leaves, video, lamda lamda lamda

The lamda, lamda, lamda has nothing to do with my day today. BUT, the leaves and video most definitely do. I went to Geology class, and then I ended up going to Kelly Chevrolet to get an oil change for the Camry. . . my new car. That is still strange for me to say. It is a nice car compared to what I am use to driving. Kelly Chevy has a good oil change for exactly $14.95, it is a really good deal.

After doing some of this and very little of that. I went to Snider and hung out with kids as they left the school. Then, I went over to Austin's house and we started raking leaves. . . in the rain, but we got um done. Skyler ended up coming over pretty quick, and the job went a lot faster.

Also, there was some really great conversation. I love me some good conversation.

After the raking was done, well we went to go to some filming all over Fort Wayne. It was amazing.

I took this picture when we were on a bus, filming part of the video we were making. We had a lot of fun. Yes we did. It was a good day today. I miss Janice like crazy. 50 days until I get to see her. 50 days can not come soon enough. I love that girl. I do indeed.

titleless

Today, I went to Snider to do some contact work through all three of the lunch mod's. It was great because one kid lead me to another kid that I was taking/hanging out with last year. His name is Ray, you can see ray from this link that leads to a past post. ~CLICK HERE~ to see who Ray is. It was awesome, and totally not just a coincidence that I was lead to ray today; totally a "God moment." So, when I was at Snider (school I do contact work @), one of the kids wanted me to text his mom to tell her that he could get a ride with a friend. I did this, and again, another "just so happens moment," happens and about 30 minutes later I got a phone call from this kids mom, who knows me well. Her car broke down, and she needed a ride and couldn't find anyone else to help her. Of course I would help, and I am just so extremely happy that she thought to call me. Well, I know why she called me, and I know that God used that text to remind her that I can and will help in any way that I can.But, just because I am willing to help drive places to help people, it does not negate from the fact that I am an idiot when it comes to taking directions. I am seriously horrible at it. But, it was a nice day, so what the hay.I finally got to her, and was able to take her home. I was a little late to work, but my supervisor/boss is very cool about it, and was not upset at all that I was 15min late.

Then there was club. Club felt HIGH ENERGY tonight.I love HIGH ENERGY. Tom gave the talk, it was about how God knows us fully, and that we do not need to hide ourselves from Him. He talked about how if you do this, then you are just being like everyone else. People of all ages and race have emotional baggage of some sort. Whether it is abuse, self-hatred, lack of esteem, addiction, pride--stemming from all sorts of different issues, etc. We all got it, but to just lay it out in front of God, who already knows every bit of it, and loves unconditionally regardless of who you are or where you are at, well that is a hard thing to do. It means that first you have to accept that there is someone who loves you unconditionally, through your nasty stuff, and happy times. Someone who wants you to just give yourself, completely. God has an amazing love, a real and embracing love. I did not say that the love God gives is an amazing concept, because it is not a concept, it is something that can wrap your pain and issues up like a blanket, and hold you close.

I am so thankful for the love God shows me. Through my pride, and stupidity, God loves and embraces me too. That is a good thing to know.

Don't wory Sunday, you get your own spot.

So it's strange, I did not want to SKIP my Saturday BLOG post, but when I attempted to post from my cell phone yesterday, it said that it posted, but apparently did not post. That is sad, but I took care of it okay I thought. This morning, we went to a huge church near Louisville. It was called Southeast Christian Church and let me tell you, it was almost too big. Although I did feel like I was in one of those massive televangelist buildings, I have to admit the message was pretty good. When I walked up to it, I was talking and thinking "ohh man, this place is too big, it is bigger than a mall, people come and hear the wrong things here." When I should have been praying that I hear a good message, as well as everyone else who would hear the word delivered that morning in that church. Here is what the service spoke to me, ~NOTES STYLE~

• Enjoy life to the fullest
• Life is short, give it your all Ecc 9:10

-Your work should give you joy, and can give you joy.
- Ecc 3:13 says to be satisfied in all things, this is the gift of God.
~THIS HIT'S ME~

• The race is long, stick with it

-Matt 16:24 says you have to take up your cross daily.
-Matt 7:13-14 talks about the wide and narrow gates

• Your hour will come, be ready for it.

-Impact lives, do it for the sake that God did it for us "me" (everyone).

On the ride home, it kind of hit me how much responsibility was on my shoulders. As I looked in my rear view window, I saw responsibility in two different ways. The first way was of course the physical responsibility, if I flip the car I could kill everyone. That one is important, but the even greater responsibility was that of the Spiritual significance. Setting an example, and leading a life that is a representation of Christ.

Dave church was real good, I was really tired by the time I listened to the message, but the fellowship, especially with George was what got me. And that is what it is really all about. Showing and feeling love.

the Mer face

Early, early, early this morning I was awoken by my mom asking me to pray for my sister Merideth. It was maybe 4AM when my mom woke me up to tell me that Merideth had just gotten a DUI (her second) and that my dad was going down to bail her out at 6:30. My mom almost had a voice of optimism in her voice. She said to me, "maybe she will wake up this time, and realize that something has to change in her life." I prayed the prayer, I prayed it sincerely. I went back to sleep, and actually I think I dreamed about a pair of jeans that I asked my mom to fix a while back. And in the dream my mom came to me and handed me the jeans, she said, "these jeans can't be fixed." I responded and said, "but mom, you can use material from these old jeans, just sow them together and they will be fine." It ended like that. Now that I have had time to think about it. I don't think I had any kind of GREAT AWAKENING or voice from God talk to me in my dream, but I can draw together a correlation between the jeans and my sister. With some jeans, they get to a point where they can't be fixed any longer. The material wears out, and stitching new material that looks good, won't do anything to the material that is already bad, except buy it a little bit of time. With my sister, and my family has come to the conclusion that God has to reveal in her along with her accepting the call, to hand it over. It is very hard to see my sister go through stuff like this though. She was coming home from a bar, and turned the wrong way on a one way street. A cop saw that and quickly pulled her over. Poor Mer. I took a picture of my facial expression when I was in deep thought about her.I was at school all day studying my Elements of Law stuff. I did real good, and performed excellently on my online quiz's. I needed to get away. SO, I called my best friend and asked if I could stop buy for a bit while I waited for time to come closer to 7:45. I wanted to go see Doubt at the local IIT Cinema Center downtown. I get in for only $3. To my great surprise Jared wanted to accompany me. TWAS A GREAT THING!!See it, it is a great movie. I doubt you won't like it. God is good, but his love needs to abound in mercy, compassion, and generosity. I took that from the movie a bit. Phillip Seymore Hoffman is the BEST ACTOR EVER!!! I friggin love the way that guy acts.

The love was thick today!!

This was the bridge that I was on yesterday when I made that video. I was coming from the other direction, and just opened my door which would have been to the guard rail to the right in the picture above. This is how the bridge is suppose to look, lol. yesterday was an exception.

Today started off slow, and that is not a complaint. I love that my winter break has been very laid back and chill. It is a nice change. The freedom to roam and do as I wish is quite nice. So, before school got over, my English professor Tom had invited me to a house party. I have much of Tom in my BLOGG, if you don't remember who he is, then just follow this link to a ~PAST POST~. Anyways, I was feeling very anxious to go to this party. It was very strange, ever sense I woke up this morning, I had this little voice inside me telling me not to go. It was totally bizarre because I couldn't understand why. I love going to parties, and I love TOM. It only seemed natural that I go. I mean, I love people, and I knew that the people that would be at a party that Tom would have would be of the highest quality of people, so I just couldn't figure out WHY I had inner tension about going. Well, I didn't have an answer until after I left. It was all clear as I walked from Tom's front door to my car. Check out these pictures, and I will share why.
Ya see, it was a great party. The people were past student's of Tom, and some of his close friends. A great bunch would be a massive understatement. I got to talking with a couple. He was a past high school student of Tom's. A very nice pair. Anyways, I shared a little bit of my story. How M/S impacted my life, and how Jesus has become the central focal point for me. Well, Tom overheard me speaking, and quickly came and asked if I would be willing to share in front of everyone. I agreed and before ya know it, everyone was gathered around the table. I started talking, and told about how M/S kind of brought me into who I am today. I talked about how through struggles I realized that I had to SURRENDER and allow Christ to take the steering wheel. It is not what Mikey wants, but what HE wants. This is why I was attacked before the party (Satan will poke at you). I am so thankful for Tom. I believe everyone in that room would agree that Tom is the definition of sincere love. It just pours out of him, and he is a true living inspiration to me. An example of what it looks like to genuinely care about people from all walks of life.After the party, I went over to my sister's house. Her fiance is going to be selling Kirby's and wanted to know if he could give me his line of bull....I mean he wanted to test out his salesmen skills on me. I agreed, and the whole time I thought to myself, "no one is going to buy one of these when the economy is good, why in the heck would they buy it now??" But, I listened and we will see. Good thing he is going back to school though. ;-)

Also, a really really good thing happened today. I am going to be taking a kid to so sking on the 3rd, and well my car is not the best choice for a trip to Michigan. It doesn't have cruise, my ski's won't fit in it, and it get's really bumpy when you go over 65MPH. Well, TOM, a Young Life staff member agreed to let me use his car for the trip. I AM SO EXCITED!! If anyone wants to pray for the trip, it is on the 3rd, and his name is Brandin.

Philosophy, CHECK!!

I know I have been presenting a lot of media, but I am just taken by these a bit I suppose. My grandmother forwarded me this little slideshow/music/picture/words presentation and although I don't usually watch these, I decided to give this one a try. It is called the Interview with God. ~CLICK HERE~ to check it out. I guess I know that media can be used for extreme negatives, I just super like seeing it used for GREAT POSITIVES!As for my day. Well, it was a HUGE accomplishment day today.
I finished my Philosophy stuff. So, I am completely done with that class & I just feel free as a bird. It is such an amazing and awesome feeling. Yes and deed. I just need to get some gloves, and I am all set for SKI TRIP!!! SWEEET!!!

it's not going to be an interesting Post

I somehow left my home without my phone. I shouldn't say "somehow," because I know exactly how it happened. I was wearing my really nice black pea coat to church this morning when I took Matt to Grace Gathering, but when I got home after taking him on some errands, I decided it was time to get back tot he basics....or not as nice of a coat, and I totally left my cell in the pocket of ole~blacky (pea coat). I left my house and went to school, where I wrote for a bit, and talked to my English Prof.

I am really starting to get into this paper about loving yourself, because the more I write about it, the more I realize I am becoming it. The desire of my heart is to love as Christ loved. I am no where close to Christ, but I am living out a life, attempting to identify with the actions and lessons he taught by example. Beautiful thing.

I had a Young Life meeting with our area's leaders, and it went pretty well. Nothing "break through" by any means, but it is always good when we get together. It is 9:28PM and I am calling it quits for the night. I am at the library, but as soon as I click POST, I am going home and straight to bed. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.oo!

PEACE!

house=money

Had a good day. A real good day. At school, because my OLS professor had a death in his family, we canceled class for the week. Well, it gave my group a chance to get together and start out on the project. I think the meeting went as well as expected. I am going to be taking the majority of the work load, but it is the kind of project where it kind of does get thrown on the leadership of the group. I am more than happy, and able to do that, so I am going to.

At work, I got some quality time to play with the little kiddies. DANG, were they ancy today. Not a one of them could sit still worth two spits in a tin can. But, that is what I love about them. Through their craziness, I see myself and am able to love them through it.

I was tired when I got home. Just worn out from studying and playing, and reading, and typing all the stuff that fills an average day for me. Stuff I love, don't get me wrong, but it is actually pretty wearing on a guy. Having to be constantly aware of kids; what they are doing, where they are at, how they are interacting with each other and their surroundings, and watching for EVERYTHING can be vexing to say the least. Not a complaint in the least, I wouldn't trade my life for nothing!

SO, being 21, living at home with my parents (rent free) I am able to see just what life costs. I see that a new roof needs to be in place, and what all is entailed with that. I see repairs, landscaping, bills, mortgage, etc. Well, today my mudda and fada had to purchase a new hot water heater. Slam bam thank you ma'am, it broke, they had to buy a new one. I am so thankful they are able to do that, and especially thankful I am able to wreap the benefits that water heater provides...for FREE. But, it all just adds up like crazy. It really is a reality check when I think about what I want to be able to provide for my family. Dang, I am gonna keep working for that goal. The light at the end of the tunnel will get bigger eventually. Patience and endurance will show me favor in the long run. I am in a good situation, and I am so thankful for that.

I went to work out at about late 8ish tonight. I ran into some guys I knew from high school. They were younger than me, maybe 2 years younger or maybe 1, i'm really not positive. It was good though. One of them told me he was taking a break from school. It appears he fell off the band wagon in his first year of college. Well, I knew his situation all too well, and heard him out. Before I could even really start hearing it all, he told me that he found God, and is living his life in accordance with His will. "There ya go," is pretty much what I said, and we parted our ways. It was neat though, and a nice reminder that God is just a working all over the place. Umm, I like that.

this and that

The day started off as usual. Work, then English class. Then I had some time to blow, got my hair cut ya know. I had a nice little surprise when I was walking into Great Clips, my best friend Jared was working at Higher Grounds next door. Well, he saw me walk into G/C and came over to say hello. I told him I would be over to chat as soon as the lady was done clipping.
It was really nice. And, this picture of Higher Grounds Coffee shop is the actual store Jared works at. I knew he was picking hours, but I didn't have any idea it was at this specific location. Ya see, there is a HG coffee on campus of my school, and I just assumed that was the only one he was working at. But all to my big surprise, he saw me!! It was cool to chat it up with him. We chatted it up about an "event" he has planned. I can't say any more because I am not sure if a particular someone reads this BLOG or not. So, until later when plans are more confirmed, I must keep my mouth shut. I didn't really have anything to work on, so after I got done with hair cut and talking, I went home, but watching T.V. was not an option, so I went to the YMCA to work out for a bit.It felt god to pump some IRON!! Some of the guys around me thought I was kind of strange because I took a picture of myself, BUT that's alright, I got nothing to prove.

I started BSF tonight. It was so cool because I got to sit with my dad, who has been involved for about 14 years. I am excited for this years study. It is over the life of Moses. That would be Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. We aren't going to be doing Genesis, because that is a study within itself. It is so cool and keeps you accountable in by being in the word every day. Questions, and it is just super sweet! I get to do it with my dad too. That is awesome!!! He has been praying for me for such a long time, and now he gets to enjoy BSF with his son. That is a beautiful picture. A picture of hope and endurance in Christ. BEAUTIFUL!

FINAL REFLECTION day # 14

14 of 14, yep that is what today is. The stretch of the two weeks has ended. It’s time for a conclusion I suppose. I should probably sum things up. Well, just a reminder for the readers (you) and myself, I’ll give a quick recap. And I will give the Thesis that I should have given to start this out with. But, better later than never I suppose.

Thesis: To examine my thoughts and actions in hopes to find ways to get a little closer to Christ.

(Recap)

1. To rid my life of things I KNOW need not be in it.

2. To constantly strive to see women as Christ see's them. To pray over that constantly.

3. To surrender my temper.

4. To allow God to be the ultimate authority in my life, and respect the earthly ones who are over me.

5. To love ALL PEOPLE.

6. Fight to find JOY in all situations.

7. To be comfortable being patient.

8. To really surrender a relationship with that "special someone" over to God.

Cool lesson I learned today at Dave church. God want's us (believers) to be connected and on the same page with things. Listen, I am tired and sleepy so I am just going to put this awesome verse up. John 17:20-21 This is dinner at Daves after Dave church. The smiley guy is Dave. The cutie sitting next to him is Rach (she's the younger one) and the beautiful woman is Margie, then closest is the bold and beautiful Richard. What a wonderful crew. We make a good team, it is very good for me to be a part of. I gain comfort and insight from Dave every single time I go over there. I am quite thankful for you Dave Pelz. :-)

After I went to Dave church, I couldn't go to Interogation/Collateral because I had to get to the school library and write this paper for English class tomorrow. It got done, and I am super happy. I went home and watched T.V. till it was spilling out my ears. I suppose I had to get my "fix." You'll read why....if you keep reading just a little bit more.

~REFLECTIONS~

1.) T.V.!! It is everywhere. I can't seem to have peace and quiet for more than 2 seconds. If I wake up in the morning, and am having a bowl of cereal or whatever, I turn on the T.V. If I have 15 minutes before I have to leave for work, I turn on the T.V., When I could be studying the word, or school, I watch T.V.! I watch too much.



R 1.) I think it's time for a break. I am going to take this very serious. I am taking the next two weeks off...Well, I am turning the T.V. off for the next two weeks is what i'm trying to say. I am going to have to train my brian to do other things. I'll do it dag nabbit!! You just watch and see.