A Letter To Me Then...

If I could write a letter to me then...boy the things I want to tell him.

However, as I would want to warn him of the hurt coming in his relationship and to end it before she does...it wouldn't change the pain he'd feel just change it.

I would want to tell him to let his anger go more and his love show more...but he wouldn't listen to me, he was stubborn like that...and perhaps me telling him to do so would make him cling to it even more.

I would want to inform him that God is in fact real and is working throughout his entire life...but he'd only say well duh he is...and not having dealt with immense hurt, death and suicidal thoughts yet he doesn't understand his very belief structure would be questioned in just a few years.

While there is so much I'd wanna tell him....I know I couldn't without risking the man he would become; one that realizes the man God desires him to be and called him to be. One far far from that, but one trying.

So I think I'd just tell him this:

God is not going anywhere. Weather the storms that will come and watch what grows after them. Every time you feel there is nothing but darkness in your life, know that every night ends with a dawn...be patient.

-Ty

P.S. Also, buy stock in Facebook...lots of stock in Facebook.

To the visitor on Easter...

Dear Visitor,

You didn't see me on Sunday.

I was busy making sure the sound was all functioning right up in the sound booth and buzzing around the back of the sanctuary throughout service. However, I wanted to let you know how incredible it was to have you with us.

I know visiting a church isn't always the easiest thing to do. The fear of judgement, or probing that can ensue by those there is undoubtedly one of the biggest driving forces which may very well have kept you from coming before. I hope and pray your experience was a good one.

Whatever your story is, from whatever place you find yourself in currently know one thing:

YOU MADE GOD'S DAY BY COMING!

Yes, the simple act of making it a priority to put God first made the most incredible smile creep across God's face, of that I am certain. If I'm honest with you, I also must let you know you inspired me. Yes, I go to church nearly every week...and this past Holy Week found me at the church 5 different times for a multitude of different services...but YOU inspired me with your presence. See, while I may go more, I would be lying if I said I always went with the desire to be there. At times it is something I do because it is the "right thing" or the "dutiful thing" to do....you though came because you desired to. For if you didn't you would have like the Sunday prior not been there, BUT YOU WERE!

That desire is inspiring.

I pray that this visit is just the first step in either your new journey towards a relationship with God, or perhaps this is a renewing of one. No matter which it is I pray you continue to find HOPE, REFUGE and INSPIRATION from the very definition of LOVE, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


Love,

Your Inspired Brother

PS - If you can't make it this next week, know you will be missed and you have my prayers.

To The Stranger That Prayed

Dear Stranger,

Hi.

I don't know you, but somehow what you did that day connected us.

It was a fairly typical September day in Indiana, the weather was nice and the sky was clear. Cool for summer, but no chill like a reminder of fall fast approaching. For my family and I though, that day was anything but normal. This was the day we mourned, celebrated and would ultimately escort my grandpa to his body's final resting place.

I'll spare you all the stories of him, just know he loved God and he loved his family...including his wife of 62 years he watched slip away just 7 weeks prior (maybe she had to go get heaven ready for him....).

I have no doubt the small action you did might seem like nothing to you...or something you've slowly begun to do as a habit, but know it is and was so much more than that.

You see as my family followed the hearse September 12, 2016 to the cemetery and you did something that sadly was quite the contrary to EVERYONE else. While other drivers impatiently crept along or even disregarded us entirely and stormed past...you didn't.

You, did something entirely unexpected.

Instead, you'd pulled over to the side of the road.

No doubt put your van in park, and began to pray.

I will never know the words of your prayer but know their words were felt that day. Felt in such a pure form from God.

You see I saw you with your right hand on your heart, left hand held out as if to be placing it upon the passing family and your eyes closed. I saw you lifting prayers up to heaven...and I felt them...I felt them.

I had fought back tears the whole ride...but my dear sister you made me lose it. Not in a bad way, but in a heavenly way only God can provide.

So thank you! While I don't know you, know that you are now forever cemented in my thoughts and prayers...and I only pray that should roles ever be reversed you will catch a glimpse of me in my car...right arm on my heart, left arm out and eyes closed...

God Bless

Ty Miller

Question raised....attempt at an answer...

A good friend of mine posted this question to social media...

Social Topic #6: Ferguson 
So I don't know if I have a stance on this one. I feel, however, that I don't understand what's really going on. The forensic evidence clearly showed that Michael Brown had some part of his body within Officer Wilson's police car (Mr. Brown's blood was found in the car) and that Michael Brown was trying to grab Officer Wilson's firearm (Mr. Brown had burns on his hands from the hot gun barrel). What are the riots and mayhem really about? Is this a systemic, national problem of abuse of police powers specifically aimed at African Americans that just happened to find its powder keg in a St. Louis suburb rather than a more common urban area like NY, Chicago or LA? What I am looking for here is someone who can help me understand what the protesters and rioters are really upset about.

I took a moment to possibly attempt an answer...but know first and foremost I don't claim to know it all or have it all right...but I do know the end of my answer is without a doubt spot on!

I concur in that the facts of the case itself as laid out in front of the grand jury (anyone questioning NY Times and other sources have the released documents in GREAT length to read through, google search will reveal the official docs). Michael Brown did in fact fight in the car with the officer…and at some point his hand came in contact with a firearm being/recently fired explaining the burn marks. Everything in the case itself points towards justice was served…however mistreatment to the victim did occur…which I feel is part of the reasoning for the issues.

One such mistreatment is the amount of time Michael Brown’s body simply lay in the streets un-touched or shielded from view…surrounding vehicles, a sheet or shoot a tent would have been more respectable to a death and family of the deceased than what was done.

However, that in and of itself isn’t enough for this keg to explode like it has. In part it is due to misinformation and confirmed lies to news reporters and investigators of how Michael Brown had done no wrong at all, and the whole “Hands up, don’t shoot” phenomenon started by now discredited statements made by his acquaintance walking with him at the time.

Those words heard over the nations’ multitude of news stations triggered many a pent up or frustrated feeling amongst many African Americans with ill feelings or experiences with law enforcement…and let’s face it, the community of Ferguson is when judging criminal records, have its fair share of folks not “cop friendly” for many reasons (some most likely justified and others not). This added powder to the keg.

Then there are the proven cases of cops abusing their power, and in some cases race is a factor (but not always as some would make us think). Without a doubt profiling occurs, and without a doubt more African American young males statistical are most likely on the receiving end of this….but this isn’t without  justification proven by crime records proving a young African American male is more likely to commit a crime than that of a white, Hispanic or Asian background. A fact that most likely is why more young African American males probably get looked at longer, suspected more and questioned at a higher frequency than any of their counter parts. Many feel this is an injustice and many have their freedoms threatened by cops assuming they’re “up to no good” (again some most likely are justified and others not). Add more powder to the keg.

However, this paragraph is where I feel the BIGGEST aspect of why all the frustration and rioting is occurring. There is a common misnomer in culture that something is always to blame for what is going on…that something is always on the outside or exterior portions of our lives. I don’t cast a broad net to all African Americans but I do feel that there are a good number of African Americans that are afraid to accept the fact the problem isn’t with the law enforcement or the rules concerning how cops are reprimanded…or the imbalanced make up of the grand jury….or anything else…THE PROBLEM IS THE FAMILY CULTURE INSIDE THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY (same to be said for ANY nationality too!). I work with a lady who mentions all the time “In the black community you don’t do that…or you’d be a snitch and snitches get stitches…” It’s a sad state of affairs when your community, culture or family concepts view doing the right thing as wrong and teaches you to be fearful of law enforcement. So just like many of us scream about others issues to hide our own or are really good at pointing the finger to avoid dealing with our own skeletons we just simply deflect…that is what I see this as; ONE HUGE DEFLECTION.

Now I’m not saying nothing can come from all that has been brought up. More training to law enforcement, body cams and the such are all great things that should come from this and truly are good things. However, we are going to miss the biggest thing that should come out of this and that is attempting to re-construct the family and cultural make up of not just the African American community but that of the Urban communities….and EVERY COMMUNITY IN AMERICA. The family structure once present in America is gone, and gone with it is any sense of what it means to be human in many ways.

But looking inward like that and striving to re-build families would involve accepting the importance of family and the structure of its design...just as God intended it to be. Ugh-oh…I said the key word…CNN is gonna cut me off. Perhaps if we worried a little more about God and Family…everything else would solve itself.

I stand with Officer Wilson. 

My mind worries for Ferguson. 

My heart breaks with the Browns. 

Most importantly though I pray God takes it all and He is found through it.

I'm Sorry But Not...

If there is one thing I've learned to embrace is the fact I'm never going to be thought kindly of by everyone in my life. That fact used to eat at me, I'm talking stomach aches and near vomiting nauseous feeling taking over my body when I knew someone thought ill of me.

I think to an extent this is true of all of us, because in the end no matter what we say or do we desire to be accepted. Accepted for who we are and what we believe. However, let me break some possibly ground shattering news for you, that will never be accomplished 100% of the time for we are human. No human is without sin on this Earth these days and due to that there will always be disagreements or arguments between opposing viewpoints or lifestyles. At times people will have very ill opinions of your beliefs, thoughts or actions...the quicker you realize this the better off you will be.

And yes, sadly it doesn't matter if you are the kindest, nicest person in the world who goes out of their way to help every single person you meet (and just to be clear that is not me I'm describing by a long shot!). Someone is going to call you a self-righteous jerk or that you suffer from holier than thou syndrome, it doesn't matter even sometimes how much thought you put into trying to not appear as such in an attempt to truly be just as you feel you should be.

The question is when presented with those instances where people are feeling you are being self-righteous or similar how will you respond? Obviously being nice or speaking respectfully to these people may just cause the thought to grow...but if you get defensive you prove their point that it is a facade or fake front you put on to appear better than you really are.

This is perhaps the biggest thing I struggle with...and continue to. I am the first to admit I claim to live by a black and white motto when it comes to right and wrong...I don't try to live in a gray area or even pretend that one exists. This means that many a time I find myself confronted with discussions or times where disagreement arises due to my thoughts or actions which I feel are right to feel or do.

As an example of this is very recent and still fresh on my mind. After years of suspecting illegal hunting occurring on ground which borders a property we hunt, the landowner and us both wanted to do what we could to see if our suspicions were right or not. You see the neighboring property is owned by the state and is a nature preserve...one which ZERO hunting of any kind can occur on. Meaning you can't even take a weapon of any kind (bow or firearm) with you onto this property, and if you do go on it you are to not remove even a stick or rock from it...well with many instances where suspected trespassing onto it and hunting occurred we began reaching out to the DNR requesting guidance in what we were and weren't allowed to do in order to attempt to catch the suspected activity.

I will withhold the details to save space but long story short after discussions with the DNR and legally proceeding accordingly we captured someone on multiple occasions hunting the property this year (bow in hand, arrow nocked and ready to rock) walking in well before dark than after dark fell. Obviously this was 100% illegal so in accordance with what we stated we would do, we informed the DNR of the pictures and proceeded to attempt identifying the person.

This is where it turns dicey...as more and more people find out what is happening some began stating that I'm the one with the problem. That I suffer from holier than thou syndrome and merely did this as an attempt yet again to prove I'm better than everyone else.

Not gonna lie when these thoughts, either stated bluntly or implied with politician sounding statements, began to occur it hit me like a ton of bricks right to the gut. Here I had done everything I could to ensure the integrity of the hunting laws were being upheld and wrong do'ers would be caught and stopped. Something which I felt obligated to do as a sportsman, I couldn't just turn a blind eye because in my opinion that would make me just as bad as those committing the crimes. But not everyone saw it as such, some saw it as someone trying to make others look bad and me look good.

I instantly started making apologies or going into a shell due to these thoughts coming my way....only to have God remind me of whom I am.

I am not here to care about what anyone thinks to the extent it consumes me...the only opinion that should go to the level of consumption is that of God's.

You see where I went wrong was allowing others to begin crafting my thoughts or feelings I had for myself. I began to let them craft me into the man they saw me as, not as the man God sees me as and desires me to be.

It is that man which I should strive to be more like...and to put it simply that isn't going to always mean others will agree or like it. There is nothing wrong with stating "I'm sorry you disagree or what I did made you annoyed, mad or upset; but I am not sorry for what I did or said." Now there is also times were we state things in a way God wouldn't be proud of and apologies for our words or actions which didn't show love or understanding must occur as well...but an apology for your belief or actions that are Godly and just, should never feel needed.

At that point we must accept the fact that others may or may not appreciate that stance...just pray for them, pray for you and pray for the situation...there is nothing more you can do AND THAT IS OKAY.

It is realizing this that has made me see more and more each day that the more transparent I become about who I am and what I believe and why I strive to do right in EVERYTHING in my life the more struggles I will have. Because attempting such is amazingly daunting...I mean I struggle everyday trying to be the man I'm describing and fail. I am so far from being the man I want to be, however I also refuse to coast or accept that fact...

I choose to fight
I choose to try to be more

and if that offends some along the way I truly am sorry you feel that way...but I accept that this might happen.

What good is curing cancer in a man's body...

--------------------

What good is curing cancer in a man's body...if we can't cure his soul before death?

If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and do two things for me...

#1 - Look up the Jimmy V Foundation, learn about it and listen to how it all started and the impact in cancer research it has achieved to date. The awesome impact it has made is undoubtedly a sign of what is possible when humans seek to conquer something in unison. If possible please support it in any way you can. www.jimmyv.org

Screenshot, all ownership to ESPN (HERE)

#2 - Look up the latest speech from the recipient of the Jimmy V Award, Stuart Scott. I always felt Mr. Scott was a very poignant and eloquent linguist. His words were and still are always spoken with a purpose behind every syllable and inflection. Stuart's speech is powerful, poignant, honest, challenging, sad, amazing and inspiring all rolled into one. (Video of Speech)

Inspiration comes from everywhere, and let me make one thing clear; I personally feel there is never anything wrong with being motivated to better yourself or help others...no matter the source of that motivation, Mr. Scott certainly does just that.

There is an aspect of Mr. Scott's speech though that whether by choice or simply was not visible (a true possibility) that I truly did miss greatly. While Mr. Scott was spot on about never giving up and his love for his family and how much they mean to him I couldn't help but notice a common theme...placing faith in himself, nurses/doctors and others. If you listened to his speech, it circled around ones self to not give up. It circled around the concept of relying on humans and humans alone. 

Might I remind all reading this that mankind has proven to be perfect at one thing and one thing alone...we are perfect at being imperfect (sinful). 

Now I don't know where Mr. Scott's walk with Christ is. I don't know if he has ever been introduced to him, felt him in his heart or seeks Him every day of his life. All I have to go on is that speech, which is the hot video circling social media.

So I will not touch on any kind of opinion on Stuart's walk with Christ...I merely want anyone watching this video or saw the video to know there is something which surpasses all your personal ability, all your doctor's ability, all your family's ability...there is someone who has already beaten what cancer attempts to do. There is someone who brings peace which surpasses all human understanding. There is someone whom will never fail you, never leave you, never forsake you and never stop loving you. There is someone whom will hold you as you take on cancer...

...and you know what? You walk with Him, you let Him hold you...cancer is seen for what it truly is:

TEMPORARY.

You see cancer only speeds up exactly what you should be fighting: DEATH. Humans will send thousands of dollar to fight cancer, aids or other things.....yet ignore fighting DEATH. Humans will get motivated by videos of people speaking on perseverance, overcoming obstacles or beating the odds...yet ignore fighting DEATH.

What good is being consumed with beating something that is temporary but yet ignore fighting something so certain in DEATH?

Cancer is merely a distraction created and came to be when sin entered the world...and boy does the devil love using it as a facade or covering in front of what we truly should be fighting; DEATH.

Now I've personally lost family members to cancer. I've personally lost loved ones to cancer. I 100% back every single organization on this Earth that is fighting in any form to conquer cancer medically....please don't let your mind twist what I'm getting at. However, I will not allow DEATH to be forgotten. I cannot allow those I love and those I am commanded to love (all) to ignore DEATH.

For what good is curing cancer in a man's body...if we can't cure his soul before death?

We are offering nothing to cancer patients if we can cure cancer...sure we've given them the chance at a few more years but in the scheme that is eternity we have done nothing. DEATH will still come. DEATH will still reign forever and DEATH will steal from us everything we have placed our hope in here on Earth.

So please be motivated and inspired by Mr. Stuart Scott and others like him. He is a testimony to what a difference can be made should we simply not give up. However, do not allow yourself for a minute forget that while you or someone else may battle cancer here on Earth...the true battle is with DEATH and what it brings after it....

...and only one thing can beat it. That is the one thing that has proven to be perfect at one thing: being perfect.

God bless.

P.S. If by some fashion this falls on the eyes of Stuart Scott, know that I hope and pray we get to enjoy your presence in the sports world and outside, because you truly are an amazing man for what you have overcome and what you bring to your job. My prayers go out to you.

Seize The Day....

can still remember sitting in the Northridge High School parking lot the morning of the NLC Sectionals for baseball my senior year. Odd thing was, I wasn't even playing but I was there...and there for a reason. You see baseball was and still is (in the version of softball) a big part of my life. At one point in time it was all I desired to be and not to toot my own horn had a serious chance of putting me through college and hopefully some years chasing the dream after...

...but it didn't work out that way. Between my tendon in my shoulder deciding to take a break...and experiencing one of the most unhealthy coach-player relationships I've had...I pulled out of baseball before my senior year. It wasn't easy. As a matter of fact it was one of the single most difficult decisions I've ever made in my life, and while I accept it as the right decision it will never be one I'm completely at peace with.

So that's why I found myself patiently waiting for one of my past team mates and friends to arrive in the parking lot...I had a letter for them before their game.

It wasn't anything amazing...or Herb Brooks type material but it spoke of a truth I wanted each and every one of them to understand. I don't remember exactly how it all went but I remember it involved laying out the fact that every single time they step in the box...or take the field...or look down to coach for a sign is the last time that moment will happen. Never again will they be in the box with a 2-2 count in the 4th with a man on 2nd and 2 outs in that exact game. Never again will they take their lead in the bottom of the 6th with 1 out and they're the tying run. Never again will they run onto the field in their last game of their high school career. Those moments will come and go...so seize each and every one of them and squeeze out of them every drip of emotion.

So as the first one arrived I gave it to him (he was a senior) and said to read it and share it with the others...I said good luck and than left.

Original source: HERE

Every single moment is precious and worthy of being seized; for you never know when baseball or anything else will be over for you....which is why every single moment must not be taken for granted!

ife is no different. We take on each day differently than the day prior, for we are not the same person as we were the day prior. Moments have passed and new moments are coming....it is how we face each and every moment that molds us into the person we are each day as we roll out of bed. Set to face more...moments.


The question you must answer is how you will treat these moments? Will you let them begin to mold you into the man, the woman or child of God that you desire and were designed to be?

Or will this world continue to swallow you up in its lies and pleasures? If you are not careful your moments to achieve the true you will slip through your fingers faster than the granules of sand running through your fingers while you try to grasp a handful at a beach...

Link to original source: HERE

I've heard numerous times some say they've just not had the chance...or the opportunity...or the moment to do, be or become something better.

However, what if that moment you've thought you got cheated out of was eliminated by a prior moment and the decision made during it?

What if that moment depended upon the moment just minutes prior...to which you didn't grasp and do the most with? Or...the right thing with?

God designed us to chase that perfect "you". One which loves as He designed us to, one which cares as He designed us to...and one who trusts as He designed us to. In order to do that though we must do our part. We must seize EACH AND EVERY DAY OF OUR LIVES....EACH AND EVERY HOUR OF OUR LIVES....EACH AND EVERY MINUTE OF OUR LIVES.

Not because we only live once (YOLO is a lie!)....but because we will live twice. You see we chase each moment like it is our last because we are looking towards the bigger prize which He has promised....

...that moment when we open our eyes and we get to see His face, His place...His kingdom. It is that moment which we strive towards, but know there are hundred thousands countless moments that must occur before that one.

The question is will your moments today direct, show and push you towards that moment?

It takes but one second for DEATH to hit...don't let the moment prior dictate where death takes you...

So where my travelers who journey through the distant night

Raise your glasses to the sky...let it glisten bright

And if we die tonight...least we fly tonight

Know that we seize n' every moment for that bigger prize

Carpe Diem

By: Spoken
feat. Skrip & Remus

Source: HERE

Birthday Reflections...

In about an hour from when I'm writing this I will have officially close the 27th chapter (year) of my life here on Earth. No doubt Facebook will be riddled with "Happy Birthdays" and other pleasantries...cards will come in the mail...and many a smile and well wishes will follow me the entire day. However, despite all of that I cannot help but realize yet another year slipped through my fingers...

Not in the way many are probably thinking. No I don't feel like I didn't "YOLO" it enough or have a bunch of "man I wish I'd have done that"...nope.

I let another year slip through my fingers in getting closer to the point I need to be as a man. Many of you know me as a confident, clever, obnoxious, opinionated and passionate man...but that is only the facade covering a man who is broken in sin and fails each day in his attempt to walk with God every second of every day. That is why I look back on the 27th chapter in my life with some regret, some sadness but more importantly anger.

Anger in that I let myself drift at times from God and the man I was created to be by Him.
Anger in that despite the knowledge of wrong from right in my heart I don't always make the proper choice.
Anger in that it shouldn't be a complicated thing; know good, do good and make God (and family) proud.

So as I welcome in Chapter 28 in this short life we live I do so with hesitation, angst but also excitement. Excitement in the fact that while I have a long way to go to becoming the man I need to be, I know the way to get there; simply give everything to Him. Fully submit to the idea I have no power, no ability and no skills which can assist me in achieving it. God is the only way, the only strength, the only ability and the only One that can create us to what we are created to be.

So instead of celebrating my birthday...I will celebrate this as a "re-birth" day just like so many others before it.

Blessings...and may you find your own re-birth this day.

SAND CASTLES...Grit & Honesty At Its Finest

I will admit, having went to school with the creative mind behind the entire film (whom starred in it as well) I did my best to go in with a clean slate and not let my anticipation and discussions on the film with Jordan Hodges skew my thoughts at all. With that disclaimer of sorts let me dive into what I thought of Sand Castles...warning may contain what some consider spoilers.

Primary Cast & Crew

Jordan Hodges --- as Noah Daly

Anne Winters --- as Lauren Daly

Randy Spence --- as Tommy Daly

Saxon Trainer --- as Marie Daly

Daniella Grace --- as Alison Paige

Scott Jemison --- as Detective Cloud

Clint Howard --- as Todd Carlson

Clenét Verdi-Rose --- Director

Chris Nickin --- Producer

Jordan Hodges --- Screenwriter & Producer

The Story

A gritty and intricate tale around the cornfields of small-town Indiana. Noah and his poverty-stricken family wrestle with the mysterious return of his now mute sister Lauren, who was kidnapped and held captive for over a decade.

~sandcastlesfilm.com

Some films are predictable. Some films glaze over the top of hard topics. Some films make difficult situations seem clean and smooth. Some films refuse to expose the harsh realities of life. Some films lose sight of honesty. Some films...are not Sand Castles.

Tommy, Noah & Marie Daly

It's true, perhaps knowing how long Jordan worked on this script I went in expecting or almost searching for the layers in the movie, but that is how I am - I appreciate stories with depth and layers which the more they get peeled back the harder it is to remove ourselves from the story. Sand Castles story is just that. It's a story of anger, hopelessness, vengeance-but also-family, hope, honesty and love...all ingeniously delivered in a way that keeps your attention the whole way through.

For that ability I must give a most notable nod to Jordan for writing it, Clenét Verdi-Rose for directing it and Chris Nickin (and Jordan) for producing it. The ability to capture such realism, authenticity and true feelings one would expect to witness in real life is not something so easily accomplished. Hollywood fails at this far too often feeling they must always do the cookie cutter films or picture perfect endings to films they forget life is harsh, honest and real at times and Sand Castles captures this aspect we all know so well.

I am a huge fan of symbolism and meaning of things and I must admit the title Sand Castles is just simply awesome. Some who view it may feel it is merely a gesture to the castle young Noah Daly and his sister are playing around the day his sister is kidnapped...but in my opinion it plays a much bigger symbolism. Sand is not meant to be built into something and takes water and lots of time to be able to craft it into something...but in one swift moment wind, rain or a wave can wash it all away. Such a beautiful way of representing what the film portrays, which in many ways is the glory days and dark days a family can go through.

The Acting

Jordan Hodges as Noah Daly

Everyone is always quick to point to the acting for whether a film fails or not, and while it is true bad acting can override a good script I feel that an amazing script can transcend nearly any kind of casting. The good news is the cast of Sand Castles did the script and story justice...and then some. The mind behind the script, Jordan Hodges, took the lead and not surprisingly did so masterfully. Now I did get a sense of lines being forced or almost contrived early in the film from his character but I feel that was for two reasons, neither point to bad acting at all though. 

#1- I think it took a moment for my mind to wrap up in the story and not be watching someone I know on the big screen. 

#2 - As the movie unwound its layers more and more you began to see Noah's character and what he was internally dealing with, causing him to at times seem distant, detached or "forced". 

So when you see it if you get the same feeling, keep watching and you will quickly realize it wasn't bad acting it actually was great acting...we are too used to the smoothness of movies in the industry where there is a fear to show genuine real to life type actions. Not every person in this life are smooth or fluid with their emotions or words...Noah (Jordan Hodges) is a prime example of this. Jordan has received the nod for Best Actor in a Leading Role from various film festivals for his portrayal of Noah Daly.

Lauren Daly left at the local diner.

For me though the acting done by Anne Winters was what caught my eye and wrapped me into the story's depths the most. As you will see Anne's character, Lauren Daly, is mute for a large majority of the film...so voice inflection, word choice and volume were not something she could utilize to construct a believable character for the audience, however from the opening scene Lauren's character is believable and drags you into the story no matter how detached from it you may be. Anne truly had to act through every eye movement, hand position, stance and posture she displayed to portray the injured character she played. 

I thought Maxon Trainer did a bang up job of making her character both hated for her alcoholism but drew sympathy from the audience as a mother who could not cope with tragedy in a healthy way...the ability to deliver a character audience both hate and love is worthy of high praise justly so seeing as how she has received nominations for Best Actress in a Supporting Role by various film festivals.

Randy Spence as Tommy Daly

While I won't go into detail for the others I did feel Randy Spence captured the character of Tommy Daly wonderfully, I was disgusted and drawn to him at the same time. Daniella Grace portrayal of Alison Paige is in my opinion one of the best cast roles in the movie and fit together perfectly. Scott Jemison as Detective Cloud nailed it and the Clint Howard's supporting role as the mechanic Todd Carlson was perfect!

Clint Howard as Todd Carlson captured by the talented Ryan Hodges

The Negative

Yes, I know how can there be a full section for negative things about Sand Castles after all that I have shared here? Well, the few things I am about to say is more about my personal views on things than stating the movie was lacking let me make that clear. I do feel the intentions of the the story and portrayal of it were done masterfully however there are a few things you should be aware of.

If you, like myself, are a Christian whose religious views make up who you are and how you handle things just know this film will depict in some ways how your life could look, if you do not rely on God through tough times. Saxon Trainer's character, Marie (mother) Daly shows what going to the bottle instead of God can do...Tommy Daly what can happen should you go to drugs or entrench yourself in vengeance...Mr. Daly what can happen should you simply lose all hope. The movie captures real life things that can cause someone to lose footing, perhaps in a way that is so brutally honest everything in the movie does point you to the fact none of these things are the answer...so what is? 

In the movie the undeniable love that Noah has for his whole family is the crucial cog that keeps the family alive...to which I would simply say, "We love because he first loved us" -1 John 4:19. So is it a negative that God is not brought into the picture...to some yes, however at the same moment I feel God was in a way present. The reliance on love in the movie depicts something [love] which only exists because He first loved us. Love is not man made but God made so in that sense the movie does depict God just perhaps not in the most transparent of ways as some of us like to see.

Another shot from Sand Castles

I love family friendly films, this however as mentioned is something which is raw, gritty and honest. Somethings in life are not pretty, subtle or pleasant so in capturing those things obviously it is not a film you should take your young children too, and perhaps even screen first for children middle-school or higher depending on your personal opinions.

Also the auditory sex (nothing shown) with Tommy Daly was not necessary to develop his character, the same thing could have been accomplished with simply implying the sex had occurred.

So were those true negatives...no...but still worth pointing out.

In Closing

The film simply put is honest and great. 

The script was mastered by the actors/actresses, producers, directors and anyone else who had a hand in its inception, development and delivery. It was utterly refreshing to have a film not be predictable, not wrapped up with a pretty little bow and carry that authentic feeling Hollywood so often fails at creating (because it can't be artificially created).

Throughout my viewing and then thinking on the film I could not help but think some messages I shared with Jordan a while back in which he shared the following statement:

 ...I can honestly say I am living my dream by now, I am not where I want to be professionally, not by a long shot. But I am happy, I feel like I am on the path God wants me on -- I don't know how -- but maybe that's how God talks to ya, what we call our "gut feeling". 

Brother, no matter where your road leads you to, Sand Castles was something amazing which will last a lifetime...and that "gut feeling" you sense may be God talking to you - do not stop listening to it. Always keep your nose to the grindstone but a keen ear open for God, you never know what He may want you to do next. Just stay humble and grounded and I have a feeling this is just the beginning of your journey!

Last but not least....make sure to stay/watch through the credits...just sayin'.

**I will also acknowledge that I am not a professional writer or reviewer of films...so take my thoughts for what they are: simply a man sharing his thoughts is all.

Happy Monday!

Well this past Monday, October 28th treated me great! The full story is here:

1 Minute, 1 Sit, Staying 1 More Hour

 

 

It's too early to tell...

I sat listening to the soft hum of the fan at the feet of our bed last night. All else was quiet. The cat was by my feet curled up with his nose tucked under his front paw; due to the fact the fan was pushing cool air at him. The dog was stretched out right along my left side fast asleep as well. My lovely wife was fast asleep and had been for a few hours prior to my coming into the bedroom.

I couldn't help but lay there, staring up at the ceiling of our bedroom thinking. Thinking of what our lives had in store for us in the coming years.

Is the new job venture of mine going to pan out?

How about the brand new business I helped form and am a partner of?

Will Lisa get her dream teaching job at the local school system of her choice?

How about children, is God's plan for us to have 1...2.....3 (aaaah!) little blonde haired rug rats running around?

Will my parents still be living in our part of state or down in the southern part by my brother and sister-in-law (plus their three grandkids of the present)?

Depending on the last question; will my father and I still get to share the woods in the fall hunting, or the rest of the year preparing for it?


I had all these things and many more swirling through my head. All at once I noticed my heart was picking up it's pace a touch for all the unknowns I was forcing myself to think about.

I'll admit all the unknowns can definitely cause one to worry, stress or freak out at times. However, this rush of nervousness didn't last long because as I glanced over at my sleeping wife I was reminded of a promise. A promise my parents have told me. A promise my grandparents have told me. A promise that my pastor has told me countless times.

A promise which my Savior Jesus Christ told me.

Deuteronomy 31:6, Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
 
Deuteronomy 31:8, The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

 Joshua 1:5, No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

1Kings 8:57, May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us.

1Chronicles 28:20, David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.

Psalms 37:28, For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;

Psalms 94:14 (For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.)

Isaiah 41:17  "The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

Isaiah 42:16  I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

Hebrews 13:5  Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”


While it may be too early to tell how all those questions I asked last night may be answered; I do know the answer to the most important question; "God will you be by my side as I proceed with my life?"

He obviously promised to never leave me.

May I never forget that, and may all of you who read this never forget the promise is for all of those who strive to live for Him.

His will or "Our" will...

It has been something so entrenched in my head lately I simply had to put it down into words. It is the misuse or abuse of the term "His will be done" or "Lord willing..."

Now I understand I am treading in a territory which has potential of stepping on toes or perhaps disagreeing with some which is understandable, but for a moment allow me to explain why I feel we, as believers, misuse the idea of God's will.

First, let me begin by stating God's will is not impacted by our thoughts or our desires, otherwise it would be stated as "our" will; encompassing our human will and God's will into one collective will. That however is not how it works. God's will is just that, God's. Not yours. Not mine. Not a church's. Not a denomination's.

Yet so often we attach something of our own after requesting His will be done: "Lord willing...when we complete this project...or when the money is raised...or when everything on our list is accomplished"

Now I don't feel we do this intentionally or with the thought of basically telling God what His will-will be...I feel it's our human nature, our sinful human nature shining through. It's our inability to accept the fact sometimes God's will may not coincide with ours and quite possibly be the exact opposite of ours!

I use this next example as merely that, an example. My church just accepted the proposal to go forward with our HUGE project of building a new church. Many times throughout the years leading up to the ultimate vote I heard a lot of people say something similar to, "Well, Lord willing, when the vote passes and we proceed with the building of our future church..."

When we say such things it is as if our human "insight" already knows what God wants...something I feel is an extremely dangerous and not to mention prideful thing to flirt with. I 100% believe God's will is for our church to construct a new church...however by stating it as being God's will does not allow His will to be done freely amongst the congregation voting. Yes, I realize God is all powerful and in the end He could squelch any idea or concept humans put forth...however when people hear things presented as being God's will; how can they even consider voting against it? No amount of prayer or devotion will usurp the concept of it being God's will...if they perceive that as true.

I present that grand example because it is fresh in my mind, but we all do it in a our day to day lives. I can remember using the phrase "Lord willing a miracle will be done" as I learned how far along my aunt's cancer was. I stated it in an innocent way, and a way we all do at times of strife or the possibility of losing a loved one. However, mature Christians need to begin to realize and be honest with ourselves in that God's will isn't always the prettiest option or the one our sinful hearts desire. God's will was done in my aunt's death, which sadly did occur, no matter how hard it was to accept that at the time.

God's will was in the break up of high school sweet hearts whom got engaged their first year of college....God's will was in the loss of a brother I will never meet but has forever impacted how I live my life....God's will was in the pain I caused my wife through my addictions....God's will was in the pain and hurt my family experienced in some of our past churches....

God's will can and is in everything that happens. Because of my family's terrible experiences at past churches has led us to be where we are today, a growing church family with Christ at its center above all else.

God's will was in the painful experience of losing who I thought would become my wife one day...for I now can say I'm married to my best friend, my greatest strength outside of God and the love of my earthly life!

God's will was in the loss of my brother, who sadly lived a mere 6 hours on this earth. Through the pain of his death my parents grew closer in their marriage and they were then blessed given another child in the future which neither planned on. (me haha!)

What I'm trying to say is we as Christians far to often assume we individually or collectively know the will of God and make statements or prayers focusing on the one outcome we see as being "his" (when it is truly ours).

That is not how it should be.

Our prayers, our pleas and our discussions with Him, should always ask for His strength, His guidance and His love no matter which way His will pours out onto us.

That's extremely hard though.

By doing so we must accept the fact things may not always be good, things may not always work out, pain will exist and hurt will be felt...but we can be assured of one thing because He promises it to us. He will be there with us. He will be there as we heal, as we grow and as we learn from our mistakes. He'll be there no matter how many times we fall. No matter how many times we try it our way. No matter how stubborn our will is.

Because if there is one thing I can claim I know about God's will, it is that His will desires us to not reject His love, His strength and His guidance. His will is to have a relationship with us...and His hand to be with ours through everything.

That is His will...that my friends is the only will that matters. So when you ask His will be done, embrace that and know that no matter which path that takes you down He will be right there...

If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.

Psalm 139: 8-10

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41158500@N08/3971995547/

The Main Ingredient

The soybeans are beginning to change from their dark green shades to their pale yellowness. The acorns are beginning to fall to the forest floor and the velvet is shedding from the antlers of the bucks I'll be chasing come this fall.

This passion which is more commonly known as deer hunting, is something which consumes my thoughts on a daily basis. Yeah I'm that guy driving down the street and will think passing a small woodlot, "Man that would make a perfect spot for mature buck to spend his daytime hours undisturbed." Yes, I've been known to turn around to get another glimpse of a buck I saw creeping through the woods, despite the fact we're on our way to a family get together (believe it was Thanksgiving last time).

As I wait with anticipation for October 1st, opening day of deer season, I can't help but realize that amongst everything I utilize in my hunting one thing rises above the else which I have to give credit to for blessing me hopefully with a successful harvest(s).

 It's not the new stands I bought. It's not the upgraded bow sights, rest and quiver. It's not the new hunting clothes which allow me to stay on stand for more all day hunts. It's not a single thing I can buy, but I would give up my life savings and then some if it meant not losing it.

This pivotal ingredient to my hunting success is, my wife.

Yeah, you read that right. My biggest weapon and ingredient to being able to harvest the deer I do each year is the wife that God has blessed me with. Honestly, behind every married man's successful hunt lies an understanding wife. A wife that doesn't discourage this passion and obsession despite the fact she'll never understand why the need to use unscented detergent is crucial. Or how for months her husband will be showering in the wee hours of the morning, in scentless shampoo/soap of course, waking her no doubt with his claimed "quiet preparations." Also how one should simply know why the frozen deer urine has to be melted slowly in warm water in the sink. Or how he can go on and on and on after every hunt about how awesome it was that he saw a squirrel, one turkey and a possum which slept for 4 hours by his stand.

I know you hate don't understand any aspect of why I love hunting like I do hun, but know that I appreciate that you love it put up with it despite that. Know that no matter how much you don't want to hear about my hunting tales you truly are the one person I want to share them with the most at the end of each hunt, and I really do appreciate the fact you at minimum act like you're listening. The blessing of your love and willingness to allow me the time to devout to this love is something I do not take lightly, and is yet another reason why I brag about you to my friends and am perfectly happy ecstatic being able to call you my wife!

Love you babe!

fyi---In one of the coming weekends we will be taking a quick weekend trip just to show you how much I love that you love me and embrace allow hunting to be a huge part of my life.

I've been there....I promise I have.

As I sit here in my mancave at my "new"ly set up desk area, fresh off of cleaning up the whole downstairs and the upstairs due to guests coming over I found my thoughts floating to a place they often go.

Now I understand all of us at times wonder why? Why did life fall to us the way it did? Why am I the one that had that happen to me in high school and just the other day was affected by a new medical diagnosis? I understand that these and ones like them are questions we all ask, and I myself find myself asking at times. I've had many of these occasions in my life...and will sadly probably have more.

Like the time I sat in my car outside of church one morning holding an engagement ring which minutes prior had rested on the hand of the girl I'd asked to marry me and spend our lives together. (Love now that this never did occur!)

I can remember the night I debated if it was all worth it...and seriously entertained the idea that it wasn't.

Or the time I heard my grandpa had passed away in his sleep.

Then there was that time in high school when I realized I couldn't go on in a sport God blessed me with ability in. I just couldn't enjoy it anymore given circumstances out of my control...giving up D-I scholarship offers, which I never could find the courage to tell my parents about till years later due to all the time and money they'd invested in baseball over the years.

I also remember the minute...no the second that my aunt and mother of two very young children had lost her battle with cancer.

Or the time in our young marriage that I felt I'd all but thrown it away and ruined it. Lisa had every right to be upset and I had no one to blame but myself. An addiction had grew to the point it was on the verge of taking the very thing I loved the most, my newlywed wife Lisa.

I share all that to let you know I've been there. I've been to the bottom of the "barrel" as the expression states. Yes each of us have in our own ways. We wanna scream and shout "Why?!"

We are so hurt or distraught that we don't even realize the beauty and blessing which only those times can provide: peace.

Now I'm not talking a peace like put your guns away and say no to bullying type of peace. Nope. I'm talking about a peace which I will attempt to but in my opinion words cannot fully explain. I will merely state it is beyond compare. It is a peace which isn't felt, but at the same time you feel it. A peace which you can't experience, however once felt you want to share with others the experience you had. A peace which a quiet joy which at the same time is the loudest joy and happiness one can ever feel.

You see the one thing which all those occasions have in common is that the only thing that got me through is realizing I couldn't get through them. Nothing I did could. In one case it was the inability to see past the hurt someone had released on me, another was the pain of losing a family member I felt was unjustified and another yet was the despair I felt which had swallowed me whole.

But, it was at the moments of my deepest depths of despair and the acknowledgement of the fact I COULD DO NOTHING TO CHANGE...that was when He was. I can't say that this  was when He stepped in, because to be honest I know He was always right there...I just refused to see it, or couldn't due to the reasons excuses stated before. He was always there, ready and willing to take my hand...however it wasn't till I 100% realized I couldn't do anything that I saw Him ready to be there...He was merely waiting on me to stop refusing Him.

That is why I strive daily to realize I'm nothing special. I'm someone who deserves nothing, accomplishes nothing...if it isn't done with His hand in mine...for in the end I grew to know I, Tylan Miller am incapable of anything unless That hand is in mine.

Psalm 139: 8-10 If I go to the heavens, You are there: if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on wings of the dawn, you are there. If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

This is why I strive to be the man He can be proud of at the end of each day. I have yet to accomplish that perfect day but I'm never going to stop trying, for He deserves that and so much more. He deserves to have my life be all the proof people need of His love. I don't have to be great at quoting scripture or sharing the Gospel with words...I simply need to let my life be the proof. The proof that I've been there, I promise I have...and have come out the other side by nothing I did. 

Lord let Your grace rain down on all who read this...for they are your beloved.