Now I want you to know that I really do like to share. There are many things that I love to share with people, but there are just a few that I really don't like to share. Here are a few of those things:
My french fries
My tooth paste
My bacon
My phone
My internet signal
My Coke
My sandwich
My $100 bills (Not that I have any. ;)
My worries
My sin
Sounds pretty selfish of me right? Keeping all that stuff to myself like that.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
"Creepers"
Yesterday I took my kids to their swim practice. It was like most days. When we got there early, like usual, there was a group of high schoolers practicing at the pool. I looked over and noticed a man, who looked rough, looking in at the swimmers and mumbling things. My daughter told me that it was pretty common to see "creepers" at the pool, watching.
I wasn't interested in this man being there watching these kids. And I definitely wasn't interested in him watching MY kids. I knew that this man was probably troubled. But I also knew I had to go and say something to him.
I walked over to the coaches who were at the pool and asked them about the man. They told me that they had called dispatch, the police, but it had been 15 minutes. I told them I was going to go over and talk to the man and tell him that he needed to move along. They seemed relieved that someone was going to do something.
As I started to walk away the young male coach asked if I wanted him to go with me, I said, "Sure." So he followed along behind. He quickly realized that I was going to go talk to the man outside of the chain link fence and asked if it would be better to stay inside the fence. I thought that was reasonable and so we approached the man with the chain link between us. Here was our conversation:
Me: "Hello Sir, do you have any students in the pool practicing?"
Man: "No. I was just watching the spectacle."
Me: "Well, if you don't have any kids in the pool it's probably best that you move along. If you want to come watch and cheer at a meet that would be great!" (Not that I really meant it would be great, just that it would be a better place to realistically go watch swimmers you don't know.) ;)
Man: "Oh...Okay. I was just watching. You guys have a great bunch of swimmers out there!"
Me: "Thank you very much! We sure do!"
The man then preceded to pick up his stuff and walk away. The coaches thanked me.
The police showed up about 10 minutes later and I went over to talk to the officer to let him know what happened.
My kids were watching me the whole time. I wonder what was going through their heads.
We as men need to step up a little bit more. We need to show our families and those around us that we aren't going to stand by and watch things just happen. I know I have a long way to go, but yesterday God helped me show courage with love.
I don't think the man walked away feeling horrible. I believe he was actually quite happy to carry on a conversation with someone. At least yesterday that's all that was needed to defuse a uncomfortable situation.
I wasn't interested in this man being there watching these kids. And I definitely wasn't interested in him watching MY kids. I knew that this man was probably troubled. But I also knew I had to go and say something to him.
I walked over to the coaches who were at the pool and asked them about the man. They told me that they had called dispatch, the police, but it had been 15 minutes. I told them I was going to go over and talk to the man and tell him that he needed to move along. They seemed relieved that someone was going to do something.
As I started to walk away the young male coach asked if I wanted him to go with me, I said, "Sure." So he followed along behind. He quickly realized that I was going to go talk to the man outside of the chain link fence and asked if it would be better to stay inside the fence. I thought that was reasonable and so we approached the man with the chain link between us. Here was our conversation:
Me: "Hello Sir, do you have any students in the pool practicing?"
Man: "No. I was just watching the spectacle."
Me: "Well, if you don't have any kids in the pool it's probably best that you move along. If you want to come watch and cheer at a meet that would be great!" (Not that I really meant it would be great, just that it would be a better place to realistically go watch swimmers you don't know.) ;)
Man: "Oh...Okay. I was just watching. You guys have a great bunch of swimmers out there!"
Me: "Thank you very much! We sure do!"
The man then preceded to pick up his stuff and walk away. The coaches thanked me.
The police showed up about 10 minutes later and I went over to talk to the officer to let him know what happened.
My kids were watching me the whole time. I wonder what was going through their heads.
We as men need to step up a little bit more. We need to show our families and those around us that we aren't going to stand by and watch things just happen. I know I have a long way to go, but yesterday God helped me show courage with love.
I don't think the man walked away feeling horrible. I believe he was actually quite happy to carry on a conversation with someone. At least yesterday that's all that was needed to defuse a uncomfortable situation.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Reckless Abandon
"For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
1 Corinthians 1:25
The wisest men I have ever known were/are nothing more than men who had a reckless abandon for God.
1 Corinthians 1:25
The wisest men I have ever known were/are nothing more than men who had a reckless abandon for God.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Feeding the Hungry
Today the Branches went and fed some people who were hungry. They were easy to find. Right there in the open. We had a barbecue. Everyone loves barbecue.
You know what else people love?
Someone to talk to.
Someone who will pat them on the back, give them a hug, or shake their hand.
Someone to joke with.
Someone who will hand them an ice cold Coke.
I talked to several at the park today. One of the coolest conversations I had was with a man who picked up a Pepsi, instead of a Coke (When a Coke was readily available.).
Me: "What are you doing?!?"
Him: "Just grabbing a Pepsi!"
Me: "Why?!? There's a Coke right there!"
Him: Smiling, "You can't tell the difference when you pour them in a glass!"
Me: "Yes you can! But they aren't in a glass anyway, they're in a can, one says Coke, one says Pepsi!"
I proceeded to tell him that the next time we come out, which will be soon, we will have a taste test for everyone. Whichever drink they choose in the blind taste test is the drink they will receive, even me. We'll just see if I can tell the difference between Coke and Pepsi in a glass.
Me and this man had a good time today just mixing it up with our pretend argument. We both laughed and smiled. He was fed, and unfortunately, he drank a Pepsi. But I also think he felt loved today. I know I felt loved today.
You know what else people love?
Someone to talk to.
Someone who will pat them on the back, give them a hug, or shake their hand.
Someone to joke with.
Someone who will hand them an ice cold Coke.
I talked to several at the park today. One of the coolest conversations I had was with a man who picked up a Pepsi, instead of a Coke (When a Coke was readily available.).
Me: "What are you doing?!?"
Him: "Just grabbing a Pepsi!"
Me: "Why?!? There's a Coke right there!"
Him: Smiling, "You can't tell the difference when you pour them in a glass!"
Me: "Yes you can! But they aren't in a glass anyway, they're in a can, one says Coke, one says Pepsi!"
I proceeded to tell him that the next time we come out, which will be soon, we will have a taste test for everyone. Whichever drink they choose in the blind taste test is the drink they will receive, even me. We'll just see if I can tell the difference between Coke and Pepsi in a glass.
Me and this man had a good time today just mixing it up with our pretend argument. We both laughed and smiled. He was fed, and unfortunately, he drank a Pepsi. But I also think he felt loved today. I know I felt loved today.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
End it
I put a red X on my hand today. You should too. Below will explain why. If you decide to place a red X on your hand after reading this or watching the video please just leave a comment on here saying end it, or leave the same comment on my Facebook page.
From enditmovement.com:
Slavery still exists.
We want every man, woman and child to know that there are 27 million men, women and children, just like them, living in the shadows. Working as slaves. In 161 countries. Including our own. Let's shine a light on slavery and END IT.
Visit enditmovement.com, to watch the video, take the pledge and then pass it on. Let's make FREEDOM go viral!
From enditmovement.com:
Slavery still exists.
We want every man, woman and child to know that there are 27 million men, women and children, just like them, living in the shadows. Working as slaves. In 161 countries. Including our own. Let's shine a light on slavery and END IT.
Visit enditmovement.com, to watch the video, take the pledge and then pass it on. Let's make FREEDOM go viral!
Monday, April 8, 2013
Secret Desire
My secret desire...to record a album with some of my best friends.
What's stopping me? Really nothing. I have two friends with recording studios.
So maybe it's not so secret anymore. And maybe...
What's stopping me? Really nothing. I have two friends with recording studios.
So maybe it's not so secret anymore. And maybe...
Friday, April 5, 2013
A Few Good Men
In light of some of the stuff that I've been thinking about recently, and the way God has been growing me, I thought I'd share with you some of the best men I have in my life. These are men I admire. I will try to keep it brief so you don't get bored.
From Haviland, Kansas
Ryan Kendall--This guy is a jack of all trades. He loves Jesus, his family, photography, running, Jesus, music, basketball, and Jesus. All of this and he's my fishing buddy.
From Indianapolis, Indiana
Bryan Vickery--He is so humble yet so amazing. He's kind of like the quiet thunder in my life. Even from 2150 miles away. I don't think he knows how important his opinion is to me. Because he loves Jesus so much.
From Escondido, Californa
Matthew Thompson--We've known each other forever! He is so talented, as a musician, singer, father, husband, he is creative, and he loves Jesus! It's like the complete package.
From Dundrum, Northern Ireland
Richie Shilliday--We only spent nine days together all the way back in 2009 but I admire him for his confidence. I don't know if I know of another man with more God confidence, which is really the only kind of confidence to have! Oh, and by the way, you guessed it, he loves Jesus too!
From Kigali, Rwanda, Africa
Matthew Nash--A lifelong friend. A friend that sticks closer than a brother. He loves Jesus. Anything more need to be said? And yes Matt, I am now feeling like I will be out in Africa in the future to do some God stuff.
From Escondido, California
Nathan Harris--I would trust this guy with my life. He is maybe one of the most loving people I know. And he loves Jesus, kind of a natural fit!
From Muskegon, Michigan
Dave Eikenberry--My lifelong Pastor. I think most people who will be reading this will know how much I love this man. He loves Jesus! The most important thing to him!
From Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, and California
Kristen Sorensen--Yes, that is a man. Mentor and encourager. He has been instrumental in helping me understand that I can lead. He is also my golf spouse.
From Yorba Linda, California
Jason "Chief" Morones--Man-Crush Alert! I love this man. He is the man I love to hug the most. He loves Jesus! He loves students! He is amazing!
From Ladera Ranch, California
Brandon Cuevas--My singing partner, my dance partner, my theology partner, Brandon is one of the most unique people I know. I have not laughed harder or cried more with anyone, than I have with him. And he loves Jesus!
From Escondido, California
Nate Canady--Dude is solid! I think he can to all the things I want to do but don't get off my lazy butt to do. Plays guitar, piano, reads, learns languages, is a chemist! Loves Jesus with his whole heart!
None of these guys are perfect. We all have our things that God is working on in us. But I am one blessed man to have all of them in my life!
If you didn't make the list, know that I love you. It has to stop somewhere. There are many other men I admire and trust. You guys rock also. I did this today because I need to learn to encourage more. Something God has been teaching me.
From Haviland, Kansas
Ryan Kendall--This guy is a jack of all trades. He loves Jesus, his family, photography, running, Jesus, music, basketball, and Jesus. All of this and he's my fishing buddy.
From Indianapolis, Indiana
Bryan Vickery--He is so humble yet so amazing. He's kind of like the quiet thunder in my life. Even from 2150 miles away. I don't think he knows how important his opinion is to me. Because he loves Jesus so much.
From Escondido, Californa
Matthew Thompson--We've known each other forever! He is so talented, as a musician, singer, father, husband, he is creative, and he loves Jesus! It's like the complete package.
From Dundrum, Northern Ireland
Richie Shilliday--We only spent nine days together all the way back in 2009 but I admire him for his confidence. I don't know if I know of another man with more God confidence, which is really the only kind of confidence to have! Oh, and by the way, you guessed it, he loves Jesus too!
From Kigali, Rwanda, Africa
Matthew Nash--A lifelong friend. A friend that sticks closer than a brother. He loves Jesus. Anything more need to be said? And yes Matt, I am now feeling like I will be out in Africa in the future to do some God stuff.
From Escondido, California
Nathan Harris--I would trust this guy with my life. He is maybe one of the most loving people I know. And he loves Jesus, kind of a natural fit!
From Muskegon, Michigan
Dave Eikenberry--My lifelong Pastor. I think most people who will be reading this will know how much I love this man. He loves Jesus! The most important thing to him!
From Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, and California
Kristen Sorensen--Yes, that is a man. Mentor and encourager. He has been instrumental in helping me understand that I can lead. He is also my golf spouse.
From Yorba Linda, California
Jason "Chief" Morones--Man-Crush Alert! I love this man. He is the man I love to hug the most. He loves Jesus! He loves students! He is amazing!
From Ladera Ranch, California
Brandon Cuevas--My singing partner, my dance partner, my theology partner, Brandon is one of the most unique people I know. I have not laughed harder or cried more with anyone, than I have with him. And he loves Jesus!
From Escondido, California
Nate Canady--Dude is solid! I think he can to all the things I want to do but don't get off my lazy butt to do. Plays guitar, piano, reads, learns languages, is a chemist! Loves Jesus with his whole heart!
None of these guys are perfect. We all have our things that God is working on in us. But I am one blessed man to have all of them in my life!
If you didn't make the list, know that I love you. It has to stop somewhere. There are many other men I admire and trust. You guys rock also. I did this today because I need to learn to encourage more. Something God has been teaching me.
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