Is It Really That "Awesome"?

(this one is a rant --- so get ready)

I'm calling us out... our culture overuses the word, "awesome."

We do. Period.

Every single day, I hear the word, "awesome" used in the most mundane ways.
"That episode of [name of show] was awesome."
"What an awesome car [referencing a '78 Yugo]!"
"This turkey sandwich is awesome."

Really? Really?
Are any of these things really "awesome"?
Do they truly inspire awe in you? (okay, maybe the '78 Yugo)
But, did that turkey sandwich really make you fall to your knees in wonder and amazement?
Did it?
Huh?
Did it?
The spicy mustard couldn't have been that good.

Start to pay attention to how often you say it. How often are you misusing the word, "awesome" in the course of a week or a month?

Here's an experiment: instead of the word "awesome", what if we substitute it with another word --- say, "cantstandarific"...?

"That concert was cantstandarific! I can't stand, it was so terrific!"

I think that would work for me: "cantstandarific."

Then, we could reserve the word "awesome" for the things that truly deserve it:
A sunset revealing the grandeur of nature or a worship experience where the Presence of God is palpable, etc., etc., etc.

Let "awesome" be more than cool.
Let "awesome" be inspiring, breathtaking, sweeping, epic.
You know; let "awesome" be awesome!

The English language is already cheap enough. Could we reserve just a few words for their actual intended meaning? Could we keep the purity of some descriptions to their original essence?

Wow --- that would be cantstandarific!

PS - don't even think about using the word "awesome" in the comments section...HaHaHa!

The Deep Dark Place (and knowing better)

I often find myself in what Meg and I refer to as my Deep Dark Place (by way of biographical information, I should tell you that I must capitalize the name of the aforementioned Location because said Location demands personification)

The Deep Dark Place (hereafter referred to as DDP) is a pit of self-loathing and self-doubt. DDP is the archenemy of every narcissus --- of which I am one, thank you very much --- and every narcissus reading this knows what I am talking about.

DDP is that crippling, debilitating sense of inner turmoil that gnaws at my every victory and scorns my every defeat. In my highest moments, DDP is there to remind me of my lowest depths. When working to better myself, DDP looks me in the mirror and points out my flaws. DDP is villainous in his pursuit of my every confident thought.

Now, some might say that DDP is just my coping mechanism, nothing more than a healthy sense of humility that should be directed in a more positive and constructive manner; others might add that DDP is a sinful outpouring of my out-of-control ego, easily defeated with a repentant turn. Yet, while both solutions may be inherently true, these cursory dismissals fail to capture the complexity of my soul, the breadth of my humanity.

In short, DDP is the yawning chasm whose hellish teeth are chomping to devour the very essence of who I am.

(This is the darkness in me that my poor wife has to live with, people. Sorry, Meg)

And yet... I know better.

I am a failure, and yet...
I know that I have victory through Christ.
I am a loser, and yet...
I have overcome by the blood of the Lamb.
I hate my reflection in the mirror, and yet...
I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
I fear losses at every turn, and yet...
I see the Lord's Providence miraculously provide.
I feel aimless in my life, and yet...
I have a destiny.
I feel alone, and yet...
I am surrounded by loving family and friends.
I despise Time and the passing of my life, and yet...
I know that God commands my days.
I am disquieted, and yet... still... always...
I hope in God.

Playing Catch Up (not Ketchup)

Well...it's been a while since I've posted a blog here, and I don't really have a good reason...well, a couple good reasons, but explaining those reasons is not the reason for this blog.

However, I figured I'd play a little catch-up with you.

Since we last spoke:

1. The trailer for my animated movie project, X-Treme Squirrels, is continuing to get traction. If you haven't watched it in a while, I'm going to shamelessly plug it now and ask that you watch it again. (click here to watch). Please feel free to pass the youtube link along to all of your friends. (hint/hint/wink/wink/nudge/nudge/please/please/etc/etc/)

2. My grandfather, Jimmie Lybarger Sr., passed away. We were able to return home for the funeral. Lots of the family got to meet Lex for the first time. Though it was a sad occasion to return home, it was still a great trip. My mother wrote an amazing article for the local newspaper and it is posted on her website, which you can visit here.
Also, while I'm shamelessly plugging family things, you may want to check out my sister Dawn's blog over at Starkacres. She has a tremendous entry up right now entitled, "Someday".

3. Lex is 4 months old ALREADY!!! I can't believe it! Below are some pics of our little man as well as a torturous video of him getting some shots today...HaHa! Meg thinks I'm cruel for posting this --- as I'm sure most of you will as well, and I'll definitely hear about it in your comments. (ROTFL!!!!)

Much Love to you all...

On our way to the Circus!!!

At the Circus watching the clowns w/Mom!

Playing "Airplane" with Mommy

Laughing with Nana while playing Superman!

Look at that face! Honestly, is this not an adorable little kid?!?!?!

And now, for the video of Lex getting his shots...