat greatness. To beat the GOAT, Belichick, and the Patriots in the Super Bowl, would be the ultimate victory and I wouldn't have it any other way. How can I be so confident? Because I've watched this team all year. I've followed every step of the way. Not only were they winning, but they were having fun while doing it. Just look at their endzone celebrations. The way they treat each other like a family. And to lose your potential MVP QB and still win games and make the Super Bowl against great odds, is extremely hard to do. Just ask the Raiders of last year, or the Packers and Texans this year.
The Philadelphia Eagles represent more than just a football team to me. They represent a city. They represent a passion. They represent an 10 year old's hopes and dreams of finally seeing his team win the biggest prize of them all: The Lombardi Trophy. So no matter what flak continues to come, no matter what the doubters and haters keep spewing, I believe they can win it all. Fly Eagles Fly.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Holla! We're in 2018!
With a new year comes new beginnings, new experiences, and new in general. Take the title of this post for example. I usually try to come up with something clever, sometimes something deep. Always with proper english and usually sophisticated words. But this time I was feeling an uncharacteristic approach. And why not? It's a new year after all.
So what's this post going to be about? Every once in awhile I get an idea or rather inspiration. It's usually from something simple, or something no one would bat an eyelash at. Like my poem titled "One-Eyed Jack". It's a three page, 20+ verse poem that I got inspired by a friend putting a broken plastic spoon over one of his eyes to be funny. And it's one of my favorites that I've written. So what happens after the initial inspiration? I begin to write. I keep going until I hit a block or feel it's finished. Sometimes the piece needs work. But then sometimes, once I put the pen down, I feel the piece does not require change. I may change things in the future, but I also may not. So for this post is a new piece I've written and has almost no editing done to it. It is one of my spontaneous pieces. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
So what's this post going to be about? Every once in awhile I get an idea or rather inspiration. It's usually from something simple, or something no one would bat an eyelash at. Like my poem titled "One-Eyed Jack". It's a three page, 20+ verse poem that I got inspired by a friend putting a broken plastic spoon over one of his eyes to be funny. And it's one of my favorites that I've written. So what happens after the initial inspiration? I begin to write. I keep going until I hit a block or feel it's finished. Sometimes the piece needs work. But then sometimes, once I put the pen down, I feel the piece does not require change. I may change things in the future, but I also may not. So for this post is a new piece I've written and has almost no editing done to it. It is one of my spontaneous pieces. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
Jason
By Josh Watkins
Jason shot her an
angry look from across the bar. The guy next to her was ordering her another
drink. Rachel acted as if she didn’t notice Jason’s glare. She retrieved from
her purse the cherry red lipstick she only used for special occasions. As she applied
it to her lips, Jason picked at the label on his beer bottle and continued to
stare her down. Frustrated, he chugged the beer and slammed the bottle on the
counter. The bartender wasn’t fazed as she had watched this charade unfold for
over a month now.
By now Jason was on
his feet and had made his way to where Rachel was perched. She turned her body
towards him and didn’t say a word. His rough complexion melted. His demeanor
changed to what one would call vulnerable.
“Fine,” Jason
grumbled. “You win.”
A sly grin spread
across her face as Jason turned and walked towards the jukebox. She watched as
he reached into the pocket of his muddied, faded blue jeans and retrieved it
with a few quarters. One by one, he placed the coins in the slot. The sound of
them rolling down was enough to make his nerves tingle. It wasn’t long before
“We Danced” began coming out of the music machine.
“Wanna dance?” the
guy next to Rachel asked while trying to hand her a freshly mixed daiquiri.
“You have been too
kind,” Rachel replied. “But our deal has been completed. I’ve got what I want.”
She slid the man a Benjamin, left her seat, and made her way towards Jason.
Jason reached his
hand towards Rachel and she gladly took it in hers. He pulled her close and
they began to sway with the music. Jason saw the look of disappointment on the
face of the man at the bar. He had noticed what Rachel had done.
“Did you really pay
Chris to put on that act?” Jason asked
She put her lips up
to his ear and spoke softly into it,
“Whether I did or
didn’t, it does not matter. I’ve got my husband back.”
She kissed his
cheek and then he dipped her low. His pursed lips gave way to a welcoming grin
that she had not seen for a while. As they danced, Rachel kept her eyes locked
on his and let everything around them become a blur. She wanted to savor this
moment and lock it into her memory forever. Jason was never truly the same
since he returned from Iraq. Between the losses of some of his buddies and an
RPG blast that took out the caravan he was traveling in, causing severe head
injuries, Jason’s reality and actual reality often became misconstrued.
Rachel’s love for him was the glue that held everything together.
“I’m sorry,” Jason
whispered as the song was coming to an end.
Rachel put her
finger upon his lips. She leaned in and kissed him.
“Let’s go home,”
she said.
As they walked out
the door, she knew this moment was fleeting. But she wasn’t going to worry
about that right now. She had her husband, her best friend, her true love. She
was happy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)