How the hell did I get here?!

Where I am isn't good. What I do isn't good. The people with whom I do these things aren't good. I'm not in a place that is good.


Where I am is so far superior to good that the words to describe it fail me. I am a part of someone else's Kingdom dream, while also pursuing visions the Spirit has built in my heart. I am surrounded by people who are constantly encouraging and embracing me, but who are not willing to let me become anything less than my God-given potential says I should. I am happy. I am really happy.

Did I expect it to look like this? Not really. I never thought that I would come back to where it all began in order for me to lunge forward into the yearnings and longings of my heart. I never thought that this was a step in reverse, but I certainly didn't think it was a step forward. I guess I thought it was more of an incubator, some sort of purgatory in which I would wait rather hopelessly. I'm glad I was wrong. As the dreams unfold, I sometimes need a moment to recognize that they are exactly that, but once the perspective settles properly, my heart soars.

Over the last few months, I've been "just excited." On more than one occassion I have had the "what are you so EXCITED about?!" conversation. My answer was and still is consistent. "I am just excited about anything and everything." I may not have consistently had the best attitude over this latest duration, but I have to say- I am where I am supposed to be. And, it is exciting.

How did I get here?

A complex answer could flood my explanation, but I will keep it simple:

God is good.

Happy to be Here

Do you remember this post, all about how AMAZING the state of Maryland is?  I have been here for 6.5 weeks and have already enjoyed nearly everything on this short list.  Ok, so the four seasons part is a bit of a stretch and anyone around the area right now knows how difficult it is to enjoy this weather we've been having.  I've also not yet accomplished the first item, but the time will come.

Being here has been nothing short of marvelous, wonderful and blessed.  I started working for Grace Adventures Day Camp in the middle of June.  There are a number of new elements at Camp this year, but I have to tell you, I am loving every minute I spend working (and every silly song that is stuck in my head).  Here's a quick promo-vid from our website.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Back in April of 2009, I wrote this post about Camp.  I just came across it again this morning and had a nice laugh.  

I am leading worship this summer at my church.  This is a challenge in its own way, but I'm heeding advice from Tom Petty, and I won't back down.  So far, I've mostly just been vision casting, which is something I tend to do well.  The responsibility, authority, practical side of things are also going just fine.  

It has been a hell of a week, but the God I serve is beyond such struggles.  You all know how much I LOVE the 4th of July, but this year wasn't exactly a celebration for our family.  I enjoyed some quality time with a couple of good friends, who only proved their friendship further by leaving our firework venue just moments before the show began so that I could drive over an hour to meet my mother and brother at our local hospital.  Out of privacy, I am not going to share any details here, but at this point, everyone is home and doing just fine.  I am blessed to work with a group of such great people and amazing friends who've been indescribably supportive all week.  Thank you.  And, a thank you to every one else who has been so lovingly concerned and supportive this week.  

Overall, it's been a season unexpected, filled with surprises and gifts.  It's a time of adjustment and acclimation.  It's a time of joy and relief.  It's a time shared, enjoyed, and endured.  It's a time of celebrating and laughing; a time of focusing and persevering.  It's a time honored.  

February 11, 2010 seems it was AGES ago. I can hardly believe it has been over 4 months since we were told Savana wasn't going to survive the night, only for her to miraculously still be alive. She is still in a rehab facility in Lincoln, not yet fully awake from a coma.
Savana is a friend and former student whom I mentored through her high school years; lead on a Missions Trip to Scotland. She turned 20 last month and her wedding would be this coming Saturday. Faith stands, but hearts still ache. If you think of it, please pray for Savana, her fiance Thomas, her family and friends.

If you're curious about how she is, don't be afraid to ask me.

You can read a recent article about the accident and her relationship here

If you are interested in more ways to support Savana's family you can go here.

a patriot afterall

I know, Independence Day is just around the corner, but I couldn't wait that long to share this.

Yesterday, I was explaining the point of the 4th to a European friend. A few statements in, tears streamed my cheeks. I loved living in the land of red and white, but I still have such a pride in being a citizen of the red, white, and blue. There may be a number of topics and issues that I am not happy about in my country right now, but to be an American; growing up with the concept of freedom bred into me, is something for which I am grateful.

And it is at this point that I would like to say thank you to everyone who has made that possible... and maintains the opportunity. Family, friends... brothers, uncles, husbands, moms, dads, sisters, wives, cousins, daughters, sons... thank you and Heaven's blessings upon you.