Oh Sleeper Awake, Rise from the Ashes

SHOW LOVE!!!

2009-09-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

Since we were little kids we were always taught that in order to receive something we had to deserve it. We are told to get good grades to go to a good school. Do good in school so we get a good job. Get a good job so we can have a good life. Etc........ It is a never ending process.

But our God is the opposite. He gives us grace, and love that is undeserving. It is so hard for us as humans to understand this amazing concept. Since we have the idea that you have to work to receive something it has turned us cold. When is the last time you did something for someone that didn't deserve it. When is the last time a friend hurt you for no reason and you just said its ok..... i love you. It is so hard for us to do these things, and show undeserving love.

So challenge yourself today. Try to show that undeserving love to someone!!

God Bless

From the Word

2009-08-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

Satans Fall

2009-08-25T19:22:00.001-07:00

So many people forget that Satan was once a glorious angel that lived side by side with God. He loved God with all of his heart until he was corrupted with pride, and greed. But before he fell he had a role the was very important. Gabriel is the messenger arch angel, Michael is the warrior arch angel, and lucifer used to be the angel that worshiped God constantly.

So many people ask why did God create us, why did He create man when he is so perfect. The bible does not give a clear answer on this topic but i believe that when lucifer fell that God needed something to fill the void that he left. He needed something that would constantly lift his name in praise. We are here on earth to fill that void. What an unbelievable calling!! Our Job is to bring God glory all the time. We can do it by singing, helping others, sharing the gospel, working hard at our jobs. There are so many ways that we can fill this void that lucifer left.

Satan is constantly trying to tear us down as christians because he knows that God loves us so much just like he used to love him. He wants us to be torn away from our loving creator because he wants us all to suffer with him. He is so bitter, and angry at God, and us that he will do anything to keep us from glorifying our wonderful father.

It is such an amazing calling to worship and bring glory to God every day.

The Downfall of Society

2009-08-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

Now a days we live in a society that is flawed in so many ways. There are so many problems with the world, and people in general. If you look back in time there are things that are going on now that would be not acceptable then. It just goes to show that the further we travel in time from the fall the worse and worse we become. It is acceptable for a man, and a man to be married. Divorce is more than common. If marriage is too hard then just get a divorce. We have taken a sacred thing and made a mockery of it. Our government is so messed up. We have senators, and politicians that do not know how to stay faithful to their spouses. It is not acceptable for us to say God in public schools. We can not pray, and 50 years ago prayer was in all public schools. There is wide drug abuse, and prescription drug abuse. These are just some of the main problems with our society today. There is so much more that is broken, and the only people that can be blamed our ourselves.

SO many times we want to turn and point the finger at God, but it all goes back to us. We ate the fruit from the tree. We are the imperfect ones. We messed everything up.

No matter how bad it is being a christian i need to realize that there are people out there that are blinded by sin. They do not see the problems with the world. They do not understand what it is like to be loved. They need to hear the good news. The only way the world is going to get better is if christian stop pouting about their problems, and how evil everyone is and get off their ass and love some people.

Sometimes christian, and i am included in this, sit around and talk about how bad society is, and what is wrong, and never go do anything about it. Isn't that conforming to what society has become? Selfish, and non-caring. That is what the world is. "Its all about me, as long as I'm fine then that is all that matters." Well we are not the world, we are christians, and we are called to so much more! That is such a beautiful thing. God has called us to live a life of love and mercy. So many people in the world do not know what it is like to be loved. Men are addicted to porn because it makes them feel better about themselves. Women give their bodies to men because that gives them confidence. Kids grow up with out parents because it wasn't convenient. People grow up in broken homes, and do not understand what its like to have a family dinner every night. So many people need love, and we are the ones who get to show the love of Christ to them.

So who someone some love in some way and spread the word of Christ. The world is broken, and it can be repaired, and it is our responsibilities as christians to do so.

Hey Friends

2009-08-15T22:32:00.000-07:00

So once again i am up late and not sleeping. I thought i would write something down. Im back at ECU and it feels good. I miss home, and hanging out with friends, and going out on the lake but it had to end sometime. Summer was a blast and im going to try to enjoy this last week as much as possible. Senior year is going to be a tuff one but im sure God will help me through it. I hope i learn so much this year, and really challenge myself to grow in my faith. I want to dig deep into the word, and explore theological issues. Learn how to defend my faith in new and different ways. I am going to try to blog alot more, because it always helps me think when i get to write down stuff. So i hope you enjoy what i have to offer over this next school year.

I cant sleep.

2009-07-30T22:30:00.001-07:00

So i was laying in my bed and i couldn't sleep. So i started to think about several things, and i started to think about Christianity, and the christian life style. I love being a christian. It is the one thing that can full fill me. Being able to have a relationship with Christ brings me eternal happiness, and i can not be happier. But i started to think about stuff, and sometimes there are things about being a Christian that really gets on my nerves.

It doesn't really have to do with the Christian walk, its really just dealing with other Christians. There are just some people out there that dont understand it, they dont get it. There are those christian that just think they are so much higher than others, and that they are so much closer to God. I feel like so many christians are not being challanged. So many times i go to church and just get the most surface messages. Shouldnt we be challanged as christians. We should be digging so much deeper in the word. The men in the bible would dig so deep into the word, and just challange themselves. Famous authers like Lewis, and Strobel would search through the word and discover God in new ways. We as chritians need to step up and challange ourselves. God wants us to discover him and we must do it!!! If we do we can be so close to him, and learn so much more about how to live a life pleasing to him. There is so much infanite knowledge to gain, and i feel like i have only scratched the surface. I want to know more, and i want to be closer to him. We as chritians should all desire this.

I know there is really no structure to this post but i kinda just wrote it on a whim. I hope there was something in there for ya.

A Seal Upon Our Hearts!!

2009-06-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

So many times we get lost in our days. We get caught up in living. We forget how blessed we are, and how many gifts we have been given. We are so used to thinking about what we want, instead of being grateful for what we have. The newest trends, clothes, shoes.....These are all examples of what we can get caught up in as humans. So many times i find my self saying those three words that mean so much....."I WANT THAT." Why?? Do i need it? Is that item going to bring me eternal happiness? Of couse not. Its not just with material possessions. We get caught up in the desire of the flesh. Is taking that next step with my girlfriend going to quench the fire of lust? Is clicking on that website going to satisfy my earthly desires?No, it never does, and after we commit these sins, and give into our desires do we ever feel fullfilled? I never do...I actually feel more empty because i have taken one more step away from God. I have put one more thing between him and me. It all brings me back to those three little words....... I WANT THAT. Why do we want what we cant, and dont have? Its because its our human nature. As crappy as that sounds that is the way it is. But as a christian we should never long for what we dont have because we already have so much....One gift that i want to focus on that God has given us is the gift of love.....

So many men, and women are obsessed with this four letter word. They chase it endlessly and go down dangerous paths to feel loved. Paths of darkness, and destruction. But the right path leads to glorious fullfillment, and light. If we love the way God loves, and seek the love that God has given to us we can be fullfilled on so many levels. I am guilty of not seeking that love lately. I have tried to find my own love instead of following the Love of my father. He has given us a love so powerful. It scares saten, and can vanquish him in an instant. With the love of Christ dwelling in us we are invinceble. We are one with God, and when you are one with God there is no greater love than that. So i encourge you to place him like a seal upon your heart, and seal his love inside of you forever. Dwell on his love, and lean on his love. The more you lean on God, and trust him the stronger you become.

Place me like a seal upon your heart, like a seal upon your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jellously as enduring as the grave. Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame. Many waters can not quence love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned. - Song of solomon 8:6 & 7

A common thread.....

2009-06-26T22:20:00.000-07:00

So as i sit here late at night on my computer i am doing one of the things that i love most. Searching for new bands, and listening to bands music, and breaking it apart, trying to listen to every intricate part in their masterpieces. If you know me then you know that i love music, and if i could make a living touring, or being involved in music in some way i would. I have blogged a coupe of times in the past about music, but i feel like being a critic tonight, and sharing my opinion like it means anything to people out there reading this (the 5 people who actually have this on their favorites bar) So i am going to list 10 bands that have won over my heart, and my respect. Im not listing them in any order just in the fact that i think these 10 bands are important in music or are amazing artists and people should take time to listen to them. So here we go.

1. The Beatles

Do i have to say anymore..... This band is a band that so many people identify with. They were groud breaking and changed so much about music. They were not afraid to step out of their comfort zone and create new amazing master pieces. They create hooks, and melodies. They captivated the world, and paul mcartney is still able to captivate millions with his talent. They were amazing and i give them my respect.

2. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

I have to admit it has taken me a while to listen to his music, and disect it and for me to get an opinion on his work. My dear friend Sam has shared live performances, and many different songs by him and i must say it has won me over. I mean the man is 60 years old and can still rock out a 3 hour set. If your 25 and you can play a 3 hour set thats amazing, to do that at 60 and with the energy he does it is amazing. His music style is simple but also intricite at the same time. You loose your self in the simplicity of it, and if you step back and listen you realize that there are 10 other instraments, and harmonys going on. Bruce Is an american icon, and is forever in my hall of fame.

3. Dashboard Confessional

One of the bands that i can listen to non stop. If i buy a cd and i cant listen to it from begening to end by dashboard it is a dissapointment....I have never been dissapointed by them. He is an amazing lyrcisit, and has beautiful words, and harmonys in his music. He has an amazing voice, and i capable of so much. I love this band, and will forever be a fan. MTV Unplugged album is the best ever, and really showcases his true ability and talent.

4. Underoath

If you know me then you know that this is my favorite band of all time. I love this band, and i love how they are able to take hard music, and bend it and transform it every time they have a new album. Bands in the hardcore scene are always trying to imitate them, but underoath is so ground breaking with every album it is impossible. Spencers range has increased so much, and aaron has improved dramtically with his vocals. This band is always impressing me, and i will forever listen to them.

5. Joy Electric

This is a band that i hardly listen to at all. My friend Blake Oakley showed me his work, and i could never get into it. I give this band respect because of the sheer ammount of albums he can put out in a year. This man has well over 15 albums out. He can write new music at an amazing rate. Not only is he writing music, but it has depth and substance to it. Everything about his albums is art. Nothing goes un noticied. It is all themed, and all of it is intertwined with each other.

6. Red Hot Chili Pepers

This band is a band that has combined so many different types of music it is unbelieveable. They have made funk, soul, hip hop, and rock into one genre and it sounds amazing. Flea has an unbelievable talent on the bass guitar, john is so amazing on electric. and for a three piece band they can soud so full, and rich it is unbelieveable. There lyrics have hooks, and melodies that can have you listening to their CD for days.

7. Rage Against the Machine

I never listened to them a ton, but now that i have grown older i go back and have started to listen to their stuff. I put them in this list just because of what Tom morello can do on the guitar. He is simply amazing. Also they were able to mesh rap, and rock and roll into a new brand of music that people would try to duplicate for years to come.

8. Johnny Cash

The man in black. Amazing musician, and amazing bad ass. Anyone who records a live album from a prison needs to be in this list with out a doubt. his music was dark, and real. It let everybody see the bad side of someone for once. It seemed real, and not fake. So many bands get up and put on a fake smile but he never did. If he was mad you knew it, and he still performed amazing songs.

9. The Roots

I love this band because they are a hip hop band that has real instraments. There lyrics flow effortlessly. It is so easy to listen too, and there are great hooks in their music. I love listening to the roots, and will always be a fan.

10. Outkast

The album atliens hooked me fromt he start. The first time i heard dre, and big boi's lyrics, and flow on that CD it hooked me. "Cooler than a polor bears toe nail" amazing lyrics like that hooked me, and i will always be a fan of outkast. I wish they were still together, and making amazing music like they used too back in the day.

Well there it is 10 bands that you should listen too. Give them a try and see what you think. You dont have to like it. But at least give it a try.

Godbless

Mature in faith.

2009-06-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

Well my dear friends, my good friend Blake Oakley called me tonight and it got me talking a whole bunch of deep stuff, and i thought i would share about all of the awesomeness in our conversation. Hopefully you will find this post interesting. So here we go!!!

So we started talking about being a man, and how being a christian calls you to be a man unlike any other way. You are called to make decisions about purity, truthfulness, your family, and many other things. You are supposed to be strong, and be solid. You are called to live a life of integrity, and respect. If these things dont exemplify being a man i dont know what does. We were talking about where i was when i came to ECU, and how much growing i have done. I have made the transition from being one of those Christians who just went to church and filled out the pamphlet like a good little boy, to being a bonified man. I have realized that what ever you do you do it for christ, and you give it 100% of your heart and soul. I have discovered that if you persue God on your own that your relationship with him will grow indefinitely.

I have not come to these discoveries by my self. I have has many friends along the way help me grow. Friends like bryan, matt, aaron, whit, sam, greg, and bart. People that i will never forget as long as i live. But there is one person that has helped more so much and i am so greatful for her.

Heather Leigh Carnahan. She has challenged me in so many ways, and has taught me how to love Jesus in so many new ways. our relationship has taught me about sacrifice, and how to love on a different level. She has prayed for me so much, and has wanted to see me grow in my relationship. I love her so much, and always will for how much she has helped me grow with my lord and savior.

All in all i am so in love with Jesus its unbelievable. I love him so much, and he has turned me into a great man, and i am eternally grateful. He calls us to greatness, and i have not achieved that yet, but i am taking steps tword that calling every day.

Twitter

2009-06-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

If you are expectiong a post with depth, and insight im sorry this will not be your post. I just joined the world of twitter. It is a social network that you can up date your status from your phone in real time. You can follow people, and see what they are thinking/ doing through out the day. At first i thought it was a stupid idea but now im hooked. My favorite part is that famous people are on it, and you can follow their feeds and see what they are thinking. For example i am following my favorite musical artists, and sports casters getting updates on what they think about the games, and what types of music they are listening too. Its a pretty cool deal. I highly advise you check it out.

www.twitter.com

Put out into deep waters....

2009-05-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

So many times we want to do things are way. We have been doing things for a certain way for so long, and it has worked for us so what is the point of doing it differently. It rarely occurs to us that there could be a different better way to do things. We always think our way is best, and never consider other options. Most of the time we over look options because of how difficult, and trying they might be. God does not call us to do the same thing over and over again. He wants us to do things his way and usually that way involves getting out of our comfort zone, and doing things that we normally wouldnt do. Doing things that dont necessairly make sense. Peter, and the disciples had been fishing all day, jesus said to cast out their nets one more time. Peter thought that this was so stupid, but he did it anyway, and a bounty of fish was yielded. So much fish it almost tiped over the boat. Then jesus asks peter to walk out onto water with him. I mean how much more crazy can you get.

Next time you might feel uncomfortable or that you are doing something crazy, there is a good chance you are right where God wants you to be. God wants us to cast out our nets into deep waters, and he will reward us.

Bottom of the Glass

2009-05-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

So as i sit here at 1:20 in the morning i think to myself about many different issues. One that crossed my mind and i thought it would be good to write about is how bad we are as humans. WE are so stupid, and helpless without God. When we sin we are to ashamed to run to the one who is going to love us first. We try to hide our sin, and our guilt. There is so much we do wrong. Once upon a time i heard one of my teachers say that we are like the bottom of a coke glass. All the extra stuff that was left over mixed in with spit and bacteria. That is what we are. That image stuck with me so well for some reason. I am constantly reminded of how true that image is everyday. Everyday I mess up, and i just reconfirm every thing about being the bottom of the coke glass. But no matter what God is always there to pick me back up. He loves me so much, and has done so much for me. I am so greatful for how much he loves me inspite of how bad i treat him. I am in love with my savior who will love me no matter what i do. It is so comforting to know that he will never leave me or forsake me. I hope that he can use me in many way to further his kingdom.

In Christ...

Time Travel

2009-05-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

A great movie is back to the future. I love it when they get in that awesome delorian with the gullwing doors and they time travel. Well i am going to let you have a chance to fly through time with me. No we will not be getting into an awesome car with cool doors, but we will be looking at an old entry in my journal. So here goes nothing.

June 6th 2008

Heather is such a blessing in my life. I pray that God takes us on a journey that is fullfilling to him and that his good and perfect plan is worked out through us. I have kept God the main priority in my life and at the forefront of Heather and I's relationship. All the signs say to persue this relationship so that is what i am going to do. I just want God to guide us and direct us. I want him to walk hand in hand with us. Thank you God for someone who loves you more than me. Help me stay strong Lord. Help me be the spirtual leader i need to be. All i seem to think about or write about is the God- fearing women in my life. I have shared things with her i have told no one else. I have opened my heart to her in many ways. Thank you God for everything. I know i must trust you with everything. Guide me, leade me, make me stronger, work in me Lord. I want to be yours!!

Well there you go. That is a look into my life almost a year ago. If you know me now you know that i Heather and I are still together and trying to glorify God in everything we do. I still give so much praise to him and he is all i can ever want.

1:20 AM

2009-05-24T22:19:00.000-07:00

So i am sitting here at 1:20 in the morning and i have decided to get my blog going again. I was so devoted to it last summer, and i want to get back to being devoted to it again. A year has passed since i began this blog, and i have done a poor job at informing you of the happenings in my life. I am sorry for this.... Hopefully i can give you more insight on what is going on with me daily, and the way i feel spirtually. I really enjoyed writing about my spirtual walk, and i hope that whoever reads this gained something from all of my posts on religion, and Christianity. I will be writing more about those same things, and hopefully encouraging fellow believers along the way.

I dont know who still even gets on this site to read my blog but for those of you who do thanks. I know what i say is not necessarily the most important things in life, nor is it that isightful but at least it gives you one more thing to do so you dont have to do that other thing you dont want to do.

So this is the first post of many more to come. God Bless!!

One step at a time....

2009-04-13T22:39:00.000-07:00

So hold your head up high and know it's not the end of the road
Walk down this beaten path before you pack your things and head home
At the end of the road you'll find what you've been longing for

I know 'cause my feet have the scars to show
I was lost with vague direction and no place to call home

It's time for you to press on
This is not your war
Set your sights to North and press on
This is not your escape
Wash way what they thought of you
Because in this place, we're all as good as dead
...end cycle...

Behind the mask you'll find yourself alone
It's not the end of road for you

Every day is one step. We are called as christians to press on through all of the hard times. We are going to have trials in our lives, and have tough circumstances to over come. We will face death, hardships, depression, loss, money issues, addictions, and much more. God is right there with us the whole way.

This song above speaks to me. The lyrics just paint a perfect picture about this guy who is lost, but has to press on. He is not meant for what he is experiencing. But at the end of the road he will find what he is long for. It says that the people who have waled the road before have scars on their feet to show their struggles. It fits so perfect to me because i know that i am going to have scared feet, but i am meant for something great. Something indescirbable.

So one step at a time. I will continue to press on. If i look back at my life my journy has been long, and i have grown so much. It is exciteing to know that i will continue to gorw and learn more about God, and his infinite majesty. So one step at a time i will press on!!

Song.

Underoath

To whom it may concern

Define the great line.

Its Been A While!!!

2009-03-21T22:59:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! Well it has been about 20 years since i have been on this thing. A ton of stuff has happened but i am not going to bother writing about all the details that have been going on in my life. There has been some great things, and not so great things. My original thought of this blog was for everyone to get some insight in my life, and for me to share some thoughts on my walk with Christ, and share my personal experiences. SO....I have decided to start writing more often and shareing more about my Walk with Jesus.

Well to be honest with all of you my walk with jesus has been stagnant as of late. I have not moved forward or backwards. Just kinda sitting in one place. But i do have some stuff to share and hopefully it will relate to someone who reads this blog (if anyone does).

Time and time again we are faced with difficult moral, and ethical decisions. The decision could be small or big, but on Gods scale all moral and ethical decisions are the same. It is so hard to make the correct decision sometimes. Our flesh is screaming out for something. You try to justify it in your mind. You say things like "just this once" or "I promise this is the last time". We tell God that we will never do it again... We have all been there sooooo many times. Well what is the problem? How come its always more than one more time. How come its never the last time? How come we never do it again? I think it comes down to two main reasons. Number one prayer, and number two we are not capable of doing it.

One: PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER!!!! It brings us closer to God. It is our communication line. The beauty of it is that its not a one way telephone line. He is not just listening. He is also answering our prayers too. He is talking to us all the time. We just dont take the time to slow down and realize it. If we are not talking to our saviour how can we build a relationship with him. We must be relational with our God and he will help us through those hard decisions.

Two: We simply can not do it. Our human selves are weak minded, and give into the desires of the flesh daily. We need to relay on God. He will come down and give us his strength. He will wrap his arms around us and guide us. So many times we say we are going to stop. Instead we need to surender. It is not about us. It is about him. We will always says. I am going to stop. I will never do that again. It is always about us. If its about us we will always fail. We say things like. I wont let you down God. He loves us unconditionally. It is not about proving something to him it is the opposite. But that is not what the world teaches. We are used to relying on ourselves, and proving ourselves to everyone. But it is the reverse with God. We cant do it on our own. We must give it all to him.

So that is my thoughts about some stuff i have been going through lately. I hope you enjoyed it. I will be posting more offten hopefully. Love you guys.

P.S. I just wanted to say to everyone who reads that God is amazaing and if he is not in your life you should think about asking him to be. He has gieven me an amazing family, amazing girlfriend, amazing friends, and an amazing life. Without him none of it would be poissible.

I am so blessed

2009-01-08T00:46:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here at 3:50 AM and i can not stop thinking about how blessed i am. There are countless things that i can list off that God has blessed me with. I have been adopted into such an amazing family. I have been given countless opertunities. I have been raised to by amazing parents. I have great friends that are suportive. I have gotten the chance to attend college. And i have a beautiful girlfriend who loves her Lord more than she will ever love me.

So many times we dwell on what we dont have and we forget all the amazing things that God has blessed us with. God is always working in our lives and making it better. We can be so negative and drag others down around us. If we are just positive and focus on how we can benifit the good of others and ourselves we would be so much happier. When you get down just think of the countless ways that God has blessed you. From the weather on that day too the ability to breath and wake up in the morning. God is so vast and infanite and he will always bless us, and even bless us in ways that we do not know.

Growing up in a imperfect place

2009-01-05T20:03:00.001-08:00

Let me start off by saying that in no way is anyone on earth perfect. Everyone has faults. No one can go through life and say that they have never done anything wrong. It is pathetic that the world is full of people who sin, and are filled with guilt and with sin. It is such a dirty place. Sex and lust pollutes the television, and media. The idea of money, and greed is pumped into us to make us think that those things are the answers to life. If you take a step back and look at what the world is you really see how it is filled with aweful things. So as i take a step back i can help by say to myself.....

" WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE!!!"

Why would i just get done talking about how the world is filled with evil, and sin and say it is a beautiful place? It is because without all of this sin and evil there would be no way for God to show us is infinate and extravagant mercy. If the world was full of perfect people and a perfect place then we would not be able to understand that amazing aspect of God. It is so amazing to think about. We hate sin, and evil, but God created it partially so that we can understand him more fully.

Also in the bible Jesus came to earth to save the lost. He came for the sinners, and tax collectors. He didnt come for the perfect people. He did not come for the people who have it all together. He came for all of us because we are all sinners. We are all those people who do not have it together. Jesus came to save us all. Anyone who accepts him is able to be washed free of that sin and that guilt.

God loves us unconditionally. I have turned my back on him countless times and he still loves me with all of his heart. I hope that i can love the way he loves. I want to love like that. If ic an love my friends, and family like that then i know that i am doing something right.

This place of sin, and evil is so beautiful and if you look hard enough you can even see God in the horrible things that happen. He is everywhere and i am so glad that he is always with me.

"I have not come to call the righteous, but the sinners"- Mark 2:17

Hello Mr. Gump

2009-01-04T18:51:00.000-08:00

As I sit here tonight i ponder on the things that i am most looking forword too in my life to come. With out a doubt i have already lived an amazing life and the experiences i have gone through have been extroidanary. God has blessed me in so many ways that i can not even begin to count them. The amazing family that has adopted me, the group of friends that he has surounded me with, the endless opertunities he has blessed me with, and a beautiful women who loves her Lord and savior. These are just a few things that God has blessed me with. It makes me wonder what is in store. What is coming next. Well there are a couple of things that i can not wait to happen.

I can not wait to own my own house. For a man it is going to be great to come back to MY house. The place where i can hang my hat. It is going to be such a blessing to have a place of my own that i have worked hard for. I am looking forword to buy a place that is a little worn down. It still has that charm. I am looking forword to finding a place like that and being able to put my blood, sweat, and tears into. A place that has a piece of me with it. I cant wait to be able to go through that experience

One thing that i would love to do in my life is to be my own boss. I would love to own my own business one day. The idea of having something that other people use that you have created is awesome. It would mean alot to say that i have created a product that people could use. It is for sure one of my goals to own my own business. I am not sure what i would do yet. I guess that is for God too decide. But the possibility of owning my own business one day is really exciting.

This next one is something that i have been looking forword too for a long time. Without a doubt one of the happiest days of my life is the day that i get married. It will be the day that you get to spend the rest of your life with your best friend. The Lord has made marraige one of the greatest gifts to us. I can not wait to experience that. I know that when i see my wife open those doors and walk down the isle i will have the biggest smile on my face. I will be able to invite the most important person in my life into my life. I will be able to share all of me with her. I can not wait for that great day to come.

Even though getting married is going to be without a doubt one of the greatest days of my life there is going to be one more day that is going to top that. The day that i have my first child. I dont think there is anything greater than having your own children. Someone who is totally dependent on you. You get to raise them and show them all you have learned. That is going to be the happiest day of my life.

These are just a few milestones i can not wait to reach in my life time. I hope that God allows me to accomplish them all. My life has been awesome. I have only lived 21 years of it. I love that God has planned everything out for me. Nothing in my life has happened by chance. I love that so much. God is amazing and i am so blessed to be able to be his servent.

SOOOOO READY TO BE DONE!!!

2008-12-04T12:04:00.000-08:00

Hey there friends. I am not going to lie, the semester is coming to an end, and I could not be more excited. School is just so long and tireing. I know that so many people say that when you get out of school you want to go back. I know that it is probably just me being young and naive. But i am ready to be done. Don't get me wrong. I love college. I love the experience i am getting here, and all of the amazing people i am meeting. I am loving staying up late, and doing random things. I love not having that much money and wondering how i am going to eat the next day because i spent my money on something that is completely pointless. I love all of that stuff. BUT..... I hate waking up and going to a class and hearing a professor ramble on about non sense for an hour. I hate having the pressure of getting a good grade because that is what defines your life. I hate all of that supid crap. I hate sitting in class and stareing at the clock and watching it tick by so slow. I hate dealing with stupid advisors that dont really have any good adivce for you. I hate all of that stuff. So i cant wait to be done with that. After going to school for the majority of my life, i am ready to move on. I am ready to get a job, and start persueing things i am really passionate about. Lets face it, i am not that pssionate about school. I am ready to buy a house, and hopefully start a family one day. I am ready to see new challanges that God is going to have me face. I am just ready for that next phase of my life. Thanks for listening to me ramble on about how i hate teachers that ramble on. lol.

In Christ....

Lets go prune some stuff

2008-11-28T19:49:00.000-08:00

Prune (verb) - Trim by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, esp. To increase fruitfullness and growth.

There are so many things in my life that are preventing my fruitfullness, and growth. I have kept grudges. I have held onto things in the past. I have continued to walk in the ways of the wicked. I have constantly turned my back on Jesus. I have said things that i should not even think about. There is so much stuff that i must cut away so i can grow, and bare fruit.

Pride, Greed, Selfishness, Lust, Gossip, Judging, Lieing, Coveting. These are just a few examples of things in my life that i need to cut off. Think of how much these 8 things can hinder my relationship with God. Not only with God but with my friends, and family as well. If you think that cutting these things out of your life will only help your relationship with Jesus then you are comepletely wrong. If you are able to cut these things off then your relationships with all of those around you will flourish. That is the most amazing thing about being a christian. If we are able to focous all of what we are on Jesus our lives would be so much easier, and less hectic and stressful. The reason why our lives are filled with so much pain, and suffering is because there is so much that needs to purned. We wont let go of those dead parts of us. We want to hang onto them. In reality if we cut them off we will be more beautiful, and at rest than ever.

So is there anything in your life that needs to be cut off? If so give it to the Lord. Cut it off and let something new and beautiful grow in you.

Lets Recap

2008-11-25T05:44:00.000-08:00

The semester is winding down and i am so glad that it is almost over. I have had so much fun hanging out with friends and building relationships this semester. But i have not had that much fun sitting in endless lectures about stuff i am sure to never remember for the rest of my life. So much has happened this semester. It is always fun to take a few seconds and look back and remember all those good times.

When i first arrived here i moved into a new apartment complex. All my friends were so close by and i knew that it was the begining of some very fun times. Playing tons of ultimate frisbe. Talking about music. Just hanging out. It was all such good times. We started the year off right with a huge dance party. Who doesn't love a dance party. We beat the number 8 team in the nation in football and were nationaly ranked 14th in the country (that didn't last long). It was fun talking about the chance of going to a BCS bowl(even if it was just for a week) Football was huge at ECU and the campus could not stop talking about it. It was an awesome feeling.

Young life was starting up and it was awesome to get back out to the highschool and to start building those realtionships with highschool kids once again. It is always a challange, and it will always be a challange. I have loved it. Planning clubs where i get up in front of kids and they laugh at me and i fee like an idiot. It is always a great time. I love seeing those kids smile, and leave club and hopefully learning something about Jesus. We took some kids to rock bridge for fall camp and it was a great time. God is working on the hearts of so many of those kids, and it is such a bliessing to be a part of it.

Dating heather has been great. It has for sure challanged me in new ways, and made me grow stronger in my faith. It continues to remind me how imperfect i am, and how selfless i need to be to follow my Lord and savior. I never thought being in a realtionship could teach you so much about how to follow Jesus. It makes perfect sense though becase a realtionship between a man and a women should be as much like a relationship between Jesus and you as possible. You must sacrifice alot of yourself to help build up the other person. It has been a great experience. God has continued to bless Heather and I's realtionship. It has been hard at times with school, friends, and younglife. But We continue to put God first, and when there are difficult times he has always helped us through them. It is so awesome to have a realtionship that is focoused on bringing glory to God. I have loved every second of it.

Sundays have been great. I have bounced around from church to church wich sometimes can be frustrating. but i have had many different experiences and i am positive that they have all helped me. God uses so many tools to help you grow, and i am sure he is using that in my life in some way.

There was great news this semester that Sam McSpaden is going to be coming back to join us next semester. I could not be more excited. Freshmen year was so great. I am going to love talking to him about politics, and all of the good stuff we used to talk about freshmen year. Sam has been a big part of my college experience, and i am glad to have him back in it.

I have formed an amazing bond with 7 of my close guy friends. We have continued to meet every wednesday and discuss deep theological issues, and how God has impacted our lives. We have continued to grow with one another, and make comitments to pray and encourage one another. It has been a blessing and God has truly been at work in the lives of my friends and I. Building a community with those guys has been great and i am so lucky to have such great friends.

Thanksgiving is coming up, and then its off to disney world for christmas break. I am sure that i will have more stories as my life continues on. Late nights, crazy dance parties, Jesus, young life, tennis, old friends, and a girlfriend have all contributed to an amazing college experience and i am excited to see where the next year and half takes me!!!

Sam McSpaden

2008-11-11T06:05:00.000-08:00

Well a good friend of mine came into town this weekend for a visit. Good ol sam bo. It was awesome getting to see him. It took me back to the days of freshmen year when we would watch movies in the dorms and try to get on each other's nerves as much as possible. We would always talk about politics. I never knew what i was talking about but i would just argue for the fun of it. Those were great times.

It warms my heart to know that sam is coming back to ECU next semester. It will be fun times all over again. It was great to see him and talk to him this weekend. I was pretty busy so i did not get to see him as much as i would have liked. But it is ok because i am sure we will be hanging out alot next semester.

Sam is one of the coolest people i have met. I love just chillin with him and laughing with him about stuff. He is also one of the smartest people i have met. That kid knows so much about politics it is ridiculous. Sam it was awesome seeing you and i can't wait to build more memories with you. HOLLER

Growth

2008-11-02T21:15:00.000-08:00

Over these past months i have learned alot about life, relationships (with friends, a girlfriend, and God), and about Christianity. One thing that i am learning is that no matter what you never stop growing. You are either growing closer or farther away from someone or something. You are always growing spirtually weather you realize it or not. You are always growing physically. You are always growing in your knowledge. No matter what you are growing in something.

The reason why i started to think about growth, and i why i wanted to write something about it is because of something my good friend Bryan Oakley said.

Bryan said: "The more we grow to be like Christ, the more we realize that we are sinful, and dirty"

That was such a crazy realization for me. I guess i kind of realized it a while back but for someone to actually verbalize it and say it to me hit me pretty hard. It it so crazy that the more and more i get closer to Christ, and the more i become like him the more i realize that i am so underserving of this reliegion, or that i am not even worthy to be his servent. It is really hard sometimes because i am constantly judgeing myself and looking at myself and saying that i am so bad. The beautiful thing about it is that God has had grace on me so i can be his servent and i can follow after him.

Parts of me at time get really annoyed with how dirty and sinful i am. I hurt people i dont want to hurt. I say things i dont want to say. I do things i dont want to do. I let that awful sin creep out of me and affect the people i care about and love. The more i strive to be better it seems the more i have to work on. Not one day have i gotten up and said it is easy to follow christ today. I guess part of that is because i keep becoming more like him so i keep seeing more and more wrong with me.

While part of me gets really annoyed there is another part that absolutely loves it. I get to face a challange everyday. I get to try to defeat the devil in some way every day. Do i fail? Of course, i fail all the time. But do i win? Yes i do sometimes, and its those moments that make the challanges worth it. Yes the times of failure greatly out weigh the times of victory. But the times of victory or so much more sweeter than the sorrow that comes with defeate.

Will i wake up tomorrow and realize there is something else that is wrong with me, and that there is another part of me that needs to be purned? Of course there will be. But i welcome that challange gladly. God has challanged me so much and i have grown so much because of it.

Thanks for all who read this i dont know if it has as many followers as it did before but if you still read i appreciate it.

Nostalgic

2008-10-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

Back in the day Phil and I began our musical journy together. Listening to certain CD's just take me back to the times we usd to sit out side and write songs about whatever was on our hearts. Music is something that ties phil and i together in a way that is not shared by most people. Our times that we spent together that revolved around music will be memoreis that i will never forget and will always hold on too. When we used to play together it didnt matter if there were 2 people there or 350 people. We always had a blast and always went out and acted crazy. We would spend hours on end fantasizing about how we would play warped tour and 1000's of people would listen to our words and sing along with us. Every time i pick up a drum stick and sit down behind a drum kit i remember those amazing times. Every time i put in emery the weeks end, or underoath their only chasing safty i think back to those great times. Sing aloing with matt pryor and the get up kids. Listening to dashboard in the minivan at birkdale. All amazing times. My dreams are still alive and maybe one day people will sing along with phil and I. Maybe we will share the stage once more and the lights will be on us and we will pour our hearts out for a auidance that is willing to listen. I still love playing music with phil and i will never want to share the stage with someone as much as him. It doesnt matter if there is a better singer, or better guitar player, or if there is a better drummer. The point is that when phil and I get on stage it means so much to us, and there is something about it. I love it and will never change it.

Love ya phil. Lets continue to build those memories.

All you need is love.....

2008-10-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

As humans we desire it, we want it, we crave it, we need it. We see love in our frindships. In our reltionships. In our marriages. Every where we are looking for it. Love is such a great thing and it is something that is given to us as a gift. It is crazy as humans how we want to be loved, and to love so much. It is something that i think every one runs on, and every one desires.

God loves us so much and wants us to love him. He has showed us unconditional love and is always going to forgive us no matter how much we screw up. God is so great and love us so much. So all we need is love, and God is going to give it to us.

An Update.

2008-09-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well hello there friends out there in the in the blogger world. I have not written in a good while and i am in my philosophy class so i figured what better way to kill time than to write in my blog.

ECU is going good. School is hard, and boreing, and long, and strenuous. But hey its going to help me in the long run so i cant complain. LOL. Im sure that you have seen the pirates with two huge victories on the football field this year. It just sucks that we then loose to teams like NC state, and Houston. So pretty much the season is a huge let down. Its ok though i am a pirate for life. So ECU pride all the way. BLEED PURPLE AND GOLD.

Young life is going good. A couple of times things have been rough. But hey challanges are only going to make us better. It is hard getting out to the school, trying to get kids to sign up for camp, getting kids to come to club. There is just so much stuff that you have to do and it wears you down. But when you get those kids that come up and give you a hug and say it is so good to see you it is all worth it.

Friends are awesome. I keep building stronger bonds with people i know that are going to be in my life forever. It is so awesome having deep relationships and being able to talk about things that matter. Being able to get together and talk about God, and talk about our troubles, and hardships. But to also get together and lift each other up. A group of my guy friends meet once a week and pray for each other, encourge each other, talk about our trials, our goals, and our motivs. It is so awesome. God is so great and having friends that want to lift his name up with you is so awesome.

Things with Heather are great. We are always growing together, and growing closer to God. Having a girl in my life that loves the Lord more than she will ever love me is such a blessing. I see God in her life every day and it is so great. The more i am with her the more i realize that i am not attracted to her, but i am attracted to the presence of God in her. Having someone who can encourge you and pray for you and share in converstaions with you about the Lord is such a blessing and i thank God every day for Heather.

God is great. Loving him is the best thing ever. He has blessed me so much and continues to bless me daily. I am not worthy to be his servent, i am not worthy to do his work but he allows me to do that. He allows me to call myself a christian and to call my self a follower of Jesus. By keeping him at the forefront of my life he has blessed me in so many way. I am not saying that my life has been a cake walk. Actually it has become alot harder the more and more i give to Jesus. The more i give to him the more he challanges me. He keeps telling me.... Michael you are doing great, but you can be better so here is another challange. I love that. I love that he is challenging me every day. It is hard, and sometimes i get frustrated. But i have to know that i am going to be better because of it.

Enjoy your life, and live it in a way that is pleasing to your Lord.

Love you guys.

A Journey

2008-09-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

It has been two months since heather and I started to date. Most people see two months as not a big deal. To me every day is a big deal. Every day i am learning more about heather on a deeper level. She is learning about me on a deeper level. The journy has been great so far and i have learned alot about relationships, life, and God.

Since i have started dating heather i have had rely on God more and more. I love that. Our relationship challanges us to be better people, and to be better christians. It is so great that we are being challanged and that it is not necessarily something that does not call us to something higher. Being a christian is hard for sure. But the walk of being in a christian reltionship is even harder. Being a young life leader, a full time student, a good friend, a good boy friend, and a devote christian is hard. There is nothing easy about it. But i have leanred that the best things in life are stuff you have to be challanged about, and stuff that you have to fight for. If things come easy and you dotn have to work for them then what is the point. Where is the reward. The great thing about being a christian is that there is always something to work on. There is always some way you can better yourself. Sometimes its frustrating. But i am glad its like that. Because i will never get tired of feeling the reward for something i have worked so hard to achieve.

God is great and has blessed me so much. I see him every day more and more. Friends, family, and even random people i meet. I see God in some way. I am so thankful for heather and I i have grown so much in Christ because of the way she has challanged me. I see Working through her all the time, and she has helped me in so many ways. My journey as a christian is never easy but it has never been more fullfilling and rewarding and i am excited to see where it is going to go in the future.

Caught up in the flesh.

2008-08-22T22:31:00.000-07:00

Being a Christian is an awesome journy, but no one said that it was easy. So many times people look at Christian and think say that "they have it easy" or "they dont understand anything". Statements like these are ridiculous. We for sure no what is going on, and we for sure dont have it easy.

Walking the life that we are called to walk takes courage, strength, and most of all faith. We are called to stand up for what we belive in, and face challanges head on. We should not turn away from them like cowards. Confroting situations is hard. No one likes to do it. But that is what we are called to do sometimes. We are called to have strength and not back down from hard situations. We need to stand firm in what we believe in. We need to not bend on certain subjects and have the will power to withstand temptation. And above all we need to have faith. There are going to be times when we fall short. When we fall. But we need to have faith in our Lord that he will bring us back out of that darkness. He will lead us, and guide us hand in hand with him. We are human it is going to happen. Is that to say that we should not strive for perfection..... NO. We are called to strive for that. But when we do fall we need to rely on him. We dont need to dwell on our sins because we are fogiven. It is hard. We get caught up in our fleshly desires. But that is not what we want. We are designed for much, much more. Struggles and temptaions are going to come our way, and we are going to fall. But it is how we deal with the sin that is going to define us as Christians.

Everlasting Beauty

2008-08-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

I wanted to write today because i feel the urge to share something that is always on my heart. Its something that takes my breath away daily. It has impacted my life in so many ways and will continue to do so for all eternity. I am talking about the Everlasting Beauty that is Jesus Christ.

I have grown so much this summer in my reltionship with Christ. I look back and realize that this summer has been so different and blessed in so many different ways. I realize that this has been the best summer of my life. I have grown closer to friends, i have gotten to go to alaska and see beauty that some people only dream to see, i have become closer to family, i have an amazing girl in my life. But above all i am closer to my Lord and Savior. I have grown my leaps and bounds this summer. Every year i feel like i have grown. But this summer i feel like i grew up and that my love for my Father in heaven is greater than ever. I have delt with plaguing sins and i now realize that my Father has cast them away. They will never return to me again.

I am a weak coward. I dont deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence as Jesus Christ. I dont deserve to wash his feet. At the site of temptation, or hardships i run away and hide. But with my father guiding me, and me standing by his side i am transformed. I stand tall. I am brave and courageous. He makes me a man. He makes me what i am meant to be. If i live for him i feel amazing. I feel like darkness will never touch me. The strength that runs through my veins is so powerful. God is truly amazing. He has brought me out of dark places and has welcomed my back with open arms. I have betrayed him many times and he has cried because of it, but he will never forsake me.

I am so underserving. It brings me to my knees sometimes and i feel so dirty, and disgusting. But God does not look at me in that light. He lifts me up. I need him, i want him, i lean on him. He is my rock and my salvation. He hass carried me to the table and put me where i dont belong. He is truly amazing.

This is the everlasting beauty that i am talking about. It is what i am so passionate about. It takes my breath away, and brings me to my knees. He is so beautiful. He has stolen my heart. He holds my hand and comforts me. I see him every day. His grace is so amazing. My God is so beautiful and powerful and wonderful. I love my God, i will love him forever.

"I lift my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed he who watches over Israeli will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.----Psalm 121

Bryan Oakley is AMAZING!!

2008-08-06T18:10:00.001-07:00

Today i was in Charlotte all day. Bryan has been staying at my house this week because he is working at a tennis camp. So he stays over due to gas. I came home from my day in Charlotte. I came up stairs and sat down in my usual seat and got on my laptop. Then bryan said hey i got something for you. I want you to read this. Then he gave me a sheet of paper and on it was the following....

Within my book of memoreis

Are special thoughts of you

And all the many nice things

You often say and do

As i turn the pages

And recall each single thought,

I realize the happiness

That knowing you has brought

This book is filled with magic

That only you can make

Our friendship is magic

Something that will never break

As this book is written

With many good times to come

Each page makes us stronger

And soon our friendship will bench 468 lbs

Even when somebody treats me like the Roman Emperor Nero

I know that i can always come to you, my guitar hero

The friendship that we have is a supernatural bond, and it is....

Go look under the guest bed.

So i then proceded to go to the guest bedroom. I bet down and pulled up the bed skirt. I looked under and i saw something amazing. It was a freaking JOHNNY CUPCAKES BOX!! I was so excited. I grabed the box and went back down the hall and opened it up. It was s shirt that i mentioned i liked a long time ago. He remembered and purchased it for me. If you want to view it go to www.johnnycupcakes.com and look at the shirt with the blue monster behind the fence. I was so excited.

Bryan is an awesome friend and im so thankful that he is in my life. I can always come to him for advice, and talk about issues with him. Every day i thank God that he is such a good friend to me. I have known him since Sophmore year of highschool and plan on knowing him the rest of my life.

Thanks Bryan Oakley for all the good times, and memories.

RECORDING!!!!!

2008-08-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

What is up my dear friends, and readers of my blog. There has not been alot going on recently. I am kinda just chillin out and waiting to go back to the great university of ECU. That is partly why i have not been blogging recently. But i am actually doing something really awesome right now and that is why i have decided to blog. Becuase i have something that is worth blogging about.

I am actually in Conover NC and i am in the studio recording a demo with some awesome friends. Phil, has been writing some music recently. We got together and practiced and came up to the studio with jason piland and tyler dunlap to lay down a couple of demos. Recording has gone great. I think who ever chooses to listen will enjoy the music. It is alot more listener friendly than our old stuff that we used to play. I think those who listen that used to hear phil and I play our older stuff will be quite suprised at the change.

The band is known as making history. It is a pretty cool little project. Lyrics are pretty insightful, and it is good music to just sit back and chill and listen. We will have a myspace up soon and there will be demos up, Pics, and a video that is documenting the recording. So be on the look out for it.

Thanks for reading, and sorry that i have not posten in a while. LOVE AND HUGS!!

God??? A wuss??? SHOOT!!! YOU CRAZY!!!!

2008-07-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hey there friends. I just want to say that this has been a great weekend, and good times. Friends have came and visited and it was so good to see everyone. I enjoyed every second of it. I am so thankful that God has blessed me with awesome people in my life. It is great to have people surounding you that can you build you up, and make you a stronger person.

So anyway. I am sure that you are wondering about the title of my blog tonight. Well I was doing my devotional and it was talking about God being a lamb, and a lion. And it just made me start to think about how many times that we see God in a light that he is so loving and careing. And he is certainly all of those wonderful things, and it is awesome that he is that. BUT!! At the same time he is a lion. And we forget that as well.

I was reading in the book of revelation. I mean you usually dont read in that book but the devotional that i am doing directed me in that direction. AND IT WAS AWESOME!!! It had all these verses showing me that God is indeed a lion. Let me just quote a verse for you.

Revelation 14:9-11

A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: "If anyone worships the beast and his image and recieves his mark on the forehead, or on the hand , he too, will drink of the wine of Gods fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tourmented with burning sulfer in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their tourment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who recieves the mark of his name."

WOW!!! I mean it doesnt sound like God is playing any games. I mean He pretty much is showing us that he hates sin, and hates the devil and look what happens if you follow him. Not only will you sufer but God himself will stand be side the edge of the lake of fire and you watch you in tourment. I mean pretty epic. God is indeed Epic. I like how it doesnt describe him as a lion when he is standing and watching. It describes him as a Lamb. I mean Imagine what he must be like when he is a Lion.

All i know is that im glad my God is EPIC!!! Im so glad that my God doesnt play games. So next time someone says that your God is weak. Or says that he never shows anger. You might want to take them to this passage and let them see how freaking Epic your God really is.

Mike is the coolest ever...

2008-07-26T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hello, all.

This is Sandy in place of Michael Stemler. Let me tell you, we just had the most awesome weekend ever at his casa in Concord.

Heather, Laura, Quinny, Ythol, Yaron, Andy, and I all came down from Raleigh to hang out with Mike before the summer ended. Last year, some of us did the same thing and visited Mike and went to Carowinds and since it was so much fun, we did it again this year.

We drove down yesterday and had a beautiful dinner of enchilladas and dump cake. Baller. It's so much fun with everyone being together. Basically, we have the best group of friends in the history of mankind. No joke.

Today we got up early to head to the wonderful land of Carowinds. We spend all day running around the park, taking silly pictures, going on roller coasters, screaming our hearts out, and venturing to the water park. Needless to say, we left exhausted. After a few naps and showers, Aaron and Baird arrived to hang out with us for a few hours, being so close to the area. We had some great food at Foster's Grill. Lots of good times. Tomorrow's church then we head home.

Thanks for the fabulous weekend, great food, and good times at su casa, Mike. I speak for everyone when I say, we love you lots and lots. You are awesome.

Three Kings

2008-07-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

So let me frist start out by saying that I had an amazing weekend. I got to go to Raleigh and see my Heather. Every moment i spend with her i feel like God keeps strengthening our relationship. Keeping God at the center of our relationship is a huge priority to both of us. I am so thankful for that. I know that if he remains the center and we both grow close to him while we grow closer together God will bless our relationship in ways we never imagined. I loved spending time with Heather this weekend and being a goober face. I got to meet her amazing friends, and dine at the great establishment known as good berrys. I got to go to church with her and her family and that was great. So thanks Heather for a great weekend.

Today I was talking to my good friend blake oakley. I told him that i was looking for a good devotional and some good books to read until the end of the summer. I thought that he was just going to write some stuff down for me to look at. I came downstairs and he had three books for me. He said that i could boorrow them for as long as i needed too.

These are the three books that blake gave me to read. My utmost for my highest by oswald chambers is a daily devotional. Seeing and Savoring Christ by john piper is another devotional that you could do daily but is pretty in depth and is filled with refrences to verses in the Bible. A tale of three kings is a really easy read and is written as a play. It helps relate to brokeness and how we as christians have to go through pain and suffering. I am so excited to read all of these books. I began reading them all today and it was great. So i sugest that if you are looking for some good books to read you should check out these books.

MY MOM IS MY SUPER HERO!!!!

2008-07-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

I found this new band, and saw them at warped tour. They have an awesome song. So i wanted to blog it. This one goes out to my mommy. LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!

She opens up my bedroom door

She's waking me up soon

"I'm turning on the light" She warns

Its the little things that you do

She's the one that starts my day

my dear mom..... my comforter

my friend forever

when life's right or wrong

she is also my laughter

yet my shoulder to cry on

my mom is my super hero

my mom is my world

all out of gas no place to go

she knows just what ill say

she turns and laughs and opens up her purse

and gives enough for the week

she didnt have to give but she did

thats just the kind of women she is

love. she is love

my dear mom

my mom is my super hero

my mom is my world

love is the action that she shows me often

even when it is not in her kisses

blessed with a mom who puts herself after her childred

it doesnt get much better than priceless

my mom is my super hero

my mom is my world.

www.myspace.com/betweenthetrees

"You Shine girl, oh you know you shine!"

2008-07-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

Well all i have to say is that i have had a great weekend. Thusday night Heather Leigh Carnahan came to my house for the weekend. I have been looking forword to her visit for quite sometime. She arrived at my house and brought my grandma a milkshake. She met good old wayne, and barb. I have to say that my parentes loved her. It was awesome. After the introduction we sat down and ate dinner with the family and all that jazz. We then went upstairs later on in the night and watched sound of music with barb, and wayne. We sung along to all the songs and acted like goobers. It was awesome. We then went on a little walk and then went to sleepy land because we had a big day in store for tomorrow.

We woke up and we went out to cracker barrel for breakfast. It was awesome. I love that place (not as much as cookout). After that we then went over to my dads work and took a tour around. He showed heather all of his killamanjaro pictures. My dad is a goon. After the great time at Hendrick we then went back to the house and got ready for our white water adventure. We arrived at the white water center and took a walk around the whole place. It was a great time. It was then raft time. Our guides name was Craig, and he was a starwars nerd. It was pretty funny. He was flirting with heather a little bit so i almost punched him in the face. HAHA JK JK...... But seriously. Anyway it was an awesome time. After our adventure it was off to our next event.

We drove down to charlotte and went to southpark mall. I took heather to the Cheese Cake factory for dinner. She has never been there, and loves cheesecake so i wanted to take her there. We had a great dinner, and great converstaion. We then walked around the mall for a little bit and looked at alot of stuff that we couldnt afford. After the mall i asked heather if she had ever seen downtown charlotte. She said that she had not. So i decided to take her down there and walk around dontown charlotte. I have never been there at night. It was really pretty. We walkd around and had awseome conversation.

After walking around Charlotte we then went back to concord. Heather and I then went on a walk. There is this pretty cool place in my neighborhood so i took her up there. There is like this gazebo deal and this pond. I wrote her a letter and i read it to her telling her how i felt about her, and about us. After all that i asked her to be my girlfriend. And then she said yes. It was a great time.

The next day it was lake day. We drove over to mooresville and went to hollys house. We got to chill with all of my good old highschool friends. I loved it. I mean the lake is awesome, and being with heather just made it even more awesome. We all went to chilis for dinner. It was a good time. Who doesnt love chilis. I mean they have awesome blossems. THERE EXTRA AWESOME!! After that we then played some cheezy mind games. It was funny seeing people not able to figure them out. After that we came back to the house and watched The old disney movie Hercules. Loved it. We stayed up and chated for a good while.

the next day we woke up and went out to lunch. After lunch time we had a devotional together. I just have to say that im so glad that heather and I make it a priority that everytime we are together we get in Jesus time with each other. It has helped out in so many ways. We then shared with each other, and spent some time praying for each other. After our Jesus time we went to see a movie with mom and dad, and then went to dinner.

After dinner it was time for heather to leave. It sucked. I didnt want her to go. It was super sad to see her leave. But our time together was so great. I am so greatful that heather is in my life. I know that it was planned out by God. He has brought me someone who challanges me in so many ways. She has helped me grow closer to God and i am so greatful for that.

Heather Carnahan, "you shine girl, oh you know you shine!" : )

Step up to the challange.

2008-07-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

Today i had an amazing 5 minute conversation with a dear friend of mine Daniel Thomas. We didnt talk for long but it inspired this blog, and inspired the thoughts im about to write down. I look up to that man so much, and to hear him say things that he said to me, and about me really meant alot. So thank you Daniel for everything you have done for me.

So many times we get on spirtual highs. We are living the good life. We feel like nothing can get us down. We are reading the bible everyday. Our deepest sins and addicitons dont seem to have any effect on us. There is no doubt about it. When you are on a spirtual high there seems like nothing can get you down. But we all know that there is an another side.

It is inevitable. We will hit that rut. That hole that seems like it has no end. We keep falling, and falling. It may not be that we are giving into our addicitons. It could be a situation that we are. A time of hardship. And suddenly we seem so far from God. Its hard to find one on one time with Jesus. Were suddenly "too busy for that". Suddenly we find ourselves sleeping in on sunday mornings. Then to top it all off we say to God. Why are you doing this to me? I dont deserve this im a good person. We think God has totally forgotten about us. When the truth is we have forgotten about him.

There are so many times that i have asked God why i have to go through this stuff in my life. I remember thinking that i will never get out of this hole, and that it seemed so dark. After looking back on these situations, and times of hardships i realized God was challenging me. He was putting me to the test. Think back to when you had to face something and you didnt think you could ever get out of that hole. Think how much you have learned from that time, and how much better you are because of it.

God is always challanging us. He wants us to be something great. Think of all the bible stories about the Israelites in these battles greatly out numberd. Think of David and Goliath. They steped up to there challanges and became something great. As a great author said "dont you want to be William Wallace, or Maximus from gladiator." Dont you want to be noble and heroic? Dont you want to be great? Well you can. God wants us to be like that. These challanges make us better people, and better christians. So next time it seems like it cant get any worse. Think about the challange in front of you and rise up and freaking punch saten in the face. Show him that you are strong enough to withstand him. Because you walk with the ultimate warrior, the ultimate hero. You walk hand in hand with God Almighty.

Jeremiah 46:3-4

"Prepare your shields both large and small and march out for battle! Harness the horses mount the steeds! Take your position with helmets on! Polish your spears! Put on your armor! "

AND PREPARE FOR GLORY!!!

Crickets in Stereo

2008-07-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

The past few days have been slow. I have not had much to do other than sit around, fold laundry, and watch movies on HBO all the time. I watched this phat movie tonight called smoking aces. It was way better than expected. Crazy twist at the end. So i sugest you watch it. After the move i was feeling super lazy and i wanted to fix that. So i went on a night time run.

I have not been a night run in a while. It was really enjoyable. I ran around my neighborhood and there was this cool spot by a pond so i sat down and just chilled for a while. All i could hear were crickets chirping in the back ground. It was really peaceful. I just took the time to think about certain things, and to pray to God. I have been neglecting my one on one time with Jesus latley so it was good to have a conversation with him. As i sat and enjoyed the peacefulness i couldnt help but think back to this song called Crickets in Stereo.

Back in the day when i started on my musical journey Phil and I stumbled across this band by the name of Forever in Motion (www.myspace.com/foreverinmotion). I just remeber listening to this song by them and loving it. It always reminded me of summer nights and great times as a kid. It took me back. I will never forget all those summer spent just chillin as a kid, and i will never forget all the good times i have had with phil listening to music.

Crickets in Stereo

Take me out to those summer nights

When i was just a little boy five years old

Lay down in the back yard and listen to crickets in stereo

With a gental wind and whispering trees

The man in the moon similing down on you and me

and the fireflies all dancing to the sweetes serenades

Let me take you back to those summer nights

When we were just little ones five years old.

We'll lay out by the swingset in the back yard

Listen to crickets in stereo

I will take your hand through the shade of the trees

As moonlight through the branches beams down on you and me

and the fireflies all dancing to the sweetest serenades.

Good friend, Good times.

2008-07-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

The past couple of days i have been hanging out with old friends and thinking back on old times, and just enjoying the awesome summer weather. On thursday i woke up and drove over to the great town of Troutman NC to meet up with phil, bryan, and blake. We were going to spend the day on the lake. When you get 4 awesome guys together and go out on the lake it is sure to be a great time.

We went to the boat launch ramp and proceded to put the boat in the water. It was the first time Phil has gotten to take the boat out without his parents. So we felt pretty privileged to take it out by ourselves. After we put the boat in we drove up to the north part of the lake. It is pretty chill up there. We go to ride around on the tube for a while and act like goof balls. It was fun times. Then we travaled back down to the state park and went wake boarding. Phil went out and tried to do some jumps and all that jazz. Blake tried for the first time and was able to get up. It was a great time.

After that i headed over o the oakleys house hold. Allan cooked us some awesome burgers and hot dogs. I love cook out food. Its probablly the best thing ever. We then chilled and holly, britt, and bethany came over. We spent the night talking and just chillin out. Then Blake showed us some Anime it was a great time. Phil is hooked on it. LOL.

The next day was the 4th of july and the oakleys were having there big cook out. We got to eat BBQ. GAA SOOOOO GOOOOOD. it was awesome. We got to chill out all night and play games and catch up with tons of good friends. We played Volly ball and our team won the tournament. Were pretty baller. After the festivities we drove home and i was pretty tired. But I had a blast chillin with everyone.

Heather is coming in like 6 days. Im excited.

PIXAR ROCKS MY FACE!!!

2008-06-30T20:03:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. Not a face exciteing day by any means. But it was still awesome.

I woke up and went downstairs and began to make certain arangements for Heathers visit in 2 weeks. I am super excited about her coming. I than began to work around the house. I had to move boxes, and clean off the porch. It was a good time. Sometimes just doing labor is good. You just think about stuff so thats what i did today.

Later my mother and I went to the mall to get a picture i bought in alaska framed. Its such a phat picture. Its actually a painting but its only a print of the original. I couldnt afford the real one. After that we walked arond a little bit and just chilled. Then my mom got a phone call saying that their was someone that made an offer on our house on the lake. I was so excited. It has been stress city owning two houses so im so glad that someone finally wants to buy our other house.

Tonight my sister and I went to see the Pixar film WALLE.

It was simply amazing. It held my attention the whole time. It had everything in it. Pixar is such a great film making company. Every time i see their movies it makes me feel like a kid in world where we are suposed to grow up and be mature in. But a pixar movie just takes me back and feel like i can just sit and become completly emersed in a world of imagination, and enjoymment. I was free to let my mind wander and wonder. So thank you pixar for making me feel great.

Side Note-- In the movie Walle the robot does what he is suposed to do every day. OVER AND OVER AND OVER. But inside he knows that there is more out there. There is some other purpous to life than collecting trash and forming it into little cubes. It just reminded me that we have a purpous, and sometimes we get caught up in the monotony of life. We become complacement and just settle for stuff. Just remember that we have a higher calling, and that we have a purpous to fullfil.

Captivated (in more ways than one)

2008-06-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

Today i started on a new book, Captivating. Its the girls version of Wild at Heart. It is basically a manual to the way a women works. So i sugest everyone read it. Girl of guy.

I have learned alot in that book and im only at chapter three. God is indeed adventureous and he is indeed a risk taker. We always see God as this mans man up in heaven. Someone who is not afraid to go out and hunt down a wild beast. Certainly God is indeed all of those things. But we forget that he created beauty. Look around. The earth is full of intracate details. There is beauty everywehre you look. And at the pinicle of beauty there is the "crown of all creation".... The Woman. We forget that God creat man AND women in his image. We see the other side of God when we look at women. careing, compassionate, loving, gental, protective, and wanting a relationship with us. With out women we would have no insight to the full aspect of God. I have to say that i am captivated. I am truly captivated.

That is just something that i read and thought about today while i was reading. So i wanted to share it with all of you readers who read this. God Bless and have a great day.

Sunglasses don't shoot lasers

2008-06-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

OH MY GOSH!!!! What a blog i have instore for you guys. Today was one of the best days summer thus far. So i can not wait to share with all of you who read this.

I woke up today around 10. I was super tired had a late night the night before. It was all good though because i knew i was going to go to the lake today!!! Phil rolled over to Bryans house and we all hoped in our cars and started our journey over to Holly's house. On the ride down i listened to some epic hardcore music (the devil wears prada, and august burns red). Nothing like some breakdowns and screams to get your day started. We arrived at Holly's house and hoped out of the car and went into the house.

When we passed through the threshold of the door we were greeted by some amazing people. Daniel, Sarah, Sydney, and Samual Thomas had come to enjoy the day with us. It was so great to see these awesome people. Daniel, and Sarah used to teach us back in highschool and there two kids are just little bundle of joys. After talking for a little bit i noticed that there was a bowl of chips. Half of the plate was lays, and the other half were fritos. Of course i had to grabe some fritos. I mean lays are nothing compared the greatness of the corn chip taste you get with a frito. I knew it was going to be a good day.

We then enjoyed burgers and hot dogs for lunch. It was a real cook out for once. Not just the fast food resteraunt. We then went outside and threw a little disk around. Samual asked me what the well pump box was. I decided to tell them that ghosts were kept in it. (samual is only 4 1/2 year old). I dont know why i did that but someone did it to me when i was young so i decided to return the favor. Then it was finally boat time. And how i love boat time. We set out to sea on our epic journey. Ok well i mean it wasnt really epic, and it wasnt really a journey but it made it sound awesome. There is only one way to descirbe the weather while we were out on the lake today..... BEAUTIFUL!! We drove around for a little bit and enjoyed the day that God blessed us with.

I went up to see what was going down on the top of the boat. Samual was up there and we proceded to have a disscussion about our sunglasses. I was rocking some Ray Ban Aviotors and Samual had the gull to tell me that my glasses were not as cool as his. He said that his were blue and had silver streaks. And i said mine had a cool vynard vines crokie on it. He said that his were way cooler and that mine will never be as cool as his. So i told him that my sunglasses shoot lasers. So i told him to beat that. Well he simply told me.... "Sunglasses don't shoot lasers!!" (said in a 4 year olds voice with confidence). So i said well mine do. It was one of the best conversations i had in quite a while and it took me straight back to the time when you would battle on the play ground about whos dad was cooler. So thanks Samual for all the memories you brought back to me.

We then parked the boat and we proceded to jump off the roof. I love jumping off high stuff into water. You feel like superman. We than swam around and chilled out for a good bit in the water. Our water journey came to a close so we proceded back to the dock. We went inside and enjoyed some delcious cheese cake. I was loving it. Then it was time for the Big Finish of the day...... SLIP AND SLIDE!!!!!

Phil brought his slip and slide and i have to say i was quite excited about this event. Phil and I set up the slip and slide. We then began to run water over it and our excitement kept building. I poored some bubbles over my self and had to be the first to go down the slip and slide. I went down and got up and my face looked as if i was a kid on Christmas. Phil, Bryan, Daniel, and Samual all proceded to go down it several times. All of us were having a blast. I think it was the first time samual got to experience a slip and slide. So that opened up a whole new door for him. This one time i decied to see how fast i could go down and how far i could slide off the end. Well i did a pretty good job. I went pretty far in the grass i got cut up pretty bad. In the process it pulled my pants down and every one got to see my butt. But hey it was fun, and everyone thought it was awesome. We then had a compititon to see who could slide up the slip and slide the farthest. Daniel beat us. I guess he had more experienced since he was older than all of us.

Our time on the slip and slide came to an end and we went inside and chilled out. We were pretty tired from our awesome day. I had a blast and so many awesome things happened today. So thank you God for the great day. SUMMER 08!!!!!!!

Side note--- After the slip and slide Bryan and I were walking and Bryan stated to talk to me about Samual. He said that kid is having so much fun. He got to ride on top of the boat, and go down a slip and slide for the first time. He was simply on cloud nine. You would have thought that kid was at disney world. It made me think back to when i was a kid and if i was climbing a tree or playing with a water hose iw as happy. So dont forget those times in your life. Because they bring so much joy when you reminisce on them.

2 gentlemen, and 2 scholers!!

2008-06-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

So here is the deal i didnt put a side note in my previous blog because i wanted to dedicate a whole blog to two great people in my life. Philip Varvaris, and Bryan Oakley. Love these two guys. So im just going to take some time to elaborate on these awesome people.

Bryan oakley is so awesome. He is so determined in everything he does. If he wants to acomplish something he will set his mine to it and certainly get it done. If i never need to talk to him about theology or religion i know i can always ask him for advice. Im so thankful to have him in my life and help me out with stuff. It has been great being room mates with him the past few years. So bryan oakley is the man.

Philip Varvaris.... What can i say about this kid. We have been in a band together and been friend for a good while now. Phil is such a great person and his family is awesome. They are some of the most Godly people i know. Phil contracted Lyme disease in high school. It has taken energy from him, and it has tried to hold him back for years now. I have seen this kid battle back against it. When he has been down he just fights it off and has had a great attitude about everything. I truly believe Satan has been trying to hold him down because he knows how much impact he can have on peoples lives. Phil is a true warrior and i have so much respect for him.

Both of these guys have had a great impact on my life. I consider them both to be my brothers and i have been through many hard times, and many good times with them. I am glad to stand beside these guys as my brothers in Christ and face challanges with them.

Thank you God for both of these amazing men that you have placed in my life.

Good times, Good times!!!

2008-06-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

So yesterday i was still in the great town of Greenville. Baird called me and bryan, her, and I decided to go to the pool. We chilled out for a good bit and i finished my book. We then got in the water and talked. Talked about movies, and books. It was good times.

After that we went back to the apartment and hung out, and watched VH1 I love the mellinium. It was cool. It goes back and you see all the fads and such that were going on in the world. Later that night Bryan and Whit got invited over to the tennis coaches house for dinner. They asked if i could come and of course the coach said it would be no problem. We went over there and chated for a while. The coach is a good man. He is a little bitter at the world though. Like he is funny but some of the things he says he is just mean. He married this really cool women and i have no clue how he scored her. GA CRAZY.

Dinner came to the end and we got kicked out of their house. And i literally mean that we got kicked out. The coach said "hey, its time to get out." It was funny. We went back to the apartment and just relaxed. It was a good time.

This morning we woke up early and rolled out of Greenville and headed towords Raleigh. We went to heathers house and chilled out. We went to the pool. Ga it was so good to see that girl. After talking to her over the phone for countless hours it is so satisfying to see her face and get to give her a hug.

After the pool we went to the mall and i got to see laura, quinn, and sandy. It was awesome getting to see those girls. They are such awesome people. I ate moes for lunch and it was great. Moes has such good burritos. I sugest you go there. After we ate we walked around the mall for the while and acted like goobers.

Our time in Raleigh came to an end. So we left the mall and headed back to heathers house. I said good bye to heather and it sucked leaving her. I already miss her so much. Bryan and I rolled back to statesville. We ate lasagna for dinner. It was great. Then phil came over and it was man time. We just chilled out and talked. Loved it.

My week in greenville was great but im glad to be back and be chillin with friends again.

DO I KNOW YOU???

2008-06-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

FRIENDS!!!! Man im so excited these days. God is just great. Today was another chill day. I mean it has been great just being away and not dealing with stress and pressure and other things. I have had a ton of time to just sit and think, and spend time with Jesus. This has been a great time to just get away. Who would have thought that Greenville NC could be a refuge.

I woke up and just chilled for a lil with whit and bryan. We always have a good convo in the morning. I tried to get some ultimate going but it was just not working out. I got to talk to heather on the phone this morning i usually dont call her until night but it was awesome talking to here because it just made my day better.

Since no one was down for ultimate i decided to read my book (heather got it for me if you didnt know. I have only said it in every blog since sunday, its called wild at heart if you didnt know that either.) I only have one chapter left i pretty much just beasted that book. But every chapter i read i grow closer to God, and learn alot about my self so it has been awesome.

After reading my book i got on facebook and did a little stalking. I was looking through my friends and i noticed there was people on there that i never talk to. So i decided to delete them as my friends. I know im such a BA. But hey it is what it is. If i dont know you then get off my friends. Its tuff love, tuff love.

After that Whit and I went on a search for a bike. It was fun i felt like a little kid walking around wal-mart and target and looking at bikes. We got a few down and rode them around. SO MUCH FUN. People are like ummmmmm sir you cant do that. And then your like get off my case im thinking about buy it. HAHAHAHA. AWESOME. But our search for a bike did not yeild any results. So we did not bring back a shiny new bike. But it was still a good time with Whit.

We then just watched the College world series. I can honestly say that i think that is the first full baseball game that i have watched on TV. But i enjoyed it. Baseball games are fun to go to with friends because you can just chill and talk. I think of as more of a social thing than a sporting event. But hey thats just me. Then Ryan Eaton came over and we watched Semi Pro. It was decent. I mean when your watching a will ferrel movie you have high expectaions, and it did not satisfy my expectations. But that was my day. GOD BLESS!!

Side Note--- MONEY MONEY MONEY. It can do alot of good but it can do alot of bas as well. Today i was thinking about it for a little bit but if you have too much your too stressed dealing with finances, and if you have to little your too stressed dealing with how to get more. Im not sayinng its bad to have money, or anything. But just keep things in perspective. Greed can consume a person. But if you are able to use money in the right way it can be a powerful tool.

Sweet Summer

2008-06-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

Summer time is just so AWESOME!!! Yesterday we had to move in to our new apartment. So moving stuff is always a pain. But we got all of that stuff done. By the end of everything we were pretty worn out so we just chilled in the apartment for a while.

After chillin i went over to ECU to be at the young life table for orentation. It was pretty good. I chilled for about an hour then I peaced out and went and played some basketball. It was a good time. I had not played in a good while. So getting out there and running around was a really fun time. I then cam back to the apartment and chilled out some more. If you have not noticed i have been doing alot of chillin as of late.

Baird came over to the aprtment to check the place out. We found out that she is living like a building away from us. So that was cool. we sat and talked for a little bit. I then sugested that we go to cook out. So of course we did. LOVE THAT PLACE. We then went back over to campus and sat and talked about young life for a good bit. Then i talked to heather on the phone and then went to sleepy land.

Today i woke up and went to the pool for 4 hours. GA SO AWESOME. Just livin the dream. I read 4 chapters in my new book heather got me (wild at heart). It was great. I tried to get a tan and such. I think i got a little one. but i forgot to put sun screen on my shins so my shins got burnt.

Tonight i went over the the great sid bradsherds house. We played the great game known as nertz. Im not too good at it. I end up just cheating and stuff. But i still lose everytime. but i just like beign around everyone so it works out. My philosphy at that game is if your not winning cheat and just have fun. HAHA. GREAT TIMES.

BTW God is awesome.

Greenville.....

2008-06-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

Today i woke up in the amazing town of Greenville North Carolina. Its a great place. But when school is not in session there is not a whole lot to do.

Whit, Bryan, and I went to covenant church. It was a good time. I got to see the great Sid Bradsherd. Bryan strofman was there as well so it was awesome getting to see those guys. The lesson today was on sex. Which was different but it was good. Im so tired of going to covenant and hearing about money all the time. So it was nice to have a different talk for once.

After church we went back to copper beech and sat around our table and talked. Jess came over and we talked about various things going on in our lives. We don't have a TV in our apartment right now and its kinda nice. The conversation is always going, and its just fun talking to everyone. We then headed over to the storage unit and got some stuff to move into our apartment. I needed to get my bed sheets and stuff so i didn't have to sleep on just a mattress tonight with no pillows.

We then headed over to gregs house and his dad cooked us some bomb chinese food. Gregs dad is an awesome cook. I mean he does own the world renowned beef barn. So after eating a great meal we sat down and watched con air. Such a classic guys movie. All about this guy going home to see his girl, and beating people up on the way. And to top it all off he saves the day and his daughter embraces him at the end of the movie. Such a great movie.

We then came back to the apartment and i read some of my new book i got as a preseant from heather. It is a little book known as Wild At Heart. GAAAA It is SOOOOO GOOD. I have just read two chapters and i loved every second of it. So thanks heather for the awesome preseant. The night is over and im about to make a phone call and go to sleep but today has been great....

GO PIRATES!!!

Side Note-- Jesus was a warrior. Everyone thinks of God as this dude who just went around and played with children all the time. He certainly did that but he was also a warrior at heart and longed for adventure, and danger.

The Morning Of

2008-06-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

SOOOOOOO...... Yesterday i woke up at my good old house in Concord NC. After helping around the house for a little bit i packed up my things, and bryan and i began our journey to the great city of Raleigh NC. I was in a rather good mood because i was going to get to see an amazing band play that night known as the morning of (www.myspace.com/themorningofrock), and i was also going to get to spend some awesome time with Heather Carnahan.

Bryan and I began our journey with some awesome renditions of old praise hymns in the car. After that we decided to call some people and leave funny messages. Every time bryan and i ride in the car together it is always good conversation and super fun adventures. We continued our journey but when we got to raleigh we had to experience the worst thing ever..... TRAFFIC. I absolutely hate traffic. We had a GPS with us so i just put in to go on a alternate rout and we completely bypassed all the traffic. IT WAS AWESOME!!!!

So we arrived at our destination. We roll up and Heather came out to greet us. She was looking beautiful as always. I gave her a big hug and well that was awesome : ). (emoticons rock). We chilled for a while and then the great Aaron brooks rolled up. GA it was good to see that kid. We embraced and such. We then sat down and ate an amazing dinner prepared by Mr. Mike. We had a great conversation and laughed alot.

We then rolled over to the concert. We went a little early and we had to listen to some sucky bands play. But hey it is what it is. We all danced around like goons. It was pretty fun. These girls were totally checking out bryan and aaron it was rather funny. After hearing 6 other bands the Morning Of took the stage. And i am pleased to say that was worth the wait. They were really good. The girl in the band had great vocals and great stage presence. They were just so thankful for us being there and watching them. So that was a great time.

After the concert we of course hit up the cook out. I mean it was late you got to go to cook out. We then went back to heather's house. Heather and I went on a walk and had some good convo. Bryan went to bed. When Heather and I came back i woke up bryan because he told me too for some reason but i think i just scared him. We found out later that he didn't even know what was going on and was in a daze.

Today we woke up and began our drive to the great city of Greenville. We arrived and reunited with the great Whit Whitwell. I have to say that is was so good to see him. I mean he is awesome. I love just talking to him because he gets so excited about stuff, and is so passionate about things. It reminds me that life is great and to be thankful for what you have. Because Whit is so happy all the time and so full of joy. So that just brightened up my day.

We got our keys to Copper Beech and we came in to see our new home. IT IS BALLER!!!! We reunited with jess, amanda, and ashley. It was good to see them. They our new neighbors so it was fun to joke around with them. Later in the day i went on a run around ECU. It was a great time. I saw college hill, and i said to my self. IM GOING TO OWN THIS HILL. So i did. hahaha. I am now back at my apartment and chillin. Im probably going to go chill with jess, amanda, and ashley and then probably go read wild at heart. Heather bought it for me. So i am excited to start that.

Side Note- Be happy. God is so good. Dont spend time being sad. There is so much to be thankful for and so much that makes us happy. So dont dwell on things that make you sad. Dwell on what makes you happy, and what you have been blessed with.

THE MONSTER!!!

2008-06-19T19:35:00.001-07:00

Whats up team!!!

Today i woke up to a list of stuff that i had to get accomplished. Since we moved it has been pretty stressful around the house. So my dad yelled at my mom about something and then i got yelled at and it was just not a good time. So i got up and proceeded to work on this list i had to accomplish. At sometime i knew i had to call copper beech about stupid apartment crap. So i called them and they gave me some problems about paying my rent, but after some talking we finally reached an agreement and it all worked out.

After dealing with copper beech my sister and I proceeded to work on the lists of work we got for the day. We got alot of stuff done so that was good. It made my parents happy and that was good. I cooked dinner for everyone and it was fantastic. I made enchiladas and i have to say i did a pretty good job. I love cooking food. I love food in general but it is so much better when you prepare it yourself. You feel so much more accomplished after words.

After eating dinner bryan, kevin, and I went over to the mall and walked around for a little bit. We went into books a million and looked at some cool books. I mean what else are you going to do in a book store.

After words we proceeded over to the great place known as cookout. One of the greatest things on earth. I wanted to get two coke floats. But i did not want to carry two separate cups. So i walked up to the window and i explained my predicament to them. I made the suggestion that i pay for two and they just put it in one big cup for me. After the person checked with the manager for top level clearance on the situation she came back and confirmed that it was a go. I decided to call the creation the MONSTER!!! They thought it was a good name at the cook out and said that next time i come they will know what i am talking about. So i created an awesome drink at the concord cook out. I know be jealous.

Anyway that pretty much sums up my day. It was stressful at times. But the creation of the monster made it all so worth it.

So hey!!! I just wanted to give a quick shout out too two avid readers of my blog.... Jennifer and Bartley Cook. Yeah heather told me that you guys read my blogs so i wanted to give you a shout out. From what heather tells me you are awesome people, and i cant wait to meet you. Hopefully it will happen sooner than later. congratulations on the new bundle of joy that will be coming into your life in a couple of months.

Side Note-- Pick up your cross and cary your load. Im not trying to call people out or anything. But sometimes we forget that we do have a burden as Christians, and it is responsible for us to carry our load. We should not become complacent and comfortable. We need to take risks and stand out. So pick up your cross and cary it.

Kevin, Phil, Bryan, Carolena, and Brad

2008-06-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

What is up my dear friends. It is my favorite time of day (other than when i get to eat)..... BLOG TIME!!!!

So yesterday Kevin, Phil, and Bryan cam over for a great time. Bryan, and Kevin are working at a tennis camp and they are staying at my house. Phil came over to just chill out. I cooked this pasta dish for all of us to enjoy that night. It was yummy. Then after that we decided to play a great game known as sequence. Kevin and I won 11 games in a row. We are pretty beast. There was just no stopping us. We pretty much are the number one sequence team in the world.

After that Bryan and Kevin went to bed, and phil and i went up stairs and watched a movie known as American Dreamz. It is a satire about american idol, and america in general. Its pretty funny. After that Phil went to sleepy land and i made a phone call to heather and then went to sleepy land as well.

This morning i woke up and went downstairs and rocked out to the across the universe sound track. It was pretty fun. Phil, and I then went out on the lake with Phil's brother in law. We went wake boarding. Well i tried but it hurt my forearms. I could not hold on to the rope anymore. So i just gave up. We then did some awesome tubing action. It was super fun. I love tubes. They always make me smile. We had a great time and a good discussion.

After the lake phil and i headed back to concord to eat some dinner. We played some more sequence. Kevin and I did not dominate as much as we did the night before. But it was still fun times. Then we went upstairs and chilled and watched some TV. This cheesy magic show came on and Kevin and I could not stop laughing. This guy appeared out of this box and there was cheesy smoke and green lights going on. IT WAS CRAZY!!! Carolena and her friend brad chilled for a while. We played guitar hero and i love guitar hero. Its kinda my life.

Anyway i love chillin with these guys. They always make me laugh. It is such a good time. We can just sit and laugh about non-sense for a while. It is fun times.

Well I'm out. I love you guys. REPRESENT.

People Watching!!

2008-06-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

What is up friends!!!!

So today i woke up at the bright and early time of 6:30 in the AM. Yeah not the most fun thing to do. We got off the ship in Vancouver Canada. We rode the bus to the airport. I have never really seen much of Vancouver, but it was a pretty phat city. While we were driving i saw a cirque de sole tent. It was PHAT. I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to go see a show sometime. we got on the plane and began our journey back to the great state of North Carolina.

We landed in Denver and we have a 4 hour layover. Its all good since i have free internet and can sit on my MAC and Blog. HAHAHAHA That sounds so much like I'm an aspiring writer. There is not a ton to do in airports. Sometimes i just lay down in the middle of the floor and take naps. its always a fun time. But another great activity to do in a airport is people watch. You see people from all over the united states. So it is pretty fun times. I always have a fun time trying to find EMO people. Some of them just make me laugh, and some of them look pretty hardcore. There was this girl with a pretty awesome Tattoo. So that was something cool to see.

BUT .... The best thing to watch ever in the airport is people that are running to their gates. It is so funny to see people try to do like the half walk/ run. Lets just face it people there is no cool way to run to your airport gate. But its funny to watch people to try and make it cool. Also it is fun to see dads trying to hurry up their wives and two kids with all there roller carry ons dragging behind. Anyway I'm sure if anyone has spent time in a airport you know what I'm talking about.

Well life is good and i cant complain once again. Spending time with my family all week was great. I mean sometimes we got sick of each other but its all good. Family is great.

Once again i just want to give a shout out to daniel, and sarah thomas i love those guys. I read a comment from sarah and it made me really happy. SO GO THOMAS'S!!! or how ever you spell it. (sorry sarah i was never good at english)

Side Note--- Friends Friends Friends. Surround yourself with great people because it will make you great. If your friends challenge you and you challenge them then you will both grow in your walk with God, and in other things. And plus friends are just awesome.

My great Alaskan adventure!!!

2008-06-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

Well it is nearing the end of my cruise, and i have some extra internet left, and some free time so i thought i would blog my trip. So here we go!!!!

We flew into Alaska on monday june 9th. It was a nice change of scenery. You looked out of the airport and you saw snow covered mountains. We took a hour long drive to get to our cruise ship. We got on the ship around 10 at night, and we were pretty tired from traveling all day. So we ate dinner and went to sleep.

The next day was just a day at sea. So i pretty much just spent the day chillin. I worked out a little and read the Bible some. It was good times. The next day we were in college fiord. It is just bay with glaciers and all this awesome scenery. At night we chilled and ate dinner. After dinner we went to see a show with our friend Laurie in it. She is one of the main singers on the ship so it was cool to see her perform. After that i went to sleepy land.

On wednesday we were in glacier bay. It is pretty much like it sounds. Its a bay with glaciers in it. It was super beautiful. Then after seeing the wonderful scenery we went to eat dinner once again, and saw another show.

On thursday we were in Skagway Alaska. It is a town with a population of 800 people. So it was nice and small. I went into town and walked around for a while by myself. It was pretty nice. I then went a little hike and found this waterfall that someone told me about. I sat down by it and had some amazing time with Jesus. It reminded me to not take the earth for granted. God has blessed us with so much and sometimes we just over look it.

We then went to the capital of Alaska the next day, Juno. I love it there. It reminds me of a mini san francisco. I walked around town with my sister and my mom. We went into this art gallery and i bought a piece for my room. I love art and this is my first piece so i was pretty excited about it. It was some old school alaska native art. Should look cool in my room. I got to talk to heather on the phone that day so it made me happy. I Love talking to that girl. She just always makes me smile and laugh.

We then went to ketchikan the next day. My father, sister and i went on this awesome zip line course. It was so phat. The longest zip was 700 something feet. We got up to 35 mph. Pretty BALLIN!!! I then walked through town once again. It was good times.

today is the last day on the ship. It sucks leaving such a beautiful place. But I'm ready to get back and see all of my friends. Im heading to Greenville on the 21st. so I'm pretty hyped. But on the 20th im going to go check out a little concert in raleigh, and see some one special!! But the cruise was awesome and i had a great time.

Side Note-- dont take stuff for granted. God has blessed us with so much. We tend to over look things sometimes. If we just take time to slow down and look around we will see Gods beauty in everything. He is such an amazing God and his creation show how amazing he is. So sometimes just slow down and look around and see what a great place we live in.

Time to pack

2008-06-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

Today i woke up at around 11. My father came up and got me up. He is super excited because we are leaving to go to Alaska tomorrow. Probably one of his favorite places in the world.

After waking up and taking a shower i started to gather the cloths i want to take with me on my trip and took them downstairs to wash, and iron. I enjoy ironing my cloths. I feel like I'm so responsible or something. Like I'm really doing stuff on my own. I dont know sounds kinda stupid. But thats how it makes me feel so i just wanted to say that. I got everything packed in my suite case and then I sat down and took a little break from packing.

After a while i felt the sudden urge to play some drums. I went upstairs and played for a while. It was a great time. Then i decided to go get my Ipod and play to some of the old worship songs we used to play in chapel. I played how great is our God, give us clean hands, show me your glory, oh praise him, my glorious, he reigns, and holy is the Lord. It took me straight back to high school praise band. It was awesome. Those songs will always have a special place in my heart because i loved playing with phil, john, and jason. It was great times. Even though no one really sang any of the songs it was still a great time.

After playing my drums for a little bit i decided to go on a run. I ran around 2 miles. It was great. I came back and took a shower and chilled and watched an episode of Flight of the Conchords. It was so funny. If you enjoy dry humor i highly recommend this TV show. its and HBO series so you would probably have to rent it from blockbuster, but its worth it.

Now I'm just chillin and watching the NBA finals. Im about to call heather in a little bit, and i cant wait to do that. I love talking to that girl. Its just awesome.

Side Note-- Set Goals!!!! I went on a run today and it was too the club house and back. Its around 2 miles. At the beginning of the summer i wanted to be able to run to my clubhouse and back by the end of the summer. I never ran much so i began to run everyday. It is not even july yet and i have already accomplished my goal. If you set goals and set out to achieve them you will be surprised how quickly you can can accomplish them. so i challenge you to set goals in your personal life, in your work outs, and in your spiritual life. Its a great way to get things accomplished, and can be very rewarding!!

Yeah im a bum, so what!!!

2008-06-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

Well i woke up today at around 9. My grandmother was leaving to go to Florida so i wanted to say good bye to her. After i said good bye i went back up stairs and went back to sleep. lol.

So then i woke back up at around 12. Yeah I'm a bum. My sister, katie and I went downstairs and made some breakfast. And by breakfast i mean pizza rolls. If you read my blog everyone knows that i love pizza rolls. So while we ate our pizza rolls we watched Little Miss Sunshine. Its so funny. I love it. It has great filming and the plot and everything is just awesome. If you have never seen it i suggest you go see it.

After that i just went upstairs and played drums for a while. After that i watched some more TV. I then i decided i needed to be active. So i went outside and went on a run. WHEW!!!! IT WAS HOT!! I dont know if anyone noticed but we are experiencing a heat wave. So after my run i just sat there for a while and recuperated. I then went back upstairs and watched some more TV. Holly called me and told me she was going to come over and chill.

Holly came over and we watched various movies that were showing on HBO. It was a good time. We just chilled and talked and laughed at stuff on our computers. After that i went over and saw jamie jordan. She was in concord for the night so i went and talked to her for an hour. It was good to catch up and talk about random basketball stuff.

Just wanted to give a shout out to Sarah Thomas. She is an awesome person and i love her. I always had a great time in her class. I was always goofing off and acting like a goon. But it was so fun. Sarah is a great person and i will always remember her and how awesome she was.

Side Note-- Since i bummed around all day i dont have anything really. I mean God is good all the time. So i cant really complain. GO JESUS

The best day and a half of my summer vacation!!!

2008-06-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

Well I'm not going to lie. Im pretty excited about writing this blog!!!!

So yesterday i woke up in Statesville at Bryan's house. I took a shower and got dressed and went to get in my car. I drove over to the Russell Stovers store to pick up some goodies for Heather's mommy. I grabbed some food at micky d's and then began my journey over to Heather's house. The drive seemed long for some reason. It was only 2 hours and 15 minutes but i think it seemed longer because i was so excited to get to Heather's house. I get into Raleigh and called Heather to get directions to her house.

I arrived in front of Heather's house and there she was too great me. She came down to my car and i gave her a big hug. Not going to lie it felt good to finally give her a hug and hold her for once. (sorry for anyone who thinks thats cheezy or anything but it is what it is) After that it was time to meet Mrs Carnahan. I walked in with my chocolate gifts in hand and introduced myself. I gave her the presents and she gave me a big hug. After that we chatted for a little bit and laughed alot. it was a good time.

After that Heather and I went to the park. We got on the swing set and swung for a little bit. Then we both realized that it was 1312231 degrees out so we decided it was time to go to the mall. We rolled over to the mall and i saw a best buy. Of course i had to go inside. I picked up the across the universe sound track. One word ---PHAT!!!! After that we proceeded over to the mall. We walked around for a little and then decided to get chick fil a. It was yummy, always is. Then we walked around some more and i spotted a build a bear. I asked Heather if she ever done one. She said no so i said well we need to go make one. We went in there and after some arguing over which bear to build Heather picked one. So we started to build. Heather did the build a bear dance and kissed the heart and sealed it with a kiss. It was pretty freaking funny. The guy who helped us was really cheesy. but it was funny. Then it was time to name it. Heather asked me if patches was cool. And i said that is a freaking awesome name. So Patches became our new friend. After the mall we rolled back to the Carnahan estate.

When we got back we decided it was time to do our devotional together. It was awesome. Its so cool to be able to talk about God and share about him with Heather. Its one of my favorite things that about heather and I. After the devotional and time with Jesus we went downstairs and waited for Mr. Carnahan to come home. I have never been so nervous in my life. He walked in and i introduced my self. I gave him so nascar goodies. And i think i won him over with that. So after the initial meet i feel like things went good. So that was awesome, and i was glad i got that behind me.

After chatting to the pops for a lil we needed to get ready for dinner. I took a shower got dressed and walked downstairs and chilled at the table for a little bit. Then Heather came down stairs. She was rocking some sick skinny jeans, and gold flats, and a nice top to go with it. Bottom line...... She was looking gorgeous. We rolled out to olive garden and got a table. We sat down and goofed off. We both ordered and ate our delicious food. After dinner we went back to the house and ate some cheese cake and chilled with the parents by a fire. It was a good time. We went up stairs after the fire and watched TV. We decided it was time to watch billy madison so heather found the old school VHS tape and we popped it in. Only to discover that it was taped over. We both were pretty upset about it. So we said well we need to go rent it. We went over to blockbuster and on the way we sang to hey jude and i must say we sounded just like the beatles. We got the movie and went back and watched it. IT WAS HILARIOUS!!! Love that movie, it never disappoints.

After the movie heather and i went on a walk. Towards the end of our walk we decided to bust out like we were in a musical so we started jumping on stuff and doing random dance moves in the street. Yeah we were so good we could be a Broadway. After the walk we got on our computers in heather's drive way and stole internet from the neighbors. So that was a good time. Then after that heather and i just chilled in the drive way and talked for a good while. It was a great time. I just love talking to that girl so much. It was about 2 am and we decided it was time for bed.

I woke up this morning at the bright and early time of 9:30. Heather came and woke me up so it wasn't as bad as just waking up on my own. We went downstairs and enjoyed some pancakes. After that we chilled a bumed out for a little bit. Then it was POOL TIME!!! i love the pool. So we went to the pool and swam around and acted like mermaids and such. yeah we are goons. We got a little hungry so then it was time for a cook out run. I think this is like the 5th day in a row i have had cook out. After we ate and chatted for a good while we went back to the pool. it was around 3 and i had to leave. It was a sad time. I packed my things up and said thank you for the hospitality. Heather walked me to my car and i gave her a big hug goodbye. It was sad parting ways after an amazing day together. I drove back home and chilled with some friends on the lake. But my time with Heather was the highlight of my summer so far.

Side Note-- Let God into your life. It is so hard to drop your guard and let God control things, and give things to Jesus. It took me the longest time to do it. But i finally did and i have not been happier since. I am so much closer to Jesus than i have ever been, i love life, and i have a great girl in my life now. Im so grateful for everything. I know that if i had not giving everything to Jesus i would not be where i am right now. So just give everything you have to God. He will bless your life in ways you never imagined. He has done it for me!!!

Pool Shark

2008-06-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today seemed like it was going to be absolutely boring. But by the end of the day it turned out to be a great time!!!!

I woke up today at the sound of a text message from a special person. I returned it with another cool text but apparently that person did not get it. I went down stairs and began to get out my clothes for my big day tomorrow. I washed them and ironed them because i wanted to be looking extra fly for the day. i packed up my clothes and then bryan and i proceeded on a sojourn to statesville.

We arrived in the ville and went to Bryan's basement. We sat down in front of the T.V. and chilled out for a few moments. Then we went upstairs and made some awesome turkey sandwiches. I love turkey sandwiches. After that our dear friend Holly came over. I love that girl she is such a great friend. We were chillin and Holly began to talk to an old friend Daniel Thomas. I love that guy. He knows so much about politics and stuff like that. I like to just sit and listen to him talk sometimes. We used to play mafia and I'm not going to lie we had some pretty epic battles. I used to love sitting and talking to him about music. Widespread panic will always be a favorite band of mine because of him. I miss him and wish we could hang out more but it is what it is. (that was for you DT)

Later that night brooke, lauren, kevin, and melissa all came over. It was awesome chillin out with them. it felt like the good ol SCS days in the basement again. I dont miss highschool, and love college but when you can feel like you are going back in time its always going to bring back great memories and great time with friends. We chilled and shot some pool in the basement. Brooke and Lauren had a pretty good convo with Heather on the internet and they talked about all kinds of fun stuff like shoes and clothes and such. After we chilled for a lil bit we went to cook out ( i love cook out if you cant tell from my other blog entries)

We came back and bryan and kevin are playing some pool. They keep hitting the ball too hard and saying in a weird hispanic accent "too much gusto!!!" its funny you probably have to hear it to laugh. Its a great time chillin with these two tennis stars. Kevin representing for Clemson, and bryan reppin for the Pirates. Just a shout out too those two schools.

Tonight i go to bed pretty happy because i get to wake up and take a trip to Heathers house. Not going to lie i have been smiling all day about it. And bryan keeps making fun of me about it. But i could care less im pumped up.

Side Note--- The world is great. Love it. thats all i got!!!

Blah

2008-06-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

I woke up today and bryan, my sister, and I all went over to work out. We rolled up in the gym at Hendrick Motor-sports and there were all these people in there. So the head trainer Mark came over and told us we were a little early and that it would be better if we come later in the day. He was cool about it. But it was just super awkward. So we did our work out in a little under 30 minutes and rolled out. It was one of the more awkward things in my life. But it is what it is i guess.

After that we went for a run/walk. Well lets be honest here it was more of a walk. lol We came back and just chilled out for a while. I spent some time with Jesus, and i wrote a devotional for someone and i to go over on thursday. Im pretty excited about that. Not going to lie. Some friends came over and we chilled for a while. We went over to the mall and ate dinner. We walked around and went to this yoyo stand and bryan did some more cool tricks.

After that we went back to the house and went to the pool. Bryan and I just goofed off for a while and acted like little kids. It was fun. I talked to my friends about this awesome person in my life and told them about how we meet and stuff. No matter how many times people ask me to tell them about that I never get tired of sharing.

We came back to the house and are now watching John Tucker Must Die. Its a pretty funny movie. the rest of the night we are probably just going to chill out which is always a good time.

Side Note -- I was stressed out a lil bit today but i spent some time with Jesus and he made it better. God is so awesome and he helps with everything. I need to just remember to rely on him and i can always come to him for help.

A day with Bryan Oakley

2008-06-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well today i woke up in a pretty freaking good mood. I was pretty hyped up about the day because my good friend Bryan Oakley was coming over.

I got out of bed and took a shower. I went downstairs to get some food. I looked around and saw that we had some pizza rolls in the freezer. I popped some in the toaster oven. After they were done i sat down watched some TV and enjoyed my delicious lunch. There is just something about pizza rolls that makes them so yummy!!!!

After my lunch bryan arrived at my door. Not going to lie I was super excited to see him. It was only the second time we hung out all summer. I showed him around the new house and then we went to go work out. We drove over to Hendrick Motorsports and used their gym. All the pit crew guys use it and stuff, so it is a pretty phat gym. We got to meet Rick Hendricks personal trainer. He was a super nice guy and we chatted a little bit. After we were done working out we noticed a cooler with gatorade shakes. These are quite possibly the best protein shakes in the world. So we asked the head trainer, mark, if we could have one. He said just to help ourselves to whatever we needed to in the gym. So that was pretty sick. We came back and went on a run together. Then we went to the neighborhood pool. We chilled and talked about the future. It is always awesome to talk about what is going to happen in you life.

After that we went to the mall and looked for a book. Sadly the mall did not have it. But we did go over to this stand with all these awesome yoyo's. Bryan was doing some cool tricks and the people walking by kept looking over at him doing all this crazy stuff with the yoyo. After the mall we went to Harris Teeter. I got food for dinner and i came back and cooked for everyone. While we were at dinner we had the most random conversation. It involved talking about possible guys to fix my sister up with and boob jobs. Im not going to elaborate. But you can make up your own story. Im sure there is no way you can make up a boring story with those two topics.

After dinner bryan and i sat down and watched a night at the museum. Now we are currently watching american beauty. Today was awesome and it was a good time to just hang out with bryan oakley.

Side note---- I dont really have a huge side note today. But just enjoy life. Enjoy your friends. Stop and take the time to look around and see how awesome everything is. God blesses us with so much. So go out and enjoy it!!!!

BLOG TIME!!!!!

2008-06-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

HELLO FRIENDS!!!!!

So today i woke up in charleston at my sisters apartment. After i got up we went out to brunch at O'Charleys. It was good, i got the chicken parm sandwich. Never had it so it was a nice treat. After eating we rolled out of Charleston and proceeded on the trip back. It was a very stressful ride for various reasons. We stopped to get gas and i gave Heather a call. It was good to talk to her it was a nice little break from all the stress that was going on in the car.

We got back to the house and ate dinner. It was rather good my grandma cooked some italian food. So it was great eating. My sisters friend Katie Bennett came over. It has been like 63247890374 years since i saw her so it was good talking to her. We looked at some of my sisters pictures from her trip to mexico. It was a good time.

After that i went on a run with my sister. It was a great time. I have really enjoyed running lately which is funny because i used to hate it. After i ran i decided to weigh myself. and i am down to 252!!!!!! Which is awesome. So i have lost a total of 28 lbs from when i started all this jazz at christmas. just wanted to brag about that. HAHAHA

Side note---- This is going to be a quick one. but just wanted to say to put God first in everything you do. He will bless it and help you with it. And if you build things upon God it will never fall because it will have a strong foundation. Can't really share why i thought about talking that but it is what it is.

Friends, Charleston and picking up Carolena.

2008-05-31T21:16:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day. I woke up to Carliegh jumping on top of me and saying "wake up, wake up". It was pretty funny and i mean Carliegh is so sweet how could i be mad even though it was 7:00 in the morning. So i woke up and cooked for matt and his friends (and by cook i mean i got cereal and milk out for them). I gave Carlala and Matt a big hug and told them i loved them and to have a great drive to sharp top.

After that i could not go back to sleep so i went up stairs and turned on HBO. Two great movies were on. Rookie of the Year, and Free Willy. Those movies are so nostalgic for me. We used to have a motor home and we would go on these long trips and my sister and I would watch movies and those two movies we rotated pretty heavily. So it just took me way back and brought back so many awesome memories. Gotta love family road trips.

After that i decided to go on a run. I was feeling good so I punched out 2 miles today. It felt great to be out side running. I used to hate running but now that im getting in better shape it is really awesome to get out and challenge yourself. It is pretty cool to see how far you can progress when you push yourself. After the run i came back in to the house and sat down and talked to the parentals for a while. We had some good convo.

After that My mother and I left to go down to Charleston to pick up Carolena from the airport. We saw matt, and tiffany and ate with them for dinner. We went to the airport and my sister came. It was awesome to see her. We never get to see each other anymore and we just started cutting up like we always do. We do the dumbest stuff together but it is hilarious. When i was sitting in the airport there was this girl that went to mexico with my sister and her name was Dana. Well Dana's boyfriend came to pick her up. Her boyfriend runs over to her and picks her up by grabbing her butt (picking her up was no easy feat. if you know what I'm saying). Then they proceeded to suck face right in front of me. I looked aver at my sister and gave her the awkward face, and we both just busted out laughing. It was pretty funny.

Im about to call Heather and im pretty excited about it. Love talking to that Girl. But anyway it was a great day and all is well.

Side Note--- I spent sometime with Jesus today and i read about how God just loves us so much. Sometimes we only see God as this person who judges everyone. And i going to condemn us all to hell. We forget that he loves us so much. He created us in his image and wants a personal relationship with us. So just remember God loves us no matter what. So ......GO JESUS!!!!

Graduation, Matt, and Carleigh

2008-05-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today i woke up and my dad had his whole office over for lunch. So i proceeded to go downstairs and help my mom get the food ready. Then i took a shower and got all dressed up so i could look nice for all the people coming over. They came over and i didn't know anyone so i just sat there quiet and didn't talk. But it was all good because my dad loved showing them the whole house and all that jazz.

After that my mom and i left and went to statesville for my old high-schools graduation. It was a good time. I saw some old friends and they were all asking me about my life and i had to explain everything that was going on 34513451 times. Im sure anyone that goes back and sees a group of old friends knows the whole deal with that. But anyway i left the graduation and came back to concord.

When i got back to concord Matt and Carleigh were here and i was super excited to see them. I love both of those kids alot. Matt is a great person and i love just sitting and talking to him about religion and other things. Carleigh is just so much and always brightens up the mood. She is always positive about things and is always laughing. We played guitar hero and went to cook out it was a great time.

And now I'm about to call heather and i couldn't be more excited!!!

Side note--- Today i was sitting in my living room and i was watching my grandma talking to her sister. It was so awesome seeing how happy she was. She is going to florida in a week to see her and she could not be any more excited. It just made me realize how awesome and important family is. No matter what they will always be there for you. So i just wanted to remind people who read this that no matter how tired you get of your family. Or how mad they make you that they truly love you. So never forget how awesome family is.

Great times, and great friends.

2008-05-29T18:30:00.001-07:00

Well after i blogged last night i called heather (yeah i finally said her name instead of referring to her as "someone special") and we talked on the phone for a good while. not going to lie it was pretty awesome. That is probably the highlight of my day when i get to talk to her. She is freaking hilarious and we both just sit on the phone and laugh. Love that girl.

Then after that i got on the internet and phil, and bryan were online. So we decided to open up a chat room and we all talked and it was a great time. I love both of those guys so much. There pretty much like brothers to me and i felt like our little trio was reunited. We talked about things going on in our lives, and various other man things. It was great catching up. Even though we all live close we haven't gotten to hang out yet since we have been back.

Today i woke up around 12 and it was great. There is nothing better than a good nights sleep and then sleeping in late the next day. I walked down stairs and made some food. My dad was home for lunch so we both sat down at the table and ate together and talked. After that i watched some TV and chilled for a little bit. Then i put on my running shoes and went for a run. Yes it is true I, Michael Stemler, went on a run. It was great.

I came back in and took a shower and watched some TV for a while. Evan Almighty was on HBO so i watched it. Im a big Steve Carrel fan. So i think that is a great movie. My mom came back home from doing errands all day. She told me my dad is having a big lunch-in tomorrow so i had the awesome task of moving boxes and cleaning up the house. Whatever if it makes Barb and Wayne happy then i guess its all good.

We ate dinner together and i went up stairs to watch some basketball. I was sitting on my bed and i got an awesome phone call from Sam McSpaden. I love that kid. It was always a good time hearing him talk about politics last year. I had no clue what he was talking about but he loved it so i didn't mind listening. He would always try to mess with me and get me mad. And this one night i got so mad i just started yelling and cussing at him. It was pretty funny. But anyway it was great to here from him.

A side note---- After watching Evan almighty today it reminded me that we need to stand out as Christians, and that we need to not try to get into what is comfortable. In the movie Evan was comfortable with his job, and he wasn't standing out as a christian. So God had him build this ark, and took him completely out of his comfort zone, and made him stand out. So it just reminded me to try to stand out as a christian, and to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone with religion, and with God.

No internet, WHAT TO DO!!!

2008-05-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends!! Well this blog might be a little longer than usually because it is two days worth of information. But it is what it is.

Well yesterday i woke up and my mother informed me that our phone, and internet line got cut due to the construction in our neighbor hood. So i was like crap whatever shall i do with out technology. But i was able to manage. I went with my mommy to Lowes home improvement store. Not going to lie. That is a pretty intimidating store. I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to construction and i was trying to find all this stuff for my mom and it was scary. But i got all the stuff and it was an awesome time in Lowes

After my adventure in Lowes my mom and i went to concord mills mall and ate Chilies for lunch. We sat there and talked and i told her about various things going in my life and such. Moms are so fun and it was good to just chill and talk to her for a while. After that we went over to finish line and got some new running shoes since my other ones were pretty much awful smelling. then after that i proceeded to go to Hot Topic, and FYE and buy 3 new CD's. There is nothing more exciting than a new CD so i just tripled my excitement. Then i went into Sun and Ski sports and got some gear for Alaska. I got two marmot jackets and i was pretty hyped about them. Marmot is so much more legit than North Face. So North Face needs to get on Marmots level.

I came back home and ate dinner with the family was expecting a nice quiet night of just chillin. But then i get a phone call from Philip Varvaris and he told me he was going to come over. He just flew back from main so i thought he was going to go home. But he ended up coming over to chill. I was super excited. I love that kid. So he came over and we talked and went to cook out. I told him about all the exciting things that have happened over the summer. We came back to the house and we watched the Underoath DVD that i bought earlier in the day. Well.... He watched the DVD and i talked to someone special on the phone. But after that we just chilled and talked about a ton of stuff until 3 am. It was great.

The next day phil and i woke up and my grandma cooked us french toast and we went and saw a movie. It was what happens in vegas and it was very good. Wasn't expecting much, but the movie was impressive. After that Phil went back to statesville and i just chilled for like 2 hours. Then i went with my parents to Mooresville and we ate dinner. I saw Scott, lee, and josh in Target and it was awesome i miss those guys. I went over to Hollys and we chilled. My old friend melissa was there and we had a good time joking around. I came back to my house and am watching basketball for the rest of the night. The past two days were great and loved every minute of them.

Side Note---- When i was watching the movie today it reminded me of challenges, and problems that are in our lives. So many times we get so mad at God for putting obstacles in our lives and we just get frustrated and we expect God to fix all of our problems. But we have to remember that we have these challenges to make us stronger people. It is important to over come these obstacles so we can learn things about ourselves. And it teaches us to not rely on our own will all the time. And to rely on God. Its weird that the movie What Happens in Vegas reminded me of that but it did so i thought I would share.

SUMMER DAYS, DRIFTING AWAY

2008-05-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

HEY FRIENDS!!!!!!!! Today was great. I stayed over at Holly's and we went out on the boat today. It was great i always get super excited about going on the lake because i just love the lake. I want to live there one day so my family can enjoy it as much as i do. My good old friend Shannon came over and went out and it was great catching up with her. She asked me why i was so happy all the time, so i told her things were just awesome!!! (HAHAHA) We had a blast just chillin and jumping off the boat in the water.

After the lake we all were hungry so it was time to decide where to go eat. It was an amazing day out so i was like we need to go to cook out and chill out side. Well everyone said no to cook out. i wanted to punch them in the face. But its ok we went to sonic which is a decent second to cook out. But lets be honest sonic is no cook out. lol

After that i drove back home to concord and my parents were cleaning the garage so i rolled up my sleeves and jumped in and started to help. We got most of it clean and they were super excited about it. After that i cooked dinner for them. My parents are trying to eat healthy now so I'm pretty much a full time chef here at the house. Its awesome because i love to cook. While i was out grilling i had a little quiet time. I read the Bible and prayed, and then i wrote some stuff in my journal and just took time to thank God for how great everything is.

Today was great and i cant wait too see what tomorrow brings.

Side Note- I try to leave something contemplative every time i write one of these deals because i feel like it make it more interesting to read. So here is something to think about or whatever. Its so amazing how much we want to hold on to stuff and not give it to God. We think we are so smart and that we have everything under control. But if we just let go God will do amazing things in our lives, and we will see his glory like never before. So just remember next time you are trying to make something happen to just give it to God and watch what our maker can do.

Lake fun, and old friends!!!

2008-05-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

Today i had the awesome privilege to go over to my old friends house, holy christenbury, and go out on the lake with her and her family. I grew up with holy and her sister brooke and they are awesome people, and i love there family so much so it was a great time. We went out on their boat and it is a pontoon boat with a roof and i love to jump off of it. SO FUN!!!!!

After that Holly and I went up to Statesville to visit my old science teacher and her husband matt, and their baby reagan. They are awesome people. I have been friends with Tiffany (my science teacher) for a long time and they moved to charleston so it is always good to see them when they come to visit. We caught up and reminisced about old times. It was great and memories are always awesome

I came back to holly's house and we played cards with her sister. It was a good time and it was fun to just hang out with them. I got a call from Aaron Brookes and loved it. I miss and love that kid. And talking to him was really refreshing and brightened up my day. Now I'm sitting on this couch and talking on the internet. So all in all it was a great day.

Side Note - dont take things for granted. So many times we over look the little things in life that make us happy, and we dont ever stop and think how awesome things are. I was reminiscing about high-school and my old band and i took it for granted. It was truly one of the best times of my life and i miss it so much. So next time you have exact change or something small brightens up your day. Or you are just hanging out friends take the time to Thank God for how awesome he is. Because you might never get that moment back.

My first blog post!!!!!

2008-05-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

Well i decided to be trendy and get in on all the awesome blog stuff. Its pretty cool but i dont know if anyone is actually going to read anything that i write in this deal. But whatever it is what it is i guess.

Summer, oh sweet summer it has been absolutely awesome. I came back home to a new house in concord and its pretty cool. then i left and went to Bairds lake house. It was great. i love the water and all that jazz. Mr Blackley had the pleasure of doing work on matt and i on the tube. After the lake i went up to windy gap for work week with a bunch of awesome friends. It was one of the best weeks of my life. You can really see Gods beauty when you surround your self with nature. To think that God created every tree we see is pretty amazing. Being at windy gap was amazing because i was just able to turn off the TV, and turn off the cell phone and get away from all the technology and possessions we get used to having. Without those things i was able to get so much closer to God. It was one of the best weeks of my life. Im back at home now and its a good time. We are still kinda in the process of moving so i have been helping moving boxes and everything. It gets frustrating but it helps the family so I'm glad to do it. The only thing about living in concord is that I'm far from all my friends. but its all good. So this was my first blog. Hopefully its awesome!!!

A side note about friends--- I was thinking today while i was working and i have such great friends. Im so grateful for every single one of them. Without them i dont know where they would be. so for anyone that reads this that is my friend thanks so much for everything. And you mean alot to me.