During my senior year of high school, I joined the school newspaper because A: I enjoyed reading it, B: I wanted to broaden my writing, and C: I wanted a large group of people to see that writing (no matter how good or awful it was). One section I really liked was the cheers and jeers section. It praised the positive things in the school and booed the negative things. In light of that, here is my version of cheers and jeers for 2015 so far (I'm going to jeers first to go from negative to positive).
JEERS:
1. To subzero temperatures and all their frostbite glory.
2. To this endless bombardment of winter weather
3. To ice, slush, pot holes, shoveling and everything that makes winter bothersome after Christmas
4. To cabin fever which is like the plague
5. To early mornings and their rude awakenings
6. To lack of motivation...no explanation needed.
CHEERS:
1. To Spring officially being 18 days away.
2. To Opening Day being only 39 days away.
3. To gas prices being below $2.50 for most of the winter.
4. To having a job where everything ends at 5pm.
5. To no homework, papers, tests, and all that other stuff that makes your brain hurt.
6. To a close knit group of friends who make one another's lives a lot brighter
7. To the people in my life; God placed y'all there for a reason. All 815+ of you (yes I counted).
8. To the hope which living the Christian life brings.
9. Lastly, to the upcoming great lakes regional conference, for its spiritual uplifting, for bringing together those many friends, brothers, and sisters, for changing lives, and for being about the greatest thing in life...Christ.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Choices
Choices. Every human being faces them and makes them every day. From things as simple as either having eggs or cereal for breakfast or to more complex decisions such as choosing which college to go to or how to spend their hard earned money. Every choice comes with consequences. Some good, some bad. Some small ones that have a huge impact on how the future plays out and some big ones that only affect the moment. But one thing is for sure; choices matter. I'm going let you in on some choices I made and their outcomes which will hopefully aid me in the point I'm trying to make.
Last summer, I made two choices that turned out to be some of the best of my life. The first happened in late June. I was working for the summer (for the first time in my life) as part of my engineering/co-op program at CSU. Every year we take our young people out to an Indians game and the date chosen was a day game on a Thursday afternoon. Normally, I wouldn't miss these games being a die hard Tribe fan, but I was already getting a week and a half off for the other church summer events and that's unheard of for a position that lasts barely four months. There was also a threat of rain.
As the date got closer, the tickets we bought weren't getting snatched up like in the past and there was a need for drivers still. At this point I wasn't willing to risk a postponed game or liked the idea of asking for Thursday off and then going back to work on a Friday. But then, a few days later, I had a feeling of really wanting to go and all my other reasoning vanished. So I asked my boss for the day off. Thankfully he let me have it.
The night before, we still had a good number of tickets left and the person in charge was praying the game would be postponed so the tickets could be rain-checked. I at this point thought I had made the wrong choice.
The next day, the sun managed to rise, but it had to fight through the clouds. The game was still on and those who had tickets came. We made it to the ballpark and the clouds slowly but surely evaporated and the sun made its presence well known. The game turned out to be a pitcher's duel with each side only scoring one run. Now some of you may be thinking "What a boring game." I'll admit that at some parts the game was slow, but if you really appreciate the game of baseball, then you can realize how intense the game actually was.
Nine innings came and went with the score still tied. So into extras we went. In the 10th inning, the unthinkable happened. The opposing team (Angels) got not one, but two runs. With the way the batters were faring, all hope seemed lost. The Tribe came up to bat and the pitcher walked the first batter. The next batter struck out. The third batter stepped up and crushed a double putting the tying run on second and the winning run at the plate. The fourth batter walked, loading the bases. The fifth batter flied out, leaving one out left. The sixth batter was possibly the Tribe's last hope. it was Nick Swisher. He was not the guy you wanted batting because in that game he was 0-4 with three strike outs. As fate would have it, he quickly amassed two strikes. The Indians were down to their last strike. One nasty pitch and the game would end. The pitcher checked the runners, stared the Swisher down, then let the dagger fly. Swisher swung. Instead of the heart breaking thud of the ball hitting the catcher's mitt, a loud crack was heard as the ball connected with the bat. The ball flew right at us and cleared the wall. The next sound heard was the deafening roar of the crowd as they had just witnessed a miracle. A walkoff grand slam. The pitch? A fastball down the middle. The Tribe had snatched improbable victory from the devastating jaws of defeat. I was so happy that I was shouting at the top of my lungs and jumping up and down. It wasn't winning the world series or a playoff game, but it was the next best thing.
Once I came back to earth, I thought about what would've happened had I given into all my doubts and shoddy reasoning for not going. I know for a fact I would've regretted it for a long, long time.
The second choice occurred a little more than a month later. My dear friend and brother in Christ, Paul Mann, was getting married. His brothers organized a camping trip for his bachelor party. We were talking one night during our week-long summer training (Vision Week) and Paul invited me to come. At this point, it was a week away and I had already had plans in the works. I wasn't sure what I would do because the other plans were a five year high school reunion involving people I hadn't seen in a long time. I went back and forth with it, but made my decision three days before when Paul's brother started giving me details and I was already on the list. I decided that a camping trip with a handful of close friends was the better route. I'm not going to recount all that happened that weekend because that would require a blog post of its very own. I will say that it was 100% the right choice. Why? Because I met some awesome people. Gained stories and memories I can tell for the rest of my life. And most importantly, I didn't miss out on the opportunity to get to know Brian Brickner. That weekend I truly experienced who he was and am grateful the Lord put him in my life. As for the five year reunion...it ended up being not much of anything because rain washed out the original plans.
Not all choices end up being grand slams or life changing. Back in August of 2012, I made a choice that proved to be a bad one. I needed to go run errands, but had to wait for my sister to bring the car home so I could use it. I finally got it and was entering a store when she called me and said my brother needed picked up from the high school. Frustrated with the timing, I exited the store and went to get him. It was rush hour and it was a major street so there was a lot of traffic. I was in the left lane and the only car in front of me wanted to turn left well back from the light. The only problem was that there was a long string of cars coming the other way and none were letting him through. I was at a dead stop and getting impatient. I looked in my mirror and saw two cars pass me. I looked forward and he was still sitting there. I looked in my mirror, saw headlights (it was also raining) and swore they were stopped at the light. I looked forward once more and made the choice to go around this guy. I slightly pressed the gas, turned the wheel, and heard a crunch. I guess those headlights weren't stopped. I had nailed a brand new 2012 Ford Focus. I had only had my license for a little over a year and did the one thing I hoped I'd never do with a car. Luckily no one was hurt and since I was driving a Chevy Suburan, it took a tiny dent in the fender. The Focus had a major dent in the driver's door. The couple, once finding out I had insurance, was sympathetic. The policeman wasn't, however, since changing lanes from a dead stop is illegal because it causes accidents. Case in point. So I got a $250 ticket that nearly emptied my bank account because I hadn't worked in a year because I had just finished my year long Christian internship. I made a choice to go rather than wait and the consequences were brutal. There was a plus side to all this. I learned from my mistake. Now I check multiple times and make sure that the blind spots are clear. I've had no tickets/accidents since.
Where am I going with all this? I want you to understand that you are faced with choices every day. Every choice needs a decision. Not every decision will have an amazing or catastrophic outcome, but every one is important. People go through life making choices based on instinct, gut, irrationality, wisdom, etc. There is one choice that people make every single day. That choice involves how people live their lives and what the purpose of life actually is. You may say "What about the people who don't care or don't think there is a purpose?" Well, that's the choice they made. They choose not to believe in something greater. They choose not to think outside the realm of understanding. They choose their own path.
Someone made the ultimate choice. That Someone is Jesus Christ. He chose to leave His throne. He chose to humble Himself to the form of a man. He chose to put Himself among a crooked and perverted generation. He chose to be put to death on a cross. He chose to save the human race. He chose you.
The shocking thing is that He didn't have to do a thing. But He chose to do EVERYTHING. He could have avoided all this by making us without free will. He could've had a people who did everything He asked and praised Him unceasingly. His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. I know I've posted this before before but it's worth posting again. "Every decision you made in life has led you to this exact moment, reading this exact sentence."
I believe there is a reason for everything, but it's still your choice. Maybe you reading this is your opportunity to chose salvation. Christ chose you. Which way will you chose? With Christ in life or alone in death? The choice is yours.
Last summer, I made two choices that turned out to be some of the best of my life. The first happened in late June. I was working for the summer (for the first time in my life) as part of my engineering/co-op program at CSU. Every year we take our young people out to an Indians game and the date chosen was a day game on a Thursday afternoon. Normally, I wouldn't miss these games being a die hard Tribe fan, but I was already getting a week and a half off for the other church summer events and that's unheard of for a position that lasts barely four months. There was also a threat of rain.
As the date got closer, the tickets we bought weren't getting snatched up like in the past and there was a need for drivers still. At this point I wasn't willing to risk a postponed game or liked the idea of asking for Thursday off and then going back to work on a Friday. But then, a few days later, I had a feeling of really wanting to go and all my other reasoning vanished. So I asked my boss for the day off. Thankfully he let me have it.
The night before, we still had a good number of tickets left and the person in charge was praying the game would be postponed so the tickets could be rain-checked. I at this point thought I had made the wrong choice.
The next day, the sun managed to rise, but it had to fight through the clouds. The game was still on and those who had tickets came. We made it to the ballpark and the clouds slowly but surely evaporated and the sun made its presence well known. The game turned out to be a pitcher's duel with each side only scoring one run. Now some of you may be thinking "What a boring game." I'll admit that at some parts the game was slow, but if you really appreciate the game of baseball, then you can realize how intense the game actually was.
Nine innings came and went with the score still tied. So into extras we went. In the 10th inning, the unthinkable happened. The opposing team (Angels) got not one, but two runs. With the way the batters were faring, all hope seemed lost. The Tribe came up to bat and the pitcher walked the first batter. The next batter struck out. The third batter stepped up and crushed a double putting the tying run on second and the winning run at the plate. The fourth batter walked, loading the bases. The fifth batter flied out, leaving one out left. The sixth batter was possibly the Tribe's last hope. it was Nick Swisher. He was not the guy you wanted batting because in that game he was 0-4 with three strike outs. As fate would have it, he quickly amassed two strikes. The Indians were down to their last strike. One nasty pitch and the game would end. The pitcher checked the runners, stared the Swisher down, then let the dagger fly. Swisher swung. Instead of the heart breaking thud of the ball hitting the catcher's mitt, a loud crack was heard as the ball connected with the bat. The ball flew right at us and cleared the wall. The next sound heard was the deafening roar of the crowd as they had just witnessed a miracle. A walkoff grand slam. The pitch? A fastball down the middle. The Tribe had snatched improbable victory from the devastating jaws of defeat. I was so happy that I was shouting at the top of my lungs and jumping up and down. It wasn't winning the world series or a playoff game, but it was the next best thing.
Once I came back to earth, I thought about what would've happened had I given into all my doubts and shoddy reasoning for not going. I know for a fact I would've regretted it for a long, long time.
The second choice occurred a little more than a month later. My dear friend and brother in Christ, Paul Mann, was getting married. His brothers organized a camping trip for his bachelor party. We were talking one night during our week-long summer training (Vision Week) and Paul invited me to come. At this point, it was a week away and I had already had plans in the works. I wasn't sure what I would do because the other plans were a five year high school reunion involving people I hadn't seen in a long time. I went back and forth with it, but made my decision three days before when Paul's brother started giving me details and I was already on the list. I decided that a camping trip with a handful of close friends was the better route. I'm not going to recount all that happened that weekend because that would require a blog post of its very own. I will say that it was 100% the right choice. Why? Because I met some awesome people. Gained stories and memories I can tell for the rest of my life. And most importantly, I didn't miss out on the opportunity to get to know Brian Brickner. That weekend I truly experienced who he was and am grateful the Lord put him in my life. As for the five year reunion...it ended up being not much of anything because rain washed out the original plans.
Not all choices end up being grand slams or life changing. Back in August of 2012, I made a choice that proved to be a bad one. I needed to go run errands, but had to wait for my sister to bring the car home so I could use it. I finally got it and was entering a store when she called me and said my brother needed picked up from the high school. Frustrated with the timing, I exited the store and went to get him. It was rush hour and it was a major street so there was a lot of traffic. I was in the left lane and the only car in front of me wanted to turn left well back from the light. The only problem was that there was a long string of cars coming the other way and none were letting him through. I was at a dead stop and getting impatient. I looked in my mirror and saw two cars pass me. I looked forward and he was still sitting there. I looked in my mirror, saw headlights (it was also raining) and swore they were stopped at the light. I looked forward once more and made the choice to go around this guy. I slightly pressed the gas, turned the wheel, and heard a crunch. I guess those headlights weren't stopped. I had nailed a brand new 2012 Ford Focus. I had only had my license for a little over a year and did the one thing I hoped I'd never do with a car. Luckily no one was hurt and since I was driving a Chevy Suburan, it took a tiny dent in the fender. The Focus had a major dent in the driver's door. The couple, once finding out I had insurance, was sympathetic. The policeman wasn't, however, since changing lanes from a dead stop is illegal because it causes accidents. Case in point. So I got a $250 ticket that nearly emptied my bank account because I hadn't worked in a year because I had just finished my year long Christian internship. I made a choice to go rather than wait and the consequences were brutal. There was a plus side to all this. I learned from my mistake. Now I check multiple times and make sure that the blind spots are clear. I've had no tickets/accidents since.
Where am I going with all this? I want you to understand that you are faced with choices every day. Every choice needs a decision. Not every decision will have an amazing or catastrophic outcome, but every one is important. People go through life making choices based on instinct, gut, irrationality, wisdom, etc. There is one choice that people make every single day. That choice involves how people live their lives and what the purpose of life actually is. You may say "What about the people who don't care or don't think there is a purpose?" Well, that's the choice they made. They choose not to believe in something greater. They choose not to think outside the realm of understanding. They choose their own path.
Someone made the ultimate choice. That Someone is Jesus Christ. He chose to leave His throne. He chose to humble Himself to the form of a man. He chose to put Himself among a crooked and perverted generation. He chose to be put to death on a cross. He chose to save the human race. He chose you.
The shocking thing is that He didn't have to do a thing. But He chose to do EVERYTHING. He could have avoided all this by making us without free will. He could've had a people who did everything He asked and praised Him unceasingly. His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. I know I've posted this before before but it's worth posting again. "Every decision you made in life has led you to this exact moment, reading this exact sentence."
I believe there is a reason for everything, but it's still your choice. Maybe you reading this is your opportunity to chose salvation. Christ chose you. Which way will you chose? With Christ in life or alone in death? The choice is yours.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
I Challenge You
This post is going to be totally different from the norm because it is a contest with a prize should you choose to accept. I got inspired and thought it would be fun to find out how much my beloved readers know about the very few things people know about me. It's 20 questions long and will be open until 1/1/16. It's set up so that the internet will be of little use to you, but if you choose to do so, enjoy the journey. RULES: Anyone is eligible for the prize except my immediate family (although if no one gets it by the deadline, they each can have a shot if they so choose). You may NOT use my immediate family to gain information in anyway, shape or form. Doing so will forfeit your eligibility. It is not multiple choice and you may have as many tries as you like, but the winner will be determined by the least number of tries to get all 20 correct. You will be told how many you got correctly, but not which ones you got correct each time you submit your answers. You may NOT collaborate answers with anyone else. Your answers may be submitted verbally, by email, text, facebook, or anyway you so choose. The winner will receive $20. This is not joke. Good luck!
1. What is my favorite flavor of ice cream?
2. What is my dream car (year, make, and model)?
3. Who was my middle school celebrity crush?
4. What year did I officially become a Cleveland Indians fan?
5. What is the first movie I saw in theaters?
6. What is my favorite food?
7. What is the fastest time I've ever run a mile (min and seconds)?
8. What was my favorite childhood movie?
9. What was the first thing I wanted to be when I grew up?
10. How many Microsoft Word Document pages long is the story I wrote titled "A Young Love"?
11. How many Mountain Top Conferences have I been to?
12. How many American States have I visited?
13. What public arcade game did I achieve a high score on?
14. What is the biggest fish I ever caught lengthwise (in inches)?
15. How many days of school did I miss from 7th-12th grade?
16. What color and brand was my first bicycle?
17. What band instrument did I play freshman year of high school?
18. What famous criminal's autograph do I have?
19. Who is my favorite Pokemon?
20. How many times has my name or picture appeared in a newspaper?
1. What is my favorite flavor of ice cream?
2. What is my dream car (year, make, and model)?
3. Who was my middle school celebrity crush?
4. What year did I officially become a Cleveland Indians fan?
5. What is the first movie I saw in theaters?
6. What is my favorite food?
7. What is the fastest time I've ever run a mile (min and seconds)?
8. What was my favorite childhood movie?
9. What was the first thing I wanted to be when I grew up?
10. How many Microsoft Word Document pages long is the story I wrote titled "A Young Love"?
11. How many Mountain Top Conferences have I been to?
12. How many American States have I visited?
13. What public arcade game did I achieve a high score on?
14. What is the biggest fish I ever caught lengthwise (in inches)?
15. How many days of school did I miss from 7th-12th grade?
16. What color and brand was my first bicycle?
17. What band instrument did I play freshman year of high school?
18. What famous criminal's autograph do I have?
19. Who is my favorite Pokemon?
20. How many times has my name or picture appeared in a newspaper?
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Weddings
I was reminiscing the other day (I seem to have a problem seeing as I do this a lot) about the first wedding I ever went to. My train of memories came from a year just passed filled with lovebirds tying the knot and the upcoming happy days for even more smitten couples. In light of that, I decided, mainly due to a relentless writer's itch, to recall from memory my first wedding. Also depending on how long this urge lasts or unless the people demand it, I may just recall the other weddings I have had the honor of attending.
I truly love weddings. I love them because they are a picture of a couple's two lives becoming one, because they are part of a great commitment, because music fills the air, food my stomach, and joy in many people's hearts. I get to witness one maybe two (if I know both the bride and groom) of my friends making the lifelong commitment and share in their joyous day after watching them fall deeper in love over the years. There's so much more I could say, but right now I'm going to focus on the first wedding I ever went to.
I was maybe eight years old at the time and I always wondered what it would be like to actually go to a wedding. To experience all the beauty of the scenery that was made possible by the careful planning of the couple and all the ones they hired to make the day evermore grand. Well I finally got my chance. The local church I met with when I lived in Pennsylvania wasn't very big so it was a big thing when new people joined. It was even bigger when they wanted to hold their wedding right on the property and it wasn't even a "church" building. For those of you who went on that bike trip to Gettysburg 10 years ago (yes it's been that long), recall that we camped at Al and Sue Gilbert's house, which was a dome house that Al built. That's where the wedding was held. As a kid, back then I thought it was strange to have a wedding there, but looking back on it, it was actually a beautiful and perfect place. There were hardly any neighbors, a small country road with less than 1% traffic, a hill that gave a nice view of the corn fields, the woods, and the summer sun eclipsing the house's large dome. Now here's where my memory gets a little foggy. I cannot remember how they came to be with us, nor when they moved away. But I do remember that day nearly to the T.
I hated dressing up (and I still do to some extent...ties *cough*), but a part of my 8 year old self was excited about wearing a nice pair of shoes and looking pretty slick for an 8 year old. I remember watching the days before as the sisters labored, especially my mom, to make the wedding cake. They also made all the decorations and prepared the beautiful arbor. The whole church had placed a lot of effort into making this day extra special.
Before I go into more details, let me give you a little background on the couple.Their names were Juan and Gloria. They were both Hispanic. The groom had been married once before and had at least three kids in their teens and above. I think she may have been married once as well. She was soft spoken and he was a talker. They both loved Christ.
The ceremony was to take place around 5pm in the afternoon. We had to be there earlier for final preparations. I was totally okay with that because I liked being the first one there and greeting people as they arrive (I still kind of do). I recall being outside most of the time, enjoying the warm summer sun and the scenic masterpiece before me. Every once in awhile, I tried to go upstairs to see what my mom was doing, but I kept getting shooed away because she and the other sisters were helping the bride with her wedding dress. Two o'clock rolled around and some of the guests started to arrive. I was given the job of helping park the cars and since the driveway wasn't big enough, we had the cars drive across the yard and park down behind the cornfield. Everything was going smoothly, until Pandora's box began to once again open. Joe Pope from the church in Pittsburgh was the minister for this wedding and he called us, telling us that his van had broken down two hours away. A brother by the name of Ned Beck hopped in has old Porsche and went to rescue him. Now remember that this was the late 1990s and cell phones weren't popular/ affordable yet. He did however take a cheap phone with him. That issue was the least of our worries, however. The groom and his family were nowhere to be found.
An hour went by and a few guests came. All I could do was stand by a nearly empty country road and hope a car would drive in so I could help park it. Then a bit of good news came our way. Joe had gotten his van fixed and was nearly here. We tried to reach Ned, but he wasn't answering. So everyone did what they could to put the final touches before the ceremony began. Another hour passed and Ned finally called saying he was in Breezewood, but couldn't find Joe. Joe had just arrived and we told Ned to come back. I felt bad for him having to drive four hours round trip for nothing and he was likely going to miss the start of the wedding. Another two hours passed and the sun began to dip ever so slowly beyond the horizon. Ned came rolling in and seeing that the wedding hadn't started, he said to me "You didn't start without me huh?" I told him that the groom hadn't arrived.
One more hour ticked away and I thought that my first wedding experience was going to be a bust. But then, in the distance, I saw a pair of headlights. Then another. And another. A whole train of cars came down that gravel country road and with joy I ran into the house shouting that the groom had finally arrived! Two+ hours late might I add. Within the hour, everyone was parked, seated and now facing Joe and the groom standing under the arbor on the hilltop in Al and Sue's backyard.
The heat of the day was fading, a cool breeze was blowing, and the ceremony finally began. The wedding party began to come out. Leading the way was the groom's dashing young nephew, strumming a beautiful tune on his guitar in his native tongue. Following him were more relatives and friends, all with beaming smiles. Then, the one we were all waiting for , the bride made her presence known. There she was in a stunning, flowing, ruby red dress (yes I did say ruby). I was shocked because my eight-year-old self thought all wedding dresses were supposed to be white. Disappointment was nowhere to be found, but instead an abundance of mirth.
Once she had reached the arbor, a hush fell over the crowd as Joe Pope began to speak. He spoke from the bible and spoke the truth. Right before the vows, the attendees were given the opportunity to share testimonies (another thing I never thought would happen at a wedding). Guest after guest stood to declare how amazing God was in bringing the two of them together. The couple then swapped rings, exchanged vows, and at Joe's beckoning, they became husband and wife. Cheers went up as the two now exited the scene as one.
Because there were a lot of people and it was a summer's eve, dinner (even though it was late) was held outdoors by candle light. I got to sit with some of the relatives, including the guitar player. While waiting to be called into the line, he and his buddy were arguing about what keeps the candle burning. His friend said wick, but he insisted on it being the wax. They asked me what I thought and said the wick much to his friend's delight. He kept saying "No man, it's definitely the wax." After dinner had ended, everyone gathered inside for the last event which was the cutting of the cake. Now there was an inside joke that Juan's (the groom) family multiplied like rabbits. So my mom and the other sisters had bought a bride and groom rabbit figurine and stuck it on to top the cake. Juan didn't notice at first, but as he was about to cut the cake, my mom asked him if he saw what was on it. He said "Oh yeah there are two-" then he stopped himself finally noticing the rabbits, shook his head at the joke, and the crowd busted out laughing.
By this time it was well after 9pm. The guests said their "congrats" and "goodbyes" as they began to return home. The rest of us who had helped put this wonderful day together collapsed on the chairs, couches, and whatever else we could relax on. I was tired and my feet hurt. But I was happy and thankful. My first wedding experience was everything I hoped it would be and more.
I truly love weddings. I love them because they are a picture of a couple's two lives becoming one, because they are part of a great commitment, because music fills the air, food my stomach, and joy in many people's hearts. I get to witness one maybe two (if I know both the bride and groom) of my friends making the lifelong commitment and share in their joyous day after watching them fall deeper in love over the years. There's so much more I could say, but right now I'm going to focus on the first wedding I ever went to.
I was maybe eight years old at the time and I always wondered what it would be like to actually go to a wedding. To experience all the beauty of the scenery that was made possible by the careful planning of the couple and all the ones they hired to make the day evermore grand. Well I finally got my chance. The local church I met with when I lived in Pennsylvania wasn't very big so it was a big thing when new people joined. It was even bigger when they wanted to hold their wedding right on the property and it wasn't even a "church" building. For those of you who went on that bike trip to Gettysburg 10 years ago (yes it's been that long), recall that we camped at Al and Sue Gilbert's house, which was a dome house that Al built. That's where the wedding was held. As a kid, back then I thought it was strange to have a wedding there, but looking back on it, it was actually a beautiful and perfect place. There were hardly any neighbors, a small country road with less than 1% traffic, a hill that gave a nice view of the corn fields, the woods, and the summer sun eclipsing the house's large dome. Now here's where my memory gets a little foggy. I cannot remember how they came to be with us, nor when they moved away. But I do remember that day nearly to the T.
I hated dressing up (and I still do to some extent...ties *cough*), but a part of my 8 year old self was excited about wearing a nice pair of shoes and looking pretty slick for an 8 year old. I remember watching the days before as the sisters labored, especially my mom, to make the wedding cake. They also made all the decorations and prepared the beautiful arbor. The whole church had placed a lot of effort into making this day extra special.
Before I go into more details, let me give you a little background on the couple.Their names were Juan and Gloria. They were both Hispanic. The groom had been married once before and had at least three kids in their teens and above. I think she may have been married once as well. She was soft spoken and he was a talker. They both loved Christ.
The ceremony was to take place around 5pm in the afternoon. We had to be there earlier for final preparations. I was totally okay with that because I liked being the first one there and greeting people as they arrive (I still kind of do). I recall being outside most of the time, enjoying the warm summer sun and the scenic masterpiece before me. Every once in awhile, I tried to go upstairs to see what my mom was doing, but I kept getting shooed away because she and the other sisters were helping the bride with her wedding dress. Two o'clock rolled around and some of the guests started to arrive. I was given the job of helping park the cars and since the driveway wasn't big enough, we had the cars drive across the yard and park down behind the cornfield. Everything was going smoothly, until Pandora's box began to once again open. Joe Pope from the church in Pittsburgh was the minister for this wedding and he called us, telling us that his van had broken down two hours away. A brother by the name of Ned Beck hopped in has old Porsche and went to rescue him. Now remember that this was the late 1990s and cell phones weren't popular/ affordable yet. He did however take a cheap phone with him. That issue was the least of our worries, however. The groom and his family were nowhere to be found.
An hour went by and a few guests came. All I could do was stand by a nearly empty country road and hope a car would drive in so I could help park it. Then a bit of good news came our way. Joe had gotten his van fixed and was nearly here. We tried to reach Ned, but he wasn't answering. So everyone did what they could to put the final touches before the ceremony began. Another hour passed and Ned finally called saying he was in Breezewood, but couldn't find Joe. Joe had just arrived and we told Ned to come back. I felt bad for him having to drive four hours round trip for nothing and he was likely going to miss the start of the wedding. Another two hours passed and the sun began to dip ever so slowly beyond the horizon. Ned came rolling in and seeing that the wedding hadn't started, he said to me "You didn't start without me huh?" I told him that the groom hadn't arrived.
One more hour ticked away and I thought that my first wedding experience was going to be a bust. But then, in the distance, I saw a pair of headlights. Then another. And another. A whole train of cars came down that gravel country road and with joy I ran into the house shouting that the groom had finally arrived! Two+ hours late might I add. Within the hour, everyone was parked, seated and now facing Joe and the groom standing under the arbor on the hilltop in Al and Sue's backyard.
The heat of the day was fading, a cool breeze was blowing, and the ceremony finally began. The wedding party began to come out. Leading the way was the groom's dashing young nephew, strumming a beautiful tune on his guitar in his native tongue. Following him were more relatives and friends, all with beaming smiles. Then, the one we were all waiting for , the bride made her presence known. There she was in a stunning, flowing, ruby red dress (yes I did say ruby). I was shocked because my eight-year-old self thought all wedding dresses were supposed to be white. Disappointment was nowhere to be found, but instead an abundance of mirth.
Once she had reached the arbor, a hush fell over the crowd as Joe Pope began to speak. He spoke from the bible and spoke the truth. Right before the vows, the attendees were given the opportunity to share testimonies (another thing I never thought would happen at a wedding). Guest after guest stood to declare how amazing God was in bringing the two of them together. The couple then swapped rings, exchanged vows, and at Joe's beckoning, they became husband and wife. Cheers went up as the two now exited the scene as one.
Because there were a lot of people and it was a summer's eve, dinner (even though it was late) was held outdoors by candle light. I got to sit with some of the relatives, including the guitar player. While waiting to be called into the line, he and his buddy were arguing about what keeps the candle burning. His friend said wick, but he insisted on it being the wax. They asked me what I thought and said the wick much to his friend's delight. He kept saying "No man, it's definitely the wax." After dinner had ended, everyone gathered inside for the last event which was the cutting of the cake. Now there was an inside joke that Juan's (the groom) family multiplied like rabbits. So my mom and the other sisters had bought a bride and groom rabbit figurine and stuck it on to top the cake. Juan didn't notice at first, but as he was about to cut the cake, my mom asked him if he saw what was on it. He said "Oh yeah there are two-" then he stopped himself finally noticing the rabbits, shook his head at the joke, and the crowd busted out laughing.
By this time it was well after 9pm. The guests said their "congrats" and "goodbyes" as they began to return home. The rest of us who had helped put this wonderful day together collapsed on the chairs, couches, and whatever else we could relax on. I was tired and my feet hurt. But I was happy and thankful. My first wedding experience was everything I hoped it would be and more.
Monday, January 5, 2015
New Year New Hope
It becomes harder and harder to not be repetitive with these new year posts each year. I don't want to bore you all with the same old stories, the same dreams I've posted time and time again, etc. So I'm going to do a mixture of things instead. Before I go into detail, here are a few things I enjoyed from this past year.
Kenny Chesney Lyrics (new and old):
"Talked a good game when we were out with the guys
But in the back seat we were awkward and shy
Girls were a mystery that we couldn't explain
And I guess there are some things that are never gonna change"~Young
And I close my eyes and I drift away
to another place in another time
When the world was ours and she was mine
I dream of holdin' her again someday"~On the Coast of Somewhere Beautiful
The death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I've been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you'd be today"~Who You'd Be Today
Its what the brave and courageous are fighting for
An open sail on a distant shore-Freedom"~Freedom
I let go of a lover that took a piece of my heart
Prayed many times for forgiveness and a brand new start"~Old Blue Chair
It feels like kisses on my skin
She spread her arms and spun around
In a summer island storm
In a field of sugarcane
She taught me how and showed me why
There's something sexy about the rain"~There's Something Sexy About the Rain
I said some things, I made her cry
She packed all her stuff
The boy in me said let her go
But the man in me said pull her close
It was time to find out which one I was
Standing in a doorway holding on to love
That's where I grew up"~Where I Grew Up
Unlock some hidden mystery
Behind a distant door
I could sail the seven oceans
Til I crawl upon some long forgotten shore
But it's always gonna be you
Always gonna be you I'm lookin' for"~Always Gonna Be You
Live the night, miss the light, and I've been shown it
Life has it's way of keepin' you strong, don't it?"~Don't It
We caught lightning in a bottle, somehow we survived it all
All the stories he could tell, if this bus could talk
As I leave the stage, still high from your applause
He'd tell you that I love you
If this bus could talk"~If This Bus Could Talk
The reasons why, I guess
Sometimes the greater plan
Is kinda hard to understand
Right now it don't make sense
I can't make it all make sense
2014 opened with part two of a brutal winter and I somehow survived another semester of engineering. The Sochi winter Olympics took place this year and they were a real treat. Witnessing team USA beat Russia in the round robin hockey, Kotsenburg win the first US Gold in a new event, the spirit of the games, and so much more.
The summer came and I welcomed it with open arms...except I had to work for most of it, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. My patriotism swelled again as the World Cup took place and the battle cry "I Believe That We Will Win!" rang throughout. The US put up a brilliant fight and made it out of the group of death, only to fall to Belgium in the first knockout round. I have hope for 2018. Get Ready.
Vision Week and Mountain Top were so good and so filled with Christ, grilling and chilling with the bros and saints, and weddings galore! Six weddings and I had the privilege of attending four. There's so much to say, but I already have a separate piece in the works about those, so instead congrats once again to Peter & Yitao (March), Mark & Esther (May), Dan & Anastasia (June), Paul & Sarah (August), Jeremy & Kayla (September), and Julian & Marilyn (September).
My family vacation to Wisconsin was a much needed relaxing, fun, blast. I got to see family, be in the great outdoors with wildlife not known to Cleveland, fish till my heart was content, drive a pontoon boat out into the middle of the lake, anchor it, blare country music, and jump off it into the lake while watching the sun set beneath a raging storm on the horizon, saw my first demolition derby, and ate some delicious food including the mess of fish me and my brothers caught during the week.
Being in the Body of Christ means being connected with so many amazing believers across the USA. But because of distance and time, I don't get to see many of them often. That's why I treasure the times we have and this year procured a college conference in March, a spring conference in April, Vision Week in July, the Labor Day conference in September, the Great Lakes Regional Conference in Oct/Nov, and the just finished Winter vision week. It's hard to put even some details from each one here because each one was so rich, so Christ-filled, and such a beautiful picture of a blended, happy, church life.
In December, I got tired of waiting for adventures to come to me and decided to take one of my own. I drove 10 hours to Boston and back by myself to see an old friend I hadn't seen in 11 years. To discover this trip in detail, please read my previous post. In light of all this, I am determined to pack my summer with loads of adventures as well as serving the church and yp at the summer events.
I could put so much more here, but I think this post sums 2014 up pretty well (for my experience anyway). I purposely did not talk about news stories, celebrity news, movies, etc because I wanted this post to be more about how I experienced 2014 and less of how the world experienced it (the Olympics and world cup happen every 4 years and they appeal to my patriotic pride so they made the cut, and I only focused on Kenny's lyrics that really inspire me, move me, and meet me where I'm at; I said nothing about him).
I didn't get this out as early as I liked because time just isn't on my side anymore. I also apologize for the length, but hey if you can read a novel, then this is a piece of cake. I applaud you if you made it this far (without skipping the Chesney lyrics). So on that note, I publicly say auf wiedersehen to 2014 and hola 2015! I pray that the Lord continues to do great things in my life, in your lives, and in the lives of those who meet Him for the first time. I pray that we can all cast our anxieties, our dreams, our pain, our hope, our lack, and our love all upon Him in this new year. He was, He is, and He always will be! May Jesus Christ be with us all.
Bonus quote for the new year: They told me I couldn't swing for the fences, so I swung for the stars.
Kenny Chesney Lyrics (new and old):
"Talked a good game when we were out with the guys
But in the back seat we were awkward and shy
Girls were a mystery that we couldn't explain
And I guess there are some things that are never gonna change"~Young
"Sometimes when the sun goes down
Shadows fall across this little townAnd I close my eyes and I drift away
to another place in another time
When the world was ours and she was mine
I dream of holdin' her again someday"~On the Coast of Somewhere Beautiful
"It ain't fair you died too young
Like a story that had just begunThe death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I've been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you'd be today"~Who You'd Be Today
"Its what the junkie needs that the needle cant give
depressed and forgotten are praying for it Its what the brave and courageous are fighting for
An open sail on a distant shore-Freedom"~Freedom
"From that chair I've caught a few fish and some rays
And I've watched boats sail in and out of cinnamon bayI let go of a lover that took a piece of my heart
Prayed many times for forgiveness and a brand new start"~Old Blue Chair
"Wouldn't take much for me to up and run
To another life somewhere in the sun"~Somewhere in the Sun
"There's something sexy about the rain
She said as it came pouring downIt feels like kisses on my skin
She spread her arms and spun around
In a summer island storm
In a field of sugarcane
She taught me how and showed me why
There's something sexy about the rain"~There's Something Sexy About the Rain
"See, I gained a little on Father Time
When me and her, had our first big fightI said some things, I made her cry
She packed all her stuff
The boy in me said let her go
But the man in me said pull her close
It was time to find out which one I was
Standing in a doorway holding on to love
That's where I grew up"~Where I Grew Up
"I could jump on some ol' highway
Run a thousand miles or moreUnlock some hidden mystery
Behind a distant door
I could sail the seven oceans
Til I crawl upon some long forgotten shore
But it's always gonna be you
Always gonna be you I'm lookin' for"~Always Gonna Be You
"I've been right and I've been wrong
Somewhere in between for so longLive the night, miss the light, and I've been shown it
Life has it's way of keepin' you strong, don't it?"~Don't It
"Many years of summers, and I hope it never ends
Been down so many highways, full of twists and turns and bendsWe caught lightning in a bottle, somehow we survived it all
All the stories he could tell, if this bus could talk
As I leave the stage, still high from your applause
He'd tell you that I love you
If this bus could talk"~If This Bus Could Talk
Bonus Luke Bryan Lyrics:
"Funny how the good ones go
Too soon, but the good Lord knowsThe reasons why, I guess
Sometimes the greater plan
Is kinda hard to understand
Right now it don't make sense
I can't make it all make sense
So long my friend
Until we meet again
I'll remember you
And all the times that we used to...
... sit right here on the edge of this pier
And watch the sunset disappear"
Until we meet again
I'll remember you
And all the times that we used to...
... sit right here on the edge of this pier
And watch the sunset disappear"
The reason I put this last set of lyrics here is because one of the few cons of 2014 was that six people in my life had taken their last breaths. I would love to describe their lives in great detail, but for this post, I don't have the time. So instead I'll give you a snippet of who they were to me.
Kim Gilbert (54, January): Best friend's aunt, sister in Christ, cared for me as she did her nephew growing up.
Jim Martin (60s, February): Brother in Christ, loved being with the brothers, always said hello and asked me how I was.
Elise Rainville (23, June): Childhood friend, adventurous, loved the snow, people, and Christ. Always had a bright beautiful smile. Life verse: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."~Philippians 2:3
Shirley Leer (70s, October): Great Aunt, cared for us when we stayed at their house in Chicago on our way to and from Wisconsin back in the day, made amazing brownies and had an electric personality.
Brian Brickner (52, November): Fisherman/Fisher of men, funny, extremely caring, loved Christ, the saints, and the church, family man, and a wonderful man of God.
John Schneider (68, December): Brother in Christ, my two time group leader for Ignite, adventurous, cared for the saints, the church, and his family, Vietnam veteran, hero, friend.
The light at the end of this tunnel is that they all knew and loved Christ. I will see them again one day.
2014 opened with part two of a brutal winter and I somehow survived another semester of engineering. The Sochi winter Olympics took place this year and they were a real treat. Witnessing team USA beat Russia in the round robin hockey, Kotsenburg win the first US Gold in a new event, the spirit of the games, and so much more.
The summer came and I welcomed it with open arms...except I had to work for most of it, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. My patriotism swelled again as the World Cup took place and the battle cry "I Believe That We Will Win!" rang throughout. The US put up a brilliant fight and made it out of the group of death, only to fall to Belgium in the first knockout round. I have hope for 2018. Get Ready.
Vision Week and Mountain Top were so good and so filled with Christ, grilling and chilling with the bros and saints, and weddings galore! Six weddings and I had the privilege of attending four. There's so much to say, but I already have a separate piece in the works about those, so instead congrats once again to Peter & Yitao (March), Mark & Esther (May), Dan & Anastasia (June), Paul & Sarah (August), Jeremy & Kayla (September), and Julian & Marilyn (September).
My family vacation to Wisconsin was a much needed relaxing, fun, blast. I got to see family, be in the great outdoors with wildlife not known to Cleveland, fish till my heart was content, drive a pontoon boat out into the middle of the lake, anchor it, blare country music, and jump off it into the lake while watching the sun set beneath a raging storm on the horizon, saw my first demolition derby, and ate some delicious food including the mess of fish me and my brothers caught during the week.
Being in the Body of Christ means being connected with so many amazing believers across the USA. But because of distance and time, I don't get to see many of them often. That's why I treasure the times we have and this year procured a college conference in March, a spring conference in April, Vision Week in July, the Labor Day conference in September, the Great Lakes Regional Conference in Oct/Nov, and the just finished Winter vision week. It's hard to put even some details from each one here because each one was so rich, so Christ-filled, and such a beautiful picture of a blended, happy, church life.
In December, I got tired of waiting for adventures to come to me and decided to take one of my own. I drove 10 hours to Boston and back by myself to see an old friend I hadn't seen in 11 years. To discover this trip in detail, please read my previous post. In light of all this, I am determined to pack my summer with loads of adventures as well as serving the church and yp at the summer events.
I could put so much more here, but I think this post sums 2014 up pretty well (for my experience anyway). I purposely did not talk about news stories, celebrity news, movies, etc because I wanted this post to be more about how I experienced 2014 and less of how the world experienced it (the Olympics and world cup happen every 4 years and they appeal to my patriotic pride so they made the cut, and I only focused on Kenny's lyrics that really inspire me, move me, and meet me where I'm at; I said nothing about him).
I didn't get this out as early as I liked because time just isn't on my side anymore. I also apologize for the length, but hey if you can read a novel, then this is a piece of cake. I applaud you if you made it this far (without skipping the Chesney lyrics). So on that note, I publicly say auf wiedersehen to 2014 and hola 2015! I pray that the Lord continues to do great things in my life, in your lives, and in the lives of those who meet Him for the first time. I pray that we can all cast our anxieties, our dreams, our pain, our hope, our lack, and our love all upon Him in this new year. He was, He is, and He always will be! May Jesus Christ be with us all.
Bonus quote for the new year: They told me I couldn't swing for the fences, so I swung for the stars.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Boston
What would cause a man to drive 10 hours both ways, by himself, to Boston and back while putting 1300 miles on his car? What would possess him to spend the near $200 in gas and tolls for a little over 24 hour stay? And out of all months, why in the beginning of winter in December? Could it be he has a lady friend? Yes that must be it. There is nothing that'll make a man do such crazy feats like love...to quote Dwight Schrute "false".
The real reason? I have a buddy in the Navy stationed up there. He was one of my close childhood friends whom I haven't seen in eleven years. In March, he'll be shipped out for schooling to Texas. Peace out Boston. After all I've been through this past year, I felt compelled to make the trip to see him before Texas comes a calling.
I'm young, single, and have an untamed beast living in me known as adventure. I've never been to Massachusetts and one of my bucket list items is to visit all 50 United States. Experiencing Boston was also a great idea. Minus the 10 hour drive there and back, Boston traffic, and its peculiar maze of roads.
So what did I do? I used the subway system to cross the Atlantic (because my friend lived on an island part of Boston) and began to explore. Now the thing about Boston is that many of the streets are still cobblestone from the old days. Here's a history lesson for you. My great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather was named Thomas A. White. Now he was not a well known figure in history, but if you wonder where all my patriotic pride came from, I wouldn't be surprised it was from him. He was one of the main participants in the Boston Tea Party and also fought in the Revolutionary war. So my roots in this country lead back to Boston. If you google his name there's a wikipedia page on him as well as a few sites of his ancestors (like me) who are connecting each other (and there are a lot because the man had 21 kids after all!). I also passed by a right where the Boston Massacre happened.
I explored the more modern aspects like the aquarium (those pics are on facebook), as well as the city's light show on their Christmas tree, a long building that has food franchises from end to end, and a little of the MIT campus. Since the trip was semi spontaneous, I didn't get to see as much as I liked, but maybe a warmer season will have those opportunities in view (a.k.a. a Red Sox's game at Fenway).
I ended up leaving a day early because the Navy had my buddy stay overnight so I wouldn't have seen him again before I left anyway. In all honesty, when I went I was hoping to reminisce on our childhood, swap stories, and make some new ones. But 11 years is a long time and God didn't bless everyone with a strong memory. At least he's one of the few who remember me.
My trip was worth it, no matter how short. I have no idea when I'll see him again if ever. But this I will say. If I have ever called you friend in my life, I think about you from time to time, relieve old memories, and have not and will not ever forget you. No matter where this crazy life takes me, you'll be on my heart always because you did, do, and will always still matter to me. Boston Strong.
The real reason? I have a buddy in the Navy stationed up there. He was one of my close childhood friends whom I haven't seen in eleven years. In March, he'll be shipped out for schooling to Texas. Peace out Boston. After all I've been through this past year, I felt compelled to make the trip to see him before Texas comes a calling.
I'm young, single, and have an untamed beast living in me known as adventure. I've never been to Massachusetts and one of my bucket list items is to visit all 50 United States. Experiencing Boston was also a great idea. Minus the 10 hour drive there and back, Boston traffic, and its peculiar maze of roads.
So what did I do? I used the subway system to cross the Atlantic (because my friend lived on an island part of Boston) and began to explore. Now the thing about Boston is that many of the streets are still cobblestone from the old days. Here's a history lesson for you. My great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather was named Thomas A. White. Now he was not a well known figure in history, but if you wonder where all my patriotic pride came from, I wouldn't be surprised it was from him. He was one of the main participants in the Boston Tea Party and also fought in the Revolutionary war. So my roots in this country lead back to Boston. If you google his name there's a wikipedia page on him as well as a few sites of his ancestors (like me) who are connecting each other (and there are a lot because the man had 21 kids after all!). I also passed by a right where the Boston Massacre happened.
I explored the more modern aspects like the aquarium (those pics are on facebook), as well as the city's light show on their Christmas tree, a long building that has food franchises from end to end, and a little of the MIT campus. Since the trip was semi spontaneous, I didn't get to see as much as I liked, but maybe a warmer season will have those opportunities in view (a.k.a. a Red Sox's game at Fenway).
I ended up leaving a day early because the Navy had my buddy stay overnight so I wouldn't have seen him again before I left anyway. In all honesty, when I went I was hoping to reminisce on our childhood, swap stories, and make some new ones. But 11 years is a long time and God didn't bless everyone with a strong memory. At least he's one of the few who remember me.
My trip was worth it, no matter how short. I have no idea when I'll see him again if ever. But this I will say. If I have ever called you friend in my life, I think about you from time to time, relieve old memories, and have not and will not ever forget you. No matter where this crazy life takes me, you'll be on my heart always because you did, do, and will always still matter to me. Boston Strong.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Remembering Brian Brickner
I had another post in the works, but after the recent and tragic passing of Brian Brickner, I felt moved and compelled to do this post instead.
For those who haven't been following my blog, or have missed some posts, 2014 has been a little rougher on me than usual. Ignoring all my school issues, Mr. B. is the 5th person in my life who has passed this year and the third under the age of 55. A week ago I received a message that threw me for a loop because I thought someone else I knew (who is around Mr. B's age) had passed, but it turned out to be that person's father who was 96 years old. I felt relief that it wasn't someone I knew well who played a small part in my growing up in the church, but still a loss of life is still hard to take. Just as I was getting my bearings straight, I got the news that Mr. B. had passed in a car accident. Let's just say my emotions have been like a roller coaster and I can't even begin to imagine what his wife and kids are going through. Before I get any sadder, I want to remember a man who even though I only knew for four years, had a profound impact on many lives including mine. Kenny Chesney once said "I think we all have somebody in our life that dies young, and it's hard to figure out why, and that can make such an impact that no matter how busy you are and what you're doing in life, it can stop you in your life and change you."
I first met his oldest daughter about seven years ago at a young people's event and saw this young christian full of life and full of Christ. I met her older brother a few years later and then her younger sister a year after that. Each one holds a place in my heart and life and I'm proud to call all three of them friends and even family in Christ. Knowing Mr. B's kids really made me want to meet the man who produced three wonderful children, now lovely adults. I finally got the privilege in the fall of 2010. We were hosting a young people's event by taking the kids paint balling. Mr. B. came with the group from Mansfield and I thought that he was there to drive the kids. Little did I know that this almost 50 something was going to be out on the field shooting and getting shot with paint. For those who haven't played paintball, it requires energy and a certain level of pain endurance because paint balls sting. During the last battle, it was a free for all/every man/woman for themselves. I made an early alliance and used that alliance to pick off three people. Then, I went lone wolf and crept around a corner. As I peered around it, I saw Mr. B. trying to camouflage himself. Being in the heat of the battle, I started firing and didn't stop until I saw his hands come up (which in reality was four shots) and two got him. Later I felt bad and went to apologize for being aggressive. He just laughed said don't worry about it and we introduced ourselves, talked and joked for awhile, before heading back to our respective cities.
As the years rolled on, I saw him on and off at a few church events, but didn't really have any interactions again until July of 2013. His daughter Sarah was hosting a birthday party for her then fiance and now husband Paul at her parent's house in Lexington. Mr. B. was more than happy to open his home to a bunch of college and graduated kids as well as take a handful of us out on his pontoon boat. I believe one of his greatest joys was making others happy and feel welcome. At one point during the event, he asked for some help to carry a grill across the neighborhood because theirs wasn't working. He cracked a few jokes about four strange men "stealing" a grill, but the neighbors knew we were borrowing it. Being a fisherman myself, I was also able to swap some stories with him about our passion.
One of the last times I saw him, was my most memorable of all. He was with us when we went camping for Paul's bachelor party. On our first night, while we were hungry and waiting for the food to arrive, he grabbed his fishing pole, went straight to the creek, and began hauling in little pan-fish to immediately put on the fire. He was hauling them out faster than we could cook them. Throughout the weekend, he was telling us everything about Mohican Park, sharing stories of past trips, and even took us on a nature hike to some of the most spectacular views the place had to offer. I had the opportunity to talk with him a little about life, fishing, his future son-in-law and how he wouldn't allow Paul to call him "Dad" until he officially married his daughter, and so much more.
By the end of the trip, before we all left, he brought us all in a circle to pray for each other, the time we shared, and our lives going forward. He then wanted to acquire everyone's contact info to get the gang back together in the near future.
I saw him three more times after that and each time was as special as the first. He was filled with joy pride, and mirth at his daughter's wedding, he personally thanked me at the labor day conference for writing about Paul and Sarah's wedding and told me I had talent, and he was all smiles and upbeat working at Ashland woods three weeks ago after hours of hard manual labor. That was the last time I saw him.
Even though I knew him for a mere four years, his life impacted mine more than he'll ever know. Just looking at him was an inspiration in its own right. Mr. B. was a man who by my standards had everything he ever wanted. He had a loving wife and three amazing kids, a heart fully for Christ, a life where he embraced the joys more than the pain, a life that impacted so many around him, and took each day as it came, refusing to miss out on the pleasures that came with it.
For me, I want to strive to reach this standard. Sure, I really want to get married, have kids, grandkids, and die in old age. But that's not up to me. That's up to the God who created me, who gave up everything for me, and would do it again and again, and again no matter how many times I would spurn him and walk away. To be able to say I lived for Christ, to have saved people from eternal death, to be someone, like Mr. B., who made an impact on the lives of those around me, would be enough to say I lived life to the fullest. I have zero doubt that the Lord will carry us all through this difficult time. For now the tears may come, but the joy will one day return, knowing Mr. B. lived a happy and full life and is now in the best place anyone could ever be; in the arms of our Savior.
Here's to Brian Brickner, husband, father, friend, uncle, brother, and so much more, and the Christ-filled life he lived, knowing that we will see him again one day. May the grace, mercy, and peace of the Lord be with you all.
For those who haven't been following my blog, or have missed some posts, 2014 has been a little rougher on me than usual. Ignoring all my school issues, Mr. B. is the 5th person in my life who has passed this year and the third under the age of 55. A week ago I received a message that threw me for a loop because I thought someone else I knew (who is around Mr. B's age) had passed, but it turned out to be that person's father who was 96 years old. I felt relief that it wasn't someone I knew well who played a small part in my growing up in the church, but still a loss of life is still hard to take. Just as I was getting my bearings straight, I got the news that Mr. B. had passed in a car accident. Let's just say my emotions have been like a roller coaster and I can't even begin to imagine what his wife and kids are going through. Before I get any sadder, I want to remember a man who even though I only knew for four years, had a profound impact on many lives including mine. Kenny Chesney once said "I think we all have somebody in our life that dies young, and it's hard to figure out why, and that can make such an impact that no matter how busy you are and what you're doing in life, it can stop you in your life and change you."
I first met his oldest daughter about seven years ago at a young people's event and saw this young christian full of life and full of Christ. I met her older brother a few years later and then her younger sister a year after that. Each one holds a place in my heart and life and I'm proud to call all three of them friends and even family in Christ. Knowing Mr. B's kids really made me want to meet the man who produced three wonderful children, now lovely adults. I finally got the privilege in the fall of 2010. We were hosting a young people's event by taking the kids paint balling. Mr. B. came with the group from Mansfield and I thought that he was there to drive the kids. Little did I know that this almost 50 something was going to be out on the field shooting and getting shot with paint. For those who haven't played paintball, it requires energy and a certain level of pain endurance because paint balls sting. During the last battle, it was a free for all/every man/woman for themselves. I made an early alliance and used that alliance to pick off three people. Then, I went lone wolf and crept around a corner. As I peered around it, I saw Mr. B. trying to camouflage himself. Being in the heat of the battle, I started firing and didn't stop until I saw his hands come up (which in reality was four shots) and two got him. Later I felt bad and went to apologize for being aggressive. He just laughed said don't worry about it and we introduced ourselves, talked and joked for awhile, before heading back to our respective cities.
As the years rolled on, I saw him on and off at a few church events, but didn't really have any interactions again until July of 2013. His daughter Sarah was hosting a birthday party for her then fiance and now husband Paul at her parent's house in Lexington. Mr. B. was more than happy to open his home to a bunch of college and graduated kids as well as take a handful of us out on his pontoon boat. I believe one of his greatest joys was making others happy and feel welcome. At one point during the event, he asked for some help to carry a grill across the neighborhood because theirs wasn't working. He cracked a few jokes about four strange men "stealing" a grill, but the neighbors knew we were borrowing it. Being a fisherman myself, I was also able to swap some stories with him about our passion.
One of the last times I saw him, was my most memorable of all. He was with us when we went camping for Paul's bachelor party. On our first night, while we were hungry and waiting for the food to arrive, he grabbed his fishing pole, went straight to the creek, and began hauling in little pan-fish to immediately put on the fire. He was hauling them out faster than we could cook them. Throughout the weekend, he was telling us everything about Mohican Park, sharing stories of past trips, and even took us on a nature hike to some of the most spectacular views the place had to offer. I had the opportunity to talk with him a little about life, fishing, his future son-in-law and how he wouldn't allow Paul to call him "Dad" until he officially married his daughter, and so much more.
By the end of the trip, before we all left, he brought us all in a circle to pray for each other, the time we shared, and our lives going forward. He then wanted to acquire everyone's contact info to get the gang back together in the near future.
I saw him three more times after that and each time was as special as the first. He was filled with joy pride, and mirth at his daughter's wedding, he personally thanked me at the labor day conference for writing about Paul and Sarah's wedding and told me I had talent, and he was all smiles and upbeat working at Ashland woods three weeks ago after hours of hard manual labor. That was the last time I saw him.
Even though I knew him for a mere four years, his life impacted mine more than he'll ever know. Just looking at him was an inspiration in its own right. Mr. B. was a man who by my standards had everything he ever wanted. He had a loving wife and three amazing kids, a heart fully for Christ, a life where he embraced the joys more than the pain, a life that impacted so many around him, and took each day as it came, refusing to miss out on the pleasures that came with it.
For me, I want to strive to reach this standard. Sure, I really want to get married, have kids, grandkids, and die in old age. But that's not up to me. That's up to the God who created me, who gave up everything for me, and would do it again and again, and again no matter how many times I would spurn him and walk away. To be able to say I lived for Christ, to have saved people from eternal death, to be someone, like Mr. B., who made an impact on the lives of those around me, would be enough to say I lived life to the fullest. I have zero doubt that the Lord will carry us all through this difficult time. For now the tears may come, but the joy will one day return, knowing Mr. B. lived a happy and full life and is now in the best place anyone could ever be; in the arms of our Savior.
Here's to Brian Brickner, husband, father, friend, uncle, brother, and so much more, and the Christ-filled life he lived, knowing that we will see him again one day. May the grace, mercy, and peace of the Lord be with you all.
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