Hit on 19, Trust Me

As I travel along my Continuum, there's a new man being developed. One who no longer settles for mediocrity, colorless, uninspired, etc. One who doesn't stick with something just because it's familiar. One who hits on 19 because he knows blackjack is on its way, even if it's not tonight, it's coming. One who sees the potential, the drive, the light at the end of the tunnel and joy of being an adventurer. One who listens more often than he speaks and one who isn't afraid to admit when he's wrong. One who always puts relationships above everything. One who is more concerned about diamonds on the inside than on the outside. And one who chooses to use the oven rather than the microwave, if it takes longer it will taste much, much better.

I just hit on 19 and got the deuce. KL.

Intellect - Imagination

"It is the marriage of the soul with nature that makes the intellect fruitful, and gives birth to imagination."
-Henry David Thoreau

The Lesson Beneath It All

Through failure we understand the value of success; through ignorance, the value of wisdom; through illness, the value of health; through arrogance, the value of humility; through hunger, the value of food; through downpour, the value of sunshine; through labor, the value of rest; through noise, the value of silence; through pain, the value of healing; through emptiness, the value of wholeness; through turbulence, the value of calm; through war, the value of peace; through hate, the value of love.

KL

Flavors of Life

Is it just me or are there so many vanilla flavors out there? I'm uninterested with the ordinary, standard, expected, average, vanilla. I know I don't have all the flavors but I wanna meet a brand new flavor, like fresh out of the fridge. I go to her and talk about the Strawberry Banana Rendezvous from Coldstone Creamery and she just got back from Piggly Wiggly sayin, "Oh, you mean just Strawberry? I might be able to throw a few sprinkles on it..." but I don't even prefer sprinkles.

I wanna have some dynamic flavors on my tongue but I also wanna keep some of the best flavors up my sleeve, save 'em for later. You don't start a show with the best song ya got, start 'em with enough to keep 'em coming back for more. But hold onto the legitimate, keep 'em waiting, wanting, wishing...for that one encore everyone hoped to hear.

So I'm looking for my Strawberry Banana Rendezvous, I'll know her when I taste her, cause she won't taste like Vanilla.

Stay intrigued. KL.

That's What She Said!

Sometimes ya just gotta take a break from the journey and just sit back and laugh your ass off.

Dwight: "The purse girl hits everything on my checklist: creamy skin, straight teeth, curly hair, amazing breasts. Not for me...for my children. The Schrutes produce very thirsty babies."

Michael: "I live by one rule: No office romances, no way. Very messy, inappropriate...no. But, I live by another rule: Just do it... Nike."

Pam: "If I have to do this, based on stereotypes that are totally not true and I do not agree with, you would maybe not be a very good driver."
Dwight: "Oh man! Am I a woman?"

Jim: "I definitely overhear some wedding preparation, but, I’m fine with it. She hears me arranging my social life. And we both have to hear Dwight order deer urine over the internet, so it evens out."

Michael: "Yes. It is true. I, Michael Scott, am signing up with an online dating service. Thousands of people have done it, and I am going to do it. I need a username, and... I have a great one! 'Little Kid Lover'. That way people will know exactly where my priorities are at."

Michael: "I am a victim of a hate crime. I think Stanley knows what I’m talking about.
Stanley: "That's not what a hate crime is."
Michael Scott: "Well I hated it! A lot!"

Michael: "Toby is in HR, which technically means he works for corporate, so he's really not a part of our family. Also, he's divorced, so he's really not a part of his family."

Jim: "Does that include 'that's what she said'?"
Michael: "Mmhh, yes."
Jim: "Wow that is really hard. You really think you can go all day long? Well, you always left me satisfied and smiling."
Michael: "THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!"

Dwight: "Due to a recent incident involving Phyllis, a man, a map, and his penis, I think you know what I'm referring to, Michael has authorized me to form an emergency anti-flashing task force."
Jim: "Question. Won't that interfere with your other task forces?"
Dwight: "Answer: No. Because this is being given priority one. This is a petition to upgrade the security cameras, as well as install two floodlights in the parking lot. And I know what you're thinking. Won't that just shed more light on the penises. But that is a risk we have to take."

Michael: "Bros before hos. Why? Because your bros are always there for you. They have your back, after your ho rips your heart out for no good reason. And you were nothing but great to your ho. And you told her she was the only ho for you. And that she was better than all the other hos in the world. And then suddenly she's not your ho no mo."

Michael: "My worst birthday? When I was seven, my mother hired a pony to come to my house for all the kids. And I got a really bad rash. From the pony. And all the kids got to ride the pony. And I had to go inside, and my mother was rubbing cream on me, for probably three hours, and I never came outside. And by the time I got out, the pony was already in the truck and around the corner. So that was my worst birthday."

Laughter is an instant vacation. KL.

Everything I'm Not, Made Me Everything I Am

Even if they tried, Hollywood couldn't write a better script. The inconsistent underdog comes to town to face the squad that has been talked about all season long as the "greatest team ever assembled." Their record surely showed it, a flawless 18-0, except they don't play 18 games in a season and it doesn't matter how well you play the first 42 minutes if you collapse in the last 3.

The beauty of this story is that Tom Brady is the quintessential 2 minute warning killer. It's expected that if he gets the ball with a couple minutes left, he's going to seize the moment like a pure veteran. But not this time, not this night. This was Eli's moment to shine.

And damn, did he ever.

Down 14-10, 1:15 left in the 4th quarter, 3rd and 5, and on their own 44 yard line, everyone counted them out. Especially after the protection broke down and Eli had 3 behemoth lineman up in his grill. But Eli somehow escaped their pursuit and tossed up a prayer to David Tyree, a back-up wide receiver (who actually had more tackles than receptions this season). Do you see the irony here? The "guy who couldn't get it done in the playoffs" completes the biggest play of his career to a guy who didn't start all year long against the best team in football, statistically speaking. Hey non-football fans, stay with me...

When the Giants scored, everyone at our super bowl party went crazy. Maybe it was the beer, maybe it was the liquor, or maybe it was just the longing we all have deep within us to cheer for the scrawny kid who everyone overlooks, excludes, underestimates. Whatever it was, it was legit.

Eli protrayed what a leader does when the storm hits, when victory seems improbable, when most people throw in the white towel. After the game Eli said, "You want to have the ball in your hands. you have to score a touchdown. That's where you want to be, a chance to win the game. Everybody stepped up and made huge plays."

Not only did he lead his team like a champ, but like any class act, he unselfishly praised the team. It was also really cool to see Peyton cheering with such passion, intensity, and genuine excitement, especially knowing that he was in the spotlight last year. Cheers to the Manning brothers, to fiesty underdogs, and to those who aren't afraid of taking a chance. So, what's the point?

Don't allow people to limit your capabilities, potential, progression, legitimacy, adequacy, self-worth, etc. Visionaries believe in themselves long before anyone else ever truly does. We all have moments in our lives when 3 defensive lineman are chasing us, but its in that moment when we are engulfed by pressure, catastrophe, and adversity from all sides, than and only than, are we able to see reality, character, and authenticity.

Anyone can throw a touchdown with no defensive rush or defensive back. Anyone can be thankful for the sunshine, the hammock, the cake walk. Who doesn't enjoy the silver platter? Here's the question: What do you do when you're down 14-10, 1:15 left, 3rd and 5, and you're almost sacked?

Toss up a prayer. KL.

Cheers!

Here's to all who are motivated by their own individual aspirations rather than by the fear of not living up to everyone else's assumptions, expectations, and demands. To all who march to the beat of their own drum, with the profound realization that they are becoming something greater and more efficient than they are today. To all who refuse to degrade the uncoordinated kid who always got hit first in dodge-ball just because all the "cool" kids thought it was hilarious. It really wasn't. To all who disregard the safe "marked trail" and decide to explore treasures unknown, who confidently approach the mountain they've never climbed before. To the guy who's aware that it's better to be single and searching rather than taken and miserable, so he respectfully walks away. To the direct yet sensitive, the forgiving yet just, the confident yet humble, the bold yet peaceful, the adventurous yet discerning, the driven yet patient, the transparent yet intriguing. To all who say "no" with the same certainty with which they say "yes"...here's to you.

I want to be like you. KL.

Abba's Child

May all your expectations be diminished, all your organizations be vanquished, all your presuppositions be lost into complete nothingness, so that you may experience the helplessness of being Abba's Child. May you celebrate experiencing the love of the one who has no beginning, no middle, and no end. He is the Almighty and He will carry you through the storm to the other side on dry ground. Especially when your dreams are shattered, your investments crash, and you finally accumulate enough courage to walk on water but you begin to question, doubt, and even sink. In that delicate moment, you will experience what it truly means to be Abba's child.

I'm on a journey, a work in progress, and He's just begun. KL.

This Is My Reaffirmation

I wanna move on
with the rest of my life.

...because yesterday's shutting down. Everyday we have another opportunity to reconstruct and reassemble who we are becoming. I love fresh starts, clean slates, new beginnings. That's why I cherish springtime, I love to see things come back to life, and I can sense my plant starting to blossom again. This is my reaffirmation: I'm gonna move on with the rest of my life.

Check out David Ryan Harris - Yesterday's Shutting Down. KL.

Borders Parking Lot - Say

Last night I had the privilege of going to Borders with a sweet girl and we read through some books on different dog breeds of every kind. After the wonderful puppy talk, we were walking out and got into a brief, but somewhat deep discussion about candidness, sincerity, adherence, directness, reliability, straightforwardness, etc. And I'd like to SAY a few things on that.

Don't SAY you'll never leave when you've already bought the flight, don't SAY you're along for the ride when you've already mapped out another road, don't SAY you'll always love me after just telling him the same.

Don't build me up, just to watch me break. just SAY what you need to SAY.

"It's better to SAY too much, than never have to SAY what you need to SAY again." -JM

Keep fighting, it's coming around. KL.

Brewsky - Amazing Grace

A few months ago, I finally did it. I took the plunge. I've wanted to for years but I never had the flexibility to go through with it. However, I've learned so much since...


I bought my first dog. His name is Brewsky and he's a 4 month old lemon beagle. The best part of my day involves coming home from work and being greeted by him. Sometimes he almost knocks me over and he's less than 20 lbs. He constantly makes me laugh and I absolutely love him.

But he screws up, a lot. Sometimes he does stuff that's really annoying like chewing up my laptop charger or my cell phone or my books. He recently tore apart my favorite flip flops, which kinda pissed me off.


But here's whats so intriguing. Brewsky messes up again and again, but everyday I wake up and I love him just as much (if not more) as I did the day before. Regardless of how he acts, I love him. There's nothing he can do to make me love him more and there's nothing he can do to make me love him less.





I'm learning a little taste of what God's love for us is like.

KL

Nature

Yesterday, my buddy and I went on a hike and I realized something insightful. Whether I spend a week and hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon or spend a couple hours and hike in Green Lane, I always walk out of the woods with a new sense of awe towards God and His wonderful creation.

Our lives are so busy and I was reminded today about the importance of slowing down and experiencing beauty. It's so easy to just go through the routine of life without stopping to inhale what God created.

I'm going to stop doing so much and start enjoying myself.

KL

It's About Time for Eli

i love stories of david slaying goliath. when i watch sports, you can count on me cheering for the team who everyone doubts, regardless. unless the underdog is the cowboys. i always want them to lose.

im excited that eli manning is in the superbowl. peyton is always in the spotlight and its about time eli gets some respect for his talent. ever since he entered the NFL, hes been compared to one of the best (if not the best) quarterbacks in the game. and hes never made excuses. so even if goliath destroys david in the superbowl, im happy david is finally playing on the greatest stage in football.


try slingin a rock at his forehead little guy. KL.

Strong Move Slow

I think it's fair to say that relationships can be puzzling, elaborate, and even problematic at times. They certainly aren't black and white, cut and dry. But that's what makes them exciting because nothing worth anything is ever easy. I'm convinced theres a reason the strong move slow.

But it's not only complicated off the starting blocks. Relationships begin to require something - but not just anything, not just the leftovers. To love requires self abandonment, transparency, susceptibility, vulnerability, etc. and sometimes vulnerability is really tough because it means that your risking getting hurt.

But without accessibility, connection is impossible. without honesty, intimacy is impossible, without risking being hurt, love is impossible.

So, welcome vulnerability with open arms and love like you'll never see me again.

KL

Following the Unpopular Road

I love people who refuse to conform to the way the tide has always turned. I admire people who stand up for the right thing, especially when they show love, respect, and humanitarianism through communicating their message. That's why I love Martin Luther King Jr so much. Today I am reminded of the legacy he left and the impression it has made on my life. If i had just a small portion of the courage, compassion, and conviction he had...

A professor at Drew University said, "We must remember how unpopular he was. If we forget that, then it seems like the only people we can get behind must be popular. Following King meant following the unpopular road."

King once said, "If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live."

So may we all, in our hectic lives, slow down at least for a day to remember Martin Luther King Jr and the things he believed in and may we take the time to study what he dreamed of and may we imagine where our country would be without his voice, his influence, and his passion.

Stand up for what's right. But more importantly, do it peacefully.

KL.

Soulful Music

I've never been the same after I first heard Lynard Skynard's song "Freebird". The windows were down, we were in my dad's truck on the open road, and Lynard was killing the sickest solo I'd ever heard. I kept waiting for it to stop, but I was so glad it didn't. I remember that feeling like it was yesterday...and it was amazing.

I'm convinced there is just something about music that digs deep within our souls and hits us in intricate ways. There aren't many things that inspire me more than listening to the lyrics of a song or waiting for the guitar solo to come crashing in. I used to date this girl who would get so frustrated with me because everytime we were in my car, I'd blast my new favorite song. She always told me to turn it down. We obviously didn't work out.

I listen to my music loud and I love to sing.

KL

First Tat

It's greek for "Love is enough for me."

KL

Arthur Bennett's Prayer

"Let me learn by paradox
that the way down is the way up
that to be low is to be high
that the broken heart is the healed heart
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul
that to have nothing is to possess all
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown
that to give is to receive
that the valley is the place of vision"

I'd Like to Introduce You to a Man...

Why are there so many people in this world who absolutely hate their job? If you're like me and you can relate to that, I'd like to introduce you to a man. His name is David.

David is not your average guy. He acts a little different than "normal people" (whatever normal is). He talks really slow and he says the same thing over and over again. But there's something special about David. Something unique. Something beautiful.

Years ago, David was hit by a car and he's never been the same since. Most people would become bitter, angry, or senile. But not David. He's not your average guy. Everyday he walks around greeting everyone with a smile and a loud "Good morning!! How are you? This is a beautiful day..." even if it's been raining outside, with freezing winds, he still says the same thing. This is a beautiful day.

I know David because he's the guy who puts the grocery store carts away at Landis Supermarket. He's been pushing carts for over 16 years. And he still loves his job. 16 years. Pushing carts. This guy deserves some kind of persistence award.

I know what you're thinking. Listen Kyle, you don't know what I put up with at work. This guy Brian always annoys me or I have the most boring job you could imagine. Fair enough, I don't know where you work. But I know what David does everyday. For 8 hours. Rain or shine. Wind or snow. He pushes carts, but not only does he push carts...he loves it.

My favorite thing about David is not that he's so positive and upbeat, but that he's actually sincere. I think our world is missing sincerity and when we actually see it, we cling to it. I think that's why I love David. I think that's why everyone loves David. His happiness is genuine and everyone knows it. I've heard countless people say, "I wish I was more like him. He's just so positive." Yeah, believe me. I know, I wish I was too.

And then one day it hit me right in the face. It was kinda cold in our office and all of us were complaining about how uncomfortable it was. I was ready to call the CEO of univest and tell him he better stop being so freakin cheap and turn on the damn heat. Maybe not using those exact words, but you get the idea. And then David came inside after pushing carts for a few hours. His face was red, he was breathing kinda heavy, and he was all bundled up with 6 layers. I said, "David! How in the world can you stand the weather outside? I'm cold in here!" and with a smile he looked at me and said, "It's not cold if your dressed for it!"

It was that exact moment I realized God was trying to teach me a lesson.

What if we actually embraced the idea of finding the beauty in whatever comes our way? How would our world look different if we did? How would we look different if we did?

I love when God uses unexpected people to teach us such profound truths. Thank you God, for creating people like David.

I need to end this post with something my mom used to tell me. "Make sure you see the beauty in life. No one can see it for you." Thanks mom.

Being thankful. KL.