JohnnyBGamer

The Surf Report – Church, Books, and Metaphor: ReFantazio Dragon Age

Welcome to the Surf Report for November 26, 2024!

.: God :

If you have ever experienced death in your family/friend circle, you know that there is an ebb and flow to it. Some days you are good, the world is bright and beautiful; other days you are not so good, the world is rainy and depressing. Ultimately, you are mourning a loss. Mourning what could have been but will never be. That’s where I’ve been since I last wrote. Experiencing the highs and lows of losing not a person but a church.

At the same time, my family and I joined Mobberly Baptist Church. I figured that I could either wallow in the past or press forward into the future. We have joined a small group; I have joined a weekly men’s Bible study. God is good.

I look forward to healing, serving, and getting to know more people.

.: Life :

I am currently reading:

The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne – A tale of Vikings sprinkled with just enough mystery to keep me going. There is a magic element to it but how much magic remains to be seen. I am enjoying the world and the characters therein.

Shepherding Like Jesus: Returning to the Wild Idea that Character Matters in Ministry by Andrew Hébert – I’ve only gotten through the introduction but the title says it all: Character Matters in Ministry. Looking forward to reading through this book by my new pastor.

And then, I’ve been listening to The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson on my commute to/from work. I’ve read this book some fourteen years ago but decided to relisten to the series on audiobook.

.: Gaming :

I bought Metaphor: ReFantazio and Dragon Age: The Veilguard within the span of a week. I love the story, characters, and atmosphere of Metaphor. The battle system though is something else. I find myself under-leveled and almost in an analysis-paralysis. Should I have picked another character class? Am I playing the game right? I love it… but Metaphor is unlike anything I’ve ever played.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard plays well, has an interesting story that never goes where I think it will, and solid characters. It’s one of those games where a story mission is just the perfect length to play, beat, and then log off for the night. I’ve been playing for about 7 hours now. Will continue and report back.

That’s it for me. How about you? What have you been up to? Let me know in the comments below.

Walking Out

I had written at the end of May that I was going through one of the hardest seasons of my life. That season, that chapter, closed as my wife, son, and I walked out of our church for the last time Sunday.

I will miss:

Teaching the Junior High Boys. I love their sense of humor, and their ability to be themselves. No matter how awkward. I will miss our oddball conversations that then segued into the Bible.
Serving alongside friends in the youth group.
Hearing my son practice his guitar, at home, in order to play on Wednesday nights.
Attending the church my wife and I dated in, were married in, and that we dedicated Wyatt to the Lord in. So many memories.

We move forward into a future not sure where the Lord will lead.

But, I know that He is good.

That is enough.

Photo by Roland Denes on Unsplash

Gears of War: E-Day | Official Announce Trailer

I have a clear memory of watching two of my dorm mates co-op the original Gears of War, on the Xbox 360, back in 2007. At the time, the game was a graphic powerhouse. The gameplay was marked by strategic cover-based shooting, formidable adversaries, and an abundance of gore. Blood, lots of blood.

I also remember playing as this this huge dude, this Arnold Schwarzenegger-type soldier, who felt helpless against these creatures crawling up from the depths. ‘Mad World’ indeed.

Fast forward to 2024, and Gears of War is back with a prequel that looks amazing! Apparently the game will embrace the horror elements found in the original Gears. I look forward to playing it with my son.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Official Reveal Trailer

This looks fantastic!

Trusting God: Finding Strength in Adversity

I am in one of the hardest seasons of life I have ever experienced right now. Never have I been so powerless to stop what is unfolding. The causality rate is high. At times it feels like my heart is breaking over and over.

I tell myself that things will get better.

I pray for change or removal from the situation.

What do we do in the face of such adversity?

I had a conversation the other day where I was reminded that God is in control. That God orchestrates everything, good and bad, for my ultimate good. If that means that He is instituting a roadblock in order to get me to course correct, then He will do so. God is good. God is righteous. God is holy. I know that I need to cling to Him in order to get to the other side of this. But knowing and doing are two different things.

I know that I need to:

Trust in the Lord (I’m trying).
Delight in the Lord.
Commit my path and this situation to the Lord (which I have).
And then ultimately, rest in Him.

Knowing that I do not need to fight unless told to do so. God is in control of my circumstances. He wants what is best for me even if I cannot see that yet. My flesh screams that I need to fight, need to do something, anything. God calls me to rest in Him.

Photo by Cole Farlow on Unsplash