Enjoy the day. It's optional.

When was the last time that you actually enjoyed the day?  When was the last time that you found happiness in the blessing God has given you?

Often times we drag ourselves along the pavement of life, rarely looking up to see what is going on.  We pray for a better life in the evening, and then curse it when we wake in the morn.  It's as if we wait for God to answer our prayers, place blessings in our lives, and then we scream for something more.  God is screaming at us, reaching for us, and we are deaf to hear; we are blind to see.

And of course, I am no stranger to this.  In fact I struggle with this daily.  I am guilty; I am ignorant; I am blind; I am selfish.  All of these.  In fact, I would say most of us are, but that's just our nature.  The state in which humans are born...sin.  We want more, more and more; me, me and me.

And I wish I had the answer.  I think we all do.  We all want to be happy.  We all want to experience satisfaction.  I think the problem is we are looking in all the wrong places.  We are searching through the wrong cupboard's...walking the wrong hallways...sailing strange seas...relying on wrong fillers.

Matthew 6:25-34 states, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

I love this.

Every morning, I wake up and worry.  Worry about money, food, clothes, housing, job security, health, and the list goes on.  But why?  Life is so much more then what we see here.  Life is so much more than what our eyes can perceive or what our minds can comprehend.  To believe and have faith that everything is provided for me.  That everything will always work out and God will provide for me.  That is a foreign subject for many.  Putting faith in someone/something that we can not see.  Why would we ever do that?

If you gain anything from this blog, and if you're reading this then I am thankful for your time, but if you get anything from this blog, I pray its this:  Stop living for likes.  Stop living for money.  Stop living to satisfy "the man".  Stop living to pursue yourself.  Stop living for the next pay raise or the next car or the next dream home.  Love people; take time for people; invest in people.  Sit in the silence of God.  Live for today.  Live in the moment and work to find beauty in all God has given you.  Open your eyes to the blessing you have, and listen to the screaming of God in your lives.  If we just take the time to pursue Him and all He wants for us, I promise your life will feel more full, more satisfied, and more hungry for Him.  I promise you.

It took me awhile to live like this.  Took me some time to believe this idea, and I am so thankful God loved me enough to pursue me.  God is constantly pursuing you, waiting for you.  Take the time and look for Him.

I found a sleeping beauty.  And she is perfect.  I think I will keep her.

Isn't cereal a weird meal?  I mean, I eat up to four or five bowls a day, but I feel like its the only acceptable bowl of food, let alone wet food, that you can eat literally anywhere.  I can eat in bed, on the couch, in the bathroom, standing up, in my underwear, outside on my porch, while cooking, on my way to work, at work, dry or cold.  

You can't do that with spaghetti.  You can't do that with a salad.  

Cereal is a rebel to the bowl business.  Pushes the rules, and defines proper eating etiquette.  Cereal is awesome.

We have a happy dog.  She is an annoying, beautiful, crazy, fun, gross, loving, exhausting, comforting, relaxing, hyper, joyful, upsetting dog...basically the fire and ice of our lives.  And for all those who judge her, get to know her.  Most kind spirited dog I have ever met...besides Mars Bars.

I am thankful Mercedes rescued her at 9 weeks off the streets and I am thankful to share a home with her.

And this here is either Baby Fenway, or what ever boy name we decide to choose.  

I knew Mercedes was pregnant, but until this day, this first ultra sound, I just didn't seem real.  She/He is now the size of a lime, and Mercedes is now three months pregnant since yesterday.

The joy that I have for this baby, that I have never met, nor never seen or held is unexplainable.  Seeing this little girl/guy pop up on the screen was the happiest, scariest, and beautiful thing that I believe has ever happened to me. 

Baby Doyle is going to be a champ.

It is now a reality.  I am a Kentuckian, I think?  Definitely a weird thing.  I have been a Phoenician for some time now.  Change is good.  For everyone.

You know what I have missed most about Arizona...Arizona monsoons.  I miss the smell.  I miss the dust storms.  I miss the beautiful clouds that come with the monsoons.  Its a wonderful time of year and I am so happy that I got to spend last night, around family, enjoying a monsoon.  Brings back memories of childhood, flooded streets, the hot pavement on my feet, and a smell you never will forget.

And a final thought...have not written a poem in awhile (literally probably 2 years) and I think now is a good time to start.

I set out on foot,

From the place that I called home.

And found myself wandering,

To places where wild things grow.

The trees were tall

And the grass was green,

My eyes had been fixed

On all these worldly things.

My mind was suddenly cleared

And my heart was opened up,

I just couldn't believe

That I had yet to fill my cup.

There is a woman I found,

Who wrapped me up in warmth

Breathed on me a happiness,

That only comes with truth.

Love that can't be tamed,

A heart for those in need,

She gave me light in darkness

She had planted a little seed.

And by the time my heart was fond,

The seed had grown and sprouted,

The vines were deep in root,

My conscious had been re-routed.

And to this day I find,

No better joy than her

And waking up in the scent

My mind couldn't be more sure.

That when I left my home,

On foot, confused and lost,

That God had placed this woman

On the path of wilder things and cost.

Through sickness and in health, 

For better or for worse,

This woman is my love,

An angel from above.

God is good.  Enjoy the day.  Every day.  Life is to short not to.  

"Happiness can be found even in the darkness of times.  If only one remembers to turn on the light."

Until next time.

-JTD-

Fried Pickles and Student Ministry.

My fellow Americans,

This happened yesterday.  It was awesome.  

And upon buying this watermelon, it took me back to my childhood.  Playing outside, in the heat of Arizona, equivalent to a furnace, and coming home to my mom's freshly cut watermelon.  Was the best ever.

I actually had to look up how to pick a good one.  No one likes a bad watermelon.  The disappointment in cutting up an 15 lb. watermelon and realizing it is horrible.  Worst feeling ever.  

And to add to that feeling, having to finish it because no one wants to throw away a 15 lb. watermelon that you paid for.

But the real significance of yesterday, the 4th of July, is not a watermelon.  It is not a hot summer day, a good BBQ, a nice dip in the pool, or a great firework show.

I was laying in bed last night, trying to fall asleep, and all I could here were the blasts and bangs from the fireworks out my window.  

(PS...they are legal here, which is awesome, and annoying all at the same time.  Everyone loves trying to sleep while every neighbor on your street is blowing up anything they can find in their yard.)

Anyways, I laid in bed, eyes closed and just listened to the fire works.  I remember turning over to my wife and saying "I wonder if this is what it sounds like in war trying to sleep?"  And instantly my mind goes on to wonder about that experience.  In no way am I saying this is anything close to what it must be like.  I know it is far worse I am sure, and I have only heard stories.  But my mind endlessly wandered back to those stories.

July 4th is celebrated by so many, preparing for the best BBQ ever, followed by drinking, swimming, and laughing, while remembering our independence.  But often times I see this all to much, and upon observing these actions we forget why we can even celebrate our independence.  That we get to celebrate due to the thousands and thousands of troops that have fought, are still fighting, and have died on the battle field.

Consumed by firework smoke, grill heat, cool pools and cold ones, lets not forget the real reason we celebrate the 4th.  Let us never forget that there was a price for our freedom.  It was not free.  And I am forever thankful to those men throughout history that gave up everything so that I could have everything.  I can never pay you back.  You are the real heroes. 

'merica. 

Just the other day, I tried my first fried pickle.  

A bit skeptical to the whole idea of a fried pickle but I was mistakenly surprised as to how delicious it was.

And I scored by receiving the pickle that was attached to another pickle.  Made it extra delicious.

I am thankful for friends.  

I am thankful for the bond formed over time between people.  

I am thankful for accountability and concern that friends give.  

I am thankful for the love of a friend.  

It is a blessing.  Being able to laugh, cry, encourage, travel, live, grow, fall, and achieve together is something that I will always remember.

Pictured here is Adam squared.  (Both named Adam.  Some mathematical humor...hopefully.)  And this is just a moment that I can recall out of hundreds.  Both Godly men, one being a Godly husband, Christ like in all they do, I can never repay them for their counsel and friendship.

Don't give up on friends and don't do life alone.  We were never meant to do life alone.  We were meant to be in community, doing life together.  Don't abuse that gift.  

People are awesome and relationships with people are even better.  Invest in them, build them and keep them.  Because when it comes down to it, and the end of your time here, there is only one thing that matters; how you impacted those around you.

(Disregard my disgusting mustache thing...I was forced. But these people are legit.  Couldn't pick anyone better to do ministry with.)

Doesn't matter how much money you have, the things you collected, the huge house you bought and the fancy cars you drive.  But what truly matters is who you invested in and the relationships you built here on earth.  People matter.  When the money is gone, the house is gone, the car, the health, the "things", the time we have pursued are gone, we will always be able to turn to those beside us and wrap an arm around them.

That is true wealth.  Never lose sight of that.

I have made that mistake in the past and I extremely regret my decision.  Picking up broken pieces is a lot easier when you are not on your hands and knees alone. 

Cherish it.  Focus on it. Make memories. People are more important than the time we have.  Make time for people.

Everything tastes better with a coke. 

Literally, anything is better with a coke.  Sleeping, cooking, eating, watching TV, writing, driving.  The cold on your fingertips.  The smooth glass.  I mean hey, even going to the bathroom with a coke could be enjoyed.

Unless the toilet paper holder is on the left side of you, rather then the right.  That is annoying and drives me crazy.  I feel like I have to re-learn how to use the restroom.

Just recently I began the third season of "Dexter".  Not only is this show a bit evil, but Miguel Proddo, a detective, looks just like my father in law and talks just like him.  Although Miguel is Cuban, it's still intriguing and every time I watch it I find myself replacing Miguel's face with Rudy's.  

This could be a weight on our relationship because Miguel uses guns a lot. Ill stay on his good side.

Have you ever been to a church camp? Specifically one with a bunch of high schoolers?  It is awesome and I would never trade it for anything.  here are just a few pictures from our recent trip to Florida with our High School Ministry:

I pray that at some point in your life, you get the opportunity to experience hundreds of high schoolers worshipping.  It is one of the most peaceful, filling, sounds you will ever here.  To think that everyone of these students comes from somewhere different, drugs, alcohol, abuse, lies, corrupt families, bad relationships and a lost soul.  But yet, in unison they sing together to a God that can change it all.  Best experience ever.

(Pictured above are students from Danville.  Best bunch of students you'll ever meet. Hands down.)

And lastly, this picture.  This may look like a ballon tent.  A bunch of strands with white balloons tied to them.  But there is a story here.  A pretty awesome one.  Each ballon represents a student, each string represents the church, and all strings together represent the world.  

We are all in this together (while singing high school musical).  We are a community.  And together we can change the world.  We really can.  Our next generation of leaders are amazing, smart, Christ like individuals with the understanding of the Kingdom that I wish I would of had in high school.  I saw brilliance this week in the hearts of everyone.  Their care, love, grace, and compassion for the world is something that can't be matched.

Grateful to serve God in this area of ministry.

Over the past year, a lot has happened.  I met my wife June 12th, 2013, asked her to marry me on September 12th, 2013, got married on April 12th, 2013, found out we were having a baby due in February, moved across the country to Kentucky, started a new job at Southland Christian Church, and I couldn't of asked for anything different.

I am extremely grateful for this year and the opportunity God has given me.

Life is going to throw stuff at you.  Just depends on how you handle it. Roll with it and accept.  Change is vital for growth.

Our baby is now the size of a grape, with no more tail, eyelids and teeth.  Maybe it looks like an alien. Can't wait to meet him/her (but most definitely a him)

My wife is craving donuts...chocolate ones.  Lots of them. And I love it.  Who doesn't love donuts, especially when you get to share them with the most beautiful, funny, glowing individual in the world.

Go enjoy a donut.  Every one needs a donut every now and then.

Until next time, 

-JTD-

A New Compass.

It truly is a lucky thing we have here.  The ability to follow our hearts where ever we want to go.  There are so many in the world that have a burning passion inside to do something more, to do something that will make them happy, but have no ability to.  Either that, or they are not allowed to.  And it's sad.  It's sad that dreams are not being chased, goals are not being achieved, and love is not being pursued.

And we still settle.  We still settle for average.  We have the ability to do what ever we want to do, and be who ever we want to be.  We have that freedom.  And at a certain age we just assume that where we are is where we will be forever.  We have chosen our destiny and that is it.  But is that really it?

The only reason I bring up this topic is because I have seen this in my own life at times.  This thought that I am here.  I have arrived where I am meant to be and time and time again I am proved wrong.  God has an interesting since of humor, doesn't He?  There are countless memories I can recall, where I believed I was comfortable and set where God wanted me and then, of course, God turned my world completely around.  This brought me to the realization that you should never be quite comfortable where you are because there is always something around the corner.  Life has twists and turns and no matter where you are in life, it isn't over.

So don't be afraid.  Don't be afraid to constantly search and let your heart run wild.  Let it pull you which ever way it takes you.  Whether far or near, comfortable or extremely uneasy, it knows what its doing.  It knows whats best for you.  God has an interesting way of working something out of nothing, or what you thought was nothing.  And in the words of Lady Antebellum....

"So let you heart sweetheart be a compass when your lost, and you shall follow it where ever it may go.  When it's all said and done you can walk instead of run 'cause no matter what you'll never be alone."

This man right here has an extremely large compass. (Arthur Zampini...aka Arturo)

This poem reminds me of him:

“Home is behind, the world ahead,
and there are many paths to tread
through shadows to the edge of night,
until the stars are all alight.” LOTR

Since my last post we have moved to Kentucky.  It is a wonderful place with beautiful trees, hills and drives.  I have to say there are many bugs for Mercedes likings but I don't mind em.

I will say one thing...not very many Mexican food restaurants.  So we brought our own here:

There are few things that really give me joy, that really make me happy...one is my wife,

another is Jesus, (Temple in Capernaum where Jesus taught),

and youth ministry,

Pictured here, from left, is Reed, Tristian, Landon, Jaxxyn, Leighton, and Reily. 

Last week I had the opportunity, through my new job, to attend a Christ in Youth Camp for junior highers.  Although, I have been on many CIY camps before, this was one of the best I can recall.

Every time I pack for one of these trips I find myself looking over my notes, the material, the games, the worship sets, all of the main sessions, and trying to think of ways that I can help impact these kids lives.  End every time, despite my prior knowledge, I am completely surprised and humbled.

Every single one of these students I did not know until about two weeks ago.  Never knew they existed, and for the last 5 days I got the privilege of leading their group, getting to know them along the way.  I learned their heart for people, heart for Christ, care and compassion.  I learned their humor, their happiness, what makes them cringe, and how to irritate them. 

I learned the unbearable stench that I junior higher can produce (combination of wet clothes, fart, and body odor).

These kids impacted me more then I could have ever imagined and I am so thankful that God has placed them in my life. 

This is our kitchen.  It came with a Mexican woman who cooks Mexican food.  Score.

I have some pretty sweet friends...And I just want to take a minute and leave some space for them.

Throw back to Israel hikes.

This is just awesome.

The next Timothy Keller (Matt Lietzen)

Coolest Masters professor I ever had...only three total ha...ha...ha

I am incredibly thankful for my time with these ones and I cant wait to see whats in store for them. 

Good Day gents.

And last but not least, I would like talk a little bit about this room here.

This room means a lot to me.  It's an empty room.  But oh is it so much more then an empty room.

  

This room has been home for the past 12 years.  I attended youth group here since 7th grade.  I saw who Jesus really was here, I became a youth coach here, and I got to be on an incredible youth team here.

When I began my run here, it was just a dirt field...a field that we walked over and prayed over.

During my last worship service here, I sat and reminisced over the many memories that I had here from talent shows, to funerals, to dances, to worship services, to life change.  

An empty room often seems just empty.  Seems boring, bland, dead.  But here, this here empty room, every pushed back chair has a story.  Every inch of floor space, the stage, the tables; these all have a story and I am proud to say my story weaved in and out of this building for 12 awesome years.  Thank you.

To end this blog I am happy to say that Mercedes and I are settled into our little country home. We have a red door, an American flag, and awesome neighbors.

We are happy to say we have been surrounded by people who loved and care about us.

We are happy to say we have a dog who wants a hoodie.

And loves grass.

And we are happy to announce baby Doyle, who will be joining the compound February 10th, 2015.

So life is pretty good and we are pretty stoked.

"Our goal as Christians is to bear witness to Jesus...it is a great definition of what we do.  The scary thing is that others make assumptions about Jesus based off of us, who we are and what we say.  What an incredible responsibility to have."

Missing Arizona...and Marley.

She's the bee's knee's.

Until next time.

-JTD-