What a busy summer it has been! Yes, I know it is already October and close to Halloween, but we just got back from our annual beach vacation…and that brings Summer to an end for us. If you have followed along on our journey through our social media, YouTube, Facebook , and Instagram, then you have enjoyed some of the fun we have had. Lisa and I do a lot of things together. It may be just the two of us or with the company of family and friends. Life is a journey and it is better when we share it with someone, and even more so when you have a community that you can lean on as you travel through life.
We haven’t kept up our side of the journey.
First, we want to apologize for the lack of posting on this blog and more recently, not uploading our vlogs. I, Evan, had a technical issue with my computer and thought that all of the photos and videos that were copied to the editing hard drive were lost. My typical routine is that as soon as we finish with the cameras at the end of the day I copy all of that footage to an editing hard drive on my computer so that it can be fine tuned before being posted/uploaded. Once it is exported, I then move it to an external storage drive. We had been so busy with work and going on our trips that I had been putting the footage on the drive until I had time to edit it. When the time came for me to start editing, the hard drive was not showing up. I am a computer tech/nerd(25+ years), so it took time to recover the data from the drive, copy it our external back up, purchase a new hard drive, and finally move the recovered footage back to the new drive. Even though we had this issue going on, we continued to keep the cameras rolling and used our external hard drive for storage. Whew! That was a close call. If you want to learn more about the technical side of how to capture your precious memories, I have separate website and social media platforms to help you learn more about them at casuallysharpmultimedia.com.
The reason for the journey.
Second, let’s be clear. We are not a vain couple who wants to show ourselves to the world in a selfish way. The true reason we do this is to be an example to those who care about having a loving, caring, fun, and meaningful marriage themselves and to build a community that encourages one another. In doing so, the hope is that you will find the posts to be interesting, entertaining at times, thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, and conversation starting.
Onward with the journey.
Third, we have a lot of catching up to do. The technical issue put us behind on our posting. We will be several weeks behind on current activities, but this will allow for us to enjoy the activities and not feel rushed to come home and start editing right away. We also work full-time. With this in mind, we are thinking about making our posting on a regular schedule instead sharing a lot and then being silent for periods of time. We have an idea as to what that schedule will be but don’t want to put it in black and white just yet. Please be patient with us as we get this routine down.
We hope you have had a great Summer as well and that the Fall brings you warm thoughts as the season changes. If you would like to be on the journey of building a community with us and be involved in our community, please subscribe to this blog, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel!
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. – Declaration of Independence, 1776
4 America
As the 4th of July is approaching, I have noticed that there are more and more American Flags being raised, fireworks stands coming up, and decorations set up for the holiday that we know as Independence Day. On the day of July 4th, we Americans celebrate our independence from Britain. This was earned by our ancestors who fought for our freedom. Freedom to live separately from the rule of another government. To form our own government… “That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; … and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. – Declaration of Independence, 1776 … and make our own laws. “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish the Constitution for the United States of America. – Constitution of the United States of America, 1787
This holiday now extends to paying homage to all of the men who still daily fight this battle today for our country. Because of this independence, we are able to live in a country that is free to make our own choices. We can choose what we give and who we give it to in terms of our time, money, devotion, and love. In our society today, I believe that we have let this go to our heads, and it has become a feeling of entitlement…entitled to everything that we see and is within our reach. But this is not a rant about entitlement. This is about what we have received because of the fight for our freedom, and the great joy that comes with it. We can enjoy having B-B-Q’s, watching movies, listening to music, and enjoying time with family, friends, and neighbors. We also have the right to work in jobs that we enjoy and pay for things that we need, want, and desire. We can spend as much time doing these things as we want and then move on to another.
However, when we began to set our own laws and standards, we began to see that we can also break them and then do so. Why wouldn’t we? We made them because we are free, right? With our freedom to choose, we have set our own boundaries, which can be pushed back and back until there is no clear distinction between what is law and what is not. Then, the joy of living becomes mundane, and we strive to have more and more to fill up the boring or unfulfilled lives that we once enjoyed. We then become a nation that is running around trying to find happiness, which is never filled. And that journey leads to greed and destruction. Without a clear set of boundaries, there is not a firm consequence for our actions. We then take for granted the freedom and boundaries that were sought after with such vigor.
What boundaries am I referring to you ask. Think for a moment about a school house with a playground next to it. Inside the school, you see children working and learning of how our country was created and how to become more intelligent. The children have rules to follow in the school, and if they follow them, they will not get into trouble, be given structure on how to become good young men and women, and grow up knowing how to live in the adult world. Now, let’s look at that playground. There are swings, monkey bars, slides, a basketball net, etc. for the children to enjoy playing on and playing together. But if you notice, there is a fence around the playground. If there wasn’t a fence and those children are left to their own devices (setting their own rules), they have the choice run outside of the school property and get into trouble and even lost. The fence is also there to protect them from the trespasser from coming inside the school property. Let’s not look at this as a prison for children or anything of the like. Rather let’s look at the freedom the children have to learn and play within a safe and fun environment.
I realize that this may be a bit puzzling, but stay with me while I bring it together.
I would like for you to take a minute and think about the sacrifice that was made on our behalf to live in a free world. Men and women have served, fought, and died so that you can feel free to make your own choices and live life to the fullest. While you are thinking about that sacrifice, are you also thinking about what cost was paid for that to happen? Men and women loved their country so much that they died for what they believed in, freedom. They choose to stand against a powerful military government and to leave their families, friends and love ones. They sacrificed their lives so that their families could have joy and peace living in their homes. Laws were then made to keep us in check and hold us responsible and accountable. To keep us from getting hurt and in trouble and to give us a safe, peaceable place to live.
A side thought: have you ever watched some older TV shows, such as Andy Griffith, and noticed that when there was a need for Andy to arrest someone, that person didn’t run. They knew that they were caught and had to pay for the crime that they committed. Yes, that was a TV show. But look at the news today. Criminals are running from the police all the time. Why do they do that? They don’t want to get caught, and/or they feel that they don’t have to suffer consequences for their actions. There is no “manning up” and taking responsibility for wrong actions. But why are they even taking those actions? Because they have been setting their own rules. Before you jump at me with comments about how our laws can be corrupt, let me say that there have been some people put in place throughout our history that have pushed the boundaries and twisted the laws to allow things to be blurred.
While I have used the United States and schools as examples, the purpose of this is to bring to light the real freedom that we have on this Earth. The freedom to choose to live for God. He has given us boundaries because he cares for and loves us. We are His creation. “that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Romans 8:21. He knows that there is evil in this world and there are influences that we encounter on a daily basis. He gave us instructions and laws, His Word, to live by. He sent His Son to Earth who turned men into Apostles and they then turned people into disciples to fight for our freedom in Him, who sacrificed their lives for Him. This is what we are to do as well. We are to become disciples of Christ and fight for our freedom from the evil that will enslave us. The evil that will corrupt us. The evil that will twist our boundaries and get us into trouble. We are not free from this evil unless we are living for Him. “For you were called to freedom, brethern; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13. We are free when we are serving each other and by holding each other accountable. When evil enslaves us it corrupts us and allows us to think that we can make it on our own. But we can not do this ourselves. Look at our world today and see where living for ourselves has gotten us. Hatred, Murder, Envy, Greed, Pride are all results of the corruption of evil. We have a choice. We can make it better. We can enjoy the freedom of living within the boundaries set by God our Father. This freedom is a blessing. In order for us to have this freedom we have to walk by the Spirit. “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1. When we are living within in these boundaries we can enjoy the blessing that are from our Father. It is amazing when our eyes are opened to how God does bless us when we live for and in Him. What is freedom to you? Are you still enslaved by evil? Why not fight for your freedom? Will you enjoy your freedom today and the rest of your life?
Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
(Colossians 3:22-24 NKJV)
Let me first start with a reason and an expectation for this post. When I first sat down to write this post, I was really irritated and frustrated at the way things were going at work. So, I decided that I would vent and try to put a life lesson into play. Now, as I write this, I am not looking for a pat on the back, “good job”, or “yeah! that’s what I feel too”, or even “at-a-boy”. This is simply a post of how life seems unfair and a way to share how the mindset of a Christian steward should be. Also, I am not looking for a soapbox to stand on. (My dear wife stole mine so she wouldn’t have to listen to it anymore. ha ha) This is just a reality check for me and anyone else who is struggling with what would seem as unfairness in the world of work.
As with any study, I found many resources for my “lesson”. But instead, I would like to share with you one that hit every point that I wanted to make and knocked my irritation and frustration down many levels. After many deep breathes and studying and praying… I will admit that I have thought, “if you can’t beat them, join them”. But what kind of attitude and example would that really be as a Christian. I can also see where Satan has lead me to believe that mentality on some occasion. However, I must be stronger and better. I can be and will be with the help of God.
Below is a link to an article that I found while looking for resources on how to be a Christian steward. As I read through this article (be prepared because it is very long but very enlightening), it helped me to calm down some and to step back and realize that I am to do what God asks of me. Which is to bring glory to Him by working honest and hard. And to also enjoy the results of my hard work. And to be the example of a Christian steward.
I do realize that I am behind on this particular post. And this post is kind of long. But I am at least posting.
On June 25, 2012 Lisa and I celebrated our first full year of being married! It has been a wonderful year! Bringing our two lives together and learning to live as one is beautiful, awe-inspiring and life changing. She is still and will always be the beautiful bride that I first saw coming through the back door of the church and walking down that long, long isle. I remember trying hard to control myself and not run down to pick her up and carry her myself back up to where the minister and wedding party were standing. And I still need to control myself every day that I leave from work and not speed home, like a race car driver headed to the finish line on the last lap, to see her. I know, I know what some of you are thinking, still in the “honeymoon” phase. It will change. But the reality of it is, it has changed!
According to tradition, the first year anniversary is also when the couple is supposed to pull the top-tier of their wedding cake out of the freezer and eat it, although not all couples indulge
in this practice. Our cake top was wrapped up and sealed up tight and had many layers of cellophane and aluminum foil and then put into a freezer bag. When we opened it up on the night of our one year anniversary it still had its beautiful appearance and shape nothing was out-of-place nor lost is brilliant colors. Let me just say, that a one year old frozen cake with fondant icing tastes gross! And I like me some cake. However, we indulged in this tradition with happiness because if that cake had made it stored in a freezer for one year untouched it deserved to be eaten, at least some of it.
One-year wedding anniversaries are particularly special for many reasons. Couples are still considered newlyweds when this anniversary rolls around and this is the first anniversary that couples can celebrate as a married couple. Completing the first year of marriage is definitely cause for celebration. As I just mentioned above, things have changed. But for the better! In the last post 40 More Years, Please. , I stated that, I had not been married before, nor have I experienced the happiness, excitement, and even frustrations of marriage. I look forward to each and every moment to experience with my bride. And continuing that wonderful thought, I am looking forward to many, many years of excitement, frustrations and happiness. The first wedding anniversary is a significant event because it celebrates the fact that the couple is still together after the first year of adjustments to married life. Reaching the first wedding anniversary means that the married couple has weathered the adjustments to married life so far. The benefit to celebrating this event is the recognition of a couple’s love as well as their resolve to stay together as a married couple.
We have resolved! We have resolved to adorn each other with devotion of love to each other. That cake did look good when we first opened it up. I remember how it tasted, the little bite of it she shoved all over my face. It was yummy! And so I was anxious to try it. As we started to cut it and it began to melt and all of that icing became a gooey mess and the cake inside had lost its fluffiness. It was awful and sad. But cakes that are made for eating do not last forever. No matter how well you wrap them up and seal them up.
So why have I gone on and on about that cake? To me it is a symbol of a couple of things.
First. It bothers me that I hear married couples with years of experience behind them speak about how things change in a negative way. Why are you showing the younger, inexperienced generation an unenthusiastic view of such a beautiful union. The union that God created! The husband is a blessing for the wife and the wife is a blessing for the husband. A gift from the Creator to each of you. How do you think He wants you to show others His work? With happiness and willingness and an attitude of love!
Second, Are they the ones that have left their cake in the freezer and get it out for special occasions expecting it to be just as fresh and delightful as the day they first tasted it? We are to enjoy the cake. We are supposed to share the cake with each other. By feeding each other unconditional love and be willing to sacrifice selfishness to make the other happy. The cake will never run out as long as God is making the cake in your marriage. Just as Christ made more wine for the wedding he will make more cake for you. Notice that I did not say another cake will be made, I said more cake will be made. And each time that you taste it, it will be more fulfilling and more sweeter.
I pray that Lisa and I continue to have our cake and eat it too, every day! And some days we may even have some ice cream with it!
Life is short, so make sure to enjoy as much as you can. The death rate for human beings hovers right around 100 percent, and is expected to remain there for … well, forever. Consider this: if the average life span is 77 years, then that means we only have 77 summers … 77 winters … 77 Christmas mornings … 77 New Years, and that’s it. It’s easy to get caught in the day-to-day craziness of life and, in the process, take our spouses for granted. A widow named Betty, married 54 years, says, “Now that he’s gone I wish I hadn’t had so many headaches.”
Les & Susan Glenn at Wedding
On Saturday, September 3, 2011 my parents celebrate 40 years of marriage. What a wonderful occasion! The ruby anniversary is a special one. Spending 40 years together is a great reason to celebrate! Their example is inspiring. Of course being one of their children, I witnessed this first-hand. They are by no means perfect, to the outside world, but to my brothers and I they are. What I mean by this is, they showed no exit strategies or desires to call it quits.
Over the years, dad learned to become the leader of the house, providing stability and security for us. Mom stood by his side and supported him. Together they became one, in all means of the word. Love and care for each other, the two way street called marriage is traveled together meeting each other’s needs.
Commitment. Something that is missed in today’s society. Committed to staying together for better or worse. As Bon Jovi sings, “lay you down in a bed of roses”, he should have included, thorns and all. There is no perfect, fairy tale life, let alone marriage. Living together for any length of time, there are bound to be annoying, irritating, and frustrating experiences. The best marriages are served with an extra helping of acceptance for one another.
So many marriages these days end in such a terrible mess. Instead of seeing boiling points through, couples are using one eye to find faults in their spouse and keeping the other open eye for an exit.
A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year. ~Paul Sweeney
As many of you may know, Lisa and I were married just this year, June 25, to be exact. Such a wonderful, beautiful blessing! God has truly blessed me with such a wonderful, beautiful woman. It means a lot to have someone my life that has a strong moral and christian background. She also was brought up in a family with parents committed to each other. Having lost her father, soon to be two years now, I can see how much of an influence her mother and he was in her life.
In today’s world, some people don’t understand the importance of lasting marriages. Either they don’t understand it or don’t know it. Having not being raised in an environment where there is a mother and/or father, they miss out on the things that are in God’s plan for marriage. Now I am not speaking of the ones who have lost their spouses due to circumstances of life, but to the ones that can’t seem to get past the annoyances and frustrations of living together with a spouse. Men and women alike.
Friends and co-workers on different occasions have asked me, “how is marriage life?” My answer is always, “great!”. Wait, before you say what they say when I give that response, “just wait” or “give it time”, I need to let you in on a little insight of mine. I am almost 32 years of age and never married. I have not experienced the happiness, excitement, and even frustrations of marriage. I look forward to each and every moment to experience with my bride. Sound mushy? Its not to me. Why? It comes back to watching my parents. Their example of love for each other and for us, their children is inspiring. It has to be a awesome feeling of celebrating an event that gave root to so many experiences in their lives.
I can only ask God to lead Lisa and I down a road of marriage so that we are be able to look back on the many years spent together and be able to feel such a marvelous absolution.
First, we want to apologize for the lack of posting on this blog and more recently, not uploading our vlogs. I, Evan, had a technical issue with my computer and thought that all of the photos and videos that were copied to the editing hard drive were lost. My typical routine is that as soon as we finish with the cameras at the end of the day I copy all of that footage to an editing hard drive on my computer so that it can be fine tuned before being posted/uploaded. Once it is exported, I then move it to an external storage drive. We had been so busy with work and going on our trips that I had been putting the footage on the drive until I had time to edit it. When the time came for me to start editing, the hard drive was not showing up. I am a computer tech/nerd(25+ years), so it took time to recover the data from the drive, copy it our external back up, purchase a new hard drive, and finally move the recovered footage back to the new drive. Even though we had this issue going on, we continued to keep the cameras rolling and used our external hard drive for storage. Whew! That was a close call. If you want to learn more about the technical side of how to capture your precious memories, I have separate website and social media platforms to help you learn more about them at casuallysharpmultimedia.com.
Third, we have a lot of catching up to do. The technical issue put us behind on our posting. We will be several weeks behind on current activities, but this will allow for us to enjoy the activities and not feel rushed to come home and start editing right away. We also work full-time. With this in mind, we are thinking about making our posting on a regular schedule instead sharing a lot and then being silent for periods of time. We have an idea as to what that schedule will be but don’t want to put it in black and white just yet. Please be patient with us as we get this routine down. 
