This past week I have been so sick. Probably the sickest I have been in years. Turns out it was the flu. Type 2. The more serious, long lasting, wont leave you alone strain. Name a symptom, I had it.
To make it worse, I am a big baby when I am sick. I blame my mom. :) Since I was a kid, whenever I would get sick, she would sit with me on the couch and we would watch Beauty and the Beast until I fell asleep. Some things never change. Only this time it was my bed, and the first 4 seasons of FRIENDS. And while my Mom wasn't with me, Ryan was.
Unfortunately he still had to work. But he did manage to get some time off to take me to the doctor..twice, and be home with me. He has been so good to me. He has cleaned the house, changed the sheets on the bed, made dinner, driven all over to get medicine and hunt down a movie. He has been so wonderful at taking care of me.
I am still not feeling great...and Ryan told me today to just rest and take it easy this week. He only cares about me getting better (I think he is tired of cooking!:) ). He has been so great and I just wanted to share how lucky I am to have this man who cares for me so well.
Thanks Ry-I love you!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Fearless
Last week I sat in Ryan's Boss' living room. There were some other couples there. A few of which had moved to Nashville from other states. These wives easily sympathized with my fear of the Tornadoes. As we sat there, we all kept wondering and waiting for word on the storm that was going to appear overnight. I sat there anxious. Wondering, will there be a Tornado with this one? I was almost paralyzed with fear.
On our drive home I began thinking about this more. I am truly truly afraid of the Tornadoes. I know some of you may be laughing. Some thinking, what? Tornadoes are nothing. But to me, they are something. They are something fearful. Something that has kept me from really enjoying Tennessee. My fear is really controlling me. I have tried to ignore it, but then the mention of a storm comes and I feel my heart racing. I feel myself longing to get on a plane and hurry back to Oregon. I start to panic.
All this week on my drives to the Church, I have been hearing songs that talk about being fearless. I know it may not seem like much, but these songs have got me thinking. Thinking about fear.
I should not be afraid. Not because Tornadoes are not a big deal. Or the chances of actually encountering one are slim. But, because I am a child of God. He cares for me. He protects me. He desires the best for me. All through the Bible people are afraid. And God is there to comfort them. I think of the disciples on the boat in the storm. Jesus is just sleeping and they are FREAKING out. I can relate. They go to Jesus. He doesn't criticize them. He doesn't laugh at their fear of the storm. Instead he gets up, and just calms the storm. That is where I am at. I am on that boat. I KNOW that Jesus can calm the storm. I know that he often does. But I am more like those disciples than I often care to admit. I am terrified. And I wonder, even after the storm stopped, were they fearful of the next one? Or was the memory of Jesus calming this one enough for them? I want to be there. I don't want to have the storms in Tennessee keep me from experiencing so much more. I want to enjoy the life that we are living here. I want to enjoy all that Nashville has to offer, without fear of the storm.
So today, I am trying to trust the Lord and allow him to take away the fears in me. But today is easy, there are no tornadoes! :)
On our drive home I began thinking about this more. I am truly truly afraid of the Tornadoes. I know some of you may be laughing. Some thinking, what? Tornadoes are nothing. But to me, they are something. They are something fearful. Something that has kept me from really enjoying Tennessee. My fear is really controlling me. I have tried to ignore it, but then the mention of a storm comes and I feel my heart racing. I feel myself longing to get on a plane and hurry back to Oregon. I start to panic.
All this week on my drives to the Church, I have been hearing songs that talk about being fearless. I know it may not seem like much, but these songs have got me thinking. Thinking about fear.
I should not be afraid. Not because Tornadoes are not a big deal. Or the chances of actually encountering one are slim. But, because I am a child of God. He cares for me. He protects me. He desires the best for me. All through the Bible people are afraid. And God is there to comfort them. I think of the disciples on the boat in the storm. Jesus is just sleeping and they are FREAKING out. I can relate. They go to Jesus. He doesn't criticize them. He doesn't laugh at their fear of the storm. Instead he gets up, and just calms the storm. That is where I am at. I am on that boat. I KNOW that Jesus can calm the storm. I know that he often does. But I am more like those disciples than I often care to admit. I am terrified. And I wonder, even after the storm stopped, were they fearful of the next one? Or was the memory of Jesus calming this one enough for them? I want to be there. I don't want to have the storms in Tennessee keep me from experiencing so much more. I want to enjoy the life that we are living here. I want to enjoy all that Nashville has to offer, without fear of the storm.
So today, I am trying to trust the Lord and allow him to take away the fears in me. But today is easy, there are no tornadoes! :)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Living the Dream
I have to kick myself sometimes. I am sitting in my office living my dream. Those who have known me the longest know I have wanted to work in Television since I was a little kid. My childhood friends remember me drawing TV sets and talking about TV news. I used to only dream I would get to do this and get paid for it.
I love how God works. Just when I want to get down, God reminds me this is what I have wanted and this is what he has made me to do. I am so fortunate, so blessed, so honored...really honored. I don’t know what tomorrow holds or when God will move me in a different direction. Several years ago when I produced my first newscast – and mind you it was terrible…I prayed a prayer of thanks and told God he could move me in a different direction whenever he wants.
Several years later, I still tell the Lord that often. He has blessed me beyond belief. There isn’t a job I think I deserve or think I have earned. Frankly, I am just blessed beyond belief that the Lord has brought me to this place in life. I always view my work as I’m just filling a spot until someone else takes it.
And far superior to any career achievement I will ever have is the great relationship I have with my wife and with my family. Every once in a while, it’s good for a man to remember how blessed he is – and if anyone ever doubted, I don’t take this life for granted. There is reason to live, there is reason to work harder than the people around you, there is reason to love people more and there is reason to share our excitement…because God is choosing to show me favor and I hope my actions will be an example to him.
-Ryan
I love how God works. Just when I want to get down, God reminds me this is what I have wanted and this is what he has made me to do. I am so fortunate, so blessed, so honored...really honored. I don’t know what tomorrow holds or when God will move me in a different direction. Several years ago when I produced my first newscast – and mind you it was terrible…I prayed a prayer of thanks and told God he could move me in a different direction whenever he wants.
Several years later, I still tell the Lord that often. He has blessed me beyond belief. There isn’t a job I think I deserve or think I have earned. Frankly, I am just blessed beyond belief that the Lord has brought me to this place in life. I always view my work as I’m just filling a spot until someone else takes it.
And far superior to any career achievement I will ever have is the great relationship I have with my wife and with my family. Every once in a while, it’s good for a man to remember how blessed he is – and if anyone ever doubted, I don’t take this life for granted. There is reason to live, there is reason to work harder than the people around you, there is reason to love people more and there is reason to share our excitement…because God is choosing to show me favor and I hope my actions will be an example to him.
-Ryan
Friday, December 31, 2010
Cling or Cherish?
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
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
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
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Hello Y'all from Nashville
I realized it has been a LOOOOOONG time since I have blogged. So I thought I would take some time to update you on our life in Nashville and our journey to get here!
We left Portland on our anniversary! We spent four days driving a couple thousand miles across the country. We drove through Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and landing in Tenessee. We had a great time, whcih was a surprise to both of us. And Meow did great!
The weekend after we arrived we were met with our first Tenessee storm! It was crazy! A couple days later our first Tornado Watch. I am still terrified of those things, but I think in time that will get better!
Our new place is finally starting to feel like home. We are learning the areas and getting settled. Ryan is really enjoying his job. It is a great fit for him. I am so proud of him and the work that he is doing.
We quickly found a church! The reason: Dave and Reba. A little note about these two. Their daughter just moved to Yakima and is working at the church where my Father in Law is an elder. My in-laws took her in and helped her get settled. When we moved here, her parents, Dave and Reba quickly took in Ryan and I. We began attending their church. Reba has helped me get connected. I have been helping cover the receptionist desk, and I will be volunteering with one of the pastors as an Admin. Assistant. I am so thankful to get plugged in quickly. And to help this pastor out. I feel like I get to help the body of Christ, and use my gifts. This unemployment thing is great! :)
All in all life is feeling normal here. I get very homesick some days, and our new place doesn't feel as much like home for me as I would hope. But I am sure it will in time.
We have done some exploring. We went to the Oprlyland Hotel on Saturday with some friends (my friend Amanda from 5th grade and her hubby). We had a great time and it was beautiful. It's exciting to have some friends out here who get the change from Oregon/Washington to Nashville.
The Lord has been so faitful to us and calling us here. He has provided more than we could ever imagine and has watched over us. We are so thankful for his provisions.
There is a breif update on life in Nashville. Hopefully we will have internet soon so I can post more often!
We left Portland on our anniversary! We spent four days driving a couple thousand miles across the country. We drove through Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and landing in Tenessee. We had a great time, whcih was a surprise to both of us. And Meow did great!
The weekend after we arrived we were met with our first Tenessee storm! It was crazy! A couple days later our first Tornado Watch. I am still terrified of those things, but I think in time that will get better!
Our new place is finally starting to feel like home. We are learning the areas and getting settled. Ryan is really enjoying his job. It is a great fit for him. I am so proud of him and the work that he is doing.
We quickly found a church! The reason: Dave and Reba. A little note about these two. Their daughter just moved to Yakima and is working at the church where my Father in Law is an elder. My in-laws took her in and helped her get settled. When we moved here, her parents, Dave and Reba quickly took in Ryan and I. We began attending their church. Reba has helped me get connected. I have been helping cover the receptionist desk, and I will be volunteering with one of the pastors as an Admin. Assistant. I am so thankful to get plugged in quickly. And to help this pastor out. I feel like I get to help the body of Christ, and use my gifts. This unemployment thing is great! :)
All in all life is feeling normal here. I get very homesick some days, and our new place doesn't feel as much like home for me as I would hope. But I am sure it will in time.
We have done some exploring. We went to the Oprlyland Hotel on Saturday with some friends (my friend Amanda from 5th grade and her hubby). We had a great time and it was beautiful. It's exciting to have some friends out here who get the change from Oregon/Washington to Nashville.
The Lord has been so faitful to us and calling us here. He has provided more than we could ever imagine and has watched over us. We are so thankful for his provisions.
There is a breif update on life in Nashville. Hopefully we will have internet soon so I can post more often!
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