A Short Story to Read

Beirut, Lebanon

2009-03-08T15:39:00.004-04:00

Well, it has certainly been awhile since I have taken the time to sit and write about the things in my life. As usual things have been super busy and going crazy. God has shown up and rocked my world and shown up huge in my life lately. But right now I am sitting outside a coffee shop in Beirut! The shop is called Costa Coffee, on Hamra Street. I've been talking with people from Palestine, and many other places. A few of us here have talked with people from Syria, Iraq, and South Africa. It's been amazing! But there will be more to come later in the week. Internet is hard to come by so it might be awhile until I write again.
But the people here are amazing and the culture of the Arab world is something to behold! The food is great and the people are so open and welcoming! I have had some amazing conversations with people from all over the world. I went running through Beirut this morning and just spent some time in prayer. God is truly moving in this area, people are having dreams and visions about meeting Jesus and coming to know Him and beginning their personal relationship with Him! The stories of these people are amazing! We went downtown last night to Beirut, it was crazy! We went by the mosque, the 3rd largest in the world! It was beautiful! The stone and marble are majestic! So beautiful!
It's been hazy these past few days but the mountains are gorgeous! The city is a unique city! Hope to do another post soon!

Word

2009-01-18T22:02:00.001-05:00

Thousands of faces
Many a heart
Only empty earthen cases
How we seem so apart
Your hands and voices raised
But there's a dying child
A woman alone, a
Man killing for food, yeah
Lights so bright it's blinding
Your eyes cannot see
Sound ever defening
The groanings of the world
You say you believe, but
Do you see? It's more than
A tear, prayer, or joyful song
A man carried his cross
To his own death, pain, and hurt
Go and do likewise were his words
How often you wash the feet
Of your enemies, or
Give a man a cloak when
We both know you got plenty
To go around, and love
The Samaritan, Pharisee,
Saducee, and the like
But my own words remind me to love
Pray, and seek the best for you
Even when your own life
Is a picture of the lepers that stayed
Never returning to sit at the feet
Or give thanks for a burden that's light
And a yoke that's easy
But I'll wash your feet and
Wish you well, but I won't stop there
You see, it's easy to love those that need it
But what about those that got all they need?
I gotta love you too and carry my cross for you
Even when I think you don't deserve at all
I eat the scroll and think otherwise
Woe is me, a man of unclean lips
But I'm purified, sanctified and ready to go
So I'll love you, even when I'd rather do otherwise
All the faces and hearts
With hands lifted high, I'll love you
I'll pull the plug and kick the speakers
Do anything to let the Jesus I follow
Move and call you
To love the child dying today
Feed the man, woman starving and crying
To wash the feet of those forgotten
Go and do likewise, live by these words, maybe even die by these words

So...My dad is a Doctor...

2008-12-14T13:46:00.002-05:00

These past few years, about 6, my dad has been working on finishing his Doctorate from Southern Seminary. He finally fnished everything this semester and finished his paper, project, and examinations. So him, my mom, and I traveled up to Louisville, KY for the weekend to take part in the festivities of graduation! My aunt, uncle, cousin, and momaw made the journey as well. So it made for a great time of reunion and celebration for the Smith family, usually trouble! We got to see a little of Louisville and the beautiful history of the city! There were so many places that had been restored and rebuilt to original looks and it was amazing! The town was a very urban area with nice places to eat and chill and read, we just didn't have the time to actually enjoy them. We had to go to a lot of receptions and congratulatory gatherings for all the seminary grads, regardless it was still lots of fun to hang with the fam. Hopefully this Christmas will have many more good times and laugh filled evenings!

Is The End In Sight

2008-11-02T01:02:00.002-04:00

Is the end in sight? I find myself asking that, among many other things, here lately. My mind wanders between the events of here and now to times of the past and the possibilities of the future. So things bring a smile while others bring forth a never ending stream of tears. Possibilities of the future seem all to overwhelming at times. Some days my soul feels like a vessel in the vast ocean waters with no coordinates or stars for navigation. I simply float along with whatever direction the waves desire to take me. So are gentle and refreshing and others are giant and overpowering, each with thier own characteristics and purpose.

I am not at all where I thought I would be 3 months ago. After losing an important part of my life things have been different. Day after day I wake only by the Grace of God and by taking joy in the God of my Salvation. If it were not for the sovereignty of God the waves would be without purpose or reason. By God seeking Himself and by humbly submitting to that sovereignty each toss and turn offers a glimpse and the Glory of God.

The Mountain Top Experience has been an amazing blessing to take part in and experience. To sit in a great cloud of witnesses of such people as Linda, Rita, Shine, and Linda, and John has brought me to the point of realization that I am called to be a washer of feet.

While mentoring at Anna K. Davies Elementary my mind has been opened to the vast amounts of suffering among young children in our world. Children live without the warmth of heat and the comfort of food and water. During the cold bite of winter some children walk to school without a jacket or coat. These are the children that are the victims of drug abuse, violence, a culture that offers no alternatives, and an apathetic generation of Jesus admirers. The little boy I meet with feels as if he is alone in his world and struggles to experience the love from God.

The death of a friend never seems to get easier. Miss Alford passed away last week. I did not know because I was sick last week and missed visiting her. Her roommate talked with me for a little while and we prayed and I left the room. I had only spoken with Miss Alford a few times and each time her smile touched my spirit. Her laughter pierced the toughest of skin. My heart was broken at the hearing of her passing. But I am thankful for our short time together and pray that her spirit was as encouraged as mine during our conversations.

God is good. The Father always has His wings open wide. His words of instruction and rebuke are comforting. Jesus the Christ is the manifestation of the person of God to me. He is a true High Priest that allows for communion with God. I pray that I may be counted as a follower and disciple of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is empowering, comforting, convicting. Each day the leading of the Spirit is my prayer and desire. To experience the power of the Holy Spirit and sense the comfort provided is indeed a blessing from God. God is great.

Dangerous Roads

2008-10-19T17:17:00.003-04:00

I have been cycling for awhile and I seem to be enjoying it. There is a special sense of peace when riding down roads with mountains and valleys and the rest of God's creation. In Floyd county there are some amazing roads that wind through some steep mountains and they provide an excellent view of creation. The same is true in Bartow county, though not as many mountains at all. I absolutely love a long climb with a breathtaking view at the top. Then the descent is also an adrenaline rush, sometimes I can get up to around 50mph. Very fast and fun. But these roads are dangerous.

This summer I was hit by a driver in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Thankfully there were no serious injuries, just bruises and a little emotional trauma. I got back on the bike the next week and rode like nothing happened, I was still a little sore though.

Thankfully I have had no accidents like this summer, I really haven't had any at all. But I have had a lot of close calls. So drivers simply forget or don't look when they turn or come around a curve. I have had to hit the brakes a few times to avoid breaking my face on the side of a car. There are also plenty of idiots that seem to make it their goal to get as close as possible and lay on the horn. I rode today and had a few of those on the same road! It is very dangerous and ticks me off unbelievably. Even when there is room in another lane, some people just do not move. I usually offer them some fine Christian words and a wave and get over it. Remember, grace, for those that might judge.

But people need to slow down and simply watch what is around them. I did not realize the beauty surrounding me until I started walking and biking to places. People can experience the same if only they would slow down. So world, slow down please.

Intensity in Ten Cities

2008-10-09T18:32:00.000-04:00

I'm not the one that you want, I'll only let you down.
And I'm pretty sure that you've caught on.
And you can say that 'Oh, I'm just feeling sorry for myself.'

I think it's every time I walk into a room
a silence so sudden that I seem to hear it
Smiles turn to frowns
Contact saying that you are the rain on their parade.

And how long could you hang on to a word?
Tell me, how long could you hang on to a word?

I'm not the one that you want, I'll only let you down.
And I'm pretty sure that you've caught on.
And you can say that 'Oh, I'm just feeling sorry for myself'

Or maybe it's all eyes on him
in love with ego and intention
the eyes that are just begging me for more.
This is gone and I can see it
your head is full of words,
full of words that don't mean anything.

And how long could you hang on to a word?
Tell me, how long could you hang on to a word?

I'm not the one that you want, I'll always let you down.
And I'm pretty sure that you've caught on.
And you can say that 'Oh, I'm just feeling sorry for myself'

I'm not the one that you want, I'll always let you down.
And I'm pretty sure that you've caught on.
And you can say that 'Oh, I'm just feeling sorry for myself'

If that's how you feel, then what's there to do?
I'll keep this feeling in my heart
but when you look in my eyes, you will know the truth.

Pretty much this is how my heart feels at the moment. It's tough sure, but it's just an accurate description of what I am incapable of expressing. I read a decent article dealing with loneliness today. It said that many many people experience loneliness. The thing is that they do not tell anyone about it. So, I'm telling people how I feel. If you find that you feel the same way then you are certainly not alone in your struggle. Crazy how people write exactly how you feel sometimes. Many thanks to Chiodos for their wonderful gift of writing. Enjoy.

Shot to The Soul

2008-10-01T00:08:00.002-04:00

So, I've been taking part of a bible study here at Shorter these past few weeks. It's called T-Cell. Short for Transformation Cell. Also, T-Cells are in our body and they fight diseases and other things that destroy our bodies. It's a really cool biology/spiritual thing that worked out.

Anyway, tonight we met for 2 hours and only covered 4 verses. Not much progress. But it was some Holy Spirit led studying of the Word. It was, as the title suggests, a shot to the soul. We began looking at the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 tonight. And it cut deep, very deep. I will be chewing on everything that was said for a good while. But it was some good stuff. So I challenge you all, whoever you may be, to go and read the beginning of Matt. 5. Allow the Spirit to lead you and teach you and meditate on the words of Jesus. Let me know what happens. Seriously.

Peace.

Abingdon, VA

2008-09-05T22:50:00.002-04:00

This weekend I will be spending the weekend in Abingdon, Virginia. The Cross team is up here and we are spending the weekend hanging out and training. It's been a lot of fun so far. The drive up was pretty bad because it was so stinking hot in the van. But we are able to run on one of the most beautiful trails in the Southeast. It's called the Creeper Trail and it used to be a railroad track that ran across the state and now it's a 33 mile cinder track across the southern part of the state. It is absolutely beautiful with trees and fields and all kinds of wildlife. Tonight we had some amazing Bar-B-Q chicken and everything that should go with it. We as seniors got together and got the food and cooked it all together and then got some "gifts" for the rest of the team. It's been a lot of fun just spending time with my teammates away from school and people and just in nature, it's almost like a short camp of sorts. We've got a workout in the morning that going to be great and then we're just hanging out for the rest of the day and spending time with each other. And then we will be heading back to Rome and I will spend the rest of the weekend reading and studying...lots of fun.

North Avenue Community

2008-08-30T23:51:00.002-04:00

The Spirit of God is moving in the city of Rome, Ga. Many things are happening that are bringing the Kingdom of God down to earth just as Jesus did. Things are by no means perfect and there is no secret or revelation specifically here. Just the Word of God and a community of FOLLOWERS of Jesus. That's all. There is an amazing woman of God, a prophetess, working in South Rome. Her ministry is called the Mountain Top Experience. I have never before experienced the Spirit of God at work within a persons life. Miss Linda is truly a woman of God that is following wherever Jesus leads her. Through her the community of South Rome is being transformed by the power of God. It is a blessing to be able to take part in God's work in South Rome.

A few of my friends are also working in North Rome, hence the title. They have started a community house that is committed to enacting the Kingdom of God as best they can. Lives are lived simply and the people of North Rome are loved as Jesus would love them. I believe that it is the manifestation of the Church that was mentioned in Acts. They are the Body and the Bride of Christ. A beautiful picture is what it is. They have started a blog to allow those that are not here to take part in their ministry. So I put the link on my page so go check it out and see what God is doing. Hopefully He will speak to each and everyone of us through His work in North Rome and South Rome.

The Marathon

2008-08-23T22:23:00.002-04:00

Tonight was the men's marathon of the 2008 Olympics. I was ready for Ryan Hall to put on an amazing show for the US and surprise a few of the world's best runners by taking a medal in the race. Hall demonstrated some amazing ability in his marathon debut's and at the US Trials. He is an amazing follower of Christ and an excellent runner. So I was pumped that the States might actually get a medal in the marathon. But things didn't seem right soon after the start. Hall was 1 minute back as soon as the leaders took off. He didn't have the usual stride that he does when he is running his best. He soon dropped to 3 minutes back before the half. The leaders just kept raising the level of intensity throughout the race and Hall could not keep up. He eventually finished 11th behind fellow a fellow American teammate. Both ran right around the previous Olympic marathon record but the winner from Kenya destroyed the old one. So I was a little bummed that Hall didn't run as fast as we thought he would. But he is young and has a good many years of great training ahead of him so there is plenty to look forward to.

Beginning of A New Year

2008-08-21T17:09:00.002-04:00

This week was the beginning of a new year. Classes have started, the cross team has got things running at full speed, and life is busy already. I haven't even had stuff to read or write and I've already had some really late nights! It's crazy! But it's all good times. I am excited though about the year ahead. Things wont always be easy and it will be tough but I am excited about the places God will take me and the things that He will reveal to me. My fraternity has started getting things ready for rush and we are ready to get some really great guys in as brothers! The cross team is looking really good and we are fit and ready to get the season started. Classes are going to be good but I've got a ton of papers to write this year. I have to write my senior thesis and it's got to be at least 20 pages! On top of that I have 5 classes that have at least a 10 page research paper! So pretty much I will be writing a small book this semester. Look for it in all major bookstores. Right now I am sitting at the BCM Cookout running sound and doing all that jazz. It's good to be back at school and be with my community of believers and followers of Christ. We've already had some quality times of worship and praise and prayer and scripture study. I am blessed to have some of the greatest friends that you could possibly want! This week I have been nothing but surrounded with love and support and encouragement from all of them! I thank God for everyone who is a part of my life, I am truly blessed! But since I am at a cookout I do believe that I must go get a burger and some chips and a drink. Later.

In A Good Spot

2008-08-15T14:18:00.003-04:00

I haven't written anything in a good while. And I probably should have but things have been a little hard for me these last few days. I don't want to get into too much detail about things but the girl that I have been dating for almost 2 years ended things this week. So I have been dealing with that this week and have not had the desire to write and all that good stuff. But God has graciously kept me in His wings and allowed me to grow in Him. A very good friend of mine who I consider to be one of the greatest men I know gave me a sermon to read. It's called The Expulsive Power of A New Affection and it was written by a guy named Thomas Chalmers. And it is one of the greatest writings I have ever read. One paragraph holds more spiritually sound doctrine than a years worth of sermons by most of todays pastors. You can Google it and find a pdf file pretty easily and read it if you want, which I suggest. So, as the title suggests I am in a good spot. I am in a vulnerable spot where God can direct and lead me in the journey that He has for me. Things are not always easy but I have a few good friends that are helping me find God and are helping through this difficult time. I am thankful for those who have listened to me cry, yell, and just talk about where I am. They are truly some of the greatest friends in the world and they know who they are. It's going to be a good year and I am sure that there will be much to write about. So, get ready. It's going to be good.

Yesterday

2008-08-06T09:47:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I rode my bike. For 50 miles. It took a little under 3 hours so that put my average speed around 20-23 mph. It was one of the toughest things that I have ever done. We climbed a mountain called Fouche Gap and at the top you can see the entire area of Rome and the surrounding country! It is beautiful. I don't ride with my camera, I should but wait, I don't have a camera! But maybe I will try and go up again and take some pictures so you guys can see how high we were. Then we flew down the mountain and had rolling hills the rest of the way. Long ride short, we finally got back into downtown Rome to the bike shop and just sat down in front of the fan to cool off. I then went to a place in Rome called Schroeder's Deli. One of the best pizza places that I have ever been to. We had some good eats there. But after that I had to take care of the things in town like going to the bank, paying rent, and so on. So I rode my bike through Rome all afternoon doing the things that I needed to do. And I finally got back to my apartment a long time after I had wanted to and I sat down and felt good about myself. Instead of driving around in air-conditioning I rode my bike. I didn't do the convenient thing. And it was simple. Anybody can ride a bike or walk to get things done, it just takes a little more time. And that was the nice thing about it. It slowed me down and I wasn't in a rush to make it to the next light while it was still green or not be sociable with the people I met. I guess what I'm saying is that I think I caught a glimpse of what could be if people just slowed down. If we all just walked or biked to places how much more happier would we be? Our air would be cleaner, we would be more physically fit people, we might smell a little but who cares! We would not be so caught up in getting things done by a certain time but rather we would just be along for a ride or walk. I don't know if I'm just too much of an idealist but I think it would be an amazing transformation of the Western culture if it came to fruition. If we all just enjoyed life without the pressure of time or any of that it would be such a blessing. But anyway, that was yesterday.

My New Place

2008-08-03T15:09:00.010-04:00

I have spent the last few days moving into my new place and getting things set. I'm trying to make the place fee like home. It's a little difficult at time because my roommate isn't here yet so setting an apartment up alone can be boring at times. I'll be living here for about a year and then moving on to grad school or something different. Don't have that part figured out yet. But for now I will be here. So I apologize for the bad quality of pictures but it's the best I can do with a camera phone. Don't complain. So here's the goods and enjoy! It's a little like Cribs but without the fancy camera shots and the sexy bathroom scene and awkward bedroom scene either!

Here is the extremely small T.V. that I got for my room. It's small but it will work for me. And the corner of the bed.

And here's the bed with the empty bookshelf beside it. Hopefully I can put all my books on here without it falling. Cross your fingers.

And another shot of the bookcase/desk. I didn't want to buy a desk so I'm using my Fender Amp and my Mesa Boogie cabinet. And I stole the chair from Katie. So, it's rigged but it works for me!

And we now have the dinning room. Complete with folding metal chairs! And it will also serve as a bike shop for myself. Don't make fun.

The best part! The half full living room! Complete with the most comfortable recliner in the world! But without a T.V. or any other furniture. Hopefully they will get here this weekend with my roommate.

And the back porch! Complete with camping chairs and Cutter bug repellent. My favorite part of the whole place. It's a great view of pine trees 4 feet from the deck! Ha!

Hope you all enjoyed the tour and all are welcome to hang out. Just call me.

Farting Bubbles and Losing Nipples

2008-07-29T12:45:00.002-04:00

So. I spent the weekend up in Franklin, TN. And it rocked! We had some stinking good food and plenty of laughs to go with it. I got to meet some of the most amazing people in the world and share a road trip with a good friend! I really enjoyed the town and would love to move there and enjoy life! But back to the title...

We did a slip and slide on Sunday afternoon and it almost cost me my life! We had four 25 ft. sections going down what I would call a freaking steep hill. And to top it off we put a ramp at the end of it that would shoot you into the air to land not so safely into a kiddie pool. Needless to say it was crazy fun. But we put so much soap on it that it got all in everyone's shorts! And I said that it put new meaning to the phrase "farting bubbles!" I sweat that I had enough soap in my butt that I could really fart some bubbles! The slide was tons of fun even though I missed the landing a few times. One time I was flying down the hill and started to drift to the side. Everyone was standing there so I thought that they would catch me. WRONG! Everyone moved out of the way and I went in the air and then straight to the ground! But it made for some good laughs so whatever.

Now. Losing nipples. Not fun. We had been doing the zip line about halfway so that people could get used to it. A few people had gone and everything was going well. Someone asked who was going to do it from the very top and without missing a beat Shannon and Brock both said that I would. So I did. Not a good idea. I thought everything would be alright because we had engineered the thing to work perfectly. So I go flying down the thing and when I hit the bungee lines one of them snaps and hit me right across the nipples and chest! I screamed out that I lost a nipple! People didn't get it until I raised my shirt and has some pretty huge welts and bruises on my chest! Somebody has pictures but I don't know who. When I get a hold of them I will put them on here. But it's still sore today. But this past weekend was a blast and I had lost of fun! But now it's time to go nurse my wounds and get some sleep. Yes, sleep in the middle of the day! It's a blessing from God, naps that is!

Here's To You

2008-07-26T23:41:00.002-04:00

So a few of my friends have complained that I don't write in my blog enough. And it's probably true. I just have a hard time remembering to sit down and write all the things that I do! I guess the reason is that I feel like I never do things that are worth people taking the time to read about them. But I give the people what they want, so here you go.

Today was day one at Brock and Auny's house. Shannon, Mallori, and I drove up to Franklin, TN last night. It was a pretty fun ride with lots of funny stories and laughs that come with them. We met everyone at Starbuck's and spent a good while talking and catching up with everybody. But back to today. We worked on Brock's zip line that he put up at his house last week. We thought we had it fixed but after 3 times we broke it! One of the bungee cables snapped! It was crazy! But we eventually got it fixed to where it will work and be fairly safe.

This afternoon I learned how to ride a dirt bike! We went to a local track and I learned how to ride. I didn't do any of the technical jumps or anything but I did a few loops around. It was a lot of fun! I looked a little goofy trying to learn everything but once I got the hang of it I was able to ride around fast and hit a few little jumps and got some air! I rode for a little while just in circles to get comfortable. But now I know can ride a motorcycle!

Tonight was a lot of fun with everybody! We had some AMAZING Thai food and then some AMAZING chocolate! It was some of the best food that I have ever had. Almost as good as Red Fish from Marina Cafe and Chocolate Stuff from Barbara Jeans! That's how good this stuff was! But it's late, I still haven't adjusted to Central Time at all. Tomorrow is going to be another fun filled day! Good food and dangerous fun! Look out!

When Things Become Real

2008-04-11T19:29:00.002-04:00

Going through the Old Testament can sometimes become boring and pointless and even frustrating as the repetitious nature of it becomes evident. The pages are filled with Israel fleeing Egypt being led by Moses and Aaron. The laws are repeatedly laid down by God for the Israelites to follow. The sacrifices that must be done in order for forgiveness to exists are explained countless times throughout the Old Testament. The transformation of Israel also is seen through the books. Israel begins to drift away from the will of God and soon follows the religions of the people around them. As enemies gather around them, the people cry out for a king just like the earthly nations, forgetting their purpose as a nation set apart by God, without the need for a king. Israel continually learns the consequences for allowing sin to go unchecked and they also learn the greatness of God's forgiveness and redemption. Each time a sin was committed, an animal had to spill its blood and die. But also, the person guilty of the sin had to come in contact with the animal to be sacrificed on their behalf. I wonder if we, who call ourselves believers and followers do the same today? Do we understand that for each one of our sins, Christ is brought forth and we are touched by Him and then His precious and perfect blood is spilled for us? And after reading further into the Old Testament, the stories of the judges becomes clearer. Israel needed continual direction from God in order to continue living as a nation set apart. And the funny thing is that the judges were from all over, but they all had a desire for the will of God to be done. Samson is praised by churches in Sunday Schools and from pulpits across the nation as being a warrior for God. But Samson didn't even pray to God! Each time he destroyed the Philistines he took credit himself, disregarding the fact that his strength was directly from God! But he still was used by God in order to fulfill the will of God. And only after being caught and blinded did Samson cry out to God! In his moment of weakness he remembered God and cried out for strength not to glorify God but to get revenge for him being blinded! And God granted the request! How amazing! And Israel finally appealed to Samuel for a king to placed above them so that they would not be defeated by the surrounding nations. They instantly forgot of the great things God had done for them as they left Egypt! They had no faith in God! And guess who they chose as their king? The best looking man! How often do we still do the same today? We "pick" those with the highest seminary degree to be our "kings!" How dare we have no faith or communion with the Holy Spirit as the Israelites! No! We should understand and grasp the significance of Christ's sacrifice on our behalf, we should have the faith in God and daily commune with the Holy Spirit and allow for Spirit led living that can only be done the strength and power of God!

God's Hand and the Love of Christ

2008-03-16T02:02:00.002-04:00

New Orleans...the city of sin. I spent a week there. Yes there was sin and sin that I didn't even know was possible! Bourbon St. was a little weird for me. The Lower 9th broke my soul. The story of Red and his USS Budweiser brought tears of laughter and pain. The work ethic of Gail broke my back. The love expressed by Tim brought encouragement. Liz showed me that love is for everybody. Jr. taught me to be thankful and patient. New Orleans Seminary showed me to not accept the standard. The city of New Orleans is amazing. The people are still hurting. The work of the church is not being done or it is being done by celebrities from Hollywood. Why? Where is God's hand and the love of Christ? Where is the church? Where is the bride of Christ? And how does she look? Where are those that profess to believe in God? Why is there still people living in houses that have not been touched in 3 years? This week will be me writing out my thoughts and questions as I spent a week working with people in New Orleans rebuilding their lives. I have many questions and many thoughts. They are too many to write without writing a book. But they will tell the stories of a few people that I met and helped out and they will also present some questions for the church. Take them seriously. God is ready to reveal himself, but will we let Him?

Rain

2008-03-07T20:23:00.003-05:00

Today I drove home in the rain. It has been raining every other day it seems like. But we need it and God is providing. Next week is spring break! I came home to rest and sleep...and eat real food...before I leave Sunday. A group of us from school are heading down to New Orleans to work with people from East New Orleans. We will be working with people in their yards, building houses, playing with kids, and so on. I am pretty excited to go down and share God with people. I pray that God will do amazing things this next week while we are there. I pray that people will see the glory of God through our lives and actions and words. And because the glory of God was revealed to them through our lives they well see Christ and experience His love! That is my prayer! So I ask all of you...or anyone of you who reads my blog to pray that as well! Thanks to all!

Is This It?

2008-02-24T01:04:00.003-05:00

Is this it?
Is this the world God loves?
Is this the church
That is his bride?
Is my life
the one Christ lived for?
Is this it?

It Has Started Again

2008-01-11T23:59:00.000-05:00

So, school has started up again! I just finished my first week back with classes and practice and it was pretty tough! I'm already stressing out and running around doing all these things and somehow already getting behind! I don't know how I am going to catch up with classes...each one requires a research paper of at least 10 pages! But I guess it's part of it! But it sure does get stressful! But it's great to be back on the hill and have so many people that need to just hear the love of Christ and feel the grace of God! I recently shared my heart and read some scripture at our BCM meeting this week and my heart broke at how simple it was to love people and how so often we refuse to do so. I read of how Christ sat with the woman at the well and how she drank of the living water and how her life was forever changed. My prayer is that I will have the strength and power to love people as Christ did and to show them how great a life of following Him really is!

New Layout

2008-01-04T23:31:00.001-05:00

New layout...hope everyone likes it!

Neon?

2008-01-01T20:36:00.001-05:00

So...I was looking at my blog page and I realized that it was all bright neon colors. It looks weird and goofy but I think I like it! Anyway, I've been home resting from YEC this weekend! I came home and slept for 13 hours and 10 hours the next night...I think I was a little tired! But YEC was a blast and God worked in some awesome ways! David Platt spoke all weekend and God worked through him to reach youth! His messages were based only on scripture and God was in everyone! Matt Papa led worship and as usual he did such a great job of providing a time for youth to reach God one on one! Third Day and Barlow Girl played the concerts at night and they were pretty good! I worked the stage all weekend and it was pretty stressful and tiring. But it was really fun to meet everybody and talk with them about all the things that God is doing in so many lives. It was such a blessing and encouragement. But it was really cool to see God working in the lives of people but it also opened my eyes to the fact that so many people do not have a clue what it means to have a personal relationship with God through Christ! So many kids seemed oblivious to the fact of their need for salvation! It was good to hear Platt speak about how God is seeking to make is name great and because of that He sent Jesus to live and die! It is as simple as that! But so many people have been distracted and taught so many wrong things that they do not understand that and it broke my heart! So I am beginning to pray for God to reveal himself to people who so much need to meet Him face to face! I am praying that people will come to the point that they realize the greatness of God and his love through Christ! That is my prayer!

Aware?

2007-12-16T20:25:00.000-05:00

Is everyone aware? Is anyone aware?
Aware of the death and pain
Felt by so many
Do they know the hurt and grief
Held by so many
The world in which we live
To busy to slow down and see
See the violence and hatred
Tearing people apart
Words and bullets fired without care
Care for whoever they may strike down

Is everyone aware? Is anyone aware?
Aware of the sick and blind
Left alone to die
Do they know the horror that
Grips the people now
The world in which we live
Self-absorbed and self-conscious to
Notice the ones dead and gone
Taken by careless acts
Of others that have no care for
For the innocent lives that live

Is anyone aware...

Bored

2007-12-15T20:06:00.001-05:00

...and waiting.

The World Should Slow Down

2007-11-18T19:44:00.000-05:00

The world should slow down...very much it should slow down. It seems that we are always running around and trying to get to the next place we have to be or get the next thing done. And I do not like it, I do not like the fact that friends are too busy with school, life, work, and whatever else to just hang out! And I really wish that somebody would invent a teleporter so that I could teleport myself to go hang out with friends that live far away! But regardless...the world should slow down and give us a chance to breathe! That's what I want for Christmas! A chance to breathe and spend time with family and friends! So world...slow down! But slow enough that we lose gravity and start floating off the earth!

Bass Cat

2007-11-01T19:34:00.000-04:00

Here at Shorter, there are lots of stray cats wondering around. Up on the Hill there are a couple of cats that roam around campus. And down at Bass, where I live, there is this one cat that has caught my affection. Earlier this year, a very small and unhealthy cat started showing up around the Bass apartments. A few of us started feeding the cat and taking care of it, and soon it was healthy and a very happy cat! I didn't think about it much, but it soon started to get really cold and the cat had nowhere warm to stay! But for some reason I didn't think that the cat would mind the cold. But one night, me and Kate were coming back after going somewhere and it was FREEZING! And I felt awful and I had to do something for the cat. So I went and got a big box that I had some stuff in when I moved in and I put a few towels in it and made the cat a nice little warm bed. And as soon as I put the box down, the cat went straight into it and went right to sleep! It made me really happy! And every night when I walk up to the door, the cat is waiting in his box! It's really cool! And the other afternoon it was pretty cold and wet outside and the cat was sitting by the door and just meowing at me! I swear that the cat was yelling at me to take it inside! So I took it inside and let it in my room. I laid down on the couch and started watching TV and the cat jumped right up on my chest and took a nap! It was SO cool! So, that's my story about Bass Cat...that's what we've all decided to name it! So yeah, that's it! Sorry the picture is upside down...I couldn't figure out how to do it...so sorry!

Friends

2007-10-20T23:40:00.000-04:00

Friends are great! They drive out of their way to watch you run a race. They buy you Starbucks when you're broke. They always give you a hug when you need one. They make you laugh and they make you cry. They are there when you want them to be and when you don't want them to. I am thankful for my friends and all that they do for me! They make me smile and I love every second with them! But yeah...friends are really great! Really, really great!

My Dog

2007-10-13T21:24:00.000-04:00

My dog is crazy! His name is Ranger, and today I came home for Fall Break and my dog went nuts! All day he was running around, taking my shoes with him, barking, slobbering all over the place, and having a good ole' time. And I was too, even though he was chewing my flip flop and getting them covered in his nasty slobber, i couldn't help but laugh and smile, I think he was too. Being at school makes me miss my dog, a lot. Some days all I want to do is go get him and bring him back with me and go play and run around until we both are exhausted and just fall on the grass and sleep. I swear that he smiles and me when he's happy and I promise that he frowns whenever I leave and I know that he is as sad as I am. I have to leave on Tuesday to go back to school and I really don't want to cause I don't want to leave Ranger! Each time I leave, I take him a treat and sit with him and scratch his back and belly and tell him how much I'm gonna miss him. All he usually does is lick my face and burp after he eats his treat! Gross! But funny! So while I am home I am going to spend a lot of time with my dog! Because he deserves it and cause I miss him!

30 Minutes for 50 Cents

2007-10-02T12:35:00.000-04:00

Doing laundry up here at school is not the funnest thing to do...and it isn't the cheapest thing either. Yesterday I was finishing up my laundry and I noticed that I was spending a ton of money to wash clothes. I was spending $2-3 on drying my clothes! It only takes a dollar to was clothes, but drying takes forever! And our dryer sucks! It's been broken twice already this year, and each time it's taken 2 weeks to get it fixed! It's rediculus! But whatever, I think that I'm gonna start going to a laundramat to do laundry, it should be cheeper maybe. And I really don't like the fact that it's so cold in the morning, which feels great, and then it gets so dang hot in the afternoon!!! Where is fall?!?!?!? I wish it would hurry up and get here! Ok, enough complaining...

It's About Time

2007-09-24T00:20:00.000-04:00

It's about time...yes it is. About time that I post a new blog. Life has been pretty crazy since the end of the summer...classes running and trying to eat sleep and study take up all my time. I try to find time for friends and for Kate and myself but in the midst of everything else it's pretty hard sometimes. But today was a GREAT day! Brock, Auny, and Shannon came to Rome today for their show and I finally got to see them for the first time since the summer! It was great! And then we all went to lunch this afternoon...after we finally found a place we fit in and could actually eat real food and not brunch...whatever that it. It was really fun to hang out and talk with them again. And I got to meet the BMX crew, Outkast and they were awesome guys! And tonight me and Kate met Shannon in Cartersville for some good ole' Starbucks and had a really good time just hanging out and laughing and remembering the summer and how great it was! So today was good, it was great! It was about time that we all got to see each other and hang out again, and the cool thing is we are getting to do it again on Wednesday! And I'm super excited about it! Me and Kate are going to drive down after my workout tomorrow afternoon and hopefully get there in time for the show. But it was really good to see Brock and get to talk to him and just be together again and it was great to see Auny and hear her stories about traveling and about all the stuff that Brock does. And it was really good to see Shannon and talk to her about life and swap stories and encourage each other and just laugh and talk and smile. She is a dear friend that I wish I spent more time with and was able to see more than we do. But it was a blessing to see everybody today and get caught up...next time it hopefully wont be 3 months later...

The Summer Now Gone

2007-07-31T00:51:00.000-04:00

Yes, it is over. The school year is starting and things are changing. Life is just as busy as it was this summer and it's not looking like is going to slow down. Yesterday I spent my entire day cleaning and moving into my dorm...that's all I should have to say about that. It's crazy hot here and I was driving back from the grocery store at 9:30 at night and it was still 99! I was astounded! I can't believe how hot it is around here! But this summer was amazing, tough at times, easy at times, exciting at times, fun at times, etc...SuperWow was a blessing, I met so many great people...Shannon, Brock, and Auny! The staff at Ft.Walton was great, although we never slowed down. But it was so fun working with everyone and meeting kids from all over and hearing their stories and such. Work was work...hot and boring. But California was a great place! I want to move to Mammoth Lakes! It was so beautiful and wonderful up there! The mountains were awe inspiring and the weather was amazing! I loved every second of it! I want to take Katie there and go climb mountains and see everything again! I was sad but excited to leave because I was going to get to see my best friend when I got back! And we went to the Fox Theatre to see The Wizard of Oz! Yes, I am still a little kid, I don't care what the world says about growing up! And we had so much fun! Katie is my best friend in the world and she is such a blessing to my life! It was a good weekend we spent together! We went to the new World of Coke in Atlanta the next day and laughed and smiled the whole time! I had no idea that Coke did so much stuff all around the world! Although I wouldn't recommend drinking any of the stuff from overseas...not good. But as I sit in my new dorm and think about the summer I can't believe all that happened! It went by so fast! All I can do now is get ready for the upcoming cross country season and get things ready for our BCM. It never stops, things just keep on coming! But I am so thankful for my friends that will sit and listen to me and that will also tell me how their life is going! It's great! This year is going to be tough, a lot of hours and a lot of training for cross country. My foot isn't 100% better from last spring so I'm taking it easy right now and not running as much as I want to be, but things will get better soon! But the summer is now gone and I have to go to class! Blah! But I enjoy it because I know that it's a great ministry opportunity! My campus is a living and breathing mission field that needs Christ! And that I am excited about! To share my faith and to live my faith, everyday! God is going to do great things! Our BCM is excited and ready to make a difference on our campus and to go throughout the world and spread the gospel! God is amazing! His grace and strength are enough to change the world! And that is all I have for now...

11,050 Feet...The Beauty of God's Creation

2007-07-27T00:38:00.001-04:00

Mammoth Lakes, California...the most beautiful place that I have ever been. God's creation is amazing and seeing His power and majesty in His creation is a blessing. God is amazing and seeing His creation like this humbles me to the point and reminds me of who I am and who He is. He is Name above all Names, Abba Father, and so on! He deserves so much more than I could ever give Him. Running through these mountains in the mornings and afternoons is such a worship experience. As I run I can praise God for His creation and His love and grace! And the great thing is that through this trip, some of my teammates have begun to question who God is and what it exactly means to have a relationship with Him! It is so awesome to see the eyes of people begin to be opened to the glory of God! Today me, Steven, and Allen went on a hike to the summit of Mammoth Mountain. We first climbed to 10,000 feet and took some pictures and enjoyed the view. But then we decided to go all the way to the top, 11,050 feet! It was so hard to keep climbing at that altitude. Each breath was a struggle because the air was so thin. But when we got to the top I was speechless...

These mountains are beautiful! The temperature was around 50 degrees and the wind was blowing at around 30-40 miles per hour! The mountains just seemed to keep on going as far as I looked. And that reminded me of God's love...it keeps going and going, no matter how far we may be from Him, He still loves us! It is amazing to know! I love it here! I want to pack up and move out here and run and bike all the time! It's amazing! This pictures was at 11,050 feet, the mountains in the next pictures are even higher!

These mountains in the background are all above 12,000 feet! And I thought that we were pretty high at 11,000. The one in the far left that looks like a pyramid is a little over 14,000 feet! It was amazing to see all of this! This is an amazing experience...to get to live and train in God's beautiful creation! This week so far has been such a challenge physically and spiritually. God is challenging me in many ways and He is also teaching me so many things! But I am about to go to go to sleep...the hike wore me out! God is great...let His creation shout His glory!

Im In California...After A Short Stop In Vegas

2007-07-24T17:09:00.000-04:00

Alright, for all of those people who cannot wait for my next update...here it is. I just spent the last 3 hours flying across the country...i've spent the last 1 hour sitting in a building waiting on our rental van. So, not much has been happening. The flight over was really cool...it is amazing to see all of God's creation and all it's beauty! I watched as miles and miles of beautiful landscape went past me below. 35,000 feet in the air is a great place to reflect and think about things. There was something about flying through the clouds that pulled me closer to God. It was very humbling to be that high in the air and still know that Im so far below God. It reminded me that all my best is still not good enough for the Creator of the universe. But, I have been made clean through the blood of Christ! At church this past week the sermon dealt with the passages in Romans and Colossians where Paul reminds us that we are worthy through Christ's blood! It was amazing to read through the words and listen as God spoke to me and encouraged me in my walk with Him. As I was looking out the window I saw rivers, mountains, valleys, and deserts, all of which showed the might and power of God the Father. It was a blessing be allowed to view His majesty and power! But it was a short flight and before I knew it I had to buckle my seat belt and we were sitting on the runway in Vegas. But, I will write about and load pictures of my adventures soon, hopefully tomorrow sometime. But I can't wait....it's going to be AMAZING!

Thai Food, Fish, and A Rainy Drive Home: A Sad Day In The Neighborhood

2007-07-14T00:11:00.000-04:00

Thai food...simply amazing. Fish...a little bit of heaven. Rainy drive home....not cool! This past week was a blessing. It was a blessing because of the new people that I have crossed paths with on this trail of life. The people I worked with are amazing, they would always go the extra mile and give all they had to make camp the best for the kids there, and that was an inspiration to me. They always offered words of guidance and encouragement throughout the day. Brock, Auny, Jessica, and Shannon would constantly bring me food from some really cool places and every time it was amazing...even when it was heated up in the microwave. This week was very special to me, this week God reminded me that He is in control of my life and that if I simply let go of my selfish sin and live a life that makes His name great, I will be held tightly in His arms. God brought some amazing people into my life these past few weeks and they have impacted me and taught me so much.

Im now home, sitting in my room and reflecting on the past month of my life that seemed to fly by. It seemed to be only yesterday that I was washing clothes to pack for SuperWOW, now I'm washing clothes to pack again to fly out to California. And again God has shown me something great. He has shown me that no matter how busy I may get that I need to slow down enough to notice the hurting people of our world today and to slow down and take some time to spend with Him. Which is what I'm going to go do right now, and then I'm going to sleep for hours upon hours.

A Brand New Day

2007-07-12T09:18:00.000-04:00

What a day! Things at camp have been amazing, long hours and no sleep! It's been hard sometimes but more than anything it has been a blessing! God has shown up HUGE in my life this summer and it's been through many things. New people have come into my life and challenged me and pushed me to become something far more than I ever could have imagined for myself. Events in my life have shaped my thoughts and opinions and caused me to change the way I view people and honestly, the way I view life. So, here begins a new chapter in my life...one that is a constant struggle to live the life God has called me to and to put Him before everything else in my life.