XD, baby! 8:24 PM

The XD Core was a life-changing, motivating, spanking good fun, insightful, and challenging experience. I got back about a week ago, and meant to write about it sooner; but in between childcare and long naps there isn't much time.

The premises where the Core was held were picturesque, with a pool in the backyard providing a chance to refresh oneself. Power-packed classes, exciting parties, warm weather, beautiful women, invigorating get-outs, a trip to San Juan and the beach at Culebra (with white sand and clear turquoise water), made it the best three weeks of my life. All in all, it was a little slice of heaven. Minus the blood-thirsty skeeters, of course.

There's so much I could say about the great, fun, dedicated, beautiful people who I met, but time restricts me. I'm not really one to post little appreciation notes on my blog, but there are a few noteworthy people I want to shout out to:

• Andrew: Thanks for the support and for appreciating my humor. One day I'll be a great stand-up comedian, and I'll make you proud.
  
• Angelina: It's so easy to talk to you, I felt like I could tell you anything. You have that way of making people feel at ease. Every time we'd chat, I felt like I was talking to an old and trusted friend. Thanks for giving me your time and attention, it made me feel important and I could never thank you enough.
  
• Aurora: It was great to see you again. I still catch myself looking over my shoulder, wishing you were there sneaking up on me with the intent of pinching my hips.
  
• Bitty: You have the voice of an angel. When I heard you sing in the kitchen one night, I was mesmerized and couldn't tear myself away. Thanks for being so sweet and encouraging.
  
• Brian: I admire and respect you for your level of dedication. Keep it up.
• Connie: Thanks for reaching out to me. You're so full of life, it just spills out and inspires others.
  
• CB: You're full of hilarious antics. That thing you do with your knees cracks me up. I admire how you treat others with such respect and care.
  
• Crystal: Thanks for being so sweet and loving. I could really feel the Lord's love shining through you. It's made me want to be more of a vessel of His love, too.
  
• Devon: I catch myself imitating your accent sometimes, and you know what they say, that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Thanks for accepting me as your buddy right away, and for the camaraderie you show.
  
• Jason: Thanks for your shepherding. I want you to know that I have a deep respect for you, and am extremely thankful for your support and counsel during the times when I was hit hard with trials and doubts.
  
• Jeff: Thanks for brightening up the day with your witty comments and lighthearted manner. You were perfect in the "I Wanna Love You Tender" remake, I couldn't have thought of a better person to play the singer's part.
  
• Jer: Thanks for the support and for counseling me in matters pertaining to technology. You're a darn smart guy, I hope to be as knowledgeable and professional as you someday.
  
• Joey: You're a great guy and such an exemplary disciple. The way you handle people is admirable. You're a good soccer player, fun to hang around, and can finger a guitar with ease.
  
• Johnny: I like your candid and cheerful manner. It was really you who figured out the twirl step for the "I Wanna Love You Tender" dance, and saved us the embarrassment of looking like idiots or going out of sync because of the seeming complexity of said dance move. You also handle a bongo pretty well.
  
• Kevin: You're just an overall great guy to have around. You've got a great sense of humor, and it was an honor to be at the receiving end of some of your pranks. Really, it was.
  
• Maggie: I love how you say things in such a candid and blunt manner. It was a joy to spend time with you, and I had a wonderful time walking the streets of San Juan with you. The date we had will be preserved in my mind for a long time to come; I don't think I'll be able to pick up a frappuccino with chuckling in remembrance.
  
• Michelle: Michelle, ma belle, sont les mots qui vont tres bien ensemble, tres bien ensemble. It was great to have gotten to know you at the Core. You're sweet and charming, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that we shared a common interest in words. Thanks for everything.
• Nicole: Thank you so much for taking the time to get to know me and talk with me. I admire your maturity and depth of character. The way you reached out to others and encouraged them touched me, and I want you to know that I saw that and respect and admire you greatly for it.
  
• Promise: That name has now become, in my mind, synonymous with "tender" and "understanding." You saved me from a few potential goals during soccer, and I admire your upbeat and cheerful spirit.
  
• Ryan: Another all-around great guy. Your's and Brian's costume for the last night was pretty authentic, you guys pulled that one off like real pros. I like the way you just burst out with a round of high fives, it's contagious. You're one hardcore disciple man, keep being extreme.
  
• Timmy: You were an encouragement to me, and I admire your sweet spirit and love for the Lord. You also kept up with Tracy very well, good on ya.
• Tory: "I just love her so very much, and she's like my most favoritist person in the whole wide world!" Ha, Tory, you rock! Thanks for the good laughs. It's so neat that we're so much alike, although you're just way funnier. You're such a smart girl, I mean, gosh, ya know? I hope I get to see you again in the future, we'll chat over peppermint tea. Yes?
  

A big thank you to Ryan and Becca and home for letting us use their place to host the XD Core. Thank you for the sacrifices you made, I pray the Lord will bless you wonderfully in return. Ryan and Brian, thanks for undertaking the huge task of preparing meals for a host of hungry attendees. You guys rock!

Thank you all for making my experience at the Core a memorable one; for encouraging me, taking a moment to chat with me, making me laugh, and most of all making me feel like I really belong and am a part of this Family. I'm not sure if I'll be posting pictures, since I don't want people complaining about how I posted that one that looks like a mug shot, but you know who you are and I love you!

XD for life! Amen?

To You, With Love 1:13 PM

This is a little dance the men did for the women at the XD Core. In order to truly appreciate it, if you haven't see the original, I suggest you do that first. You won't see much of me in this clip, as fate intervened and stuck me in the back. I'm glad for this, as I'm strangely attired and dancing offbeat.

Enjoy.

Awakening 1:24 PM

Eyes tightly shut
Firm
Strong
Facade.
Arms outstretched
Stiff
Purposeful
Quivering.
Cruel
Is the ground
That supports you
Shooting star
Contrasts the black
Life through glassy eyes
Truth unfolds
Daybreak.
Your demise
Inevitable
You perspective
Erroneous
Your foundation
Crumbling
These cries
Muffled.
Hands trembling
Reaching for light
Fingers grasping
On both sides
Torn apart
By two worlds
Make your choice
Between Life
And Death
Propagate
The message
Give it all
No turning back
Strive
Bleed
For Truth
It's worth
Every drop

Mourning Star 1:16 AM

I sought to find escape, respite, a way to get away if only for a moment from the troubles of life and face God. I turned my head upward, and beheld a stairway to Heaven. I climbed in awe, never looking down, never turning back. With trembling steps I clung to a wall, drinking in the sights before me.

The mountains winked warmly as the cool wind kissed my face and caressed my arms. Palm trees swayed in the wind, as the midnight symphony began. Frogs sang in a low croaking, as crickets chirped their soothing melody. The breeze whistled in my ear, whispering words that flowed through my heart and rushed through my mind.

I crawled over to the concrete edge; suddenly, I was gripped by a fantastic terror, as the depths below swallowed my soul. The music rose in crescendo, sweat dripped down my nerveless fingers as my eyes widened in the sheer thrill of the moment. I saw myself falling, falling, falling; racing toward my demise. My hands flew in front of my face as I screamed in vain, as if to scare away the roaring ground.

Then two strong arms gently lifted me, and my eyes were transfixed to the stars; burning brightly, the Mourning Star. It affixed it's eyes on me, and those eyes pierced my being with a focus so intense and haunting. Nature was at It's behest, in silent obeisance the world waited with muffled breath.

My back touched on the hard, cold floor, as my eyes remained on the Being of Light, so seemingly far away, and yet so intimate. I could feel It reading my mind, as nature's music softened and the moon broke forth.

Now I bathe in moonlight, letting the soft rays lightly press my skin. No word is uttered, all that needs to be said has been said. Mourning Star, ever faithful guardian, look upon me tonight, for I fear to sleep without you. And when day breaks, I will know your true nature, for you are the Sun, you are hope, you are life. On this corner of cracked stone I await you, and you will come; for this is where I belong.

Hasta Luego! 1:48 PM

I'll be heading off to the XD Core soon. Monday, actually. I won't be posting for about three weeks, so this is to ask you to pray for me that all goes smoothly. I'm enabling comment moderation so that this place doesn't become a haven for trolls in my absence.

I mean to write about the MC/OC Camp and CanRock. I'm still waiting for those pictures to come through. Oh, for a camera of my own.

I love you all.