Just a Son

Steering Through Chaos

2010-03-22T15:55:00.006-05:00

I recently read through the new book Steering Through Chaos by Scott Wilson. The book has some great leadership insight to leading in ministry. I really enjoyed the book, and got a lot from Scott's many years of leadership. I especially enjoyed how other leaders gave insight in this book to confirm the concepts Scott was teaching. This book is a must read for leaders in transition.

You can purchase the book here: Steering Through Chaos

Hear No Evil

2010-02-19T16:41:00.003-06:00

Matthew Paul Turner's Hear No Evil is great. I really enjoyed the stories of his childhood growing up in a super conservative Baptist home. Hearing his stories of purity, and learning to really see God through the middle of it was very inspiring to me. I laughed a lot during this book with it's humor and truth. Turner says the things that so many of us wish we would. I really feel like I made a friend in Turner through this book (maybe someday I'll be lucky enough to meet him). I really enjoyed the relaxed style of this book, and the heart he poured into it. This book is fun and heartfelt. I recommend it to anyone wanting a new perspective on Christianity. Purchase the book here: Hear No Evil

This book was provided by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

What if?

2010-02-03T14:28:00.004-06:00

A lot of stuff has been running through my head lately, and a conversation with a friend last week really got me thinking. What would the church look like if we really lived out the Bible and the Christianity it portrays instead of the Christianity we Americans have made it to be.

What if we actually took Matthew 28:19 seriously:

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Or if we took the great commandment(Matthew 22:36-39) and really applied it to our lives:

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Or what if more followers of Christ would live the life of a disciple risking their very life for Christ's namesake.

Or what if people actually realized just a fraction of how important they are to God. And really realized the power and true love of John 3:16:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Or what if the church really lived in community and actually acted like Acts 2:42-47:

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

And maybe we would make a bigger deal about the poverty in our own country, the poverty abroad, the Genocide in Darfur, the struggles of Uganda, the struggles of Congo, the people still living in human slavery, or even care more about a country like Haiti and not just because it's a buzzword and everyone else is doing something, but because the Love God has for us, and we want to share.

I don't know what all this would look like, but what if?

What does this look like for you on a personal level?

I have a Dream

2010-01-18T11:33:00.005-06:00

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

I have a dream. One day through my dreams the world will change. I may not see that day. I will strive for that dream. The dream is much much bigger than me. I cannot accomplish my dream by my own means. My dream is not about money, power, or things. Do you have a dream? Is it bigger than you? Can you do it on your own? Will it affect others? I dare you to dream beyond yourself. Seek that desire deep down inside of you. It is much beyond you, you were created for it, and only you can make the difference YOU were created for! Martin Luther King Jr’s dream went much beyond him. Even to his grave. Are you willing to even give your life up for your dream?

2010.

2010-01-05T17:53:00.003-06:00

Well here we go! It's another year and big things are coming! 2009 was insane. I can't believe everything that happened. From graduating MCUSA, to Sleeping Life, to living in North Liberty and working for Life Church. So many great things happened, and I'm so thankful for them all. Thankful to have a faithful God who loves me. I know 2010 has a lot in store, and I'm excited for it all. Here are some of my "resolutions" for the year.
1)Write a book. I have the idea, and plan on actually doing it this year. I know I planned on it last year, but it just didn't happen.
2)No soda for the entire year. Time to be a little healthier.
3)Run in five different running races this year. One of which will be over marathon distance.
4)1 blog entry per week. Well we tried this last year, but failed as well. Lets go again!
5)One year bible reading plan. Well here we go year 3!

I have a few more goals, but won't list them all. It's not the most fun. What are your goals or resolutions for the year?

On a less task driven level I want to love God and love people like I have never done before. I want to push to a new level in my relationships to serve others as much as I possibly can.

Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity

2009-12-22T15:27:00.004-06:00

This book is freaking amazing! Mark Batterson explores the Lost Soul of Christianity, and breaks it down to it's core. The book gives a refreshing look at the Great Commandment and Commission. I really enjoyed this book, and have been quoting it in conversation since I started reading it. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to look into their relationship with Christ, and looking to be a part of the next Reformation.
Amo Dei.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah. Click the WaterBrook Link to purchase this book online now!

Conviction of Love

2009-12-12T17:15:00.006-06:00

Love Chapter: NIV

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.5 It is not rude, it is not self‑seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 John 4:16

16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

Love Chapter: NIV with a little description of Jesus, because He is fully God, and fully man.

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not Jesus, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not Jesus, I am nothing.

3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not Jesus, I gain nothing.
4 Jesus is patient, Jesus is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.5 He is not rude, He is not self‑seeking, He is not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs.6 Jesus does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

7 He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Jesus never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and Jesus. But the greatest of these is Jesus.

Now here comes the conviction! Can you describe yourself like this? I can't, but it's something to strive for.

4 I am patient, I am kind. I do not envy, I do not boast, I am not proud.5 I am not rude, I am not self‑seeking, I am not easily angered, I keeps no record of wrongs.6 I do not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

7 I always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Looks like I have a few things to seek Jesus and work on. Do you?

Crap Work

2009-10-18T22:44:00.004-05:00

Sometimes in life we have to do stuff we really don't like. We constantly have to do things that we don't want to do, but they help us either get to where we want to be, or help the things we do like to do.

Example of doing something that will help us later. Right now, I hate accounting. I hate the homework, and I really don't enjoy the learning of it. I have to take it to get into the Marketing Program at Iowa. I want to get a degree in Marketing, not because I'm so excited about marketing, but because I think it is somewhat interesting, and I think it will help me with eventually planting a church. Too many churches lack wisdom on the business side of things, and when I start a church, I don't want to be one of those churches, this is why I want to do Marketing. Unfortunately this means I have to do some stuff I really don't like to do, but it will help me get to be where I want to go.

This whole idea reminds me of worshiping God. While I was in Masters Commission I learned a lot about worship, and they taught me a lot about what it means to worship. There are two ways we worship God; when we want to, and when we don't. I am realizing, (even though I was taught it sometimes takes a living example to realize some things), that it is very important to worship God when we don't want to. Not that worship is about us, but it is much more beneficial to us when we worship even though we don't want to. It shows God our faithfulness, and it opens to door for him to change our heart to be more like His.

What are you doing that you don't like? Or what should you be doing that you are avoiding, and will help you get where you need to go?

Rescued

2009-10-13T21:32:00.005-05:00

Psalm 118

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.

17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.

18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support.

19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

I need him. I cannot do it by myself. This is a constant reminder everyday. He rescued me from myself, and by his power, not mine, do I change. I surrender to him. I am comforted by him.

Major Success

2009-10-11T20:06:00.003-05:00

Our Love Wins Campaign yesterday rocked! I had hoped for about 6 or 7 volunteers to have two teams and hopefully touch about 60-70 homes. We had 17 people show up, and we hit about 250 homes! It was 34 degrees out and snowing. Pastor and I had decided to cancel, then all our volunteers started showing up, and said "why wouldn't we? It's Iowa, it'll just get colder, we can handle this" so we went. We met a lot of people, and helped out a few. Yesterday was really introductory, and just got to meet a lot of people. We ended up doing some work, as one family did not have running water working in their home, but we are getting it hooked up for them. Hopefully we'll get that project done tomorrow, as a few of us go back in the afternoon! I love this! Such a great day! Jesus is good. On our way to live this thing called church and love everyone!

Welcome to the Revolution: Love Wins Campaign

2009-10-09T17:40:00.002-05:00

This weekend we will be starting our new outreach program for Life Church! It will be called the Love Wins Campaign. On Saturday October 10 at 9:15 am we will be meeting at the Coralville Rec Center to go over how everything will work, and to pray before we go out at 10:00 am. We will be done around 12:00pm.

We will be going into one of the trailer parks in North Liberty on Hwy 965. What we will be doing is knocking on doors and talking to the people in the trailer park. We will be offering to serve these people in many ways (yard work, house work, mowing, painting, raking leaves, cleaning, conversation, prayer, or anything else we can do on that morning). We really want to serve our way into these people's hearts. The whole goal of this campaign is to share the love of God, to be known in the community, to build relationships with the community, and to find out their needs so we can better serve them.

We will be going on 10/10, 10/24, 11/7, and on 11/21 to the same area. We are still working out details, but we will be doing a Thanksgiving activity on the last Saturday for the neighborhood, as it is the weekend before Thanksgiving. If you can come please try and come the following weeks as well, so we can build solid consistent relationships and share God's love for these people.

I know this may be a little nerve wracking and stretching, but please take the step out of your comfort zone and to share God's love for these people. Before we go out I will be going through details on what to say, and coaching on what we'll be doing. If you have any questions please contact me.

Let's go BE the Church.

Matthew 25:33 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,

Extraordinary

2009-10-06T20:13:00.005-05:00

I am currently reading Extraordinary by John Bevere. It's a book about living life for God, pleasing God, and living an extraordinary life. I personally am not a huge fan of it. It's pretty deep, and well honestly I'm not a huge fan of so much "Christian" language. I think you'd enjoy this book if you've been a Christian for some time, but if you're anywhere near the beginning of your walk I wouldn't recommend it.

Here is the summary from the publisher:

There's a question that troubles many believers: "Why am I not experiencing more joy, more hope, more satisfaction, more intimacy, more power, more everything in my Christian life--didn't Jesus promise that?"

He did promise an abundant life, but too many people are trapped by the curse of "the ordinary." They have accepted the wrong idea that following God means losing individuality, creativity, and a passion for achieving lofty goals.

Nothing could be further from the truth! John Bevere builds a convincing case, straight from Scripture, for a way of living marked by extraordinary experiences and accomplishments-the life God always intended for his children.

Here is a guide to understanding God's incredible plans, and how to enjoy a life where he adds the "extra" to "ordinary."

If you're interested in the book you can order it from this link: Extraordinary

Just a Son

2009-10-05T22:56:00.002-05:00

Well I've decided to try and recommit to the blog. I've been logging in lately and just staring at the page, not liking my background, then not posting anything so here goes.

I've got a new background, yeah it's a little dark, but I like it better. I've renamed the blog from Extreme Days to Just a Son. I've chosen Just a Son based off of, well the saying I post everywhere for my Bio and short descriptions of myself. I am not big on titles or positions. I try and be a servant and a leader in every position I am. I know who I am in God, and know that he has made me much more than JUST his son, but no other name can describe it like this.

I like Galatians 4:6&7. "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir."

I know God has blessed me with so much, and will continue to bless me. My life isn't about the blessings, but about Him. I strive to live in such a way that people can see my Father's image through me. This is why Just a Son.

Answered!

2009-08-26T11:21:00.003-05:00

Well a few weeks ago I posted a prayer request about my dad's face and my grandma Roller's cancer. Well my dad is done with his treatments, and his face is looking a lot better, he went to the doctor the last week of treatments, and the doctor said it looks good and come visit me in December. Praise God! My grandma had a complete hysterectomy last Monday, and is now staying with my parents until she is back to complete mobilization again. She is cancer free! Praise God!

Thank you so much for your prayers I really appreciate it, and thank you God for answering these prayers. All the Glory and Honor to Him.

Prayer Request

2009-08-12T16:38:00.003-05:00

I have a few prayer requests that if you take the time to read this blog, please take a moment to pray for my family. My dad has pre-cancer cells on his face and is currently going through a process to have them taken care of, but it's hard on him. Please pray for him, and that it gets all taken care of. Also, please pray for my mom's mother. We just found out on Monday that she has uterine cancer. They are going in for more tests to see how bad it is and what not, but please prayer for her.

I really appreciate the prayers. Thank you.

Visiting.

2009-08-12T16:31:00.004-05:00

This past weekend I visited Dallas. It was a great time to visit my friends down there. I love those people so much. I went to Relevant Church and it was really great to be with Frontline Worship again for the weekend, and heard John Alcala speak. He is the Invictus USA, college ministry, pastor at Relevant. Saturday I went to my kids' house. When I say kids I mean the kids I picked up every Sunday and took to church, which they are still going to church Praise Jesus. While I was at their apartment, which is 7 people in a two bedroom, the one boy, Giovanni, took me into their bedroom and showed me inside his wardrobe. In the wardrobe was a picture of me with Giovanni and his brother Alex. It was the only picture glued in the wardrobe. On the other door was my cross necklace that I gave to Giovanni for his birthday. I thought he lost it, because he never wore it, but he really just didn't want to lose it. I love these kids so much. It was such a blessing to me to see them again this weekend. It was a great trip and I'm so glad I got to see my friends, but I'm happy here in Iowa for the time being.

Parts to the Plan

2009-07-25T20:03:00.002-05:00

Well I'm back in Iowa for now. I'm am going to be helping out at Life Church in Iowa City as much as possible. I am also enrolling Kirkwood Community College as well do their Pre-Business Transfer program with a plan of transferring to the University of Iowa next fall to study Marketing. Not sure how I'm going to, but I want to move to Iowa City soon, I'm currently living back home with my parents for now in North English.

Currently I am working with my Grandpa doing random odd jobs and I love it. The work is fun, and pays well, but it's not consistent which makes things hard. I may work one day, then not the next. I have a lot of time, and am finding it a constant struggle to keep on task and keep my eyes on my dreams. Not a lot of people dream in North English, and it's kind of hard to not get pulled down by that lack. I'm just trying to keep my head up and eyes ahead, and not get pulled away from what I know is right.

2009-07-04T21:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday America. I love this country.

2009-06-26T23:07:00.001-05:00

Testing out this mobile blogger thing.

Trust

2009-06-26T13:54:00.004-05:00

I continue to pray small prayers, and God continues to blow me away. I pray for him to provide a way to fund Sleeping Life, and he gives abundantly. I pray for an answer, the one I want to hear or even the one I don't, and he give the answer I wanted. I don't know why I continue to ask small. I think He's waiting for me to pray risky prayers, and expect big answers, but lately, I haven't been praying too risky. Today I begin to pray and dream bigger than I ever have. I may not know where I'll be in two weeks, or what I'm doing this fall, but I trust Him who is worthy of being trusted with my future. As you read this I encourage you to trust God more today, and pray a risky prayer!

Life is Great

2009-06-18T16:15:00.005-05:00

Well the last few weeks I have been all over the place. I've slept in North English, Iowa, Winter Park, Colorado, Taft, California, Phoenix, AZ, on top of my car just south of the Grand Canyon, Page, AZ, in my jeep at the base of Humphrey's Peak near Flagstaff, AZ, Albuquerque, NM, and near Rio Chiquito, NM. God is taking me all over the place with Sleeping Life.

We have done four services(2 in Taft, one in Phoenix, and one in Page). The services have been going better than I could ever have expected. I guess God is showing me to expect more. He is taking care of us financially as well. We have been tremendously blessed, and I am incredibly thankful for it. I am so thankful for the doors that have been opening for us, and things that have been happening. At the services God has really been using us to minister to the people we encounter, and I am so humbled to be able to be used by God.

Life is so good right now, and I'm really living. I've been able to do a lot of cool things as well. I went boogeyboarding in Cali, hiking in Phoenix, wakeboarding, skiing, kneeboarding, and tubing in Page, hiking in Winter Park, hiked up Humphreys Peak in AZ which is the highest point in AZ abovt 12,600 feet, seen the Grand Canyon, slept outside, and just had some amazing experiences. This is what I call living! This is the Extreme life we are called to live, and I am living it and loving it!

Sleeping Life

2009-06-05T02:16:00.003-05:00

Waking people up to realize how important and powerful their life is.

Sleeping Life is what my next 5 weeks will consist of. James Yeley, a roommate from MCUSA in Dallas, and I will be traveling and speaking at youth groups and churches from California to Arkansas. Our main focus is to be proactive in the fight against suicide and depression. We are by far not counselors, but definitely good at being a friend. We want to help people realize how important they are, not only to God, but to other people as well, and to help them live their life to the maximum potential.

Our vision is to bring a message of hope and value to people across the country. We want to help a culture plagued with depression and suicidal thoughts and bring new perspective on their purpose in life.

We will be starting this adventure June 1, 2009 and concluding July 12, 2009. For booking please contact us at: sleepinglifetour@gmail.com

This will be a new season for me, since MC is done. More to come on the end of that, and the transisition to the new!

MMTR

2009-05-11T10:27:00.005-05:00

Last week I got registered to participate in the 2009 Mountain Masochist Trail Run. It will be on November 7, 2009. No lie, I'm a little scared about it. This race is about 52 miles in length, and I will be running it with my brother, Aron, and my cousins Travis and Alyssa Wildeboer! I'm really nervous, but excited to do it at the same time. Time for some more running! This is gonna' be a challenge!

Ambiguity!

2009-05-08T10:12:00.005-05:00

Ambiguity is being put on by Masters Commission USA. Masters Commission USA has classes of drama, ministry development, dance, and music. The drama final project was to create a full stage production including: writing the script, finding the venue, action, creating props, makeup, set design, costume design and creation, fundraising, marketing, lighting, sound, musical creation, directing, and all else that goes into a stage production. This is our production. We are not charging anything to see our show, but we will be taking up a free-will offering at the end of the show to raise money for a ministry in our Church called 2 Your Soul.

In the land of Piccadilly there lives a race of beings called Piccas. Piccas posses markings of different colors on their skin according to their age, gender, and temperament. Long ago a certain Picca was strolling through the land of Piccadilly when a colossal book fell from the sky onto the path before him opening to the word "chief". This Picca then deduced that he was now the chief of all the Piccas. He also concluded that every Picca should consult this book for their new identity. He named it "The Ginormous Book Of Words". So it came to pass that when Piccas reach the age of 216 moons (18 years old) they are bestowed a name from "The Ginormous Book Of Words". Our story begins with a teenage Picca named Zoe. Life for Zoe is what one would consider ideal. She has everything a young teenage Picca could ever hope for, loving parents, social status, impeccable boyfriend, ravishing features and a devoted best friend. Life is going swell for our young Picca friend, but as the day of the naming ceremony nears, little does she know, her whole world is about to be flipped upside down.

I'm really excited for this play. I got to help write the script, and have an amazing one line in it! We've put a lot of work into it, and everyone should come check it out next week in Coppell!

Emotions

2009-05-06T21:40:00.002-05:00

I'm not a person that wears their emotions very much. I can think of two times this year in MC that I've cried, it rare that I actually laugh out loud, and I've been told multiple times I look like a sad person or mad person.

Most of the times when people ask if I'm sad or mad, I'm not. I don't know why I don't wear my emotions at all. Tonight I was not in a good mood, felt frustrated and stressed in my head, when a friend looks at me and says, "Dude, do you worry about anything?" In reality I was worrying about a million things, but on my face I don't let people know. Is this weird? As a leader I think it's good not to wear your emotion too much, so the people you lead don't become worried, but then should leaders worry?

I think leaders should worry, but not fear. They should worry enough to feel the weight on their shoulders, but not scared enough where they can't move on.

A lot is going through my head, just wanted to throw something out there. So much stuff going on, but I love life. I'm ready to see my family.

Mass Chaos!

2009-05-06T15:56:00.005-05:00

Right now I feel like mass chaos in my mind. We're starting finals, so that means Ministry Development final (40 minute service including 4 speakers, human video, promo video, and more), Dance final (10-15 minute presentation, 2 speakers, full choreographed dance and step, props, costumes, theme), Scripture final (Test over 350 scriptures), Drama final (Full stage production called Ambiguity), and we are having an outreach on Saturday without our outreach director! Plus other dramatic stuff in life going on, but seems insane right now. Can't wait to tell stories of how great God is through the middle of all of it!

WOW!

2009-04-15T12:05:00.002-05:00

So much stuff has been happening lately. I feel like I've fallen off the blogosphere for a little while, but I'm working on getting back again. Since my last post I went to Puerto Rico and got back. It was a life changing experience, and I loved it! God showed up in so many ways, and rocked my world. I made some lasting relationships, and miss the people greatly! I'm still in the process of figuring out my plans for next year, but it's coming along. Not sure where I'll be yet, but I know that no matter where I am, it will be amazing!

Puerto Rico!

2009-03-29T21:20:00.003-05:00

I'm heading out to Puerto Rico tomorrow morning! It's my first mission trip and I'm really excited! Here is our schedule, which I stole from the message my director sent me!

MC USA Woven Missions Trip

Monday, March 30 th
3:00 pm - Vans leave to airport
3:15 pm – MC USA missions team arrives to Puerto Rico
4:00 pm - Take them to lodging quarters
4:30 pm – Begin to settle in lodging quarters
5:30 pm – MC USA welcome party
9:00 pm- Practice for services,
Walgreens or Walmart run for necessities

Tuesday, March 31st
7:20 am - Breakfast
7:50 am - Pick up MC USA at lodging quarters
8:00 am - Morning Prayer
8:40 am – Pastor Lloyd shares his heart
9:15 am - Orientation and mission strategy (All Rescate & PG )
10:30 am - Prepare for Rescate Hambrientos (Rescue the Hungry)
11:30 am - Lunch
12:30 pm – 4:00 - Rescate Hambrientos in Santurce, La Perla y
Bayamon
4:30 pm - Practice
6:00 pm - Dinner
7:00 pm - Leave to Iglesia Monte Sinai (Ben and half of the
team)
7:00 pm - Leave to Iglesia Sierra Bayamon (Pastor Lloyd and
half of the team)
7:30 pm - Service w/ Monte Sinai- MC USA
7:30 pm - Service w/ NDG- MC USA

Wednesday, April 1st
7:20 am - Breakfast
7:50 am - Pick up MC USA at lodging quarters
8:00 am – Morning Prayer
9:00 am – School Assembly practice
9:30 am - Load up and leave to school
10:00 am – Arrive and set up at Robinson School
10:30 am – Robinson School Assembly
12:30 pm – Lunch
2:00 pm – PG prep time
3:00 pm- Rescate chase Barbosa & Catano (in groups)
3:15 pm – Leave for Alhahmbra
4:00 pm- PG at Alhambra projects
5:30 pm- Shower and change
7:00 pm - Dinner at mama Cuka’s
8:30 pm - Practice for services

Thursday, April 2nd
7:20 am – Breakfast
7:50 am - Pick up MC USA at lodging quarters
8:00 am - Morning prayer
8:30 am - Prep for Retiro at Colegio & prep time for His Hands
9:00 am- Retiro de Colegio A/D (in groups)
9:00 am- Load up and leave to His Hands
10:00 am –“His Hands” at shooting galleries in La Perla and
Santurce (in groups)
12:00 pm – Lunch (in groups, some lunch will be served on site)
2:00 pm – PG prep time
3:00 pm- Rescate chase Jeanie & Alegria (in groups)
3:15 pm – Leave for Catano y Barbosa
4:00 pm- PG at Juana Matos projects & Barbosa projects
6:30 pm- Dinner
10:00 pm- Rescate chase Cenicienta (Rescue Cinderella)

Friday, April 3rd
7:20 am – Breakfast
7:50 am- Pick up MC USA at lodging quarters
8:00 am- Work day (help paint mc building)
12:00 pm - Lunch
1:00 pm – Continue with work day
3:00 pm - Begin clean up of work day
3:00 pm- Rescate chase La Perla (Rescue the Pearl) (in groups)
3:30 pm – Leave for Alegria y El Jeanie (in groups)
4:00 pm- PG at El Jeanie projects & Alegria projects
6:30 pm- Dinner
8:00 pm – Pepe Millo for MC USA (optional)
9:30 pm- Leave to the streets for prostitute outreach
11:00 pm- Rescate Cenicienta Café outreach

Saturday, April 4th
10:00 am - Breakfast
Rest time
1:00 pm - Lunch
2:00 pm – Leave to La Perla (The Pearl)
2:00 pm - Practice for night meeting
3:00 pm - PG at La Perla
6:30 pm - Dinner
7:30 pm - Youth event w/ Pastor Lloyd & MC USA

Sunday, April 5th
8:30 am - Breakfast
9:30 am - Morning service at Tabernaculo A/D w/ Pastor Lloyd
& MC USA (Assembly of God District Service)
12:00 pm – Lunch
1:30 pm – Visit Old San Juan
2:00 pm – Site seeing and fellowship time
8:00 pm - Travel back to lodging quarters

Monday, April 6th
8:00 am - Breakfast
8:30 am- Leave to El Yunke
10:00 am – Visit El Yunke (the rain forest) and swim in a nearby
river
12:30 pm - Lunch
1:30 pm – Leave El Yunke and head out to Luquillo beach
2:00 pm - Relax and enjoy Luquillo beach
5:30 pm - Leave and travel back to lodging quarters
7:00 pm - Dinner

Tuesday, April 7th
9:00 am – Breakfast
10:30 am - Pack van for airport and clean up lodging quarters
12:00 pm – Lunch
1:30 pm – Leave to airport
2:00 pm – Arrive to airport and Good Bye’s
4:00 pm- Fly out to TX

Unsure.

2009-03-26T13:09:00.004-05:00

Well my plans were to go back to Iowa State University this fall, but I'm unsure now. Masters Commission is changing a lot in the next year, and I want to be a part, but I'm not exactly sure that this is what God wants me to do. I have a dream of being a Lead Pastor and to plant a church someday. Where or when this will take place? I have no idea. I want to work toward that goal, but not exactly sure where God wants me to go with my next step. I will continue to pray about it and keep my options open. With time I'll know, and I'll keep everyone that reads this posted.

Cafe Brazil

2009-03-23T18:26:00.002-05:00

So over the past two days I've spent over 12 hours at Cafe Brazil. I love it! I've gotten a lot of work done as we finished our play, "Ambiguity", and I've gotten a few places booked to speak at this summer. I'm really excited about where God is taking me lately, and how much I've grown closer to him. Next Monday I get to head to Puerto Rico for my official first Missions Trip! I'm really excited and expecting a lot. I'm looking forward to the experience and just life in general.

Nuevo Mexico!

2009-03-13T13:30:00.003-05:00

Had an amazing trip to New Mexico last week. This was our team. We did three services and had a wonderful time. I got to help lead one service and speak at the end of it. I am very thankful for the opportunity to speak and just be on the trip altogether. I made some awesome friends out in New Mexico and am really looking forward to seeing them again! So much stuff happened on the trip I can't begin to write about it all!

Christian. . . or sucky

2009-02-27T13:19:00.005-06:00

In our world we live in the word Christian has become very different than the meaning. When it comes to shows, music, productions, movies, and other such things when attached to the word Christian automatically means that it will suck. I understand that not all Christians sucks, but neither are all things labeled Christian actually Christ Following!

I have a theory that popped into my head the other day about why Christian stuff sucks. Well, if you look at the typical youth group or at least my picture stuck in my head of the typical youth group, and no this has nothing to do with any youth group I have ever attended. If you look at the youth groups a lot of times they primarily consist of the loser kids. The kids no one else wants to hang out with, which is why we reach and love them. I am in no way saying reaching the unloved is wrong, but why not go for the kids that are harder to reach as well; the leaders, the jocks, and the "preppy kids".

My theory is that these "loser kids" grow up into our adult devout church members, and create crappy stuff. If most people didn't like what they liked as children, then this might not change when they grow up. Thus taking the non-cool ideas with them their whole life. I will have more to come on this in a later post.

True Life Study: Nimrod

2009-02-24T10:41:00.008-06:00

To me the name Nimrod to me is synonymous with idiot. I remember when I was little the name was used when we would call someone stupid or other such mean name. After doing this study I have come to learn that the biblical Nimrod was no idiot. He must have been pretty intelligent in fact. He was called a mighty hunter before the Lord. The literal meaning of his name is מרד, marad, he rebelled. He was a bad dude, but had some pretty amazing feats that most of us know of, but we just don’t know who instigated them. Nimrod is the son of Cush, who is the son of Ham, the son of Noah. This means that Nimrod was a great grandson of Noah. Nimrod whose name translates “he rebelled” was just a few generations from the man that was noted as the ONLY man left pleasing to the Lord. It is kind of ironic to me that such an evil man can come that close to such a great man in the same family.

The Bible refers to Nimrod four times. Two of the times name him the son of Cush, one time referring to him as a mighty hunter, and the other time refers to Assyria as the land of Nimrod. This shows that we do not get much information on Nimrod from The Bible, and must rely on other sources to understand more about who he was.

A few things that are accredited to Nimrod include instigating the construction of The Tower of Babel, he started the kingdom of Babylon, and Assyria is called the land of Nimrod. “Some Bible students have linked Nimrod to Tukulti-Ninurta, an Assyrian king (about 1246-1206 B.C.). Others think that Amenophis III of Egypt (about 1411-1375 B.C.) or the heroic Gilgamesh might have been the ancient Nimrod. Regardless, extremely popular legends involve Nimrod as a ruler in both Assyrian and Egyptian lore. Nimrod shows that the great Mesopotamian culture had its origin from the creative work of the God of Israel.” (Clarke’s Old Testament Commentary)

According to Clarke’s Old Testament Commentary and other biblical time lines it is said that Nimrod built Babylon of 2233 B.C. or A.M 1771. This really does not mean a lot to me, and probably would not to most people, but I found a few more interesting facts about this. According to the same timeline Noah died at the age of 950 years in year A.M 2006 or 1998 B.C. This is 235 years after Nimrod built Babylon and the tower of Babel. I think it is highly interesting that Noah’s great grandson started wreaking havoc on the Earth while Noah was still alive. Noah, at one point the only righteous man left, saw the whole world wiped away, but then his great grandchild, whom which he had to have encountered, started to cause separation from God again.

Nimrod accomplished a lot. He did a lot of major things. He can be linked to many kings, and kingdoms. He is one of the main people responsible for all of the idol worship as well. Nimrod was accredited with throwing Abraham into furnace, for Abraham would not worship the idols that Nimrod had set up. He did such terrible things that Wilmington’s Guide to the Bible goes so far to claim him as “The first full-time minister of Satan was Nimrod, Noah’s wicked and apostate grandson”. This shows that Nimrod was a pretty evil man to be considered the first full-time minister of Satan!

Also according to Wilmington’s Guide to the Bible I read that according to secular history and traditions tells us that Nimrod was married. He married a woman who was “as evil and demonic as himself”. She was named Semerimus, and she knew about God’s promise of the messiah. She claimed that her firstborn son Tammuz, fulfilled the prophecy that we know Jesus came and fulfilled. In doing this she claimed to be the queen of heaven, she put herself and her son in the center of worship, she claimed to be the way to salvation, and she and her son made such claims which led to the beginning of a completely new cult or as Wilmington calls “satanic church”.

Nimrod is also accredited with starting the first Monarchy. This meaning that he was one of the first “kings” of our world. This was not a God ordained appointment, as the first Israelite king was Saul. Monarchies ruled for many years and still do exist, though in recent years democracy has begun to take over.

A lot of things came about from Nimrod and his family. From great cities to a terrible religion, much is to go with this name. I never knew that this name “Nimrod” could carry such a powerful meaning. I just thought Nimrod was a stupid person, but now realize that he had to be fairly intelligent if he came up with ideas causing terrible religion and a city as great as Babylon. When I think of the greatest city of all history I think of Babylon. I will now forever think of Nimrod with Babylon. Though he did many terrible things, I also look at the creative side of him in which came from the same great creator that we do, and see what he still did even though he was not living a righteous life.

WOVEN

2009-02-23T11:11:00.004-06:00

This years Masters Conference was titled Woven. It was based off of the scripture that a three fold cord is not easily broken. It was my first Masters Conference and it was amazing. I have a new appreciation for my staff at MCUSA. I know that I am only here for a limited time now, and need to take advantage of the opportunities around me now. I love these people so much, and hope to continue to grow closer to them during the next weeks. We did a part in the conference in which was a banner presentation, and it was amazing!

Attitude

2009-02-11T13:11:00.003-06:00

I've not had the best attitude lately. I always used to have a great attitude about things. I guess this is God bringing more junk to the surface and helping me get rid of things. I continue to press in and try to have a good attitude. For those around me I apologize for the bad attitude I've had. I know it effects the people around me.

Deep Ellum

2009-02-09T20:47:00.007-06:00

Went downtown yesterday with a couple friends and enjoyed a little of the city life. We got to see many things. We enjoyed Cafe Brazil, walked around in Deep Ellum, went to Catholic Mass at the Cathedral, and just talked to people. It was a fun time. Here are a few photos of the city, and the art of the buildings in Deep Ellum. I thought the Hub City sign was pretty sweet, considering our youth group at Relevant is called The Hub.

Christian vs. Secular

2009-02-07T22:16:00.003-06:00

I heard someone say the other day "The Christian world not the Secular world." I am taken a little back by this comment, as many Christians carry it. They view the Christian world and Secular world as two different things. I honestly think that idea only exists to Christians, and I think it sucks. Why must we live in a Christian world, and not a human world?

Jesus himself lived as a human. He lived among the people. He didn't stay with the holy, in fact he primarily spent his time with the unholy. Why then do we only hold ourselves to Christian life? Why do "Christian" things primarily suck. Most events, shows, and music by Christians suck. (I understand not all of it sucks, but generally as a rule of thumb if it's a "Christian [fill in the blank] then it sucks) Does God not call us to be excellent? To me I think we need to stop viewing the world as two different things and intertwine ourselves into it more. I'm not saying to compromise our character, but to live among non-Christian people, to create excellent art, to be the most creative and innovative people we can be.

I don't like to call myself a Christian, but rather a Follower of Christ, for the fact connotations that come with the word Christian. I personally have a hard time with Christians sometimes. Maybe I'm too critical, but then again maybe my ideas will change others, who knows!? Caleb and Joshua had their opinions that no one else agreed with, maybe I'm like them, or maybe I'm way off. You decide.

God is good to me!

2009-02-07T21:12:00.002-06:00

This is how I felt last week. I Journaled this on 1/29/09, but didn't get the chance to blog it:

Who am I? I feel like I am in the center of God's will for my life. I feel like his favor is on me in everything I do. I got on the Youth Impact team, I made the writing team for our drama final, people that talk to me love me (at least the seem to), I got on the outreach team, I'm impacting people's lives in a bigger way then I myself possibly can do, I get big roles in different things, I get chosen to speak quite a bit, and I get to speak at The Hub on Sunday (The Hub is the youth ministry of Relevant Church). Who am I to get all these opportunities. I am a child of God and my Father continues to bless me beyond all I deserve. I continue to be in awe of what he does for me.

That was an amazing week. I spoke at the Hub and thought it went well, after I spoke my little bit, we went to Living Hope Church in Coppell, Texas and I got to speak again. I didn't feel as great about the way I spoke on Wednesday, but I did get some positive feedback which always builds up the confidence. I thank God for everything He has been doing for me!

Christian Writers' Market Guide 2009

2009-01-30T22:03:00.003-06:00

This book rocks! It has so much stuff in it. I cannot even begin to describe everything in it. If you are a Christian Writer and looking do get published I highly recommend it. It has a bunch of information on publishers, contacts, genres, periodicals, books, nonfiction, fiction. It's amazing. I know I will be using it in the near future to write. Get this book at http://www.amazon.com.

Problems?

2009-01-22T22:13:00.004-06:00

Not realizing what you want is a problem of knowledge.
Not pursuing what you want is a problem of motivation.
Not achieving what you want is a problem of persistence.

I love this. I just read this in John Maxwell's book Failing Forward. Amazing book about turning mistakes into stepping stones for success. When we get the knowledge to do something, we must then find the motivation to follow after it, after we get the motivation and things don't fall right into place, we must be persistent. Then we will achieve our goals and dreams.

Amazing Week!

2009-01-16T22:08:00.003-06:00

This week has been amazing! God has really been showing me a lot. We had some intense nights, intense prayer, intense worship, and intense growth. A few things God has been growing me in is learning to apply as much stuff to my life that I can, from the things I learn. I have been reading a lot, and also been getting poured into from others a lot as well. I want to apply as much of these things to my life as I can to make me the best me.

One of the first things that God is teaching me, which has been a lesson throughout the year here at MC, is to love people better. I just read The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. It is an amazing book, and helped me learn how to love people more effectively, and to love them in a way they will receive it best.

Another thing God has been revealing to me is my pride. I'm a very proud person. This can be a good thing, but not necessarily. I am very proud and need to change it. I am trying to "take up my cross daily" and die to myself more everyday to become more Christlike. With pride causes me to be very cynical of others around me. I'm not a big fan of Christians, therefore I judge Christians a lot, and criticize what they do, but I'll go into that more another day. If I sit back, hold my comments, and think then I really see that their heart for people is great, but the actions just wouldn't reach me, and even if they wouldn't reach me, that doesn't mean that that they won't reach others. I hope other people don't judge me the way I judge them, this is why I'm working to change and conquer my thoughts. Not only am I trying to conquer my pride, and cynicism in my thoughts, but my destructive thinking about others and myself. I don't always have the most optimistic outlook on things, and am working to change that to be a better me.

Back in the Atmosphere!

2009-01-10T09:29:00.003-06:00

Well I made it back to Dallas on Tuesday. My plane actually made it in early! It was awesome. I made it in about 2 and we met for the first time this year at 4! This week has been titled "Back in the Atmosphere". Declaring that we get together and have a lot of fun, and do a lot of team building stuff. It has been an amazing time. A few highlights have been breakfast with Pastor Joey, service with Pastor Lloyd, service with Ben, a couple evening prayer times, and MC Olympics. I loved all the events, but must make a note about the MC Olympics. MC Olympics is a bunch of games that we played and competed together with. We were divided into teams and played these games. Games like Ultimate Frisbee, water balloon volleyball, some relay races and other random games. Well in Ultimate I had an amazing experience! I was in the endzone and a friend of mine had the frisbee and I pointed to the opposite corner for him to throw it and lead me, well he did and I turned and ran after it keeping my eye on the frisbee, and since my eye was on the frisbee, I didn't see the tree right in front of me and ran smack into it! Scraped up my ear and arms, not too bad, but wish I could have seen it on video! Then in one relay race we had to put a sleeping bag on our head and run down the field around a cone and back while being told where to go by a teamate. Well, I'm a runner so I took off as fast as I could, and well somehow got off track at the get go. I ran straight into my friend Sean, then James, then fell a few more times not sure who I ran into! It was a good time and I bet it was quite comical to see!

A New Year A New Decade!

2009-01-01T17:07:00.003-06:00

Well last Saturday I turned 20! No longer a teen, I'm unsure if this is good or bad?! but nonetheless it has happened. I'm ready and looking forward to the decade of the 20's!

Last night or this morning rather we rang in the New Year! Bring it on 2009!

Before I look on to my resolutions or personal goals rather for 2009 I'd like to reflect a little on 2008, as it was quite a year for me.

I started 2008 saying it was going to be the biggest year of my life, and it certainly held up to the hype I gave it. I had a few resolutions last year, but for positive thinking sake I will stick to the ones I accomplished. 1) No soda for the entire year! I'm gladly drinking Wild Cherry Pepsi while I type this as my first can of soda since 11:57 pm on Dec. 31 2007, when midnight struck however I did drink the majority of a two liter of Mountain Dew! 2) Run at least 20 minutes in every day between midnight and midnight. Today is the first day that I have not run since Dec. 31 2007! I turned into a runner and loved it! Another one of my goals of 2008 was that it was going to be a year of big steps for me, and I took a huge step leaving ISU and following after the dream and headed down to MCUSA. Not only did I sign up and look forward to go to Phoenix, but then ended up in Dallas instead. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else though! I love Dallas and I love Relevant Church! Other things that happened in 2008. I was still a drinker at the begginning of the year and drank on Jan 3, and a few other times, but haven't drank since VEISHA 2008 which was in April and I wrote about it in a past post. I was a hidden chewer which many people didn't know about or don't until right now, but I quit that on May 8th as I moved from Ames to Iowa City. Other things, in political aspect I stepped up and lead 3 caucus meetings in January. This summer I made some of the greatest friends ever in Iowa City, it was the first time I was really close with other Christians. I have had a few other Christian friends, but this was the first time I had real fellowship and it was amazing. I love them so much! At MC I could put down a million things, so really I'll leave that post for the end of MC reflection and my journal.

Okay well here are some of my goals for 2009. Not all of my goals are listed, as they are personal and putting it out here, might cause me to lose it.

1) MMTR- Mountain Masochist Trail Race- a 52 mile ultra marathon in Virgina, my brothers and I will join up with my cousins to run this in November. Not only does this mean doing the race, but I must commit to the training to do it in under the twelve hour time limit.
2) Bible Every Day- I failed this in 2008, but will accomplish it this year!
3) Blogging at least once every week for 2009.
4) Eating Healthier- I eat pretty junky, but want to get better at it this year.
5) Read at least three books every month.
6) Spend more time in prayer and fasting. I plan to kick of 2009 with a 21 day Daniel fast from January 11-31. For info. on why those days, check this site: http://www.awake21.org/
7) Work out more. Lately I justify not working out, because I run a lot, but my muscles have gotten a lot smaller, and I just feel "soft". Time to change that wether that work out consists of just push ups and pull ups that is fine, but lately it has been nothing at all!
8) I have a lot of ideas for books and want to finish one by the end of the year.
9) Finish up Berean classes to apply for Assembly of God pastoral credentials, I started the classes a while ago, but need to finish!
10) Become a better speaker. In summer 2009 I plan on going on a speaking tour with a friend of mine at MC and we have a cause we want to help, and well there will be more to come on that in the coming weeks and months.

Well these are some of my goals, this year is going to be huge! I thought 2008 was big, but I know 2009 will be bigger, and great things will come!

What are your goals? I encourage you to write 'em down, and let people know them, because if you don't you'll hide and well, failing is a lot easier when nobody sees it, and you know nobody will see it!

Running and running and running

2008-12-24T17:42:00.005-06:00

Well, just about a week left in the madness of running! I have successfully run at least 20 minutes every day this year to this point, and I am looking forward to taking January 1 off! Also, I am looking forward to drinking a big freakin' Mountain Dew as soon as midnight strikes and 2009 begins, claiming no pop in 2008! As I was running today in the 9 to 10 degree weather in the massive town of North English, Iowa I came to realize that my mustache froze over. When I got home it was still stiff, but by the time my mom took the photo, it was just water again. I love running, but I'm ready to not "have to" run anymore!

Home

2008-12-22T18:02:00.002-06:00

I'm back in Iowa! I forgot how cold it is up here, well I didn't forget, but it's freakin' cold! I went out running today and it was in the single digits, which was rather warm compared to yesterday's high of -5! While I was running my mustache decided to freeze over. Quite fun, but it wasn't too terrible! I'm glad to be back in Iowa for a few weeks, as I will be back in Dallas on the 6th of January. Good time to reflect on things, and set some goals for the new year. Glad to be able to relax from Masters for a little while!

Live Rich For Less

2008-12-19T23:21:00.003-06:00

I'm currently reading this book, haven't read the whole thing yet, but it's pretty good so far. Here is the review for it, not my review, but one off of the net.

You really can be rich in every way, every day.

So you want to own the home you love, make memories on wonderful vacations with family or friends, finance college educations, and help others too?

You can—starting here and now.

With lively humor, proven know-how, and practical principles for financial health, Living Rich for Less helps you stretch your dollars to realize the lifestyle of your dreams. Ellie Kay’s entertaining and enlightening examples show you simple steps to save, spend, and give smart, and her three main principles are undergirded by dozens of effective rules and hundreds of Cha-Ching Factor™ tips that keep or put money in your pocket.

Ellie knows what it’s like to be financially-strapped or struggling, wanting to be the Joneses but feeling as poor in spirit as in pocketbook. She went, within two and a half years, from being a new wife and mom with $40,000 in consumer debt and seven children (and college educations) to support, to being completely debt-free and within fifteen years able to pay cash for eleven different cars, give away three of those cars, buy two five-bedroom houses (moving from one to the other) and nicely furnish each, take wonderful vacations, dress her family in fine fashion; and support more than thirty non-profit organizations in more than a dozen different countries, giving away more than $100,000.

Isn’t that the kind of transformation to a rich life that you want?

Living Rich for Less helps anyone get there in our taxed-out, maxed-out times. Because financial security doesn’t mean just genuine prosperity, but being able to live luxuriously, give generously, and care for yourself as well as the others around you.

If you want to purchase it you can buy it at:

Amazon

ChristianBook.com

Family Christian

Chasing Daylight

2008-12-10T22:29:00.003-06:00

I just read this book Chasing Daylight which is written by Erwin McManus. McManus is an amazing man of God. I want to work with him someday in some sort of arena. This book is awesome! It talks about seizing the power of every moment of our life, as stated on the cover. It talks about "The Jonathan Factor" which is a character trait in which entails many things to live a fuller life and take better advantage of divine opportunites in our lives. The Jonathan Factor is taken from the story in 1 Samuel 14 when Jonathan takes his armorbear and attacks the Philistines. Amazing story of faith and obedience to God. I loved this book and recommend it to anyone who is seeking a more Extreme life for Christ, and just a more exciting life in general!

Piecin' it together

2008-12-07T19:56:00.005-06:00

As I'm on this walk to find out who I really am, I am beginning to piece things together. Sometime last week I really found a revelation about who I am. Here is one of my journal entries from that day:
This morning I realized a big part of me is someone who never backs down from challenges. I knew this, but didn't realize until this morning how long that this has been a part of me. Here is a few challenges I've gone after in my life:

Elementary: Went whole year taking my lunch and not eating at school
Elementary: Challenged my brother Seth to a game of one-on-one basketball on a hoop on the back of a door in the basement, declaring the loser had to drink from the toilet. I lost.
Junior High: Proved it was possible to have silver hair and be white.
JHigh: Challenged myself to no sex until marriage- still going- note this is before I came to really know Christ.
High School: Set goal to get Academic All-State as a freshman in high school and achieved it as a senior.
College/2008: Running 20 minutes every day, (almost achieved)
MC: A few for myself which need to be kept quiet

This is my life and who I am. I need to embrace this trait a little bit more and step up to the challenges posed to me and take advantage of them!

The Day That Started Normal

2008-12-05T23:07:00.004-06:00

Today will never be forgotten. It was ridiculous! I woke up this morning, didn't run, because I knew I'd have time this evening to do it, so I took the extra sleep. At 7:37am I posted on my Twitter I love my coffee in the morning! Excited for the unknown day ahead! Keyword here is unknown! Unknown is such an understatment. I pulled out of my parking space at 7:51 on my Jeep clock, I was pulling out a little late, but new I'd still make it on time to 8 am prayer at the MC building. I pulled out onto the street to leave our apartment complex, when the traffic was way backed up, I saw a couple guys walk up to their cars which were parked in front of me and get in them to leave. At this point I knew there had been a wreck. I knew that God wanted me to get out and go see if there was anything I could do. I got out walked over to the car and saw it was two of my friends who were in the car wreck. I stayed there for a while and just waited for them to make sure if there was anything I could do or just to see what was gonna' happen to them. Thankfully they are both fine, but they were in the car for a while and it seemed to take forever before the ambulances and firetrucks got there.

After this I went to prayer at 8:45, listened to sermons, found out about our talent show we had tonight which was a lot of fun, then I went to lunch got back for drama and was at drama for about an hour before the next surprise came.

At about 3 pm one of the guys got me and said hey I need you and a couple others to go do some stuff. I didn't know what we were doing, but the five of us went to Shane and Angel's house to move some boxes for them. They are moving in the next few days and the hot water heater in their current home started shooting water all over the garage where they had a bunch of boxes. We took the boxes and moved them to their storage. Shane and Angel are awesome they bought us an amazing dinner! I am very thankful for that!

While we were finishing up moving the stuff into storage for them we met Pennie. Pennie came over to us and asked us if we could help her pull out the ramp on here U-Haul. CJ and Tyler went over and helped her. I then went over to see what was up. We saw what Pennie was trying to do and she was trying to move a bunch of stuff by herself. Now mind you Pennie is about 45 years old, not a big woman by anymeans and definitely not able to handle all that she had. We then made her allow us to help her and then went on to take all of her stuff to her house and helped her move it in. Through the conversations we had with Pennie we found out a lot about her, about her Ex-Husband, her children, and life in general. It was an awesome feeling to be a blessing to her tonight. She needed it, and I'm glad God put us in place and used us to help her out! On a funny note, while we were helping Pennie I went and used her bathroom. As I was buckling up my pants my belt buckle fell off into the toilet. I had to roll back the sleeves and reach in to the water after it! What a joy!

Tonight was a lot of fun. When we got done we went straight to the building to be a part of our talent show. It was a total joke. In that I mean it was hilarious. My team was assigned to do a uman video to the song Sadie Hawkins Dance by Relient K, and in the video we had to include some sort of dance. So much fun!

As I was driving back home tonight I got a text from a friend here at Masters saying to keep her family in my prayers as her house burned down. Thankfully they are all safe, but what a scare.

So much happened today. I can't believe I made it through. I thank God for this day and all the blessings poured out in it! I hope tomorrow is a little bit more "normal"! I love it when we allow God to interrupt our day and take us places we never could have guessed!

Oh Yes I must give a shout out in this post to my awesome friend Leah!

Sinless

2008-12-04T13:37:00.005-06:00

So as I gave my sermon this morning and listened to Ben McLennan, our MC USA director, speak before we started something came to me. Once we come to know Christ and follow after God it is possibly to not mess up and live Sinless. If we can go a moment sinless, can't we go another? If we live moment by moment and not worry so much about what's coming, but where we're at, then we can accomplish this. In Genesis 4:6-7 The Bible Says: 6 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
We CAN master it! Go after it! Follow hard after God to get closer to him, and this will force the sins out. As in the Love chapter it says "when perfection comes the imperfect disappears". We can achieve this! God said it from the beginning! Thank God we can get closer to him and get rid of the sin in our lives! I challenge you to try and live by the moment and live the sinless life!

Sermon Time

2008-12-03T20:21:00.004-06:00

My first sermon here at Masters is set for tomorrow! I'm planning on talking about Sin. Not necessarily a fun topic to talk about, but I like to talk about things that a lot of people won't. Here is the outline for my sermon. A lot of stuff may not seem clear as it is my speaking outline, but if you're curious about something on it just email me or post a comment. I'm excited to deliver it! The Title is Sin: What the Heck is that? My primary objective is to take sin, and help change our motives for not sinning, and of course to bring a little conviction to what sins people are committing! Here's my outline, take it, crucify it, tell me what ya think!

Sin: What the heck is it that?

Intro:

o Sin is something we often do, it is a word we hear and think about things we are told not to do. We think about punishments, rules, and regulations.

o We think of the things God is “holding” back from us

o but really the reason we aren’t supposed to Sin isn’t that God doesn’t want us to do these things or that they aren’t enjoyable, because it will hurt our very relationship with God in the same way as if we sin against our friends.

o Three points:

§ What sin is:

§ Forgiveness:

§ Sins Holding us back:

1. Definition and a few scriptures.

· Sin Definition: estrangement from god

· Estrangement Definition: to turn away in feeling or affection; make unfriendly or hostile; alienate the affections of:

o Their quarrel estranged the two friends.

o Breaks them apart!

· First appearance: Genesis 4:6-7 (New International Version)

o 6 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."

o Something that can be mastered

· After the 10 Commandments: Exodus 20:18-20 (New International Version)

o 18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die." 20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."

· All are equal: James 2:10 (New International Version)

o 10For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

2. Forgiveness: new covenant

· 1 John 3:4-6 (New International Version)

o 4Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 5But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. 6No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

· Acts 10:43 (NIV) “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

3. Sins holding you back?

Romans 13:1

o “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

1. Speeding- breaking the laws of the land

2. Is marijuana bad? – laws of land and abusing the body

3. Stealing music- law of land and stealing (exodus 20:15)

4. Sins of Ommission: James 4:17 “anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”

Proverbs 16:2- “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord”

o I can justify anything to anyone, or especially to myself, but does that make it not a sin?

· Rock in shoe build up a callus. If we continue to sin it will build up a callus on our spirit and we won’t feel the conviction of our spirit telling us not to do things. It will build up that skin and separate us from the feeling. As it builds up it causes more movement of our foot from the shoe and leads to us losing all feeling.

Closing:

o Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

o We all do it! God sent Jesus and the Holy Spirit to get closer to us.

o Step into God and follow the life of Christ closer and the sins will fall away, as we really seek who Jesus is.

o What is holding you back, from having a more intimate relationship with God?

o I ask you what do you need to set a side to build up that relationship?

o Do not look at it as what am I really enjoying that I have to quit ‘cuz the bible, God, or adam is saying to give up, look at it as what is holding you from getting closer to him.

o What small thing am I doing unconsciously that could hinder me from getting closer to Him?

o Prayer to bring forward the sins we don’t see, and the sins we know about and don’t put down.

Current Struggles

2008-11-21T22:15:00.004-06:00

I always try to be as transparent as possible and let people know how I feel about something, or what I think about situations, so here is me being me! Currently I'm a little stressed! Not that I can't handle what's on my plate, but just feels like a lot right now. I know I'll make it and do great, 'cuz God won't put me in a situation he won't take me through!

My biggest struggle currently is figuring out who I really am, which I'm finding more and more about the real me everyday. I don't know if it all makes sense, but I don't always feel like I know me, and it's quite frustrating. I want to be consistent and be the person God wants me to be. I don't want to be the things that frustrate me in others, but don't want that to define me either.

This is a really random and bad post. I don't really understand all of this right now either, but this is what is on my mind.

Thankful for the Rain

2008-11-10T23:13:00.003-06:00

Today was a storm! It rained for the most of the day, and I ran in it tonight. During the run I was thinking about the past week or so, and how rough it has been. It has been the hardest week of Masters so far. A lot has been going on, and it has hit me hard. I have complained, and struggled, and well not given my best through it all. During the run I remembered the song Frontline sings about being thankful for the rain, and struggles we go through. I realize that this rough patch is only going to build me up bigger than ever before. I realize that I am only going through this because something big is coming, and I need to be prepared for it. I realize that the storm will keep coming, but my perspective needs to be fixed, and I will succeed and thrive bigger than before. Are you going through a tough time? Are you feeling sorry for yourself like me? I challenge you to lift it up to God, and choose to have a better attitude about what is going on!

Me, Myself, and I AM

2008-11-06T23:17:00.004-06:00

I have recently been going through a new book called me myself & I AM. It is a recently released book of questions. I call it a journal book. It has a bunch of questions that help you realize who you are, and who God is to you, and to grow your relationship with him by asking questions you may not normally think about. Also, this book is a great conversation starter, as you can pick it up and flip it to any page and ask a question to the people around you. I haven't exactly done that, but am planning on leaving the book sit out on my coffee table to be a conversation starter with my roommates. I think this book is great, and highly recommend you check it out. It can be purchased at any of the following online book stores:
Amazon
Christian Book
Family Christian

Another Good One

2008-10-22T22:15:00.003-05:00

Today was yet another amazing day at MC. We officially got into our building this morning for prayer, and man was it an awesome hour of prayer. We really pressed into God with prayers of our situations, for our dreams, for our families, and friends. Music today was phenomenal with Phillip from Frontline for General Music. We stepped out and shared a little bit of our hearts, and this really challenged me to share things that hit deep in me. This evening we had our first service at the building and it was wonderful. Frontline brought some amazing worship, and Pastor Z brought Gods word in a beautiful way. I loved today, one of the best so far, and I really am growing every day here at MC and loving every part of it!

Selling Adam

2008-10-21T07:35:00.005-05:00

Well for my Ministry Development Institute today, I have to give a little two minute talk as I am presenting myself to a Church board on why they should hire me as their Youth Pastor. A few things are required including our personal life mission statement, and our life verse. Here is my outline for the talk:

· Introduction: My name is Adam Kolosik. I am from North English, Iowa. I am a hard working kid that will never step down from a challenge.

o I am determined, disciplined, and honestly a little strange. I may not be the exact typical youth pastor, but I do not want to be normal or average.

o I dream big, and know that God will help me achieve these big dreams.

· Personal Mission Statement: To live such a way that I don’t have to tell people about Christ, but they see and feel it from my actions. To live the Extreme life of a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

o I will live the life of love and the passionate lifestyle Christ called us to live. I will lay it all down for him.

o Life Scripture: Colossians 3:23- Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as if working for the Lord not for men.

o I want to work harder than anyone else, and to remember that my work and everything I do is an act of worship to the Lord my God.

· Ministry Mission Statement: To raise up a new generation of leaders. To teach teenagers to lay down their lives to Christ, and to teach them to be our world’s leaders of tomorrow.

o To instill a Godly passion in them to strive and achieve excellence in whatever they choose to do.

o In leaders of tomorrow I do not just mean the future politicians, or CEO’s, but the musicians, artists, and the scientists as well.

o To take my life scripture and help teach teens to work as hard as they can in all things. And to not only do this through words of speaking, but to set the example in the way I live.

· Conclusion: Why do I think you should hire me as your Youth Pastor?

o I promise not be just another Youth Pastor.

o I will lay it all down to grow this ministry and not only that, but to grow the Kingdom of Heaven.

o I may not fit your mold or be exactly what you want, but I am willing to give you everything I have to be the best I can be, but not only to be the best I can be, but to be the best that God can help me to be.

What do you think? I think it displays me pretty well, but I need to keep practicing the delivery, as that is the important part now. I hope it communicates my heart and describes me better to others. This was a challenge to write, but I like it.

Time Flies

2008-10-20T20:42:00.005-05:00

I cannot believe I have been here in Dallas a month already, but at the same time I cannot believe it's only been a month. I have known these awesome men and women of God for only a little over a month, but yesterday when we sent Devante home I got a little teary eyed. Devante had to go home to take care of some things back there, and I pray that it all goes smoothly whatever it be. But it hurt, bad, having to see him leave. It's so ridiculous how close I've come to these awesome people in such a little time, but they are all pretty amazing. Isn't it awesome how God puts the perfect people into your life at the perfect time. I love it.

Every night when I shut my eyes and try to go to sleep, but I think of the amazing things that I have done throughout that day. A lot of the things I can hardly believe I have done, but I know that I have not done these things by my own strength, but through the power Christ gives me. I give everything I am to him, and he creates some masterpieces out of it. I may not have done the best of things so far, but I am getting there, and constantly growing closer to Him. What has God done through you today? Are you giving it all to him? We may be able to do great things in life on our own, but how much greater are these things when you give them to the Lord.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and you will succeed." -Proverbs 16:3

Slacking!

2008-10-16T22:02:00.003-05:00

I've been slacking on this blogging thing lately! So busy with MC! but I'm lovin' it! We had our second scripture test the other day and I passed, which was exciting to be able to be handed a paper and write down 60 bible verses. I've also been able to share them a little with people I meet in different conversations, which is not only helping me be a better witness, but building my faith in God and understanding of his word. I love it here, and maybe in a few days or so I'll get some more stuff about what's been going on up here. Relevant Church kickoff Sunday the 19th!!!!

A Learning Experience

2008-10-06T15:35:00.003-05:00

MC really challenges me. I love it here as I have learned so much already. I'm loving Restore the best. Restore is our street evangelism program in which we go to neighborhoods and want to restore them from the problems they currently have. Last week at Restore I walked past a pimped out SUV with a 20 something guy in the drivers seat. A teenage boy got out of the backseat of the car with a unique grin on his face. I happened to look through the windshield and see a girl sitting in the back. I may be quick to judge, which I try not to do, but I think the man driving was a Pimp, the girl in the backseat was a hooker, and the boy getting out just made a deal. This situation saddens me. First all the little kids running right next to these cars could see it, sad that this woman has turned to sex for money, sad that the Pimp makes his money off of taking advantage of poor women and horny kids, and sad that this kid in the back has turned to sex for some sort of fulfillment. These situations make me happy to help at restore and to show the little kids that they don't need that junk that is around them. To show love to them, that maybe no one else does and that they can be whatever they want to be. 'cuz what little kid dreams of being a pimp or hooker. I want these kids to achieve these dreams and to teach them to dream even when their situation may not be the best.

Go Big or Go Home

2008-09-25T20:36:00.004-05:00

This has been a motto for myself for sometime now, and I'm really just beginning to understand what it means. I have always dreamed big, but mostly I have never thought my dreams are possible. I have had many dreams that have come and gone, but now I will dream and I will achieve, not on my own will, but by the power of God as he says in Philippians 4:13 "For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength."

When I was a sophomore in high school I dreamed of being an Iowa State Basketball player, and well that didn't happen. I focused more on football and the girlfriend, and let the dream fall away.

At the beginning of my freshman year at Iowa State I dreamed of becoming a rich engineer that has everything, monetary wise, and has no worries about finances. That fell away as I realized the focus of my heart at that point did not match up with the rest of the way I want to live my life.

When I was a child I wanted to be a G.I. Joe, but that fell away as I realize how real war is and that not everyone is the hero and how hard it would be. So I gave up on this one, 'cuz I thought it was too hard and the next cool thing came a long.

My senior year in high school I came up with a dream. This dream is absolutely unattainable by man alone. I mainly just want to help people, and help them to know my best friend Jesus. I want to help them walk with him and have the best life they can, not an easy life, but a better life than they have. My dream is to lead or start the Largest Youth Group/Outreach in the World. I don't want the biggest to have glory to Adam, but I want the biggest, because I want to impact that many people's lives. I want to build up my Lord's Kingdom and the next generation of leaders. I know that if through God I can attain this than anyone can attain anything through him. I don't know where or any idea how to get to this dream, but I will not give up. This dream has been dwelling in me for nearly two year now, and I am establishing it now. Tear it down if you want, but it's my dream not yours. You may say it's not possible, but I already know that I personally cannot achieve it.

Go Big or Go Home. Dream big enough that if man alone can obtain it, than it is not nearly big enough of a dream. This is how I will live from now on, by faith in Christ who strengthens me. Be Extreme and step out and dream! What is your dream? You may need to write it down and let a few people know it to really speak it into truth. Email me and I will pray for your dream as I hope people will do for mine!

1 week

2008-09-20T18:26:00.004-05:00

I've been here at MC in Dallas for a week now and it is amazing. I've learned a lot about what is about to come this year, and gotten a little taste of what it will all be like. We've gone canvassing, learned about each other, learned the curriculum, and done some kids outreaches already. Today we went and did five outreaches. It was amazing. I met a little boy named Jose and he rocked. He was one big eleven year old! I asked him if he had a lot of friends and he simply said no. This broke my heart to know that this kid, a child of God, doesn't have many friends. I want to go back and love on this kid and really hope I get the opportunity to next weekend. I know we will do more outreaches, but I really want to go back and talk to Jose and just be his friend, to show and share the love God has for me. I am falling in love with these outreaches and this was the first one I've done! They challenge me as we do little skits in front of everyone, and really had to step out of my comfort zone to do them. I'm loving Masters and know that this will help me take my life to the next level to be the Extreme Christian God has called me to be!

New

2008-09-13T20:33:00.000-05:00

I arrived here in Dallas last night around 9:30. I’m definitely not in North English anymore, this place is huge! I like it, it’s pretty and there are a lot of people. Much learning and growing is going to be done here for me. I’m excited for what is about to happen in the next 9 months at Masters Commission. I have a few goals, but my biggest goal for my time here is to become a true MAN of God. I want to be the man that God wants me to be, I know I’ll never be perfect, but I want to be more confident and walk with the authority that the Lord gives me. I want to be a man that sets example, and really show what it looks like to be a real man of God. So many times in this modern day guys get caught up in the macho-man mentality, and not being the man our creator made them to be.

Today's the Day!

2008-09-12T08:05:00.004-05:00

I keep thinking over in my head of the Blue's Clues song "Today's The Day" that my nephews once loved to sing, as I hit the road for Dallas. Today I begin to take another step in my Wild Goose Chase called life! Thank you to everyone who has helped me to this point, and thank you God for everyone who is about to step in! I hit the road in t-minus 5 minutes from North English and the next post will be sometime in the next week from Big Ole Dallas, Texas!

9-11

2008-09-11T23:16:00.004-05:00

September 11, 2001. I remember that day as if it was yesterday. I was sitting in Mr. Evers Pre-Algebra class in 7th grade. Sat in the front desk right next to the door. Ron Van Burkem came rushing into the room and told us to turn on the T.V. as The World Trade Centers had just been hit by an airplane. As we watched the T.V. the second building was hit and then the both fell. I watched this live. Next thing I knew the Pentagon had been hit as well. The whole day we just watched this chaos go on. That afternoon while at football practice we looked up at the sky and saw Air Force One flying over Iowa being escorted by jets. Crazy to think this was already 7 years ago. I pray for all the families that lost people in these crashes.

September 11, 2006. I will never forget this day either. The day the Cancer was removed from my Daddy. That was a crazy day as they took him in and removed his prostate. I am thankful to God that they were able to remove it all and take out the cancer.

9-11 has not been such a great day for me, but not a bad one this year with much anticipation of tomorrow!

Busy

2008-09-11T23:07:00.004-05:00

This last week has been busy! I finished up a great summer of work on Friday at Frucon. An awesome place to work and learn. Saturday I went to a wedding which can define small town Iowa as the wedding party road off in Semi's after the ceremony. After the wedding I went to a church picnic at Aron's place. Sunday was an amazing Church service! The Awaken Team performed the Lifehouse Everything Skit and killed it! It was absolutely amazing! Monday I traveled down to North English and started packing, then back to Iowa City Wednesday for Awaken, then back to North English today for some good-byes, the Homecoming Pep-Rally, and headin' out in the morning!

Communication is Clutch

2008-09-03T16:51:00.005-05:00

I've learned a lot in life, but one of the most important things I've learned as that communication is clutch. It makes all the difference in everything. It's the difference of making the play or not making the play, getting the job or not getting the job, getting the girl or not getting the girl. Communicating makes the world go around. We all communicate differently and it is sometimes hard to get the different people to match up. Guys don't always communicate the same as girls or necessarily the way girls expect either. I am not a great communicator, but I do a decent job. I don't always let people know what on my mind or my real opinion. I want to start changing that and let people know how I feel at certain things. One of my goals through this next year of growth for myself at Masters Commission is to become a better communicator. Whether that means I will have to step on toes more or put myself on the edge a little bit more, thats okay, I'm going to take the risk and be a better communicator!

Weekend

2008-08-30T05:59:00.002-05:00

Today is my first full day of work on a Saturday. Not going to be that exciting, but I'm up and have already run, and am looking forward on the day. Also, it is my last full day of work on a Saturday, as my last day of work in next Friday!

After work today I'm heading straight up to Ames! I'm going to visit some of my friends from last year for the last time before I head to Dallas in two weeks. I'm excited to everyone again and am looking forward to a fun night!

A Growing Hate

2008-08-26T22:38:00.004-05:00

I am a Cyclone fan. I have been a Cyclone fan most of my life. This also means I am a fan of the Big 12. Being a Big 12 fan, I do not like the Big 10, as I also am not a big Hawkeye fan. Being an non-Big 10 fan I always cheer against the Big 10 when they're playing Big 12 schools. This is just as any normal rivalry goes. I am starting to hate the Big 10, and more than just sports. This hate for the Big 10 is growing because they are greedy. They had to start their own television network. It pisses me off, and will really piss me off if the Iowa-Iowa State football game isn't on anything but that network. I won't be in Iowa for the game, but if it's only broadcast on the Big 10 network, then I surely will not be able to watch it!

School

2008-08-25T16:41:00.004-05:00

Iowa State started the fall semester today. Seems crazy and a little bit weird to me as I'm not there. I miss Ames and Iowa State, but I'm very excited for what God has for me in the next 9 months. After that who knows what will happen with me, but I'm very happy with where I'll be for the time being. I can't wait to finish up with work and head south, as I'm done with work next Friday the 5th and will be headin' south the following Friday.

Big Mac Attack

2008-08-20T22:38:00.004-05:00

Last night I enjoyed my first Big Mac. I've always been a chicken or a double cheeseburger kind of guy, but Chris Cary asked if I wanted one for dinner, so I took him up on the offer. I took the pickles off like I normally do with any fast food burger, then I ate and thoroughly enjoyed that Big Mac. It was delicious! I actually was craving one all day today, but fought the temptation off! I now understand why people enjoy them so much, it was awesome. Way unhealthy, but awesome! Thanks for the experience Chris and Ana!

Wild Goose Chase

2008-08-18T22:46:00.008-05:00

Wild Goose Chase officially comes out tomorrow. I have been lucky enough to already have read Mark Batterson's latest book. The book is about the adventure of walking in and following the Holy Spirit. I loved the book and highly encourage it to anyone.

The name comes from the Celtic Christian reference to the Holy Spirit which hints at a mystery. This book is written to all Christians from the baby Christian to the mature adult Christian as all can learn from the adventure Batterson challenges and talks about.

This book challenges the relaxed sit back and watch mentality of Christians and gives examples and ideas for people to get on the front lines and battle and risk it all. I loved the book or did I already say that?

You can purchase the book at any of these sites:

Amazon
barnesandnoble
borders
cbd
familychristian
parable

TV

2008-08-16T19:58:00.005-05:00

A few things I love are on TV right now. I love the olympics, and I love politics. We keep switching back and forth between Rick Warren's forum with Barack Obama and John McCain, and back to the Olympic Games.

Rick Warren is drilling these guys, and it rocks! It is good to hear what these guys think on some of the things Warren is asking, such as ideas on world views, abortion, marriage, and many other things.

Dreamin'

2008-08-12T17:00:00.003-05:00

I've been havin' some crazy dreams lately. If I remember a dream it usually has a significant impact on my life. I would not be where I am right now if it wasn't for some of my dreams. Now this is not to say that every dream I have plays a big role, but many of them do.

A few nights ago I had a dream about a girl, and haven't gotten it off my mind since. It also made me wake up in a good mood for that day. It was strange I invited her back to North English and we spent time with my high school buddies, and she wasn't freaked out by them!

Last night I had a dream about my Sethie. I dreamed he somehow came back. When he came back he was still a 14 year old boy, but I was the way I am and much older and bigger than him. This is weird to me for a couple reasons. 1) I am the little bro, and i like it that way 2) Why didn't I kick the crap out of him since I was actually bigger?! but back to the dream. Seth came over and we chilled at our house, I don't know where we were actually, but it was where I lived in the dream. Anyway, we chilled and caused trouble and shot fireworks at people walking by and threatened the people that shot back at us.

Random dreams I know, but I love them, and I love my brother and miss him very much!

Excited

2008-08-07T16:41:00.005-05:00

I love facebook, twitter, and blogging. They are such sweet ways of communication. They help keep in touch and really hear what people have to say. I feel as if I am good friends with people, even if I don't really have a relationship with them, because of blogger. I check many blogs, but two of my favorites to read are Justin Dean and Mark Batterson. They are cool pastors and leaders.

Today I was reading Batterson's blog and he had an awesome post. He just wrote a new book Wild Goose Chase and it is releasing on August 19th. In this post he has a small excerpt from his book. It says:

I wonder if churches do to people what zoos do the animals. We try to tame them in the name of Christ. We remove the risk. We remove the danger. We remove the struggle. And what we end up with is a caged Christian.

Jesus didn't die on the cross to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous. I would like to think that when I pronounce the benediction at th end of our church services, I am sending dangerous people back into their natural habitat to wreak havoc on the Enemy.

This is the Christianity I want to live for. I don't want to sit around and be peaceful all the time. Jesus caused ruckus. He pissed people off, I mean you can picture the nice calm no emotion Jesus if you want, but He did end up getting murdered for speaking the truth and stepping on some feet. What's holding you back from stepping on toes and making a splash in this world? Get out be Extreme and follow after the way Jesus lived! I'm not saying it's easy, but I'm saying we should!

Gone

2008-08-03T19:56:00.002-05:00

I took a two hour nap, and whatever that feeling was, is now gone. Praise the Lord! I don't really know why I even put it on here, but it's where I'm at in the now, which really is the point of a blog right?

What is this?

2008-08-03T17:49:00.003-05:00

Since church got out today, well about halfway through tear down at Life, I started to have this strange feeling. I can't really describe it. It's not a physical feeling, but something emotional or spiritual. No matter what it was, it's not gone yet. I don't feel comfortable, like on the boat today I just couldn't be really happy, as I was uncomfortable the whole time with this feeling. It's almost like my heart hurts for something. I don't know what, but it does. It almost feels the same as after a break-up or something like that, but I really have no reason to have heart ache from girls. I am scared this is a sign of something to come. It's a scary feeling as I have had them before, but not for this many hours. I pray to God that it leaves, or for the knowledge of what is going on so He can help me fix it!

Haircut

2008-07-31T21:13:00.003-05:00

I went and got a haircut on Monday. I like a cheap cut, so I went to Wal-Mart and went to Cost Cutters to get my haircut. I gave them my name and phone number, and the pretty lady said it will be about 15 minutes. Hearing this I took a seat waiting by the door. I sat there twittering on my phone, and just thinking about things. While thinking to myself I though "hmm wonder if the cute girl will cut my hair".

Then she said "Adam, I'm ready for you right over here." I walked over, being the guy I am the first thing I noticed about her was her massive ring on her left-ring finger. Then I sat down in the chair while she cut my hair. It started with the awkward hair-cut chit-chat, but then I think we both got more comfortable as the conversation got more in depth. I found out that she is getting married on Saturday to a guy that went to Iowa State for a year, but then he transfered. She is pregnant and due in January. She loves jewelry. She thinks Heath Ledger is pretty, and her fiance looks like him.

hmm... what else.? Oh yes, she gave me some advise as well with girls. She said to be grateful for the things women do for men, they really appreciate it. She said this after saying her fiance better be grateful after she has the child in January. I think this is great advise as some men do not always appreciate the things their women do for them.

This is a random post, but for some reason this lady has been on my mind for the week. I pray her and her husband have a wonderful life together, and that their baby is healthy and has a wonderful life as well. I hope that they come to know Christ if they do not. I wish I would have talked to her about Jesus, but I didn't. Maybe this is why she has been on my mind, for it's highly possible that she will could end up in Hell, and I had the opportunity to share with her, but didn't, because I was comfortable where I was.
I pray to God that he guide me and help me take advantage of these opportunities more often, and that He uses me to be a tool for his mighty kingdom!

Here it comes!

2008-07-29T17:29:00.003-05:00

Well things are starting to hit me. I'm not going back to school this year. WEIRD! My friends are preparing for school, and I sit and watch. It's starting to hit me that I won't be living in Iowa in just over a month. I will be living 12 hours from here. Kinda scary, but I know who is driving this ship. It's not me, but Him. I have fully believe that this is what God wants me to do, and I am trusting him to take care of me on this journey! I am ready to learn and grow. I want to take the Lord in an Extreme Way to this Extreme World!

Something Big!

2008-07-28T23:40:00.004-05:00

Something big is about to happen at Life Church. I don't know exactly what, but I'm excited for it. I can't wait! My brother is excited, I am excited, and I know many other people are excited! Life is about to take a new step as a church and I love it. I really feel this is a God thing. I hope you are there for it! I don't know exactly what things will look like or be like, but I am preparing myself and praying to God that it is radical and extreme. I hope it stretches our minds on Christianity and brings people closer to become true Followers of Christ!

Random Adam

2008-07-22T23:30:00.003-05:00

So today was a good day. I worked and ran and went to Bible study. It was quite fun as we talked about love. We talked about what love really is and how God describes love and not what the world describes it as. Within this we talked a little about relationships and dating and all that jazz. Which one of the most important things that is needed in the whole dating relationship is communication. Is it a date? Is it not a date? is it a predate? Who knows, but it should be communicated even if that means getting the answer you don't want to hear.

I love people. I know generic christian comment. but really I do. I love people so much that I just want to be there and help them. I want to bring everyone to know my best friend and help them know the things He can do for them. to free them and teach them real love, but talk is cheap and I don't really get out there and do it. I don't really take time to go out of my way to share Him with anyone. I do help teach at Awaken, but other than that I don't. This may not be a big deal to some people, but my life dream is to share Him and affect as many lives as I can with his Love and Power. This is my life dream. Do you have a dream your not currently following? Why not? What's holding you back? I know I am leaving for Dallas in a little over a month, and this is a step towards my dream, but why am I not taking advantage and helping more here. I hope to change this over the next two weeks. And trust me I'll let you know on here.

We never arrive in this life. We never get to a point and say I'm happy to be done to be where I'm at. We never say God I'm done take me, my life is complete and I don't want anything else. If you can say this. I call you a liar. This life is a never ending journey and story. It is a mission, an exploration. We will never reach the perfect destination, but as we walk toward Christ and our dreams the story will grow, and lives will be changed.

So this post is random and basically just what came to my mind as the fingers were typing. I don't really care about the punctuation or spelling in it, just random and my mind for the night.

thoughts of a 19 year old single christian male

2008-07-19T23:38:00.007-05:00

Life is not easy for anyone, those who say it is easy for are not telling the truth. A disclaimer on this post is that I'm not trying to complain or say life is harder for me. I'm just throwing it out there. Which I don't know why I am putting this disclaimer on here, 'cuz I really don't like disclaimers, but here it goes.

God has placed a LOT of beautiful and wonderful women on this Earth! This can also make things difficult in this day in age.

As a teenage guy (and just as a guy in general), I see girls and it is hard to fight back the lustful thoughts, but I do my best and pray for strength through it. Why do I try not to think these things, well multiple reasons. First because the Lord my God told me not to and I love him so much that I don't want to. Second, I think women deserve more respect than given, and should not just be looked at and lusted over as a piece of property. Third, I love my future wife (no idea who she is yet) so much that I don't want to even think about other women in such a matter. This list goes on, but I'll stop there.

It saddens me that so many teenagers have sex. I once did a paper about teenage sex, and did some researching. I found that 4 out of every 5 teens have sex. This is sad. This makes it no surprise how sexual tv and advertising has gotten. I know that I don't know how good it feels, or whatever, but I know that more happens during sex than just something that feels physically good. I know that a part of you becomes a part of the other person, no matter how young or many times they've done it. This is why I don't want to give a part of me in this way to anyone, but my future wife.

I have found a lot of awesome and very beautiful Christian girls. It never fails that after I meet them, one of the first things I do, is pray and say "God is she the one?" This happens to me all the time. I'm not asking anymore. I'm asking God help me find the one. I know I'm 19, and definitely not ready to get married, but when I find a girl that I even want to date, one of the first things I will ask myself is if I can marry her. This may sound funny to well, everyone, but it's not a joke. I don't want to mess around with the lets just have a good time while we're young attitude, as I only get one life here, and I want to spend it with the right woman.

Another note to this post is that I'm not over stressed thinking about this, or even really looking, it's just some more random thoughts that have gone through my head this last week, and felt like sharing.

Fun

2008-07-19T16:09:00.003-05:00

This last week has been a lot of fun. I've gotten to hang with friends a lot, and Life Church is having a BBQ in which I am heading to in about an hour.

I said hang out with friends a lot this last week. Tuesday I went to Bible Study at Amie Kiehn's place, then we went to a park and hung out for a while. Thursday after a disappointing youth group I went to Marissa's place and then a few of us went and saw the midnight showing of A Dark Knight! That movie is amazing and I highly recommend seeing it! Last night I went to Allison Steven's place to hang out with a group of friends and that was a lot of fun as well. The reason I wrote the first sentence of this paragraph is, well at the beginning of summer I didn't know any of the people I spent this last week with and mentioned. I love how God puts people in our lives to make things better. I thank Amie Kiehn for emailing my brother and asking if I was interested in Bible Study, because if it wasn't for that I really wouldn't have any friends around here that are my age, and it has really made summer a lot more fun!

Dreaming

2008-07-13T22:40:00.003-05:00

Here is a dreaming cloud. Actually I took this photo on the 4th down at Rathbun, but often time clouds are correlated with dreams, and since I'll be dreaming a little in this post I figured it'd fit to put this cloud!

I have big dreams. I refuse to settle for anything lower than them. Why do I dream? I don't know what else to do. I love our kids at Awaken. I loved the kids at Shift 2:24 (Heartland youth group I helped with this last semester). I love teenagers. I don't want to do anything else with my life than to help them be the best they can be. I want them to know Jesus, and have a major impact on our world. I may not have had a huge impact on this world, but I'm only 19, and I will before I die. I'm not stepping out and being cocky or overconfident. I am stepping by faith in God and believing him that I have been called for something much bigger than myself.

I have been through and seen a lot in my 19 years of life. If you know me I'm not the normal kid. I'm a dreamer, not just the dream upon cloud dreams, but visions of Christ. I have been commanded to "GO" and not just from the Matthew, but by Christ direct in vision. I know he wouldn't give me this without having a major plan. Does this make me better or more special than anyone else? Absolutely not! I just have been lucky enough to have been given direct guidance. I love Jesus and He loves me. I want to share this love with the world and specifically the teenagers who will be our next generations leaders. I want to teach the kids of this world to be Extreme for Jesus. I don't want to be a normal youth leader, and I refuse to be normal, 'cuz I haven't been yet in my life, and don't plan starting anytime soon!

Most of you that read my blog already know most of these things, but I just have been feeling it on my heart a lot more than usual lately, and just needed to write it out there!

Idiot!

2008-07-11T19:49:00.004-05:00

I'm sitting here on the couch right now on a Friday evening thinking to myself "What am I going to do tonight?" and the answer is NOTHING. Why? I really don't know. I keep doing this thing where I decide not to make plans and even when someone asks I'm say "nah, I think I'm gonna' stay in tonight", I even say I might have plans, but don't really and really, I don't want to stay in and do nothing. I should be out with friends having real relationships with them, but no I'm sitting here blogging! I could even be productive and read, but I'll probably get back on facebook and do that again. I know this post is random and back and forth, but that's life! Actually, this is enough, I'm leaving, I'm going to find something to do, even if it is just read, but I'm getting off of this computer, and if your reading this and bored on a Friday or Saturday give me a call, 'cuz chances are I'm not doing anything.

Party

2008-07-07T17:08:00.004-05:00

Saturday night I went to a party in New Sharon. There was a lot of drinking going on. Primarily underage drinking. I did not drink, as I have gone down that path, and know it hurts my relationship with Christ. I still went to hang out with friends, and did a little babysitting as well. At the party I encountered many strange, tough, and some down right funny situations.

I drove a car of friends to the party. On the way there I said "I hope I know more people than just you guys at the party". As soon as I got out of the car on the gravel road I saw a car of people driving past me, and they yelled "ADAM!" From this point on I knew I would have some friends at the party.

Later at the party I was just standing around talking when a girl walked up and bit me on the neck. I was completely thrown off by this and backed away and asked what the heck she was doing, but by this point she was to the next guy biting his neck. I'm glad she didn't get me very good as that would be quite embarrassing for me.

Later I was talking to the girl that bit me and she knows I'm a Follower of Christ. I don't think she understands what that really entails, which saddens me that people don't understand the concept of being a follower of Jesus. She is a Catholic girl, and kept making it a point to tell me she goes to church every Sunday, except when she parties she goes on Saturday nights, so she doesn't have to wake-up early on Sunday morning. I finally asked her why she enjoys going to church, and she told me it makes her feel good having gone and sitting there and doing the "Jesus thing". This absolutely pisses me off. Not what she said, but that she can be consistent to church and still not hear to Love and Truth of Jesus. She said to me "I heard drinking is a sin" as she took a pull of UV Blue. I explained to her that drinking while of age is not a sin, but underage drinking and getting drunk is a sin. She then with a sad look on her face said "Do you think God will forgive me if I go to confession and church next week?" It is my prayer that people like this will learn to repent and that there is more to life than parties, and getting drunk. I also make it my prayer that the church does not condemn them for drinking, but loves them for who they are, as transformation cannot happen until Christ is in there life.

As I was the one to drive the car, I kept the keys which meant I had to continually go back and forth to the car for them to get their alcohol out of the car. One time when we went to the car one of my friends said "Adam help me I made out with that kid and he won't leave me alone now". This made an awkward situation I do not condone what she did, but I felt the need to help her. I then just kept my arm around her for a while to make the guy think we were "together" and he just kept calling her cell phone, but wouldn't come talk to her, so I did my part.

Later the same girl that bit me text my friend I had my arm around and it said "did you kiss him, I wanted to". This was really weird to me, as I don't hardly know the other girl and yeah just strange. This also says to me that she kept talking about church as she was just hitting on me thinking I would like her or kiss her, because I think she attends church.

On the way home we had to stop 3 or 4 times for a friend of mine to throw up on the side of the road. I cannot believe that I let myself do that before. I thank God I have moved past that point in my life, and pray for the people living in it right now.

I had fun with my friends, and learned a lot in one night, even though I've been to many parties, drinking and not drinking. This shows that we need to get out and meet the people where they are at as they are searching for something and they need Jesus. After all Jesus didn't hang out with just the righteous, but with the ones that really needed him.

Independence Day

2008-07-04T21:13:00.006-05:00

July 4, 1776 the greatest country ever came into existence. A country of freedom and people who stood together. I love this country. I thank God for putting this country on the map and blessing it the ways it has. This country no longer stands for what it originally stood for. This makes me sad. I wish our country could be back to the way it was two hundred thirty-two years ago, but unfortunately all great empires of the past have come to an end. When will we see our end? I hope not anytime soon!

On this Independence Day I got to go boating on Lake Rathbun. It was a blast! I love the lake, and riding the wakeboard. I also got to spend time with my sister, her husband, and their boys. I love those guys so much. In the photo below I'm on my wakeboard, and yes I look like a dork, but I am giving thumbs up to my nephew Taiter (Chunk as I like to call him).

Happy Birthday America!

Big Big Daddy

2008-06-29T22:46:00.008-05:00

What's your picture of God? When you hear that word what does it mean? Do you see a judge and jury telling you your punishment? Do you see the beauty of this world? Do you see the first time you experienced him? Do you see that "religious" person who was terrible to you 'cuz you are different? Many people have many pictures of God.

My picture of God is a Big Big Daddy. I have been blessed on this Earth to have an amazing father. My dad has always been there for me. He has provided the way a father should. He never missed a single event I had in school. He has done so much for me, that I can't even begin to tell it all. Now, to think that God the creator of the Universe and this world, loves me not only like, but more than my earthly father. This paints a pretty amazing picture to me.

Now God wants us to love him as our Father as well, He wants us to voluntarily come to him, and give our best for him. He wants that same relationship as a Father and child. This is why I picture God as my Big Big Daddy, and I thank Him for loving me this way, the way my daddy does.

Worst Run of The Year

2008-06-29T00:35:00.004-05:00

So today, well yesterday the 28th, I had the worst run of my year. Here is why!

I took off, and barely moved as the wind was crazy today. I thought I was going backwards at first, but after the first little bit the wind wasn't too bad.

Next crappy thing to happen was, well you remember that snake I posted about in the falling apart post, well I saw his tale sticking out of his hole today on my way out. This means I thought about how I was going to cross that sidewalk from the point of passing it all the way until I got back to it, but luckily he was gone by the time I got back!

Right after I crossed the bridge on my way out, which is about the 4 minute mark on my 20 minute run the worst part hit me, and it hit hard! Well there is a problem with running too soon after you eat something, and this causes you to have to welll... poop. This was scary for me. I had to run the remainder of my jog worried that I was going to go in my pants. There are many random thoughts that came into my head such as, "if this happens, do I keep running and act like it didn't happen or stop hold the shorts so nothing falls out and walk?" or the "do I run to make ground faster and also speed things on the inside, or slow down to help the fight, which then takes more time until I get to the toilet", also the "I wish Aron was here, so I could sit and have him come pick me up", also the "How long 'till I have to lose all pride and knock on a door?" Lots of prayer also went into this jog, which normally does happen, but more than usual!

In the end, I thank the Lord for getting me through that struggle!

AWAKEN!

2008-06-26T21:32:00.007-05:00

Tonight at Awaken Youth we had an amazing time! I was set to "preach" for the first time, but really I didn't preach. We started slow with just a couple kids, then started talking about how God has a purpose for our lives, as we are talking about "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. This was our third week of it, which is God's third purpose for our life, to be like Jesus (discipleship).

As we got going with things more kids kept coming in and out of the room. Many of the kids became very interested in the discussions we were having. The kids had so many questions tonight, and I loved it. My brother Aron and I kind of tag teamed the answers and the "sermon".

These questions weren't easy ones either, but we gave them all the Biblical truth we had. Some questions we had to say flat out we didn't know, and others we had to give them answers they didn't want to hear, but it was right out of God's word.

Also, normally we get done with the "church" part of Awaken about 8:15, and play games and stuff 'till 9, but tonight we had to cut the conversations short as we were being kicked out of the rec center as they close at 9!

One of the more encouraging parts at Awaken tonight, was when Aron and I were walking to the car we walked past all the kids and stopped for a minute. One kid said "so you guys do this every week?" I then replied "yes, every Thursday 7:00 except next week for the holiday", he says "right here?" I nodded and said yes, then he said, "cool, I wish I'd have known you guys were doing this, I'd have been coming for a while." This is encouraging for this kid to see God, through our love and truth.

It was an amazing night, I praise God for those kids and pray for them to have a wonderful week, and hope they seek after a real relationship with Christ!

Falling Apart

2008-06-23T22:55:00.005-05:00

Falls Apart by Thousand Foot Krutch

These past few days I really feel like I'm falling a part! Kinda funny, but scary stuff all at once! It starts last week when my brother said to me "ready to sleep 'till noon on Saturday?" I responded "nah I don't think I'm going to this week, it really messes me up when I sleep that late." Well guess what! I finally got out of bed and around at about 1 in the afternoon, which means I slept straight through noon o'clock.

Then that night guess what happened! I couldn't fall asleep, but had to be up and leaving for church at 7:20 to help set up. I woke up at 7:17, and we were out the door at 7:24. I hate that feeling of being late, but it worked out.

Last night as Aron and I were crossing the I-380 bridge on our way back to the house from our nightly run, I yell and high step and get awfully close to Aron. At this point he is wondering what the heck is going on, I continue to pick up pace a little for the next 10 - 15 seconds as I distance myself from what I saw. A big freakin' snake! If I only have one fear it's a snake. They creep me out like nothing else, and I've dealt with some spooky stuff in my time.

The next piece of me falling apart happened tonight as Aron and I were lounging on the couches watching some TV. I dosed off in an awkward position with my legs up on the arm of the chair and the rest of my body below them. I suddenly woke up, it was about 7:25 pm and I saw the clock and threw myself upright thinking to myself "Oh Crap! I'm late for work!". I thought it was 7:25 am, and as I threw myself upright my legs happened to fall asleep and they hit the floor with a loud THUD. Aron couldn't stop laughing as he saw my face and thought as I threw my legs down, that my whole body would follow onto the floor, but luckily that part didn't happen.

I'm hoping that this is all of me that is falling apart for now, and the rest of the week goes a lot more smoothly!

A Runner?

2008-06-22T17:39:00.002-05:00

This picture shows how I have felt a few times when I've been running this year! Many thoughts could fill a bubble above the head as I run. The most common ones are probably "I hope in you Lord, 'cuz there is no way I'm going to make it on my own," (praying with Isaiah 40:31) or sometimes the "am I going to make it to the toilet or be carrying a little extra at the end". Or the "15. . . 10. . . 5. . . minutes left".

On January 1st of this year my brother Aron, brother-in-law Roger, and I set off on a journey. The journey to run at least 20 minutes every single day in 2008. Winner gets. . . nothing, just satisfaction and the pursuit of becoming a more disciplined person. The origin of this challenge did not come from any of us. It came from our cousin Travis, as he is an ultra-marathon runner. He runs in a 50 mile race every year and the running everyday is part of his training. It was his idea to try to run 365 days for at least 20 minutes, but he has not successfully completed it yet. One cool thing about our challenge is that it is a leap-year, so we get to run 366 days this year, if successful.

The year is nearly half over, and one question I continue to ask myself is, am I a runner. It's hard for me to consider myself a runner, even though I have done it everyday so far this year. It's hard, because I used to hate running so much, but I've really learned to appreciate it much more over the past months.

Some of my most spiritual conversations with God have been while running these past few months. Running helps me get away a little and just hear His voice. Since I've been here in Iowa City, I've been able to run with Aron a lot. I like this, as we can really talk and dream, and tell each other things to pray about for each other.

If anyone knows me, they know I'm a dreamer. I've had so many ideas for dreams and hopes come through my head as I run. One stays constant. That is to bring Jesus to as many teenagers and youth as I can. I want them to see the love Christ has for them, and how great there life can be with Him!

The Great Flood!

2008-06-15T18:58:00.001-05:00

I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish.
- Genesis 6:17

Dubuque St. and Mayflower Residence Hall in Iowa City

A few weeks ago while getting ready for bed with the news on the t.v. my little nephew Isaac (6 years old) said "I thought God said he would never flood the Earth again."

I know our flood here in Iowa isn't quite that bad, but it's hard not to think about it at times! As many know this day is a crazy one! So far in 2008 here in Iowa we have had massive floods, extreme tornadoes, and even an earthquake. It's hard not to think about the end times through all of this, but we should not lose faith or focus on that point so much as to cause a distraction in our lives. Although it is important to realize that it could very well be the end of days and we still have many people in our lives that we need to share Christ's life and love with!

The Spillway at the Coralville Reservoir

Sad Day

2008-06-11T23:30:00.002-05:00

This is a video my brother Sethie made while I was playing on the computer when I was 10.

June 9, 2000 was the worst day of my life. Every year around this time I am reminded of that day. That day I lost my best friend and brother Seth. He was a great one. Life was never dull with him around! He was in a car wreck with one of our good family friends and didn't make it out. I have grown and changed a lot since then, as I was only eleven at the time, but looking back in my memory I do not see an eleven year old. I feel I aged a lot in that little time. This event changed my life forever. I would not be the same person I am without that event. One thing I have thought a lot about over the years is the great question of would I trade my life for his. I would give my life in a second for my brother, but at the same time I think I would rather have him go on to the afterlife and have me suffer his loss, than to have me die and him have to suffer the pain of losing a brother like I have.

Iowa State Experience

2008-06-01T21:03:00.002-05:00

So the following is a note I wrote on Facebook on Monday, September 10, 2007. I was sitting in Parks Library at Iowa State University while sipping coffee and reflecting on my college experience to that point:

My name is Adam Kolosik. I am from North English, Iowa. I am currently a freshman at Iowa State and am majoring in Engineering, but am currently Undeclared in that field. So far I love it here at Iowa State. I have partied many times and been drunk pretty much every time I go to a party. If you're still reading and think oh yes typical college student. Well sorry I try not to be. I have failed in my life so many times. Including every weekend I've been here in Ames. Don't get me wrong the party life is a fun one, but my life in high school without it was much better. In college I have way more opportunities to reach out, be part of something, and find some people that are more like me! In high school I had a lot of friends, but no one really like me. I go to parties, but I'm not a partier. I love Jesus Christ and he loves me. I have been disappointed many time in my life and I'm well prepared for that everywhere I go. No matter how many times I fail or fall Jesus still loves me, and no matter how many times I'm disappointed I've disappointed him more, but he forgives as I ask. He love unconditionally, yet as humans we only wish to love each other this way. I've drank, failed, cheated, stolen, lied, cursed, and treated girls terribly. I'm sorry for all of this. I wish to get back to the way I used to be and be on fire for Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. He died on the cross for me, I hope I can live my life the best I possibly can for him. I will fail and I have many times before. He still loves. If you do not like me for who I've been I'm sorry, but the only thing I can do is try my best and change. My recent weeks couldn't be better described than the way Reliend K puts it in "Who I Am Hates Who I've been". If you understand any of this or have been through it, give me a message, maybe I can help or maybe you can help me. But as Christ says together with him we can do all things!

This post now is to say that I did not get right back on track after that post, but I eventually did, and have been on track for quite some time now. I still have struggles, but I have grown so much stronger through this with Christ's Love that carried me through. I started attending Heartland Assembly of God consistently and God just began to work over my heart and bring me back to him. I thank him so much for what he has done for me! Praise the Lord MY Father!

Memorial Day Picnic

2008-05-27T22:38:00.002-05:00

So as most everyone know yesterday was Memorial Day in the U.S. to remember the soldiers lost in military service. Though most people don't always recognize the day for more than a three day holiday. I honestly did not think about the real meaning of the day at all yesterday as I spent the day fellowshipping at Kent Park having a barbecue with my church. The day was a lot of fun as our church family got together and played games such as volleyball, tug-of-war, horse shoes, and many other games I had not heard of. The above photo is of two of my nephews Isaac and Luke playing in a big jumper the church rented for the kids to play in as well. The day was a lot of fun, but it was nice to relax on the couch after I got back too!

Big but Slow, Crazy yet Lazy

2008-05-19T23:04:00.001-05:00

This last week has been a big one! A lot has happened yet it felt like I did nothing at the same time. I've had so many thoughts and things happen that I need to get on here:

What's new in my life:

Well Masters Commission called me and made me aware that they will be leaving Phoenix First Assembly and starting a Church plant in Frisco, Texas (Just north of Dallas). This new Church will be called Relevant Church. I at first was a little concerned about the change, but the staff will stay the same, and I feel being involved in a church plant on this level will give me a great experience and really help me grow closer to The Lord my God Jesus Christ.

Saturday night my cousin Dustin Wildeboer got married. It was a fun night and good time all around as I also got to see a lot of my cousins and spend a little time with them. I wish I could have spent more time with them all, but I guess that's the way it goes sometimes. One strange thing about Dustin getting married is that it means I am now the oldest grandkid of the Rollers that is not married. Dusty came over and sat next to me for a few minutes at the reception and said well looks like your next. This is scary! I can't imagine getting married soon, but who know what God has in store for me!

Today was my first day working at BIS Fru-con. They are a construction management firm working at the Iowa City Proctor and Gamble Plant. I am a construction management intern out there. This will be a good experience for me as I just finished my freshman year of construction engineering at Iowa State and would like to pursue that after I do Masters Commission. Fru-con does a lot of projects out at P & G. It will be a great variety of work and experience for me to learn from. I really appreciate my brother for putting in a word for me out there. Without that I wouldn't have even known Fru-con existed!

So as I'm living here with Aron I am also able to help him with the Awaken Youth Group of Life Church and grow as a youth leader. These kids are really on my heart and I hope and pray for the best for all of them. Through the guidance of the Spirit I hope to have them all saved and help build them up as leaders to minister to others around them. This will be another great time for me this summer.

Many more things have been happening, but I'll leave some other stuff as I think this is starting to be quite a long post!

Blogging

2008-05-13T00:30:00.001-05:00

Well, it seems as if everyone is starting to blog. I figured I'd give it a shot and see how it works for me, and I knew if I wanted to have akolosik as my url I had better start this thing soon as my brother Aron will probably have one soon and try to take that from me!
I finished my first year of college last week and it was fantastic. A few hours after I finished my last final I was on my way from Ames to move in with my big bro and his family. I know my sister is a little jealous that I'm now farther from her and closer to Aron and Mom and Dad, but it will all work out. This summer I will be working with Fru-Con and learning a little bit more about the construction business. In September I will be moving to Phoenix, AZ for nine months to enroll in a program called Masters Commission to study and do full-time ministry.
Well that's all I got for my first blog! Hopefully I'll actually do this thing and there will be more to come!