So before going and playing an intense dodgeball tournament today, Trevor asked us many thought provoking questions. It was fun and some were just silly, but a few were things that I have actually really thought about a lot. One was this "Is there a difference between God knowing a disaster is going to happen and causing a disaster?" Obviously I have no idea what the right or wrong answer is, but in thinking about it, I can see why people would say yes and no. If you say no it's probably because if we say God is all powerful and all knowing then if he knows something like a tsunami is going to happen and doesn't stop it then it's pretty much him letting it happen and possibly being the cause. Here's what I said to all of that, and I'm not saying I have the right answer at all but I think that if God knew it and had the power to stop it... then it must be worth it to happen.
I know this may sound very very harsh, and I definitely don't think that God finds any joy in thousands of people dying, but when disaster strikes God shows up. I have heard many stories of mission trips, or from actual missionaries who are doing some incredible things in the name of Jesus. The sex slave trade in Cambodia for example: there are tons of young girls being sold into sex slavery and it's disgusting. It absolutely breaks my heart to hear about it. But then through a terrible situation like this people like Rob Morris are able to show some incredible love and actually risk their lives for these girls who they have never ever seen before. These people are getting to know Jesus and now have an opportunity to live life even in the middle of a horrifying situation. People are worth it. For whatever reason, despite how evil, and sin-loving that this human race is, God thinks we are worth it.
Post all this thought, there was some good times. I got to hang out and dominate with some of the best fellas in the universe. Nick, T-rev, Michael, Rob, and Josh were team Ka-Pow, and we proved that we show no mercy even to 10 year old girls when it comes to dodgeball. We got 2nd place and were only like one andrew catch away from a comeback in that championship round. Alright I gotta shower and go to the movies.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Self-Paced Astronomy
I just read a pretty good blog by Nick Cunningham entitled Ipods and Self-portraits. I like it, it's basically true... except I don't have or want an Ipod (ok so maybe it would be nice to have one).
But yeah in the midst of my daily blog checking I'm studying for my self-paced astronomy class... and it's a wee bit harder than I thought. I pretty much forgot everything that I learned 2 years ago in astronomy. I'm hoping that I can do well and I guess I should because my roommate is taking that class with me. Accountability is a beautiful thing.
How about this connection to Nick's statement. I learned in our first lab, that astronomy has the highest number of enrolled students at USC. Why is it?
1) People hear that it's easy... a class with no teacher or scheduled meeting times
2) Stars a just a popular subject to study and everyone knows it.
3) People feel that they don't even need a teacher, they can do it all on their own.
I guess I would lean towards the 1st and 3rd combined, which leads to the next fact that I learned: Astronomy is the most failed course at USC. Maybe you can't do it all on your own. No teacher and no one to help you along the way = F.
But yeah in the midst of my daily blog checking I'm studying for my self-paced astronomy class... and it's a wee bit harder than I thought. I pretty much forgot everything that I learned 2 years ago in astronomy. I'm hoping that I can do well and I guess I should because my roommate is taking that class with me. Accountability is a beautiful thing.
How about this connection to Nick's statement. I learned in our first lab, that astronomy has the highest number of enrolled students at USC. Why is it?
1) People hear that it's easy... a class with no teacher or scheduled meeting times
2) Stars a just a popular subject to study and everyone knows it.
3) People feel that they don't even need a teacher, they can do it all on their own.
I guess I would lean towards the 1st and 3rd combined, which leads to the next fact that I learned: Astronomy is the most failed course at USC. Maybe you can't do it all on your own. No teacher and no one to help you along the way = F.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Applying Myself
A new semester means new classes, new attitudes, and new obstacles. My classes are really cool so far, some will be very challenging and some should be easy, but I'm excited because all of them interest me. God has totally changed my attitude about college so far this semester. I'm really enjoying it and I'm excited about the opportunities to be a witness that I have now. This week has been a bit crazy schedule wise because I'm trying very hard to finish my Internship applications for both BigStuf and Elevation this summer. I'm really excited about both of those incredible places, I'm hoping that I might be hired by one but I know that the odds probably aren't in my favor. It's ok though, either way I know God is gonna use me this summer in some amazing way that I don't even know about yet.
The ski trip was definitely an awesome time last weekend, hanging out with everyone and playing "blitz" with Nick was hilarious. The devotion that I did was actually a huge challenge to me. I stole the idea from Rob Bell's book Velvet Elvis, but I do find it interesting that in some translations Psalms 37:4 says "TAKE delight in the Lord". Not wait for it, but actively seek it. It's a command, not get some delight if you want some... take it. So I've been totally taking advantage of that delight that God has for us all.
There are several other things that I have been challenged to do as well. Small group as I have mentioned before is one way I definitely want to grow in and have an impact. Just over the weekend though I felt a better bond with the guys which was a blessing. Thursday at the dorm me and my roommate Josh along with Rob and Michael will be starting a new ministry that we are hoping will do awesome and bring people in the dorm to Christ called "Pancake Bible Study". Basically the idea is to cook pancakes for guys in the dorm because let's face it... you can't name one person who doesn't like pancakes, and then just have a kind of chill out time of getting to know the guys in the dorm on a more personal level and be able to share them the message of Jesus that has completely changed the four of us.
I'm just stoked about how God can rock this dorm and this campus through the servants he has here over the semester. I could really use your prayers and I definitely appreciate them. Oh, and by the way the book "It Came From Within" is a very good challenging read as well. Check it out.
The ski trip was definitely an awesome time last weekend, hanging out with everyone and playing "blitz" with Nick was hilarious. The devotion that I did was actually a huge challenge to me. I stole the idea from Rob Bell's book Velvet Elvis, but I do find it interesting that in some translations Psalms 37:4 says "TAKE delight in the Lord". Not wait for it, but actively seek it. It's a command, not get some delight if you want some... take it. So I've been totally taking advantage of that delight that God has for us all.
There are several other things that I have been challenged to do as well. Small group as I have mentioned before is one way I definitely want to grow in and have an impact. Just over the weekend though I felt a better bond with the guys which was a blessing. Thursday at the dorm me and my roommate Josh along with Rob and Michael will be starting a new ministry that we are hoping will do awesome and bring people in the dorm to Christ called "Pancake Bible Study". Basically the idea is to cook pancakes for guys in the dorm because let's face it... you can't name one person who doesn't like pancakes, and then just have a kind of chill out time of getting to know the guys in the dorm on a more personal level and be able to share them the message of Jesus that has completely changed the four of us.
I'm just stoked about how God can rock this dorm and this campus through the servants he has here over the semester. I could really use your prayers and I definitely appreciate them. Oh, and by the way the book "It Came From Within" is a very good challenging read as well. Check it out.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
on the cusp
Small groups have been an area that I feel are key, probably the most important part of what Ignite does in terms of youth. High schoolers are put into groups with people who really love Jesus and want to pour some Jesus into the students. I am involved in one and recently I have had to completely rethink the way that I have been trying to co-lead our group. I have felt convicted in a very good way by the Holy Spirit and challenged.
I can honestly say I love all the guys in my small group and that I want to pour out the little that I know into their lives, and try to be an example of life to the fullest and even though I'm not much older than them, I want to be someone they can look up to and can trust with their struggles and victories with sin and life. The only problem is last semester the only times I tried to get close to them was once a week on wednesday nights for about an hour. There are 10 guys in the group, and I expect to have deep relationships with all of them in 4 hours a month. I realized that has got to go and that God wants me to be there for them, to call them just see what's going on, and spend time with them outside of our group.
My small group has been incredible so far. God has blessed both me and Wade for leading it, and the students for being a part of it. We have added someone because a friend wanted him to come, and we have had most of our small group accept Christ since we started it last semester. It is definitely cool and I know God is gonna build these guys up. A few days ago Grayson accepted Christ as well, which is a HUGE praise. He is a cool guy who is ridiculous at guitar. For a while he was atheist and then came to the conclusion that there was a God but for a long time did not accept Christ. So much prayer and effort has been put forth on Grayson by the people at Ignite, and God definitely answered. It is awesome and it definitely pumps me up about stepping up my role as a small group leader.
I can honestly say I love all the guys in my small group and that I want to pour out the little that I know into their lives, and try to be an example of life to the fullest and even though I'm not much older than them, I want to be someone they can look up to and can trust with their struggles and victories with sin and life. The only problem is last semester the only times I tried to get close to them was once a week on wednesday nights for about an hour. There are 10 guys in the group, and I expect to have deep relationships with all of them in 4 hours a month. I realized that has got to go and that God wants me to be there for them, to call them just see what's going on, and spend time with them outside of our group.
My small group has been incredible so far. God has blessed both me and Wade for leading it, and the students for being a part of it. We have added someone because a friend wanted him to come, and we have had most of our small group accept Christ since we started it last semester. It is definitely cool and I know God is gonna build these guys up. A few days ago Grayson accepted Christ as well, which is a HUGE praise. He is a cool guy who is ridiculous at guitar. For a while he was atheist and then came to the conclusion that there was a God but for a long time did not accept Christ. So much prayer and effort has been put forth on Grayson by the people at Ignite, and God definitely answered. It is awesome and it definitely pumps me up about stepping up my role as a small group leader.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Jack is Back
Many props and high kicks to 24 and the people who have created all of its glory. Tonight I witnessed probably the most intense scene I have ever seen on televesion. Jack Bauer bit a man's jugular and then spit it out because that is how much a man he truly is. The show was back in it's splendor. It's got a new feel for it but I like the way that it went in these first two hours. I know a spoiler tomorrow for the season premiere finale and I can't wait to see the events unfold.
What is really cool about the 24 premiere is that it was just that much better to enjoy it after one of the best if not the best Ignite's that we have had. I really mean it. Last week we talked about what we could do step it up and make it even better than what we had been doing. Last semester was highly successful, and last week we all would say was just as good as many Ignite's that we had done last semester. But that's just it. We are a group of people who aren't content with being just as good as we have been. We want to move forward, challenge the youth more, and make our environment just that much more enjoyable and welcoming to the world. Nick delivered his message well, I mean really well. God spoke through him and the students were connecting. We did a really cool "initiative" in which we split up into two huge teams and and everyone actually worked well together. It told me that we have a group of youth who already know how to work together and aren't selfish, there were two teams of 30 moving as one. That's exactly what we are called to do, to be the body of Christ, not just parts. Take the brain for example, it's able to control all of your bodily functions somehow, it's incredible what all your brain can do and supposedly we can only use like 20% of it. But without a body, the brain can't do anything at all. Or look at a guy like Wade Joye. I would say Wade is quite the amazing guy and no doubt he is willing to do whatever God calls him to. I'm not hating on Wade, but what if he tried to run the entire Ignite on his own. If he tried to be the entire band, run lights, run sound, put words on the screen to follow along, then act in a video that he would have to film on his own and then edit, then prepare a talk to give to everyone, be at the welcome table, do a game, and so on. It couldn't work or if he did do it would you want to be a part of something that is being made totally exclusive? Jesus came and picked 12 men to be with him as his "team" so to speak. Even the greatest man ever worked with people.
I'm so happy to have a passion to work with the group at Ignite. They are a challenging bunch, and it's so amazing to see what God does through this group.
What is really cool about the 24 premiere is that it was just that much better to enjoy it after one of the best if not the best Ignite's that we have had. I really mean it. Last week we talked about what we could do step it up and make it even better than what we had been doing. Last semester was highly successful, and last week we all would say was just as good as many Ignite's that we had done last semester. But that's just it. We are a group of people who aren't content with being just as good as we have been. We want to move forward, challenge the youth more, and make our environment just that much more enjoyable and welcoming to the world. Nick delivered his message well, I mean really well. God spoke through him and the students were connecting. We did a really cool "initiative" in which we split up into two huge teams and and everyone actually worked well together. It told me that we have a group of youth who already know how to work together and aren't selfish, there were two teams of 30 moving as one. That's exactly what we are called to do, to be the body of Christ, not just parts. Take the brain for example, it's able to control all of your bodily functions somehow, it's incredible what all your brain can do and supposedly we can only use like 20% of it. But without a body, the brain can't do anything at all. Or look at a guy like Wade Joye. I would say Wade is quite the amazing guy and no doubt he is willing to do whatever God calls him to. I'm not hating on Wade, but what if he tried to run the entire Ignite on his own. If he tried to be the entire band, run lights, run sound, put words on the screen to follow along, then act in a video that he would have to film on his own and then edit, then prepare a talk to give to everyone, be at the welcome table, do a game, and so on. It couldn't work or if he did do it would you want to be a part of something that is being made totally exclusive? Jesus came and picked 12 men to be with him as his "team" so to speak. Even the greatest man ever worked with people.
I'm so happy to have a passion to work with the group at Ignite. They are a challenging bunch, and it's so amazing to see what God does through this group.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Ask, Seek, Knock
As I have posted before, I am doing the "Follow Your Rabbi" challenge which is reading one Gospel a month for the next couple of years in order to truly know Christs teachings and to be able to follow him. This month is Matthew, and so far it has been amazing. I haven't developed a very good system of reading yet, some days it's a few verses, and others it's a few chapters so I am only through chapter 7 so far.
Today there were some verses that really spoke to me Matthew 7:7-8
"7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
The other night after college group, I went back to Nick and Trevor's house with Nick and Rachel. We somehow started talking about the dumb things that we used to do. Pretty much I talked about how lame I was before I truly gave my life to Christ. There were some really funny stories shared, and also some really scary ones. I realized how far God has brought me from that point.
Those two verses have proven true through my life. I first asked Jesus to come into my life, and to take over because I knew the way I was living wasn't they way it was supposed to be and I knew I couldn't do anything about it on my own. I have definitely received the gift of salvation, and fulfillment through a life of following Jesus. I then began to seek Jesus, I wanted and still want to know as much as possible about this guy who died for me even though I did nothing for him except help to crucify him. I have learned a good bit in the pasat 5 years about him, but I'm still a long ways away and I'm still in that seeking process. I have knocked on the door and God has completely given me the hook up. Sorry if that sounds very cheesy but I don't really have a fancy way of saying it. I mean literally he says that I am like the son of a King who has complete access to everything the king has. I'm not just a robot obeying his will who never gets anything out of my relationship with him. I have been adopted by God as his own son. Jesus has prepared a place for me in heaven, and has given me the Holy Spirit which has done and will continue to do the most amazing things you could ever imagine.
Matthew has been pretty sweet so far and I really would like to challenge you to try and follow your rabbi as well, you won't be disappointed.
Today there were some verses that really spoke to me Matthew 7:7-8
"7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
The other night after college group, I went back to Nick and Trevor's house with Nick and Rachel. We somehow started talking about the dumb things that we used to do. Pretty much I talked about how lame I was before I truly gave my life to Christ. There were some really funny stories shared, and also some really scary ones. I realized how far God has brought me from that point.
Those two verses have proven true through my life. I first asked Jesus to come into my life, and to take over because I knew the way I was living wasn't they way it was supposed to be and I knew I couldn't do anything about it on my own. I have definitely received the gift of salvation, and fulfillment through a life of following Jesus. I then began to seek Jesus, I wanted and still want to know as much as possible about this guy who died for me even though I did nothing for him except help to crucify him. I have learned a good bit in the pasat 5 years about him, but I'm still a long ways away and I'm still in that seeking process. I have knocked on the door and God has completely given me the hook up. Sorry if that sounds very cheesy but I don't really have a fancy way of saying it. I mean literally he says that I am like the son of a King who has complete access to everything the king has. I'm not just a robot obeying his will who never gets anything out of my relationship with him. I have been adopted by God as his own son. Jesus has prepared a place for me in heaven, and has given me the Holy Spirit which has done and will continue to do the most amazing things you could ever imagine.
Matthew has been pretty sweet so far and I really would like to challenge you to try and follow your rabbi as well, you won't be disappointed.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
girls
Last night before watching the annhilation of the Buckeyes, I went to the Mount Horeb Sr. High boys basketball game. There was actually a pretty good crowd for the game and behind one of the goals a large group of Mount Horeb youth sat on a stage, most of them were girls. One thing that struck me as funny was when the ball got knocked loose in the game and bounced towards the girls. There were about 4 girls who just screamed and tried to get out of the way of the ball. Why is that funny you ask? Because if I were sitting there or most guys, then that male would have kept his cool and caught the ball in the coolest way he could and then try and make the best pass possible back to the referee.
In all honesty I don't know why girls are so different than guys in that respect. Now obviously I know that there would be some girls who wouldn't have screamed and there would have been some guys who wouldn't have been able to catch the ball, but as a general statement guys are more into sports than girls.
A lot of the times I get frustrated just like anyone else when it comes to the opposite sex because you never know what they are thinking or what is going on with them, but I realized that I think I actually like the mystery aspect to women. It would be very dull if I knew everything there was to know about women. It's similar to how I feel about God. Sometimes I just wish I knew so badly what he wanted me to do, where to go, or what to study. There are so many things about God that I don't know and that I will never know, and honestly I don't want to know everything. I wouldn't have the opportunity to show my faith by trusting what the Holy Spirit is doing in me, and I think I might would lose some of my awe for God.
I have no idea how this earth was created, but I am blown away whenever I take time to appreciate it. I don't know why I was born into the situation that I was born into, but I am trusting that God will continue to provide for me and those closest to me and am thankful that we have been blessed with enough and can give back to others. So I guess the bottom line is that a little mystery is definitely a good thing.
In all honesty I don't know why girls are so different than guys in that respect. Now obviously I know that there would be some girls who wouldn't have screamed and there would have been some guys who wouldn't have been able to catch the ball, but as a general statement guys are more into sports than girls.
A lot of the times I get frustrated just like anyone else when it comes to the opposite sex because you never know what they are thinking or what is going on with them, but I realized that I think I actually like the mystery aspect to women. It would be very dull if I knew everything there was to know about women. It's similar to how I feel about God. Sometimes I just wish I knew so badly what he wanted me to do, where to go, or what to study. There are so many things about God that I don't know and that I will never know, and honestly I don't want to know everything. I wouldn't have the opportunity to show my faith by trusting what the Holy Spirit is doing in me, and I think I might would lose some of my awe for God.
I have no idea how this earth was created, but I am blown away whenever I take time to appreciate it. I don't know why I was born into the situation that I was born into, but I am trusting that God will continue to provide for me and those closest to me and am thankful that we have been blessed with enough and can give back to others. So I guess the bottom line is that a little mystery is definitely a good thing.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Cousins
Well, it has been quite the while since I've posted. I've been lazy like that over this very long but much appreciated break that I have had. Panama was quite the experience. Any other time that I have been, it's been all vacation and fun and relax time. This time however was quite different. My grandpa was the man, he loved our family and just people in general like crazy. He was poor from the day he was born to the day he died, but it would give you the shirt off his back in a heartbeat.
My family is really really BIG. I mean my grandparents have 7 children who are all married, 26 Grandchildren, and 31 Great-Grandchildren. I have seen all of them and the wives and husbands over the past few weeks. Tonight my cousin who has been living in Japan flew in and is going to stay with us for the next 6 months because her husband is going to Iraq. This is the 3rd member of my family to have to go to Iraq so hopefully he has a safe trip and makes it home like the others.
I love my family A LOT. In Panama when I'm there all of my cousins are like my brothers and sisters, and my aunts and uncles are like moms and dads to me. We are very tight like that, and it is always ridiculously humbling and encouraging to be around them. Minimum wage is about $1.25 an hour and I have several members in my family who only make about $10 dollars a day, but they are completely happy and full of life despite some of the junk that they have to deal with. A ton of them are completely passionate about Jesus Christ and He fulfills them. There are times when I so badly wish they could live here and "have a better life", but being with them and having a good time with them, I don't see how having money could give them a better life. Material things are cool and make life convenient, but without Christ everything else is just crap that one day will be gone.
I'm not totally sure where I'm going with this, I guess it's more a vent since the Panama trip has been pretty eventful, and still is on my mind a lot. I know that I want to be able to keep Christ sacrifice, and him basically doing everything to save a loser like me the main focus of my thoughts. I get bogged down with some dumb things a lot when there are tons of people out there in a way worse situation than me who are content with Christ, and are making him their everything.
On a lighter note, my cousin has a son who is now 7, his name is Jorge (pronounced hor-hey) and he is the coolest guy ever. He was born in Panama so he is fluent in Spanish, is learning English and is pretty decent at it, but it's funny to hear him talk, and since he was in Japan he throws in a few Japanese phrases here and there. He'll be going to Midway Elementary and hopefully I can get him plugged in to children's ministry at the Horeb. I feel old when I'm with him cuz I'll say things like "I remember when you were just a little baby", and how he used to call me Ah-uhn because he couldn't pronounce Andrew. I hope he has an awesome stay with us and that I can be a good Christ-like influence on him.
My family is really really BIG. I mean my grandparents have 7 children who are all married, 26 Grandchildren, and 31 Great-Grandchildren. I have seen all of them and the wives and husbands over the past few weeks. Tonight my cousin who has been living in Japan flew in and is going to stay with us for the next 6 months because her husband is going to Iraq. This is the 3rd member of my family to have to go to Iraq so hopefully he has a safe trip and makes it home like the others.
I love my family A LOT. In Panama when I'm there all of my cousins are like my brothers and sisters, and my aunts and uncles are like moms and dads to me. We are very tight like that, and it is always ridiculously humbling and encouraging to be around them. Minimum wage is about $1.25 an hour and I have several members in my family who only make about $10 dollars a day, but they are completely happy and full of life despite some of the junk that they have to deal with. A ton of them are completely passionate about Jesus Christ and He fulfills them. There are times when I so badly wish they could live here and "have a better life", but being with them and having a good time with them, I don't see how having money could give them a better life. Material things are cool and make life convenient, but without Christ everything else is just crap that one day will be gone.
I'm not totally sure where I'm going with this, I guess it's more a vent since the Panama trip has been pretty eventful, and still is on my mind a lot. I know that I want to be able to keep Christ sacrifice, and him basically doing everything to save a loser like me the main focus of my thoughts. I get bogged down with some dumb things a lot when there are tons of people out there in a way worse situation than me who are content with Christ, and are making him their everything.
On a lighter note, my cousin has a son who is now 7, his name is Jorge (pronounced hor-hey) and he is the coolest guy ever. He was born in Panama so he is fluent in Spanish, is learning English and is pretty decent at it, but it's funny to hear him talk, and since he was in Japan he throws in a few Japanese phrases here and there. He'll be going to Midway Elementary and hopefully I can get him plugged in to children's ministry at the Horeb. I feel old when I'm with him cuz I'll say things like "I remember when you were just a little baby", and how he used to call me Ah-uhn because he couldn't pronounce Andrew. I hope he has an awesome stay with us and that I can be a good Christ-like influence on him.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
panama 3
yeah so i´m still here things are getting a little better. tomorrow is my grandpa´s funeral and I know that it will be very sad. I am also changing my flight home for the 26th and I will be spending Christmas here. Please continue to pray for us, and if I can I will get on the computer again, it´s pretty cheap only a quarter for a half hour but the trouble is getting anywhere with this Christmas traffic.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Panama Part 2
Well actually I guess I could have named this Costa Rica, because that is where I'm sitting right now and it's a cool 85 degrees, and I believe hotter in Panama. I'm runnin on 2 hours of sleep and one meal in the last 24 hours. It's an odd feeling being here because it feels like I am on a vacation but I know it will be very different once we are in Panama. To those of you who I talked to and are praying for us, thanks a bunch I really appreciate it and trust me it has helped because God has gotten us through some crazy roadblocks to actually get a flight and be there.
In Panama I don't think I'll have easy access to a computer, but I think that I will be back on friday so if i don't talk to you or update this then thanks for the prayers again, and see you this weekend.
In Panama I don't think I'll have easy access to a computer, but I think that I will be back on friday so if i don't talk to you or update this then thanks for the prayers again, and see you this weekend.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Panama
I received some bad news today, my grandfather in Panama passed away of unknown complications as of right now. It was completely unexpected, and we all thought he was a very healthy man. Right now I am in the middle of packing, getting sick, feeling sad, and getting ready to drive to Atlanta tonight so that we can make our flight in the morning.
I'm not sure what God is trying to show me through this and it's been really difficult all day. I know my grandad loved the lord from the little that I have seen and what my mom has told me so I'm not worried about where he is at all, but I am very worried for my mom and those closest to him.
If you could keep my family and me in your prayers this week I would really appreciate it, we depart at 10:20 in the morning from Atlanta and I won't be back until Friday. Hopefully things will get better and I have complete faith and trust in what God is doing. Thanks, and have a good week before Christmas!
I'm not sure what God is trying to show me through this and it's been really difficult all day. I know my grandad loved the lord from the little that I have seen and what my mom has told me so I'm not worried about where he is at all, but I am very worried for my mom and those closest to him.
If you could keep my family and me in your prayers this week I would really appreciate it, we depart at 10:20 in the morning from Atlanta and I won't be back until Friday. Hopefully things will get better and I have complete faith and trust in what God is doing. Thanks, and have a good week before Christmas!
Friday, December 15, 2006
Cold
Wow, for whatever reason I decided to check the weather from my birthplace, which is in Fairbanks, Alaska. Right now it is -19 degrees and the hight tomorrow is -3. Haha, today it was 75 degrees and I was sweating all day. It's funny to think that I was born in Alaska... I wouldn't be able to survive there now.
Tomorrow morning at 9 AM I have my last exam in terrorism and counter-terrorism. It has been probably my favorite class somehow. It's very thought provoking which is cool because I do a lot of good thinking about Jesus in that class. I was studying my notes and a figure that my professor gave us is that there are about 1.7 BILLION Christians in the world (at least people who proclaim to be Christians). That's a lot. But even if all of those 1.7 Billion were legit believers in Christ's death for our sin and resurrection to prove that death has no hold over him, then there are still over 4.3 Billion people out there who don't have an intimate relationship with him. That's crazy.
I got an e-mail the other day that had a count of people at Mount Horeb youth who have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior just this semester, and that number is 29. I know in comparison to the 4.3 billion I just mentioned that 29 seems small, but don't let that fool you. If a small group of staff and volunteers can have that impact in just a few short months, then there is no telling what God can do through those 29. If those 29 witness to 2 people a person then that's 58 more, and then you can just imagine how quickly that would multiply. It's good to know that I am involved with very passionate people who have made their goal to Know Christ and to make Him known. It's working, people want to know Jesus because he does amazing things.
Mount Horeb rocks because Jesus is the center of what we do. Yeah there are some way cool people that are involved but they would all be nothing without the sacrifice and grace that Christ has given us.
yeah well that's it for now, I've got to get some shut eye in order to knock out this last Exam.
Tomorrow morning at 9 AM I have my last exam in terrorism and counter-terrorism. It has been probably my favorite class somehow. It's very thought provoking which is cool because I do a lot of good thinking about Jesus in that class. I was studying my notes and a figure that my professor gave us is that there are about 1.7 BILLION Christians in the world (at least people who proclaim to be Christians). That's a lot. But even if all of those 1.7 Billion were legit believers in Christ's death for our sin and resurrection to prove that death has no hold over him, then there are still over 4.3 Billion people out there who don't have an intimate relationship with him. That's crazy.
I got an e-mail the other day that had a count of people at Mount Horeb youth who have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior just this semester, and that number is 29. I know in comparison to the 4.3 billion I just mentioned that 29 seems small, but don't let that fool you. If a small group of staff and volunteers can have that impact in just a few short months, then there is no telling what God can do through those 29. If those 29 witness to 2 people a person then that's 58 more, and then you can just imagine how quickly that would multiply. It's good to know that I am involved with very passionate people who have made their goal to Know Christ and to make Him known. It's working, people want to know Jesus because he does amazing things.
Mount Horeb rocks because Jesus is the center of what we do. Yeah there are some way cool people that are involved but they would all be nothing without the sacrifice and grace that Christ has given us.
yeah well that's it for now, I've got to get some shut eye in order to knock out this last Exam.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Accountable
One of the coolest thinks about being a christian is meeting other christians out there who share the same goal. To know Christ, and to make Christ Known. I am very fortunate to share a room with a guy who is passionate about Jesus and wants people to know it.
In my journey since becoming a christian 5 years ago, one of the things that has helped me most in terms of growth and struggling with sin has been having someone to hold me accountable. For example last night it was getting to be pretty late, and I had told Josh that I wanted to have a quiet time. After working for a really long time on school work I was ready to just go to bed and forget about God for the night. My roommate, fortunately, asked me before I went to sleep if I had my quiet time, and when I said no he then pulled out his Bible, and began to do his quiet time.
That's all he had to say for me to get out my Bible and spend some time with God. It's a little thing I know, but it's so cool to know that he cared to even ask. A lot of friends don't have an open relationship like that. It is key to have one of those relationships, because both he and I have told each other what we struggle with, what we think God wants us to do about it, and then ask one another to help us get through the problems.
Both of us in essence are saying similar things to what we have confessed to Jesus. I can't do it on my own, I need help! We both recognize that if we don't trust God and then have each other to help along the way, then we are risking a lot. It also says that we both want to glorify God. We aren't content with where we are, but we constantly want to improve our lifestyle in order to show the power of Christ's sacrifice.
If you don't have at least that one person who you can talk to about anything or who can check up on you in any area, then please pray about it, because God can do some amazing things through his people.
In my journey since becoming a christian 5 years ago, one of the things that has helped me most in terms of growth and struggling with sin has been having someone to hold me accountable. For example last night it was getting to be pretty late, and I had told Josh that I wanted to have a quiet time. After working for a really long time on school work I was ready to just go to bed and forget about God for the night. My roommate, fortunately, asked me before I went to sleep if I had my quiet time, and when I said no he then pulled out his Bible, and began to do his quiet time.
That's all he had to say for me to get out my Bible and spend some time with God. It's a little thing I know, but it's so cool to know that he cared to even ask. A lot of friends don't have an open relationship like that. It is key to have one of those relationships, because both he and I have told each other what we struggle with, what we think God wants us to do about it, and then ask one another to help us get through the problems.
Both of us in essence are saying similar things to what we have confessed to Jesus. I can't do it on my own, I need help! We both recognize that if we don't trust God and then have each other to help along the way, then we are risking a lot. It also says that we both want to glorify God. We aren't content with where we are, but we constantly want to improve our lifestyle in order to show the power of Christ's sacrifice.
If you don't have at least that one person who you can talk to about anything or who can check up on you in any area, then please pray about it, because God can do some amazing things through his people.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Exams are here
1st Exam was a big success. After I turned in my first half, my teacher said I was guaranteed an A in the class which is very nice to know. I'm doing a big portfolio for my university 101 class right now which is tedious but hopefully that will give me yet another A. It's crazy here, everyone is freakin out and going all over the place to take their exams.
One thing I was thinking about today that made me giggle was the fact that I've heard some people find it offensive to have the word Christ in Christmas. I guess some people really don't know that Jesus was born on that day or at least that is the day that his birthday is celebrated. It's kind of funny to hear the argument but also sad that some people are offended by the single most greatest human being to have ever walked on the face of earth.
I took the challenge that Ferris has partaken in and began reading the gospel of John because I'm memorizing chapter 3 from John and plus this way the next gospel I start on can be Matthew for the new year. If you don't know what the challenge is then you can check out her blog, but basically it's a challenge to "follow your rabbi" in which case mine is Jesus Christ. I can't follow my rabbi unless I know his instructions and those instructions are found in the Gospels so I will be reading a gospel a month for the next long long time. I'm excited it should be cool and I've never really read all of the gospels all the way through in succession like this, so I can't wait to see what God is gonna do through this.
Anyways I gotta get back to exams.
One thing I was thinking about today that made me giggle was the fact that I've heard some people find it offensive to have the word Christ in Christmas. I guess some people really don't know that Jesus was born on that day or at least that is the day that his birthday is celebrated. It's kind of funny to hear the argument but also sad that some people are offended by the single most greatest human being to have ever walked on the face of earth.
I took the challenge that Ferris has partaken in and began reading the gospel of John because I'm memorizing chapter 3 from John and plus this way the next gospel I start on can be Matthew for the new year. If you don't know what the challenge is then you can check out her blog, but basically it's a challenge to "follow your rabbi" in which case mine is Jesus Christ. I can't follow my rabbi unless I know his instructions and those instructions are found in the Gospels so I will be reading a gospel a month for the next long long time. I'm excited it should be cool and I've never really read all of the gospels all the way through in succession like this, so I can't wait to see what God is gonna do through this.
Anyways I gotta get back to exams.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Update
Yeah so I just switched to blogger beta and I must say I'm digging the changes. If you don't like it then I'm sorry. Just let me know how I can make it more appealing to the eye, and I'll work on it. What is nice is that it has a numbering feature whereas lists had to be created all by yourself on the other. For being free this is a pretty sweet deal. Anyways back to school work and then quiet time and then bed. Good night world!
Exams
ahh the beauty of exam week is upon the USC campus. I luckily didn't have one today and have just been able to prepare for my first one tomorrow. I'm not nervous which is good and I'm preparing for an exam which is a new feeling because I didn't do much of that in high school. But it's good to see God inspire some work ethic in me because it's a way to be able to witness to people, if I know what I'm doing with school and can help them out, then it opens up conversation. Plus God wants us to be the best that we can, as long as we love him first.
This is always a really weird time of year, because there are tons and tons of things going on right up until you have that last exam, and then you have a glorious break. So although my body and mind want to be in break mode right now, I know I've got to put in my best effort right now. I just hope that in a spiritual sense I don't take a month long break from doing God's work.
God's definitely doing some big things this holiday season, and I'm excited to be a part of it. The live CD that Wade was working on has been pushed back, but I think that gives him and everyone involved longer to prepare and be able to do an amazing job of presenting his insanely good worship to people. I can't wait for that.
Friday for those of you in College in the area then you should come out to the Christmas Sweater Party, it's gonna be good times with highly cheesy outfits.
Well that's it for now, nothing too in depth, but I've gotta study my butt off.
This is always a really weird time of year, because there are tons and tons of things going on right up until you have that last exam, and then you have a glorious break. So although my body and mind want to be in break mode right now, I know I've got to put in my best effort right now. I just hope that in a spiritual sense I don't take a month long break from doing God's work.
God's definitely doing some big things this holiday season, and I'm excited to be a part of it. The live CD that Wade was working on has been pushed back, but I think that gives him and everyone involved longer to prepare and be able to do an amazing job of presenting his insanely good worship to people. I can't wait for that.
Friday for those of you in College in the area then you should come out to the Christmas Sweater Party, it's gonna be good times with highly cheesy outfits.
Well that's it for now, nothing too in depth, but I've gotta study my butt off.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Light
Today was weird. I was all over the place all day and I was busy, but here I am at 11 o' clock feeling like I've done nothing. I guess it's because I felt really convicted today. There were two things that really got me.
1. I realized how much sin messes everything up - sin happens all the time, I sin pretty much everyday, and I realize I probably won't be sin free until I die. BUT it still hurts every time I fail, and today I just felt dirty. I felt like I let all my friends and family down, like I let myself down, but worst of all I let God down. I broke his heart all over again and it's like I'm putting Jesus back on that cross. I hate it, and I think being conscious of it is definitely a good step towards sinning less. My sin took what would have been a very good day and totatlly jacked me up.
2. I noticed that I'm pretty lazy when it comes to serving others - I'm guilty of eavesdropping. I overheard some people talking today and really it was nothing knew to me. A girl seemed surprised to learn that darkness is defined simply as being the absence of light. Pretty simple but then I started thinking about people who are living in darkness. There are tons of people out there who are in unfortunate circumstances and are broken and feel like there is no hope or no escape from this world. There are people who haven't heard the message of Christ which is entirely full of light, that same message lives in me, but where am I? I am a part of causing the darkness. If I have the light in me and I'm not showing up then obviously something is wrong. I want to serve, and not just for the holidays but as a regular part of who Christ wants me to be.
Today wasn't bad, I did get to hang out with some fellas who I really love and that's always good, but God definitely kicked my butt. I want to get out there and do something so if you have a suggestion please let me know, or if you want to join then let me know.
1. I realized how much sin messes everything up - sin happens all the time, I sin pretty much everyday, and I realize I probably won't be sin free until I die. BUT it still hurts every time I fail, and today I just felt dirty. I felt like I let all my friends and family down, like I let myself down, but worst of all I let God down. I broke his heart all over again and it's like I'm putting Jesus back on that cross. I hate it, and I think being conscious of it is definitely a good step towards sinning less. My sin took what would have been a very good day and totatlly jacked me up.
2. I noticed that I'm pretty lazy when it comes to serving others - I'm guilty of eavesdropping. I overheard some people talking today and really it was nothing knew to me. A girl seemed surprised to learn that darkness is defined simply as being the absence of light. Pretty simple but then I started thinking about people who are living in darkness. There are tons of people out there who are in unfortunate circumstances and are broken and feel like there is no hope or no escape from this world. There are people who haven't heard the message of Christ which is entirely full of light, that same message lives in me, but where am I? I am a part of causing the darkness. If I have the light in me and I'm not showing up then obviously something is wrong. I want to serve, and not just for the holidays but as a regular part of who Christ wants me to be.
Today wasn't bad, I did get to hang out with some fellas who I really love and that's always good, but God definitely kicked my butt. I want to get out there and do something so if you have a suggestion please let me know, or if you want to join then let me know.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Things I'm Enjoying Right Now
Yeah today a lot of little things made me happy so here is a top 10 list of goodness.
10. Getting into a warm car to get away from unexpected cold weather
9. Christmas lights
8. Lights that you can see coming into Columbia (me and my roommate were staring like kids on Christmas morning on the way back here)
7. Reunions with friends and even people who I barely know
6. Getting a busy schedule because it feels like I actually have stuff to do
5. Rush's Chilicheeseburgers (i'm going there tomorrow with some friends)
4. Memorizing Scripture, I'm memorizing the entire John Chapter 3 and Jesus is blowing my mind with how much it helps
3. U2 I just found my tribute album and it's cool to hear some classics redone by some Jesus loving folks
2. Being Home and just relaxing, which I will hopefully get a chance to do over the weekend for a while
1. Serving a pretty incredible savior, and trying to pursue him with all this pathetic guy has to offer
Except for Jesus being number one the others were in no particular order but yeah, there is a lot of goodness to be thankful for. There are too many heart-broken people out there this holiday season so hopefully I can be a part of changing that.
10. Getting into a warm car to get away from unexpected cold weather
9. Christmas lights
8. Lights that you can see coming into Columbia (me and my roommate were staring like kids on Christmas morning on the way back here)
7. Reunions with friends and even people who I barely know
6. Getting a busy schedule because it feels like I actually have stuff to do
5. Rush's Chilicheeseburgers (i'm going there tomorrow with some friends)
4. Memorizing Scripture, I'm memorizing the entire John Chapter 3 and Jesus is blowing my mind with how much it helps
3. U2 I just found my tribute album and it's cool to hear some classics redone by some Jesus loving folks
2. Being Home and just relaxing, which I will hopefully get a chance to do over the weekend for a while
1. Serving a pretty incredible savior, and trying to pursue him with all this pathetic guy has to offer
Except for Jesus being number one the others were in no particular order but yeah, there is a lot of goodness to be thankful for. There are too many heart-broken people out there this holiday season so hopefully I can be a part of changing that.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Last Week
Tonight at the Horeb we had our Christmas party, Mexican themed with Nacho Libre. Good Stuff. I briefly translated numbers in Spanish which generated a few laughs and it was fun to see three girls beast a piñata. It's good to have a break from volunteering at the Horeb because it lifts a little bit of the load and allows me to relax in between trying to cram everything I've learned this semester to do well on my exams. It's cool to be able to also take that time and just tweak the way things are going between me and God right now and really focus on how I can contribute to the kingdom once we start up the next semester.
Matthew has an example of what was goin on.
Matthew Chapter 8: 23-26
23Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
26He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
I had let a storm come in and honestly I was freakin out about the way things were going last week. I was thinking "How can I get a paper done, study for tests, be there for my family, keep my friends in mind and hold everyone accountable, make time for God, work out, figure out what classes to take next semester, do a presentation, and still make it to class?". And all the while I'm wondering where is Jesus? Why is this hard?
Jesus was probly sleeping, because I was just like one of his disciples, lacking in the faith area. It was pretty much impossible for me to calm the storm without trusting him, so this past weekend I took a break, I joined Jesus in just chillin. It completely reversed everything. It has been amazing to see everything fall into place after having a good weekend relaxing and just talking to Jesus and letting him know that I trust him with it all. He does pretty good work too. I guess I need to know that even when things get rough and the waves are crashing into my boat that Jesus can just calm the storm in a second if he wanted.
Matthew has an example of what was goin on.
Matthew Chapter 8: 23-26
23Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
26He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
I had let a storm come in and honestly I was freakin out about the way things were going last week. I was thinking "How can I get a paper done, study for tests, be there for my family, keep my friends in mind and hold everyone accountable, make time for God, work out, figure out what classes to take next semester, do a presentation, and still make it to class?". And all the while I'm wondering where is Jesus? Why is this hard?
Jesus was probly sleeping, because I was just like one of his disciples, lacking in the faith area. It was pretty much impossible for me to calm the storm without trusting him, so this past weekend I took a break, I joined Jesus in just chillin. It completely reversed everything. It has been amazing to see everything fall into place after having a good weekend relaxing and just talking to Jesus and letting him know that I trust him with it all. He does pretty good work too. I guess I need to know that even when things get rough and the waves are crashing into my boat that Jesus can just calm the storm in a second if he wanted.
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