Blogging from the iPhone

Just testing out how hard it is to blog from the iPhone. It’s actually not that hard. Now let’s figure out how to add a picture! OK there has got to be a way to add a picture, there may even be a cool app that could work. But the Fruit Stand wants their iphone back, so I’ll have to figure it out later.

You’re Planning on Doing WHAT?!?!

www.HeartForBoston.com

UnBrettlieveable Farvegetaboutit

For the past 4 or 5 years during a cold Wisconsin January, there was a teary eyed gray haired man who trotted off the field, unsure of his return.  Every year it seemed like the same ole’ story.  I’m going hang up the cleats, no I’m not, yes I am.  Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth to the eventual announcement of the hero’s return for yet another year.  And every year the Packer faithful and Green Bay front office would hang on, in hopes that the right decision would be made.  And I believe that every year the right decision was made.  Last year Farve had a stellar year, so why not another year this year?  My question exactly.  But Brett wanted to go out on a high note, the sign of a mature player who knows his limits.  So he retired.  End of story.

Sike!  Now he wants to unhook his cleats, strap the helmet back on and hit the field again.  But it seems that his luck with the Packer management may have run out.  Who knows what happens next.  All we know is that what could have been a beautiful football story about a kid from the south who overcame life toughest obstacles to go on to a stellar football career, has traded that in for what seems to be a sad ending to a hall of fame career.

Late Night @ Waffle House

Last night I met a good friend at Waffle House. Waffle House seems to get better the later it gets, so my friend and I met up at around 11:30 last night. We didn’t leave until almost 1:00. My friend, we’ll call him GB, mainly because that’s what I call him, is more than a friend to me, he’s more of a mentor, a spiritual father of sorts. GB has pastored a couple of different churches and served in many capacities over the years. I’ve never asked GB how old he is, it doesn’t really matter, but if I were to guess, I’d say late 60’s. That’s right, seasoned and still loving some late night Waffle House.

We chat, he tells me what’s going on and I get to share my thoughts with him. Without the fear of rejection or the fear of looking foolish, I shoot my questions off. It’s wisdom I’m seeking the most, and I’ve come to the right place, GB is one of the wisest men I’ve ever met. It’s my privilege to get to hang out with him and pick his brain. I can come to him with any question, because I know he believes in me. You know how I know? He doesn’t just tell me, he shows me. I have never been out with GB and had to pay for a meal. He won’t let me pay, I’ve tried. He just says, “D’Art I’m investing in your ministry.”

Last night as I was leaving, I made the statement, “I’m going to do this, either I’m going to make it, or I’m going to fall flat on my face.” To that GB retorted, “Either you’re going to make it, or God’s a liar. And we both know God’s not a liar.”

Thanks GB for your investment, and for believing in me.

Famous? What’s that?

So today I was doing my thing, working at the Fruit Stand and in walks a couple of characters. People go nuts. My fellow Fruit Stand workers are quite aware that the A-Listers are in the building, as many A-Listers like to visit our Fruit Stand for some reason, however this was my first experience with the such.

It got me thinking, what makes these people “famous?” What makes me not want to look away? It’s like I’m in the presence of greatness, but there is no greatness to be found. Yet still I am amazed. I want to be famous. I want people to follow me and take random pictures of me when I’m trying to buy some fruit. Or do I?

So, you want to know who it was…Well, I’m not telling…But I’ll show you.

10,000

You did it.  Thanks to whomever clicked on my lovely blog here 12 times ago.  It was because of you mystery man or woman, that my total blog hits has now eclipsed 10,000 views!  I know that some of you super-duper bloggers get that many hits a week, a day, or even an hour, but for me, the 10k views is a milestone.  So on this glorious day, I say thank you, if you have followed my blog at all over this past year or so.  Stay tuned.  It will only get better from here!!!  Thanks again.

Thank You.

30 years ago today, a 14 year old girl gave birth to a beautiful set of twins.  The days following that event was really the true  miracle.  That young girl gave those precious gifts to another family who could better take care of them.  Those parents then raised those girls in a house filled with the love of Jesus.  Almost 9 years ago,  that man who would be called Dad gave one of those girls away to me, to take care of and to treasure.  So today I just wanted to thank a couple of people.

Teresa: Thank you for doing the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do, and give those girls up for adoption.  I could never say thank you enough. You hold a special place in my heart.

Gary & Joyce: Thank you for raising my sweetheart up to fall totally in love with Jesus.  Thank you for teaching her to be a respectful lady.  Thank you.

Kellie: Happy Birthday baby.  I love you.  There is no way I would want to be on this journey with anyone other than you.  You are my strength, and my joy.  And to think, it’s just getting started. I love you. Happy Birthday.

Half Way There

Today is July 1. Which means that 6 months has passed and we now have 6 more months ahead of us in this year. So we are half way there. The first half of this year has been crazy for us. We’ve moved a couple of times, got a new job and now looking toward the future. I can say that I’m starting to feel the rhythm of my life and in that rhythm there is movement. We still have the second half of this year to experience. I’m stoked! And to think we are only Half Way There…

A Spirit of Expectancy

I have always been a farsighted futurist of sorts, so it’s been relatively easy for me to see the big picture. When I was 17 years old I was asked this question “What do you want out of your life?” I answered with a brazen 17 year old answer, “I want to impact the world for Jesus.” And I meant it. I expected it. I still expect it. I expect for God to use my life to change our world. It’s going to have to be God. Because I’m not capable to do it, but God is.

What are you expecting?

“An expectant heart is a breeding ground for the miraculous.” –Darlene Zschech

Great Lyrics and Bumper Stickers

On the way to work this morning I was listening to the new Coldplay Album, Viva la Vida.  I must admit, I’m not much of a lyric guy.  It’s not that I don’t listen to the word, i do, and I enjoy them, but sometimes I get lost in the music and let the words pass by without grabbing onto them.  But this morning I intentionally listened to what was being sung.  Cue track 3 “Lost”

Just because I’m losing
Doesn’t mean I’m lost
Doesn’t mean I’ll stop
Doesn’t mean I will cross

That’s what I’m talking about.  Incredible lyrics that hit home to us when we want to give up.  When things aren’t going our way, what an great reminder that just because we might currently be losing, it doesn’t mean that we have lost.  There is hope.

While listening to the lyrics in my car on the way to work, I came to a stop light.  In front of me was a Buick with a bumper sticker I have never seen before.  It cracked me up.