Beards Are Itchy: A Summary of My Trip to Arkansas

I tell you the truth, these lips...Or fingers won't lie, I have been working on my beard for the past two weeks. I did this simply because I found myself in the 'Natural State' for a week and thought it would help me blend in. Now you can laugh and poke fun at the lack of size my proud little beard is but none the less, it is no longer just 'peach fuzz'. Here's a picture to prove its existence:


Now the wrap up of Arkansas isn't that I've been growing a beard, however you might thing the excitment doesn't get much better than that, I will assure you rather that there is some more pizazz than stereotyped. Why, I'll have you know that I went horse-back riding (which, beleive it or not, I alread knew how to do), almost went to see Jesus via a four-wheeler, learned how to ice-skate for the second time, had plenty of time to reflect and write thoughts on life down in a book I'm writing, and watch a lot of 'Everybody Loves Raymond'. Top that!

I will not lead you astray, Arkansas is nothing worth comparing to the Promise Land of Texas, but it's a nice, sleepy, little part of the country that has view that's pleasent to take in. In this small state, I went to the even smaller area of Damascus-no relation to Biblical references. One of the coolest parts of this trip was that I got to catch up and hang out with an old friend of mine who is from Austin as well. During this vacation, I had plenty of time to focus and work on writing. As I mentioned earlier, I started my book, which is nowhere near ready. But for the sake of sport, I'll tell you that is has to do with my Middle School years and I've completed the prolouge and first chapter. To be honest, I really shouldn't even be mentioning it, but whatever.

I'm making a point to keep this post rather short and upbeat to compensate for the last one which was a little intense even for me to write. In the end the week was long and short at the same time, four-wheelers can hurt if not careful, and 'Raymond' is still funny even in re-runs. So until next time, remember(for you guys) to shave your facial hair consistantly or else it's gonna get scraggly and itchy.

The Beauty of a Child's Heart, the Beauty of a Father and Son (Summer is No Longer Taken in Stride but in Faith)

Without trying, I have completely toppled the very basis of what I intended to be my finest literary work...and the inspiration was given to me through the profound simplicity of children.

I am awestruck because my understanding of true beauty has yet again been humiliated by what God merely tinkers at everday. In other words, I have no universal clue what our Heavenly Father can do. I know you're saying "Duh Sean, now what gave you that obvious idea?". Well, with a great smile I will gladly tell you.

So I walk out of Family Christian bookstore carrying my bag of 'B Collision', 'Grace Like Rain', and another profound book of Donald Miller (all generously recieved through the gift of $30 in gift cards) and as I pop in my newly claimed prize composed by the 'David Crowder Band' specifically the acoustic reindition of 'Wholly Your's' the tiny composite gears in my mind start to turn. I am truely amazed. Through these innocent children, God demonstrates His love for me by demonstrating it to a boy named Jeremy.

Jeremy was in my second Backyard Bible Club every day this past week. He's a typical little boy about to attend 3rd grade who is more interested in dunking Josh in a tub of water than thinking about any girl...for the moment. None the less, he's fun to be around. However, he didn't know Salvation. And for that week, he struggled with the idea that Jesus loved him enough to die. But none of these demons could stand beside Divinity as God opened this boy's beautiful heart. Prior to the club on thurday, at precisely 2 a.m., Jeremy's mother made the most important decision in her life and accepted Christ. About 9 and a half hours later Jeremy did the same.

Is this not enough to place a tear in your eye? Well let me add on. The following day, what I saw, was not that 3rd grade boy named Jeremy, but I saw my little brother. One who shared nothing more than a mutual relationship given by the taking of blood. He is now my little brother in Christ. And that next day, you didn't need sight to see the change God had given him. I can honestly say I love Jeremy, he may not realize it, but when I asked for a hug and he gave it back, I wanted to cry. I wanted to cry like I'm trying...........Like I am crying right now. Crying out of charismatic beauty. Everything I have been working for, everything I have valued, everything I have dedicated myself to, has all been yielded to this little boy's commitment to a better life leading to a better alternative.

And as I reflect on the week, I see that it wasn't just Jeremy, but seeing the eyes glow as Jason (a soon-to-be 8th grader) really got to hear how much my Abba loves him. It wasn't just Jason hearing what he hadn't ever make sence to him, but seeing the growth in my good friend Josh's life, seeing him step up and watching him preview the amazing Man of God I know he will one day be. And guys, it wasn't just Josh's maturity, but it was countless other beauties that only a child can make us (at times) over confident teenagers and adults realize. It was seeing that even though I was suppossed to be teaching these kids, God was teaching me. And he did it with 4 year olds.

I pick up my new copy of 'To Own a Dragon' by Donald Miller (a book that shares Miller's experiences about growing up without a father) and reflect on a lengthy but yet fruitful conversation with an employee named Justen at 'Family Christian Bookstore' and the past week layed before me. Finally, several things God had been trying to tell me for the better part of 15 years made sense. These children, this child-me, I knew what it was. So after about 10 minutes of riding in the car with my earthly dad I gather my thoughts of how fortunate I am and unleash my feelings. I say the words I never say to this man enough,

Dad, I love you.

Swashbucklers, Superheros, and Seanzy

So here we are in the dog-days of summer. My appetite for the freedom from school is now on a diet, and dare I say it, I'm bored. I've found myself in this state of monotony tedium multiple times within these latter days. So what does Seanzy do when he's bored? Here's a nice little quiz to get those creative juices flowing:

Do I...?
a)Hang out with friends
b)Hang out/flirt with girls
c)Go do recreational things such as watch major summer movies
d)Dude, all of the above for sure!

If you answered d) then you've successfully stated the obvious. So yeah, lately I've been filling my time with these variables. And out of all of this, I've seen two really shnazzy movies. The first of which was the much needed Return of Superman. Let me just say, that movie blew me away. I was in a trance of adrenaline-paced excitement after watching that. I wanted to grow up to be Superman, actually Batman but oh well.


And let me tell you, just when I didn't think that another movie this summer could compare, 'POTC: Dead Man's Chest' left me flat out flabbergasted, making me wish upon a star that I was a Pirate like the incredible Captain Jack Sparrow. I am greatly anticipating the final instalment in this awesome trilogy of 'Savy' entertainment. Also, I find Keira Knightley to be really really really really really attractive....Moving right along.

So now that all of those feelings of cinematic content are out of my system, I want y'all (there's that darn southern drawl again) to know my interest pertaining to next week. Backyard Bible Clubs and Summerfest, it already sounds like a blast, even though I have no idea what its like. None the less, I'm looking forward to it. I could go on longer, but I'd rather not, for I have much more to tell you in my later writings in the "Taking Summer in Stride" series. So enjoy this video of Josh...It makes me smile, and until next time, just stay out of trouble you crazy kids.