Number 14 and Number 20

I completed Number 14 on my 40 Things to Do Before 40 list. Snowshoing. I was in Colorado recently with my best friend from college and went snow shoeing twice when we were there. When I got there, Kelly said we were going to the Army/Navy Surplus store to rent the shoes. I immediatly pictured some of previous surplus stores--I thought it was a little strange to be visiting a store full of camoflauge and actual surplus items I've seen in previous visits to these surplus store but I was in for a surprise. The store in Boulder was like a treasure chest--not like any previous stores I remember. It was more like a sports store filled with camping items, clothes, snow equipment and much more. I was in love with the store. Colorado was already seducing me with a sports store. And we hadn't even gotten to the scenery yet. So we rented some snow shoes and headed up to Brainard Lake.

The trail was well marked and most of what we followed were small hills through the woods. An hour and a half later we never quite made it to the lake, but I had the time of my life. Starting out sunny the hike ended up in some light snow when the clouds came it. But I loved the quiet, the adventure, and the exercise.

So instead of snow mobiling on Monday, we decided to save some money and go snow shoing again at Sunlight Moutain in Glenwood Springs. The boots weren't as good and the scenery was more open. But the clean air and moutain full of aspsens and clean white snow made for another good trip. The first two hours were mostly uphill. And with a little experience and some ski poles we ventured off the groomed trails at times to have some adventures. We almost made it to the top of the ridge but ran out of energy and headed home (with me falling waist deep into one of the snow banks--Kelly says I looked pretty freaked out as I scrambled to get myself back on top of the snow!). Another 45 minutes we made it back down the hill. And despite our shoes not fitting correctly, we had another exicting adventure. I was hooked was convinced I could do that every weekend. Too bad the nearest show is a few hours away for most of the season!

As for number 20...I'm planning on hiking Half-Dome this June with my brother, dad, and one of my dad's co-workers. I need a few hikes before then but exicted for a new challenge. The more healthy I am becoming the more adventure I am seeking. It feels great to finally do some things that I've wanted to do for along time. I've noticed how restless I become now if I'm not doing something active--and I'm exited about the progress I've made so far. Almost 30 pounds lost but I feel like I've gain so many more experiences and enjoyment so far! My goal to hit number one on this list still is a little over 35 pounds left--and I'm more excited about the opportunities the loss will provide than the actual end number I'm planning on.

God is not a magic bullet

Podcasts are great. Particularly for a lunch time workout. I had downloaded some mp3 sermons, many from Mars Hill church (both Rob Bell's church in Michigan and Mark Driscoll's church in Seattle--this may be completely irrelevant but oh well). I noticed the other day I had a sermon on there from Donald Miller--one of my favorite authors (Blue Like Jazz, To Own A Dragon, Painted Deserts). I had a longer lunch today so thought I'd listen to a talk he did in Michigan at some point titled "God is Fathering Us".

Miller starts by discussing how our consumer society drives not only our emotions about the products in our lives but also our faith. Particularly through an example of infomercials that promise us fulfillment from some product--and our disappointment with said product once we actually try it. In this case it was the Magic Bullet--I think i missed this one! But I can relate--even on my recent flight home I was paging through the SkyMall magazine to see all of the things I never knew I was "missing" in terms of gadgets to help improve my life. Do I really need a color pattern alarm clock or a remote golf ball to be happy? This consumerism in faith as well, shaping our view of God and religion. But Christianity is not supposed to be about consumerism. It's not supposed to be about false promises of how great and perfect our lives will be if we just have God (or the projected image of God). The bible certainly doesn't portray faith as a product that we will fill our lives with happiness and bliss all of the time (Jesus wanted us to have an abundant life not a "perfect" life--particularly not in the way the western culture would define "perfect"). In fact as the podcast points out, if you look at what Jesus says about faith, often times it leads us through pain, suffering and sorrow. I guess that's the fine print we often ignore. Faith is not about a product but a relationship. With God the relationship is like that of a father who wants the best for us (and it sometimes means discipline, hardship, and things we don't always want but more often than not need.)

In the last few months I have been hearing more about how Christianity as most see it today is more like a pagan religion than what God had intended. Rob Bell did a great speaking tour discussing how cultures developed religious systems throughout history in "The gods aren't angry". God often used what people understood about the gods they served to point out that he was DIFFERENT. While pagan religions seek ways to please the gods to gain favor (such as scarifies for rain, war, protection, harvests and so on), the God of the Hebrews was saying "that is not how I work". God was desiring us to LOVE him for who he was. It didn't matter what we did, he loved us from the start. But throughout history, Christianity has adopted so many "pagan" ways of trying to please and manipulate God into doing things for them. If we just said the right things, did certain actions, prayed a certain way, then we would expect God to give us what we were asking for.Wow--am I also guilty of this at times, particularly in my faith growing up. And in the course of creating all of our formulas for living, we forgot God. We forgot that the Bible is not a formula of how-to's to get God to do things for us. We forgot the Bible is a love story to his people of how he "first loved us" and that He is trying to find ways of showing that to his people. To paraphrase Donald Miller, God did not give us formulas because he didn't want us to trust in the formulas--he wanted for us to trust in him. Again, wow--this opens my eyes--and ouch that can hit the core. If I think of how I want others to show their love for me I would say I didn't want them to do actions or say things to please me or manipulate me but to be genuine in their love. "I desire MERCY not SACRIFICE" is something often repeated throughout the Bible. How much more then should I also show God that I love him in my honesty, service and prayers not my manipulations and "good" deeds. **I am not saying of course that God doesn't direct us to lead lives that are pleasing to him, but often we get our motives out of place and ignore our hearts in attempt to "live right".

Another point that was discussed was the exclusivity of Christianity not as arrogance (as it is so often!) but that love itself is exclusive. The example referenced Jesus and his bride--the church. You wouldn't fault a bride or groom for expecting that their spouse only love them in their marriage. That is expected (although in our broken world that's not always portrayed). So Christianity should not be about being the only religion so much as a Christian saying that because they love God, that is what they will uphold. That as a follower of Christ our LOVE for him will compel us to serve him above all else. It's not to say that other religions don't have truth in them. Gandhi and Buddha and so many religions and philosophies have great things to say, some very powerful truths. But because of my love for God, I'm choosing to follow the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob--follow the God that showed his love in his son's life and son's death. I can't deny that western, particularly American views don't deeply affect my views. But I seek to KNOW God--not for a genie granting my wishes but--for the one who loves me enough to love me despite what I don't say or do (or for that matter what I do say or do). That I love him because he IS love and through him I can learn HOW to LOVE.

Barack Obama on Faith and Politics...

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid353515028?bctid=416343938

It's no secret to those around me that I support Barack Obama. I know he's still a politician (there's an inherent distrust)...but I am impressed by his words, intellegence, seemingly authentic personality. I don't know if he's most qualified compared to Clinton or McCain but if anything he has inspired me to be a better person. I certainly will base my vote in November on more than just "I like him" but the more I read about his views and hear his debates and speeches the more I respect him as an individual. "Audacity of Hope" a great book on so many social issues and a good introduction to some of his views and past involvements in politics and his community.

So this video was posted on another site and it affirmed at least why I like him--if not just as a presidental canidate but as a person. He's the kind of person I would like to sit down and have a converstation. (It's also no secret that this is not the way I feel about our current president). He does not deny his faith, nor shoves it down another's throat. I don't know his exact doctrine of faith but even if I disagreed he's someone that I think would listen and wrestle through the differences. There is a balance to his discussion about the good and bad of relgion and faith.

The video was a speech to Sojurners (a Christian organization that is committed to social changes like helping those in poverty) and specifically discussing the role of faith with in the context politics. The talk starts out a little slow but I agree with a lot of his view. Barak had some good thoughts on how politics (on both sides) have exploited and twisted and even attacked faith to suit their needs. But he does not deny that faith is an important part of how many Americans decide to vote.

Even if not our future president, I pray that Obama continues to inspire others and work for our country as a leader. I look forward to seeing the impact this man may have in years to come.

breaking bread: white or whole grain?

Sitting down to share a meal can be a treasured experience. Sometimes like tonight it's at a restraunt with my brother and his wife. A Sunday afternoon at Chili's with friends. Stopping in at my parents for a free meal . Tuesday nights cooking with my friend Lindsay. Catching up with my high school friends--often when someone comes in from out of town (or out of country!). Saturday night, I sat down with a few friends for a wonderful meal from my friend Devon. The conversation was light but satisfying. There is something spiritual in sitting around a table investing in others lives whether it be a deep or casual converstation. Saturday night the discussion touched on roller coasters, the gym, horror movies and various other topics.

There wasn't a particular deep discussion but I was reminded of many of the meals that were part of the Jewish tradition, some that we may still discuss or participate in. The last supper Christ shared with his disciples was not just a random meal but part of a long tradition all of the men would have grown up--sharing the Passover meal that the Jews celebrated since their time in Egypt. Manners and traditions at meals are a facinating way to look at cultures around the world. I thought during the conversations around the table of how much meals were not just centered around nurishment for our physical bodies, but in so many cultures (if not most) the meal time also brought the social aspect to the table. A touchstone in connecting with others on a regular basis. And shared meals are often taken for granted in our busy, distracted culture. Families often sacrifice their time together around the table for more activities, work, or television missing out on their daily time to feed their relationships. In turn they often sacrifice their relationships while settling for quick (likely unhealthy) meals that satisfy less and less and leave our bodies just as empty as our hearts.

This past month has brought a big change in how I think about food. From an emotional need to eat (whether bored, happy, depressed...) to a need to provide a more balanced delivery of fuel to my body, I have learned healthier ways of taking in what is good for me. Part of this has been a struggle and part of this has meant some drastic changes to my eating habits. This weekend's meal was a reminder though to balance my changes to protect my good eating habits with the need for the social needs of communion with others. I don't have to sacrifice one to have the other. In the physical realm, I'm learning to find the better options and alternatives to the food I like. So intead of eliminating a food like bread I may learn to eat a bread with more natural nourishing ingredients. And while I may have to reduce nights out to restraunts, I don't want to eliminate all meals shared with friends and family. I may have altered the emotional need to eat, but it would be detrimental to my soul to ignore the emotional benefit of sharing meals with others.

40 before 40 list...with a few comments

I posted this on facebook earlier but this is a good place to repots this. so this is my list of things to do in the next 10 years...some may not happen, hopefully i'll i'm surpass. some of them are dependednt on other goals...we'll see what happens.

1 Lose weight to goal weight and maintain (physical health also helps mental/emotional/spiritual health...as well as time at the gym is good reflection time)

2 Go hang gliding (I want to fly)

3 read crime and punishment

4 swim with sharks

5 go to alaska

6 read paradise lost

7 pay off school debt

8 run a 10k and/or 1/2 marathon

9 go on a cruise

10 watch all 501 must-see movies ( from book) ...Will probably comment on them from time to time in this blog....

11 visit all 30 nhl arenas (only been at shark tank so far)...this will likely be the most difficulty to do in 10 years...so it may turn into a life long goal)

12 learn to swim laps

13 ride in a helicopter (again...flying)

14 go snowshoeing (maybe go with Kelly in Colorado this feb)

15 learn to play hockey

16 start a roth IRA

17 see the grand canyon

18 go on a weekend trip to catalina

19 sit on the glass at a sharks game

20 hike half dome

21 go white water rafting

22 take a photography class/seminar (another creative outlet...i'm not good but it would good to continue improving...something fun)

23 buy the "perfect" reading chair

24 go on a backpacking trip

25 plant a tree (take care of creation)

26 go a a wine tour (train) in Napa

27 take a cooking class

28 go to hawaii

29 try scuba diving (would conquer a fear of water i have...if my ears can take the pressure)

30 go on a road trip with no particular destination

31 go on a silent weekend retreat

32 go see the bears in alaska and/or canada

33 see the aurora borealis (northern lights)

34 learn how to shoot a gun

35 go to savannah georgia

36 learn how to do chin ups (started working on this one already:)

37 go kayaking

38 start an small aquarium

39 visit the new england in the fall

40 read war and peace

And there were so many fewer questions...

And there were so many fewer questions
When stars were still just the holes to heaven...
(Jack Johnson, "Holes to Heaven").

This phrase of the song seems to catch me every time. There is a mystery to life that is sometimes gets lost in our world. In the business, the science, religion, just day to day life. The last few years I've been learning to open my eyes to the little things in life that remind me that there is more to our world than just was we can see, taste, smell, hear, feel. But it's through our senses that we can experience these moments. Besides a big push to get myself in better physical shape, one of my desires this year is to find creative ways of expressing my faith and exploring the spiritual world--to find God beyond the walls of a church or confines of religion and hold on to the mystery and awe of who God is. I've been thinking of starting a blog for months now but made excuses to push it off. But the little things that keep coming into my head need to find an outlet.


Hopefully as I do this more, the format will look better and I'll find new ways of posting pictures and other mediums. For now, most of the blog will be thoughts on the things that inspire, provoke thought, make me feel something (anger, joy, wonder...). Likely people, conversations, animals (yes, my cat Thornton), nature, even a little hockey will probably be much of the inspiration. I hope that as I seek to take on more risks in my life that I will also take the risk to be more vunerable and open with this blog. I need a way to express all the things that go on inside my head. And my faith plays a role, good or bad, in daily life (both the big things and small).



"Holes to Heaven"....also reminds me of the sky. More specifically how the sky directs my thoughts to God's creation. While I will say I have a belief in evolution even if more in the broadest sense at times, I can not help being amazed at God's hand when I see the morning sky, the clouds that seem to paint daily pictures. Or stars (when their visible), or the rays of light that brighten a day. Sometimes it seems God sends his love each day on my way to work with a beautiful arrangement of clouds each morning. And while I have a grasp of the scientific explination of what clouds are and what they do, I cannot help but be in awe that they're actually there to begin with. On the way home from Tahoe this weekend, the clouds were almost unreal. I wanted to fly so I could reach into them. Those thoughts make it hard to believe that there isn't a God who exists and loves us beyond our imagination. I don't always understand Him or our world. But these thoughts are my way to see him beyond theology, a sermon, dogma or other ways that can often leave him cold, indifferent, at times non-existent. I find theology facinating. But I don't want to forget that as a human, what I see and understand is only a glimsp of who God is. So this blog will be a path to keep seeing bigger, opening my eyes and hearts and even starting new converstaions...