Tag: The Journey

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Indy Mini-Marathon Recap

Aaron

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And then there was one….On Friday, my wife and I took a late drive over to Indianapolis to meet Matt Nelson for the first time and crash at his house. The alarm went off at 5:30am on Saturday morning and we were up and off to attempt our 3rd Half-Marathon in 3 weeks. This weekend’s task was the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon. I’ll give you the short version of this post right now…I LOVED this half-marathon. The course was flat and the 2 1/2 mile run on the track at the Indy 500 was the perfect middle to 13.1 miles.

As with every half marathon, I get a little sentimental about what shirt I will wear. The truth is that when the time came for Indianapolis, I just wasn’t quite sure. I packed 2 shirts we have received in previous half marathon’s this year….Charlotte (my favorite half marathon) and Nashville. There was something that just felt right about wearing the Nashville shirt in support of our friends and the recovery from flooding. I literally had my number pinned to the Charlotte shirt and was wearing it Saturday morning. But something kept drawing me back to the Nashville shirt. I made the change and I am so glad I did….

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Save A Place For Me

Aaron

I seem to be on somewhat of a youtube posting trend lately. That being said, this song rocked my little world last week. With the recent passing of my Mom, songs like this one can really tug at the heart. There is one lyric that really jumped out at me. It is so true for how I honor my Mom and remember her life. It has become my prayer: I wanna live my life just like you did Make the most of my time just like you did And I wanna make my home up in the sky Just like … Continue reading Save A Place For Me

Leadership2 Comments

Sharing the journey

Aaron

With the Country Music 1/2 Marathon just a few short months away, I made the insane decision to sign up for the “Last Chance for Boston” 1/2 marathon on February 28th. I figured it was a good way to stay ready and motivated for the Nashville half. Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t get the memo about keeping the snow away so those of us in Columbus could train appropriately. Like most of the country, we have been hammered with snow around these parts. Training has been alternated between the “dreadmill” and outside runs in the snow. This half marathon is unique in … Continue reading Sharing the journey

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One Year Ago

Aaron

One year ago (December 21st), many of us lost a dear friend. Our hearts were broken and the questions remained. A courageous and inspiring battle with cancer came to a close. Most would say that the battle was “lost” but an argument can be made that the battle was won. The healing that we all prayed for came in a different form than we envisioned. Tonight I reflect on that journey and the impact it left on my life. I am reminded that our time on this earth is so brief. Our days and time is so limited. Our ability … Continue reading One Year Ago

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In Slices

Aaron

While our kids were at AWANA last night, my wife and I had a chance to sit down with a couple we think very highly of. They are mentors, friends, dreamers and partners on the Journey. We enjoy their company and each opportunity to dream about ministry, community and how we can connect people to both. Our discussions, at times, can be like an episode of Seinfeld. I don’t mean that they are a “show about nothing”, rather they appear to be “all over the place” but at the end the conversation it all ties together. It would make for … Continue reading In Slices

Leadership3 Comments

Somewhere In The Middle

Aaron

I have lost count of the amount of times I have posted this song. It should probably tell me something that literally EVERY TIME I hear it, I pause and consider the words. It happened again today while cutting the grass. Right there by the shed, I had to stop and think about the phrase Just how close can I get Lord, to my surrender without losing all control? It gets me every time. This morning when I heard it I was reminded of something the lead singer of Casting Crowns, Mark Hall, posted on twitter while he was writing … Continue reading Somewhere In The Middle

Misc3 Comments

What TO Wear

Aaron

I read an interesting article today in Runners World Magazine about the message on the shirts people wear for races. In the few races which I have taken part in, I always find this to be one of the more fun and fascinating parts of the race. Of course, when you are chugging along behind several people for several miles, there are not a whole of other things to do, but read their shirts. There were some great quotes in the article about why you SHOULD wear a shirt that says something on it. Here are a few of the … Continue reading What TO Wear

Misc2 Comments

Fan Into Flame

Aaron

For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you… (2 Timothy 1:6) For nearly a year and a half I have been on a journey of sorts. It has been a time of discernment, discovery, decisions and consequences. I am happy to come through that time and begin to see, with clarity, so many great things beginning to happen. The excitement of what God has in store makes the storms and times of uncertainty worth the wait. One of the key points of this time of discovery has been re-visiting something … Continue reading Fan Into Flame

Faith, Leadership5 Comments

When Dreams Die…

Aaron

Fresh on the heels of being inspired to dream big by the book “Wide Awake“, a dose of reality hit this week. A dream has died Have you been there? Have you chased, to whatever extent, a dream you believed was something God laid on your heart. Did you finally come to the reality that it might have just been your dream and that, for now, your hearts desires and God’s plan are not on the same page? It can be defeating. Or, it can be a matter of perspective. Let me explain. Have you ever heard the old joke … Continue reading When Dreams Die…

Leadership2 Comments

Nothing Is Impossible

Aaron

So often our lives, or moments of our lives can be defined by music. I think that is why I love it so much. If I hear certain songs I can take you to a specific time, place, moment, event or memory. I have hundreds. On Sunday, as we made the final turn and the finish line was in sight, the song below came on my iPod. With the emotions already spent, used up and spilled out,  I couldn’t have chosen a better song at that very moment. While the controversy surrounding the song “Healer” by Hillsong United was well … Continue reading Nothing Is Impossible

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Dead and Gone

Aaron

So I turn my head to the north, Swallow that pill That they call pride The old me is dead and gone, The new me will be alright I’ve been travelin On this road to long Just trying to find My way back home The old me is dead and gone Dead and gone If you looked at the playlist below you might have noted, “Dead and Gone” by T.I. There’s something about the lyrics above that capture me. I thought it was only appropriate to have it blasting through my ears as I run the roads of downtown Columbus. … Continue reading Dead and Gone

Misc2 Comments

Worth Every Mile

Aaron

  Been a strange week for me. Two weeks actually. For it was roughly one year ago that a “For Sale” sign went up in our front yard and our course was set for Charlotte, North Carolina. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. Well, if you’ve followed the journey you know I should say “anything’s” since we went through it twice….and never moved. You would think that one year later I would have this awesome story to tell about why we’re still in Ohio and there is no “For Sale” sign out front. No disrespect to … Continue reading Worth Every Mile

Misc3 Comments

One Bright Hour

Aaron

Friends, blog readers and to all of those that have been praying for our dear friend Stefan, please see Sandi’s post this morning. Romans 12:15 instructs us to “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn”. At no moment in my life do I understand that verse better than I do this morning. For it is with the great hope and peace that I know my friend has earned and heard the words “Well done my good and faithful servant” this morning. I would ask all that read this to pray for Sandi and the children. May God … Continue reading One Bright Hour

Faith, Family, Leadership, Misc4 Comments

Today

Aaron

Today I sat with a friend. Today I was blessed with an opportunity to love on a friend that means much to me. Today God gave me a few hours to know what Casting Crowns meant when they said to “Love him like Jesus.” While we don’t have the answers to all of the questions, there is something so beautiful in the time with my dear friend. Today is teaching us something. Today I know his deepest desire in this journey is to bring God glory. Today I can be just one of the many to testify that he has. Today was … Continue reading Today

Misc1 Comment

Who Cared The Most

Aaron

I received this today via email from my friend Les. Thought I would share… 1. Name the 5 wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last 5 Heisman trophy winners 3. Name the last 5 winners of the Miss America pageant. 4. Name 10 people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for Best Actor or Actress 6. Name the last decades worth of World Series winners. How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are … Continue reading Who Cared The Most

FaithLeave a comment

An Anchor

Aaron

For several days now I have tried to wrap my head and words around those times and questions that we have for a God that created this universe. I have wrestled with anger, frustration, sadness, pain and as odd as it sounds, hope. I end each thought process at a place where I find myself searching for an anchor and something we can grab hold of. I get so tangled up in trying to understand how a loving God allows the unthinkable to happen. Yet the very next breathe is thanking a loving God for conquering the grave and the … Continue reading An Anchor

Leadership, Music3 Comments

These Small Hours

Aaron

The kids and I watched “Meet The Robinson’s” the other night. I have this weird knack when watching films of picking up the soundtrack music and how it relates to the film. I have no idea how popular this song was, or if it even made it to radio, but it is rich. At the end of the movie a song called “Little Wonders” by Rob Thomas played. The lyrics struck me. I won’t mess up the truth in the words by trying to put context around it. They pretty much say it all.Thank the Lord for “these small hours”. … Continue reading These Small Hours

Misc1 Comment

Who’s Your Jonathan?

Aaron

Many of you commented off-line regarding my post “What’s Your Isaac”. For that I thank you. This post is somewhat born out of that post as well. One of the things I will always remember about our Charlotte oddessy is what we learned about our friends. People said heartfelt things to Heather and I that we will forever cherish. They expressed sadness is our leaving, but sincerely wished us the best. They prayed for and with us. They offered their homes when it looked like we might be in need of temporary housing. As Tobymac sings: “Cause real friends are … Continue reading Who’s Your Jonathan?

Misc1 Comment

Who's Your Jonathan?

Aaron

Many of you commented off-line regarding my post “What’s Your Isaac”. For that I thank you. This post is somewhat born out of that post as well. One of the things I will always remember about our Charlotte oddessy is what we learned about our friends. People said heartfelt things to Heather and I that we will forever cherish. They expressed sadness is our leaving, but sincerely wished us the best. They prayed for and with us. They offered their homes when it looked like we might be in need of temporary housing. As Tobymac sings: “Cause real friends are … Continue reading Who's Your Jonathan?

Faith1 Comment

Teachable Tuesday

Aaron

I’m off to Cleveland the next few days for an event at Jacobs Progressive Field. In my absense, I’m going to let Mark Hall take over the blog today with another teaching video. A great reminder as I head off to do another presentation in another location, that my job is not why I am going. I’ve got a much greater purpose for driving to Cleveland. I have a much larger goal than delivering another speech. Continue reading Teachable Tuesday

Faith, Family, Music15 Comments

Something Big

Aaron

  In March of this year, we began a journey that took a BIG turn yesterday. Huge. In reviewing that post tonight. I recalled quoting the lyrics of John Waller when he sang: “Something so big, it’s destined to fail without you Lord” Friends, readers and those that may be visiting for the first time, I have an announcement to make…. In a little over two weeks, the Conrad family will become official residence of Charlotte, North Carolina. Yes, you read that correctly. TWO WEEKS! I told you it was big. As late as Tuesday evening, I was just telling … Continue reading Something Big

Faith, Music1 Comment

Healer

Aaron

Update: If you came looking for the song “Healer” by Hillsong it has been pulled from YouTube. If you’re wondering why it has been pulled from YouTube, that story is (HERE). What an absolutely sad and disappointing report today. Let’s pray for Mike Guglielmucci. We’re all guilty of making the wrong choices at times in our life. Clearly Mike has made a very bad choice in this case too. I pray Gods mercy and the mercy of those that will be critical of his decision. Don’t let this story deter you from purchasing the Hillsong “This is Our God” CD. … Continue reading Healer

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The Now and The Not Yet

Aaron

I’m probably aging myself a bit here, but way back in the day Amy Grant had a song that came to mind today. Maybe it is because if I had to give an assessment of where I am right now, it best describes the location, the feeling and the situation. Quite simply, I am at the intersection of “The Now and the Not Yet”. I’m interested to see if I am the only one that is standing at that intersection, or if we should build one of those “roundabouts” that have become so popular in the town I currently reside … Continue reading The Now and The Not Yet

Misc1 Comment

One Last Lecture

Aaron

I just opened up Yahoo to find the sad news that Randy Pausch has passed. By now I am sure that you have probably seen this video. It is all over Youtube. If, on the off chance you have not seen this, take the next 10:10 to watch it. If you have seen it before, you might take the same 10:10 and watch it again. Randy understood the impact and legacy that we leave. He also understood the power of “Chasing Daylight” and “Seizing a Divine Moment”. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Pausch family today. … Continue reading One Last Lecture

Faith, Family4 Comments

Big Things!!!!

Aaron

Wow. This has been quite a week…. First off, it is with excitement and pride that I announce that my wife now has a BLOG!!! I think she got the bug when she signed up for Facebook recently and now she is officially a blogger. I am both thrilled and disappointed. I am thrilled that the blog world will now get a glimpse into the life of the one that is the grace of my life. I’m disappointed because I just became the second best blogger in our household. That I am okay with though. Check out her new blog … Continue reading Big Things!!!!

Sports2 Comments

Priceless….

Aaron

I may bleed Carolina Blue, but no matter where I may roam, a large part of my heart belongs to my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Thanks to the ultimate hook-up from my friend Brian, “The Boy” and I had a chance on Saturday night to soak it all in. Check this out: Brian won four tickets from the local sports station to take part in their “Fan Bus to Jacobs Progressive Field”. Knowing I love the Tribe, he was kind enough to extend his winnings to “The Boy” and I. So Saturday we took off for C-Town with a bus … Continue reading Priceless….

Faith2 Comments

Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude

Aaron

I have had the absolute blessing on several occasions to meet people from the blog world either through my travel or theirs. It happened again tonight as my family and I had the honor of meeting a family that I have the ultimate respect for. Many of you in the blogging community know Rindy Walton and her son Matt. I don’t remember how or where, but somewhere “the matrix” connected our paths. Rindy and Matt’s blogs are more examples of what I’d like mine to be when it grows up. It was even better to meet them live and in … Continue reading Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude

Faith, Family17 Comments

Please Be Patient…

Aaron

When I was growing up, I had a small cross stitch picture in my room that my mom made. It was a picture of a little cowboy with the words “Please be patient, God’s not through with me yet“. I couldn’t help but think of how prophetic that little picture was..and still is today. While I write this and ask for each of your patience with me…I think I write it to remind myself as well. God is not through with me yet. I think so often I beat myself up over what I don’t do when it comes to … Continue reading Please Be Patient…

Faith, Family7 Comments

Please Be Patient…

Aaron

When I was growing up, I had a small cross stitch picture in my room that my mom made. It was a picture of a little cowboy with the words “Please be patient, God’s not through with me yet“. I couldn’t help but think of how prophetic that little picture was..and still is today. While I write this and ask for each of your patience with me…I think I write it to remind myself as well. God is not through with me yet. I think so often I beat myself up over what I don’t do when it comes to … Continue reading Please Be Patient…

Faith2 Comments

What's Your Story?

Aaron

I just wrapped up my preparation for our very first night of “Starting Point“. I will admit that I am looking forward to this discussion based series. I’m intrigued by other people’s story. I once received an email from a reader of my blog that simply asked “what’s your story?”. Talk about a loaded question…. It took me forever to reply to that email. I must have written it and re-written it 100 times. I had a hard time putting it into words. It would seem funny considering the fact that this very blog is pretty much my story. I … Continue reading What's Your Story?

Faith2 Comments

What’s Your Story?

Aaron

I just wrapped up my preparation for our very first night of “Starting Point“. I will admit that I am looking forward to this discussion based series. I’m intrigued by other people’s story. I once received an email from a reader of my blog that simply asked “what’s your story?”. Talk about a loaded question…. It took me forever to reply to that email. I must have written it and re-written it 100 times. I had a hard time putting it into words. It would seem funny considering the fact that this very blog is pretty much my story. I … Continue reading What’s Your Story?