T'was the Night After Christmas

Sixteen...that doesn't seem like a lot of people, objectively. But when you put that same amount of people in a small two story house around an extended Christmas table,... or in the living room of said house for opening Christmas gifts... or taking family photos on and around the couch of said living room in said house, It's a lot more than it seems.
We had the grandparents, my parents, my sisters and their husbands, my three cousins, my mom's brother and sister and their spouses.... we had a packed house. It was beautiful though.... because as I was listening to a Christmas music program on TV, I realized what a blessing it was for me to be a part of it all.
The speaker was relaying the story from which the song "I'll be Home for Christmas" originated. As the music began to play I realized.... I could have not been home for Christmas. I could have been working or home alone without any kind of family celebration at all. My parents are leaving the country in six months.... this is their last Christmas in the US for a while. Realizing all that could have been, I was overwhelmed with gratitude of Home... and tears streamed down as the love poured in.

The Kitchen was always astir with activity from Baked Pineapple to American Lasagna

We don't do just plain colored balls. We have all sorts of ornaments, retro and modern

The Star of the Show

Just the tip of the iceberg

magical

The original stockings of my mom's family of five

We had such a wonderful time. My job every year is to set up the Nativity scene.
I rarely set it up the same year after year... there are an array of peices besides the traditional couple with shepherds and wisemen.

Sand, pebbles, moss, and a wall side make of a believable Bethlahem

It's my favorite. ...So much has happened, but I think I will save some for another post later.
Love ya'll! Merry Christmas!

Real Quick....

In the middle of pre-Christmas craziness....

but in the mean time enjoy... "Safe in Your Arms" by Abandon

Deck the Halls

Gotta get a quicky one in, in honor or Open House.

This is the one night out of the year that the guys can go see the girls' dorms and vice-versa. Didn't take any pics of the other floors since I didn't think it'd be appropriate to post someone else' personal life on my blog. But here's a few of my room. We had a dorm event to Wally-World the week before and decorated the rest of that night.

I realized how long it had been since I had made paper chains

They go out the window and back in the otherside so you can see them outide

My Desk area

Pumpkin Cookies, Peppermint Kisses, and Popcorn..mmm

The quote section of my Bible lying open for reading pleasures

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let is Snow

As Oren, Rod and I headed out for our favorite coffeeshop, a bittersweet thing happened: It started snowing!!!
Okay, so maybe not really snowing.... more like a light flurry... closer to a dusting... barely. None the less, there were snow flakes and they were falling. Poor Rod is a southern boy and has already been carping about the chill in the air. Granted, it's been rainy for the past few days and with the addition of cold wind, we all agreed that it may as well be snowing. Lifting his head in agony Rod cried "NOOOO!!!"... multiple times. Oren and I just laughed vehemently at him. I've been quite ready to see some signs of winter since it's already the last day of November and we haven't seen jot nor tittle of the normal winter weather around here. I better break out my snow boots soon. They're still in storage along with my down winter coat; been holding off on getting them for the sake of closet space. The scarves are in session and the snow is coming.
....literally...
Oren just walked in from outside with a handful of snow!!!
WINTER HERE WE COME

Like an Old Man and His Powerchair

I was cruisin' through some facebook stuff and decided to pop-in a hello to my Musician friend. He had a post on his wall referring to his website and ReverbNation which is a musician/music hangout on the net. I got to sit and listen to some of his songs and was reminded how much I missed hanging out in his living room late Wednesday nights listening to him play his latest. So excited for him as his music takes off and he continues to grow in the Lord through the road that "still has some left."

michael liebler: the ep

Love ya bro!!

What I'm most grateful for

In spite of the nine hour drive, my few days at home were a blessing to me. I rested, had breakfasts with friends, enjoyed some favorite dishes with my family, played Apples to Apples, stayed up late fellowshipping with some really awesome people, got a hair cut... a few actually, had coffee with old friends, old friends that I hadn't actually met yet, and new friends that I hope will soon become old friends in years to come. Even though the drive was long, the time was encouraging with the guys I drove with. One late night was just spent listening... so good to have brothers to share the burdens of life with.

All in all, it was a very encouraging time with all the people I love the most.
Thanks for praying guys, I'm doing the same for you.

Soldier - Steven Curtis Chapman

It's not the original version which is much more lyrical, but I love this one because it makes it... truer. I used to always think of this song as being friend to friend, brother to brother in Christ... but one night, feeling alone and abandoned, I heard it as though Christ was speaking to my heart.

A Parable

Soreman and Worthy, two friends, were headed to a daily haunt. As they approached the location, Soreman's expression darkened. As to the reason, Worthy inquired. "They've taken my place." was Soreman's response in reference to his daily resting location. Trying to not taking too much offense to the offenders, Soreman sought out a place not too far from the original. He placed his heavy load down and momentarily stepped away to do some work that demanded his attention for a few minutes. Upon returning, he found that his place of relocation had also been taken over by newcomers. Angered by the inconsideration of both parties, he resolved to stand defiantly. Worthy, having parted ways and now, returning to the situation again inquired about the discouraged appearance of his friend. "They've taken my place, and  I want them flogged."
Knowing his friend was deeply hurt and angered, Worthy simply encouraged Soreman to be gracious to those offenders. "You are more gracious than I am," Soreman replied, "But, I'm not beating them as I wish to do."

Here's the application:
Is the fact that we don't respond in the way we feel is justifiable actually Grace? Or is it mercy?
Is it more like mercy to withhold our true feelings? If so, what is grace?
Grace is not withholding, but giving what is foolish to our "justified" state of desires.
Giving up of yourself and giving true love.

yadda, yadda, yapp

Sorry I've been so spread out with things lately, college life is like running through an airport: passing food stations in hopes that the peanuts will sustain, glancing back and forth for the right gate/way, lugging your luggage... (wow.. I just realized why it's called that!!) when you're not losing it, running into people... while leaving the ones you'd rather be running into, and in a word? HURRIED. ..and don't forget to shut your phone off before take-off (since I'm always talking on it , right?).
Anyway, despite my opening analogy that probly doesn't even work, I am NOT in an airport headed for some far away destination. I'm sitting in my home away from home, away from home, away from home... did you get that?..... I'm at my coffee shop. Taking a break from reading "Acts" commentary.. which is good, by the way, but I started zoning. My stomach is warm, my hands are cold, and I'm going to make my new journal tonight!!! So excited.

Contemplating on Christmas gifts for the fam. Half of which I realized I could make myself, which would mean more anyway. But till then Turkey day is a week away!!! My boss is awesome and gave me an evening shift on Black Friday... let me clarify... I don't have to leave Thursday night anymore! I can leave the next morning instead.. It's a mandatory work day for all employees, so I'm just happy I only have to be there for the end of it all.
Okay, okay, I'm rambling. But that's okay for now since I'm about to post a more meaningful post after this. I guess I should allow myself more ramble sessions than I do.

Kris Allen - Send Me All Your Angels (BONUS TRACK)

...then stop running and look up

Make a wish Conilapa, better days to come.
I know it's hard with the lights on, but it's about time you stargazed again with a hope and a prayer. Look to the Light of the World, and you'll see clearly to brighter days past this dark night.

Out of the blue

I was speachless. Of all the places, Walmart would be the least likely; here in my little northern small town!! As I scanned the faces in line, one in particular caught my attention.... mainly because she was waving at me. It took me until she was walking toward me that I realized who it was!
My very first puppy-love, now sixteen years later, was walking forward!
We have had a hit and miss, off and on acquaintance since we were four of course, but it had been at least four years since I had heard anything. Now as she walked up with her husband, my world was rocked like no other!!! Apparently, she now lives in this little town not too far from my school!
Funny what happens when you stop to pay attention to who is around you... you might just find your not as alone as you think you are.
Missin' all my free-spirits back down south in SGF as I recall the people I love to see. Only a few more weeks and we'll be together again!

If you hadn't found me, I would have found you

My best friend asked a good question, and being caught between the two, I realized how much these two movies really define the heart of me. Music.... heart and soul!! I could waste an entire day just sitting around ... or dancing around with no care, but to learn the lyrics. Love.... sometimes, it just happens.. and lasts the rest of your life. Dad... There's no replacing him in my life. I may be two decades old, but I'm still just a little boy wanting to be carried on his strong shoulders. Enjoy!

McFly Just my Luck

Fruits of the Spirit...Week

Tomorrow a good third or more of the school is packing up and headed to our sister school for some good friendly competition. Tribal Cup should be real fun to watch... though I'm more excited to see all the people I know from Jackson that I havn't seen in forever!!.. Okay, so it's only been three months, but even so.
We had spirit week. There was a ton of homework and practices going on so not a ton of people participated, but it was fun to see the people who did. I tried to do every day, though I didn't get Monster Monday. But Tye-Dye Tuesday was my favorite.

Tie up a black shirt like a regular tye-dye

Pour capfuls of bleach on it and let sit for a few hours

(turns orange as it lightens)

After rinsing the bleach out, add your desired color in following dying instructions!!

Wacky-hair Wednesday I woke up late so instead of rubber-banding the top half of my head and straightening the bottom half down, I only had time to straighten it all.
...I like it somewhat straight (and so did some of the GUYS!?!) but it looks better without my beard... and I like my beard more than straightening my hair every day.
Anyway, today was Twin Thursday. A friend and I wore green hoodies, jeans, brown shoes, and black and gray beanies. Our curly hair and boisterous beards made the rest of it fit. Fun times. Lookin' forward to School Spirit Friday. We have to wear all red since Jackson is doing all black.. It's gonna be a grand time. I just have to remember to save some of my voice for Church Choir on Sunday!! Go Piranhas!!!

Meu Pais

The parents came to visit this past weekend. We took a trip down the the Lake front and were frozen out by the wind and overcast sky. We played games and just got caught up on each others' lives. Real encouraging time.
I regret that I perhaps didn't give them as much attention as I should have. I'm always getting distracted with my other tasks while they are around. In any case, it was nice to hear how God is working in their part of the world. Just reminds me that the God I serve is still present in the lives of others and He is working His mighty plan through all of us for one goal: His "desire that all men come to the knowledge of salvation" and His glory.

Miles in the Rearview

Blast from the past. I was reading through some homework early this morning... or was it late last night?
Either way, this phrase stuck to me like flypaper for many verses later.

"To whom shall I compare thee?"

I was going crazy; knowing that there was some memory related to those words. Then it hit me...

"Shall I compare thee to a summers day? Thou art more lovely, more temperate."

A rush of memories from High School choir flooded me in the middle of class. Good times to rest that I hadn't glanced at for a good many years. On that note, I proceeded after class to YouTube the long forgotten song. I did indeed find it (there are two versions apparently).
I then continued my search of choir activities from my High School choir program... seeing many faces and hearing good songs from the past. I never thought I would miss those High School days, but apparently there are some things in the soul that never die. Music being one of them.

Let music never die in me.
Forever let my spirit sing.
Let all our voices join as one to praise the Maker of the Song.
Rejoice, Rejoice, Let music ring!!

Along the way I found this original song by a good friend.

The Power of Heaven... in a Winter Snow

Been going through Isaiah in my Prophets class. I had to read the whole book of Isaiah for it actually. There is so much happening with destruction and judgment. So much power that God holds. Many references to "The Day of the Lord," both to that time and for the time to come, have displays of fire and shouts and thunder and death and might hands!!! What a powerful King we serve! What fear for God we should have like Isaiah did in chapter six when he found himself at the feet of the LORD's throne...surrounded by the holiness of Him Who reigns. Isaiah said "WOE IS ME FOR I AM A MAN OF UNCLEAN LIPS!!!!" I wonder how I can approach this God of holiness...but then I remember...
True, He is just and mighty and worthy of all fear and praise. However.. He also set an example for us in His love and servitude. What a compassionate God we serve.
He will come with all that power and might in a day yet to come, but let us not forget that indeed He has already come to be a part of our lives as a child so sweet to die a death so gruesome so we can reign with Him in the age to come.
Have you thanked Him for it today?

Hail! Hail!

One of the great thing about having dual citizenship is having two days dedicated to the Independence of your homes. Sure, the US has an impressive display of patriotism on that day... but it does not compare to the passion that Brasilians have for thier country. (Ever watch the World Cup?)



The funny thing is, Brasil has I believe only one war on record!! IF that!!! AND... it wasn't for their independence!! Portugal had other problems at the time, so when the colony wanted to be free, Portugal just let them go!
In any case.. Happy Independence Day all my fellow Brasilians (and Brasilians at heart.)

I Loved Her... But GOD..

My last post was very reflexive. In an equation of logic it might look like this:

Green=Me, Green=broken heart, ergo, Me=broken heart.

However, though for a time I had a deeply wounded heart, yes, even broken, I cannot deny the fact that The LORD has done mighty things in that outlook. Sure I’m hurt and I spend time playing “what if” and “when”… but I realize that this avails nothing. Things are the way they are. God has been healing me and bringing me to a place where I rely on Him for love and satisfaction. After all, what greater place to find it then in the All knowing, all Powerful, and Self-sufficient One.
I want to be at that place where the only one I need or even want is Him. My heart’s desire is to be close to Him and His alone.

So if I’m Green…. Then, the opposite of Green, the opposite of Me, is RED… the Lord. Just as His red love poured out on the cross washing away my crimson stains to make me white as snow.
Two things that keep running through my head and heart;
“I’m still here”…and… “It’ll be okay, trust Me.”

Shawn Mcdonald - Gravity

I Loved Her

Green is my favorite color. Hands-down.
It really fits my personality as a matter of fact.
It's peaceful/soothing.. or so say the hospitals.. which I like to be.
It's always related to life and new beginnings.. which I've had both of.
It's the color of grass... which I love to walk barefoot through (even though I'm slightly allergic).
It's the color of "chill"... the sun gleaming through the leaves into your hammock of a home.
....I don't wear a lot of green, but when I do, it makes me feel very comfortable and ME.
the funny thing is that I first started liking the color green because my sister did. ((Shout out to ya El... love ya tons. You're my hero!))
Besides all that though... there are always those slight twinges of pain in my heart about "green."
It's not the crazy tree-huggers movement...every one has a passion.
It's not the weird green pancakes I never want to taste again... my mom will never live that one down.

..."it reminds me"

It's that land of always green and never winter.... "of everything we did"








It's this soft and warming green around by body.... "of everything we said"








It's those green eyes that haunt me in my memories.... "it rushes through my head it finds me, close to you."

Exert from Devotions cont....

As I read over the same passage today: Titus 2:11-13... again contemplating how it is that Grace might be a teacher of rejection toward ungodliness and the lusts of this world. As I inquired of God I felt a strong yearning to ask my roommates about it. Both Neil and Patty seemed quite engrossed in their own studying and I didn't want to interrupt. The Spirit began to debate with me.

"It is good for iron to strengthen iron."
...but they're reading.. trying to have a good communion with You.
"I'm teaching them, but they can always come back to it."
...I don't want to intrude...
"The book Neil is reading will have good insight ON YOUR QUESTION."

In the end, it came down to how annoyed with myself I would feel if I rejected the prompting... So I asked them.

Of course, the book Neil was reading had everything to do with the question. Just as I had asked the question he read this sentence out of "Disciplined by Grace" by J.F. Strombeck.

"Grace also teaches us to deny worldly lusts."

It was a total God intervention and preparation. We discussed the different things that Grace truly means besides just being merciful with difficult people, as well as things they had been learning in classes about having full provision of all needs through Him via grace.
Later Neil read this passage from Strombeck:

The disciple of grace brings to the mind and soul the goodness and beauty of God and the riches of His grace; the pleasures, preferment, honor and wealth of the world lose their glamour. They are seen as temporal in contrast to the eternal values of God. The believer who realizes that through grace, and grace alone, he has been saved out of the lost and condemned world unto an indescribably glorious eternity with God sets his affection on things above--not on things of this earth. It is the work of grace to create and sustain this attitude.
Ethics can teach men to deny the dishonest, immoral, and debased things of this world; but grace alone can teach the believer to deny himself the beautiful, attractive, and pleasant things with which God is not identified

So, I've found that Grace teaches us to say "NO" to ungodliness very simply by being apart of God's love story. Grace has given us full provision through His love and salvation of us... full provision to live God-like because of our salvation through Christ. Therefore conviction comes to us by the Holy Spirit that indwells us from the day we confess our dependency on Christ. That conviction tells us those things we ought not to do or be. That full provision continues to give us the strength to reject those temptations that come up so often. If we are fully aware of that provision and focus on that Love that God so richly gives, the wonderful blessings He bestows, His beauty, and His Almighty power, then we will not desire those sins because of our total awe of Him.

Exert from Devotions

Titus 2 [NIV]
(11) For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. (12) It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age,…

Grace… the Webster definition of grace (as pertaining to spiritual application) is as follows

11. Theo a) the unmerited love and favor of God toward mankind b) divine influence acting in a person to make the person pure, morally strong, etc. c) the condition of a person brought to God’s favor through this influence d) a special virtue, gift, or help given to a person by God.

I see how the second part of this definition of Grace can pertain to the scripture given… but my question is:
How does grace teach us to resist our flesh?

Is it a sense of obligation that draws us to godliness? (i.e.) God saved me so to thank Him I want to be good.

…………..to be continued..

In Chaos and Pain

The Long journey has come to an end, and yet it is only beginning.
Coming up to the school at a quarter past ten Friday night was a fulfilling moment. Having many miles behind, along with a blown tire, gas money, and a "Pay it forward" opportunity, the trip and all the happenings before it were just one big post-it note from God saying

I'm STILL here.

It took me two days to get everything in its proper place, but I finally got fully moved in. I have plenty of brothers in the room with me (six to be exact)so I was trying hard to keep everything condensed in my desk and under my bed. I'm likin' the roomies so far. We're all very different, but it is awesome to know that we are all family in Him.
Did a lot of errands and orientation meetings today, so I'm pretty peopled out. But I'm seriously considering a good run on the treadmill before bed. That way I can still be "with" people... er.. watching them from above as they play soccer... Just not so surrounded. I wish I still had my Tenth Avenue North music. They were always my favorite running companions.
Then it's off to the showers that I cleaned earlier this afternoon. 7:15 comes earlier than you expect it.


..."I'm still here"...

Five Days

Working late hours after starting work in the early hours of the day...
Stepping over boxes and memories, books and clothes, duffel bags and shoes in the slow packing...
Phone-tag never ends along with facebook messages and e-mails from who, on the whens and wheres we should hang out...
Painting projects gathering anything but paint, awaiting completion...
....
Prayer? God? Peace? Somehow, even when I'm thinking about it all at once He is there telling me like I've told so many before...

It'll be okay.

Just to make you smile

Just a few vids to make someone smile.

Look for the Lesson

The day began better than it ended.. bittersweet though it was.
I spent the last hour of a little brother’s time before his departure for college hanging out and helping him pack-up last minute items. I enjoyed seeing him at the end, because I feel like I’m seeing him off to a new beginning. I’m scared for him, but also very excited that this is a new slate. Opportunities come both good and not so good.. both with choices for wise and not so wise decisions. Here’s to prayer that his heart will follow his Father’s Heart. He was the last participant to my era of the youth group back in school days, and now he’s off to college. I’m really hoping to have times to visit him and go to some of his games if my breaks allowed.
The rest of the day consisted of forgotten wallets, missed phone call opportunities, wasted gas to a check-up that couldn’t be done, and a day at work that left me babysitting seven kids because of people’s ignorance and miscommunications.
My ministry Bible study was okay, though not as “Bible filled” as I may have liked it to be, but the boy and I enjoyed some games and relationship building. I’m sad to say I’m leaving him a week or so to get on to my own schooling up North.
Through it all, the Lord gave me strength to press on and to praise Him still.

T. A. M.

Just for the record, I LOVE MY PARENTS!!!
Friday is their 27th wedding anniversary. I am so proud of them and so grateful for the beautiful marraige that they have displayed, though it hasn't been easy. Such a rock to stand on and model for me to look at when my day finally comes.

Plus, they're just so darn cute with my dad at 6'4" and my mom 5' even, watching them hug is adorable... makes my heart happy every time.
I'm gonna miss them when they leave the country for life.
This is Their song..enjoy

Autumn Overhaul

So... I think the people around here are trying to quicken the seasons. It was terrible. I was driving home from a long day at work, not really paying attention until I was about to pull into my parking spot and was greeted by a mass of decapitated tree limbs!!! I guess it was just time to cut them back, but I think someone got a little zealouse over the whole thing. Glad I'm leaving soon, that way I can blissfully ignore the change. Just another change, just another reminder that this place is not my home.

A Journal Page

It hit me the other day,
I have three weeks till leaving for Bible School. So, I started pulling everything out. Got my plastic tubs full of old notebooks, towel sets, gloves, scarves, pens, curtains... a life I had put on hold for a year and a half. It's time to start again. I've gone through my clothes again to pick out what I'm taking and leaving, what keepsakes I'm taking and where they'll go, and all that jazz. It's hard because not only am I thinking about the move to school, but also about where it's all gonna go once my parents leave the country next year for good! I'm kinda packing for a double move.
Gets me on one of those nastalgic runways. I have a hunkering to sit and read through all the journals I've kept. I love to find the closest thing to date in one of my past journals and read what my life was like, what cares I had, and what God was doing one, two, three, four, or five years ago.
It'll be interesting to sit and read about these days in a year or so.

All I Want to Do

Thouroghly enjoyed a good Friday. Worked in the morning till noon and then it was off to an afternoon with friends, coffee, and artsey adventures. I finally got to visit a renoun...(at least among my socials) Coffeshop/Bikeshop. Really enjoyed its brew and company. After a couple more caffinated drinks around town, we decided that a movie was in order. I watched "The Proposal"(since I hadn't seen it before) while the other two did some custom stitchwork on our favorite shoes. My one of my TOMS shoes had a fray after washing them in the washer... so we found some great patch material to.. well.. patch it up. The patches ended up great and I love my TOMS even more now (1) because they are more personally me and (2) because they have evidence of loving friends and good times.

I must say though, my favorite part of the night was sitting on Connally's poarch in the cool of the evening.. discussing, listening, venting, and reflecting over a cup of Chamomile Tea. Now I truely understand why she loves it so much.

If only there could be more days like these.

Wanna Barter?

I know that it's th LOVE of money that is the root of all evil, but at this point I am an addimate believer that it's just the money. Why? Because I HATE it right now, and in my anger I might just go do something rash. No rash ideas come to mind right now, but pretty much money is evil. I should explain.

I'm balancing my checkbook.

Do you understand my aggrivation now? I have four very different amounts that I'm supposed to have in my checking account, but I'm starting to believe that none of them are correct. If it wasn't necessary for me to have a checkbook, I would totally go to having all cash... that way, if I didn't have it on me, I wouldn't buy it. So much simpler.

Tom-lines

Gotta love summer.
Sunshine, clear skies, and sunburns.
The past few days I've been working long hours in the beautiful..though HUMID...sunny days. Also, because of my ingrown toenail, I've been wearing my TOMS, as they are softer and place less pressure on the front of my foot. The result.. instead of my usual dark legs and white socklined feet, I have gained what I call my TOM-lines.

I can't decide what's worse, these or the orininal tanline... either way, it's a good laugh.
What's your worst tanline story?

Beauty in the Rough

"How was your trip?" she asked. I smiled and started to say "It was great!" but something stopped me. Makeing my reply more like, "It was grr...good." There was an obviouse hestation. Why?
The teaching was convicting and powerfull, the fellowship was sweet, God was obviously present... why was it only good?

This Retreat did not go at all as I had planned.
Not only did I feel on guard the whole time, but I also felt like an outcast.

The outcast part couldn't really be helped... I have an ingrown toenail, giving me grief so I did'nt swim or play any sports. However, like everytime I visit up north, I feel the obligation to visit my family and an old friend. I love them like crazy, but I feel like I'm distracted from the reason I came in the first place. When I'm at Retreat, I want to be at Retreat... to meet new people, grow in relationships and take part in the activities. Instead I'm always feeling guilty for "only having a couple hours to hang out" with them.

However...
With my "outcastness" I saw a new perspective of Retreat than had I hung out with my usual crew. The Lord suprised me with a renewed friend.
See, there was a guy interning there who was hanging out with us once in a while as he helped the staff.
We had talked a little in orientation, and I learned that I knew him from two different RC's: '02 and '06. It felt nice to reconnect with someone from that "original" group.
well, as I soaked my foot in salt water on the stairs in the back (my self-proclaimed exile)I noticed that he had been standing against the wall the whole time... so I offered him a stair. He took it, and every Bible session after that, he was there.
Once while I was watching people swim and play games (feeling very much a shadow) he came and sat by me and just started talking. After agreeing to play some tetherball with him, we began to talk about prayer cards. I hadn't ever thought of making some up before until he mentioned it. When I declined, he just off-handedly mentioned,

"I'll just keep praying for you."

intrigued,...

"You pray for me?"
"Ya, you and your family."
...

At this I pushed further to find out that not only had he been praying for me AND one of my best friends from FL, he had been praying for us since that first RC in 2002!!

REALITY CHECK

Who am I to deserve that kind of prayer? What kind of man am I that I don't give that kind of prayer? I always feel like a shadow, someone that isn't remembered after sleep.
REMINDER: Live on purpose, because you never know who you may touch, and who my remember you forever (how will they remember you).

To think I never would have been blessed through it all.
Thank you God for my in-grown toe-nail, because it opened my eyes to reality.
Thank you Jo.. though you quietly serve, you are a greater man of God than I, and I am eternally grateful.

God, bless him.

Women In Art

So many faces, so little time. Check out this video I was just shown!!! I love it!!! It not only plays on my artist heart strings, but also the revelation of beauty.

"Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder."

Do I feel alive?

How is it that I'm already missing you?

Plain Black and White

As many have learned, and I am now learning, people ask a lot of questions when you change. Being as we are, humans ususally like to hover in a homemade norm of their own design, with thier preconceptions and assumptions all figured out. So when someone up and changes, it seems to be a sudden out-of-the-blue occurance. This would bring a part of those preconceptions and assumptions to a crashing reality that anything is possible and things are rarely as they seem.
Getting a tattoo is probly the biggest acts of change I've made, but definatly not the most significant. I was suprised though, when I heard the words, "I never thought you would get one."
I can understand where they might be coming from. After all, I was always the goody-two-shoes teacher's-pet, church boy. I was never really rebelious to any authority. But at the same time, I've always wanted a tattoo. I've always been rather expressive of myself, artsy, and never afraid to write on myself.
It wasn't an act of acting out, it wasn't for spite. My parents have taught us well and though they let us know where they stood, they never forced their convictions on their kids.
My reason for getting this tattoo is simple: To remind me to be content and remind me of lessons I've been taught in years passed. Knowing that God has me where He has me for a reason... therefore, I should look for oppertunities to serve Him, praise Him, and learn from Him.

weheartit

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."