Discovery

One thing about living in a place for too long is that you begin to take things for granted. At least I do. I’ve lived in one of the most beautiful parts of the world for nearly ¼ of a century. But after the first few years I stopped exploring; stopped discovering; stopped recognizing. But then along came a life change, a fresh perspective, a new reason to enjoy my surroundings.

When my then future wife moved from El Paso to Portland, she was in awe of the wonder that is Oregon. And her excitement rubbed off on me. Again, my eyes were opened to the beauty, the majesty, the surroundings that I had become numb to. And I've spent the last seven years rediscovering my home.

During the past couple of weeks we have been exploring several of the small cities around us. These are places that I have had a very distinct mental image of what they would be like, despite never having been there. But with a renewed interest in exploring and looking and enjoying, it is with great pleasure that I recommend you visit: LaCenter and Battle Ground, WA, Silverton and Mt. Angel, OR… just to name a few. Go for the beauty. Go for the food. Go for the discovery.

Celebrating the Life of a Friend

Today, I came home from work to find an e-mail that my college roommate and friend had passed away. I never know how to handle the passing of a dear friend or family member. My initial reaction is selfish… “We’ll never be able to _____ again.” Then I experience sadness for his family… “How will they cope with the loss of their husband and father?”

In the end, I have to remember that our life is a gift given us by God to use for a short while. There is no greater end to life then the knowledge that the fragile human shell we live in is stripped away and replaced with a perfect body and an eternity with God.

Jayson Jewell was a man that lived the example of Christ-like love and character, truly caring for others, brining joy to those with whom he came in contact with.

Despite the tears and sadness we are experiencing now, the world is a better place because God loaned us Jayson for a few short years. I am a better man because I knew Jayson as my friend and roommate. During this time of mourning, I pray that his family and friends can embrace his life in Christ even through his absence.

Exploring Oregon

I love the Oregon Coast. This past weekend we spent three days with my cousin Sara traveling the Southern Oregon coast geocaching. We spent time in Bandon, North Bend, and Charleston.

The more we travel and explore our state, the more I am convinced that we live in the most beautiful part of the world. There is so much variety and beauty. There is urban connection and rural solitude.

Incidentally, we found our 300th geocache as well.

I'm Thankful For Friends

I'm thankful for friends. I met my best friend at college in the late 80s. He is the kind of friend I hope I am to others. He stood with me through some of the darkest times in my life. He is always quick to offer a hand, provide a resource, or just hang out. He is always busy, but seldom for personal reasons. His schedule is filled with family activities, aiding his friends, and volunteering at church. He is a jack-of-all-trades. But most importantly, he cares. He has a genuine concern for those people in his life.

I'm thankful for friends. Today, I'm especially thankful for my friendship with Josh.