I Conquered Gravity!

A couple of weeks ago I went skydiving.  It was the most amazing, exhilarating, thrilling experience of my life.  If you are thinking about jumping out of an airplane at 10,000 feet I would make one suggestion: stop thinking about it and just DO IT!

I'm really not a crazy thrill seeker who is looking for new ways to push the limits and go to extremes.  I can't really handle spinning rides and crazy big roller coasters at Six Flags.  I tend to take it easy.  However, a few years ago when our family was vacationing in South Padre, Texas I went parasailing with my wife.  That was awesome and I knew when I was only 100 feet up that I was going to have to skydive someday.

This was a big birthday year for me and for my present from my wife I chose to do something that I normally wouldn't do - skydive.  After I made the firm decision that this was for sure what I wanted to do I had some good conversations with my closest friend, Kevin.  Kevin had been skydiving and had some good advice and funny bits of knowledge to share.  I really loved what he passed on to me about what the actor Will Smith had to say about his experience skydiving (watch here).  I found it to be quite profound.  I kept thinking over and over about what Mr. Smith said about how God places the best things in life on the other side of terror or extreme fear.  That really stuck with me.

As the summer started to wind down and I knew that my schedule was going to pick up I figured that I'd better make this happen or I was going to have to take a "sick day".  So, I signed up online and got ready to take the ride of a lifetime!  I didn't really think about it the way I think some people might.  I was pretty relaxed.  Even the video I had to watch about signing the release form didn't freak me out, nor did the seven pages of legal documents I had to sign promising my family wouldn't sue the company if something were to go wrong.  I just viewed it all as part of the process.  Even though I was starting to get pretty pumped up, that night I slept like a baby (But not like one of my babies!  They wake up too much!).

The morning of the jump went a little like this: we got the kids where they were all going to be for the day and we (my wife, Jennifer, and I) headed out to Caddo Mills.  When we got to the "drop zone" we had to wait for a bit while a group did their jump.  They took off in a little, yellow Cessna just as we pulled up into the parking lot of the hanger.  While we were waiting we looked around and took it all in.  I was pretty pumped up about what was going to happen.  There wasn't really fear in me, but rather a pure excitement.  I have always wanted to fly.  I have had countless dreams of weightless flight.  I was really looking forward to what this might be like and was trying to focus my thoughts on taking in every detail I could: the plane - inside and out, the wind, the clouds, the curvature of the Earth, the details of the land below, the tugs and pulls against my body, the sounds, free falling, the parachute (hopefully), landing, and the emotions of it all.

I sat through a 30 minute run-down on the do's and don'ts of skydiving with 2 others.  I focused as well as I could to everything the instructor was telling us, but it was a little difficult to hear due to the large fans that were blowing the sweltering heat out of the hanger.  When the lesson was over I felt like I had gotten the gist of it, but also like maybe I missed something.  I knew for sure what NOT to do: don't grab the instructor's arms (who I would be jumping tandem with) and don't pull the cords!  No problem!  I played over in my mind what I knew I had heard and tried to formulate any questions that might better prepare me.  I had none.  I didn't know if that was good or bad.

I walked over to put my harness on and walked around a bit to try to get used to the feel.  It was like the harness you wear to repel or rock climb.  After a few minutes, my instructor came over and clipped me to his harness with about a 3 foot cord.  I felt like a dog on a leash.  As soon as I heard the click of the carabiner type clip, my instructor yelled over the fan for me to follow him.  We headed directly to the little yellow Cessna I had seen early.  It looked even smaller now!  As we approached the airplane I looked inside briefly and then climbed in.  There were no seats!  My seat belt was attached to the floor directly behind the pilot.  I settled in and tried to figure out how my instructor, a second instructor and a second crazy person (I was the first) were all going to fit in this flying coffin!  It was insane!  This was the smallest airplane EVER!  Somehow my instructor sat

facing me with his legs and mine overlapping.  The other crazy person (who turned out to be way crazier than me!) sat next to my instructor and her instructor sat on the floor between the pilot and the door facing backwards.  We were like sardines in a can!  In all seriousness, the plane could have been compared to the flying wagon that "Bobby" uses in the movie Radio Flyer.  It was TINY!

As the plane's single engine revved I knew that this was it.  I was seriously going skydiving!  I couldn't believe it.  It was kind of like that feeling you have when you are a little reluctant to go on the world's largest roller coaster, but you do it anyway.  As you get into the car, you think "no big deal" this will be over soon and it will be cool.  Then, it immediately starts the incredibly slow climb to the top of the big drop and you think "I might be stupid" and "I hate roller coasters".

It seemed like the ascent to 10,000 feet took at least half an hour.  In reality, I think it only took 15 minutes tops.  It was a steady climb.  I thought that I should have been doing something to get ready, but when I saw both instructors taking power naps I decided to just enjoy the flight and see what I could recognize out of my window.  After a few minutes, my instructor started checking over his gear.  Then, he instructed me to climb over and sit on his lap.  I knew from the tutorial earlier that this was coming, but I still thought it would be funny to make a remark about how a I'd never been asked that by a man before.  Let's say he pretended not to hear me.

As I climbed over to get into position, the other crazy person did the same.  Suddenly, the pilot shouted out "THREE, TWO, ONE!"  On "ONE" the other instructor opened the plane's door!  Insert expletives here!  I was not about to back down!  No way!  But, dude, this was getting real!  The other instructor and his crazy person swung their legs around and moved to the edge of the plane, all while I'm watching with my mouth hanging open.  One second they were there in the plane with us and the next moment they were gone!  Falling at a very fast rate of speed to the Earth below.

As my instructor and I started moving toward the door I noticed two things.  First, the pilot was also wearing a parachute pack, which told me that he also had very little confidence in our flying go-cart!  Second, our pilot looked like one of my 5th graders from last year!  I think he had a milk mustache!  Anyway, we shimmied to the edge of the plane and I put my feet out on to the little metal platform and looked down.  All I can tell you is that planet Earth was way down there and it is definitely round!  This was my first moment of panic.  It didn't last long, but it was pretty intense.  I put my hands on my shoulder straps, looked up at the wing (as I had been instructed), and off we went!  I was free falling!  At the exact moment that we exited the plane I began to immediately experience joy and bliss and this freedom that was unlike anything else I can compare it to.  It was incredible.  I could see that the clouds were a few thousand feet below us.  I tried my best to whoop and holler and express my excitement, but I couldn't get anything out because of the rush and speed of the air in my face.  The free fall lasted for maybe up to 15 seconds.  I'm not for sure, but it could have been about that long.  Longer maybe.  It was amazing.

When the parachute deployed we were immediately thrust into an upright position.  It wasn't bad at first, but then my second moment of panic set in.  This lasted much longer than the first one.  Drifting down in a parachute might not be like you would image - slowly and gently floating on air until you land softly in a designated spot.  Oh, no.  The person controlling the parachute has to do just that - control it!  They have to make turns that can be a little violent.  My instructor was cool.  When I told him I don't do well on those hard turns, he took it easy.  The other instructor and crazy person were literally doing 360 degree flips with their parachute.  Nuts.  We practiced lifting out legs for landing so that we wouldn't break them, but mainly we enjoyed the view.

It took a couple of minutes, but eventually we made it to the landing zone.  Right on cue, I lifted my legs and we landed right on our backsides.  Not a bad landing if I do say so myself.  I just sat there for a couple of minutes and tried to take in the experience.  I wanted to soak it in because I knew that the adrenaline was going to be off the charts.

I was right.  Flying was way better than I would have ever dreamed (and I have dreamed) and the adrenaline flowing through my body was intense!  Since I made it back safely, I decided that I deserved a "I Conquered Gravity!" t-shirt.  I now wear that shirt with pride.  I am really glad that I went skydiving and can recommend Dallas Skydiving Center.  Those guys were awesome and took real good care of me and the other Nutter bars that jumped out of the Radio Flyer.  Once was probably enough for me, but who knows, I may be up to a 30,000 foot jump someday (don't tell Jennifer)!  

How I Became an Author

This is kind of an origins story.  Recently, my first book, "Wylie's Way" was published.  It is a children's book about a young pirate who want to be different than your average pirate: fighting, plundering, causing destruction, etc.  Wylie (the young pirate) wants to do good, he wants to show that he is responsible, hard working, and caring.  Many people have asked me how this whole deal started, so I thought I would share a little bit here.  Maybe this will turn out being a good catapult for my writing on this blog after a few years away.

Nearly two years ago, I first had an idea to write a rhyming story that could be used for the Wylie Way elementary curriculum in Wylie ISD.  I spoke to our Superintendent about my idea and he gave me an enthusiastic thumbs up.  So, I brainstormed and planned and wrote ideas out.  After several months (it took a while because I have a full-time job and our twin daughters were infants) I had a draft that I was ready to present.  I met with our Superintendent again, along with the Director of the Wylie Way and an Assistant Superintendent.  It was a good meeting.  I was very encouraged.  They didn't seem to be interested in taking what I wrote and applying it to the Wylie Way curriculum.  That was fine.  I was proud of what I had worked on, but I was a little shy about it.  Then the question came out: "Are you going to publish this story?"  I was a little surprised that they thought is was good enough for that, even though I had started thinking that would be an interesting path to explore.  I left that meeting with hope that one day "Wylie's Way" might be a published children's book.

It took some time to find the right publisher, but after some research and conversations with friends who had published books I struck gold!   I signed a contract with Clear Fork Publishing, after submitting a summary of "Wylie's Way" and having an "interview" conversation over the phone.  This was such a great decision!  Clear Fork has been incredibly supportive and has been tremendous throughout the process of turning my idea of a this young pirate who wants to do good into a real life published children's book.  I have been humbled by the support I have received and am so grateful to everyone who has helped me.

"Wylie's Way" was officially made available on May 17, 2017.  Since it came out nearly 3 months ago I have had two book signings, two book readings and I have sold over 100 copies.  One of the book signings was paired with a book talk at an elementary school in Midland, Texas.  I was able to read my book to the school's students and teachers and talk to them about how "Wylie's Way" became a book.  It was a blast!  I am hopeful that these opportunities to share about reading, writing and The Wylie Way with children will continue to present themselves.

Creating and imaging and turning blank paper into something for others to enjoy has been a wonderful experience.  As I was working on "Wylie's Way" I had more ideas for other books.  I have been doing some work on turning those ideas into what I hope will be more books for the children's library.  Hopefully, I will have 2-3 more published books in the next year or so.  I'll keep everyone updated on that journey here.  Thanks for stopping by and keep reading!

If you are interested in purchasing your own copy of "Wylie's Way" you can find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and at Clearforkpublishing.com.

Running and Prayer

Recently I started a couple of practices that have begun to gradually improve my physical and spiritual/mental health.  For the first time in my life I am running for physical exercise.  My motivation has been to increase physical endurance, improve my blood pressure and "good" cholesterol numbers, and maybe lose a little weight.  I started off running about a half mile to now running at least a mile and a quarter.  I run as often as I can which ends up being about 5 days out of a week.  I never thought that I would be a runner.  I never thought that I would enjoy or look forward to this kind of exercise, but I really do.  I feel good about what I am doing and how I am doing it.
As I run and especially as I cool down and walk back home I have begun to be more intentional in my prayer life.  I use the time alone on the trail as a time to focus on conversation with my Creator.  It has evolved into a time of listening and petitioning.  I pray for wisdom and guidance as a husband and dad; I pray for my friends who are going through transitions; I pray for health and healing of my friends and family members who are sick; I pray that I would be used to touch people with what I write and teach.
It is interesting to me that these two activities (running and prayer) are working hand in hand to assist me in being a better person.  I know that I still have a long way to go, but I hope that those in my life that I interact with can see positive changes.  What do you do to grow and strengthen yourself?  How can you be better?

Where He Wants Me

The last time I wrote on this blog I was really searching.  I had just encountered a major setback and was looking for answers.  I was really wanting God to reveal to me what His plan for me, as far as a career, should be.

After I didn't pass the NMLS exam I decided that I should look into substitute teaching until I could figure out a more concrete plan.  It took a couple of weeks to get going, but I was soon substitute teaching every day in the Wylie school system where Jennifer teaches and Elisa is a student.  I was really enjoying it and decided that I needed to use this as a catalyst to get back into the classroom full time.  Subbing was helping me to sharpen my rusty classroom management skills and network with school principals and other teachers. Within a couple of weeks, we decided that I should broaden the area in which I was working.  So, I applied to be a sub in the Richardson school district too.

I had substitute orientation in Richardson on a Wednesday morning toward the beginning of October.  That afternoon I got a phone call from the automated system informing me of a job at O. Henry Elementary school teaching 5th grade Language Arts.  I took the job.  I was excited to already have a job lined up, especially since it was at the school where my friend is the school nurse.

When I first walked into OHE I loved it.  It was comfortable in its own skin like the elementary school I attended when I was a child.  It was a little, humble school that catered to young students who might have to work a little harder to become something due to their demographic and home lives.  The students were receptive to me and things went well.  Half-way through the day, during lunch, I learned that the 6th grade Language Arts teacher had to resign because her husband received a job transfer.  Immediately, I went to the classroom, picked up my resume and took it to Ms. Howell, the principal.  I informed her that I was certified to teach this 6th grade class and I would love an opportunity to interview for the job.  She let me know that they had already been interviewing candidates, but that she would be interested in me subbing the next week as the long-term sub while the search continued for a replacement teacher.  If things went well she would consider interviewing me for the full-time position.

The next week was awesome!  I had some guidelines for instruction, but I was writing the lesson plans on my own.  I hit it off with the students right away.  It didn't take long until they were open about wanting me to be their teacher full time.  They consistently asked me to talk to Ms. Howell about the job!  Mid-week Ms. Howell asked me to be the substitute the next week.  I accepted.  On Friday, she invited me to interview for the job.  I interviewed the following Wednesday.  The interview was during my planning period toward the end of the day.  It was going well, but was cut short because I had to get my class from gym and dismiss them.  Twenty minutes later, when I got back to the conference room to continue the interview, Ms. Howell informed me that the decision had been made to offer me the job!  I accepted!

That evening the entire Facebook world knew that I had been offered the job.  However, my students didn't know.  I couldn't tell them because of protocol and needing to have everything settled with Human Resources.  The kids pushed me everyday to try do what I could to become their full-time teacher.  It felt great for them to want me.  I couldn't wait to tell them that I was indeed their teacher and that I wasn't going anywhere!  It wasn't until the next week on Thursday that they found out from Ms. Howell that I had been hired to be their teacher for the rest of the year.  It was awesome!  They were high-fiving me and hugging me!  Pure greatness!

Things have settled down a bit.  They are getting used to me and I them.  Everyday, I pray for my students as I drive to school in the morning.  God has been faithful and has answered big prayers almost daily.  This is a great mission field at O. Henry Elementary.  This is exactly where He wants me.

"What's the Plan, God?"

This blog is based on my life's journey as I live it.  What I do, where I go, what I think.  I'm sure it might not be very interesting to many of you.  No problem.  I'm not searching for an audience.  I just want a place where I can "journal" my journey.

Back in April I made the decision (with my wife's support) to walk down a different career path.  I started training and studying to be a loan originator for a mortgage company.  At first I was incredibly overwhelmed by new terminology, laws and procedures that I previously knew nothing about.  In May I took and passed the Texas State Licensing Exam.  Later I took but did not pass the National Licensing Exam.  A month later I tried again.  Although I improved my score, I still did not achieve the passing score of 75.  I continued to study and dig deeper into the mortgage industry.  Last Friday I took the National Exam for the third time.  After the third attempt you must wait six months to retake if you don't pass.  I scored a 74, missing a passing score by 1 question.  I was heartbroken.  I had never studied so hard for anything.  I knew I was ready!    At first, I wanted to try to dispute the score.  I got 86 out of 115 correct.  That calculation comes out to a 74.78%.  Unfortunately, the NMLS (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Registry) does not round scores up.  Anything under a 75.0 is a failing score.  In addition, I couldn't think of a question worth disputing.  That was it.  There wasn't anything that I could do. 

So, my mind started going toward, "What do I do now?  What's the plan, God?".   We had been praying that if this was right that God would use me in this industry to bless others who don't know Jesus.  I don't want to give up, but we believe that there was absolutely no reason for me to not pass that test.  The day before I took a practice exam that had 189 difficult questions on it.  I only missed 4 questions.  Maybe this was God saying that this isn't where He wants me.  That's a hard idea to swallow after working so hard for the past few months to learn so much about an industry that I knew absolutely nothing about before (I could barely spell mortgage!). 

I try everyday to be open to the Lord's leading and to be grounded in my faith.  I try to spend time in the Proverbs each day.  This has given me great peace.  I know that God has a plan and a path for me to walk down.  As I search I will keep my eyes on Jesus; basking in the assurance I have that He loves me, cares for me and knows what is just right for me and my family!

Day 39

It is hard to believe that I have been off of Facebook for 39 days.  I decided to go on a 40 day fast to help me to prioritize my time and to step away from what I felt was a stronghold that the social site had on me.  With the last day of my fast from Facebook arriving tomorrow I feel a little different about things.

I DON'T MISS IT!
For the first couple of days, just out of habit, I struggled to not hit the Facebook icon on my phone.  I didn't really have a purpose for getting on the site.  It was an impulse when I became disinterested in my surroundings I guess.  Now, I can say that I don't miss it.  I may or may not log in on Wednesday after I have met my goal.  If I do log in I can say that it might be solely for the purpose of an update on my status and to take a look at my friends list.

WHO ARE MY FRIENDS AND WHY?
I can't remember how many friends I have on FB, but I think it is 1300+.  I can tell you with certainty that there are folks on my friends list that I don't know.  There are some that I know, but I don't have a relationship with.  Then there are those who may or may not be in my "circle", but I know well enough to be interested in what is happening in their lives.  One of the biggest things that this time away from Facebook has done for me is to help me evaluate who my friends are and why.  Once I am back on it may be time to "trim the fat" (no offense).

WHAT'S THE PURPOSE?
This time off of Facebook has been helped me to be more purposeful.  It is fun to get on FB just to browse and check in on folks, but I think that my time on the site in the future will be more defined.  I commit to logging on for specific purposes: connection, encouragement, and updates on family life.  I think that being more deliberate with Facebook will keep me from falling back into the same pattern of wasting time that I was in before.

Overall, I am glad for this time away.  It hasn't been anything that has blown me away.  It did what I think I hoped it would do.  Maybe I am a little more focused and a little less distracted.  I hope so.

And We All Praise the Lord!

This last Sunday I was privileged to participate in a class about praising God.  I don't often think about who all is praising God unless I am in an auditorium of other believers singing what I am singing. 

 

We spent a few minutes reading Psalm 148.  I would encourage you to stop reading this blog for a moment and take a look at that particular Psalm.

 

After the reading the class leader began talking about how scientists have developed instruments to listen stars "pulsating".  These stars are called pulsars.  Depending on the stage the pulsars are in the make different rhythmic sounds.  There is a particular instrument that is pointed at 23 pulsars in deep space.  The 23 are listened to in order to train young scientists in their particular area of expertise. 

 

Louie Giglio has done a presentation where he talks about the pulsars.  He introduces the sounds they make to his audience and then incorporates the sound of whales singing in the ocean here on Earth.  He takes it a step further after that!  Every time I hear this I get emotional.  May it bless you and take you to a place of worship that will bring you to the feet of God.  Peace.

 

An Easter Reflection (Day 5 of 40 Days of Enrichment)

Thinking on this past weekend when we remembered the death of Christ and celebrated his resurrection has brought me to a simple, yet profound place in scripture.  My daily reading has brought me to Colossians chapter 2.

"When you where dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ.  He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.  And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."  Colossians 2:13-15

Wow.  I love how Paul worded the victory we have because of what Jesus did on the cross.  So powerful and awesome.  We were dead... imprisoned and on death row because of our sin.  On the cross, Christ went into our prison, got the keys and opened the doors... freeing us!  On top of that, he completely took the powers of darkness away leaving those who dwell there completely defeated!  The Jews were looking for a king who would come in and defeat the enemy (the Romans), freeing their people.  Looks like that is what they got; in the Spiritual world.  That is what we all got!  Thank you, Jesus!

Cleaning Out the House (Day 4 of 40 Days of Enrichment)

Today I am cleaning out the house.  There is much to be done for it to be how I would like it.  The to-do list is long, but when tackling one item at a time it is doeable. 

While I clean today I have centered my thoughts on humility.  If we lack humility our walk with Christ is hindered severly.  We are called to live humbly in order to have hearts that are centered and focused on Jesus.

Read and take in these wise words from Fenelon:

   Everyone who has deeply walked with God knows that humility is the foundation that you build your spiritual life on.  True humility comes from seeking the interests of God before your own.  Humility comes in no longer living for yourself but in letting Jesus Christ live His life in you.
   You are always trying to "be something" or to be noticed for your spirituality.  There are a lot of people who have an outward spirituality, but inwardly they still think too much of themselves.  People who think they are lowering themselves have a lot of conceit.  They think they are doing others a favor in "getting down to their level."
   True humility is not like this.  I know it sounds incredible but a true humble person is content in all situations.  He doesn't notice if he is being praised or blamed, and isn't always weighing if what is being said to him, or about him, is to his advantage.  A simple person allows himself to be led by the Lord Jesus.  So let go of yourself with courage.  Whether God lifts you up or lets you remain unknown, the glory is still all His.  Say, as Mary did, "He has done great things because He has regarded my low estate."

Amen.

40 Days of Enrichment

I have been troubled lately; troubled by addiction to the internet and various forms of media.  I am quite sure that if I logged how much time I spent on Facebook, Bingo Blitz, and Words with Friends in a day I would be ashamed.  I have wasted too much valuable time playing and not enough time digging deeper with God and my family.  In addition, I can see how my attitude and thoughts are being influenced by the negativity that I am seeing on Facebook lately.  There are plenty of great updates and positive reads on Facebook, however I am wrapped up in and turned off by all the forceful political agendas out there.  I have had enough.

Therefore, I feel convicted to take an extended break from Facebook and any other media that pulls me away from the pure and contrite spirit I long for.  Starting at 12 AM on March 29 I will begin a 40 day fast from Facebook.  At the earliest I will not log back in until Tuesday, May 7th.

It is my prayer that this would be a great time of reflection, worship, prioritizing and enrichment.  I will put regular journal updates on this blog; recording my journey.  May God be honored, glorified, and put back on the throne of my heart through this fast.  Amen.