Trophies

The other night, I was at the school cleaning. For two and a half hours, I cleaned the trophy case, and all the trophies in it. At one point, a thought came into my mind, and it went something like this:

"I'm cleaning trophies.....There is a story behind each one.....I am cleaning someone else's memories.
Behind each trophy there are people who are unnamed. Behind each trophy, is a story of the people who poured themselves out. There was sweat poured, blood shed, and tears cried."

"Who knows the joys that were behind it? Who knows the anguish endured? All the physical training, special diets, and late nights training. There was comradery and bonding. There was stress and disagreements."

"Behind each trophy, there was a coach, a team, and fans. There were practices, games, and tournaments. As the team advanced, the excitement increased. A score. A loser. A champion."

"The victors were celebrated. The coach exalted. The trophy awarded. They walk around proud. The trophy shows off their achievement. Then it's placed into the case, along with all the other shiny awards."

"5, 10, or even 20 years later, a simple janitor comes and dusts off the trophy. The names are unknown. The time spent is unimportant. All the effort behind each achievement is without recognition. The only thing that is known is what the end result was, nothing else - nothing more. Forgotten memories fill the case. What is the point?"

----------------------------------------------------------------

So then, I asked myself - "What are my trophies?" Are they in material objects and goals? Or are they in my God, and the achievements I have in Him.

I ask you - "What are your trophies?"

----------------------------------------------------------------

1 Corinthians 9:24 - "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. "

Philippians 3:14 - "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

The substance of life.

What is the substance of life? I’m having a hard time grasping it right now. Yes, I know that we have “life” in Christ. I know that we have the breath of God in us that He gave. I understand that God is the sustainer of all life. However, for some reason, I’m still confused. Maybe we’re supposed to be confused by all this.

I was at a funeral the other day. I was just running sound, helping out and stuff. But I glanced at the open casket. I glanced around the room. I try to read the face of the emptied tent – absolutely nothing. I peer through the eyes of those walk around in sorrow, looking for something different – I find hopelessness, but still life. Life is more than just electrons running through the body. Life is more than seeing, hearing, eating and feeling. It’s taken so quick. It’s taken so much for granted.

As I saw a young mother, holding her child in her arms, I watched her pass the man who wasn’t there. She stood there momentarily, looking for something. Not finding it, she took her seat. It occurred to me that there, for a brief second, life was almost summarized - Life in it’s newness, life at it’s peak, and then non-life.

Death – is it an event? Death cannot be a substance, but simply the absence of what was. Life doesn’t just leave, and death "moves in" forever. We start dying the moment we are born…

What a hopelessness one could have. I saw it in mass. A life that vanished. A search for a peace that couldn’t be found. Inside, they scream, “Why God?” or “Where’s God?” instead of “Oh MY God”.

Life. Death. Can I comprehend? Can I absolutely define? I only see the dividing line. I leave the rest up to the Most High, Devine!

15 things you learn as a poor single bachelor

1. Any color is your color when looking for furniture.
2. Every food becomes tasty, if received without cost.
3. Card-board is great for making sorting bins.
4. Paper clips are great shower curtain hooks.
5. Twine + cut and hooked bent hangers = shoe rack.
6. Twine + hooked bent paper clips = hat rack.
7. “No! Don’t through that chili can away, I can wash it out and use it as a cup!”
8. No matter how full you are, finish the food!
9. When there is no one to talk to, you start talking to your furniture and books.
10. If you hang up all your washed clothes everywhere in the apartment, you can save the dryer quarters for a whole other load.
11. Any job is a good job!
12. Lights? Who needs lights? Turn em’ off, save more money!
13. Toilet paper is on the top ten things to get when first moving into an apartment.
14. Having a church that will keep you encouraged is awesome.
15. Having a God that supplies all your needs, is even better!

Eyes with depth

People talk about different physical attributes that they notice first on people. Some will look at their face. Some look at hands. Some might look at posture and how one carries their self. The thing that catches me are the eyes in people. I can tell a lot about a person from their eyes. The more I come to know a person, the more I have a window into their lives, especially with their eyes. If I know you well, I can sense frustration, pain, fear. I can sense joy and happiness. Even if it's just a passing wave, a person can communicate a lot with just their eyes.

I look at some people, and I see a depth I can't measure with wisdom hidden behind them. A soft, yet stern look that shows character and experience in life. These eyes could include people like my dad, or Mr. Seymour or Mr. Preslar. All of whom are major figures in my life. Ironically, all also have a sense of humor that comes out through their eyes (although the senses of humor are completely different). When I see them, I feel safe.

Other people have a sensitive look about them. They are eyes that say, "Come, talk to me. You can trust me. I will listen." I feel a certain comfort around them that I can't exactly explain. It's a motherly look...perhaps that explains it? Obviously, my mom is included in this. Mrs. Seymour also has the same. Another person that comes to mind as well is Mrs. Preslar. Though I don't talk with her much, I see so much sensitivity in her eyes. They are eyes like these that make me feel better, even when life sucks.

With both of those groups, more people could be included. However this other "group" of eyes, few people can be included. They are eyes that pierce through me. Not stabbing pierce, but one of care and concern. They know when I'm hurting and when I'm happy. Some have come to read me so well that they know what I'm thinking, without having to ask (sometimes it's creepy [you know who you are, :-P]). I feel like I can't hide anything from them. They are eyes that can say, "I care about you", without having to say a word. They are those who are closest to me. People like my room-mate Stefan, or Bethany, or Steph. I feel myself around them.

A well known sayings goes, "The eyes are the window to the soul..." I agree whole heatedly....

Life and all it's worth

There are a lot of things I take for granted. Ice-cream for example. It's a dairy-sugary goodness that fills my mouth and melts, seeping into my taste buds. I love it, especially chocolate-chip cookie dough. Do I really appreciate it though? Some can't have it because of different problems, or they live in a place where they don't have access to it because they are so poor.

I also take for granted things like a good church. I have an awesome church back home in Charlotte. Everyone is very supportive. I feel at home with my family when I'm at church. I also have an awesome church out here in Nebraska. Everyone is friendly and is looking for ways to support not only me, but the other college students.

Life is another subject all together. "Life" entails a lot of ideas. Breath. Food. Strength. Thought. Salvation. Freedom. Fun. Friends. Conception. A heart beat. Birth. Growth. It's something that goes without saying. It just is. We can "live the life". The joys of being a person who can take part in the activities of this world. Many aren't bad at all. However, it's when life gets rough, that we remember the other side.

Pain. Frustration. Disappointment. Confusion. Death. Tears. Fatigue. Helplessness. Mistakes. Rejection. It's all something goes without discussion, because we avoid it. We don't want to think about the pain, physical or emotional. We forget the tears, and lift our selves up that we can "handle it" when we know we can't. Why does life contain all this? Is it all worth it? Does the good, "outweigh the bad"? What's the point?

The past three years have become gradually harder for me. This senior year has been the hardest year that I can remember. The school isn't what makes it hard. It's everything outside the school. I tried to do more than I could handle, or so I thought. I put myself up in positions of leadership. I signed up for services. I involved myself in peoples lives. As the year progressed, I realized I becoming overwhelmed. Emotional pain came. A feeling of helplessness became the norm. I look back and I ask those question mentioned before. What is this life worth?

I answer with a simple, "Thank you, God for allowing me to endure all that this life gives me. Thank you for how you stretch me and test me." I've learned more about who I am this year than any before. Not about who I think I am. Not about who others think I am. Just me before God. The more I go through, the more I realize I can't do it on my own. The more I'm broken before God, the more He pulls me together. I think of James 1:2-4, "My brethren, count it all JOY when you fall into various trials, knowing that the TESTING of your faith produces PATIENCE. But let patience have it's PERFECT work, that you may become perfect and COMPLETE, lacking NOTHING!". God is perfecting me and completing me through everything I live, even if it's hard.

For what do I need to complain? I have all the strength I need. I have all the wisdom God can supply. Patience is provided when I need it most. What is it for? For God. He makes life worth something. He brings worth to my life. When I say, "To God be the glory", as I face a trial, and I give thanks for everything, I find myself face to face before God almighty. He says, "You're doing well, keep relying on me. I will give you strength. I will lift you up, and you will give me glory." It's His hand that pulls me through. It's His smile that I want to see. His pleasure in me is why I find worth in this life...

Life and all it's worth...is more than I can describe....

Texico - Sum it all up

Saturday night went well. The concert was for the church and we did our "Sin-Chair" skit. We were kinda put in the middle between a bunch of songs. It went very well. Afterward we went back to Robbie's house and kinda relaxed and prepared for Sunday.

Sunday was our last day of ministry. Bethany and Lucinda taught on focusing on the Lord during hard times. They did a very good job of it. Joe taught the second lesson and was able to use personal experience again about how to deal with tough situations. His focus was more on just being still in the hard times. The overall theme of the week was basically finding hope and peace in difficult situations. It's interesting because the whole week I was having a rough time. My mind was constantly filled with other thoughts and things I had to deal with or uncertainties of the future. They were really weighing heavily on my mind. Most of the time, I was at a complete loss of what to do. However, the constant reminder that God is in control was awesome.

Sunday night was probably one of the best nights. It was a Sunday Evening service. Pastor Frank opened the floor up to the church to say what our team was able to do for them, or how we were a blessing. The impact we had on the church was more than I thought. We impacted youth and adults and leaders. It made everything so worth it. We were also able to thank the church publicly. I can't even begin to describe the joy I received from the church and how they were a blessing in my life. The Body of Christ is so AWESOME!

Anyway, I'm sure I will have a follow up post on this soon. Probably consisting of some funny stories and such. Thank you all who continued to pray for us. I greatly appreciate it!

In Christ,
Adam

Texico - Other stuff

So, it's been a couple of days since I updated. Sorry about that. I do believe the last place we left of is from Wednesday. So, from there I will start...

Wednesday morning we went to Grace, which is kinda like a co-op home school program. I don't really know how better to explain it. It is a facility with school and stuff, where the kids work on their workbooks at their pace. We did a skit there and then Robbie presented the Gospel. It was great fun! Afterward we went outside with the kids as they ate lunch and we played around with them. I played some basket ball with Robbie and the kids while Joe talked with some kids as well did Lucinda and Ashley. Bethany talked with some of the girls for a bit and then some of them wanted to play around with their own basketball. Overall, it was a fun time.

Later that night, we went to the youth group at Maranatha, which is the church we've been working with all week. We present 2 skits. One skit was about sin and how it can hinder our relationship with Christ, Robbie spoke after that one and presented the Gospel again. Our second skit was about witnessing, (and more so on how NOT to witness). It was quite humorous. After that I was able to quickly speak on witnessing and how to go about it in the right way. It was a good time.

Thursday, we just kinda relaxed. It was awesome. We went to the beach. It was windy and it made me cold. That was not awesome. I laid on the sand and it was warm. That was awesome. I got sunburned. Not awesome. I got buried in the sand and the windchill got cut off and I fell asleep. That was awesome. I got sand in my ears, pants, shirt, eyes, mouth and every other place I can think of and I'm still trying to get it out. Not awesome. While we were there, I tried skim boarding and kinda got the hang out it. It was awesome. I fell a lot and hurt myself. Not so awesome. I went exploring and found a boogie board. Awesome. Afterward I chased some seagulls and couldn't catch any....not awesome. Overall though, the beach was fun. :-D

Friday we were able to sleep in. I slept in the longest, of course. I slept until 1:00. I loved it so much. Others slept until like 10:00 or so. I don't know what they were thinking. The rest of the day me and Joe kinda hung out at Robbie's house. He was out with Ashley running some kind of errands. We worked on some skit stuff. Later on in the day, the team re-grouped after being refreshed and we got ready for the lock-in. That was a crazy night for sure. I think I had energy all the way through, though, I could feel my body saying, "Adam, what are you doing? You know you should be sleeping. Since you're not, I'm going to make you say and do weird things with-out your consent." And oh did it ever. But I did not relent. :-). It was a great night. Played some games, ate some food, watched a movie. I spoke for a little bit on the truthfulness of the Bible. That was at 3:00. They all payed attention actually. I was impressed, because I was even zoning out and I was the one speaking. It went well though.

We ended at 7:00. We came home, and I know that I slept from about 8:00 to 3:00. It was a gooood sleep. Anyway, I don't have much else to say for now. We are going to a concert tonight that the church is putting on. We are doing the "sin-chair" skit. It's going to be a great skit.

Please continue to pray for energy. I know a lot of the team is going to be exhausted.

In Christ,
Adam

Texico - A trip to Mexico

Yesterday, we took a trip into Progresso, Mexico. It's a smaller town right across the boarder. It was for sure a very interesting culture. As we went in, there was the Mexican military there who were inspecting all the cars. It was kinda cool looking.
We were only there for a couple of hours, but I was able to purchase a really comfortable Pancho (basically like a hoodie, but soooo much better), along with some Mexican candy.

While we were there, we were also able to hand out small things to people who were poor. We had a lot of small bottled shampoo, or hand lotion and the such. It was a neat ministry, although it was short. We also were able to deliver 3-4 big boxes of clothes to a small mission there who will distribute them to others around who need them.

Afterward some of the shopping and handing out stuff, we had some taco's. They were very good. I'm going to feel quite spoiled by the time I get back. All Mexican food I will have after I leave will taste like 2nd grade food.


Anyway, I must proceed to get ready for the day. Continue to pray for us. This morning we are going to be doing a skit and then presenting the gospel to some kids. Pray our message will be clear. Oh, and the weather is still awesome! Normally only one layer for me. :-)

In Christ,
Adam

This is a phone update. The team is going into mexico for a short period of time. Pray for safety.
In Christ, Adam

Texico - Painting the walls (and each other)

Today we painted the youth group room some fun colors! It was a fun time. I did a bit of painting, but for the most part I felt like I was constantly washing paint brushes and such, :-P. We did have a fun time though. Music was in the background and people in the fore-ground. We then kinda broke out in a war with paint. EVERYONE got some paint on them. I got the most I think though. I had Joe's hand-print on my face, along with a few marks from others. I got a bunch of my arm and shirt. It was good though, I enjoy a good fight, and I did get them back, :-).

Afterward we went to Ashley's house and had a good time with hanging out and having some more good Mexican food. The food here has been amazing! I think I've gained weight since being here. It's sooo good.

Also a huge praise! Apparently, through the gospel presentations that we gave on Sunday, the attention of one of the kids was attracted. He went and talked to one of the youth leaders and through it accepted Christ as his Savior. That was for sure an encouragement.

Tomorrow, we are thinking of going into Mexico. Some logistics need to be sorted out still on whether or not we are going to go, but I'm not too worried about what's going to happen. God is in control.

Last night we had some fun playing wii. We do have an awesome hang out time as a team. Ministry is about the people, but it's also about team unity and we sure do have that, :-). Anyway, here is a bit of preview of it!


Anyway, that's it for now. Please continue to pray for us. Also please pray for safety if we go into Mexico. If we do, we'll be going into Progresso. It is a very safe town. No violence has happened there so far. However, also pray that if we can better glorify God through something else that might seem "ill-fated", that it would happen and that God would continually work through us.

In Christ,
Adam

Texico - Fiesta and Sunday!

Saturday was an excellent day! We had a youth "Fiesta" (soon enough we are going to have a Siesta). Anyway...we started out singing some songs and then went and played some games, which was awesome. All the kids participated and we had a great time. After games we had a quick break and then broke up into groups for a counsel time. We spoke on the topic of purity (which is a huge topic for me now-a-days). We split up the girls and the guys. Robbie, Joe and I spoke on different topics for purity. I have no idea what the girls talked about other than speaking on the topic of purity and modesty.

After our breakout groups, we got back together, sang a few more songs, and then Robbie went over dating standards. The question came up a lot afterward about what to do if they were dating an unbeliever. It was interesting the reaction when I answered quite bluntly, "Breakup with them". The conversation was an interesting one, but we kept coming back to the Word of God and showing them what He has to say. It was an excellent time. Joe was able to talk with one of the youth kids. The talks on purity apparently were speaking right to him. He is going to break up with his girl-friend because of the path that he sees himself going down. It was encouraging to see almost immediate results like this.

Today, Joe and I taught two different Sunday Schools. I taught the first session on depression and it's affect on you. I covered the world's way of dealing with it (cutting, eating disorders, suicide, etc) and then covered the Biblical way (Philippians 4:4-11) of finding a way out of depression. Joe then covered having joy in difficult situations through the filling of the Spirit. We specifically decided to cover these topics because depression, suicide and cutting are very prevalent in the culture down here. As we found out later from the youth leader, a few kids are thinking about these things and one even hears voices in his head telling him things to do. Please pray for the youth here. Abi is the youth leader and he is also having a very hard month. He and his wife have been having nightmares and been having much oppression by what they believe are demons. Pray for Abi and that God would protect him and his family and give them strength and comfort.

Tonight a few of us shared our testimonies at the church. It was interesting because we had to go through translators. It went very well. The three girls, (Bethany, Lucinda, and Ashley) shared, and Robbie closed with a few thoughts.

Tomorrow, we get to sleep in a bit, and then we head back to the church and we are going to be doing some painting in the youth room. I'm looking forward to it, :-)

Prayer request:

• Abi and his family
• Continued openness of the youth
• Unity in the team (we've been quite unified the whole time, with many inside jokes already and we've been having a BLAST!
• Wisdom and strength
• Focus on God and that we would do all for His glory

Anyway, thank you for your prayers and support. I'm off to hang out with the team and chill at Robbie's house! :-).

In Christ,
Adam

Texico, Day 1

The adventure begins. Our team had to leave one day early because of a snow storm. We drove to Denver and stayed at a church where we had lots of fun. It was a really crazy night. It started snowing around midnight and was snowing hard all the way up to the time we took off. The plane had to be de-iced. We took off around 2:30 or so. We had a layover in Chicago for about an hour and then took off again for San Antonio. Fairly uneventful flights all around. The whole time though we were having fun with each other and playing around. I have been designated as the "tail-gater" for the trip, thanks to Joe, (ask later).

After our flight, we had a four hour drive or so down to McAllen. That was an easy trip. Most of us inspected the back of our eyelids most of the time. It was great!

Today, we are going to a youth Fiesta. The 6 of us are going to be playing games with them and then doing a lesson on purity. Please pray we will be clear in our presentation.

I do believe the thing I am most excited for right now (despite being down here on a mission trip) is the weather. I love the humidity and such right now. I'm in shorts and ONE t-shirt. I can smell the water in the air. MMMMmmmm.

Ok, this message was very dis-jointed because I do not have much time. We are leaving in about 1 minute. Pray for alertness and energy. Most of us didn't get much sleep last night since we got in around 4:30 and got up at 10:30.

In Christ,
Adam

Thoughts on prayer...

I recently finished a book for a class I'm in. The title is "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" by Jim Cymbala. What was originally an assignment, turned into a very convicting read. I had to read the whole book in a day, due to lack of preparation, but I don't think I'd want it any other way, because reading it all at once made a larger impact on my life than if I were to spread it out. Through conviction of apathy, thoughts on God, being broken down and tears, I've come to a conclusion about prayer today in American Christian Churches - We need more!

I forgot the power of prayer. Many have forgotten and apathy has been spread across many churches. I see it in my life, and I'm tired of it. I don't want to live my life without passion anymore. Today, Christians either down play prayer (conservative) or they play it up and make it mystical (Charismatic). Isn't there a balance? There is an old saying that goes, "If you have only the Word, you dry up. If you have only the Spirit, you blow up. But if you have both, you grow up." There needs to be a balance.

How often do I go and pray to the God who saved me from eternal damnation in Hell? I should continually be talking to Him. Why can't I spend an extra 10 minutes...an extra 20 minutes...an extra hour out of my "busy" day to spend time with Him who cares so much for me!

I have a vision in so many ways to see things happen. I want to see youth come to Christ. I want to see the small town of Bayard that I have come to love so much, begin to flourish again with people. God wants to use me...I just have to be willing and talk with Him about it.

As I was talking to one of my good friends about this, I asked her essentially, "What are we gonna do about it?" It's good to recognize the fact that we've failed in an area in our life. It's good to recognize that something needs to change. The hard part is going through with it.

The past semester and this semester have been emotionally draining on me, in so many aspects. I look back as I write this and wonder how often I really poured out to God and asked Him to take charge and make things happen. I was so caught up in doing it on my own. BAD idea. How much more could God have worked had I given all to Him?

At the end of my conversation with my friend, it was late into the night. I was broken and it seemed she was too. It wasn't by anyone's words, the book or any human work. It was God showing how we need Him, and how I have neglected. I couldn't do anything else but just say that we both needed to go off and pray. Next thing I knew, I was on the floor on my knees, praying about whatever came to mind. It went from people, to churches, to situations to myself to praising God for His awesome glory. 10 minutes flew by....I went to bed praying. I fell asleep praying. I woke up that morning...praying. I'm not charismatic. I try not to run my life based completely off emotions. However, God gave us emotions, and the joy I felt when I talked to Him was overwhelming.

Lord, I pray that I continue to seek You in everything I do. Give me a passion for prayer, and a passion to pray for people. I want to praise You. I want to seek You. Move in me in such a way that I can't keep still. Use me, change me, mold me. You are my strength and my source of joy. You give me victory. You make life worth living, when living isn't worth it. Give those around me a desire to have a relationship with you, not just a "conversation". Give the church a desire to pray. May all praise and honor go to You in everything I do, say and pray....

The Dudes who Rule

So, now it's time to recognize some of the guys in my life who are special to me. They've been there for me and they are someone I can talk to at anytime. They've either been a father or a brother to me. I want to thank you.

Father Figures/Mentors in my life!

Dad - You didn't birth me, but you do take half responsibility for my existence. The first thing that comes to mind (other than you're awesome bald head), is your patience. I think you have more patience than anyone I can think of. On the nights when mom and I have argued (all because of my stupidness) and I was in tears, you kept your cool and helped moderate everything. Even when I screwed up royally, you walked with me and asked what went through my head. You've been a person of great wisdom, not only in life in general, but also spiritually. Through many of my spontaneous...."decisions"....you helped me think through it and told me I was doing wrong, even when I was deeply upset about it. You don't tell me what I want to hear, but what I need to - NO exceptions. I also blame you for my puns and sense of humor. I enjoy that part. It's fun. No doubt I'm gonna be a punny dad like you one day, and I can't wait for it. There's so much more I could say, about your encouragement, discipline, laugh, and example of a godly husband, but I won't mention those, :-P.

Jon P. - I don't know exactly where to start with you, Jon. Our friendship really started when my mom practically begged you to start taking me out to lunch and disciple me. You started out as just my youth pastor who I had pizza with once a week, and became one of my closest mentors and friend. We have many a joke and I enjoy the time we spend together when I'm home. I'm really looking forward to being home and helping you out with stuff. You might not have quite as awesome a bald head as my dad....but you're getting there. Just be patient, :-D

Andy C. - You're blunt with me. I enjoy that. I need that. Thanks. You're a cool mid 30-year-old who loves to hang out with us twerps who think we are cool. You have a loud laugh and it's fun to listen to. I've enjoyed having you out to lunch with Jon and Jesse and I. You've been a cool example of someone who follows God and loves to enjoy life while still being serious. I have to say, you probably have a bit more awesome bald head than my dad...it's cool. Perhaps I will live up to your standard someday, :-P

So, there have been many other father figures/older mentors in my life, but I need to move on. You know who you are. :-)

The Brothers from other Mothers....

Jesse - You were the first person who accepted me as a friend when I first came to visit oooohh, so long ago. I remember walking up the "creek" in the front lawn of the church. It was great. I'm sure you put up with me for many years. I did lots of stupid things that I'm sure made myself look foolish, but you stuck by me. You were there when I was deeply hurt and I needed a friend to give me a hug. You came to my house later that night and just hung out. I can't tell you how much I appreciated that. You've been someone that I can talk to about my struggled when it comes to "girl-trouble" or just purity. I vent to you, and you don't care. You've been the voice of wisdom (though many times I don't listen to you, and I normally got in trouble for it...like that time I through a smoke bomb out the window and you told me not to...and then I did...and then I got in trouble). You've been the source of many inside jokes, laughs, and great memories. Thanks!

Jess W. - The first things that comes to mind when I think of you are, "Ephesians 5", "Ima cut you so bad you gonna wish I never cut you so bad", "Rawr!", and that time you stood up for me when I thought I was standing by myself. You came between me and the "problem" and put yourself in the way. That said more than you think to me. You've been my friend even when I was a big "jerk-face, jerk-face", and you felt like hitting me (for good reason). You've been someone I can talk and relate to. You've given me rides to and fro. I appreciate our friendship very much and I hope nothing makes that change

Stefan - You've been my roommate for the third semester now. Freshman year we were just ping-pong buddies, but Junior year and this year, you've been that amazing friend for me. I think you're the only guy at school that I really feel I can be completely open with. Sometimes I start saying something stupid, and you just nod, and change the subject (normally very bluntly), to let me know that I'm saying something stupid. I admire how systematical you are with the Bible. I've told you this before, but it's amazing how much you know about God's Word, especially for the short amount of time you've been a christian. I bring my thoughts about the Bible to you, and you normally have an answer. I love that we can have fun at just about any time. I also love when people look at our friendship and ask, "How does that work? Neither of you are ANYTHING alike"...and I respond, "Exactly". You're an awesome roommate and friend. Thanks!

Cookie - Not exactly sure where to start with you. You're probably one of the most interesting characters I know. I'm very grateful for your uniqueness. You've helped to shape some of my thinking. You've "unbubbled" me. I love talking with you about ideas and bouncing thoughts off you. I respect you a lot for who you are and what you stand for. You're a smart dude, but you don't go around acting all prideful or arrogant. "147"....(I think that's right) :-D. You have thoughts and ideas about lots of things, but most of the time, you just sit and listen. You accept people for who they are, even when they are sheltered homeschoolers and don't know "Rock-and-Roll" and pronounce "Sobe" wrong. I admire your STRONG passion for the lost. Keep it up Chris. You're an awesome guy and I'm proud to call you my friend.

Again, there are other people who I'd love to mention, but I just don't have enough time to go through you all. Thanks...

The special females in my life...

There have been many "sisters" in my life who have influenced me or taken a special seat in my heart. I want to say thank you to a few. All have had some special memory or I have some quality that sticks out to me. I can't mention all of you, don't take offense if I didn't. I just can't name you all. :-).

First off, Mom. Obviously you're up front, because you birthed me. I was told that I was a huge baby, so I probably was a pain in the butt (pun intended). You've put up with my antics and annoying quirks that I've had. I know I was hard to to deal with during my high school years. I was in, "The Fog" as Dad so often said. However, you stuck with me, didn't send me off to boarding school, and didn't kill me either. You've been a huge example in my life on what a godly woman looks like and quality traits that I should look for in wife. You have a tender heart for people around you, even those who you hardly know. It rubs off on me. Thanks for being a listening ear. I've enjoyed the talks we have, and the talks we will have. I love you, :-).

Rachel -- we've also had our fair share of hard times, especially when I was a jerk (and I often times was). What I don't understand is how you still respect me as an older brother. You often ask if I need something, or want to spend time with me. I wouldn't ask to spend time with myself if I had been a jerk to myself. I guess you're just a good little sister. I also admire your backbone. I don't think you have any trouble speaking your mind, girls and guys alike. That's great! There isn't ever going to be a guy that is going to take advantage of you.

Hannah, I think you probably understand my personality the most in the family. You're probably most like me. You make puns the same as I do, have the same sense of humor, and even have a loud laugh like I do. You enjoy life. You're ready to put yourself to a challenge. You're a good friend to those around you, even sometimes when they might not deserve it. I hope you continue to grow and serve God.

Mandy, you've become a close valued friend of mine. I can't fully express the gratitude I have for you, nor how you've helped me through many hard time. There have been times when I've been stupid or selfish, and you just listened as I rambled, then helped to see what I was actually saying. When I needed someone to vent to, you were there, even when you were tired. When I was feeling down, and words couldn't express, you understood.
I also want you to know that through some of the hard times you've been through, you've encouraged me. I've loved watching how you learn about God, rely on His strength and keep pushing through. You have great courage, and it gives me courage as well.

Steph, you've become one of the newest additions to my outside-of-blood sister family, :-P. You call me "kid", even though I'm older than you. I love that. It's one of your forms of affirmation that sticks out to me, and I know there are more words behind the three letters. You ask me how I'm doing, and you honestly want to know. We play the "box" game. Thanks for asking questions about my life, and then pushing for the REAL answers, not the fake ones I might give sometimes. I also appreciate your bluntness with me. If something is wrong, you tell me. You don't beat around the bush because you know how dense us guys can be. Also, I love how we can do our "awkward" quirks to each other and freak the other people around us out. It's great fun! :-)

Amanda, you've also become a great friend of mine. I love hanging out with you, especially on our movie nights. You're honest and blunt, and as I've told you before, I respect this about you. You're fun to be with, and you're always seeking truth. If something doesn't "ring" right with what you feel is right, you search it out. You don't take, "I don't understand" for an answer. It compels me to do the same.

Cait, I have one question. Why didn't we hang out more in years past? You are GREAT fun to talk with. In the morning, when I'm rolling in around 5:45, you've been up an hour before and greet me and I'm like, "uuuhhh...coffee....hi". You're level headed. I love that fact about you. Even if things are just messing up everywhere, you still at least seem to have something under control. You're easy to talk to. Thanks.

To the many unnamed "sisters", I thank you as well. Not enough room or time to mention everyone. You know who you are. I've thanked you before for what you do, or your how you've affect my life. . . .