Abide

Wedding

2010-06-20T14:15:00.001-05:00

I am getting married in 6 days! Any tips?

Cruise

2010-06-08T02:20:00.002-05:00

I went on a cruise to Alaska.

With my family.

It was breathtakingly beautiful.

Good food.

Lobster is delicious.

I am officially a 'cruiser'.

Some pics to come.

At some point.

Cruise

2010-05-29T11:32:00.003-05:00

I am about to leave my house for the light rail station.

I will then head to the MSP airport.

I will then fly to Seattle.

I will then board a monster boat full of unending lobster tails.

I will then take said boat to Alaska.

I will then eat said lobster.

I will also miss my fiance more than I can say.

Harley

2010-05-25T09:47:00.002-05:00

I, Guy Magno, drove a Harely Davidson motorcycle. I thought I was a man when I turned 18, but have just realized that manhood and Harley are synonyms.

It feels nice to be all grown up.

100

2010-05-17T10:09:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a great spring day and I am thankful to have been alive for it. It had everything in it a great spring day needs to have in it.

My fiancé was gorgeous in her floral skirt.
The sermon at church was powerful and convicting.
Spending time with a good friend is always high on my list of favorite things.
Sunny. 75 degrees. Simpson's clouds. Cool Breeze.
Morning Star spicy black bean burgers.
100 miles on my little scooter.

That right. You heard me. 100 Miles! And thanks to great gas mileage it only cost me about $4. Thats even with the expensive gas too!

My roommate and I have the same sweet little scooter. A Yamaha Zuma. After church we decided to go on a little scooter adventure. After hitting up a few garage sales we realized that we were wasting a perfect riding say. So we decide to tackle the long coveted hundred miler.

When you top out at about 40 you have to be prepared for the long haul. It was an all day endeavor and I enjoyed every minute of it. A brief list of things that we did and saw:

Theodore Wirth Park. I highly recommend taking a day to visit. I promise you will forget that you are 5 miles from downtown.
Prospect Park. Home of the witches hat tower. Great at sunset with a pretty lady on your arm.
Lake Minnetonka. All of it. So nice. Sweet houses. Money. Lots of money.
Downtown Excelsior. Such a cool little town. Get custard at Adele's. You will thank me.
Nicollet Ave. It actually ends.

We had a great day. Next on our list of places to tackle is Stillwater...and Wisconsin! My scooter has never been outside of MN. We will probably have to incorporate it into our 150 miler.

Wanna Come?

Coaching

2010-05-06T09:01:00.002-05:00

Had you asked me yesterday what I thought about Life Coaches I would have probably given you some pessimistic answer about wish washy people who need to find a job. Today is not yesterday.

A friend of mine told me she had just taken a class to learn how to be a life coach. Since I was feeling rather smarmy I endeavored to help her practice for her next class by presenting her with an issue that I am working through...something trite and amusing. It was fun and we both had a good laugh.

For whatever reason I was compelled enough by our faux coaching session that I decided to present her with something real. Something important. What I didn't expect was a 25 minute conversation about my career. It was incredible and I am indebted to her for her time. It was revealing and inspiring.

I think it could be important to point out here that there is nothing "coach" about life coaching. Think of a coach. Did an image of Bob Knight come to mind? It did for me. Coaches don't ask anything. They tell and you do. Thats just how it works. Life coaching is completely different. All she did was ask me questions...and open ended ones at that. Nothing definitive, it just helped me think about things in a new way.

Thank you, Amber. You will do well.

Die

2010-01-07T12:52:00.002-06:00

I love music. I always have and I always will. I also love great lyrics. It is not uncommon for me to be listening to a song and think to myself, "That is not entirely true, but it is beautiful." I had that moment today.

Band: Death Cab For Cutie

Song: What Sarah Said

Lyric: "Love is watching someone die. Who is going to watch you die?"

Maybe a bit morbid but what a call to love people even when it isn't comfortable because we will someday need that same kind of love. It's a perfect and unconditional love.

I am not capable of it, but I serve someone who is.

Mundane

2009-12-26T08:50:00.002-06:00

While I was shoveling snow on Christmas Eve I was suddenly hit with the unbelievable truth of Christmas- Christ who was God came into this world so that we might become alive in Him and glorify His Father! The truth of the gospel is astounding!

This truth hit me unlike ever before- and it was while I was doing a very common everyday task. It was into that same kind of mundane that our savior came. On a very common night, in a very common place, a very uncommon thing happened- Emanuel. God with us.

Lord, Thank you that in the very mundane aspects of life you still choose to teach our hard hearts beautiful truths. Your Son is truly the greatest gift of all.

Fall

2009-09-23T15:44:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I sat outside listening to my favorite fall music, Sea Wolf, as the clock officially ticked over into fall. The sun was at the perfect place in the sky, the whether was wonderfully comfortable, and the music instantly brought me back to the joys and sorrows of falls past. It was the first of many beautiful fall moments.

Bring on the leaves, orchards, and sweaters.

Sea Wolf is perfect fall music because it is packed full of gentle and cool sounds. It is earthy and full of the splendor that I love about fall. I actually purchased the album without ever hearing the music because the album art was so good. People who design great albums often make great music.

Leaves in the River receives my highest recommendation. Go listen.

Guess What!!?? I just looked and they are coming to Minneapolis on the 29th. Its only $10! Who's coming with me?

Rebel

2009-09-16T11:07:00.003-05:00

You may think this is going to be a post about the new Lecrea album but you are wrong. It is about a cameras- specifically the Canon Rebel.

I was at the Pike Place Market in Seattle last week and i saw close to 100 of these introductory level DSLRs. I could have sworn that Canon had a booth next to the guys throwing the fish. It was fun to see so many cameras but it also reminded me that to make it in this field you have to be doing something so much different/better than everybody else.

I actually had my camera with but I just couldn't bring it out to take the same flower picture as everybody else.

I, like usual, have lots to think about.

What are your thoughts? Have you found this to be true in your field?

Conference

2009-09-08T12:40:00.003-05:00

The Desiring God National Conference is coming up in just a few weeks. Sept. 25-27. I went last year and found myself in awe of the glory of God even more. It was an incredible three days of God honoring thought. As soon as tickets went on sale for this upcoming year's conference I bought one.

Little did I know that I would be working that weekend. To say that I am sad is a sever understatement. This brings me to the purpose of this post- would you like to go? I would sell you my ticket for the price that I bought it for- which is less than they are being sold for now.

Let me know if you or someone you know would like it. They will be blessed by participating in such a wonderful conference.

Blogging

2009-09-08T11:01:00.002-05:00

...I miss it.

Sorry to the faithful for being so distant these past few months. I stopped blogging for a few reasons- maybe I will get into that at some point, but for now I think I am going to try again.

Because of my lack of concern for the feelings of my readers I suspect there is a chance that I am writing this into the void.

If you, one of my persevering readers, are still reading, would you mind letting me know in the comments section? Nothing long just a 'still here' would suffice. It will help me figure out if this is still a place I should invest my time.

If you deam the comments section of this post a good place to berate for my tardiness that will also be ok.

Olivia

2009-05-06T17:26:00.002-05:00

I just shot my first senior portraits and it was so much fun! We shot for almost three hours! The time flew by.

Olivia was a fun and energetic person to shoot. Taking photos of people like Olivia is such a treat. She had no problem being in front of the camera and was not shy with her great smile.

Thanks, Olivia for such a great shoot. Tell your friends!

Spring

2009-05-06T16:42:00.002-05:00

Spring is finally here!

As I write I can hear the finches and chickadees singing their lovely songs. I can see daffodils in white with their golden yellow crowns. I can smell the green grass and buds on the trees. I think there is also a hint of BBQ mixed in with the grass and flowers. And to top it off allergies are in full swing.

I am thankful for all of those things- not just because they are wonderful and fun. I am thankful for them because they are a daily reminder that I too, like the once snow covered land, was dead but now have abundant life in my savior Jesus Christ.

I pray that you too are in awe of the creator today as you take part in his wonderful creation.

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Logo

2009-05-05T07:32:00.000-05:00

This is a logo I designed for my photo business. Thoughts? Is it cheeky?

Apology

2009-04-20T07:28:00.003-05:00

In my last post (now deleted) I made a few off color comments about a very real and very sad aspect of our world. If I offended you please accept this as my sincere apology. It was never my intention to ostracize anyone by my comments. It was a joke taken too far.

I wish I could take them back but that is the joy and the bane of the written word- permanence.

Thanks for reading my blog. All for the glory and praise of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Further up, further in!

Under Mercy,
Guytano

Troast

2009-04-10T12:52:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I had the pleasure of hosting concert number 14 of 100 for Jon Troast. What a fun night!

Jon is on a 100 day 100 concert tour across the midwest and he made a stop at the Lake House in Arden Hills to entertain a group of us with his chill guitar rifts and his candid lyrics.

The whole experience was so genuine that it felt like a conversation with a good friend.

Thanks Jon.

Verizon

2009-04-06T17:20:00.000-05:00

My job: photograph some billboards for Verizon.

My goal: capture part of the city along with the billboard.

What a beautiful day to be in Minneapolis with my camera.

Cousins

2009-04-06T00:26:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to my dear friends Nathan and Stephanie on their recent engagement. It has been such an honor being apart of your lives these past years. I pray that God blesses you as you embark on this wonderful journey.

Funny thing- there is a photo of Nathan's parents that is almost identical.

Gumption

2009-04-03T08:17:00.002-05:00

While listening to The Weepies I had a thought about gumption. Or 'chutzpah' for my Yiddish speaking readers. In their song 'Can't Go Back Now' they sing "I can't really say why everybody wishes they were somewhere else but in the end, the only steps that matter are the ones you take all by yourself."

For a second I thought that was such a great insight. Of course the only steps that count are the ones that I take myself. But then I realized that line might be garbage. The only reason I believed it was because they sang it like it was true. They could have just as easily sang the opposite- "the only steps that matter are the ones you take with someone".

Just because something is put to nice music doesn't make it true. That is a no brainer. I just needed the reminder.

I would probably also lean toward the adapted lyrics.

Allergies

2009-04-02T08:37:00.003-05:00

Only in Minnesota can you have blizzards and spring allergies at the same time.

Josh

2009-03-21T00:10:00.002-05:00

It was only 2 summers ago that Josh and I first worked together at camp and he has been a great friend ever since. It seems like I have known and trusted him my whole life.

One of the first things I learned about Josh was that he is man who takes his faith very seriously. To Josh, doctrine is not just something to do to- it is the framework in which God reveals himself to man. Josh has been a good steward of the mind the Lord has given him and he has dedicated and applied it to the 'knowledge of the holy'.

It is through this passion and dedication to see the Lord high and lifted up that Josh has become a captivating speaker. When Josh speaks the room listens. I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to foster his willingness to learn and serve for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

1st Tim 4:16- Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Madness

2009-03-20T23:38:00.002-05:00

It would not be unlikely for me to completely miss the Superbowl, World Series, Finals, and Stanley Cup. In fact, I usually don't even know who is playing in any of those events. I even had to stop and think of the names for all of those sporting climaxes.

But every year I catch the Madness. Spring is in the air and the first round of the men's college basketball tournament is over. It has been an incredible 2 days of fierce competition and I am even in 1st place in our office bracket competition!

Now, lets just hope that UNC goes all the way.

Who did you pick?

Scott

2009-03-16T23:44:00.005-05:00

Scott Woller is one of the Lord's most gifted children. There are few people who can wear as many hats as Scott wears- and he wears all of them well. Pastor, father, husband, leader, entrepreneur, boss, visionary, friend.

Scott pastors Corner Church, a young and growing church in the North Loop district of Minneapolis, MN. He truly puts the 'pastor' in pastoral care. Watching him love his congregation and community has been a huge blessing in my life.

Corner Church owns a coffee shop, Corner Coffee, which it meets in 4 times every weekend. I actually had the pleasure of working at the coffee shop for a number of months and I loved overhearing people from the North Loop community talk about what Scott means to them and to their community.

Lord, thank you for sending your servant Scott and his wonderful family to serve in the North Loop. Continue to bless their ministry to a lost city. Make him strong. Make him like Christ.

Winner

2009-03-16T23:32:00.002-05:00

Three loud Lithuanian cheers to Laura for winning the first 'Abide' giveaway! Laura has won a copy of John Piper's incredible book, 'Don't Waste Your Life'.

In honor of Laura's last blog entry I will be finding her a wonderfully loved copy that has been read a few times- maybe even my own, because lets be honest- if a book is truly one of your favorites it should never be left on your shelf. Share the wealth.

This just in. Think of your favorite book. Go to your book shelf. Remove said favorite book. Share. Repeat.

Reminder

2009-03-15T09:47:00.004-05:00

One last reminder that my giveaway for 'Don't Waste Your Life' ends tonight. Click here for more details.

Also, the 'Reminder' is a great album by Feist.

Slumdog

2009-03-13T23:47:00.002-05:00

You should see Slumdog Millionaire.

It is the first movie in a very long time that deserves all of the H(b)ollywood hype.

It has something for everyone.

Ladies: one of the best love stories put to script.
Fellas: Die Hard has nothing on this adrenaline rush.
Moms: beautiful story about family and community- even when it's hard.
Pops: makes you want to hug a kid.
Snooty art critics: one of the best shot movies to date. Period.

See it if you haven't. Talk about it if you have.

45

2009-03-13T13:26:00.004-05:00

I found my sleep number!
15 was miserably soft.
95 was wretchedly firm.
45 was delightfully perfect!
What is your sleep number?

Giveaway

2009-03-09T14:00:00.000-05:00

Last fall I started a blog. You are reading it right now. One of the first things I shared on my blog was that I was a little apprehensive about my new endeavor. I was, and am still not, a real tech savvy kind of guy. Blogging scared me for a couple of reasons. What if I burned out and blogging just became one of my deals. Lame. What if I got really addicted and started blogging about what I ate for dinner and all sorts of other ridiculous things? That would be even worse than burning out. Thankfully, I think I have found a middle ground.

Along with maintaining my own blog I have also taken up the reading of other peoples blogs- blogs of all different shapes and sizes. In my reading I have discovered some traits, trends, and characteristics of blogs. I would like to take a moment and share one of those trends with you- giveaways.

All giant blogs do giveaways and drawings. It makes sense for big and famous blogs to give away stuff. They have a large reader base and they need to keep the mob happy. It's that minuscule drop of hope that you could possibly win the next one that keeps people coming back for more. Its like the lottery, but for people who can read.

I was thinking about it though. Why do you have to be a huge blog to do a giveaway? At what point is it OK to do one? Who decides? I started this blog off with just a handful of faithful readers and I now have 2 handfuls of faithful readers. That is 100% growth! I think that's all I need. That's right, you guessed it. I'm doing a giveaway!

How to win-

Click on the 'Comment' button right below this entry.
In the comment section tell me your favorite quote. If there is a reason why its your favorite you could tell me, but it is not necessary.
If you don't have a user name tell me who you are. Don't worry, you don't have to put your last name- just last initial.
Everyone who submits a quote will be entered into the drawing.

Prize-

A copy of one of my new favorite books, 'Don't Waste Your Life' by John Piper. This is a life changing book and everyone should read it. If you own it you could give it away to a friend.

Dates-

Submissions will be accepted until 3/15/09 11:59PM CST.

Thank you for playing and best of luck to you!

Wasted

2009-03-08T23:10:00.003-05:00

In an effort to continually diversify my blog I am going to start doing the occasional book review.

'Don't Waste Your Life' by John Piper

Before I start I think it should be made known that I have no interest in promoting this book. My only interest is promoting a Christ centered, God honoring life and this is one of the best tools to help one achieve that.

This is a simple, straight forward, to the point, no nonsense book dedicated to encouraging people to live their lives in a way that makes little of man and much of God. We need to live our lives so that when we reach the end we won't say, "I've wasted it". The only way to do that is to live like Christ. Be like Christ. Give like Christ. Think like Christ. See like Christ. Be Christ.

After reading this book you will never live life the same way. There is no way to go back to the same routine of life that ends in a comfortable retirement. The challenge to live sacrificially is overwhelming and yet there is no trace of the arrogance that is so often found in this kind of motivation. The call is as strong and as welcome as a cup of coffee on Monday morning. Sometimes we all just need a little inspiration and this book has inspiration in spades.

You will never live life the same again. Why? Because it isn't your own.

Bandele

2009-03-05T21:15:00.003-06:00

A bandele is a Lithuanian breakfast food and also what I traded for this photo. I didn't know much Lithuanian, but I did know enough to ask him if I could take his photo and then to ask him if he wanted a bandele. He quietly shook his head yes and waited while I quickly ran into the small market and retrieved the morning sweet.

A small interaction that I will cherish for a long time- but not more than the smile he gave me later that day when we crossed paths on the other end of town.

Saved

2009-03-05T06:53:00.003-06:00

This past weekend there was a boating accident almost 50 miles of the coast of FL. There were four men aboard the yacht when it capsized in the rough Atlantic seas. The four men were Nick Schuyler, Corey Smith, Marquis Cooper and Will Bleakley- 2 proffesional football players and 2 former college football players.

This story, due to the fame of these men, was in the news for days. The boat was overturned in a storm on Saturday night and only Schuyler was found with the boat on Monday evening. There was no hope of finding the other men on Tuesday evening when the search was called off.

My parents and I were discussing this over dinner the other night and my mom wondered out loud what it would be like to be the one guy who was pulled from the water when your friends had not made it. It was an interesting thought. I am sure he is experiencing both joy and sorrow. Joy because he has been given one more day. Sorrow because he will have to mourn the death of his friends.

When my mom said that I was suddenly filled humility as I realized that I was that man. For no reason of my own I was saved out of an incredible plight. It was not looking good and all of the odds were against me. I was about to die a terrible spiritual death and my savior plucked me out of my sinfulness and made me His own. There was no reason, but I am thankful for the grace he poured out on me.

My life is also filled with joy and sorrow. Joy because my eyes have been opened to Christ's splendor and majesty. Sorrow because I see a world dying in sin and in desperate need of a savior.

Lord, please be with the families of these men who passed away this weekend. They are going through a season of grief and they are going to need you to comfort them. Please show them your reality. Nick Schuyler is a man who has been given another chance. Please use this as turning point in his life. May he not waste this opportunity to make your name great with his new life. May you be praised! Amen.

Nathan

2009-03-03T01:00:00.000-06:00

This my dear friend Nathan that I so often mention. As I type this I am filled with an incredible joy because he is in my life. He has been such a close friend to me and in our years of knowing each other and living together we have walked through a lot of life side my side. He is a true friend and a person that can be counted on. His integrity and commitment are admired by all who know him.

Nathan is a theater major at Northwestern and I have been watching him star in all of his shows for many years now. He is incredibly talented and it has been a blessing watching him worship our Lord through his incredible gift.

This past weekend he amazed us all again with his portrayal of Jesus Christ in the hit Broadway musical, Godspell. Nathan had incredible shoes to fill and I think he honored the Lord with his humility as he undertook this overwhelming role. Thank you, Nathan for showing us a side of our savior that we maybe have never seen before. Christ be praised!

Rap

2009-03-01T23:23:00.002-06:00

I, Guy Magno, went to a rap concert.

Last night Jared and I went to see local rappers; Mike Mictlan, Sims, and POS perform to a packed house at the eclectic 1st. Ave in Minneapolis. Jared called me a couple weeks ago telling me that he had an extra ticket. He wanted to know if I was interested in going...yes, I was very interested in going.

It was one of the most incredible concerts I have ever been to, but it was also completely different than I had expected. I was expecting to be one of two white people at the show- when in fact the only African-American man in the whole place was POS. That might be a slight exaggeration, but the last time I saw that many white people gather together for a concert I was at Orchestra Hall. I thought the music was going to be about Cadillacs, women, and money because that's the only rap that makes it onto the radio- when in fact it was all about social justice and reform.

I particularly liked Sims. At one point in the concert he stopped and asked everyone in the whole place to shout out what they were passionate about. Another time he asked everyone in the crowd to raise there hand if they were doing exactly what they loved. "Don't let anyone stop you from doing what you love and what you are passionate about." That might not always be realistic but the optimism is so refreshing. From the stage he condemned all forms of consumerism and outwardly mocked the attitude that money will solve all of our problems. He spoke truth. He spoke like a redeemed man. While he was rapping I asked the Lord to call him unto himself. We could use his voice.

My favorite line was, "You are all about saving the planet, but you wont even save your own neighbor." The song basically condemned social justice for social justice's sake. There has to be more. The beautiful truth is that there is more, so much more. There is Jesus Christ.

So, I ask you. What are you passionate about?

Ben

2009-02-24T00:03:00.002-06:00

This is my friend Ben. He is a fellow a photographer and an all-around great guy. We went to school together but didn't really get to know each other until after graduation. I have loved getting to know him over these past few years and his love for the Lord and the lost encourage me to never stop serving.

Ben and I were goofing around with lighting equipment when I took this photo. The style is called hi-key photography.

This is going to be the start of a blog series about my friends.

Reproof

2009-02-23T23:12:00.002-06:00

At my church we memorize a new Bible verse every week as a congregation- the verses are called Fighter Verses. The verse for last Sunday was Proverbs 3:11-12.

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

This verse hit me in very real way on Sunday. Not only should I not seek out an easy life but I should seek, pray, and yearn for the Lord's stern discipline and reproof. Those aren't easy things to want but it is through that discipline that we better understand our relationship with the Lord, our Abba Father.

He is all knowing and He knows what is best for us- including Christ honoring, God glorifying discipline. It is hard, but it is good.

Impeach

2009-02-10T10:17:00.007-06:00

For 8 years hippies and the like took it upon themselves to tell the world their opinions about our former president. That message was screamed through all forms of media, but the message of hate for our 43rd president found its simplicity in the word 'Impeach' which can be seen in graffiti from LA to DC. It is short and to the point. No need to clarify the message- everybody gets it. Everybody understands.

Until now.

I am now led to believe that our country is full of racists. Mr Obama has not been in office long enough to deserve this tirade of impeachment attacks. Just today I saw it scratched on a bathroom wall and and I even saw 'IMPEACH THE FASCIST MONKEY' (a bit longer then the original one word slander, but still affective at getting the point across) chalked to a big blue mail box.

Obviously these smears are like my spinach manicotti- leftover from a previous time. So what now? will there be a new wave of graffiti- people scribbling over their former opinions? I think so...that is until they are through with No. 44 in about 6 or 7 years. Then they will get out their large sanctimoniously colored erasers and go hunting for their opinion under a mountain of scribbles.

Human

2009-02-10T09:24:00.002-06:00

My dear friend Nathan and I shared a delicious breakfast at the Hard Times Cafe in Minneapolis this morning. The "Trash" breakfast receives my highest recommendation for breakfast food in the city. Be warned though- Hard Times is a rough and tumble place- full of interesting stories and faces.

Nathan presented a challenge to describe Hard Times in just one word. We both took a minute and presented our word of choice. My word, rather unorigional, was 'hard'. I know its in the name but it fit better than any word I could think of- also, I was hungry and probably thinking about the impending eggs and hash browns. But Hard Times truly is a 'hard' place. There is even a heaviness in the air sometimes. I even think that the employees are trained in being cold and withholding rather than warm and hospitable.

Nathan presented the word 'human' and I think he hit it on the head. Nathan is a wordsmith (and probably not as hungry) so I was expecting something great but this was so poignant. Yes, it/they may be 'hard' but it/they are also real and unassuming. There is nothing pretentious about Hard Times. There is no reason to fake it there. It is real. It is human. (Insert Killer's quote here.)

When life gets hard everything seems OK at Hard Times. Why? Because its in the name.

Time

2009-02-03T11:05:00.002-06:00

It has been some time since I last posted and even now I am not quite sure what I should write about. Sometimes we all just need time to process life. We need time to listen to what the Lord is trying to tell us. I am in that place of needing time with the Lord.

I had my entrance interview for seminary at Bethlehem a few weeks ago. Protocol usually encourages the interviewer to wait until the aforementioned time to inform the applicant that they will not be admitted into the program, but my application was such that I was informed during my interview that I will not be accepted for the upcoming term.

It was difficult to find out that my life will look a little bit different next year. For the past 6 months I have been exerting quite a bit energy into that thought. Needless to say my interview was a sad, difficult and emotional time for me. It was also beautiful and uplifting. Pastor Tom was so encouraging.

There is an orthodox theological issue that I am still working through in my life. Bethlehem Baptist as a church and as an institution consider it to be severe enough to deny my admission into the masters program. That is a hard pill to swallow, but I am also filled with a deep respect for them by the integrity that they exhibit. They are committed to honoring the Lord with every aspect of their ministry- including their theology. The reason I was denied is the reason I want to study under them.

Pastor Tom encouraged me take time. Time to pray, time read, time to study, time search church history, and time to seek mentorship in this very important area. This upcoming year might look different than what I had initially hoped for but I am confident that my sovereign Lord is in control of my life and he is choosing this path to bring more glory and honor unto himself. Christ be praised.

Rockies

2009-01-17T14:08:00.000-06:00

I am on the last leg of my journey home from Lithuania (more to come on that). After an 8 hour layover in the Denver airport I am heading home. I need a bed, a bath and a really good hug.

It is a beautiful morning in Denver and i have an absolutely splendid view of the Rocky Mountains. Whenever I see a great mountain range I am filled with awe but it is something else when you get to see them from the air on a clear beautiful winter day. God is truly magnificent.

In my time away I have been reading Don't Waste Your Life by Pastor John Piper. I was reminded of this quote when the Rocky Mountains exploded into view as we took off. This book receives my highest recommendation.

The really wonderful moments of joy in this world are not the moments of self-satisfaction, but self-forgetfulness. Standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon and contemplating your own greatness is pathological. At such moments we are made for a magnificent joy that comes from outside ourselves. And each of these rare and precious moments in life- beside the Canyon, before the Alps, under the stars- is an echo of a far greater excellence, namely, the glory of God. That is why the Bible says, "The heavens declare the Glory of God, and the Sky above proclaims is handiwork" (Psalm 19:1).

Sometimes people say that they cannot believe that, if there is a God, he would take interest in such a tiny speck of reality called humanity on Planet Earth. The universe, they say, is so vast, it makes man utterly insignificant. Why would God have bothered to create such a microscopic speck called earth and humanity and then get involved with us?

Beneath this question is a fundamental failure to see what the universe is about. It is about the greatness of God, not the significance of man. God made man small and the universe big to say something about himself.

Bondage

2009-01-04T21:17:00.002-06:00

Christ died to set us free so that we might become bound to him for eternity.

Rom. 1:1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God

True freedom is found in slavery to Jesus Christ.

2009

2009-01-04T17:55:00.001-06:00

This post is the fruit of much thinking about the new year and also the blogs of a few of my friends who have done similar things. I have come to grips with the fact that these are actually resolutions for the new year. Why not, right? We all give resolutions a hard time but who doesn't want to be a better person? Why not start right now at the new year?

The 1st if the year is great because it lends it self well to looking back AND looking ahead. What worked last year? Stick with it. What didn't work last year? Fix it. If you do this every year until you die you will be close to perfect- or wise enough to know that you are a fool. One of the two.

These list is no specific order and is open to revision. If you know me well please feel free to chime in.

1. Be a better runner by running in five 5ks.
2. Buy clothes only when necessary.
3. Be wise with my money- read Money, Possessions, and Eternity by R. Alcorn.
4. Write 52 handwritten letters to family and friends.
5. Buy a Moleskin and be a better journaler.
6. Become a member at Bethlehem Baptist Church
7. Start a weekly prayer group with my friends.
8. Take photos for fun.
9. Give away more photos.
10. Maintain daily devotions.
11. Leave the country.
12. Tithe above and beyond what is comfortable.
13. Tell people about the one who saved me from eternal damnation.
14. Join a book club.
15. Explore the Boundary Waters.
16. Play my piano- more than once.
17. Get accepted into seminary.
18. Bike instead of drive.
19. Tell people I love them.
20. Change my own oil.
21. Golf 18 holes.
22. Meet a new friend.
23. Read through the entire Bible.
24. Don't buy any books.
25. Read the books I already own.
26. Road trip with the Banditos.
27. Get my brother home for Christmas.
28. Study through the spiritual disciplines.
29. Finish my quilt for my mom.
30. Eat a food I have never tried.
31. Get a tattoo.
32. Get insurance.
33. Go to the dentist.
34. Buy a nice water bottle and drink from it daily.
35. Make more time for enjoying the beauty of Christmas.
36. Sleep in a log cabin.
37. Buy a map of the world.
38. Thank Pastor John.
39. Cry.
40. Sing more.
41. Give something away.
42. Find an old record player on Craig's List
43. Buy a Shins album.
44. Swim across a lake.
45. Be more intentional about praying with my girlfriend.
46. Talk to Marco face-to-face.
47. Visit my Dad and step-mom in WA.
48. Sleep in my car.
49. Take Frank to another UFC fight.
50. Drink loose leaf tea.
51. Give something up.
52. Do something uncomfortable.
53. Spend a day in silence.
54. Go a week without my computer.
55. Go a week without my cell phone.
56. Skinny dip.
57. Get a job other than camp and photography.
58. Update and glean through my music library.
59. Go to a movie by myself.
60. Shave my head.
61. Go to a professional sporting event.
62. Get a place of my own.
63. Make cookies for a neighbor.
64. Sleep under the stars.
65. Rock a baby to sleep.
66. Help someone move.
67. Make banana ice cream.
68. Go rock climbing.
69. Get a professional shave.
70. Pack an OCC shoe box.

10

2008-12-26T14:59:00.003-06:00

A little over ten years ago my family received an incredible gift when my cousin Grant was born. He has brightened many days and has been the cause of so much joy. For Grants 10th birthday I took him to Minneapolis for a two day adventure. Top 10 things we did:

Ate a meal at Al's Breakfast. Al's is probably the coolest breakfast join in the city. If you go try the hash browns, you wont be disappointing.
Walking- lots of walking. We were on foot a good chunk of the time and he was a trooper in the -5 degree winter wind.
Mall of America.You may not think of the MOA as the spot for fun in the Twin Cities but you probably haven't ridden the new rides at the Nickelodeon park. Check out the new Sponge Bob ride. Sweet!
Rode to the top of the IDS Tower- the tallest building in Minneapolis. 51 floors! Nice job, Grant.
Macy's 8th floor exhibit- this actually was really lame but Grant and I had such a fun time pretending it was the coolest thing we had ever seen.
Lunch at Psycho Suzi's. Great little luau restaurant. Good food+fun atmosphere=great hangout.
Watched a movie and ate popcorn-simple but tons of fun.
Took the light rail through Minneapolis. So sweet until about 10,000 smelly Viking's fans piled in.
Went to church together at Corner Church. It was fun because Grant got to meet so many of my good friends there.
Before we drove home we stopped and ate a sandwich at McDonald's. The best part was that we just laughed and laughed the whole time. Grant can tell very entertaining stories. He had me in stitches.

Grant, I love you. Thanks for coming to the city with me. I will remember our trip forever.

Foxes

2008-12-23T08:07:00.001-06:00

One Fox.
Two Fox.
Three Fox.
Red Fox.

A poem about Fox and Friends, the live morning show on the Fox Network... and an unfortunate way to spend the first part of your day.

I woke up this morning and thought to myself, "I should eat a bowl of cereal (Honey Bunches of Oats with sliced banana) and watch the news." It seemed like a great way to spend a junk of my morning- nourishment and knowledge of world happenings. Unfortunately it didn't go as planned. Instead of an update on world affairs I got live commentary on a burst water main in the Northeast.

This might be the time to interject that this has nothing to do with said politics of the Fox Network. They are biased. They (all networks) are all biased. Every last one. The only question is whether or not you agree with the bias.

Anyway, back to the foxes. Instead of insightful updates I got banter- pointless banter. Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on them- their slogan is, "We report, you decide." The only problem is that after the reporting I have decided that I don't want to waste my morning with them.

On to something productive.

War

2008-12-16T21:03:00.002-06:00

We are at war and nobody seems to care. There is no concern for the untold hundreds of people affected by this war. I know that you feel it too. You are feeling the weight and the pressure of knowing what you believe- your coworkers and family don't agree with you and that makes everything a lot more stressful.

The war of Christmas radio stations has been raging here in the Twin Cities. Both sides seem to be right at times and depending on who you talk to the other station started the scrapping. Lite 102.9 Fm and 107.9 Oldies have been fighting it out since Thanksgiving. There fighting doesn't just affect them- it effects all of us.

How am I supposed to feel when I hear, "(insert station name), the original home of Christmas music in the Twin Cities" from both stations? They both can't be right, can they? I am in agony. I have always been loyal to the converted Oldies station but what's with Lite? Was it first? Did it stake its claim in '49?

Until there is at least a cease fire I can't condone listening to Christmas music at all. I am done until next year. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. I am finished.

Actually...scrap that last part- I can't get enough of that Hippopotamus for Christmas song.

22

2008-12-16T13:42:00.000-06:00

God made.
God rested.
Adam sinned.
Adam died
Noah built.
Noah floated.
Jesus came.
Jesus rose.
Saul hated.
Paul taught.
Jesus wins.

Girl

2008-12-14T20:12:00.002-06:00

In an effort to get my name out and to help out a friend I did photo shoot at Corner Coffee. It was quite simple- by a drink and get your photo taken in a Christmas hat. For some reason though some people were not excited to get there picture taken. Oh well. You can't win them all.

We had a lot of fun goofing around and taking some photos. There were lots of fun ones, but this one really stuck out. I don't even remember her name...but she sure is cute.

Change

2008-12-11T12:55:00.001-06:00

My pastor is currently preaching through the book of John. This is a tremendous task for anyone and with his track record I know our congregation is in for a treat. The last time he preached through a book he dove headfirst into the book of Romans and didn't come up for air for over 5 years.

One of his last sermons was on John 1:35-51. This is an incredibly rich text; full of God's goodness. The verse that stood out to me was v.42.

42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas".

Jesus meets this man, Simon, and without even consulting him he changes his name. I have read over this passage many times and never really given it any thought. Names are very important today in our culture but that pales in comparison to how important names were throughout history. People's identity, family, and life were wrapped up in their name. Jesus ignores all of that and radically changes the life of Cephas (Peter) forever.

The most interesting aspect of this story is that Jesus doesn't ask Peter's permission to change his name- change his identity. He just does it. I am thankful that Peter's future, and subsequently the history of the Christian Church, didn't rest in his sinful hands.

Christ is thankfully still in the business of radically changing lives. No situation is beyond his reach, beyond his power, beyond is care. No sin is too much. No family pain to great. Christ goes beyond healing- he revives the dead.

That is the change we need.

Possibility

2008-12-10T20:48:00.003-06:00

My application to Bethlehem Seminary is finished and turned in. A huge weight is off of my shoulders. It has always been in the Lord's hands- it just feels like it know. Now I just wait for February 23rd. Being in seminary will be so exciting, but if the Lord has something else in store for me that will be OK. He always has been and always will be in control of my life. The only question is whether or not I will submit willingly to his plan.

Even though I have been primarily focused on seminary these past couple of months I have kept my ear to the ground and my heart open to other opportunities the Lord might have for me. These are things that I have at least considered (some have even partially materialized).

Being a residence director at a local Christian college.
Start renting some studio space and really make a run at photography.
Jumping into an international/national/local ministry.
Applying at NWC's admissions office.
Getting a job in the city and making Minneapolis my home.
Packing a backpack and a camera and making a world photo book.

I want the Lord to be glorified through my life- whatever that might look like.

Family

2008-11-30T18:24:00.009-06:00

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone and so has the drowsiness of my restful weekend spent with my family. It was a wonderful day full of food and fun. It was also the largest family holiday we have had since the death of my grandfather 12 years ago. That alone made it very special.

All of my mother's siblings were there, save one. Auntie Michelle, we missed you guys a lot. It would have been great to have you there.

We had a grand total of 28 in attendance and I took a portrait of every one of them, some were more reluctant than others though. Here are a few of my favorites.

Family, I love you.

Budish

2008-11-29T23:20:00.000-06:00

For the first time in my blogging career I am writing out of frustration. I think that most of the life coaching I have received from my mother and other people who care for me would say that speaking out of frustration and anger could get you into trouble, but I am going to take my chances.

I am working for OCC (Operation Christmas Child for the laymen) right now with my good friend Kyle(for a picture of kyle please refer to my blog entitled Oostra). We have had some incredible groups and families come through our doors. It is a huge blessing to be a part of this ministry and I am encouraged that so many people come and donate their time and energy to making Christ known.

With that said some people who donate their time would rather not be there and they make life a little bit more difficult for the rest of us. Tonight there was a youth group of about 70 that came. We made it through a lot of boxes tonight but it was mayhem. Besides the constant call and response of ridiculous sayings and noises there was a couple of girls in my section who seemed to hate OCC and subsequently me. My first feeling was indignation but that soon turned into sadness. They both just seemed so despondent- maybe even lost. Through the frustration came sadness for these girls.

I left tonight feeling completely spent and exhausted because I was surrounded by 70 hormonally charged and somewhat lazy high-schoolers. So, this blog is dedicated to my friend Joe Budish who is completely energized by such situations.

Lord, thank you for calling people like Joe and the middle aged Converse wearing youth pastor to a ministry of this kind. You have given them certain graces that that you deemed inessential for me. Thank you.

Joe, start your goatee.

Graffiti

2008-11-24T12:26:00.002-06:00

I am sitting in a coffee shop today getting some studying done. The bathroom, like many coffee shop bathrooms, in covered in graffiti. It's just a little different than most graffiti covered bathrooms I have seen. For example:

NYC is alright.
Wash your hands.
Forgive yourself.
I love Van Loon.

There are even eight 1¢ stamps stuck to the door. So, if you are having a bad day head to the Spyhouse to be uplifted by the bathroom graffiti.

Significance

2008-11-23T23:22:00.002-06:00

I sang at a wedding this weekend for a good friend of mine from camp. The pastor said something to the bride and groom that caught my attention.

"Today is the most significant day of your life."

Weddings, graduations, and births are usually appropriate times for such a statement but yesterday I started to think about the legitimacy of this type of statement. Yes, from my earthly perspective this seems right but how about the things I don't see.

We have no idea whats going on 'behind the scenes'. What if I almost died in an accident today? Wouldn't the simple fact that I am alive necessitate the significance of this day over others?

Or this. What if today some middle school kid decided to stop playing video games and focus on his homework? That simple act could lead to a life of study which could lead to the cure of some deadly disease.

Every 'world changer' that has ever lived had some defining moment in his life that completely and irrevocably changed his life and possibly the lives of millions. That person probably also had a pastor tell them that their wedding was the most significant day of their life. And honestly, who knows. Maybe it was.

What if today is your day?

Caribou

2008-11-18T13:07:00.002-06:00

On Sunday Morning I spent a few hours at a local Caribou Coffee to get some good studying in before church. I was pleasantly surprised to find that almost all of the coffee sipping customers were believers...or at least you got that vibe from the Bible clad tables and hearing words like 'church', 'pastor', and 'God' being used more frequently than in most Minneapolis coffee shops.

Just as I was pondering this little phenomenon a man, Jonathan, sat down in the over sized fake leather chair next to me. We soon struck up a conversation about the Lord and other related things. I left the coffee shop encouraged because I was surrounded by so many believers. God is good at providing us with these little joys in our busy days.

That coffee shop was full of Christians on their way to church. My guess is that lots of local coffee shops fill up on Sunday mornings with Christians on their way to worship. We should always consider the example we are setting, but if you find yourself in a coffee shop next Sunday morning remember that the barista may not be a believer. Maybe it will be your generous tip and smile, along with that of others, that will be just the softening their heart needs to hear the truth of our savior.

Will you let your self be used on your next caffeine run?

Pledge

2008-11-18T09:30:00.000-06:00

Why do we swear allegiance to our flag and country? What is gained by our commitment to man-made boarders? Is the truth of the gospel proclaimed all the more by our devotion to a nation? Is God's Word declared to all the nations through nationalistic pride?

May I challenge you to seriously consider the words of our nations pledge?

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for all."

In place of something that gives authority to something other than Christ, may I present this?

"I pledge allegiance to my king whose flag I proudly fly. So that the lost, for whom he died, would someday cry, 'Hosanna, to the king on high!'"

I am not proud to be an American, but I am proud to live under the reign of my sovereign king, Jesus Christ. Lets be thankful that we live in a country where we can proclaim the message of Jesus Christ freely. May we not take that for granted as we boldly share the gospel with the people in our life.

2ootsie

2008-11-15T16:33:00.004-06:00

I did it.
I stopped.
I put the Tootsie down.
Now to tackle sin.
I'm on it.

Tootsie

2008-11-15T15:46:00.003-06:00

I suppose sin is like a Tootsie Pop.
It tastes really good at first,
but you will inevitably get to the Tootsie.

You don't know fear until you eat a Tootsie Pop. It is so delicious, but you know the truth about what lays in waiting for you. I don't care how many licks it takes. It still ends in Tootsie, but who can actually stop?

Ruby

2008-11-14T12:56:00.003-06:00

An Acrostic for my mother.

Continually strives to put others first.

Olive means peace.

Loved by all who know her.

Listens when your day just didn't go quite right.

Encompassing passion for the Lord.

Elaborately artistic.

Name: Mom.

Mustard

2008-11-11T11:11:00.002-06:00

Today is a big day. It is a big day because it is coming on the heels of yesterday. A day in which I realized that if I am going to survive my Greek class and ultimately survive seminary I am going to have to start 'cutting the mustard' in my studies. Greek, two hours every day. Done.

A question to ask myself for encouragement, "How incredible would it be to read God's word in the original language?"

Neat

2008-11-11T10:55:00.003-06:00

I saw this today and thought, "neat".

Graphically it is neat.
Compositionally it is neat.
Iconically it is neat.
Artistically it is neat.

It is also neat that we have an African-American in the highest seat of office and through that we may be one step closer to being a country free of racism. Neat.

Pharaoh

2008-11-06T11:39:00.005-06:00

World, be confident of this- God is in control of every circumstance. The peace that can be found in that phrase is a glass of cold water to the thirsty and bread for the starving. From the beginning of time God has been working all things out for his good plan and purpose.

Romans 13:1- Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Daniel 2:21- "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.

Pharaoh, Nero, Hitler, Stalin, Idi Amin
Moses, David, Washington, Lincoln, Churchill
Barack Hussein Obama II

From the most wicked ruler this world has ever seen to the greatest ruler this world has seen, all have been put in place by a sovereign Lord. God does not allow these men to take power. No, he institutes (other translations of Rom. 13:1- ordained, appoints, establishes) them into power.

Thank you, Lord for giving us Barack Obama. Bless him as he undertakes the incredible task of being the president of the United States of America. You have but him into power for this time and we thank you that you are going to bring yourself glory though this man as you have done through every leader in history. We pray that you would draw him unto yourself and make him the greatest president this country has ever seen. Lord, would you instill in him an incredible passion for the unborn. Make him an advocate for change as he leads this country into the future. We love you. Amen.

Voted

2008-11-06T09:14:00.003-06:00

I like Barack.
Barack votes Pr0-choice.
Always.
I'll vote for life.
Always.

Endurance

2008-10-19T23:43:00.003-05:00

I just spent a week at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. It just happens to be the school that one of my best friends attends and they were also having a preview conference for potential students. Imagine what it would be like to throw one rock and kill two birds. Incredible, right?

I would like to share a thought with you: Seminaries are for learning. I learned at a seminary. Maybe I should go to seminary. Flawless logic.

Something I learned: Seminary and under grad are the same.

There are awkward kids who play video games.
The same jokes are laughed at.
Time is wasted in the exact same ways.
People still gush over their professors.
The library is underutilized.

Even though I was expecting seminary to look and feel so much different, I left my visit feeling enriched and blessed. It was a passionate, dedicated place. Passionate to see Christ high and lifted up and dedicated to Christ-honoring biblical scholarship. I met some incredible students and faculty who challenged me to live as Christ lived. If the Lord calls me to the SBTS I hope I can rise to the challenge of academic rigor that was set out before me. God-glorifying study- what a beautiful task.

Special thanks to my brother, Joshua Aaron Koehn, who gave generously of his time and energy to make me feel at home. I could write (and maybe will) a book on the impact he and others have played in my spiritual formation. To life as brothers- three cheers!

Oostra

2008-10-18T10:44:00.003-05:00

May I be the first on this blog to congratulate my dear friends Kyle and Julie on their engagement! I love both of you and look forward to seeing what the Lord continues to do in your relationship.

As I took this goofy photo of them I told them that I was conscious of the fact that this could make it into a wedding slide show someday!

Foolish

2008-10-16T12:15:00.002-05:00

I spent two weeks in Aurora, IL working at a photo studio. The plan was to spend quite a bit more time there but when I finished my trial period it just didn't feel right anymore. Needless to say, I am very glad that I went. It was a great two weeks and I learned a lot.

During my time there I went on a walk through historic downtown Aurora with my camera. I walked into a great tattoo parlor called Foolish Heart and after some time of just talking with Kurt the owner we had scheduled a photo shoot to highlight his parlor. It was an interesting couple of hours at Foolish Heart, butI was so happy with the photos that came of that interaction. Thanks, Kurt.

I even have a free tattoo waiting for me in IL.

Pnumesomnia

2008-10-16T00:01:00.003-05:00

Tonight I had a conversation with a good friend that got me a little worked up- not that that is a real difficult thing, but non-the-less I felt a bit uneasy as I lay my head down to sleep. I will have you know that that is not a particularly pleasant sensation. When up at night, unable to sleep, I usually feel a bit helpless. What is so consuming in my life that I can not conquer it for the sake of a good night sleep? Nothing...accept maybe the Holy Spirit's call on my life. These sleepless nights happened more frequently as a child, as I think they probably did for you as well, but they still happen to me from time-to-time.

This helplessness that is so often debilitating usually comes at times in my life when: I am struggling with a decision that needs to be made, there is a relationship in my life that is dealing with unresolved conflict or tension, I am convicted of sin, a poor attitude, pride, unbelief, or prejudice, or maybe just because the Lord is teaching me to trust and rest in Him. Tonight I think it might have been a combination of them all.

When this strikes I know of only one defense- Scripture. Why? Because it has nothing to do with me. Sometimes when I pray I can't get around myself so first I go to the Word, which is focused on one thing and one thing alone, glorifying the name of Jesus Christ.

Tonight, through my hopelessness, I found new hope. Not because what the Lord was challenging me with was suddenly gone, but because as I read I felt the walls rise up within me and the mote widen. Suddenly the attack of despair felt a little further away. It was not gone, it just felt weaker and maybe even beatable, especially up against the fortress that is the Word of God. But it doesn't stop there, no, we are promised that the Word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword. The walls that gave protection to the weary soul have now become a fierce weapon. God is good, indeed.

Take rest, today. Our heavenly father and king wants to protect you. He will place you in the shelter of His wings. Then, when girded with the Spirit's strength, fight. Fight to death, because it will surely take your life.

"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for My sake,
he is the one who will save it."
-The Christ

Doris

2008-10-15T08:31:00.002-05:00

I love doing photo shoots with my friends and their families. This is from a shoot I did for a family at camp. They met me in the cities and we spent a few hours together walking through the city taking photos. They were a riot and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our time together.

My favorite photos were some of the more obscure ones. There is something so cool to me about a portrait not including the face.

Know

2008-10-14T22:26:00.002-05:00

"He pled the cause of the afflicted and needy;
Then it was well.
Is not that what it means to know Me?"
Declares the LORD.
-Jeremiah 22:16

I read this today and was humbled because of my cold and calloused heart. When was the last time that I pled for the needy and afflicted? Wept for the lost? Anguished for the forgotten? Mourned for/with the mourning? Lord, forgive me of my selfishness. Take away my arrogance. Renew in me a right spirit- a spirit that bleeds for what you bled for.

Yes, I want to know you.

Varsity

2008-10-14T12:19:00.003-05:00

The other night I had the great pleasure of going to a concert at the Varsity Theater in Dinkytown. I had heard incredible things about the venue but had never been able to make it to a concert there. My dear friend Ben and I took in the sweet sounds of Red Fox Grey Fox and Weaver at the Loom. Great Night.

Pedestals

2008-10-13T15:26:00.004-05:00

There are many churches, ministries, and men that are looked up to and respected greatly. Collectively and singularly they have paved the way for a young generation of Christians in this world. They are Christ centered. They are strong. They are humble. They are sacrificing. And unfortunately they are often worshiped. They must be taken from there pedestals and there places of highest honor.

It is so easy for high regard to become highest regard. No one sets out to do covet a ministry it just happen. It starts with respect and ends in sin. Isn't it incredible how Satan can take such a beautifully ordained thing like a Christ-centered ministry and turn it into an object of lust. Satan says, "Go for it. You can have a church that big. People are going to look up to you when you are a best-selling author. You should be the one to speak at that conference. Everybody will know who you are. " As soon as we take a step down that path we have the lost the battle of fruitful ministry.

Those churches, men and ministries are the kind of role models this generation needs to have. They can be places of learning and mentoring, but they can't be the end goal. If you emulate the ministry of a man you will have a man-sized ministry. If you emulate Jesus Christ you will have a Christ-sized ministry. Look at the example that Paul set before us. In his short ministry he fixed his eyes on Christ and Christ alone and marched forward into the throne room of God. For Paul, ministry was not a vocation it was a lifestyle.

Ministry is not about where you are or who is under you or how many people know your name. Ministry is about proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. This can be done at work with your co-workers, at school with your peers, on the football field with your team, at the coffee shop with your barista, or at home with your kids. Christ and Christ alone satisfies. Let us glorify Christ with the ministry of our lives.

Joanna

2008-10-13T11:18:00.006-05:00

I am an aspiring photographer.
I would like my blog to have many facets.
I think photography could be one of those facets.
I hope you enjoy.

She is Joanna.
She is perfect... or close to it.
She is beautiful.
She is my cousin.

Coffee

2008-10-09T12:09:00.002-05:00

I like coffee shops. A lot. In fact, I am in one right now. Over the past few years I have developed a love and admiration for a number of the metro area's caffeinated watering holes. I would now like to give you my top 5 list.

1. Ginko Coffee Shop- St. Paul
2. Nina's Cafe- St. Paul
3. Corner Coffee- Minneapolis
4. The Cupcake- Minneapolis
5. Cahoots- St. Paul
6. Spyhouse- Minneapolis
7. Dunn Brother's (two story)- Minneapolis
8. The Diamonds- Minneapolis
9. Columbia Cafe- Minneapolis

If your math is as good as I think it is, you have probably figured out that I have 9 coffee shops on my top 5 list.

Deal with it.

This list has just become an experiment in creative writing. I will soon attend each shop and write a little short ditty on each one. This could be fun.

Seminary

2008-10-06T13:31:00.005-05:00

God is continually shaping and forming me into the man He wants me to be. One year ago I was not who I am today and Lord willing in one year I will not be the same man that I am today. In the past year there have arisen a number of things that have caught my attention and presented themselves as enticing life options, even God ordained options. Thank you to my friends and family who were gracious as I explored these options- everything from being a hobo on a bike in Italy, to being a student in Australia, to being a teacher in Lithuania and everything in between.

I am in the process of exploring another life option. This one seems to encompass all of the things I loved so much about all of the other options: learning, teaching, people, quiet, fellowship and so much more. It seems to 'fit' better as I play it out in my mind with all of the other life puzzle pieces. Graduate school. Specifically seminary.

In preparation for seminary in the fall I have started a Greek class. In my short time as a Greek student I have learned a little something that I want to share with you:

Greek, like life, is often hard.

It takes time and lots of it.
There are small little nuances that are difficult at first but are invaluable once mastered.
It is rewarding.
Failure is an option just not a viable one.
The purpose is not always clear.
Small victories mean the world.
It is better done with a friend.

Be blessed and abide in the one who gives all life.

Stealing

2008-10-03T08:04:00.004-05:00

I have two possibilities.
1. Wearing a warm sweater and eating Christmas dinner with my family.
2. Wearing an orange jumpsuit and eating Christmas dinner off of a plastic tray with my cellmate Hank. The conversation over our stale Kaiser roll might sound something like this, "Hey, what you in for?" "Two accounts of arson and a dozen counts of grand theft auto, you?" "Stealing music."

You have the power. How you comment may be the difference between dinner with my mom and dinner with Hank.

A series of thoughts on the music industry in its present form.

When you by a CD you are purchasing more than just a shiny piece of plastic. You are also purchasing the right (I am using this word carefully because the sense of entitlement has destroyed a generation, no, all generations) to own that music. This may sound superfluous, but it is because you own a right to it that you can do with it what you want. ie- put it on to your ipod, burn a back-up copy for yourself or just burn it at a youth group campfire.
Maybe it should be said before we go much further that I am a firm supporter of the music industry and it is because of my respect for the musicians that I have always bought my music. I guess there is that whole 'Thou shalt not steal' thing too.
If for some reason I lose or break a CD before I get it into MP3 format, I have no problem burning someone else's copy of it because I didn't just purchase the plastic, I also purchased the right to it.
The reason we don't burn music is because it is stealing money from the artists and their record labels. It is their intellectual property and you only purchased one copy.
There is another thing that we need to keep in mind; the used music industry. ie- Cheapo, eBay, and the Electric Fetus. When you buy a CD from any of those companies you are still buying everything that you were before- the plastic and the right. You have made a legal purchase in the United States of America and even paid a tax on it. Uncle Sam has put his stamp on it and has put his hand in your wallet. You can enjoy your music in any way you want. It is yours.
You just bought a CD and Bon Jovi didn't get a penny. There are now 2 copies of his greatest hits CD in the world and he was only paid for 1.
The reason we don't burn music is because it is stealing from the artist.
The simple act of a financial transaction created another 'right' to the music.
So, why don't we cut the middle man (the used music industry) and just give our friends the CDs we purchase? If it is the transaction itself that creates the new 'right' to burn it I will sell my CDs for a penny.
If there are going to be used CD stores there needs to be a way to monitor whether or not the CD has been burned already. Until that happens (never) it can be (I think) concluded that it is not actually illegal to 'steal' music.
This thought only deals with the legal side of the issue there is still obviously a moral side that I haven't reckoned with.

Please help me if I have somehow made an illogical jump or assertion because, lets be honest, my mother is the preferable Christmas dinner companion.

Pilot

2008-09-26T08:11:00.004-05:00

Cyberspace here I come. Future readers here I come. This is my inaugural post- my small step into a world that is beyond me and slightly overwhelming. My first real bite of the apple that is electronic communication. If you don't know me you should know that my cell phone is circa 1995, I can't stay on top of my voicemails, texting scares me, I have an email address I can hardly function, I have never had a Facebook, myspace, or any other high school style internet home, and I thought blogging was ridiculous. The phrase "counterfeit communication" has crossed my lips on more than one occasion. Give me grace.

I am now a good number of years past puberty and my self awareness is on the rise. I know, for the most part and with a few exceptions, who I am. When something comes along that I deem as worthy of my time I jump in with both feet. This small characteristic has done me a lot of good in life but it has also provided its share of life stressors. An addictive personality often accompanies this kind of "go get 'em" attitude. So in the vein of self awareness I have rejected many things I knew had the ability to control me in some way. Blogging was one of those things. So, if you know me keep an eye out for me. If I start posting a dozen times a day and stop shaving and showering pull me back from the brink. I think it is possible to live and abide in both worlds. I/we need to find moderation in all things.

Ecc 7:18 It is good that you grasp one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them.

So, if this is the twentieth blog you have read today please turn off the computer and go kiss you wife.