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Friday, May 30, 2003

I am so tired today; I actually turned down going to a show tonight. I am excited to just stay at home, or go to a friend's house and just screw around! I think I might build a city, or raise a family or do something along those lines. Oh, yeah, sleep too. Maybe I should write my letter of leave request for work, maybe I should work on my final persuasive speech, and maybe I should do a lot of things. Fridays are the end of the week, therefore the end of my energy. Sorry boys and girls, this soldier is retiring for the day, or maybe two. Have a blessed weekend, and remember, your call is to honor God in all you do, that is his will for you.

PS!!!! I JUST GOT REALLY EXCITING NEWS!

One of the guys on our student senate at school, who dresses as a girl everyday, and is very open to his sexual orientation, accepted Christ! Now I just pray for God's Holy Spirit to prompt him into wanting to live a life which honors God. I pray that the other Christians on campus show God's love to him (and of course to everyone), I pray that me and others who have been praying for him, will have the courage to step and begin the discipleship process, and truly show him what it means to be Christian. There is a lot of work to be done. Oh God remove the enemy from Cascadia, your power alone is all we serve. Thank you Lord.

Thursday, May 29, 2003

I need a serious accountability partner, one who is going to basically chew me up and down. One who can push me to be better, one who can physically get me moving, and keep me in line. This all stems from my lack of motivation and discipline, of which I basically have none. I become motivated only when it starts to mess with my everyday lifestyle. As for disciplined, I'm only disciplined when I have someone else to do go along with, either it be exercising, studying the bible, or simply getting up for work on time. These are some major areas I would like to improve upon, and I can't do it alone, I've tried and I'm failing miserably... I need help, now.

-= prayer =-

Lord Jesus,

Remove Satan's influence from my life, remove all evil from my friend's lives, let your power reign over all of us, and with your power have the evil flee from this world, and your light shine. God you are awesome, you are glorious, you are the powerful one, and you are the king. Holy Spirit be an even stronger voice in my life, and in the lives of all of the people I meet and talk to. Lord, I ask for you to provide me with an accountability partner who will strongly keep me following you, and I ask for you to help me provide him that same straight path. Holy Spirit fan the flames with in my soul, take control, burn fire burn. I ask for forgiveness from the sins I have committed directly against you, and I thank you for your forgiveness, and I ask for you to continue changing me, refine me in your fire. I have a lot of work to do for Poland, Lord I ask for monetary support, and I ask that you help me over come the anxiety of leaving my friends and all I know here at home. God, I love you, fill me up, protect me and all around me, all I want to do is glorify you, help me be a reflection of your love and light and freedom you bring to my life. Thank you Lord.

In Jesus' name,

So be it.

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

Here are some random thoughts I've been thinking about lately.

1) I'm tired of these people telling me to find the will of God, all children of God know God's will, he says it himself (well God uses Paul to say it):

See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else.
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil.
[1 Thessalonians 5:15-22].


You see, God's will is nothing more than honoring him with all we do. What ever we do, as long as we are honoring him, it is in his will. But don't take me wrong, God most definitely prompts us by opening doors and shutting them. It is great stuff, but don't worry, as long as you are honoring God, by loving, and hold onto what is good, then you are in God's will.

2) Everything you do, say, don't say affects those around you. Be careful, we as Christians are asked to be uplifting, not to tear down. Sometimes a brother or sister may need a reminder if he/she has done something which didn't honor God. But we must remember to do these things in love and not out anger because he/she makes Christianity look bad, but because it dishonor's god, not the institution.

3) We are all a part of the Church, the Church of Jesus Christ (no latter day saints here). We all worship the same Godhead, the same Holy Spirit works in our lives as it did in the Bible, the same Jesus will return in just as a dramatic way as he rose from the dead, the same God will lead us and love us through our lives. I am so blessed to have friends from many different "denominations", the great part is we all worship in our own styles, we have doctrinal differences, and we have different things close to our hearts. But one thing makes us all brothers and sisters, the blood of Christ, which set us free of the crap in this world. We just have to follow him with all our hearts, and love people as Jesus loves. We are spiritual beings, which is what makes us who we are.

Monday, May 26, 2003

Okay people, I screwed up on Saturday... so now I'm at day 2 again. Sad times, but I'm not as upset with myself as I thought I would be, I'm disappointed, but not mad, I realize that I'm moving forward. If there are any men out there dealing with this I suggest going to http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com it�s a great site with all kinds of resources. I've also heard good things about "Every young man's struggle" or "Every man's struggle", a couple of books dealing with sexual lust and sin. Another site I just found while searching for these resources is http://www.pureintimacy.org/, looks good, done by focus on the family.

So, I'm really tired right now, and all I really want to do is veg out so that's what I'm going to do. TTFN.

[2 Timothy 2:21-22]
If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

Friday, May 23, 2003

So, I have this problem with taking compliments sometimes... I realize I'm a little rude sometimes, I don't say thanks, and I either laugh at the person, or respond with some kind of humor. What's the deal with that? I'm still stuck with this image of my self in seventh grade, acne covered face, hair parted down the middle, almost the shortest person on campus, and kind of a loner (my two best friends at that time had decided to not be my friends at the start of the year). I know I'm nothing like that person anymore, I have confidence, and I can actually communicate with the opposite gender now, not to mention my own gender.

So, why can I not accept a compliment on my physical appearance? I know why I have a hard time letting people serve me, because I know I'm capable of doing whatever they are trying to help me with, or I know I can afford what ever their trying to pay for, I should just be grateful for these things, but instead I feel like I'm using them or something. But when it comes to my physical appearance, I usually don't believe them, I think they are just trying to be nice, because that's how it was in Junior High... oh wait, oh yeah I'm not in Junior High anymore... Duh... people are honest now... uh huh, right. I know that the majority of my friends really are honest, and would tell me if something looked bad on me, or would comment if I did my hair weird, since I'm always asking, I would hope they would actually care to let me know if it looked really bad, it wouldn't make me mad or sad, I would be glad. I guess I've just let the vain cosmopolitan world leak in... I don't obsess over it though, I really don't, I'll go to work or school knowing I look dead, but I don�t care. But if someone compliments me, then that's another story I care all of a sudden, is this real? So, I don't know, I need to realize that it is real. I like to look nice, I like to feel clean, and I like to be noticed, who doesn't? I just need to try and not make that something I worry about, for the most part I don't, but every once and while I do, and its not a good thing.

Paul's Thanks for Their Gifts [Philippians 4:10-20]

How grateful I am, and how I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but for a while you didn't have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. But even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don't say this because I want a gift from you. What I want is for you to receive a well-earned reward because of your kindness.
At the moment I have all I need--more than I need! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable to God and pleases him. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now glory be to God our Father forever and ever. Amen.

Wednesday, May 21, 2003

Last night I was with an awesome group of friends worshipping, talking, praying, having fun. In the middle of worship I realized something is happening, I'm hitting some kind of plateau, and I'm not really satisfied with it. I don't want to stop growing, yet I find myself not moving forward, and not really doing much about it. I'm getting really tired of being in this holding pattern; I have no patience for just sitting still and waiting; yet another sign of God teaching me to be patient.

I guess I should relate my life to a video game, when I'm playing any kind of video game (which I'm not a big video game player, but I do play at times) I like to look around, find all the secrets, get the most out of the gaming experience. But when it comes to my life I want to skip all that stuff and just move on, get it over with. Why I have this attitude with video games and not myself I have no idea. I like detail, but I'm not motivated to figure it out in my life unless it's at the last minute.

For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom. For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. [Romans 8 22-24]

Tuesday, May 20, 2003

God is teaching me patience, and rightfully so. It seems this patience lesson is coming through by using my car, you see over the last month I have had much for my car or to my car�. "It's story time with Travis."

It starts out with getting a routine oil change, in which I take my car to Jiffy Lube for a "signature" oil change; you know the works; vacuum, check lights, top off the fluids, clean the windows. I notice over the next few hours how my car is acting a little funny, but I can't quite put my finger on it, then the next day I notice a whirring noise while I accelerate, and the infamous "check engine" light comes on, okay now I start to worry, what does the check engine light mean? Is it safe to drive? Is it just going to die on me? Come on give me more details then "Check engine"! So, I manage to leave work early and take the car back to Jiffy Lube where they take about two seconds to "check things over" and promptly tell me they don't see anything wrong, and they don�t have the computer to see what "check engine" light is all about., they suggest go to Subaru. So I beg and plead Subaru to look at it for me, because they said Monday was the earliest. I get to Subaru Service, and what do they say� "Um sir, your air filter is missing and the housing was not screwed into place", I laugh and then frown, because this means Jiffy Lube did not replace my air filter! So, Subaru replaces it, charges me $122.00 just to look at it and install a new filter, so I promptly go back to Jiffy Lube, and the guy behind the counter apologizes, then goes to the shop and yells at all his men, and gives them a stern talking to. Jiffy Lube a week later mails me a check for $122.00.

So a week later I get rear ended, not too badly, but there are some scratches to go along with the dent I already put in my bumper back in the fall. Everything seems okay, I call the police they come out; give us the papers to report the damage to our insurance companies, and all looks well. Until I call the other guys insurance company and it turns out he isn't a policy holder for All State, and so I call my insurance company and thankfully I can still claim the damage but I'll have to pay $300 instead of Zero, but that's better than the $500 they said I would need to pay if they couldn't find the guy at all. So I take my car into the body shop about another week later, they say "oh yeah, one day no problem". So my roommate and I go out to my parents house, I pick up my mom's car to drive for the day, and my roommate, driving my car, follows me out to the shop to drop my car off. The day the car is being worked on, I start heading back to the shop around 4:00pm, because they said it would be done around that time. On my way there I encounter the WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation) paving the highway I was using, and so I sat in construction for 25 min, just as I was beginning to move again, I get a phone call from the shop. "Were sorry but your car wont' be done until tomorrow because we had a problem with the part from Subaru"� I'm thinking to my self "What can go wrong w/ a bumper cover?" and "Great now I have to drive back through this mess", but thankfully the friend who was going to help me get my car and follow me back to my parent's to take my mom's car back, hung out w/ me the rest of the day. That was fun. So the next day, the car was finished, it looked sweet. My friend Matt offered to help me do the car switch back to my parents; upon arrival of my parent's house I discover that the security system in my car isn't working right, great, just great another problem with the car.

So the next day, I take the car back to the shop, tell them what's going on, they take a look, and they can't figure it out. So they suggest take it to Subaru, so I call Subaru, they ask a few questions, "is your security light flashing fast", answer "YES", solution "Turn the car off, open the driver's door, hold the 'unlock' button for 5 seconds".. I say "okay". I do, and now problem fixed, two days of a security system not working all because the car was in "valet" mode!

So, now I make one more claim to the insurance company because my windshield has been cracked for quite some time now, and the driver's side fog lamp has been busted for about the same time. Thankfully because they were busted at the same "event" it's one deductible, of only $100 for both the windshield and fog lamp. The fog lamp it self is like $175! So, I make an appointment to have my windshield repaired the day after I was suppose to have my car back from the shop, well that didn't happen so I had to reschedule (a lot of things actually), but it worked out and I had the windshield scheduled for Friday. They come out, tell me all about the procedures for replacing the windshield, to not slam my doors, etc, etc� Then I get a call at my desk, the new windshield basically folded on its self when he installed it, and they don�t have a replacement on hand until Saturday. Great, so now I have this huge crack, with chunks on my dashboard and everything, through my windshield, on the driver's side. I'm thinking to myself, what else could go wrong w/ this car. So the next day he comes out, replaces the windshield everything is good.

So, I call Subaru to schedule a time to replace the fog lamp, which was supposed to be today. I get there, and I'm sitting in the waiting room for about 30 min before they come out to tell me they don't have a fog lamp in stock, and need to order one and it will take probably until next week, maybe Friday, but no sooner. Thanks, thanks for letting me sit for 30 min before finding out you didn't have the part in stock! But that's okay... I said and went on with my day.

Had this been a few years ago, I would have been so upset at Jiffy lube I would have blown a cork, I would have demanded a rental car from the shop, and driven back to the Auto Glass shop to have a windshield put on right away, and told Subaru to order a new fog lamp express shipping, but I've learned, be patient, things work out, and it really doesn't make a difference when it happens. And you know what, each person I came in contact with who had to give me the bad news, thanked me for my patience� If they only knew what I was thinking� thankfully I can control my tong and attitude, most of the time. I had times of frustration, and certainly my friends saw that, especially the security system problem, I don't know why, but that really irked me. I'm beginning to wonder if people just don't know how to work on my car, or what the deal is... but Patience really is a virtue. Thank God.

Monday, May 19, 2003

I�m feeling quite good about my self right now, and I know its because I�m doing the best I can to honor God with all my actions. I had a tough time this morning, but that�s okay I�m moving on. I�m on day 13, almost two weeks, it�s getting harder but I�m holding on. I�ve realized that my real passion is not evangelism but discipleship, I want nothing more but for people to grow closer and closer to God. Sure I love seeing people except Christ for the first time, but I want to be part of the process, which changes their lives. I know God is using me to help train, and show people who God really is. I�ve never been all that great in brining people actually to Christ, but I can surely take a person from that decision in their lives and make it real to them. I know I can because God has shown me that, although for the past two years I was wrapped up in trying to bring others to him, he has called me to helping others get to him closer, which brings me closer and closer to him. The best way to learn something is to teach something.

If you are wise and understand God's ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don't brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise! But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your hearts, don't brag about being wise. That is the worst kind of lie. For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and motivated by the Devil. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.
[James 3:13-18]

PS. Any thoughts on the new color scheme? I'm not too sure, so let me know... thanks!

Sunday, May 18, 2003

I'm chasing after you with all my heart.
Not knowing where I'll go next.
All I want to do, is please you with every thing I do.
Today I live for you, that's all that matters now.

Tell me where I can find you.
Tell me where that secret place is.
Tell me how to just be with you.
Tell me why they don't understand.

I'm running to find that place.
I'm stuck in this holding pattern.
I don't know how it's going to work.
For all I know it's in your face.

Tell me
Tell me
Tell me
I want to know

You are here when I stop.
You are here when I'm quite.
Only you can tell me,
I just need to listen.
Need to listen.

And by the way day 12 has cleared w/ a bit of struggle yesterday, but I kept clear.

Friday, May 16, 2003

Very good article: "Why I don't go to church anymore" . It's kind of long, but give it a good read, it has awesome points. I myself love my "church", but the church is the entire body of Christ, so I think a new terminology is needed, I love my "Extension of Christ"... or my "Piece of the body"... I dunno. Get the point?

So, you want to know what's been on my heart lately? Well as some of you may have noticed, I've been counting the days I've stayed pure, and it's been really great, and incase your wondering I've happily cleared day nine. Although I have been struggling with images in my mind, I wish I could just delete the crap I've put in my head, but I realize its going to get into my head if I try or not; but the more I cut off the better, and less stuff to create things images in my head.

Now, for the hard part, since I believe if someone professes their sins, they can be rid of that sin, I will explain a little more about this problem of mine. I struggle with homosexuality (it took me 10 min to type that). I am 100% convinced it is a sin, I am upset with my self every time I have the urge, the desire, or even any thought, because I know it is wrong, I know it does not honor God in anyway, neither does heterosexual lust. All sin is the same, the difference is weather or not you change from your sinful lives, I want more than anything to honor God, and to do this I must change (or repent) of my sins. The Holy Spirit has worked in my life, I can not tell you Homosexuality is not a sin, it is, but it is like any other, if you live in sin, you dishonor God. Any lust outside of your marriage does not honor God; even in your marriage it's possible to dishonor God. Now I can't ever imagine being "in love" with another man, that I have never even wanted or desired, I believe because my first sexual encounter was sexual abuse from another male, I for some reason have physical attraction to other males. But that's all it is; physical, second to God, my next desire is to marry a women of God and have children to raise in his ways. I have no desire to have any kind of relationship, besides friendships, with males. All I want is to rid my self of the sexual, lustful urges I get. So, now that I've poured out my heart, let the healing begin. I know God is good, all the time, God is good.

And their prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make them well. And anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for the next three and a half years!
[James 5:15-17]

If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.
[1 John 1:8-10]

-= prayers =-


    - To remove all temptation from my life, and to have these urges and desires change into healthy God honoring ones
    - For my friends who are in any kind of relationship, to keep Christ in the center, and to seek him first
    - For a roommate
    - For financial support for Poland

-= praises =-

    - God is helping me become bolder, so I can serve him more
    - I can worship freely
    - Gods presence is with me

Wednesday, May 14, 2003

Yeah baby day eight!

Well maybe that has something to do with the fact I've been too busy to even breathe at some points, and I've been dogged down with this nasty cold, but that's okay� just 82 days to go until, according to the experts, I'll have formed a habit.

One day as the crowds were gathering, Jesus went up the mountainside with his disciples and sat down to teach them.

This is what he taught them:

"God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them. God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
"God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.
[Mathew 5:1-12]

So, I've been thinking a lot about how attitude can affect just about everything. The other night I was in a meeting, and I just had no motivation to do anything, homework, help plan, eat, sleep, be nice, I was just exhausted. So, I prayed for my attitude to change, I prayed that the Holy Spirit just remind me of the amazing things God does for me. I need to sacrifice my self, because this is an unjust world, but God is not, God is Just, and his kingdom will reign forever.

-= prayers =-


    - Be motivated at work, remember to follow through on things and to be a servant
    - Financial support for Poland
    - Have the time to get support letters out to people
    - That each of my friends truly look to God for everything, and sacrifice themselves to be his servant
    - For my friends who are in relationships seek God first, and his will and calling, that they realize the things which do not honor God, and do not honor the other person in the relationship
    - Leadership for CRU next year at Cascadia
    - That I can be a truly different person who lives for God and shows it in everything I do, that I don't fall into a pattern
    - That I can truly be there for people and serve them, and that God uses me to better his Kingdom

-= praises=-

    - That I have absolutely amazing friends who are searching after God
    - I live in the United States, everyday I realize this is a huge blessing, even our poor and homeless have opportunities, that other nations do not
    - Times of worship where I can feel God's spirit in mine
    - For all the people God has put in my life, every single person who does anything with me

Tuesday, May 13, 2003

Sorry, i've been a little busy since I got back from the weekend fun. I have a lot to say, so hopefully tomorrow (actually today...) i'll update. I hope everything is good.

Friday, May 09, 2003

"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.
"And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!
"So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.
[Mathew 6:25-34]

How does one stay motivated? I find it really hard sometimes to be motivated to do anything, especially recently with this Poland trip coming up, I just feel like I'm "killing time". I'm not sure if I will really feel like I'm moving until I'm leaving on that jet plane. I know I need to get motivated soon though, because I have a lot to take care of before I leave. I think my problem right now is that I'm looking too closely at the future instead of right now. Right now I need to print up support letters, and thank you letters, I need to investigate health insurance while I'm in Poland, I need to email the missionaries there with an update on my finances and ask a few questions, I need to talk to people at my church, I've got a lot to do. But I also have school, campus crusade, looking for a new roommate, and work to worry about in the mean time, that, you would think, would keep me motivated, but it doesn't. I'm a fairly independent person so I think that I can do it without much help from others, which in reality is not true at all. I guess I really need to focus on my patience, I need some big time.

On another topic�

How do you become comfortable around people who, for some un-apparent reason, you just feel awkward talking to? I sometimes have a hard time feeling comfortable around other people who are physically taller and bigger than myself� I don't show it, but I never feel like I'm talking normal to them, like I need to somehow prove my self. Now of course I'm referring to actual people in my life, but names wouldn't do anything, so I'm leaving them out. I guess some people just make me feel like they are watching every move I make, every step I take, and criticizing it, I usually don't have any problem with this, except that in this case I don't know what they are thinking� The great thing is, these people are offering all kinds of help to me, so that's great, I just need to realize that I do need help, and I can use it. Be thankful Travis, be grateful!

By the way it is day 3 of not falling, this is a winning streak for me as of lately!

PS. I will be camping this weekend, so I probably won't be bloggin until Sunday afternoon or evening. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, May 08, 2003

When I'm alone I fall. When I'm alone I fail. When I'm alone I grow weak. What am I talking about? Sin, I fall in the temptation of sin when I�m alone, it's been maybe a day or two since I've actually committed the sin, which for the past few weeks is good. I don't know what it is about sexual sin, which makes it seem so much worse than any other sin, because I know it is not. But I guess for me it's been one of the hardest to conquer, or attempt to conquer. I'm sure my past has caused me to be more susceptible to falling, but I know that I have my own responsibility for taking care of it. I must keep on asking for forgiveness, attempting to change (repent), and pray for God to lead me from the temptation when it occurs.

I'm actually typing this blog entry as a way to stay away from that which tempts me to fall into this sin. I have worship music playing, and my bible near by. I really need to spend a lot more time in the word; I spend very little of my day in his word. I know I need to know who God is more; I want to know God more. I have come to this point in my walk that unless I take reading his word seriously I'm just going to stagnate.

I've realized that some people see me as some kind of super Christian� that is almost an insult, I know it's not meant that way, but I try so hard to make people realize I'm human, I fall, I make mistakes, I'm not perfect� Christians are not perfect, we can never be perfect, we can only strive to follow Christ, and following Christ means giving up things, sacrificing our will, our plans for his. I know I have a strong way of letting someone know when I don't approve of something, but this is because I love you, not because I want you to feel condemned. I have a strong sense of discernment, I can feel right and wrong, but I can't always explain it, I'm working on this, keep it in prayer. His plans and will for our lives are so much more rewarding, it is amazing, and maybe it's the reason some see me as a "super Christian", thanks but, no thanks.

Since i'm sort of on the subject of lust, sexual sin, and the such... here is what people on "one word" wrote about the word "lust".

[Galatians 5:5-6]
But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive everything promised to us who are right with God through faith. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, it makes no difference to God whether we are circumcised or not circumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.

-= Prayer requests =-
Poland Financial support, I'm leaving in four months!
Relationships with my family
PATIENCE
Recognize and destroy temptations in my life
To just be real
When I'm bored, and alone, to seek God not others or things
Be delivered of the things of my past

-= Praises =-
I know God's (current) plan for me
I�m confident in my self (constant struggle)
ALL of my friends are awesome, with out them I would not be who I am today!
My church family, I love it, I love the people, and I know God is with them
God is awesome

Tuesday, May 06, 2003

Do you ever have times where the future just seems to be laid ahead of you? Well I know I have never really seen it quite as clearly as I do right now. The thing about this path is that it requires a lot of resources, makes me depend on the outcomes of other people�s paths, and most of all is at least a year and a half out. But I know these things for sure�.


    1) I will experience God more than I have ever before.
    2) I will learn to depend on God and others more, I have been very independent up until now.
    3) I will finally be equipped to fulfill my passions.
    4) I will learn all about world cultures and religions, and have that under myself when I�m talking with others.

Now of course, depending on what happens with other people the plan can change. But I am confident the overall outcomes will be the same even if the medium in which it is to happen changes. This plans, however it may turn out is going to require a lot of patience on my part, and a lot of sacrifice, but I think I�m prepared.

[Jeremiah 29:11]
11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Monday, May 05, 2003

What does it mean to be a witness?

Because I could talk about this for days, since it is one of my biggest passions, I'm going to simply list what I think a Christian witness is, should be, is not, and why.

A Christian witness is a follower of Christ; this means�


    o He/she tries with all their heart, mind, and soul to do as Jesus Christ exampled for us.

    o Show respect for others, even when they do not deserve the respect

    o Attempt to communicate effectively your feelings to others, attempt to not lose your temper

    o Live your life in such a way, that people know you have integrity, honor and can give you respect, because you respect them and your God

    o In public, if you do something which does not honor God, make an attempt to correct the problem, before those who witnessed you doing that action, saying that word or phrase of dishonor, coin you as a hypocrite along with the rest of Christianity. We are one body, if one part screws up and does not correct the problem, then we all suffer.

    o If he/she is caught in a pattern of sin, and another Christian points this out to them (in a loving respectful manner), the person in question will prayerfully change their ways, and possibly seek help

    o The actions and words you speak affect people, think about them, how will this action or word(s) affect the people around me?

    o Update 5/5/03 Even when you are with your friends, family, at work, continue to show Love, encouragement, with your words and actions.


There are many different situations people can get themselves into trouble, where you might lose your anger, say something mean, do something wrong; but I can guarantee that if you are trying to honor God, and respect all humans around you, you will begin to live a life which honors God, and therefore you will be rewarded, maybe not here on Earth, but for sure with God.

I encourage any Christian to study the Sermon on the Mount (Mathew 5, 6 and 7). These are the words from Christ himself on how to live a life of honor, integrity and respect. They are not easy, you will fail at times, but the heart of the matter is your heart. Where is your heart, with God, with people, or with the world?

[Mathew 5:14-16]
You are the light of the world � like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Friday, May 02, 2003

I love my home state.

So I decided to join a few of my friends in a "little" road trip to Kennewick, WA to see Jordan Munoz open for Delirious. Why? Because I love Jordan, and Delirious! So, for those who do not know how far Kennewick is from my home, which is in Woodinville, WA, it is about four hours going 75mph the entire way. We left Bothell (right next door to home) at about 3:30pm, and arrived at the Tri Cities coliseum at 7:30, right as they were introducing Jordan and the band. Jordan rocked the place, and a cool little surprise happened too... The worship pastor from my church played with Jordan and company one of my favorite worship songs, which he wrote, it was AMAZING... ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. People, do you understand what I mean? No I don't think you do... God's spirit was so incredibly strong; I felt like God had his arms wrapped right around us.

Delirious was awesome too of course, but that's a given.

So, we decided to boogie it out of Kennewick, but my great older and wiser friend, Josh, decided to take "another way"... well we took another way... Nearly to Portland, OR! But God's beauty, wonder, and power was so awesome out in the hills, and mountains of southern Washington. We counted more than 35 elk and deer along the way, at some points we were driving very carefully so as not to hit one of them. The stars were so incredibly bright... as soon as I get the picture I will post them. God was with us the entire night, I kid you not, right as I was praying for his protection so that we wouldn't run into any of the deer or other woodland creatures, a small herd of deer crossed in front of us, but God totally saved the day. We ended up driving through Mt. Rainier national park, the very majestic mountain I see everyday just hovering it's beauty over the city of Seattle... We were driving right on top of it (well at least, right around it). God, I love this place! It is so beautiful! God is so good, so good.