Here we go for round four (playlist 2015, playlist 2016, playlist 2017) of my Myspace style summer tradition. Here's a link to this year's playlist.[...]

I've got the word "doulos" tattooed on my foot - it's not seen by many people these days because of my paralysis required footwear, but I chose to put that word permanently on my body after my high school Bible teacher made us each write a commentary on the book. We had to study the use of several Greek words, and I discovered James chose this term, along with several other disciples, to describe his relationship with Christ. He begins his epistle, "James, a doulos of Christ." It means slave. It means a bond slave who knew life with their master was better than on their own. [...]

After fourteen months, I made it back to my annual check up at REHAB Basel. Those of you readers who found my blog back in the day will remember Danai and Alex featured heavily in my antics as an inpatient, so I was hopeful I'd get to at least say hello during my full day at the hospital. [...]

Confession of an introvert: I really don't love posting all the details of my life on the internet, but at the same time, I've not really got anything to hide. I just like my alone time. [...]

I was sitting on my bench by the river during my normal rest point in my walk yesterday, and I saw a rat. What kind of rivers was Spafford talking about in his famous hymn? Okay, but actually, if you know the story of this guy who wrote "It Is Well with My Soul," you know his peace was one that surpasses understanding because his life sucked by human standards, and the second line emphasizes that. [...]

Sometimes life is just more busy that others. Sometimes you spend your Sunday night proofing the Phases 2018 yearbook and forget to write your blog. [...]

Last Tuesday was a day off of school, and Cindy and I took a beautiful walk in the sunshine. I left my wheelchair, braces, and even one of my sticks behind to venture on my established loop with just a single stick and Cindy's arm for support. It was a bit rough as my left ankle was giving me some resistance, but we took a break on a bench by the river, and I made it back to my house after enjoying time hanging out with Cindy. We walked again at school on Wednesday, and my left ankle was still causing problems. After brainstorming the possible causes, we went through a few treatment options to get my feet back on track.[...]

Seasonal allergies have been horrendous here this year. I was sneezing and sniffing all last week, and Monday I had a cold to top off the allergies and leg spasms of the day. Tuesday, my plan was to lay low, but I made the best possible mistake and stopped by the yearbook room on my way off campus. My plan was to let Chris know I wasn't going to make it to Taco Tuesday, but my plan was hijacked in the best possible way. Two juniors were probably working hard until I came in, and they spent the next hour making me laugh uncontrollably. Chrissy convinced me if I was well enough to sit and laugh that long, she wasn't worried about me spreading germs at her house, so I agreed to come with those two students to share a meal at the Bryan's house. I swear I didn't stop laughing for a solid three and a half hours. [...]

There's a delightful saying from the podcast "Welcome to Nightvale" that you can buy on a t-shirt on their website: Pain is just pain entering the body. You can also buy one that says "manic pixie dream tarantula," but that's got nothing to do with my week. [...]

Today's Scripture readings in church both talked about how Jesus charged his followers to be witnesses. The chaplain was explaining how we can not only talk about what we've seen but be actual evidence of something. I'm bearing witness with my life when I go for a walk every day. [...]