Moving On

Hey friends, followers, countrymen, and other people that visit this site.

Here's the deal. It has been a great ride. This blog has been something I've really enjoyed. However, I'm starting fresh. My blogging is moving and rebooting over at Tumblr. Check me out at ahable.tumblr.com. There, I'll be sharing about my new job with Great Commission Ministries as a missionary to the campus at Illinois.

See you over there.

The God of Remember

I was headed off to a meeting tonight. It was like any night, especially in the fact that I had a meeting.

As I pulled out of the driveway, I was concerned that I might be late. But the burden was quickly lifted as I drove a couple blocks and took in the scent of freshly cut grass. Joy flooded into my heart. The summer was upon us. I smelled a firepit only seconds later. The memories of camping trips, late summer nights, and the great times as a child swept over me.

It was that moment that I thanked God for memory...

Then I continued along. Drove with my windows down along campus. Recognizing the streets, intersections, and timing of lights. I wasn't sure if I'd make it on time or not. Fortunately, I pulled to ISR, the location of the meeting, right at 8. Perfectly acceptable and on time. I really enjoyed the walk into ISR. I used to live there and the memories of my time there flooded back. The sight of the doors and the hours spent in the front lobby waiting for people came to the front of my mind. The smell of the building struck me. It has a smell doesn't it? So distinct! Out of my deepest parts rushed more memories of my time in ISR, both living there and leading a Small Group there.

It was this moment that I thanked God for the impact and memories in my life specifically...

The meeting was a bust. Nobody showed up. It was just the leaders and I. This conjures up memories of the struggles of leading a group. How easy the frustration can set in. How easily discouragement did strike me when I was in the same position. We left early, and as I prayed, I was compelled by our God of Memory. He encouraged me so powerfully with memory. Why wouldn't I bless Him in prayer for it?

It was at this moment that I was reminded of Yahweh as the God of Remember...

He asks and compels us to remember:

Exodus 20:8
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

Leviticus 26:42
I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land.

Deuteronomy 7:18
But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt.

Judges 16:28
Then Samson prayed to the LORD, "O Sovereign LORD, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes."

Psalm 25:7
Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD.

Matthew 16:9
Do you still not understand? Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?

Matthew 26:75
Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Luke 23:42
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. "

Luke 24:6
He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee

I love that God calls us to remember constantly His promise, His provision, His power, and our relationship with Him.

All this because somebody thought their grass was too tall.

Favre Surging

This season is fascinating for me from an NFL perspective. The Saints are awesome, the Colts are consistent, the Patriots have fallen, and the Packers are building a solid foundation for the future.

While I am super happy with Aaron Rodgers and what he has done in Green Bay so far, I can't help but wonder a little bit what it would be like if the master of the fountain of youth, Brent Favre was still in Green Bay as Brett Favre, how good we'd be. The hated Viqueens are in the NFC Title Game (against the just as red-hot Saints) with Brent under center. Would the Pack have been there?

Now, take into account that A-Rod had to run a lot this year and his O-Line was pretty weak. That would have gotten Favre beaten up. But the receivers in GB are top notch and it'd be fun to throw the ball their way. As well, Brett is a guy that can seemingly galvanize a team if his passion is there.

If the Vikes do win the Super Bowl, I of course will feel awful cuz the Vikings won and happy for Brent at the same time cuz he still kicked everybody's butts. This one won't shake out for a few more years though when we finally see how many Super Bowls A-Rod can lead the Pack to.

Until then, let's go Saints. You're my boys for at least this week.

Work on the Haus part 2

Work on the Haus part 2, originally uploaded by | Orthogonal Photography |.

they've ripped the stucco off of the Haus and are in process to put insulation on. they still have to replace windows, put new siding up, and replace the front porch. but it is looking good so far.

Great Packers Game Quote

?I started very slowly and didn?t make a lot of good plays early on to get us into position to win,? Rodgers finally said. ?We were able to get on a roll there in the second half. Unfortunately, we couldn?t make enough plays to win.?

He might as well have been talking about the Packers? entire 2009 season. They spent the second half of it digging out from the hole they created in the first half. Indeed, said coach Mike McCarthy, ?our greatest strength ? is really to overcome adversity.?

"I think we'll be back and better next year," said Alan.

Read more @ http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/8729/packers-run-out-of-gas

Contributing with Hobbies

Talking with a friend tonight something occurred to me. OK, maybe it's obvious, but hobbies, interests, and passions are important.

From a Biblical perspective, I think they serve a few purposes, and if they serve all three (there could be more), they can become a hobby for a long and purposeful time. For myself, I will use photography as an example.

1) Refreshing.

A hobby, interest, or passion should probably have a refreshing component. This means that it should recharge you. This could be something that makes you feel good afterwards or brings you back to a state of calmness or sharp thought. Photography is a great hobby that I feel like I really enjoy. It is an energizing experience shooting and editing photos and I love going back and looking at my work. It's really fun.

2) Worshipful.

A hobby, interest, or passion should probably incorporate God. I love creating for just God. I love creating in a way that is capturing. In this, I mean that I love to capture what God has put out there and frame it in a new way. It's also a great way to pray or listen to worship music and sermons while I work.

3) Contributing.

A hobby, interest, or passion should probably be fruiphotographytful. This means that my hobby is better if I contribute to society in some way (through service, creating, or sharing). This is convicting, as it tends to mean that video games aren't the best long term version for my life. However, is art and it helps to solidify memories for people. I am able to serve while I'm refreshed and worshipful.

Now, this is an off the cuff thought, but I really wanted to share it and am curious if there are things I'm missing or if these are disagreeable. I'd love feedback.

My Favorite Christmas Song

A bad version



A good version

Shawn McDonald - O Holy Night