Life Like a Flash

The Death of a Patriarch

2011-10-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

It's hard to lose someone close to you. When Denise's grandfather died, I didn't realize how much I would miss our phone conversations. He was the type of guy you could call up, get great advice, have fun with, learn something, and get made fun of all in one conversation. It was greatness. I read in 1 Corinthians 15:56 today that the sting of death is a result of sin.

Hearing the word sting makes me think of a wasp or scorpion. It's something that comes suddenly and causes a great deal of pain. Anyone who's been stung can attest to this. In fact, my mom got stung in the mouth one time when she was a kid. I've been stung on the neck, and once on the right butt-cheek (through my jorts, mind you). Anyways, the sting of death. That's so interesting to me. It really is a sting. It hurts and hurts and nothing can really make it go away. It's one of the most tangible ways to feel the weight of our sin.

We know that all things are used to glorify the Lord and are for the good of us that love Him. This is an example of that. By allowing Pop-Pop to go to the great train station in the sky, he demonstrates that he loves us. Death where is your victory? Death where is your sting? He is no longer stung or beaten down by death. He (Pop-Pop) is in heaven glorifying God, living in an immortal body. That's pretty rad.

The Week From Hell

2009-11-06T11:48:00.000-08:00

I have somethings to say:

1. Work has been hard but I have learned a lot

2. I really enjoy working out

3. I wish we could wear jeans to work everyday

4. Whataburger is my favorite fast food hamburger

5. If I had eyes in the back of my head I would have told you that you looked good as I walked away

I love life.

The Incident

2009-05-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

So much has happened since I've last made an effort to write on this thing. Right now I'm really feeling bad about being so selfish all the time. I've been thinking about all the things I thought about marriage ever since I was a kid. It is so great and so difficult at the same time. Difficult isn't really the right word. Sanctifying is more like it. You begin to notice so many areas that you yourself could improve in every day. It's not a beat down though, it's good. It's good because it helps to make your marriage just THAT much better. I am really blessed to have Denise. She is a really hard worker. I sometimes think that I would be living in a box somewhere on the side of the road if something ever happened to her. Plus, she is a really good cook and she has good style. If you know Denise then you probably already know this about her.

So a lot of people have been asking me about where we're going to live. We are going to stay in Denton town and enjoy living here. We've kind of been looking at moving to the Teasely side of town, near the new Kroger, which would put us really close to Nels, Troy, Rob, and Lil' Darrell. Also, what in the world is up with all the weddings this summer? Is this the summer of love? I believe it is. There are more weddings this summer than there have ever been in the history of the world. That is not true.

Also, how amazing was the television finales of The Office and especially LOST!? Dude, that show never ceases to amaze me. It is by far one of the most well-written, deep themed shows of our day. I really like the story arc that Jack is on, plus the dealings with Jacob, Black Shirt, and Farady's theories of "Whatever Happened, Happened" being rocked. Oh man, I could talk all day about LOST. I wonder if we'll ever see Claire again? Here is one of my more solid theories: BlackShirt has made it to where women can't have children on the island and the only way BlackShirt can kill Jacob is to possess the body of a dead person, unburied. This is why we have seen Christian Shepard, Yemmi, Boone, and now Locke walking around the island giving instructions to others, and themselves (in Locke's case). Locke dying was the only way that Blackshirt could get back to the island to kill Jacob. Jacob knew this would happen though. This is why he met with Illana, when she was in the hospital flashback, and asked her for help. Jacob, in Season 3, had ther Others building a runway. He must have known that Illana would be on Ajira flight that crash landed on the island. CRAZY!

woah

2009-04-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

where has the time gone?

Thursday

2008-07-31T15:07:00.001-07:00

thursdays at Lockheed are really a weird thing. All of us in PP&C work the 9-80 schedule, which means that we work 9 days every 2 weeks and 80 hours within those 2 weeks. So rightfully so, we get every other Friday off. Well, the working Fridays are hard because we are so spoiled by our day off that we all get adult ADD at the end of the day and end up working a little slower.

however, the comorodory (however you spell it) is awesome. We have been talking and laughing and joking. My team lead, Jason, is an awesome guy. A really great role model. I am thankful that the Lord put him in my life. Even though we lost our great manager Brian, we still have Jason. It's cool how well God knows me, good enough to put people like that in my life.

Life is but a dream to me

2008-07-30T14:33:00.000-07:00

Let's all listen to jay-z while sitting in our cubicles. that's right, just like Office Space. I'm that guy. So what could nobody want to read about. I will list the things I wish that I could do:

fly
hang with Denise, Jeremy, Darrell, or my sister
go swimming
drive the Tumbler from Batman
watch The Office season 4
eat a hamburger or deliciouso pizza
eat salmon or tilapia

Hello there ego

2008-07-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

What's up blog? It's been a while since I've written on here. I'm listening to a sermon by Pastor Marc Driscoll. he is interviewing Thrice's Dustin Kensrue right now, it is amazing. it is so cool to know that Dustin loves Jesus, and that someone who I admire so much as a musician can be real and not worry about the hurt that may come from non-believers who are a fan of his music lashing out at him. just a random thought.

anyways, i'm here at work and it has been a great day. i woke up and was able to get out of the room completely without waking up Jeremy, which is always a hard thing to do. Anyways, I later returned to said room to grab my running shoes for a quick after-work-workout! In doing this I managed to somehow make a loud popping noise with the door.

--side note: our door to our room is a lot like playing russian roulette minus the suicide. What i'm saying is that sometimes you can unlatch the door and enter without making a noise, very ninja like. On the other hand you have those random times when you open the door and it pops like someone just shot the door with a slingshot. so there is the full spectrum of door opening. Ninja silent or slingshot loud. this morning was a slingshot loud morning.

ok-so i wake the guy up and awkwardly high five him and hug him while he is half asleep but we manage to say encouraging words to one another and go about our days (his includes going right back to sleep-which is appropriate seeing as how the sun isn't even up yet). My day includes walking out of the door and rushing to our carpool spot to pick up my dear friend David.

david is a cool guy, lots of good taste in music and movies and comic books. he is a 21 year old african american economics major. full of personality and full of awesome commentary on life. we listened to LeCrae on the way to work as David slept, because the passenger always gets to nap on the way to work. it was a good time of listening to that man share his passion for the Lord and move to some sweet beats.

well, life is great. also, the name of my blog, "Life Like a Flash" is from a great Dave Matthews Band song called "You Never Know". check it out. it's great and good. grood!

blogging

2008-06-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

Marc Driscoll loves to make fun of bloggers, which inspired me to come on here and write. That man may be the funniest pastor I have ever heard...maybe Ben Stuart or Matt.

2008-06-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

serve

My life doesn't make sense and sometimes stories in the bible don't either.

2008-05-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

I have always bee the type of kid that went through phases. Started with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles then moved to Ghostbusters. The it laid dormant for a while and then manifested itself in Sega's very own Sonic the Hedgehog. This is where I became a big fan of sitting in my room for hours upon hours, gaining weight (as a kid) and learning how to beat Sonic 1,2,3,4 and then a combination of both (because if anyone remembers, Sonic 4: Sonic and Knuckles, had a removable lid to the game cartridge that would allow you to play Sonic 1,2, or 3 as Sonic, Knuckles, or Tails). Then I moved on to a brief interest in the military, Blue Man Group, ska and punk rock, Coheed and Cambria, and Dave Matthews Band.

Not too sure where I am now. However, I will tell you that throughout all these trends, I was always criticized by someone who thought I was weird for having phases. I always thought that was kind of rude. I didn't criticize them for being absolutely boring. Anyways, I would like to think that my spiritual life isn't really like that at all. I would love to think that it is unlike the Texas Giant, and more like a stairway to heaven. The fact of the matter is that I am a flake.

I heard once of the desires of man, that there are deep desires and surface desires...the spirit and the flesh. My deep desire is to know God intimately, to pray with Denise, to be excited about reading the word, but at times I am lost in an ocean of complacency. I don't stir my affections for Lord because I've busied up myself with all sorts of tasks which end up just wearing me out.

It is truley hard getting used to full time work. It is hard to throw up the flag. It's hard to admit that a chapter in your life, your most beloved so far, is ending.

It is incredibly exciting to be starting a new chapter, full of suprises, full of hope, full of hard work, sweat, and glorious santification. It is amazing to think about sharing life with my best friend for the rest of my life. It is great to know that our beautiful savior keeps all things going and that all things work to glorify Him.

It is nice to rest in Him, to know that he is God, and that you are man and He's got you.

Just like Joshua 1:5 says, "5(A) No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just(B) as I was with Moses, so(C) I will be with you.(D) I will not leave you or forsake you.

ALSO: I thought this was an incredibly interesting story:

Jephthah’s Tragic Vow

Judges: 11:29-40

29(AD) Then the Spirit of the LORD was upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh and passed on to Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he passed on to the Ammonites. 30And Jephthah(AE) made a vow to the LORD and said, "If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, 31then whatever[a] comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites(AF) shall be the LORD’s, and(AG) I will offer it[b] up for a burnt offering." 32So Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight against them, and the LORD gave them into his hand. 33And he struck them from Aroer to the neighborhood of(AH) Minnith, twenty cities, and as far as Abel-keramim, with a great blow. So the Ammonites were subdued before the people of Israel.
34Then Jephthah came to his home at(AI) Mizpah. And behold, his daughter came out to meet him(AJ) with tambourines and with dances. She was his only child; besides her he had neither son nor daughter. 35And as soon as he saw her, he tore his clothes and said, "Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low, and you have become the cause of great trouble to me. For I have opened my mouth to the LORD,(AK) and I cannot take back my vow." 36And she said to him, "My father, you have opened your mouth to the LORD; do to me according to what has gone out of your mouth, now that the LORD has avenged you on your enemies, on the Ammonites." 37So she said to her father, "Let this thing be done for me: leave me alone two months, that I may go up and down on the mountains and weep for my virginity, I and my companions." 38So he said, "Go." Then he sent her away for two months, and she departed, she and her companions, and wept for her virginity on the mountains. 39And at the end of two months, she returned to her father,(AL) who did with her according to his vow that he had made. She had never known a man, and it became a custom in Israel 40that the daughters of Israel went year by year to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year.

Daily Devotions

2008-05-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

There is something strange about waking up in the night worrying about money. There is something stranger when you get to work and read a little devotional about not worrying about food, money, or clothing. Worry is not an emotion that I like. I'm not sure if it's an emotion or not, but I'm going to assume it is...for now.

I've heard it said so many times that truth is not dictated by emotion. So, knowing this, I'll take a step back, much like a child from a man dressed up like a clown, and shake off all emotion and take a look at what is true. What is true no matter my emotion, be it happy, sad, worry, stressed, depressed, joyful. You get the point.

Truth:

If we being evil love to give good gifts to our children, how much more will God in heaven give good gifts to His children?
God loved me enough to die for me (very basic truth, but often quickly glanced over)
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)
We are told NOT to worry
I am not a bird
I am a Christian

so yeah, there are some truths. I won't bore you with the non-truths, because they are not helpful in the slightest and I'm lazy and I feel like if I end on the non-truths that I will be a bit shaken by ending on a bad note.

One time when I was a kid I remember falling out of a tree on my back. I felt like I had fallen 10,000 feet. I couldn't breathe. I felt like I was dying. Everything was quiet. All I could focus on was the quiet and the pain in my chest, the feeling of not having air in my lungs. Then I calmed down, examined my options:

1. freak out and flail my arms hoping for air to come into my lungs.
2. calm down and breathe slowly.

Proverbs 16:25 tells us that there is a way that seems right to man, but its end is death. I can't think of a more literal translation of that verse. In the moment of panic and distress it seemed to make sense to work my hardest by flailing on the ground and trying to breathe in as much air as I could. However, that was not the case. Had I continued to do that I would have died.

God asks us to be at peace not panic. This is the first time I've ever drawn any significant conclusion to the God's divine will, and me...

falling

out

tree

Don't waste

2008-05-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

Work has been fantastic. It has gone by fast, I got to talk to some of my favorite dudes: Darrell and Jeremy. Plus, I got a random "I love you" text from Denisasaurus, which was awesome! Now, let me tell you guys a little thing or two. There are some movies that are great: Iron Man, The Fugitive, Emperor's New Groove, etc... but there are some terrible movies that I have seen. I saw House of 1000 Corpses about 4 times 3 years ago because I was really into horror movies. I saw a lot of horror movies actually and some of them were awesome and funny and the blood and guts was more riddiculous than it was disgusting, but some of them were really vile. And I wish I hadn't seen them. It is crazy how much money some of the most disgusting things ever can make so much money. However, the second half of Hostel was great, super riddiculously gory and really unbelievable. The first half was just a lot of nudity and I wish I hadn't seen it. I should have acted on my convictions and just left. Now, this leads me to my next subject, horror movies that aren't really horror movies. These would include movies such as Critters, Nightmare on Elm Street, Shaun of the Dead, anything with Paris Hilton. Those are not scary movies. seriously.

Now, as Romans 12:2 says, it is time to renew the mind. It really works out that my fiance hates horror movies. Also, they aren't really that fun anymore. They've just gotten disgusting. I don't really know why I am ranting about this.

I love the Office. I love water. I love running. I love sunshine.

I Got Sexy Lady

2008-05-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

Haha, I do. So wedding season, lets just talk about wedding season for a second. There are a lot of weddings coming up. I can think of at least 5. This is troublesome for 2 reasons, gifts and day long commitments. However, they are a lot more fun when you actually know the couple and know the guests. The weddings that I have been to in the past have been people's weddings that I don't really know that well, so you can probably understand how they aren't as fun. This summer begins the Wedding-a-thon 2008 and I am semi looking forward to it. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't love the people that I'm speaking of, it is just that I suffer from selfishness and I want to do what I want to do on that given Saturday or Sunday. So thats honest. Paul beats his body into submission, and i will beat mine as well...all to the glory of our merciful and gracious saviour. YES!

so, it is about lunch time and i'm thinking of going to chic fil a. anyone curious as to what my past and present chic-fil-a favorites are? Wait no longer...

the current

and the proposed. and yes, I really do order that many sauces with my meal. I like the way they tatse, so sue me. Darrell doesn't like straws. Who cares!?

So think about what you eat. Because what goes in comes out. and what comes out is poop.

also, thanks to graduating, i bought an iMac. It is rad, I'll probably put a picture up of me kissing it or something riddiculous soon. Get it krunk. Also, Kids' Village in Highland Village is in desperate need of people to play drums once a month. If you know anyone let me know., so I can slap them for being selfish and not volunteering. a little love slap. love slap, baby love slap, love slap...

workin all day going to go out to play

2008-05-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

i been at work all day
its getting me down
and i can only say
that i feel like i'm a clown

paper piles up on me
markers stain my khackis
i get cuts from printer copy
paper shredder someone stop me

a place for space in the office is a case oh yeahhhh

-------
i'm at work and it isn't bad at all. I wrote that rhyme for no reason. I enjoy work and I enjoy many of the new albums I have:

1. josh turner - everything is fine
2. flight of the conchords - flight of the conchords
3. young love - too young to fight it
4. menos el oso - interpretaciones del oso
5. deathcab for cutie - narrow stairs
6. gavin degraw - gavin degraw

all great albums, 4 stars. there are so many talented musicians out there. If you read this, stop and pray right now that God would give me a job and that He would give me faith (not just knowledge) that He'll take care of me and provide for me.

Holla!

You gotta pray just to make it today

2008-05-03T22:54:00.000-07:00

Pray that God would change my heart and take away my anger. I ask for patience and God gives me chances to be patient. Out of the darkness I cry out to you. I want a bigger piece of Him.

oh to grace

2008-04-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

i am a lousy debtor. ever feel like the black sheep in the family of Christ? Well, we all are. we are all black sheep.

I would like to sleep now. Life is officially in the fast lane now.

Work day lunch time

2008-04-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hey everbody,

I'm drinking Peach Pomegranate tea. I say, "why drink just peach tea, or just pomegranate juice?" heck, if you can get 2 for one then you should, it makes sense, you get the better deal for the money.

i am listening to the song, "love stoned" by Justin Timberlake and I must say that the end of the song is ridiculously amazing. every time I hear it I enjoy it so much.

also, I must say that I have some of the greatest friends of my life. Here is a quick breakdown of some of the most important friends and things I've learned from them:

Denise Borel:
1. Shows the generosity of Christ more than most that I know
2. Loves with all her heart, without condemnation
3. Amazes me with every moment that I know her more.

Darrell Barnes
1. Has been one of the most loyal friends that I have ever had.
2. Has shown me what it means to be patient with those who constantly frustrate you.
3. Has the most contagious laugh ever, as soon as Darrell laughs, you can't help but join in on the laughter, a solid guy that is a lot of fun.

Jeremy Irwin
1. Has been a friend who is always open to communication, listening and speaking.
2. Has lived and shown me how to live out Romans 12:10
3. Has to be one of the most encouraging people to be around, serving, dancing, working, or just chilling out.

Tanner Stamey
1. Even though he's far away, every time we talk it's like we pick right back up where we left off.
2. Has one of the most awesome senses of humor ever (fake hardcore band, farmer's tan contest, etc...).
3. I have never heard him say something bad about another person.

Brady Goodwin
1. Is one of the most influential people I've met in my college career.
2. Is an amazing musician who has shown me the grace and sovereignty of God.
3. Is able to fit in and minister to anyone he is around, something that I want to learn to do better.

Josh Reames
1. Is a guy that I have known and shared many of my favorite experiences with.
2. Showed me how much I need Jesus and how I can't save myself.
3. An amazing man who has been an awesome picture of God's grace and love.

This is my wedding party. A guy's night out...a GNO, well actually, it's more of a guy's afternoon in...a GAI.

the plank and the spec

2008-04-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

when did it become okay to drink more than you need? When did it become okay to tell lies and to talk trash about others?

why do we wander? could you imagine being moses or joshua? the people of israel say to joshua, we will do all you say, just like we listened to Moses... this to me is hillarious, they were horribly disobedient to moses time and time again. makes me laugh that they thought they were so honorable.

i have made a commitment not to drink. it is not worth sinning over. it is not worth sinning under the banner of grace. I don't want to be abusing grace. thats not what i was created for. that type of living is wicked. it is absolutely deplorable and I won't tolerate it anymore. it is time to pick sides, follow the Lord, love him and put to death the things of the world. Christ died to save us from the oppression of the world. find rest in Him. I know I need to.

thats why i labeled this blog plank and spec, because I have so much I need to work on too. We can all help each other with our struggles. but i must say that I don't believe you can call something a struggle when you make very little effort to fight against it. be a man, let us be men of Christ and live like we really fear the Lord.

Why can't I ever save the world?

2008-03-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

Why can't I save the world on "cup of soup" and Student Loans?

because i'm not trying. i'm pathetic. i'm apathetic. which is worse?

I'm disappointed with myself. I have really been slacking in the area of my life that matters the most. Moth and rust destroy, yet I have still been putting my worth in things that thieves break in and steal. Even as a worship leader for KV I still slack. I hate feeling like a hypocrite or that I am a fake or phony. I hate that. I hate knowing that I've been falling asleep in my prayers and that I've made the things that I hate to do more of a priority than the things I love to do. I have such a deep deep desire to be close to God. I want to write more songs. I love to sing. Are those the things that stir my affections for the Lord? Do they make me love Christ more? AGH! I hate being so busy. lame excuse.

"only be strong and courageous"

Engagement

2008-03-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

I am proud to say that I am going to marry Denise!

Sanctify

2008-03-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

I came up with a new analogy:

Santification is like a spiritual "Whack-A-Mole". Stick with me on this one, and don't laugh. It is like by the power of the Holy Spirit we are able to tackle one sin (aka one mole) but then another pops up and we have to attempt to tackle that one as well. Just one when you think you've got one covered, something else pops up.

Hope you enjoyed that. I need more of that in my life.

Seasons

2008-03-07T10:48:00.000-08:00

Naked I came from my mother's womb, naked I shall return there the Lord has given and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.
Job 1:21

The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent
Exodus 14:14

No temptations has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is good and will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can handle but with the temptation will always provide a way of escape so that you may be able to endure it
1 corinthians 10:13

Therefore my beloved bretheren be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord know thing that in the Lord your work is not in vain
1 corinthians 15:58

some of my favorite verses

Religion saves and 9 other misconceptions

2008-03-04T08:32:00.000-08:00

holy moley, if you haven't heard Mark Driscoll's sermons "Religion Saves and 9 Other Misconceptions" I urge you to download the podcasts, there are 10 obviously. They range from dating, to sexual immorality, to predestination. It is really good, really convicting.

I've come to realize how much I don't fear God. This is a confession. I need healing in this area, I need to realize the weight of my sin. I am unworthy to be called a son and I thank God for Jesus Christ, who has justified me.

aghh

2008-03-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

bless the Lord
O my soul
O Lord
my God

you are very great
you are clothed
in splendor
and majesty

Have

2008-02-29T23:22:00.001-08:00

I have a fear.

I have a passion

I have a hope

I have a desire

I have a Love that conquers all

Sleep

2008-02-27T20:49:00.000-08:00

"Will I wake to find you waiting by my bedside? Will I wake to find you waiting by my side?"

I like those words a lot. To me it paints a picture of a scared child, afraid of sleep, afraid of being alone in the dark, afraid of being away from what he knows as comfort. For the child, it is more than comforting to the heart to know that someone may be there to watch him as he falls asleep, protect him while he is asleep, and be there when he wakes up. The fear of being alone is so real. It takes so many forms. We are afraid of being left behind as children. We are afraid of being friendless in school. We are afraid to be alone concerning romantic relationships. We are afraid for our spouses to die first. We cannot handle being alone.

Luckily for us we have a Father who will never leave us nor forsake us (Joshua 1:5). We have a God who knew that we didn't like being alone and decided to knock us out and make us a friend. A helpmate. I must say that there is nothing like being in a relationship. It teaches us not only how to be happy, but most of all, how to be holy. In a relationship you must learn how to give. You have to learn limits. You must govern yourself. It is interesting. This doesn't apply to only romantic relationships. It applies to friendships as well.

Think about how much we all hate to be, or be around, that person that is unbearable at times, selfish, impatient, flakey, completely self-absorbed. It's terrible.

So anyways, I have a problem. I am supposed to go to Quest to get a drug test. First off, I don't know where that place is. Also, I didn't get any information about it yesterday like I was told I would. So, now, dear Lockheed, what do you want me to do? They said, upon acceptance of the position I have 3 days to get a drug test. Well, the first day, I was told at 4:00pm that I was offered the position, thus, giving me a grand total of 1 hours (minus drive time) to get to Quest. Well, that obviously didn't happen (not to mention that I wasn't told until today that I needed a drug test). So that is frustrating. Now, I call the lady today to ask her about where I need to go do this drug test and how much it's going to cost me and she says, "well, we sent you a packet of information on this." I would beg to differ. I have no package about all this stuff, and I don't know what this lady is talking about. The confusion continues. So here we are, 11:00pm and I still haven't gotten my drug test today. I have one more day to get a drug test and I still have no clue what to do.

I'm going to call her tomorrow and let her know that I have not received the information yet. Hopefully this doesn't disqualify me from the race. If so, oh well, I'll just get a job at the post office or something. Nah, that would be crazy!

The hand!

2008-02-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

oh man, I can't wait to get a high five and a hug from my awesome girlfriend. At this point, I lose most of my audience of readers. The other one's may elicit a more than appropriate "aww" or "that's sweet" in their minds. Rock on.

So I'm overwhelmed with school. I need a lifeboat or something to save me. I'm really putting the nose to the grindstone this semester. The main problem is that I have a lot of work and I'm not really learning anything. Kind of a bummer, eh? This is my last semester as an undergraduate and I'm really not learning very much. I would love to leave this Earth and live on the moon with all my friends. That would be so rad.

The new Jack Johnson is beyond good. It is one of my new favorites. I have classic favorites though, such as Brushfire Fairytales, Denise, and hamburgers. Those are some things that will always be favorites.

also, black children dressed up like bumblebees.

Hunger for the great chicken

2008-02-23T15:39:00.000-08:00

oh yes, Chic-Fil-A. My favorite fast food. So good I could eat it day by day. I've had a good week. I've had better weeks. However today trumped everything. It was beautiful outside and I just love hearing the word "YES!" It's good.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, then I shall explain: sometimes you are told no when you ask for something free, sometimes you are told yes. I prefer to remain in the latter category.

Se habla espanol.

That is spanish talk up yonder. woo doggie. yep, so i'm eating oatmeal, again, because I'm poor. I love life and I love Christ. I love Denise and I love friends. I'm so thankful for the hard times, even though they're hard. I just want to see Denisie and I want to be done with school.

I am excited for life.

the sun goes up and goes down, it's truth

2008-02-18T21:01:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be good to start this blog off with a situation that scared me. Flying toilets with angry eyes and spike teeth. Incredible.

now to the serious business...

sometimes i will be okay and happy and then sometimes I am afraid that Denise is going to stop loving me while she is away. I know that she will read this, but I just want to get it off my chest right now because it is on my chest and I want it off. I know she has a lot to do and so I can't expect someone who is in another part of the world to stop their life so that they can focus on their boyfriend. I guess it makes sense. After you make certain decisions and invest so much into another sinner it is very sobering to know that they have all the power in the world to change their mind. Scary isn't it? Sad too.

On a good note, Rob and I were talking Friday night about how Jesus is still alive and we can cry out for Him when we're in need (and when we're not obviously) and He will help us. Pretty much awesome. I'm in one of those moods where I'm afraid. I hate being afraid because it jacks up your foundation, however, I like being afraid because it makes you get your act together. It shows me that instead of putting my love and happiness and joy into Denise, I need to put it into our glorious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Booyeah! King of Kings, He can make the burden light and the yoke easy. He runs to me, He chases me, He desires for me to know Him. All I have to do is be obedient to Him (let's not get into all the Calvinism and Armeneism [sp?]). All I know is that God is always there. Always.

Take time to listen.

Jeff was just naked

2008-02-16T16:10:00.000-08:00

I literally just saw the most disturbing things I have ever seen in real life. And it was my roommate in the nude. Yes. Oh, Lord, ha ha.

Today was a great day. I would say it is the equivalent of playing in a sewer. There was grayness, rain, flooding, wet shoes, and coldness. Great right? I'm currently listening to Robert Randolph and the Family Band. I will fill everyone in on what is going on in my house and life right now. Currently I am nearing graduation. I can feel it getting closer with each day, because it is. Also, I'm reading an awesome awesome book that I recommend to everyone called "Flashbang: How I got over myself" by Mark Steele. Awesome and hilarious. Anyways, I just got done reading an article for my Product planning and Branding class. It is a great class, my professor is hilarious!

I miss my dear girlfriend a lot. However, I believe that my parents are going to fund my trip to Spain. Talk about some BA people. they are so awesome! I love them!!! Also, Jeremy bought me Chic-Fil-A today! What a great guy! He is pretty rad and incredibly considerate.

So yeah, life is good here in old Denton town. My parents are coming into town tomorrow for church and I'm really excited to see them and probably hang out with them after church. Also, I'm leading worship for Kids' village at the 5:00pm service. I'm stoked about that fo' sho! I'm really excited for what this semester at school will bring. I'm excited to know where the Lord is going to put me and what doors He's going to open and what He's going to close. I believe in a sovereign God who holds all in His hand. He gives life and death as He sees fit. I just pray that He will increase my faith.

I have been really feeling distant from God lately. I hate that feeling. I have been so completely undisciplined in the area of reading diligently. I have been praying a lot. I hate being so busy, and I hate that I put God on the back burner so many times to my studying. I don't even like reading what I have to read for school! I love the Bible! I do not love school work! I am however having some successes in my struggles! I am not stumbling on the computer due to the grace of our glorious God and savior, and the accountability of Nels! holla'!

Anyways, I've gotta go now, I love everyone! Ask Darrell about his weekend at the D-Now. Ask him about magic, 911, and angry youth minister.

I'm not angry

2008-02-14T20:13:00.000-08:00

sometimes I just want to hit people in the head with a hammer. I wish that they would like me. I don't know why it's a big deal to me. If i'm not number 1 in everyone's book then I would like to throw hammers at them a la the hammer brothers from Super Mario.

and yes, that means you. so watch out! I'm throwing hammers! Just kidding. I love everyone, I will throw hugs, so beware!

Bruce

2008-02-11T22:16:00.001-08:00

What I wouldn't give for one last kiss...

-sing it bruce!

Warm

2008-02-09T18:07:00.000-08:00

It would be a nice night to curl up in front of a glowing television and relax to a cup of milk with some chocolate chip cookies. I love life. Thank you God for warmth.

Oh, Denton

2008-02-04T22:07:00.001-08:00

There have been a few times since living in Denton that I have thought to myself...
self: you know what?
me: what?
self: I love Denton...

And then BAM something crazy and unexpected happens! Something similar to finding 20 dollars on the ground, or worse, you witness the 3 children of the Apocalypse tearing your precious bicycle to pieces.

I only tell you this because you have to understand the shock value in these stories. I will stop building the suspense and will get to what I call, "Oh, Denton" moments.

Oh, Denton Moment #1:

My beloved roommate Jeremy and I (see below) decide to grab a quick bit of energy, in the form of a drink. Now, where is the best place to find said drink? Well, I am glad you asked! At Racetrac, our beloved gas station chain seconds away from our humble apartment.
(side note: our apartment is indeed humble because it is the projects in all essence. We live among a group of very quiet families and one family who has birthed what I call the 3 children of the Apocalypse. These children seem sweet and loving, however, upon further inspection, they are ruthless killers of your material possessions and crafty with their words. They do enjoy to be given attention and can be found shoe-less and dirty at many points throughout the day). So as Jeremy and I enter the gas station I notice a group of weird looking folks roaming through the door. They look a lot like deep woods country folk. Yes, country folk. I also notice that they are speaking a severe form of gibberish. I begin to think, "oh, man, I love Denton, this town is so exciting compared to Allen. You just never know who you're going to run into". As Jeremy and I proceed to the checkout line, one of the country folk is in line and doesn't end up having any money to pay for his goods so he leaves. He is the taller man by the way. He is accompanied by 2 smaller country folks, one man and one woman. Both fluent in gibberish as well. So we are buying our goods and a lady near us yells, "oh my goodness!" At this, I glance out the window and am able to see the shorter of the men punch the woman right in the face/throat. The woman is laid out on the floor. So at this I run out the door with Jeremy following close behind me. As we run out there, all 3 country folk scatter around the corner of the building like cockroaches when a light is turned on. We make it around the corner and the shorter man and woman are still fighting and the taller man says, "hey, we're okay". (clearly not gibberish anymore) and I say, "can we separate them or something"?! and they stop fighting and choose to treat US like WE'RE the crazy ones. They explain that they are from Oklahoma and they are going to Houston because of some crazy situation that I didn't understand. They insisted that we not call the cops and not report their license plates. The manager of Racetrac walks around the corner and yells, "hey!! I've called the cops!!!" and yeah, the country folk jump in their Ford SuperVan and leave. Oh, Denton.

Also, today I didn't call Denise. I forgot to call her and I love her very much. My bad, big time! I can't believe I was so preoccupied!!! The madness. Sometimes, I do the wrong thing, and sometimes I am given grace. I love life. Goodnight...

boom!

2008-01-31T16:29:00.000-08:00

<--- this is a picture I drew when I was supposed to be studying one night. Guess who was distracting me? DENISE! yes, before she ever knew that I would trick her into falling in love with me! yay love!

onamatapia. that word is definitely spelled wrong, however, I managed to spell it so horribly wrong that not even our dear friend "Dr. Spellchecker" could even figure out what I was trying to say. His diagnosis, which was misspelled word included the following prescriptions:
1. Datamation
2. Datamation's
3. Proclamation
4. Amalgamation
5. Defamation

which of those words would fit best? I submit that none of them would fit well. Regardless, what was the point of this again??? Oh yeah, I was going to tell the world about my insane environmental surroundings. Apparently here in the land of Denton, we have been sparred the daily monotony of windless days. In fact, I believe that the guy who runs the wind department for God, finally got the faxes about wanting wind. We wanted wind in the summer...not the winter. Oh well, I guess thats just the bull whip effect for you eh. (logistics joke). Yes, it has been super super windy lately. It's crazy! I have a really hard time riding to school on my bike. I'm afraid it's going to push me over.

Here is what I put into my salads:
1. spinach leaves
2. one roma tomato
3. crutons
4. roasted red pepper italian dressing
5. one honey bbq chicken strip

it is the best danged salad ever. Anyways, school is going pretty good. Pray for more God in and on my mind. I want to think about Him more. I also want to stop my patterns of sin. PG-13.

I shaved today

2008-01-28T20:47:00.000-08:00

I entitled my post according to my deeds of the day. I've been listening to a lot of punk music and ska music (haha because Denise is gone!) she hates that crap. Maybe mostly just ska. actually, yeah, just ska.

I don't know why anyone would read this blog, I'm not doing anything fun at all. I am heeding the advice of a good friend, a legend if you will, that maybe my test is from God. He is probably just trying to show me how to find my worth in Him and let me know that HE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE. hmm, sound like a song to me...

it is a song.

Anyways, I have to go study and then sleep and then go to school and then study some more and then study again and then eat dinner and then sleep and work and then go to school and then study and maybe workout.

God is the only thing in this world that will bring me joy. I wish I could stop sinning for one day. Praise Him for grace, without which I would be in the darkest most evil place I could possibly find myself, and worst of all, have no way out.

Waking Up

2008-01-27T12:57:00.000-08:00

When I wake up from a dream, sometimes it takes me a little while to remember that I was dreaming. Last night I dreamed that Denise was back from Spain...and it was a bummer to wake up.

I have a lot to do today. I'll probably just take a nap. Also, Beau did a great job preaching today. Rocked the house. And one of our Kids' Village kids decided to rap to a verse of the bible. pretty much an awesome day if you think about it.

also, i really really need to shave.

Always burning

2008-01-22T19:14:00.000-08:00

what is the next line to my title? ...just like, neon, neon. Oh yeah.

anyways, me and darrell totally have a class together. It is really hard to concentrate because we pretty much laugh at everything and if you've been in church or class and sat next to your best friend then you know it's just bad news. It's actually good news, i'm 22, I can sit next to my friend and nobody can tell me not to. bustas.

Denise is gone and that's great for her. I'm glad that she is in Spain because that is the most awesome experience anyone could probably ever have. I'm kinda jealous, but in a good way. I really really miss her though. It is a weird feeling because i'm so excited for her yet at the same time there is like the empty feeling in my heart, kinda like if you eat nothing but ramen noodles and expect to be full. it's just that i love her and want her near me and want to hear her voice. My girlfriend is the most awesome person in the world. I love her. She is probably going to read this and that will be good for me! ;)

haha, so anyways, it was so cold outside today that I thought I was going to die. Also, the bus always seems to leave right as I'm walking up to it. This is strange to me. Well, I need to go to bed otherwise I won't be able to stack boxes very well tomorrow and you know I want to be at my best when dealing with boxes in a worthless distribution center. oh the bitterness, when will you ever leave?

I love you.

This was not written by me

2008-01-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

The Indie Mindset or something like that...

by Jason something...via Relevant Magazine's website... i thought this was really interesting

"I spend a lot of time surrounded by music. I really do. I am most at home with tunes from some form of speaker drifting toward my awaiting eardrums. It’s not that I am afraid of silence. Honestly I love silence (awkward silence in particular). However, given the option, I will choose music. Chord structure, tempo, harmony and melody make me move.

As I write this, I am in a local club, listening to some local talent, waiting for the band I manage to take the stage. I have worked for years, honing my own skills, singing and playing in a handful of bands, almost making it to coveted status of “national”, but coming up just short when the band I was in at the time, decided to defect from our style and negate the negotiations we had with a large record company and forcibly retire me from their ranks, effectively extricating them from the deal. Don’t misunderstand, I’m not bitter. In many ways, I’m glad it happened. I say this to catch you up to where I am today. I now focus my musical efforts and energy into others.

I lead worship, which is first and foremost not about me. I’m not singing about things, or myself, or a woman. I’m singing to and about the Creator of everything I can and can’t see. The other way I have refocused myself is by using my knowledge and experience to make others' way in the industry a little easier by partnering with them in things that I wish I had had help in and being a sounding board for ideas.

Being on the other side of things has made me appreciate the position of people who I used to label “too old”. It’s funny how growing up and getting exposure to better music and more talented artists. The mere thrashing of heads and scraping of picks on distorted guitars doesn’t impress me any more. Granted, I do listen to some heavy music to this day, but it’s the polished, thought out kind. The “high lonesome sound” is something that takes maturity and a growing palette for unique sound.

Recently, though, I’ve found myself becoming somewhat of an elitist. I never sought to be the guy who inwardly laughs when he hears, “Have you heard the new (insert band name here) cd?” My first instinct is to correct. “Actually, it’s an album. CDs are a form of media. And no, I haven’t heard their new music, because it sounds exactly like everything else you hear on the radio. Oh, and to preempt you, I don’t listen to the radio much anymore, so I probably haven’t heard any of your other favorite bands either.” What is wrong with me? Why do I feel the need to belittle others musical taste? Just because they prefer their music less cultured and lyrically immature, doesn’t mean that they are wrong. It’s music and I’m getting full of myself when I get to a point where I think what I like is the only good variety.

I think a lot of us in our mid to late 20s are fighting this. Whether we realize it or not, we’re imposing our indie lifestyle on others and belittling them for not adhering to our dress code of thick framed glasses, beards and plaid shirts. We see a guy with makeup around his eyes, or super huge pant legs and assume we’re better. More mature. Keener of mind. Smarter. Of better stock in our friends and surroundings.

We are wrong. I don’t have much more to offer than that, because I don’t think I’m quite there yet myself, on the road to humility. I can however point in a direction. Straight up. When we begin to meditate on our actions, even if in hindsight, we will start to understand things about ourselves, and how we can model ourselves after Christ more effectively. Only after we know our shortcomings, can we begin to ask for refreshing by the Spirit in those areas.

Music is my passion, and so I know my place is to reach people through it. I’ve started keeping a firm latch on my tongue, and simply letting people talk, when I’m tempted to begin forcing myself on people. And I’ve noticed more people are asking for my opinion. What other parts of your life could you be doing the same thing? How many things to do cherish that you could let go of, to ultimately save someone from something so much worse?"

A Time Ignored

2008-01-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been ignored? Just thought I'd ask. I just finished an awesome salad. It is neat to think that Christ has never ignored us, we are never annoying or pesky to Him. I love that fact. There are some great facts in the world around us, the best revolve around love.

Love, love, love. How many different ways are there to describe love? There is the love you have for friends, for family, and for significant others. There is also love for material possessions, television shows, and things that occur in nature. Will love all blur together one day? Isn't it strange to think that some people love food more than they love their kids?

Some people love their comfort more than they love their spouse. Some people love and some people never love.

I am definitely in love.

Foolish Galatians

2008-01-01T14:40:00.000-08:00

We are usually foolish Galatians too. I dislike my current job and am currently looking to better myself by means of job. I have talents in the area of logistics, computers, and humor. I believe I would be an asset to the company. Please hire me because the distribution center is sucking my will to live.

Thank you,

Aaron Power

Horizon has been defeated

2007-12-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

The fate of my life does not lie in my own hands. According to UNT's Organizational Behavior class, that means I have a strong external locus of control. They pretty much renamed "The Sovereign Power of God" to "External Locus of Control". How about that? I have been really feeling like a starving person. I believe that it was Wayne Grudem who wrote that "...food is to the physical body as prayer is to our spiritual body". I believe that it can be said the same for spending quality time in the word. I know I play that game where I read off some verses and put a check next to my "read bible" slot on the to-do list. That doesn't help me get closer to God, but it does help me to feel worse about my life.

I got into Romans 6 today and began reading about dying to sin and being alive to God. It is cool to think that Jesus paid it all. He died to sin once and that was all that was necessary. I do not need to try and earn my salvation because it has already been earned by someone. I also do not need to present my members to sin. They should be presented to the Lord as members of righteousness. It is a good idea to write down the things that you do that "present your members to sin" and what you can do to present them as "members of righteousness". We talk about always having a plan, and this is one of those ways you can safeguard your self.

Anyways, we are free from death and sin has no dominion over us. We should not give into it's passions. It is crazy to think of how we continually run back to our crap. We find comfort in the dumpster, when we already have a room in the Hilton. We have inherited our sin nature from Adam and we will spend our lives in a state of sanctification. Heed the call, then Justification, Sanctification, and lastly Glorification.

"Father up above, why in all this hatred to do you fill me up with love?"

Horrible

2007-12-19T00:54:00.000-08:00

Even after all the edifying conversation and dwelling on the things that are good, we still mess up and we still make mistakes. I hate selling myself back into the slavery that I was freed from. I ask forgiveness again for the same stupid thing.

Day 2

2007-12-12T20:48:00.000-08:00

Today was my first day of not being in class. I found out today that I got an A in my Purchasing class and an A in my Global Marketing class. Neato.

I love life and the movie Punch-Drunk Love, and my friends and most definitely my family. I love God.

The last day of my last semester

2007-12-11T23:16:00.000-08:00

I finished school today. It is the first day of a long break. I'll be working around the clock and making that money, you know, living the American dream. Anyways, I have been studying pretty hard lately and I haven't been studying the things that are the most important to me. It sucks spending so much time studying the things that aren't as important as others. For example, I am in a place right now where I need to study hard and make sure to make the best grades possible. I have a responsibility to not only God, but to my dad, who pays thousands upon thousands of dollars for me to have a college education, something he always wanted but was never able to have.

It is really awesome I guess to think about this time in my life. I guess indirectly, God is teaching me to do my best and to be the best student I can possibly be.

Also, I think Christmas shopping can be overwhelming sometimes. I feel like people will be really disappointed if I don't get them something, but I know they won't.

Today I was riding home on the bus and I was watching a video on my iPod of Dave Matthews Band playing "Stay (Wasting Time)" and I started to tear up really bad. I started thinking about the words to the song and how my girlfriend is going to leave for 3 months to go to Spain. I thought about those words and thought that he is saying exactly what I'm thinking, why not just stay for a while? I don't know, there has to be something with Dave's music that is deeper than Dave himself. Maybe that is a way that God stirs my affections. Maybe it is just really great music. Gotta love posts. I'm tired, its finally time for bed.

Goodnight