It's NOT (Pause) Twins

So there's this secret that we've been keeping for quite some time. Well we haven't been all that great at keeping this secret because we're excited, so some people do know. WE ARE PREGNANT!!
Well Lindsay is, I am just the one that knocked her up.

Things have been crazy emotionally and physically. Lindsay's in the every so common "not feeling so well" phase. Peptobismal (not sure if that's the correct spelling) has become a closer friend than myself. The belly is growing. The baby is getting bigger. We've seen pictures of him/her. We've heard the heart beat, only through a microphone the doctor tells us, but that doesn't take away from how awesome it was!

I'll try to keep this updated regularly for anyone who does check this.

Luke 8:5-15

"A Farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed feel among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown."

When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

His disciples asked him what his parable meant. He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,

" 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.' (Isaiah 6:9) "

"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who recieve the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for awhile, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that feel among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce crop."


So which are you?

New Tattoo

So I've been conjuring up an idea of a new tattoo that I would like to get. I'm not positive on the design, but I would like to put it out there to see if anyone has any sort of feedback or ideas.

Where: right upper arm; from my shoulder down my arm, possibly to my elbow
What: angel wings, clouds in the background, possibly incorporating Revelation 10:1-4; I typically like black ink, but I would be open to color
When: anytime

Anyone with ideas is more than welcome to comment.

A-rod

In an era where steroids use isn't unexpected news from Major League Baseball former and current players, the news of Alex Rodriguez's alleged use does fall on my surprised ears. I've always been a Bonds supporter, even though I'm positive he's used steroids. That's not to say that I support the use of steroids for the egotistical and self-centered reasons that most use, or any reason for that matter. It's cheating, pure and simple.

But the news of A-rod using steroids does put a bit of a smile on my face, simply because he's somewhat of a poster boy for MLB and he's supposed to be the one to break Bond's record without using steroids. The smile only lasted a day or two only until I watched Peter Gammons' interview with Rodriguez. The fact that Gammons questions were slam dunks for A-rod is disturbing. He just kept giving him lay-up after lay-up and put absolutely zero pressure on Rodriguez to give straight, specific, and defined answers. Instead A-rod's answers just led me to want more answers. When asked if the 2001-2003 time frame was a when he was using steroids he stated that it sounded accurate. That's not vague or anything. This is a question that Gammons asked, "Given the opportunity, would you like to go to Major League Baseball and say, 'OK, what can I do to help kids across the country?'" What do you really think A-rod's response would be? 'No, I only care about myself, my stats, my money, and being the best, so the kids can figure it out on their own.' That sounds like an accurate statement to me, but it's not the one we got. Another thing that gets me is the fact that Rodriguez acts as though he is almost a victim in the steroid use. He didn't know what he was taking, he didn't ask the right questions, he felt too much pressure, he was naive. Let's have a pity party for a guy who is making more money per game than most people make in a year.

The final thing that absolutely drives me insane is the over the top arrogance and lies he was spewing in the interview with Katie Couric in 2007. When asked if he had ever used performance enhancing drugs he said, "No, I've never felt overmatched on the baseball field. I've always been a very strong, dominant position. And I felt that if I did my work since I was, you know, a rookie back in Seattle, I didn't have a problem competing at any level. So, no."

So why should anyone believe him now that he's 'coming clean' about his steroid use. For all we know, or will probably ever know, he could have been using when he was in Seattle. Rodriguez stated to Gammons, "I'm finally beginning to grow up. I'm pretty tired of being stupid and selfish, you know, about myself. The truth needed to come out a long time ago. I'm glad it's coming out today." I really wonder if this hadn't come out would he be saying, or even thinking the same thing. I highly doubt it.

It's a good thing for all us non-Yankee fans that Rodriguez can't figure out how to take his clutch performances in the media and translate those into clutch performances on the field.

Upcoming V-Day

As Valentine's Day approaches I find myself thinking about being more romantic. That wasn't an easy sentence to leave in here as an alpha male and all. But anyways, I remembered that a friend of mine had written a song for Lindsay and I for when we were getting married and thought that now would be an appropriate time to post it. So the following YouTube video was created by Josh Lamb.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFJm62HQK5U&eurl=http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home

Running

I have always wanted to run and finish a Marathon. In the fall I started training for this, just building up miles slowly. I was pretty consistent, that is until Thanksgiving hit. That put a damper in my motivation. Then Christmas came around and my running was non-existent by then. So then in January I started back up. Running a couple miles everyday. Now needless to say, I'm a bit behind schedule as most Marathon schedules are around 18 weeks. I've got roughly 14 weeks. So yesterday I went for a run, determined that I would just run until I pretty much couldn't anymore. I actually think that I could have kept running, but walking the next day may have been difficult. So I stopped at somewhere around 6-6.5 miles. Today, my knees are sore, which is an indication (I think) that my leg strength isn't up to par with running that distance. It's also probably an indication that I haven't run that long in I can't remember when. So I'm letting the blogging community know that I'm setting out to run in the Flying Pig on May 3. I'm doing this simply to keep myself accountable with something. Because I know how my mind works, and I don't like disappointing or not doing something that I say that I will do. Encouragement, advice, or any other comments are welcome.

Infinitely cool technology

The found the following website through a friend, Marcus Borton. I find it simply amazing and thus Possibly Insightful to you. Check it out and post comments if you'd like. Hopefully I will have my own synth put together sometime soon.

Click here for some mind blowing collage/pictures.

This Fallen World

I am completely sadden by the fact that some things I read or hear in the news do not surprise me. Read the two articles below that I grabbed from Curtis and Danielle Rogers blog site. They are missionaries in Haiti.

Rape looms large over Haiti slums

Amnesty wants Haitian girls protected

Fall

I believe that fall may be turning into my favorite season. Summer has typically been my favorite, but the summer seems much different when you do not have a pool that you go to every single day. Having a job where dress pants and a dress shirt are required also changes my outlook on the summer, especially when you're car does not have air conditioning.

So fall makes for a perfect season to where sweatshirts, sweaters, and jeans. And you're not to hot and you're not too cold. It's as perfect as it gets.

Don't forget that football season resides in this pleasant season, which makes Saturdays and Sunday all that more enjoyable.

I walked out of my apartment this morning and was hit by a coolness in the air, which brightened my day. Before going outside I felt tired, drained, and primed to hop back into bed. Luckily I did not.

I am surprised over and over again at the beauty that God has provided us with here on earth. It is simply amazing how everything works and how something so simple as the temperature dropping a few degrees can have such a large affect on my outlook on the day. Imagine if I could just simply wake up and feel God's beauty with nothing more than the thought of God's love. This is where I want to be. God's love is abounding and endless; I know this to be true and it's a blessing to find it hidden in so many different ways.

intentionality

i read a small tidbit online today and it sparked a thought and a reflection into my life. this little tidbit had something to do with the title of this post. the thought that came after reading this literally was, "what am i doing to purposely grow in my relationship with GOD." i quickly realized that there's a disturbing answer to my question. i thought about on a daily basis, a weekly basis, a monthly basis, and etc. i continued to be disappointed with my answers. my natural reaction is to be defensive (even though the criticisms are coming from my own thoughts). excuses are a part of my life, but avoiding them here is necessary for the kind of reflection that i need. i know what i would like to come from all of this. the next step and the next step have to be intentional. my relationship has to be intentional. that's true even with friends and family members. a friendship is not going to last if there is not an intentional effort from both parties. i have many friends from college and high school that i have to intentionally stay in contact with because it's not part of my everyday routine. we no longer live in the same city, which makes it more difficult and is an easy excuse to use. so how does that fit with my relationship with GOD? if i don't take intentional steps to stay in contact, how is that relationship going to last?

i know there are some things that need to change. i know there are some things that i need to intentionally start doing because my relationship with GOD has suffered.

Time

So the big question that I have today, which has seemed to be creeping up in my head lately, is "where does the time go".

It seems as though my day goes by so, so fast, which leads to my week going by even faster. This all in turn makes the months, seasons, and, I'm scared too say this for fear of seeming old, years go by very very quickly.

Not entirely too long ago, I was getting dropped off in front of the dorms to get all moved in and be out on my own away from home. Even before that, which again isn't too long ago, I was in High School sleeping through most of my classes and going to whichever sport I was in's practice on a daily basis. And just before then I was having a blast as a kid, playing 5 or 6 sports a year, playing G.I. Joes with my brother, attempting to protect my sister from my brother, going to the pool every single day during the summer, and just generally enjoying life.

I guess this kind of leads me to the second big question running through my head, "Am I enjoying my life".

My instant answer is yes for a ton of different reasons. I have a wonderful wife who makes me happy daily. I get to hang out with a bunch of different friends, spanning from even different time frames in life, i.e. now, college, high school, and childhood. I have a cat, which only makes me happy part of the time. I don't get to see my family as much as I'd like, but I always enjoy it when I do. My job is not bad, I enjoy that some of the time and it is getting more exciting and better. In my free time I get to do most of the things that I really enjoy, so this leaves me wondering, what is missing and am I really where I want to be right now.

Year One

This past weekend marked Lindsay and I's one year anniversary, which has caused me to do a bit of reflection. First off, I have to explain the weekend because I am proud of the surprise that I had for her. Lindsay has never been to Chicago, she loves shopping, and she loves surprises. So naturally, this was an easy one, I surprised her with a weekend in Chicago full of walking up and down Michigan Ave., stopping in any and every shop that sparked interest in her eye. We also were able to eat some great food, Chicago style pizza, and a fabulous dinner next to a window on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Tower. The weekend was fun, eventful, and relaxing. We were also able to stop back at the Oppy's in Indy for a short visit on Monday, which was nice and suiting because we haven't seen them in a while and Mick was the one who performed the ceremony.

My first reflection on this monumental occasion is that the past year has flown by, but at the same time I feel like Lindsay and I are well into our marriage. At times, this is so much so, that I feel like an old man and all I want to do when I get home from work is eat, watch the Reds game, and go to bed. Time has seemed to fly by.

Even though this past year has flown by, it has been extremely exciting. Lindsay and I have gotten to do a lot, which I realized just recently, and we have been blessed with cool oppertunities. We did our honeymoon thing in the Dominican Republic, which was amazing. We spent a weekend in New Orleans in December visiting my friend Daniel and going to Hornets game. We spent a weekend in a cabin in Pigeon Forge with Paul and Laura Travis, which was amazing, in January. Then we got to go to Zambia, Africa for two weeks this past May and work at an orphanage. Then the year was capped off with our trip to Chicago. Now that's not to say that we didn't do some more travelling in between, because I would guess that we were on the road more weekends than we were home, travelling to friends and family's houses.

Another reflection that I have made is that I am positive that I am a better husband at this time than I was a year ago. With that said, I am also positive that there is a ton more that I can get better at to be a better husband, to make my wife more appreciated, to show her love in different ways, and to quite simply be a better me.

I would like to think that on every July 13th I would be able to look back on the last year and say that I feel like I had gotten better at being a husband. I hope that there are years to come of getting closer to my wife.

Me

So I have thinking quite a bit lately about how I interact with God and what my relationship with God really consists of. My thoughts and putting these thoughts here stem from reading James this morning. James 5:16 reads, "Therefore confess your sins to each other..." My relationship, or lack of relationship has been bothering me and this is an attempt to start the process of rebuilding and pursuing God.

This is what I wrote down this morning:

I am bad at this. This being a great multitude of things, in which I can only ask God's help and forgiveness. I rely too much on ME. I make almost zero effort to ask God for help and rarely do I strive to be closer to Him. Is this really what a Christian is supposed to look like? I know I am never going to be perfect, but I imagine that God is not pleased with my faith or my relationship with Him. My life, my body, my thoughts, my actions are not my own. I am sorry for this distance between us. I need your help.

McCallister's and Some HS Drama

So last night after Lindsay and I had spent some time shopping in the Florence Mall we stopped at McCallisters because she had not eaten dinner. We sat outside because it was cooled down and nice outside. While sitting there, the place was busy with what seemed to be the characters from Laguna Beach. There was a group of three girls sitting right next to our table and another large group a little further away. One of the girls at the table made a phone call to what appeared to be another one of the girl's boyfriends or interested boys, that can only be summed up in the word drama. It ended in an obvious hang up from the party on the other side, which infuriated this girl, for reasons beyond me because she deserved to be hung up on. After some time of these girls discussing God knows what, the group got larger when some boys came along and joined them, which only added to the exciting drama of high schoolers hanging out during their summer break. The one question that I thought of after this experience was, "Was I like that when I was in high school?"

I told Lindsay that I don't remember being involved in the drama that was high school, but maybe I was. I have fond memories of high school and being around that last night only annoyed me. Maybe I was too inclusive to be involved in the stupidity of certain things that go on during high school, or maybe my memory has faded and I have forgotten the drama that went on. Either way, I may be avoiding high school hang outs for the rest of the summer.

Guilty by Association

So I have tattoos, 4 or 5 depending on how you look at it to. The first one that I got is the word live in Greek on my left shoulder blade. I got this one because it was the theme at a Christ In Youth summer week that I went to that ultimately lead me on the path that I am on. I really felt God tugging at my heart to follow him in the direction of Bible School and then full time missions. The second and third, are the initials of my Grandma and my Father on my chest. My Grandma was one of the most influential people in my life and I am grateful for her ability to put her kids and grandkids before herself pretty much all of the time. My mom, my brother, and I lived with her for a time when I was younger because there weren't a whole lot of options for us. She passed away when I was a Senior in high school. My father, who was never really a father figure, passed away when I was a Freshman in college. I only had about 8 months to catch up on lost time with him before he passed, but I thank God for that time because it brought a lot of closure to some difficult memories growing up. The lack of him in my life also produced the father figure that I beleive God meant for myself and my broher to have, Mark my step father and then adopted Father. The most recent, also the largest and most visible without my shirt ont, has brought me to have a few discussions with my mother about tattoos. On the inside of my right arm it reads, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for" and on he insdie part of my left arm (both in the bicep area) "and certain of what we do not see."

That was a long preface to the point of this post. I've been thinking a lot about how society and how people view tattoos. And something that comes up in my thought here, is how it is perceived from people within the church. I keep thinking that if I were to show up to a church that knew me and had a high opinion of me, would that change if I were to show them my tattoos. Would they see me in a different light? So I'd like to just ask a few questions to see what people think. Here are some of the thoughts that are running through my head. Does a person's opinion of the person that I am or anyone else change if they know that someone have tattoos? Is it justifiable to look down or negatively upon someone just because they have tattoos? Are tattoos wrong? and why?

Possibly Uninsightful

Apparently I have not had a whole lot of insightful things going on in my life or maybe the start of baseball season, the nice weather, my trip to Africa, and the lack of Travis in my life has lead me down this lonely, uninspiring path. That maybe completely false or the exact truth. So what have I really done lately? I've worked, I've watched TV, I've searched the web, checked my fantasy baseball teams, checked facebook, gone running several times, eaten quite a bit of food, enjoyed time with my wife, visited some family on different sides, gone to a couple movies, read just a bit, had a cookout, had a nervous night with my sister going to prom, text messaged, gone to church, listened to some music, given a piggy back ride, gone on some walks, and that might be about it. There are probably some details that I left out, but that's been the jist of my life since the last update on here. Oh, I also bought some plane tickets to Lusaka, Zambia, which may have been one of the more exciting moments.

Just a brief update for the millions of readers that I have.

Leap of Faith

Dear Friends and Family,
Alex and I decided to take a leap of faith. Our dear friend Christy who is going to Africa with us, has not raised all of her money yet for the plane ticket. We lent her money so we could all three purchase our plane tickets together(as you can imagine, a two day flight could get pretty lonely all by yourself) She still needs to raise 870 dollars. We have so much faith that this can be done, because we know in our hearts she is mean to be there. We are wanting you all to know this because we figure the more people that know about her, the more people can pray for her, and the more supporters there could be for her. She has a blog spot as well! If you are interested in learning more about her, her name is Christy Mingey. We are really hoping to get this money raised within the next couple of weeks. If you know anyone who may be willing to help, please let us know! We want to thank everyone for your support as we were able to raise the support for our plane tickets!!! We still need to raise the costs for living and the visa and exit fee which should leave us around 920 dollars yet to raise!!! All things are possible through him!

To Boston

I'll make this short and sweet. After everything that Boston has put this man through, I give him props for embracing this moment. I don't think many people would have blamed him had his response to Boston been in the form of a finger in between his index and ring.

Old Spice Hair and Body Wash

So I am not sure if this change has been made permanently or if anyone noticed it, but the commercial has a change in it that I noticed. This commercial, has an old man asking if Old Spice Hair and Body Wash is right for him; it has Reno 911esq cop asking the same question, as he pins down a hair, sweaty, grotesque criminal who asks the same question. Now this is where the change has been made. Before tonight, when I saw this commercial the narrator said that the hair and body wash was not right for the criminal, but it was for everyone else in the commercial. Now when the criminal asks if it is right for him, the narrator says sure. Like I said, I'm not sure if this is a permanent change or just an adaption of some kind, but I thought it was interesting because I feel like society has to be completely inclusive towards everything. It doesn't matter where you come from, what your life is about, or where you are going, as long as you are not a terrorist you are to be included in society. Now I am not saying that this is always the case, but I am speaking in generalities.

I truly believe that we are to love everyone, despite their short comings or where they are going in life. That falls in line with the second greatest commandment. But does that really mean that we are to include everyone? I always think back to John's Gospel when this question or this idea pops up: the light and the darkness. I just thought it was interesting that I saw this commercial a number of times one way and then it was changed to include the criminal in the form of having the hair and body wash be for him as well. I'm interested to hear what you guys have to say.

God's Timing

God has a funny way of doing things. His timing is impeccable and completely daunting at the same. My faith is about to be completely tested in a lot of ways that I am not sure I am ready for. God has put on my heart and my wife's heart an oppertunity to go overseas to Zambia, Africa for a couple of weeks of work with AIDS orphans. The reason the timing of this is so daunting and exhilerating at the same time is because the oppertunity that has been presented is much much sooner than we expected. We are planning on leaving on May 9th. Now your first reaction, as well as my own, is that this date is too soon and it does not provide enough time to actually plan the trip or fund raise.

This is where God, for me especially, will stretch the boundaries that embody this situation. I am the type of person that likes to rely on myself to get most things done. This situation really does not allow me to do so. I can frantically plan all I want for this trip to happen, but in all reality, it is in God's hands. He put this on our hearts, he provided the oppertunity, he will provide adequate funds for this to happen. I am learning about myself and my God everyday.

This trip will also be one of great importance to Lindsay and I's future. The work that we will be doing and get to experience in Zambia will be exactly what we plan on doing full time in the future. I am extremely excited and scared all at the same time.

I would ask that anyone who actually reads this meager blog to pray for this entire situation. Pray for God's plans that Lindsay and I cannot see yet. Thank you.