Prayers
He asked for strength that he might achieve,
He was made weak that he might obey.
He asked for health that he might do greater things,
He was given infirmity that he might do better things.
He asked for riches that he might be happy,
He was given poverty that he might be wise.
He asked for power that he might have the praise of men,
He was given weakness that he might feel the need for God.
He asked for all things that he might enjoy life,
He was given life that he might enjoy all things.
He has received nothing that he asked for,
All that he hoped for,
His prayer is answered; he is most blessed.
- Anon.
From: http://www.inspirationalarchive.com/texts/topics/prayer/prayers.shtml
Enjoy!
Chris
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Showing posts with label Sunday Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunday Stories. Show all posts
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sunday Story: God Knows Best
So this story is about putting faith in God. I am applying for internships now, and I've been working very hard to be accepted to some pretty cool jobs/internships. If I got them, it would be really cool, and I think I would have a blast! (iA). The thing is though, often times we don't get what we want, but that being said, sometimes we get something better. This poem is about all the things we want, and all the different ways God can give us what is best for us.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Sunday Story: Climbing Videos!
So I've been compiling my favorite elite climbing videos, and I figured it'd be fun to have a bunch of these as a Sunday Story! Each of these climbs is phenomenal, and if you want a fun study break, I'd definitely recommend going through and watching some of these crazy sends!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Chris
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Book Review: Into the Wild
Hey yal!
So I have another, dying blog where I was thinking of writing this, but, frankly, I expect I'll delete it in a few weeks, so I'd like to put this some place that will still be around in a month.
So without further ado, I just finished Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer. So the question that's on your mind is: "Why should I read this review? What can I gain? What are you going to say?
-You should read this review because it has wisdom in it that can be immediately applied to your life.
-You will gain a different perspective on life if you read it with an open mind.
-I am going to talk about why Chris was right, why he was wrong, and what we can all do right now to use the wisdom from this book to enhance our lives.
So first, why he was right: Chris was right because he listened to that restless calling we all hear. Some of us may have learned to suppress it more than others, but I know that when I am working on my computer for 7 hours, I am desperately yearning to get out and live. When I am studying for my tests, I am marveling at how incredibly useless what I am doing, is.
I think the joy Chris gained from his adventures is a wonderful reference for why we should get out an explore the world. He wasn't happy because he had the newest technology, nor did he even know when his next meal would be, but what he did know was that he was free. He was liberated from the expectations, the materialism, and the rules that we often live by. I think we all have something to gain by living in freedom, and learning what really matters in our lives.
Now let's move to the second point, why Chris was wrong. Chris was wrong first and foremost because he didn't prepare properly. The only reasonable explanation I can think of is that he was very confident in himself, and was sure he could work himself out of any trouble. There's a short excerpt from the author who actually had a similar experience who confessed the same thing. Either way, the fact remains, the one thing Chris did SERIOUSLY wrong was to misinterpret how unforgiving nature can be. That being said, he did die doing what he loved, and I think that's a pretty remarkable thing all things considered.
The other thing Chris did seriously wrong was failing to grasp the impact that throwing his life away would have. I doubt Chris realized how much people loved him, but the aftermath of the book shows how big an impact he had on people. His family was completed devastated, and his sister (who he had been closest to) screamed for hours after hearing of her brother's death, and has repeatedly broke down crying on here way home from errands. This can be further seen by a 84 year old man he stayed with for about 3 weeks. At the end of the 3 weeks, Chris wrote the man a 3 page letter telling him the value of living more aesthetically, and this EIGHTY THREE YEAR OLD MAN took his advice, sold his house, bought a little mobile home, and went to live with some other homeless people off the highway. Needless to say, he was absolutely devastated when he heard Chris died.
So the final question, is what can we do NOW, with the knowledge from this book. There are really two big things you can do. First of all, is to get rid of some stuff. Chris donated $25,000 (100% of his savings) to charity, and left in a car that contained a guitar, a sauce pan, a football, and a garage bag full of clothes, a fishing rod, and 25 pounds of rice.
Now I'm not suggesting you sell all your possessions, by a sedan, and ditch town with what he took, but I do think sometimes we incorrectly interpret what we need. Chris didn't need a laptop, a cell phone, and he only brought $4.93 with him!
Now I'll be real, I just bought Gears of War 3, and I love it. I have no intention of getting rid of my laptop, nor my cell phone, and I definitely don't plan to get rid of my life's savings! It may sound silly, but if you just clean your room, car, and apartment, you will find a lot of things you didn't know you had, and I think that would be a great place to begin living more deliberately. (Which I haven't mentioned yet, but living deliberately was one of the major themes of Chris' life). I recommend doing this because I did this today, and my crowded car all of a sudden is both cleaner, and emptier as I realized how much junk I had in there.
The second thing you can do is to reconnect with nature. I think, when it really came down to it, that's what Chris was really looking for. It was the freedom that nature provided that was the real attraction. It was wondering if he was going to survive the cold night, thinking about his next meal, and having a meaningful challenge that drew Chris to abandon the suburbs and get out Into the Wild.
Now if you want to take a serious adventure, you know someone to invite. But odds are, most of you are living comfortable lives. I know because I am too. But one thing we can do is to go outside. Nature really isn't that far away. I know this may be a hassle if you live in the 9th floor, but please do yourself a favor, and get outside and take 5 deep breaths. When you're outside, try to take in the color, and the natural beauty that sorrounds us.
Okay. but like seriously, go look, go breath.
Oh, Look. A music video. You should watch it. Oh, look at that, it's telling you to go outside!
Also, bring your cell phone just in case.
*you finally, grudgingly, concede and get up from your computer and go outside. You then come back to the computer to finish this post*
How did it feel? I'll bet it felt pretty good. I actually got up too to do this, and I actually locked myself out too! (that's why I told you to bring your cell phone.) But I'll bet you noticed something different. Maybe you looked up and saw the stars. Or maybe a tree that grew in a very symmetrical way, or a patch of grass, stubbornly growing in the middle of a crowded city, just lapping up the abundant supply of CO2. Nature is even inside. I encourage you, and this goes for myself too, to try to notice it a little more. I think often times we get so distracted focusing on our money, our job, our worries, and we forget that nature is all around us, flourishing and thriving, doing it's beautiful thing. I think by connecting with nature more, we can remember how we fit into the world, we can remember some perspective, and we can gain an insight on how to live a more meaningful life.
I hope you guys enjoy this post. Especially the video, haha. If you like this, please let me know! And I'll be sure to make more. If you absolutely hated it, tell me, and I promise to never make you suffer through this agony again, haha.
I am going to leave you with one of the last things Chris ever did. He highlighted this passage, and wrote a brief note. I'm telling you this because I think it nicely summarizes what Chris learned from this whole experience, and, in turn, what we can learn from his adventure.
"And so it turned out that only a life similar to the life of those around us, merging with it without a ripple, is genuine life, and that an unshared happiness is not happiness. . . . . And this was most vexing of all" (Chris wrote by this: *Happiness only real when shared*) (btw the quote is from Doctor Zhivago)
ENJOY!
Chris
So I have another, dying blog where I was thinking of writing this, but, frankly, I expect I'll delete it in a few weeks, so I'd like to put this some place that will still be around in a month.
So without further ado, I just finished Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer. So the question that's on your mind is: "Why should I read this review? What can I gain? What are you going to say?
-You should read this review because it has wisdom in it that can be immediately applied to your life.
-You will gain a different perspective on life if you read it with an open mind.
-I am going to talk about why Chris was right, why he was wrong, and what we can all do right now to use the wisdom from this book to enhance our lives.
So first, why he was right: Chris was right because he listened to that restless calling we all hear. Some of us may have learned to suppress it more than others, but I know that when I am working on my computer for 7 hours, I am desperately yearning to get out and live. When I am studying for my tests, I am marveling at how incredibly useless what I am doing, is.
I think the joy Chris gained from his adventures is a wonderful reference for why we should get out an explore the world. He wasn't happy because he had the newest technology, nor did he even know when his next meal would be, but what he did know was that he was free. He was liberated from the expectations, the materialism, and the rules that we often live by. I think we all have something to gain by living in freedom, and learning what really matters in our lives.
Now let's move to the second point, why Chris was wrong. Chris was wrong first and foremost because he didn't prepare properly. The only reasonable explanation I can think of is that he was very confident in himself, and was sure he could work himself out of any trouble. There's a short excerpt from the author who actually had a similar experience who confessed the same thing. Either way, the fact remains, the one thing Chris did SERIOUSLY wrong was to misinterpret how unforgiving nature can be. That being said, he did die doing what he loved, and I think that's a pretty remarkable thing all things considered.
The other thing Chris did seriously wrong was failing to grasp the impact that throwing his life away would have. I doubt Chris realized how much people loved him, but the aftermath of the book shows how big an impact he had on people. His family was completed devastated, and his sister (who he had been closest to) screamed for hours after hearing of her brother's death, and has repeatedly broke down crying on here way home from errands. This can be further seen by a 84 year old man he stayed with for about 3 weeks. At the end of the 3 weeks, Chris wrote the man a 3 page letter telling him the value of living more aesthetically, and this EIGHTY THREE YEAR OLD MAN took his advice, sold his house, bought a little mobile home, and went to live with some other homeless people off the highway. Needless to say, he was absolutely devastated when he heard Chris died.
So the final question, is what can we do NOW, with the knowledge from this book. There are really two big things you can do. First of all, is to get rid of some stuff. Chris donated $25,000 (100% of his savings) to charity, and left in a car that contained a guitar, a sauce pan, a football, and a garage bag full of clothes, a fishing rod, and 25 pounds of rice.
Now I'm not suggesting you sell all your possessions, by a sedan, and ditch town with what he took, but I do think sometimes we incorrectly interpret what we need. Chris didn't need a laptop, a cell phone, and he only brought $4.93 with him!
Now I'll be real, I just bought Gears of War 3, and I love it. I have no intention of getting rid of my laptop, nor my cell phone, and I definitely don't plan to get rid of my life's savings! It may sound silly, but if you just clean your room, car, and apartment, you will find a lot of things you didn't know you had, and I think that would be a great place to begin living more deliberately. (Which I haven't mentioned yet, but living deliberately was one of the major themes of Chris' life). I recommend doing this because I did this today, and my crowded car all of a sudden is both cleaner, and emptier as I realized how much junk I had in there.
The second thing you can do is to reconnect with nature. I think, when it really came down to it, that's what Chris was really looking for. It was the freedom that nature provided that was the real attraction. It was wondering if he was going to survive the cold night, thinking about his next meal, and having a meaningful challenge that drew Chris to abandon the suburbs and get out Into the Wild.
Now if you want to take a serious adventure, you know someone to invite. But odds are, most of you are living comfortable lives. I know because I am too. But one thing we can do is to go outside. Nature really isn't that far away. I know this may be a hassle if you live in the 9th floor, but please do yourself a favor, and get outside and take 5 deep breaths. When you're outside, try to take in the color, and the natural beauty that sorrounds us.
Okay. but like seriously, go look, go breath.
Oh, Look. A music video. You should watch it. Oh, look at that, it's telling you to go outside!
Also, bring your cell phone just in case.
*you finally, grudgingly, concede and get up from your computer and go outside. You then come back to the computer to finish this post*
How did it feel? I'll bet it felt pretty good. I actually got up too to do this, and I actually locked myself out too! (that's why I told you to bring your cell phone.) But I'll bet you noticed something different. Maybe you looked up and saw the stars. Or maybe a tree that grew in a very symmetrical way, or a patch of grass, stubbornly growing in the middle of a crowded city, just lapping up the abundant supply of CO2. Nature is even inside. I encourage you, and this goes for myself too, to try to notice it a little more. I think often times we get so distracted focusing on our money, our job, our worries, and we forget that nature is all around us, flourishing and thriving, doing it's beautiful thing. I think by connecting with nature more, we can remember how we fit into the world, we can remember some perspective, and we can gain an insight on how to live a more meaningful life.
I hope you guys enjoy this post. Especially the video, haha. If you like this, please let me know! And I'll be sure to make more. If you absolutely hated it, tell me, and I promise to never make you suffer through this agony again, haha.
I am going to leave you with one of the last things Chris ever did. He highlighted this passage, and wrote a brief note. I'm telling you this because I think it nicely summarizes what Chris learned from this whole experience, and, in turn, what we can learn from his adventure.
"And so it turned out that only a life similar to the life of those around us, merging with it without a ripple, is genuine life, and that an unshared happiness is not happiness. . . . . And this was most vexing of all" (Chris wrote by this: *Happiness only real when shared*) (btw the quote is from Doctor Zhivago)
ENJOY!
Chris
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sunday Story: Birthday Massacre
So I got this from a friend of mine. Still need to get approval if it's okay for the story to be here, I'd be shocked if it wasn't okay though, so I'm gonna go ahead and put it up. It is a little long, and the boring is a little random, but PLEASE do yourself a favor and read it. It's very funny, and there is a happy ending (kind of). Enjoy!
I personally think that her aunt's response is an excellent perspective reminder. Even when things seem bad, they may actually be okay...
Birthday massacre
Tomorrow is my roommates birthday. I do not think she is one of the three people (if that many) that reads this blog so I have no qualms about posting this. I am super excited but super nervous about tomorrow. Here is the reason why. My roommate loves, loves, loves Nutella. You know the hazelnut spread? She could seriously eat it by the jar. So I plan on getting up super early to make her a cake that will have marshmallow cream filling and Nutella icing. In my mind it works out grrrreat ( like Tony the tiger). But honestly it could be disastrous. I am a pretty decent cook or so I have been told and think I can pull it off but, we'll see. I will try to take a picture and post it here. In honor of her birthday, the story today will have a theme that loosely will honor her. My roommate is an animal science major so today's story has to do with chickens.
Let us begin.
I am a murderer. Well not a direct murderer. I think the term I am looking for is accessory to murder. I was aiding and abetting those that murdered. It all started when my aunt and uncle decided to go out of town. They live across the street from me and whenever they went out of town, my brother or I would always take care of things for them. They had 2 dogs and a cat. They also had about five or six chickens at that time. Before they departed, I stopped by and took note of all the instructions they had for me, I was to follow them exactly so that everything would go smoothly. I was to feed the chickens twice a day and let the dogs out to run a few times during the day as well. The cat and the dogs were to be fed only once a day. However, when I fed the chickens I was to let them out and run, but sure the dogs were up. Okay simple enough instructions. I got this.
Now if you know me well, you know that I am NOT a fan of birds. I am terrified of them and they freak me out. But, this is just a weekend and my brother assured me that he would help me. The first day went off without a glitch. It wasn't until the second day that something went terribly wrong. Of cours this kind of incident always happens at the last second, right before the owners are about to pull in the driveway.
It was a Sunday evening. My brother had already informed me that he had taken care of the chickens except their water. He said that I didn't need to let them out, just check their water and fill it up. The dogs and cat had already been fed but their water just needed to be checked again too. "No problem!" was my response. Only God knew the crazy events that were about to occur. I pulled up to my aunt's house and got out of my bug. I checked and refilled the dogs and cats water first just to get the easy tasks over with. I decided I would let the dogs run around the yard a few times since I wasn't letting the chickens out. BIG MISTAKE! Looking back, I know that this decision is where I went wrong. I headed out to the chicken house that my uncle had built. Upon arriving there I shut the little gate behind me and headed towards the chicken coupe. ( the gate is more for looks it does not have any chicken wire on it. It just adds aesthetics to the barn). As I pulled the roof off of the litte chicken house, I did not know that one of the chickens had gone rogue, and wanted out! As soon as the tiniest hole appeared between the roof and the house, she was " outta there". Of course with my fear of birds I screamed and ducked out of her way. After crumpling to the ground in an order to protect myself from this demented poultry, I realized the dogs were out!
Luckily they were on the outside of this aesthetic fence and could not get their fat butts through. However, the chicken thought that I was the worst thing ever and would not come back towards the coupe. The next series of events happened in a massive panic of fear and frustration. I frantically called my brother as I was trying to gently coax the chicken back over, yet still trying to protect myself from the evil demon, but still deciding whether I should open the gate and try to take the dogs away from this situation. Overall I was stuck in a pretty tight spot and had no clue what to do. Chasing this chicken would cause chaos of the dogs and the chicken. Opening the gate would definitely in sue the death of this bird. And I could not just let it wander, lest it wander under the fence. Calling my brother left me with nothing because he did not pick up. He was my only life line. My only safety net. And he was not answering. What I had to do became obvious. I was going to have to pick up the chicken!
I crept over slowly on all fours saying, " here chicky, chicky, chicky". Of course I looked stupid and there was no budge from the demon. But I finally did get close enough to catch her. I grabbed her fast, shrieking and cringing as I did. She wasn't too happy about it either but I knew this was a life and death situation. I ran back to the coupe with her in my hands, hopeful that I had saved the day.
I had not. As approached the coupe with the squawking and squirming bird. Not to mention myself shrieking hysterically. The other chickens decided that this loud noise coming at them was dangerous and they needed to flee! Remember that tiny hole I opened earlier to change the water. In all the commotion I forgot to close it. The rest of the chickens came jumping out towards me and their rogue master. I flipped out trying to hit them back into the house with the bird I had. I guess saving chickens is not like baseball.
I threw the bird I had in the coupe and shut the roof this time. But with all the shrieks from the birds and the flapping of their wings and junk the dogs were going crazy thinking dinner was on the way. Two of the birds had jumped and fluttered to the top of the fence, just out of the dog's reach and the others were hiding in the bushes right at the base if the fence. All it took was one move, one move for all these chickens to be on the other side of the fence, easily reached by the rabid dogs. That move happened. I don't know what caused this, if it was just because the chicken was still shaken from the baseball incident. But one chicken sitting in the fence tried to fly away. It didn't get very far and as soon as it got close enough to the ground, the dog had it in it's mouth. A chicken suicide. The rest of the chickens heard all of the screaming from the suicide and took off running thinking that this "thing" was coming for them too. STUPID! If they had stayed in the fence then they would still be laying eggs today. The other dog grabbed one and since the first dog was done with his kill, he had a free mouth for a second one. The last one was fought over by both dogs. You may be asking yourself what was Chelsea doing during all of this? Good question. I was screaming my head off and crying and trying to plead with the dogs to let the chickens live. It's not their fault their stupid. The only chicken I saved that day was the one I used as a baseball bat.
So now what's next? I'm freaking out. My aunt and uncle will be back in an hour and here I am with chicken blood all over my hands. So I did what any freaking out, crying, shrieking, teenage girl would do. I called Tractor Supply. If you are laughing, you should be because the fact that I even had the in my phone was ridiculous. I was going to buy my aunt new chickens before she got back in an hour and pray she didn't notice. I call and they only had ducks. My question to the man on the phone who could tell I was distressed was do you think I can pass the ducks off as chickens? He chuckled and said, " no ma'am. They're definitely ducks". I was out of options. I had to call and tell my aunt I killed all her chickens but one. I called her, no answer. I can not leave this foul news in a voicemail. I left a message saying to call me ASAP with a lot of sobbing. She called me about forty five minutes later, worried something had happened to my parents.
Ring, ring, ring
Me: ( in a very tired raspy voice). Hello
Aunt: OMG! Chelsea I got your voicemail is everything okay?! Did something happen to your parents, is your brother alright? What about your sister? Are you okay?!!
Me: No nothing happened to anyone. But something did happen.
Aunt: What is it?
Me: I uh....killed your chickens.
Aunt: oh Chelsea, don't worry about that. We've had more trouble with those darn chickens. You know we started off with 16? Goes to show you we're not good with them either. I love you and we'll be home soon.
Let us begin.
I am a murderer. Well not a direct murderer. I think the term I am looking for is accessory to murder. I was aiding and abetting those that murdered. It all started when my aunt and uncle decided to go out of town. They live across the street from me and whenever they went out of town, my brother or I would always take care of things for them. They had 2 dogs and a cat. They also had about five or six chickens at that time. Before they departed, I stopped by and took note of all the instructions they had for me, I was to follow them exactly so that everything would go smoothly. I was to feed the chickens twice a day and let the dogs out to run a few times during the day as well. The cat and the dogs were to be fed only once a day. However, when I fed the chickens I was to let them out and run, but sure the dogs were up. Okay simple enough instructions. I got this.
Now if you know me well, you know that I am NOT a fan of birds. I am terrified of them and they freak me out. But, this is just a weekend and my brother assured me that he would help me. The first day went off without a glitch. It wasn't until the second day that something went terribly wrong. Of cours this kind of incident always happens at the last second, right before the owners are about to pull in the driveway.
It was a Sunday evening. My brother had already informed me that he had taken care of the chickens except their water. He said that I didn't need to let them out, just check their water and fill it up. The dogs and cat had already been fed but their water just needed to be checked again too. "No problem!" was my response. Only God knew the crazy events that were about to occur. I pulled up to my aunt's house and got out of my bug. I checked and refilled the dogs and cats water first just to get the easy tasks over with. I decided I would let the dogs run around the yard a few times since I wasn't letting the chickens out. BIG MISTAKE! Looking back, I know that this decision is where I went wrong. I headed out to the chicken house that my uncle had built. Upon arriving there I shut the little gate behind me and headed towards the chicken coupe. ( the gate is more for looks it does not have any chicken wire on it. It just adds aesthetics to the barn). As I pulled the roof off of the litte chicken house, I did not know that one of the chickens had gone rogue, and wanted out! As soon as the tiniest hole appeared between the roof and the house, she was " outta there". Of course with my fear of birds I screamed and ducked out of her way. After crumpling to the ground in an order to protect myself from this demented poultry, I realized the dogs were out!
Luckily they were on the outside of this aesthetic fence and could not get their fat butts through. However, the chicken thought that I was the worst thing ever and would not come back towards the coupe. The next series of events happened in a massive panic of fear and frustration. I frantically called my brother as I was trying to gently coax the chicken back over, yet still trying to protect myself from the evil demon, but still deciding whether I should open the gate and try to take the dogs away from this situation. Overall I was stuck in a pretty tight spot and had no clue what to do. Chasing this chicken would cause chaos of the dogs and the chicken. Opening the gate would definitely in sue the death of this bird. And I could not just let it wander, lest it wander under the fence. Calling my brother left me with nothing because he did not pick up. He was my only life line. My only safety net. And he was not answering. What I had to do became obvious. I was going to have to pick up the chicken!
I crept over slowly on all fours saying, " here chicky, chicky, chicky". Of course I looked stupid and there was no budge from the demon. But I finally did get close enough to catch her. I grabbed her fast, shrieking and cringing as I did. She wasn't too happy about it either but I knew this was a life and death situation. I ran back to the coupe with her in my hands, hopeful that I had saved the day.
I had not. As approached the coupe with the squawking and squirming bird. Not to mention myself shrieking hysterically. The other chickens decided that this loud noise coming at them was dangerous and they needed to flee! Remember that tiny hole I opened earlier to change the water. In all the commotion I forgot to close it. The rest of the chickens came jumping out towards me and their rogue master. I flipped out trying to hit them back into the house with the bird I had. I guess saving chickens is not like baseball.
I threw the bird I had in the coupe and shut the roof this time. But with all the shrieks from the birds and the flapping of their wings and junk the dogs were going crazy thinking dinner was on the way. Two of the birds had jumped and fluttered to the top of the fence, just out of the dog's reach and the others were hiding in the bushes right at the base if the fence. All it took was one move, one move for all these chickens to be on the other side of the fence, easily reached by the rabid dogs. That move happened. I don't know what caused this, if it was just because the chicken was still shaken from the baseball incident. But one chicken sitting in the fence tried to fly away. It didn't get very far and as soon as it got close enough to the ground, the dog had it in it's mouth. A chicken suicide. The rest of the chickens heard all of the screaming from the suicide and took off running thinking that this "thing" was coming for them too. STUPID! If they had stayed in the fence then they would still be laying eggs today. The other dog grabbed one and since the first dog was done with his kill, he had a free mouth for a second one. The last one was fought over by both dogs. You may be asking yourself what was Chelsea doing during all of this? Good question. I was screaming my head off and crying and trying to plead with the dogs to let the chickens live. It's not their fault their stupid. The only chicken I saved that day was the one I used as a baseball bat.
So now what's next? I'm freaking out. My aunt and uncle will be back in an hour and here I am with chicken blood all over my hands. So I did what any freaking out, crying, shrieking, teenage girl would do. I called Tractor Supply. If you are laughing, you should be because the fact that I even had the in my phone was ridiculous. I was going to buy my aunt new chickens before she got back in an hour and pray she didn't notice. I call and they only had ducks. My question to the man on the phone who could tell I was distressed was do you think I can pass the ducks off as chickens? He chuckled and said, " no ma'am. They're definitely ducks". I was out of options. I had to call and tell my aunt I killed all her chickens but one. I called her, no answer. I can not leave this foul news in a voicemail. I left a message saying to call me ASAP with a lot of sobbing. She called me about forty five minutes later, worried something had happened to my parents.
Ring, ring, ring
Me: ( in a very tired raspy voice). Hello
Aunt: OMG! Chelsea I got your voicemail is everything okay?! Did something happen to your parents, is your brother alright? What about your sister? Are you okay?!!
Me: No nothing happened to anyone. But something did happen.
Aunt: What is it?
Me: I uh....killed your chickens.
Aunt: oh Chelsea, don't worry about that. We've had more trouble with those darn chickens. You know we started off with 16? Goes to show you we're not good with them either. I love you and we'll be home soon.
ENJOY!
Chris
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday Story: The Unsung Hero
The following is a short description of the incredible finish at the leadville 100 mile trail race by keith woestehoff:
"there are certain moments in sports where time seems to stand still and the impossible becomes reality. those moments make us cheer and they make us cry. they are so special and so rare that we never forget them. for me, the list includes the immaculate reception, bob beamon's long jump in the mexico olympics and kordell stewart's miracle in michigan. but this weekend, i witnessed another unforgettable finish which must be added to this short list. the setting was not in a high profile sport. it did not include a millionaire athlete and you won't be able to see reruns of the event on sports center. but the impact was felt at the bottom of everyone's heart who witnessed it. the names are unknown as as i write this but the passions and emotions and the love are real.
the event was the leadville trail 100, an extremely tough 100 mile foot race through the heart of the rocky mountains. the racers must deal with long climbs, steep descents, rocky trails, stream crossings, a sleepless night, high altitude and a 30 hour time limit.
as the 30 hour time limit approached, more than half of all runners had dropped out from exhaustion or injury. the winner had already crossed the finish line 11 hours earlier. but now the crowd was much larger to watch the drama of the remaining racers struggling to reach the finish line before the final gun.
the excitement seemed to start when a man crossed the line for his first successful finish after 6 failures in previous years. he received a champagne shower from his friends and family.
with 9 minutes before the final gun. a woman was staggering up 6th avenue to the finish. her eyes were glazed, her legs were stiff and she wobbled and staggered from side to side. she was having a hard time keeping her balance. the cutoff was not a problem but everyone could tell she was in real danger of collapsing before reaching her goal. everyone held their breath as she staggered those last final steps, finally collapsing as she broke the ribbon. she was then carried to the medical tent.
for the next few minutes, more runners crossed the finish line, hearing the cheers of the crowd and then celebrating with their family and friends. then, the nearly 1/2 mile view up 6th avenue showed no more runners. it became quiet. we started to wonder if there were any other runners who would know the joy of reaching the finish line before the final cutoff. the race announcer said "3 minutes left". still, no more racers in sight. suddenly, a racer and his pacer appeared at the top of hill. the announcer broadcast his number and his family and friends ran down the street toward him to see what they could do to help.
i honestly didn't think he could finish on time. he had at least 200 yards of downhill and then 300 yards of uphill to the finish. he would have to run the whole thing and after 100 miles of heaven and hell, i didn't think he could run up that final hill. as he was running slowly down the hill, you could see his family and friends running towards him. they were too far away to hear what they were saying but it was obvious they were telling him to hurry. instantly, he started to run faster and it was obvious that everyone was frantic. if everything went well, there was a small chance he could make it but the odds were against him. as he was nearing the bottom of the hill, suddenly another racer appeared at the top of the hill. again we see family and friends rushing to a new racer. but, he had no chance, he had too far to go and not enough time. another person would have their heart broken on 6th ave with the finish line in sight.
as the 1st racer reached the bottom of the hill, we knew this would be his moment of truth. could he run it ? as each second passed, i kept waiting for him to stop but he kept running. people started running out of the stands and off the sidewalks to form a human tunnel for him to run through. everyone was yelling "go, go". as he reached the tunnel, we were hoping the final gun wouldn't sound. he sprinted the last 20 yards and fell through the tape, doing a face plant into the red carpet. medical people ran to help him. the race official was standing nearby, looking at the race clock and the gun pointed to the sky. everyone was worried about the condition of the fallen racer and then i glanced back and saw the 2nd racer putting on an unbelievable charge. someone forgot to tell him he couldn't make it. there were people on both sides of him holding a ski pole in front of him. he was holding onto it and they were trying to drag him up the hill. the human tunnel scattered to give them room. the gun was going to be fired at any second. go, go, go came the cheers. he broke the ribbon and as he was crashing to the red carpet, the gun sounded. he didn't move. the medical staff, who just barely had time to help the previous racer sit up, were rushing to the final finisher. the cheers suddenly turned to silence as he was surrounded by the medical staff and family. with each second, our fears for his safety grew and grew. and then after what seemed like an eternity, we see a hand come up from the mass of humanity and a finger pointed to the sky. everybody started cheering and most were also crying.
after he had time to recuperate, i introduced myself and talked to him. i told him that i knew how he felt since i finished next to last the previous year. but in all honesty, my 3 min 33 second margin was an eternity compared to his official finish time of 29:59:58. i told him that what he did was better than taking 1st place and he would remember it for the rest of his life. his final charge up the hill was an incredible display of courage and determination. it was as impressive as anything i've ever seem in the world of sports. it doesn't get any better.
i looked back up 6th ave. there were no more racers on the course. this year, there would be no broken hearts with the finish in sight.
the last 2 racers had 2 of the shortest margins ever in the history of the leadville trail 100. they trained hard and made many sacrifices before racing for 100 miles and giving every ounce of energy they had. there were no cash prizes and fame and fortune will elude them. they did it simply for the love of the sport.
there is a heart that beats strongly in the world of sports. the heart won't be found in the boardroom of an ncaa meeting or in the olympics or in the superbowl. but it will be found in a neighborhood playground with children who have boundless dreams playing a pickup game with a tattered ball. it will be found in backyards with fathers and sons playing catch football. and it will be found with a weekend warrior, who in many ways is just like you and i, lying on the red carpet in leadville with his arm raised and his finger pointed to the sky."
Got this from here: http://www.runningforums.com/one_of_my_favorite_motivational_stories___t34543.html
Not totally sure who wrote it, but I love this story! I think it really shows that our actions matter to us, not necessarily because of the fame we gain from them.
Enjoy!
Chris
"there are certain moments in sports where time seems to stand still and the impossible becomes reality. those moments make us cheer and they make us cry. they are so special and so rare that we never forget them. for me, the list includes the immaculate reception, bob beamon's long jump in the mexico olympics and kordell stewart's miracle in michigan. but this weekend, i witnessed another unforgettable finish which must be added to this short list. the setting was not in a high profile sport. it did not include a millionaire athlete and you won't be able to see reruns of the event on sports center. but the impact was felt at the bottom of everyone's heart who witnessed it. the names are unknown as as i write this but the passions and emotions and the love are real.
the event was the leadville trail 100, an extremely tough 100 mile foot race through the heart of the rocky mountains. the racers must deal with long climbs, steep descents, rocky trails, stream crossings, a sleepless night, high altitude and a 30 hour time limit.
as the 30 hour time limit approached, more than half of all runners had dropped out from exhaustion or injury. the winner had already crossed the finish line 11 hours earlier. but now the crowd was much larger to watch the drama of the remaining racers struggling to reach the finish line before the final gun.
the excitement seemed to start when a man crossed the line for his first successful finish after 6 failures in previous years. he received a champagne shower from his friends and family.
with 9 minutes before the final gun. a woman was staggering up 6th avenue to the finish. her eyes were glazed, her legs were stiff and she wobbled and staggered from side to side. she was having a hard time keeping her balance. the cutoff was not a problem but everyone could tell she was in real danger of collapsing before reaching her goal. everyone held their breath as she staggered those last final steps, finally collapsing as she broke the ribbon. she was then carried to the medical tent.
for the next few minutes, more runners crossed the finish line, hearing the cheers of the crowd and then celebrating with their family and friends. then, the nearly 1/2 mile view up 6th avenue showed no more runners. it became quiet. we started to wonder if there were any other runners who would know the joy of reaching the finish line before the final cutoff. the race announcer said "3 minutes left". still, no more racers in sight. suddenly, a racer and his pacer appeared at the top of hill. the announcer broadcast his number and his family and friends ran down the street toward him to see what they could do to help.
i honestly didn't think he could finish on time. he had at least 200 yards of downhill and then 300 yards of uphill to the finish. he would have to run the whole thing and after 100 miles of heaven and hell, i didn't think he could run up that final hill. as he was running slowly down the hill, you could see his family and friends running towards him. they were too far away to hear what they were saying but it was obvious they were telling him to hurry. instantly, he started to run faster and it was obvious that everyone was frantic. if everything went well, there was a small chance he could make it but the odds were against him. as he was nearing the bottom of the hill, suddenly another racer appeared at the top of the hill. again we see family and friends rushing to a new racer. but, he had no chance, he had too far to go and not enough time. another person would have their heart broken on 6th ave with the finish line in sight.
as the 1st racer reached the bottom of the hill, we knew this would be his moment of truth. could he run it ? as each second passed, i kept waiting for him to stop but he kept running. people started running out of the stands and off the sidewalks to form a human tunnel for him to run through. everyone was yelling "go, go". as he reached the tunnel, we were hoping the final gun wouldn't sound. he sprinted the last 20 yards and fell through the tape, doing a face plant into the red carpet. medical people ran to help him. the race official was standing nearby, looking at the race clock and the gun pointed to the sky. everyone was worried about the condition of the fallen racer and then i glanced back and saw the 2nd racer putting on an unbelievable charge. someone forgot to tell him he couldn't make it. there were people on both sides of him holding a ski pole in front of him. he was holding onto it and they were trying to drag him up the hill. the human tunnel scattered to give them room. the gun was going to be fired at any second. go, go, go came the cheers. he broke the ribbon and as he was crashing to the red carpet, the gun sounded. he didn't move. the medical staff, who just barely had time to help the previous racer sit up, were rushing to the final finisher. the cheers suddenly turned to silence as he was surrounded by the medical staff and family. with each second, our fears for his safety grew and grew. and then after what seemed like an eternity, we see a hand come up from the mass of humanity and a finger pointed to the sky. everybody started cheering and most were also crying.
after he had time to recuperate, i introduced myself and talked to him. i told him that i knew how he felt since i finished next to last the previous year. but in all honesty, my 3 min 33 second margin was an eternity compared to his official finish time of 29:59:58. i told him that what he did was better than taking 1st place and he would remember it for the rest of his life. his final charge up the hill was an incredible display of courage and determination. it was as impressive as anything i've ever seem in the world of sports. it doesn't get any better.
i looked back up 6th ave. there were no more racers on the course. this year, there would be no broken hearts with the finish in sight.
the last 2 racers had 2 of the shortest margins ever in the history of the leadville trail 100. they trained hard and made many sacrifices before racing for 100 miles and giving every ounce of energy they had. there were no cash prizes and fame and fortune will elude them. they did it simply for the love of the sport.
there is a heart that beats strongly in the world of sports. the heart won't be found in the boardroom of an ncaa meeting or in the olympics or in the superbowl. but it will be found in a neighborhood playground with children who have boundless dreams playing a pickup game with a tattered ball. it will be found in backyards with fathers and sons playing catch football. and it will be found with a weekend warrior, who in many ways is just like you and i, lying on the red carpet in leadville with his arm raised and his finger pointed to the sky."
Got this from here: http://www.runningforums.com/one_of_my_favorite_motivational_stories___t34543.html
Not totally sure who wrote it, but I love this story! I think it really shows that our actions matter to us, not necessarily because of the fame we gain from them.
Enjoy!
Chris
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sunday Story: Testing for Gossip (from Socrates)
In ancient Greece, Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem. One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said, “Do you know what I just heard about your friend?”
“Hold on a minute,” Socrates replied. “Before telling me anything I’d like you to pass a little test. It’s called the Triple Filter Test.”
“Triple filter?”
“That’s right,” Socrates continued. “Before you talk to me about my friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you’re going to say. That’s why I call it the triple filter test. The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?”
“No,” the man said, “Actually I just heard about it and ...”
“All right,” said Socrates. “So you don’t really know if it’s true or not. Now let’s try the second filter, the filter of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?”
“No, on the contrary…”
“So,” Socrates continued, “you want to tell me something bad about him, but you’re not certain it’s true. You may still pass the test though, because there’s one filter left: the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?”
“No, not really …”
“Well,” concluded Socrates, “if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?”
I've got a bunch of homework and I was looking here:
http://www.rogerdarlington.me.uk/stories.html#Story50And I ran across this and figured it'd be a fun story.
Also, to the Muslims out there, I hope the last 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah/ your Hajj is going well!
Deuces
Chris
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday Story: 3 Trees
So this is a Christian story I found a while back, and I really like it, So here it is!
| Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: "I want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I'll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!" The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on it's way to the ocean. "I want to be traveling mighty waters and carrying powerful kings. I'll be the strongest ship in the world!" The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy men and women worked in a busy town. "I don't want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me, they'll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world." | |
| Years passed. The rain came, the sun shone, and the little trees grew tall. One day three woodcutters climbed the mountain. The first woodcutter looked at the first tree and said, "This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the first tree fell. "Now I shall be made into a beautiful chest, I shall hold wonderful treasure!" The first tree said. The second woodcutter looked at the second tree and said, "This tree is strong. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the second tree fell. "Now I shall sail mighty waters!" thought the second tree. "I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!" The third tree felt her heart sink when the last woodcutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven. But the woodcutter looked up. "Any kind of tree will do for me." He muttered. With a swoop of his shining ax the third tree fell. The first tree rejoiced when the woodcutter brought her to a carpenter's shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feed box for animals. The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold, nor with treasure. She was coated with saw dust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals. The second tree smiled when the woodcutter took her to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead the once strong tree was hammered and sawed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail to an ocean, or even river; instead she was taken to a little lake. The third tree was confused when the woodcutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard. "What happened?" The once tall tree wondered. "All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God... "Many days and nights passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams. But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feed box. "I wish I could make a cradle for him." Her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and the sturdy wood. "This manger is beautiful." She said. And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world. One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake. Soon a thundering and thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She knew she did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through with the wind and the rain. The tired man awakened. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, "Peace." The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the king of heaven and earth. One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beam was Yanked from the forgotten woodpile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man's hands to her. She felt ugly and harsh and cruel. But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything. It had made the third tree strong. And Every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God. That was better than being the tallest tree in the world. So next time you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you. -http://www.motivateus.com/stories/trees.htm Enjoy! -Chris | |
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Sunday Story: Khubayb ibn Adiy
This is an excerpt from Companions of the Prophet, Vol 1 - by Abdul Wahid Hamid. This is taken from the story of Sa'id ibn Aami al Jumahi, who is the first companion described in this book.
"Sa'id ibn Aamir al Jumahi was one of thousands who left for the region of Tan'im on the outskirts of Makkah at the invitation of the Quraysh leaders to witness the killing of Khubayb ib Adiy, one of the companions of the Muhammad [(saw)] whom they had captured treacherously.
With his exuberant youthfulness and strength, Sa'id jostled through the crowd until he caught up with the Quraysh leaders, men like Sufyan ibn Harb, and Safwan ibn Umayyah, who were leading the procession.
Now he could see the prisoner of the Quraysh shackled in his chains, the women and children pushing him to the place set for his death. Khubayb's death was to be in revenge for Quraysh losses in the battle of Badr.
When the assembled throng arrived with its prisoner at the appointed place, Sa'id ibn Aamir took up his position at a point directly overlooking Khubayb as he approached the wooden cross. From there he heard Khubayb's firm, but quiet voice amid the shouting of women and children.
"If you would, leave me to pray to rakaats before my death"
This the Quraysh allowed.
Sa'id looked at Khubayb as he faced the Ka'bah and prayed. How beautiful and how composed those two rakaats seemed!
Then he saw Khubayb facing the Quraysh leaders.
"By Allah, if you thought that I asked to pray out of fear of death, I would think the prayer not worth the trouble," he said.
Sa'id then saw his people set about dismembering Khubayb's body while he was yet alive, and taunting him in the process.
"Would you like Muhammad to be in your place while you go free?
With his blood flowing, he replied, "By Allah, I would not want to be safe and secure among my family while even a thorn hurts Muhammad."
People shook their fists in the air, and the shouting increased.
"Kill him. Kill him!"
Sa'id watched Khubayb lifting his eyes to the heavens above the wooden cross.
"Count them all, O Lord," he said. "Destroy them and let not a single one escape."
Thereafter Sa'id could not count the number of swords and spears which cut through Kubayb's body.
The Quraysh returned to Makkah and in the eventful days that followed forgot Khubayb and his death. But approaching manhood. Sa'id would see him in his dreams while asleep and he would picture Khubayb in front of him praying his two rakaats, calm and contented, before the wooden cross. And he would hear the reverberation of Khubayb's voice as he prayed for the punishment of the Quraysh. He would become afraid that a thunderbolt from the sky or some calamity would strike him.
Khubayb, by his death, had taught Sa'id what he did not realize before - that real life was faith, and conviction and struggle in the path of faith, even until death. He taught him also that faith which is deeply ingrained in a person works wonders and performs miracles. He taught him something else too - that the man who is loved by his companions with such a love as Khubayb's could only be a prophet with Divine Support" (p.1-p.2)
I. Love. This. Story.
I also like to point out, because this bothered me a little bit, that when the Muslims did conquer Mecca, the Prophet (saw) forgave and let the non-Muslims living in Mecca leave unharmed.
The idea of cursing someone has always struck me as being an 'absolute wrong'. As in, it is NEVER okay to ask God to harm someone. I can understand why they would make the supplication, but I definitely don't support it. I think the Prophet's actions when he conquered Mecca shows that it is also not Islam's stance either.
Also, I'm not trying to convert anyone with this story. That's just where the focus changes, and the section involving Khubayb ends.
Enjoy!
Chris
"Sa'id ibn Aamir al Jumahi was one of thousands who left for the region of Tan'im on the outskirts of Makkah at the invitation of the Quraysh leaders to witness the killing of Khubayb ib Adiy, one of the companions of the Muhammad [(saw)] whom they had captured treacherously.
With his exuberant youthfulness and strength, Sa'id jostled through the crowd until he caught up with the Quraysh leaders, men like Sufyan ibn Harb, and Safwan ibn Umayyah, who were leading the procession.
Now he could see the prisoner of the Quraysh shackled in his chains, the women and children pushing him to the place set for his death. Khubayb's death was to be in revenge for Quraysh losses in the battle of Badr.
When the assembled throng arrived with its prisoner at the appointed place, Sa'id ibn Aamir took up his position at a point directly overlooking Khubayb as he approached the wooden cross. From there he heard Khubayb's firm, but quiet voice amid the shouting of women and children.
"If you would, leave me to pray to rakaats before my death"
This the Quraysh allowed.
Sa'id looked at Khubayb as he faced the Ka'bah and prayed. How beautiful and how composed those two rakaats seemed!
Then he saw Khubayb facing the Quraysh leaders.
"By Allah, if you thought that I asked to pray out of fear of death, I would think the prayer not worth the trouble," he said.
Sa'id then saw his people set about dismembering Khubayb's body while he was yet alive, and taunting him in the process.
"Would you like Muhammad to be in your place while you go free?
With his blood flowing, he replied, "By Allah, I would not want to be safe and secure among my family while even a thorn hurts Muhammad."
People shook their fists in the air, and the shouting increased.
"Kill him. Kill him!"
Sa'id watched Khubayb lifting his eyes to the heavens above the wooden cross.
"Count them all, O Lord," he said. "Destroy them and let not a single one escape."
Thereafter Sa'id could not count the number of swords and spears which cut through Kubayb's body.
The Quraysh returned to Makkah and in the eventful days that followed forgot Khubayb and his death. But approaching manhood. Sa'id would see him in his dreams while asleep and he would picture Khubayb in front of him praying his two rakaats, calm and contented, before the wooden cross. And he would hear the reverberation of Khubayb's voice as he prayed for the punishment of the Quraysh. He would become afraid that a thunderbolt from the sky or some calamity would strike him.
Khubayb, by his death, had taught Sa'id what he did not realize before - that real life was faith, and conviction and struggle in the path of faith, even until death. He taught him also that faith which is deeply ingrained in a person works wonders and performs miracles. He taught him something else too - that the man who is loved by his companions with such a love as Khubayb's could only be a prophet with Divine Support" (p.1-p.2)
I. Love. This. Story.
I also like to point out, because this bothered me a little bit, that when the Muslims did conquer Mecca, the Prophet (saw) forgave and let the non-Muslims living in Mecca leave unharmed.
The idea of cursing someone has always struck me as being an 'absolute wrong'. As in, it is NEVER okay to ask God to harm someone. I can understand why they would make the supplication, but I definitely don't support it. I think the Prophet's actions when he conquered Mecca shows that it is also not Islam's stance either.
Also, I'm not trying to convert anyone with this story. That's just where the focus changes, and the section involving Khubayb ends.
Enjoy!
Chris
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Sunday Story: Khutba on Amanah (Trust)
Khutbah - the primary formal occasion for public preaching in the Islamic tradition
I actually was there when he did this. I remember this really made me stop to evaluate my life. We aren't only responsible for what we do (prayers, zakah, Hajj), but we're also responsible for how we treat people around us.
To quote HP: "If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals." - Arthur (HP book 2)
Enjoy!
-Chris
I actually was there when he did this. I remember this really made me stop to evaluate my life. We aren't only responsible for what we do (prayers, zakah, Hajj), but we're also responsible for how we treat people around us.
To quote HP: "If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals." - Arthur (HP book 2)
Enjoy!
-Chris
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Sunday Story: Rocky's Story
Well youtube doesn't let me embed it, but PLEASE do yourself a favor and go watch this video. SO inspiring.
http://youtu.be/ywuse55qU2A
Enjoy!
-Chris
http://youtu.be/ywuse55qU2A
Enjoy!
-Chris
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Sunday Story: Danny and Annie
I don't even know what to do about this video - it just makes my day on every level.
Enjoy!
-Chris
Monday, September 5, 2011
Sunday Story: Emmanuel Kelly The X Factor 2011
Props go to my man, TR (Tony Robbins) for finding this - so moving! I really hope this guy wins!
Deuces
-Chris
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday Story: Jimmy Chin's Photography Story
This just absolutely inspires me to finish my degree, then go enjoy the world for a few years (/the rest of my life)
And one more! This guy is my hero. And can you imagine how much he appreciates being alive after that climb?! I can't... Every breath must feel like the greatest blessing in the world...
Enjoy!
-Chris
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Sunday Story: No luck this week
BUT
I did see a tweet today that I LOVED
"All of this happens by Gods grace... Always remember that; Put God first & everything else will fall into place"
I just kept thinking about that today, and no matter what happened, I said that to myself, and things always worked out.
Hopefully next week I'll find something better!
Deuces
-Chris
I did see a tweet today that I LOVED
"All of this happens by Gods grace... Always remember that; Put God first & everything else will fall into place"
I just kept thinking about that today, and no matter what happened, I said that to myself, and things always worked out.
Hopefully next week I'll find something better!
Deuces
-Chris
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Sunday Story: Eric LeGrand's Recovery
Haha, Oh blogspot... (the video screen is too wide)
Tobin Heath had tweeted Eric LeGrand, so I looked him up and I saw this video. I think his attitude and hope is so amazing. It's not: "Will I ever walk again", it's "I'm going to walk in so-and-so days" (iA)
Also, an update:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6833502
I'd post the video, but it automatically starts playing, so I'll just give you guys the link. In this (NEW August 4th 2011) video he talks about his experience simulating walking, and his new dream to get into the sportscaster business.
My prayers go out to Eric LeGrand for a speedy recovery, and a wonderful career!
Deuces
-Chris
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Sunday Stories: No Arms No Legs No Worries
I LOVE this story. I'm actually kind of amazed I haven't shared it yet...
Here's his website if you want to see more!
http://www.attitudeisaltitude.com/
Enjoy!
-Chris
And Ramadan Mubarak to all the Muslims out there, can't wait for tomorrow!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday Story: Know Where You Are Going
So I was reading a book called 'How to Climb 5.12', and the basic gist I got was this:
"If you get really intense, then you can get to the next level! It may not be fun, but you'll climb 5.12!" But the thing is, with stuff like this, when you get to 5.12 it's great at first, and you're an elite climber and yada yada yada, but if you develop the mindset of: "I don't care about fun, I just want to get to the next level" - then you never have fun! And that's the reason people climb in the first place!
So the moral of the story, is know where you're going. If what you really want in life is just a simple, quiet, easy life, then go there, don't go all the way around just to end up in the same place. I think this story does a good job of illustrating that point.
An American tourist was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked.
Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The tourist complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.
The Mexican replied, "Only a little while."
The tourist then asked, "Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more fish?"
The Mexican said, "With this I have more than enough to support my family's needs."
The tourist then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life."
The tourist scoffed, " I can help you. You should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat: With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor; eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You could leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles and eventually New York where you could run your ever-expanding enterprise."
The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?"
The tourist replied, "15 to 20 years."
"But what then?" asked the Mexican.
The tourist laughed and said, "That's the best part. When the time is right you would sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions."
"Millions?...Then what?"
The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."
http://www.noogenesis.com/pineapple/fisherman.html
Hope yal liked it!
Deuces
-Chris
"If you get really intense, then you can get to the next level! It may not be fun, but you'll climb 5.12!" But the thing is, with stuff like this, when you get to 5.12 it's great at first, and you're an elite climber and yada yada yada, but if you develop the mindset of: "I don't care about fun, I just want to get to the next level" - then you never have fun! And that's the reason people climb in the first place!
So the moral of the story, is know where you're going. If what you really want in life is just a simple, quiet, easy life, then go there, don't go all the way around just to end up in the same place. I think this story does a good job of illustrating that point.
An American tourist was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked.
Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The tourist complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.
The Mexican replied, "Only a little while."
The tourist then asked, "Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more fish?"
The Mexican said, "With this I have more than enough to support my family's needs."
The tourist then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life."
The tourist scoffed, " I can help you. You should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat: With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor; eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You could leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles and eventually New York where you could run your ever-expanding enterprise."
The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?"
The tourist replied, "15 to 20 years."
"But what then?" asked the Mexican.
The tourist laughed and said, "That's the best part. When the time is right you would sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions."
"Millions?...Then what?"
The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."
http://www.noogenesis.com/pineapple/fisherman.html
Hope yal liked it!
Deuces
-Chris
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Sunday Story: 500 Years of Worship
Angel Gabriel (as) told Muhammad (peace be upon him) the following incident about a man in the past who worshipped God continuously for 500 years. He was granted a shelter on top of a mountain that was surrounded by salty water. However, God caused a stream of sweet water to flow through the mountain for that individual. The man would drink from this water and use it to make ablution. God also raised a pomegranate tree from which the man would eat one fruit every day.
One day, this person supplicated to God that, "Oh God, bring my death while I am in the state of prostration." God accepted this dua of his. Whenever Gabriel came down to the Earth, he found this man prostrating to God. Gabriel said that on the day of Judgement, God will tell the angels to take this individual to Heaven through His mercy. However, this man will insist that he should enter Heaven through the good deeds that he had performed.
Then, God will tell the angels to compare his good deeds with the blessings that were given to him in the world. It will be seen that 500 years of his worship does not even equal to the gift of eye sight that was given to him by God. The angels will be asked to take him towards the fire. Then the man will plead, "Oh God! Enter me into Heaven only through Your mercy." At that point, the following discussion will take place between God and that man.
God: Oh my servant, who created you?
The worshipper: Oh God, You have created me.
God: Were you created because of the good deeds you have done or because of My mercy?
The worshipper: Because of Your mercy.
God: Who granted you the ability to worship for 500 years?
The worshipper: Oh the Almighty! You have granted me that ability.
God: Who placed you on the mountain surrounded by the ocean? Who caused a stream of sweet water to flow in between the salty water? Who caused a pomegranate tree to grow for you? Who granted you death while in the state of prostration?
The worshipper: Oh the Sustainer of the Worlds! You have done all of these.
Then God will say, "All these have happened due to My mercy and you too will enter Heaven only through My Mercy."
Source: Obtained from the book "Tambihul Ghafileen" by Shaikh Abul Laith Samarkandi.
We can never thank God for the blessings that He has given us. Let us use these blessings to recognize God before our death.
http://www.islamcan.com/islamic-stories/500-years-of-worship.shtml
I love this story! I was telling a friend (Becs!) about this a few weeks ago and I realized I hadn't ever put this story up, and as it's one of my favorites, I knew it was one for this week!
Salam Alaykum, I hope everyone has a wonderful week!
-Chris
Also, I just found
She (Carrie Dew) is so funny! Hope this will give everyone a laugh! I know we lost :'( - but I really hope she keeps making videos anyways, the Tobin Heath interview is also really good!
One day, this person supplicated to God that, "Oh God, bring my death while I am in the state of prostration." God accepted this dua of his. Whenever Gabriel came down to the Earth, he found this man prostrating to God. Gabriel said that on the day of Judgement, God will tell the angels to take this individual to Heaven through His mercy. However, this man will insist that he should enter Heaven through the good deeds that he had performed.
Then, God will tell the angels to compare his good deeds with the blessings that were given to him in the world. It will be seen that 500 years of his worship does not even equal to the gift of eye sight that was given to him by God. The angels will be asked to take him towards the fire. Then the man will plead, "Oh God! Enter me into Heaven only through Your mercy." At that point, the following discussion will take place between God and that man.
God: Oh my servant, who created you?
The worshipper: Oh God, You have created me.
God: Were you created because of the good deeds you have done or because of My mercy?
The worshipper: Because of Your mercy.
God: Who granted you the ability to worship for 500 years?
The worshipper: Oh the Almighty! You have granted me that ability.
God: Who placed you on the mountain surrounded by the ocean? Who caused a stream of sweet water to flow in between the salty water? Who caused a pomegranate tree to grow for you? Who granted you death while in the state of prostration?
The worshipper: Oh the Sustainer of the Worlds! You have done all of these.
Then God will say, "All these have happened due to My mercy and you too will enter Heaven only through My Mercy."
Source: Obtained from the book "Tambihul Ghafileen" by Shaikh Abul Laith Samarkandi.
We can never thank God for the blessings that He has given us. Let us use these blessings to recognize God before our death.
http://www.islamcan.com/islamic-stories/500-years-of-worship.shtml
I love this story! I was telling a friend (Becs!) about this a few weeks ago and I realized I hadn't ever put this story up, and as it's one of my favorites, I knew it was one for this week!
Salam Alaykum, I hope everyone has a wonderful week!
-Chris
Also, I just found
She (Carrie Dew) is so funny! Hope this will give everyone a laugh! I know we lost :'( - but I really hope she keeps making videos anyways, the Tobin Heath interview is also really good!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Sunday Story: 2 Stories - Butch and Eddie
Story 1: Butch
World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Butch O’Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific.
One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier.
Reluctantly he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet. As he was returning to the mother-ship, he saw something that turned his blood cold. A squadron of Japanese Zeroes were speeding their way toward the American fleet. The American fighters were gone on a sortie and the fleet was all but
defenseless. He couldn’t reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor, could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger.
There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber’s blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch weaved in and out of the now
broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until finally all his ammunition was spent.
Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the Zeroes, trying to at least clip off a wing or tail, in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible and rendering them unfit to fly. He was desperate to do anything he could to keep them from reaching the American ships. Finally, the exasperated Japanese
squadron took off in another direction.
Deeply relieved, Butch O’Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier. Upon arrival he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch’s daring attempt to protect his fleet. He was recognized as a hero and given one of the nation’s highest military honors.
And today, O’Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.
Story 2: Eddie
In the 1920s there was a man in Chicago called Easy Eddie. At that time, Al Capone virtually owned the city. Capone wasn’t famous for anything heroic. His exploits were anything but praiseworthy. He was, however, notorious for enmeshing the city of Chicago in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.
Easy Eddie was Capone’s lawyer and for a good reason. He was very good! In fact, his skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time. To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big; Eddie got special dividends. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago city block. Yes, Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him.
Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had the best of everything; clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object. And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Yes, Eddie tried to teach his son to rise above his own sordid life. He wanted him to be a better man than he was. Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things that Eddie couldn’t give his son. Two things that Eddie sacrificed to the Capone mob that he could not pass on to his beloved son: a good name and a good example.
One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Offering his son a good name was far more important than all the riches he could lavish on him. He had to rectify all the wrong that he had done.
He would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Scar-face Al Capone. He would try to clean up his tarnished name and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this he must testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. But more than anything, he wanted to be an example to his son. He wanted to do his best to make restoration and hopefully have a good name to leave his son.
So, he testified. Within the year, Easy Eddie’s life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago street. He had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer at the greatest price he would ever pay.
I know what you’re thinking. What do these two stories have to do with one another? Well, you see, Butch O’Hare was Easy Eddie’s son.
Author Unknown
Submitted by Richard
-http://www.inspirationalarchive.com/815/butch-and-eddy/
I LOVE this story! Need I say more?
(oh, and if you read this and thought: "is this really true?" (like I did): Click Here - Because it is. And that's what makes this story really special to me, setting a good example makes a difference in real life, not just in the stories online.)
Deuces,
-Chris
PS - Speaking of amazing true stories, the USA win over Brazil today was an incredible story! I can't even begin to do it justice, but it was really amazing!
 |
| Butch O'Hare |
One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier.
Reluctantly he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet. As he was returning to the mother-ship, he saw something that turned his blood cold. A squadron of Japanese Zeroes were speeding their way toward the American fleet. The American fighters were gone on a sortie and the fleet was all but
defenseless. He couldn’t reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor, could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger.
There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber’s blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch weaved in and out of the now
broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until finally all his ammunition was spent.
Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the Zeroes, trying to at least clip off a wing or tail, in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible and rendering them unfit to fly. He was desperate to do anything he could to keep them from reaching the American ships. Finally, the exasperated Japanese
squadron took off in another direction.
Deeply relieved, Butch O’Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier. Upon arrival he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch’s daring attempt to protect his fleet. He was recognized as a hero and given one of the nation’s highest military honors.
And today, O’Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.
Story 2: Eddie
 |
| Al Capone (Left) with Easy Eddie (Right) |
Easy Eddie was Capone’s lawyer and for a good reason. He was very good! In fact, his skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time. To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big; Eddie got special dividends. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago city block. Yes, Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him.
Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had the best of everything; clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object. And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Yes, Eddie tried to teach his son to rise above his own sordid life. He wanted him to be a better man than he was. Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things that Eddie couldn’t give his son. Two things that Eddie sacrificed to the Capone mob that he could not pass on to his beloved son: a good name and a good example.
One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Offering his son a good name was far more important than all the riches he could lavish on him. He had to rectify all the wrong that he had done.
He would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Scar-face Al Capone. He would try to clean up his tarnished name and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this he must testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. But more than anything, he wanted to be an example to his son. He wanted to do his best to make restoration and hopefully have a good name to leave his son.
So, he testified. Within the year, Easy Eddie’s life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago street. He had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer at the greatest price he would ever pay.
I know what you’re thinking. What do these two stories have to do with one another? Well, you see, Butch O’Hare was Easy Eddie’s son.
Author Unknown
Submitted by Richard
-http://www.inspirationalarchive.com/815/butch-and-eddy/
(oh, and if you read this and thought: "is this really true?" (like I did): Click Here - Because it is. And that's what makes this story really special to me, setting a good example makes a difference in real life, not just in the stories online.)
Deuces,
-Chris
PS - Speaking of amazing true stories, the USA win over Brazil today was an incredible story! I can't even begin to do it justice, but it was really amazing!
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