Giving thanks

Sitting on the train travelling south bound Thursday to Virginia everything within me was overly anxious to be in the presence of family. The past few weeks have been somewhat taxing on both my mind and spirit with obligations and responsibilities pulling me in what seems to be a million directions. I've been weary on many levels and it goes beyond simply taking a few deep breathes or taking a long run. 

As the weekend draws to a close I can say with confidence that these past few days on the farm have done me well. This time of year can evoke more anxiety and distraction than any other stretch of time when it should be focusing on family, friends and the immeasurable blessings that God has bestowed upon us. Its so easy to dwell on the things we 'don't' and 'can't' have instead of the 'is.' We live in a nation with excess everything and we don't even realize it. We've become desensitised to the bounty around us. 

Yesterday I spent much of the afternoon just hanging out with my nephew, walking the fields and helping my Pops with the animals. From feeding a new born calf, running line on fencing, and helping Tristan get unstuck from being waist high in mud it was a productive day. It was one of those 'good for the soul' days. The air was crisp, leaves brilliant with color and rolling hills far as the eye can see. I am in an infinite sense thankful. 

I thank God for my health, family, friends, education, living in this nation and most of all for sending his Son, Jesus Christ. My hope is to stay focused these next few weeks looking beyond the wrapping paper, red tag sales, and 'stuff' instead keeping it real with the substance of it all. The materials will one day fade, but it's about keeping it real and rich with that which really matters. Everything else just needs to take a back seat. 

Drug Squad goes past the Mason Dixon

For the past 60 hours plus I have been on what some might say over drive or on the brink of 'loco'. This past weekend consisted of a yellow bus, 21 teens and a 95 acre farm. All pretty much equating to little sleep and lots of coffee. Every fall I take my Drug Squad students on a retreat to my parents farm in Greenbay, Virginia. The goal was to get these kids out of their comfort zone and expose them to some of the basics of life that can easily go overlooked. The crux of the retreat is continuing to challenge them not only as a group, but mostly as individuals. My take is, we have one life and we best make the best of it... bottom line, it's not all about us. Are we pushing the envelope exceeding beyond what is merely expected? Do we shun complacency and have a vision for our peers, community and those who may be traveling down a path with an inevitably troubling destination? It is not merely having a heart, but a voice to convey concerns and what ultimately is the truth that can go unheard when silence is the option. Which, whether you like it or not when we don't speak up you are choosing to go unheard and simply taking the easy way out.




Heavy? Absolutely. Our lives are often lived in a manner that the timeline has no end. But there is one. Ultimately, we will all reach act five of our life. It isn't about morbidity, but reality. Allow the truths and its relevance to shape your vision. Will you leave an imprint on the hearts of others? Will you choose to make a difference and live with both open heart and arms stretch wide open? Its a choice not merely limited to teens, but all of us. When we are inwardly focused we miss out. We are blinded by me-ism. Pretty shallow and profoundly myopic. So, how are you living? What are you doing with the life you are living?
I can tell you one thing, these kids reinforce it all. Twenty one kids with a passion for life and desire to really make an impact. Man, what power lies behind that. After facilitating some pretty intense conversation, having very little sleep and enduring a 8 1/2 hour bus ride my body is exhausted but my spirit rejuvenated. Totally epic.

Straight up National Geographic

This past weekend I headed down to Virginia to prep for my annual fall retreat with my Drug Squad kids from Seneca. I was hoping to spend a day on the Outer Banks with some friends & catch some surf, but there just wasn't time. It's crazy how quick time goes isn't it? Jess, Tristan & I headed down on Thursday at 3 am. Tristan slept the whole time making for a pretty quick, uneventful trip. 

Pulling up the drive way the views took my breath away. The place is stunning. With fall making its presence known, the farm is like one large panoramic painting. Brilliant red, yellow and orange hues streaming the horizon make for one dynamic setting. It is art work that no artist could ever do justice. Sitting on the porch sipping tea with the crisp fall breeze in the air... there's nothing like it. My free therapy is found at 8996 Nutbush Road (aka Faith Farm). 

On top of all the beauty I had the privilege of documenting a pretty stellar birth of a calf. My Pops, Tristan and I hopped onto the tractor and headed to the back field to watch the birth of the 41st calf born this year. You see this stuff on movies, documentaries, but man it is

something being there in the moment. I was able to catch some fairly insane pictures along with a few clips on the video camera. My hope was to not cause the mama cow to bug out or go postal on this here Yankee. It was a pretty eventful, chock full weekend. I have to say, there are very few dull moments in my life or on Faith Farm. Maybe it's a family thing.... 

Jammin in Jersey

This had to be one of the most memorable Halloween's I've had in a very long time. Tristan was all decked out as 'Super Farmer' with a John Deere cape, mask and fairly impressive set of overalls. I, on the other hand, was very mature in my approach to Halloween. I walked the halls of seneca with a mask, turtle shell and a matching set of wrist bands. Yes, I was indeed a ninja turtle. You're only as old as you choose to be. We had over 400 kids attend our safe trick or treat at Seneca. It was an awesome turn out and I think our high school volunteers were just as stoked as the little ones. Tristan couldn't get over the fact that everywhere he went people were just tossing candy into his bag. He must have ran a half mile up and down, up and down the hallways on a total rush of adrenaline, candy and lack of sleep. He loves chilling with his Auntie E : )

After a really full day of Halloween, football and lots of treats it was really time to recharge. Tristan met up with some old buds, Eve & Mae,  for a day of chilling out at Barnes & Nobles. Carrie was in town with her twins and the three kids always have a blast with one another. It was a little anxiety provoking pushing 3 carts through Trader Joe's at rush hour, but we managed.