life happens

After reading through all of my friend's blogs I've been thinking about how everything is constantly moving, evolving, shaping... From new life to death, from rejoicing to mourning, from new homes to broken homes... It makes me think how some of the places in life that we end up in are a result of our own actions or doings... reaping what we sow. But for others, whether it's just a string of bad luck or just bad judgment they find themselves in these less than desirable places... In fact I think we all eventually end up there or have been there at some point or another. It's like a cycle that life cannot escape. There are joys and sorrows and sometimes it feels like we weren't built to handle it. I think about some of my friends and their situations and realize that I have no problems compared to them... Maybe I'm just not built to handle situations like those... Maybe God sees the strong and tests them to sharpen them... Maybe only those that suffer in their own unique ways can be used by God in such unique ways and in turn be blessed in such unique ways.

Maybe life happens for a reason.

viva la mexico

Well, it looks like I will be going to Mexico City from January through March to serve with ABWE as a missionary! I have been going through a rigorous application and interview process over the past month and have been accepted to go. The next step is finding out how much support I will need to raise. Please be in prayer that everything will fall into place smoothly as this process unfolds and also into the new year as I try to figure out if missions is going to be a full-time gig for me some day! I'll keep you all posted as to what specifically I will need and will be doing once I get there as I find out...

I wish I had a dollar for everytime a semi-truck going 51 mph passes a semi-truck going 50 mph on the highway... and I just happen to be right behind them. I'd have at least... well, a lot of money.

looking good

Thanks to Jeff Garcia the Lions came away with a win today... I promise, my next post will not be sports-related.

Why I hate Michigan falls

Joey...
Please tell me he's done A.S.A.P

why I love Michigan falls

Happy Birthday Virginia

Today is Virginia's 24th birthday. I was able to call her last night (midnight her time) to wish her a happy birthday. It has been hard not being with this girl period let alone on her birthday! Maybe next year... Thank you all for your continued prayers for her safety! Ethiopia is a scary place to live right now. There are always terrorist threats, especially directed at foreigners... If you want to wish her a happy birthday or just say hi, ask me for her email address and I'll get it to you!

true

It's funny how when I was in college, I dreaded reading... probably because I had to do it. But now, 3-plus years removed from the university life, I am finally starting to enjoy it. I have read through 4 books in the last 3 months and I'm currently in the middle of 2 more.

The last book that I finished was Every Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker. In my opinion, if you are a male (or if you're married to one), you should read this book. There are so many immoral images that go through a man's mind that do not seem like they could be harmful, but they are... they affect you in your relationship with your wife and with God. This book clearly defines what those harmful traps are and how to elude them... and for the women that read this book, there are notes from a woman's perspective to help you understand what's going on with us males.

One book that I am in the middle of is Every Man's Marriage by the same authors. This is sort of a sequel to EMB and takes it a step further into investigating the desires of a woman as a partner. I know what you're all thining: "Eric, you're not married!!" To you I will say that I am aware of that, but that also I do plan on being a husband someday and I realize how much responsibility lies within that role. So I guess that you can't be 'over-prepared'. There is so much in this book that I know I'll have to read it again eventually to really grasp it all... here are a couple of big things I've learned so far:

Spiritual leadership begins with being a servant and that has everything to do with submission. Not submission to an individual necessarily, but a submission to 'oneness'. It's such a beautiful picture of marriage.

I also just started reading the book Captivating by Stasi and John Elderedge. This is pretty much the woman's version of Wild At Heart (which is one that I have recently finished). Virginia and I are both reading this book, journeying together and hopefully learning more about each other as we go through it. When we finish, we plan to start Wild At Heart. I think this will be a cool way of growing with each other while everything else in our relationship is seemingly at a stand-still. I know God will reveal some awesome things through this and I feel encouraged by that alone!

look how they shine for you

Tonight the stars looked awesome... what a clear night. I got home this evening at about 11:15 and took a walk down to the baseball field where I used to play my little league games. I assumed my spot at second base, there was pitch black all around me except the stars that loomed above my head. I saw a shooting star. It left a beautiful trail in it's wake. I was reminded once again of God's majesty in that quick moment.

time doesn't matter

So, I'm 26 years old now... 12 years ago I thought for sure that I'd be going into my 6th year as a professional basketball player by now. We all know how that worked out for me eh?

I can't believe it... It doesn't seem like that long ago I was turning 20... In fact I remember it well, which scares me because I know that the time between 26 and 30 is much shorter than the time between 20 and 26... So it's coming quick.

I also can't believe that my sweet little nephews are 6 months old already... It seems like last week I was going to visit them in the hospital. Sheesh.

There is definately not the excitement that there was when I was younger when it comes to birthdays... But my dad did buy my lunch today so that was cool... And there's always the spankings too... yeah, those are great.

where I belong

As most of you already know, I love music and being involved in it. I have my own humble record label and manage a few bands/artists. This weekend I am in Columbus, OH acting as a producer/studio musician (electric guitars) in what we have come to call 'The Jason Holdridge Project'. Jason, myself, Brandon and Kevin (both from the band Secondhand) are here recording the very first full-length album that will be released by 153 Records. This is our third trip here in the last few months and we will be down at least one more time to finish the recording. This arena is so me. The environment, the music, the production, the ideas, the people... It's what I'm all about and something that I'm very proud of.

Sunday will be our last day in the studio this weekend and I am pumped to announce that Sparrow Records recording artist Bethany Dillon will be here to add featured vocal tracks on two of the songs for this album! Brandon and Kevin will surely be looking their best and acting their smoothest. (:

No doubt that having Beth involved in this project will give the album immediate credibility! I can't wait for the finished product! I'll keep you all posted on when it will be released...