Portugal, the land where the sun puts away for the night. On a Thursday night in early May I found myself in Lagos, a quaint beach town in the Algarve region of Portugal. I was in the company of two great friends, Rob and Andrew, and fresh off a revitalizing road trip towards the west of Europe. Often times the paths you tread to get somewhere are quite fantastic- this was one of those times. The FIAT Panda, a shoe box with wheels slapped on the undercarriage, was the whip of our motion towards the coast. It was a spontaneous trip to say the least. Plans were pasted together hastily like a 2nd grader's art work. Packs were hastily thrown into the vehicle, known as the "gris mono", and we quickly set off towards a ink dot in Portugal. As Andrew hopped in the car he questioned Rob, "where are we going bro?" and Rob responded succinctly,"west".
Those directions set the tone for a liberating weekend of travel and fellowship. We got into Lagos late and found the hostel successfully with the help of the Lord and some very kind locals (a theme that continued the whole weekend). The Portuguese people are incredibly warm and friendly, quick to offer a word of help, and patient enough to make maps on bar napkins. I hope to make my way back the the land of navigators one day. We arose in Lagos the next day to a meal of fresh crepes, lemon tea, and great conversation with a Portuguese woman- who insisted on being called "Mama"... and we were her "babies" that she ended up christening the "banana boys". All this to say, she made us feel at home, far away from home. Something i did not expect and for that was greatly blessed by its presence. The day seemed as a walk through a fictional world - cliffs sprang out of the ocean like modern art statues, beaches played hide and seek with us, and a surreal experience provided for a nice close to the day. It was a little boy's heaven - every rock that found it's way into my vision, worked into my desire, which ended up with me on top of said rock after a nice scamper. It was "neverland".
As my feet rested firmly on top of these immense cliffs i wondered what inspired the explorers to reach beyond the horizon line in wooden ships - racing out into something wholly unfamiliar on purpose. Sounds great huh? The three of us spent a good part of 5 hours exploring the coastline, stopped in for a nice meal, and then headed back to base camp. On the way home we saw an open door, so we walked through it. You never know what will find you on the other side, so just put those treads on over that threshold. That is the protocol for open doors. And a mighty good strategy it can be. Upon our entry we met an awesome guy named Eduardo, the local director of the Football Club in Lagos. After some football talk he gave us a ball and let us go kick around on the pitch. Quite possibly my first and last time to play soccer in Portugal - a simple thing i hope to never forget. We played like kids who had never seen a soccer ball before - childish enthusiasm. Afterward, Eduardo led us to his car and gave a tour of the football stadium 10 minutes down the road. We will never forget his kindness and joy to let us in on his life. One day i hope to be that content with my life's work so much so that i want to display it to others like a trophy at show and tell. Later that night I ate my first burger in Europe. It was the size of my face and delish - Rob said it was probably one of the best burgers to make its way to his belly but proposed it could just be the Europe goggles talking. Amongst all those things the conversation and fellowship was rich. Getting to see Andrew's spirit for the Lord was unreal and i know God has put Him in my life to teach me a great deal. He loves God strong. The three of us shared about spiritual gifts and talked about the Lord a lot making the weekend like a traveling bible study, everyday should be like that. What is your conversation worth if it doesn't have any eternal value? We said a tentative farewell to Lagos the following morning after an awesome banjo concert from Matt, a guy we met at the hostel. We then fiddled our way towards Lisboa- the San Fran of Europe with three complementary banjo c.d's to ease our journey. You get a cd player in your rental car and dont have any music...no worries God will give you some music.
Spontaneity. Utter those syllables and you begin to feel a tinge of adventure creeping into your thoughts. Quite appropriately this whisper defines a liberating manner to enjoy the life you have been given. Often times the way in which you approach a certain moment dictates your perception of said event. We have the power to alter events in our life by simply fidgeting with our opinions, outlook, and overall disposition. Have you ever felt flat out giddy to clasp your pair of eyes on a national emblem like the Eiffel Tower or the Grand Canyon and stepped away with heavy shoes? Your thoughts laden with a tinge of disappointment like an unwanted trespasser permeating the halls of your mind. Your expectations, fair or not, mold your experiences. We have been given a great gift to alter our perceptions of what exist. A good friend of mine, Rob Treppendahl shared a quote with me from his boy St. Francis of Assisi, that grasps this firmly. He commented, "The man who expects nothing is blessed because then he may receive everything". Allow yourself to be surprised by everything and look to find God's master stroke in the seemingly simple and mundane. Be that little boy who takes a stick, dirt, and begins to use the one to create in the other. Children seem to be able to amuse themselves with the smallest of things that we disregard - they make napkins into paper footballs blankets into forts, and fingers into weapons. You can always learn something from anyone at anytime and here we need to learn from children. Make a masterpiece out of everything you are given in life - it will be more fun that way. No expectations is a solid way to live because you can not control the future, lets not try to.
I am on my way out to the park to lay around and read. I hope you enjoy reading about Lagos. I sure enjoyed being there. I love all of you and hope you are living life with a deep sense of joy in your heart, a keen appreciation for the gifts you have been given. Every one i know has awesome things to give. So keep giving. I will finish the story about Lisboa in the coming week. ***Tottenham just beat Chelsea*** and that is whats up!!!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
That success thing
I will soon be throwing in some goodness in regards to a weekend road trip towards the west - Portugal and spontaneous living. Until then I hope you enjoy what God gave me to write. We are mightily blessed because of Him.
I love this quote and want to share some about it...
"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours"
- Henry David Thoreau
I live with the endeavor to make God known to all nations, all tongues and tribes, to every people in the world. It is a mission - not from me or some preacher; a task given to us by God. A proclamation with a global extent - to make His glory known in every square inch of the earth - every head reaching up to His sky, every foot treading upon His earth, every set of lungs taking in the air He gives, every set of eyes gazing at the horizon line He drew, every mind considering wisdom He established, every heart beating to read the next sentence desperately needs the gospel. We all need it everyday. I need it and you need it; afresh in our hearts, ripe, ready to be picked and shared with a hungry soul. The world is craving the gospel. We advance because of Christ and sprint in the directions of His plan for the world because He snapped the chains that hindered us. God crafted in C.S Lewis the words to describe God's longing for our souls and His glorification beautifully:
"In the Christian story God descends to reascend. He comes down, down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity, down further still, down to the very roots and sea bed of the nature He had created. But He goes down to come up again and bring the ruined world up with Him. One has the picture of a strong man stooping lower and lower to get himself underneath some great complicated burden. He must stoop in order to lift. He must also disappear under the load before he incredibly straightens his back and marches off with the whole mass swaying on his shoulders. Or one may think of a diver, first reducing himself to nakedness then glancing in mid air, then gone with a splash, vanished, rushing down through green and warm water into black and cold water, down through increasing pressure into the death-like region of ooze and slime and old decay. Then up again, back to color and light, his lungs almost bursting till suddenly he breaks surface again, holding in his hand the dripping precious thing that he went down to recover."
The great things is this: we are racing, ultra light converses laced to our feet, with this message in our hearts and spirits because Jesus gave it to us. The son of God didn't email this message to us and ask us to simply forward it to 10 people- He came personally, live a perfect life as a man with the divine nature of God, suffered pain on the cross as the sacrifice for our sins, and rose from the dead, putting death and sin in the proper place- beneath His feet. That is why the 72 went out in Matthew with just a staff and cloak. The gospel is worth anything. How could you repress that good news? We like our birthdays more than the gospel. I talk more about the Ole Miss Rebels than the great news that Christ's saves. I want to let God fix that. Our souls resonate with the knowledge that God didn't send money, gold, a check, or supplies to save us... He sent Himself. And for that my mouth will open and speak. God put it on my heart to write about Him... so i did. If we are believers i hope we all feel a terribly strong passion to shout God grace and saving power out from the deepest cellar's of our lungs. Let us begin to define success by God's terms and not ours. Endeavor to live and dream radically for Christ and His Glory. Be broken for what breaks Him and be passionate for His passions. Then we will meet with success undefined in common hours - the response of the Father saying to us, "well done my good and faithful servant". THAT IS SUCCESS! Don't you want it? He has filled us so we may pour out. Start giving because He gave everything to us not to hoard but to share. Your talents aren't yours. They are His. Gifted to you so He may be glorified and so in that you may have joy.
If this is all new to you - God's mission, His task is your soul and giving you His love and grace. That diver, Jesus leaps off the rock for you and the whole world. Each one of us is that "precious thing" He came down to recover. That is better than a warm, glazed, doughnut at Krispy Kreme falling apart in your mouth. Put it in your tummy and wear a smile on your face and in your soul.
Much love to all. Enjoy your spring break Ole Miss and If you get a chance check out Clark Brewer's blog titled "Glory" - beautiful stuff brother. Strength and Honor
I love this quote and want to share some about it...
"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours"
- Henry David Thoreau
I live with the endeavor to make God known to all nations, all tongues and tribes, to every people in the world. It is a mission - not from me or some preacher; a task given to us by God. A proclamation with a global extent - to make His glory known in every square inch of the earth - every head reaching up to His sky, every foot treading upon His earth, every set of lungs taking in the air He gives, every set of eyes gazing at the horizon line He drew, every mind considering wisdom He established, every heart beating to read the next sentence desperately needs the gospel. We all need it everyday. I need it and you need it; afresh in our hearts, ripe, ready to be picked and shared with a hungry soul. The world is craving the gospel. We advance because of Christ and sprint in the directions of His plan for the world because He snapped the chains that hindered us. God crafted in C.S Lewis the words to describe God's longing for our souls and His glorification beautifully:
"In the Christian story God descends to reascend. He comes down, down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity, down further still, down to the very roots and sea bed of the nature He had created. But He goes down to come up again and bring the ruined world up with Him. One has the picture of a strong man stooping lower and lower to get himself underneath some great complicated burden. He must stoop in order to lift. He must also disappear under the load before he incredibly straightens his back and marches off with the whole mass swaying on his shoulders. Or one may think of a diver, first reducing himself to nakedness then glancing in mid air, then gone with a splash, vanished, rushing down through green and warm water into black and cold water, down through increasing pressure into the death-like region of ooze and slime and old decay. Then up again, back to color and light, his lungs almost bursting till suddenly he breaks surface again, holding in his hand the dripping precious thing that he went down to recover."
The great things is this: we are racing, ultra light converses laced to our feet, with this message in our hearts and spirits because Jesus gave it to us. The son of God didn't email this message to us and ask us to simply forward it to 10 people- He came personally, live a perfect life as a man with the divine nature of God, suffered pain on the cross as the sacrifice for our sins, and rose from the dead, putting death and sin in the proper place- beneath His feet. That is why the 72 went out in Matthew with just a staff and cloak. The gospel is worth anything. How could you repress that good news? We like our birthdays more than the gospel. I talk more about the Ole Miss Rebels than the great news that Christ's saves. I want to let God fix that. Our souls resonate with the knowledge that God didn't send money, gold, a check, or supplies to save us... He sent Himself. And for that my mouth will open and speak. God put it on my heart to write about Him... so i did. If we are believers i hope we all feel a terribly strong passion to shout God grace and saving power out from the deepest cellar's of our lungs. Let us begin to define success by God's terms and not ours. Endeavor to live and dream radically for Christ and His Glory. Be broken for what breaks Him and be passionate for His passions. Then we will meet with success undefined in common hours - the response of the Father saying to us, "well done my good and faithful servant". THAT IS SUCCESS! Don't you want it? He has filled us so we may pour out. Start giving because He gave everything to us not to hoard but to share. Your talents aren't yours. They are His. Gifted to you so He may be glorified and so in that you may have joy.
If this is all new to you - God's mission, His task is your soul and giving you His love and grace. That diver, Jesus leaps off the rock for you and the whole world. Each one of us is that "precious thing" He came down to recover. That is better than a warm, glazed, doughnut at Krispy Kreme falling apart in your mouth. Put it in your tummy and wear a smile on your face and in your soul.
Much love to all. Enjoy your spring break Ole Miss and If you get a chance check out Clark Brewer's blog titled "Glory" - beautiful stuff brother. Strength and Honor
Monday, March 9, 2009
Apples are better weapons than bananas
With the pause button mashed in, a toasty cup of “joe” faithfully on my right, standing at attention like a dutiful tin soldier awaiting orders, I crack my stiff fingers, search my thoughts and begin to unfold the past week and half in a country not my own. I am overwhelmed with the vastness of the world and possibility of experiences. One can never read every book, watch every movie, learn every dance, or speak every language. I world is full to the brim of things to enjoy. A cup you can never finish, and that makes me all the thirstier. I hope my message in a bottle is grabbed firmly by understanding eyes, minds, and hearts.
Friends, companions in life, fellow adventurers, are a sublime hand out. The amigos in my life here and at home are better than good and for that my soul sports a perpetual grin. The ability to be your own buddy is awesome. The little boy, who can amuse himself with a stick and some dirt, is destined for a colorful life. For him everything is wonderful. Those content with themselves, offer much to others. Yet, it is clear we were made to enjoy each other, to know and be known be others. Awareness and knowledge are as from one other as the four compass needles. It is easy to be aware of another’s life- their name, family, and hobbies- drop a salutation and move on. Difficulty and joy comes with knowing, with sharing in the triumphs and defeats of another. When you pursue friendships, the authentic ones, you allow the numbness to disparate, begin to feel, start breathing clean air for the first time.
I have always said that two true friends are of more worth than the entire world full of acquaintances. Crafted for fellowship and community, life without people living with you would be silly hard. Amongst friends the world becomes ever larger. Their passions, joys, and sufferings, become yours. You fill up, becoming larger as a person, little by little, like a rubber band ball each friend adds an element to what you already have been given. Every person you meet slides a fresh pair of glasses across the table, pick them up, wrap the arms around your face and begin to look at the world with a new perspective. Thanks to all of you: family, friends, the whole lot.
I set out for Cadiz, a charming city on the southwestern coast of Andalusia, on the whim of a thought. Powered by my ever influential pair of friends, Markus and Scott, we decided to jump town. We hopped onto the bus and ate more chocolate than the Keebler elves can put in circulation. I’m still curious as to where Scott stows it all away in his tree like frame, kid can get at it, and should consider a career in competitive grubbing, watch out Kobayashi. Upon our arrival in the city we ventured downtown to find a place to tuck in for the night. It was touch and go finding the hostel, a little rich for our wallets, with the investment came a return of free (or not so “gratis”) mints. The tasty breath aids were a justification for our hefty contribution to the Spanish financial well being. Scott and Marcus made the foray towards the coast worth it: providing comedic relief, true friendship, and the constant appreciation for a new city and experience.
We brushed quickly about the city hitting the recommended sites with the precision of a Swiss army watch. The day started after an off beat kind of night. We shared relational pasts and then received a shower of haterade from the Nordic people. The doubles team of Swedish gals insulted Markus’s Spanish accent, which makes the pronunciations from my mouth seem like those a of babbling baby, therefore I remained speechless like a devout monk vowed to silence. Good thing we bounced on them later. My foreign policy was painfully tactless and Obama fans would’ve identified me with George Bush. Soon after an invite was extended to another bar by said Swedes I stated “guys, lets get out of here”; a verbal exclamation more obvious than the pope’s religious beliefs. With the sun rise came a stroll about the city walls, peering out into the Atlantic Ocean. With our noses taking in salt laden air i tried to seek out the thought process of the first explorers, men brave enough to thrust themselves far past the horizon line into the unknown . We skimmed through a modern art museum, which gave me one of these, “hey, this is creepy and funny all at once, I want to stay and leave at the same time kind of feel”. After a trip down wacko lane we passed through a garden and Scott took samplings of the local flower populations and species (you are a botanist at heart my friend).
Our trio took a brief gander at the cathedral of Cadiz. These vestiges of a once burgeoning religion adorn the continent like cotton bolls in the bible belt of America. Pictures can do no justice to the grandeur. A facade of decadence betrays the casual passerby. The church goers are mostly tourist, wearing fanny packs like seat belts on the autobahn, paying a euro or two to imagine what used to be – a bare skeletal frame of former influence and glory. Afterward we stepped into "Faro", a classy seafood restaurant, known for the "best" seafood in Spain. Slightly under dressed we took our seats, among a swarm of fashionistas, to enjoy a nice meal. A breathtaking sunset provided the perfect bookend for the weekend before we returned towards home sweet home- sevilla.
It is obvious that the Lord is mighty to provide, going ahead of those He loves with kindness and graciousness. The Body of Christ here in Spain is breathtaking; Shakespeare has not a sonnet do it justice. I have been mercifully tossed into an awesome community of believers – who God is working through to tell me, I’m big Ryan, really big, immense, and infinitely large. We have been meeting on Tuesdays at 6:30 at Rodilla and talking about Jesus. If you are reading this, live in Sevilla, and want to come then you are more welcome to bring yourself on down. All the believers I have met here have been crafted uniquely, with special quirks. Like I have said before I find differences beautiful, and the fantastic oddities of my brothers and sisters is knocking truth into my noggin. As we express ourselves: our abilities, views of life, beliefs about God, the words come together to make God even bigger than He was before, and we can never make Him big enough – the totality of our little construction about His image is a cup of water from the ocean.
I can not wait to tell you about my adventures to Ronda and Portugal. And put some words down about spontaneity. Keep being you and hope you enjoy.
Friends, companions in life, fellow adventurers, are a sublime hand out. The amigos in my life here and at home are better than good and for that my soul sports a perpetual grin. The ability to be your own buddy is awesome. The little boy, who can amuse himself with a stick and some dirt, is destined for a colorful life. For him everything is wonderful. Those content with themselves, offer much to others. Yet, it is clear we were made to enjoy each other, to know and be known be others. Awareness and knowledge are as from one other as the four compass needles. It is easy to be aware of another’s life- their name, family, and hobbies- drop a salutation and move on. Difficulty and joy comes with knowing, with sharing in the triumphs and defeats of another. When you pursue friendships, the authentic ones, you allow the numbness to disparate, begin to feel, start breathing clean air for the first time.
I have always said that two true friends are of more worth than the entire world full of acquaintances. Crafted for fellowship and community, life without people living with you would be silly hard. Amongst friends the world becomes ever larger. Their passions, joys, and sufferings, become yours. You fill up, becoming larger as a person, little by little, like a rubber band ball each friend adds an element to what you already have been given. Every person you meet slides a fresh pair of glasses across the table, pick them up, wrap the arms around your face and begin to look at the world with a new perspective. Thanks to all of you: family, friends, the whole lot.
I set out for Cadiz, a charming city on the southwestern coast of Andalusia, on the whim of a thought. Powered by my ever influential pair of friends, Markus and Scott, we decided to jump town. We hopped onto the bus and ate more chocolate than the Keebler elves can put in circulation. I’m still curious as to where Scott stows it all away in his tree like frame, kid can get at it, and should consider a career in competitive grubbing, watch out Kobayashi. Upon our arrival in the city we ventured downtown to find a place to tuck in for the night. It was touch and go finding the hostel, a little rich for our wallets, with the investment came a return of free (or not so “gratis”) mints. The tasty breath aids were a justification for our hefty contribution to the Spanish financial well being. Scott and Marcus made the foray towards the coast worth it: providing comedic relief, true friendship, and the constant appreciation for a new city and experience.
We brushed quickly about the city hitting the recommended sites with the precision of a Swiss army watch. The day started after an off beat kind of night. We shared relational pasts and then received a shower of haterade from the Nordic people. The doubles team of Swedish gals insulted Markus’s Spanish accent, which makes the pronunciations from my mouth seem like those a of babbling baby, therefore I remained speechless like a devout monk vowed to silence. Good thing we bounced on them later. My foreign policy was painfully tactless and Obama fans would’ve identified me with George Bush. Soon after an invite was extended to another bar by said Swedes I stated “guys, lets get out of here”; a verbal exclamation more obvious than the pope’s religious beliefs. With the sun rise came a stroll about the city walls, peering out into the Atlantic Ocean. With our noses taking in salt laden air i tried to seek out the thought process of the first explorers, men brave enough to thrust themselves far past the horizon line into the unknown . We skimmed through a modern art museum, which gave me one of these, “hey, this is creepy and funny all at once, I want to stay and leave at the same time kind of feel”. After a trip down wacko lane we passed through a garden and Scott took samplings of the local flower populations and species (you are a botanist at heart my friend).
Our trio took a brief gander at the cathedral of Cadiz. These vestiges of a once burgeoning religion adorn the continent like cotton bolls in the bible belt of America. Pictures can do no justice to the grandeur. A facade of decadence betrays the casual passerby. The church goers are mostly tourist, wearing fanny packs like seat belts on the autobahn, paying a euro or two to imagine what used to be – a bare skeletal frame of former influence and glory. Afterward we stepped into "Faro", a classy seafood restaurant, known for the "best" seafood in Spain. Slightly under dressed we took our seats, among a swarm of fashionistas, to enjoy a nice meal. A breathtaking sunset provided the perfect bookend for the weekend before we returned towards home sweet home- sevilla.
It is obvious that the Lord is mighty to provide, going ahead of those He loves with kindness and graciousness. The Body of Christ here in Spain is breathtaking; Shakespeare has not a sonnet do it justice. I have been mercifully tossed into an awesome community of believers – who God is working through to tell me, I’m big Ryan, really big, immense, and infinitely large. We have been meeting on Tuesdays at 6:30 at Rodilla and talking about Jesus. If you are reading this, live in Sevilla, and want to come then you are more welcome to bring yourself on down. All the believers I have met here have been crafted uniquely, with special quirks. Like I have said before I find differences beautiful, and the fantastic oddities of my brothers and sisters is knocking truth into my noggin. As we express ourselves: our abilities, views of life, beliefs about God, the words come together to make God even bigger than He was before, and we can never make Him big enough – the totality of our little construction about His image is a cup of water from the ocean.
I can not wait to tell you about my adventures to Ronda and Portugal. And put some words down about spontaneity. Keep being you and hope you enjoy.
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