A Simple Narrative

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:32:13 PDT

Simple, not shallow; Strong, but vulnerable; Passionate and Courageous, but meek and modest.

That is what I hope is said about the life I've lived when it has finished. I hope that my life is remembered as a story, not fancied by made-up entities, but raw and real. Through the years I've spent on this earth, I've been lectured on this idea of leaving a "legacy" behind me.
After much thought, and consideration, I decided for myself that a legacy was unnecessary. I feel as though we have to many of those filling our history books, and being recorded in other mediums. My hearts desire is that I do not let my life turn into another strive to make it into world history. But rather that it becomes a narrative, simple, but inspiring. Please do not let the world remember me by the speech from my lips, the ink from my pen, or certainly not a picture of my face. Let them remember me in a different light.
In the light of a daring tale that lives on in the memories of my friends and family. And when all has been accomplished by all that was to be accomplished by me on this earth, look to my life as a piece of literature. A story, with a definite beginning and ending, and an author who orchestrated my steps through it all.

Let the cover read 'A Simple Narrative' because the critics of the novel should say

"From the beginning, to the end of this account, my heart was moved, my soul was inspired, and my humanity was stretched. The world should read and gain small but certain truths from the life lived in this Simple Narrative."

Turn Down The Music

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 18:59:51 PDT

I went to see my favorite duo, Shane & Shane, live on Monday night with my buddies Dan and Josh.
I was excited to hear that they had a new worship CD, and that they're set that night would include several songs from it.

They sang a song called "Turn Down The Music." The song was so convicting. Listen to it, and you'll see why. This is a random video that someone put together after going to Kenya on a missions trip. I'm posting it so you can listen to the word of this song. Hit play, and read the lyrics below.

If you were hungry, would we give you food?
If you were thirsty, would we give you drink?
If you were a stranger, would we let you in?
What would be the song we’d sing to you when they're in need?
Would it be an empty hallelujah to the King?

Turn down the music
Turn down the noise
Turn up your voice Oh God
Let us hear the sound
Of people broken willing to love
Give us your heart oh God
A new song rise in us

If you were naked, would we give you clothes?
If you were an orphan, would we give our homes?
If you were in prison, would we visit you?
What would be the song we’d sing to you with everything
Would it be an empty hallelujah to the King?

Let it be our worship
Let it be our true religion
In this world but not of it
Holding on to our confession

Snowboarding & Adventures with Greg

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:20:37 PST

A couple of weeks ago, my coworker and friend Greg Hammond and I went snowboarding together. Greg, an experienced snowboarder, had made all the arrangements. He took care of boot and board rentals, and called ahead to make sure we had the best possible conditions at the slopes of our choosing.
I was so excited. The hour and a half drive was nearing its end, and my heart was pounding. I cannot describe accurately how deeply I love the mountains, the outdoors, or recreation. The beauty of the landscape as we drove higher and higher increased with every mile we drove.

We were about fifteen minutes away from Appalachian Ski Mountain, when we reached a flagger who motioned cars to stop and turn around; the road was closed! The woman had told us a detour route as we approached, so we whipped around and went on our way. We came to the turn that the woman had prompted us to take to initiate the detour, but Greg's GPS told us it new a better way, so we trusted the small computer.

Before we could blink, we were on a dirt road that was one lane big with no guard rail swerving about and down, around and about the mountain! There were patches of gravel here and there, but we were stranded on this proverbial "highway to hell". We drove 8 miles an hour for an additional 60 minutes! We drove so slow because it had rained earlier that day, and we were afraid we get stuck, or worse.... Slide off the road.

It was awful. We were the only car we saw. Patches of ice came frequently, steep drives and sharp turns abounded every inch of that wretched road. Finally, we arrived back on a main road, and were minutes from our destination. I will never trust a GPS again. When we arrived, we bought our lift tickets, headed to the restrooms, and then made our way to the glossy white hills. It was amazing. The sight was beautiful. I spent about an hour and a half on the "bunny hill" trying to perfect my beginner abilities. I fell a lot! My butt felt like jello at the end of the day. The slopes were about to close for an hour for grooming, and Greg challenged me. He told me that I should go straight to the hardest hill, to which I replied "WHAT!!??? Seriously?" I couldn't even go 10 yards without falling, and Greg is asking me to go on the black diamond hill? I didn't even know how to properly exit the lift, let alone make down the steep and busy hill.

My boyish wits got the best of me, and I accepted the challenge. I was overcome by the beauty of the landscape more than ever when I reached the top. The view was so much different than on the bunny hill. My position was higher up, and I could see thousands of miles out. The beautiful peaks and snow-covered forests were breathtaking. It was time for me to descend. I did incredible. I fell only three times! That is really good! (considering that the hill was long and steep; and that I couldn't hold myself up on a kiddy hill). I was so proud of myself. The wind battered my cheeks, the cool air filled my lung, and the adrenaline pumped through my body. It was a rush indeed. I would attempt it three more times following. The next time, I fell twice. The third run, I fell once. And on my last run before they shut down to groom, I never stopped until I reached the bottom of the hill.

We rested in the cabin while our boards rested outside. Sadly, someone stole one of our boards while we weren't watching. We were so angry. But life went on. We rented another board, and soon, the slopes were open and we were back in action.

Isn't it amazing what people will do to entertain themselves. I mean, think about it. Who would think to stand on a plank and endure high speeds down icy slopes? I don't know, but I'm grateful for who did. My heart is beckoned to venture out onto those icy hills soon. I don't know whether it is because of the sport itself, or the adventure that surrounds it.

BoneMan's Daughters....

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:33:41 PST

My amazing older brother Dylan got me this fantastic book, by NY Times Best-Selling author Ted Dekker, called "BoneMan's Daughters."
The story takes place present day. It revolves around a genius of a Naval Intelligence officer named Ryan Evans. Ryan is an analytical machine. His job with the Naval Intelligence is to process intel received from intercepted communications, satellite imaging, from field evidence, and from other resources. He looks at life as a puzzle, or game, so to speak. Every problem has a capable resolution; every code can be cracked.
While Ryan is stationed in Iraq, he is taken hostage by insurgents who blow up his convoy. It is in this moment that this man, whose brain is as sturdy as iron, begins to deteriorate under the torture and graphic horrors delivered by his captives.
Being mindful that his life was the military, his family back home in Texas is falling away from him.

During his tour, back in Texas, a serial killer is on the lose. A serial killer who wishes to find for himself a daughter to replace the one he once lost. This killer receives his nickname 'BoneMan' because of what he does to his victims. He kidnaps young women whom he wishes to "adopt," and after discovering that each one cannot love him as a father the way he wants them to, he stakes their limbs to the ground and proceeds to break every single bone in their body. He leaves his victims alone, in agonizing pain, and suffering from massive bleeding caused by internal damage.
When Ryan finds out that his daughter is taken by the BoneMan. His weapon of a mind aims to track down this murdering lunatic.

That is the main plot without giving away any of the 'good stuff.' If you like thrillers that make your skin crawl and your mind lost in making sense of what's happening, you should read this book. If you don't like mysteries, don't read it.

Ted Dekker, you're amazing dude.

Men And Boys

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:31:56 PST

Today I read an article from a woman's perspective on immature men. The author proceeded to explain how men (in the past 50 years especially) have stopped growing up. She claimed that the majority of broken families, underdeveloped children, and cross-gender distrust is the result of men who wouldn't stop being boys. Is she right? I think I agree. Men were once those responsible for leading the family and setting an example for others, and yes, as a whole, we've compromised this status. Today, I stopped and looked around at people I know. I looked around at friends, family, co-workers, and strangers, and realized something... Most young women today don't want a man, they want a boy (notice, I said young women). They stopped looking for someone to be the hardest worker, the most trustworthy friend, the highest role model, and the best possible father for they're children. Instead, they strangely seek out shallow and weak men who validate them, not support them. They surrender their emotions, thoughts, and bodies to fragile and fickle boys. And those boys create for themselves an illusion of masculinity in their own minds as they indulge themselves. Thus, two broken people search for wholeness in each other. It is, therefore, no surprise when fleeting happiness fades and only chipped damaged goods remain. Fellas, lets decide to take the lead. And by leading, we make decisions out of wisdom, not out of emotion. To be an agent of stability, not validity. Young ladies, don't seek out boys. Companions are not meant to be hollow and easy, they're meant to be challenging, but rewarding.

The Blood

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:06:20 PST

Countless sonnets and songs have been written about the blood of Jesus Christ. I've personally sat in worship services where we sang songs saying "Oh the precious blood of Jesus" and have heard people describe the blood as "beautiful." Even in our prayers we pray and plead the blood of Jesus over circumstances and happenings of life.

Unless you've jumped on the recent "Twilight" bandwagon, there probably is much that is exciting about blood.

If I were someone opposite my present self, someone who had perhaps never heard of Christ or the events of Calvary, how would I react to such? Lets pretend I walked into a foreign country and therein was a temple where people were rejoicing over the blood of their God, truthfully, I think I would get a little freaked out. I'd probably haul my heavy self as far away from those involved in the experience as fast as I my legs would take me.

So if for some reason friend, you find yourself asking similar questions, perhaps asking "What makes the blood of Christ so significant that it would be counted precious as diamonds and lovely as roses?"
It is because once you have experience the blood, there is nothing like it. According to what we read in scripture, sin (which is the unavoidable result of being imperfect) has a demand... Sin demands death (Romans 6:23). The only cure or relief from sin is DEATH. I'm sure when you read that, some sort of depressing or gothic image flashed in your mind. But that is where the beauty of the blood comes in. The blood of Christ is significant because Christ relieved us from the curse of sin by taking our sin upon himself. We owed a debt that we could not pay, and he paid our debts which he did not owe. This friend is why we celebrate the blood.

Purpose

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 20:01:01 PST

It amazes me how many times a human being, like myself for example, struggles with the idea of purpose. Sometimes, we wonder what our purpose in life is, and other times (usually most of the time) we wonder if we have what it takes to accomplish it... The truth is, I don't believe that there's just one thing I'm supposed to do. I have to believe and dream that my everyday purpose in life is being fulfilled daily. If we are to grow deeper as intelligent beings, then we must realize this: though standing around and calling out heavenward begging for answers can be helpful in recognizing the sovereignty of God in our lives, we cannot hinge our energy on the idea that there's simply this "one thing" that we have to do in life, and if we miss the mark, then we have failed. Feeling purposeful isn't always pleasant. Sometimes it stings and even scars. But the beauty is, no matter what chips are knocked off of our fragile emotions, that we have the ability to know in fact that our lives were truly lived and not simply wasted.

The Staleness of Fiction

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:56:39 PST

It is why we buy books, watch movies, or turn on the television... It causes us to spend countless hours of most of our lives engaged in this source of amusement. The tragedy of it lies in these two facts: it is addicting, and it is natural.

...It's called fiction.

Fiction is a diversion of the mind from present reality to some fantasized destination. It encourages us to evaporate our focus from our surroundings into make-believe. What's so great about fiction???

I think it's because of the fact that it has no limits. For example, in the realm of fiction, your free to fly on a magic carpet with a beautiful princess through the desert Kingdom of Agrabah. Free to fight Pirates and soar through the skies of Neverland. Liberated to ride out alongside King Arthur and his Knights as they take on the armies of the invading Anglo-Saxons; to become Captain of the Black Pearl, the fastest sailing ship ever to set stir the waves of the sea; to by chance discover the lost and golden city of Atlantis; to fight for power among the Gods of Mount Olympus; to find romance in Orange County; to follow a yellow brick road with a lion, scarecrow, and tinman as your companions; to be able to decipher the mysteries of a crime scene in Miami; to fight off the evils which threaten the land of Narnia; or perhaps to discover that your a wizard and a celebrity in a world of magic where everyone knows of the legend of how you, Harry Potter, received that lightning bolt scar on your forehead...

I believe that imagination and creativity expressed in such ways can be healthy, but never should we detour into the idea that those figments can possibly be better than what we have here and now.

In regard to Fiction VS Reality, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle writes:

"Life is infinitely stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We would not dare to conceive the things which are really merely commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the roofs and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the strange coincidences, the planning, the cross-purposes, the wonderful chain of events, working through generations and leading to the most outer results, it would make all fiction with its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and unprofitable."

Where Did The Time Go?

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:08:29 PDT

I seem to remember being a kid and thinking that all the old people who told me how fast my life would move were absolutely crazy. Minutes of frolicking in my child-wide imagination would feel more like hours of engaging in endless fun. I don't think this idea that time goes by quickly is new, in fact, I do believe the tune is much overplayed. But no matter how much we acknowledge that our time continuum is so highly accelerated, it does not change our perception or grasp of it. In other words, we can only stand by and let life move at whatever rate it so chooses.

"Where did the time go?" That question has made contact with my ears more times than one could count all the splinters on the floor of a sawmill. It is always used rhetorically. Sometimes to express the amazement of life's pace, or perhaps to express the sorrow of life's regrets. I know that I ask myself this frequently, and I can't help but ponder my own shame.

When we procrastinate, its as if whatever we are holding off on doing seems worthless, until its too late to actually do something about it. Even though the priority shouldn't have changed, the weight of our purposeful tasks becomes burdensome once time begins to run out.

I don't want to stand at the end of this day, this month, this year, or this life and say "Where did the time go?"

Long Drives and Country Music

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:17:58 PDT

This past week, I went to see my cousin (who may as well be my sister) Meghan and her husband Josh near Virginia Beach. Meghan is definitely my closest cousin, we're almost the same age, we were in the same grade, lived a bikes ride distance away from each other as kids, and both have a passionate love for macaroni and cheese. She couldn't have picked a better husband. Josh is a fun, down to earth guy who has a laid back energy thats quite entertaining. We like to talk guns and fishing, and we would talk sports if I did a makeover on my "sportsFANship." Those two are amazing people to be around, and I already miss them dearly.

Particularly, one of the best parts of my trip was the time spent driving. My mind is wild and runs quick. Long periods of silence allow me to reflect and process the busyness of my life. Its seems like every time I conclude or resolve something in the process, I have this ridiculous need to blare some good ol' country music (God's music... sort of).

My favorite spots to think are coffee shops, park benches, deer stands, and lake sides. But there's no place more accessible or more productive than when I enjoy Long Drives and Country Music.

MUMBLES

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:17:51 PDT

My good friend Jacob Pierce showed me a hilarious video. It was a prank video about a guy who calls himself "Mumbles," and everywhere he goes, he just mumbles. Pretty much, its hysterical.

As funny as these videos are, it amazes me how people just assume they know what he's talking about as to not make notice of his impediment, or perhaps they just don't care enough about his satisfaction to have a clear conversation. Particularly, the guy at the end of this video cracks me up because he plays off so well like he understands him... Watch, and enjoy :D

The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:57:04 PDT

Its sad, really...

I somehow am addicted to realistic fiction novels and stories, so much, that it is what I invest a lot of my free time into. I have discovered that my favorite stories always have "The Adventures Of _______ " in the title. For example, my favorite book of all the is "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," and the runner up "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."

Since I was a child, I have always had a secret super-power that allows me to vanish into thin air. Few people know about this hidden ability of mine, and it controls a lot of how I live my life (after-all, if you could disappear and reappear anywhere you wanted to, wouldn't it change things for you as well)? I don't know how or why I was given this ability, but I know this much: its my greatest strength and my most vulnerable trait. Obviously I'm not speaking in literal terms, but in my mind, it may as well be literal. The reason for that being that my imagination is so deep in me that I can think and feel, taste and smell, and touch and see any sort of figment that I have created for myself to live in momentarily.

On that note, my love for "ADVENTURE" begins in my boyish mind. I daily feel the desire to step out of reality and into fiction [or fantasy]. I just began reading the collaborate works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in his daring tales about "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes." Sherlock Holmes is contained in Doyles four novels and approximately fifty-six short stories based around him. The collaboration of all of those that I have is close to 700 pages long, and thus far, every single page has left me "on the edge of my seat" so to speak. Holmes is a simple man with a complex mind. His persistent soul and firm grit challenges any person who would call himself a man.

I'm looking forward to losing myself in the adventure of one detective who would revolutionize the world of criminal investigating (being mindful, of course, that it takes place in a fantasized London during the latter 1800s).

A Simple Narrative

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 19:25:03 PDT

I definitely love changing the theme to my blog every six months :)

I've been preached at by biblical scholars, lectured by classroom teachers, and pushed by coaches all through life to do this one thing: To leave a "legacy." We always think the term legacy has some sort of symphonic ringing playing with it. We paint this picture on the canvass of our minds of a life that was well-known for being well lived. A life that was a "history-maker." Personally, I feel like we have a lot of legacies to use as our benchmarks in this world. I don't want my life to be a legacy, I want it to be a Simple Narrative:

Simple, but not shallow; Strong, but vulnerable; Passionate, but not arrogant; Epic, but modest; Courageous, but careful; Ordained, but not separate; A benchmark, but certainly not a template of perfection...
That is what I hope is said about the life I've lived when it has finished. I hope that my life is remembered as a story, not fancied by made-up entities, but raw and real. Through the years I've spent on this earth, I've been lectured on leaving a "legacy." After much thought, and consideration, I decided for myself that a legacy was unnecessary. I feel as though we have to many of those filling our history books and being recorded in other mediums. My hearts desire is that I do not let my life turn into another strive to make it into world history... But rather that it becomes a narrative, simple, but inspiring. Please do not let the world remember me by the speech from my lips, the ink from my pen, or certainly not a picture of my face. Let them remember me in a different light. In the light of a daring tale that lives on in the memories of my friends and family. And when all has been accomplished by all that was to be accomplished by me on this earth, look to my life as a piece of literature. A story, with a definite beginning and ending, and an author who guided me through it all. Let the cover read 'A Simple Narrative' because the critics of the novel should say "From the beginning, to the end of this account, my heart was moved, my soul was inspired, and my humanity was stretched. The world should read and gain small but certain truths from the life lived in this Simple Narrative."

What A Year

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:37:49 PDT

It would seem that most of my blog entries end up going back to the ministries I'm tied into here at Hope Church... what can I say, I'm in love with the place :)

On August 5, 2008, I moved to Charlotte. Since then, I have had 4 jobs, and next month will have moved 5 times. This fall, things are settling down a bit for me. I've found a job that I enjoy to take care of myself with, and will soon move into a stable housing situation. So much has happened. I feel like I've changed this year in many ways and hopefully for the better. I've gained confidence, knowledge, wisdom, and mostly humility. I've experienced immense happiness and been stretched to anxious awaiting. I could write for hours about the details of this year, but the bottom line is this: I truly feel alive...

>>>Don't look at this world and ask yourself "What does this world need?" and attempt to find a remedy... Look instead at yourself and ask "What is it that makes me come alive?" And then go do that! Because what this world needs is people who have truly come alive.

Being apart of Hope Church is what has made me come alive. There have been moments of struggle, moments of despair, and certainly times where I've felt discouraged. But none of that compares to the joy I have felt and shared with the people in this particular community of believers. It would seem to me that life should be storybook or best-selling novel like... But then again, imagination could not exist without reality. And reality, as is, would be a cage without imagination. It is my hope that my generation will balance the scales of living a life of reality that is stretched by fantasy, not skewed by it. The dreams and fantasies I hold hopeful for this Church are what drive me. But above all else, the communion I share with God Almighty is my source of inspiration and identity. What a year it has been!

The Long Haul

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:06:39 PDT

The past month of my life has been lived in the "fast lane." So much has happened! You must forgive me for leaving gaps in my entries. Several weeks ago, we announced at Hope Church that David and his family would be moving to Uptown to plant Center City Church. It was the Team's understanding that there would come a day for this to happen, and it's always been Pastor Mike's vision to plant a Church that plants Churches, so to be able to do this within our first year of establishment is amazing. We're actually helping plant another Church in Uptown Charlotte!

I've been with David and his family for a little while now, and I knew a time would come when they would leave Hope. I committed to Pastor Mike for 6 months to serve him and the people of Hope. Soon, 6 months turned into 8, then 10, and now a year. The past few months, I have been communicating clearly to Pastor Mike and the team that I wanted to stay at Hope. My exact words were "I'm in this for the long haul."

I've fallen in love with this city. The people, the places, the geography, the culture, everything! It's home to me now. I've been stepping out in faith in so many areas of my life. I'm moving into a new apartment in August, and I'm signing the first lease i've ever signed! SCARY! But no matter what turn of events should fall this way, I no God has placed me here. The Sunday that David's leaving was announced, Pastor Mike also announced that I'd be staying to join the Team here at Hope. I'm still working on a few educational requirements to become a credentialed minister, but it's my heart right now to take leadership of the Youth Ministry. The bottom line is this, I'm in this for The Long Haul. I'm here to stay, I'm here to serve, I'm here to enjoy life, I'm here to pursue God and his unique calling upon my life.

Another Headline

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:48:43 PDT

About two months ago, I was faced with a terribly critical choice. I had the opportunity to participate in an absolute treacherous situation, and proudly, I can say that I declined and ran away from the ensnaring things before me. It was until after I had responded by retreating that I realized what it could have cost me. I know this seems like a bit much for a simple blog, but frankly, this is my testimony, so let me have it...

I reacted instinctively, and quickly. I was certain not to linger on weighing what to do or what not to do (usually, if your provided an opportunity to delay in making a decision, its best to treat it as though its not the right thing to do). In this case, to a "T", I reacted perfectly. But what haunted me was the ever-distracting question WHAT-IF??? What IF I had said yes, and moved forward in this harmful pass? The truth is that doing so would have ruined a lot for me. I cannot describe to you how much it bothered me that I had the chance to throw it all away. I began having nightmares and thoughts of being Another Headline about a Pastor, or a Dad, or a leader that messed up and ruined those depending on Him. I just couldn't believe such things were truly capable.

South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford confessed to having an affair last week, and in doing so, he broke the hearts of many. His marriage and family life are in ruins, the people of his state and country are ashamed, and his career is over... All because of one poor decision he made. The idea that one is capable of causing so much destruction is mind-boggling and challenging to me. The last thing I would ever want is to see my name in devastating headlines like these.

It is by the grace of God, and the discipline of my will to listen to the Holy Spirit that I was able to evade. Today, I pray for the integrity of those around me, and those in authority over me. I pray that Men and Women across this world would step up and guard their hearts. My wish is that no one, big or small in society, significant or insignificant globally, or known or unknown in this universe would shame themselves by becoming another headline... My heart goes out to the Sanford family, and I will pray for them as they attempt to reconcile.

Finding Neverland

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:27:43 PDT

Recently, I watched an incredible movie called "Finding Neverland" starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. The movie is about a playwright in the early 1900s who writes a play about a mystical fantasy of a getaway called "Neverland." Neverland is his own personal place of escape and adventure. He encounters a family that shows him how he should use Neverland as a source of inspirational entertainment. Using his real-life companions, he creates their fantasy counter-parts: Peter Pan, Wendy, Nanna, Michael, Tiger-Lilly, Captain Hook., etc... In lamens terms, its a fictional movie about the guy who thought up the story of Peter Pan, and the events that led to his portrayal of the story. It was done very well. Its a very tragic movie, but exciting nonetheless.

The title of my blog "My Mind Is A Playground" isn't really that 'suave' sounding. It doesn't come across striking or intriguing (if you ask me). Its simply a description of who I am and what goes on in my mind. I enjoy creating places like Neverland, and imagining people and situations that stir the heart and inspire the soul. I related closely to the fictional character in this movie. We both allow ourselves to slip off the radar from time to time and indulge ourselves in the boyish fantasies of adventure and especially danger.

Thinking up such fabrications comes naturally to me. The smallest happening might trigger my imagination. However, my question is this: what would life be like if things we thought up so easily could happen just as effortlessly? What I mean is, what if I could just think something into existence? Never having to lift a finger towards building whatever substance I'm dreaming of, but simply bringing the figment into reality by wishing it?

The sad truth is, when it comes to dreams and ambitions, sometimes daydreams or delusions are as far as a persons wit takes them. I know for me personally, many times in my life, I've never proceeded any further than my minds mirage. In the movie that I spoke about, Johnny Depp's character "James" has allowed areas in his life to go uncared for (his marriage mostly). He thinks up amazing and envious fantasies that may entertain him, but truly steal his time. James is faced with a situation where Neverland finally has a chance to become a reality, not only in one of his plays, but in the hearts of a family that is weak and needy for hope. Finding Neverland becomes a reality only because he's determined to help his friends.

I think we all have to ask ourselves "what is it that will motivate me to move past dreaming something and into living it?" Maybe its compassion (Jame's motivation). Perhaps its even anger, or concern. Whatever it is, my hope is that its pure, and it truly stirs the heart of the one who is genuinely Finding Neverland in their life, and that regardless of what Neverland looks like to them, that they realize that its only discipline that can create a reality out of fantasy.

Venues Change, Opportunities Arise

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:08:20 PDT

This past Sunday, Pastor Mike announced to the congregation that Hope Church would be moving locations from the Starlight Theater to Mallard Creek Elementary School. The Theater has been great, it is where Hope Church really began... But this move is an exciting one! Will the move and venue change bring its challenges? It certainly will, any location change usually does. But the benefit would be having a direct connection with a community outlet>>> An elementary school. The heart of the Hope Team isn't to just "exist" at the School, but to make it the Churches focus in reaching out and truly bringing Hope to the Charlotte community. God is honored when the community is served, and we will have a chance to showcase our love for God as we direct our efforts towards seeing the needs of the people in that area met.

When Mike first had the vision of starting Hope Church, he dreamed it to exist at the area which we are now moving too... In order that we meet there, many things have had to happen and doors to be opened that only God could have aligned. To me, it feels right, it seems right, and it looks right. But none of that matters if God desired otherwise, and in our case, it would seem that this is his will confirmed by the tremendous favor we have gained in arriving at such an opportunity. To know and discern God's will can at times be difficult, by I trust and stand behind the Hope leadership and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they will not make altering decision unless they've heard from God, and I believe that they have.

This excites me... Even though venues change, opportunities arise...

I Was Here

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Mon, 11 May 2009 07:39:30 PDT

I've been absolutely crazy about this new country music group called "Lady Antebellum." I had this song on loop today... Its a little different than what they normally do, but I like it a lot. The reason I like it so much is because it inspires me to dream, and it really expresses how I feel with what I want to do with my life. Enjoy...

Creativity

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Sat, 02 May 2009 20:04:42 PDT

At the conference this past week, I realized how contagious creativity is... When I was in the room with so many creative people, I began to think things and conjure ideas that I wouldn't have thought of in any other outlet.

I was talking to a friend of mine for a good-while the other night about creativity. She and I discussed the powerful mark that it will have on the Church of our generation. I listened to her broad and beautiful dreams, and she listened to mine, and even then, creativity was bouncing off of each other... I think that's what's so powerful about creativity, that is, how it flows between trains of thought of different people, and how it is then reciprocated one to another.

Pastor David said something to me the other day in regards to being creative, he said "Dayne, don't think that your not creative, creativity has nothing to do with being artsy, having an eye for design or visual intrigue, but creativity only has to do with a persons ability to CREATE... And don't you forget that God, the creator of creativity, is living in you and through you."

God created us to create... We are all creative genius' in our own facets, the question is: will we apply ourselves? When I arrived in Charlotte, I didn't understand that. I thought that opportunities would just be handed to me, but what I failed to understand and what God has shown me is this simple truth, and as you read it, if you forget everything else in this article, remember this:

Opportunities aren't given to ANYone but should CREATED by SOMEone!

I'm in the middle of a Church plant here! Of course there wouldn't be much here for me when I moved here, but that's what I've had to do...CREATE!!!! And if that's all that I've learned since coming here, than I consider it more than worthwhile.

So whatever your strengths or weaknesses are, kick doubt and fear to the curb and GO CREATE!

Living Passionately And Dreaming Big....

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Sat, 02 May 2009 19:42:53 PDT

I was privileged to accompany the Hope Team Pastor's this past week to an incredible Church planters conference. In case you weren't aware, my life-long dream would be to plant a Church (which is why I moved to Charlotte, to learn how to do so).

The conference was AMAZING! It was incredible listening to awesome men and women who have laid an incredible foundation for advancing the kingdom of God and equipping my generation to do it even better than them.

I was encouraged to live passionately, and dream big... And oh how my passion has been thriving, and my dreams wandering :D

Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide......

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:59:13 PDT

Conscience is such a funny thing... The definition that we have come to equate the word to is that of Jiminy Cricket's details given to Pinocchio (a little voice in the back of your head, telling you what's right, and what is wrong).

Do I subscribe to Jiminy's opinion of the word?...I certainly do... I believe that we all have an inner consciousness that God has created inside of us. I was studying in Romans this morning, and the text in verse 19 of Chapter 1 read:

"For that which is known about God is evident to all and made plain in your inner consciousness, because God Himself has shown it to them." (Romans 1:19)

The words 'God Himself has shown it to them' popped out at me....God Himself?
I have a journal that I keep. A journal that is full of a lot of nonsense, really. The reason being that I have grown comfortable asking and journaling thoughts that aren't biblically or theologically sound or supported. But I enjoyed dialoging with the scripture. Asking the most lame or obvious of simple answered questions in hopes of discovering the meaning. In my journal this morning, I did just that. I wondered and dreamed into an idea that probably isn't true, but still is powerful to view, you'll see why....

(Written About What I Read In Romans 1:19 and on)
As I peruse the content of this scripture, I can't help but want to make the claim that my inner-consciousness could be the voice of God himself ("God Himself has shown it to them"). I don't believe that God has a conscience- that is, a voice in his mind telling him whether what he's about to do or not do is right or wrong, because God cannot do wrong. So if we are made in God's image, do we have a conscience? Or is our conscience merely an extension of communication from God to us? Or, did God place it in us who are human and in need of such direction?.... I don't think anyone can argue that one side of that is true and disprove altogether another...But this, I do know...

That if I treated my conscience as though it were God audibly speaking in my life, then, every time my conscience prompted I would be more eager to do as directed. So it is with that thought that human's should decipher using their moral compass as though it were God himself directing, regardless of whether it is or isn't.

A Good Weekend...

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:38:11 PDT

I had a great weekend, I left Thursday for Hopewell, VA for John & Ginny Gum's wedding. I love those two so much... The wedding was a pretty one, it took place at a beautiful and historical Episcopal Church, and the reception was at a gorgeous plantation. It was nice catching up with well missed-friends. On Sunday, I spend the day with my cousin Meghan & her husband Josh who live in Newport News. Those two are always so much fun, and Meghan makes some killer pancakes :D

It was certainly a good weekend...

COMMUNION

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:49:08 PDT

Recently, I thought of a new way for me to try and study the word of God. Journaling my thoughts about scripture is something that I always try to do, but, depending upon the text, I don't always have input. So I'm trying a different approach. I've always been fascinated with the practice of Communion, and to learn more about it in scripture, I've decided to write a research paper on it. A paper that probably will never be graded, or seen by anyone else but me, but I just know that when it comes to keeping my own attention, I always have to be searching for something.

As one who grew up in the Church, when I think of Communion, I think of little cracker-like wafers that taste like cardboard, and the disappointment of there never being enough grapejuice in those tiny little plastic cups to wash out the bitterly-bland and repugnant taste of a Keebler Elf nightmare of a cracker. While participating in this under-fashioned of a tradition, a leader in the Church would read from one of the gospels about how Jesus broke bread declaring that it was his body, given for us; and then passing the cup, asserting that it was his blood, spilled for the sins of many...

What does the term Communion mean? In modern-day language, Merriam Webster would say that communion is: an act or instance of sharing; A Christian sacrament in which consecrated bread and wine are consumed as memorials of Christ's death or as symbols for the realization of a spiritual union between Christ and communicant or as the body and blood of Christ; intimate fellowship or rapport.... The greek word used in the original text that the New Testament was written in was - koinōni - partnership, that is, (literally) participation; social intercourse; pecuniary benefaction:(to) communicate (-ation), communion, distribution, fellowship.

I could go on and on with what I've found, but keeping things simple with definitions is satisfactory enough for me through this open internet medium. Plus, my hands are a bit tired of writing, so I'll spare them...

Sadly, we believe that the picture of Communion is solely confined to the Lord's Supper, and the partaking of bread and fruit from the vine. But Communion is much more deeper than that. Communion doesn't end when the bread has been consumed and the cup emptied, that's not what Christ was talking about. We consecrate special services in honor of the event that took place; which, I share the opinion that these occasions are important and essential when looking back at the purity of a life that was given up for us. But at the table, a picture perfect sacrifice sat with those who didn't deserve the debt he was going to pay for them... for us... And at the table sat men from all different walks of life. Men like Simon the zealot who most likely argued with Matthew who worked for the Roman government, men who probably disagreed on multiple issues; flawed, fragile, and broken men. But they all had one thing in common, and that was Christ= And that is Communion!!! The sharing in the door that Christ opened up for us together. Don't you get it! Communion isn't ONLY a religious sacrament, but it's a life lived even unto eternity when this life is over! Communion should take place everyday of our lives with God; feasting and dining in his presence. Communion should also take place between the fellowship of believers, and those believers desiring to bring in those who have yet to share in this fellowship.

But let us not forget what happened just a few hours after Jesus broke the bread and passed the cup to his disciples.....They abandoned him..... Communion was broken... They willingly and conscientiously decided to get away from the one who wanted to share with them. So Communion was broke between them... When was it restored? I believe it was restored when they obeyed Christ, and waited on the power of the Holy Spirit, who brought them together once again.....Communion was restored...

In closing, do I think Leonardo Da Vinci's painting of the Last Supper is an accurate picture of Communion? Yes, I certainly do. And whenever that sacrament occurs in my Church, I will share in it gladly.... But I think that the picture of the Last Supper portrays Communion just as much as a picture of Acts 2 would... In Acts 2, after the Holy Spirit came, and the apostles began preaching boldly, and 3,000 people were added to the believers: All the believers proceeded to sell their possessions. They met in homes, sharing everything they had, giving to one other as each had need. Together, they dedicated themselves to the Apostles teaching, and the study of the scriptures...

I think if my dream of leading a Church plant comes true one day, I'd like to call it "Communion Church" ...Okay, you talked me into it, I'll tell you our 'mantra'
"Establishing Communion With God, Each Other, And Our Community."

I'm a dreamer, cut me some slack...............

It Is Well With My Soul

noreply@blogger.com (Dayne) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:12:26 PDT

To say that I grew up more traditional than most is a slight understatement. I grew up in a southern-gospel singing, tambourine bangin environment. My grandparents exposed me to southern gospel music as a kid, and I've always enjoyed it. The vocal talent is absolutely remarkable.

My favorite Gospel song of all time would be the song "It Is Well With My Soul," by Horatio Spafford. The Song is powerful, and has been remade hundreds of times in multiple different styles and genres. The most appealing approach of the song for me has always been the southern-gospel version.

What is most astounding to me was when I discovered the history behind this song. The song was written by a man named Horatio Spafford in 1873. Spafford was a prominent lawyer in Chicago, and had his life's savings invested into real estate. To refresh you knowledge of history, on October 18, 1871, what was known has "The Great Fire" swept through and destroyed most of the city.

Spafford's life's work was destroyed as the fire crumbled the city... A few months prior to losing everything he had worked his whole life for, his 4 year old son died of scarlet fever. After the fire, he and his family spent two-years rebuilding and cleaning up the city. The reconstructing of the city was exhausting, so he decided to take them to Europe for an extended vacation to get away from the stress of losing his son, and everything they had owned including his life security and investments. He had some work to do still, so he put his wife and four daughters on a steam-ship to sail across the Atlantic ocean, planning to sail to meet them in England a few weeks later.

After several days, he received a telegram from his wife. Immediately, he assumed that it was simply to notify him that she and his four daughters had arrived safely.... He assumed wrong... On November 21, 1873, a ship collided with the ship carrying his wife and four baby girls. Two hundred and twenty-six people died that day in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, among those 226 were his four daughters. His wife miraculously survived, the family was devasted.

Horatio Spafford left all business behind to sail quickly to England to meet his grieving wife. Over a period of two years, they had lost what seemed to be everything. He lost his son, and four daughters, along with every drop of financial security he and his wife had.... Spafford sailed across the Atlantic to meet his wife, and when the Captain announced that they were close to the exact coordinates that his daughters ship sank at, Spafford laid in his cabin... Broken and confused. If anyone had a reason to be angry with God, it was this man. If anyone had a right to crucify his religion and abandon his faith, it was Horatio Spafford. But all he could do in the cold and lonely cabin he was laying in was worship God, and it was during this trip across the sea that he wrote this song:

It Is Well Lyrics
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, it is well with my soul.

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, it is well with my soul.

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pain shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

It is well, it is well with my soul.

And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.