The Mini Resolution Project

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.

-Jonathan Edwards

Over the past few years I've felt a pull to know and emulate our Christian forefathers better.  To be clear, I don't believe these men to be more worthy of praise or emulation than Jesus.  But I see the value in examining the lives of men who finished the race after the first century A.D.  

One such man is Jonathan Edwards.  I don't know nearly enough about his life, but I'm trying to know it better.  He was a man of strong faith and perseverance. Specifically, I'm in awe of his 70 resolutions created between 1722-23.  Here's a great list of them at www.desiringgod.org.  

Knowing I am weak, but desiring to be most effective in my walk of faith, I am starting weekly resolutions with the goal of working up to the self control of a Puritan.  Man oh man, this is going to be rough!  But totally worth it.

Three weeks ago I resolved to go an entire week without laying blame upon anyone.  Notice that others didn't stop laying blame, only me.  I found this week to be extremely peaceful nonetheless.  

Two weeks ago I resolved to watch no television for an entire week (I watch a lot of TV, and I get a lot done without it).  I was able to read more and get some more things done around the house.

Last week I was lazy, and made no resolution.

This week I resolve not to eat out at any restaurant between Sunday and Saturday (including vending machines, or my work cafeteria). The purpose of this is to force me to prepare my meals more.  It will also encourage me to be more satisfied with the food I have instead of relying on my selfish appetite.  Another benefit is the saving of money, of course.  

If there's anyone out there who wants to participate in my mini resolutions, I'd welcome the companionship!  

Inspiration via Common Song

Lindsey made us an adoption mixtape.  Since it has some TobyMac on it, I felt it obligatory to title it Ill 'doptcha.  


Anyway, it has this song by Aaron Ivey titled Amos Story (which I learned are the names of his two adopted children from Haiti).  It's really been speaking to me lately, and the one line that I can't shake is, "I'll find a way to get you here."  When I'm running, training for the race, and I'm losing motivation, I just remember that line.  I'll find a way.  Giving plasma, running races, holding fundraisers, selling video games...


I'll find a way.


Here's the awesome video, and the lyrics are below.  Enjoy.

Another photograph to wrestle in my head
Another sleepless night on concrete featherbed
These thoughts of you like bullets to my soul
We’ve got to find a way to get you home

I’ll find a way to get you here
If it takes my fleeting breath
Another sunrise hits the ground
And it’s a dark lonely sight
Lightyears away I hope you know
There is somebody searching
For the way to get you here

I will get you here

Throw the clocks away and run out to the street

We’ll fly to distant clouds where it’s just you and me
A day will come when all of this is gone

You’ve got to find a way to believe

I’ll find a way to get you here
If it takes my fleeting breath
Another sunrise hits the ground
And it’s a dark lonely sight
Lightyears away I hope you know
There is somebody searching
For the way to get you here
I will get you here

Close your eyes and dream of a better day with me
As angels hold you tight, may you sleep in peace tonight

So dream, dream, dream my child
Hear the whisperings of hope

It’s a song that you can sing, as you sleep in peace tonight

Why Adopt? Part 1: The Basics

Lindsey (my wife) and I are adopting a wee one from Ethiopia (ET).  Lots of folks are asking why, how, and all sorts of questions like that.


I'd like to answer the more common questions for folks.


Why Adopt?


We have two biological daughters, Makayla (3.5 years) and Addison (13 months).  About six months ago, before we attended the adoption hearing of our friends, I felt compelled to share with Lindsey that I was open to adopting.  Her face lit up as she shared that she had a burden for adoption for months.  So, we started the process of discussing and praying about adopting.


A few verses that made it easy for me to want to adopt:


James 1:27  Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.


Here I feel it's blatantly laid out that ministering love to the unlovely and weak is a Christian imperative.  Does this mean that all are called to adopt?  Certainly not.  The LORD calls us to our own ministries.  But for me, this Scripture hit me in my deepest parts, and I couldn't shake it once I viewed it as a potential adoptive father.


John 14:18  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.


Here Christ lays forth one of the most tender, sweetest images of the Father's love for us.  His chosen are His adopted children.   


Matthew 18:5  And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.

This is just one more example in the New Testament where Jesus sets forth the principle that ministering love to defenseless people is serving Him.

So, there's plenty of Scriptural justification for adopting.

Even more, I believe with all my heart that bringing someone into your home completely of your own accord and taking care of them as your own is an amazing sign of love.  Short of laying your life down for them, I can't think of any more radical a display of love.

Is This Thing On?

I have blogged poorly here and here for a while, but I decided to start something more candid and serious.

This blog is about my successes and struggles as a friend, husband, dad, and man of faith.

I am an Air Force vet, as is my wife. We have two daughters under 4, and are adopting a wee one from Ethiopia.

We reside in Ohio after some time on the West Coast.

Join me?