Just wanted to post my last blog on this website to let my readers (yes, all three of you excluding my family) know that I will no longer be blogging on this link any more. I've decided to switch from blogspot to wordpress. It's a very difficult web address to remember, so pay very very very close attention:
http://www.stephencliff.com/
Read that to yourself 5 times before closing this page. STEPHEN. CLIFF. DOT COM. It's a tough one. Hope you check out the new blog : )
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Birthday Video
Who said chivalry was dead? This video was made for a cancer stricken wife by her husband. It was for a birthday present. Seriously, get a tissue.
Rachel's Birthday Letter - Hi-res from
Rachel's Birthday Letter - Hi-res from
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Living in the Margins
I've finally learned one of life's most valuable lessons this week. Do you wanna hear? This idea has been thrown my way numerous times throughout my life time, but I never grasped it fully. If you've ever been a part of an athletic team, band, or any type of group project I can almost guarantee that you've let the words pass through your ears without realizing the potential stored in the advice. Maybe it will take a firsthand encounter, as it did for me, for my message to deeply resonate with you. Regardless, I still need to share. So here goes: The separation of mediocrity and excellence is found in the margins of life.
I learned this from the least conspicuous person in my life, Dr. Rockley, my inorganic chemistry professor. Let me preface this post a little bit before I send this man great praise. Simply put: he is evil. Evil, Evil, Evil. You've heard me talk about the difficulty of my previous chemistry professor last semester, trust me he was difficult, but he pales in comparison. I remember my last professor, Dr. Raff, saying that there was only one professor in Oklahoma State's Chemistry department that was more difficult than he was. . . I'll let you take one wild guess who I got for Inorganic two. The class average on our first exam: 24%. His feet barely touched the ground as he cheerfully skipped into lecture the following day. He proceeded to work out a 24 minute long equation covering three chalk boards to prove to us that statistically if we all closed our eyes and randomly guessed on the exam our class average should have been in a range of 25-27 %. In other words, as a class we would have been more successful if we had all guessed without looking at one problem and turned it in. After the cricket in the ceiling broke the threatening silence of the lecture hall, my neighbor stood up in frustration, blurted out a few obscenities, and stomped out of the classroom never to be seen again. Dr. Rockley's response: A crooked smirk accompanied by a humorously delayed, "loser".
The class average on exam two: 33%. Don't let this persuade you the exam was easier that its predecessor. No. This is simply a correlation to all the people who dropped the course after the first exam. The chemical engineering majors are bloating our average up into the all time highs in a Dr. Rockley chemistry course. And no, I'm really not joking to make this a better story. Thankfully, I've scored much higher than the class averages on both exam one and exam two, but I still am not attaining my goal of an 'A' letter grade. It's one of the first times in my life that I've been faced with such a mental antagonizing situation. Keep in mind this is a five hour course. In other words, it weighs substantially on my GPA. If I want a realistic shot at getting accepted into medical school than it's vital I don't mess up this course. And Dr. Rockley is in the opposing corner seemingly throwing upper-hooks at my dream. My enemy, my nemeses. A 5'4", 67 year old, New Zealander is making me question the realism in my intelligence. All semester I've hated his guts. Not because he's a bad professor, he's actually done a phenomenal job at making chemistry relevant to the medical field. Not because he isn't helpful, his office is located in an unused class room so he can effectively help students after hour teaching hours. Not because of his sadistic sense of humor or really even his level of toughness; it all boils down to the fact that I want to be a doctor and Dr. Rockley is doing all he can to prevent my dream from coming to fruition.
Before you jump the gun and inform me that no professor purposefully tries to fail his students, let me tell you about our lecture before the third exam that I took last night. With a numb brain from 16 consecutive hours studying chemistry, I stumbled into my seat in the chemistry lecture hall. The chemical equilibriums in my body spazing from the overdose of energy supplements and under dose of sleep could not keep me from missing chemistry lecture in fear of falling into the deepest hole ever dug at a university. The lecture that awaited us was not expected. I expected to learn how to solve complex acid/base equilibrium problems under dynamic pressure systems. Maybe add in a little advanced chemical thermodynamics to spice it up a bit. Unfortunately, I didn't get to learn any chemistry that day (no sarcasm implied). What I got was one of my life's greatest epiphanies. Like usual, Dr. Rockley walked into lecture five minutes late and found his way to the podium where he started a very unusual lecture. Neither chalk nor 60 pound textbook was needed to convey his simple, yet meaningful plea to my comrades and I. (Yes, military vernacular is needed, we are at war with this man, remember?) More seriously, he began to explain the simple message that excellence is found in the margins of life. He told us the gap between an average doctor and an exceptional doctor is being aware of the small things. An average doctor might not pay attention to the hidden clue that would save a person's life, while an exceptional doctor living in the margins would pick up on the subtle clues. An average doctor might put in mediocre effort and sometimes find a great result, while an exceptional doctor always puts in great effort and sometimes receives mediocre results. People are typically defined by the end results of their lives, but their lives are made up of these marginal decisions they make every single day. He went on to tell us he goes through his exams and looks deeply into each problem and tries to find where we could possibly make a mistake. In chemistry, a simple charge being different can ultimately change the entire outcome of a problem by three orders of magnitude. He purposefully makes his tests tricky because, "The only people to pass [his] class will be the exceptional people who pay attention to the little details". He refuses to pass a student who he personally would not feel confident in allowing them to be his own doctor in a life threatening situation. I know my parents and friends see him as being unrealistically harsh, but really think about what he's saying. It might be the first time I've thought it all semester, but he's exactly right. I don't even want to be a doctor if I feel incapable of taking care of someone. I want to try my hardest now so that my patients can have confidence in my abilities. Great people are made in the marginal decisions in everyday life. We are called to pay attention to the little things. In the end, it defines what you will become. Dr. Rockley might give me a grade that will hurt my GPA, but he's the only professor in three years of being in Stillwater that will leave a permanent mark on my life. I want to be the best I possibly can be. And that requires living in the margins. Thank you Dr. Rockley. I'll leave you with this to capstone my message.
"Only those who have the patience to do simple things perfectly will acquire the skill to do difficult things easily." -Johann Schiller
P.S. I got an A on exam three. Miracles do and can happen while livin' in the margins.
I learned this from the least conspicuous person in my life, Dr. Rockley, my inorganic chemistry professor. Let me preface this post a little bit before I send this man great praise. Simply put: he is evil. Evil, Evil, Evil. You've heard me talk about the difficulty of my previous chemistry professor last semester, trust me he was difficult, but he pales in comparison. I remember my last professor, Dr. Raff, saying that there was only one professor in Oklahoma State's Chemistry department that was more difficult than he was. . . I'll let you take one wild guess who I got for Inorganic two. The class average on our first exam: 24%. His feet barely touched the ground as he cheerfully skipped into lecture the following day. He proceeded to work out a 24 minute long equation covering three chalk boards to prove to us that statistically if we all closed our eyes and randomly guessed on the exam our class average should have been in a range of 25-27 %. In other words, as a class we would have been more successful if we had all guessed without looking at one problem and turned it in. After the cricket in the ceiling broke the threatening silence of the lecture hall, my neighbor stood up in frustration, blurted out a few obscenities, and stomped out of the classroom never to be seen again. Dr. Rockley's response: A crooked smirk accompanied by a humorously delayed, "loser".
The class average on exam two: 33%. Don't let this persuade you the exam was easier that its predecessor. No. This is simply a correlation to all the people who dropped the course after the first exam. The chemical engineering majors are bloating our average up into the all time highs in a Dr. Rockley chemistry course. And no, I'm really not joking to make this a better story. Thankfully, I've scored much higher than the class averages on both exam one and exam two, but I still am not attaining my goal of an 'A' letter grade. It's one of the first times in my life that I've been faced with such a mental antagonizing situation. Keep in mind this is a five hour course. In other words, it weighs substantially on my GPA. If I want a realistic shot at getting accepted into medical school than it's vital I don't mess up this course. And Dr. Rockley is in the opposing corner seemingly throwing upper-hooks at my dream. My enemy, my nemeses. A 5'4", 67 year old, New Zealander is making me question the realism in my intelligence. All semester I've hated his guts. Not because he's a bad professor, he's actually done a phenomenal job at making chemistry relevant to the medical field. Not because he isn't helpful, his office is located in an unused class room so he can effectively help students after hour teaching hours. Not because of his sadistic sense of humor or really even his level of toughness; it all boils down to the fact that I want to be a doctor and Dr. Rockley is doing all he can to prevent my dream from coming to fruition.
Before you jump the gun and inform me that no professor purposefully tries to fail his students, let me tell you about our lecture before the third exam that I took last night. With a numb brain from 16 consecutive hours studying chemistry, I stumbled into my seat in the chemistry lecture hall. The chemical equilibriums in my body spazing from the overdose of energy supplements and under dose of sleep could not keep me from missing chemistry lecture in fear of falling into the deepest hole ever dug at a university. The lecture that awaited us was not expected. I expected to learn how to solve complex acid/base equilibrium problems under dynamic pressure systems. Maybe add in a little advanced chemical thermodynamics to spice it up a bit. Unfortunately, I didn't get to learn any chemistry that day (no sarcasm implied). What I got was one of my life's greatest epiphanies. Like usual, Dr. Rockley walked into lecture five minutes late and found his way to the podium where he started a very unusual lecture. Neither chalk nor 60 pound textbook was needed to convey his simple, yet meaningful plea to my comrades and I. (Yes, military vernacular is needed, we are at war with this man, remember?) More seriously, he began to explain the simple message that excellence is found in the margins of life. He told us the gap between an average doctor and an exceptional doctor is being aware of the small things. An average doctor might not pay attention to the hidden clue that would save a person's life, while an exceptional doctor living in the margins would pick up on the subtle clues. An average doctor might put in mediocre effort and sometimes find a great result, while an exceptional doctor always puts in great effort and sometimes receives mediocre results. People are typically defined by the end results of their lives, but their lives are made up of these marginal decisions they make every single day. He went on to tell us he goes through his exams and looks deeply into each problem and tries to find where we could possibly make a mistake. In chemistry, a simple charge being different can ultimately change the entire outcome of a problem by three orders of magnitude. He purposefully makes his tests tricky because, "The only people to pass [his] class will be the exceptional people who pay attention to the little details". He refuses to pass a student who he personally would not feel confident in allowing them to be his own doctor in a life threatening situation. I know my parents and friends see him as being unrealistically harsh, but really think about what he's saying. It might be the first time I've thought it all semester, but he's exactly right. I don't even want to be a doctor if I feel incapable of taking care of someone. I want to try my hardest now so that my patients can have confidence in my abilities. Great people are made in the marginal decisions in everyday life. We are called to pay attention to the little things. In the end, it defines what you will become. Dr. Rockley might give me a grade that will hurt my GPA, but he's the only professor in three years of being in Stillwater that will leave a permanent mark on my life. I want to be the best I possibly can be. And that requires living in the margins. Thank you Dr. Rockley. I'll leave you with this to capstone my message.
"Only those who have the patience to do simple things perfectly will acquire the skill to do difficult things easily." -Johann Schiller
P.S. I got an A on exam three. Miracles do and can happen while livin' in the margins.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Completely Legal
It is finally my 21st brithday. I am officially an adult, even if I dont feel like one. My only plan for the day:
Go buy a hand gun while inebriated. Take the hand gun to the nearest convient store and demand I get free cigarettes and three powerball tickets. Once my mission is finished, I will enlist myself in the army and start training for basic.
This is what adults do, right?
Or maybe I'll sit in my cramped room and study for my Operations Management exam, Finance exam, and lab practicum.
Go buy a hand gun while inebriated. Take the hand gun to the nearest convient store and demand I get free cigarettes and three powerball tickets. Once my mission is finished, I will enlist myself in the army and start training for basic.
This is what adults do, right?
Or maybe I'll sit in my cramped room and study for my Operations Management exam, Finance exam, and lab practicum.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Invincibility
The invincibility of being a teenager has officially worn off. I've never realized how many fears I have. Whether rational or irrational. How would I handle a tragedy in my family? What if my long term plans don't work out? What if I never meet the "one"?
Trust me, I absolutely know the right answers to my questions. I know trusting in God will lead to the future written for me. I'm not saying I'm overwhelmed with doubt and fear. It's just that . . . It seems like I've taken many things for granted, without ever considering life without certain people or things. I've never considered what life might be like if I don't get my way. Will I be happy if life throws a Roy Halladay-esqe curve ball my way?
Ok, enough with the mellow dramatic blabber. Just a lot on my mind recently. Can't want until Thanksgiving Break.
Trust me, I absolutely know the right answers to my questions. I know trusting in God will lead to the future written for me. I'm not saying I'm overwhelmed with doubt and fear. It's just that . . . It seems like I've taken many things for granted, without ever considering life without certain people or things. I've never considered what life might be like if I don't get my way. Will I be happy if life throws a Roy Halladay-esqe curve ball my way?
Ok, enough with the mellow dramatic blabber. Just a lot on my mind recently. Can't want until Thanksgiving Break.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Life Shaking Observation
What makes you get up every morning? What is it that motivates you to give 110% in all that you do? If you're like me, you were born lethargic. Every day you must conscientiously battle with your mind to be productive. The root cause is most likely my entire life I've depended on external factors to fuel my passion in life. If I'm not trying to impress someone with my hard work, I'm out to prove a sadistic professor wrong. I love the feeling of surpassing unrealistic expectations. I don't necessarily seek the award for my efforts, I'm one of those rare kids that gets the "impossible" problem right on the board and never raises my hand to declare my answer publicly. In the end, I really am satisfied inwardly when I know I'm trying my best to give God the glory. For twenty years, I've based all my dreams, hopes, and plans in the fact that I love God. I want to enter the mission field one day because my love for God is so abundant that it flows over to his creation. I want to do my best because I love God so much I would never want to disappoint him. Really for a majority of the things in my life, I want to do good in the world because I love God. In church we're taught that we should read our Bibles and pray because we love God so much and it's a way to express our devotion to him. We're taught to not cuss, lie, or have premarital sex because we love God. I say all this because the past week, God has placed a paradigm shattering idea in my spirit. I hope that it bothers you as much as it has bothered me:
What if the church has been fundamentally wrong?
What if our passion in life should NOT be based in our immense love for Christ? I think we can learn a lot from Peter, the disciple, from this worldview on life. Throughout the Gospel, Peter seems to make it most known that he loves Jesus more than anything in his life. We see in the book of John, the 21 chapter that Peter is almost offended that Jesus would question his undying love for Him:
I know that I've lived like Simon Peter for many years. Loving God with all my heart. And if God questioned my love for him three times in a row, I'm certain that it would hurt my feelings also. Because like Peter, I've derived the meaning of my life from the fact that I LOVE HIM. But, the closer I've grown in my walk, the more I've realized that the meaning of life should be branched into the underlying theme that Christ loves us! We are human. The motivation in all we do simply can't be based in our feelings for Christ. Let's face it; we all have days when we don't feel the Lord. And what happens if a Roman soldier asks us on those days if we are associated with Jesus? Does our life flow out of our belief that decisions should be made on the basis of our love for God?
Five times in the book of John, John refers to himself as, "The Beloved Disciple" or "The disciple whom Jesus loved". Don't you think that irritated the heck out of the other eleven disciples? I can just picture Peter, who publicly declares that he loves Jesus so abundantly, over hearing John talk about how much Jesus loves him. I'm sure Peter inwardly called John selfish. Wouldn't we all? Don't you get it John? We must love HIM. He is the Son of God. We dedicated our entire lives in service to show Him our love? My initial reaction is to side with Peter. But what God has recently placed in my heart is that maybe John had it right. We could spend our entire lives trying to prove to God we love him by our actions... but the fact is, nothing we could ever do would be sufficient repayment. It simply is not about our love for him. From this point on, my desire for the mission field, my desire for medical school, my desire to be a righteous person will be based in the fact that GOD loves ME. It's really the only basis we can place our passion in that we are certain will never fade away. When times get rough, the remembrance that God loves us will be the extra push to get us through. We don't have to try to disguise our blemishes or inequalities with this superficial cover up of "the measurement of our love for God". We get eternal life because he loved us enough to come make a sacrifice, not that we loved him enough to make a sacrifice. The latter will be a byproduct of shaping our lives around the principle that He loves us.
What if the church has been fundamentally wrong?
What if our passion in life should NOT be based in our immense love for Christ? I think we can learn a lot from Peter, the disciple, from this worldview on life. Throughout the Gospel, Peter seems to make it most known that he loves Jesus more than anything in his life. We see in the book of John, the 21 chapter that Peter is almost offended that Jesus would question his undying love for Him:
"15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?". "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." 16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?". He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you". Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." 17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
I know that I've lived like Simon Peter for many years. Loving God with all my heart. And if God questioned my love for him three times in a row, I'm certain that it would hurt my feelings also. Because like Peter, I've derived the meaning of my life from the fact that I LOVE HIM. But, the closer I've grown in my walk, the more I've realized that the meaning of life should be branched into the underlying theme that Christ loves us! We are human. The motivation in all we do simply can't be based in our feelings for Christ. Let's face it; we all have days when we don't feel the Lord. And what happens if a Roman soldier asks us on those days if we are associated with Jesus? Does our life flow out of our belief that decisions should be made on the basis of our love for God?
Five times in the book of John, John refers to himself as, "The Beloved Disciple" or "The disciple whom Jesus loved". Don't you think that irritated the heck out of the other eleven disciples? I can just picture Peter, who publicly declares that he loves Jesus so abundantly, over hearing John talk about how much Jesus loves him. I'm sure Peter inwardly called John selfish. Wouldn't we all? Don't you get it John? We must love HIM. He is the Son of God. We dedicated our entire lives in service to show Him our love? My initial reaction is to side with Peter. But what God has recently placed in my heart is that maybe John had it right. We could spend our entire lives trying to prove to God we love him by our actions... but the fact is, nothing we could ever do would be sufficient repayment. It simply is not about our love for him. From this point on, my desire for the mission field, my desire for medical school, my desire to be a righteous person will be based in the fact that GOD loves ME. It's really the only basis we can place our passion in that we are certain will never fade away. When times get rough, the remembrance that God loves us will be the extra push to get us through. We don't have to try to disguise our blemishes or inequalities with this superficial cover up of "the measurement of our love for God". We get eternal life because he loved us enough to come make a sacrifice, not that we loved him enough to make a sacrifice. The latter will be a byproduct of shaping our lives around the principle that He loves us.
Mark 14:66-68
66While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. "You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said. 68But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway.
John 19:25-26
25Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby...
Who persevered to be at the foot of the cross for Jesus' last breath? Who was denying his existence? Maybe we're on to something here.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A.... STATE!
University of Oklahoma's medical school= A+
Next stop: Tomorrow at 2:00pm
Next stop: Tomorrow at 2:00pm
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Bleeding Orange
I suppose that the nature of this blog when I created it was to take you on the medical school journey with me. Sharing my perspective of the life of a pre-health student and hopefully as a medical student as well. I tend to get away from this topic very often as you know, but today I would like to take you a little farther in my adventure. For the most part, my opinions about a particular medical school are formulated around what their website advertises, how they treat me in my emails, and of course by ear. Today I will take a step forward in gaining a better perspective of one school by visiting the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences for their medical school "Open House" event. I've received tons of grief from my friends here in Stillwater for considering going to that "one place next to Oklahoma City", so I really don't need to hear more from you. Hah. I've decided against wearing my Ok. State shirt in case I happen to meet an admittance committee member... The little things matter when applying to medical school, ya know! I'll be taking a tour of their campus, hearing presentations from some of the professors, as well as having a Q&A session with current medical students. I've been conspiring to come up with a couple questions to stump them, any suggestions will be accepted. This has been the most stressful semester of my college career so I'm not positive when I'll find the time to update on how my experience went, but I'm going to try to soon. It's time to go make my future. Off to the evil empire!
“When it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people: those who let it happen, those who make it happen, and those who wonder what happened.”
-John M. Richardson, Jr.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Long Time, No See
I cannot believe that I have not blogged in over a month. This is something that I truly love doing. Even if it isn't the best, most creative writing in the world; writing helps me organize my thoughts and emotions. It's an avenue to relieve stress for my hyperactive wired scheduled life. And really, I have so much to say to the world. It's almost one in the morning and I find myself fighting off weariness (maybe from two weeks of less than 6 hours of sleep a night) to log on to my blog to express myself. This will not be the wittiest or most interesting post I've ever written. Although, this post is something that I've needed for a long time. This post is what I've been dreading, but also looking forward to. Because with my public claim comes responsibility. A responsibility that I think I've put off too long.
I've had a rough month. Rough academically. Rough mentally. I've discovered the beast of medical education. The enormity of the stress and deadlines. After a discouraging presentation from a doctor on the University of Oklahoma's medical school admissions board, I was mentally left with a reoccurring question that has robbed me of my sanity the last several weeks, "Do I really know what I'm getting into"? Am I really smart enough for this? Growing up our parents and teachers tell us that we can become whatever we want to be. Thus our childhood dreams are constructed to be the first woman president of the United States. Or to be a fighter pilot. Or to play professional baseball. They never trained us for the harsh reality that at some point in walking out our dream we will have to face our biggest fears. They never prepared us for the crossroads in our lives when a grown man would stare you in the eyes and tell you, "You're probably not smart enough be a doctor". It's a tough thing to deal with. And the mental anguish has had repercussions in other areas in my life.
I've avoided trying my best in my classes. I've let my discouragement get the best of me. I've looked for any and every opportunity to avoid making my ultimate decision if I want to continue down this path. I've coward away from the ultimatum because essentially, I am scared. It's scary to step out not knowing if you're guaranteed safety. It's terrifying to make this big of a commitment in the face of doubt. Some days I wish that I could just wake up and be a doctor without the many years of hard work and commitment. Unfortunately, life never works that way.
Ironically, I learned the most this week from one of the things that I've used to distract me from making my decision. I've started watching (mildly obsessing over) the television show "[Scrubs]". I subscribed to Netflix so that I could have access to every episode of [Scrubs] in all the seasons sent to my house. Yes, it is a little loony. I could sit and watch 7-8 episodes a day dispite the need to be studying. I've used it as a distraction from school and I've known it all along. I know that it seems silly that I'm talking about having a favorite TV show, but a certain episode has helped me more than I could express. I am going to work hard. I am going to get serious. Even if I face rejection down the road for my educational inadequacies, I will know confidently that I tried my best. Always remember, "Nothing worth having comes easy".
**Warning: One use of foul language at the 16 second mark**
I've had a rough month. Rough academically. Rough mentally. I've discovered the beast of medical education. The enormity of the stress and deadlines. After a discouraging presentation from a doctor on the University of Oklahoma's medical school admissions board, I was mentally left with a reoccurring question that has robbed me of my sanity the last several weeks, "Do I really know what I'm getting into"? Am I really smart enough for this? Growing up our parents and teachers tell us that we can become whatever we want to be. Thus our childhood dreams are constructed to be the first woman president of the United States. Or to be a fighter pilot. Or to play professional baseball. They never trained us for the harsh reality that at some point in walking out our dream we will have to face our biggest fears. They never prepared us for the crossroads in our lives when a grown man would stare you in the eyes and tell you, "You're probably not smart enough be a doctor". It's a tough thing to deal with. And the mental anguish has had repercussions in other areas in my life.
I've avoided trying my best in my classes. I've let my discouragement get the best of me. I've looked for any and every opportunity to avoid making my ultimate decision if I want to continue down this path. I've coward away from the ultimatum because essentially, I am scared. It's scary to step out not knowing if you're guaranteed safety. It's terrifying to make this big of a commitment in the face of doubt. Some days I wish that I could just wake up and be a doctor without the many years of hard work and commitment. Unfortunately, life never works that way.
Ironically, I learned the most this week from one of the things that I've used to distract me from making my decision. I've started watching (mildly obsessing over) the television show "[Scrubs]". I subscribed to Netflix so that I could have access to every episode of [Scrubs] in all the seasons sent to my house. Yes, it is a little loony. I could sit and watch 7-8 episodes a day dispite the need to be studying. I've used it as a distraction from school and I've known it all along. I know that it seems silly that I'm talking about having a favorite TV show, but a certain episode has helped me more than I could express. I am going to work hard. I am going to get serious. Even if I face rejection down the road for my educational inadequacies, I will know confidently that I tried my best. Always remember, "Nothing worth having comes easy".
**Warning: One use of foul language at the 16 second mark**
Sunday, August 22, 2010
True Feelings: The Vents of an Inexperienced Missionary (#7)
8/9/10
What an interesting day. This journal entry is coming from my iPhone notes while I'm sitting in the airport waiting for my flight at 1:30am. This is the beautiful side of mission work, right? Our flight was supposed to be leaving at 1:20, but we were informed when we got here that it would be delayed 2 hours. But... While we were sitting in the airport lobby with a friend just sharing stories, an employee told us the flight was on time and was boarding. This was at 1:15. So we stressfully sprinted through security. We were met by tired, thorough employees who searched every crumb on the bottom of my carry on bag, despite our need to get to our gate ASAP. I swear mental stress is more tiring than physical stress. We finally make it through the sluggish security and start our run towards our gate only to be met by the news that our flight was in fact delayed. Got to love the things lost in translation I suppose.
Today was our shopping day. We got to go downtown and shop for souvenirs and sight see parts of the city we didn't have time for this past week. Unfortunately, the last 2 days I've had a severe-to-deathly sore throat. It still hurts as I type. fortunately, there are advantages of getting sick on medical mission trips. I'm already on antibiotics, for no cost. Praise the Lord. It was tough saying bye to the team. I've REALLY enjoyed their company this past week. We really meshed well and have grown close.
What kind of people go on mission trips over four thousand miles away from home? Amazing, passionate, genuine, fire-filled Christians. I've had the best conversations with these people. You don't find many flaky Christians sleeping in sleeping bags, working long days for no tangible benefit in the Third world. They've all inspired me so much. I kept a tab in my notes on my phone that I just kept quotes from them when they would say something I could learn from. Considering I'm the youngest member of our team, they all have so much experience for me to learn from. Take this for example, I've been thinking about it lately: "How you treat the creation reflects how you feel about the creator". There is such wisdom in that. I've collected several little quotes like this in my phone. They didn't even know I was listening. These are the little things I've enjoyed so much on this trip. I think I've been blessed more than I could have blessed anyone else. Now, I'm going to lie down on this bench and get a quick nap in before my flight.
I sure am going to miss this place.
P.S. It's now 2:00 and I'm still waiting
P.S.S it's now 2:30 and I'm still waiting
3:03. Still waiting.
3:35 Take off
3:36 Just kidding. Drunk guys on plane just got us taxied back to terminal.
4:06 Take off again.
What an interesting day. This journal entry is coming from my iPhone notes while I'm sitting in the airport waiting for my flight at 1:30am. This is the beautiful side of mission work, right? Our flight was supposed to be leaving at 1:20, but we were informed when we got here that it would be delayed 2 hours. But... While we were sitting in the airport lobby with a friend just sharing stories, an employee told us the flight was on time and was boarding. This was at 1:15. So we stressfully sprinted through security. We were met by tired, thorough employees who searched every crumb on the bottom of my carry on bag, despite our need to get to our gate ASAP. I swear mental stress is more tiring than physical stress. We finally make it through the sluggish security and start our run towards our gate only to be met by the news that our flight was in fact delayed. Got to love the things lost in translation I suppose.
Today was our shopping day. We got to go downtown and shop for souvenirs and sight see parts of the city we didn't have time for this past week. Unfortunately, the last 2 days I've had a severe-to-deathly sore throat. It still hurts as I type. fortunately, there are advantages of getting sick on medical mission trips. I'm already on antibiotics, for no cost. Praise the Lord. It was tough saying bye to the team. I've REALLY enjoyed their company this past week. We really meshed well and have grown close.
What kind of people go on mission trips over four thousand miles away from home? Amazing, passionate, genuine, fire-filled Christians. I've had the best conversations with these people. You don't find many flaky Christians sleeping in sleeping bags, working long days for no tangible benefit in the Third world. They've all inspired me so much. I kept a tab in my notes on my phone that I just kept quotes from them when they would say something I could learn from. Considering I'm the youngest member of our team, they all have so much experience for me to learn from. Take this for example, I've been thinking about it lately: "How you treat the creation reflects how you feel about the creator". There is such wisdom in that. I've collected several little quotes like this in my phone. They didn't even know I was listening. These are the little things I've enjoyed so much on this trip. I think I've been blessed more than I could have blessed anyone else. Now, I'm going to lie down on this bench and get a quick nap in before my flight.
I sure am going to miss this place.
P.S. It's now 2:00 and I'm still waiting
P.S.S it's now 2:30 and I'm still waiting
3:03. Still waiting.
3:35 Take off
3:36 Just kidding. Drunk guys on plane just got us taxied back to terminal.
4:06 Take off again.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
True Feelings: Vents of an Inexperienced Missionary (#6)
8/6/10
What an incredible, fun day. It was independence day here in Bolivia. We went to a huge parade downtown. There was just a great spirit among the people. Bolivian flags flew proudly all over the city. I actually got on Google today and noticed they redesigned their front page with Bolivian flag colors. It made me feel really proud to be here. There was a lot of drama in the La Paz, the capitol, last night with people quarantined in the palace. I'm not sure what exactly happened but it had something to do with drugs. Whatever exactly happened, it prevented President Morales from attending the Santa Cruz parade. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise. Morales doesn't have much respect for the people in Santa Cruz. The feelings are mutual. Morales is a socialist, borderline communist. The Bolivian constitution states that a president can only serve two, four year terms in office. Morales just recently changed the constitution and is currently serving in his third term. As far as his background, he has no formal education whatsoever. He gained his power through the coca growing industry. Yes, coca leaves is the base for cocaine production. In fact, Morales is STILL the president of the coca growing association as well as president of the country. Like most socialist/communist reigns, Morales has the support of the poorer class, which of course is the majority of the population. Be in prayer for the politics of Bolivia.
When pro-Morales supporters marched in the parade , members of the crowd booed and threw trash at them. The moments got a little tense with hundreds of militants holding guns and tear gas containers. The primitive, angry resentment was exciting to me (a sheltered American city boy). After the parade, we went to a local pastors house who also owns a very successful business. His house would have been an upper class home in any city in America. It was refreshing to get to relax. He just let us hang out and he also cook out on his grill for us. It was an amazing time to just chill and talk to our team members. Our team is full of incredible people. I am taking by all of their stories. I've gained so much wisdom from them this past week. I'm really going to miss them. I feel like they've almost become family. We've all had to depend on each other. I feel very bittersweet about my return "home". I know Tulsa will always be my physical home, but I've never felt more at home than now. I am excited to see my friends and family, but I really do love it here. I love the people. I love our team. This trip has done more for me than I could ever have done for the people we're here to serve. Most importantly, I am in love with Jesus. Your walk with Him is so close when you have nothing else. See you all in a couple of days.
Love,
Stephen
What an incredible, fun day. It was independence day here in Bolivia. We went to a huge parade downtown. There was just a great spirit among the people. Bolivian flags flew proudly all over the city. I actually got on Google today and noticed they redesigned their front page with Bolivian flag colors. It made me feel really proud to be here. There was a lot of drama in the La Paz, the capitol, last night with people quarantined in the palace. I'm not sure what exactly happened but it had something to do with drugs. Whatever exactly happened, it prevented President Morales from attending the Santa Cruz parade. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise. Morales doesn't have much respect for the people in Santa Cruz. The feelings are mutual. Morales is a socialist, borderline communist. The Bolivian constitution states that a president can only serve two, four year terms in office. Morales just recently changed the constitution and is currently serving in his third term. As far as his background, he has no formal education whatsoever. He gained his power through the coca growing industry. Yes, coca leaves is the base for cocaine production. In fact, Morales is STILL the president of the coca growing association as well as president of the country. Like most socialist/communist reigns, Morales has the support of the poorer class, which of course is the majority of the population. Be in prayer for the politics of Bolivia.
When pro-Morales supporters marched in the parade , members of the crowd booed and threw trash at them. The moments got a little tense with hundreds of militants holding guns and tear gas containers. The primitive, angry resentment was exciting to me (a sheltered American city boy). After the parade, we went to a local pastors house who also owns a very successful business. His house would have been an upper class home in any city in America. It was refreshing to get to relax. He just let us hang out and he also cook out on his grill for us. It was an amazing time to just chill and talk to our team members. Our team is full of incredible people. I am taking by all of their stories. I've gained so much wisdom from them this past week. I'm really going to miss them. I feel like they've almost become family. We've all had to depend on each other. I feel very bittersweet about my return "home". I know Tulsa will always be my physical home, but I've never felt more at home than now. I am excited to see my friends and family, but I really do love it here. I love the people. I love our team. This trip has done more for me than I could ever have done for the people we're here to serve. Most importantly, I am in love with Jesus. Your walk with Him is so close when you have nothing else. See you all in a couple of days.
Love,
Stephen
Sunday, August 15, 2010
True Feelings: The Vents of an Inexperienced Missionary (#5)
8/5/10
What an exciting day. We did a traveling clinic to an old people’s home. It was about an hour long drive out there, but it was totally worth it. This is one the most unique ministries I've ever come across. Their unofficial motto is: "Preparing people for heaven". This facility has a clinic, garden, outdoor bread oven, a full kitchen, and even a sugar cane press. They don't have any housing yet, but are in the process of building a very nice one. We got to eat fresh tangerines, lemons, and even fresh cane juice. There are probably about 120 people who travel in from surrounding villages to be at this ministry. From the minute we arrived we couldn't get away from the people. They were that nice and inviting. They all called me, "Dr. Stephen", which deepens my desire for my future. I was also met with sloppy wet kisses from all the teethless old women. It was wonderful... The retired people actually come to work every day here. They pick fruit, tend to the gardens, and make sugar cane juice. Their background in farming and very hard work ethics makes this place very special to them. It gives them meaning again. It makes them feel valued and useful.
As far as the clinic went today, we got to see goiters, numerous high blood pressures, arthritis, and even another case of Chagas disease. These people were truly grateful for what they received today. One man broke down in tears during our clinic. He told us that he often feels, "overwhelmed". It almost made me tear up. It was a very trip defining moment and one that I will not easily forget. What we are doing has a great purpose. We are impacting hundreds of lives. Our clinics are officially over. We've seen over 300 patients this week and had 80-90 people come to know the Lord this week. It has been an incredible time. The next two days we will be relaxing and recuperating from a hard week's work.
Tomorrow marks Bolivia's 188th Independence Day. We will be celebrating at the Santa Cruz parade. As I write, I hear many fireworks all around. I first thought they were gun fire (these initial inclinations are common and understandable in 3rd world countries). Hah! President Morales will be at the parade. This will mark the first time Morales will be in Santa Cruz in two years. Two years ago Santa Cruz almost led a rebellion to overthrow the oppressive government that Morales runs. There was massive amounts of tension that caused all the airports across the countries shutting down, which prevented a Bridge Builders team from entering the country then. Even now, there is tension building with the arrival of Morales in Santa Cruz. All it takes is one crack head to take a shot at Morales at the parade and we probably won't be able to leave the country for another week. That probably wouldn't bother me honestly. I love what we're doing here. The next two days we'll be relaxing and sightseeing. I'm looking forward to it. I miss all of you like crazy. God is so good.
Love,
Stephen
What an exciting day. We did a traveling clinic to an old people’s home. It was about an hour long drive out there, but it was totally worth it. This is one the most unique ministries I've ever come across. Their unofficial motto is: "Preparing people for heaven". This facility has a clinic, garden, outdoor bread oven, a full kitchen, and even a sugar cane press. They don't have any housing yet, but are in the process of building a very nice one. We got to eat fresh tangerines, lemons, and even fresh cane juice. There are probably about 120 people who travel in from surrounding villages to be at this ministry. From the minute we arrived we couldn't get away from the people. They were that nice and inviting. They all called me, "Dr. Stephen", which deepens my desire for my future. I was also met with sloppy wet kisses from all the teethless old women. It was wonderful... The retired people actually come to work every day here. They pick fruit, tend to the gardens, and make sugar cane juice. Their background in farming and very hard work ethics makes this place very special to them. It gives them meaning again. It makes them feel valued and useful.
As far as the clinic went today, we got to see goiters, numerous high blood pressures, arthritis, and even another case of Chagas disease. These people were truly grateful for what they received today. One man broke down in tears during our clinic. He told us that he often feels, "overwhelmed". It almost made me tear up. It was a very trip defining moment and one that I will not easily forget. What we are doing has a great purpose. We are impacting hundreds of lives. Our clinics are officially over. We've seen over 300 patients this week and had 80-90 people come to know the Lord this week. It has been an incredible time. The next two days we will be relaxing and recuperating from a hard week's work.
Tomorrow marks Bolivia's 188th Independence Day. We will be celebrating at the Santa Cruz parade. As I write, I hear many fireworks all around. I first thought they were gun fire (these initial inclinations are common and understandable in 3rd world countries). Hah! President Morales will be at the parade. This will mark the first time Morales will be in Santa Cruz in two years. Two years ago Santa Cruz almost led a rebellion to overthrow the oppressive government that Morales runs. There was massive amounts of tension that caused all the airports across the countries shutting down, which prevented a Bridge Builders team from entering the country then. Even now, there is tension building with the arrival of Morales in Santa Cruz. All it takes is one crack head to take a shot at Morales at the parade and we probably won't be able to leave the country for another week. That probably wouldn't bother me honestly. I love what we're doing here. The next two days we'll be relaxing and sightseeing. I'm looking forward to it. I miss all of you like crazy. God is so good.
Love,
Stephen
Bolivia Video
I was planning on waiting until the end of my series of journal entries to post this video. But I've decided to post the video so you can get a visual sense of what I'm writing about. It's a simply made video, but I hope you enjoy it regardless.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
True Feelings: The Vents of an Inexperienced Missionary (#4)
8/4/10
I felt like I was benefitting from Jim Elliot's life efforts today. We treated 5 or 6 Quechua Indians in our clinic today. They are a branch of the indigenous Indians who migrated down from Ecuador to parts of Bolivia. They are a very unique people. They all dress with 4 to 5 layers including an apron on the outside. Our interpreters have difficulty understanding them. Best of all: They are all very strong and sure of their faith. It's easy to see the influence Jim and his wife have had on their entire culture. I felt honored to come across these people on the mission field. I got a photo of a couple of them that I posted at the bottom of this blog entry.
As far as the clinics went today, I was an official doctor... At least according to the Bolivians. I saw my own patients and made my own diagnoses. I've really learned a lot in just the last three days of doing a clinic. It's been very beneficial to apply things learned in school. One of my patients had Chagas disease, which is only found in Bolivia and Paraguay. This excited our team physician, Dr. Carey. He totally stopped all orders of business to get out a tropical disease textbook and teach us students about the uniqueness of our case. It was really interesting. We've run into cases of tuberculosis, Pneumonia, and even a staph infection. Needless to say, I've used about seven bottles of hand sanitizer. This experience is priceless. Dr. Carey even sent us home with his text book to read more about Chagas disease. Guess you can't avoid homework even when you're on the mission field. (Edit on 8/5/10: I got in trouble for not reading my homework. Uh oh.) I'm merely a beginner. It's so easy to treat the symptoms and not the root cause of the problem. I really have a desire burning deep down to learn more. I want to be knowledgeable. I want to be the best I can possibly be.
I got to have dinner tonight with seven engineers and businessmen. I was easily the poorest and least intelligent person in the room. I tried my best to not foolishly spill my coffee all over the table and interrupt the wealthy aura of the room. Nonetheless, it was a unique opportunity for one of our team members to share his testimony with them. I'm not sure why I was the only other one invited. Maybe it was simply my beautiful face.
I've been too busy to write much lately. And I know I'm too tired to remember all the exciting things I've experienced. This Friday (8/6/10) is Bolivia's 188th Independence Day. There will be a huge parade that we will get to attend. The president, Evo Morales, will be in the parade. Its sub 40 degrees here and my fingers are getting stiff with the lack of a heater. It's time for me to go crawl into my sleeping bag. It's very late and I must wake up early. We are going on a 100 mile journey tomorrow to set up a remote clinic. Over 20 people came to know Christ for the first time today. Praise God. Praying for you.
Love,
Stephen
I felt like I was benefitting from Jim Elliot's life efforts today. We treated 5 or 6 Quechua Indians in our clinic today. They are a branch of the indigenous Indians who migrated down from Ecuador to parts of Bolivia. They are a very unique people. They all dress with 4 to 5 layers including an apron on the outside. Our interpreters have difficulty understanding them. Best of all: They are all very strong and sure of their faith. It's easy to see the influence Jim and his wife have had on their entire culture. I felt honored to come across these people on the mission field. I got a photo of a couple of them that I posted at the bottom of this blog entry.
As far as the clinics went today, I was an official doctor... At least according to the Bolivians. I saw my own patients and made my own diagnoses. I've really learned a lot in just the last three days of doing a clinic. It's been very beneficial to apply things learned in school. One of my patients had Chagas disease, which is only found in Bolivia and Paraguay. This excited our team physician, Dr. Carey. He totally stopped all orders of business to get out a tropical disease textbook and teach us students about the uniqueness of our case. It was really interesting. We've run into cases of tuberculosis, Pneumonia, and even a staph infection. Needless to say, I've used about seven bottles of hand sanitizer. This experience is priceless. Dr. Carey even sent us home with his text book to read more about Chagas disease. Guess you can't avoid homework even when you're on the mission field. (Edit on 8/5/10: I got in trouble for not reading my homework. Uh oh.) I'm merely a beginner. It's so easy to treat the symptoms and not the root cause of the problem. I really have a desire burning deep down to learn more. I want to be knowledgeable. I want to be the best I can possibly be.
I got to have dinner tonight with seven engineers and businessmen. I was easily the poorest and least intelligent person in the room. I tried my best to not foolishly spill my coffee all over the table and interrupt the wealthy aura of the room. Nonetheless, it was a unique opportunity for one of our team members to share his testimony with them. I'm not sure why I was the only other one invited. Maybe it was simply my beautiful face.
I've been too busy to write much lately. And I know I'm too tired to remember all the exciting things I've experienced. This Friday (8/6/10) is Bolivia's 188th Independence Day. There will be a huge parade that we will get to attend. The president, Evo Morales, will be in the parade. Its sub 40 degrees here and my fingers are getting stiff with the lack of a heater. It's time for me to go crawl into my sleeping bag. It's very late and I must wake up early. We are going on a 100 mile journey tomorrow to set up a remote clinic. Over 20 people came to know Christ for the first time today. Praise God. Praying for you.
Love,
Stephen
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
True Feelings: The Vents of an Inexperienced Missionary (#3)
8/2/10
I woke up at seven this morning and just now got back to our house (11:20pm). It was a very long day at the clinic. Everything I saw today will forever be burned into my memory. I saw and learned to treat impetigo, scabies, third degree burns, large fungal growths/infections, and atopic eczema. Seriously, Google search the images of these skin diseases. Now imagine innocent seven year olds with these skin issues. It's heart breaking, but the excitement on their faces when you provide a solution is one of the most fulfilling couple minutes I've ever experienced. This is what I'm called to do. I love it. I also worked hard taking vitals for over 70 people. It was a hectic day to say the least. Life of a real doctor? I think so.
I've noticed that my natural ability to entertain children transcends borders and cultures. I continually distracted myself from my duties by playing with the children. At one point, I had a group of eight children surrounding me talking to me in a language I can barely understand. My heart breaks for God's children. I will say a prayer tonight for every child I met today. It's devastating to see such beautiful children go home to poverty stricken homes and often times abusive homes as well. I often wonder if they will all remember me. I hope they will. May God be with them every day of their lives.
This is a short post. I'm exhausted. And it's only the first day of clinics. God is my strength. By the way, at least 20 people came to know Christ for the FIRST time today in our clinic. Praise Him. Nothing makes my heart happier. The people here in Bolivia have such a large view of God. I've learned that God can only be as big as we make him. How big do you make God? Are you keeping him in a box? Are you fully dependent? I'm praying for you.
Love,
Stephen
I woke up at seven this morning and just now got back to our house (11:20pm). It was a very long day at the clinic. Everything I saw today will forever be burned into my memory. I saw and learned to treat impetigo, scabies, third degree burns, large fungal growths/infections, and atopic eczema. Seriously, Google search the images of these skin diseases. Now imagine innocent seven year olds with these skin issues. It's heart breaking, but the excitement on their faces when you provide a solution is one of the most fulfilling couple minutes I've ever experienced. This is what I'm called to do. I love it. I also worked hard taking vitals for over 70 people. It was a hectic day to say the least. Life of a real doctor? I think so.
I've noticed that my natural ability to entertain children transcends borders and cultures. I continually distracted myself from my duties by playing with the children. At one point, I had a group of eight children surrounding me talking to me in a language I can barely understand. My heart breaks for God's children. I will say a prayer tonight for every child I met today. It's devastating to see such beautiful children go home to poverty stricken homes and often times abusive homes as well. I often wonder if they will all remember me. I hope they will. May God be with them every day of their lives.
This is a short post. I'm exhausted. And it's only the first day of clinics. God is my strength. By the way, at least 20 people came to know Christ for the FIRST time today in our clinic. Praise Him. Nothing makes my heart happier. The people here in Bolivia have such a large view of God. I've learned that God can only be as big as we make him. How big do you make God? Are you keeping him in a box? Are you fully dependent? I'm praying for you.
Love,
Stephen
Monday, August 9, 2010
True Feelings: The Vents of an Inexperienced Missionary (#2)
8/1/10
Last night I had this horrible nightmare that I slept outside and was awoken by an Amazonic thunderstorm. Than I realized that it was reality. Due to our large team that is assembling here in Santa Cruz, Bolivia we are running out of bed space. So a couple of the other men and I decided to sleep outside on the patio. We woke up at 4:28am completely soaked by a thunderstorm like none other. Take Tulsa sized raindrops and multiply them by 900x and that is the size of Bolivian raindrops. We drug our soaked sleeping bags inside to attempt to sleep some more despite our conditions. We've learned very early that we can't come into a country like this complaining. They need to hear us speak life. So all we could do at four in the morning is laugh. It really is hilarious when you think about it. A bunch of gringos sleeping outside in a third world country, getting poured on. There is no time to be vain. I'm learning to grow and adapt.
I love Bolivia.
I'm currently listening to our incredibly talented team sing praise and worship. Something truly beautiful happens when people from many backgrounds, cultures, and countries come together for one purpose. We have Bolivians, Peruvians, Paraguayans, Tulsans, Georgians, and a South African working together to spread a simple, yet life changing message: Jesus loves you more than you can comprehend. We went to two different churches today to spread the word about out clinic this week. We got to pray for healing with many people. Their desire and faith is unbelievable. They walk to the alter with expectation. It's really been challenging me. Do I have similar faith? Man, I couldn't be more perfectly in God's will for my life.
Our lead doctor, Dr. Carey, informed me today that tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday I will be shadowing him with patients. He gave me 20 pages worth of common tropical diseases to study in all my free time. He told me, to my surprise, that by Wednesday I will be seeing my own patients. How crazy is that? From Chemistry lab rat to doctor... I'm only 20 years old! I'm so excited. I've got a sheet of a lot of common medical phrases in Spanish that I must learn. He told me I have two days to significantly grow up. I've never been so excited about a challenge. This is my destiny. God is so good. Dr. Carey also told me that I could shadow him when we are back in Tulsa when we return. I'm excited about the connections I'm making. I respect the spiritual emphasis Dr. Carey puts on his practice. He instructed me to spend at least five minutes with every patient to share the gospel with them. He told me that there is a level of trust and openness to share the gospel with patients because they share their physical secrets with you. I've been absorbing as much as I can from the many experiences people on our team have had. We have one lady who has been to over 188 countries. How incredible.
In other news, I ate a chicken heart today for lunch. No, I'm not kidding, a chicken heart! And it actually tasted... good! Go figure. I washed it down with a cup of passionfruit juice and pineapple juice. I love this place. I was born for this. It's past one in the morning now and I must wake up in a few hours to prepare for clinic. Good night America. I miss you Depot. More than you know. My family as well : ) Be in prayer.
Sincerely,
Stephen
Last night I had this horrible nightmare that I slept outside and was awoken by an Amazonic thunderstorm. Than I realized that it was reality. Due to our large team that is assembling here in Santa Cruz, Bolivia we are running out of bed space. So a couple of the other men and I decided to sleep outside on the patio. We woke up at 4:28am completely soaked by a thunderstorm like none other. Take Tulsa sized raindrops and multiply them by 900x and that is the size of Bolivian raindrops. We drug our soaked sleeping bags inside to attempt to sleep some more despite our conditions. We've learned very early that we can't come into a country like this complaining. They need to hear us speak life. So all we could do at four in the morning is laugh. It really is hilarious when you think about it. A bunch of gringos sleeping outside in a third world country, getting poured on. There is no time to be vain. I'm learning to grow and adapt.
I love Bolivia.
I'm currently listening to our incredibly talented team sing praise and worship. Something truly beautiful happens when people from many backgrounds, cultures, and countries come together for one purpose. We have Bolivians, Peruvians, Paraguayans, Tulsans, Georgians, and a South African working together to spread a simple, yet life changing message: Jesus loves you more than you can comprehend. We went to two different churches today to spread the word about out clinic this week. We got to pray for healing with many people. Their desire and faith is unbelievable. They walk to the alter with expectation. It's really been challenging me. Do I have similar faith? Man, I couldn't be more perfectly in God's will for my life.
Our lead doctor, Dr. Carey, informed me today that tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday I will be shadowing him with patients. He gave me 20 pages worth of common tropical diseases to study in all my free time. He told me, to my surprise, that by Wednesday I will be seeing my own patients. How crazy is that? From Chemistry lab rat to doctor... I'm only 20 years old! I'm so excited. I've got a sheet of a lot of common medical phrases in Spanish that I must learn. He told me I have two days to significantly grow up. I've never been so excited about a challenge. This is my destiny. God is so good. Dr. Carey also told me that I could shadow him when we are back in Tulsa when we return. I'm excited about the connections I'm making. I respect the spiritual emphasis Dr. Carey puts on his practice. He instructed me to spend at least five minutes with every patient to share the gospel with them. He told me that there is a level of trust and openness to share the gospel with patients because they share their physical secrets with you. I've been absorbing as much as I can from the many experiences people on our team have had. We have one lady who has been to over 188 countries. How incredible.
In other news, I ate a chicken heart today for lunch. No, I'm not kidding, a chicken heart! And it actually tasted... good! Go figure. I washed it down with a cup of passionfruit juice and pineapple juice. I love this place. I was born for this. It's past one in the morning now and I must wake up in a few hours to prepare for clinic. Good night America. I miss you Depot. More than you know. My family as well : ) Be in prayer.
Sincerely,
Stephen
Sunday, August 8, 2010
True Feelings: The Vents of an Inexperienced Missionary (First Post)
7/31/10
God is so good. Flying standby can be quite stressful but it presents God numerous opportunities to prove himself faithful. I had no idea how much I would be trusting God yesterday when I woke up at 4:00am to leave the country, All of the flights from Tulsa to Dallas were booked, which shattered my plan. Me and my fellow team member, Gary Jackson, made a last second decision to hop on the flight to Chicago instead. We arrived in the world’s largest airport only 20 minutes before the next flight left for Miami. When I arrived at our gate, I received news that I was taken off the standby list for some unknown reason. This meant I was put at the end of the list now. The lady at the counter told me, "You won't be getting a flight out of Chicago any time soon". I started praying. There are 5 seats available on the flight and I am number 6 on the standby list. The list on the screen slowly starts filing down. One name at a time is removed as their names are being called on the intercom. When only three names remain, the screen goes blank. After a long silent pause the intercom interrupts the boisterous Chicago crowd with, "Jackson and Cliff can now board". Praise God. We get the last two seats available on the entire flight. For whatever reason, one person in front of me did not show up to claim their seat. The same story happens in Miami going to Bolivia. And we end up getting first class for our nine hour flight. God is always faithful. There is nothing more rewarding that living perfectly in God's will.
My heart breaks for Bolivia. They are in such great need of help in every way possible. From the minute I stepped off my plane, my heart grew. We got in past one in the morning today, so our goal was to just sleep as soon as possible. When we woke up, Misael has prepared a great breakfast for us. Eggs, ham, cheese, fresh bread, and papayas. After our delicious breakfast, we headed out to the facility that we will be using for our clinic this week. We spent four hours cleaning and disinfecting the place. Driving and walking through Santa Cruz is heart wrenching. We've all seen photos of poverty and we've all heard stories of the living conditions of third world countries. But when you actually walk down a dirt road, stepping over rotting trash while you see children and women dig through garbage for food, something resonates so deeply in your heart. Seeing deathly skinny horses and dogs roaming alley ways seriously messes with your paradigm in which you view "life". There is more to life than living in our AC generated homes, having two car garages, and having massive television sets. We live above and beyond anything these people could hope for, yet we complain about everything... I'm already growing in my area of complaining. I've worn the same underwear and haven't had a shower in 52 hours. Yes, seriously. But you won't hear a complaint out of me. The heart of someone who is fully dependent on God for survival is a beautiful thing. How can you become more dependent on God today? Go it!
"Diarrhea is genetic here in Bolivia. It runs in your 'jeans'"
God is so good. Flying standby can be quite stressful but it presents God numerous opportunities to prove himself faithful. I had no idea how much I would be trusting God yesterday when I woke up at 4:00am to leave the country, All of the flights from Tulsa to Dallas were booked, which shattered my plan. Me and my fellow team member, Gary Jackson, made a last second decision to hop on the flight to Chicago instead. We arrived in the world’s largest airport only 20 minutes before the next flight left for Miami. When I arrived at our gate, I received news that I was taken off the standby list for some unknown reason. This meant I was put at the end of the list now. The lady at the counter told me, "You won't be getting a flight out of Chicago any time soon". I started praying. There are 5 seats available on the flight and I am number 6 on the standby list. The list on the screen slowly starts filing down. One name at a time is removed as their names are being called on the intercom. When only three names remain, the screen goes blank. After a long silent pause the intercom interrupts the boisterous Chicago crowd with, "Jackson and Cliff can now board". Praise God. We get the last two seats available on the entire flight. For whatever reason, one person in front of me did not show up to claim their seat. The same story happens in Miami going to Bolivia. And we end up getting first class for our nine hour flight. God is always faithful. There is nothing more rewarding that living perfectly in God's will.
My heart breaks for Bolivia. They are in such great need of help in every way possible. From the minute I stepped off my plane, my heart grew. We got in past one in the morning today, so our goal was to just sleep as soon as possible. When we woke up, Misael has prepared a great breakfast for us. Eggs, ham, cheese, fresh bread, and papayas. After our delicious breakfast, we headed out to the facility that we will be using for our clinic this week. We spent four hours cleaning and disinfecting the place. Driving and walking through Santa Cruz is heart wrenching. We've all seen photos of poverty and we've all heard stories of the living conditions of third world countries. But when you actually walk down a dirt road, stepping over rotting trash while you see children and women dig through garbage for food, something resonates so deeply in your heart. Seeing deathly skinny horses and dogs roaming alley ways seriously messes with your paradigm in which you view "life". There is more to life than living in our AC generated homes, having two car garages, and having massive television sets. We live above and beyond anything these people could hope for, yet we complain about everything... I'm already growing in my area of complaining. I've worn the same underwear and haven't had a shower in 52 hours. Yes, seriously. But you won't hear a complaint out of me. The heart of someone who is fully dependent on God for survival is a beautiful thing. How can you become more dependent on God today? Go it!
"Diarrhea is genetic here in Bolivia. It runs in your 'jeans'"
Friday, July 30, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Change of Plans
As many of you probably already have figured out, it’s July 19th and I'm still in the States. I was supposed to leave for Pucallpa, Peru on July 16th. Due to some misfortunate circumstances, the lead doctor for our team had to back out of his commitment towards the trip a couple of days before departure. Consequently, the entire medical team that he personally recruited also backed out of the trip. Since Bridge Builders International was organizing the trip, they offered to transfer my funds raised to another medical mission trip they are planning to Santa Cruz, Bolivia from July 30th through August 8th.
My heart breaks for the many people in Pucallpa, who were expected medical attention this week. I wish I had the education necessary to go and help them myself. Fortunately, the evangelistic side of our team is still traveling to Peru and is planning to work with the host church for the duration of the trip. I continue to pray for hearts to be opened and lives to be changed, even if I will not be there to help with the doctors. This has been a large step for me in my faith. I know that God has everything working out for his glory and that is the promise I've been holding on to. I've been praying for the people of Bolivia every day as well now. I hope that you will do the same. I'm just as excited for this trip. I can't wait. Stay tuned for a more interesting post.
Love.
My heart breaks for the many people in Pucallpa, who were expected medical attention this week. I wish I had the education necessary to go and help them myself. Fortunately, the evangelistic side of our team is still traveling to Peru and is planning to work with the host church for the duration of the trip. I continue to pray for hearts to be opened and lives to be changed, even if I will not be there to help with the doctors. This has been a large step for me in my faith. I know that God has everything working out for his glory and that is the promise I've been holding on to. I've been praying for the people of Bolivia every day as well now. I hope that you will do the same. I'm just as excited for this trip. I can't wait. Stay tuned for a more interesting post.
Love.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Opportunity Not Missed
She was never the best the world has ever seen. She was never the most talented. She most certainly wasn't the best looking or most popular. And she was never really my "best friend" as many are to young boys or men. Regardless, I still love my dog. She has been a part of my life and our family since before I can really remember. We bought her the year I started kindergarten. I'm sure that there were other reasons (brothers and sisters), but at the time of bringing home our new puppy I had convinced my five year old mind that we purchased her to subside my fear of starting school. I can't remember very much of the fifth year of life, but the drive home with our new puppy has permanently engrained itself into the annals of my memory. We were all so excited to have a new puppy that we could not keep her in her kennel for the entire ride home. We quickly snatched her from her cage and just as quickly learned of her fear of riding in vehicles. Unlike most dogs, this one would never dream in a million years of possibly hanging her head out an open car window. Nope. She'd rather excessively drool over everything and pitifully wine as if we were morbidly torturing her physically and physiologically. I distinctly remember having puppy toe nails being dug two inches into my flesh, as if pretending to be a cat would make the car ride more enjoyable for her. The last memory I can recollect from my booster seat is the argument over what she should be named. After the siblings tossed out numerous names, my mother calmly stated from the front seat that her name will be "Mattie". And Mattie it was.
Growing up I honestly can't say that I couldn't wait to get home from school so I could play with "my" dog. She wasn't the center of my attention like most boys make their dogs. Maybe it was simply because she was being shared with a family of six. Looking back now though, I see how we inadvertently "grew" up together. When I played baseball I would take Mattie out in the Salvation Army football fields in the backyard and practice hitting. She would chase down all the balls and dart across the field to bring it back to me. If I would miss the ball a couple times in a row she would bark at me. I told myself she was trying to encourage me (although I realize now it was out of selfish frustration)! When I played soccer, Mattie would chase me all around the yard trying to steal the ball from me. It was a game of constant keep away. When I was too sick to play outside, Mattie would leave her true favorite (my mother) and cuddle up next to me on the couch. If I had to stay home from school by myself she would never let me leave her sight. Even when her favorite was home from work, if there was a sick child in the house Mattie would make sure they got better before returning to the heels of mother. I know it seems silly to say about a dog, but Mattie has a big heart.
You might be wondering why I've taken the time to write an entire blog post about an animal that means nothing to you. I suppose that I am writing this for myself to look back on in several years. I'm sure that through simple reasoning you can conclude that our dog is probably past her life expectancy. She is very old and has a plethora of health issues. I'm 20 years old now, which means Mattie has been a part of our family for almost 15 years. After seeing her struggle the past couple of weeks, it's caused me to take an introspective step back. I wish I had made Mattie my "best friend" from day one. As goofy as it sounds, we've gotten to spend a lot of time together the past year due to my parents taking about 19 vacations. I always joke about them leaving me with the high probability of having the death of our dog forever on my hands if she passes while I'm home alone. But in all seriousness, I absolutely love these times. She can't go chase down baseballs for me anymore, steal a soccer ball from me, or really do anything more than lie on the porch and eat fallen apples from our tree. Even with the physical limitations, I've been given the opportunity to call her "my" dog for a couple days. She sleeps with me and waits for me to come home from work. She follows me where ever I go. I wish I had realized the power a dog can have on a boy’s heart from the beginning. Mattie is the only dog that I've ever had. I am mature enough to accept reality that dogs die and it is not like they are biological family members. I probably could not have said this a couple years ago, but I think that I am going to deeply miss my first and only dog when the time comes. Probably shed a few tears with my mother as well. This is really a feeble attempt to express to you that the Cliffs really do own one of the world's greatest dogs. Mattie, I know the time is coming soon. I'm glad I've had the opportunity to see your value in my heart while you're still breathing.
Growing up I honestly can't say that I couldn't wait to get home from school so I could play with "my" dog. She wasn't the center of my attention like most boys make their dogs. Maybe it was simply because she was being shared with a family of six. Looking back now though, I see how we inadvertently "grew" up together. When I played baseball I would take Mattie out in the Salvation Army football fields in the backyard and practice hitting. She would chase down all the balls and dart across the field to bring it back to me. If I would miss the ball a couple times in a row she would bark at me. I told myself she was trying to encourage me (although I realize now it was out of selfish frustration)! When I played soccer, Mattie would chase me all around the yard trying to steal the ball from me. It was a game of constant keep away. When I was too sick to play outside, Mattie would leave her true favorite (my mother) and cuddle up next to me on the couch. If I had to stay home from school by myself she would never let me leave her sight. Even when her favorite was home from work, if there was a sick child in the house Mattie would make sure they got better before returning to the heels of mother. I know it seems silly to say about a dog, but Mattie has a big heart.
You might be wondering why I've taken the time to write an entire blog post about an animal that means nothing to you. I suppose that I am writing this for myself to look back on in several years. I'm sure that through simple reasoning you can conclude that our dog is probably past her life expectancy. She is very old and has a plethora of health issues. I'm 20 years old now, which means Mattie has been a part of our family for almost 15 years. After seeing her struggle the past couple of weeks, it's caused me to take an introspective step back. I wish I had made Mattie my "best friend" from day one. As goofy as it sounds, we've gotten to spend a lot of time together the past year due to my parents taking about 19 vacations. I always joke about them leaving me with the high probability of having the death of our dog forever on my hands if she passes while I'm home alone. But in all seriousness, I absolutely love these times. She can't go chase down baseballs for me anymore, steal a soccer ball from me, or really do anything more than lie on the porch and eat fallen apples from our tree. Even with the physical limitations, I've been given the opportunity to call her "my" dog for a couple days. She sleeps with me and waits for me to come home from work. She follows me where ever I go. I wish I had realized the power a dog can have on a boy’s heart from the beginning. Mattie is the only dog that I've ever had. I am mature enough to accept reality that dogs die and it is not like they are biological family members. I probably could not have said this a couple years ago, but I think that I am going to deeply miss my first and only dog when the time comes. Probably shed a few tears with my mother as well. This is really a feeble attempt to express to you that the Cliffs really do own one of the world's greatest dogs. Mattie, I know the time is coming soon. I'm glad I've had the opportunity to see your value in my heart while you're still breathing.
"My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am."
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Peru, I Love You
Dear Friends and Family,
There are few times in one’s life that can be considered life altering. From my limited experience in this game of life, I’ve quickly learned that the mission field is a viable place for these “moments” to occur. There is something deeply spiritual about being far away from home while trusting God with our entire life. I’ve talked and written in my blog about wanting to make a difference in this world. I’ve expressed my desire to be on the battlefield of souls, fighting for the Lord’s cause. Now is the time to put my words into action. I’ve been given the opportunity to travel to Pucallpa, Peru from July 17th through July 25th. This trip means the world to me for many reasons, but unlike any trip I’ve taken, this is a medical mission trip. As many of you might already know, the Lord has recently called me into the medical field. I have a long road ahead of me academically, but these are the experiences that will be engrained in one’s memory for eternity.
The trip is being led by Dr. Gary Lee and Jerry Morris, president of Bridge Builders International. We will work with on-site missionaries, Kevin and Esther Eifert. We will stay in their home and set up the clinic at their church, Templo de Alabanza (Temple of Praise). Their school, the Peruvian/American Christian School is also at that location. The city where we will be stationed, Pucallpa, is in the Amazon rainforest, on the west bank bank of the Amazon River. This is in a very poor part of the country, where many people go a lifetime without having any medical attention. For all the complaining we do in America about the costs, I’m gladly reminded of how blessed we are to have 24/7 hospitals. We are truly blessed.
I am writing you because I am in need of two important things that are vital for this trip coming to fruition. Financial assistance and prayer. The total cost of the trip is $1,500. I’m doing my best to raise the funds, but I need your help. This is an opportunity for you to sew into a team that is expecting an abundant harvest. I can help be the hands of the body of Christ, if you will help be the purse. I ask that you only give as the Lord commands. If you are not moved to financially help me, than most importantly I ask that you will be in prayer for our team. I will ask for money, but I beg that you will pray. This is an opportunity of a lifetime to go into the Amazon and help change the world and it could not be possible without the prayer of thousands. I am asking and expecting that the people of Peru are overwhelmed with love. A love that they have never before seen. A love that opens the doors of their hearts so that we can pour more into them. The fact is: God loves us more than we can comprehend. If I can help just one single person come an inch closer to understanding this truth, every dollar and every prayer offered has become worth it. I don’t believe that I will have time to update my blog while I am out of the country, but I most certainly will write about my trip when I return (as well as pictures). Here is the link: http://www.stephenincollege.blogspot.com. My address is: 703 West 46th Street. Sand Springs, OK. 74063. Please make checks payable to: Bridge Builders International I greatly appreciate you. More than you’ll ever know.
Sincerely,
Stephen Cliff
There are few times in one’s life that can be considered life altering. From my limited experience in this game of life, I’ve quickly learned that the mission field is a viable place for these “moments” to occur. There is something deeply spiritual about being far away from home while trusting God with our entire life. I’ve talked and written in my blog about wanting to make a difference in this world. I’ve expressed my desire to be on the battlefield of souls, fighting for the Lord’s cause. Now is the time to put my words into action. I’ve been given the opportunity to travel to Pucallpa, Peru from July 17th through July 25th. This trip means the world to me for many reasons, but unlike any trip I’ve taken, this is a medical mission trip. As many of you might already know, the Lord has recently called me into the medical field. I have a long road ahead of me academically, but these are the experiences that will be engrained in one’s memory for eternity.
The trip is being led by Dr. Gary Lee and Jerry Morris, president of Bridge Builders International. We will work with on-site missionaries, Kevin and Esther Eifert. We will stay in their home and set up the clinic at their church, Templo de Alabanza (Temple of Praise). Their school, the Peruvian/American Christian School is also at that location. The city where we will be stationed, Pucallpa, is in the Amazon rainforest, on the west bank bank of the Amazon River. This is in a very poor part of the country, where many people go a lifetime without having any medical attention. For all the complaining we do in America about the costs, I’m gladly reminded of how blessed we are to have 24/7 hospitals. We are truly blessed.
I am writing you because I am in need of two important things that are vital for this trip coming to fruition. Financial assistance and prayer. The total cost of the trip is $1,500. I’m doing my best to raise the funds, but I need your help. This is an opportunity for you to sew into a team that is expecting an abundant harvest. I can help be the hands of the body of Christ, if you will help be the purse. I ask that you only give as the Lord commands. If you are not moved to financially help me, than most importantly I ask that you will be in prayer for our team. I will ask for money, but I beg that you will pray. This is an opportunity of a lifetime to go into the Amazon and help change the world and it could not be possible without the prayer of thousands. I am asking and expecting that the people of Peru are overwhelmed with love. A love that they have never before seen. A love that opens the doors of their hearts so that we can pour more into them. The fact is: God loves us more than we can comprehend. If I can help just one single person come an inch closer to understanding this truth, every dollar and every prayer offered has become worth it. I don’t believe that I will have time to update my blog while I am out of the country, but I most certainly will write about my trip when I return (as well as pictures). Here is the link: http://www.stephenincollege.blogspot.com. My address is: 703 West 46th Street. Sand Springs, OK. 74063. Please make checks payable to: Bridge Builders International I greatly appreciate you. More than you’ll ever know.
Sincerely,
Stephen Cliff
Friday, June 11, 2010
Dear Teenagers
Dear Teenagers,
Considering that I’m seven months removed from my teenage years, I have complete knowledge about how to be a successful teen. Ok, maybe not. But I can give you my simple minded advice. I’m weeks away from becoming a “leader” at the youth facility that I attended during my teenage years. The youth group that molded me into who I am. The youth group that saw me mature and helped disciple me when I made mistakes. I’ve been through it and I can promise you that you will survive these hormone raging years. Looking back, I wish I could have absorbed more advice from someone in my current position. I wish I would have been less independent and more open. I would definitely take the time to read and process anyone’s “tips” to teenagers. Anyhow, here goes.
Love might be dangerous, but it’s worth it. Also understand that there is more to “love” than an infatuation. It isn’t about who the prettiest girl in your class is or who the best athlete at school is. To truly love someone, it’s a selfless act. Not what you receive, but what you can give. In a couple of years, popularity won’t be defined by how many people you’ve made out with. It will become about who is themselves and who is true. Then you might want some of those kisses back to share with someone who is sincere. You’re learning, have fun! Just remember that there is more to love than the butterflies and sweaty fingers.
School might be boring, but it’s invaluable. I remember some days in high school being “meaningless”. Although proving geometric proofs and balancing chemical equations might seem useless to you now, I promise you that one day you will actually have to use them again. So why not own your education now? Why just live for the grades that will get you into college one day? I’ve taken the advice from my elders, now take it from me: An education is the one thing that no one can take away from you. Therefore, don’t let it go to waste. In college, you don’t have tons of homework and you don’t have to wake up early. But the desire to learn in necessary. Start on it now.
They might seem uncool, but they are really just as interesting as you! You know what I’m talking about. The kids who might be “weird” or “different” that you walk past every day. You look down and hope that they don’t speak to you. If you’re avoiding them then you’re ignorantly expressing that you think you’re “cooler” than they are, therefore if people see you speaking to them than you are less cool. I’ll let you in on a little secret; I bet $100 bucks that you could be the most popular person at school if you took time to talk to them. Your refusal to be associated with them only publicly displays your insecurities. Be confident in who you are and know that you’re the same person regardless of who you talk to or eat lunch with. Besides, you’re going to end up marrying a nerd anyways… Or end up working for one.
Forgiveness is hard, but it actually benefits you more than the offender. It’s been said that forgiving someone is releasing them from their bondage, than realizing that the prisoner is you. For me, I deeply struggled with forgiveness. I finally realized that when I refuse to forgive someone, I make myself miserable while they get to be happy. A person doesn’t need your forgiveness to continue with their life. Forgiveness shouldn’t be earned or lost. Trust is dependent on a person’s actions, but not forgiveness. Believe me, forgiving someone is the most freeing thing you can possibly do. Holding grudges is one of the most self destructive things a young person can do to themselves. Have you noticed yet that getting revenge always leaves you longing for a little more? You always end up wanting more revenge. Realize that it is obviously not satisfying you. Forgiveness can though. Just give it a try and see what I’m saying.
Don’t spread rumors, or you can be certain rumors are being spread about you. The people who actually want to listen to the rumors you are spreading more than likely won’t mind talking about you. A true friend stands up for what is right and noble. So what makes you think that a weak friend won’t talk about you when you’re not there? Your tongue is a powerful weapon that can do a great deal of damage to people. Trust is compromised when you spread rumors. As I’ve matured, I can say that trustworthiness is my most desirable trait in a girl. See the correlation? No, don’t avoid spreading rumors because an incredibly handsome man might like you… But avoid spreading rumors because it’s ultimately affecting other’s opinions of you. Trust me, trust is the most difficult thing to earn back.
Never take a breath for granted. Some of you might have already experienced the death of a good friend. You are not invincible and never will be. You might be so young, but tomorrow is never a guarantee. This isn't meant to scare you or be cynical, rather a reminder to live life to the fullest. Tell everyone you see that you love them. Because you truly never know when you or they might be gone and the chance to express your feelings will forever be lost. Your five word encouraging sentence could help change someones life. Just because you're young does not mean you must wait until your 30 to start expressing your feelings. Let your appreciation be known. Never give up on life. God placed you here for a purpose and your purpose started the minute you were born. Not when you grow up. Find that purpose.
I could go on. Want more advice? Let’s go to Starbucks and we’ll talk. Unfortunately, I must end because you’re tired of reading and I have homework to do. By the way, summer school < poo. The best advice out of everything: Reading Stephen’s blog will exponentially increase your wisdom and coolness for every minute you spend reading. Think about it.
Always here for you,
Stephen Cliff
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Toasted
Let me give you some life changing advice. Advice that will bring you a lifetime of happiness and relief. Advice that will forever bring you peace and gratitude. Listen very closely. You don’t want to miss this. Never ever, under any circumstance, not even for large amounts of money, sit outside at a Driller Game at 2:00pm on an Oklahoma summer day for 3 hours. You will fry as quickly as McDonald employees can pop out those artificially flavored “french fries”. Considering I wore shorts and sat on a chair in the open blazing sun, my knee caps are seared beyond belief. It hurts to stand. It hurts to walk. It even hurts to circulate blood through my legs.
I’ve taken every step of action to prevent the constant burning sensation. I’ve taken a steaming hot shower and then took a frigid cold shower. I put aloe vera on the burns. Unsurprisingly, nothing worked. My mother then presented me with an obscure mode of attack that only a true Oklahoman could even imagine. She claims to have seen her farmer neighbor pour pickle juice all over his burnt arms. Pickle juice? Really? My miserating pain forces me to consider all options and agree to this bizarre idea.
She pours the refrigerated pickle juice into a cup and gently dips cotton balls into the acidic liquid. I brace myself for the science experiment that is about to take place on my own body. I’m always the one controlling the experiments, never actually the “experimental group”. As the first drip of pickle juice runs across my burn, thousands of nerve impulses overload their way up my spine into my brain alerting my nervous system that my mother has betrayed me and stabbed a dull knife into my skin. When I open my eyes to look at the point of my excruciating pain, I expect to see blood pouring out my body. No blood. Just a simple drip of juice trickling down my epidermis. I intensely stare deep into my mother’s soul as if saying, “Seriously”? My loud, girlish squeals must have frightened my mom as she becomes hesitant to continue the medical procedure. I grip the seat cushion and grunt at her to keep pouring the toxic poison on my sensitive, broiled skin. My father’s under-the-breath chuckles are not appreciated. I contemplate throwing the foul smelling pickle juice on him. Fortunately for him, I control my emotions.
The process is now over and I can honestly say that mothers always do know best. It ripped the pain right out of every pore in my knees. Now I must try to waddle to my bed so I can get a rough night’s sleep. Work comes in the morning. This will be a very, very interesting day at Keystone Equipment Company. Lord help me.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Free Falling
I consider myself a thrill seeker. Not the kind of "immature" thrill from standing on top of moving vehicles while off-roading and shooting a paint ball gun all at the same time. Well actually... just kidding dad. But I have been known to seek the adrenaline of coming close to danger. I'll gladly jump on a sled being pulled by a four-wheeler in the snow or ride any amusement ride built on earth. I've even free fallen into the Royal Gorge.
Yes, this oversized "swing" pulls you back to a horizontal height one eerie crank at a time only to release you into a near death encounter. Life flashed before my eyes while I was hopelessly falling into the 1,200 foot gorge. I lost speaking capability for at least 18 minutes. A neurological overload of adrenaline and thrill caused my major body systems to temporarily shut down. But when the shock subsided, the only thing I wanted was to do it again. What makes these adventures so exciting?
Uncertainty is the root of the thrill. Without uncertainty, there wouldn't be a dare. I live for those eternity lasting milliseconds when you are not sure if safety waits on the other side. It adds excitement to life. It spices up the mundane, repetition of my planned out days, weeks, and months. I believe everyone seeks their own thrills in their own personal ways. Maybe it isn't necessarily strapping yourself to a cord and free falling into the Royal Gorge; it could be simply speaking to a stranger. The times we tend to grow most significantly are often when we are outside of our comfort zones. Unfortunately, when I'm ventured out of my comfort zone doubt usually finds it's way in as well. This brings me to the faith-doubt dilemma that I constantly struggle with.
I've lived on the edge in the most surprising way this past year: In my walk with the Lord. I've been infused with spiritual adrenaline everyday because I've chosen to journey into the uncertain. I gave up my own plans for my life and fully embraced the calling God has patiently been growing me into. I can't say that my path has been incredibly easy. I can't tell you that God has used a spotlight to light my entire trail. Often times I'm lead with simply a light to my feet, but that does not mean I stop moving. I might not be able to see all the surroundings and sometimes I might be overwhelmed with uncertainty, but I take the step forward anyways. With every step I take, sometimes I have doubt in where I'm going, but I hold onto the faith I have in the One lighting my steps. I'm engulfed with this new walk with the Lord. It's similar to walking on water. You might have uncertainty of what the first step will bring, but with faith all things are possible. What could be more captivating? What could be more exciting? I want my walk with the Lord to be on water. Every step is met with overwhelming adrenaline because I'm not drowning when I should be. I've learned that I do not have to know everything. I'm perfectly comfortable in taking a step without knowing every little detail; because I know the One directing each step knows. Maybe it's better for me to not know sometimes. It's the uncertainty of each step that gives me the thrill to keep going. Are you willing to take the step? Are you willing to free fall into the unknown with the hope of changing the world?
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Summer Goal
Well I did it. I finished my most challenging semester in the last two years. I have to be honest and admit that in January I met this semester with great determination to work as hard as possible, but also with plenty of uncertainty. It was almost a test to see if I had enough intelligence to succeed in the pre-health track. After many sleepless nights and excruciating hours of studying, I'm glad to admit that I finished in the top 5% of my pre-medical classes. I've been forced to really lean on God this past year in so many areas of my life. I can't begin to tell you how many times this semester I've prayed, "Lord, I'm walking out your will in my life and you know that I've given my best. I couldn't have prepared better than this. I've done my best to do my part and I'm expecting to be met by you." I've begun to live this prayer out. It's been my semester's motto. If I'm doing my best than I can't be disappointed in the results. With the semester coming to an end, I've been given a month break before my summer classes resume. I finally get a little much needed breather. It seems that as I get older, time slowly has become my largest rival. I can never seem to schedule in enough "Stephen time" into my life. And trust me; I need it more than ever. I've been praying daily that God tell me what to do with my self-building time. Every time I've prayed I've gotten one answer: My heart.
I need to start preparing my heart to become the man I know I'm called to be. I need to get off my mountain and start my process of validation. In my short 20 years on earth, I've spent a majority of my life seeking my validation from others. I've been foolish enough to judge my heart's condition by how other's think of me. No longer will I seek my self-fulfillment through other's opinions. It's time I stop seeking others to validate me. If I want to be a man, a true man, I need to find myself in the Lord. Not in what others think. It might not be the same as studying for Chemistry five hours a day, but it will still stretch me in an area that I really need fixing and validation. I've let people close to my heart before, but it's time to let God closer than anyone. It's time to lean a little bit further. It's time to put a little more of my weight on God. I've learned to trust Him in so many areas this year and now I must learn to do it in a new area. I need to learn how to love correctly, but I must have my heart right before I can. That is my focus this summer. This is my goal. The process starts today. Thank you so much for all your prayers and support. I've been surrounded by the most incredible of people. Have a nice summer.
I need to start preparing my heart to become the man I know I'm called to be. I need to get off my mountain and start my process of validation. In my short 20 years on earth, I've spent a majority of my life seeking my validation from others. I've been foolish enough to judge my heart's condition by how other's think of me. No longer will I seek my self-fulfillment through other's opinions. It's time I stop seeking others to validate me. If I want to be a man, a true man, I need to find myself in the Lord. Not in what others think. It might not be the same as studying for Chemistry five hours a day, but it will still stretch me in an area that I really need fixing and validation. I've let people close to my heart before, but it's time to let God closer than anyone. It's time to lean a little bit further. It's time to put a little more of my weight on God. I've learned to trust Him in so many areas this year and now I must learn to do it in a new area. I need to learn how to love correctly, but I must have my heart right before I can. That is my focus this summer. This is my goal. The process starts today. Thank you so much for all your prayers and support. I've been surrounded by the most incredible of people. Have a nice summer.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Rather be a "Something" than a "Nothing"
The following is written by a friend. Thought I would share. Short, but so so true.
I was reading in 2 Kings this morning when this passage of Scripture leapt out at me. It's found in 2 Kings 17:15:
"But the people wouldn't listen to God. If anything, they were even more bullheaded than their stubborn ancestors, if that's possible. They were contemptuous of God's instructions, the solemn and holy covenant He had made with their ancestors, and of His repeated reminders and warnings. THEY LIVED A “NOTHING” LIFE AND BECAME “NOTHINGS”—just like the pagan peoples all around them. They were well-warned: God said, "Don't!" but they chose to do it anyway."
"THEY LIVED A "NOTHING" LIFE AND BECAME "NOTHINGS". Wow! Talk about getting off of your focus. This was recorded of the children of Israel many, many years after leaving Egypt. The really interesting thing is that this "NOTHING" LIFE they led, was the life of the pagan peoples around them (think of the world, and its ways of doing things). They held the Lord's ways in contempt...they were lovers of pleasure and of themselves and not lovers of God anymore. And it led to their destruction, they became "NOTHINGS".
Now I don't know about you, but I don't want my life to be about nothing, or worse yet to be labeled a "NOTHING". I want to be who God wants me to be, and my life to be about "SOMETHING". And to do that, I will have to pay attention to God's instructions, and walk in what Jesus purchased for me through His death, burial and resurrection. I will have to press into God more than I ever have before.
It may cost me some friends, but truthfully if it costs me friends, have I really lost anything? No. Because the real friends will be the ones who come with me. I think at least for me, it's time for me to stop playing church and begin to follow God's ways...how about you?
Fighting the fight until I see His face,
Dave Felts
I was reading in 2 Kings this morning when this passage of Scripture leapt out at me. It's found in 2 Kings 17:15:
"But the people wouldn't listen to God. If anything, they were even more bullheaded than their stubborn ancestors, if that's possible. They were contemptuous of God's instructions, the solemn and holy covenant He had made with their ancestors, and of His repeated reminders and warnings. THEY LIVED A “NOTHING” LIFE AND BECAME “NOTHINGS”—just like the pagan peoples all around them. They were well-warned: God said, "Don't!" but they chose to do it anyway."
"THEY LIVED A "NOTHING" LIFE AND BECAME "NOTHINGS". Wow! Talk about getting off of your focus. This was recorded of the children of Israel many, many years after leaving Egypt. The really interesting thing is that this "NOTHING" LIFE they led, was the life of the pagan peoples around them (think of the world, and its ways of doing things). They held the Lord's ways in contempt...they were lovers of pleasure and of themselves and not lovers of God anymore. And it led to their destruction, they became "NOTHINGS".
Now I don't know about you, but I don't want my life to be about nothing, or worse yet to be labeled a "NOTHING". I want to be who God wants me to be, and my life to be about "SOMETHING". And to do that, I will have to pay attention to God's instructions, and walk in what Jesus purchased for me through His death, burial and resurrection. I will have to press into God more than I ever have before.
It may cost me some friends, but truthfully if it costs me friends, have I really lost anything? No. Because the real friends will be the ones who come with me. I think at least for me, it's time for me to stop playing church and begin to follow God's ways...how about you?
Fighting the fight until I see His face,
Dave Felts
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Final Stretch
Yep. It's finals again. I don't need a long, witty post to convince you of the overwhelming stress that comes along with this last week. I've got 5 exams next week and I've got to score about a 90% on all of them if I want an A in the class. Unfortunately, I'm really struggling to find motivation to start studying. I'm just not myself! I've spent hours watching baseball, playing Bejeweled 2, and looking up hilarious YouTube videos. On the eve of the most daunting finals week of my college career, I just can't seem to pull it together. I will get going though. Starting... now. Ok... now. Now?
By the way, If you don't see me on face book than it might be because I always remember how frustrating it is getting on and seeing how all my friends are finished with finals a week before me. I really don't want to hear how wonderful and relaxing your summer is back home when I'm busy studying the resonance structures of organic chemical compounds, effective nuclear charges of particular atoms, and deriving the quantum angular momentum of the various quantized orbital levels of an electron.
No I did not make those words up. I know I posted this video during my last "Finals" post, but I watch it every semester around finals:
See you on the flip side.
Peace.
By the way, If you don't see me on face book than it might be because I always remember how frustrating it is getting on and seeing how all my friends are finished with finals a week before me. I really don't want to hear how wonderful and relaxing your summer is back home when I'm busy studying the resonance structures of organic chemical compounds, effective nuclear charges of particular atoms, and deriving the quantum angular momentum of the various quantized orbital levels of an electron.
No I did not make those words up. I know I posted this video during my last "Finals" post, but I watch it every semester around finals:
See you on the flip side.
Peace.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Dear Future Wife Part 2
Dear Future Wife,
It's me again. Life is not easy right now. I wish that you were here already to make things better. I wish I could spend my day with you to ease my mind. It's racing with thousands of thoughts. I hope that you're praying for me like I'm praying for you. I could really use it right now. I love you.
Sincerely yours,
Stephen
It's me again. Life is not easy right now. I wish that you were here already to make things better. I wish I could spend my day with you to ease my mind. It's racing with thousands of thoughts. I hope that you're praying for me like I'm praying for you. I could really use it right now. I love you.
Sincerely yours,
Stephen
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day
The most recent book I've read is "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson. It's a book explaining how to grab hold of our God written dream for our lives in the times we often feel most overwhelmed with our circumstances. It really is an incredible book. I'm not very experienced at writing book reviews, so I'll leave that to the experts. I know I've already dedicated a whole blog post to a paragraph out of the book earlier. I really would like to just post the last paragraph of the book. It's so compelling. I would suggest the book to anyone and everyone.
"One of my favorite DC destinations is Roosevelt Island. It sits in the middle of the Potomac River near Georgetown. My kids love the island because it is a natural habitat in the middle of an urban jungle. Plus, you have to cross a foot bridge to get there. They love chasing lizards and catching tadpoles, but our last trip involved an unforgettable encounter with larger game. We were looking for lizards when Parker spotted a herd of whitetail deer less than ten feet off the footpath.
I had no idea there were deer on the island. And I have no idea how they got there. But we spent the next half hour chasing deer through the underbrush and Parker, Summer, and Josiah were in the zone. They had the time of their lives! Why? Because kids love chasing things. Especially wild things. My kids love chasing butterflies. They love chasing rabbits. They love chasing their dad. And they love chasing each other.
It's almost like we are born with a chasing gene. It's part of our DNA. We need something to chase. We may grow up and stop chasing butterflies, but we still need something to chase. So guys chase girls, and girls chase guys. We chase academic or athletic or artistic goals. We chase degrees. We chase positions.
I believe that God created us to chase lions, but too often that chase ends in miscarriage or misdirection. We stop chasing. Or we chase the wrong thing that leads us down the wrong path. Maybe it is time to start chasing God again. Maybe it is time to seize God-ordained opportunities. Maybe it is time to unleash that lion chaser within. Chase the lion! It's what you are destined to do!"
The Chasing Gene
"One of my favorite DC destinations is Roosevelt Island. It sits in the middle of the Potomac River near Georgetown. My kids love the island because it is a natural habitat in the middle of an urban jungle. Plus, you have to cross a foot bridge to get there. They love chasing lizards and catching tadpoles, but our last trip involved an unforgettable encounter with larger game. We were looking for lizards when Parker spotted a herd of whitetail deer less than ten feet off the footpath.
I had no idea there were deer on the island. And I have no idea how they got there. But we spent the next half hour chasing deer through the underbrush and Parker, Summer, and Josiah were in the zone. They had the time of their lives! Why? Because kids love chasing things. Especially wild things. My kids love chasing butterflies. They love chasing rabbits. They love chasing their dad. And they love chasing each other.
It's almost like we are born with a chasing gene. It's part of our DNA. We need something to chase. We may grow up and stop chasing butterflies, but we still need something to chase. So guys chase girls, and girls chase guys. We chase academic or athletic or artistic goals. We chase degrees. We chase positions.
I believe that God created us to chase lions, but too often that chase ends in miscarriage or misdirection. We stop chasing. Or we chase the wrong thing that leads us down the wrong path. Maybe it is time to start chasing God again. Maybe it is time to seize God-ordained opportunities. Maybe it is time to unleash that lion chaser within. Chase the lion! It's what you are destined to do!"
Friday, April 9, 2010
Noah Felts: A Man After God's Own Heart
"Well I love JESUS. And I’m called to be a childrens pastor, and my life is amazing because i have cool people in my life and I love JESUS oh wait I already said that but its worth saying twice."
Through all of the grieving of losing our friend, son, and brother the one thing I have never questioned was Noah's heart. satan (purposefully not capitalized) knew he could not take control of Noah's heart, so he set his aim at Noah's mind. It's a tragic event that will have lasting effects for many years to come. Noah might have lost his mental battle with satan, but I still know where he is now: resting on God's lap.
You must know that I am sincerely inspired by watching the Felts family deal with one of life's most daunting blows. This is not your ordinary family. Especially Noah's father, David. When David has every single right to break apart, he has kept everyone else together. When everyone would understand if he were weak, he has been stronger than anyone. In the words of Dave himself, "Noah was a true wild man for God, he will be missed. If you want to honor his memory then take ground for the Kingdom of God. Tell people everywhere of Jesus and His love for them. Give the devil a black eye, and win the lost"! When my status might say something about hating the world all together, this man asks us to seek the lost in honor of one of the Lord's fallen soldiers. If you're ever around Word of Life than you would know David is commonly referred to as "Super Dave", and let me tell you, there couldn't be a more fitting name. He truly is my super hero. He is an incredible leader and I’m lucky to say I know him.
Now it's time to take back from the devil. The devil has messed with the wrong church. The devil has messed with the wrong family. And he has messed with the wrong city. We will not sit in complacency. We will fight back and continue to press harder in sharing the gospel with everyone. We might have lost a brother and friend, but we will never stop pressing forward. Now is the time to step up and go into the entire world with a greater passion than before. We all know it's what Noah would be doing if he were here. We are all going to miss you, Noah. I know you’re going to be ecstatic when you see the impact you are continuing to have here on earth. I wish I could be with everyone back home today. Despite my circumstances, I will still celebrate your short, powerful life from Stillwater.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Follow You
I love the lyrical statements of this song. I strive to live my life accordingly. When I first listened, it reminded me of this inspiring article. This song is called "Follow Me" by Leeland and Brandon Heath. Listen to the words.
"Follow You" Leeland
You lived among the least of these
The weary and the weak
And it would be a tragedy for me to turn away.
All my needs you have supplied.
When I was dead you gave me life.
How could I not give it away so freely?
And I'll follow you into the homes that are broken.
Follow you into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow you into the World.
Use my hands, use my feet
To make your kingdom come
Through the corners of the earth
Until your work is done
'Cause Faith without works is dead
And on the cross your blood was she'd
So how could I not give it away so freely?
And I'll follow you into the homes that are broken.
Follow you into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow you into the World.
I give all myself.
I give all myself
I give all myself... to you.
And I give all myself.
Yes, I give all myself.
And I give all myself... to you.
And I'll follow you into the homes that are broken
Follow you into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow you into the World.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Determination: Facing Your Giant
I've never been the smartest student in any of my classes growing up. I was never a curve setter. And I certainly did not have the best ACT score in my graduating class. But one thing that I've never lacked is determination. Determination to at least compete with those "naturally" intelligent students. I also wouldn't consider myself average. I'm in a rare category of students in the academic world. I'm competitive, but only from studying an extra 5 hours a day that no one else is willing to do. That hard working attitude translated into my first ever 4.0 GPA my first year in college. There were times last year that I even reasoned that high school was more difficult than this whole college thing.
Then came sophomore year...
In the fall semester I hit my cliché "sophomore slump". My heart was in a war and my mind was exhausted. It was the first time in my life that I seemed to lose my character defining determination. Apathetic is the only adjective that could properly describe my attitude. I did not like any of my classes and had no vision. I remember just laying in bed wishing that Thanksgiving break and Christmas break would violate every physical law known to man and simply come sooner than usual. I slumped so badly that I questioned if I even wanted to be a college student anymore. After getting down on my knees and verbally telling God that I wasn't sure if I would make it through that semester, I got a huge kick in my butt. I didn't get the answer I was expecting. I wanted a peaceful God to lift me up in his lap and whisper in my ear that everything was going to be ok. Maybe just a little sympathy and a pat on the back. Nope. I didn't get the "mother" version of God. I got the "coach" version. I was told, "Stand up. Now is not the time to slack. I have much bigger plans for you than you have for yourself. Your attitude is not going to get you where I need you. Stephen, my son, declare pre-med. Go and be my hands".
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Right when I start thinking school is becoming repulsive; you want me to commit another 7 years to this sadistic institution? So I did what any normal, Christ following man would do: Went to my advisors and stated my vision and my new goals. A new desire is now burning deep inside of me. I had run out of my own will. I had used up everything in my tank, but now my fuel is unlimited. (Speaking of fuel, I incredibly miss Quick Trip. Never take it for granted Tulsans). Back on topic, now this passion to do my best is bigger and larger than ever. I've had two business advisors tell me that I really shouldn't do pre-med and still keep at my business degree at the same time. The work load is too intense. No one takes this route. I'm the only pre-med student in the entire Oklahoma State system that is getting a business undergrad degree. In other words, they think I'm crazy; but I see it as a necessary distinction. Their suggestions that I might be in over my head only intensify my fire. I love facing disbelief. And the reason why is the most important thing you can take away from this tremendous, well written blog post : )
Opportunity thrives when the odds are stacked against us. I know the initial shock of bad news or unfortunate circumstances can be overwhelming to our mentality on occasions. But when we observe our past, often our lowest points are God's highest points in our lives. God always seems to set the stage for his dramatic entrances. God could have written David's life to face a "giant" that was only a foot taller than he. Even then, the circumstances would have still favored the giant. But God knew David would have rejoiced that God "lent" him a hand in victory. This wouldn't satisfy our Lord. He purposefully made the odds in extreme favor for the giant. God made sure David was simply a shepherd. God made sure that the giant had defeated many men. God stacked the odds against David so severely, that after the giant was slain the only verbal words David could mutter would be, "This was completely and totally God. I could have never done this by myself". So this brings me to my conclusion, never let the enormity of our circumstances adjust our calling in our lives. When people tell you that you can't do something, be ecstatic because a seed is planted to prove the power of our incredible Lord. I can't wait to walk across the stage in Gallagher Iba Arena, with cords draping around my neck, a diploma in my right hand, and a medical school acceptance letter in my left. Then I can stare my advisor deep in the eyes and sincerely thank her for her disbelief. And leave her with the reminder that with God, all things are possible.
Then came sophomore year...
In the fall semester I hit my cliché "sophomore slump". My heart was in a war and my mind was exhausted. It was the first time in my life that I seemed to lose my character defining determination. Apathetic is the only adjective that could properly describe my attitude. I did not like any of my classes and had no vision. I remember just laying in bed wishing that Thanksgiving break and Christmas break would violate every physical law known to man and simply come sooner than usual. I slumped so badly that I questioned if I even wanted to be a college student anymore. After getting down on my knees and verbally telling God that I wasn't sure if I would make it through that semester, I got a huge kick in my butt. I didn't get the answer I was expecting. I wanted a peaceful God to lift me up in his lap and whisper in my ear that everything was going to be ok. Maybe just a little sympathy and a pat on the back. Nope. I didn't get the "mother" version of God. I got the "coach" version. I was told, "Stand up. Now is not the time to slack. I have much bigger plans for you than you have for yourself. Your attitude is not going to get you where I need you. Stephen, my son, declare pre-med. Go and be my hands".
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Right when I start thinking school is becoming repulsive; you want me to commit another 7 years to this sadistic institution? So I did what any normal, Christ following man would do: Went to my advisors and stated my vision and my new goals. A new desire is now burning deep inside of me. I had run out of my own will. I had used up everything in my tank, but now my fuel is unlimited. (Speaking of fuel, I incredibly miss Quick Trip. Never take it for granted Tulsans). Back on topic, now this passion to do my best is bigger and larger than ever. I've had two business advisors tell me that I really shouldn't do pre-med and still keep at my business degree at the same time. The work load is too intense. No one takes this route. I'm the only pre-med student in the entire Oklahoma State system that is getting a business undergrad degree. In other words, they think I'm crazy; but I see it as a necessary distinction. Their suggestions that I might be in over my head only intensify my fire. I love facing disbelief. And the reason why is the most important thing you can take away from this tremendous, well written blog post : )
Opportunity thrives when the odds are stacked against us. I know the initial shock of bad news or unfortunate circumstances can be overwhelming to our mentality on occasions. But when we observe our past, often our lowest points are God's highest points in our lives. God always seems to set the stage for his dramatic entrances. God could have written David's life to face a "giant" that was only a foot taller than he. Even then, the circumstances would have still favored the giant. But God knew David would have rejoiced that God "lent" him a hand in victory. This wouldn't satisfy our Lord. He purposefully made the odds in extreme favor for the giant. God made sure David was simply a shepherd. God made sure that the giant had defeated many men. God stacked the odds against David so severely, that after the giant was slain the only verbal words David could mutter would be, "This was completely and totally God. I could have never done this by myself". So this brings me to my conclusion, never let the enormity of our circumstances adjust our calling in our lives. When people tell you that you can't do something, be ecstatic because a seed is planted to prove the power of our incredible Lord. I can't wait to walk across the stage in Gallagher Iba Arena, with cords draping around my neck, a diploma in my right hand, and a medical school acceptance letter in my left. Then I can stare my advisor deep in the eyes and sincerely thank her for her disbelief. And leave her with the reminder that with God, all things are possible.
"It feels lighter today... Did I forget something?"
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