How many kings stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one…
So it’s been in the ‘works’ for a while now, with both Megan and I going back and forth on how I could go back to school, which school, what I would study, etc…
But suffice to say a major candidate for the school is Global University. It’s mainly a distance education school affiliated with the A/G. I’m really interested because since I went to two A/G schools, I know my credits will transfer with minimal complications, and their B.A. in Religious Education is right up my ally.
Nothing set in stone yet, but its a great feeling to at least know theres a stone to work with, if you know what I mean.
Please continue to keep me and this situation in your prayers.
Hanging out with my friends
Carbs
My old youth pastor
Toby
Minneapolis
old skool ztug.net
Simon
Passion…
–I’m closing my store every night this week except for Saturday. Sigh. I guess it’s a good thing, cause it means I’ll get to sleep in a little more than if I had to be there at 8am, right? Gotta look at the positive. but I’ll tell you: if this turns out to be a regular occurrence, I’ll be having a conversation with my manager.
–Caterer tasting went awesome yesterday. Our guests are gonna be so happy with the food. I can hardly wait to eat it!
–We have out second premarital counseling session with Arch tomorrow morning, and I don’t think either of us has done our homework. I’ll have to do mine tonight when I get home and Meggie and I will have to discuss it afterwards or bright and early tomorrow morning before the meeting(we’re supposed to write down what we believe God’s calling is on our life and how our fiance can help us and then share it with each other. Arch then asks the Megan what I said and vice versa)
–I feel like I’m losing weight. I haven’t weighed myself yet, but I think I should, just to check. A lot of people are starting to randomly ask me if I’ve lost weight, and my clothes are fitting a lot nicer. We’ll see. Yay for low carbs!
–Megan’s Birthday AND Valentine’s day are coming up, both within a week of each other. We already have plans for her birthday(we’re hanging out with her friends at a few bars in downtown Annapolis) so I’m trying to think of something really wacky and crazy and romantic that will totally surprise her as a combined celebration of both birthday and holiday. Don’t worry people, I won’t be buying her another laptop! I’ll let you know when I have some ideas, and you can critique them for me.
TTFN!
Dear friend,
I’ve been thinking about you lately, wondering how you’ve been getting by. I have the feeling that you are hurting–Something’s telling me inside. These words are coming down from heaven, I hope they’ll make you realize:There’s so much love He has for you, more than you can comprehend! He is standing at the door, He’s hopin’ you will let Him in. He can wipe away your tears, give you strength to carry on. Through these hard and painful days, He will help you find your way, find your way back home. In this letter of love.
Dear friend,
I wish that you were with me, words come easy eye to eye. But since the distance separates us, let Him hold you when you cry. There’s so much love He has for you and a peace you can’t describe. So that’s why I’m pouring out my heart on this page you’re reading now. What I have I give to you, I can’t keep it all inside. Like a river to the sea, His love is flowing out of me: the love of Christ I share with you in this letter of love.
In this letter of love I’m writing to you I pray you’ll make peace with God and start anew. If you would give him your heart your life would change. He’s reaching out–Yes, God has open arms for you…in this letter of love.
Dear friend,
I’ve been thinking about you lately, wondering how you’ve been getting by. Dear friend, for you I am praying, that you’ll accept the love of Christ.
Dear friend…
My Friend.
Hold the milk, put back the sugar
They are powerless to console
We’ve gathered here to sprinkle ashes
From our late friend’s cereal bowl.
Breakfast Clubbers, say the motto
That he taught us to repeat:
“You will lose it in your gym class, if you wait til noon to eat”.
Back when the Chess Club said our eggs were soft
Every Monday he’d say grace and hold our juice aloft
Oh, none of us knew his checkout time would come so soon
But before his brain stopped waving, he composed this tune:
Chorus:
WHEN THE TOAST IS BURNED
AND ALL THE MILK HAS TURNED
AND CAPTAIN CRUNCH IS WAVING FAREWELL,
WHEN THE BIG ONE FINDS YOU MAY THIS SONG REMIND YOU
THAT THEY DON’T SERVE BREAFAST IN HELL
I’m listening to three CDs my ex Rhema gave me.
Does it bring back memories of her and I? Not really. We never listened to them together and none of the songs were ‘our song’(save the song, Come What May, which is probably the best song in the entire universe).
I just remembered I had the music and really felt like listening to it. The mixes are just perfect.
The song, The Distance, by Evan & Jaron is really awesome. Wanna read the lyrics? Click below
I had planned on going through my LJ, and giving you guys links to what I consider to be my favorite posts. But I’m tired, so that will have to wait.
I just found out my brother can’t/won’t mow the yard(even if I pay him) cause my mom and/or sister won’t watch Hayli. Oh, the joy. Doesn’t phase me though. I’ll just end up paying different people a whole lot more money to come out and do it professionally. That is, unless, someone out there wants to do it for free? Any takers? LOL.
My stuff got here today! I am very excited. Now all I have to do is make it look cool and mail it away-. Yup, I know it sounded cryptic, but I can’t go into details right now. I’m mailing ‘the package” to someone, and I don’t want to give away any hints on what it is, incase they read this before they get it.
My mom and dad leave Sunday for FL. Dad is going there cause of work, and mom is going with him so she can visit with her mom for mother’s day. They won’t be back until May 15. That means that it’ll just be me and my sister in the house for 2 weeks. Oh fun fun! LOL. (somebody save me…)
It also means.. not only will I have to work on my birthday, but no one will be here to celebrate it. EH, oh well. No biggie. I’ve celebrated my birthday by myself before, and it looks like I’ll do it again. I’m only turning 22. LOL
Well, I’m tired. going to go lay down and eventually go to sleep. Call the cell if you wanna talk. (we should all know the number by now)
One more thing before I go for the night—I’m including this little snitbit of a song that was in my head ALLLLL day. It’s an old christian rap song. Old Skool. LOL. What can I say? I’m bored and now if you click the following link, you’ll get to read the lyrics….
Verse 1: Without the Alaa-Kasam!·
God said I Am· Because God is, without the show biz·
Ain’t no magic in His linguistics·
He is the definition of existence·
Because God is before any thing was·
and God did before anyone does·
From Alpha to Omega· without the·
booooom shaker· He had it going on long before He allowed Sega·
A Wennobaga· will take ya· on a long tour· but He’s got much more·
than you could ever explore· · Infinite· Omnipotent· without descent·
say what He means, means what He meant· ·
The Monumentous, Mr. Advantageous· So Magnifico and yet Solo·
Uno· “Oh No!”· did this mess up the photo in your God portfolio·
Well, prepare for the Bollo· · Cause you know· and I know·
and others do also· God is displaying and saying, “I Am That I AM”
Chorus: Forever past; I Am That I Am·
Forever present; I AM That I AM· Forever future;
I AM That I AM · The Great; I AM That I AM, That I AM
Verse 2: In the beginning was the Word·
and the Word was with God· and the Word was God·
and God is still large· · Though some find Him strange·
He can’t exchange· or rearrange· and you sure can’t change· ·
Makes Himself known· makes Himself heard· makes Himself seen·
all through the Word· · Sometimes a lot a little· sometimes in a riddle·
Sometimes when He’s revealing, it’s hard like peanut brittle· ·
But He’ll break it down into bite size pieces· with a complete thesis·
that we can eat up like Reese’s· · Peanut butter cup·
so good, to the roof of your mouth it’ll get stuck· ·
So you can savor· the flavor· forever·
to keep your spirit strong and your intellect clever· ·
Pull the lever, on all the things you think you know·
shed the dead leaves so you can grow· and sow·
and reap and expand· humble yourself under the
mighty hand of the one that’s saying· I AM
| Chorus | Break |
The Bridge: He’s Omnipresent· ["to the"-(Alternates)]·
up-down-left-right-broad-day-light-door-way-truth-life-Father-
Spirit-Jesus Christ
Verse 3: Back on the scene·
the ever existing Almighty Supreme·
the Theme· · who came to earth· thru a super natural birth·
to give the worthless some worth· ·
The Pharisees’ and The Sadducee’s·
always tried to catch Him up in a freeze· ·
But please, how could they do this·
catch the super-cala-fraj-expe-alla-smooth-ness· ·
every time they would try to judge·
He would step up to beat down the grudge· ·
He said “You know your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day.”.
They said “Hey!”· How do you know the father Abraham,·
your not even fifty years old my man?”·
He said “Verily, verily, understand·
Before Abraham was…, Yeah, I AM!
| Bridge |
OK, so I am very big into music. And whenever I post lyrics on here it’s not just so I can find them later when I need to. Its because the songs are expressing something I am feeling or something I am going through–and I think that maybe someone out there is going through the same thing, or thinking about the same stuff, and maybe they haven’t heard the song yet.
So, with that, heres another song.
I’m finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it’s okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
CHORUS
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You’re in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak
I’m finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice
REPEAT CHORUS 2x
I’m finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it’s okay
How far are You?
How close am I?
I know Your words are true
When I don’t feel them inside
Still I believe You’ll never leave
So where are You, now?
You’re all I have
You’re all I’ve known
Your breath is breathing in my soul
Still I am gasping, aching, asking,
Where are you now?
‘Cause I just want to be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the day is getting closer
But every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Till I won’t have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile
My journey’s here but my heart is there
So I dream and wait and keep the faith
While You prepare
Our destiny, till You come back for me
Oh, please make it soon!
‘Cause I just want to be with You
(I dream about Your promise to return)
I just want this waiting to be over
(And I wake up hangin’ on Your every Word)
I just want to be with You
(But for now, my feet are planted here on Earth)
And it helps to know the day is getting closer
(And it helps to know the day is getting closer)
But every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Till I won’t have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile.
What follows is something I found on my website (www.ztug.net) that has been there for a very long time, but I thought that maybe by posting it on here, more people might read it and benefit from it. It was written by a friend of mine.
What is the greatest struggle for one who loves Christ? If it’s not everyones, it sure is mine. My greatest struggle, I would have to say, is self denial. How can I walk in the love of God if I’m so full of self. God’s love is selfless. He laid down His own life for us. How great of power belong to the one who can say with all truth, “I was crucified with Christ.” A complete death in Christ only means a complete resurrection in Christ into the fullness of life. A fulfilled life can’t come without a fulfilled death. We all must be able to say just as our Lord did: “It is finished!”. All the worrying…”it is finished”. All the cares….”it is finished”. My boy problems…”it is finished”. My girl problems…”it is finished..I’M DONE!”.
Sometimes I get so irritated and worried because of things in life. And when I do, I know I need to go to the cross because my flesh is not fully dead…my death is not fulfilled. You see, you can’t bother a dead man. No matter what you throw at him, he lays still. Why? Because he’s dead! Pretty simple, huh? It actually is. Remember now, you cannot live a fulfilled life until you first come to a fulfilled death - death to self that is. How long will you waver? We must die daily. Dying to self is a decision that will be tested. It’s not a process. To say it is a process is to make an excuse for your wavering and staggering faith (confidence, full trust) in God. As easy as you can get up to get a drink when you are thirsty, you CAN die to yourself. To live is Christ, to die is gain. If you don’t have peace and your life is not fulfilled, try dying. You see…God is not trying to improve us. He’s trying to remove us. No one can live this life better than He can. After all, He’s the maker of life.
When you allow Him to live in you and through you, He has your best interests at heart. If you think for one moment that God is out to curse you, you certainly do not serve the God I serve. It was His intention to bless you and all of mankind since the beginning. In other words, He wants to hook you up. Look in the Book of Genesis. After He made man, it says that He BLESSED them. Notice how He didn’t try to kill them. Base your life on this Kingdom principle and you will begin to find fulfillment in all you do on this earth.
All of self…none of God
Less of self…more of God
None of self…ALL OF GOD!
May The Lord bless you and keep you as you sincerely seek His face!
My King was born King. The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King. He’s the King of the Jews - that’s a racial King. He’s the King of Israel - that’s a National King. He’s the King of righteousness. He’s the King of the ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of glory. He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that’s my King. Well I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don’t try to mislead me. Do you know my King? David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament show His handiwork. My King is the only one whom there are no means of measure can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shore of supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. Well, well, He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful. That’s my King. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s savior. He’s the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He’s honest. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He’s supreme. He’s pre-eminent. Well, He’s the grandest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the supreme problem in high criticism. He’s the fundamental doctrine of proved theology. He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That’s my King. He’s the miracle of the age. He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. Well, He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He’s strong God and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty. He’s the captain of the conquerors. He’s the head of the heroes. He’s the leader of the legislatures. He’s the overseer of the overcomers. He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes. He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King. Yeah. Yeah. That’s my King. My King, yeah. His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Well. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable. He’s indescribable. Yes. He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible. He’s irresistible. I’m coming to tell you, the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explaining Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hands. You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him. Well, Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilot couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him. That’s my King. Yeah. Praise the Lord. That’s my King. Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We’re around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but it’s God’s power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honor and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? And ever and ever and ever and ever. And when you get through with all of the evers, then, Amen.
~~S. M. Lockridge
I remember once when I was in Bible College we had to write a paper about the call of God on our lives. You know that calling that God puts on our lives that matters most. There was a different answer for each person in that classroom. Many callings sounded the same at first glance, yet each rang with a distinct difference–each person had a passion; a longing; a burden for someone or something. And God had placed that passion; that longing; that burden; in their hearts.
I remember our paper was supposed to be three pages in length, and that mine was only a little less than a page. I couldn’t get very far past my opening general calling:“to know Jesus and make him known.” The reason I didn’t receive an “A” was because my calling was too short. Looking back I kind of laugh at that, how can a person’s calling be too short? Any calling that God gives a person is a great thing. I still remember my specific calling. It has been a while since I have given it thought, but it has always been on the backburner of my mind: to become a CE Pastor of a church and teach people about God. Granted, You don’t have to be a pastor to teach people about God, but I know God wants to use me in that capacity.
I’ve always had thing passion to teach, when I was younger I wanted to become a teacher–I vaguely remember being taught by someone that ignorance is never an excuse. When I became old enough to understand the things of God and the Bible it seemed only natural to want to teach to others what I had learned.
I remember one night after a youth service I was praying about what to do after I graduated high school, and a friend of mine came up behind me and started praying for me silently. After we had finished praying, he looked at me and told me that he saw me teaching people in a church. I really liked the sound of that. I had been struggling with that to do with my life after high school, and my friend, without even knowing about my struggle, had provided a solution. It could have been just a coincidence, but I took it as providence. Since that time God has greatly increased my desire to teach, as well as to learn. I read constantly, wanting to learn as much as I can. I listen to sermons whenever I’m online (God bless whoever invented the internet) in order to gain some insight from a Bible passage I might not have thought of before.
I remember explaining to my youth pastor one day what I felt God had called me to do. I remember telling him something like “Its great we go into other countries and tell people about Jesus, but someone has to be there to disciple them once we leave” He kind of laughed and told me he’d never really heard of anyone being called to be a Christian Education Pastor before. That startled me. Evangelism is great, but if no teaching, no learning, no discipleship happens once the evangelist leaves, then what good is it? It’s like leaving a baby in the world forest with no provisions and telling them to fend for themselves.
I don’t want to do that. I want to teach people, disciple people. My mom describes everything that happens in life as a learning experience. What better learning experience is there than to spend time with and learn about the Creator and Savior of the Universe?
As I am typing this I feel anxious–I wish I was already back in Bible college learning from those who know more and have walked farther in their Christian life. This isn’t the first time I felt this way. In high school I wished I could have just graduated early–not to just be done with school, but to hurry up and get to the schooling that mattered to me–those classes that would teach me the things about the Bible and about God that I didn’t know.
Back to my calling: Looking back on that class, I guess I could have elaborated on what I felt God wanted me to do with my life. If I could do it all again I probably would. What matters to me most–knowing Jesus and making him known. That’s the most important learning experience a person can have. It’s an experience I want to share with as many people as I can.
Dear friend, I’ve been thinking about you lately
Wondering how you’ve been getting by
I have the feeling that you are hurting
Something’s telling me inside
These words are coming down from heaven
I hope they’ll make you realize
There’s so much love He has for you
More than you can comprehend
He is standing at the door
He’s hopin’ you will let Him in
He can wipe away your tears
Give you strength to carry on
Through these hard and painful days
He will help you find your way
Find your way back home
In this letter of love
Dear friend, I wish that you were with me
Words come easy eye to eye
But since the distance separates us
Let Him hold you when you cry
There’s so much love He has for you
And a peace you can’t describe
So that’s why I’m pouring out my heart
On this page you’re reading now
What I have I give to you
I can’t keep it all inside
Like a river to the sea
His love is flowing out of me
the love of Christ I share with you
In this letter of love
In this letter of love I’m writing to you
I pray you’ll make peace with God
and start anew
If you would give him your heart
Your life would change
He’s reaching out
Yes, God has open arms for you…
In this letter of love
Dear friend, I’ve been thinking about you lately
Wondering how you’ve been getting by
Dear friend, for you I am praying
That you’ll accept the love of Christ
Dear friend
My friend
Still searching for that boy who had the faith to move a mountain. Want the fire back.
Another question in me
One for the powers that be
It’s got me thrown and so
I Put on my poker face
And try to figure it out
This undeniable doubt
A common occurrence
Feeling so out of place
Guarded and cynical now
Can’t help but wondering how
My heart evolved into a
Rock beating inside of me
So I reel, such a stoic ordeal
Where’s that feeling that I don’t feel?
There was a boy who had the faith to move a mountain
And like a child he would believe without a reason
Without a trace he disappeared into the void and
I’ve been searching for that missing person
Under a lavender moon
So many thoughts consume me
Who dimmed that glowing light
That once burned so bright in me
Is this a radical phase
A problematical age
That keeps me running
From all that I used to be
Is there a way to return
Is there a way to unlearn
That carnal knowledge
That’s chipping away at my soul
I’ve been gone too long
Will I ever find my way home?
There was a boy who had the faith to move a mountain
And like a child he would believe without a reason
Without a trace he disappeared into the void and
I’ve been searching for that missing person
He used to want to try to walk the straight and narrow
He had a fire and he could feel it in the marrow
It’s been a long time and I haven’t seen him lately but
I’ve been searching for that missing person
