Highway 41

Highway 41.
Stretching for well past the direction of which I normally travel it.
This highway has been my traveling companion for many years. More so in the last 3. 
I have a special relation with this highway. Much has been accomplished while either driving or riding on this highway. 


On Highway 41, I have:
-Accomplished a mile long lane change. Thanks, Corey. 
-Written a song.
-Cried until I had no more tears.
-Laughed until my stomach hurt.
-Told a girl we had to depart ways. 
-Recorded a video. 
-Read books.
-Thought. A lot. About life. About everything. Sometimes I drive the 30 min in complete silence. Just thinking. 
-Sang. Yelled. Rapped. Beat boxed. Harmonized. Sang off key. Etc. 
-Skyped. On my phone. 
-Prayed. A lot. 
-Head banged. 
-Air guitar'd Air drummed. Air bass'd. Air choir directed. Air probably everything else.
-Played ukulele. While driving. And took a video of it. 
-Car danced. 
-Held my head outside the window across the Butte Des Morts bridge. In the middle of winter. -Brushed my teeth. 
-Changed my entire outfit.
-Held hands.
-Practiced and prepared for a wedding gig. No, seriously.
-Almost gotten in 3 accidents. #angelsofprotection 
-Ate... Chinese. Fast food. Suckers. Ice cream.  Subs. Popcorn. And probably anything else you can think of.
-Been flipped off. Many 'a time. 
-Worked on choir parts.
-Wrote sermons.
-Talked on the phone. A. Lot. Especially those monotonous Sunday night after church drives. Thanks ;)
-Scarfed down many starbucks drinks. Too many. 
-Gotten into arguments. 
-Played games on my phone. 
-Poured my heart out to somebody.
-Listened as somebody poured their heart out to me.
-Taken pictures. 
-Pulled over the car, got out, and danced around the car while a shout beat was playing. Thanks, Thi. 
-Watched movies. TV episodes. Etc. 
-Taken naps. 
-Written chord charts. 
-Made set lists for service. 
-Texted the mess out of people...sometimes while driving. 
-Seen the road change paths, directions, speed limits, and alternative routes. 
-Cried listening to songs. Laughed listening to songs. 
-Told God my true feelings. Not holding anything back. 
-Had conversations with myself. Out loud. 


I'm sure there's much more.


This highway led me to a new church family. 
It brought me out of bitterness, into love, forgiveness, and peace. 
It taught me punctuality. With a 30 minute drive, being on time is a planned occurrence. 
...It just doesn't happen. (that'll preach) 
This highway brought me to a closer walk with God. 
It carried me to a place of healing. Commitment. Accountability. Growing. Opportunity. 
It's from this highway, I get to where I want to be. 
It's from this highway, I go to the place to restore my soul, enrich my life, and learn to be a better Christian man. 

The drive sometimes is long. Monotonous. 
Boring. 
But it's taught me a lot. It's brought me to where I am today. 
I have a special relationship with this highway. 

Because of this highway, I can go to a place on a weekly basis that has brought me to where I am today.




ps - love is unstoppable.  

Who I Am

I am totally committed to being a Christian man who is spiritually strong and morally pure, and I know that the Lord will honor my commitment to Him (Psalm 37:5).
I will be accountable to God for all of my thoughts and deeds (2 Corinthians 10:5), but I will also be accountable to others, knowing that two are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
Even though I face many sinful temptations, they will not have dominion over me (Romans 6:14) because God has provided a way for me to escape them all (1 Corinthians 10:13).
He has promised to direct my steps, and even if I fall, He will uphold me with His hand (Psalm 37:24).
When I am drawn away by my own desires (James 1:14), I will fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:2).
And if I do sin, I will quickly repent and find both forgiveness and cleansing from the Lord (1 John 1:9).
I will be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10) as I pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 
I will abstain from all fleshly lusts which war against my soul (1 Peter 2:11), and I will run from any immoral situation (1 Corinthians 6:18). 
Instead of pursuing the lusts of this world, I will pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace as I call on the Lord with a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22).
By hiding the Word of God in my heart, I will cleanse my way and avoid sinning against the Lord (Psalm 119:9-11).
Daily, I will humble myself and pray, and seek the face of God as I turn from my sin, knowing that God will hear my prayers, forgive me, and heal my completely (2 Chronicles 7:14). 


Because I was bought with a price, I am not my own. I know who I am. I am Yours. (1 Corinthians)

Father.

Me and pops. We're a little crazy sometimes. And neither of us were looking at the camera. Oh well.
I love my dad.
I know this blog post is a little late, but I'm still gonna go for it.
He's trained me to be a man. To be a man of God. To be a man of God that loves the Word, respects the church, is faithful to a calling, and doesn't give up when times get difficult.
He's been an incredible example to me.
He didn't teach me how to root for the Packers.
But he did teach me how to be a worshipper.
He didn't teach me that being on a sports team was important.
But he did teach me that being in the House of God was imperative.
He taught me, and is still teaching me to this day, how to forgive.
He taught me many intangibles.
He taught me that school was important. But it was secondary compared to a relationship with Jesus.
He showed me that when life got hard, you needed a "bulldog grip", and keep living.
He's an unsung hero.
He taught me and my brother how to be a Christian. That is success.
He has a relationship with God. That is success.

Thanks Dad, for everything.

Thoughts of today.

1. Sometimes I’m scatterbrained. But I think sometimes God uses situations to keep me humble. Example: directions. I’m horrible with them. I need my iPhone to get places even in the city I live. I feel like an idiot at times because I don’t know where things are. Another example: when I do a gig and forget half my equipment (okay, maybe not half, but key aspects of the equipment). Then I freak out, go buy the cord I need, only to find out it was the wrong cord....etc etc etc. I truly feel God has those situations in my life to first of all, tell me to settle down, I’m moving at a little too quick of pace, and secondly, to help me realize it’s not about me, but about Him. I know eventually, it’ll work out. I pray for God to keep me humble. Maybe I shouldn’t. Hah. Totally kidding. I want to grow in Him, grow personally, and continue to grow with those around me.
2. I’m not entirely sure why, but I have multiple email accounts. I only use two of them. But I’m pretty sure I have about 7 active email accounts. I think I’ve created new ones in order to sign up for something, or enter something. But I don’t know most of the passwords, so we’ll see how those end up. I also have about 3 different YouTube accounts, because I had to create a new one due to forgotten passwords. On one of them, I chose the “I forgot my password” selection and the email account it was sent to, I forgot that email password. Let’s just say I have my email and YouTube accounts written down. Maybe I can stick with the same one for the next few months. 
3. I love my youth group. I seriously do. So many dynamics. So many different walks of life. So many stories. So many connections. I’ve really enjoyed developing some close friendships with some of the youth. People that I didn’t really know a year ago, I’m close friends with now. People that I had never talked to 6 months ago, I have regular conversations with now. Some that thought less of me a couple years ago, now respect me. Some that I thought less of a couple years ago, I now respect. We are bound together by the love of Jesus, similar goals, and fearless leaders named Chad & Tasia Williams who have accomplished more in this youth group than any other youth leader in the past. So privileged to be a part of this amazing group of young people. 
4. Sometimes I just smile. Randomly throughout the day. Randomly throughout the week. I think of my future. And it’s so vague. It’s so unknown. But I trust in God. I also see glimpses into it. Glimpses of beauty. Snapshots of the people that will be in my life. Snapshots of aspects that will be a part of my future. I’m so blessed. 
5. Unprecedented happiness. 

Okay, so.

A drive that bleeds excitement, monotony, and hope. 
Company that feels like home.
Silence that is masterful. 
Connection beyond surface.
A city that smiles on newcomers.
Shops that indulge in uniqueness.
Laughs that never cease.
Drafting of many teams.
Ice cream.
Conversations like symphonies. 
Lists. I love lists.
Hiking that required strength; ambition.
A view that could take one's breath away. 
Sunshine that came in spurts. 
The mighty Mississippi. 
Okay, so...
Plan B's that usually work pretty awesome.
This life...as we know it.
Best, ever. 
Difficulties of leaving. 
Esperanza.
Little sleep.
A great wakeup. 
An incredible sermon.
Small group.
An amazing blowout service.
An anointed choir. 
A move of God.
Unprecedented, like I prayed for.




My weekend in a nutshell.

Not mine, but Yours

"Talent is God given: be humble. Fame is man given: be grateful. Conceit is self given: be careful."
-John Wooden


Talent, which obviously is from God, is a gift.
It's not a right. It's not a choice. It's a gift. Free. Unpaid for. 
I know God has blessed me with talent, and I strive to be humble. 
In the words of Jonathan Edwards, "Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil's reach as humility." 
Lord, I pray I would never take the talent you have given me for granted. Let me use my talent for Your glory, not mine. Let Your will be done with my talent, not mine. For this talent you have given me is Yours, not mine. 


Fame. Wanted by many. Achieved by few. Appreciated by even less. 
Fame is not something that is given by God.
That being said, Proverbs 18:16 states that a man's gift makes room for him. 
I believe that God gives us opportunities. Opens doors. Awards His children.
Fame is a funny thing because it can be taken two ways. 1. As somebody who is being blessed by God. 2. As somebody who has walked away from God and has achieved worldly approval.
I'm not sure you can truly know the truth in every situation. Regardless, be grateful. 
Lord, I pray that when you give me opportunities in this life, I would be grateful and be quick to give You the praise, and not keep it for myself. 


Humility has an ugly opposer. His name is Conceit. 
Arrogance is a blindfold to Godly humility.
It burns down the connections between man and God.
It suffocates the realization that talent is God-given. 
It buries the desire to give God all the praise.
It opens the door for the enemy to come and set up house. 
Lord, I pray against pride in my life. I ask that You would strip it away from me if it ever becomes part of my life. I ask that You would keep me humble in this life. I want to be in Your will, and I realize that conceit is not part of Your plan. 

One of Those Days

Today is one of those days.

Where I wish I was somewhere else. Somewhere but here. Not that here is so bad. Not that 'here' is bad at all. 'Here' is actually pretty good. But I'd rather be somewhere else.

I have had a burden for missions so strongly this year. Some days it catches me off guard. Some days I break down crying in my car. I cry because I don't know exactly how to accomplish what I feel God is calling me to do. I don't even know exactly know what God is calling me to do.

I just know I'm called.

I reflect on my times elsewhere. My heart strings pull. My desires are in two places.

Each word I speak in a foreign language reflects each sentiment to go.

There's also the frightening aspects.

Another country. Away from friends. Away from family.

Today is one of those days.

Where I realize how blessed I am. Where most people live on less than a dollar a day.

And we have a few of those just sitting around.

Where we complain about car issues. And some people would give anything to have car issues, just to have a car. Just to get around.

Today is one of those days where I wish I could walk everywhere.

Where I wish I could get lost somewhere and learn about a different culture.

And not complain about the government, or how high gas prices are.

And not worry.

Today is one of those days.

Where I silently reflect on my thoughts, not talking about it.

I'm not sure exactly how to verbalize how I feel.

I'm not sure many would understand.

Some would scoff. Some would think I'm overreacting.

Some would not sympathize with the desire to be away.

Some would.

Some get it.

Thoughts of finances, school, relations, friends, family, church, youth, responsibilities, etc weigh on me as I try to figure out how my life is going to work out.

How is everything going to fit? Which aspects of my life will be separated from me?

Which will grow stronger?

Trust. Trust. Trust.

Timing. Timing. Timing.

His will. His will. His will. At any cost.

Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece.

Three thoughts.

Thought one.
Sometimes it's okay to be honest.
In fact, I'll venture to say it's best to be honest all the time.
Chances are, you might be pleasantly surprised.
What about when you're not not being honest, but holding back the truth? For fear? For insecurity? For trust in self?
When was the last time you were completely honest with somebody? It's refreshing. Rejuvenating.


Thought two.
If we truly trust in the Lord, worrying shouldn't happen.
But yet. We worry. Why? If God has it all under control, then why do we try and solve the jigsaw?
But what we must understand is that God is the center of the universe. Not us. Simple understanding, really. When we let go of our life and place our life in God's hands, He can take over. We will know that His perfect will, although unclear at times, is everlasting and, well, perfect.


Thought three.
Each day, I continue to grow a passion for the Spanish language and the latin american culture. I am currently in a Spanish conversation class for interim. Not in my own talents do I claim my talents in the spanish language, but in the Lord. I was praying in my car yesterday that He would continue to help my in my speaking skills so that one day I can reach the lost and spread the gospel in the Spanish language. As I began to weep in my car feeling the presence of God, I became more aware of His will for my life of wanting to use this beautiful language for His Kingdom.

I do

To the girl who dresses modestly, and thinks nobody notices. I do.

To the girl who is constantly weighed down by the pressures of culture to dress provocatively, and doesn't, I notice.

To the girl who tries her best to please God through her attire, and thinks nobody is aware. I am.

To the girl who isn't sure if it's important to be aware of her standards and aim to please God through every way. It is.

To the girl who remains stable in a world full of instability and quickly descending morals. Thank you.

Thank you for not faltering.

Thank you for not changing.

Thank you for remaining.

Thank you for continuing in holiness.

Yeah, it's a God thing, and without holiness, no one will see God. We are holy to please God. But when a girl dresses modestly, it's incredibly helpful to guys.

Guys continually are engaged in battle with their mind, mainly through the avenue of their eyes to fight against immorality.

When a girl dresses unsuitable to help other guys, it brings them down.

It doesn't help the battle. It worsens it.

It's difficult to talk to a girl if they're dressed inappropriately, because, although words are being exchanged, a war is being fought in the mind.

Some battles are easier, some battles contain more challenges. But there is a war, regardless.

I don't know a guy that doesn't deal with this.

It's natural.

God gave the human male a natural attraction for females.

But what about lust? It's sin.

So, therefore, it's a continual battle that goes on in the hearts of guys across the globe.

Some don't fight. Some don't even try. But I do. Holiness isn't just for females, it's for males as well. Holiness in the mind and purity in the heart is one of the greatest challenges for men.

So, to the girl who takes it seriously.

To the girl who appreciates holiness.

To the girl who respects herself enough to dress modest.

....and isn't sure that people actually notice.

I do.

Sin Limites

Hablo con palabras sin el sonido
Melodías de sonrisas, todo de vivo
Acciones como canciones
Conversaciones como vacaciones

Un corazón libre, llena de deseo
Sin limites, distancia, al mundo que veo
Mereces cada regalo, agradecimiento
Ofrezco el mundo, mas que está adentro.

Mira el signo, vaya conmigo
Iré contigo por todo el siglo
Pasa el tiempo, el día se escapa
La vida sin limites no tiene mapa

Se ve las marcas antes de borrar
Y las lineas nuevas de reír y llorar
Continuar viajar con dos entera
Sabe que el amor no tiene frontera