So, here we go. There is no easy way to put this, so in the words of Relient K, why don't I come right and and say it. I've decided to move out of state. This is something that I have been thinking bout for a while, since after summer camp to be exact, and I've concluded that its time to do it. I'm tired of my life here, and its time to move.
I feel like over the past several years, its been situation normal for my life. I work at the church, volunteer at the church, and live by the church. Life is too easy for me. I think I'm finally growing weary of it. There is no risk in my life, it is safe.
I don't want safe anymore. What do I want? I want to see Jesus Christ radically move in my life. I want to see Jesus Christ radically move in the lives of those around me.
Why hasn't this move taken place before? Well it has, but I always return to the beginning. As Paul says in Romans 12:1, we are to "offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God"... The problem with living sacrifices is that they have a tendency to get up off the altar.
Along with that is that Jeff tries to do things on his own power and tries to mask it with a little bit of God thrown in. Basically in this scenario I am a man with high tendencies to be adulterous, lustful, jealous, depressed, prideful, and not content in my current state of singleness.
Now I must admit, I believe I am allowing God more freedom to move in my life, but that is still the problem. I haven't allowed God freedom to be my everything in my life.
How about Abraham? When Yahweh asked him for the life of Isaac, did Abraham just respond without thought? Granted, according to Genesis, God asked him, and the next day he started up the mountain, but I have to wonder, did Abe get any sleep that night? I find it a little more plausible to think that he wrestled the entire night long, analyzing every little aspect and weighing every possible outcome of this sacrifice. When it came down to it though, Abraham put his faith and trust in his God.
So, here we are. I think it is finally time to move up the mountain, to lay my "son" on the altar. Its time to give up my desires, my wants, my wishes. I want to be used by God, and I want the Holy Spirit to move in me and through me. Whats to keep me from allowing this to happen? Me. But I think that Christ has bigger plans for my life, if I actually trust him and put my faith in him and not myself.
Blood Diamond was pretty good. Is it bad that I thought DiCaprio's performance was decent?
Walk the line was pretty good as well. I like Johnny cash. I think I really got hooked on Cash at Toronto Semp 4 years ago. They played a music video of his that just sparked my intrigue on the man.
4 out of the last 6 presidents were southpaws. Both McCain and Obama are left-handed. Could there be a presidential run in my future? Hmm...
So, here we go. There is no easy way to put this, so in the words of Relient K, why don't I come right and and say it. I've decided to move out of state. This is something that I have been thinking bout for a while, since after summer camp to be exact, and I've concluded that its time to do it. I'm tired of my life here, and its time to move.
United We Stand by Hillsong United has to to be my favorite album as of current. There is something about cranking it up and worshiping through it. It is also a productivity increaser. I can actually be productive around the house, and even go blog-crazy.
This is Corey Ellis. This is a pic from the DCGO trip in June. He was sharing about one of his experiences with the group. If you don't know, Corey had a incident were he was in a hot tub, and the hot tub tried to kick his butt. Well, not really, but having a seizure in water is never a good thing.
He's a little dressed up in this picture. That is because about an hour earlier, he was in the middle of this:
Granted, its not one of my better snapshots, but I didn't want to be popping off a flash in the middle of service(like many others). He got himself married.
Needless to say, I won... the wager anyways.
The first time I put this on was at summer camp...the "Connected" year. My idle hands needed entertainment during a wedding, and goodbye bracelet. This was the first time its been off my wrist. My wrist feels a little bare.
Flat Top Grill in Ft. Wayne. I've talked about Flat Top before, but I love the place. I broke one of my own rules... I actually ate by myself in a restaurant. After some stir fry, I went here...
Rave is also located at Jefferson Pointe in Ft. Wayne, next to Flat Top Grill. I happened to watch the new Mummy movie. It was entertainment, a lot like the first two installments.
Living Faith Missionary Church near Yoder and Ossian . It was a really good experience... probably the reason why I stayed involved in youth ministry to this day. I wanted to stop in and talk to Joel Gregory, but apparently the office was closed. It was really cool to think back to all the times... the good times, the fun times, and the not so fun "learning experiences."
This is the Kingdom hall just north of Bluffton. I stopped there once to grab a New World Translation. I opened the door only to hear a steady high tone, followed by the alarm shortly after. I didn't stick around too long after that.
Downtown Bluffton. I love the small towns that have the real parking on either side of the road. I went to the Good Shepherd bookstore to pick up the latest Nooma and Crazy Love. I figured I would add it to my library of books I haven't read. I'll probably ready in three years or so after everyone stops talking about it.
A big stack of big bales.
I enjoy quality time with people, but like everyone else, I like getting words of encouragement. I have decided that I'm going t a better job at keeping those letters, notes, cards, etc. For those days I really need to read stuff like that.
