- Trace double dutching while holding Taylor Jo, and actually succeeding
- The little girl who ran away screaming when I offered her cole slaw at the block party
- Trace driving by to check on us every single time Baylee sat down
- Madison standing on Carrie and Taylor's shoulders to fix a swing "for the kids" =)
- Teeter-totter vs. seesaw
- Barclay's awesome humor and laugh that brings joy to any conversation and a smile to your face
- The moment of silence after Andrew asked us a question in Bible study because we couldn't even get close to comprehending the answer
- Talking about God's creation and how there's no way it happened by chance with Jeffrey
- Calling Veronica "Nevada" or "Vegas"
- Getting sick Monday night and missing dinner, but being able to witness the amazing sunset on the beach alone with God
- Being nicknamed "Jarebear" by the guys in my house
- "Heads up," when Trace kept remembering things he needed to tell us right before prayer
- Seeing our group love on the whole community during the block party
- The amazing final worship service
- "Ridin' deep" in Cameron's truck all week (five people in the back seat, on top of each other)
- Cramming into Cassie's car when she thought we were on outreach, and playing with Gray all the way back home
- Singing "Revelation Song" at the last worship service
- The huge waves and the sand blowing up at your face that felt like needles
- Moving up from Scum 2 to Vice President chair by chair, only to be demoted back to Scum the very next round
- Meeting a fellow Decaturian at Trace's and talking about ridiculous basketball games
- The horribly messy room with my clean and organized corner
- The awesome bus ride back home with Barclay, Luke, and Carly
- Baylee telling us about some of her odd tastes in food
- The goldfish in the PB&J sandwich
- Trace walking in the house we were working on and half of us are asleep
- Everyone else being really cold when I'm burning up
- Seeing all the beautiful families we had come with us on the trip
- Talking to Barclay and Luke for several hours until after 2 AM when I'd barely talked in my house the whole week
- Working right next door to a crew that was relentless in their work and as cheerful as could be
- Madison jumping at the opportunity to use any power tools =)
- "We need sandpaper, but you got SPONGES!"
- Spilling red paint on a freshly painted white wall, only to have it cover up beautifully in one coat
- 220+ voices praising the Lord in a single room, and a lack of any personal space (awesome place to worship!)
- Alan "Mr. Jim said he wanted to talk to us, he looked like a father that's disappointed in his son"
Mr. Jim "Hey guys, I'm going to make breakfast in the morning around 7:45"
Alan "...totally misread that"
- "I can't find the screwdriver" "Maybe it is in the oven?" (and it was actually under the oven, close enough!)
- Barclay talking about how awesome the photographer of the pictures in McDonald's is
- Getting 11 bags of chips for a 7 person crew
- "Hey Britton, can you get that? I can't reach"
- Taylor sending the girls ahead to the jobsite with Cameron while the guys waited for another hour because Trace couldn't leave yet
- George Strait
- "This won't work..." "Lick it"
There's probably a lot more, but that's all I can think of for now. Good times!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Amplify 2010 - What a blessing!
Last week, a group of college students from Auburn traveled to Port St. Joe, Florida, to serve the Lord's people through construction, cleaning, yard work, and just simple and meaningful love to those in the community. I was blessed to go back again after going last year, and I am so excited to see all of the changes made in this community in just a few years. I wish I had been able to go in 2008, the first year the group went. For those that have, I bet it is amazing to witness all of the changes made and barriers broken down in the community!
It is so cool driving through the town and seeing so many houses being worked on, so many wonderful people being ministered to in the streets and kids being loved by college students. I can't fathom, after seeing what we all saw last week, how any of us could neglect serving in the future! Knowing that God is using our talents and abilities to help those in need is so wonderful, and I don't intend for it to stop there! Everything I am, and have, is God's, and that includes my time, money, and ambition. Worldly things are not important, but the love of God is eternal, and His name of utmost importance. How can I sit idly by while people struggle with poverty, drugs, alcoholism, depression, loneliness, and every other problem humanity faces on a daily basis? I've been blessed to have all of my needs met, and it is about time I let these blessings overflow from myself unto others who desperately need the sustenance of Jesus Christ's love in their life.
Apart from working with the community and seeing the fruits of God's work, we also had an amazing time of fellowship and bonding within our own group. I absolutely loved working with my construction crew! We had a lot of fun and serving others with them was such a blessing to me. Seeing how they diligently gave up their time to serve was really convicting to me and inspired me to put so much more effort into serving. Watching the group building the porch right next to our job was particularly awesome! They never gave up, and formed such a great team. Through loving work like that, there's no reason to believe we can't change the world for the sake of the Gospel.
I also had a fantastic time with the group in my house. Though I didn't talk very much (yea guys, I'm overall a pretty silent person around new people), I did enjoy their company and particularly studying the Bible with them. They had such great insight and personal testimonies, and really opened my mind and heart to what God tries to tell us all on a daily basis. Contemplating some really big questions with them was awesome, like the moments of silence as we all just sat and thought about how mind-blowing God is after we'd talk about something. So fantastic!
I did make a lot of new friends on this trip, a few of whom have already made a great impact on me! I really look forward to getting to know them better in the future, and I hope we'll have a ton of future opportunities to serve others and learn more about the Lord.
God really put me in my place when I witnessed the sunset on Monday night. Thinking about how big everything is and how small I am is such an important thing to remember. He doesn't need me, but I desperately need Him! He's created so much, and so many fantastic and perfect things, yet He loves me and wants me to love Him back--how amazing is that! We don't deserve anything He gives us, yet He freely gives anyway! If only there were a way we could truly return His love. Spreading that love to others is a great way to start though, and I always want that to convict me into action.
To everyone who helped make this trip a possibility, I thank you! I love you guys and it was an honor serving with you!
- Jarebear =) (possibly the best nickname I've ever been given)
It is so cool driving through the town and seeing so many houses being worked on, so many wonderful people being ministered to in the streets and kids being loved by college students. I can't fathom, after seeing what we all saw last week, how any of us could neglect serving in the future! Knowing that God is using our talents and abilities to help those in need is so wonderful, and I don't intend for it to stop there! Everything I am, and have, is God's, and that includes my time, money, and ambition. Worldly things are not important, but the love of God is eternal, and His name of utmost importance. How can I sit idly by while people struggle with poverty, drugs, alcoholism, depression, loneliness, and every other problem humanity faces on a daily basis? I've been blessed to have all of my needs met, and it is about time I let these blessings overflow from myself unto others who desperately need the sustenance of Jesus Christ's love in their life.
Apart from working with the community and seeing the fruits of God's work, we also had an amazing time of fellowship and bonding within our own group. I absolutely loved working with my construction crew! We had a lot of fun and serving others with them was such a blessing to me. Seeing how they diligently gave up their time to serve was really convicting to me and inspired me to put so much more effort into serving. Watching the group building the porch right next to our job was particularly awesome! They never gave up, and formed such a great team. Through loving work like that, there's no reason to believe we can't change the world for the sake of the Gospel.
I also had a fantastic time with the group in my house. Though I didn't talk very much (yea guys, I'm overall a pretty silent person around new people), I did enjoy their company and particularly studying the Bible with them. They had such great insight and personal testimonies, and really opened my mind and heart to what God tries to tell us all on a daily basis. Contemplating some really big questions with them was awesome, like the moments of silence as we all just sat and thought about how mind-blowing God is after we'd talk about something. So fantastic!
I did make a lot of new friends on this trip, a few of whom have already made a great impact on me! I really look forward to getting to know them better in the future, and I hope we'll have a ton of future opportunities to serve others and learn more about the Lord.
God really put me in my place when I witnessed the sunset on Monday night. Thinking about how big everything is and how small I am is such an important thing to remember. He doesn't need me, but I desperately need Him! He's created so much, and so many fantastic and perfect things, yet He loves me and wants me to love Him back--how amazing is that! We don't deserve anything He gives us, yet He freely gives anyway! If only there were a way we could truly return His love. Spreading that love to others is a great way to start though, and I always want that to convict me into action.
To everyone who helped make this trip a possibility, I thank you! I love you guys and it was an honor serving with you!
- Jarebear =) (possibly the best nickname I've ever been given)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Outside Looking In
Here's a poem I wrote about some frustrations I've had about how we (and most definitely myself included!) can go to church and read our Bibles, etc, but we often don't do what we know we should, sometimes even intentionally. It is from the point of view of a condemned soul looking on from Hell at a Christian who does 'church' but doesn't follow what he says he believes.
Outside Looking In
You go to church to hear the pastor speak,
Listening intently though your will is weak.
For when you exit the cathedral door,
The message heard follows you no more.
Praying to the Lord, you ask for His aid,
To cover all the blunders you made.
But all you do when you say "Amen"
Is find new ways to make them again.
When reading the Bible, you meet together.
Does this make the studying better?
Yet out in the world, you are not so wise
In keeping this knowledge from an outsider's eyes.
You raise your hands and lift your voice,
How is worship such an easy choice?
For when you're done, we find your behavior
Does not at all resemble your Savior.
You told us naught of your Lord's affection,
And to us your silence meant rejection.
Do you follow Christ to escape from Hell
Yet condemn our souls there to dwell?)
Outside Looking In
You go to church to hear the pastor speak,
Listening intently though your will is weak.
For when you exit the cathedral door,
The message heard follows you no more.
Praying to the Lord, you ask for His aid,
To cover all the blunders you made.
But all you do when you say "Amen"
Is find new ways to make them again.
When reading the Bible, you meet together.
Does this make the studying better?
Yet out in the world, you are not so wise
In keeping this knowledge from an outsider's eyes.
You raise your hands and lift your voice,
How is worship such an easy choice?
For when you're done, we find your behavior
Does not at all resemble your Savior.
You told us naught of your Lord's affection,
And to us your silence meant rejection.
Do you follow Christ to escape from Hell
Yet condemn our souls there to dwell?)
Thursday, November 26, 2009
I am thankful for...
- God, and everything He has done for me throughout my life. I might not have a whole lot, but I have what is most important!
- An awesome family that I can always count on for support and love.
- The most amazing best friend ever, who's always there for me when I need a buddy
- All of my other great friends that make life worth living
- All of my church family, who pray for me and bring a smile to my face
- Auburn University, and the opportunity to get a great education at a great institution
- My Auburn family, War Eagle!
and lots of other stuff, too =)
I love you guys, Happy Thanksgiving!
- An awesome family that I can always count on for support and love.
- The most amazing best friend ever, who's always there for me when I need a buddy
- All of my other great friends that make life worth living
- All of my church family, who pray for me and bring a smile to my face
- Auburn University, and the opportunity to get a great education at a great institution
- My Auburn family, War Eagle!
and lots of other stuff, too =)
I love you guys, Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Some (just a few!) Truths. Hallelujah!
1. Look to Jesus, and you'll find all the joy you could ever possibly want. (Philippians 4:11-13)
2. Love God, trust in Him, praise Him, thank Him, listen to Him, share your defeats with Him, and he just might surprise you when you start feeling like it is all for naught. (Psalm 4:1-8)
3. When you love God, you feel God's immense love for YOU, and you have this sudden urge to love everyone you come in contact with. (1 John 5:1-3)
4. When you love God, you will want to change your life. (Psalm 119:9-16)
5. Friends and family are a direct gift from God and one of the many ways He chooses to express His love to you (and certainly one of the easiest ways for us to feel it!). (John 15:12-15)
6. I have the best friends any guy could ever, ever ask for. I love you guys so much!!!!!! And my closest buddies are such a wonderful support for my weaknesses. (1 Samuel 18:1-4)
Yea, I had a great day! Definitely felt the arms of Daddy reaching down to hold me today!
"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen!"
2. Love God, trust in Him, praise Him, thank Him, listen to Him, share your defeats with Him, and he just might surprise you when you start feeling like it is all for naught. (Psalm 4:1-8)
3. When you love God, you feel God's immense love for YOU, and you have this sudden urge to love everyone you come in contact with. (1 John 5:1-3)
4. When you love God, you will want to change your life. (Psalm 119:9-16)
5. Friends and family are a direct gift from God and one of the many ways He chooses to express His love to you (and certainly one of the easiest ways for us to feel it!). (John 15:12-15)
6. I have the best friends any guy could ever, ever ask for. I love you guys so much!!!!!! And my closest buddies are such a wonderful support for my weaknesses. (1 Samuel 18:1-4)
Yea, I had a great day! Definitely felt the arms of Daddy reaching down to hold me today!
"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen!"
Sunday, June 14, 2009
An amazing moment
So this happened forever ago, but I thought I would make a post about it to preserve it in case I should forget (though I highly doubt I ever will!)
Back in March, during Spring Break, I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Port St. Joe, Florida with my church in Opelika. During the course of the trip, we did a number of different things for the community, including construction, painting, cleaning, community outreach, among others.
One clear night, I decided to go down to the beach to stargaze and hear the calm waves of the ocean flow up onto the sand. I was quite happy to see that the cross we set up at the worship service that evening was still out there! I decided to go sit under it, and there I prayed and gave thanks to my Father and my Savior. The experience was totally overwhelming! I looked up at the sky and saw the millions of bright stars strewn out about the universe, God's own doing. It was as though I was looking upon the face of God Himself! Sitting under the cross, a symbol of my Savior's death that freed my life, while looking up in awe at God's amazing Creation is an experience that cannot be described in words. At that moment, I KNEW that my God whom I pray to and worship and try to follow is REAL, without a speck of doubt in my whole being. None of that is in vain. He is watching and he sees my heart and he knows my struggles and triumphs. He knows what I do for Him and when I forsake Him. He sees this, and although my heart and flesh consistently fail He still chooses to love me and give me more chances than anyone deserves. What a great Father!
It was a chilly night, but I didn't care. I was so overwhelmed with passion that I couldn't help but sing love and praises to my Lord and thank Him for all He does in my life and the life of my loved ones. I may not have a lot, but I have so much love in my life that I need nothing else--I have God, I have Jesus, I have the Holy Spirit. I have my family and my friends. I love the life the Lord has given me!
God bless!
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love for among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him." 1 John 4:7-9
Back in March, during Spring Break, I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Port St. Joe, Florida with my church in Opelika. During the course of the trip, we did a number of different things for the community, including construction, painting, cleaning, community outreach, among others.
One clear night, I decided to go down to the beach to stargaze and hear the calm waves of the ocean flow up onto the sand. I was quite happy to see that the cross we set up at the worship service that evening was still out there! I decided to go sit under it, and there I prayed and gave thanks to my Father and my Savior. The experience was totally overwhelming! I looked up at the sky and saw the millions of bright stars strewn out about the universe, God's own doing. It was as though I was looking upon the face of God Himself! Sitting under the cross, a symbol of my Savior's death that freed my life, while looking up in awe at God's amazing Creation is an experience that cannot be described in words. At that moment, I KNEW that my God whom I pray to and worship and try to follow is REAL, without a speck of doubt in my whole being. None of that is in vain. He is watching and he sees my heart and he knows my struggles and triumphs. He knows what I do for Him and when I forsake Him. He sees this, and although my heart and flesh consistently fail He still chooses to love me and give me more chances than anyone deserves. What a great Father!
It was a chilly night, but I didn't care. I was so overwhelmed with passion that I couldn't help but sing love and praises to my Lord and thank Him for all He does in my life and the life of my loved ones. I may not have a lot, but I have so much love in my life that I need nothing else--I have God, I have Jesus, I have the Holy Spirit. I have my family and my friends. I love the life the Lord has given me!
God bless!
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love for among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him." 1 John 4:7-9
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Jesus has overcome, and the grave is overwhelmed!
"They saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen!"
"He became sin, who knew no sin, that we might become His righteousness. He humbled Himself, and carried the cross. Love so amazing, love so amazing!
Jesus Messiah, name above all names, blessed redeemer, Emmanuel. The rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven; Jesus Messiah, Lord of All!
His body the bread, his blood the wine, broken and poured out all for love. The whole Earth trembled, and the veil was torn! Love so amazing, love so amazing!
Jesus Messiah, name above all names, blessed redeemer, Emmanuel. The rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven; Jesus Messiah, Lord of All!
All our hope is in You, all our hope is in You. All the glory to you, God, the Light of the world!
Jesus Messiah, name above all names, blessed redeemer, Emmanuel. The rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven; Jesus Messiah, Lord of All!
May God bless you all! I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter Sunday, and keep in mind the real reason for the holiday--Jesus died for YOU and ME, that we may be righteous and know God! The greatest love story ever told, and the greatest love we will ever know! God sends His very own Son down to us, to love us and set the greatest example for all of humanity.
"We are His portion, and He is our prize, brought to redemption by the grace in His eyes; if grace is an ocean, we're all sinking. So Heaven meets Earth like a sloppy wet kiss, and my heart beats violently inside of my chest. I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way He loves us, oh how He LOVES us!"
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