Science? Art? Disturbing?

A recent exhibition known as Body Worlds 2 has arrived at the Museum of Nature and Science here in Denver, Colorado. As observed from the title, this is a sequel to another exhibition by the same creator who has designed a technique known as "Plastination" which enables the human body to be infused with a plastic-like substance which preserves all parts of the body in the exact same position for an indefinite amount of time. In this way, a cadaver can be frozen in motion with muscles flexed and relaxed in the exact position one would find him or herself if they were doing that movement in real life. Organs are also displayed in this exhibition, for example, a juxtaposition between a healthy lung and that of a smoker. Fetuses and even a woman who died while carrying a baby are also there for display.

There has been some talk of this exhibit and whether it is deemed science or art or if it should even be on display in this manner. I'm curious to know what you think, check out the link for yourself and let me know.

Nothing you can't handle.....

I was talking with a friend today who has gone through some pretty major stuff in her life and she's not even out of her 20's yet. She's experienced more trauma and hardship than some might in a lifetime. But who is to say that a hardship of hers compared to a hardship to someone else is any more or less significant? I think it is important to take someone's situation into context with their life and what they have undergone in the course of their existence. If all they have ever known is a picture perfect life where Mommy and Daddy have always provided for their every care and need, and then all of a sudden they are kicked out of the house, with no work experience, and no knowledge of how to get started, that can be as traumatic to them as a person who deals with an anxiety disorder and is afraid to step through a threshold of a door to a room that contains 20 or more people that they have never seen before.

What I am trying to say is that I believe every individual has a breaking point, a threshold that is between them and God. God knows how much is too much, and when the timing is right to allow the person to fall just a little harder than they might want in order to allow Himself to help take over the driving for a bit, that's when something breaks down. It is written in the Bible that there isn't a thing that God can't get us through, or provide a way out, thus giving us hope for something better, something more. Mother Theresa was quoted saying, “I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much.”

When I was talking to my friend today, I was thinking to myself, there is no way that I could have endured all of the stuff that she has gone through and still maintain the faith that she has in God today. However, maybe it was each one of those circumstances being orchestrated by God so that through every one of those trials, my friend would have only one option left, to turn to God and surrender. Maybe it takes more for some to surrender their life, more trials, more hard times, before one realizes that there is so much more outside of ourselves that is working in this world. I know for certain, no one will endure tha pain and suffering that one man did for the whole world. And for that, I am eternally in debted to His service.

Family vs. Friends

After my second viewing of the movie "In Her Shoes", I pondered the differences between friends and family. For those that have not seen the movie, the interaction between the older sister's character to the younger is one of almost unconditional love. No matter what the younger one does, the older can only stay mad for so long and eventually whatever happens is somehow smoothed over. This is the beauty of family. Through thick and thin, family is family. There is nothing that one can do to undo the ties that bind. This is where I take my family for granted. I do not think that I always give them the gratitude, respect, or credit that is due them because I know they are my family and they always will be.


On the other side of the coin, are friends. Sometimes you can connect with a friend on a deeper level than some of your family members. Sometimes you feel more open to sharing your heart with a friend rather than family. Here's the thing though, for me, I sometimes hesitate to share all of my thoughts or feelings with a friend because they don't have the same tie to me that my family does. They can always get out of the friendship, there is nothing that keeps them from one day saying to me, "Hey it was fun, but I don't think we can be friends anymore."

When does a friendship reach the point where one feels like family and you know that you can say anything to him or her and they will stick by you like a brother or sister? Is there such a thing? I do believe so, I think that's what brings a husband and wife together, the feeling that you can say anything to this person and they will not leave your side, for better or for worse. But until that friendship evolves, it seems as though one must be careful not to give too much of one's heart away lest the pain of losing a friendship becomes too hard to bear. The struggle is when to hold back and when to share. I guess the thing that I need to always keep in the back of my mind is that my Lord and Savior is in reality the only one who sticks closer than a brother. He is in it with me for the long haul, no matter what and I know I can always tell Him anything and He will never leave me or forsake me.

Addendum

So I forgot to talk about my wonderful poppa when speaking of my family. Therefore, he gets a post of his own. :) My dad has been involved in marital counseling for the last 25 years or so. He was an amazing gymnast in college at Springfield in Mass. Currently he is part of Phoenix Seminary's Men's Mentorship Program and is a Biblical counselor through his own non-profit appropriately named Walk and Talk Ministries. His website can be found at www.walkandtalkministries.com

There now, that's better.

Let's Give it a Whirl

Alright so here we go, a new adventure, the art of blogging. We'll see how this recent mode of communication with the rest of the world fits with me. I'm not exactly sure how I am going to approach the subject of my logs as of yet, but at least I have one started right?

Maybe I'll start with where I am located as of the present moment.



This is where I live for another month and a half. It is a beautiful home located in Northeast Denver. I am living with my sophmore year roommate and teammate all through college at the University of Portland, Kristen Rogers. She will be getting hitched on the joyous occasion of May 27th in which case I get the boot and Eric Taylor steps into his new home.

I am in the midst of changing jobs and starting to work for Outward Bound West here in Colorado. I have a heart for working with youth and being in the outdoors, so the combination of the two? What more could I ask for right?

I played soccer in college, won a national championship in 2002 under the direction of coach Clive Charles, may he rest in peace. He was not only the best coach in the world, but an amazing individual who cared about each one of his players as individuals improving their character while at college, not just improving their soccer skills. I will always remember him, and be grateful for the opportunity that he gave me to play for the best team in the nation. I will be playing on the Denver Diamonds WPSL team this summer in Colorado, http://www.wpsl.info/, they are a semi-professional team that is the closest thing to a pro league that exists currently in the states. I still love the game and have fun playing. Until that feeling goes away, I will continue to play the sport I love.



My family-ah my wonderful family. Currently they all live back in Phoenix, AZ where I originated. My 26 year old brother, David, is married to JJ and they are in the music business. check them out at www.jjheller.com. They just released their third album "Only Love Remains" which was recorded in Nashville, TN in the stuio of Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay, Caedmon's Call, Bebo Norman). My oldest bro, Josh, works as a research assistant for a company that produces medical products and is very good at what he does. My mom works for Arizona Highways Magazine: www.arizonahighways.com where she is an editorial assistant. She is a wonderful mother and very talented writer. She was my teacher, along with my two brothers, until we each reached high school. I wouldn't trade my education for anything looking back; but I think it takes a special person to be able to homeschool your kids while ensuring a balance is present in all facets of growth and education.

Well, I didn't mean for this to get so lengthy, but you have to start somewhere right? Welcome to my blog, questions and comments are welcome :)