Listen: Satellite "ring the bells"
"We'll ring the bells that lead you home
Cause the only truth I've ever known
Is that nothing ever hurts us more than love
So circle up your best friends
And we'll celebrate the way it ends
At least we live tonight
At least we live tonight"- Satellite- "ring the bells"
May tonight change your life..., for the better.
God has a dream!
and you're part of it.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
the kingdom belongs to these...
"and I become a child when she moves my world"- Damien Rice
Yesterday was one of those days. I have recently been reminded (it is hard when you no longer work with them) that child-like elements are some of the best parts of living and we should always allow for these feelings and care free elements to be in our lives. Experiencing a beloved summer place with an amazing brother and allowing for all the memories and flood of emotion and change to arise made me feel as though I was simultaneously eleven again while also being well beyond my years. Its kind of like making a movie of the clouds passing by and then fast forwarding it. Life moves, yet what happens lingers.
Sebago lake Maine is and will continue to be one of my favorite places in all of new England. Point Sebago campground, Frye Island, and Jordan Bay, all painting a beautiful portrait of so many youthful lessons and experiences. I grew and learned so much there and when I sit down next week for thanksgiving dinner with my family I will share the same abundant excitement and bubbling enthusiasm as I shared with my friend who accompanied me and the girl at Subway who just wanted me to stop talking and order my sandwich.
I am twenty-three years old. I have graduated college and am slowly entering the "real world" and becoming an independent adult. Life is moving. Yet it is the places, like Sebago lake, that remind me what is important and what is worthwhile to spend my time on. I encourage anyone to make it a point to visit a place of your childhood, maybe even with a friend or lover. who knows, it might be just what you need, it may even change the current course of your life altogether. Maybe the goal of growing older is not to move beyond our childhood, but to move "in" it. To allow for the experiences, for better or worse, to move and mold us into the individuals we Hope to be and that we already are.
song:
Damien Rice- "dogs"
Yesterday was one of those days. I have recently been reminded (it is hard when you no longer work with them) that child-like elements are some of the best parts of living and we should always allow for these feelings and care free elements to be in our lives. Experiencing a beloved summer place with an amazing brother and allowing for all the memories and flood of emotion and change to arise made me feel as though I was simultaneously eleven again while also being well beyond my years. Its kind of like making a movie of the clouds passing by and then fast forwarding it. Life moves, yet what happens lingers.
Sebago lake Maine is and will continue to be one of my favorite places in all of new England. Point Sebago campground, Frye Island, and Jordan Bay, all painting a beautiful portrait of so many youthful lessons and experiences. I grew and learned so much there and when I sit down next week for thanksgiving dinner with my family I will share the same abundant excitement and bubbling enthusiasm as I shared with my friend who accompanied me and the girl at Subway who just wanted me to stop talking and order my sandwich.
I am twenty-three years old. I have graduated college and am slowly entering the "real world" and becoming an independent adult. Life is moving. Yet it is the places, like Sebago lake, that remind me what is important and what is worthwhile to spend my time on. I encourage anyone to make it a point to visit a place of your childhood, maybe even with a friend or lover. who knows, it might be just what you need, it may even change the current course of your life altogether. Maybe the goal of growing older is not to move beyond our childhood, but to move "in" it. To allow for the experiences, for better or worse, to move and mold us into the individuals we Hope to be and that we already are.
song:
Damien Rice- "dogs"
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Permission to Love
I Love To write Love on her arms and similar organizations, like Music Saves and the One campaign. It seems as though, although this adds good and bad aspects to charities, charity and doing good things have meshed with pop culture to raise awareness and increase the desire to do good. Young people are always at the forefront of breakthroughs big movements regarding peace and change. With the ease of communication, this has never been easier to voice our opinion and join up with a cause.
However, in working with college students and other young people (and being one myself) it all comes back to Love. "Love is all we need", go figure right. No really. The thing that nobody tells you, is that its hard. Damn hard. For some, its near impossible.
But as young people, we experience so very much. This is a world of influences; peer pressures, media pressures, family pressure, significant other stress, and, of course, in the world of higher education, information overload. Yet life seems to be a little more simple when you take a step back from it all. These influences, although many are actually quite good, can be at best time consuming, at worst, they can absolutely rule our lives. It is easy to get overwhelmed by it all. It is, perhaps, even easier to just throw in the towel. Life, love, happiness and all that. Right.
We become so inundated with all that's happening that we forget why it is we are actually roaming this blue and green expanse. Bogged down by the "weight of the world". So confused about what to think and who we actually are that are opinions and views are no longer our own. We feel like we need to wait on others to act so we can come up with an appropriate reaction. It's as if nothing we do seems quite right.
Well, it is not. The world has been turned upside down; many times over. The economies, the environment, the disasters, the wars; the oppression.
I can confidently say, most of us have it easy in America. Yet the hurt and affliction we experience are still present. Sure, we don't have disease epidemics so much or guerrilla warfare in our streets, but we have are not without. Our pain just takes on a different name. For young people, it is depression, despair and loneliness that seem to be our biggest issues. In a time where communication is at a surplus, we are feeling more alone than ever. Call it what you will,we are oppressed. The oppressed are held captive. Although we are not so much held captive (depending on how you look at it) we are still in need of an escape; we need to be freed; we need a command; its as if we need permission.
Although there is always more to the story, I believe it can all be summed up by allowing ourselves and others the permission to Love.
Tell some one you love or even somebody you barely know, Tell them its ok to love. To them to go ahead. It may seem strange at first, but imagine if we all felt it? If we all knew it? If we all lived it?
However, in working with college students and other young people (and being one myself) it all comes back to Love. "Love is all we need", go figure right. No really. The thing that nobody tells you, is that its hard. Damn hard. For some, its near impossible.
But as young people, we experience so very much. This is a world of influences; peer pressures, media pressures, family pressure, significant other stress, and, of course, in the world of higher education, information overload. Yet life seems to be a little more simple when you take a step back from it all. These influences, although many are actually quite good, can be at best time consuming, at worst, they can absolutely rule our lives. It is easy to get overwhelmed by it all. It is, perhaps, even easier to just throw in the towel. Life, love, happiness and all that. Right.
We become so inundated with all that's happening that we forget why it is we are actually roaming this blue and green expanse. Bogged down by the "weight of the world". So confused about what to think and who we actually are that are opinions and views are no longer our own. We feel like we need to wait on others to act so we can come up with an appropriate reaction. It's as if nothing we do seems quite right.
Well, it is not. The world has been turned upside down; many times over. The economies, the environment, the disasters, the wars; the oppression.
I can confidently say, most of us have it easy in America. Yet the hurt and affliction we experience are still present. Sure, we don't have disease epidemics so much or guerrilla warfare in our streets, but we have are not without. Our pain just takes on a different name. For young people, it is depression, despair and loneliness that seem to be our biggest issues. In a time where communication is at a surplus, we are feeling more alone than ever. Call it what you will,we are oppressed. The oppressed are held captive. Although we are not so much held captive (depending on how you look at it) we are still in need of an escape; we need to be freed; we need a command; its as if we need permission.
Although there is always more to the story, I believe it can all be summed up by allowing ourselves and others the permission to Love.
Tell some one you love or even somebody you barely know, Tell them its ok to love. To them to go ahead. It may seem strange at first, but imagine if we all felt it? If we all knew it? If we all lived it?
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Taking stock, counting blessings
"Hope for a better, November"- Jimmy Eat World
Dear friends, its time to stop and smell the, ugh, dying leaves and dried grass of another summer come and gone and a fall into the new year that is coming. Autumn. Fall. Here we are, we are here.
How is your life?
Where is your heart?
What new dreams have you dreamt?
Where in the world are you?
Do you believe?
WHat can you do to get there?
What do you need to let go of?
Have you given your best?
"Not all who wander are lost"- JRR Tolkien
listen:
jimmy eat world- "futures"
Dear friends, its time to stop and smell the, ugh, dying leaves and dried grass of another summer come and gone and a fall into the new year that is coming. Autumn. Fall. Here we are, we are here.
How is your life?
Where is your heart?
What new dreams have you dreamt?
Where in the world are you?
Do you believe?
WHat can you do to get there?
What do you need to let go of?
Have you given your best?
"Not all who wander are lost"- JRR Tolkien
listen:
jimmy eat world- "futures"
Saturday, October 23, 2010
"Will you're name be recorded?"
learning how to wait... (the Almost)
I have had the opportunity to listen as of late. To listen instead of speak, and let me tell you, this is hard. To everyone who knows me, I am a person who loves good conversation and to prove a point. But, as the bible so often reminds me, this life is not about me. I have felt very anxious and impatient as i start a new season of life. It has been as if all the world and all the experiences, thoughts and emotions that have gone into my life, have hit a standstill; a dead end; a writer's block, an ellipses.
But,
this is a lie.
I had the opportunity to join a few older men at Panera Bread recently after work. My friend and mentor Benny was kind enough to buy me a salad and a coffee (no money) and allow me to "meet" with some friends in what was quickly becoming a weekly event. During the time I spent there (a little less than an hour) I got the opportunity to learn a great deal. These men had all been through the age and time period of my life I was currently in, not only that, but lo and behold, they had survived and were living great stories. Everyone present spoke to my life and my heart, but it was the man across from me, Wayne, whose words really pierced my young and stubborn mind.
After re-enforcing what I had learned all summer (that we cannot save/please/protect/teach EVERYONE we encounter) and sharing a bit of his background, he proceeded to explain the "meaning" behind his work, which has been with the Postal Service for 32 years. But, as you might imagine, we did not talk about mail or packages. He really got my attention when he spoke these words very firmly,
"Will you're name be remembered in the history books?"
I thought at first he was making some sort of theological or philosophical point, but he was dead serious.
"How about you?"
Everyone around the table said no, and he promptly continued to explain that his name is recorded in Washington D.C. int he national archives as he was the post master of two towns for a good deal of those 32 years. He told this story, not out of pride, but out of the fact that his story mattered. His seemingly simple job was important. Well beyond a name being recorded, he got to supervise, to watch over others. To serve them in a multitude of ways, above and WAY beyond the standard postmaster. He was a friend, a counselor, a mentor, a nurse, an aide, a shoulder, a friend. He had truly made the most of his profession and used it for the will of the one who sent him. You see, Wayne studied guidance and counseling in grad school and even had his own practice for over two years. But it was not in an office or school where he most used his acquired skill and his heart for service, but rather in delivering mail and supervising mailmen.
I finished my first statement by saying " this is a lie". It's so true. I have put so much pressure on myself to live and love and serve, serve, serve; that I have forgotten why I serve. That I have let anxiety and worry overcome "doing". That I have let stress de-rail my train and that I have only "felt God" when I actually let go and let the truth and beauty held within the flesh that I am shine forth. Actually let go.
But worst of all, I have not even comprehended the blessings that have come my way over the past month. Namely that I have a new job and a renewed chance at Love.
and for that,
I am truly sorry,
yet so overflowing with Hope.
What am I going to be? Who can I help? Will my name be recorded in history?
It is time to take my own advice,
It's time to "Let go and Let Love"
listen:
Sleeping at Last "Next to me"
I have had the opportunity to listen as of late. To listen instead of speak, and let me tell you, this is hard. To everyone who knows me, I am a person who loves good conversation and to prove a point. But, as the bible so often reminds me, this life is not about me. I have felt very anxious and impatient as i start a new season of life. It has been as if all the world and all the experiences, thoughts and emotions that have gone into my life, have hit a standstill; a dead end; a writer's block, an ellipses.
But,
this is a lie.
I had the opportunity to join a few older men at Panera Bread recently after work. My friend and mentor Benny was kind enough to buy me a salad and a coffee (no money) and allow me to "meet" with some friends in what was quickly becoming a weekly event. During the time I spent there (a little less than an hour) I got the opportunity to learn a great deal. These men had all been through the age and time period of my life I was currently in, not only that, but lo and behold, they had survived and were living great stories. Everyone present spoke to my life and my heart, but it was the man across from me, Wayne, whose words really pierced my young and stubborn mind.
After re-enforcing what I had learned all summer (that we cannot save/please/protect/teach EVERYONE we encounter) and sharing a bit of his background, he proceeded to explain the "meaning" behind his work, which has been with the Postal Service for 32 years. But, as you might imagine, we did not talk about mail or packages. He really got my attention when he spoke these words very firmly,
"Will you're name be remembered in the history books?"
I thought at first he was making some sort of theological or philosophical point, but he was dead serious.
"How about you?"
Everyone around the table said no, and he promptly continued to explain that his name is recorded in Washington D.C. int he national archives as he was the post master of two towns for a good deal of those 32 years. He told this story, not out of pride, but out of the fact that his story mattered. His seemingly simple job was important. Well beyond a name being recorded, he got to supervise, to watch over others. To serve them in a multitude of ways, above and WAY beyond the standard postmaster. He was a friend, a counselor, a mentor, a nurse, an aide, a shoulder, a friend. He had truly made the most of his profession and used it for the will of the one who sent him. You see, Wayne studied guidance and counseling in grad school and even had his own practice for over two years. But it was not in an office or school where he most used his acquired skill and his heart for service, but rather in delivering mail and supervising mailmen.
I finished my first statement by saying " this is a lie". It's so true. I have put so much pressure on myself to live and love and serve, serve, serve; that I have forgotten why I serve. That I have let anxiety and worry overcome "doing". That I have let stress de-rail my train and that I have only "felt God" when I actually let go and let the truth and beauty held within the flesh that I am shine forth. Actually let go.
But worst of all, I have not even comprehended the blessings that have come my way over the past month. Namely that I have a new job and a renewed chance at Love.
and for that,
I am truly sorry,
yet so overflowing with Hope.
What am I going to be? Who can I help? Will my name be recorded in history?
It is time to take my own advice,
It's time to "Let go and Let Love"
listen:
Sleeping at Last "Next to me"
Friday, October 15, 2010
Between the Trees- EmoPopSmilingPurpose- Do rock out!!!
So every now and (actually everyday) a band hits me and is a big part of my day. Bands (and signers) make music and therefore carry the melodies and messages of beauty and truth to our ears. Between the Trees is one of those bands. They are very near and dear to my heart and although they are officially coming to an end as a complete band, their story and their place in mine and others lives has been firmly planted.
I had the opportunity to see one of my favorite bands over the winter break from college. This band was anberlin and the concert was during a very confusing and vulnerable time in my life. Yet it was not anberlin, or even the great shared experience with my best Friend Evan (and his first modern rock concert), but the opening band that really stood out that evening. This was where i first met Between the Trees. 
(Wes, courtesy of Flicker)After hearing about BTT discontinuing their musical pursuits, I didn't feel a bit of remorse. I know they are awesome guys and will be off to do many cool things, music related or not. I think the reason I was not so bummed was because of their lasting impact, and their involvement in my favorite charity, To Write Love on Her Arms. As a matter of fact, two of their first albums songs are dedicated/inspired by Renee Yohe- video:
Between the Trees and Renee Yohe talk--
The more I go on in this adventure of life and love, I learn about the importance of story. BTT's first album, "A story and the song" is all about that. Renee's story was a big part of that album. But they also played a big part in my story and I'm sure many of the other fans they touched over the last few years. This was a band that always wanted to leave an impression of Hope and purpose with everything they did, in a genre of music often known for songs of bad break-ups and utter loneliness. BTT is a band that will forever live on, and the Love and Hope that drives them is going to propel them into beautiful things for a long time to come. THANK YOU!
and
GOD BLESS!
song from first album, "The story and the song" "its not the intimacy that brings me closer to you..."
"Red lines and white lights"
song from second album, "Spain" "i know, things aren't quite like what they used to be, yeah..."
"We can try"
Sunday, October 3, 2010
transition: mntn life
So i have reached a very new season in my life. After working very hard this summer with the NOST after school/summer camp program and taking a break from bike riding, I have moved on to a new adventure. The job is new, the adventure is a bit of a returning. I will be working part-time (hopefully full time soon!) with Eastern Mountain Sports and continuing to guard the night as the NLI nightwatchman. Working at EMS has re-opened many doors in terms of outdoor adventure and racing, and I am very hopeful about competing and SHARING adventures this coming year. After all, life is not about me; but then again, God knows our hearts and the things in life we love, the elements and purpose in all we do. Our passions are not just things, but they also help us write the story of who we are. They tell us what we really want and what matters most-
I Hope whatever season you are in, or if things are changing quickly and you don't really understand why, that you can hang on for the ride and know it will all make sense soon.
Post script: Whenever I write the word "Hope" i try to capitalize it. I know that you are only supposed to capitalize proper nouns and such, but i believe Hope is a special word. Maybe the most special of them all. Hope is a feeling, Hope is a smile, Hope is an inspiration, Hope is a movement: Hope is real. Check out Romans 5:5 for further details...
listen:
Switchfoot (Jon Foreman)- "thrive"
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