KNOW HOPE

KNOW HOPE
Candle-lit handmade paper drawing

[Re]Designed

It kinda goes without saying that I have redesigned my blog. I've been meaning to do this for a while now, but finally got around to it. I had a lot of fun with the redesign and I hope you guys enjoy the new look. Anyway, I thought it'd be cool to look back at my first post and remind myself what this was originally all about.

Posted on October 31, 2005:

Alright...b/c I got a lot to say (and more to learn), many stories and pictures to share, and know of a few people who might listen and actually be interested, I decided to enter the blogging game. I guess the general direction of this blog will be the things in life I find important (family, friends, living out my faith, the arts, music) and the things I think about (faith, religion, the arts, life itself, modern culture).

To the extent that there is any discussion, it MUST remain open and non-combative. This is not the forum to spew hate and intolerance. Open your mind, listen and learn! What you'll experience is a glimpse into the life of someone who holds a different viewpoint -- maybe it'll change you, maybe it'll solidify your own beliefs. Either way, you'll learn something. I've discovered that there is a beauty in life when you realize that maybe you don't have it all figured out like you once thought you did. The growth and freedom that comes from this realization will make you a more relevant citizen of this World.

Let the blogging begin...

On Repeat

Still floating between heaven and earth on what I'll call a temporary mental hiatus. Anyway...it's the "first" day of summer, so enjoy...

"Money can't buy you back the love that you had then."

Feist . 1 2 3 4 [follow link to MP3]

Between Heaven & Earth

Between Heaven & Earth

Robert Cook

This is where I find myself these days. I'm thinking about life way too much. I've become so caught up in trying to figure out what God desires of my life, that I've totally forgotten about God in the process.

It's like I desire to live out the kingdom of heaven right here on Earth so desperately, but yet find myself at a standstill. I can't quite grasp heaven, but yet find that my feet are not touching the surface of this planet. Sorta like I'm living inside the Matrix, if you know what I mean.

It's tiring. It's draining.
It's not a state of living I associate with His Kingdom.

I need time to rest and pray.

I know the source of significance in my life, so I don't need to embark on a quest to find that.

I even know the passions that are driven by that Source.

What I need...

What I must do...

is reconnect with that Source.

On Repeat

"Why does she always lose what she loves?"

Alberta Cross - Lucy Rider (Acoustic) [follow link to MP3]

Mum

"Her children [and grandchildren] rise up and call her blessed." [Proverbs 31:28]

This is my mum (not mom). She's truly a woman of noble character. We talk sometimes about all the experiences we've shared in life. She tends to get a little misty-eyed thinking that my brother and I are all grown up now and those days are far behind us. I always remind her that no one can ever take away our memories. Like this one --

I'll never forget lunch times during our summer breaks from elementary school. After breakfast, my brother and I would race outside to play with our Matchbox cars in the dirt cities we created, make forts in the overgrown bushes that lined our property, climb trees and ride our bikes. At some point around Noon, Mum would call us in for lunch (or did we instinctively know to return?) Kevin and I would set up trays in the living room and then we'd all eat together and watch about an hour of TV. And we loved this!! I can't even remember most of the shows we watched, but I certainly remember my company. Soon after, we'd head back outside to play, only to return around 5pm to sit up on the back of the couch to wait and watch for Dad to come home...but that's a story for next month!

Mum -- have a great day! I love you beyond words.

Whatever is true

"Finally, [sister], whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." [Philippians 4:8-9]

My Prayer

Inspiration...

Currently Reading:
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael . By Elisabeth Elliot
This isn't an easy read. It's very lengthy. Elliot confusingly weaves quotes from Amy Carmichael with her own prose to tell of Carmichael's life of total servanthood. We literally meet about a thousand people along the way, and I can't remember a single one of them when mentioned throughout the rest of the book. Carmichael herself is rather disagreeable and borders on unlikeable. But I keep going back to it. Much like the comforts given up by Carmichael in choosing a life dedicated solely to Christ and the orphans of India, this book isn't about making me feel good. It's a further attempt to push my own heart closer to the One who weaved it together. Carmichael trusted. Will I?


Currently Listening To:
Feist . Open Season
So there's this girl who sings in a number of different bands. One day she releases her own album, Let It Die. It meets critical success. Before she gets around to recording a follow-up, she releases Open Season, an album of remixes and collaborations featuring songs from Let It Die. I like it. A lot.

Current Life Quote:
Okay...so it's really not a quote. The author calls it a manifesto. I call it another must read.

Max

Million Dollar Smile!

Picture by D. Davis (Max's mom)

Bib by troy. (Max's pseudo-uncle)