Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Living Life in High Definition

Last night I found the link to this video of Ryan from December 2010, four months before he was diagnosed with cancer.  In the video, he recounts a story from the previous day in which I had nearly been in a car accident.  He also begins to define what living in high definition meant to him.

Ryan's message of trusting God, appreciating what really matters, and living a life intentionally for the sake of the kingdom of Christ - that message began when he was small, continued to be refined when he got older, and was burnished when he was diagnosed with cancer.  This video brings me joy because I was reminded that Ryan was not only someone special when he had cancer - he was uniquely formed by God to be a mouthpiece for His glory from the very beginning.  Cancer just gave him a megaphone with which to shout God's praises.


13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow. Awesome video, Kendra. Thanks for sharing it. It was so great to see Ryan, in his element, teaching about what God was instructing him... even before the diagnosis.
Gregg Hunter

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing this!!! Thinking of your family.

Ione Fessenden, Hesperia, MI said...

Thanks for posting the video Kendra. Through this video, Ryan will still reach out and touch peoples lives,as he did when God called him home.

Anonymous said...

What a special man. Thank you for sharing this. Even though I do not know you, I have been following your blog and praying for you. My deepest symphathy to you, your beautiful son, and family. I will continue to pray for you all.
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Wow! Kendra, your words stopped me suddenly at "he was uniquely formed by God to be a mouthpiece for His glory from the very beginning. Cancer just gave him a megaphone with which to shout God's praises." and I said, Wow, what a perspective and a treasure of trust in God! And that was before I saw the video! You and Ryan are amazing in your maturity and character and clear view of heavenly realities that are so easily clouded by our earthly lives. Bravo!!!!! Jaye

Anonymous said...

Wow! Kendra, your words stopped me suddenly at "he was uniquely formed by God to be a mouthpiece for His glory from the very beginning. Cancer just gave him a megaphone with which to shout God's praises." and I said, Wow, what a perspective and a treasure of trust in God! And that was before I saw the video! You and Ryan are amazing in your maturity and character and clear view of heavenly realities that are so easily clouded by our earthly lives. Bravo!!!!! Jaye

Anonymous said...

Wow! Kendra, your words stopped me suddenly at "he was uniquely formed by God to be a mouthpiece for His glory from the very beginning. Cancer just gave him a megaphone with which to shout God's praises." and I said, Wow, what a perspective and a treasure of trust in God! And that was before I saw the video! You and Ryan are amazing in your maturity and character and clear view of heavenly realities that are so easily clouded by our earthly lives. Bravo!!!!! Jaye

Kate said...

I'm so glad you posted this video, I watched it the other day also and was thinking the same thing! It has been so great to see you guys on this journey the past two years as you've battled the cancer and demonstrated incredible faith in the midst, but Ryan has always been a strong pillar of faith, a humble, sinful man who lived fully from his principles, values, and commitment to Christ. And I would also say, and I know Ryan would agree, he would never have been the man that he was without an amazing woman by his side. You have been perfectly suited to support and walk next to him through this. I praise God that you have both said yes to him, despite the cost and suffering. Love you Kendra, and praying for you. - Kate

Anonymous said...

He lived his faith and was God's mouthpiece ~
2 Corinth 5:19. I didn't know Ryan but did tweet a few times back and forth. Would have loved to talk about our faith more in depth. Praying for you and COlton and your whole family. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Gives faith and strength to many.

Unknown said...

He lived his faith and was God's mouthpiece ~
2 Corinth 5:19. I didn't know Ryan but did tweet a few times back and forth. Would have loved to talk about our faith more in depth. Praying for you and COlton and your whole family. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Gives faith and strength to many.

Cathy Gaylord said...

Thanks for sharing this video. After praying for Ryan for so long, it made me feel like I knew him. Praying for you and Colton and all of your families. Please keep us updated as to how ya'll are doing. May God bless ya'll.

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Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting this Kendra. What a reminder of "God's plans are bigger than ours" and how awesome it is to be used for kingdom purposes here on this earth for the Glory of the Most High God"! We commit to continue praying for you and buddy Colton.

Our son, David was 40 days (1 hour short of) battling for his life in his early 20's back in 2001 - the fall of. God spared his life during those 40 days and 4 open heart surgeries due to a staph infection that invaded Dave's heart. After a very long recovery and one more surgery the following summer, Dave returned to C.M.U. for his final year of college. God gave Dave 7 more years after the fall of 2001-and he and we knew life was fragile more than ever after that. It was in those 7 years that the Lord allowed Dave to use his story of miracle upon miracle and God's love in tims of great testing and trials as he did for Ryan giving him Great opportunity to preach the gospel. His and Dave's struggles on ths earth are done and there is no doubt God called them home as he planned. There are many witnesses watching and having their hearts touched by the Power of the Holy Spirit as our Risen Lord moves around us in ways that seem unbelievable. We trust God's big arms of love to wrap his assurance around you and Colton and extended family as you go through the days ahead....we are Aunt & Uncle to Tim Younglove and Hilary and Emily. If you need a little change of scenery-We are in Traverse City and welcome you with open arms any time ok? xoxoxo Carl & Cathy Steen