Prayers and thanksgiving.--with a little help from my friends.

I need to remember to be thankful not just for my friends I still see, but the ones who I don't see. I've been blessed with a cushy life, a strong relationship with my creator, and the loyalty of friends. I wish I knew how to thank them back. Here's a chance at getting that done. My apologies to anyone who didn't make the list: if you didn't make it, then it's because you smell like fajitas and I hate you.

Right. I love all of you so much.

I've been praying about how to be a better friend, brother and son. This is an attempt at getting that started. This is for my friends:


Russel and Elisheva: I never was able to be close to you guys as you were a family before I got into the magpie scene. Regardless, I'm encouraged by your examples as parents, children of God, and ministers. I hope the best for you and your family while you are in Israel. I miss you guys being around. I hope you live in Decorah again someday.

Jonathan: Yeah, I've known you most of my life. You're as loyal as they come. Even when I've been stupid, insensitive, and selfish in my friendship, you've always been there. I can always count on having you to discuss the latest nerd movie. Yes, action figures are still cool. Toyfare is my Rolling Stone.

Laura: My sister in arms. I was talking over my list of friends with Seth and I've realized (no surprise) that you're one of the best friends I've ever had. Ever. You know all my garbage. We shared a lot while you were here--I was there your first time through BBC's Pride and Prejudice. I haven't had the opportunity to sit around with many people and listen to music while being emo. Thanks for being such a good listener even when you had stuff to talk about too (I must learn this skill). I'm for lack of a better word, proud of you and what you've become since we first met. I have faith that your life will continue be extraordinary. Keep God in your sight always (it's a struggle, but of course, the most important of all). Our friendship has been unforgettable.

Nick H: How can I put this in words? You're a sweet dude....dude. You've been the closest I've ever had to having a little brother. Your friendship has been a blessing as has your family. Though you haven't changed drastically since you moved here, I've seen you grow into a wise and giving man. I can't wait to meet your wife and I hope I'm still around when you have kids. Yours will be a blessed family. It goes without saying that you're a constant source of entertainment. Probably the funniest guy I've ever met. I pray that you find your road (theater? voodoo?) and keep God in your sights always. Rock on Nick. Whisper whisper whisper...

Adam and Crissy: I realize of course that you guys aren't superhuman. But no matter how normal-human you really are, you'll always be these lifesize bundles of Godliness that I miss really bad. I miss seeing your precious children. Both of you were tremendous influences on me while you lived in Decorah. Crissy's Cell-group meetings were a time of growth and reflection that showed me how important it was to keep God in your life constantly. Your marriage was the first one I've ever been close to (as far as being there from the beginning). The spirit of worship and service you both showed did not go unnoticed, and it's inspired me to have a servant heart. You both have shown me what it means to chase after God endlessly, with passionate desire. I want to be in love with God. Your examples as children of the Lord were instrumental in that growth.

Daniel: I've known you forever too. I think you were three or four when we met you...or something. You've changed in many ways since you've grown up, but you've always been that crazy kid who wasn't afraid to go nuts. I've enjoyed my mission to further your musical education and you've been an appreciative student. I hope you continue to grow in your thinking (rubix anyone?) and always remember God when you're missing something in your life. It never fails, it's always him.

Jason and Cherisha: I've known you two forever too. Geeze!! You're some cool cats if I may say so. It's great to see other homeschoolers grow up to be awesome. No matter what sort of stuff we get into, you're always ready to be our playmates ya know? Legos, starwars stuff, video games, LOTR, and of course MOW. I'm so happy you guys have become so much a part of camp. It's an absolute blast being around you guys there. It's safe to say, you're camp family. :) Have a nice day. Thank you. Achoo.

Jon & Kari: Kari, you did much to make my experience at magpie that much sweeter when you were here. Those were some of the best times of my life (the first months at Magpie). All of those late nights sitting around on the couch with Laura and Seth...eating whipped cream. The King Kong blizzard!! That was the height I think. Jon, you've been our lucky Irishman from the start. I feel better knowing that somewhere there's a nine foot tall barbarian samurai who'll raise hell if I need him. Oh and you know your star wars. Pre-prequel all the way. Thanks for arming us on your special day as well. :) My best wishes for your family. Stay cool.

Male and Delenie: Heh. How I miss you guys. Alas, School and real life keep us apart, but you're still my den mother and father ya know? I'm glad I was able to be part of your magpie family while it was still in business. I cherish those memories though my time with you was relatively short.

J-bo: Where do I begin? You've been a great spiritual mentor through the years at camp. Your teaching and friendship has done much to confirm things in my life, as well as help me to grow stronger and more Godly I think. Of course, you'll always be the head of my Mow family. My only regret is that I still haven't made it to your Oscar party. Your leadership as the reigning prince of pop-culture as been an inspiration. One day, I'll be able to connect Ronald Reagan to Al Pacino (I don't do Kevin Bacon. I do who I WANT Dangit!!!). Oh, and I'm sorry, but Casino owns Goodfellas. Tough. I hope to always see you at camp as you've always been a part of it for me. But if that isn't possible, I understand. What I've written here doesn't do justice, but God knows man, God knows.

Kelly: Ah, Frodo. I miss the old Cell-group days. I remember that one day when there were upwards of 25 people doing Cell group at one time. It was crazy-cool. You've taught me the meaning of remembering birthdays and have always been a loyal movie-buff partner whenever there was something cool to see. Your influence at Magpie's customers is undeniable. Though you weren't as much of a front person toward the end of your career, there were always customers who you knew by name and latte. You've always been a good example of service to our customers. Oh, and I know you'll be good to your kids someday. I hope the best for your marriage too. A whole year already! Don't be a stranger kid...but being strange is okay.

Jason and Chalee: Thank you for the awesome conversations!! You guys have seen much and still maintain a youthful attitude toward the world around you. I know God will find a way for you. I just wish I had your patience to wait. I get too impatient. Thanks for embracing me as a member of the magpie family. Your friendship is one of the many great memories of my time at magpie that I'll never forget.

Luke: You too have been a little brother to me. I'm proud of the man that you're becoming. I'm glad to see how much you love God and are seeking to make him a part of your life. I hope that your time in WV makes you stronger and more able tackle the many things God has in store for you (like babies...lots of babies please). Just don't let them get into anything too dangerous. You're still sorely missed at the magpie. You set a high example for me as an employee. You've taught me what it means to go the extra mile for professionalism. I hope you find what you're looking for in WV. Just remember to always listen to God. And always pray. Stay cool bro.

Sam: Ha! I love you sis.

I just want all of you to know that you've had an impact on me. I do miss those of you who are gone considerably. I'm not good at change, but God's working with me on that. Thank you again for your friendship. Of course there are countless others. Those at camp, the new magpie crew, my church, and so many others. I thank God for you.

I've been praying that God would help me to understand how to live my life as a living sacrifice. I want to be as good to you as you've been to me. I pray that my life will impact others as yours have mine. I pray that I'll lead many to God's presence and that I'll be a beacon of light for those who are searching.

Thank you God for my friends.