Blessings

I constantly thank God for the many blessings he has poured into my life. Family, friendships, coffee, backpacking, and so on... But one blessing easily conquers all others and would reign champion in a fantasy blessing league year after year. And it's my wife Laura.

My little brother Paul is visiting me from out of town for a few days, and he said to me yesterday "I still can't believe your married." And I agreed with him. At that very moment I began to think of how lucky I am to have my wife as my best friend.

I love doing everything with her. Walking the dog, talking about our future kids, picking names for boys and girls, making goals, going to the library to pick out a movie, watching her sleep, and on and on...

When I think of my wife, I say God is awesome! What a creator! What a blessing she has been in my life.

My Reason

Hable espanol? In English this reads "Christ is the reason to live." I actually took this picture inside of a pota-pot in the Dominican Republic. It's amazing, yet sad at the same time, to witness the filth and poverty other communities live in.
This little safari adventure that Laura and I went on was such an eye opener to how much of an advantage us Americans have over much of the world. The local butcher shop in the Dominican was simply a dirt floor hut with slabs of meat hanging from hooks. No walls, no gloves for the butcher.. And did I mention dirt floors? The gas station was nothing more than a stand on the side of the road advertising a milk jug filled with gas. The children were running around and chasing our tour vehicle without shoes to protect their little feet. And you better hope you don't get hurt or sick because the boarded up shack, which the Dominicans refer to as their hospital, is only open four days out of the week.
After our guide led us through the small towns and villages, we stopped and visited with a loving rural family. And this is where the picture was taken. Seven people lived in their two bedroom home. And the family bathroom was actually the outhouse in the backyard.
I love to witness others praising God. It truly does help me live as a better man. Especially when the praising is done in cirumstances where we could easily be stressed and upset. Many Americans would not even think of buying a home with less than two bathrooms. And here this family deals with an outhouse that dispences the remains in the backyard.
I don't know...I guess I'm trying to say that we should give thanks for what we have in any situation. After all, the Lord tells us he will never put anything in front of us that we can't handle.

Do Yourself a Favor

Real quick posting today...I strongly urge you to check out a website that a close friend updates daily.
thisisreverb.com
I am confident that you will not be disappointed.

Bed Bath and Bored...

I thought my wife and I were going to blow gaskets. Yeah, the coffee maker was fun to pick out. But other than that, I had no say. Why can't I just pick out our towel colors? Don't get me wrong, the whole process leading up to our wedding was terrific. Perhaps I would have a different outlook if I actually did something other than be where I was told and wear what I was required.
I give so much credit to Laura and all that she put together. Our wedding was beautiful. I know the whole thing was just a headache after another for her. Meeting with people, getting stuff organized, and spending 35 minutes on hold are not the things you feel like doing after working all day. She is awesome.
But back to the registry.. Can openers, party dishes, coasters, oven mits, ect ect.... What about guy stuff like golf balls, tool boxes, tents, footballs, and all that fun stuff.
I am not going to complain though. I did get the coolest thing from my step-mom Patty. A water purifier for when I go backpacking. Instead of carrying an extra 25lbs of water, I pack a small filter pump and be on my way. I love it!
The registry process was a bit tough, but it was all very worth because I now have the most beautiful wife in the whole wide world.

Simple Fun

Brown County Indiana: This place is a haven for people who like to window shop and buy little nick knacks that never come out of the box. It is also a good place to ask your future father-in-law if he approves of a proposal.
In search of a time and place where we could come to know each other better as a family, my wife, her parents, my mom, and myself came together for a tasteful weekend in a small but popular town. Mark (my father-in-law) and I had an everlasting desire to hit the lynx, but the time never presented itself. Instead, we decided to make the ladies happy and accompany them in a nice and hot afternoon stroll.

We had an awesome time! Not because I enjoy walking around and looking at something that is $325 overpriced. We had a great time because we were together. My mom, future family, and myself were away from the daily stresses of life and soaking up the smiles, laughs, and the 100% humidity.

Being with the people that make you smile and feel good is what it's all about!

Take Charge

In my eye's, there is no greater insult than to be called a liar or a thief! If your a man of God and claim to be a Christian, than act like one. We are constantly being watch, and we are always being called for something greater than what we are.
1st John 1:4 reads...The man who says "I know him." but does not do what he commands, is a liar.
Our second greatest commandment, beside loving and praising God, is to love and show kindness to the people around us. This rule doesn't just apply to our friends and the people we care about. It also extends to our enemies and the people we don't know.
I struggle with this as well. We all do. But as leaders, we are called to be a light in a world of darkness. Gods word tell us...If we do anything, love the people around you. So I encourage myself and everyone to do what is right...Live in Love.

10 Things I enjoy

10: Green Bean Casserole.

9: Winning in Scrabble.

8: Clogging the toilet.

7: Chopping Firewood.

6:Teasing my Dog.

5: Tickling my Wife.

4: Big Gulps.

3: Chipotle.

2: Building and Maintaining a Fire.

And my favorite thing to do in the whole wide world.....

Numero Uno: Viewing a True Work of Art after Eating Three Ear's of Corn!