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Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Good times, Video Games and the Ultimate Irony


Once upon a time...
Aaron missed hanging out with his friends and especially his old dorm roomie, B-Joe. B-Joe liked to be called B-Joe because his real name is Bradley Joseph and it is cooler to tell people your name is B-Joe. Aaron thinks he's pretty cool, so they hang out and they were dorm roomies. So, Aaron found a few days he could get free and headed down to Moberly, MO (known by some as "Mo-town"...or a craphole), the place where he graduated college. College classes were coming to an end for the semester, so a bunch of guys decided to get together and celebrate. Luckily, Aaron was there and had nothing to do with the end of the semester, but went with them anyway. The guys decided to be adventurous and went to Buffalo Wild Wings (better known as "B-dubs" or "BW3's") in Columbia, MO. It just so happened to be 50 cent Boneless Wing Thursday and so the wings were ordered and eaten in no time. Some of the guys had as many as 16+ wings, some had something else and realized it was Boneless Thursday and ordered some more wings, some had a hamburger...

Many of the guys went home for Christmas break, so B-Joe and Aaron hung out and played video games. Then on Saturday, they played more video games. Then on Sunday, they played...chess...or video games. They had a super time as millions of inches of snow fell outside--ruining any chance of doing anything outside of Moberly.

Aaron visited other friends during his visit, including Tyler, Tyler, and Keith and really enjoyed catching up with them. Unfortunately, the time had come for Aaron to leave. Looking back on the time he spent down there, Aaron really appreciated what he had to cherish. He missed hanging out with friends that he missed a lot. He developed even more appreciation for the community of these guys and the great times that he had with them. He appreciated Dave for all of his extreme comments and loving words. He cherished Jon for his humor and Brett Favre-centered thinking. He appreciated Tyler Myers for his Taco Bell obsession and serving heart. He cherished Tyler Morris for his manly minivan and his pest control sermon illustrations. He appreciated Keith for his wisdom and generosity. And for B-Joe, he cherished his new Nintendo Wii and the willingness to do what God asks him to do...even when he doesn't know what that is. Most of all, Aaron appreciated and cherished these guys for being his friend and encouraging and building him in many ways.

He looked back on that and missed it. He looks forward to years of continued friendship with these guys.

The ironic part comes now. Aaron was running after someone, tripped, went down to his knees, then went face-first into a cement wall. Somehow, he seemed fine and didn't suffer any serious injury because of this. Ironically, Aaron has a blog entitled "Walk"...or else you might hit a wall.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

When I'm Not Being Jesus

The other day, I got home from work or somewhere and it was cold out. I pulled into my parking space and this lady pulled in to the spot next to me at almost the same time. She was first out of her car and then I got out. She was doing something near the front of her car and I didn't know what, so I glanced over. I saw that she was trying to open her hood so she could put antifreeze in. Unfortunately, we have had ice and snow for the past week and this was proving to be a hard task with the iced-over hood. So, big strong...Christian...me walks by and pretends that I don't see anything...ouch. Could I have helped her open that iced-over hood? Absolutely. Did I do anything? No. I went into my warm house, turned on the TV and pretended that that didn't just happen. I guess you could say that was one of those times when I was not being Jesus.

Well today, I was making four sandwiches at the same time for a group of people. I wrote down their specific orders, yet I decided to totally ignore what one of the guys wanted and made him something totally different. My mind was somewhere else, to say the least. I didn't realize this mistake until I took the sandwiches out to their table and was handing them out. No one was responding when I was asking who had the mistake sandwich...and that's when it hit. I apologized, of course, and offered to go make him the right order. Before I could say another word, he says, "Don't worry about that. I'll eat this one. I'm not picky." WHAT?!! Who does crap like that? I am so picky when it comes to wrong orders, especially when it is a totally different order. But this guy totally ate it and said he liked it (while he might have just been "being nice"). They paid later on and I gave him the sandwich at no cost because of my stupidity. Here's where the story gets even better. On the way out the door, the guy stops at the counter and leaves me a tip!! WHAT?!! I was pretty sure that I totally screwed up this guy's order, tried to make an excuse for making the wrong order, let him eat the mistake, and then he tips me on top of that! Now that's being Jesus.

I don't know if that guy was a "Christian." I don't know if he even believed in anything, but he displayed it better than I do sometimes. It's not because he gave me money, while that was fun. It is because he took a rough situation (that could have gone MUCH worse), just laughed and then even gave me something despite all that. I can tell you, I have read about Jesus doing this a lot during His time on earth--along with many other amazing things. He continues to offer things to people, even when they don't deserve it. That's what us Christian folk call grace.

Man...sometimes I suck. Please don't hate me...I'm working on it and I'm sure I'm not alone. I can probably think of other times where I did alright at this, but I sure missed it this time. God forgive me for letting that lady struggle out in the cold to get the hood open. Forgive me for the hundreds of other times I missed out on being Jesus to someone. Help me to learn from this and take the opportunities that come in the future.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Don't Take Christmas Away From Me...

Okay, now that it is officially December...we can start talking Christmas. I love Christmas--for lots of reasons. The sad thing is that I have heard from some people over the years that we should stop supporting so many things during Christmas. The Hallmark-ization of the holiday, the materialistic focus, the bitter shopping trips, selfishness, greediness, family feuds (not the cool game show), etc. The list goes on. Have you heard one of these excuses from someone who just can't stand Christmas or what Christmas has become over the years? Did we forget baby Jesus? I'm sorry people, but I think there are still a lot of things about Christmas that baby Jesus would be ecstatic about.

Almost every year, my extended family and immediate family get together at my grandma's house in Ohio. It is a small house and the average number of people is somewhere around 15 and growing. The house can really only sleep 2...okay that was a bit of an overstatement, but you get the point. However tight the sleeping arrangements are, it is a BLAST! I shudder at saying the word "tradition," but we have a lot of it as a family when it comes to Christmas. I was telling Sonia about these the other night and they are pretty extensive, but all very cool. I'll spare you all the details, but these things are what I think of when I think of Christmas. Most of all, I love hanging out with the people I love. I also think of buying presents (for people who need and don't "need" them), seeing town streets decorated with lights and wreaths, and driving slower just to see what that house has for lights and decorations this year. I love how businesses start thinking Christmas and decorating and putting out the cinnamon potpourri. I love giving gifts to people. Not because they need more stuff or so I can have debt, but because it feels good and it is a way that I can show love. It's not vital to the season, but I love doing it. I don't give with expectations of receiving. It is just fun for me to put thought into gifts and to give them to people on Christmas.

Christmas is something special to everyone. There are many things that people love about the season. Some people get it more than others, some people love it more than others. I totally understand people who don't take Christmas to the extreme. I am not pushing Christmas down your throat if you are one of these people. But to those who are trying to push anti-Christmas, anti-giving, anti-materialism, anti-selfishness, anti-greed, anti-Hallmark, etc. down my throat: PLEASE...don't take Christmas away from me...

Have a blessed and happy Christmas! It is a great season because it teaches us to love, give without expectations, spend time together, and cherish God's gifts to us...including Jesus. These are things that I think would make baby Jesus smile and giggle. Yay for that!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Nickelback Sucks

Someone showed me this awhile back and I thought it was great! Here you go folks...proof that Nickelback can't write songs and when they do, they just repeat the same stuff! Sorry to all you Nickelback fans out there, but they have no reason to be as big as they are and call themselves "quality" musicians. The same goes for people who lip sing and try to brush it off. How does Ashley Simpson still have a fanbase? People really make me wonder sometimes. This is probably the most bitter post you will see from me. So here's the link:

http://www.thewebshite.net/nickelback.htm

It works really good if you can pan between your left and right speakers. By the way, just to bring it home more...Casting Crowns does this too. It's time to quit when all your music starts sounding the same. That's life. Can you dig it?

Monday, November 19, 2007

Here's My Card

Everyone else is doing it, so I figured, why not? What do you think (first one is the front, second one is the back)? It really is a cool way to let people know about you without putting titles or whatever on there. It's more of a persona card than a business card. I think it will be cool to pass this out to people.












Saturday, November 17, 2007

Revival Town

I have been serving at Community Christian Church for a little over two years now and it has been a blast! I have lots of good and...not so good memories. This weekend was one of those great memories that I will never forget. Every month, our church picks one weekend to deem "Baptism Weekend." Basically, instead of offering an "altar call" every service and dunkin' them there, they have a once-a-month weekend set aside to focus on baptisms. This is really cool because usually multiple people are getting baptized in a single weekend. This weekend at church was a baptism weekend and it was awesome. I mean, every baptism weekend is awesome, but this one was especially awesome.

Here's why: We had three people tonight at the service who planned on getting baptized. They did and it was cool. Then, the small groups director, Steve Kirby (playing the role of campus pastor for the night) got up and told anyone else that they could baptized on the spot that night. It was as close to altar call as you were going to hear, but it was cool and not forced. Tonight, one person decided after the service to get baptized. Then, my good friend Mike Onken, decided to get baptized in his clothes and all. He literally threw his wallet and cell phone aside and said, "Let's do it!" It was emotional, to say the least. Finally, another man decided to get baptized later on. So, not only were there three planned baptisms, but 3 other improv baptisms! That's 6 in one night! It was awesome to see, especially as Mike is a really good friend.

The last thing about this is that Community Christian Church, as a whole, has been trying to take the end of Acts 2:47 really seriously this year. Paul says, "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." As of the latest numbers, there have been over 200 baptisms already this year (churchwide), and over 200 days of the year. Literally, they are asking God to save 365+ people in one year! That's so cool! How many churches can ask for that and expect it? It really shows a lot about the type of church and leadership that this is. This weekend at Montgomery, we added 6 to the number that continues to grow. The Montgomery campus definitely did its part to help! Way to go! There are two more services tomorrow and I wouldn't be surprised if we see some more lives changed. It is so exciting to do ministry at a church that is continually moving forward with God!

Friday, November 9, 2007

The Dominator: Coca Cola


Today, I was eating my lunch in the teacher lounge while subbing. My wonderful wife made the brown-bag lunch for me and included baby carrots in there. I like baby carrots and it was a good thing they were in there as I was hungry and they are healthy too! I bought a Coke to drink. When I got to the carrots, I opened the bag and looked at my Coke, and said to myself, "This is a weird combination. This might taste really weird..." I mean, when you think about the two together, it sounds gross. It's like Carrot Coke. However, I ate some carrots and decided to give it a shot. I took a drink of the Coke and to my great surprise, I found that the Coke canceled out any taste of carrot in my mouth. And so, I found out that Coke is indeed THE Dominator when it comes to combinations of food and drink. It doesn't matter what you had before you take a drink, you will taste nothing but Coke when you are done taking a drink. I can't tell if that's really awesome or really scary...

Thursday, October 25, 2007

The Empowerment of Leadership

Are you a natural leader? Have you ever been asked to lead? Have you ever asked someone else to lead? Do you run when you hear the very mention of being the leader of something? This post might be for you.

Recently, I was graciously asked to be the leader of the Producing Team at CCC Montgomery. I was humbled to accept the position, knowing that it would be a challenge for me. I have only "officially" been the leader for a few days now, but I can tell you there's something special about it. Now let me make this disclaimer early and strongly: I do not view myself as anything better than you. I am merely a man who said yes to a call. Anyone is capable of it and I encourage you to do the same someday.

Now that that's said, let me continue. In my experience of leadership, the same feeling has always come to me when there. There is truly a phenomenal empowerment in being a leader of something. This something could be anything from a class group to leader of a country. The true challenge for a leader is how he handles this empowerment. I personally try to keep this in check constantly. If I am in a leadership position, that means that others are expecting me to lead. How can I lead when my ego leads only to destruction and failure? Herein lies what I feel is the greatest challenge of being a leader--keeping it in check. This isn't anything new. You've all heard things that reflect the same idea. A leader can easily fall into the trap of thinking it is all about himself/herself. With leadership, though, it is the exact opposite. LEADERSHIP IS ALL ABOUT THOSE WHO TRUST AND FOLLOW YOU.

For me, that empowers me in a totally different way. Once my ego is aside, I can truly be empowered to put other people's hopes and dreams first. I can be empowered to invest in someone and see the fruitful results of this. Empowerment is what encourages me to keep going. It is not a selfish empowerment that keeps me striving as a leader; rather, it is the exact opposite. If people on my team are happy and accomplishing things together, then we are all empowered, but the leader can be even more. There's satisfaction in this empowerment that many don't find.

When Christ said, "the first shall be last," I think he was warning those who let the empowerment go to their head. But I think he was encouraging us in how we model our leadership as well. When you are a leader, you should be encouraged to put yourself last. There is no better position than that! We have all seen it in real life: the best leaders are those who are servants.

If you are a leader today or tomorrow, take encouragement in Christ's model for you. If you don't think this will ever be you, I think you might be wrong. No matter what your leadership is, you can and will be empowered by it. What will you do with that empowerment?

Maybe someone will read this someday...

Well, I've had a blog now for a little bit of time, and I've tried to keep it entertaining, yet informative at the same time. Now, the time is upon me when I must reflect...I think maybe two or three people might be reading this. So let me introduce you to some blogs that I love to read hoping that maybe one of them will catch this and return the mention, or just rip on me. Either way, it might be worth the publicity. Here's the list of my favorites:

www.daveferguson.org - Dave Ferguson; Lead Pastor and Co-Founder of Community Christian Church

www.multisitearts.com - Bill Carroll; Creative Arts Champion at Community Christian Church

www.cartermoss.com - Carter Moss; Campus Pastor at CCC: Montgomery

ericseddyfications.typepad.com - Eric Bramlett; Community Christian Church

charissaholland.blogspot.com - Charissa Holland; Creative Arts Director at CCC: Montgomery


soniarae.blogspot.com - Sonia Arkkelin; my wonderful and insightful wife

delpper.blogspot.com - Bethany Delp; a good friend of Sonia and I who is a great artist and fun to read



So, maybe I've sold out. Maybe I've broken some rules of blogging. But I have appealed to the greater good of those I religiously read. Maybe someone will read this someday...:)

Dave Ferguson seems to always find a way to see where people are writing about him. Dave, if you are reading this...thank you. That is all.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Tumbleweed















Today it is very windy. For those who live in this area, that might be an understatement. I was on my way to work this morning and driving along when I see something crossing the road. Sure enough, it was a HUGE tumbleweed...yes, my friends, a tumbleweed...this thing could have taken out my car... Okay, what?! I'm in northern Illinois...close to Chicago...this is an extremely populated area. There is no reason, nor any source as far as I can tell, for tumbleweed. I'm just saying it...scared the crap out of me.

Of course...as windy as it was, it could have been an entire bush...

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Board Games
















For anyone that doesn't know, I work at a Cafe in a subdivision called Hometown. But that's not real important here. I was working there on Saturday morning and this lady came in to get some coffee and hang out in the Cafe. After awhile, her sister came in and got some coffee too and sat down with her. Then, the first lady pulled out this box and I realized they were playing a board game. Now these ladies are probably in their mid- or late-40's. I only say that because I was really touched by this. My family has a serious addiction to board games and I've never been a huge fan, but I don't mind every now and then. But here's two ladies who are taking a Saturday afternoon to just relax and play a board game with each other. I hope that someday I can have that type of relationship with my siblings. The cool thing is I remember them being in there another weekend before playing a card game, so this seems like some sort of tradition. I can't think of a much better way to spend a beautiful afternoon with a loved one. It's the simple things...you know?

Saturday, September 22, 2007

The Simple Complexity of Art

















I love art because it is the most simple complex thing I can wrap my mind around. I live and breathe art. I love to create it; I love to see others create it; I love to show it to others. I'm not just talking about paintings on a canvas, while metaphorically speaking, that would do. I am instead talking about the art of life--or in this specific post, the art of life and ministry. You see, ministry has a lot to do with art whether people want to admit that or not. Jesus and the disciples had to minister in creative ways. Do you remember that fancy church word "parable." It's a story and it helped illustrate a concept. It was art and that same art is still as important today as it was then. Here's three reasons why I think so:

1) Art is an act of free will. Since the beginning of time, God has allowed us to make decisions. He has allowed us to choose right or wrong, black or white, naked or clothes, obedience or disobedience. Art is just one way that we truly have the freedom to make all the choices we want. What an awesome display of free will when an artist puts together a sculpture from a bunch of pieces of trash! Some people would say that is crazy, but in the artist's mind, he/she could do whatever he/she wanted to do...because that's what art is all about. In ministry, we have the same great freedom to let go and live free...take risks and see where it takes us.

2) Art is a source of positive release. Most great creations come from the innermost release of our souls. Have you ever had something on your mind and finally just wrote it down to clear your conscience of it? Next thing you know, you see a poem in those words so you write some music and put the lyrics in. Finally, you have a Billboard top song and you are making millions of dollars on one thought? Ok...so maybe you haven't been there. The great thing is that we have the potential to release that from inside of us! It feels great to get something on paper that was on your mind. That release that we call art is usually more than we could have ever seen. It's the culmination of our thoughts, the cries of our inner soul, and the creativeness given by a creative God that create this thing we call art. The wonderful potpourri of our lives presented in art make it a beautiful thing to create, witness, or support.

3) Art relates to everyone. There are few things on this planet that can boast that statement. The fact that art has the potential to be relevant to everyone is an enormous gift! Imagine all the things you could do with that type of influence. Music is one of the best places to see this statement in its fullness. Everyone likes music. I'm not talking about a specific genre of music...just music. It's amazing what power music can have on an individual. Some people's lives are changed by a song or musician! That's incredible if you ask me. But it's not just music. Art can touch everyone, everyday, everywhere in positive and negative ways. It is often at the root of most controversies. Yet, it can sometimes be at the height of beautiful things. Art is the fuel behind the definition of beauty. It makes life worth living because we all know it's there and makes us feel better, gives us a reason to shout, forces us to think, takes us to happy or sad places, and reflects our personalities.

Art is a passion of mine for these and many reasons. What's your passion? I'll bet art has something to do with it. God bless.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

That freaky cat in the window...















We moved into a new apartment complex in Oswego, IL at the beginning of August. It has been really awesome. When I get home from work or back from an errand, I tend to just glance around at the other apartments. On the end of the building we are in, there is a two bedroom apartment. In this apartment there is a cat...a black one...and it sits in the window...all the time. Now, I don't usually mind cats. I had two growing up and usually didn't have a problem with them. I'm probably more of a cat person than a dog person. However, this cat freaks me out!

Every time I walk past this apartment, he is in the window on the second floor. His black silhouette always catches my eye. Or is he forcing me to look at him? Either way, the cat just sits there and stares. By the time I get a little further down the sidewalk, he moves into the next room so he can look out that window. He/she just sits there. I don't know what's up with this cat, but it's starting to freak me out! I think he might be eating my soul or something. Someone call an exorcist.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Exit Signs















Have you ever stared at an exit sign before? Maybe in class, or on the train ride, or during that boring date...I was at work tonight and staring at an exit sign. I caught myself wondering, what is the point of an exit sign? I mean really. They're pretty and all and are really annoying in the movie theaters just below the big screen, but why do they have to be there?

When I was in elementary, we went to a smoke house for a field trip. The fire department had this trailer home that they would pump fog into and tell you how to get out in case you ever had the same problem in your home. So, I know from my elementary "smoke house experiences" that exit signs are really meant for fires. When you can't find the door through the thick smoke, you're supposed to look for that red or green exit sign and crawl towards it. Or maybe, you're just looking for the door in broad daylight. Either way, it points us in the right direction...towards our destination.

God kind of does the same for us. We all have or had a sinful past that would consume our lives. So many times we would just sit there in the darkness and smoke and just wonder which way was out. But God turns on the exit sign for us. He shows us the way out. We stumble and crawl and cough as we make our way through and then we finally reach the exit. There is light again and fresh, cool air. It is a great feeling to know we got to our destination. If you are in the dark, smoke-filled room, look for God turning on the many exit signs in your life. If you have already been led by God out of the room, are you already going back in and getting lost? Take the exit signs seriously and find your way out. God bless.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Seasons

This won't be the last time I say anything about this. It hasn't been the first time someone has said something about this. But to me...it's awesome to think about.

Do you remember in elementary Geography class when we learned about all the different climates in the world? I don't remember much of it, but I do remember that North America is one of the few places in the world that actually experience FOUR seasons of change. Now, the world knows the four seasons, we all base our timelines and schedules around them. Winter may not have as much significance in Egypt as it does in the U.S.; however, it is still called winter.

For as long as I have been on this planet, I have lived in the prime location for the recognition of the changing seasons. The midwest may be one the best places to experience that. Today I stepped outside on a normal early September day and realized something different. It was hot as usual, but not that hot. There is still a bit of humidity holding on for dear life. But the sky was cloudy and the wind was picking up. I took a deep breath and automatically thought..."Autumn is near..." Have you ever tried to pinpoint the first day that the weather takes a turn for the next season? Now, I'm not sure if this is documented anywhere, but this might be that first day that the season took a turn from Summer into Autumn. I felt it in the air.

I remembered the way the sun tries so hard to be seen in Autumn. I remembered the wind picking up everyday to clear the old leaves off the trees to make way for new life. I remembered most of all the smell of Autumn. Do you know the smell I'm talking about? Maybe it's different for everyone, but I smelled that today and I knew that Autumn is on its way. I know that the first official day of Autumn isn't until September 21st, but I feel like Mother Nature is one step ahead of us saying, "You think you know me? I'll change whenever I feel like it!" Good for you Mother Nature. Thank you for keeping us on our toes.

Some people never know what the difference is between Summer and Winter...Fall and Spring. They know that is what the time of year is called, but they've never seen it. Some people have never seen snow, heard a thunderstorm, or even seen much rain. These are the things we take for granted...the things I take for granted. What will you celebrate today as Autumn is upon us and Winter is ever nearer? Take some time to appreciate the beauty of seasons, especially if you're in a place that knows all about season changes. God bless.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Socks

You know how after a couple of months, a couple of loads, a couple of foldings, you end up with a few extra socks that don't have a match? When I was in college, this happened about every load. No matter what I did, I would always end up with one extra sock. Have you ever been there? The funny thing is, we never want to just throw that sock away and give up hope. We put it aside in our regular sock drawer (so it doesn't feel left out), and we wait for the next load. Maybe then, another sock will come up missing and the two loners will end up matching each other. However, we all know that this rarely happens. So, you end up with more unmatched pairs of socks than you have matched pairs!

Today was one of those rare days in history when I was looking through my sock drawer for some socks and I found a match amongst the loners! I decided that I wanted to wear short ankle socks, so I found one of those loners in there. Lo and behold, I dug a little more and I found a matching ankle sock! I was so happy and I thought, "this doesn't happen very often." I could almost hear my wife cheering gleefully (she REALLY enjoys the simple things in life). But it made me think...

Isn't that how it is when God finds us again? I mean we're meant to be together. We're a perfect match. I'm an ankle sock, you're a knee-high soccer sock, she's a girlie toe-sock. But we all are meant to find our perfect match--God. And when in that one moment, when no one expects it, we finally do find that match, it is a joyous occasion. Are you a loner sock that hasn't found it's match yet (and I'm not talking about a girl/guy)? Are you hoping that someday someone will cheer when you find that matching sock? Well, I for one will be cheering loudly that day! The Bible says the angels will rejoice when the prodigal son returns home to God. I love to join in when that day comes!

There's just something special about a matching pair of socks...especially when you had given up hope for so long and were ready to throw the loner away. Keep looking loner socks...your match may be closer than you think. God bless.

Walk

You've all heard some variation of the cliche, "Slow down or life will pass you by." Maybe someone is telling you to read the road signs along the way. Maybe someone is telling you to hold the hand of your friend who is falling behind. Either way, we all have heard the clever illustrations and the cliche continues to be run into the ground...

However, I'm a big fan of redundant, yet IMPORTANT messages. I like messages that are important and repetitive. There are few things that excite me more than things we hear over and over again that seem to be really important. You get the point yet? I have been told too many times to not speed, yet I get a ticket again and again. I know I shouldn't eat that Twinkie because it is bad for my health, but I'll take two instead. We all have messages in life that are important and sometimes we choose to brush them off because we think they don't relate to us.

The speed of life is one of those things, I think. No one really thinks they are moving too fast. You know, more than 75% of drivers think they are better drivers than everyone else on the road. No one really thinks the cliches are directed toward THEM. Surely not. Well, guess what? This cliche, "Slow down or life will pass you by," is for YOU. Too many times we miss out on those important things that God wants us to really enjoy.

When was the last time you appreciated the slow drive through cornfield-filled Nebraska (if you haven't had the "joy" of this trip, I suggest you try it)? Have you ever really walked out the front door on the first day of spring and taken a deep breath to enjoy? Have you gone to a baseball game and gotten stuffed on $5 hotdogs just for fun lately? The list could go on.

My challenge for myself and maybe for you is to slow down. Walking is a lot easier and allows us to enjoy the view. So, before you jump in the car and go to work, take a walk in the brisk air of the summer morning, give your loved one a hug for no particular reason, watch a home video from your childhood.... And don't forget to...WALK...

Beginning

So...this is what the blogging world is like.

Hello. My name is Aaron Arkkelin. I am young, foolish, and amazingly driven to serve God and do everything for His glory. But before you quit reading, let's talk.

I have a HUGE respect for the blogging world. It has been such a great way for thoughts and musings to reach so many people in ways that might not have been possible. I am blessed to have read some great blogs in the past.

I am just 22 years old. I know that makes me young and frankly, I'm tired of people telling me that. This blog is now going to be in place for you and for me. It is a journey and this is the beginning. I have thoughts along the way just as anyone else does. I want to share some with you...maybe you'll like them, maybe you won't.

Maybe you're tired of justifications. Me too. So, here's my first blog...take it or leave it; love it or hate it. God bless.