School and Life.

So its been awhile since I last posted. This school year has had its ups and downs so far.

Downs: all the sinfulness and plain fakeness that surrounds me at school. It is hard at times to remain focused when there is so much sinning around. It is also tough at times to bring up God and share about him. Each day I have given it my all to live out my life for God the best I can. Compared to past years this is probably my only down, the year has really been good to this point.

Ups: the juniors decided because of K.I.N. (kids in need) we are going to fast one day at school during lunch. We decided to fast our wednesday lunch because that is normally the day we are served the best food. It has been encouraging each wednesday to see the people that are fasting praying as a group for K.I.N. We also decided to fast the first monday of each month. Another up to this year has been small groups. Going into small groups i knew that my group has had a problem with being fully open. Each sunday night we meet and we are going to be going through Crazy Love soon. We are having someone in the group sharing their testimony each night and then we can ask them any question about them. This past sunday was my turn. I knew that we needed to be more open so i decided to challenge the guys to stay focused and remember why we are here. The night was great and growth truly occurred with all the guys in the group. I can see the group making giant leaps this next year and it is very encouraging.

Also before i forget, Brant Nine and I will be sharing this Thursday at FCS (fellowship of christian students). I will be talking about God's love for not only us but the rest of the school and world. Brant will be sharing his testimony. I am extremely excited for tomorrow. My prayer is that the people listening will have their heart's open and ready to experience God's love.

Student Section.

So lately I have been very disappointed in the senior class at Northwood this year. At both home football games they have dressed up but have not come prepared for anything else. What really grinds my gears about this is that they are not prepared to cheer. For example we have a junior leading some of the cheers, sad. Half of the game the seniors carry on their own conversations and barely pay any attention. The junior and few seniors leading the cheers start the cheers at the worst times, while a team is in the huddle for example, just totally random and pointless spots in the game. They make the game no fun to watch or join in with the few cheers we have.

At the same time I'm considering myself a hypocrite while saying all this. Since school started I have struggled with doing my T.A.W.G. (time alone with God). I have even listened to some little lies that satan throws at me through some days. I have realized it is tough to live sold out for God at school to start out with but it is even tougher when you are not spending any time with Him. It is about time I realize this before it is too late. You may not think spending time with God makes any improvement right away but the act and making it a habit goes a long long way.

I look at the seniors and say they don't want it. I look at the beginning of my school year and say I don't want it. This is no more. I want it and I know where I'm going I will not be afraid to step up. Jesus said "Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me." I will see my friends in heaven some day and will not let them cave into satan's lies.

First day.

So today was the first day of school. Some people look at this day as "ugghh i have 180 more days of this thing once again." or "when am i ever gonna use this stuff anyway?". Today I went into the day excited. Albeit, it was very boring going through all the rules, I did my best to keep a positive outlook on everything. It was very awesome to see all those who showed up for the praying before school this morning. My favorite part was getting all the stares from those walking into and around the school. God already made a huge impact through our actions. My prayer is that everyone can realize this and continue to live through their actions. Also that they will not have fear when it comes to opportunities to share their faith or talk about what God has done. This was the beginning and now it is time to spread the word. Live out your faith and love others as God loves us. Remember that He doesn't only love us, He loves those who are lost too and so should we. May everyone's hearts break for what God's heart breaks for. Amen.

Baptism.

So today was a pretty long day for myself but totally worth it. Enjoyed a great time at church through sharing with others whats going on in myself. Worship was great too. Pastor Dave really hit it today with PIP (Put Into Practice). After church I had a little break, then I was off to the baptism where my brothers and sisters in Christ and myself were going to be baptized. It was awesome to see all the support not only me but the rest of the group received from all the fellow believers out there. After the baptism I got to hang out with my small group, which we haven't done since school ended. It was awesome being able to hear how God has moved in each of us this summer and how we see this next year unfolding. With all that said what I loved the most was seeing my brothers and sisters in Christ step forward and announce their faith. I think I even had a few tears from hearing the stories of others. It is such an awesome celebration of what God is doing and what He is going to do.

Work.

So today i began work the same way i always do: can't wait till time to leave! My back had been bothering me a tad and was plain tired. Did not look forward to working at all, did not want to go outside and get the carts because it is hot (in case you did not know i work at martins supermarket). I was just plain in a bad mood, not good. First half of work went ok but i came back and felt like God was telling me to talk to one of the people i was working with. So i started to share with this person how my summer had gone with my trip to Philly and what God is really doing in my life right now. I got to share where i see myself going in the future and i see great things. I thank God some much for this clarity. Anyways so I was sharing with my coworker and got to share how big God's love is. I actually used a verse reference in 2 Corinthians and told them about how God forgets the past and gives us a clean slate when we come home to Him. It was great to finally share again with someone like i did in Philly.

Before work i had the privilege to talk with a friend, whom i had written a letter to about God's love. I again got share how God has been moving. Let this be a reminder to all who read this, sharing is very important. It not only gives us a chance to share our story but a chance to share what He has done for us. I encourage everyone this next year to take advantage of opportunities to share. Don't be afraid, for the fear of the Lord and only Him is wisdom and to shun evil is understanding.

My first blog.

So I was taking my brother, Nick, to buy some cleats for football for himself. I realized another level of wanting it while there. There were a pair of shoes there for about $65 that he really liked. There was also another pair right next to them that were $20 cheaper and looked just as nice. The only difference between the shoes were the cleats. My brother was so determined to buy the $65 ones that we argued aimlessly for 5 to 10 minutes over shoes. He finally gave in mainly because I had to help pay and did not want to pay that much for shoes he is only going to wear for one year or two.

I guess my point is that he wanted those shoes so much that he was willing to stand there and argue until he got his way. Why can't us as "christians" do the same. I put christians in quotes because there are so many of us, myself included, that tend to sometimes live 2 lives. I want to believe I am developing that level of desire but there is always room for improvement. If the "christians" of this world wanted it like that then we would be willing to give up all we have to gain that. That is truly how bad you need to want it! You have to be willing to surrender it all even it means becoming poor or losing material items that we sometimes become way too attached to. It is my goal in my life to become a barbarian like John the Baptist was. I want to love others the way Jesus does. I want to see the world through His eyes.

If anyone has not noticed, there is going to be a change coming this year. As most people have said, Northwood is going to be the worst it has been maybe ever. Brace yourself Northwood high school. God IS going to move this year and I am so excited that He chose not only myself but others to be apart of this fight.