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| So I missed the leaders retreat this year at the campus house, and I was bummed about that. But I was able to make up for some of the experience this last sunday. I was invited by the highschool youth group to go to the river with them. We went to a place called Bartlett Falls. The cliff we jumped from was about 20 feet high. Once you hit the water, it made you want to jump the 20 feet back up to the ledge. It was FREEZING. We hung out there for a while, then trekked up river to a place that had some mild rapids. Mild enough that we could body surf them. I got kinda beat up by the rocks, but there were no injuries. I really wish I could have been on the float trip with the leaders this year. That trip has potential to be very frustrating and aggrivating, but is always fun. Until next time kids! | | |
| Why am I always in a hurry. I drive fast, eat fast, always looking for the next thing. I don't slow down to enjoy the moments I have been given. I spend so much time looking to save time, or pass time, that if I just slowed down, I would realize that I am/have been wasting time. And time is a blessing. Any time we have on this Earth is a gift from God. It is preparation for what is too come. It is not a great analogy, but I suppose I could think of this like a study session before a test. I don't know anyone who would want the study session to end sooner than later. But that is what I have been doing in reality. I have been trying to get the "teacher" to hurry from section to section, instead of covering each in a careful, thorough manner. In doing so, I am depriving myself of key, important, and even enjoyable topics. I find there are even times when I come to a section where I have the gall to tell Him that I already know all I need to about it, as if my knowledge is greater than His. Such unrestrained pride could mean complete failure on a "paper test", why would it be any different in a "life exam".
My question is this then: Why am I in such a hurry? If I live to an old age, then I have plenty of time. If I die tomorrow, then I have missed so much of my own life, and so many blessings that I have scoffed at, and thrown out.
I don't generally like scripted prayers, they seem so impersonal for a personal caring God, but I would offer this prayer to all who read this.
Father,
I have thrown away so much of what you have given me out of arrogance, and told you that if you will help me where I want you too, I can take care of the rest. I now know that is not what I need, I need you in every aspect of my life, however much you give me. I need you in my life that I might "have it to the full", and enjoy every part of it, good or bad. I ask that you would be my wings in the high times and my feet when mine have failed. I pray that I would fulfill my place in your body, that I might bless those around me with my actions and faith. I also ask that your majesty would hold my focus, and you would continually hold my heart, for you will not fail me. I pray all these things in Jesus Christ's precious name, Amen.
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| Ok so it is a lame title, but I have a lame sense of humor. I got it from my dad.  here are some pics from my niece Taryns graduation .  Taryn with her Grandma and Grandpa 
Taryn with her boyfriend Ben. Good kid. 
Taryn and her older sister, Leah 
With her uncle, Roger, my second oldest Brother. 
T and Adam Bearor, Leahs fiance'. 
T reading the names for her class. She was the class president. Go Fosters!!! 
Charles, Johnna, Taryn, Leah 
Taryn and friends, I dont know all of them.  Taryn and her mom, Johnna. | | |
| Looking at some of the pics from the Mexico trip, I am realizing that I want to go back. I love the time of service spent down there, and being surrounded by friends. That is what hits me the most. I get so excited to hangout with my friends when we are all psyched about helping someone else. I can even look past the three days without a shower, sleeping on a cold, hard tile floor, and getting up before the sun. That sort of thing just gets the juices flowing, and you can really feel like you are being put to a good use by God. And one of the most wonderful things is that all personalities are welcome. If you are not a good builder, or bad at physical labor, the kids love to play with you. If you are very labor oriented, there is a house to build, and a family to provide for. Not too sure of your abilities, there is someone there to mentor you and help you gain more confidence. If your good and know it, you will get picked on for having a big head, but you will also be put in charge of some aspect of the worksite.
I just wanted to let everyone know that I thought it a privilage and an honor to spend time in Mexico with all of you. I wish I could go with you all next year. It was a blast!
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| Last night was the first small group of the new semester. John Johnson and I are leading together again. I have a really good feeling about this semester and small group. We have a good bunch of guys. Last sem. we had one constant attender and a couple of off and on people. I hope and pray that we can keep this guys interested and attending.
The topics last night ranged far and wide. Being in a small group of just men is such a blessing. We dont have to keep up pretenses about girls, we are free to talk openly with out fear of being looked down on, because we are all in the same boat.
Basically I cant wait to get to know these guys better. They seem like a cool crowd. I know most of them, having gone to school with one of them, living with some in the house, and through the years at CSC. Some though are newer to CSC and are looking for a place to fit in. I hope we can offer them the oppertunities they are looking for.
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