Graduation Weekend....

This past weekend I walked across the stage to my name as I was presented with an academic hoodie and a diploma, signifying that I am now in possession of a Master’s degree. The ceremony was special because I had multiple family members in the audience (and in the lobby with my daughters) sitting through two hours of “ceremony stuff”, waiting patiently to cheer as my name was called as I walked across the stage. My brief moment in the spotlight lasted all but 30 seconds. Everyone stayed for the weekend. While they were here we made a point to celebrate Maya's birthday. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at beaches and took in the beautiful northwest scenery as we drove the historical Columbia highway. Here are some photos that capture some of the moments. If you want to see all of the photos, go here.

Typical Oregonians...

If (with a strong emphasis on the IF) the temperature reaches over 70 degrees most Oregonians can be found doing one of two things - either hiking or fishing. Since my family has been in Oregon for three years we have finally "adapted" to the culture. I have proof! This past weekend the temperatures reached into the 70's and Heather and I took the girls for a hike and then I took Maya fishing. Enjoy the photos of the hike to Multnomah Falls and the fishing at the Harris "fishing hole".

With Him... For Others...

It is easy to think about what is best for yourself. It is even easier to think of the things, whether good or bad, that you might need or want. Let’s face it, it is easy to be about yourself, placing your own desires and wishes before those around. Let me let you in on a little secret, it’s not about you!

As Christ followers we are called to live with Christ for the sake of others. We are called to lay aside our fleshy desire for the benefit of those within our sphere of influence and beyond. The ways of Christ are in total contrast to the ways of the world, which propel us into individuality, claiming what is rightfully ours. Let me illustrate the contrast:

Heather and I have a bet. Once she was given the OK by her Dr. to start exercising we weighed ourselves. We each set a weight loss goal that we desire to achieve by the end of the year. On December 31, 2008 we will weigh ourselves and whoever lost the highest percentage of their goal will win the grand prize. It must be noted that we have tried this once before and we had to delay the bet because I cheated. I figured the only way to win was to make Heather gain weight. On December 31, 2007 I was the clear winner because I had maintained my weight loss and Heather had gained weight because she was with child.

Now to the point, I am in complete conflict regarding our bet; it is as if each personality (my flesh & Spirit) within me wishes to prevail. Although they appear as polar opposites, it is simply a different side to the same coin. On one hand, I want to win because I am extremely competitive. In case you are wondering what side of the coin this is, it is the backside because that is where the dust that heather will be breathing comes from as I run away (literally & figuratively) with the victory. The other side of me desires nothing more for Heather to be victorious as I embrace her with my loving arms, celebrating with her every step of the way.

Living with Christ for the sake of others means doing what is best for those around us. It means being aware and cognitive of the wants, needs, and desires of those we come in contact with. To do this, we must be determined and focused, in tune with the Spirit’s prompting and leading. In case you are wondering I am not going to lay down in defeat so that I my fleshly desire will not win, that wouldn’t be what is best for Heather now would it? I am going to be determined and focused on my goal as to drive and motivate Heather towards hers.