No TV

Ok, so last night at church we did the Lord's supper which was awesome. During that time I was thinking what could I do to really get my focus where it needs to be and be ready for camp. So, this is what I came up with. I watch a lot of tv when there is nothing else to do or the weather is bad; especially when I am going to sleep. I thought I needed the tv to help me fall asleep. Last night when I got home (which was very late) I thought how can I do this, I need something to listen to so that I dont hear the creeks and dogs barking, so I read a little and then turned out the lights and the next thing I know it is 6:30 and the alarm is going off. I did it I went to sleep with no tv last night. I havent really watched tv today went over to my grandfathers while I was breaking from the hard labor I was doing today and the tv was on but didnt pay any attention to it. Pleaes dont mistake this for fasting because I dont consider it to be that. To me that is much more indepth intimate time. I just dont want any distractions before camp and I really want to have a prepared heart. I believe God is going to do great things while we are at camp and maybe this will be something that I need to remove from my life any way and devote more time to God. So, if you are reading this please pray for as we are away at camp. We leave on 8/1 - 8/6. I am so excited as to what God is going to do and how is is going to change lives.

What is my MOTIVATOR!

For the past few weeks on Wednesday nights we have been learning about what we should not be motivated by: fear, guilt and tradition. Tonight we learned what we should be motivated by: Love. I Corinthians 13:1-8 "1)If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2)And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3) If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned but have not love, I gain nothing.4)Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5)or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6)it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7) Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8)Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9)For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
is an example of love and that without love we have nothing. At times I will admit that I do not understand love but yet I know that God loves me, that my parents love me and that there are certain people (friends) that I know love me, but the question is do I love them the way God loves them. Am I motivated by love because of who Christ is in me and the love He has bestowed to me. I want my life to be motivated by love and nothing else and that love be a God love and the same kind of love that was and is shown to be daily.

Painting a picture of Christ!

Saturday evening I had gone to dinner with my family. After dinner we went over to my mom and dads. It started raining as we were on our way home and we saw a man and a young child walking in the rain. My sister made this statement "I wish I wasnt scared I would offer him a ride." At that point I said I have an umbrella that we can offer to give him. So we turned around and pulled up next to him and offered him the umbrella. He was hesitant at first to even stop walking and even more hesitant to take the umbrella but he did and put it over the child. I dont know really if this was painting a picture of God or not. I was happy to know that my sister had the first idea. Kevin if you read this your message made an impression on my sister, thank you. I will remember this message and pray that I am painting a picture of Christ in my actions and words.

What is the right thing to do?

OK, sorry to those who read this but I need to vent. I have recent caught someone cheating. A very close friend almost like family is dating this guy and I caught him cheating, hard core evidence of him and the girl. I dont understand how people cheat whether it be a man or a women married or dating. I just dont get it. If you you dont want to be with that person then break up with them or tell them you want a divorce (which I dont agree with) it is better than cheating and many people getting hurt in the process of cheating. My heart is breaking for my friend because I dont know what to do. I have thought about just telling her but I cant break her heart like that, then I thought about confronting him but there is not telling what he will do in return. I pray that his conscience gets the best of him but I dont think that people who cheat have a conscience. I am so flustered and frustrated that I cant think straight. I have had mean thoughts about this person and I know it is wrong, I just hope and pray that in the end my friend will wise up to his cheating and move on, and that he will get what he deserves. (Wrong thought, I dont know but there needs to be some sort of punishment). Do people who are lost have a conscience and if so how do you get them to see the wrong. I am reminded or the message from this past sunday "Painting a Picture of Chirst" in this situation how do I paint a picture of Christ? I pray that God will guide me and I pray for my friend that when this comes out she will know that she does not deserve to be treated like this. No one deserves to be cheating on.

God help me to better understand why I saw this today and what I am suppose to do with this information. Any kind of input would be greatly appreciated. I trust God that you are in control and this is happening for a reason, please help myself and my friend to understand a little better why.

Vacation Update

Last Sunday while I was on vacation I went to a church that I had heard was really good. (wont mention the name) I walked in and a somewhat early because I wasnt sure where I was going. Once I got inside I found the sanctuary and went in and sat down. I was about 20 minutes early. So I just sat and observed. As I continued to sit and watch the people walk by and to my surprise now one spoke to me, not even the pastor when he walked by. The message was ok and the music was ok. It felt as those the worship leaders were force to lead worship not really heart felt that I noticed. I left dueing the prayer for the offering and as I got to my car I just paused for a moment and thank God for my church. I am happy to attend a church the is friendly and welcoming. I remember my first day at PLBC everyone was very nice and spoke to me. Maybe I needed to attend this church to appreciate where I am and attend church. I have a pastor that has a heart for people and teaches the truth and youth pastor who is awesome and gifted and what he does and allows me to serve in his ministry. Think you are unhappy at a church and want to find something better or different (not that I was doing that please dont misunderstand what I am saying) be very careful about where you go do a little research before you attend. I love my church and my church family.