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.