Spring Equinox 2011...

Today was a good day. Sometimes it's just nice to be able to utter such words.

This past week was Spring Break and I have rarely come back from such a break as refreshed as I am now. Don't get me wrong, I would still gladly sign up for another week or two, but as breaks go, this one ranks up there.

Highlights:

PEPSI CENTER... A week ago Friday, I went to see my beloved Avs play. In all the games I've seen them play thus far in my life, we had always won. We lost 6-2. Enough said.

The following night, however, a friend of mine treated Ryan and me to a Nuggets' game. In the first NBA game I have seen in some 20 years, we were treated to a run-and-gun game and came out on top 131-101.

Ryan described the game as a 'circus atmosphere'. I agree. Really enjoyed the experience!

RUSHMORE PLAZA CIVIC CENTER... This past Friday I made the trip to Rapid to watch my beloved Rush take on the Laredo Bucks. We won 2-1, but the real highlight of the game may have revolved around my friend's 6 year-old son. Attending his first ever hockey game, my friend continually asked his son (jokingly so) if he wanted to go home and was met time-after-time with a resounding 'NO!' This response only became that much more emphatic after the 'chuck-a-puck' event between the 2nd and 3rd periods.

At some point during the night, I thought it might be fun to let Carson, my friend's 6 year-old, give the 'chuck-a-puck' a shot. I remember explaining to my friend that even if Carson wasn't able to throw his puck to the ice, someone would likely pick it up and loft it over the glass for him. Well, the first two landed in the 1st row (we were sitting in the 5th row), but after removing his jacket, he was able to make the last one to the ice. Unfortunately, his throw had the puck land closer to one of the goals than to center ice.

As they began to rattle off the winning numbers, I decided to pull out our slip of paper with our puck numbers just to keep Carson's interest. Sure enough, the last number they read was one of ours!

Carson couldn't have been prouder and was grinning ear-to-ear the rest of the night.

OLD TOWN... Last but not least, Old Town Fort Collins. Last night, I went with a friend to watch a young man from the small group I am a part of be baptized. It felt good to be there for him and to meet his family.

Then this morning, I attended two church services. The first one was nothing spectacular as I had heard the same message last night. The second one, however, was noteworthy.

The second church I attended today was one I had checked out for the first time a few weeks ago. Like my church, this one is located in the Old Town area (technically speaking, it's located in the historic district adjacent to Old Town, but you get the idea). It's a unique church, especially given it's size. For example, they publish a quarterly magazine on art and faith, Ruminate, and have a gifted music director--trust me that I do not say that lightly!

There are a couple of things I've been praying for as I look into the possibility of moving to Fort Collins. Fellowship, travel, a roof over my head, etc, have all been on my heart the past month. This second service did wonders in those areas. I want to discuss this at length, but will wait until I know more...hopefully later this week!

For the Record (Dating)...

Spring Break is just around the corner. I recognize the opportunity that this break from the action presents and always try to make the most of it. Last year, I followed my beloved Rush for a massive trip through the Great Plains. This year, I was planning a trip through the South. However, with rising gas prices and the time behind the wheel involved, I ultimately decided to stick closer to home.

With the changing of plans comes the inevitable phone calls to friends I had hoped to visit. A few of these calls were to friends I had really hoped to see; friends I haven't seen in several years.

Back in 1997 I decided I was done with dating non-Believers. "Never again," I told myself. From here on out I would exclusively date fellow bearers of the Cross. It took a while to find such a person (I was living in Utah at the time), but I did eventually go out on a date again. The young lady was not a Christian when we first started spending time together, but became one within several weeks and we began dating shortly thereafter. A classic example of 'missionary dating'.

A couple of years ago I broke with tradition and went out on a few dates with a couple of women who I knew where not Christians and might be best described as 'antagonistic' to the idea of coming to faith. But I went out on the dates nonetheless.

Through these experiences I have become a firm believer of what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth in regards to the importance of being equally yoked (2 Cor 6:14). The 'missionary dating' saga ended well in that the young lady came to faith, and remains so, but the experience was one I would strongly prefer to never repeat again. On a similar note, I found myself developing feelings for the two women I went out on dates with a couple of years ago. The question of whether or not to hold true to my beliefs or make a short term exit for greener pastures was one I did not want to answer. Why couldn't I have both? I know the answer to that latter question, but it didn't make it any easier at the time. Again, experiences I would be wise not to repeat.

This past weekend, I called my friend Jake. He was one of the many friends I was hoping to reconnect with over Spring Break; a dear friend I haven't seen in 6 or 7 years. The subject of dating came up and I realized Jake was not aware of my thoughts on the subject since we last met. He had been present for the missionary dating experience and was curious as to where I stood on the subject. I let him know that missionary dating, as well as dating non-Believers, were not options.

There are several reasons why I am writing this post. Recently, several people at church have wanted to set me up with a woman or two they know in Fort Collins. The first one didn't work out; she initially indicated she was interested in meeting someone, but then decided she wasn't as soon as I contacted her. Yeah, I know.

But there is a second name that has been passed my way. I had assumed that the couple that hosts the small group from church I am involved with would want to set me up with a fellow person of faith. I assumed wrongly. Even after explaining my thoughts on the subject, they pressed forward. I will not be bending on this issue and am thankful that none of the godly men I have talked with regarding this have agreed with the idea.

Spring Break may bring some additional answers to the questions swirling around in my head regarding dating, but that will have to wait. For the time being, I stand unwavering to these beliefs on dating.

ps--there is also a third name that has been passed my way from church. More on her later? Maybe.

You know you're in the West...

...when you see a cowboy in full attire (cowboy hat and boots) walking down the town's main drag carrying a guitar and seemingly headed nowhere.