Friends As Close As Family
Four years ago Monika and I were taking trips to Swedish hospital in Seattle to visit our friends Jason and Nat. Nat was in the hospital on bed rest preparing to give birth to their son Caleb. It was a complicated pregnancy but one that ultimately had an incredible outcome with the 10 week pre-mature birth of a 1lbs. 12oz baby boy who today is healthy and happy.
Fast forward four years to this afternoon and Monika and I once again took a trip to the hospital to visit Jason, Nat and the newest addition to their family, baby Zachariah (in the very same room that Jason and Nat visited me, Monika and Ella in just five weeks ago nonetheless). This go around the pregnancy was much easier, Zach wasn’t born early and he weighed in at a health 6lbs. 9oz.
Although the two experiences were quite different, both experiences reminded me of how lucky I am to have good friends. Friends that support, encourage and up lift me and my family and friends that I can try and do the same for. They are in many ways as close as family. We have walked through many highs and lows together and I consider it a privilege to call all four of them my friends.
Posted on March 18th, 2011 by David | 4 Comments »
Familiarity In The Midst Of Change: the importance of an old friend
I came to an interesting realization the other day as I was wiping off Cooper’s paws and bringing him into the house after being outside in the rain and muck. I realized that in the midst of all of the change that I have been facing with a new job and especially a new baby, there is something familiar and comforting about the relationship that I have with my dog.
Now if you’ve never had a pet who truly was a member of the family this may not make sense. But if you have, you probably can relate to the following sentiments.
As the saying goes, “dog is man’s best friend” and while that is not completely true, it is also not entirely false. In my case I dreamt of having a golden retriever from the time I was a little boy. It was my dream dog and every year for Christmas I hoped that I would be surprised with a puppy of my own. Unfortunately that never transpired…although my parents let me get a ferret, go figure.
However after nearly a year of marriage Monika and I got Cooper and for almost five years, he has been the third member of our family and an important part of my life.
A few months back Cooper had a serious infection in his neck that the veterinarian though would require surgery. Nearly $2000.00 worth. While I never would have expected to be willing to pay such an astronomical sum of money to keep a pet alive, I would have done it if he hadn’t gotten better.
I would have paid it because I wanted Ella to experience what it’s like to have a a dog. A Golden Retriever like I so desperately longed for as a child. I would have paid it because Cooper has become such an integral part of our little family. I would have paid it because he’s become like an old friend.
And as I experience so much newness in my life, I am coming to really appreciate just how valuable that old friend is.
He’s been around the block with me (figuratively and literally). He shows undying devotion. Our relationship has stayed the same over the years. And truthfully, that familiarity means a lot right now.
I also greatly appreciate his quirkiness. See below.
Posted on March 2nd, 2011 by David | 5 Comments »
The Friendship of Shelby, Taylor, Kestin And Co.
Today was one of those emotionally draining types of days.
After wrapping up a full day of work I had the privilege of celebrating the lives of two people at their memorial services, Ron Starr and Shelby Lee. Let me just say that back to back memorials really does a number on your emotions.
Although I had met Ron a few times and knew him to be a good man I didn’t have much interaction with him.
Shelby on the other hand was someone that I met fairly early on during my time as children’s pastor at New Life Church where the Lee family attends. All of the Lee girls in fact had been involved in “The Great Kid Adventure” in some leadership capacity whether it be leading worship or a small group.
As I was sitting in the service for Shelby, listening to story after story of how she had touched the lives of so many I couldn’t help but think about how Shelby, her sister Taylor their friend Kestin and the rest of their group of friends had left an impact on me.
Perhaps I am more aware of this now considering the fact that I am nearly the proud father of a little girl myself but those girls represented something to me that I hope my daughter will be able to experience and that is true friendship. You’d be hard pressed to find another group of girls more closely connected.
I want my daughter to have friends like that. Friends she can laugh with, cry with, talk with and serve with.
Friends who will stick by her side through thick and thin.
Taylor and Kestin, I don’t know if you or the rest of your group of friends will read this or not, but if you do, know that all of you, along with Shelby left and impact on me. Just by being passionate about God and passionate about each other.
You set an example of what great friendship looks like and I am so excited for my little daughter to be able to experience that one day.
I can’t imagine how difficult this time must be for all of you but I know that you are incredibly strong girls just like Shelby.
Taylor, you demonstrated that this evening as your read and sang (amazing voice by the way).
Just know that you are all in my prayers and I believe that God will use the passing of Shelby to bring you all even closer together as friends.
Posted on January 6th, 2011 by David | No Comments »
Uncertain Friendship
I was supposed to get together with a friend for dinner this evening but it didn’t happen. I don’t know the circumstances that surrounded his inability to meet but I have to admit it wasn’t a complete shock. In fact when we made the plans last week there was a part of me that wondered if this would happen.
Things tend to come up when we try to meet.
I haven’t really been in close contact with this friend for quite some time. He’s gone through some difficult circumstances, the details of which I still don’t really know, and distance has come between us. However when we decided last week that we were going to meet up for some burgers I can’t tell you how excited I was. This is a guy that I have tried to invest in. A guy that I have stay up late thinking about and praying for. A guy my heart has broken for because of the situations he’s faced. A guy that despite his mistake I still respect a great deal.
He’s one of those people that has a contagious personality and I can’t help but think about the incredible impact he could have if only he could get his like back on track.
It’s kind of strange, we don’t have a ton in common but he is one of the few people that I absolutely love getting together with whenever the opportunity presents itself. Whether it’s just grabbing coffee, going shooting or getting a bite to eat I genuinely value my time with him. So when I found out today that we weren’t going to be able to get together I was left frustrated.
Frustrated because this wasn’t the first time this has happened. Frustrated because I was looking forward to catching up. Frustrated because I feel like God has put me in this guy’s life for a reason but I’m uncertain of exactly why.
I’d like to think that I’m in a position to help him grow in his relationship with Christ. Grow as man of God…as a father.
And so this evening I’m left feeling uncertain of this friendship. Does he really want to be friends? Can God really use me in this situation? How can I keep investing in this relationship when it doesn’t really seem to be reciprocated?
I suppose I wouldn’t care so much if I didn’t really believe that this guy has a lot to offer others.
But he does.
And so tonight as I get ready to turn into bed my prayer is that he would realize just that. That he has a lot to offer. And even though I sometimes wonder if it’s worth continuing to put for the effort to be friends, I know it is and I will continue doing whatever I can to not only maintain our friendship, but to keep growing it.
Posted on December 14th, 2010 by David | 2 Comments »
Ryan J. Pemberton
I love this story! Ryan is an incredible friend and inspiration to me. I plan on blogging more about him and a couple other guys who currently are inspiring me to do bigger, better and more Godly things, in the days to come. Stay tuned!
If you have some time visit Ryan online.
Posted on May 3rd, 2010 by David | No Comments »
Inspired By The People In My Life
I don’t know if you ever experience this but sometimes I find myself in awe of the people I know. Not because I’m friends with celebrities or the wealthy but because I know incredible people who are doing great things.
I’m friends with teachers, pastors and Special Olympics coaches.
I’m friends with people who are going to Oxford, or have their doctorate. I’m also friends with people who do not have a degree at all and yet they are touching peoples lives.
I’m friends with motivational speakers and artists, ministry leaders and ministry volunteers. I’m friends with musicians, photographers, writers and small business owners.
I’m friends with die hard conservatives and die hard liberals.
I’m friends with baristas and mechanics, receptionists and customer service representatives.
I’m friends with kids, youth and adults.
While all of these people vary in terms of their personal life experiences, what doesn’t vary is their desire to have an impact. They all want to make some sort of a difference.
Although most of these people will never get the sort of attention that is given to the celebrities and public figures we often look up to, I find each of these people to be incredibly inspiring.
So here’s to you friends, thank you for inspiring me. For pushing me forward, motivating me to have a positive impact on the lives around me in the same way that you have impacted mine.
Each of you are amazing!
Cheers!
Posted on February 8th, 2010 by David | No Comments »
Caleb and Cooper
Monika and I had our close friends Jason and Nat over last night with their son Caleb. Usually when we have people over we lock Cooper our dog away, due to his incredibly friendly yet slightly overwhelming personality.
However last night we made an exception.
Caleb might as well be named Noah or be a zookeeper or something because he loves animals including large 75lbs Golden Retrievers. So in an attempt not to disappoint the little animal lover we sprung Cooper and let the two of them play; the slightly undersized two year old and the 75 lbs. hairy beast. It was AWESOME!
They chased each other, Cooper knocked Caleb down, they traded toys, Caleb smacked Cooper in the head and Cooper laid down on top of Caleb, twice.
It was brilliant!
Here is fuzzy documentation via my phone of the interaction.
Posted on January 30th, 2010 by David | 1 Comment »
"Caring Time"
On Tuesday evening my wife and I get together with three other amazing couples for our small group time (for those of you who aren’t familiar with “small groups” it’s a bible study). This is without a doubt one of my favorite times during the week. There is nothing like getting together with awesome people to talk about life, study scripture and pray for one another.
Our group has affectionately and somewhat sarcastically dubbed our prayer time at the end, “Caring Time.” This is a time where we share prayer requests and praises. Rita, our note taker jots them down on sticky notes and passes them out to each couple so that we can remember what to pray for and have something to remind us to pray for each other throughout the week.
This last 15 or 20 minutes of our group is the best. I have really come to appreciate the power of being blanketed in prayer by friends and family.
It gives strength.
So while it sounds cheesy, “Caring Time” is incredible and if you do not have people who can blanket you in prayer I suggest that you find some.
Posted on January 21st, 2010 by David | 1 Comment »
The Making Of "25,000"
Once again my friend Taras has created an incredible piece of artwork that must be shared. Check it out!
If you are interested in his other work visit visualspicer.com OR to sponsor a child visit worldvision.org.
Posted on January 2nd, 2010 by David | No Comments »
When I Grow Up I Want To Be Like Sam
When I grow up I want to be like Sam.
What an incredible man of God! Not to mention the fact that not too many men his age can pull of a “Got Jesus?” T-shirt.
He is seriously a spiritual stud and an inspiration to me.
It doesn’t matter when you see him, if you ask how he’s doing he always responds, “more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me.”
Posted on December 28th, 2009 by David | 3 Comments »
