Extreme Quiet Times, Part 1

If you've been around a church for any amount of time, you've learned a bit of "church-speak". And one of the most popular phrases is "quiet time." Quiet times are a regular exercise for the growing Christian. It's simply time set aside to get alone with your Savior and worship him. John Eldredge really got to the core of what a Quiet Time should be in Wild at Heart when he talked about how a Quiet Time doesn't have to be quiet at all. We get so boring in our thinking that the only way to get alone with God is to read a chapter of the Bible and we do so out of ritual rather than relationship and we get nothing out of it. Eldredge points out that his quiet times are not so rigid. It could be listening to music, praying, reading a Bible, etc. Anything to get him closer to God.

In an effort to really get outside of the normal Christian box, I felt a call this weekend to get away for awhile. And I really mean AWAY. I'm sure it partly had to do with my reading Wild at Heart this week, but it is also this innate desire I've had since I planned to move to Denver... I've always wanted to just escape into the mountains for awhile and explore. So, this Saturday, that's exactly what I did.

I know absolutely nothing about most of the Denver area, much less the Rocky Mountains. So I checked out Google Maps, charted a course that suited my interests, and headed out with nary a thought about what I was doing. I did prepare a little... I brought a bag with water and granola bars and some books (Bible, Holiness by J.C. Ryle, and The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel). But part of my interest in this was to not to plan everything out. I've gotten tired of planning for everything to be safe. More about that later, but now back to my adventure...

So I plotted a course up through Boulder on 36, all the way through Estes Park. Once in Estes Park, I took 34 directly into the mountains. Specifically, I headed into Rocky Mountain National Park. It sounded like the place to go if I wanted to get away. And it was HUGE. Love it. With a little assistance from a Park Ranger (thanks!), I headed toward this little place called Chasm Falls.

I discovered that getting away into the mountains doesn't come cheap. It costs $20 per car per trip to be exact. Since the Annual Pass to the National Park is $35, it was a no brainer to get a $35 pass that lasts through April of next year. I plan on taking advantage of that pass a few times this summer.

After driving into the park a mile or so, I headed out on foot. After passing one closed gate, I was still on a paved road that opens during the summer (but not yet). While this was definitely an improvement over the city, this was nothing close to what I was looking for in terms of real wilderness. About 1/4 mile down, I got my first taste of real wilderness. I passed by a small herd of elk. They couldn't have been more than 100 feet from me. They stared at me the entire time I was in their sight. While I was taking a picture, the one constant thought in my mind was this: I am way more scared of them than they could ever be of me. Haha.

I strolled on by the elk. About a mile from the first gate, I came to another gate. The road continued off to the left. On the right, a dirt road led straight up onto the side of the mountain. This is what was blocked by the gate. Not having a clue what lay beyond the gate, I was instantly drawn to the dirt road up the mountain. Plus, that had to be where the waterfall was. All along my walk, from start to finish, I was up against large cliffs of rock on my right. Some were steeper than others. All of them I wanted to climb. I definitely will do that when I go back.

About a mile up the dirt road, I came to a sharp turn. What I found here was a river flowing down the mountain. It was a flatter, slower part of the river. I almost stopped there to read because the place was so peaceful. But I really wanted to find the waterfall, so I pressed on. The road continued back up the mountain but in the opposite direction of before (east). Shortly, it turned back west to continue up the mountain. I finally made it to the falls about 3 or so miles into my journey on foot. There was a short little trail that led to the falls. You could now hear the rushing water very clearly.

I turned down the little trail totally stoked at the complete silence around me. I didn't see anyone at all, not even a Park Ranger, the entire time I was on foot. It was awesome. I found myself thinking less and less about work and Denver and more and more about God and His creation. I quickly got to the end of the trail. Not happy settling for the short distance that remained between myself and the river, I began picking my way around on the rocks nearer and nearer the river.

I don't want to give the impression this was an easy decision. I had this bizarre fear of getting yelled at if I was discovered deviating from the trail. Even though absolutely no one was around. I was also a little worried about being alone with no cell phone service at all and venturing onto unsafe ground. But this was exactly what I was looking for... something not totally normal... something that pushed the boundaries of my comfort zone and made me take a few risks (even if they were admittedly small risks). So I walked out onto the rocks and into the middle of the river (on the rocks, not in the water). During this time, I also sat on a very open rock overlooking the river.

It was awesome. God is so good. And soooooo creative. You couldn't recreate this landscape if you tried. As I sat on the rock, I was led to prayer. I love those prayers that start out short and end up very long. Prayer for myself. Prayer for nonbelievers. Prayer for believers. My mind was away from everything I had on my mind this week. It was awesome. And then I got to read the Creation story in Genesis 1 and 2. At times I still felt a little like something wasn't totally right, but my day away from everything went a long way toward getting back in tune with God. It was a good day.

A Quick Random Thought...

I'm watching the New Orleans-Dallas NBA playoff game and I just heard a ridiculous Wendy's commercial. The woman in the commercial says, "If burgers were meant to be frozen, wouldn't cows come from Antarctica?" This question is stupid on several levels.

First of all, Wendy's should NOT be complaining about others' burgers. I love Wendy's, but I avoid their burgers at all costs. I go for the Spicy Chicken Sandwich combo about 95% of the time. No other fast food place has me avoiding burgers so frequently.

Second, if you are going to complain that others' burgers are not authentic, you'd better check your own first. Sure, I'd rather have a fresh burger than a frozen one (though I generally never think about whether the burger I'm eating is fresh or not). But I also don't want a burger that is square and flatter than a pancake. Wendy's has burgers that are both of those things. When I think of a good burger, I think of a burger that only needs ONE patty to reach 1/2 lb or more in size, not 2 or more. I think of a burger that I can hardly get into my mouth one bite at a time because it's so big. THAT is a burger. Not this flimsy, square crap I get at Wendy's.

In response to that ridiculous commercial, I offer one question: If burgers were meant to be square, wouldn't a cow be square around its midsection?

Toys, toys, toys...

I should mention first that these three "toys" or desires have been on my mind the past few weeks:

1. A bike

2. Skis

3. Sunglasses

Each of these I dream of, but I have yet to fit them into my budget (mainly cause I'm trying to throw everything I earn into savings and/or Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover" (not as kooky as it sounds, I promise).

But my latest toy is FREE. It's called Skype. I love it. I videoconferenced this evening with Mo in Fort Worth. And it didn't cost us a thing! And I didn't have to buy anything since my wonderful iMac came with a built-in webcam, speaker, and microphone. Ahh the joys. Now if only I could convince the parents to get Skype. One thing at a time I suppose. This is why I love technology. Cause once in awhile a product comes along that makes our lives soooo much easier. Who wants to talk on the phone when you can kick back and speak at the computer and SEE the other person in real-time? Not me! So, I beg you all... get Skype and we'll chat. Live. Face to face. We'll make a day of it (okay, slight exaggeration... maybe).

Dr Strange-Food, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Store Brands

I went grocery shopping the other night and brought back all sorts of interesting food to eat. Now, that's not very exciting. But I did come to this realization that maybe buying the store brand makes more sense than paying extra for a name brand that tastes virtually the same anyways. This epiphany of sorts was brought on by my recent creation of a budget. I've become even more of a penny-pincher lately now that I know exactly where all my money is going on a monthy basis. So I've been motivated to save money by getting store brands. It has turned out well so far. Though I don't want to get too cheap. I'm worried I'll become consumed by my money and effectively worship it rather than the God who gave me this money in the first place. Reminds me of one of my favorite verses: 

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." - Matthew 6:24

Doesn't get much simpler than that. So which will YOU pick?

A Welcome Break From The Ordinary...

That's how I would describe last Saturday night. I've been something of a hermit since I moved to Denver, watching an untold amount of movies and spending a lot of nights relaxing at my place. While part of this is out of necessity (I'm still adjusting to having to focus and work for 8 hours straight, 5 days a week), part of it is simply because I have nothing better to do and I don't really know where to start to make the effort. That is changing a little, but it's still mostly true.

Back to the point at hand... Saturday night. So, my Saturday evening plans were UFC with my pastor and some other guys at a bar called the Fox and Hound. It's a place I'm very familiar with as I've been there a couple times before. Well, the other men didn't make it, so it ended up being my pastor and me (which I didn't mind since I didn't know the others anyways). 

I really had a good time. Michael (the pastor) is really into UFC, and Saturday night was no different. We watched 5-6 fights back to back while chowing down on some wings and nachos. While some of the fights were disappointing, the last 3 were amazing, particularly the fight before the main event and the main event itself. In the main event, St Pierre absolutely dominated Serra. It wasn't even a contest. But it was still fun to watch St Pierre in all his brilliance. Nothing like watching guys beat the crap out of each other with your pastor. A great night all-around.

A Refreshing Experience... The Evolution Monolith Exposed!

Once in awhile, you just need an experience that really kicks you in the tail and motivates you to speak. That's the sort of experience I had seeing "Expelled" tonight. I have 5 words for you: YOU...HAVE...TO...SEE...THIS. I would recommend that anyone go see this, from the hardcore atheist to the evangelical Christian. 

I think anyone reading this knows where I stand... I'm an evangelical Christian. But my joy in seeing the movie "Expelled" goes way beyond my Christian values. Sure, that is an important part. But what I love about this movie is that it makes some incredibly smart people look incredibly foolish, and it allows them to hang themselves (metaphorically, of course) with their own intellect. 

Side note: Anyone who enjoys Lee Strobel's books will like this documentary. The books are presented in much the same fashion whereby one interview brings up one point, issue or question that leads directly into the next interview, where the question raised is settled but brings up another interesting point that leads to another interview. If you can't stand Lee Strobel, you may not be a big fan of "Expelled."

Perhaps the most revealing part of the movie is the part where Richard Dawkins, the anti-faith atheist-of-all-atheists, actually admits he believes it is possible we humans came into existence because our planet was "seeded" with the precursors to life by a super-evolved race from another planet essentially. Does anyone not see the situational irony in this?!?! I can't even begin to describe all of the hypothetical questions and concerns raised simply by listening to this guy speak. Where did this supposed super-race come from? Why is believing in a super-evolved race we've never physically discovered any less farfetched than believing that God is, essentially, the equivalent of the super-race? Doesn't the essential definition of a "super-evolved race" fit in quite well with what it commonly postulated as the definition of God? etc. etc. etc. The intellectual inconsistencies abound in Dawkins' thinking. And that is just the beginning in this movie.

The suppression of scientific opinions inconsistent with neo-Darwinism. The stumbling, bumbling speech of Darwinists (and the fanciful theories presented) when asked the tough questions. The admissions that we don't really know for sure where life came from, despite many claims by Darwinists to the contrary. The realizations of the very scary implications of Darwinian theory. The huge holes in the theory itself. The monolithic nature of scientific thought in modern times. All examined by this film.

I won't claim the movie is without error. I think there is some ambiguity in the way the film presents the link between Darwinism and Naziism. I think that could have been clarified a bit more, though if you watch closely you can probably pick out what was the intention of the filmmakers. There are also some dramatic parts of the movie that are a bit forced when the material and interviews are dramatic enough themselves. But, by and large, the movie is both entertaining and informative, which is the necessary set of preconditions to a good documentary. The film doesn't appear to be overly selective in its editing, as has often been the largest criticism of Michael Moore's films.

In my experience, what is presented as the major theme of the film, which is that the academic and scientific communities have unfairly and unapologetically suppressed reasonable dissent to Darwinism (and freedom of inquiry in the process), is pretty accurate. 

My primary experience with the cultural clash over evolution is the "Darwin vs. Design" conference held last April at SMU's campus in University Park, Texas. Just as in "Expelled," members of the scientific establishment at SMU has no interest in allowing Intelligent Design any sort of forum on a college campus. Beyond their opposition to ID itself, they objected even to the mere presentation of ID (Google the event for the full story). In their arrogance, these scientists ran roughshod over any semblance of open inquiry, instead arguing with virulent rhetoric that the presenters of ID were idiots - despite the presenters' notable academic credentials. 

As they say, never let the FACTS get in the way of a great story. And Darwinism is, in fact, a great story.

Expelled!

I'm going to see "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed!" tonight. If you don't know what that is, it is a movie starring Ben Stein that reveals how scientists and academics are persecuted for expressing opposing viewpoints to the theory of evolution. Given how crazy pro-Evolutioners have been about silencing opposing views in my own experience, this should be quite a treat. I've been waiting for this movie to come out for awhile. I'll let you know how it is after I see it.

I'm going by myself, by the way. How exciting. Yet I don't really mind because I like alone time once in awhile and I'm hangin out with the guys from the new Watermark Denver tomorrow night to watch the UFC and have a beer. 

Yes, you read that right. The guy starting up a CHURCH in Denver organized a night of watching guys beat the crap out of each other while having a beer. Just goes to show you that us men of God can have a good time fellowshiping with each other in a way that doesn't bring dishonor upon the Lord. After all, Christians aren't losers who can't do anything without violating some sort of rule. Life with God was never intended to be dull and boring. And it isn't if you're doing it right.

Finally back from Core Analyst School

Well, I'm finally back on the blog after Core Analyst School wrapped up last Friday. I had a lot of fun the last two weeks, but the experience was absolutely exhausting. Having to be totally excited and meet people 24/7 takes its toll on you after awhile. All I did the last 2 weeks was sleep and meet people. I like people, but that's a little bit much. I was torn though because once I left I realized I would not see many of the friends I made for a long time, if ever. Especially the Europeans. Hopefully I will make a few trips over to Europe or they will come over here.

I went to Chicago with my start group on the weekend between the weeks of training. Chicago is so much fun. It quickly became one of my favorite cities to visit. Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and Lincoln Park were all AWESOME. And Chicago-style pizza is incredible. I'm not one for thick pizzas (in fact, I don't even hardly like regular crust anymore) but Chicago-style is a whole other experience. We went to Giordano's on Sunday before returning to training. That pizza was SOOOOO good. Like eating a cake made of pizza. Yum.

I had another odd mishap with my phone while in Chicago. My high school friends will totally understand how this happened because they have known me long enough to understand how klutzy I am with phones. So I got off of the L train in Chicago (basically the above-ground subway around downtown) and realized I was near Depaul University. 

I have a weird fascination with ballparks that are surrounded by high-rises. We don't have these in Texas, so it fascinates me. I saw Depaul's softball diamond and wanted to take a picture. 

So I pulled my iPhone out of my pocket as I was walking down the stairs from the train to the ground. Unfortunately, my klutzy nature kicked into overdrive. The phone slipped from my hands. I quickly grabbed for it as it fell and I batted it up in the air. It headed for the left side of the staircase and lodged itself in between the edge of the step and the side rail running down the side of the staircase. And this staircase is metal with almost no holes. You could barely get a pen down into the hole where my iPhone landed, so you can tell the phone had to land perfectly to hit the hole. Just my luck. Anywhere else, and it would have just hit the stairs and stopped there.

My friends spent a good 15 minutes searching for the phone and trying to figure out how to get it out. I was a little bit worried my $400 investment was about to be lost forever. We really didn't think we could retrieve it. Thankfully, my friend Jessie has mad skills. She maneuvered the phone down onto the slanted part of the staircase underneath the steps and pulled the phone through the crack in between the steps with 2 fingers. Needless to say, I was overjoyed and praising God for that. I had prayed about this ugly situation as soon as the phone got stuck, and my prayer was answered.

The pictures here are of my fellow team members from our 2-week-long team project at Core Analyst School. These projects are the core of the experience, and we learn all about Accenture's methods by working through a fake project on this team. So I got to know these people VERY well. The first one is Cole from Toronto, Canada. The second one is Pavel from Moscow, Russia. The third one is Jannis from Frankfurt, Germany. The fourth one is Filomena from Milan, Italy. There was one more person on my team. Her name was Gabrielle and she was from the Zurich, Switzerland office. I didn't get a picture of her, unfortunately.

I could talk forever about each one of them, but I don't have the time or space to do so right now. So I'll just leave it at this: We got along really well and I really hope I get to go to all of those places to visit them!

What a day!

I had the most multicultural experience today, and I loved every minute of it. In fact, this week has all been very crazy and multicultural. Training is a whirlwind ride. This is mainly due to the fact that we are in Chicago, Illinois with 79% Europeans. That feels a little weird, but it is a good thing. Consider how my day went:

-I walked to training this morning with a woman from Spain.
-I work on a team every day that has 1 Canadian, 1 Italian, 1 German, 1 Russian, and 1 from Switzerland.
-I had a chat during a break with an Englishman.
-I have spent several meals and other time the last couple of days with a woman from Finland.
-I had lunch with a Swede.
-I walked back to the rooms after training with an Italian.
-I had dinner with an Italian, a Brazilian, and a woman from Poland. They didn't really know English either. That was interesting. But it actually made it better because everything that was said sounded really funny for everyone.
-I spent a lot of time talking to a Frenchman at our networking event tonight.
-I met and talked to several Germans later in the networking event.
-I went to the pub tonight with all Germans, and talked to one of them for quite some time.

Sure, I talked to several Americans throughout the day, but you can probably tell from above that I spent most of my time today talking to foreigners. All of my experiences were really fun. What a great day.

My English is getting worse by the day. I hear a lot of broken English, and I have to explain things in broken English as well. So I have begun to think and talk in broken English. Plus, I have started drawing out my "yeah" so now it sounds a lot more like "yaaaaaa". I'm turning European. Okay, that's a stretch, but you get the point.

P.S. Andy made fun of me for making a "Friends" reference in a recent blog post, but I have no shame about it. In fact, Friends has been very useful this trip. I actually purposefully inserted a Friends reference into conversation with a friend on the flight to Chicago in order to get conversation going with this attractive girl who was sitting next to me on the flight. Lame? Perhaps. But the move worked like a charm. She overheard the reference and made a comment about it. She said, "I think we could get along well since you like Friends." We ended up chatting for much of the flight. So there, Andy. Knowing far too much about Friends CAN pay dividends. Ha.