Arms Wide Open

This is dedicated to my wife and my 2 little girls. Happy “Valen Times Day” (as my girls call it) to the three very special ladies in my life. “I know one thing, I love you”.

Quick update this morning before I have to head off to “The Mother-ship” in Indianapolis (Corporate Headquarters) for  a few days. I went on a quick 5 mile run early this morning. Somewhere around mile 2, this song hit the iPod. I lost count of how many times I hit repeat over the next 4 miles. I couldn’t get enough of it. It energized me, challenged me, reminded me, inspired me and got my blood going (I am NOT a morning person or runner). I post it now so that maybe it will do the same for you today.

One other side note….In one of those “God sense of humor moments”, I passed a women walking her dog wearing a CAROLINA BLUE T-shirt with the words INDIANA across the front. If you know anything about our journey, where we thought we were going and where we will more-than-likely end up one day…that is REALLY funny. At least I got a kick out of it. I gotta get me one of those shirts….

On the journey……

If we ever renew our vows, I am TOTALLY doing this. This is GREAT!!!

I can’t get this song/thought out of my head today. Somehow, I stumbled across this song by Brad Paisley yesterday. I like the concept of the song and the video that goes with it. So for the past 24 hours or so (even in my sleep), I have been thinking of the many things I would write to myself at age 17. Obviously it’s not possible, but taking the time to reflect on the many lessons learned the past (*cough*) 21 (*cough*) years has been interesting. Let me just say that the letter would be REALLY long. Knowing me..at 17…I probably wouldn’t have read it because it was so long. These lyrics were hauntingly accurate though.

Your Turn: If you could write a letter to yourself at 17, what would it say?

This song came across the iPod recently and caught my attention. Ironically enough, it came on at a time when I was reaching the end of a very long run. My legs were weakening and my strength was all but gone. I couldn’t help but think how fitting it was that sometimes it takes a complete break down of our will, our thoughts, or strength to surrender to the Lords will. I cannot personally listen to the words  in a moment of quiet and not be somewhat broken. What a reminder today of who we are and what we are called to do.

If you haven’t heard this song yet, below are the full song and Jeremy Camp’s devotional with a “behind the music” look at why he wrote it.

Full Song: