Finally feeling something!

I was excited to start reading this book for this very reason. If you have kept up with my blog at all you know that I am currently in a time of transition, and wondering how to get from where I am to where God wants me to be. I read the introduction and Chapter 1 and told my wife, “I think this is going to be a great book”. I was wrong!

Imagine a man who is driving on a road trip and doesn’t exactly know where to go. The obvious thing that the man should do is stop and ask for directions. The Principle of the Path states that you should “stop and ask for directions”. We all know however, that what we “should” do is not always what we do. Throughout the entire book I asked myself the question…”Great, I am glad I am on the right track, but when are you going to help me actually do these things?” When will we get to the part that says, “This is how you make yourself ask for directions…”. The problem is that it never came.

So basically, my recommendation is this…If you are wondering what the right thing to do is, this is definitely a book for you. If you are having more trouble actually doing the right thing, find another book. I would make recommendation, but I have yet to find it. I will let you know. If you have read this book, and think I am crazy, please let me know.

There are very few things that every person in the world has in common with each other.  That said, every person in the world has a mother.  I am sure everyone has different stories about their time with their mothers and unfortunaltey some never knew their mother.

I write this today because I am one of the lucky ones.  I have spent the last 28+ years getting to know my mother. Many of you out there know my mom, and I am sure that the sentiments I share in the paragraph or two below will be echoed.

For as long as I can remember, my mom has spent every spare second of her time supporting her “kids” in everything they were participating in.  I say “kids” because it is not just my sisters and me.  I cannot count the number of people I call “brother” or “sister”.

For instance, two weekends ago, I took my university students to San Antonio and the people we stayed with are my “brother” and “sister” that were “adopted” by my parents while they were in college at Abilene Christian University.  I have a “sister” in Dallas, a “sister” in Las Vegas, another “sister” in Lewisville and I could go on.

The lives that have been impacted by the love that my mother shared are inumerable.  Please note, that because of the love shared 20+ years ago, college students today are reaping the benefits.  The cycle is endless all because of this incredible woman.  I could continue to tell about the “Cooper kids” or the countless other people that she has loved over the years.

For the years of “soccer mom”, to Bible Bowl, to more “soccer mom”, to adopt a student programs, track manager, and now most importantly Nana, I thank you mom!  You are truly an inspiration to me and I thank you for all that you have done.  I love you!

Recently, I finished Through Painted Deserts by Donald Miller. Through Painted Deserts is a recollection of the events and thoughts that occured while he and Paul, a man he met only months before, traveled from Houston, TX to Oregon and beyond. These two friends endured this trek in a Volkswagon van that required many “tune-ups” on their journey. From the Grand Canyon to the coffee shops in Portland, the book gives great insight into the author of Blue Like Jazz.

Donald Miller uses incredible detail to give you a perfect mental picture of where they travel and the things the encounter. There are times where he spends pages saying, “The place was beautiful”.  At first this bothered me but towards the end I rather enjoyed picturing the landscapes, the broken down Volkswagon, and the young ladies he and Paul drool over.

The more I look back on this book, the more I like it. It helps to know that you are not the only one asking the “Why” questions. As a “Christian” (post on this word coming soon), we don’t concern ourslef with the “How” question of creation, but instead, we concern oursleves with the “Why” of God’s plan. Donald Miller does a great job of showing his struggles with this question, in uninhibited form.

If you read Blue Like Jazz this is definitely a recommended read. Donald Miller gives you an uncensored look into his struggles, thoughts, and cravings. This openness, allows for a better understanding and a more complete picture of Blue Like Jazz, not to mention, the free trip to the Grand Canyon.