What do you cling too? Relationships, identity, money, memories?
Have you thought about the impact “clinging to things” can have on you? I have been thinking a lot about this lately. If you read our blog, you know that Danielle and I moved across the country recently. I think it’s only natural to cling to things. We cling to the grocery store we liked, to the restaurants we frequented and to the relationships we had. What I have realized is that clinging to those things has paralyzed me from embracing what’s new. Instead, I want to move towards a place of cherishing those things so I can enjoy new things in Middle Tennessee.
There are several facts I have had to accept. Relationships have changed and are changing. I am no longer close to the people I once called friends in Oregon. In fact, with the exception of a couple – I hardly even talk to those I used to see regularly. Instead, I want to cherish the sweet times I had with friends so that I can embrace new friends here. The same goes with family. Circumstances have changed our relationships and that’s not a bad thing, it’s just part of the process. I don’t want to cling to what “was,” instead I want to cherish what I had so I can enjoy this new chapter.
There were some restaurants I really liked in Portland – but if I cling onto the atmosphere and flavor, I’ll never get to experience the new restaurants in Nashville. I certainly don’t want that.
Do you get what I am saying?
What are you clinging onto today? I hope you’ll join me in choosing to “cherish” instead of clinging onto things so you can embrace what’s new in your life.
-Ryan
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
New Year
2010 – Oh what a year!
It’s hard to summarize a year jam-packed with change, but man am I thankful for it. I have been challenged beyond belief, thrown out of my comfort zone and forced to share my concerns with my Savior more than ever before.
Danielle and I sensed change when January 1st came last year so we aren’t all that surprised by where we are today. The year began celebrating the Christmas day birth of our nephew. I am so thankful for the time God has given us to build a relationship with Hadlie and Jackson. We enjoyed the Spring – spending time with family and friends. While having lunch with some friends, we learned of yet a new opportunity.
That opportunity took us to the Czech Republic. Little did we know how that adventure would prepare us for an even greater one. We spent a couple weeks working at an English camp and seeing another part of the world. God taught me on that trip that he would bring us through anything and never leave our side and he hasn’t!
When we returned, life didn’t slow down one bit! After searching nationwide for where God was going to move us, Danielle and I became content with the idea we may be staying in Portland. And just as soon as we became content, we realized our life was changing. Almost from the start, it seemed like Nashville would be our new home. A couple of flights back and forth and our move began. On our second anniversary, we tearfully loaded up the car and made the trek across the country to our new home.
I told you God has proven to us he won’t leave us and he hasn’t! In fact, he is really paving the way for us. Here are just a few of the things God is doing and has done. He has protected us from Satan’s attacks. Even at our weakest moment, God has intervened and protected us. He has protected our health, generously provided through others for us to go to the Czech Republic, kept us safe overseas, provided financially, provided for our families, given us special relationships with friends and family, gave us blue skies our entire drive across the country, provided a place for us to live in Nashville, gave us a safe trip back to the northwest at Christmas, provided a couple that would introduce us to our new church in Nashville, given Danielle a great volunteer opportunity in Nashville, brought Danielle and I even closer, given Danielle and I a number of great experiences to share together, allowed me to work during the day and sleep at night again and given us reason to believe that great things are in store for the future!
Summarizing a year is tough because so much happens. As I read through all our Christmas cards last night and the various updates from friends and family, I was reminded of what great people influence our lives. As tough as this world and our sin can be on people, I am so thankful to be surrounded by people dedicated to thriving through tough times. I was so encouraged to read the victories people are having and even more encouraged to see the Lord being a part of people’s lives more than ever.
As you reflect this week on the year that has been, it is my hope that you’ll choose to be optimistic about the future. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but based on the past – we can be assured that no matter what happens, God is still in control.
Danielle and I are so appreciative of the many people who have prayed us through the year. Thank you for tolerating our tears, our ups and downs and being there for us along the way.
Happy New Year!
Ryan
It’s hard to summarize a year jam-packed with change, but man am I thankful for it. I have been challenged beyond belief, thrown out of my comfort zone and forced to share my concerns with my Savior more than ever before.
Danielle and I sensed change when January 1st came last year so we aren’t all that surprised by where we are today. The year began celebrating the Christmas day birth of our nephew. I am so thankful for the time God has given us to build a relationship with Hadlie and Jackson. We enjoyed the Spring – spending time with family and friends. While having lunch with some friends, we learned of yet a new opportunity.
That opportunity took us to the Czech Republic. Little did we know how that adventure would prepare us for an even greater one. We spent a couple weeks working at an English camp and seeing another part of the world. God taught me on that trip that he would bring us through anything and never leave our side and he hasn’t!
When we returned, life didn’t slow down one bit! After searching nationwide for where God was going to move us, Danielle and I became content with the idea we may be staying in Portland. And just as soon as we became content, we realized our life was changing. Almost from the start, it seemed like Nashville would be our new home. A couple of flights back and forth and our move began. On our second anniversary, we tearfully loaded up the car and made the trek across the country to our new home.
I told you God has proven to us he won’t leave us and he hasn’t! In fact, he is really paving the way for us. Here are just a few of the things God is doing and has done. He has protected us from Satan’s attacks. Even at our weakest moment, God has intervened and protected us. He has protected our health, generously provided through others for us to go to the Czech Republic, kept us safe overseas, provided financially, provided for our families, given us special relationships with friends and family, gave us blue skies our entire drive across the country, provided a place for us to live in Nashville, gave us a safe trip back to the northwest at Christmas, provided a couple that would introduce us to our new church in Nashville, given Danielle a great volunteer opportunity in Nashville, brought Danielle and I even closer, given Danielle and I a number of great experiences to share together, allowed me to work during the day and sleep at night again and given us reason to believe that great things are in store for the future!
Summarizing a year is tough because so much happens. As I read through all our Christmas cards last night and the various updates from friends and family, I was reminded of what great people influence our lives. As tough as this world and our sin can be on people, I am so thankful to be surrounded by people dedicated to thriving through tough times. I was so encouraged to read the victories people are having and even more encouraged to see the Lord being a part of people’s lives more than ever.
As you reflect this week on the year that has been, it is my hope that you’ll choose to be optimistic about the future. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but based on the past – we can be assured that no matter what happens, God is still in control.
Danielle and I are so appreciative of the many people who have prayed us through the year. Thank you for tolerating our tears, our ups and downs and being there for us along the way.
Happy New Year!
Ryan
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Reflections
I have been reading a lot lately about people – about people calling it quits or people failing.
This week, one of the most influential broadcasters of his time is signing off. Larry King. Know him?
He’s the suspender-wearing 77-year-old man, married several times who has been criticized for not preparing for key interviews of the years.
He’s owned the 6pm/9pm slot on cable for 25 years – until a few years ago when others began to beat him and eventually crush him in the ratings.
Tomorrow night, he will interview his last guest, hunch over on the desk for a final time and end with a final goodbye. Something half as many people will see as they would have 2-3 years ago.
What about Brett Favre. Last year, a great season – memorable and filled with highlights.
This year – terrible and he missed his first game ever.
Many argue he’s too old to play football and I’m not sure they are wrong.
So are these successful men still successful?
I don’t know. Sure they’ve done great things and been successful – but these men all stayed too long.
They got comfortable and decided comfort was more important than being relevant.
I sure hope I stay relevant, but I worry I may too get comfortable at some point.
I see people doing things everyday they should have quit years ago.
What about you?
Are you relevant or is it time to do something new?
There will always be a reason not to, but I hope you and I will focus on the reasons to stay current and learn something new.
-Ryan
This week, one of the most influential broadcasters of his time is signing off. Larry King. Know him?
He’s the suspender-wearing 77-year-old man, married several times who has been criticized for not preparing for key interviews of the years.
He’s owned the 6pm/9pm slot on cable for 25 years – until a few years ago when others began to beat him and eventually crush him in the ratings.
Tomorrow night, he will interview his last guest, hunch over on the desk for a final time and end with a final goodbye. Something half as many people will see as they would have 2-3 years ago.
What about Brett Favre. Last year, a great season – memorable and filled with highlights.
This year – terrible and he missed his first game ever.
Many argue he’s too old to play football and I’m not sure they are wrong.
So are these successful men still successful?
I don’t know. Sure they’ve done great things and been successful – but these men all stayed too long.
They got comfortable and decided comfort was more important than being relevant.
I sure hope I stay relevant, but I worry I may too get comfortable at some point.
I see people doing things everyday they should have quit years ago.
What about you?
Are you relevant or is it time to do something new?
There will always be a reason not to, but I hope you and I will focus on the reasons to stay current and learn something new.
-Ryan
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