I truly hope the animated movie, and my girlfriend, are correct.  Before you ask yourself why this deserves to be on my quasi-work blog, check out the entry I wrote this time last year.  Sox was just like any other dog.  She wasn’t heroic, wasn’t a YouTube sensation, and wasn’t anything specially bred to win dog shows.  What she was though, is a 15 year old professor that taught me many a lesson.

I mention the previous entry about baseball, because she was intimately connected to the man who shaped me.  She was my grandpa’s dog.  16 years ago, my grandparents moved up to Kentucky from a small town in Arkansas.  It was great for me because I always cherished summers with them.  When they moved, I became more fortunate than most young people.  They bought the house next to ours, and it became like a family homestead.  My grandparents didn’t just raise my parents and me, they raised however many friends I had over at any given moment.

On the first Father’s Day after they moved in, dad and I went to get a present for Papa.  He always had dogs for either hunting or companionship, but it had been a long time since his last pet passed.  Dad and I went to the humane society to look for a puppy.  These places have so many animals that deserve love no matter the breed, age, history.  We looked through every cage and I saw this little red face with white paws and a white streak down its chest.  I was instantly sold.

We took her out of the cage and let her walk around a bit.  My chair was a big truck in her eyes and her nose went into overdrive.  She had always been in a cage, and it was evident by her wobbly walking on the pavement.  I knew she was the one but per the rules we had to leave and come back the next day to be sure.  The next day we returned to get her, and learned that our new little rascal was an April fool’s Day baby.  We took her home and as soon as Mamaw and papa saw her, her name was coined.  “Hey it looks like she has socks on,”  Yeah yeah, we weren’t creative haha.  Sox was her name, and this lab/Irish setter mix puppy would shock us almost daily for the next 15 years.

What lesson did she teach me?? I’ll give you three.

1. Take A Bite Out of Life Daily.

Any owner of a one year old dog would tell you, any item within reach of the creature WILL BE CHEWED.  There is no if, only when.  Dad returned from work one day, and yelled for me. “Nathan! I thought you picked out a dog not a pet beaver.”  Lil miss Sox was chewing the bark off a tree in a ring around the entire tree.  Papa came over gently scolded her but laughed. “You should see the front bumper of the car.”  She was ALWAYS getting into something as a puppy but it reminded me to truly take a bite out of life daily.  You might get in trouble, but if you don’t try things what will you miss?

1. Enjoy the Rainy/Snowy Days Like a Child, You Can Sleep Away the Hot Days Later.

I’ve never seen a dog LOVE snow and water more than Sox.  Papa and I would watch from the windows inside, as she would run as fast as she could with her nose plowing into the snow.  I was always amazed at how she’d be completely hyper through the worst weather.  A dog doesn’t know that “snow and rain are inconvenient.”  She just had fun.  The hot summer days were spent lying around the garden while papa planted and harvested.  Of course, she had a stick to chew on or a treat.  Even in her later years, winter was time to celebrate.  Shouldn’t we all look for the things storms bless us with??

1. Be Loyal and Loving Until the End.

NO-ONE is perfect, but we all deserve to be loved.  Sox followed Papa absolutely everywhere.  If he went to walk she followed him.  If he left on vacation, she greeted him by nearly jumping in the car.  On his last days, they spent quiet time together outside.  I’ll never forget what Mom told me a week after Papa passed away.  She told me, that she took Sox into the house one time before we sold it.  Sox was never an inside dog, but she seemed to know right where he usually sat.  Mom said she lay by the bed and whined until mom basically carried her out of the house.  Do we ever place that loyalty in the right place?  We should.

I could type more stories and lessons God has taught me through a crazy but sweet dog, but I don’t have the space to recite 15 years of life.  She was a beautiful girl that made us laugh, cry, and sigh.  A dog that in her own way made my family complete by showing God’s love in a unique way.  Please be on the watch for lessons He teaches through His creation.  Isn’t your life so much more important to Him?

Enjoy your life one fulfilling bite at a time,

Nathan Bolton

You do unto me.  Those are the words of Jesus talking about how we should care for the “unfortunate” as if we were caring for him.  Last night, was one of those moments in our community.  I was telling a dear friend of mine last night that I’ve never been more proud of the community I live in.  My church hosted an event for the second year called Jesus Prom.

The name is a bit misleading, because at first the assumption is that it’s either a “Christian school” event or a prom with only “Jesus” music.  The scene however, is like any other prom.  Limousines filled the parking lots, and the red carpet was rolled out.  The flash of cameras blinked everywhere while the attendees prepared for the ball.  The men, dressed in typical wear (one had on a purple suit that I’d NEVER be able to pull off).  The girls, makeup fixed and hair all in order to look perfect.  The crowd waiting with the place decorated and music bumping.

This prom however, was for special guests.  You see, this prom was held for men and women who never had the chance to go to a real prom.  The guests were all people with disabilities.  I sat back volunteering with countless members of the church and community (most notably a huge representation from the WKU athletic programs) watching the smiles on faces that some people would deem pathetic or down-trodden.  Each attendee was paired with a date from the volunteers.  One lucky guy named Graham had a special date waiting for his arrival.  Her name was Bekah, a beautiful and bubbly member of the WKU cheer squad.  As his family pushed his chair into the atrium, she ran to him and he hugged her tighter than I expected he could.  They had been dates the previous year, and the special education major made sure he would be hers this night as well.

The theme was WKU red inspired and red towels, balloons, and memorabilia was everywhere.  Food was served (though I never had the chance to eat) and games outside the dancing area were being played.  When things settled down, I had the chance to go into what is usually the worship center.  It turned into a giant dance floor with music playing and seemingly everyone in our town dancing.  When you see a 280 pound football player dancing and spinning a high school girl with CP in her chair to the music, all seems right in the world.  Jesus went to parties.  He participated and surrounded himself with the “least of these.”  Why?  A person that is well doesn’t need a doctor.

I was fortunate to meet a 22 year old woman with a disability as she danced with a friend of mine.  Jessica was a bit shy at first, but when the music started she wouldn’t be stopped.  The Cupid Shuffle seemed to be perfect for her, as she never missed a step.  Later on, I met her mom and told her how awesome her daughter was at the limbo competition (Jessica won!!).  I connected them to our lead pastor Steve Ayers (who was trying to re-live his younger days).  They were originally from Virginia and looking for a church to call home.  My hope is that Jesus would draw them to a church, even if it isn’t Hillvue that welcomes Jessica with open arms.

Too often, we ignore people who aren’t like us.  It’s difficult to conquer fears, and explore beyond comfort zones.  However, when we simply love, look, and listen, we can be part of something great.  There wasn’t a sermon, or bible verses crammed down the attendees throats (although one girl was baptized after placing her faith in Christ!).  The event simply said, “When the church throws a party EVERYONE is invited.”  Shouldn’t we be the same every day?

2012 is billed as the end of time, because of an eerily accurate calendar by the Mayan culture.  I don’t believe December the 21^st will be the end of the world.  If it is though, we should live like it.  Break out of your comfort zones, and take risks.  There are lives out there that are unique and loved by God.  We all have a purpose on Earth no matter our abilities or disabilities.  Enjoy what you have as you strive for more.  Happy New Year, and may it be one filled with passion and joy.

God Bless,

Nathan

P.S. if you want to know more, or how to organize your own community prom please contact Chase Goff at (270) 842-0012.

Thanksgiving Day is a day consumed by three things: food, football, and family.  Notice the order of the words?  You should because sadly, the family part sometimes becomes the forgotten factor.  As an American, I have more food than I could ever eat, I can relax in a warm house, and doze to sleep watching a 50” HDTV.  In the hustle to make everything perfect the thankfulness gets a bit lost.  Just like last year, I have the same plea for my reader.  DO NOT TAKE WHAT WE HAVE FOR GRANTED!

Billions of people (many of them women and children) are cold, hungry, homeless, and disease ridden.  Even the poverty in America pales in comparison to middle-eastern nations.  The globalization of the economy is a blessing and a curse.  On one hand, if everything is balanced and booming, the world is productive. However, in the current environment, the economy as a whole is teetering on the brink of collapse.  America is still massively wealthy, and very few people are truly starving.  This brings me to my NEW issue, “Black Friday.”

Black Friday is the biggest shopping day in America.  Retailers give customers “huge” discounts on items ranging from TVs to blenders.  I put quotation marks around huge because most discounts aren’t mind blowing.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against shopping for Christmas, or getting gifts for loved ones and children.  In fact, being willing to camp outside a store to get a certain gift for someone you love is quite admirable.  Going to great lengths to get the perfect gift shows how much you care.

My issue is the violence that happens EVERY YEAR!  Today, I turned on the news to a report about a woman from California.  Apparently she was at Wal-Mart in line for a deal on a video game console.  The deal was only available at a certain time, and for a limited quantity.  No big deal, right? Wrong.  When the sale time arrived the lady dowsed a man in pepper spray.  The pepper spray spread to 15 other people, who had to be treated by EMTs.  The lady not only left the building with the item, she left without being arrested.

I wish the previous example was an isolated incident.  The sales like these happen every year, and every year, violence is displayed.  If I remember correctly, 8 people lost their lives in a Toys, R, Us, when the clerk opened the doors.  Everyone was so consumed with getting to a specific display that the 8 people were trampled to death.  It’s sickening to me, that a holiday devoted to being thankful for what we’ve been given (by God in my opinion) would have an “after party” of greed.  I simply want to leave with one thought.

Living a life full of greed and selfishness will cause death.  Not just physical death, but psychological and spiritual death as well.  America, I’m begging you to not become a repeat of the Roman Empire.  A culture of excess, arrogance, and greed will die from within.  I don’t believe it’s too late.  I give this message not only to our country, but to myself as well.

Get Up and Walk IN THANKFULNESS,

Nathan

Comes great responsibility.  Yes, that is a line from the original Spiderman comics and movie.  It was said by the main characters uncle.  One simple phrase, from a simple fictional character, speaks profoundly to me.  Each of us has abilities that are of great value to the world.  Of course, I don’t mean abilities like climbing walls or slinging web to swing between buildings.  Each person, however, can change not only their world, but an entire culture.

The idea of this entry ironically came from a new show on CBS called “Unforgettable.”  The main character in the show is a police detective who has something called “superior autobiographical memory.”  She remembers everything of every day since she was a young girl.  Having that ability is both a blessing and a curse for her.  For example, she can remember things at a crime scene that seem out of place to solve a case.  However, the constant nightmares and flashbacks of the murder of her sister will haunt her for the rest of her life.

I know what you, my readers, are thinking.  What does a fictional TV show have to do with anything?  Simply put, the extraordinary gift (or curse), exists in real life.  I watched an episode of “60 Minutes” earlier in the year that chronicled the lives of 5 people with this extreme memory.  One of the women interviewed could remember nearly everything from her 6^th birthday until today.  My guess of her age would be upper 30s to early 40s.  She, and 4 other unique people, was put through memory tests and MRIs to try to understand how their brain actually works.  The findings were quite dramatic.  Through the MRI testing, each patient showed enlarged areas of the brain that scientists believe to be responsible for memory.

So how does this relate to the world as a whole?  These people (as well as 20 others who have since come forward) could unlock secrets that would render degenerate brain disorders to textbooks rather than living beings.  Their gift/curse could become a gift for the entire future of the human race.  Let me repeat that again.  Their gift/curse could become a gift for the entire future of the human race.  I don’t believe man evolved from monkeys (I believe in God the Creator and Jesus the Savior) but I am enough of a science nerd to see how this small segment of humanity could spring forth generations who will never have Alzheimer’s.

The super memory is an extreme example no doubt, but there are other gifts as well that are less rare.  For example, I’ve known people who have dramatic resistance to pain, or intelligence in mathematics, and countless abilities.  What I have learned however is that each of us have abilities or quirks that require a great deal of responsibility.  In the technological age of today, each word is analyzed and debated by billions of people around the world.  Comments on facebook with great intent can bring hardship to many.  Court rulings of “non-guilty” in a major public case (Caylee Anthony) not only affect the defendant, it changes the lives of the jurors profoundly.

The lessons I have learned in the past decade (I’ll be 30 in May) have come at the cost of my naiveté’s.  I do feel a bit of jealousy when I see school playgrounds with (relatively) carefree kids.  The lessons I’ve learned are as follows.

1. You are important and have something innate that can be used either for good or bad.
2. Just because you made one poor choice, or grew up in a “dysfunctional” situation, doesn’t mean you must STAY within that situation.  Your passion will lead you out of the things that paralyze your life.
3. Don’t be afraid of failure, but don’t be afraid of success either.
4. Listen to ONE person and one person only BEFORE making any decision…yourself.  Many times, if you stop to think or listen before making a decision, the correct choice will prevail.  Believe in who you are and what gifts you’ve been given.

I hope this hits home with some of you, but if I’m the only one that understands this oh well.  This humble blog site, has been almost like therapy sessions at times.  My hope is that through my successes and failures, I can show everyone that God DOES have a plan for you.  His plan is not to destroy you but to give you great peace, power, and understanding.

Get Up and Walk in your potential not your fears.

Nathan

The older I get, the more I realize that no matter what tragedy I’m currently facing, I’m not the only one.  There are close to 7 billion people on earth.  Each person is unique including identical siblings.  The one thing we all have in common however, is the tendency to not see the forest for the trees.  Americans especially have the “me-focused” attitude, and the lack of perspective of others going through similar situations.

Lately, I’ve felt alone.  Yes I have an amazing family, friends, and a girlfriend that love me dearly.  I love them in return, more than they can imagine.  Lately however, my disability has become a huge stumbling block.  My best friend is going through a major transition in his life, that is a positive but difficult to complete.  Afton, who has gone through so much physically, is watching her best friend struggle with the loss of his sister.  Afton is like a sister to the friend who has become gravely ill.

All of these difficulties and tragedies are occurring, and yet I’m stuck here.  Dad offered to take a few days off of work, (thank you Dad I might take you up on that) to help me travel but I still feel like a disappointment at times.  I would give anything to be able to hop on a plane to help my buddy, or fly to her to help encourage Afton and her family, but I can’t.  I’ve never really hated my disability, but lately I’ve had thoughts like, “if only I could use my arms to be independent.”  Nearly as soon as the aforementioned statement popped into my mind, I thought of something I once told someone who was struggling.

“No matter how rich, beautiful, intelligent you are there will always be someone who has more than you. Likewise, no matter the injury, despair, and dark your situation seems to be, there is someone battling something worse.”  I’ve learned that lesson my entire life.  I’m VERY blessed to be able to even breathe on my own.  My injury level is at the C3-4 vertebrae in my spine (Google spinal cord injury levels for a better example).  If my injury had occurred any higher, I would be relying on a machine to breathe.  No I cannot hop on a plane to go rescue my friends, but I’m mostly healthy, and when the time arises that I can find a friend to fly with me, I can go with less restrictions than someone with a worse injury.

I’m not alone in the frustrations of leg spasms, or getting stuck in mud.  I have people in this world that I can share frustrations with.  Even more importantly, I have a Creator in Heaven that has loved me from before the world was created.  He gave me the family and friends that I love.  He put them in my life, and they understand enough to know how much I desire to support them.  Yes I have down and disappointing days, but when I truly calm down, pray, and think about my situation I know I’m not alone.

Each of you that read my blog, please know you aren’t alone.  There are people in this world that are going through this frustrating life that deal with the same junk you do.  We aren’t alone.  The God of all Creation made Eve because “it is not good for Man to be alone.”  If any of you feel alone please don’t hesitate to email me.  If I can’t help you personally, I’ll be glad to point you to people who understand your situation.  My prayers and hope go out to each of you.  Thank you for taking the time to read my mini-letters to no-one in particular.  I never realized how cathartic writing would become in my life.

God Bless, and Get Up and Walk TOGETHER!

Nathan

The Jefferson Street Bridge is much like any bridge in Nashville Tennessee.  Hundreds, if not thousands, of cars and trucks cross it daily.  Very few people know (or care for that matter) that every Tuesday evening, underneath the very bridge becomes hallowed ground.  Just as God told Moses from the burning bush, anywhere His presence is found becomes Holy (or set apart).  No there isn’t a burning bush under the bridge on Tuesdays, but the presence of the Lord is there.  Why is His presence under a random bridge in a random city?  It’s quite simple.  His presence is there because the Church (not a building) is there in full force.

In 2004, a lady by the name of Candy Christmas felt inspired by the commands of Jesus to take care of the homeless around Nashville.  What began as a simple idea of cooking a meal became a ministry blessed by the Lord.  Her obedience to the commands of Christ has led to an amazing movement of love.  The meal that was once done solely by her and her husband has grown into a powerful worship experience.  With the help from churches and volunteers, the meal is a prelude to a service that both honors Christ, and provides for the tangible needs of broken people of Nashville.  Each homeless person leaves the service with supplies of food, water, and toiletries.  Candy, her husband, and the volunteers truly follow what Jesus says in Matthew 25-31-40.  When we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and love the broken, we are not only being Christ in the world, we love Christ directly.

While sitting under the bridge, I met a man and his dog “Baby”.  I believe his name was Luke but if someone else knows differently please let me know.  Anyway, as we talked amidst the sweltering heat many topics flowed through like the random breezes.  We talked about music, our pets, and other assorted topics that made little sense.  All of a sudden, he asked me, “Have you ever been homeless?”  I didn’t really know what to say.  I told him that I never have experienced going without shelter.  I’m not from a ‘wealthy’ family, but I’ve never questioned or worried about missing a meal.  This man, has no where to stay.  He kept saying that Baby, his dog, was all he had.  The dog was at least three and a half years old.  He found her presumably and adopted her in a way.  Other than her, he was deserted and alone.

When I arrived home from the service I began to reconsider his question.  Have I ever been homeless?  The literal answer is no of course, but the word homeless can be used in a different context.  What if homelessness isn’t taken literally but figuratively?  Even I have felt alone and deserted at times (no-one is to blame).  My disability can put me on an island at times.  Even someone with incredible wealth, a beautiful body, and an intelligent mind can feel alone and deserted.  I’ve realized in the last few weeks, that everyone has moments of fear, stress, loneliness, and despair.  However, I come with great news!  There is a God that comes down to the depths of our despair to provide everything we need.  Does that mean we will all be perfect and rich in this world? NO!  However, just as Jesus said in Matthew 10:29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.”

He is watching over each of us.  For His glory, we are saved.  For His glory we have provisions.  Life is riddled with sin, pain, addictions, and sickness but God has mercy and grace for those who follow Him.  Last night during the service, Candy asked if any of the homeless attendees wanted to sing Amazing Grace.  Two men and one lady grabbed a microphone.  Honestly, it was the most incredible version of the song I’ve ever heard.  Would it have won a Grammy Award?  Absolutely not, but to God it was more precious than any angel chorus.  After singing their rendition, Candy asked Lauren (our youth pastors wife that I’ve known for many years) if I could sing.  I must confess that I’m terrified of singing in front of anyone.  I can speak to hundreds, and thousands of people quite easily (yes I do get nervous too) but singing scares me.  As Candy asked me, I remembered a scripture in Luke 19:40 (I had to look it up).  The Pharisees were telling Jesus to rebuke His followers because they were praising loudly.  Jesus responded, “I tell you the truth.  If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”  I may be scared, but I will praise Him before a boulder sings louder.

God Bless each of you.  He is the provider, the Father, and the lover of our souls.  Give unto the least of these, and do not feel deserted, for God knows each of us more than we know ourselves.

Get Up and Walk into salvation and provision.

Nathan

P.S. For more information about The Bridge Ministry, please visit their website. www.bridgeministry.org

July 4^th 1776, was a day that changed the world.  On that day, leaders of an upstart group of people declared independence from tyranny and taxation.  The American Revolution was in full swing.  The Declaration of Independence still resides in a display case in Washington.  The signatures on the document essentially stated that no longer will America be a colony ruled by England, but a nation free of repression.

The word free however, should be considered loosely.  Freedom, by its own definition, is impossible.  When I think of freedom, the first mental image flashes with American flags and fireworks.  The ability to go anywhere I want, do anything I want (ok within reason HA), and worship anything I choose is unique to America.  There are countries, and governments that oppress people in ways that are sickening.  China still blocks many websites to curb thoughts of revolution against the communist party.

So me and my American friends are free, right?  We celebrate freedom on the birthday of a “free” nation.  We sing songs about being proud to be an American, “where at least I know I’m free.”  The arrogance of these songs, combined with so many frivolous fights within the nation shows how much we as a culture take for granted the freedom few countries afford.

As I’m writing this, I’m listening to the news.  The news is covering the case of a mother who allegedly killed her three year old daughter (sickening isn’t it).  In other cultures, there would be no trial, no attorney, and surely no jury.  Personally, I believe the woman is guilty. In other cases, however, where the suspect is clearly innocent our justice system gives him/her the chance to be saved.  From the perspective of other countries, that freedom is mind-blowing.

I love the country I live, and I’m proud to be an American (sometimes more so than others).  However, as I’ve grown older and learned more about other countries, I’ve grown tired of our arrogance.  Freedom isn’t free.  The Declaration of Independence wasn’t only signed with ink.  That document, and the subsequent constitution, was signed with the blood of men.

England didn’t release our fore fathers easily.  Young men (and women) died to separate the colonies from England.  The price of freedom is a sunk cost.  In economic terms, a sunk cost is a payment that can NEVER be recovered.  Men, have fought wars for many years to keep the country free.  These men gave the ultimate cost, death.  When we as a people focus more on the sacrifices than our own betterment, our nation will be transformed.

I can think of no better analogy to my challenge than Christ.  Humanity is oppressed, killed, and destroyed by sin.  The Bible says we are DEAD to sin.  Death from sin is bondage, not freedom.  Just like the American Revolution, however, the ultimate price was paid to deliver freedom to all who will accept it.  I don’t understand the mind and plan of God.  I hate the case of the mother killing her child, and protests and death worldwide.  The only thing I can hold onto is the fact that Jesus paid the price for those who call upon His name.

I always challenge/encourage my readers to Get Up and Walk in the life God has given you.  This time, I ask all of us, to look upon the word freedom differently.  The soldiers that have given (and will give) their lives for our freedom, deserve to be honored not just with plaques or holidays.  We as a culture should honor them by not taking daily freedoms for granted.

As believers in Christ, I encourage you to truly look at what you have been given by Him.  Those who believe in Him are free from an eternity of pain and anguish.  It is the responsibility of the believers to spread the message of this man who was also God.  He didn’t die in vain, take the gift of freedom he has given and spread it throughout the world.

For those who don’t believe, or have questions, please feel free to email me.

God Bless and Happy Birthday America!

Nathan

Weakness.  This year, it seems like every American blockbuster movie has something to do with superheroes.  From the X-Men series, to Captain America, Thor, and even Superman, our culture craves this type of people.  However, a comic book junkie that knows their stuff knows that every single hero has a flaw.  Superman has Kryptonite, Thor has arrogance, and the X-Men have issues both individually as a team.  We as humans recognize our flaws (which is why even our fictional heroes have them) yet try to deny them in the very next breath.

As a 29 year old man, I’ve realized one of my flaws.  The flaw that I’ve truly come to understand lately is… (I’m trying to build some kind of suspense here) F-E-A-R.  Yes, I said fear.   Fear ranging from things that are minute, such as waking up covered in ants (which is possible lately with the way our spring has gone here) or deep fears like possibly losing the woman I’m falling for to disease, and not ever doing well in my career.  Lately these fears have popped into my mind.  I lay awake at night wondering what will happen next.  I question everything naturally.  I’m an admitted cynic.  Last night however, I found out why fear seems so prevalent, not only in my life but in the world we live.

Humanity simply fears what it cannot control.  Why do I fear being covered in bugs?  Umm in case you haven’t noticed, I can’t exactly swat away a swarm of anything with my scrawny little arms haha.  Bugs don’t bother me at all as long as they aren’t ON me.  Why do I fear losing Afton before I even get to hug her or kiss her cheek?  I’m in Kentucky, she is in Oklahoma, and there is NOTHING I can do to rescue her anyway (UPDATE: she is actually going to be fine praise Jesus!).  Why do I fear not having a hugely successful career?  Simply put, no matter how many calls I make, or how many agencies I’m listed with I cannot make someone schedule me for an event.

This past weekend, a perfect example of fear as an entire group occurred.  A certain group of “Christians” claimed they knew the world would begin to crumble to an end on May the 21^st.  The leader of this sect used his followers and radio stations to spread a “message from God” that the Rapture would happen on the 21^st.  The reason I put Christian, and message from God, in quotations is that they were completely false teachings.  Neither the Angels, nor Jesus know the date and time (see Mark 13: 32-37, or Matthew 24: 36-44).  Clearly, according to the Bible, we as believers should be aware at all times and share the Gospel that Jesus came as God and Man, to pay the price for the sin of everyone who believes in Him.  Using media to scare everyone however is clearly brutal.  None of us can control the end of the world, so how is fear to be overcome?

Love.  Yep, love can conquer every single fear.  No, I’m not a hippie.  No I am not high on any substance.  I’m not talking about puppy love, or human love (which is really lust).  The love I’m referring to can only be given from the One that is actually IN CONTROL.  As I’ve read the Word from beginning to end, I’ve noticed that the only time humanity is truly unafraid is when they focus completely on the love of the Father (God), the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.  See, when you understand the Love and Glory of the One that is in control, fear disappears.

I cannot swat away bugs (haha), but God created ants to be small annoyances.  Afton was deathly ill for months, but God heard our prayers and used the wisdom and hands of many people that LOVED Him and her to heal her body.  We will be meeting next month and enjoying a fresh start to life.  We will not live in fear because it is He who loves not only our hearts that praise him, but our bodies that we use to share His Glory.  My career is already worth it to the Lord.  Why?  Simply put, because of my obedience to his command of sharing His Glory, a young boy accepted His Grace and has an eternity sealed in Love.  I don’t know why it has taken me so long to figure out so many things, but I cannot imagine what will be revealed to me a decade from now.  My hope and prayer is that I (and everyone who reads this) will start to trust and believe in a love that conquers fear and is in control.  May my Kryptonite disappear as I become more focused on true love.

God Bless and get up and walk!

Nathan

Among the dead?  This particular question is posed in Luke chapter 24.  The question was asked to Mary Magdalene and other women who had come to carry spices and oils to the tomb of Jesus.  As they arrived on the first day of the week (Sunday) to tend to the tomb they were greeted by two men in dazzling clothes with the stone rolled away.  Jesus had risen just as he said he would.  THAT is Easter.  Easter isn’t about giving kids candy, having Easter egg hunts, and getting some poor sucker to wear a big white fluffy bunny costume.  Easter is about the God of all creation saving who he loved the most, His son Jesus.  By saving Jesus, he saved everyone who believes and follows his commands.

This entry is delayed and I must confess why.  Easter Sunday was basically the culmination of one of the most difficult weeks I’ve ever gone through.  Had I lost faith? No! However, no one promised faith would be easy and life would be grand.  Jesus himself tells his followers that it WILL be difficult.  There is no maybe, or possibility.  Life for his followers WILL be challenging, but his reward is something greater than we can comprehend.  What made this week feel like the week from hell?  Ha! I could write a novel but I’ll break down the two main reasons.

The Sunday before, (Palm Sunday) began like every other day.  Same routine, we got up, dressed for church, and arrived on time.   My family and I go to the early service (ugh I hate mornings) and then Bible Study afterwards.  Everything was fine until I tried to go to class after service.  I turned the chair on and started to drive…nothing happened.  I basically waited and restarted it still nothing.  For those of you that read my blog who use a wheelchair, you understand exactly what a broken chair means.  It’s frustrating and depressing all at once.  The closest thing I can compare it to is if someone breaks BOTH legs at the same time.   I was stuck (and still am as things are still being worked on).  Losing independence alone is enough to make a week near unbearable, but what happened next broke my heart and cut me to my core.

For the last year, I’ve built a relationship with one of the most amazing people I’ve ever known.  Previous entries (especially the Valentine’s one if you pay attention) have covered issues facing a girl named Afton.  Afton and I “met” through her best friend who is a quadriplegic.  She isn’t disabled, but I have NEVER met anyone who understands and loves me like she does.  This beautiful, intelligent, and caring girl has the fun-loving spirit of someone her age (22 and yes babe I remember your age) with the wisdom of someone well into their 40’s.

As crazy as it sounds, we have developed a friendship and a relationship even though we live states apart.  Trust me; I thought it was ridiculous as well.  The reason we’ve developed such a tight bond is because throughout this year we’ve gone through challenges together that should NEVER happen to someone as young as we are(I turn 29 May 6^th).  The past 6 months, she has undergone surgeries to remove cancer from nearly her entire body.  Each time, God has given her amazing strength, courage, and healing even through the latest surgery to control a brain tumor.  Afton is one member of a clinical trial where a donor gives brain tissue to graft over a tumor to shrink it.  Last week, after undergoing a final surgery to secure the graft she was sent home with an amazing prognosis.  God has used the procedure to give her a full healthy life.

3 days later she “fell” down a stair well (and by fell I mean was inexplicably shoved by someone causing her to trip) and is now in a coma.  Now, I sit in my room not only hurting that I’ve lost my independence(temporarily), but that I cannot help someone I care about.  This is the second time a person that I love dearly was put in a comatose state.  In third grade my best friend Mitchell was in a coma for 5 months.  He has overcome that to do amazingly well.  He’s getting married this year.  I’m proud to call him a brother.  Back then, it was much easier to wait for him to wake up.  I’m no longer a naïve kid, I’m hurting and anxious for someone I love dearly to wake up!

I still wouldn’t have written this today if it wasn’t for her.  Last night, as the doctors were testing her brain reactions to friends talking to her she woke up for a minute or so.  She said my name, mumbled a bit, and when she was told that I hadn’t written a blog for Easter she clearly said the following words.

“Write the **** blog!”  So no matter what people think about how Afton and I met, I will do whatever it takes to be with her every step of the way.  I never doubted Mitchell and I love him as a brother.  Afton I wrote this for you.  I love you, and my family, friends, and I are praying for you.  Wake up so I can visit you!  God has so much planned for us!  It won’t be easy, but his Joy, Peace, and Love comes with the morning.  He Is Risen!  Happy Easter everyone!

WAKE UP AFTON! And as always, no matter what paralyzes each of you, you can get up and walk in this wild ride we call life.

Nathan

P.S. I ask for those of you who pray to please pray for her.  Comments for prayers would be great as someone can read this site to her!

WHACK! “Do you have to hit me every day with the paper?”

“Yep! What do ya know good today boy?”

“Not much papa. Anything in the paper today worth reading?”

“Nope, same old bull.”

“Braves win last night?”

“Nope they may not win another game with Bobby Cox still managing.”

For about fifteen years of my life, this was the daily banter between my grandpa and me. I still don’t know how a man in his 70s and 80s could sneak up on me and make me jump every single day.  I learned football from my dad and it still is my first love.  Baseball (Atlanta Braves specifically) was Papas territory.  I don’t think we ever went to a major league game together, but I can’t count how many we watched on TV or at WKU.  He taught me so much and we shared that nearly every day during the season.

Today is Opening Day, the first of 162 regular season games.  Baseball season is a marathon, but each game, stadium, and team has unique quirks.  Papa told me about older stadiums, watching legends like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays and stories of games from his childhood.  We would compare players’ statistics, decide who needed to be benched, and even the price of hot dogs and beer when he was my age.
Days like today are bittersweet.  As I’m typing this, the Braves are playing the Washington Nationals.  It is 1:30 in the afternoon, only an hour earlier than the time he used to walk in my room and smack me on the shoulder or head with the paper.  I’m listening to the crack of the bats, the pop of the mitt, and the murmurs of 20,000 people in the stands.  I love the sport, the atmosphere, and the hope of a World Series title.  Summer is coming and the grey depressing winter is in the rear-view mirror.   Papa and I would be eating lunch again enjoying the start of the season on days like this.

Two years ago, in May however, I watched him take his last breath due to cancer.  The sweet part of today is in the previous paragraph.  The bitterness isn’t in anger to cancer, or to God, or to baseball.  It’s bittersweet because I miss him.  I will for the rest of my life associate baseball to him.  He wasn’t a perfect grandpa, and I wasn’t the perfect grandson.  We didn’t have to be perfect, we were who we were.  He taught me many lessons in life simply by talking baseball.  He taught me the right way to act in both victory and defeat.  He taught me the importance of handling your life and job with professionalism and dignity.  Class was in session every day, the classroom just happened to be a baseball diamond.

I owe him so much and days like today are both exciting and difficult.  I hope none of you take people for granted.  Love openly, even if it hurts sometimes.  Be patient, and take the time to enjoy things that seem so simple.  Worry not for tomorrow, for tomorrow can worry about itself.  God Bless each of you that read this.  Enjoy what you have.

Get Up and Walk!

Nathan