Mom's Birthday Ride

Saturday morning my mother and I went on a bike ride to celebrate her 74th birthday! It was a beautiful, sunny day and we started the ride while the coolness of the morning was still in the air. She is a real trooper and has always been so very loving and encouraging of all her children. She knows that I love to ride bikes, and she even keeps tabs on my riding by checking up on my online bike journal. Even though she lives thousands of miles away, every few weeks I receive a phone call or email asking if I am well, because "you haven't been riding lately."

This year she was in town for her birthday, and it was a real delight to me (which I believe was her intention) when she requested that we go for a bike ride together to celebrate her special day. We had a wonderful morning together and I am so grateful that we have this memory to cherish together.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! I LOVE YOU!!

25 and counting!

Today Pamela and I celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. It is so great to be married to someone who understands the real commitment of marriage. The commitments we made 25 years ago to each other and to God, have been upheld every time we have been angry with each other, or frustrated with life. Because of our willingness to trust God in our marriage, we find ourselves together for a quarter of a century and still in love.

We have both changed A LOT in 25 years. Not just the addition of some grey hair and a few pounds (of course I am referring to myself with that description, not Pamela), but with the addition of children (in our case 3 awesome children), and moving often, changing jobs, etc -life has not been what we expected when we got married. Life, like God is unpredictable, but we know whatever life throws our way it will be best experienced together. It has been a great 25 years; I can't wait to see what is in store for us over the next 25!

A World Away

I just got back from visiting World Vision's African AIDS Experience. It is a great way to be exposed to the crisis in Africa. It does a good job of putting names and faces to MANY people dying from AIDS, and the MANY children who are left homeless and starving. This horrible situation in the world can provide us Christians with an opportunity to share the love of God with people in desperate need. We often struggle with how to put our faith into action at work, school, or with friends, but here is a concrete, practical thing that you can do, THAT WILL REALLY CHANGE A PERSON'S LIFE FOR THE BETTER! Visit the exhibit (in person or online), PRAY for God to move with compassion during this crisis (remember that this physical crisis may result in a spiritual awakening), give $ for a special project or to support a child or 2 monthly!

Good Friends

Last month I went on a backpacking trip with a dozen guys from my church. We hiked into the Grand Canyon to Havasupai Falls and spent four days camping together. The scenery was amazing, it is a one-of-a-kind convergence of giant canyons, ancient lava flows, flowing rivers, bizarre mineral deposits, with a unique collection of flora and fauna.

Amidst the natural splendor I was moved by the wonder of God's creation. What struck me even more than the creation of this wonderful place, was the creation of the great guys who did trip with me. In particular the way we can see how God lovingly puts elements of His own character into every person. Not that any of us are perfect, only a few moments at our campground would have convinced you that our group was FAR from perfect. Rather, the way God allows imperfect people to bring a sense of friendship, camaraderie, and love into each other's lives. It was great to visit such an unique place with such awesome friends.

Same Old Politics

Today I received an email regarding someone's opinion of our political system. A somewhat cynical view which I will summarize as "they're all a bunch of crooks." I confess that this sentiment is one to which I easily fall prey. Today also marks the day (I believe) when Obama will finally remove all doubt that he will be the democrat's candidate for the upcoming presidential election. All this political fervor in the air makes me think of a scene that was burned into my mind yesterday while I was riding my bike in Sacramento. It was just a flash, I just saw for a moment, but I have not been able to shake the image of a homeless lady sleeping under an umbrella, next to a baby stroller in a cemetery. My mind quickly recalled the demon possessed man that Jesus encountered who lived among the tombs. I wondered if the stroller was for the pittance of her earthly belongings or perhaps (I dare not even think it), there was a baby nestled up next to her on that blanket under the umbrella. What should we do for this woman? For the thousands like her?

I hear a lot of politics of change, yet little seems to really change. Sure our taxes may go up a little or down even less, but will any candidate make a difference in this nameless lady's life? Unfortunately I know the answer, as do you. I realized that as much as most politicians want a better country and society, their own self-interests will always ultimately win out. And in that way politicians prove that they are just like you and me. While I am concerned for the needs of that lady I passed yesterday. I PASSED HER! Revealing to myself the harsh reality that God was right when he described even my most ardent good deeds as filthy rags. The truth is WE'RE ALL "a bunch of crooks." I must confess that my hope for our society (and myself) is not in politicians but it is in Jesus Christ. I pray that the homeless lady that I saw in the cemetery yesterday will find her peace in the same person who 2,000 years ago brought sanity into the life of a fellow cemetery dweller; and that when I get to heaven both she and her Lord will forgive me for not realizing that "feeling bad" is often synonymous with "doing nothing."

Graduation Parties

I have been to several graduation parties in the last few days. It seems like I am at a stage in life where every year there is another graduation of someone close to me. In many cases, someone really close. My son Colton graduated from high school last year, my daughter Chelsey will graduate from UCLA in 2 weeks, and next year my daughter Ashley will graduate with a Master's degree in Speech Pathology. Every year brings with it a sense of excitement mixed with a fear of the future. No one knows what the future will bring, but the potential of so many bright young adults seems limitless. I am prayerful for the many graduates that I know this year (most of whom are not followers of Christ); may they experience the peace of knowing the One who controls their futures. Graduation represents a turning point, may these young people's dreams be fulfilled by trusting in and relying on God. Ultimately, He is the One who gives us a reason to live, a hope for the future, and provides us with the power that makes life worth living.