Could Have Played College

There are some certainties in life. One of my recent revelations is that most of us believe that we could have played our chosen sport in college. We list off the "what if's", but the reality is that for one reason or another, we didn't play. But that doesn't stop us from dreaming of the imaginary glory we would have reached.

I'm finding that I'm starting to reshape this world view into a ministry thing. I could be awesome if I were in "the right church". I would be known if I only had "that" opportunity. I'm sure I'm as good as that speaker, and look at how popular they are. Reality is that I'm not "there" or at "that" church, but I do have opportunities in front of me.

I'm regularly amazed by the folks that I do learn were college athletes. They don't brag, and it remains a part of their story, not the driving narrative (like the brilliant NCAA commercials "Not all of us will be going pro in our sports."). I want to have the story where my character is not bound by the setting.

In Phil. 4, Paul talks about being content and finding peace in all circumstances. May we become the people where this is reality. I'd appreciate your prayers, as this is my struggle. I'll even pray for you, too. Peace.

Next

As a conversation about being a Christian hipster rages online, I've become acutely aware of areas I may intersect with the hipster label. I'm trying desperately to make sure that I only hold onto those things which will enhance my relationships (God, family, world).

One way I know that I'm tempted is the use of movie clips for teaching. And this week, I encountered one of the most fantastic clips I've seen in some time. I'm not talking the "Blue Pill v. Red Pill" or the "Faith Walk" in Indiana Jones, but we're talking about scrambling to find something to strip audio ASAP.

I indulged my testosterone and saw the Expendables. It's about what you'd expect, but there is a brilliant moment. Bruce Willis plays a limited role, and his character is somewhat of a mystery. During a meeting with Stallone's character, he doesn't want to reveal his name, so he says that Stallone can just call him "Mr. Church" since they're meeting in a church.

Then the brilliance. No joke. Here it is. Stallone responds, "Alright Church, what can I do for you?" And my jaw dropped. Stallone's voice saying the above.

I'm not sure how this really fits into anything, other than awesomeness. But, then again, that's where I occasionally like to chill.

And I call dibs on the clip.

Inception?

I'm a little hesitant to share the following story for two reasons. First, I know that people are blind apologists for Inception. Second, I am uncomfortable about inviting you into my bed. But away we go...

Last night I was dreaming away. Not sure which level I was dreaming at, and I'm pretty sure I don't care. Unless my life is incredibly amazing and this reality is a dream, I can't imagine anyone stealing my thoughts or combing the depths. As I was dreaming, an unfamiliar man kept making an appearance. He was pleasant for most of the night, he just kind of was present in the back ground, looking like a stereotypical 50's government agent with the beige overcoat. The time had come to start talking with the man since he'd been around my mind all night. He had a great smile and approached me with the pleasantness of an after church encounter. Things took a disturbing turn when he got about a foot away. Then he went Eli-Roth-recreates-the-Librarian-from-Ghostbusters. He had crazy fangs and made a move.

So I woke up. Take that crazy dream-creeper. But the damage had been done and I was having nothing more of sleep.

I've been trying to solve whatever mystery this is, but am slowly realizing that maybe someone is messing with me. So I'm looking for an out of place sage that wants a protege to help right the universe. In the meantime, Eph. 6:10-12.

Almost a Year.

Hello, my name is Carl. I figure that I should re-introduce myself since it's been almost a full year since I've posted. Actually, only 2 days shy of a full year. Yikes.

On a recent jaunt to Colorado with some buddies, I was convicted that I need to walk down this scary road of writing/blogging. I'm not sure what to expect, but I thought I'd throw a few thoughts out there and the four of you who read this can give me some feed back.

What to Expect:

• God will do something utterly amazing.
• There will be frequent tales of Natalie, Lainey, and the dogs.
• I may not like the way things are, but I intend to be part of the solution.
• Funny has a way of falling into my lap; I hope to do her justice.
• A work in progress.

What not to:

• I don't figure into the Pirates v. Ninjas battle
• I really don't like the spectrums we've been given, so I'll avoid polarization.
• I won't throw you under the bus.
• Tips on tool buying.
• My sticking to a budget.

I welcome you on the ride. I figure that I'll have to rock something more clever than "baldguycarl", but my buddy Chip has taken the most effective working title. So, we'll see how this all pans out.

See you in 2011...