I just want to open with the fact that this post is on what I believe, and I honestly do not care who I offend, or what people think. I speak from what I believe and nothing is going to change it.
I just read off of a few different sites that Phil Robertson is suspended from A&E's show Duck Dynasty indefinitely, because of Phil saying what he believes about homosexuality. I question whether that should be allowed, simply because he was stating an opinion, which is not hateful. Isn't suspending someone for their beliefs on a certain subject a personal discrimination?
What Phil said:
Phil was in an interview or talking with someone when he said something along the lines of how he believes that as a man, a vagina would be more desirable than a man's anus. He talks about how it doesn't make sense to him how men would rather be with men, when there is much more offered to you by a woman. He said that it was sin, and that it didn't make sense. He also said that sin was sin. Like bestiality, sexual immorality, and all of that. He was essentially quoting a Bible verse. He was not saying that homosexuality is like bestiality or other sexual immorality. It also says that these people and many more will NOT enter the Kingdom of Heaven. A Bible verse essentially quoted. He was speaking his beliefs and he should not receive hate for it.
My thoughts: My views are obvious: I don't believe that homosexuality is okay. I do not believe that homosexuals should be married, I do not believe that people are born gay. I also do not understand why a man would even want to even think of being with another man. My only visual for this is like trying to put a block in a space shaped like it. Like that children's toy where you put the cylinder in the circle hole, the cube in the square hole, and so on. It doesn't work if you put two cubes together, because they can't stay connected. It doesn't work if you just put the boards together for the same reason. The cylinder was meant for the circular hole and the cube for the square hole. They fit naturally, and it makes sense. Also, speaking from the Bible, he has said no wrong. Those who practice homosexuality will NOT inherit the Kingdom of heaven. Just like those who practice any other sin will also not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Since homosexuality is a sin. Romans 6 asks "Shall we continue sinning so that grace may abound? By no means!..." So those who practice ANY sin, for the sake of assuming the grace instead of thankfully repenting of sin, will not enter the kingdom of heaven. That's a Biblical truth. This is not to say that humans can be perfect, for in Romans 7, it says: "For I do not do the good that I want to do, but the evil that I do not want to do, this I keep on doing" The verse right before that also says that we have the desire to do what is right, but we do not have the ability to carry it out. In any case, Phil was right in what he said, and I agree with him 100%
A&E's actions: A&E suspended Phil from filming indefinitely for his comments, and have said they did it for the sole reason that it did not follow the example of Duck Dynasty, or the beliefs of A&E. Cause, I'm sure when he was speaking, he was meaning to speak for A&E and not his own belief.
My thoughts: I do not believe that A&E should be able to suspend him for speaking his beliefs. If you ask me, that is just like saying someone can't work for you based on a personal bias. They don't agree with what he said, so they took him out. Knowing full well that at least the older Robertson Family believes in Christian beliefs, and even though the others haven't said it, they believe the same things. Every Christian should. A&E jumped the gun when they did this, because like I have already said, he was speaking as Phil Robertson. Not as the guy from Duck Dynasty, though I have seen that the two may be one in the same. Though Romans 13 tells us to submit to those in authority over you, but I do believe that if the authority is trying to kill your faith, it's okay to not be totally submissive. I do not agree with them.
GLAAD's Statements on Phil's remarks:
GLAAD says that Phil and his family are essentially wearing the Christian mask. They said that his family is putting on an act. They said that Phil doesn't understand the culture of Christians, Gays, Louisianians, and Americans who support homosexual marriage" If you ask me, this is a very clouded statement. "Phil's decision to push vile and extreme stereotypes is a stain on A&E and his sponsors who now need to reexamine their ties to someone with such public disdain for LGBT people and families."
My thoughts: They can't say that he doesn't understand it. From one statement they can't get much. Honestly, he understands what any true Christian should believe. Anyone who does practice sin will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. I can't say what the man understands, simply because I do not know the man. I have never spoken to him, so I don't know what he understands. Other than how to be a very successful duck-call salesman. The second statement is very ignorant statement. To call one's beliefs vile because you don't agree is very judgmental. The fact that Phil openly speaks his faith is not pushing anything. It would be just like a person openly coming out of the closet. They speak their belief. It is a profession not a push. It isn't a stereotype to say they won't inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, because he doesn't believe they will. I don't believe they will. Phil also never said he had a problem with homosexuals, or families built on that foundation. He just said it doesn't make sense to him because of the fact that naturally it doesn't make any sense.
Concluding: Phil spoke his faith. I support that, and will tell anyone to openly share their beliefs, whether or not you share my faith. I also say that I will not make it a secret that I believe what I do. Yes I believe that homosexuals are people, and they have a life like I do. My difference is that they are living an unnatural lifestyle and it will get them no where. This is what I believe, and that won't change. A&E honestly did what they thought was right, but I don't agree with what they did, and I especially don't agree with their reasoning.
GLAAD made ignorant statements, and though I make them too, it is something that can not be ignored.
As I said earlier, if I stepped on your toes, offended you, upset you, I honestly don't care. I speak from my beliefs, and don't expect many people to share in them. I also want to say that if you don't believe what I believe, you are still loved. God doesn't hate you, God loves you, and He wants to have a relationship with you. I implore you to give Christ a shot, and see the life He can give you.
I don't want to shove my beliefs down someone's throat. I want people to understand that I don't have the right to say whether or not you go to heaven or not. That's all God's job. I just go with what my belief says.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BELIEVE WHAT I BELIEVE!
That is all.
TJ
This is where I'm going to tell you a little about me, and a lot about Christ. We're in it together
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
College Life: Personal Revival
If I'm completely honest, I haven't been doing much with my faith recently. There hasn't been much I've known how to do, and it's because I have been struggling with my own demons. There is a lot that I have gone through. I remember a few weeks ago at Campus Church, Ben Guiterrez talked about going back to the foundation of what my Christian walk is based on and starting again basically. I thought it was a nice idea, but I never really thought it was going to mean much.
The other day in Psychology, we were talking about something, though I honestly can't remember what it was. In any case, the teacher brought up at video. It is a skit done by Lifehouse performed to their song "Everything".
I really would love for you to watch the video. It honestly brought a lot of thought to my head. It made me think of many different things at once, such as
1.Probably should have been the first thing that I noticed, but in the beginning of the cycle, she is dancing with Jesus, and she willingly leaves Him to go dance with this other person. I am assuming he is playing the role of a boyfriend that is leading her down a bad path. She started the sin cycle, and kept it going. Sin came into her life. Just like every other human being that wasn't Jesus. Sin entered somewhere, and won't stop. She is in need. She left God, and there was a rift there. If you watch "God" in the skit, you can see that when she goes and dances with this other person, that He gets jealous, and His heart actually breaks. Sin causes God's heart to break, because of His great love for us. Sin is a problem, and problems need solutions.
2. When the woman came to the end of herself, and nothing she had tried worked, she started to run back to God. The problem was that she couldn't get there, because of all her struggles. Showing that when we are working alone, we can't beat our own struggles. We aren't able to beat our sin by our own power. It is too strong. It just goes to show that John 15:5 is true: "Apart from Me, you can do nothing". A very key factor in the Christian faith. That we don't save us, Jesus does. Even when she tries her hardest against those things she struggles with, she can't win.
3. Building off the last point, Jesus's death on the cross and resurrection from the dead was enough to beat the sin that the woman had been living in. Even after Jesus died, and was resurrected, He was there, and she was trying to beat the sin by herself, and she was failing miserably. At the end of the struggle, Jesus interceded and battled the sin for her. The burden lifted off her shoulders, and cast onto his. At that moment, she was free from the sin, and Jesus took it. Then Jesus beat it. Defeating the alcohol, the money, and the other things that she was filling her life with, and taking her back to where she belonged. Jesus is stronger than our sin, and that is another key factor in the Christian faith. We might not be strong enough, but Jesus is. Jesus took our struggles and beat them with His resurrection.
4. If you watch right after the woman starts to run back to Jesus, struggling with all the things that she had been dealing with, Jesus is standing there, trying to pull her back. I think this symbolizes the fact that God is actively searching, and trying to get His children back to Him. He isn't just idly sitting there, hoping they will return. He was actively looking. He is trying to pull them back, even from all the things that they've done. It doesn't matter to God that they have sinned, because He has sent His Son to take the sins of all, and destroy them. He is just looking to win back the hearts of those who are not with Him. He isn't like any other religions god or gods, in which they just idly sit there and don't try to get their followers to come to them. God is pursuing us with all His heart. He desperately wants us back. Which is another key point to the Christian faith
5. Another song.. The song Noise by Colton Dixon came to my mind. In the video, the woman is too distracted by everything the other characters are having her do to hear or see God screaming for her.The chorus to that song goes
"Cause everything is noise. Everything is screaming out
Everything has come alive, oh but I'm getting lost in the sound
I need to hear your voice. Reminding me that at the end of the day
No matter what goes down I'll be okay, even through the noise"
This is obviously something that is simple to think about. All the things in our life that don't point us to God, distract our views. Therefore, they are the "Noise" that the song talks about.
Number 5 is just a random thing I noticed, but it's another thing to think about.
Most of these points are really just things that I have noticed are very fundamental truths. Most of these things any Christian knows, but doesn't really think about. Now that I have taken some time to think about it, I have realized that I need Christ more and more everyday because I can't do it alone. It's not a "One and done" type deal. We need Jesus every day, more and more than we can ever really know. I don't wanna be a lukewarm person, so I need to go back to the basics and see what Jesus really did for me, because I couldn't do it myself.
I'm thankful that I saw this video, and I hope that it is as inspiring to you guys as it was to me!
Thanks!
TJ
The other day in Psychology, we were talking about something, though I honestly can't remember what it was. In any case, the teacher brought up at video. It is a skit done by Lifehouse performed to their song "Everything".
I really would love for you to watch the video. It honestly brought a lot of thought to my head. It made me think of many different things at once, such as
1.Probably should have been the first thing that I noticed, but in the beginning of the cycle, she is dancing with Jesus, and she willingly leaves Him to go dance with this other person. I am assuming he is playing the role of a boyfriend that is leading her down a bad path. She started the sin cycle, and kept it going. Sin came into her life. Just like every other human being that wasn't Jesus. Sin entered somewhere, and won't stop. She is in need. She left God, and there was a rift there. If you watch "God" in the skit, you can see that when she goes and dances with this other person, that He gets jealous, and His heart actually breaks. Sin causes God's heart to break, because of His great love for us. Sin is a problem, and problems need solutions.
2. When the woman came to the end of herself, and nothing she had tried worked, she started to run back to God. The problem was that she couldn't get there, because of all her struggles. Showing that when we are working alone, we can't beat our own struggles. We aren't able to beat our sin by our own power. It is too strong. It just goes to show that John 15:5 is true: "Apart from Me, you can do nothing". A very key factor in the Christian faith. That we don't save us, Jesus does. Even when she tries her hardest against those things she struggles with, she can't win.
3. Building off the last point, Jesus's death on the cross and resurrection from the dead was enough to beat the sin that the woman had been living in. Even after Jesus died, and was resurrected, He was there, and she was trying to beat the sin by herself, and she was failing miserably. At the end of the struggle, Jesus interceded and battled the sin for her. The burden lifted off her shoulders, and cast onto his. At that moment, she was free from the sin, and Jesus took it. Then Jesus beat it. Defeating the alcohol, the money, and the other things that she was filling her life with, and taking her back to where she belonged. Jesus is stronger than our sin, and that is another key factor in the Christian faith. We might not be strong enough, but Jesus is. Jesus took our struggles and beat them with His resurrection.
4. If you watch right after the woman starts to run back to Jesus, struggling with all the things that she had been dealing with, Jesus is standing there, trying to pull her back. I think this symbolizes the fact that God is actively searching, and trying to get His children back to Him. He isn't just idly sitting there, hoping they will return. He was actively looking. He is trying to pull them back, even from all the things that they've done. It doesn't matter to God that they have sinned, because He has sent His Son to take the sins of all, and destroy them. He is just looking to win back the hearts of those who are not with Him. He isn't like any other religions god or gods, in which they just idly sit there and don't try to get their followers to come to them. God is pursuing us with all His heart. He desperately wants us back. Which is another key point to the Christian faith
5. Another song.. The song Noise by Colton Dixon came to my mind. In the video, the woman is too distracted by everything the other characters are having her do to hear or see God screaming for her.The chorus to that song goes
"Cause everything is noise. Everything is screaming out
Everything has come alive, oh but I'm getting lost in the sound
I need to hear your voice. Reminding me that at the end of the day
No matter what goes down I'll be okay, even through the noise"
This is obviously something that is simple to think about. All the things in our life that don't point us to God, distract our views. Therefore, they are the "Noise" that the song talks about.
Number 5 is just a random thing I noticed, but it's another thing to think about.
Most of these points are really just things that I have noticed are very fundamental truths. Most of these things any Christian knows, but doesn't really think about. Now that I have taken some time to think about it, I have realized that I need Christ more and more everyday because I can't do it alone. It's not a "One and done" type deal. We need Jesus every day, more and more than we can ever really know. I don't wanna be a lukewarm person, so I need to go back to the basics and see what Jesus really did for me, because I couldn't do it myself.
I'm thankful that I saw this video, and I hope that it is as inspiring to you guys as it was to me!
Thanks!
TJ
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
College Life: Growing Pains
The past few weeks of college have been some of the toughest, but best weeks I've gone though relating to any sort of schooling. The fact that I love most of my classes makes everything easier, and having friends in pretty much all my classes makes it even easier.
The starting of college was difficult, but since then I haven't really had much of a problem dealing with everything. I have had to learn how to really handle my stress in such a way that wouldn't make it harder on me, and also just really rely on God again. I haven't really haven't been relying on God that much since Work Crew back before my senior year. I have had to learn how to really figure out how to schedule things and deal with people who just tick me off. It's been a constant struggle, but even after a few weeks, I have gotten past it, and things have been slowly getting better.
The lack of sleep is catching up with me, and I should probably take naps during the day, though I hate napping like crazy. I fall asleep, but can't sleep that well, which causes a lot of fatigue. It's the worst thing. I don't know why I can't sleep well, but I will find out eventually.
Life is looking up, and my heart is content. God is good.
That's it for now! 'Til next time!
The starting of college was difficult, but since then I haven't really had much of a problem dealing with everything. I have had to learn how to really handle my stress in such a way that wouldn't make it harder on me, and also just really rely on God again. I haven't really haven't been relying on God that much since Work Crew back before my senior year. I have had to learn how to really figure out how to schedule things and deal with people who just tick me off. It's been a constant struggle, but even after a few weeks, I have gotten past it, and things have been slowly getting better.
The lack of sleep is catching up with me, and I should probably take naps during the day, though I hate napping like crazy. I fall asleep, but can't sleep that well, which causes a lot of fatigue. It's the worst thing. I don't know why I can't sleep well, but I will find out eventually.
Life is looking up, and my heart is content. God is good.
That's it for now! 'Til next time!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
College Life: Hide Me Behind The Cross
The other day in evangelism class, my teacher was praying before class, as is the Liberty tradition. During his prayer, he ask God "Hide me behind the cross.." That really stuck out to me. I'd heard something that kind of sounds the same to me in other ways, but never in a way like that. He not only wanted to lift Jesus up, but he wanted to make sure that the cross was what we were seeing, as he gave us his testimony. I was taken aback by this statement, because that should be a prayer for our every day lives. I've never thought about not only trying to show Jesus off, but just showing the cross off. The work that had to be done, the sacrifice that was made on that cross. So much happened on that cross, and my teacher wanted us to see the cross of Jesus as he shared his story with us that afternoon.
What does it look like to be "hidden behind the cross"? What could it look like? These are a few things that I don't have the ability to answer fully. My prayer is that God would really reveal that to me as I grow with Him at LU. I want to be hidden behind the cross as well. I don't want people to look at my life and see me. As Lecrae says in one of the many great songs he is in, "I hope that they seein' You, every time they seein' me." That's the kind of thing I want. I want people to see the cross of Jesus when they look at me. I've said it before, in a different way. It's something we strive for and must keep striving for until we are called to go home, and at that point, Jesus is all we'll see so we won't be worried about it anymore. Everyone who is a real Christian wants to show off Jesus, and His love, but it's so hard to do with our imperfections. We must also be hidden behind the cross to show that even with those imperfections, we are made white as snow by the blood of Jesus, that was spilled before and while on the cross. Maybe to accurately really lift Jesus up, we must show the cross. We must always be hidden behind the cross, and maybe then, we will see what it's like to fully trust in Jesus.
Just something that's been on my mind.
Thanks for reading! Love you guys
TJ
What does it look like to be "hidden behind the cross"? What could it look like? These are a few things that I don't have the ability to answer fully. My prayer is that God would really reveal that to me as I grow with Him at LU. I want to be hidden behind the cross as well. I don't want people to look at my life and see me. As Lecrae says in one of the many great songs he is in, "I hope that they seein' You, every time they seein' me." That's the kind of thing I want. I want people to see the cross of Jesus when they look at me. I've said it before, in a different way. It's something we strive for and must keep striving for until we are called to go home, and at that point, Jesus is all we'll see so we won't be worried about it anymore. Everyone who is a real Christian wants to show off Jesus, and His love, but it's so hard to do with our imperfections. We must also be hidden behind the cross to show that even with those imperfections, we are made white as snow by the blood of Jesus, that was spilled before and while on the cross. Maybe to accurately really lift Jesus up, we must show the cross. We must always be hidden behind the cross, and maybe then, we will see what it's like to fully trust in Jesus.
Just something that's been on my mind.
Thanks for reading! Love you guys
TJ
Thursday, August 15, 2013
College Life: A New Start
Yesterday was my first day at Liberty University. It was a time for me to no longer be a child but to really be an adult and have to do things all by myself. It's a brand new experience, which is frightening and exciting at the same time.
I woke up at about 7:30, which was perfect because I was asked to go see some friends one last time before I left. I got to hang out with them for a little bit, which was great, but then when it was time to finally say goodbye it was hard. Leaving the people I've hung out with this whole Summer makes it hard. Some of those people I have hung out with for most of my high school life, and now I'm an hour or so away from most of them. It's crazy
After I got home, I did some last minute packing, and going around to make sure that I had everything I needed to be ready to leave. My mind was racing basically the whole time because this was one of those things that I couldn't afford to leave stuff behind if I really wanted it to go with me. There was a lot that I still had to get packed somehow, and I had to get everything together so that way we could pile it all up into my youth minister's car. At this point I'm going crazy for about 3 different reasons.
When my youth minister showed up, we started to load up and talk about the excitement behind it, and really the challenge that it's going to be. We stopped at a McDonald's and got a bite to eat. After we got that, we were off and we weren't stopping til we were pulling up on my dorm. During the car ride we just discussed a lot of things that were important to talk about. Made some last minute shopping list so that way I would have basically everything I needed to be ready to go without hesitation. We talked a while about denominations, the beliefs of some of them, and just a few other random things. Discussed music and all that stuff like normal as well.
When we pulled up to LU, my heart was pounding pretty hard, but it was a pretty exciting thing at the time. I couldn't wait to get moved in and to meet all my roommates. We drove around the campus and we got to the circle, and started looking for my dorm. Ironically, my dorm had put posters up all around campus telling everyone where to go for my dorm. We pulled up right next to it, and then it was time to move all my stuff into the room. With some help from leaders, we got everything in one trip, and then I was unpacking. Once everything was unpacked, I met a few people, including one of my two roommates who just happens to be one of the prayer leaders.
Once we realized what all I still needed we made a quick trip to wal-mart and K-mart to grab a few things that I still didn't have. Pretty much once we were done with that, it was time to say goodbye. My youth minister left and then I was on my own to figure out what I was going to do. The adventure had just begun
The rest of the day consisted of just walking around campus trying to learn where things are and all that good junk. I eventually met up with my two friends from Cave Spring who also attend Liberty with me now, and we hung out for a while with two new friends who are great guys. We went to Wal-Mart, and Applebee's We just had a little bit of an adventure where we just hung out and got to know each other. I'd like to think it's a good way to start my college life.
It was a great night, and one of the best parts of the night was not only the anticipation for when my friend from Work Crew got to Liberty, but also the fact that me and my only roommate that was there at the time had a great talk at the end of the day just about everything. That was something that was very uplifting.
Today has been an adventure, and I have loved pretty much everything. Took an assessment which wasn't very fun, but I did well on it, and was able to take only the math class specific for my major, so that's pretty good for me. Played a little soccer, got dinner with my buddy from school and then finally, after a year and some change, got to see my Work Crew friend, who I have missed so much and love dearly.
I hope all my friends who are either here with me at LU or off to some other place in America, or not America if they're not here anymore, are having just as great a time as I am! It's a great experience, and I can only pray that everyone loves it as much as I do!
That's all for today!
TJ
I woke up at about 7:30, which was perfect because I was asked to go see some friends one last time before I left. I got to hang out with them for a little bit, which was great, but then when it was time to finally say goodbye it was hard. Leaving the people I've hung out with this whole Summer makes it hard. Some of those people I have hung out with for most of my high school life, and now I'm an hour or so away from most of them. It's crazy
After I got home, I did some last minute packing, and going around to make sure that I had everything I needed to be ready to leave. My mind was racing basically the whole time because this was one of those things that I couldn't afford to leave stuff behind if I really wanted it to go with me. There was a lot that I still had to get packed somehow, and I had to get everything together so that way we could pile it all up into my youth minister's car. At this point I'm going crazy for about 3 different reasons.
When my youth minister showed up, we started to load up and talk about the excitement behind it, and really the challenge that it's going to be. We stopped at a McDonald's and got a bite to eat. After we got that, we were off and we weren't stopping til we were pulling up on my dorm. During the car ride we just discussed a lot of things that were important to talk about. Made some last minute shopping list so that way I would have basically everything I needed to be ready to go without hesitation. We talked a while about denominations, the beliefs of some of them, and just a few other random things. Discussed music and all that stuff like normal as well.
When we pulled up to LU, my heart was pounding pretty hard, but it was a pretty exciting thing at the time. I couldn't wait to get moved in and to meet all my roommates. We drove around the campus and we got to the circle, and started looking for my dorm. Ironically, my dorm had put posters up all around campus telling everyone where to go for my dorm. We pulled up right next to it, and then it was time to move all my stuff into the room. With some help from leaders, we got everything in one trip, and then I was unpacking. Once everything was unpacked, I met a few people, including one of my two roommates who just happens to be one of the prayer leaders.
Once we realized what all I still needed we made a quick trip to wal-mart and K-mart to grab a few things that I still didn't have. Pretty much once we were done with that, it was time to say goodbye. My youth minister left and then I was on my own to figure out what I was going to do. The adventure had just begun
The rest of the day consisted of just walking around campus trying to learn where things are and all that good junk. I eventually met up with my two friends from Cave Spring who also attend Liberty with me now, and we hung out for a while with two new friends who are great guys. We went to Wal-Mart, and Applebee's We just had a little bit of an adventure where we just hung out and got to know each other. I'd like to think it's a good way to start my college life.
It was a great night, and one of the best parts of the night was not only the anticipation for when my friend from Work Crew got to Liberty, but also the fact that me and my only roommate that was there at the time had a great talk at the end of the day just about everything. That was something that was very uplifting.
Today has been an adventure, and I have loved pretty much everything. Took an assessment which wasn't very fun, but I did well on it, and was able to take only the math class specific for my major, so that's pretty good for me. Played a little soccer, got dinner with my buddy from school and then finally, after a year and some change, got to see my Work Crew friend, who I have missed so much and love dearly.
I hope all my friends who are either here with me at LU or off to some other place in America, or not America if they're not here anymore, are having just as great a time as I am! It's a great experience, and I can only pray that everyone loves it as much as I do!
That's all for today!
TJ
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
My High School Career
This blog was originally created for one purpose: for my own memory. I wanted this blog up so I would never forget high school, and if I ever did, I could just come back to this. I would see where I've grown, what I've learned, and how I've changed. Now is the time for the culmination of what this was supposed to be come into effect. This is in no way my last blog. I will use it as I have been in college. I will always keep this because I don't wanna forget it. So here we go.
First off, I would like to thank my friend, whom I have written about frequently in this blog, Kendall, for indirectly reminding me that I wanted to summarize all of high school, like I have done for each year individually. Thanks buddy, I'm gonna miss seeing you everyday
Freshman year: This year was my year of finding myself. I started off the year on a rough foot. I was one of two, since I have a twin brother, who had moved to Cave Spring from Hidden Valley, the rivals. I didn't wanna be there, so I am pretty sure you can guess what was going through my mind. I had noticed the things a normal 14 year old boy notices: girls. There were many pretty girls, and that excited me. I wasn't sure why that's the only thing I cared about, but hindsight is 20-20, right? I went through my classes just meeting people... or trying to, anyway. I wanted to have a solid group of people that I knew beforehand that I could hang out with. A few people noticed me and my brother as the new kids. That's always interesting. The very first day, I apparently caught the eye of a girl who was a sophomore, who I did end up dating, but that's not a story I will go into now. I was a football player, and I loved that. Getting into the Varsity football games for free, and getting to see people every weekend was the best. I remember one day that girl was sick and this stranger, who, little did I know, would grow to be my best friend, said he'd take me to her at the high school after the game.
I was still into my own thing back then, and I drank and smoked both cigarettes and weed. I did these things almost every weekend. Hanging out with my best buddy, David, and getting in trouble. My life was alright, I just wanted to have fun. I have said this, but in mid-October, I starting going to Young Life, the ministry that would end up having a big part in changing my life. I loved it for whatever reason. I kept going. I never thought I was going to learn so much in the short time, but I knew I was changing into a different person about January, 2010. I started typing with decent language. Capitalizing the beginnings of words, names, and using mild punctuation. I don't know why, I think it was the girl rubbing off on me because that's how she typed. People were either sick of me, or loved me at this point. In February, I started to wonder about my life. Baseball had failed me for a fourth time. I didn't know what I was going to do, even though I had my girlfriend. I had gone up to a friend's house, and gotten really high, but no one knew it. I just know I had to find something to numb the pain. Around the end of February, to the beginning of March, my girlfriend and I started fighting. We eventually broke up, which is the worst thing that happened to me all throughout the year. I really questioned what was going on. I was still going to Young Life though, so that gave me a little bit of an escape from everything. In April of this year, I had been done with the way I was living life, and I decided that, after a Young Life club, that it was time for me to accept Christ into my heart. My life wasn't dramatically changed, but it was changed. I was always in a good mood, and I couldn't explain it to save a life at the time. I learned years later that it was a feeling of what joy really is like. Didn't have a bad day for a good 3 months after that. Hung out with my new best friends all the time, and life started to change. I didn't act the same, I didn't speak the same, I didn't even look the same. I was different, and I was okay with that. All I could do was look forward to what would be the best week of my life. I had learned much that year, but the theme I have for freshman year is definitely: "Who Am I?"
Sophomore year: This year was definitely a new adventure for me. I actually thought of myself higher than normal. I viewed myself as a leader, in football, in school, and in Young Life. I was really looking forward to this. I had a different girlfriend, and lets just say that was not the best relationship I've been in. I was on JV while playing as a transition player for Varsity. I played in a majority of the games, because this was a year where we either lost, or we crushed every team we played. This year was a year for leadership and learning about my new life. I read the Bible because I wanted to for the first time as a freshman, and I actively studied it myself this year. I wanted to know everything. I got lucky in class, because this was probably the easiest year of high school for me. My English teacher was on Young Life committee and I tied Jesus into everything I wrote about. I got 100's on like everything because of this. I wanted to understand this idea of following Jesus, because I had never heard this phrase in my life before I started doing so. When the girl I was with and I broke up, and I started dating a new girl it got better. I was happier with this new girl, and I was ready for the challenge. The family loved me, a little more than I expected. She and I broke up, and I hated that. It didn't kill me though, because I had Jesus. She and I continue our friendship to this day, so it was alright, I eventually started to notice a friend more than I had before, even though I had been down that same road before with the same girl. First time didn't go well, I don't know why I thought the second time would be different. Once again, hindsight is 20-20. I was crazy about it, and I can admit that. Though I had my times that I would stray away, every time I did, I would think about her, and I probably missed out on a lot of great relationship chances because of it. I had made many new friends from doing things like Work Crew weekends, and fall weekend. People from Hidden Valley and Patrick Henry High School didn't seem like they were as bad as I thought they were. I knew I was right where I was supposed to be though. I decided to give up on baseball finally. Instead, I listened to a new friend named Kett, who told me to try out for soccer. He thought our JV team was going to suck because of everyone good going to Varsity. We also didn't know the raw talent we were going to have from the lower grades. With that being said, I tried out, and somehow made the team. The coaches both told me that I was fast, and in shape. I however had zero knowledge about soccer. I knew how to kick a ball really far but that was it. So I played forward, where all the best players play, right? I loved soccer though. It became a big part of who I was. I haven't said much on Young Life yet, so here it goes. In Young Life, I was part of the campaigner group. I wanted to be as involved as I could because I wanted to be what a very big group of guys was to me the year before. I invited my friend John to come, and John enjoyed Young Life, and gave his life to Jesus at Fall Weekend. That made me happy because I know the Lord had used me to help that happen, even though He doesn't need my help. Throughout the year, I learned the simple struggles of a Young Life leader. Worrying about how many kids are hearing the Word for the first time vs those who believe in Jesus already. We didn't have a lot of people going to Young Life all the time because if I'm honest, we probably didn't really invite kids as much or as intentionally as we should have. I know that with the exception of John and a few other friends, I didn't. I also was juggling a new thing for me this year: learning how to be a Wyldlife leader. I knew close to nothing about Wyldlife, but I wanted to be involved, and I talked to a few friends, and then my Area Director who agreed to let me lead. It was more of a learning experience, but I think I met plenty of guys who helped me learn the ropes. I didn't do much in Wyldlife, but I was always there to help. On a big personal note, a few friends and I had made a big decision in our walks with Jesus. We were going to get baptized. On May 8th, 2011, a few of my bros and I got baptized in the baptismal of the Church of the Holy Spirit. We learned about baptism and what it means. I learned a lot through this experience. All throughout the year I grew, both as a person, and as a Christian. The crazy thing that happened this year is that I moved again, but I wasn't in the Cave Spring district anymore. I was for sure going to be forced to go to Patrick Henry or PH for the next year. I was stressed like crazy about this. It drove me insane. Through it all, I kept my faith though. I don't know what I would have done without the people, or without my faith. There were many low moments, and there were many high moments. If I had to place a theme on this year it would probably be "Who Is God?"
Junior year: As I said, I was forced to move schools this year. I was no longer a Cave Spring Knight, but a Patrick Henry Patriot. I viewed myself a little differently. I still believed that Young Life was my place to be a leader. Football however took a turn for the worse. I didn't have the heart I used to have, and I just wanted to be done with it. I was slowly realizing that there was no shot for me getting a scholarship even though the year before I had met the Old Dominion University and James Madison University football coaches. I didn't think it was possible. I eventually got tired of my coach, and in probably the most disrespectful way, quit his football team. No, I am not proud of this, but I do not regret doing it. My father was angry at me, but to me, it seemed that all he cared about was my football, and all I cared about was Young Life. I kept going to Young Life, and the most amazing thing happened. My brother had finally agreed to come with me to Young Life Fall Weekend, and got his first taste of what Jesus really is. Even though he doesn't understand it because he doesn't want to understand it, he got his taste. I was jumping for joy, and crying my freaking eyes out. I eventually got my best news all year, that I would be moving away from PH, and going back to where I felt at home: Cave Spring. I had made many friends, and even gained a lot of knowledge about Young Life, and myself. I was overjoyed to be back at Cave Spring though. A few things had changed when I got back. Not everything was the same, but I gladly adapted to the changes. and started going back to my old shenanigans. I was still a Wyldlife leader, and this year I met two guys who I am glad to call some of my best friends who are in middle School. A set of twins named Ryan and Austin. They are currently in the 7th grade, but they kind of remind me of me when I was that young. They just look better. I loved these guys from the get-go and they became my guys. I went to Wyldlife Winter Weekend and even though they go to my middle school of Hidden Valley, I spent a lot of time with them. I loved those guys. Most of my time after this weekend was spent doing my normal Cave Spring thing, playing soccer, and going to Young Life. I made the varsity soccer team, and immediately I had a few issues. A few of the guys on the team really made me angry, and it took a lot from me to not retaliate when they said something to me. We never actually had it out, but I really did not like these guys. That's a whole different story though. Towards the end of the season, I started to kind of get along with them a bit, and all was well. I also got to go to what would become my only prom of high school. I spent a lot of time preparing for it, and probably not enough time actually thinking about who I was going to ask. I asked 2 or 3 people who ended up not going or going with someone else. I then realized that I should just take a leap and ask the girl I had liked at the time. My friend Stephanie. Well my search was over. Prom is in 2 weeks and if she said no I just gained 150 free bucks. I asked her after Young Life, and to my surprise she said yes. I was pleasantly surprised. Prom was amazing though, and I would not have traded it for anything in the world. It's still one of my favorite high school memories At the end of junior year, the biggest, and best adventure I had been on to that date was about to start. I have blogged about it, talked about it, and done everything I can to remember it, and it was the best time of my life. Young Life Work Crew June 2012 at Rockbridge Alum Springs in Goshen, Virginia. I met 40 or so of my best friends ever. A lot of those people I don't get to talk to a lot because of whatever reason but the ones I do still talk to I cherish, deeply. I learned more there than anything, but if you wanna hear about that, read the blog on Work Crew. I learned a little bit about myself, and a lot about who I was going to be this year. I learned about different people and who they really are. I also learned that God is in control of every situation, and I can't really expect to understand exactly what is going on, all the time. I believe a theme I can have for Junior year would definitely be: "Let Go, and Let God"
Senior Year: This year began with more excitement than any other year. I knew it was going to be a hard year, and I wanted to make the most of it. My friend and I talk about it in almost every blog we have on here since August 21 of 2012. We can't take anything for granted, because before we know anything, it's gone. Football began the way it normally did. Hype, excitement, just wanting to be back where I belong. I was doing alright for myself, and then problems started. See, from the time between junior and senior year, I had moved into the PH district again, but didn't talk about it to anyone. The only people who knew were graduated and couldn't do anything about it. I couldn't trust my sister to get me to practice apparently so my starting position became a long shot dream. I cared but I didn't. I tried to act like I did so my dad would be happy, but I hated the fact that I had to live a double life for him. He wanted nothing but football for me, and he thinks that I got screwed out of a great career. I didn't care enough to do anything about it. At this point I knew it didn't matter who was trying their best at all the time, or at some points, who was actually better. Our coaches had their plan and it seemed to be what they went with. A lot of us didn't agree with it, but we couldn't change it. I knew it was only a matter of time before my last football season would end. I had watched a few of my best friends have their final volleyball season end in a heart breaker. I never had the thought that just a few weeks later my football season would end in the same fashion. A ball that probably shouldn't have hit the ground, hits it. Even though we played on a Bermuda grass field, it echoed throughout my head. I could just see my career flash in my head, and I couldn't believe it was over. The tears came almost instantly. I then was called onto the field to have my career end the way I guess I wanted it to: With me on the field. Tears going down my face, as the other team kneels the ball to run out the clock. How badly did I want to strip the QB and make a run for the end zone? You have no clue. I couldn't though. It was all over, and the last whistle rang out. The ride back was the worst, but I can say I enjoyed my 5 year span as a football player. going into Young Life was interesting though. We had a new leader come in from Chesapeake, Virginia. This was not what I was expecting. Though I am glad it happened, I thought it was for PH, whose leader had just left to Baltimore with his wife. Mezz came in, and has really changed the face of Cave Spring Young Life. He is loved by many people in the school, and I will miss him greatly while at college. Young Life exploded this year. We had many people going and it was the best. I am not talking about the other side of Young Life, but numbers are not what we are going for. We just knew that those people who were going, were the people that really needed it for a change. I lead Wyldlife for most of this year. Around January or something like that, I auditioned for a play and got a part in it. I then realized I couldn't do soccer, this play, and Wyldlife, so I chose to stop leading Wyldlife. It was probably a bad decision, but that's a different story. I eventually couldn't be used in the play, and I was a little upset, but I was okay with it. I kept going with Young Life however, and it was going well. We had a few rough weeks, but we had a few weeks where it seemed many people were there, and they loved it. Going away from Young Life to college, this was a whole different world as well. I had wanted to be at the University of Mary Washington for a long time before I had gotten here. Now that I was here, it was real to me that I had a long shot of getting into most of the colleges I wanted to apply to. Here's the kicker, I had one more college that I looked into besides the 3 football coach schools, because I had met Richmond's coach Junior year, and Mary Wash. I had Liberty University. I knew I could get in, but I didn't know if I would. I applied with the help of a few people, and after getting all of the logistics settled, I called them with my guidance counselor to find out I had been accepted! I got my official letter about 5 days later. I couldn't believe it. Most people apply to 5 or so colleges, I actually have two friends who applied like everywhere in America it seemed, but I had applied to one. Thought about applying other places, but decided against it. 1 for 1 ain't bad! I would have a few issues later in the process, but now it's all settled, and will be able to go this August. Soccer season was my last opportunity to hang out with some people. I love soccer more than I loved football, and I can honestly say that. The season started out amazingly. Winning 5 games straight. We thought we were untouchable. We then went on a few game losing streak. We lost a few games we should never have lost. We got overlooked a bit in our district though. We lost our first district game to Salem, then beat Pulaski. We lost to the 2013 State Champs Blacksburg, beat Christiansburg and Hidden Valley. 3-2 doing better than the year before which we thought was weird. Repeat this order for the second go round of the games and we were 6-4. Having done this we ensured a third seed in the district tournament. We then played Pulaski again, won that game, and then Salem. We lost that game, and had to Play Hidden Valley again. We had lost to Salem 3 times already, and beaten Hidden Valley twice. It's hard to beat a team that many times in a season. We played a very close game, and then my friend Hunter hit a shot that hit the net. We went nuts. Ending Hidden Valley's season, and giving us a shot at the region tournament. We had to play Bassett, which we won 3-0 at the cost of our best player. We then played Salem. I've said it's hard to beat a team 3 times. It's even harder to win 4 times. This time would be different, and we beat them 2-1 thanks to goals by Kett and Hunter I believe. We then lost the Blacksburg in the region championship. We weren't upset. We then made the State Tournament, and even though we went through a lot of adversity, we made a great run. First Cave Spring soccer team since 2007 to get that far. We felt good. We did lose our first game against E.C. Glass, who went on to lose to Blacksburg in the state championship. It sucked, but we had a great season, and I loved my guys. This team had become a part of me, and I will miss it greatly. If I could have a theme at all for senior year, it would be: "Adventure"
It feels good to be done with this. I can't believe this is over, but I won't forget it. There are a few more things I am gonna do. I am gonna put a song that makes me think of each year, a quote that makes me think of it, a Bible verse and the theme. It's just for fun.
Freshman year:
Theme: Who Am I?
Song: Desert Song by Hillsong and Take Me As I Am by Lecrae
Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:18
Quote: "Life Opens Up When You Do" - Crest Slogan.
Sophomore year:
Theme: Who Is God?
Song: One Sixteen by Trip Lee
Verse: Romans 1:16
Quote: "I Can Hardly Find The Means For All The Words I Mean To Speak" - I think Donald Miller, but I can't remember.
Junior year:
Theme: Let Go And Let God
Song: Beautiful Feet by Lecrae
Verse: John 3:30
Quote: "Sometimes You Have To Talk To God About Someone Before You Can Talk To Someone About God" - Josh Goody
Senior year:
Theme: Adventure
Song: Free and Easy by Dierks Bentley
Verse: John 15:1-13, Galatians 5:1
Quote: "Take The Chance While You Still Have The Choice" - My current girlfriend, Brittany.
Thanks guys, this has been fun. Maybe a college version needs to be done. I will use this blog if I do that. If not, I'll use this blog as a ministry factor like I have been.
I love you guys!
TJ
First off, I would like to thank my friend, whom I have written about frequently in this blog, Kendall, for indirectly reminding me that I wanted to summarize all of high school, like I have done for each year individually. Thanks buddy, I'm gonna miss seeing you everyday
Freshman year: This year was my year of finding myself. I started off the year on a rough foot. I was one of two, since I have a twin brother, who had moved to Cave Spring from Hidden Valley, the rivals. I didn't wanna be there, so I am pretty sure you can guess what was going through my mind. I had noticed the things a normal 14 year old boy notices: girls. There were many pretty girls, and that excited me. I wasn't sure why that's the only thing I cared about, but hindsight is 20-20, right? I went through my classes just meeting people... or trying to, anyway. I wanted to have a solid group of people that I knew beforehand that I could hang out with. A few people noticed me and my brother as the new kids. That's always interesting. The very first day, I apparently caught the eye of a girl who was a sophomore, who I did end up dating, but that's not a story I will go into now. I was a football player, and I loved that. Getting into the Varsity football games for free, and getting to see people every weekend was the best. I remember one day that girl was sick and this stranger, who, little did I know, would grow to be my best friend, said he'd take me to her at the high school after the game.
I was still into my own thing back then, and I drank and smoked both cigarettes and weed. I did these things almost every weekend. Hanging out with my best buddy, David, and getting in trouble. My life was alright, I just wanted to have fun. I have said this, but in mid-October, I starting going to Young Life, the ministry that would end up having a big part in changing my life. I loved it for whatever reason. I kept going. I never thought I was going to learn so much in the short time, but I knew I was changing into a different person about January, 2010. I started typing with decent language. Capitalizing the beginnings of words, names, and using mild punctuation. I don't know why, I think it was the girl rubbing off on me because that's how she typed. People were either sick of me, or loved me at this point. In February, I started to wonder about my life. Baseball had failed me for a fourth time. I didn't know what I was going to do, even though I had my girlfriend. I had gone up to a friend's house, and gotten really high, but no one knew it. I just know I had to find something to numb the pain. Around the end of February, to the beginning of March, my girlfriend and I started fighting. We eventually broke up, which is the worst thing that happened to me all throughout the year. I really questioned what was going on. I was still going to Young Life though, so that gave me a little bit of an escape from everything. In April of this year, I had been done with the way I was living life, and I decided that, after a Young Life club, that it was time for me to accept Christ into my heart. My life wasn't dramatically changed, but it was changed. I was always in a good mood, and I couldn't explain it to save a life at the time. I learned years later that it was a feeling of what joy really is like. Didn't have a bad day for a good 3 months after that. Hung out with my new best friends all the time, and life started to change. I didn't act the same, I didn't speak the same, I didn't even look the same. I was different, and I was okay with that. All I could do was look forward to what would be the best week of my life. I had learned much that year, but the theme I have for freshman year is definitely: "Who Am I?"
Sophomore year: This year was definitely a new adventure for me. I actually thought of myself higher than normal. I viewed myself as a leader, in football, in school, and in Young Life. I was really looking forward to this. I had a different girlfriend, and lets just say that was not the best relationship I've been in. I was on JV while playing as a transition player for Varsity. I played in a majority of the games, because this was a year where we either lost, or we crushed every team we played. This year was a year for leadership and learning about my new life. I read the Bible because I wanted to for the first time as a freshman, and I actively studied it myself this year. I wanted to know everything. I got lucky in class, because this was probably the easiest year of high school for me. My English teacher was on Young Life committee and I tied Jesus into everything I wrote about. I got 100's on like everything because of this. I wanted to understand this idea of following Jesus, because I had never heard this phrase in my life before I started doing so. When the girl I was with and I broke up, and I started dating a new girl it got better. I was happier with this new girl, and I was ready for the challenge. The family loved me, a little more than I expected. She and I broke up, and I hated that. It didn't kill me though, because I had Jesus. She and I continue our friendship to this day, so it was alright, I eventually started to notice a friend more than I had before, even though I had been down that same road before with the same girl. First time didn't go well, I don't know why I thought the second time would be different. Once again, hindsight is 20-20. I was crazy about it, and I can admit that. Though I had my times that I would stray away, every time I did, I would think about her, and I probably missed out on a lot of great relationship chances because of it. I had made many new friends from doing things like Work Crew weekends, and fall weekend. People from Hidden Valley and Patrick Henry High School didn't seem like they were as bad as I thought they were. I knew I was right where I was supposed to be though. I decided to give up on baseball finally. Instead, I listened to a new friend named Kett, who told me to try out for soccer. He thought our JV team was going to suck because of everyone good going to Varsity. We also didn't know the raw talent we were going to have from the lower grades. With that being said, I tried out, and somehow made the team. The coaches both told me that I was fast, and in shape. I however had zero knowledge about soccer. I knew how to kick a ball really far but that was it. So I played forward, where all the best players play, right? I loved soccer though. It became a big part of who I was. I haven't said much on Young Life yet, so here it goes. In Young Life, I was part of the campaigner group. I wanted to be as involved as I could because I wanted to be what a very big group of guys was to me the year before. I invited my friend John to come, and John enjoyed Young Life, and gave his life to Jesus at Fall Weekend. That made me happy because I know the Lord had used me to help that happen, even though He doesn't need my help. Throughout the year, I learned the simple struggles of a Young Life leader. Worrying about how many kids are hearing the Word for the first time vs those who believe in Jesus already. We didn't have a lot of people going to Young Life all the time because if I'm honest, we probably didn't really invite kids as much or as intentionally as we should have. I know that with the exception of John and a few other friends, I didn't. I also was juggling a new thing for me this year: learning how to be a Wyldlife leader. I knew close to nothing about Wyldlife, but I wanted to be involved, and I talked to a few friends, and then my Area Director who agreed to let me lead. It was more of a learning experience, but I think I met plenty of guys who helped me learn the ropes. I didn't do much in Wyldlife, but I was always there to help. On a big personal note, a few friends and I had made a big decision in our walks with Jesus. We were going to get baptized. On May 8th, 2011, a few of my bros and I got baptized in the baptismal of the Church of the Holy Spirit. We learned about baptism and what it means. I learned a lot through this experience. All throughout the year I grew, both as a person, and as a Christian. The crazy thing that happened this year is that I moved again, but I wasn't in the Cave Spring district anymore. I was for sure going to be forced to go to Patrick Henry or PH for the next year. I was stressed like crazy about this. It drove me insane. Through it all, I kept my faith though. I don't know what I would have done without the people, or without my faith. There were many low moments, and there were many high moments. If I had to place a theme on this year it would probably be "Who Is God?"
Junior year: As I said, I was forced to move schools this year. I was no longer a Cave Spring Knight, but a Patrick Henry Patriot. I viewed myself a little differently. I still believed that Young Life was my place to be a leader. Football however took a turn for the worse. I didn't have the heart I used to have, and I just wanted to be done with it. I was slowly realizing that there was no shot for me getting a scholarship even though the year before I had met the Old Dominion University and James Madison University football coaches. I didn't think it was possible. I eventually got tired of my coach, and in probably the most disrespectful way, quit his football team. No, I am not proud of this, but I do not regret doing it. My father was angry at me, but to me, it seemed that all he cared about was my football, and all I cared about was Young Life. I kept going to Young Life, and the most amazing thing happened. My brother had finally agreed to come with me to Young Life Fall Weekend, and got his first taste of what Jesus really is. Even though he doesn't understand it because he doesn't want to understand it, he got his taste. I was jumping for joy, and crying my freaking eyes out. I eventually got my best news all year, that I would be moving away from PH, and going back to where I felt at home: Cave Spring. I had made many friends, and even gained a lot of knowledge about Young Life, and myself. I was overjoyed to be back at Cave Spring though. A few things had changed when I got back. Not everything was the same, but I gladly adapted to the changes. and started going back to my old shenanigans. I was still a Wyldlife leader, and this year I met two guys who I am glad to call some of my best friends who are in middle School. A set of twins named Ryan and Austin. They are currently in the 7th grade, but they kind of remind me of me when I was that young. They just look better. I loved these guys from the get-go and they became my guys. I went to Wyldlife Winter Weekend and even though they go to my middle school of Hidden Valley, I spent a lot of time with them. I loved those guys. Most of my time after this weekend was spent doing my normal Cave Spring thing, playing soccer, and going to Young Life. I made the varsity soccer team, and immediately I had a few issues. A few of the guys on the team really made me angry, and it took a lot from me to not retaliate when they said something to me. We never actually had it out, but I really did not like these guys. That's a whole different story though. Towards the end of the season, I started to kind of get along with them a bit, and all was well. I also got to go to what would become my only prom of high school. I spent a lot of time preparing for it, and probably not enough time actually thinking about who I was going to ask. I asked 2 or 3 people who ended up not going or going with someone else. I then realized that I should just take a leap and ask the girl I had liked at the time. My friend Stephanie. Well my search was over. Prom is in 2 weeks and if she said no I just gained 150 free bucks. I asked her after Young Life, and to my surprise she said yes. I was pleasantly surprised. Prom was amazing though, and I would not have traded it for anything in the world. It's still one of my favorite high school memories At the end of junior year, the biggest, and best adventure I had been on to that date was about to start. I have blogged about it, talked about it, and done everything I can to remember it, and it was the best time of my life. Young Life Work Crew June 2012 at Rockbridge Alum Springs in Goshen, Virginia. I met 40 or so of my best friends ever. A lot of those people I don't get to talk to a lot because of whatever reason but the ones I do still talk to I cherish, deeply. I learned more there than anything, but if you wanna hear about that, read the blog on Work Crew. I learned a little bit about myself, and a lot about who I was going to be this year. I learned about different people and who they really are. I also learned that God is in control of every situation, and I can't really expect to understand exactly what is going on, all the time. I believe a theme I can have for Junior year would definitely be: "Let Go, and Let God"
Senior Year: This year began with more excitement than any other year. I knew it was going to be a hard year, and I wanted to make the most of it. My friend and I talk about it in almost every blog we have on here since August 21 of 2012. We can't take anything for granted, because before we know anything, it's gone. Football began the way it normally did. Hype, excitement, just wanting to be back where I belong. I was doing alright for myself, and then problems started. See, from the time between junior and senior year, I had moved into the PH district again, but didn't talk about it to anyone. The only people who knew were graduated and couldn't do anything about it. I couldn't trust my sister to get me to practice apparently so my starting position became a long shot dream. I cared but I didn't. I tried to act like I did so my dad would be happy, but I hated the fact that I had to live a double life for him. He wanted nothing but football for me, and he thinks that I got screwed out of a great career. I didn't care enough to do anything about it. At this point I knew it didn't matter who was trying their best at all the time, or at some points, who was actually better. Our coaches had their plan and it seemed to be what they went with. A lot of us didn't agree with it, but we couldn't change it. I knew it was only a matter of time before my last football season would end. I had watched a few of my best friends have their final volleyball season end in a heart breaker. I never had the thought that just a few weeks later my football season would end in the same fashion. A ball that probably shouldn't have hit the ground, hits it. Even though we played on a Bermuda grass field, it echoed throughout my head. I could just see my career flash in my head, and I couldn't believe it was over. The tears came almost instantly. I then was called onto the field to have my career end the way I guess I wanted it to: With me on the field. Tears going down my face, as the other team kneels the ball to run out the clock. How badly did I want to strip the QB and make a run for the end zone? You have no clue. I couldn't though. It was all over, and the last whistle rang out. The ride back was the worst, but I can say I enjoyed my 5 year span as a football player. going into Young Life was interesting though. We had a new leader come in from Chesapeake, Virginia. This was not what I was expecting. Though I am glad it happened, I thought it was for PH, whose leader had just left to Baltimore with his wife. Mezz came in, and has really changed the face of Cave Spring Young Life. He is loved by many people in the school, and I will miss him greatly while at college. Young Life exploded this year. We had many people going and it was the best. I am not talking about the other side of Young Life, but numbers are not what we are going for. We just knew that those people who were going, were the people that really needed it for a change. I lead Wyldlife for most of this year. Around January or something like that, I auditioned for a play and got a part in it. I then realized I couldn't do soccer, this play, and Wyldlife, so I chose to stop leading Wyldlife. It was probably a bad decision, but that's a different story. I eventually couldn't be used in the play, and I was a little upset, but I was okay with it. I kept going with Young Life however, and it was going well. We had a few rough weeks, but we had a few weeks where it seemed many people were there, and they loved it. Going away from Young Life to college, this was a whole different world as well. I had wanted to be at the University of Mary Washington for a long time before I had gotten here. Now that I was here, it was real to me that I had a long shot of getting into most of the colleges I wanted to apply to. Here's the kicker, I had one more college that I looked into besides the 3 football coach schools, because I had met Richmond's coach Junior year, and Mary Wash. I had Liberty University. I knew I could get in, but I didn't know if I would. I applied with the help of a few people, and after getting all of the logistics settled, I called them with my guidance counselor to find out I had been accepted! I got my official letter about 5 days later. I couldn't believe it. Most people apply to 5 or so colleges, I actually have two friends who applied like everywhere in America it seemed, but I had applied to one. Thought about applying other places, but decided against it. 1 for 1 ain't bad! I would have a few issues later in the process, but now it's all settled, and will be able to go this August. Soccer season was my last opportunity to hang out with some people. I love soccer more than I loved football, and I can honestly say that. The season started out amazingly. Winning 5 games straight. We thought we were untouchable. We then went on a few game losing streak. We lost a few games we should never have lost. We got overlooked a bit in our district though. We lost our first district game to Salem, then beat Pulaski. We lost to the 2013 State Champs Blacksburg, beat Christiansburg and Hidden Valley. 3-2 doing better than the year before which we thought was weird. Repeat this order for the second go round of the games and we were 6-4. Having done this we ensured a third seed in the district tournament. We then played Pulaski again, won that game, and then Salem. We lost that game, and had to Play Hidden Valley again. We had lost to Salem 3 times already, and beaten Hidden Valley twice. It's hard to beat a team that many times in a season. We played a very close game, and then my friend Hunter hit a shot that hit the net. We went nuts. Ending Hidden Valley's season, and giving us a shot at the region tournament. We had to play Bassett, which we won 3-0 at the cost of our best player. We then played Salem. I've said it's hard to beat a team 3 times. It's even harder to win 4 times. This time would be different, and we beat them 2-1 thanks to goals by Kett and Hunter I believe. We then lost the Blacksburg in the region championship. We weren't upset. We then made the State Tournament, and even though we went through a lot of adversity, we made a great run. First Cave Spring soccer team since 2007 to get that far. We felt good. We did lose our first game against E.C. Glass, who went on to lose to Blacksburg in the state championship. It sucked, but we had a great season, and I loved my guys. This team had become a part of me, and I will miss it greatly. If I could have a theme at all for senior year, it would be: "Adventure"
It feels good to be done with this. I can't believe this is over, but I won't forget it. There are a few more things I am gonna do. I am gonna put a song that makes me think of each year, a quote that makes me think of it, a Bible verse and the theme. It's just for fun.
Freshman year:
Theme: Who Am I?
Song: Desert Song by Hillsong and Take Me As I Am by Lecrae
Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:18
Quote: "Life Opens Up When You Do" - Crest Slogan.
Sophomore year:
Theme: Who Is God?
Song: One Sixteen by Trip Lee
Verse: Romans 1:16
Quote: "I Can Hardly Find The Means For All The Words I Mean To Speak" - I think Donald Miller, but I can't remember.
Junior year:
Theme: Let Go And Let God
Song: Beautiful Feet by Lecrae
Verse: John 3:30
Quote: "Sometimes You Have To Talk To God About Someone Before You Can Talk To Someone About God" - Josh Goody
Senior year:
Theme: Adventure
Song: Free and Easy by Dierks Bentley
Verse: John 15:1-13, Galatians 5:1
Quote: "Take The Chance While You Still Have The Choice" - My current girlfriend, Brittany.
Thanks guys, this has been fun. Maybe a college version needs to be done. I will use this blog if I do that. If not, I'll use this blog as a ministry factor like I have been.
I love you guys!
TJ
Saturday, June 8, 2013
I Will Carry You With Me
Yesterday was my high school graduation ceremony. One of the things that is looked forward to the most. We've been waiting four years through high school, and 13 years through our school lives. We've laughed, we've cried, and we've worked hard to get there. We've overcome obstacles, made and lost friends, and all that stuff. All of it leading up to this one moment in our lives. A culmination of everything we have done for the past 13 years of our lives.
Going to sleep the night before graduation proved to be a challenge. It was a mixture of anticipation, sadness, happiness, and just fear. I had watched my sister's high school graduation, but it was a new ball game. I would be the one in the cap and gown. I couldn't get to sleep because I was thinking of the fact that I would miss my friends, and the experiences, and most of all the memories. It was not an easy task getting my body to calm down enough to actually sleep. None the less, a little after 2 AM I was asleep.
I woke up at around 7:30 to start getting ready. Why I got up that early, I don't know, because it didn't take that long to get ready, but in any case, I was up. This morning was spent with much prayer, just about the day, and other things. Just knowing that I am going to miss seeing most of my 196 person class. After preparation, and pictures, my mother was there to take me to the Civic Center.
Arriving at the Civic Center, my mom made me take pictures with her and grandmom. Something I had to deal with willingly, because you only graduate high school once. Hidden Valley had just had their graduation, so I am seeing many of my newly graduated friends and acquaintances. I was in shock. It was really about to happen. I was about to take a huge step in life. I met up with a friend to head into the civic center and get ready to walk in. We hung out, took a few pictures, and talked. Just about anticipation, and excitement. After talking with a few teachers I had become close with, and hanging out with my friends one last time as high schoolers, it was that time. Time to line up and go into the main part and begin the ceremony.
Walking into the ceremony, it seemed as if it was unreal. Everything felt like a dream. I wouldn't have been surprised if I had woken up halfway through it from a real dream. Nope, it was really happening, and nothing was going to stop that. I spent most of the opening minutes searching for where my family was sitting. They had chosen quite an impeccable spot. Right next to the stage where we would walk after being handed our diploma case. After all of us were in, we stood there as we started the ceremony
We started the ceremony with the pledge of allegiance, and the national anthem. After that was all done, our fellow student talked to us. The young man who had been voted the Knight of the class of 2013 was going to address us one last time. He spoke on a few different topics, but the ones that stood out to me were very important. He talked about the keys to living a happier, more joy-filled life. First, you must laugh every day. Laughter is the showing of joy in the heart, as long as it's true laughter. 2nd, do 3 things for someone else every day. They could be as small as holding a door open for someone, or as big as giving them food in a time of need. Serving others is a very joyous thing, and it makes you feel good about yourself. 3rd, make a list of at least 3 things to do, and make sure to do them. This will at least make your day seem productive. These also can be as small as taking out the trash, doing laundry, or washing dishes. This will give you that sense of accomplishment, and everyone loves that feeling. I couldn't have been more proud of my friend for being able to speak so well even though he admitted he wasn't much of a public speaker. I am proud to call him my friend. After a few awards had been given out, we got the pleasure of hearing from another fellow student. Though I can't remember what she said, I was proud of her for her confidence, and just once again, to call her my friend. After that was done, a few more awards were given out, then the big moment came: The diploma walk. One row at a time, we stood, walked over to the stage and then when our name was called, we walked across to our principal, who would hand us our diploma cases and shake our hands one last time, and let us go. We then walked to see this man who is the head of Roanoke County Schools. He runs the show, and he was there to speak to us. He only said a few words to me, which I'm sure he said to everyone else, but it was still great for him to be there. We then walked off the stage to get a picture taken that I messed up. My family was sitting right there, cheering for me as I had this happen. We then sat back down and waited for the rest of our class.
After everyone had their diplomas, we all stood up, then when told, we moved our tassels from the right to left, and we were officially graduates of Cave Spring High School. The Class of 2013 was put into the history books. Nothing can take that title from us. After we picked up our caps from throwing them in the air, as tradition says to do, we proceeded to walk out of the main area. Some of us had tears in our eyes, but all of us had joy in our hearts. When we got back in the back room, I let it out. I was crying because it was a hard fought battle to get here, and it was finally over. I was crying because my best friends would soon be going their separate ways, and I knew I would miss them greatly. There were many reasons I was crying. I may be crazy, but I will miss Cave Spring High School. I will miss everything I did there. So many memories have been made, but are now just nice things to remember. I hugged my friends and some of my teachers. I was wearing my emotions on my sleeve, and everyone knew how I felt about it. I said goodbye to some friends I knew I might not see much, and then I went to find my family.
In the search, I ran into my friends, Rachel, Chris, Cody, and Justin. Rachel ran up to me and hugged me, we talked for a while, and after all had been said that could, she and I went our separate ways. I found my dad, and slowly but surely, I found the rest of the family. Put my cap back on to get a tassel-to-the-left picture, and then it was time to go. I was an emotional wreck, and needed to calm down.
Graduation was the end of a chapter in my life. The beginning of another. I soon leave for my college of choice; Liberty University. I am glad to be attending with a few great friends. I am excited for it. I can only hope and pray that it is not the end of my friendships with these people. I already miss some of them, and we haven't said goodbye formally yet. There is so much I could go on with this about, but I just know that this isn't the end of our journey. We may not be together in person, but our spirit will always have that connection. It is not goodbye forever.
The song that comes to mind while writing this is "See You Again" by Carrie Underwood. The chorus of this song goes
I will see you again, oh woah
This is not where it ends
I will carry you with me, oh
Til I see you again.
I do believe this is an appropriate theme for graduation everywhere. Though I know the song was not written for that reason, it fits. I know that I will always carry the memories of high school with me everywhere I go. I will miss it all, the classrooms, the friendships, the football games, the soccer matches, and everything in between.
"The rear view mirror is smaller than the windshield. So you can always look back at your past without taking your eyes off the road."
Take Care
I love you guys
TJ
Going to sleep the night before graduation proved to be a challenge. It was a mixture of anticipation, sadness, happiness, and just fear. I had watched my sister's high school graduation, but it was a new ball game. I would be the one in the cap and gown. I couldn't get to sleep because I was thinking of the fact that I would miss my friends, and the experiences, and most of all the memories. It was not an easy task getting my body to calm down enough to actually sleep. None the less, a little after 2 AM I was asleep.
I woke up at around 7:30 to start getting ready. Why I got up that early, I don't know, because it didn't take that long to get ready, but in any case, I was up. This morning was spent with much prayer, just about the day, and other things. Just knowing that I am going to miss seeing most of my 196 person class. After preparation, and pictures, my mother was there to take me to the Civic Center.
Arriving at the Civic Center, my mom made me take pictures with her and grandmom. Something I had to deal with willingly, because you only graduate high school once. Hidden Valley had just had their graduation, so I am seeing many of my newly graduated friends and acquaintances. I was in shock. It was really about to happen. I was about to take a huge step in life. I met up with a friend to head into the civic center and get ready to walk in. We hung out, took a few pictures, and talked. Just about anticipation, and excitement. After talking with a few teachers I had become close with, and hanging out with my friends one last time as high schoolers, it was that time. Time to line up and go into the main part and begin the ceremony.
Walking into the ceremony, it seemed as if it was unreal. Everything felt like a dream. I wouldn't have been surprised if I had woken up halfway through it from a real dream. Nope, it was really happening, and nothing was going to stop that. I spent most of the opening minutes searching for where my family was sitting. They had chosen quite an impeccable spot. Right next to the stage where we would walk after being handed our diploma case. After all of us were in, we stood there as we started the ceremony
We started the ceremony with the pledge of allegiance, and the national anthem. After that was all done, our fellow student talked to us. The young man who had been voted the Knight of the class of 2013 was going to address us one last time. He spoke on a few different topics, but the ones that stood out to me were very important. He talked about the keys to living a happier, more joy-filled life. First, you must laugh every day. Laughter is the showing of joy in the heart, as long as it's true laughter. 2nd, do 3 things for someone else every day. They could be as small as holding a door open for someone, or as big as giving them food in a time of need. Serving others is a very joyous thing, and it makes you feel good about yourself. 3rd, make a list of at least 3 things to do, and make sure to do them. This will at least make your day seem productive. These also can be as small as taking out the trash, doing laundry, or washing dishes. This will give you that sense of accomplishment, and everyone loves that feeling. I couldn't have been more proud of my friend for being able to speak so well even though he admitted he wasn't much of a public speaker. I am proud to call him my friend. After a few awards had been given out, we got the pleasure of hearing from another fellow student. Though I can't remember what she said, I was proud of her for her confidence, and just once again, to call her my friend. After that was done, a few more awards were given out, then the big moment came: The diploma walk. One row at a time, we stood, walked over to the stage and then when our name was called, we walked across to our principal, who would hand us our diploma cases and shake our hands one last time, and let us go. We then walked to see this man who is the head of Roanoke County Schools. He runs the show, and he was there to speak to us. He only said a few words to me, which I'm sure he said to everyone else, but it was still great for him to be there. We then walked off the stage to get a picture taken that I messed up. My family was sitting right there, cheering for me as I had this happen. We then sat back down and waited for the rest of our class.
After everyone had their diplomas, we all stood up, then when told, we moved our tassels from the right to left, and we were officially graduates of Cave Spring High School. The Class of 2013 was put into the history books. Nothing can take that title from us. After we picked up our caps from throwing them in the air, as tradition says to do, we proceeded to walk out of the main area. Some of us had tears in our eyes, but all of us had joy in our hearts. When we got back in the back room, I let it out. I was crying because it was a hard fought battle to get here, and it was finally over. I was crying because my best friends would soon be going their separate ways, and I knew I would miss them greatly. There were many reasons I was crying. I may be crazy, but I will miss Cave Spring High School. I will miss everything I did there. So many memories have been made, but are now just nice things to remember. I hugged my friends and some of my teachers. I was wearing my emotions on my sleeve, and everyone knew how I felt about it. I said goodbye to some friends I knew I might not see much, and then I went to find my family.
In the search, I ran into my friends, Rachel, Chris, Cody, and Justin. Rachel ran up to me and hugged me, we talked for a while, and after all had been said that could, she and I went our separate ways. I found my dad, and slowly but surely, I found the rest of the family. Put my cap back on to get a tassel-to-the-left picture, and then it was time to go. I was an emotional wreck, and needed to calm down.
Graduation was the end of a chapter in my life. The beginning of another. I soon leave for my college of choice; Liberty University. I am glad to be attending with a few great friends. I am excited for it. I can only hope and pray that it is not the end of my friendships with these people. I already miss some of them, and we haven't said goodbye formally yet. There is so much I could go on with this about, but I just know that this isn't the end of our journey. We may not be together in person, but our spirit will always have that connection. It is not goodbye forever.
The song that comes to mind while writing this is "See You Again" by Carrie Underwood. The chorus of this song goes
I will see you again, oh woah
This is not where it ends
I will carry you with me, oh
Til I see you again.
I do believe this is an appropriate theme for graduation everywhere. Though I know the song was not written for that reason, it fits. I know that I will always carry the memories of high school with me everywhere I go. I will miss it all, the classrooms, the friendships, the football games, the soccer matches, and everything in between.
"The rear view mirror is smaller than the windshield. So you can always look back at your past without taking your eyes off the road."
Take Care
I love you guys
TJ
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Life As We Know It
A few nights ago was my last Cave Spring Young Life club as a student. It was filled with many mixed emotions, and shared with some of my best friends. Like is tradition, the seniors of the group were honored while at club. We picked and lead games, we picked what songs were played, we picked everything. The best part for us, is that 5 seniors were picked to get the privelage to share some of their lives with the people who were there. I won't put full names, but the five were Ryan, Kendall, Me, Sarah, and Taylor. All 5 of us got an amazing privelage to share about our lives before we accepted Jesus, why we picked Jesus, our lives since we accepted Jesus, and what would we say if we could speak to our freshman selves.
Having been on work crew with some of the greates people I know, the first and third questions were just lilke when you were telling your story to a cabin of total strangers, or if you were sharing it with your friends you were there with. So those I didn't have to really think about. It was easier for those because I wasn't talking to strangers. I was talking to my friends. The second question was thought provoking, and it took me some time to be able to really think of what I would say. Why I picked Jesus wasn't something you could just wing it and say. It had to be real, and intentional. The last question was the hardest. The only thing that made it easier, is the fact that I spend a lot of time with freshman, and I figured I'd just tell myself what I would tell them assuming they didn't know Jesus.
Getting to share was an absolute blessing, and it really excited me.about getting to go out and lead at Liberty, and whatever high school or middle school I get placed at. I honestly can not wait for this opportunity that is coming up. There are so many thoughts that I have going through my head about this. All of them are positive, and it is the best thing ever
I've had such a great opportunity to grow with the Cave Spring Young Life crew, and I've had the best chance to see Cave Spring change. I've seen the beginning of the new face of Cave Spring Young Life. Cave Spring is going to change so much in the coming years. I wish I was stickin' around to watch it happen. The Lord is taking me away from Roanoke Young Life, and as sad as that is, I couldn't be more excited. A fresh new chance to really grow with people from all over the place. I'm more excited now than I was before. I will miss being a part of this great community, but I know that going to Liberty will help me to expand that group of people I have community with. I know that I will be provided for, and nothing will make me forget that.
I hope that everything continues to work itself out.
Love y'all
TJ
Having been on work crew with some of the greates people I know, the first and third questions were just lilke when you were telling your story to a cabin of total strangers, or if you were sharing it with your friends you were there with. So those I didn't have to really think about. It was easier for those because I wasn't talking to strangers. I was talking to my friends. The second question was thought provoking, and it took me some time to be able to really think of what I would say. Why I picked Jesus wasn't something you could just wing it and say. It had to be real, and intentional. The last question was the hardest. The only thing that made it easier, is the fact that I spend a lot of time with freshman, and I figured I'd just tell myself what I would tell them assuming they didn't know Jesus.
Getting to share was an absolute blessing, and it really excited me.about getting to go out and lead at Liberty, and whatever high school or middle school I get placed at. I honestly can not wait for this opportunity that is coming up. There are so many thoughts that I have going through my head about this. All of them are positive, and it is the best thing ever
I've had such a great opportunity to grow with the Cave Spring Young Life crew, and I've had the best chance to see Cave Spring change. I've seen the beginning of the new face of Cave Spring Young Life. Cave Spring is going to change so much in the coming years. I wish I was stickin' around to watch it happen. The Lord is taking me away from Roanoke Young Life, and as sad as that is, I couldn't be more excited. A fresh new chance to really grow with people from all over the place. I'm more excited now than I was before. I will miss being a part of this great community, but I know that going to Liberty will help me to expand that group of people I have community with. I know that I will be provided for, and nothing will make me forget that.
I hope that everything continues to work itself out.
Love y'all
TJ
Thursday, May 2, 2013
It Won't Last
Recently, I had another friend of mine receive a daignosis of cancer. 2 years ago, one friend was daignosed with Adrenal Cortal Carcinoma. Now, another friend has been diagnosed with Leukemia. There is nothing someone can do to you to make you wish cancer upon them. I know out of all the people I don't like in this world, I still would not wish cancer upon them. I don't think anyone deserves it, and it really shows you that it does happen. Watching your friends go through that is something that really wakes you up. The only problem I've ever had with hearing something like this:
Why?
Why that person? Why someone so nice? Why someone who has their whole life ahead of them? (Not saying old people should have it either) Why a person who doesn't do bad things on purpose? This is a struggle. It really makes people question God, and why He would let something happen to someone so innocent. I can only really think of one thing, and it's not really an answer
In the Bible, there's the book of Job. Job was a righteous man by most accounts, and he was faithful to God. The Devil came to God. He had been roaming the land just looking for someone to trip up. God asked the Devil, "Have you considered my servant, Job? There is no one on Earth like him. He is upright and blameless. A man who fears God and shuns evil." From this passage, you can see that God knows and loves Job, but yet still will allow something to happen to him. Satan says to God, "But now, stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse your face" God allowed Satan to destroy all he had, but not to touch the man himself. Satan took everything. Took his seven sons, and three daughters, and killed them. Burned all 700 of his sheep, all 500 donkeys, all 500 yoke of oxen, and all three thousand camels. He lost everything. Thing is, He still praised God. He didn't accuse God of doing anything wrong. With his words, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord be praised." In all that had happened to him, most men would have turned a quick shot to say the Lord was cursing them, but yet Job still praised God. As hard as it is, I want to say that we should praise God for who He is.
Satan has attacked these two young people, but God will heal them. The hardest thing to do right now is to trust that fact. Trusting that God will heal these two people, trusting that He has His reasons for allowing this to happen. We can't do much. We can't do anything to fix them. No matter how hard we try, nothing we do will make them become cancer free. We can only pray and trust that God will fulfill His promises to be the healer. It's hard to trust Him as it is, but now it's even harder. I'm sure there are people right now who are questioning why God would let this happen to such a great person, but we can't make it God's fault, because it's not. We must be ever praising to Him, and know that He is still there, working on it. He is in control and He will make it better.
It breaks my heart to know a good friend of mine is going through this. Like I said, no one deserves this. My heart goes out to the family of these people. I understand being a friend to these people, but I can't imagine what it's like to have your sister, daughter, cousin, niece, or whatever other relation, go through this. I can't imagine how hard it's gotta be.
I can only pray and trust in the Lord's plan. He knows what's going on. He has already seen the outcome. We must trust that He is in control.
I also wanted to post a song on here, but seeing as I'm at school I can't really post it. I will post it later, but if you read before I do, the song is called Death Has Died by Andy Mineo.
That's it
Love you guys
TJ
Why?
Why that person? Why someone so nice? Why someone who has their whole life ahead of them? (Not saying old people should have it either) Why a person who doesn't do bad things on purpose? This is a struggle. It really makes people question God, and why He would let something happen to someone so innocent. I can only really think of one thing, and it's not really an answer
In the Bible, there's the book of Job. Job was a righteous man by most accounts, and he was faithful to God. The Devil came to God. He had been roaming the land just looking for someone to trip up. God asked the Devil, "Have you considered my servant, Job? There is no one on Earth like him. He is upright and blameless. A man who fears God and shuns evil." From this passage, you can see that God knows and loves Job, but yet still will allow something to happen to him. Satan says to God, "But now, stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse your face" God allowed Satan to destroy all he had, but not to touch the man himself. Satan took everything. Took his seven sons, and three daughters, and killed them. Burned all 700 of his sheep, all 500 donkeys, all 500 yoke of oxen, and all three thousand camels. He lost everything. Thing is, He still praised God. He didn't accuse God of doing anything wrong. With his words, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord be praised." In all that had happened to him, most men would have turned a quick shot to say the Lord was cursing them, but yet Job still praised God. As hard as it is, I want to say that we should praise God for who He is.
Satan has attacked these two young people, but God will heal them. The hardest thing to do right now is to trust that fact. Trusting that God will heal these two people, trusting that He has His reasons for allowing this to happen. We can't do much. We can't do anything to fix them. No matter how hard we try, nothing we do will make them become cancer free. We can only pray and trust that God will fulfill His promises to be the healer. It's hard to trust Him as it is, but now it's even harder. I'm sure there are people right now who are questioning why God would let this happen to such a great person, but we can't make it God's fault, because it's not. We must be ever praising to Him, and know that He is still there, working on it. He is in control and He will make it better.
It breaks my heart to know a good friend of mine is going through this. Like I said, no one deserves this. My heart goes out to the family of these people. I understand being a friend to these people, but I can't imagine what it's like to have your sister, daughter, cousin, niece, or whatever other relation, go through this. I can't imagine how hard it's gotta be.
I can only pray and trust in the Lord's plan. He knows what's going on. He has already seen the outcome. We must trust that He is in control.
I also wanted to post a song on here, but seeing as I'm at school I can't really post it. I will post it later, but if you read before I do, the song is called Death Has Died by Andy Mineo.
That's it
Love you guys
TJ
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Relationships In Ministry
A few weeks ago, I learned about a few different types of ministry, and we talked about the pros and cons of each one. I'm not going into that part, but I am going to talk about the one that is involved in the ministry that I most associate myself with. Young Life
In Young Life, we are all about relationships. That is the best way to really get to know someone and to watch them as they grow. Even if you don't get to see their lives go to Jesus, you have a good friend, and you can see them start to change a bit. A seed gets planted, and you never know what can happen.
Well obviously this relationship has the upside, of being one of the best chances of watching lives get changed, but it's definitely the hardest. In every respect, it forces you to be intentional, and really get to know someone. This can be one of the hardest parts of being there. You can't be scared to talk to people, and even if you are, you're not relying on your power to do it anyway. My big problem with this is that we can be tricked into thinking that being in this ministry, that everything we do is helping. I know that I use facebook as a tool maybe a bit too much. I am always telling people they should go on facebook, but I don't always tell people that I want them there, from the bottom of my heart. Facebook is a good tool, but it should not be my main source of relationship building.
I've seen a few things in the recent weeks, I have seen a lot of facebook posts, regrettably maybe a few from me saying things that do nothing but turn people off to the idea of coming. We have been using it in the wrong way, and that's not okay. Why is it so hard for us to build the relationships like those who lead us built them? Why is it hard for us to do it? I blame me being an introvert, but that's not good enough. I use my excuses that are not okay to use, but yeah beside the point. We need to really run after certain people. Honestly, we've had this thing going where if 100 people show up, my head's getting shaved. Why don't we honestly, lovingly, and intentionally go after the people we want there, instead of posting it, and telling everyone at once. We should invite those who we are really loving.
Just my thoughts of today.
TJ
In Young Life, we are all about relationships. That is the best way to really get to know someone and to watch them as they grow. Even if you don't get to see their lives go to Jesus, you have a good friend, and you can see them start to change a bit. A seed gets planted, and you never know what can happen.
Well obviously this relationship has the upside, of being one of the best chances of watching lives get changed, but it's definitely the hardest. In every respect, it forces you to be intentional, and really get to know someone. This can be one of the hardest parts of being there. You can't be scared to talk to people, and even if you are, you're not relying on your power to do it anyway. My big problem with this is that we can be tricked into thinking that being in this ministry, that everything we do is helping. I know that I use facebook as a tool maybe a bit too much. I am always telling people they should go on facebook, but I don't always tell people that I want them there, from the bottom of my heart. Facebook is a good tool, but it should not be my main source of relationship building.
I've seen a few things in the recent weeks, I have seen a lot of facebook posts, regrettably maybe a few from me saying things that do nothing but turn people off to the idea of coming. We have been using it in the wrong way, and that's not okay. Why is it so hard for us to build the relationships like those who lead us built them? Why is it hard for us to do it? I blame me being an introvert, but that's not good enough. I use my excuses that are not okay to use, but yeah beside the point. We need to really run after certain people. Honestly, we've had this thing going where if 100 people show up, my head's getting shaved. Why don't we honestly, lovingly, and intentionally go after the people we want there, instead of posting it, and telling everyone at once. We should invite those who we are really loving.
Just my thoughts of today.
TJ
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Friends
I began reading "Love Does" by Bob Goff soon after I got home from Work Crew this past summer. It was a book that I had heard many things about, and, one of my best friends from Work Crew, who I unfortuanately haven't gotten to talk to much, was reading it for the entire month. He told me so much about it, and I wanted to read it so badly. Well, at the end of the month, we had this thing where if we had the verses John 15:1-13 memorized, we got the book "Love Does" and 4 Young Life cups ahah. A silly prize, but it was worth it haha. I, by the grace of God am good with memory. The Lord has gifted me a great memory, so memorizing a passage with the help of friends was probably the easiest thing I did the entire month.
Well, after receiving my book, and cups, I started to read the book after I got home, because I was already reading another book that the Minister to Students at my church sent me. After I started reading Love Does, I thought it was the best thing ever. He tells you some stories that you have to read twice in order to make sure your mind isn't making them up because some of them are rediculous. Some of the stories he tells in this book are very hard to believe, but it's a real thing. They actually happened.
Well, after a few months of reading Love Does along with a few other things, I started my normal becoming lazy. I stopped reading everything that I was reading (one of those books being the Bible itself) and I started my slow roll downhill, because I started not to follow what John 15 says. John 15:5 says "...Apart from me, you can do nothing" That was the most literal statement I've ever read. We can't really do much without remaining in Christ as that passage is so avidly about. That's a little beside the point though.
I recently remembered that I never finished Love Does, so I picked it up from one of my boxes at home, and started reading it again. One specific quote that I read today made me smile, and think. "You know what it is about someone that makes them a friend? A friend doesn't just say things; a friend does." I thought that was one of the best things that I have read in a while.
The reason that quote got to me is probably because I have seen many people who I call friends not act like it. I can honestly say I am not real friends with everyone who is on my facebook friends list. There are many people there who I have never met, simply because of college, and maybe mutual friends of Young Life friends. We've all heard the typical friend statements: "I will always be here for you" and such like that. Maybe they give you a "friends" opinion. How many of those people will actually be there for you if you need them, or if you simply want to hang out? This is the thing that makes a friend, a friend. A friend doesn't just say they will be there, or they want to hang out. A real friend WILL be there, and a real friend will be with you when you want to be with them if possible. Like the book says "Love Does" "...A friend does"
Living in this first world society where it seems like everyone has a laptop, a cell phone, their families have 2 or 3 cars, and knowing that I live in a world where I have my school laptop, which isn't mine to keep, I don't have a cell phone, My dad and I have 1 car that keeps breaking down nowadays, and I feel like because of these things people cast me away for whatever reason. Sometimes, I feel like I am seen as "lesser" or not as good as everyone wants me to be. One of my biggest struggles this year is trying to hang out with all of my friends, because I may not see them again after June 7th. Trying to do this without having a definite way of contacting them outside of facebook has been the most stressful thing I have had to do all year. It's mentally draining, and has hurt me emotionally. I hate being alone, and when I think of the fact that people don't like being with me, or talking to me, and not knowing why, it hurts like crazy.
This quote I've talked about brought up that thought yesterday, and I hate the fact that it did, but there are positives to it as well. I think that without reading this, I would be completely ignorant to the fact that I probably don't have as many friends as I think I do. Because people tell me they're going to be there for me, or whatever. When I really need a friend though, very few of them, if any of the people there at all will be there. It feels like I don't have people I can constantly depend on. It's the worst feeling in the world.
One thing I do want to say is that the quote I used is out of context. If you put the context there, it's a very happy thing to say. It wasn't meant to make me think these things, but looking at that quote by itself, it has sent me into a feeling that I don't have many people I can really rely on. On the flip side of that statement, I am grateful for the ones that are there. They help make things better. I just don't think I know who they are all the time. I look to the wrong people, and give myself to them a lot of times, for absolutely nothing. It's annoying
I don't wanna complain, but I'm worn out, and stressed out. it's not good, and I wish it would stop.
That's all for today.
TJ
Well, after receiving my book, and cups, I started to read the book after I got home, because I was already reading another book that the Minister to Students at my church sent me. After I started reading Love Does, I thought it was the best thing ever. He tells you some stories that you have to read twice in order to make sure your mind isn't making them up because some of them are rediculous. Some of the stories he tells in this book are very hard to believe, but it's a real thing. They actually happened.
Well, after a few months of reading Love Does along with a few other things, I started my normal becoming lazy. I stopped reading everything that I was reading (one of those books being the Bible itself) and I started my slow roll downhill, because I started not to follow what John 15 says. John 15:5 says "...Apart from me, you can do nothing" That was the most literal statement I've ever read. We can't really do much without remaining in Christ as that passage is so avidly about. That's a little beside the point though.
I recently remembered that I never finished Love Does, so I picked it up from one of my boxes at home, and started reading it again. One specific quote that I read today made me smile, and think. "You know what it is about someone that makes them a friend? A friend doesn't just say things; a friend does." I thought that was one of the best things that I have read in a while.
The reason that quote got to me is probably because I have seen many people who I call friends not act like it. I can honestly say I am not real friends with everyone who is on my facebook friends list. There are many people there who I have never met, simply because of college, and maybe mutual friends of Young Life friends. We've all heard the typical friend statements: "I will always be here for you" and such like that. Maybe they give you a "friends" opinion. How many of those people will actually be there for you if you need them, or if you simply want to hang out? This is the thing that makes a friend, a friend. A friend doesn't just say they will be there, or they want to hang out. A real friend WILL be there, and a real friend will be with you when you want to be with them if possible. Like the book says "Love Does" "...A friend does"
Living in this first world society where it seems like everyone has a laptop, a cell phone, their families have 2 or 3 cars, and knowing that I live in a world where I have my school laptop, which isn't mine to keep, I don't have a cell phone, My dad and I have 1 car that keeps breaking down nowadays, and I feel like because of these things people cast me away for whatever reason. Sometimes, I feel like I am seen as "lesser" or not as good as everyone wants me to be. One of my biggest struggles this year is trying to hang out with all of my friends, because I may not see them again after June 7th. Trying to do this without having a definite way of contacting them outside of facebook has been the most stressful thing I have had to do all year. It's mentally draining, and has hurt me emotionally. I hate being alone, and when I think of the fact that people don't like being with me, or talking to me, and not knowing why, it hurts like crazy.
This quote I've talked about brought up that thought yesterday, and I hate the fact that it did, but there are positives to it as well. I think that without reading this, I would be completely ignorant to the fact that I probably don't have as many friends as I think I do. Because people tell me they're going to be there for me, or whatever. When I really need a friend though, very few of them, if any of the people there at all will be there. It feels like I don't have people I can constantly depend on. It's the worst feeling in the world.
One thing I do want to say is that the quote I used is out of context. If you put the context there, it's a very happy thing to say. It wasn't meant to make me think these things, but looking at that quote by itself, it has sent me into a feeling that I don't have many people I can really rely on. On the flip side of that statement, I am grateful for the ones that are there. They help make things better. I just don't think I know who they are all the time. I look to the wrong people, and give myself to them a lot of times, for absolutely nothing. It's annoying
I don't wanna complain, but I'm worn out, and stressed out. it's not good, and I wish it would stop.
That's all for today.
TJ
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
You Are
When I can't find the words
To say how much it hurts
You are the healing in my heart
When all that I can see
Are broken memories.
You are the light that's in the dark
You are the song, You are the song I'm singing
You are the air, You are the air I breathe in.
You are the hope, You are the hope I'm needing
Whoa, oh, oh.
And when my circumstance
Leaves me with empty hands
You're the provider of my needs
And when my dirtiness
Has left me helpless
You are the rain that washes me
You are the song, You are the song I'm singing.
You are the air, You are the air I breath in.
You are the hope, You are the hope I'm needing
Whoa, oh, oh.
You are the song, You are the song I'm singing.
You are the air, You are the air I breath in.
You are the hope, You are the hope I'm needing
Whoa, oh, oh.
If I had no voice, if I had no tongue
I would dance for you, like the rising sun
And when that day comes, and I see your face
I will shout your endless glorious praise
If I had no voice, if I had no tongue
I would dance for you, like the rising sun
And when that day comes, and I see your face
I will shout your endless glorious praise
You are the song, You are the song I'm singing.
You are the air, You are the air I breath in.
You are the hope, You are the hope I'm needing
Whoa, oh, oh.
You are the song, You are the song I'm singing.
You are the air, You are the air I breath in.
You are the hope, You are the hope I'm needing
Whoa, oh, oh.
To say how much it hurts
You are the healing in my heart
When all that I can see
Are broken memories.
You are the light that's in the dark
You are the song, You are the song I'm singing
You are the air, You are the air I breathe in.
You are the hope, You are the hope I'm needing
Whoa, oh, oh.
And when my circumstance
Leaves me with empty hands
You're the provider of my needs
And when my dirtiness
Has left me helpless
You are the rain that washes me
You are the song, You are the song I'm singing.
You are the air, You are the air I breath in.
You are the hope, You are the hope I'm needing
Whoa, oh, oh.
You are the song, You are the song I'm singing.
You are the air, You are the air I breath in.
You are the hope, You are the hope I'm needing
Whoa, oh, oh.
If I had no voice, if I had no tongue
I would dance for you, like the rising sun
And when that day comes, and I see your face
I will shout your endless glorious praise
If I had no voice, if I had no tongue
I would dance for you, like the rising sun
And when that day comes, and I see your face
I will shout your endless glorious praise
You are the song, You are the song I'm singing.
You are the air, You are the air I breath in.
You are the hope, You are the hope I'm needing
Whoa, oh, oh.
You are the song, You are the song I'm singing.
You are the air, You are the air I breath in.
You are the hope, You are the hope I'm needing
Whoa, oh, oh.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
The End of a Long, Winding Road
Tomorrow marks the start of the 4th nine weeks of my senior year. There is only 1 nine weeks left, and I honestly can not believe it. This year has not slown down at all, and nothing is going to. It seems like just a month ago, I was strapping on football cleats, and going out for my last two-a-day practices. My first Young Life as a senior. It all has come and go so fast. I am in shock.
The beginning of this year, I wanted to do something crazy. I wanted to be a different senior. If I'm honest, I've not been doing my job very well. I've watched a few of my freshman friends make some stupid mistakes, which I could have helped them not to make. I've seen myself start to stop caring completely. I've watched my life start to roller coaster.
On the flip side, I also wanted to become a better leader, and learn more. I know that I have grown as a leader, and even though I no longer lead Wyldlife, I have grown since I have had to stop, and I want to keep growing. I can't wait to go to Liberty University next fall,and start to train as a Young Life leader. I can't wait to see what is in store for me. I can't believe high school is almost over, but at the same time, I can't even describe how excited I am for college.
I can't believe it's almost over. The thought crosses my mind in basically every conversation I have. It's such a bittersweet moment. Knowing that I have all these friends I am possibly never going to see again, the fact that after this year, my life will definitely never be the same. I will not face a more important time in my life, maybe until I get married, or have a kid or something.
This crazy road has helped me, hurt me, broken me, fixed me, and everything in between. I can't believe it's close to over, and I almost don't want it to be over. I just know that I have to go with what I'm given. I'm thankful that I have been through it, but it's still going to be the saddest day in the world when it hits me that I am no longer in high school anymore. I hate the simple fact that I will possibly not see some of my best friends again after this year! That's Crazy!
To all my senior friends, lets end off high school with a bang! Lets change the school dramatically, and leave our legacy behind. I have loved spending the last 4 years with all of you at Cave Spring. I may not like all of the seniors at CS, but they all have affected me in some way. I'm truly going to miss y'all when it's all said and done.
Here's to the last nine weeks of high school!
TJ
Happy St Patrick's Day everyone.
The beginning of this year, I wanted to do something crazy. I wanted to be a different senior. If I'm honest, I've not been doing my job very well. I've watched a few of my freshman friends make some stupid mistakes, which I could have helped them not to make. I've seen myself start to stop caring completely. I've watched my life start to roller coaster.
On the flip side, I also wanted to become a better leader, and learn more. I know that I have grown as a leader, and even though I no longer lead Wyldlife, I have grown since I have had to stop, and I want to keep growing. I can't wait to go to Liberty University next fall,and start to train as a Young Life leader. I can't wait to see what is in store for me. I can't believe high school is almost over, but at the same time, I can't even describe how excited I am for college.
I can't believe it's almost over. The thought crosses my mind in basically every conversation I have. It's such a bittersweet moment. Knowing that I have all these friends I am possibly never going to see again, the fact that after this year, my life will definitely never be the same. I will not face a more important time in my life, maybe until I get married, or have a kid or something.
This crazy road has helped me, hurt me, broken me, fixed me, and everything in between. I can't believe it's close to over, and I almost don't want it to be over. I just know that I have to go with what I'm given. I'm thankful that I have been through it, but it's still going to be the saddest day in the world when it hits me that I am no longer in high school anymore. I hate the simple fact that I will possibly not see some of my best friends again after this year! That's Crazy!
To all my senior friends, lets end off high school with a bang! Lets change the school dramatically, and leave our legacy behind. I have loved spending the last 4 years with all of you at Cave Spring. I may not like all of the seniors at CS, but they all have affected me in some way. I'm truly going to miss y'all when it's all said and done.
Here's to the last nine weeks of high school!
TJ
Happy St Patrick's Day everyone.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
And To Dust You Will Return
Yesterday, I went to my first ever Ash Wednesday service at my church. I had seen people come to school with a cross of ashes on their foreheads, but I never had one on my head before. I have never really known what to think about Ash Wednesday, but I knew it was the start of the season of Lent, or the 40 days before Easter Sunday. All I knew about Lent, was a lot of people gave stuff up, and that we didn't say "alleluia" during the communion talk thing at church. I had a very limited view of what Lent really was supposed to do
Luckily, I have a Youth Minister, or Minister to Students, as he calls it, that gave us a very accurate view of what it's supposed to be like. He gave the sermon about really focusing on letting the Lord come in and take away the bad things. He used Psalm 51, which was written by David after he had sent Bathsheba's husband to the front lines to kill him, after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba. He says
"Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compasssion
blotout my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin\
For I know my transgressions
and my sin is always before me
against you, you only have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge..."
This is David coming to the realization that he has sinned against God. He is aware that he is in sin, and he takes the right response to it. He doesn't get mad at God, he doesn't try to fix it himself, and he doesn't sulk about his sin. He takes it directly to God, and agrees that he has messed up. It's like a coming back to God.
When you confess your sin to God, you are agreeing with Him that you need His help. When you repent of your sin, you take a 180 degree turn away from your sin, and since sin is running the exact opposite way of God, you go back to the direction of God.
One thing we like to do in our society today is to try and fix everything by our own power. If we just do something about it, it will all be better. If we do it better next time, it will blot out our bad thing we did. The thing is, trying to fix ourselves is like trying to screw in a nail with a saw... It will never work. Or trying to run with a broken leg. It will be very painful, and you will fall again. What God wants us to do, is to respond like David did, and allow him to blot out our iniquities. He wants us to agree with Him that our sin is evident in our lives, and that we might be made clean only by the blood of Jesus.
All I can really remember now is that we need to focus on Jesus. The words that are said to you when you get the ashes put on your head kind of tell me that we are so small and that we can't fix ourselves, so we should focus on Christ, and He alone will fix us.
Thanks guys
TJ
"You are dust, and to dust you will return"
Luckily, I have a Youth Minister, or Minister to Students, as he calls it, that gave us a very accurate view of what it's supposed to be like. He gave the sermon about really focusing on letting the Lord come in and take away the bad things. He used Psalm 51, which was written by David after he had sent Bathsheba's husband to the front lines to kill him, after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba. He says
"Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compasssion
blotout my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin\
For I know my transgressions
and my sin is always before me
against you, you only have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge..."
This is David coming to the realization that he has sinned against God. He is aware that he is in sin, and he takes the right response to it. He doesn't get mad at God, he doesn't try to fix it himself, and he doesn't sulk about his sin. He takes it directly to God, and agrees that he has messed up. It's like a coming back to God.
When you confess your sin to God, you are agreeing with Him that you need His help. When you repent of your sin, you take a 180 degree turn away from your sin, and since sin is running the exact opposite way of God, you go back to the direction of God.
One thing we like to do in our society today is to try and fix everything by our own power. If we just do something about it, it will all be better. If we do it better next time, it will blot out our bad thing we did. The thing is, trying to fix ourselves is like trying to screw in a nail with a saw... It will never work. Or trying to run with a broken leg. It will be very painful, and you will fall again. What God wants us to do, is to respond like David did, and allow him to blot out our iniquities. He wants us to agree with Him that our sin is evident in our lives, and that we might be made clean only by the blood of Jesus.
All I can really remember now is that we need to focus on Jesus. The words that are said to you when you get the ashes put on your head kind of tell me that we are so small and that we can't fix ourselves, so we should focus on Christ, and He alone will fix us.
Thanks guys
TJ
"You are dust, and to dust you will return"
Monday, February 11, 2013
Mind=Blown
Tonight we had one of the largest groups at a Cave Spring Young Life club in my entire high school career. This is huge, because there were people there who have never been, or have never heard the gospel before, and they had a blast. Having a night like this makes me so excited to see what the Lord is doing at Cave Spring through our amazing group of Campaigners. They are all the best, and I love them all so dearly. I can't wait to see how things will change with the ending of my high school career, and watching people's lives be transformed is going to make it all the better! I can't wait!
With a heart that is Jacked up on Jesus,
TJ
With a heart that is Jacked up on Jesus,
TJ
Love What You're Doing
"So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her." Genesis 29:20
This verse only serves as an example of what I'm trying to say right here, right now. In the context with the verses around it, Jacob met a man named Laban who had 2 daughters and he liked Leah, the older of the two, but he was in love with Rachel, the younger. So he made a deal with Laban that he would serve seven years for Rachel's hand in marriage. As the verse says, he served for seven whole years before he could marry her, but he did so willingly, because he loved Rachel so much, and he kepts his eyes on his goal, of having Rachel as his wife. If you read on, you'll see that the Laban acutally gives Jacob Leah first, because he didn't feel it right to give the younger of the two before the older, so Jacob was married to Leah, but he desperately loved Rachel. He then worked another seven years for Rachel's hand. Jacob was not happy with Laban, but he would not be denied of Rachel, so he willingly gave up 14 years of his life. It doesn't say much for the second term of seven years, but I'm sure because of his love for Rachel, that they went by equally as quick. We all have those things that will fly by, because we love what we're doing, or what we're doing it for.
For me personally, Work Crew flew by. I loved almost everything about it. The people, the reason we were there, and everyhting else. The month I was there felt so quick, that I just couldn't believe it was over. When your heart is full of love for whatever you're doing, you will see that it flies so quickly. For those who love a sport, like I loved baseball, and football. Practices seemed to flow by most days, because I was just happy to be where I was. Work Crew, we were told that our goal was to serve kids for Christ, and hopefully see them turn their lives around completely. We loved seeing that, and that's what drove us.
I want you to think about the things you're passionate about. If you can, find a way to make it something you can do for your job. Find a goal you want to accomplish, and set it somewhere where you can work towards it, because it will make everything seem so much better. We talk about enthusiasm a lot in my school. If you love something, you're going to be enthusiastic about it. No matter how much it could suck, if you love it, it never does. That verse really stuck out to me, because I want to love someone so much that a lot of hard work seems like nothing because of my love for them, or my love for what I'm doing.
Love what you do. Do what you love.
TJ
This verse only serves as an example of what I'm trying to say right here, right now. In the context with the verses around it, Jacob met a man named Laban who had 2 daughters and he liked Leah, the older of the two, but he was in love with Rachel, the younger. So he made a deal with Laban that he would serve seven years for Rachel's hand in marriage. As the verse says, he served for seven whole years before he could marry her, but he did so willingly, because he loved Rachel so much, and he kepts his eyes on his goal, of having Rachel as his wife. If you read on, you'll see that the Laban acutally gives Jacob Leah first, because he didn't feel it right to give the younger of the two before the older, so Jacob was married to Leah, but he desperately loved Rachel. He then worked another seven years for Rachel's hand. Jacob was not happy with Laban, but he would not be denied of Rachel, so he willingly gave up 14 years of his life. It doesn't say much for the second term of seven years, but I'm sure because of his love for Rachel, that they went by equally as quick. We all have those things that will fly by, because we love what we're doing, or what we're doing it for.
For me personally, Work Crew flew by. I loved almost everything about it. The people, the reason we were there, and everyhting else. The month I was there felt so quick, that I just couldn't believe it was over. When your heart is full of love for whatever you're doing, you will see that it flies so quickly. For those who love a sport, like I loved baseball, and football. Practices seemed to flow by most days, because I was just happy to be where I was. Work Crew, we were told that our goal was to serve kids for Christ, and hopefully see them turn their lives around completely. We loved seeing that, and that's what drove us.
I want you to think about the things you're passionate about. If you can, find a way to make it something you can do for your job. Find a goal you want to accomplish, and set it somewhere where you can work towards it, because it will make everything seem so much better. We talk about enthusiasm a lot in my school. If you love something, you're going to be enthusiastic about it. No matter how much it could suck, if you love it, it never does. That verse really stuck out to me, because I want to love someone so much that a lot of hard work seems like nothing because of my love for them, or my love for what I'm doing.
Love what you do. Do what you love.
TJ
Monday, January 7, 2013
Home Stretch
In 3 days, the last first semester of high school ends. Thus starting the last semester I will ever have of high school. Some of my best friends are going through this same thing. Our last time to show kids what's different about our lives. The last times some of us will step onto an athletic field will come in the next semester. Some will get to see dramatic changes, and some still will continue on without much change if any. I hope that one thing everyone gets a chance to do is learn something they didn't know. Or they open their minds to new things.
I hope that things this last semester will get better for those who have not enjoyed this last one, and stay golden for those who have. I just want to make my last high school semester one to remember. With everything I do, and with everyone I encounter, I want to be different. Maybe even be comfortable with being weird. Stop trying to be like other people, and just be who I was created to be.
I would say a good challenge for everyone is that they should take a stab at being comfortable in being uncomfortable. Do things you didn't want to, do hard things that take more time. That's something we can all take away from. I just wanna grow this semester, physically would be nice, but intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. I just want to grow. I think everyone should want to grow.
Til next time.
TJ
I hope that things this last semester will get better for those who have not enjoyed this last one, and stay golden for those who have. I just want to make my last high school semester one to remember. With everything I do, and with everyone I encounter, I want to be different. Maybe even be comfortable with being weird. Stop trying to be like other people, and just be who I was created to be.
I would say a good challenge for everyone is that they should take a stab at being comfortable in being uncomfortable. Do things you didn't want to, do hard things that take more time. That's something we can all take away from. I just wanna grow this semester, physically would be nice, but intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. I just want to grow. I think everyone should want to grow.
Til next time.
TJ