Friendships

Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."

Some friendships are fleeting and some are lasting. True friendships are glued together with bonds of loyalty and commitment. They remain intact, despite changing external circumstances.
Since I was 15, my friendships have meant more to me than some can understand. In a family that did not attend church regularly, I gave my life to Christ at 15. A friend was responsible for helping me find God. In my young Christian life, friends were there to build me up. I was 15, which means I did not drive. For a over a year, my friend drove me to church and events. One day, 4 years later, I told him that my life was Christ centered because of his commitment as a friend. Not wanting to accept the compliment, he quickly said it was all God. Both are true. God used my friend.
95% of men can not say the have a best friend. I am blessed that I can say I have a few. I have needed them as an adult just as much as I did when I was 15... maybe more. The past 2 years have been the most trying on friendships. Army life, as well as work schedules, have forced a distance. However, it is always the trying times that allow loyalty to step in. This is the same spiritually. You have the opportunity to be loyal to God during your most troubling times. Instead of running away in unfavorable moments, we must run to the Lord!
God has placed some great people in my life. I hope that God allows me to return the loyalty as much as I have received one day. As I said earlier, some friendships are fleeting and some are lasting. I will add that some flicker in and out. I will concentrate on not taking any of them for granted. Thank you Father, for I am blessed!

The opposite of stagnant

I've recently been telling my friends I want to buy a van. I have received a "you're out of your mind" look from every one of them. This, however, is no ordinary van. It's a passage to fulfilling a hunger for exploration. People talk about making an intense cross country road trip happen one day. Most of them just end up talking about it. They never get intentional about making it happen. Dodge has a slogan, "Grab life by the horns!" As cheesy as it sounds, this is a statement many need to live by. Well, maybe not all the time, but at least a few times out of the year. If not, maybe a predictable stagnant life would suffice. Can you sense my sarcasm?

Let's talk about the van a little before I dive into the road trip. Of course I'm going to make it look cool. Who do you think I am!? Think about it... 4 wheel drive, bike racks, kayak racks, hammock racks, generator, fully attached electronics system... and more. I really hope I can make this happen. As you can tell, I'm quite excited about it.

I have been constructing routes for the trip to find the most wicked but efficient one. We would most likely start in Memphis and head west... all the way west to Southern California. Sites, camping, and hikes along the way would include the Grand Canyon, Zion (Utah), Vegas, and of course the beach. From there, we would head north, partially along the coast and partially through the mountains all the way up to Portland, Oregon. Once again, camping and hiking along the way include Yosemite National Park, the famous Red Woods, and of course the astounding northwest coast. From this point we will travel even further north into the beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Here we will get the chance to marvel in the beauty of a place we have never set eyes on before. Who knows what we will run into here?... glacier carved chasms, exciting wildlife, unforgettable beauty, etc. From this point, I think it would be appealing to drive back down the east side of the Rockies. You know, Montana, Wyoming, down to Colorado. Stops along the way would be whatever we want to make as long as it involves cliff diving, kayaking, and fishing. The great Yellowstone National Park is a "must camp" spot.

If you have read my previous blogs, you know I took a trip 1/3 of this distance before and it cost me under a thousand bucks. With 4 people going on this trip, the individual cost should not exceed a $1000,... gas and all! At worst... $1500. If all goes according to plan, this will happen in the summer of 2012. So far, Morgan Sanko is the only one that wants to "grab life by the horns." Think about how easy this is... you have a year to save money and plan for a particular event. Don't let a moment like this slip away. You will regret it!

"Look Back"

A recent psychology assignment introduced new thoughts on "looking back" at my life. The assignment had me studying about happiness in the last stage of life... aka "old age." How often do you sit and ponder the things you have done in your life? Do you smile when you "look back?" As I reflected on my life from past to present, I smiled because I thought of all the wonderful and amazing moments. I almost did not write this post. I was afraid some would look at it as if I am bragging about how great my life has been. I think we all need to write down the good moments we have had in life. We need to write about the things that we worked hard on and achieved. Write down things that make you smile. Although it is OK to reflect on difficult roads life has led you on, boast in yourself for once... as long as you realize that God has blessed you with these things. Trust me, just as everyone living, I have had my "less desirable" moments in life. If you get annoyed when someone talks about themselves, you should probably stop reading now. I am about to be one of those annoying people and list some of my "good times" and a few accomplishments. Hopefully I can motivate someone else to reflect on their life in a positive manner.

I suppose I will start with the most amazing moment of my life. I gave my life to Christ at 15. I moved out on my own at the young age of 18. I became a youth leader at an amazing church; challenged my "fear of public speaking" on many occasions; went on mission trips to Mexico; saw true happiness with kids living in poverty; paid for my own college; worked hard at a fortune 500 company to pay for college; learned how to fish well, play basketball somewhat well, along with ping pong; learned how to ski well in Colorado; learned how to play the guitar; hiked the Grand Canyon; seen sunrises and sunsets on many different oceans and bays; traveled to Niagara Falls in an RV; went on a cross country road trip by myself; served as a leader on a swamp adventure in Louisiana; got lost hiking in the Ozark Mountains (turned out to be a fun story); I served my country; lived in Korea; I have some amazing friends that I love; I love Jesus. I honestly can keep the list going, but I think you get the point. Just think... I haven't even wrote out a bucket list yet!

Do me a favor... take a "look back" at your life. If you can smile about it, keep doing what you are doing. If you are not happy with your reflection, do something radical to change it. Don't just think about radical ways to change it... DO IT! Just make sure you seek Jesus along the way.

Road Trip Adventure: Zion to So Cal!

"...from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen."

As I stated in my previous blog, I took a road trip before entering into the Army. This trip was from Memphis, all the way to the west coast, with many life changing stops along the way. I wish I could tell you about every experience, but the post
would be unbearably lengthy. I will keep it somewhat short and just tell some of the big events. The previous blog about the Grand Canyon was obviously a big event on the road trip. After I made it back up to the top, I used the night to recover. Luckily, they had public showers and washers. I'm not going to lie, I was rank!



Once more, I camped in my previous primitive spot way off into the woods. I got the privilege of seeing some more wild elk. Don't worry... no growling from scary animals this time. I woke up early to a crisp 30 degrees and set off north to Utah. My next stop was Zion National park. This is the most beautiful place I have ever set eyes on.
The Grand Canyon was beautiful, but I will remember it more for its immensity and tranquility at the bottom. I will remember Zion for its astounding beauty. Other than mountain bike trails, I hiked two main trails here... "Angels Landing" and "The Narrows." Both trails are listed as "strenuous." Let's be honest though,... in comparison to the Grand Canyon, these hikes were not strenuous. However, I did pass signs that say, "Caution: This trail has resulted in death."

Angels landing: I wish that I was a prolific writer. Maybe then, I could attempt to describe the amazing beauty I saw at the top of this hike. Angel's landing is the heart of Zion. The journey to the top is just about 3 hours,... OF GREATNESS!
The trail culminates at a lofty perch, with magnificent views in every direction. One would think that this narrow ridge with deep chasms on each of its flanks would allure the most intrepid of hikers, but I was surprised to see quite a few regular hikers. Most gave up when it came time to pull ourselves up with chains. This was the most narrow part with 100 foot drop-offs on both sides. I enjoyed the rush. I have to say, the ones that gave up missed the greatest view God has ever blessed me with. I spent hours at the top. I stood in awe of Angels Landing's stunning nobility.

The Narrows: The Virgin River has carved a spectacular gorge in the upper section of Zion Canyon. I feel the best word to describe the Narrows is character. This trail has so much character. Sixty percent of this hike is spent wading through freezing water.
Once again, the magnificent views are worth the hard work. The narrow walls, carved smooth by the rushing water, shoot up hundreds of feet. This is yet another sight God has allowed me to marvel in.

After my amazing days spent in paradise, I ventured west to another one. I spent an insignificant night in Vegas. This was not the paradise. After one night in Vegas, I yearned to see some more of God's beauty. This beauty was none other than the coast of Southern Cal baby! I had been on the road by myself for more than 10 days at this point. I set up camp on a cliff that overlooked the coast. I can not believe I camped at the bottom of the grand canyon and days later I camped on a random beach in southern California. I only had a "one night" permit to camp on the beach. This means I had just one west coast sunset to soak in. This was my first west coast sunset. I stood there, with feet in the water, watching in admiration.
I can not remember all my thoughts in that moment, but I know this was one of them: I thanked God for my awesome life. Most people plan to take a life changing cross-country road trip, but never follow through. I am thankful I took the chance.

Road Trip Adventure: Grand Canyon

Before I left for the Army, I made a decision that would forever change me. I took a road trip from Memphis to the coast of southern California. So, I packed my little car with a mountain bike on the back and set out west. No hotels, no specific route, no general time-line. Just a lot of camping gear with great expectations of adventure. Adventure is such a great word, because that is exactly what it turned out to be.


Can I say... Grand Canyon! I was a little bummed on arrival to the Grand Canyon, because of failed attempts to get hiking permits before arrival. On the phone, the rangers said a hiking permit would be almost impossible. I thought I would go to the ranger station and plead for one anyway. The ranger was shockingly cool and hooked me up with a permit to hike the Grand Canyon! I couldn't start my hike until the next day. I asked the ranger if he new any free places to camp. He asked, "how primitive?" I replied, "as much into the wilderness one can get." He chuckled, as if he was going to send me miles off into the woods where no one could find me. He did just that! Let me give you an idea of how primitive this place was. As I set up camp, wild elk glared at me from afar as if they were stalking me. As I was trying to sleep, coyotes/wolves (whatever they were)were growling and fighting within 50 feet from my tent. Guess how dumb I was in the situation? I had open hot dogs in my tent. Excuse my language, but it was an "oh shit" moment. Thankfully, no coyotes or wolves attacked me for my hot dogs. As I was trying to sleep, the temperature dropped to 25 degrees. Who knew Arizona got that cold in early fall? I found out the hard way.
I woke up and began a journey to hike for a place less than 1 percent of Americans go.... the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The views of the Grand canyon from the top are cool, but the views of the canyon during the hike are breathtaking. How massive and epic is the Grand Canyon? When you look down into the canyon from the top, you can not truly see the bottom. You must hike down to see it in its full glory. I had many wonderful and personal moments with God on this hike.
About half way down, I linked up with a married couple in their 40s. I hiked the rest of the way down with them. They knew what they were doing. It is weird how you can build friendships on adventures like this. But somehow, we did. Paula and John Going (Paula calls me her adopted son in our only picture). They love God's creation so much... it's inspiring!
So, remember that I said it was 25 degrees when I woke up? In that same day, at the bottom of the canyon, it was 87 degrees. This is caused by the drastic drop in elevation. Like I said... you really can't see the bottom from the top.


The magnificent beauty of the bottom is worth every tiring step it took to get there. The fast flowing waters of the Colorado river and small streams bring life to the desert here. Deer frolic 5 feet in front of you. It is quite a serene experience. Although I was tired from the hike, I couldn't sleep because I was in awe at the vibrant sparkle of the stars. I laid there for hours just staring up out of the window of my tent. I will never stop thanking God for that moment.

Moms

Let's begin this by saying that I am truly blessed in many ways. One of the coolest blessings.... Not only do I have a biological mother, but I also have many other mother-like figures. There is Ms. Robin, Ms. Jane, Ms. Amann, Ms. Kim, Ms. Maureen, and even Ms. Renee who always tries to feed me cookies and paid me obscenely well to watch the coolest house in the world. With this many mother-like figures, I will never go a day without being prayed for. Heck... I bet I don't even go a few hours without being prayed for. I know there are other women at Hope Church that pray for me as well.... Phyllis, Ms. Morris, Ms. Brooks,... the list probably goes on and on. Man.... as I'm writing this I am amazed. Good thing God loves for people to come to Him in prayer. If not, I would be in a world of trouble.
Ms. Robin - I can't say enough about you. You know the bible so well. You are incredibly committed to Christ. You, without hesitation, went through great lengths to help me. I can not imagine what my life would look like without your guidance. I love you!

Ms. Jane - I know you will be reading this. Lets see if I can make you cry! I love you!... Crying yet? All jokes aside, that is what I love about you. You are greatly empathetic. I will never be afraid to sit in front of you and poor my heart out... wait,... I've done that many times already, haven't I? Everybody has different ways of showing love. Yours is different, but in the best way possible.

Ms. Amann - 4 years ago, with loving tears in your eyes, you asked me to mentor your son. I will admit, I wish I used opportunities to teach him more. Despite my shortcomings in that area, you still love me. You stepped up in the most troubling week of my life and showed my family Christ's love. I would have been so lost. You saved me. I love you!

Ms. Kim - For some reason, you think the world of me. I always know you are proud of me even when I feel like I haven't "made it" yet. Your undying love for your husband encourages me. When I saw my army picture framed on the wall, it helped confirm the idea that you look at me as another son. I love you!

Ms. Renee - You are such a mom! You love to spoil me. I am about the most awkward person possible when it comes to eating with a family at a dinner table. You have given me many chances. Thank you. I love you!

Ms. Maureen - Like Ms. Renee, you have given me so may chances to be awkward at the dinner table. Like a mother, you expect to see me over the holidays. Your family has been so good to me over the past 10 years. I love you!

Every single one of you deserves a book written to you. A very well written book about the impacts you have made in my life along with the love you have shown. If I did that, Memphis would flood with your tears. So, as loving previous citizen of Memphis, I will keep them short. You are great women. I love you all!

Embrace

Everyone knew this was coming. I am confined to Korea. Of course I miss home. I miss home for so many reasons that the average civilian can not recognize.
"Embrace"
I know this may sound bizarre, but a very simple hello from my friends is what I miss the most. Most of my friends are from a "church" background. A simple hello for us usually consists of a hug. I never recognized the importance or necessity of those small embraces until now. I am still confused at how a simple hug is a necessity of life. According to Dr. Gary Chapman, these are the 5 love languages... Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. Anybody who knows me back home would probably say the Physical Touch (aka Hugs) falls last on that list. A year ago, I would have agreed. But a year ago, I lived at home where I received countless amount of small embraces a day... and never thought twice about them. I was "embrace" satisfied and took it for granted. Just so you know, that comment was probably the least manliest thing I have ever said... enjoy. So in the manliest way possible... I MISS EMBRACES. I long to embrace the ones I love!


This is the only cool verse I could find about embracing: Ecclesiastes 3:4-6
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up