Pineapple Makes Everything OK

Life is fun because I make it that way. And because of pineapple of course. But here are my thoughts about life and other such things. Enjoy!

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New video on YouTube! Ed Sheeran's song "One". Check it out and give me a like, share, or hug. Actually just the hug will be swell.

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The Power of Three

3 is an interesting number. Lot’s of important things happen in 3’s. 

This for example.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UfvQqbOQt8

One of the most clutch three-pointers of all time. I am admittedly bias towards this play, being a KU fan of course. But that doesn’t make it less impressive.

Maybe you aren’t a sports fan (or a KU fan). Ok. That’s fine.

How about a little Nintendo then? In the wonderful “Legend of Zelda” games, Ganon, Zelda, and Link are the individuals that personify the three aspects that make up the Triforce (power, wisdom and courage respectively). 

But maybe you’ve never had the privilege to play one of the gaming masterpieces that Link, Zelda and the land of Hyrule can provide to you.

So how about some literature. While it was technically written as a single book, The Lord of the Rings was released as the three novels we know and love today; The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. And now of course you can enjoy them on the big screen thanks to the brilliance of Peter Jackson in directing these cinematic masterpieces.

Keeping with the world of film, is there any trilogy more iconic than that of Star Wars? (The original trilogy of course.) The answer to that question would be a resounding “No.” I would bet that if you asked 10 people what the most iconic movie trilogy of all time is that 11 of them would say Star Wars. 

And anybody that said differently would just be wrong. Because how can you argue with Han Solo?

You just can’t.

Jumping back to a galaxy a little less far away and yet so very far at the same time, we can’t forget about what England has to offer. The dynamic, loyal, problem solving trio of magical friends from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are the friends that every muggle wants to have.

Moving on, let’s focus on a question. Definitely the toughest question you had to answer as a kid and maybe the hardest one even as an adult. You have three options, all very different from one another. Which will you choose?

I guess what I’m really trying to say is that lots of things, both good and bad, come in groups of three. 

There are lots of words that come in groups of three that can bring tears, joy, fear or any number of other emotions.

Sometimes your parents can terrify you with only three words.

“DREW EDWARD DAHLSTEN!” 

Other alarming words, especially when coming from a Mon Calamari.

Isn’t it funny how some words can be so negative when you are young and so very positive when you are older?

“Time for bed.”

Sometimes your words are lies but that doesn’t mean that they are hurtful lies. Like the ones you tell your children or younger siblings.

“Santa is real.”

It’s not good to lie, but maybe you shouldn’t spoil that one just yet.

Some words are just sad.

Some words are more serious. Maybe they are asking a question that forms on the lips of someone who feels as though they don’t belong. Just looking for someone, anyone who will hear their question.

“Is anyone there?”

And maybe that question leads to a thought. A small, terrible, deceitful thought.

“They don’t care.”

And maybe we haven’t cared. But why? Why have we not cared? Is it because of our excuses?

“I’m too busy.”

Is it because of our own insecurities?

“I’m too shy.”

Is it because we think reaching out to someone who is hurting is something that we can’t do because we have so many things going on already? Because we can only split our attention between so many things in a day?

“I’m too tired.”

Maybe it doesn’t have to be a big gesture. In fact, often times something small is all it takes. Just tell someone how you feel.

“I love you.”

Maybe, though, you’re someone who finds that that’s not an easy thing to say. It’s actually terrifying to be so open and to put something so deep out there for others to hear and to judge. 

But not saying the words doesn’t make them untrue. Do your actions say the words that your mouth cannot?

“I love you.”

If you need someone that will always be able to say those words, no matter what you’ve done or are going through then I have good news. 

I know someone.

Coincidentally, He comes as a package deal with two other guys. They form this sort of trinity.

A Holy Trinity.

His name is Jesus and His favorite thing in this whole world is you.

Can you believe it? You! In fact, just to make sure you could be with Him and He with you, Jesus died for your sins. And not just the small ones.

He died for all sin. 

Big and small.

Past and future.

Yours and mine.

Allow me to summarize His story for you if you are unfamiliar.

He was born.

Jesus came to earth as a man in order to defeat sin for you and me. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

He lived life.

He was not just here to be here. He wasn’t someone who just lived for the sake of being alive. Jesus lived life with purpose because He was purposeful about life.

He was crucified.

He was nailed to a cross to pay the price for sin. Having lived a life on earth without sin Jesus is the only one who has ever been qualified to pay that price.

“It is finished.”

The last words Jesus spoke on the cross before He died. The curtain in the temple tore at these words, ending our isolation from the holiness of God. He was then buried in a tomb.

He is risen!

Death could not hold him, nor could the tomb. He rose again, victorious, to bring new life to us so that we also may live.

Maybe you think this sounds great for everyone else but it can’t work for you. The skeletons that are in your closet? No, it can’t work for you.

But you are wrong. I have good news. Jesus gives something very precious.

A new beginning.

II Corinthians 5:17 says it. 

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

Isn’t that fantastic?! That means that whatever you have done in your past stays there.

Your past is not your future.

But how do you belong to Christ? What crazy ritual do you have to go through to become a follower of Jesus?

Again, I have good news. It’s really quite simple.

Romans 10:9-10 state it pretty plain.

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.”

Jesus wants you to be part of His family. That’s why He made it simple. But He still gives you a choice. He doesn’t force anything on you. But He does love you.

And when you turn to Him, He will have some things to say to you.

“You are free.”

“You are forgiven.”

“I love you.”

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New video! Check it out on YouTube? I would be ever so grateful if you did.

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Because it's almost February 14th, better known as "Single's Awareness Day", I decided to post something a little sappy and romantic. It's not super polished but I had fun and I'm proud of it just the same. It'd be swell if you gave it a listen. And sharing it would be simply splendid. And as always, feedback is appreciated.

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Just posted a new video. I'd be honored if you took the time to check it out. If you share it then I will owe you a hug for the next time I see you. Deal?

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I got my package from #Sevenly today! #worldchanger #homelessnothopeless

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New video that I have shamelessly taken a screen shot of. Go check it out!

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Priorities: Do You Know?

It seems to me that the priority of the church is mixed up.

"Whoa Drew, that's a bold opening statement. What do you mean by that?"

Well thank you for asking.

But let me preface this by saying that I think the church is well meaning. I think their intentions are good.

With my disclaimer out of the way can we proceed?

Yes?

Excellent.

I think the priority of the church has become about making sure that people know about Jesus. Not, mind you, about making sure that people know Jesus but making sure they know about Him. An important distinction.

What other reason is there for all of our different denominations (or non-denominations I suppose)?

You have to be baptized to go to Heaven.

Yeah and it has to happen when you're a baby.

No, it doesn't have to be then.

Ok well you have to take Communion every week.

No, every day!

No that's not necessary.

Whatever. Can we agree that you need to confess to God every time you sin?

No way. Jesus died to forgive all sins. Past, present and future.

It's exhausting to even think about having those kind of discussions. I'm not saying issues like those aren't important or relevant but those shouldn't be the priority.

We're too busy asking everyone if they know this or know that about Jesus or how He works. Maybe we should ask a different question.

"Did you know that Jesus knows you?

"It's true. But not only does He know you, He knows all your deepest darkest secrets. All the thoughts that you are scared to think because, frankly, they scare you. He knows those. And you know what? Even knowing everything that is wrong with you He still loves you. So much. He even died so that you can be free from those haunting thoughts and feelings. So you never have to feel alone again. So you can always have hope. So you can feel love. Know love.

"He did this all for you. For no other reason than this. He loves you."

We can try to teach people about Jesus all we want. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. But no matter how close we get to Jesus, no matter how much we learn about Him, there will always be someone better equipped to teach others about Jesus.

Coincidentally, His name is also Jesus.

So maybe our role should be to introduce people to Jesus. To show them someone who will love them no matter what they do or have done. To support and love them like Jesus does. And if they have questions or just need someone to talk to then here I am. But I'm not here to bring you into my denomination (or non-denomination).

I'm here to bring you into the family.

[mayfalo]

“Gus, don’t be…”

[psychusa]

Most amazing GIF-set ever!

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Happy Mother's Day

Yesterday, as I was thinking about what to do for my mom for Mother’s Day, I was really struggling to come up with something that is both meaningful and original. So I started thinking about what makes my mom so special.

And then I got a great (at least I hope it is) idea. I can tell all you what makes her so special.

So what follows is some of my reflections on the impact my mother has had on my life. I hope you enjoy them and I hope that some of them resonate with you as you think about your own mothers.

As many of you know, I am a musical person. I play instruments and I sing. And while I like instruments I really enjoy singing. I’m even pursuing a career in the music industry (but that’s another story). But that passion for singing that has shaped my life in so many wonderful ways would probably have never grown if not for my mom. 

When I was younger (5th grade maybe?) I was in a church play. My mom was helping to direct and she cast me in a role with a solo.

I didn’t want to do it.

I begged and pleaded but she said no, it would be good for me and that was how it was going to be.

So I did it and I was really nervous right up until I started singing and then the nerves just melted away and I felt the joy of performing.

I would perform through various other outlets during the next years of my life and still am even. But I’m not sure how much I would have really delved into music without my mother. And for that I thank her.

Something that my mother does very well is to challenge myself and my brothers. When I was younger I absolutely hated it.

I didn’t want to do my best when a sub-par effort was good enough. Well, not good enough for mom. And who else matters?

She always challenged me to do my best in everything even when no one was watching. Especially when no one was watching.

With her encouragement I graduated High School with a great GPA, scored well on my ACT, earned a big scholarship for an essay I wrote and made the Honors program my Freshman year of college (which it turns out was not my thing but that’s another story).

Even today when I am working I see fellow employees lose hours because they don’t do their best all the time and then they wonder why they don’t get more hours at work. But I know. They are trying to get by on good enough and that doesn’t work. Trust me I’ve tried.

So for that lesson in hard work, I thank you mom.

The thing I’m most thankful for from my mom is my value system. And to be clear this isn’t anything like McDonald’s value menu. No hamburgers here.

I didn’t realize when I was living in Smalltown, USA how important my beliefs were. When I moved to Orlando though, it quickly became apparent that what I believed was not a majority anymore. It became important to be firm in your beliefs so that you were not swayed. My mother has always been my anchor for that and when I’m feeling unsure about things a phone call sets me right again.

I have a lot of confidence in myself. It’s not really in my nature to let that out of the surface but I have it in there. A hefty dosage of the confidence is directly related to things that my parents, and definitely my mom specifically, have done for me. I would be a completely different person without her and I am convinced that I would not be better off for it.

She has influenced my life for the better since I was born. For that and for so much more I say thank you, Happy Mother’s Day, and I love you.

Love Your Son,

Drew

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Florida is really nice this time of year.

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New cover is up on YouTube. Head over to my channel and check it out!

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A Story I Saw In Jimmy John's

An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked.  Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna.  The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, "only a little while."

The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish?

The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs.

The American then asked, "but what do you do with the rest of your time?"

The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine, and play guitar with my amigos.  I have a full and busy life."

The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you.  You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat.  With the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats.  Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery.  You would control the product, processing, and distribution.  You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually New York City, where you will run your expanding enterprise."

The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?"

To which the American replied, "15 - 20 years."

"But what then?" Asked the Mexican.

The American laughed and said, "That's the best part.  When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions!"

"Millions - then what?"

The American said, "Then you would retire.  Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siestas with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."

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What Don't You Believe?

I visited a church with a friend this past Sunday and it was...

Interesting.

The pastor opened his message with the obligatory small talk about the Super Bowl and his spiel about who he was pulling for. (The Ravens I think?)

But then he started in on his message. The theme? Abundance.

Well color me intrigued. Now which direction is he going to take this?

He started by saying something like, “I’d just like to start off with reading some things that other Christians believe about God’s abundance. This is from a Christian website.”

Uh oh.

He went on to say things like, “This website says that ‘God has blessed all of us equally. All we have to do is claim it.’ This is on a Christian site. ‘It is your right as a Christian to be successful in your business and finances.’ Really? This is just not true.”

I couldn’t believe it! Why would you limit a God that you worship as God Almighty. Do you know what Almighty means?

I’ll admit I didn’t listen to the rest of the message real closely because I was looking at verses that supported the fact that God wants to bless you. 

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

John 10:10 (ESV) 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

It baffles me that during praise and worship there are songs that talk about the power and the goodness of God and then you would turn around in the message and say that not everyone is blessed equally.

Because if people aren’t blessed equally does that mean that God has favorites?

Does He love me more than you? Does He love you more than me? What about different races? Does he like black people more than white people? Or what about Americans more than other people from other countries?

Of course not.

Any 2 year old can tell you that Jesus loves everyone just the same.

Anyway, I walked out of there feeling a little weird. I wasn’t mad that the pastor had preached what he did. I was a sad though. Not only did he preach it, but he believed that. And a large majority of the congregation probably did as well.

They don’t believe that God loves everyone equally. Or they do but they don’t understand what that means.

I’ve used this in a previous blog post but it’s so good and it applies here as well so I’m going to reuse some material. So I apologize. 

This is an excerpt from the book The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker.

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“Do you believe in God?”

She nodded.

“Do you believe he is infinite?”

Another nod.

“And that he is a God of love?”

Yes.

“You’re sure? It’s one thing to believe in God, but an infinite God of love is quite another thing. You really believe this?”

Yet another nod.

“Do you go to church?”

She shook her head. No.

“You don’t bow your knees with the mentally ill hypocrites who throw the humble to the wolves. Instead you believe in a loving, infinite God. Is that right?

A muffled yes.

“Well. That’s very good. Then it will be pretty easy for you to understand that the love an infinite God of love has for each person is also infinite right? That there’s no limit to how much he loves you. You can’t say that he loves this one only this much and that other one that much, because in God’s economy his love is unending. Yes?”

A dip of her chin.

“This is common knowledge, shared by even dumb priests and pastors. But most clergy do not have the mental capacity to understand what necessarily follows. There is no greater love than infinite love, which is God’s love. When you love someone infinitely, there is no one that you love more. You. There is no one that God loves more than he loves you. Do you follow?”

She stared with plate-round eyes, but he was sure she did follow.

“You see, everyone is God’s favorite, even mentally ill, which is most people, but don’t let me digress. They are God’s favorite, too, all of them. This is possible only because God is infinite and can therefore have more than one favorite without violating the meaning of the term. He can have multiple favorites and each one is truly a favorite, receiving the greatest God has to offer, which is infinite. Follow?”

He paused but pressed the final point, so eager was he to tell her.

“The point is, you, are God’s favorite.”

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If I am God’s favorite wouldn’t he want to give me everything?

When we say that “God is Love” do we really mean it? Why would Love not bless people to the fullest?

Well on Tuesday morning I was reading in my devotional about people who witness miraculous healing and then ask the question.

“What about me?”

And I realized that these people don’t have a question about the capability of God. They just saw a miraculous healing, they know He can do it.

They question His willingness to heal them or to bless them.

As if they aren’t good enough to receive healing from God.

Well I have news for you. 

You aren’t good enough to be healed. You aren’t good enough to live eternally with God either. It’s true.

But thankfully, that’s not the end of the story.

Jesus is good enough. In fact, he’s more than good enough. He’s perfect.

And it gets better. He died so that you could be perfect too. His blood isn’t covering your sins and your problems. It totally wiped them away so that when God looks at you all He sees is the perfection that is Jesus.

Do you get it yet? Do you see what this means?

It means that you are perfect in God’s eyes.

That’s incredible news!

The “problem” with this is that we try to make it too complicated. We think in our minds that we deserve death or at the least some form of punishment so we tell ourselves that bad things come from God to punish us for our sins. But that’s not what happens. Jesus wiped all our sins away; past, present, and future. Understand this.

God isn’t mad at you.

He loves you. That’s it. Not anger, just love.

Romans 8:38

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

Ephesians 1:7-8, and 19-23.

7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

Did you see that in verse 19? “...the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe in him.”

So the question people have isn’t “Can God?” We know He is all powerful. He can do whatever He wants to. The question is “Does He want to bless me?”

Yes. Yes He does.

I have a lot of people in my life that I love dearly. When bad things happen to them I share in their pain because I hurt to see them hurting. When good things happen to them I rejoice with them because it makes me happy to see them happy. If I could, then I would give them everything they want and need to always be happy. That’s not in my abilities but it is within God’s. And check out what Jesus says in Luke 11:13.

“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”

Matthew 6:24-34 says this.

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

If He cares about the flowers then He most certainly cares about you. He loves you. He doesn’t condemn you for your sins.

Romans 8:1

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

No condemnation. At all. It’s just love coming from God.

So accept it. I know it sounds too good to be true. It is too good to be true. But that’s what makes God so incredible.

It is true.

So let me ask you something. A question that is good for all of us to ask ourselves.

What don't you believe?

Do you not believe that God could love someone like you? Do you not believe that God is powerful enough to heal you or give you what you need?

I assure you. God can give you everything you need and He wants to give it to you.

To quote one of my favorite people on the planet.

“God loves you. And there’s nothing you can do about it!.”

          -Dave Duell

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Hard at work on some music. This is so much fun!!

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What a beautiful evening! #godscreation #sunset

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I got to see a great friend today because of the technology that we have available. I love it!!!