God on Sex: The Creator's Ideas About Love, Intimacy and Marriage” by Daniel Akin

Originally posted 2:49pm Saturday, Nov 25, 2006 on Facebook

One thing theology students do plenty of, is read. As much as I enjoy reading about the Bible and studying about Christ, my research (I am ashamed to admit) often becomes purely academic. I, on the other hand, am primarily a practical / “applicational” person. I can’t stand theology for the sake of theology. To the core of my being, doctrine without devotion is dead. That said, I find much of my research to be a great mental exercise, but sometimes rather dry. However, every once in a while in my research, I run across a diamond, a refreshing chance to really meditate on God’s word, applied to, and in, a very practical area of life.

One of my courses this semester is “Theology of Marriage” with Dr. Mohler, which has been a great class. An optional reading for this class was “God on Sex: The Creator's Ideas About Love, Intimacy and Marriage” by Daniel Akin.

Wow, what a book. I could not possibly begin to explain what a delight it was to read. So many of the things I have been taught or conclusions to which I have come were confirmed and so much was learned. Beyond that, the realization that, as always, I have so much to learn. Much will not be fully understood (or understood at all) until I am married, but it’s great to study ahead and try to be as prepared as possible.

The book is centered on Song of Songs (or Solomon). It is written like a parent taking a child through the book, trying to explain not only its theological meaning, but also applying it to practical issues at the same time. The author tries to explain the issues that both sexes have, do, and will face in marriage. The book takes the reader through dating, courtship, and marriage. It provided sage advise on things such as the selection of a potential spouse, confirming the selection throughout the relationship, final considerations before marriage, and then, finally, how to guard, protect, and sanctify your marriage. The book even covers how to have a great wedding. In the final chapters, and throughout, the book deals with how to please and lift up your spouse. Naturally, by the title, the book also deals with sexual issues, especially guarding against selfishness and serving your spouse especially in this area.

Bottom line, I think this is one of the best books I have ever read. I believe it will prove to be an invaluable resource for anyone, both leading up to and especially in marriage. I would STRONGLY advise any single person to read it now, as preparation for marriage.

I was LITERALLY either crying or laughing the ENTIRE time!

Just a Thought

Here’s a random paradigm shift. As I was getting into “the word” the other day, I thought about the fact that it has never been (nor will it ever be) possible to honestly make the statement “I’ve never thought about that.” Just a thought ;)

Going Home for the Summer

Hey, just wanted to let you guys know I’m going home for the summer. Thus, my posts will (probably) be less frequent, but have no fear, they will not drop to less than once per week!!! (some of you are cheering, some crying ;) Ah yes… back to pullin’ wire!!!

Please don’t be shy about emailing, calling, or using Facebook as I'd love to hear from you (my email is listed below on the prayer wall).



Gonna miss you all and can’t wait to get back up here!


All love in Christ,

Aaron Hawk
Col 2:6,7

Opened Up

Hey, just announcing that I’ve opened up my comments. As I have said, I am new to blogging and still discovering the controls that I can use. I welcome and enjoy comments, but would ask that you read my side bar comment “A Quick note for Newcomers.” If I end up with a lot of junk or especially comments that are not respectful, I will restrict the comments to the original annoying “Google only” setting (now that I know how ;)

I'm an addict... thank you!

Once again I stand in complete amazement as I realize (once again) what amazing and encouraging friends I am blessed of the Lord to have!!! In (and because of) this realization, I am continually humbled, literally falling on my face before God, thanking Him for placing such incredible people in my life. I am SO thankful for you all and am continually renewed by your love, your encouragement, even your simple presence. It is truly good for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity!



The number one way I connect with people is physical touch, so for those that are willing to put up with my playing around (and allow me the delusion that you enjoy it ;), you have no idea how much I need to play this way and how much you delight my heart in this. For those that are huggers, I literally cannot express how much you mean to me. By the simple, pure act of a hug, you are ministering to my soul (in a way that nothing else can)!

For those that are not huggers or don’t play around with me, please understand that you minister to my soul as well. Just as my spiritual life will be negatively affected by a lack of physical touch (seriously folks), I cannot subsist without deep, deep conversations, and the more sober moments of life, to compliment my more zany side. Thus, no matter what particular way you minister to me, I am dependent upon you. Thanks be to Christ Jesus our Lord (my ultimate sustainer), for the way He has ordained for His body to function!!!

Though this note sincerely goes out to ALL of my friends and has been coming for some time now, I do want to include a special “thank you” to those that were here tonight (you know who you are). I enjoyed our fellowship more than you know and am so thankful that you came. I literally wanted to cry (and am now, reflecting upon it) when I looked into your eyes and saw the sincerity and depth of your encouragement and love. I am truly unworthy of such exceptional friends, brothers, and sisters!!!

This last section is going to sound really sappy / corny, but it is from the heart. I hope that you do not doubt the sincerity of this note on the whole, or this last section. I am so amazed at the fellowship and friendships that I have here, I sometimes feel as if I am in a dream and if I breathe, it will all vanish. Yet, I am so confident of the sincerity of your friendship that I know you won’t! I am literally addicted to you guys. This, is the primary reason I don’t want to leave this summer. If I’m home, I can’t get my fix!

I wish that I were skilled enough to use words that would accurately convey the depth of my love and appreciation for you all, but I am unskilled and inept in this regard. I will simply close by saying thank you for allowing me to get to know you!!!


With an overflowing heart of gratitude and love,

Aaron HawkJohn 3:30

The Way Out

A man trapped in a cave once told me the way out…

Another Funny Martial Arts Story

Originally posted 10:42pm Monday, Nov 13, 2006 on Facebook



For those that know me well, especially in terms of the Martial Arts, this is yet another “close call” story. For those don’t or have never heard one of my “close call” stories, enjoy.

I spent most of the day today in the Library (not my favorite thing to do… at all) doing research. I was in “work mode” (again, some will get this, some won’t) and thus VERY focused on what I was doing. I got up to go to the restroom, which has a small, closed-in foyer, dimly lit, with two double doors. In the times that I have been in there, I have never seen anyone else at the same time. I was walking at “Aaron speed” and almost went through the door full-speed (the doors swing in), but backed off a little as they are not heavy. As I pushed the first one open with my left hand, within a split-second I saw two people standing there coming towards me (some of you already know where this is going :). It scared me so bad and happened so quickly, I came within a split second of thrust-punching (my right hand was free) the object in front of me. It REALLY scared me. As it turns out, the object was what I would estimate to be a 7-year-old boy, who would have sailed into his father! As always, I managed to catch myself before even making the fist, realizing it was a boy and his father, but MAN what another close one. After this, I had to stand there for a few seconds to calm down. Thanks be to God, I have never struck anyone with one of these close calls, but they do make for some hilarious stories!

For those that do not know me, please don’t think badly of me!!! After a while of training, your training becomes ingrained and ideally at a reflexive level. Thankfully, another part of training is assessing the situation. Also, most importantly, thanks for the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in keeping us from doing stupid things (well, sometimes)!

A (Semi-Fictitious) Military Story

One day in hostile territory, the CO (Company Officer) told me to patrol a certain area. I had just come off of leave and was rested and ready to go. With that said, the CO gave me instructions that on my patrol, I was to search for a missing member of our battalion. We may not know that member’s location, but we know that this member is in the area somewhere.


As I patrolled, I ran into a member of another battalion who had been looking for a missing member of his own. He had been patrolling for some time and had come close to finding his missing member several times, but had still not been able to succeed thus far.


As I spoke with this man, he chastised me as a fool for searching and told me that if I were as wise as he (and as experienced), I would not even search, since searching was what everyone else was doing and none in our company had succeeded. Beyond this, the CO had told him to stop searching for a while and rest. I replied that I would continue searching since I was well rested and was following my leader’s desires. He chastised me again, calling me both desperate and a fool, for not ceasing from my search. Then he sat back, in self-righteous satisfaction.





As I observed this, I realized that he was so wrapped up in his own tired and worn-out perspective, that he didn’t even understand what I was talking about. He was not speaking from logic or out of duty to the CO, but from a battle-hardened and self-centered perspective.


Most importantly, I realized that in this condition he couldn’t see the big picture. He couldn’t fathom that the CO might tell one man to rest for a while and another to press on… as each was able…

A Quick Meditation on Our Eternal Home

Originally posted 4:23am Tuesday, Jan 23 on Facebook
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It’s a funny thing, home… belonging. I have never been one to consider SC my ‘home.’ I have moved and had to ‘start over’ a lot in my life and it’s not really that difficult for me anymore. I have lived all over the US. Thus, I am not particularly loyal to SC or any other geographical place (except maybe the US itself, since I’ve never been out). I am a family / people oriented person, thus I am ‘at home’ with people, not places in particular. I feel like I am repeating myself, but I really want to stress the idea of positional ‘home’ vs. just loving to be with family. I guess to put it bluntly and succinctly; I generally feel no sense of belonging tied with locality.

That said, I am legally a permanent resident of SC and as of now most of my family is in SC. I live in KY most of the time for school (I refer to both as ‘home’). Until last week, it had been a while (almost 6 months) since I was home in SC (I even missed Christmas, as many students did). I really missed my mom and was glad that I was able to make the trip home. It takes about 10 hours of driving, so I had plenty of time to think and sing. My thoughts were everywhere, as always. However, a very strange thing happened, unrelated to any of the things I was thinking about… my heart leaped for joy when I saw and passed into the SC state border. I realized that after 6 months of driving all around KY with an SC license plate, I was instantly declared ‘home’ again. I was no longer viewed by those traveling on the road or working at the gas stations as a foreigner (or to put it another way “not from around here”), but as a resident, a part of the ‘family’ of SC. The moment I placed the license plate on my car two years ago, I was marked as being a resident of SC. While in SC, my car declares that I belong; I am a part of SC. While in KY, my car declares that I am transient, just passing through. Perhaps I am literally just driving through the state on my way somewhere else, or perhaps I am staying a little longer: either way, I do not ‘belong’ in KY (“them vs. us,” as I’ve heard some people say it). All of this is declared by this marking on the rear of my car.

Within an instant, I received instruction and a new meditation. I lack the skill to write in a way that would adequately describe the force with which this meditation hit me, but I will make a feeble attempt. The analogy of being pilgrims in a foreign land is so often used to describe our position on this earth. As Christians, we believe that ‘this earth is not our home’ and we are simply foreigners / pilgrims passing through. Thus we are to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven and look to the unseen and eternal things, not the temporal. Also, we are not to become too comfortable in our present state (in but not of).

We as Christians, bear a marking. We have been marked and sealed as children of God in Christ Jesus by the Spirit of the one living and true God. This mark declares us to be part of family of God. We are declared as belonging to this family. Further, this mark declares us foreigners in this world and residents of the world to come. It assures us that if He goes to prepare a place for us, it will be so and He will return and take us home. I can’t begin to fathom the joy that will be in my heart as I ‘cross the line’ into heaven. I will finally be home with Christ, both in the sense of family and in the sense of location. I will no longer live away from home and have to be a foreigner. Instead, I will live with and do the works of my Father. I will belong; it’s a family thing. This experience was just a foretaste!!!

On the other hand, I cannot, in this life, think of the joy that will be mine, without thinking of the terrible dread awaiting those that are not part of the family of God. Non-Christians also bear a mark, one declaring that they are destined for separation from God in the place reserved for His wrath, known as hell. When the roll is called, only family will be allowed into the presence of God. Only those that have been declared to belong will be seen as natives / residents and thus allowed in, once the doors are shut. The lost are marked as a part of the family of anti-Christ. They are declared / declaring that they do not belong to the Kingdom of Christ, but are natives / residents of the doomed kingdom of Satan (related John 8:42-44).


I am afraid that I have done a very poor job of explaining my thoughts, but this meditation drove me to both praise and prayer. I rejoice that I belong to the Kingdom of Christ, but grieve for all those that do not! Just as I am a foreigner in KY for the purpose of preparing for ministry, we are foreigners on this earth with / for a purpose. My friends, we need to be about the business of our father, leading as many as possible to adoption in Christ!!!





Revelation 14:9-10 9 Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb

Revelation 2:17 17 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.'

Revelation 3:12 12 'He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.

Quick Response to an Attack on the Sanctity of Marriage

Originally posted 2:04am Friday, Feb 16 2007 on Facebook
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The background for this note is the article posted at...

(taken from http://www.slate.com/id/2091475/ )

I discovered this article in a discussion on the facebook group "Sanctity of Marriage" so look there for more discussion



This note is a quick and tired response...



Yes, this bothers me immensely. This author is totally missing the point, though I appreciate Lithwick’s attempt at ‘sober’ conversation and reason, instead of the usual “you guys are idiots” approach. Marriage in and of itself is religious in nature and based on the revealed Word of God, known as the Bible. God is the originator of marriage and thus the authority on what it should and shouldn’t be. Now I must admit, if we are truly going to ‘separate church and state’ then the gov should get out of the marriage process altogether. However, separation of church and state was never meant to be what it is made to be today. Further, religion of some sort can NEVER be removed from a gov, as we as humans are religious. Like it or not, that is the case. Contrary to Nietzsche, God is not dead. Through our so-called enlightenment, the belief in God has persisted, specifically the God of the scriptures. Thus, it is not God who is dead, but Nietzsche himself that has died. It is a failed philosophy by a dead man (in both senses). If it were possible to remove religion from the gov, mind you “if,” a consensus would be impossible. No moral compass would exist and anarchy would reign. What I’m leading up to is Nihilism. The end result of Nihilism, if anyone were ever truly a Nihilist, is suicide. By this I mean if anyone ever TRULY grasped / believed that knowledge is impossible, it would literally drive them insane (an impossible conclusion at which to arrive by the way) and they would self-destruct. My point is that the authority rests on the God of the Bible. I realize this is choppy, but I just ran across this article. I had to comment, but it is late and I am tired.

A + B = C

Originally posted 3:04pm Tuesday, Oct 17, 2006 on Facebook

The Bible demands A+B in order to have C. So often though C is not realized because our human nature neglects either A or B. So we are faced with the the choice of having A or B, but ultimately not C. C is not impossible, it is demanded by scripture and therefore could not be, yet is is a very difficult thing to find and accomplish. I have rarely found it.

Hint - C = Church

My Posture

Originally posted 1:09am Thursday, Oct 5, 2006 on Facebook



My goal and posture is to keep Christ first and foremost in my life. I strive to honor him in all that I do and think. He must be the grid through which I view and interpret all things. May I honor him with all that I am and all that I have!




Here are a few of my favorite scriptures (in relative order):

John 3:30
1 Cor 10.31
Colossians 2:6,7
1 Kings 22:14
Hosea 10:12
Ps. 56:3 and 119:11.

Another short meditation from the disturbing mind of Aaron Hawk

Originally posted 6:03pm Thursday, Nov 2, 2006 on Facebook

I wish so much that we, that is people, didn’t feel that we have to play such games with each other. We guard our thoughts and feelings so closely because of sin and pride. Sometimes, we’re guarding ourselves, sometimes the other person, though usually ourselves. We are so concerned that our intentions will be revealed or that friendships will be severed by our honest thoughts and feelings. It is so frustrating to have to think in these terms. If a friendship were strong and genuine, nothing of this sort could destroy it. If two people claim to love Christ, the same should be true, no matter the difference (provided it is not a matter of sin). Our focus should be on His glory, not our comparatively minute interests. Yet, we hold our own pride and sin above this free communication and God-ward glorification, to the point that we are afraid to share. So we speak in riddles and half-truths in order to protect our fragile egos.

When it is our sin that will sever ties, it should be dealt with. If it is simply vulnerability, that says little of the friendship. We should be able to walk right up to someone with whom we have a relationship (no matter the type or longevity; whether new, old, just friends, or more) and tell them our opinions and/or thoughts and have no fear of the outcome because both parties would be seeking Godliness and reconciliation (if a rift were to occur). Yet we fear that our intentions would be misunderstood and the relationship would be adversely affected or severed altogether. We fear both ourselves and the other person's perception and/or reaction. This shows a very low view of the other person and ourselves, yet the fear of the effects of sin so often paralyzes us. When one person feels differently than the other, that should not stop or weaken the friendship, yet so often it does. That is both shameful and sinful.The most frustrating part of this is that though I recognize it as such, and though I am not known, in general, for being a timid person, I catch myself doing it and being enslaved by it. Even within this note there is a background I am not willing to share. The same is also true within several of my other notes and I am not willing to reveal much about them. The screaming example is the actual riddle I put in there.

I hate this game, yet I find myself playing right along!

Driving in the Darkness As Surely as the Sun Rises

Originally posted: 7:28am Saturday, Mar 24 on Facebook
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This note is a long time coming (I’ve been really busy, so I have a few “notes in waiting” – but unfortunately no ladies, if you know the term :). Its inspiration was the last time I went home. Actually, it was on the way back to Kentucky, just before the semester started. I began driving I-26 not long before sunrise. I found two things on which to meditate during the first part of this return trip.The first, was quite simple and corresponds to John 1:5. As I was driving in the darkness, I naturally had my headlights on (Ps 119:105) and was able to see a little ahead of myself. For the record, I love driving at night; I just think things are so beautiful, especially when I can see the stars. With my eyes adjusted properly, I can observe the beauty of creation veiled in the darkness of night (and occasionally pay attention to the road as well ;) Things appear so beautifully clear. The problem is that I can only see a short distance ahead of myself and can’t see anything on the sides of the road. I can only see dimly (1 Cor 13.7). Thus, I am unaware of all types of danger. Though I have the illusion of being able to see, in reality, I may as well be blind.Further, as I drove along 26, occasionally, a vehicle would pass from the other direction (bear in mind, I am speaking about early in the morning). When they would pass, the light from their headlights would shine on me, blinding me (sometimes so much that I couldn’t see the road). This is one of the few things that I do not like about driving at night. My eyes had been adjusted to the darkness of night and suddenly a car would be opposing me, blinding me with the light that it projects from itself. I couldn’t help but realize that this is exactly how the Gospel of Christ is to those who reject him (
John 3.19; Acts 26.18).Before I move on to the second point, please understand that, for the sake of this illustration, I will not speak / write in a scientific sense. The second, and main, thing that I meditated upon, was the speed at which the sun rises. I-26 goes from East to West in fairly straight line. As I said, I began driving at 70 mph before sunrise pretty much due West. When I looked in the rearview mirror at different points it was totally dark at first. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the sun began to rise, with me still traveling as fast as the law would allow. It was to no avail though, no matter how fast I traveled, the sun rose and overtook me. Before I knew it, it was light. In the same way, the judgment of Christ will overtake all those who are in the darkness. No matter how hard a person may try to run, it is all in vain. This is a sad thing to me, as so many that I know are without him, but regardless of my feelings, the truth stands.



Related to this meditation is that of timing. When exactly is sunrise? To a person standing at point A, it may be X, but to a person standing at point B, it may be Y. How does one know it is sunrise and at what point can one say this exact moment is sunrise (and that the previous moment was not and the next moment is not)? Sunrise is a tricky thing. We have no doubt when it is mid-day or evening (unless you are on my sleep schedule, then you have to check the clock ;). These are solid times that are easy to recognize. We also have no doubt when it is night, but it is difficult to define the sunrise. Even with an online dictionary, there are (at least) three DIFFERENT ways to define it. There are clear signs that it is coming. There is no doubt in the observer’s mind that sunrise is coming soon, but when exactly?! Further, there is no doubt in the observer’s mind that sunrise has occurred after the fact. In fact, the whole event is QUITE sudden (Luke 17.24; 21.34). One moment it is dark and (seemingly) the next moment, it is light. May we all be prepared and not come empty-handed!!!

Beauty

This is another one from my backlog (from my last trip home). As I was driving back to KY, I crossed the French Broad River at the height of the sunrise. I was in the middle of the bridge, with the golden sunrise cresting over the hill, revealing a little house right on the shore. The whole area was still covered in the morning mist, which further amplified and reflected the radiance of the sunrise. It was one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever seen. I imagined being able to wake up to that scene morning after morning. I further imagined myself being able to go canoeing in the river at the same time and the beauty that would surround me. As I meditated upon this beauty and imagined myself in its midst, I began to think of what daily life would be like for those living in that little white house on the shore. I wondered if they would wake up and appreciate the beauty that was right there, or busily race off and never even see it. Then, my thoughts turned inward.

I have lived in Charleston for at least twelve of the twenty-five years I’ve been alive (a conservative estimate). In that time, I have never visited most of the areas people talk about when they visit Charleston. I have lived there for such a long time and yet have taken the beauty that was around me so for granted. This last trip home was one of the first that I have ever really looked around and seen the beauty of the Charleston area. Before this last trip, I realized that I had beautiful pictures of all kinds of random places, some places in which I have lived and some in which I have only spent a day or two at the most, yet I had none of the Charleston area. Thus, one of my goals was to “tour” Charleston and get some pictures. I did just that and was amazed at the beauty of the area. Though I have driven trucks right through the same streets and even wired houses on the same islands, I have never truly seen the Charleston area before this trip. I had beauty staring me in the face, took it for granted, and looked right past it!

This is the same way that we take a good church for granted. We see the daily running or small imperfections and forget the beauty that is there. We get caught in routine or in our own selfishness and never step back and appreciate what Christ has given us.

To take this to a deeper level, it is the same way a husband “forgets” how beautiful and special his wife is. He has been with her for a certain length of time and no longer steps back and simply admires her beauty and thus forgets the wife of his youth. Further, he takes her for granted all the way around. He begins not to think for her, but for himself. It is no longer “how was your day,” but “let me tell you about my day.” Thus, the wife no longer feels beautiful and appreciated, much less loved. Wives too, fall to this. She forgets to admire the strength and provision of her man. She grows used to his putting her first and comes to expect it, rather than appreciate it. I could go on and on, but the bottom line is that they take each other for granted and then things fall apart. Thus, closing each other off and fortifying the distance they have created between themselves. This is unfortunately part of our sinful nature and something we must constantly fight!

Oh man, what an indictment!!! I wonder how many other things I don’t see in the same way. In fact, let’s finish this thought and take it to the highest level… we take God for granted in much the same way. Instead of spending time in awe of and enjoying Him, we rush about the tasks we have set for ourselves and totally neglect our relationship with Him!!! Despite how much He tries to display His glory and His love for us, we continue to be a stiff-necked people…

May God help us to admire and worship Him with all of our being, seeing Him with fresh eyes each and every day!!!

Herein is a Riddle

TTDOMHIAW

A few have asked what this means... It is a mystery (to others, not myself), a statement of faith, and a cry from the heart! It can be written in all caps as above or as TtDoMHIaW, I prefer all caps. In French, it would be ADDMCJA or ADdMCJA. :)

About me – the Fuller Version

Let’s see, where do I begin… duh… I am deeply in love with Jesus Christ!!! I strive to submit my will, my mind, my talents, and my all to Him… for He alone is Worthy!!! (Lord, I love you; help me to love you more!!!)

Ok, the first thing is that I am completely new to the whole “online” thing, as far as blogs and communities. I have had email since 2000, but otherwise, haven’t really used the internet until recently. Thus, I am still really new at all of this.

Second, I’m really not sure why anyone would care what I have to say. This is not false modesty or anything like that, I sincerely don’t understand; who am I that people should care what I have to say? To be completely honest, there are two reasons I decided to do this. The first was the gentle coaxing of some friends who refused to read my notes on Facebook and said I was basically using FB as a blog, thus I should just start one. :) Gotta love my friends! The second is that, though I truly write for my own satisfaction, I do really enjoy feedback. Also, as an added benefit, it gives people another angle from which to view and get to know me. So, if you have any comments, please feel free to leave them.


Now, for general info about me…

Well…

The best way to get to know me is to talk with me, obviously. I enjoy anything that stimulates the intellect (especially things that are witty or sarcastic in nature). I also love to laugh and have a good time. I love cutting up and playing with people. I love music and sing almost all the time; especially when I am close to the Lord. There’s nothing like singing at the top of your lungs at 3:00 in the morning! I also enjoy psychology and counseling and studying people in general. One of the greatest joys and interests in my life is that of studying people and spurring them on in the Lord.







On one hand, if you meet me, I will probably seem like one of the quietest people you have ever met, at first. In all of life, I am generally an observer first and then I act. Thus, in new social situations, I will usually “disappear,” until I am comfortable with a group or person. Once those barriers are broken down and I am comfortable, I act very different. Then “the real me” begins to come out. I love talking… a lot of talking. In fact, sometimes too much talking (can you tell ;) I am also an extremely hyper person. I have tons of energy and enjoy staying active. I don’t like staying still. Even at home, I am up and about doing anything but sitting still, at least as rule. I do know when to relax, especially where fellowship and conversation are concerned, but even in these times, my mind is usually going. On the other hand, I have a very strong personality and an even stronger will. Thus, when I need to be, I can be one of the boldest people you will ever meet. As a rule, I am a very up front person and prefer people be the same way with me.

There are two words that the people who know me best use to describe me, time and time again. Those words are sincere and intense. I don’t mind those two descriptive terms; in fact, I think they are good attributes. However, they both seem to get me into a lot of trouble. I hate ambiguity with a passion. I desperately love deep conversation and communication, free from pretense and deceit. That said, until I am secure in a relationship and can trust that a person will not misunderstand what I am saying, I tend to overanalyze and over-qualify things. This drives some people nuts. Other nuts, like me, understand and aren’t bothered by it. Even by including this in my “about me” section, I am proving my own point :) So… I am asking (ahead of time) for your forgiveness and for grace if I offend you in some way. Also, I have a really “bad” habit of giving people more information than they were really asking for. When I am interested in something, anything, I want to know everything I can about it, every little detail. I also love talking, as mentioned above. Thus, put those two together, and you have a person who gives a lot of info when asked a question. I am getting better at holding the balance on all three of these things, but the key here is “getting” better (present-active sense). Thus, once again, I ask that you just call me a dork and hand over some grace!


Ok, one last thing here (at least for now)… Let me be abundantly clear: I am writing as a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ. Christ, who is the Son of God, the second person of the trinity (see scripture passage below*). Further, I believe that the Bible is God’s special, inspired revelation of Himself to us. I believe it is entirely true and completely perfect (2 Tim 3.16). That said, if you are not a Christian or do not believe in the total inspiration of the Bible, please feel free to comment and interact as much as possible. Also, feel free not to use abusive language or harass me or any that may read this blog. If you disagree, that is fine, but let’s all be civil. Abuse will not be tolerated!

May the Lord help us to honor Him in all of our thoughts, speech, and actions!!!


Sincerely, the recovering Pharisee,

Aaron Hawk



*John 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. 9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.