Just got back from vacation. Had a wonderful time. What an adventure we had as my wife and I loaded up our four children and trekked down to Florida. Moreover, what a wonderful time we had as we explored the magical kingdom of Disney World.

Having four children, it was fun to see things through the eyes of two teenagers, an eight-year-old daughter and a just-turned-six year old son.

 One of my favorite moments occurred as we watched the fireworks display at The Magic Kingdom. My six year old looked up at me and said, “Now will all of our dreams come true?”

I did not answer; I just smiled.

 I love the innocence of children. Their ability to believe and have faith is untainted by the disappointing moments in life. My son heard the announcer say at the fireworks display that all of our dreams would come true. He simply believed. What a wonderful lesson in simple faith.

I did learn some other things while I was on vacation.

One, I learned that if you are miserable, angry, and unhappy…even Disney cannot fix that. I saw many people fighting, arguing, and tearing each other down. It was sad.

Two, I also learned that the best part of my vacation was what I left with. Incidentally, it was also what I came with. I arrived at Disney with a wife who loves me, and four wonderful children who like me! I arrived at Disney with peace in my heart that comes from my relationship with God. I arrived at Disney with hope for the future that stems from my faith in that same God.

As wonderful as Disney World is – and yes, I am just a big kid when I am there – the best part of my vacation came home with me. For true happiness and genuine fulfillment is not found in where we are or what we are doing; true contentment is discovered in the relationships we have.

 I look forward to my next vacation. However, though our tour of the wonders of Disney is over, I am still smiling as I hold my wife, gaze at my children and pray to my God.

Hmmm…I guess all of my dreams did come true.

Give it away…

Posted: August 4, 2010 in Life
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RYAN ARNOLD

I hear a lot of talk about giving our lives away. People have many causes and agendas that cry out for full commitment: giving of yourself selflessly for the sake of others. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I would say that I embrace this type of call.

I believe in living for something greater than yourself. Treating others the way you want to be treated. Nevertheless, it is easy to live life for ourselves.

But in the end…the question does have to be asked… “What did I do that mattered?” Tough question: one that I do not always want to ask myself. Much less, one I want to answer.

At times, life seems meaningful and I feel that I understand what it means to “give my life away.” Then, I hear a story. Not just any story, but a story of someone who truly gives away their life for the sake of someone else.

Just this last week, a young man by the name of Chad Arnold had gone into the final stages of liver disease. His life was coming to an end. Then, his brother Ryan decided to do something heroic. He decided to give 2/3 of his liver in order to save his brother’s life. The operation went well and was a success. Chad is in recovery and it appears his life has been saved.

However, Ryan…well, He is now in Heaven. He gave his life for his brother.

My heart is broken for the family. Moreover, I am crying out prayers from deep within for God to fill them with the peace and grace for this season that only He can bring.

At the same time, I am personally filled with some shame and conviction. I feel ashamed that I have ever acted as if I know what it means to give my life away. I am convicted that I too often choose my own comfort over the inconvenience of giving of myself.

Ryan, your life…your sacrifice is already affecting the lives of many. Your sacrifice is causing me to reassess my life, my choices and the time I have left on this earth.

Lord, be with Chad and the rest of the family.

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caringbridge.org%2Fvisit%2Fryanandchadarnold&h=f6b38

Lost

Posted: July 20, 2010 in Life
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Somewhere in the pursuit of something better, it feels like we lost something.

We have the ability to talk to just about anyone on the planet from the devices we hold in our hands. Through the internet, we are connected to more information than we could read in a lifetime. We can locate any point on the Earth by pressing the “Google” button.

We can microwave a meal in a matter of minutes; wash dishes by stacking them in a rack and closing a door; and sweep our homes by turning on the automatic vacuum cleaner.

Purchase an airline ticket and be in another location in a matter of hours instead of days. Take a picture and see it instantly instead of waiting for it to develop. Press a button and a new movie appears on our television, computer or cell phone screen.

Type some letters and instantly communicate to another person or group of people. Hear a new song you like and in a matter of minutes, download it for your listening pleasure. Talk to a speaker box and someone will hand you food through a drive thru window. Slide a card, punch in some numbers and money will magically appear.

 If we are sad, pop a pill and be happy for a while. If we can’t sleep, pop a pill and snooze the night away. Sleepy the next morning? Pop another pill and wake right up.

If we are lonely, try an online dating service. If we need more friends, start recruiting on FaceBook.

We are a society who has figured out instant gratification. We know how to press a button and get what we want. But do we really know what we want? And what is the price we have paid for our instant world we have created.

As much as I enjoy the convenience provided to us by modern technology, I still have to ask: In all of our advancement, could it be that we have left behind what is most important? Could it be that we have sold that which is priceless, to gain that which is convenient?

For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26

Excuse me while you think about that…I have to go make a call, send a text, Google an address, update my blog, reprogram my phone, check my FaceBook, download a new song and program my DVR to record my favorite show…

See You on the Stage

Posted: July 14, 2010 in Life
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Life is strange sometimes.  Just when you think you have it all figured out…the script changes. Like a play in which you have rehearsed your role but suddenly find that all of the other actors are improving: so you have to join in.  The show must go on. The unexpected takes place. Tragedy makes an unwelcome appearance on the stage of existence and the script has to be rewritten. New actors appear, sometimes uninvited, and you have to rewrite the dialogue in order to include them.

 Again…the show must go on.

You stop and ask…who’s directing this strange play?  Am I?  My friends?  My relatives?  My spouse? My Boss?

I keep making choices, so am I the director? But are my choices simply reactions to what the other actors are doing?  Am I following the right script? Who did these rewrites?  Wait…is it time to improv again? 

Then the scene changes, and more actors appear.  But the script they are using doesn’t sound like the one I was just in.  This feels like a different play all together. New director? Maybe. But who is it?  Who is controlling the action on the stage?  I thought I was, but I couldn’t be.  I would not write this.  But I must read my lines, play my part.  The show must go on.

The show sometimes makes me tired.  It feels that each scene requires a different role.  But I am just one actor. Sometimes all of the other actors behave as if they are the directors.  Could they be?  Could I be reading the script they wrote for me.  If so…it does not feel right.  But, my improvs and rewrites aren’t much better.

Oh wait…now I hear the voice.  It must be the director.  He just said, “Cut”.  Good time for a break. He’s motioning to me. I think He wants to talk to me.  Just a minute, the show will have to wait.  The director wants some time with me.  I’ll be right back.

Ok…how long was I gone? It felt like hours and just for a moment.  But, I am ready to get back on the stage.  The director assured me that He wrote the script and He is directing all of the action. There are many who are trying to rewrite what He wrote for me, but as long as I listen to His direction…the show will go on. He told me not to worry.  He has it under control.  Just do my best with the lines He has given and He’ll keep directing me into the next scene. Some scenes feel like a tragedy; some like a comedy. There is even some action, mystery and romance. But he weaves them all into the story He has written for my life.

He also said not to worry if the other actors seem to go off script, because they have their own.  Some of them are listening to the director and some are not.  What is important, He said, was that I love them, treat them well, and follow the script…or scripture He has given me.  Keep inviting them into the play I have written He told me. 

So, off I go into the next scene of life. So glad the Director has it all under control. Oh wait, I think He’s calling you.  Go ahead, listen to what He says; He wrote the script and makes it all make sense.

See you on the stage.

Not too long ago, my wife was inspired to repot some houseplants, which were in need of some TLC. My mom was in town for a visit and was inspired to assist my wife in her inspiration.  I have learned that my wife’s inspiration generally leads to my perspiration.  However, this time my required “perspiration” was minimal. My wife and mother were committed to this project.  And they did it all!

All that was required of my son and me was to carry out the newly purchased pots and potting soil.  That is minimal perspiration!

Now if you are waiting for a story about how I dropped a pot or made a mess, I apologize in advance.  That did not happen…this time.  My “pot dropping, mess making” stories will have to wait for another day.

However, something funny did happen when my son and I were putting the pots in the van.

As we loaded the pots and closed the back hatch of the van, a beautiful red sports car flew into the parking lot. The driver brought the car to an abrupt stop and stepped out.  She was a strawberry blonde with oversized sunglasses and an heir of superiority in her walk.

She took a few steps before shooting us a glance over the top of her glasses as she whirled her right arm back behind her and gave her automatic lock-button a push.  The car chirped. She looked back hitting the button once more. The car chirped again. The car was locked. She flipped her hair up in the air as she bounced off making sure we understood she was a superior being with a really nice car. Her stare told us to leave her car alone.

My son and I looked at her, looked at the car, and then looked at each other as we burst out laughing.

The car was a brand new, beautiful, bright red Mustang.  That was most assuredly locked.

Did I mention the car was a convertible…and the top was down? 

I have nothing profound to say about that, but I do have a thought…

I find it funny when we as humans seek to find our importance by what we possess.  Please… don’t get me wrong, l like a nice sports car.  However, what I like more is a good laugh with my son.  So, I would like to say “Thank You” to the Mustang-Convertible-driving, strawberry blonde with big rim sunglasses that provided my son and I a laugh. If you happen to be reading this, I apologize. Because I just could not resist going over and turning up the volume knob on your radio. Yeah, sorry… that was me.

Freedom Reigns…

Posted: July 3, 2010 in Seasonal
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Freedom

Such a powerful word.

A word so powerful, it was weaved into the very fabric of the Constitution upon which the United States was built.

A word so powerful, men and women will take up arms in order to defend it.

A word so powerful, men and women will lay down their lives rather than surrender the ability to practice it.

A word so powerful it motivates friends to argue its meaning; enemies to attack its foundation; politicians to exploit its power; authors to write of its merit;  artists to paint under its emotion; singers to voice its hope; and teachers to tell of its history.

A word that people spend a lifetime pursuing.

Freedom: such a powerful word. 

A word so powerful yet so expensive to defend.

A word so powerful, yet so difficult to define.

A word so powerful, yet so easy to abuse.

Freedom…the most sought after, highest priced, misunderstood, fought over word besides love.  But without freedom, we do not have the opportunity to show love.  But without love, we do not have the correct motivation to defend our freedom.

The price of freedom is always paid by those who love…

… their country; their family; their freedom and the freedom of others.

Independence Day is a time we celebrate the freedom we enjoy in the good ol’ US of A.

No matter what our political beliefs or affiliation, let us not forget the price paid for the Freedom we experience on a daily basis.  Let us not take for granted how precious our freedom is.

Thank you to every man and woman who has given their lives for this Freedom.  Thank you to every man and woman who has served in our military in defense of the freedom we live with on a daily basis.

God bless every one of you and God Bless America.

Love…So, Who’s Afraid?

Posted: June 23, 2010 in Life
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Perfect love casts out fear… 

It is amazing to me how one simple phrase can carry such power and challenge me so much. 

Perfect love cast out fear…

If you asked me if I am a person who loves…I would say, “Yes”.

If you asked me if I love people, I would answer, “Absolutely”.

Of course I love people.  Of course I want the best for others. Of course I want to forgive and grant people a second chance. Of course I want to show kindness. Of course I want to show love through my actions and my words.

Then…why does love so often escape me in the moments I need it most?

Why when I should offer forgiveness do I find myself wanting to judge?

Why when I should offer compassion do I find myself callous and cold?

Why when I should offer understanding do I find myself being critical?

Maybe it’s because, if I’m honest with myself, often I am afraid.

Afraid of being too vulnerable; afraid of being hurt; afraid of giving someone love when they don’t deserve it. Afraid…If I truly surrender all and love unconditionally that I will somehow lose some of who I am.

Then there are those words… “Perfect Love cast out all fear”.  So what is perfect love? 

This phrase comes from a passage of scripture in the Bible which reads…

15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 19 We love, because He first loved us. 20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. 1 John 4:15-21 NASU

Maybe I struggle with showing love because in and of myself, love is not perfected.  Maybe perfect love can only exist when I surrender to the one who made love…the one who is love; the one who gave His life to prove love.

The more I understand God’s love for me the less fear I have in loving others.  He showed the way in giving His all for me…for you.  For this I love Him…and because of this…I am not afraid…and because I am not afraid…I can love.

Perfect love casts out all fear

In honor of my father and in retrospect of being a dad, these are random words and phrases that captured my thoughts.

Smiles and frowns

Bumps and bruises

Lessons learned; lessons taught

 Incomprehensible love; unbearable heartache

 Asleep in the back seat; Awake at the wheel

Asleep in his arms; asleep in my lap

Diapers…

Late nights; early mornings

I love you dad; I love you too

Little hugs; slobbery kisses

 Remembering; Forgetting; Forgiving; Missing

Hopes and dreams; disappointments and heartache; hopes and dreams again

Unscheduled fun

Doctors visits; Dentist appointments; retainers; braces; an uninsured smile

Baseball; softball; soccer

Music He likes; Music I like; Music my kids like; Music we all like

Playing guitar; Playing piano; Playing together

Winning moments; painful losses

Homework he don’t understand; Homework I can’t comprehend; Homework that doesn’t get done

Learning to ride a bike; teaching to ride a bike; learning first aid

Christmas morning

Going anywhere with dad; going anywhere with my kids

Children’s movies

 Legos and tinkertoys… x-box and the wii

The little Rascals; Gilligan’s Island; The Brady Bunch – Dora the explorer; Spongebob; Hannah Montana

Teenagers; cell phone; texting; internet

Learning to drive; patience; dents; insurance

Dating; first impressions; broken hearts; crushes; first loves; a father’s hugs

Behavioral training; attitude adjustments; being grounded

Money saved; money spent…money spent… money spent

Vacations

Time lost; time found

School programs; music recitals

 College; Careers; Marriage; Kids

Life decisions

Praying together; Church together

Learning what matters most; realizing what doesn’t matter

Learning to cherish every moment, before the moments are gone.

Happy Father’s day dads.

He looked me in the eyes.  I looked back. He licked his lips as he stepped closer.  I moved to the other side of the couch, and turned away.  When I turned back, he had disappeared. Then…

As quickly as I could turn around, IT was gone. My perfectly grilled piece of chicken had vanished…and so had he…our dog Shiloh.

A perfectly grilled piece of chicken is one of the things I look forward to in the summer.  I love to grill and I love chicken.  I have learned the art of marinating; using just the right amount of heat; timing the turning of the chicken at just the right time. And when it is done…the flavor is magnificent and the meat is tender. Unfortunately, Shiloh our dog also appreciates my grilling skills!

Like a tasty piece of grilled chicken, most things worth having in life require an investment of time, practice and dedication. And nothing hurts more than when you have invested yourself into something worthwhile, only to have it stolen, lost, or destroyed.  A piece of chicken can easily be replaced; but what about the things that really matter, like…relationships?

There may be no greater pain than investing your emotions, heart, soul, energy and all that you are into a relationship only to have it end. We have all felt that sting.  It can cause our hearts to be guarded and full of suspicion.  It can make us leery of any and all relationships. It can cause us to hold up bitterness and unforgiveness as heroic symbols of our pain and loss. It can keep us from trusting anyone ever again.

In the moment of greatest loss, pain, self-denial and suffering, Jesus cried out, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” His closest followers had betrayed and abandoned Him. He was alone on the cross, giving all He had for all mankind, including the very ones who betrayed Him, left Him, and falsely accused Him.

His words in that moment could have been a diatribe of insults and accusations towards all who had put Him there. But instead, he once again did what few of us could do.  He looked past the pain of the moment and into the power and hope of the future.  His life was being given for us to have life; but even while he was giving His life away, he did not hold anything against those who brought Him his present pain.  Instead, he chose to love.

What an example.

May the pain of relationships lost cause us to be more like Jesus instead of being trophies of suffering that we keep as reminders to keep others at a distance.  God, help us to forgive and try again.

One last thing…if anyone has seen my dog Shiloh, please send him home, because that’s my piece of chicken he’s holding in his mouth. Father, forgive Him!

I Wrote A Book

Posted: June 3, 2010 in The Book
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This will not be a normal blog for me this week. Instead, I would like to ask for your help.  I have recently finished authoring a book entitled: UnWritten.  Unlike my blog, it is a work of fiction; though honestly, sometimes my life feels like a work of fiction…unbelievable!

I am working on having my book published.  One thing I have done is entered a writing contest that, if I won, would assist me in paying for some of the costs in getting the book to the written page.

You can help me out by voting for me at:  thepublishingmaster.com  My book is entry #5.  To get a feel for the book content, you can read the first two chapters and if you like it, go ahead and vote for me.

UnWritten, by H. E. Hobson

Let me know what you think! Also…consider becoming a facebook fan of Yorkshire Publishing.

Thanks again for your help.