For everything else, there's mastercard

Black Ops for the Wii. $49

Life savers. $20

Laffy Taffy :D. $2
A New Testament Bible King James Edition. $15

Pen/pencil and lead $30

Index cards hahah $5

Sudoku puzzle $8

Clothes $200

Hershey bar :D $2

A vacuum cleaner :) lol $198

A prayer cross :D :D $3

2 toothbrushes and toothpaste. $5

Second copy of Don Miller's A Million Miles in a Thousand Years$20

Getting to see 3 of my old coaches from years past all in a matter of two minutes. Priceless


The amounts for the most part arre made up completely. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Happy Birthday Jesus!

TJ

My heart is searching for.

God knows what. I know what my heart wants. I just don't know what to do to get to where my heart wants to be. My heart wants 2 things in the world right now. To see God in everything, and for that one special person to come into sight.

Thing is, I can't see that girl. I have no possible way of going to see her, and I just want to see her one day this whole break. Just one. I know that there is much that I can do, but I really just want to see her smile one time this break, and I'll be perfectly happy.

My heart wants to feel that. I feel like that's the one thing that will make this break perfect for me is just to see her smile one time. I love seeing people smile, but something about her smile brightens my days. I see many things in her smile that I don't see in most people's smiles.

It feels like my heart races a million miles an hour when I see that smile too. It never feels so good as when her smile crosses my eyes. So, all I want for Christmas? Her smiling face. That's literally all I want for Christmas this year.

I think that there is a reason I feel so strongly right now. I can't very well tell you what that reason is, because I myself don't even really know, but I know that there is some reason that my heart has just jumped. Everything my heart loves, has grown to be more than it was previously. I love God and Jesus a lot more because of the great service we had. It really opened my eyes. I love football more just because I know that through that, people can see God's impact on my life. It also gives me a chance to just show people Christ's love. My feelings for this girl have grown also. I just see the Lord shining through her like a magnifying glass.

I can honestly say that I have never felt this strongly about someone and the Lord at one time. It's usually either one or the other. Now it's a whole new experience, because I am experiencing both at the same exact time. I think this is amazing because when you are seeing the Lord in it, the feeling is so much greater than you could ever expect.

Aight, I've been up all night, so I'm just gonna stop writing now. Love you guys bye! Merry Christmas
TJ

I'm so screwed when school gets back in

I've been up every night of Christmas break past 12. Thinking about whatever is put on my mind. I can only put a few things into words though. My thoughts have been racing this break time, and I can only think of one logical place to put them down. Right here!

Well, beginnning with the obvious, I still can't get her out of my mind. No matter how....Oh who am I trying to kid, I don't try at all. I love picturing the smile on her face. I've been all smiles, though more or less when it comes to the fact I never get to see her. I just don't know why it's such an intense feeling. Feel free to help me. Please!

Next thing is, this book has captured my heart. It has so much to do with my life right now. It's got everything to do with how I want to live my life. The good stories, the bad stories, the boring stories, and the just plain dumb stories. It's taught me a little about how I should just take my own advice and take a leap of faith on things. What's the worst that can happen?

I have just been learning recently about how serving others gives greater rewards than anything. Just giving your life to each other can not only accomplish great things, but you will be rewarded in some way. I just want to serve someone. Make someone somthing for Christmas. Make a little necklace, or even just something as small as a card. I will probably do one of the above. For everyone who I call a friend. I just want to make someone smile. Anyone really.

I learned my freshman year football coach had ACL problems. Pray for quick recovery. We love you coach Josh!

Again, this might just be the best book I've ever picked up. Lol :D

:)won rof lla s'taht.


Love y'all.
TJ

PS Kendall Madison, I still think we need to go to Rockbridge and get some Bloo Drank just because. :)

A Thousand Miles in a Million Years

This book is really starting to capture my attention. I've read 18 chapters of it, and I am really starting to love it. I just read the part about an inciting incident, and how it affects our lives. This is really cool, I've never been so into a book before.

Well, human beings are naturally comfort seeking cowards. When we get these inciting incidents, we always want to move back into our comfort zones. I think this is awesome how I had just started moving away from my comfort zones, but still hide in them sometimes. I think this book is going to motivate me soon. In great ways.

This is truly the best book I've ever wanted to read. Well, it's the only one I've really ever wanted to read, but that's beside the point :)

Donald Miller is a literary genius.

Much love
TJ

Baby blue eyes

When I see you in the hallways, I can only smile and think to myself, "I wish she was mine". When I talk to you, my life is more fun than when I'm not. Seeing you laugh makes me smile, because laughter is a sign of happiness in any mood you're in. Seeing you smile makes my heart stop, because it's such a pretty thing to look at. You may not think your looks are amazing, but believe me, there is no one else who I'd rather see in any weather, time of day, or season than your pretty face. I know that you probably think I'm just another friend you see daily, but I wish I could be much more. I want to be the person you can bring your worries too. I want to pray with you for whatever. I just want you to be happy. I won't lie, you've probably never thought of it this way, but I want you to know, that all I really want for Christmas, is you. You're the best friend I could ask for, and I just wish I could call you mine. God will see us through whatever, I feel this is right, because I think that there is a slight flame that can be kindled to however high you want it to go. Let's make the best of these times, because there's no one else I'd rather be with

Let me just say I love you. Bye now. :)

Closer to love when Virginia is for lovers

I've seen myself falling more to the point where I have to be away from my house. Whether it's showing Christ to people, or just broin out with the guys haha. I've noticed it's easier for me to want to be uncomfortable, and when I am uncomfortable, it's easier for me to be who I am.

I've also noticed that life is way more exciting when you are uncomfortable than when you stay in comfort zones. Life is way better when you take that leap of faith, and just let God guide you through whatever. I believe that when we do take a leap of faith, we feel much more rewarded than when we let it slide by. We all love feeling accomplished, so why let it get by?

I still think if I lived my life this way, I wouldn't be on facebook all freakin' day haha. I think I would also be a little more active than I am now. It's so easy to do, but I don't do. Like it says in the Bible, what I don't want to do, I do, but what I do want to do, I don't. I think I switched the order, but you know what I mean.

It goes along with the song Lose Yourself by Eminem.
If you had one shot, or one opportunity, to sieze everything you ever wanted. One moment. Would you capture it? Or just let it slip

That's all for now.

A million years in a thousand miles

Yes, I know I switched the years and miles. I just want to see who is going to catch it before they read this :D

I started reading Don Miller's A Million Miles in a Thousand Years a few days ago. I think it's one of the best books I've ever read. I'm only about 8 chapters through it though. I think it's awesome how Don tells the story of how they're making a movie of his book Blue Like Jazz. I think it's cool because from what the cover of the book says, it's about what he learned while "editing" his life. I love reading it

My friend  Zack also bought me Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I haven't started it yet but I will say I can't wait to. I think that it's a book that will teach me many things.

That's it. Haha, Merry Christmas.
TJ

Love, Faith, Service and Learning.

Over the past few weeks, I have learned so much about having faith in God, His promises, and just knowing that He loves us. I've posted about it before, but it's just so powerful that I can't help but put it in another post. Matthew 6:33 says "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." I've been learning to put God first in everything I do. Whether that be sports, school, or just living life. If we put God first, everything falls into place.

This has helped me to accomplish many things. After I started really putting Christ first in my life, football became easier, my relationships became better, and everything was working perfectly. I haven't felt that good with the exception of Fall Weekend and Work Crew, in so long. There is nothing more filling than putting Christ first in your life, and letting Him do all the work inside of your broken lives.

One thing I've also started seeing is I think I'm slowly starting to like my best friend. Who that is will not be disclosed at this time, but I have been thinking about this for a few weeks. She's amazing, and yea. I just don't really know how she feels. I just think that I need to pray on it, and see where God takes me. Like I said, put Him first, all else falls into place

This is just one thing that's been on my mind recently. She's just such a great friend to me, and I love love love love talking to her. She's always got something really fun to talk about. All I really want to do is just talk with her about it, see where it goes. I can't believe I'm basically going back, but I just think there's much that I can learn with her.

God's been teaching me that I need to rely on His promises, and not the promises of other people in my life. I think that if I fully relied on His promises only, I wouldn't be having nearly as much trouble with a few things like I have been recently. God is just so loving, that He is teaching me non stop, and I love it because I can't think of a way that will be better.

I've also been taught about the impact of serving other people as an act of love for Christ, and not just because you're asked to, or to further your ownself. When you just give your life to someone when you're serving them, you'll show people the love of Christ through that, because we are the lights in the world of darkness that show Jesus' love for all of humanity. We get the joy of showing Christ to the world because Christ died for our sins, to save us. So we should give our lives to each other, to show each other the love that we so often times miss from the people we are with for most of the time that we are here on this planet.

I do ask that you pray for my time wit this girl I've found interest in. Those who want to know need only message me, but depending on who it is, you may or may not find out, for my own reasons.

I love you guys. I truly don't know what I'd do without this. Being able to put all my thoughts down is truly a blessing,
TJ

Work Crew....Better than camping??

I've just finished with my first time doing Work Crew for WyldLife campers. There were many different jobs that we could have done. It was ranging from cleaning all the dishes, to cooking the food up, to serving the food to the kids. I got the pleasure of serving the food to them. This was the job that I wanted to do, but I  was willing to do whatever I was needed to. I served 3 tables their food. 2 guys tables and 1 girls table. I must say that the girls table all around made my weekend fun. They were just so awesome, and their enthusiasm just made it easy for me to deal  with my horrible knees. I loved the messages they left me too haha. Those were the best :). I love that I got to learn a little bit about God this weekend. We had free time after lunch, so I got to go and be like a camper. Doing whatever I wanted to basically. That was NOT the highlight of the week though. I just loved being able to serve those kids and let them not have to worry about a thing all weekend. I know that some kids lives were changed this weekend. I just hope that God continues to work in them.  I also wanna say that I am glad my boys Quentin, Adam, and Dan came down to work with us. That was really a blessing in itself. I haven't seen those guys in quite a while. I can also seriously say, that I have fallen in love......with Bloo Drank. It's still the best drink in the world, no matter if you can get unlimited drank or not. We got to do work crew with some guys from Herndin(sp?) and they definitely made the time more fun that if it were just us. I made so many new friends this weekend, and I definitely know why Tanveer loved it so much. I love these guys and girls so much, and I hope I get to hang out with them  again.


Love y'all.
TJ

PS. Rockbridge is STILL my favorite place in the world

Work Crew- Fall Weekend 2010

It's official now. I have talked to everyone I needed to talk to and I am going to be on the work crew for this weekend's Fall Weekend Rockbridge goers. I'm going up there with many of my good friends, and I know that while I am there that I will meet many many more. I am very very excited for this opporunity, and I hope that everyone at Rockbridge as a camper has a great time.

I am very excited that I get to spend the weekend with some of my best and closest friends. I always have had great conversation with these guys, and I know that this weekend will probably only bring us closer to each other, and to God. I have heard stories from people who have gone to work crew, and they say that it's a life changing experience. They say the friends you meet there are the best you will ever have, and that nothing after that will break the bonds that you make there.

I want to thank Fetz, Pete, Mrs Chapman, God, and everyone else who made it possible for me to be able to go with them this weekend. I have been aching to do work crew since my friend Tanveer got back from when he did it, and told me that had an amazing time. Getting to know the people there just makes the time even better. He also said that the say so at the end of the camp time is the best feeling. I think it's because he knows that the hours of work we do, help kids have a great, worry-free time, and they know they don't have to worry about a thing.

Well, I'm excited now, and nothing is going to change that. I just hope that the looming sickness of the school doesn't catch up with me before I leave. I also want to wish everyone who is already sick that I hope that you get better soon!

Love you guys,
TJ

Tear the walls down

Campaigners tonight really opened my eyes to a cool way of life that I had been missing the past 2-3 days. As many know, there has been some very saddening events that took place recently. I've just been good at hiding the pain I've felt. I've been telling myself to keep my faith strong, which hasn't been easy in any perspective. Until tonight

The talk at Campaigners was ironically on faith. God's promises, and how faith in His promises will bless you more than anything else, ever. We also talked about the fall of the walls of Jerico. (Joshua 6:1-20). When God told Joshua to march around the city of Jerico, with trumpets blasting, the ark of the covenant with them, and the soldiers not making a sound until the 7th day, Joshua was promised by God that Jerico would become his. Joshua, having a great amount of faith in God's promise, did exactly as he was instructed, and marched for 7 days, once a day, for 6 of them, and 7 times  on the 7th day. Such a tedious task, but very worth his effort. After the last march, the trumpet players blasted even louder, and the soldiers screamed, and sure enough, the walls of Jerico came crashing down.

Unthinkable! The fact that just by having faith in God's promise, Joshua was given exactly what he was promised by God. Thing is, Joshua knew that the land there was set-apart for God. When Joshua took over the city of Jerico, he gave it right back to God. He knew that everything we own belongs first to God.
I think it's insane that one would do so much to win a city for the israelites, just to give control of that city over. He gave it to good hands though. God never once thought of blowing Joshua off. As long as we obey what God has to say, we will be blessed. Now, you would think "No way if I march around a fortress 13 times and blow trumpets, with the most holy object in the world at that time with me will the walls ever just fall down. Not even with the greatest amount of faith" Watch out, there's a double meaning.

The double meaning is this: We must go out, march around our area that we are trying to win over for Christ, and love the people who live in that area that do, and definitely the ones that do not know Him. When we speak to the ones who don't know Him, we must make sure that the words we speak are not ours, but they are His, so that we can build a relationship with them that will bring them to trust us more, and be more apt listen when we talk about our God. They will ask questions, they will want to know more about Him. It's our job, to be disciples of Christ and make Him known to the world.

Well, this is my 10 minute talk for tonight. I love you guys, and I hope that I will be able to talk to you again when I can.

With as much love as can be,
TJ

Oh love

The gift of love that we receive every day is something that we can not take for granted. All of the time that we spend living our lives, we take for granted the things that some people can honestly say they don't have. The biggest gift of love that I know is the God breathes life into us every day. He gives us the blessing of life, and even in the hard times of our lives, which everyone in the world goes through, we need to know that by just being alive that we are truly truly blessed. I know that when a lot of people go through a rough time in their lives, they like to start blaming the world or worse yet, God. They believe that God is putting them through it. I like so many others have been in those places where we think we need someone to blame for all of our problems. In reality, we tend to get very angry with someone when we have chosen to blame someone for our problems. I think that if we fully relied on God, and not rely on blaming everyone else for our own problems, then we would all be able to see that we are all truly loved and blessed. God doesn't want us to blame others for the problems that we have, so why should we? Jesus went through a lot of hardships in His life, but He never once blamed someone else for any bad mood He was in. He was tortured many times. He had every reason to blame someone for all His pain and suffering. Thing is, He wasn't suffering for His own cause. He was suffering to save each and every one of us. Because He loves us so much, that when the time came that He was hanging on the cross, people told Him if He really was the son of God, that he could get off the cross there. He didn't though, because He knew a debt had to be paid. He was thinking about all the sin in the world that there had been, was, and that would be coming into the world. He was thinking about each and every one of us when He died on the cross. He lived a perfect, blameless life. He never once sinned. He went through the same temptation, the same things we did. He knew that His father, and our father was with Him through it all. I believe that if we knew that God was with us every step of the way in any hardship that we could go through, then we would know no depression. We would know no sorrow. We would face temptation just as we all do, but we would know that God the father is watching us, and He loves us so much, that He sent His son to die for us (John 3:16).

I am mostly saying this for myself right now, because I haven't had the best week already and it's only Tuesday. I am also saying this for anyone out there who reads this that is going through any type of hardship to say: You're not alone. You have many other people in the world who go through the same things. Also, you're deeply, undeniably loved. This is the story that has helped me go through anything I have faced since I began walking with Christ with a full head of steam, and that confidence has come from knowing that I am prepared to deal with it because I have God, His son, and His spirit all on my side.
With much love,
TJ :D

Fall Weekend under official review

Fall Weekend had to be one of the best experiences of my life! There are many people who made the time at Rockbridge the best time.

One of many people who I can say are my best friends is Lauren Chapman. She is not only one of the smartest girls I know, but she knows how to put up with my seemingly endless sarcasm. She also listened to me when I had something to say, which is something I should be used to by now, but I'm just not for whatever reason. Anyway, she is just such a great friend, and I am glad to call her my sister of Christ. I hope that I can continue being friends with her for the rest of being

Another one of my many people who I consider my best friends is named Kendall Scott. She also deals with my sarcasm, though I think she just ignores it, so it's like it's not even there :). She also is able to make talking about sports fun. If we're talking about Soccer, she goes off. We talk about VT/UVA (VT>UVA :]) I'm also glad she threw that apple at my back. Though very random, I was waiting on it, and couldn't help but laugh when I saw her after throwing at me hahaha. I'm just glad that Kendall is one of my friends. I can honestly say that she is my (unbiological) sister, and I hope my friendship with her continues for eternity

Ryan Flora: Probably someone who I have grown closer as a friend to since I met him way back in whenever the heck it was. Ryan is one of those people I really don't know a lot about, but I know that will change as time goes on. I know that he is still my brother, regardless of how little I may know about him, and I hope that doesn't change.

Zack Lacy, my brother, best friend, and so much more. He has made both the trips to Rockbridge very special, not just by his endless amounts of gas, or some type of bad idea hahaha. He made it special because he has shown me so much about Christ through his love and caring for others. He also was able to give me a little fire inside of me because he knows exactly how to inspire my heart to just want to take in God's every single word. I know that my friendship with Zack will continue for forever.

My friend who I don't see much of anymore named Graham Harkey was able to make this time at Rockbridge very special, and very interesting. He told us a few things that I can not repeat to anyone, but I know that God gave him the courage to tell us of these times. I will personally say that I am very proud of Graham for doing this, because we got into a very very deep conversation with this topic, and I hope that the time at Rockbridge was able to bring him closer to God.

Needless to say, God obviously made the trip special. He is the creator of everything after all. When God sent us there, He knew exactly what He was thinking and doing. He knew that all of us were there because He wanted us to hear what He had to tell us. Though the talk was on the same thing as Summer camp was, I still think that it's a very important talk to hear, and I am glad that I was able to hear it again. God also brought one friend to me, helped me make many more friends, and bring me closer to my brothers and sisters that I already knew and loved. I thank Him for all He's done for me.

Liv Kiser was able to make the weekend at Rockbridge a very good one for me too. Starting from the bus ride up there, to the way back. On the way up to Rockbridge, Liv was having her little party session with another friend who will be in this, which was very very amusing if I say so myself. I got to hang out with Liv a little bit during camp which was really fun. I think that there will be many more times that Liv's presense in these trips will make it better for me:) I am glad to say she's my sister, and I know she and I will be friends for a while.

Jenn Vigh was one of the many first timers to Rockbridge for Younglife camp people. She too was able to make the trip fun, from start to finish. She was with Liv as they both were partying on the way up there because they were just so excited about going to Rockbridge that they couldn't contain their excitement. Which brought me and others great joy. Jenn also was with Liv when we were hanging out at camp. We just joked around with each other like we always do as if nothing had changed because really all that ever changes is the times and places of where you are with these people.

The mysterious Bloo Drank has returned. The mysteries of this amazing, yet simple drink. The Bloo Drank graced us with it's presense when we first went to Rockbridge over Summer, and when we come back in fall, without fear, Bloo Drank is able to come back to us and bring us all seemingly endless joy. This drink is just so filling that you believe that you are never going to taste anything better in your life. Thank you Bloo Drank, for showing your, well........liquid again. :)

I want to thank everyone who went and everyone who made the weekend a special time for me. I want to thank the people who helped get me there in the first place, because without them, I would not have been able to go. I Love You All so much, and I know that we will see eachother, well, everyone on here I will see tomorrow haha.

I also want to say that I can't wait to have this new opportunity. I am going to do Work  Crew for another bunch of Areas Fall Weekend. I can't wait to give these campers the best weekend of their lives. I have heard that it is a great experience, and I hope that I will make new friends, and that I will be able to just serve the kids with the best of my ability.

I love you guys. Everyone listed on here, and not listed, because I can't think of who, or why. Just know that I love you, and I will see you guys soon!
TJ

The mixing of the clubs

Today, Cave Spring didn't have their own Younglife Club, because the person whose house we are having it at was getting construction done. My first reaction to this was, "Oh no! I now have nothing to do Monday Night." Well, my bright mind didn't seem to remember, we can go to the other school's clubs if we want to. I ended up going to Hidden Valley's Younglife Club. I wasn't really nervous at all, since I knew everyone right? Wrong! Haha

I get there, and the only two people who are there at that point I didn't know. I made friends with them, telling them the only reason I was there is because Cave wasn't having their own. I just chill out like I normally do before Club starts. You know, this that the whole sh-bang. After a while, my friend Kendall shows up. At this point, we're mostly in uncharted territory, since the only time we'd been there was for WyldLife Clubs. We show up to HV's Younglife, which is just the same thing, older people.

Well, her and I are probably seen as the best friends from Cave at this point, because everything each of us did, the other was right there next to the one. We played a game where we lock arms, and naturally, we locked arms as our first motion hahaha. Yea, aside from that, This game, the upper and lower classes were against each other. The upper class' job was to try and rip the lower class from each other's arms. A feat of grip, and strength. The lower class got to go first with the locking of arms. Kendall and I were separated from the big group, but we never really let go of each other haha. So, eventually, they tried to rip us apart. The grips were too tight, until they tickled Kendall, which made it easier for them......Cheaters! Haha

Well, after that fun game (Which the underclassmen won btw), we went to the usual singsong Younglife Club that we all know and love. We also got to watch some very *funny* game where 2 kids are blindfolded and they have to try and eat an apple. This brings people *closer* If  I say so myself. It was too good to pass up taking some pics, but they are very hard to tell who's who, but I know who I know in the pics ahaha.

The talk was given by none other than our favorite man, Andy Fetzer. He talked about how if the word in the Bible wasn't true, we were all "Screwed" He told us about how Jesus was killed, resurrected, and conquered the grave, and sin. I thought his talk was very good to hear, since he also talked about how much we are loved by Jesus, and God. This talk moved me ever so slightly to want to just love others with all my heart. As much as my soul will let me, just to love other people.

This is all I have for you tonight. Only thing left to say is I'M GOING TO FALL WEEKEND!!!!! I'm excited for that. Well, I'll be back some other day when I have something to write about. Love y'all. Hope you guys have a great week, and remember, It is wrong to call people "bastards" for whatever reason(:

"...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10

Heartbreak

Football season is over...... We have lost our final game this year. We fought hard, we gave them a reason to believe they earned it. We did everything we could, but we didn't come out on top. This is one of the most painful things to think about. I can't believe that it's over this year, and for some people, they will never play football again, in their lives. I am so thankful for the team that I have been blessed to play for. I am thankful that I still have two years of football left. I love my team mates, no matter how little I got along with a lot of them. It hurts to lose, but I know that there will be success in the future. Now I have to focus on wrestling, since that is the next thing I have to do. I wish luck to the teams still playing, and hope Brookville kicks Richlands' ass. They don't deserve states. bye now

Another thing I'm going to steal from my friend Kendall :)

So, the football game on Friday night was probably the best blessing I could have ever been apart of. I thank God that He let me be apart of this great football team, and just go through a little bit of my everyday with them.

We went into the game thinking "It's our last chance to go out of Bogle Field with a victory, and show the whole county that Cave Spring is a force to be reckoned with" We also wanted to erase all the doubt that we can beat Grundy. So what if they had a better record? We have beaten teams way better than them.

Anyway, we started off the game with us kicking off to them. My first start of Varsity, and I'm in the first play of the game. I was pretty excited, so I was just going to go out there and give it my best. We kicked it off to them, and they fumble the ball, then we recover it. Knights ball baby. It was at that point that they knew who had just hit them.

I think it was safe to say that  Josh Woodrum was the leader of the team on this night. Josh was so focused on showing the world that the Cave Spring Knights, really are, THE BEST! I know that he and the other seniors want to win states this year so bad, that they will literally stop at NOTHING to get there. I know that they all have the heart for it, and I know that we can get to where we want to be.

Well the first play of the game after the kickoff would have went very well for us if we had not gotten that holding penalty. However, that penalty said very little about the outcome of the first drive. If I remember correctly, we scored like less than 4 plays later. This game was off to a very good start for us

After that we went on a rampage, no, a killing spree. They went for like 6 three and outs in the first half alone! The Grundy guys were physically unable to control us when we got rolling. We just moved up and down the field on them pretty much the whole time that our first team was in. We go into the half with a score of 43-0. Pretty embarrasing for the guys in Grundy right?

We come out, we pretty much know we control this game to the very end. We were already putting second team people in when we score our 7th touchdown of the game. We put our second team offense in, and there is probably one spot where we need more work. Anyway, we had our second teams in the whole 2nd half basically.

The end of the game is drawing near, and I think to myself  "This was the best game I have ever been apart of, and Thank God that He let me be there". Final score to this game 50-14. By the way, they scored on our JV team with their first string Varsity. So don't think that they are actually good enough to score on us.

So we have earned ourselves another 2,880 seconds. That's how long a football game lasts for our 12 minute quarters. We go into this next game going to play Richlands. Yes, they are undefeated, but they don't understand that their record doesn't mean anything to us. We beat Salem when they were 5-0. record of the other team doesn't mean anything right now. They also faced a team that was 3-7 in the playoffs. That tells a lot about them doesn't it? They killed them, but we killed a team that had a better record than us. Let's go Richlands, let's see how well you can hold up against the Knights.

"Actions Erase Doubt" "Finish What We've Started" - The two themes from our season last year, and this year

Holy Crap.

So, I have a starting position this Friday. I am playing kickoff with the Varsity boys. Easy job, but it's a real big deal. I think this may be God giving me an opportunity to show Fulton, the school, and the team what I can do. Though I'm mostly a safety guy, I still have an important job. As do many of us. Well, I mostly posted this because I was really shocked about this and wanted to tell the world. Thanks for reading.


"It's not where you're from it's where you're at"

Weekend, and Monday

This weekend was actually pretty fun. On Friday I forgot I didn't have football practice, so I got to hang out with a few friends after school 'til dad came and got me. Then I went home, and just chilled all day, since I didn't have anything else to do since I thought  I had practice. Oops hah.

Well, on Saturday, I went over to Courtney's house to help her move some things around. Then Mindy came to to her house to help us too. We got done with a lot that day and afterwards we just hung out for a while, played us some CoD(Call of Duty) and GoW(Gears of War). That was pretty fun. Then Mindy had to leave, and Courtney and I went to Country Cookin for dinner, which was good. So Saturday was the highlight of my weekend hahaha.

Well, today I went to church like I normally do, but I think that the sermon was much needed, though I don't remember it. I took a very non needed nap today, so I don't remember a lot. I hate taking naps sometimes because they always take up so much time that I could be using to spread the Word of God to people, or just loving others. I also think that I have a hard enough time going to bed on time, so I don't need a nap to wake me up in the middle of the day so I won't sleep that night

Anyway, after church, I went hiking with Zack,  Garrett, Michael, Kasey, and Matt. Paris was going to go, but she got sick, so that's okay. Hope she gets better soon. We were going to go to Dragon's Tooth, but we parked in the wrong place, so we decided Saw Tooth Ridge was a better one to do than walking 9.1 miles up and back hahah. We got to the top of Saw Tooth Ridge and decided to just sit there and take in the beauty of God's work with the view that we had to look at. It was then that I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I felt God's presence, though it would not have seemed like it. I believe that God was truly with us as we went about the day. After we left we went to Taco Bell, which was definitely a good place to go, because I haven't been there in a really long time haha.

 I feel like we tend to always go to the same places, so going to Taco Bell was definitely a good change in the mix. I believe that if we truly understood that we do have other choices, then we would never get bored of doing the same things over and over again, because we tend to think that when a new restaurant opens, that it's the only place we can go to to eat, and then we lose sight of the choices that have been there for us since before that new place opened up.

Now I'm just sitting here thinking of things off the top of my head to write to you since I don't really post a lot. I think that there is definitely more that I could post about if I only thought to write it down because my goal for this thing is to get a good majority of my high school career on it, which I am definitely doing a pretty good job so far of it.


The David Crowder Band in the background to the typing noises that come from my fingers gives me the sense of sanity that I need to get me to tomorrow before I go to school. I'm sitting here listening to this song and the thoughts that go through my head are the same as the chorus to the song: "He loves us. Oh how He loves us..."  This song gives me the hope that I need to get through the days that are really tough, which is why I love the fact the the praise band played it at church, because it's a pretty upbeat song which also gets the message of His love out. I just love listening to songs like that. That's all for Sunday haha.

 Monday is tomorrow, and we have to go back to school for another 5 day week, which should be fun, because we have to get our football team ready for Grundy, and our Volleyball team ready to win whoever they face in the Regional Quarterfinals. Good luck Vball team!!

That's all I have for you right now. I kind of fell asleep making this hahah. Well, hope you enjoyed it. Good bye

"It's not who we are, but whose we are."

Man, I don't know where I'm going

I have been learning a lot from God recently. He's been teaching me about how we can't do it alone, again that is, also I have been taught that there is nothing else that I need to truly be happy. He's also teaching me that I need to be more outgoing in my life. I tend to be a closed off person, and I think that I need to outgrow my old ways of not talking to other people and just give people my heart. I think that the song "Don't waste your life" by Lecrae describes how I would love to live my life every day. He's also taught me not to fear the things of this world, for no matter how much they may hurt physically, and emotionally, there is nothing that can touch me spiritually. I know that no matter what things come at me in life, that since I have Christ in my life, that He will save me from the evil one, because He has conquered all sin. I believe that there is nothing better than knowing whose you are. I also think that since this great feeling started, that my life is slowly been fixing itself and coming together, just as I thought it would. I also think that I should love my friends more than I have been, because I think that I have been sort of forgetting about the people who I go through life with, and break bread with. I love those guys so much, but I don't show it very well. Well, I think that now it's a time for me to stop being so shy and get out there and be a friend. Well, I can't think of anything else right now, but it's been good to get this stuff off my chest. Love y'all, byee now.

Here's the scoop

So here I am, recovering from my very first injury ever, and I must say, this SUCKS! I hate being unable to even walk right, or even be able to bend my knee without it hurting. Along with that, the only painkiller strong enough to help it not hurt too much, is strong enough that 1 basically gets me high off it, and I get so tired, that I can't think straight. This really sucks, because I also have to stand around at football, doing absolutely nothing for 3 hours, and watch everyone else have all of the fun. Some of you may ask how this happened, well the thing is, I choose to not say how it happened, but only that if I were to hit my knee any harder, I would have broken it. I'm so thankful that it's not broken, and that I know I'll be able to play the HV game, but I am mad that the chances of me playing the C-burg game are slim to none. I have noticed that at night it's easier to walk on, but in the morning, I can't walk at all. I will have to judge really strictly tomorrow, seeing if I can get away without wearing it. One thing I hate about being injured, is that I can no longer run, jump, or walk up steps the right way. I also feel like a lot of people are trying to always be doing things for me just because I'm slightly crippled. I hate people doing things for me, because I feel as if I have the ability to do the things that they do. I also hate having people do things I know full well I can do. I'm just trying to keep the thing healed, becauseI fear it will break if I hurt it more. I know that God's healing touch has been coming down, and I am thankful that He wants to heal me. Now there is just one thing to do. Beat the living heck out of Christiansburg. Let's make them know they can be beaten. Well, bye now.

"It's rising up, all around it's the anthem of, the Lord's renown" - Holy is the Lord - Chris Tomlin

Some things I have learned over the past 2 months

I have been learning a lot about myself, and about God these past months. These things that I have learned, I learned because God knew I could handle the knowledge, and He wanted me to hear it now.

One thing I learned is that I have a crappy time with both of my shoulders. Now they're both in pain, and I'm not sure how much more they can take punishment.

Another thing I have learned is my patience has gotten a lot better when I'm waiting for things to happen. This is something that I usually have a large amount of struggle with, and I'm glad that it's starting to get better.

A few things I have learned about God recently is that He loves us so much that He not only sent His son to give His life for us, but that Jesus was thinking about all of us while He was hanging there on that cross. He has loved us for so long, that before even time began He loved us. Another thing that I have learned is that we all have to know not who we are but whose we are. I believe that if we all knew whose we were we would not be so uptight of how we are going to get through the things that everyday life has to give to us. The last real thing I have been taught is that we can't let today slip away without doing something. We are never guaranteed tomorrow, so why would we want to waste our whole day doing absolutely nothing.

I seem to believe that half the crap we learn in school we are never going to need to know to get by in life. I do the work, but don't see myself doing something that requires me to find x in any problem I have.

The last thing I have learned over the past few months is that I am really good at empathizing with people who have problems. I hate seeing people not in a good mood, so when I find people that aren't, I tend to not care how my regular relationship with them is, and I try my hardest to help them because everyone deserves to be happy. I thank God for this because I think that there have to be people who don't care what they're doing, but just want to help people with the problems that they have at any time of the day.

Also, The Pulaski Cougars got killed last night for those who didn't already hear. We showed them that when you mess with one man on our team, you get the whole team JV and Varsity. Good job boys. Oh, and Pulaski, I hope your homecoming is good. Even though everyone probably hates you now for getting cremated

Well, that's all for now. Hope y'all have a good day.


"You mess with the bull, you get the horns"

The Pulaski Cougars part 2

Well Pulaski, all I can say is when you mess with one, you get the whole pack. 34-14 is pretty embarrassing, even when you talked so much trash. All I can really say is that you better have learned your lesson, and I had better not hear any excuses.

"When teamwork is the destination, Victory happens along the way"

The Pulaski Cougars

Tomorrow's the game of the year for me. I can't wait to give those Pulaski Cougars what they have asked for by their actions. Last year they did something unacceptable, which has gotten me so fired up for this game, that I may have the most violent game of this year. I've been biding my time, building up my rage, and tomorrow it gets let loose. In between every whistle, every single play. This is the time for us to play with that chip on our shoulder's like Coach Harles says. This is not the game that we can just let slip through our hands. I can promise that there is no way I'm letting them walk onto OUR field, and take it from us. I'm dedicating this one to Tyrell, for their actions against him have put that chip on my shoulder. He's still my brother, whether or not he's playing this year or not.


"Go hard, or go home!"

God's Kingdom.

God's kingdom is so shocking. I didn't realize just how many people I can ask about anything til just now. I sent 2 messages to 20 people each, and there are STILL MORE PEOPLE I COULD ASK!! This is amazing. I never thought that God would give me so many people that I can ask something to, but then again, God can do anything, and God will always give me what I need. I have been slowly learning this over the past months. I talked to my good friend Rhea tonight, and it amazes me to see God working in her, to make her feel loved. The main thing that we all have to know, is that we are loved by God, and He will never forsake us. He always has each and every one of us on His mind. He loves you, all. Time to go now. Love you guys. See you soon






"No power of hell, no scheme of man. Can ever pluck me from His hand" In Christ Alone - Indelible Grace

When the pressure's on.

"How do you act when the pressure's on? When the chance for victory is almost gone.
When fortune's star has refused to shine. When the ball is on your 5 yard line.

How do you act when the going's rough. Does your spirit lag when breaks are tough?
Or, is there in you a flame that glows, Brighter as fiercer the battle grows?

How hard, how long will you fight the foe? That's what the world would like to know!

Cowards can fight when they're out ahead. The up-hill grind shows a thoroughbred!
You wish for success? Then tell me son. How do you act when the pressure's on?"

This might be my favorite story from football. This is a quote we have in our book about handling adversity. The first time that I read this I thought that it was the best thing I could have heard before a game. Too bad it was a Monday. Well, I think about this quote all the time. At any point in time some form of adverse situation could pop out of nowhere, and something bad happen. The things that can happen after the situation happens, there are only 2 ways to go. Either you can fold up, and say it's game over, or you can shake it off, step up, and go after it. The outcome of every game, of every play, of every second of your life, depends on how you handle what just happened. You can take one off, and let something potentially REALLY bad happen. Or you can get back up, and go right back at it.Thing is, people don't see how this pertains to life. This pertains to life because You might be going through a rough time, or something may be getting you down. Are you going to let the jaws of life(not the good kind) clench you down? Or, are you going to give it your all every single day. Live life with all you have, and you will not only feel better, but you shall glorify God in the process. That's all I can think of, so I'll see ya later.


"Play for the name on the front of the jersey, and they will remember the name on the back" - Lionel Messi

For so much more.

The song "Meant To Live" by Switchfoot has been speaking worlds to me the past few days. I know that it's actually the Lord telling me that I am meant to live for more than I have been. I think that over the past week, I have been just going through the motions of life, and not really living it to it's fullest with Christ. God has been teaching me that I need to let myself go. Take that leap of faith and talk to that person who you don't know at all. One thing that I have constantly struggled with is being the person who isn't afraid to go and talk to anyone they want. I know that with God, that I can't be broken, because no matter how bad the world beats me, God can salvage me, and repair my flesh. Just like the verse at the top of the page. "...The life I live in the flesh, I now live by faith" This means that I am a sinner, and I am unpure, but I have faith that God still loves me, and he forgives me. He is such a gracious God. He knows that we are sinners, and though He doesn't like it, He sent His son to die for OUR sins. I know you have known no love greater than that. I know that I have never known, do not know, and shall never know someone who can even hold the slightest candle to that amount of love. This song touched me because with all of that, we should know that we are meant to live for so much more, just as the song says. I hope that you know God loves you, because that's one thing I have been accepting more and more recently, is that no matter what I do, or what I think, feel or act. God Loves Me. No matter what you do, what you think, feel, or act. God Loves You. I pray that in this week, I will find someone who I don't know each day, and talk to them freely. With God, there is no reason to hit the brakes on that. Well, I gotta go now. It was nice to actually do this tonight, and not during class tomorrow :D


"A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life." - Charles Darwin

Beloved - Tenth Avenue North

This song is officially my favorite worship song. I listened to it for thig first time today, and I instantly fell in love with it. It reminded me that no matter what I do, or how I am feeling, God still loves me with all of his being. In the song it says "Death shall not part us. It's you I died for" I nearly cried when hearing that part. Simply because I know it's so true. I have been struggling with temptation. Things will get better, as long as I know that God will fix me no matter how bad my thought can get. I caught myself today, but I can't clean myself up. God has to, and I am so thankful that I have His love. Without Him, I would be nothing, literally, and metaphorically. God loves you too. No matter how you live your life, just know that, and you can never say you don't feel loved. Christ gave His life for us, which is more love than we could ever show to anyone. We can die physically for someone. We just can't die the way he did, for the same reason. He loved us more than we can possibly fathom. I almost can't believe it, because of some things in my past I won't talk about openly on here. He healed me once, he can definitely do it again and again, and again. Well that's all I can say now. I'm going to bed soon. Church in the AM. bye Love you guys.


"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13

Ecclesiastes 1:4

I don't know that verse, I just felt like putting some random verse down.

For the first time in a good long while, I walked around Roanoke today. It felt great to just let my feet take me where I was going, instead of getting a ride with someone, because I think that I rely on my friends way too much to take me places my legs can easily reach. I consider this a major blessing to know that I have the ability to walk, and that I can walk wherever I want to go, because God gave us 2 feet for a reason. Think about it, there are many people who can't walk, or aren't as blessed as we are and don't have cars. I believe that walking is one blessing that a lot of people take for granted, and I believe that people should never take a single blessing for granted, because you are never guaranteed any more than you already have. I am a firm believer in this, because I believe that it is one of the most true statements you will ever hear. You are never guaranteed more money than you already have, you are never guaranteed tomorrow. You are never guaranteed another chance at anything. It doesn't matter what you're doing, you can't let a single chance go by, because as in Eminem's "Lose Yourself"
"Look. If you had, one shot, or one opportunity, to seize everything you ever wanted. One moment. Would you capture it, or just let it slip?" This to me means that even if you play a sport or something where you get to see the people more than once, you can't let a single game go. You can't let any opportunity that you have to pop them in the mouth, not literally maybe, cause that could end bad. I mean that you can't just let your chances to widen the score difference, slip away from you.


"Jumping at several small opportunities may get us there more quickly than waiting for one big one to come along." ~Hugh Allen

My thoughts on Philippians 4:13-14 and Romans 12:2

"Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue, as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus"

There is so much about this verse that is great. It means a lot to me that I have this written on the very front of my bible, given to me by Coach Josh Dowdy. This verse, to me means that no matter what trials we go through, we must forget about the past, and reach to our goals, whether that be in sports, in spirit, in family, in academics, or anything else that we love to do. I also love the fact that this verse is so versatile that we can use it to describe what we do. It says somewhere in the bible, that I can't remember, because I don't have THAT good of a memory, that we need to do things to the best of our ability. This glorfies God, and shows others that we live life for Him, and not for our own pleasure. The goal mentioned in the verse, I think may be the words we all long to hear from our Lord when our flesh gives out. I just think it's crazy that God loves us so much, that the calling for His only son, was to die for us. Think about this, I want your feedback

"Do not conform to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God"


I believe this verse is pretty self-explanatory, but I think that a little insight may help people to understand it from a different point of view. This verse, to me, means that we are going to be different from the world, because we have Christ behind the wheel of our lives. We are letting him drive us down this road we call life, and because of that, we are going to be hated, we are going to be persecuted, and we are going to be rejected. All because we are Christians, and we are not going along with the world's wants. I won't be the first to say, that I have heard many bad things that people say about God, and Jesus. The thing is, the things that the people say, aren't right, because one thing that I am really starting to believe, is that the Bible is the whole truth. The bible has the 7 (or something like that) "I AM" statements, which tell us exactly who Jesus is. When we fully believe that Jesus is what He says He is, we will no longer want to conform to the wants of the world, but rather become one of our own, and be led down our own path by the Lord and Savior, Jesus. The renewing of our mind is just when we accept Him as our savior, then our minds are totally rearranged to God's fitting. All of a sudden, we are unaware of the past afflictions that we have had, but we are more intent on keeping that feeling we get in our hearts, that we have reached our goal, because the Kingdom of God doesn't start when we die, it starts...... Right Now for some. We are living in the Kingdom of God, and we have to make sure that we do all that we can to glorify Him. All we do glorifies Him. It doesn't matter whether we are drinking, smoking, or reading our bibles, we are glorifying God, even though it may be in a negative way. All I can say is, make sure that you know that we aren't part of the circus. We don't have to perform for God. God loves you and I just as much as he loves everyone else on earth. Our greatest deeds, are like filthy rags to Him. When we try to earn His Grace, we only fail, because no matter how hard we try, we will always fall short of the glory of God.


This is all I have for you tonight. I hope that you enjoy your day, and that you will find a few ways to glorify the Lord today!

"A bend in the road is not the end of the road.......Unless you fail to make the turn." - Unknown

Just a little free write about me,some quotes and some questions

I am pretty much a weird guy.
I am one of few people that are Ambidextrous
I suck at bowling
I love fishing
Football has become a way of life in the fall
I eat a lot, believe it or not.
Following Christ is my life, no matter what season it is.
My life is great, no matter what I say/feel/look like
I learn something new every day, even if I don't know it yet.
Reading's never been my favorite thing, just something I sleep on.
People who are negative, need to count their blessings.
People who are overly positive, count them a lot.
Baseball isn't a sport, a past time, it's my get-a-way.
Wrestling isn't as gross when you do it, stop knocking it down, or you will be undone.
90% of the referees I have in a football game, I hate cause they suck.
There are too many stars to count, there are also too many reasons to love to think of
I am a firm believer in it's only as awkward as you make it.
There are 7 billion people on earth, don't become obsessed with one.
The real question is not "To be or not to be", It's "Half empty, or half full?"
It's not who we are, but Whose we are.
My favorite quote from a sports player is "....I've failed over and over again, and that is why I succeed" - Michael Jordan\
Second is "Play for the name on the front of the Jersey, and they will remember the name on the back." - Lionel Messi.
I may be from the south, but I hate Nascar.
I think techno music, and stinkbugs are taking over the world.
I think 2012 is a plot to get everyone away from stores, so there can be a mass stealing spree.
Evolution might be the dumbest thing I've heard of. How could something with SO MUCH HAIR and not tall at all, become something that grows a lot taller, and then has no hair at all?
There are two paths to take, the way out, and the way through.
I enjoy fellowship, but then again, some time alone with God is good enough.
I'm having second thoughts on one thing, take 3 guesses, even if you get it right, you won't know.
If we have no one to blame, we feel guilt. If we do, we feel worse guilt.
How many ways does a cookie crumble?
How many "stands" does Allstate have?
If 15 minutes saves you 15% or more, what does 100 minutes give you?
How many freaking licks does it take to get to the freaking tootsie roll center of a freaking tootsie pop?
What's the difference between Hunts, and Heinz ketchup? It's freaking ketchup
"A man begins t0 know the full meaning of life is when he plants a shade tree under which he knows full well he will never sit"
"Persons thankful for the little things are certain to be the ones with much to be thankful for."
"Do or do not, there is no 'try'."
I find that plans carried out, then changed as they're happening are more fun than a plan, or a spontaneous chance
I am good at public speaking, though I'm quiet a lot.
Where did the good ole days of Spongebob go?
Parody's make me laugh, no matter how bad they are
Facebook is what I do at home. Want me off? I want to hang out with people, just no one asks.
I have many talents, just waiting to be unleashed, as do you, and you, and you, and you.
My best friends' initials are OK DB ZL CN TB EA JS DD KS and a lot more, that I don't think I want to put on here because it takes a lot of freaking time.
If I never tell you I love you, then know that you are loved anyway
I tend to overthink a lot, you tend to not notice
How many people do you think would kill to have what you have?
I did a lot on here, but it's just because I tend to get carried away. You don't have to answer the questions, but I would like some feedback :) Love you all

Younglife Club - 2010 2011

So, boys and girls it's that time of year again! It's time for Cave Spring's Younglife Club to start back up, and for all of us to have great Monday's even if we aren't having a great day. It's time for the songs, and the skits, and the games, and friends, fun, and Bojangles :P. It's also time to start having those lessons that have changed so many lives. I remember the time 3 straight lessons just inspired me to give it all for Christ, which is what it's all about anyway. It's also time for us to love Christ with all our hearts. I believe that if we all loved Him fully, that he would do WONDERFUL things through us. Knowing he loves us all no matter how much "good" we do is so humbling. I pray that one day, I would be able to love, no matter what evil someone has done to me. I know that one day, God will change my heart to be like that, but it's in His time, not mine. I have been learning a lot about how no matter how many times we pray, or how much we read the bible, or anything we do, He won't love us more, or less. He doesn't change his opinions on us, he just loves us fully, deeply, and greatly. I also think it's time that we all took a step back and prayed for our brothers and sisters. Not just in family, but of God. Our friends, our friends' friends, and everyone else who we go through life with. One reason I love the fact that Club starts tomorrow, is the fact that everyone there is great, they don't care who you are, or the details about you, they love the fact that you're at Club, and going through life there with them. I just hope and pray that we don't judge club on how many people go, but the fact that the people are there. No matter if we have 2 people, or 300 people, club is always a success. I know that God will give the speaker at the end the words to talk to everyone and let them spread his word. It's time also for fall to come around and cool us off. This was a HOT Summer, and I know that a good cooling off will be nice :). Another thing I am doing now, is getting into this thing called WyldLife. It's just like Younglife, but for Middle Schoolers. I want to be a leader there, and I am gonna go to the club meeting this Wednesday, whether or not anyone wants me to. I just want to see the happiness on the young people's faces, and the love I know they have for the Lord. I sadly have to show up late, but that's perfectly fine. I know that this year is going to be GREAT, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us. Much love and peace,
TJ

Sophomore year: Outlook

Today was the first day of my Sophomore year in High School at Cave Spring.

I have a pretty good schedule: I start the day off with Criminal Justice over at Burton, and I have that class with two pretty good friends of mine, Christina Elliott, and Amanda Simmons. I have to be at the school at 7 AM, which is the only thing I am not looking forward to at all. It's okay though, I tend to wake up pretty easily.

My next class is World History part 2, with Mrs. Lovelace. She is a pretty awesome teacher, and I have been told by a few guys that I will LOVE this year with her. In any case, I have a few okay friends in there, but there is only one person who I consider a good friend.

I have Earth Science right after that, which is one of the two Freshman classes I'm taking this year, and I can say, that Mrs. Barnett is kind of funny. She made a little "comet" in class, with a bunch of random things.

Then I have Biology, with Mrs. Ray, and Mr. Price. Mr. Price seems to be doing all of the talking, and Mrs. Ray seems to be a really big pushover. Either that, or she is just very very softspoken.

My lunch this year is 2nd lunch, and I have it with some of the greatest guys, like Zack, Charles, Jacob Sortore, Kasey, and so many more people. I have a feeling, that this lunch year is going to be a good one.

After lunch, I go to Drivers Ed/Health with Mr. Swartz. Seeing as I had Drivers Ed last year, I have been informed that I basically have a study hall if I want, for the first 9 weeks. I hope to be getting my learners soon, though I was supposed to get it a month ago.

After Health/Drivers Ed, I get to run to the upper annex for Algebra 1 with Mrs. Miniclier. I had her last year, and I think that it's a pretty cool class. This is the other Freshman class I have, and I really like it. I have a few friends in the class like Caitlyn, Austin, Hunter, Lisa, Lucas, and a few others. I think it's gonna be a good year in there

Last but not least, I have English 10, with Mrs. Chapman. She is a really cool teacher, and she has to be the only teacher I have ever seen who has a couch in their room. I don't think any other teacher anyone could have does that. She says she's gonna be an easy class, but we'll see what the year has in store.

That's my schedule, and I really do think that something great is going to happen this year for our school, community, and for Christ. I hope that whenever it does happen, that everyone know that it will be because the Lord wanted it that way, and He won't change his mind for anyone.

I can't wait for Younglife Club to start back up. It's going to be so exciting, because there are so many opportunities that are opening up, and I really am excited to be a part of this great ministry. I want to get a few guys and girls from the Freshman class to go, so they hear the Good News, and have the chance to get to know the Lord.

Our JV and Varsity Football teams are looking really good this year. Varsity did well in both of their Scrimmages, and JV has done well in one. We have our first games this Thursday and Friday, and I can't wait for it.
Football Game Schedule(Varsity and JV) Varisty's game place is in all caps
Staunton River:HOME away
Graham:HOME open
Northside:AWAY home
Patrick Henry:HOME(Homecoming game) away
Allegheny(sp?):AWAY home
open
Salem:HOME away
Pulaski:AWAY home
Blacksburg:HOME away
Christiansburg:AWAY home
Hidden Valley:AWAY home
I might be updating this part to be sure about JV game places, but I think this is how it looks.

I can't wait for Wrestling season, soon after a State Championship football run. It's gonna be great, because we have a new coach, and he is a great guy, Can't wait to work with him in the room

I think this year is going to be amazing. I have never had this much enthusiasm going into a school year, but last year changed my life, and I know it's all for the better. I will be writing a review of Sophomore year close to the end of the year, and I might write about random evens that happen in between now and then, so stay in touch.
With love and peace,
TJ V

Younglife Camp (Rockbridge)

I went to Rockbridge for Younglife camp this past week. It definitely was the best week of my life! The main story of camp, for the skits anyway, was An overgrown boyscout named Carlton(Fetzer) and a spanish bullfighter named Bobby (Sloupe) So Carlton was saying how Rockbridge was short 127 dollars and if he couldn't get it, he would have to send us home, and shut down Rockbridge. Then Bobby came out and was like "Me and my friends used to talk by the campfire talking about if we were ever in a jam, how we would raise exactly 127 dollars. Carlton said "Don't be ridiculous Bobby, there's no way we can raise that much money so quickly" Then there was a bad guy named Jack (Jauque), and his dog named Francias. "GOOD DOG!!!" hahaha. We had club at 8ish every night, except for one night, when we had it at 6 because they wanted it that way. There was so much to do there. There was the blob, the Zipline, the Wet willie (Slide), whiffle ball field, soccer field, 2 basketball courts, pool, Gym, Volleyball courts, lake,game room, and just so many things. It was definitely the best way to spend a week. At club they had this thing called "Weather or not" Lance Trubador(Sloupe) and Stuart Straub (Fetzer) were trying to make it rain in their "studio". They did so many pointless things to try to get it to happen haha. Whenever they would fail, that would simply call it "Backwards Progression" The first night that we were there, we had to go through a weird obstacle course thing. Not gonna explain it, because I really don't want to be here for all day. We had a pool party, and there was a belly flop contest, and I got 2nd place ahah. I met this girl named Kara, who is probably one of the most amazing girls I have ever met. She made me a bracelet that I won't be taking off soon, because it's awesome. I got to make a lot of new friends, and all those friendships will never be forgotten. I met this guy named Jamin. I don't think I have seen someone so driven to be with God, that he would come from Bath County, to Roanoke, just to go with us to camp. He had so much love for the Lord that he drove all the way out there. I also met a guy named Todd, who is really awesome. In my eyes, the only thing about him is I think he should accept that he can't live life on his own. He seems to have done that, but I don't know if he changed at all. The very last club, Pete Hardesty told us who gave our lives to Christ in the past Semester or that week, to tell every one there, and I don't think I have been hugged more, ever haha. I didn't know how close I was to all the people in my area, before then anyway. I love all the guys I was with, and will never forget Rockbridge. Any part of it. I remember my love for Christ, and how we all just try to fill our lives with things that won't make it what it's supposed to be. Love y'all

All Summer Long

Well, guys, the school year's over, I know I didn't fail, and I have 2 months of Whatever the heck I want to do, OR DO I?

You see, my Summer time for the beginning (Mid June- early July), is being over-run with Football lifting off my feet, and baseball games out of my mind. I love these sports a little too much to let it get me down though. Along with that, I have a football Camp in late June, which will probably be really helpful, but then, I have a ROCKBRIDGE CAMP for Younglife!

My extra time in between all this stuff happening, shall be spent at the pool, swimming and tanning. I have probably spent about 20 hours or so at the pool already, and it's barely the first week of Summer! I am seriously loving every single minute of my Summer, and I know that it is because God has planned this for me. He knew all along that I would be on this position.

I have made a new friend named Chris, and he calls me "Grease Lightning", because I have some speed to me. He is 19, and he is really cool, and he has spent like the last 3 or 4 nights over here haha.

The best thing that is going to be happening this Summer is hanging out with my friends. The people that I know I can be myself around, and not expect rejection. I also know that God will be with my as I go about this Summer

Okay, from Semi-Early July, till School starts I have The ending of Rockbridge camp, and will be coming home to more football lifting, and a lot of opportunities to grow as a person, and a follower of Christ.

I also have the opportunity to get my Learner's Permit, so I will be officially Legally allowed to drive, as long as I have an adult with me that is. I can not wait for this, because I know that I will be that much closer to having a way to get places without walking, even though I guarantee I will anyway

I am blessed with so many things this Summer. Friends, trips, hanging out, the pool. It's truly going to be the best Summer ever. I can't wait to see what our Father God has in store for me this Summer, and will do my best to remember that no matter what happens, it will be because He wanted it to, and it's what is for the best.

I think the only thing that I am not looking forward to this Summer, is the Seniors leaving for College. They will all be going somewhere else, and I won't get to see them while they are off there. I know that I have a lot to do this Summer and I am looking forward to most of it though. For the most part, I still have a lot of the time to be with the Seniors.

Well it's an unexpected trip, but I am leaving for the Maury River tomorrow! I am gonna have a whole day to be with a bunch of guys that I really love being around. Hopefully I won't be too cut up haha! :) Will take pictures, so don't worry

Well, the only thing that I can say now to all of you who read this, or don't read this, but anyway, HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!!!!!!!!

Younglife...

Younglife is definitely a blessing from God. I never once thought that an hour a week just being with the 50 people in the area would teach me so much. I have met so many people from Younglife, that I can't even think about it. God blessed me by taking me to Younglife. God blessed me with all the people who have shown me so much. Adam Hager, Zack Lacy, Tim Henderson, Sean Gould, and so many more. All this people are just so great. I am truly blessed with them. I don't think I will EVER be the same after this year with all they have done. They have truly changed me forever, and I am so glad I met them. Most of them are going off to College this fall, but I know that no matter what, I will always have them in my heart. I just love everyone so much. There is just so much I need to share with others in the world, but I don't know where to start. All I can say right now is, I fell in love with my life tonight. I fell even more in love with the Lord. The Lord is the greatest being there is. His son is just so great, His love for us is just so amazing. Nothing we can do that is good, is anything compared to Him. His extreme love for us, is what drove him to die on the cross for US. He loved us so much, that he gave his life, so that we would not be punished. Because He loved us so, we are compelled to love each other. That has to be the greatest feeling ever. Our God is a great God. Nothing we can achieve, is enough to make us happy. Happiness doesn't exist without Him. Also, the pain we feel in any way, is nothing. His pain that He sufffered, is greater than we could ever feel. He felt the maximum amount of pain that none of us can even imagine. We take this life for granted, but had He not died for us, we would die, "For the wages of sin is death.." and He payed our debts. That's the greatest love in the World

Freshman year. A review

Well, this is the end of Freshman year for me, and so many more people. A lot has happened to me this year, and I just want to share that right now. First thing that I can remember happening is the first day of football season.

Two-a-days weren't as bad as I thought they were going to be. I met so many great people from that team. First friend I had over at Cave Spring High in my time here is named Tanveer Bhatia. Tanveer is a great guy. He's a sophomore, going to be Junior at my school, and I don't think I could ask for a better friend.Tanveer has helped me through so much since starting here.

My favorite thing to do on Monday nights, is Younglife Club. Younglife, or YL is probably the most fun way I can think of to actively worship Christ. YL is holding a camp this summer that I am going to, and I have heard it is the most amazing experience ever can't wait!

Coach Fulton was one of my favorite coaches, even though I never got to work with him after two-a-days were over.

The coaches Dowdy, are a great group of coaches. They love the game, and they loved the team. One thing I know about all the coaches Dowdy (With the exception of Byron cause I don't know about him) is that they all have a very strong relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Probably one of my best friends here at Cave Spring is Zack Lacy. I met Zack at a football game, when he gave me a ride to the school all so I could be with my girlfriend at the time. He is such a great guy, and also has a great relationship with Christ. Zack is also probably my most influential friends. He helped show me the glory and beauty of Christ. Zack helped me to accept Christ, and is still helping me with my walk with Christ.

Going back to the girlfriend. Probably the best thing that happend to me was getting asked to Homecoming, 3 times. This girl who was in my Band Class, Clare Crawford, asked me to homecoming 3 times over 3 weeks. I saw the dedication of an alpha wolf in her. We went to Homecoming together, and that's where we started dating. The time I spent with her was one of the best feelings in my life. I loved every minute with her. She was a major part of my life.

One of my many Senior friends, named Adam Hager, has shown me so much in this past few months. Like so many others who are, and will be on here, he is an active follower of Christ, and you can definitely tell. His overall passion for following Him is just so great, that you can't help but notice it when you hang out with him. Adam is also helping me to understand Christ better. Also, he's so athletic it's insane hahah.

Another Sophomore friend I have that I love to be around is name Eric Anderson. I met Eric through Drivers Ed in the first semester, and didn't talk to him much then, but now he and I have grown to be really good friends. Eric also has a relationship with Christ, and helps me with my questions about it

A Freshman I have grown to really be good friends with is Olivia Kiser. She is one of those girls who is really shy, but when you get to know her, she's a riot. I love people like that, because they always have something to talk about. She also runs towards Christ, and loves The Lord with all her heart

A Sophomore who is probably one of my better friends now is Jack Kiser, Olivia's brother. Jack is probably one of those guys who runs as fast as he can towards Christ, and loves it. Every day I can be with Jack and talk about the Lord with him, he always has an important thing to say. Jack is also insanely funny

Another Senior is Daniel Lustig. Dan has shown me so much over the months. He, like pretty much everyone else is an active follower of Christ, and again loves the Lord. Dan also is hilarious, and loves to just make everyone laugh.

A Senior who I am right now really good friends with is Ryan Cloud. Ryan and I Pole Vault for the track team, and he does so well. He is really good at it, and I know if he wanted to, he could be great at it. Ryan isn't really a follower of Christ, but he is very very open-minded

My only "Freshmore" friend is Julia Goad. Julia is one of those people I wonder and pray about when I go to bed at night. She is someone who loves to have fun, and just loves being around everyone. Julia loves track, and it's plainly obvious that she does.

Another Senior who I haven't had much time with is Sean Gould, I have been friends with him for a while, but don't really remember much of how I met him. I know it was probably something related to Younglife. Sean is a great guy though, and he is always willing to help you with your questions about God

A Senior I met through playing Dodgeball at YL one day is Tim Henderson. Tim is probably one of the most active followers of Christ that I know, and his love for God is so great that it shows and almost radiates off him.

A Sophomore I have known the name of for a while, but never really got the chance to talk to and get to know before this year is Harrison Richards. Harrison is one of my better friends, and helped me through a lot. He is a great friend and it's so good to have him as a friend

Another Sophomore here I have known since 6th grade is Reece Kingery. Reece is one person who I thought didn't like me, but he has shown me dead wrong. Reece is a guy who really cares for people and is always willing to make new friends.

A girl who is a Sophomore who I met for the first time, but knew the name of for a while is Emily Meyers. She is quite possibly the sweetest girl I have ever met. She doesn't give anyone a reason to make fun of her, but people do, and she doesn't deserve it. No one really knows what they are doing since they don't know who they are talking about really, and that's what Emily has shown me a lot this year. The cruelty of man-kind. I love Emily as a sister under God, and as a friend

Probably the funniest Freshman I know is Mary Beth Balzer. Mary Beth, I met through Personal Finance, and now in Gym. She is really cool, and always able to make anyone laugh. She is one of those girls that can make you laugh with just a few words, and that's what makes her special.

A girl who has been there with me for a good while is Tori Thomas. Tori is someone who is really really smart, and amazes me with the amount that she knows. Tori has also helped me through a lot of stuff this year, and I love that she is willing to.

The funniest Sophomore I know is Graham Harkey. Graham I met in Band, and from day one, I could tell I had a character on my hands. Graham wants to follow Christ, but I am not sure if he does it is hard as he should. I know Christ has good in store for him.

A friend who I have only known for a little bit of time, but still love like a sister is Nicole Oakley. I have gone through only a little bit with her, but that little bit has been enough for me to really know her and just have so many reasons to love her.

A friend who I met during Wrestling season, and is freaking hilarious, is Hunter Western. He is a junior who I pole vault with, and he is really really good. He has so many good jokes that he can basically come up with on the top of his head. He is always looking to have fun and have a good time

My most important friend, is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Christ has also shown me so many things that I can do with my life, and he always gives me what is best for me. Christ is the one person who will NEVER leave you, and will always be there for you when you need Him. Prayer is the best way to talk to His father, and our father.

Someone who also is made fun of a lot, and is really a great guy is Jackson Jack-Jack Doyle. Jackson is one of those guys who you would not expect to be a follower of Christ, but oh boy he is. Jackson is running hard after Christ, and I will be there with him as we both are on our journey's with the most powerful love in the world.

Someone who I really got to know this year, who is also in my band class is Justin Plymale. Justin is one of those guys who can make you laugh, even though he is being as serious as those guys from the morgue. Justin is very athletic, and he has an extreme love for Mountain Biking. Justin hopes one day to get a scholarship for Mountain Biking, and truthfully, I know he is going to get it. He has more dedication than most people I have ever seen

Another friend I have grown with this year is Nick Usery. His love for Christ is one that you don't expect on first sight. Nick is one guy who is always positive, and is never afraid to be himself, and I have so much respect and love as a brother for him

Another great person I met this year, is Susan Fast. Susan is a leader at Younglife Club, and she is one of the people that no matter what you are doing, she will make it fun. She is a great person to talk to, and can always answer any question, or give you to someone who can answer your questions

A Senior I met through football, but connected with through Younglife is Quentin Dill. Quentin is a great guy, who is also very athletic, and just one guy who I like a lot of our school probably, look up to. Q is also a follower of the Lord, and has helped me with my questions a lot this year

A guy I met through Kickball for Haiti, and hae only talked to a few times, is Landon Epperly. I knew that Landon was on the Varsity Soccer team, and knew that it was going to be fun to play kickball with him. Landon taught me a little bit about the Lord, indirectly, because he was talking at Younglife.

A freshman that I met sometime in the middle of the year that I have really grown to love as a sister of God is Kendall Scott. I don't know much about her, but what I do know is she is one Kick ass soccer player. She definitely deserves to be playing Varsity, and I know if I go to the games they have, if she plays, I'll be cheering for her, along with the whole team.

One guy who I actually met 8th grade year, in Jacob Cash, otherwise known as "Jcash" or "Johnny Cash". He is one of my best friends, that I have never had a dull moment with. Even when he had that concussion, and such. I lift with Jake at football, and me and him are around the same speed, which makes it fun. I hope to show him Christ next year, or even over football season. I also hope, that he shows me a thing or two about something.

One guy who I met in my 7th grade year, named Tony Simmons, is probably 0ne of the funniest people I know. He lives like right down the street from me, and we lift together for football, and we are on the same baseball team. He and I are the boss catchers, and we rock the base stealing too. I hope to stay good friends with Tony, and just watch us both get better at football, and become better people.

A guy who isn't in my high school but I met because of a comment on my friend's soccer status, is Tim Thornhill. Tim is the person who took me to Washington DC to watch my 1st two MLB baseball games, and get my first autographs from players. He is also the man who is paying my way to go to Rockbridge Camp for Younglife this Summer, and he is such a great man for wanting me to be happy, and wanting nothing in return, but I wish I could give him something...

Another Sophomore I met this year that I have grown to love as a brother of God, is Michael Bier. Michael is one of those guys who I met this year, that I wasn't sure of. He didn't really seem to me like he was a real Follower of Christ at first, but then he showed me wrong. Bier and I have become really good friends, and I am sure we both just want to show the up coming freshman the Lord

As you can see, there are a whole lot of people that have changed me this year. The love that all these people, and SO many others have shown me, just gives me a sense of good feeling for the next 3 years. Other people may be added later, and there are so many others who have affected my life greatly. I love all of you and Peace be with you.