This is what happens when you are running full speed trying to score a goal left-footed, only to misstep and roll your ankle, then applying your entire body weight to said rolled ankle. The good news is the doctor said there were no breaks, but now I have a baseball for an ankle. For the short-term I’ll be crutching around, but I think my soccer season is over.

I never did score that goal.

I love this video because:

1. The first guy doesn’t care what other people think.
2. It shows us our true nature of wanting to be part of the crowd.

It amazes me how long it takes for other people to join in, but when they do people are flocking, literally running, to get in on the action. Why? Why did it take so long?

I can imagine people sitting on their blankets and saying to their friends, “Look at that guy! He’s probably high or something.” Moments later, those same people can’t get off their blanket fast enough to join the crowd, most likely so they can come back to the blanket and say, “Did you see me over there? Wasn’t that awesome?!?”

Human beings are timid sheep. We want to be part of the crowd, but are afraid to look dumb if nobody else comes with. I hope that in my life I can be like the first guy, dancing and having fun and not caring what anybody else thinks. The least I could do is be the second or third guy. I don’t want to be a timid sheep.

Don’t worry, I’m not talking about the show. I find it poorly written, poorly acted, and it takes itself way too seriously. Were it tongue-in-cheek I may enjoy it. There’s just something about it I can’t stand. But that’s beside the point. I’m talking about real heroes.

We have all had them at some point or another. For me, you can trace the timeline back to my youth. There were the early days of superheroes, but it quickly became apparent I could never really be Superman or Spiderman (save some alien rock crystals or bizarre poisonous spiders). Then my attention turned to firefighters and astronauts, thanks to Kurt Russel and Tom Hanks. Shortly after I turned 18, I realized that Jesus of Nazareth really was my hero, and still is. But he’s like THE hero. Then I learned of the “heroes of the faith,” like John the Baptist, the apostle Paul, Peter, the martyrs, the reformers, etc.

This last week, I realized I have a few new heroes: the Hullings. Josh and Emily Hulling, aside from being family, are two of the most amazing people I know. If you don’t know about their story, they have a beautiful 4-year-old son named Gavin who has been diagnosed on the Autism spectrum. Since finding this about (I believe about 2 years ago?), Josh and Emily have dived head first into research, diagnoses, treatment, anything that would give them insight in to how to fight and recover Gavin from the grips of Autism. They weren’t content with accepting a diagnosis and living with the fact that Gavin would be “different,” they knew his mind was trapped in a cloud that could be relieved.

We had the privelege of taking care of Gavin and his hilarious 2-year-old counterpart Liam for a couple days while Josh and Emily attended a conference in Massachusetts. After hearing about the conference, I can tell they are all the more fired up to recover Gavin, and to be a resource and refuge for those who may feel helpless in their child’s fight with Autism.

So why are they my heroes?

Josh has shown me what it means to be a man of God who provides for his family, no matter what the cost. It hasn’t always been easy, and I’ve never heard him complain. His example is exactly what I want to be for my family.

Emily tirelessly cares for Gavin and Liam, whilst being 8 months pregnant! She researched and labored over nutrition and developmental care for Gavin while trying to wrangle a rambunctious 2-year-old. I am in awe of her strength.

Gavin is one of the loveliest people I have ever met. Sure, he’s four, but you can tell how tender his heart is in how he cares for his family. I can’t wait until we can say, “Remember when Gavin was autistic?” He will be a force to be reckoned with.

Liam is one of the weirdest, funniest people I know, and he’s two! I don’t know where this kid gets it, but he is hilarious.

One time, my friend Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez had a dream where Babe Ruth visited him and told him this, “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” I say, forget that. I don’t care about legends, we need more heroes.

Thanks, Hullings, for showing me the person I want to be.

Since we have custody for the brothers Hulling for the next 36 hours, we’ve also been given the responsibility of blogging their activities.

Last night was relatively calm; dinner with Grandma and Grandpa, jammies, and Horton Hears a Who. This morning, I had a lovely goodbye from both boys as I headed off to work. There was a great thunderstorm, so Katie and the boys were up having conversations about thunder.

From what I hear an exciting day is planned of fire engines, the mall, and, of course, QDoba. I’ll be meeting up with the crew in the afternoon. And tomorrow we hit up the Downtown Farmer’s Market. Should be exciting!

It seems like we have known a lot of people who have gotten divorced early in their marriage. Even Christian couples. While we don’t know all the details and we shouldn’t assume or “pick sides”, as it were, Katie and I have been able to have really good conversations about how to be proactive in fighting the things that might lead to divorce. We talk about honesty, boundaries in friendships, and above all bowing to God’s commands.

But from what I have learned in the divorces of Christian couples, the common cause is not something like infidelity or distrust, but selfishness. It seems we have forgotten the purpose of our marriages and our lives – being vessels and deliverers of God’s grace.

I have become pretty convinced that our purpose on this Earth is as simple as this: reconciliation through grace. Jesus reconciled us to God through His grace, and now we are to act in ways to reconcile others to God through our grace (given, of course, by God). We are to love enemies. Believing wives are to win over unbelieving husbands by their actions. We are to submit to our authorities even when it’s difficult. We are to display grace so that God would be made known.

When it comes to marriage, it’s not about you. It’s about the grace that you exhibit, even when it’s hard. In that, God will give to you abundantly so you can give to others.

So stop being selfish.

This was definitely an action-packed weekend, including my first stint as a wedding photographer since my sister’s failed wedding photos of 2003, a busy Saturday, and a lovely outdoor reception followed by soccer followed by El Cazador followed by passing out in bed at 9:30pm. I embrace my lameness. I. LOVE. SLEEP.

Despite the rain on Friday, the wedding was beautiful. My favorite part was the fact that I was the only outsider allowed. The ceremony was only for family, so it was quaint and authentic and beautiful. The same three words I would use to describe Adam and Jen. They are lovely people. The ceremony was followed by all the family piling into the house for an amazing dinner. It was very reminiscent of the rehearsal dinner scene in Rachel Getting Married, only without the drug addicts. This picture is from that dinner, and I think the dinner was where I was actually able to capture some good images. It was great.

Last night the Ragamuffins, much like the Orlando Magic, suffered an undeserved loss. We played hard and we had heart, but the other team just had more skill. And more attitude. I couldn’t believe how these guys were playing, and for what end? Solomon considered the labor of his hands for a lifetime to be vanity, what would he consider an 8 week adult rec soccer league? I understand wanting to play hard and play well, but the attitude and sarcastic talk was beyond unnecessary. Seriously, you beat us by 7 or so points. Lose the attitude.

I was mostly bummed that we lost because of our fan section, consisting of Katie, Mom, Pop, Gavin and Liam. I really wanted to pull out a win for those little guys. I did have two shots on goal that were a bit closer than last week. I think I’ll land one on Wednesday.

Are these goals regulation size, or what?!?

Last night was the opening of Ames Parks and Rec Adult Soccer League, and the Ragamuffins chalked up a tough 4-2 loss. You heard me, the Ragamuffins.

I have to say, I am pretty proud and honored to be a part of the Ragamuffins. Sure, there are “cooler” team names like the Hurricanes or the Ames Football Club, but you know immediately those teams take themselves too seriously. Many players on our team have never really played soccer before. I love it. I’m praying that God would help me build relationships and that He would write a cool story out of this.

It does amaze me how people can take a rec league and play like they’re on a university club team. For example, the team we were playing with had some really talented players, but there were a couple guys that were maybe playing a little too aggressive – putting their shoulders in me, tripping up people in attempts to “steal” the ball, etc. I was honestly surprised. I understand the desire to win, but c’mon guys, it’s a recreation league!

I realized that I need to evaluate the opposing players each game to see which ones I need step up against. I just want to have fun, but if there are guys who will try to lay into me, I will unfortunately have to try and flatten them.

Though I had two failed shots on goal, I was proud to assist both of our goals. I think a few more games and our team will really know how to play together. Who knows, the Ragamuffins may end up at the top of the table.

I just wish this guy was our ref.

I have been recruited by our dear friends Adam and Jen to take photos at their wedding ceremony next week. That can only mean one thing: NEW TOYS!

After much research and perusing photography forums, I found the equipment I need at the price range I can afford. Finally, last night I received one of the two lenses I purchased for my camera. I had to put this baby to use and Katie was gracious enough to volunteer to model. Actually, I think she was more excited about it than me. In fact, this morning she asked me if I wanted to bring the camera along to take pictures of her in the car. Maybe tomorrow.

This picture is a quick trial run of doing some outdoor photography and a little retouching. What amazes me is the color quality of this bad boy. I’m also excited to see how having a better understanding of lighting and exposure will translate to shooting film again. I think I’ll be ready to go by next Friday.