I've Got This Growing Rhythm

Misery Loves Company

2011-09-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

I feel like that saying "misery loves company" hits it right on the spot. Why is when you are not miserable you don't want to be miserable but when you are miserable you not only want to stay miserable but have anyone and everyone around you be miserable. Not that I am miserable at all, do not misinterpret me but I have seen so many attempts of miserable people try to bring me and others into their miserable circle. The sad part is that these miserable people call themselves Christians. Christian is a hard term to define and a hard life to live. I love Jesus and truly believe in Him but I also believe I am a sucky follower. One of the main reasons that many people turn to God is to leave their miserable lives and live a happy and joyfully blessed life. As nice as that sounds, not even the Christian life is all flowers and perfume, but the Christian afterlife is.

I guess the main reason I am writing this blog is because I'm being real and I'm upset. Never do I stay upset, I always find a positive side and never are my thoughts this absolutely random but I just write them as they come. I guess I can say I'm fed up with the world (but who isn't?). I'm fed up with negative people throwing grenades. I'm fed up with everyone thinking they figured out life and how to live it accordingly to the way they lived it. I'm fed up with miserable people thinking they are miserable or everything is miserable. If I honestly wanted to, I could list reason after reason of why I should be miserable but I don't because that is stupid and untrue. I believe that Jesus knows the way and even though sometimes I'm running off His path getting caught up with life I believe He stills keeps His eyes on me and His arms around me unlike the world thinks. I believe He does this with everyone, even the miserable people.

I guarantee you no human will tell you better than Jesus does. Not your best friend, co-worker, boss, brother, sister or even your parents. I figured out not to live life according to how people tell you to live it because Jesus wants you to live life the way HE wants you to live it. You will never please everyone and it's a fault to try to. If you please your brother maybe your sister will get upset you didn't do it her way. If you do it the way your father says then mother is upset at both of you for choosing this way. I'm not bound to this world and basically I'm only her on a temporary visa. My home is with God. I pray to Him for all things and you are in no position to judge or explain to step by step life.

Let the Lord guide you and I together but in whatever ways He wants.

Run Soul Run

2011-08-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

"And the Lord said to Satan, From where did you come? Then Satan answered the Lord, From going to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it." - Job 1:7

As I lay in my bed surrounded by only pitch black, the only glare of light is the beaming white from my phone where I read the text of Job 1:7. It was late and inconvenient but I was told to re-read the story of Job. It was in my gut. It's been a while since I read Job. I came across Job 1:7 and I stopped right there. Not because I was sick of reading but because I needed to stop and ponder. Right before whipping out my phone in the pitch black of my room to read some scripture I had spent a good 3 hours recording a song I had recently written about fleeing from the devil. Why would I write a song about fleeing from the devil instead of writing a song about taking him on head to head? Wouldn't that be more awesome!? In a song, yes. In real life, no.

As life becomes more and more clear to me I start to understand what it means to flee from the devil. It means getting to live a life with God, not just saying you do. It means I don't have to be a footstool for the Devil and his sinful ways anymore. It means I can stop being on the losing side and being on the winning side.

Many of us have dropped the question "How borderline can we be with God to be saved but still live the life we want?"

Does that make any sense?! Maybe a few years ago but not anymore. I got to thinking, if I am not running away from the devil then I'm running away from God. In life you are not still. You are constantly moving, progressing, stepping forward, taking on new challenges, but in which direction? Are you taking on challenges running with God or running away from God? Running with the devil or running away from the devil?

In Job 1:7, the devil said he walked up and down the earth, all around it and I honestly believe he is still walking up and down the earth every single day. Tempting us with his sin that appeals as eye candy but is rotting our soul. I can't stand the devil! Why? Because sometimes he actually gets me. Is it the devil I can't stand or is it myself I can't stand for falling for his sly tricks? Probably both. All I know is I can't do it by myself. I'm trying to run a marathon with the devil when the audience keeps handing me living water.

Are you running with the devil too? it's okay, everybody has. I'm going to flee. Call me wuss, panzy(which is actually a delightful flower) or just plain scared but honestly I'm not scared at all, because I know I'm not alone this time and never again will I be alone.

Satan is like my room, pitch black surrounding all areas. Jesus is like the white beam coming from my phone. Dim at first but more than enough to take away all fear.

Bring it on satan, cause I'm running this time.

"So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7

A Sprinkle of Salt

2011-07-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

"You are the salt and light of the earth.." - Matthew 5:13

Just a couple days ago we were having an ordinary day at the car wash. When you see a hundred different people every day you really experience some real "characters". About mid-day, an elder man came in to the wash happier than ever. He introduced himself as David with a big smile on his face and an arm reached out to shake mine. He politely asked for my name and made it very noticeable that he is having a magnificent day. Out of all the hundreds of people that I have seen come in and out of that wash, I never saw anyone any more happy than I saw Mr. David that day. He got his wash, smiled and waved at us and said "God is good" to us.

What Mr. David just did right there was sprinkle a little salt in all of our lives. Salt makes you thirsty right? Mr. David came in with such joy that it left most of us curious why this man is so happy. The only clue he left us to his happiness is that God is good. That is all he needed to say. He didn't come in and try to preach the Gospel to everyone he saw and He didn't try to explain the amazing works God is doing in his life. Granted, neither of those are bad things at all but in a situation like that all he really needed to do is exactly what he did. Mr. David didn't come in and dump salt on us, all he did was sprinkle just a little bit leaving us thirsty for what he had.

When I go out into the world I want to stand out like Mr. David. I want to sprinkle salt all around so thirsty people will come and drink of water that forever quenches. It is hard to be different from the world when your flesh desires the pleasures of the world but it is worth it to take the step towards light, sprinkle some salt and forever be thirsty no more.

The Time We Spend

2011-07-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to reap that which is planted.
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.
A time to get and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."

-Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

Time is something we will never understand but something we should strive to manage. I'm writing this blog because I suck at time management and I know it. You always hear people say "I wish I had all the time in the world". We all want enough time to work, read, go to the movies, play music, be with our significant other, relax, etc. We can only wish. Since we don't have all the time in the world, how you spend your time really shows your priorities. It is easier to come home after working all day to sit down and watch hours of The Office and eating hot cheetos, believe me I know. But how far will that get me?

I know God wants me to use more of my time wisely for Him and spend it with Him. I can't tell God that I love Him and then never want to spend time in His word and singing worship. No one just automatically loves God because He is God. You have to spend time and develop a relationship with God just like you have to do with everyone else. I don't think I am the only person that God wants more of my time. I am sure there are others that God is itching to spend time with. The thing with God is though it is not that He feels obligated to spend time with you and He would feel bad if He didn't. It is that he genuinely loves you and wants to build a relationship with you. Some people will read this and feel guilty about not spending enough time then they will read some Bible chapters, say a prayer and get on with your day. That is not what I am talking about. I don't want you to feel guilty and make you spend time with God. I want you to WANT to spend time with God. I want to want to spend time with God.

It is easy to say but harder to do. We can spend all day planning on how to make our days earthly productive by going to the pool, watching the latest movies and jamming to the latest tunes. I am not saying that any of these are bad in any such way, I am just saying don't let the time fly and forget to spend time with who should really be your best friend. I am going to try to take some time today and really strive for more. I hope you do the same.

There Is Something About Writing

2011-07-12T14:55:00.001-07:00

There is something about writing that makes it different. Maybe it is the fact that you can write anything at anytime to anyone. When you are writing you don't have to hold back what you really mean, you can really say it. You can say it in as many sentences as you want with as many exclamation points as you want. Maybe it sticks out because the computer doesn't judge what you type or the paper doesn't laugh at what you write. And probably the best part about writing is that you can check over every word you say before you hit submit. You can act however you want to act, sound how smart you want to sound or talk the way you want to talk.

I started this blog a couple years ago because my head was filled with tons of thoughts and encouragement I wanted/want to spread. Through out these years I have been through my highest ups and my lowest downs. I have climbed to the top of the mountain and crumbled right back down to the bottom but I never stopped writing. I never stopped doing what I thought I should do. This blog never once said "Alin, you sinned way too much today, you are not allowed to write anymore". In no way was my own strength and attitude enough to keep me writing but the strength of God in me that encouraged me to get back up. It was His Word that came into my life that changed everything about it. It was not the fifty hour work weeks that kept me writing. It was not the arguing downstairs that kept me writing. It was not the punches from friends and family that kept me writing. It is mere strength, strength from God.

I honestly don't believe God called me to be a writer but I will take advantage of this nifty thing called the internet. I will not stop writing. I pray that the words of encouragement written on this blog are God's words through me. Amen.

Communication

2011-07-09T17:51:00.001-07:00

Communication is known as one of the most essential elements to a humans life. Why do you think Facebook is infiltrated with countless numbers of people trying to stay in contact with the world? Nobody wants to fall off the map of communication. We are all talking, texting, messaging, calling people every single day. The words that come out of our mouths affect each and every person around you.

After working at a car wash for a short amount of time, I quickly realized how communication affects everything. When I have a smile on and a hop in my step, people will communicate back with a positive attitude. If I am tired and just have a bad attitude, looks like I'm not going home with much money that day. If communication affects my work life, won't it affect my Christian life? Absolutely!

The way I decide to talk to people and handle the way they talk to me is huge. I recently ventured upon a situation to where somebody was talking to a close friend of mine and about some life decisions and situations, it seemed as though the person meant very well for my friend but from my point of view, this person came off with bad communication. I later talked to my friend about and he explained that the way the person talked to him was a complete turnoff and not helpful at all BECAUSE the communication was bad.

You could be giving advice to Christians, helping non-Christians, texting a friend, selling at work for commission, or just talking to a family member. If your communication is off, then everything else will be off as well. Don't let your conversations go to waste. Just with a simple step up in your attitude you'll go more than miles in life.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger -Proverbs 15:1

Prayer:
Father, may we look to our words before we use them. May we change our heart, so that our attitudes portrayed may change. Let us be helpful, not hurtful. Let us communicate with purpose.

Are you content with your life

2011-06-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." - Romans 12:11

I've heard and seen of many people who are perfectly content with their life and what they have. I have also heard and seen of many people who are always wanting more and more. More money, more cars, more electronics, more facebook friends. How about more God? How about more blessings? How about more scripture?

I DON'T want to be content with my life nor do I want to be chasing after items. If I chase after God, the blessings will chase me! I believe God has something big in store for each of us, I honestly do. Because of this, I'm not going to be content with just being a day to day Christian that gets day to day blessings to make it by. I want God to truly bless me! I want Him to lavish things upon me that I would never dream to ask for. And whatever God pours upon me I want to pour it back upon Him. Is it wrong that I want God to bless me in extravagant ways? Absolutely not! God is a God of blessings. He wants to bless in the most amazing way possible but we just make it so incredibly hard for Him to bless us because were too worried trying to get our own worldly blessings. Were to busy saving up for that car or spending time at the movies enjoying our own time that we lost track of where our time and money needs to be. When I start directing every area of my life towards God, He is going to start directing blessings into every area of my life.

Don't be ashamed to ask God to bless you.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." - Matthew 7:7

For the past couple months I have been asking God to always bless me with the bare minimum to get by. It is time I start asking God for some real blessings. It is time I start praising God in some serious ways. It is time I take my relationship with God to the next level. I no longer want to be content with everything in my life. I want more of God. I guarantee you you want more too! Please don't miss out on amazing extravagant opportunities and blessings from God.

The Roots of Your Heart

2011-06-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

"But each of you had better tremble and turn from your sins. Silently search your heart as you lie in bed." -Psalm 4:4

How many have you said "That wasn't like me to say" or "That was definitely out of the ordinary coming from me"? We have moments in this way where we have acted "out of the ordinary" or said something that we did not filter before it came out of our mouth. Each of us have a beating heart that is deeper than we think. That goes deeper than our mind. Many times we use our minds to filter out our actions or our words so the people around us don't really notice what our heart is really like. Sometimes we tend to explode out of nowhere and use the phrases "that wasn't like me".

When our true heart shows how do we react? Do we just cut off the branches or do we go deep to the roots? 99% guaranteed just cut off the branches. I'm guilty of it, your guilty of it. If our true heart shows we swear that we will never act that way again. And we mean it. Then we repeat our mistake. You can't approach your heart and your life with just cutting off the branches and leaving the roots. We must dig deep and realize what is deep inside our heart that is slowly making it rot. We must admit that we have heart problems, even if it doesn't seem like it we do, and cut away the roots. It's time to pull out the tree and throw it away. Let God plant the seeds of your heart this time and let His seeds grow. Forget your old ways. Be done with them. Be done with the controlling, the swearing, the rudeness, the foul mouth, the sexual desires, the lies.

I have a hunger to change and I pray that God puts this hunger in each and every person because the only way to change is to indulge in that hunger for Christ. Fill your heart with His Word and He will plant beautiful seeds that will grow and flourish. Let Christ's heart be your heart.

Putting On The New You

2011-05-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

"... you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self.." -Colossians 3: 9-10

When I became a Christian I was always taught that my life was about to change drastically. My actions would change, my words would change and my heart would beat a different beat. This is all by far extremely truthful and accurate. I did change drastically but in no way shape or form is changing easy. Putting on the new self and putting away the old self and your old fleshly desires is definitely a process. A never ending process to be more specific. We will never reach the state of perfection but we should always strive to become better for the Glory of God. Now that we are the body of Christ we have to represent in the most honorable fashion. When you become a Christian, unlike the rumors, you will not automatically become a great loving person. It takes time and true effort. I have been a follower of Christ for about five years now and it has never been harder. I am constantly messing up. I could always be giving more time to the Lord and reading His word. I am always looking out for ways to benefit me rather than God.

No matter what you hear, say or think, no one is a good person compared to Christ but do not let that get you down! It is time we look at what we can do to really make big changes. I am going to write out a list of qualities that we need to remove and a list of qualities that we need to put on. I am striving to work on this list myself and am examining myself constantly.

QUALITIES WE NEED TO REMOVE:
-Sexual Immorality
-Impurity
-Passion
-Evil Desire
-Covetousness
-Anger
-Wrath
-Malice
-Slander
-Obscene Talk from your Mouth

QUALITIES WE NEED TO PUT ON:
-Compassionate Hearts
-Kindness
-Humility
-Meekness
-Patience
-Bearing with one another
-Forgiveness
-LOVE!!

*Colossians 3

Take a look at this list constantly to examine yourself, as I will do with same. Stay in constant prayer and I know the Lord will change our hearts!

God Wants His Money Back

2011-05-25T21:09:00.001-07:00

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”

- Malachi 3:10

Tithing has always been one of those topics that whenever I hear it come up in church the first thought that comes to my head is "The pastor just wants more money from us" Ha ha. Now in some cases that is probably true, unfortunately, but in other cases I do not think so. The verse up above clearly explains that you can NOT out-bless God. No matter how much you put in that bowl on Sundays, how much you give you the homeless or how many sacks of clothes you give away. God will ALWAYS out-bless you!

How do I know God will always out-bless me? He says "Test me in this". Put Him to the test. Put some more money in that bowl, put some more clothes in that sack. The Lord will put more money in your bank account and put more clothes on your back. What do we do with the extravagant amount of blessings the Lord is bestowing upon us? Give them back :)

The more you give back to God, what you do for a brother you do for the Lord, the more He gives back to you. It is a beautiful cycle that has never failed. When we start trusting God with our money, there will be no where else in our lives to where we don't trust God and that I can guarantee. We are so clinched to our money living in a consumer based society that we always feel like we just need more and more. The thought of giving to God seems outrageous because "we need it more than God". God does not need a dime from you, that is why He gives it back! But by giving to the Lord, not only do you give your money, but you give Him trust.

LAST OFFICIAL FRIDAY FIVE!! CONGRATS SENIORS!

2011-05-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE BALL WAR

FAVORITE MENTOS & COKE

FAVORITE FISH

FAVORITE LASER DEFENSE

FAVORITE CHARLIE SHEEN QUOTES

FAVORITE BICYCLE

FAVORITE WATER TRANSPORTATION

CLASSIC FRIDAY FIVE FAIL!

BEST LAUGH EVER CLASSIC FRIDAY FIVE!

Best Laugh Ever - Watch more Funny Videos

BEST FRIDAY FIVE VIDEO EVER!

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE! ENJOY!

TO EVERETT & EVERYONE IN BIBLE CLASS:

I WILL GREATLY MISS YOU ALL AND ALL THE GREAT MEMORIES, I LOVE YOU ALL!!
=]

It Is Time For A Heart Transplant

2011-05-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

"The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”
- Jeremiah 17:9-10(NLT)

There's not much to say after reading a verse like that. You can't say much after this verse because you are sitting in silence examining your heart. Or at least that is exactly what I did and am still doing. "The human heart is the most deceitful of all things.." Wow. To think that supposedly the most important organ in our body is the most deceitful and desperately wicked. It is true though. Our hearts crave the sins of this world. Our hearts want what it should not have. Our hearts hurt more than it helps. The more our hearts indulge in the sins of this world the faster it will die. Our hearts are stone.

I do not want to take my heart of stone and polish it up, make it look nice and stick it back in. I want this evil heart gone. I was my sins gone. I want purity. I need a heart transplant.

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16(NLT)

The Lord our God sent His one and only son to die for us so that His heart will be available for us. Since Christ died, His heart can now be transplanted into our bodies. We can throw away our old hearts and live to the new rhythm that our new heart beats. No more living according to our old ways, we are putting on a new self with a new heart!

"You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins." - Colossians 2:13(NLT)

Amazing Grace

2011-05-18T19:16:00.001-07:00

"For it is by GRACE you have been saved through faith. This is not your own doing; it is the Gift of God" - Ephesians 2:8(ESV, Caps me)

We have all sung the melody to that song at least 753 times in our life time. Christian, Non Christian, Black, White, Gay, Straight. Whoever you are, you know the melody and words to that song. Almost every time that songs comes up on my iPod I usually skip to another song just because I have heard it so many times that that melody is no longer as appealing. It is not the melody that gets me anymore. It is what is behind it. Grace. Amazing grace.Take a look at what grace actually is.

Grace is God giving His one and only son to save a bunch of washed up sinners.
Grace is God answering prayers that don't deserve to be answered.
Grace is receiving the strength we didn't have to make it through the day.
Grace is having friends and family that we take for granted.
Grace is our sins wiped away for eternity.
Grace is the ability to read and write.
Grace is Love.

When you think about God's many acts of grace and how truly amazing it is, it is unfathomable. He loves us more than we could ever love Him. Take a glance at your life and I guarantee you you will be able to count more blessings gotten from God than blessings given to God. This is something we can work on. Even though we will never be able to be more graceful or giving than God, we can always strive to be like God. Let God's grace inspire us to have more graceful and giving hearts.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" - John 3:16

Why is John 3:16 the most famous verse in the entire Bible?
Because that grace that is expressed in that one verse is enough to render our minds wild. We can't process such love, mercy and grace.

At this moment, bow your head in silence and just ponder His grace. Where ever you are just for a minute. Then give thanks to the Lord, for He is Good.

This is Not Your Fight!

2011-05-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

"Do not say 'I will repay evil'; wait for the Lord, and He will deliver you" - Proverbs 20:22

Buried in the book of Proverbs surrounded with famous verses and words of wisdom I came across this verse and just had to stop. Solomon does not want us to have any sort of animosity towards anyone for any reason. He wants us to wait. Wait for the Lord almighty. Why are we waiting? Why are we not mapping out blue prints of a destructive plan to annihilate those who have done wrong to us?

Because it is not worth it.

We do not need to chase those who have done wrong to us or to the people around us. We do not need to scheme a plan of how to send a group of samurai ninjas to steal their bed sheets. We don't need to spend time worrying about avoidable worries. The Lord WILL deliver you. That's powerful right there. The creator of this universe is going to deliver from any pain caused to you, any wrong done to you. As you read this I guarantee you are thinking of people in your life who are affecting you or have affected you in a negative way. Revenge is like a lemon, it looks sweet but tastes bitter. Put your evil plans away. Tuck your worries down the drain. Take a minute and look to your savior and say thank you. Thank you for fighting for me. Thank you for delivering me. Thank you for taking caring of me and watching over someone as small as me.

"The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” - Exodus 14:14

Today quiet yourself. Do not try to repay anyone back for what they have done to you or what they have been doing. Forgive them and let the Lord handle any fight, battle, quarry, anything! Who better to have by your side than the creator of each and every person? =]

Move on Forward

2011-05-05T10:55:00.001-07:00

"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it on my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead" - Philippians 3:13

All day you could surround yourself with thoughts of what happened in the past and how it affects you now but you need to be surrounding yourself with thoughts of how your present is going to affect your future. Just like Paul said, do NOT get caught up in what lies behind. That is over, it is finished. Move forward in life. Take one day at a time and walk with the Lord. Pray that you are walking His path and His plans will go accordingly.

Move forward. Don't stop to think about the past.

Your Loss is Gain in Christ

2011-04-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God depends on faith" - Philippians 3:8-9

If all I posted for the blog was just those two verses that would be enough. I need say no more, Paul said it perfectly. But I shall share my thoughts anyway because they are in my head and if I leave them there it will make my head bigger which won't bode well with my buzz cut so I must write them down.

Basically, the first thing Paul tells us that losing everything is beyond worth it to know Christ. That concept alone will stump us nowadays. Were so addicted to our televisions, video games and text messaging that we can't even give more than ten minutes of our precious time to reading the scriptures. This is the most selfish act we could possibly pull. All we do is satisfy ourselves with all the self entertainment and showing but where does God come in the picture? Paul considers everything he gave up RUBBISH in order that he may gain Christ. That means he no longer cares for what he had before because it is not nearly as good as what he has now.

Towards the end of the verse, Paul hits righteousness through faith in Christ. Think about that for a second. Being right according to Christ not according to societies standards. If we start living our lives according to what other people think is right instead of what the Bible says is right, we are going to miss out on the most incredible blessings! And I guarantee you the blessings are more incredible than whatever game you're playing or whatever movie you're watching.

Let us take a second and examine the usage of our time. What all do you do in one day? How much of that is for Christ? How much of it is for yourself? Are thing some things you need to give up? How willing are you to give them up?

Let's continue in prayer and pray about how we use our time. Pray not only for yourself but for others close to you as well.

Who Are You Trying to Please?

2011-04-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

"Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant" - Galatians 1:10(NLT)

So many times we are caught in trying to the win approval of people that we forget that that is not what really matters. If you really think about it, to please everyone around you would be impossible. Why do you dress the way you do? Why do you go where you go? How do you spend your free time the way you do? If you're dressing the way you do because everyone around you thinks it's cool, maybe it's time you double check your wardrobe. If you're going to a certain church only because that is where your parents want you to be yet you feel more comfortable and connected to a different church, check your priorities one more time. If you are spending all your time trying to figure out how to make everyone in your life happy, let me let you in on a secret.. that's not your job! We are not People-Pleasers, We are God-Pleasers!

Your job is to bring joy to the heart of the one who created you. Follow in His guidance and I guarantee you everything else will fall into place. God never created you to please everyone around you. You have no obligation of living up to people's standards but only living up to God's standards. When you are right with God you are not with the world. Remember, not everyone will be happy with what job you have, who you date, what music you listen to.. that's okay! The Lord created us to be His sons and daughters which means He is our Father. Set your goals, standards and way of living according to God's Word and the life of Jesus Christ.

Pray constantly and know that when you're in the right with God, your living the way He intended it.

I'm a Christian

2011-04-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" - Philippians 1:27

I bet I can guess a few of the thoughts that came into your head when you read the title.

"I'm a Christian too, a lot of people are"

"How does that make you different?"

"Obviously you're a Christian! You have a blog with words that say Jesus every once in a while"

Nowadays, it's so hard to tell who is actually a follower of Christ and who just says they are a Christian so they can have some sort of religious background or because mom and dad said so. It's so easy to say you're a Christian, so incredibly easy. What is not easy is to show you are a Christian instead of just saying it. I don't even like using the word "Christian" anymore because our generation has killed that word. It means nothing anymore. It has no value and it proves no difference between people who believe in Jesus Christ and follow His way and people don't believe in Jesus Christ. 76% of Americans consider themselves Christian. Going to church Sunday mornings won't save you. Mumbling a half asleep prayer while in bed at night won't be heard. Going on youth group trips to Six Flags every summer won't clear your conscience.

In today's day and time, I don't want to be a Christian. I don't want to pray prayers that won't be heard. I don't want to go to church services that mean nothing to me. I don't want to spend 5 minutes a day reading the Word of God. I WANT TO BE A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST! Don't you? Don't you want to pray with all your heart and soul? Don't you want to love because Christ loved first? Don't you want to spend more time in the Word because that is where ALL the answers are? Don't you want to be a fishermen of men and bring people to Christ so Christ can bring them salvation?

Let our behavior and activities be worthy of the gospel! Let us show love to the world even when we don't want to. Let us coat ourselves with Christ's attitude and let our heart beat and be consumed by his fire.

Let's not just be Christians, let us be Followers of Christ.

Christ's Attitude in Us

2011-04-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" - Colossians 3:12

Every morning when I wake up the first thing I pray is that today is not a day for Alin to live but a day for God to live through Alin. I pray that my attitude will die and Christ's attitude will live through me everyday. I see this as so crucial and as a topic that is not talked about as much as it should be. We should be constantly reminded of our attitudes and how it not only affects us but it affects those around us just as much. Usually when we are surrounded with people that are showing positive Christly attitudes, that will bring out the bright positive attitude out of you!

How else do we obtain this attitude? The best 100% guaranteed way that your attitude will change is by reading the Scripture. The more you dive into God's word the more your attitude will become like God's.

Everyone of us has those negative nancy's in our lives that just never seem to be happy, never seemed to be pleased with life. This could be your co-worker, boss, somebody at church or maybe even a family member. This negative attitude comes from an absence of God's perfect attitude in your life. Go into the Word!!! Study the Scriptures, find out what Christ is like and your new attitude will begin to form. Stop trying to control your life or someone else's life. Stop complaining about not having as many materialistic blessings in this world. Stop blaming others for what you're not seeing clearly.

"The things of this world will perish, but you remain; They will all wear out like a garment" - Hebrews 1:11

It's time we realize that it is not about us anymore. It's not about what we can buy in the world, what we drive, who we can boss around, what don't we have, where can we vacation. It's not about us. When we look to Christ, we look to the positive, the spiritual amazing blessings that we have that will satisfy a thirst that will no longer need quenching. Look to Christ in all things and your attitude will go from negative to loving, caring, kindness and positivity.

Christ called us to be united, with Christ's attitude only can we do this.

Abiding in God's Word

2011-04-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
-Romans 15:4(ESV)

I have read Romans multiple times but never really noticed this verse. Today this verse popped out at me. It was telling me something. It wanted me to know that whatever is going on in my life I'm suppose to look to the Scriptures for ALL the answers. I cannot fathom the number of ways we will try to do things our way instead of going to the scriptures first. Instead of going to the Scriptures first, open up the laptop and get to Google. Instead of praying God's Word will speak to you, text everyone you know asking them what they think. Instead of obeying his command to abide in his Word, just wing it and whatever happens happens.

We are NOT meant to handle this world alone! The Scriptures will help us. Encourage us. Get us through anything we need. It contains all the answers. It is your guide to life. It provides faith. It molds character. It gives strength.

When you don't any better, go to the Scriptures.
When you think you know better, go to the Sciptures.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Making Prayer a Habit

2011-03-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

When you think of everything that goes on in just one day I bet you feel like you could write a whole entire list of activities you go through. Brush your teeth, put on clothes, shower, eat breakfast, drive to work/school. That's just the morning! As your day goes on you have so much to think about and work on that you forget the most essential part of your day.. prayer! I'm not talking about a 5 second mumble of a prayer before you eat and a "thank you God" while lying half asleep in bed. I'm talking about staying in constant communication with the Lord throughout your whole day!

You will never believe how much better, more blessed and easier your day is when you have the Lord Jesus Christ by your side at all times. When you're not in constant prayer with the Lord, you're in constant worry with yourself. God did not design the world in a way that you're about to handle it by yourself. He designed it specifically so that the only way you can make it in this world is with Him and Him only. How are you going to do that? Pray for strength, courage, boldness, love, humility and humbleness. These characteristics will coat you when you stay in constant contact with the one who has proved all these qualities to the greatest extent.

I've realized in the last 8 months that the more time you spend with somebody the more you become like them. I have countless hours and days with my girlfriend, Adri, everyday it seems like we are becoming more and more like each other! We begin to talk like each other, eat like each other and even think the same! Just like with God, the more time you spend with Him in prayer and in His word the more you will become like Him!

Take time to dedicate yourself in constant prayer with the Lord. I guarantee your days will be easier and happier =]

God's Incredible Forgiveness

2011-03-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9

Forgiveness of sins is a subject that is impossible to comprehend, just like God's other amazing qualities. Why? Because it's too amazing for our puny little brains to understand how incredibly lucky we are! There will never go by one day where you don't sin. There will never be any person that is absolutely perfect, except Jesus. But there will always be the forgiveness of your sins.

No one wants to walk around this world without God's amazing forgiveness. I can definitely name quite a few times that if it wasn't for His forgiveness I would be in much more troubled situations than I am now. But to truly receive His forgiveness you have to REPENT! This means Jesus isn't exactly giving you a Get Out of Jail Free Card by forgiving all your sins without you even trying to repent or have a change of heart. To receive the amazing forgiveness of Christ, which is amazing if I haven't already said that, you must have a genuine heart of repentance and want of change.

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," -Acts 3:19

We all have struggles, intense struggles that drive us to sin constantly. You may sin the same sin everyday. You may completely hate that you sin so much but can't help it. We are human and it's understandable. We are definitely not perfect, obviously, and the only way you are going to get past that sin is Christ! You may be struggling with drugs, alcohol, pornography, sex, lying, cheating etc. whatever it may be don't you think that you should turn to the only person who was actually tempted with everything and yet fell into no sin? That man is Jesus Christ. I don't care if you're the biggest alcoholic you've ever known. I don't care if you've slept with multiple partners. I don't care if you've lied to everyone in your life. It's time for change. God loves you just as much as He loves everyone else! If you think this is you and you want God's forgiveness, repent! Ask God to change your heart and PRAY! Pray as much as you can and I guarantee Christ will change your life and give you a fresh start, every single day.

Morals

2011-02-23T10:57:00.000-08:00

Growing up in a Southern Baptist Church you could imagine the emphasis they put on having morals. It seems as though growing up with strict morals and good thoughts and ways to live by is a great thing but sometimes I think we got it all wrong. I'm in no way saying that morals are bad or we shouldn't have morals but I am saying we should take a new perspective on morals. You always hear not to drink or smoke, to go to clubs or to say bad words. I'm not encouraging any of this but at the same time I am also not saying that God will love you less for doing or having done of such things. The way our community portrays morals makes it seem as though God will dislike you for messing up or you have no part and deserve no part of the church if you caught doing immoral things. Yet, those who have better morals and have done a good job keeping them somehow deserve to be a part of the church and are known as better Christians.

Christians, therefore, cannot expect to be sinlessly perfect, for there is none righteous, no not one (Romans 3:10)

By making morals seem like a list of wrong and rights were missing the whole point. Christianity isn't a check list of what to do and what not to do. It is a relationship with Christ that instills His LOVE in you as you grow with Him! It takes time to grow in a relationship with Christ just like it takes time to grow in a relationship with each other. Even if you have messed up in your life and continue to mess up, which everyone does, you are not less loved by Christ. As your relationships blooms, you will start to be a better person and start to act like Christ because His love and mercy changed you, not because your parents told you what you're doing is wrong and you need to change. Only CHRIST can change you! Sure, others may have influence on you, but true change only comes from the Lord. Take it to heart and realize that a relationship with Christ is what it's about it. It's not about wrongs and rights. It's about Christ.

1 At one time you were like a dead person because of the things you did wrong and your offenses against God. 2 You used to act like most people in our world do. You followed the rule of a destructive spiritual power. This is the spirit of disobedience to God’s will that is now at work in persons whose lives are characterized by disobedience. 3 At one time you were like those persons. All of you used to do whatever felt good and whatever you thought you wanted so that you were children headed for punishment just like everyone else.
4-5 However, God is rich in mercy. He brought us to life with Christ while we were dead as a result of those things that we did wrong. He did this because of the great love that he has for us. You are saved by God’s grace! 6 And God raised us up and seated us in the heavens with Christ Jesus. 7 God did this to show future generations the greatness of his grace by the goodness that God has shown us in Christ Jesus.

-Ephesians 2:1-5

Be BOLD

2011-02-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

When I first started teaching Tae Kwon Do I worked with two Masters from Korea, Master Lee and Master Kim. As of today, I still work with Master Lee. Master Kim was always the crazy upbeat one that no one could handle. One particular day in class one of the younger students had pointed out that the formation that they were instructed to stand in was in the shape of a cross. This was not intentional but it just so happened that that's what it looked like. Master Kim being him crazy self had gotten hyped up about what the child had pointed out and asked if anyone in the class is a Christian. Talk about an awkward moment, haha Master Kim was just curious yet as soon as he asked that, EVERY single parent was eyes out focused on the class to see if he really just asked that.

Why was that moment so awkward? Why did everybody's head jump up when the term "Christian" was used? Why did it seem wrong to ask that question?

Acts 4:29 says "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness". Now I don't know about you but how are we suppose to speak The Word with great boldness if were unable to say the word Christian in public without feeling awkward!?I can't tell you how many opportunities I've had to share the gospel or talk to somebody about Jesus or give some encouragement but that I let slip away because I didn't want somebody to think I was weird or trying to shove gospel down their throat. I didn't want to be labeled as one of "those Christians" but what am I worried about?

I believe that when we go to Heaven and were standing at the gates and we come up to Jesus, He's not going to ask us "Did you live a good life?" or "How much money did give away?" BUT "Who did you bring with you?"

Think about it. Ponder it. Next time you have an opportunity to share the Word, the beautiful word of Jesus Christ, make sure you share it with BOLDness! Do not be ashamed or scared for Gospel means "Good News!", everybody wants to know the good news =]

SUPERRRR FRIDAY 10!!!!! =D

2011-01-28T09:23:00.000-08:00

FAVORITE ARTIST

FAVORITE CELEB LAUGH

FAVORITE BEAT IT COVER

FAVORITE MASCOT FIGHT *warning: this video contains mild language towards the end*

FAVORITE HOCKEY FAN

Penguins Fan Faceplants On Van - Watch more Sports

FAVORITE PEEL OUT

Classic Car Peel Out Leaves Flames On Road - Watch more Funny Videos

FAVORITE SANDWHICH..EVER! *warning: this video contains mild language towards the end*

Sandwich With A Punch - Watch more Funny Videos

FAVORITE SURPRISE ATTACK

FAVORITE BABY TRAP

FAVORITE JUSTIN BEIBER FAN!

FRIDAY FIVE!!

2011-01-21T09:22:00.000-08:00

FAVORITE FRUIT EATER

FAVORITE RACE CAR DRIVER

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

FAVORITE BMX BIKERS

FAVORITE SNOW CLEANER

FAVORITE EXERCISE

Too Busy Inside the Church to go Outside the Church

2011-01-14T16:01:00.000-08:00

This is just a short thought that I'd like to speak about for just a moment. When you become baptized or saved or a member of a new church you want to give God all of your time, correct? You have this fire within that just won't let out and all that fire wants to do is build up inside of you so the glory of God is magnified. This is a great thing I tell you!

Don't play with fire.

Yes, even the fire that is building inside of you to glorify the body of Christ. Sometimes we are so absolutely caught up in what we have to do for the Church that we completely forget that there is an outside world that needs our help. We go on missions, have church picnics, church basketball nights, band practice, orchestra practice, choir practice, sunday morning church, sunday night church, saturday night youth, friday night church, youth group trips, visiting the elderly, small groups etc. All this stuff is amazing and I'm not saying that any of it is bad in any way but getting caught up in all of it, it turns into a routine and not only that it keeps you from the outside world. Even Jesus sat with the tax collectors and the sinners because they are the ones that need a doctor! You need to take time to speak to non-Christians and to relate to them. Love them.

The Very Same Power

2011-01-13T18:54:00.000-08:00

“The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you.” - Romans 8:11

The VERY same power that raised Christ from the dead is ALIVE in us today!
Wow wow wow. Let's stop right here.
...
..
.
WOW! Can you believe that?

How many times have you caught yourself going through something you just can't handle? All the time right? Maybe you have a lot of bills this month that you don't know if you're going to make them or not. Maybe all your friends are having sex and all you're doing is being tempted to have sex. Maybe nobody is really paying attention to you right now and you just need a friend. Maybe you can't handle school, work, friends, finances, family and everything else life has to offer at the same time. Where are you going to find the strength? the will power? THE VERY SAME POWER THAT RAISED CHRIST FROM THE DEAD IS ALIVE IN YOU. The power is in you! It's Jesus! Jesus has/is the power that raised Him from the dead and Jesus is alive in you. Jesus has already provided all the strength you need to handle anything. When you come upon another day that you think you can't make it, pray for faith in Jesus because the power is there you just need to believe.

I was recently speaking to my girlfriend, Adri, about our New Years Resolution and trusting God more. My New Years resolution was to trust God more because last year with barely trusting God, He always pulled me through. I went further on to use a financial example. I explained to her that I have no idea where I get half my money. This makes me sound a lot like a drug dealer but I'm not haha. I meant in a sense that as weird as this may sound, Martial Arts Instructors aren't payed as well as you think and there are quite a few things that require money in the world. Last year I learned to trust God more and he will provide what I need and most of the time more than what I need! Whenever I'm stuck or need to make it through something, the power of Christ is in me and all I need to do is trust. Constant prayer and faith in God are the ingredients that let the Power of God rise into your heart.

Jealous much?

2011-01-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid if my brother got something that I didn't get I wanted it. If he got a new Buzz Lightyear toy with the special utility belt, which I still think is a fanny pack, I wanted it. If he got a new basketball and I didn't, I would take it and play with it. If he got new violin strings and that played beautifully, I wanted those too, I didn't even play violin I just wanted the strings.

It is a natural human inclination to be jealous! Everyone is jealous of somebody and wants something or someone that they "can't have". Nowadays I'm not really so jealous for basketballs and Buzz lightyear's but there are always things that get me going. When I see local musicians playing at nice venues I always have this thing inside me that wishes I could play there too. There are little things in everybodies life that just kind of nudges the jealous part into us.

"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice" - James 3:16

"Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord." - Song of Solomon 8:6

Did you ever know that the feeling of jealousy was that fierce? That it can really be that affecting in your life? As you go on with your days and you feel jealousy overcoming you at some point just kind of stop and COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. You can't think of what you don't have when you're too busy thinking of what God gave you. One of the things that I have been coming to realize more and more since the past year is that God blesses me way more than I could ever deserve and when I feel jealousy start to overcome me, I start to think of things that I have that others don't have haha. As you bow your head in prayer, start by counting and thanking God for your blessing for you and I truly have no reason to be jealous.

What have you learned this year?

2010-12-31T10:34:00.000-08:00

As we come to wrap up the year of 2010 I want to reference to my first blog post that I have ever posted. My first blog post was I think the first day of January 2010 and I stated that 2010 was going to be a BIG year and that many things would happen this year. Now of course that is a pretty general statement but many BIG things did happen this year.

The biggest thing that I learned this year is that GOD ALWAYS PROVIDES!

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, NKJV)

Now I'm not talking about when you want that new Xbox 360 game God is going to swoop into your life and magically make that game appear in your room. Not that He can't do that but I highly doubt He will. I mean when you're in need and you come to God before going to anyone else. He will provide! If you don't think you're going to be able to pay your bills this month, put your worries aside and pray! If your kids don't have the proper clothes they need to stay warm this winter, don't stress it. When you think there is no way you're going to get through this day physically, financially or even spiritually, you better look up! Ask God for strength, don't ask for lighter burdens but ask for a stronger back.

"My flesh and my heart my fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" - Psalm 73:26

Where ever you are right now, at home on the computer, on your iPhone relieving your bodily needs or at starbucks on your laptop, take a moment and pray. Pray to God asking him that this year you will trust Him more to provide and that you should have a stronger back than last year.

PRAISE THE FATHER AND THE SON! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE AND PLEASE MAKE SURE WE STAY IN ENCOURAGEMENT THIS YEAR AND THAT WE ALL GROW IN FELLOWSHIP =]

FRIDAY FIVE!

2010-12-09T20:43:00.001-08:00

FAVORITE SALSA DANCE

FAVORITE SHAQ QUOTE

FAVORITE CHRISTMAS DECORATION

FAVORITE DUNK ATTEMPT

FAVORITE JANITOR

FRIDAY FIVE!!

2010-12-02T17:26:00.000-08:00

FAVORITE MMA FIGHTER

FAVORITE TURKEY CALL

FAVORITE RACER

World Championship Kart Racing Victory Lap Crash - Watch more Funny Videos

FAVORITE DRAKE FAN

FAVORITE TURKEY LADY

What are YOUR plans?

2010-11-30T17:53:00.000-08:00

Planning is a big part of life. You plan what college you go to, who you hang out with on the weekends, what kind of car you want to get, what kind of job you're looking for. All these things you either lay out on paper or run through your head constantly. We plan as we go on with our day. We plan on what to eat for lunch. We plan on what to read or watch when we get back home and get a chance to relax. All day long we plan things and we don't even know it.

How many times during all those plans have you consulted God about your plans? Have you realized yet that it's not your plans that matter but the plans that God has prepared for you that matter?

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed" - Proverbs 16:3

Wise words from a very wise. Mr. Solomon here is letting us know exactly what to do with our plans. As we go on with our lives our plans get bigger and bigger. For example, what house you are going to get? Who are you going to marry? How will you pay for such things? Etc.. How can any of those turn out well without the help of the Lord! You can stress and worry all day but until you lay your eyes upon God and hand Him all your problems and tell Him "Lord only you can do and conquer all things! I do Nothing" That is when your plans will succeed. That is when His plans become your plans.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

FRIDAY FIVE!!

2010-10-21T16:49:00.001-07:00

FAVORITE METAL CONCERT

FAVORITE DANCING IN STREET *warning: contains very minor profanity*

FAVORITE SHIRTLESS KNOCK OUT

FAVORITE REMIX

FAVORITE ASIAN BABY BATH

BONUS!!

FAVORITE AIRBAG PRANK

In this world but not OF it.

2010-10-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

"They are not of the world, even as I am not of it." - John 17:16

How can John say he is not of the world when he lives in this world!? Simple. You can be in the world and not be of the world. Being of the world mean you satisfy your flesh rather than satisfying your soul or your spirituality that craves God. Oh how easy it is to fall directly into the ways of this world. As humans we strive to fit in and sometimes fitting in requires being OF this world rather than just in it. How many times have you caught yourself adapting to your surroundings without even knowing it?

Not too long ago, I was enjoying a nice game of basketball in my team sports class at my educational facility center. I love the game of basketball because it gives me an excuse to wear socks bigger than my arm and yell things like "FORE!!". Throughout this lovely game of basketball many of the players would reward another player with a compliment after he/she made a good shot. The compliment was the same every time. After each good shot that was made, I would hear somebody say "good sh**". Now I'm not the biggest fan of profanity but I never minded it that much. After a good twenty minutes of intense basketball(walking back and forth asking for the ball), I realized that I sometimes was saying "good sh**" after good shots too.

Without even realizing it, you adapt to your surroundings in unnoticeable ways. Sometimes it's a bad thing, sometimes it's not such a bad thing.But at all times we need to keep in mind that even though we are IN this world we ARE NOT OF this world! Whatever you do, make sure you acknowledge Jesus in all situations, breath, activity, meal, shower, rest, ANYTHING.

FRIDAY FIVE!

2010-10-07T19:57:00.001-07:00

FAVORITE DOUBLE FLIP

FAVORITE CENSORSHIP USAGE

FAVORITE DARTH VADER

FAVORITE TICKLED CAT

FAVORITE SWINGING

Light.

2010-10-06T18:19:00.000-07:00

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but he will have light of life." - John 8:12

Oh man that verse hits hard. How many have you heard that verse? Too many. I understand. How many times have you taken your life and put in perspective with that verse?

This verse is a day to day challenge. Following the light in a dark world is not as easy as it sounds. I have figured out that the days that I spend the least time with God are the ones that I am not happy with. Sometimes I will come to the end of the day and just feel useless. That doesn't necessarily mean I didn't do anything that day, it's just kind of God's way of telling me that I didn't anything with Him that day. I should let you know, those days are down right horrible. If I wasn't spending my time with God, I couldn't have been in the light. If I wasn't in the light, I must have been in darkness. If I was in darkness, What was the point of that day? Trust me, you don't want to spend anymore time in darkness. Make God a habit! Try to include God in everything you do throughout the day, with prayer especially. Encourage others to do the same. When you follow the light, it shines through you as well.

Changing Point

2010-10-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

Change is something that most people don't grasp well or can't grasp at all. For some reason, I have always been one of those people but not today. If I look back on the past two months of my life, so much change has occurred. There has been bad, good and great change. I feel like this is God's beginning for me. He has something up his sleeve that he hasn't completely shared with me yet. God has a plan that he is slowly revealing. He is putting me through situations when I have to trust Him and only Him, which has not been the easiest thing. He has also put me in situations where I thought I didn't need Him at all, wrong again I was. As this next step in my life unravels I want to fully trust God. Destroying all my worries and giving every thing I have to Him. This is the only I know I will stay as happy and fulfilled as I am now.

I can honestly say that I have never been this happy before in my life :)

Love everything Jesus loves. Hate everything Jesus hates.

2010-09-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

God created love. He wants us to love one another. Love the poor. Love our parents. Love Him most of all! But what about hate? When you think of Jesus you don't think of hate, you think of love. Hate plays a big role in our lives every single day. None of us admit it but we hate without even knowing it. As much as God wants you to love, He wants you to hate the things He hates just as much.

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." - Romans 12:9

Hate what is evil? Yes! When I read that the first thing that came to mind was Satan. I'm going to hate satan today. I'm going to hate satan tomorrow. Satan will not get in my way any longer. Satan will push me down but I will get right back up and punch satan in the face! I hate satan! I will not let satan get in my way any longer. Have you been letting satan tempt you? Letting him drag you around like you are his? Cling to what is good! Don't let yourself be surrounded by satan. Wake up every morning and say "Satan you suck and you will not run my life today or ever!"

Be ready tomorrow morning. Wake up and tell satan that he sucks and tell Jesus that you love Him want to follow Him. Make Jesus proud :)

FRIDAY FIVE!!

2010-09-24T03:41:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE ROCKY TRAINING SEA LION

Sea Lion "Rocky" Training - Watch more Funny Videos

FAVORITE LINE DRIVE TO FAN HEAD

FAVORITE SINGING HIPPO

FAVORITE PUNCHY

allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385">

FAVORITE DANCING DAD

FRIDAY FIVE!!!

2010-09-16T20:24:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE LAUGH

FAVORITE CAT IN POT

FAVORITE YELLING SEAL

FAVORITE SKATEBOARD FOOTAGE

FAVORITE SPINNING SQUIRREL

Squirrel Caught In A Spinning Feeder - Watch more Funny Videos

Psalm 91:5

2010-09-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

"You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day" - Psalm 91:5

This is by far one of the most comforting verses anyone could ever read. It hit me especially hard and I hope you get the shivers I got while reading this. Let's dive in!

"You will NOT fear.." - How many times have we heard to not be afraid of things? To be a risk-taker? How many times have you backed out of something because you were afraid? Fear can overcome anything you want to do in life if you let it. Stop fear in its tracks! By having fear, you're telling God you don't trust Him. If you feel that God is approving what you're thinking of or what you want to do, what else do you need? When you have God's army backing you, the war is over.

"..terror of the night" - I believe this can be a literal "night" and metaphorical "night" as in we don't have to sleep in fear and when we feel God's light isn't shining upon us, maybe were just not looking up. There's so much to be scared of at night and that's Satan's best time to set up stumbling blocks upon you to fall. Let Satan know that the terror of the night will become a footstool for you!

"arrow...by day" - Oh yes, that's right just because it's day time doesn't mean Satan took a rest at trying to bring you his way. But that also doesn't mean God took a rest either :). Read that verse again. The arrows FLY BY you! Millions of arrows may fly your way but will never pierce your flesh. Be not afraid anymore for the Lord says so.

Psalm 91:4

2010-09-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge: His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart" - Psalm 91:4

This one was a bit of a tough one but with the help of Ovi Cioloca and David Hevesi, I was able to break this down more!

"He will COVER you..." - specifically you! Being covered by God makes you invisible to Satan, how can he attack something he can't see? Satan has NO power over God!

"..with His FEATHERS" - feathers? Why would God use such a weak, light source of protection for you? Because with God there is no weak, light source of protection! God shows His almighty powers through even the weakest of feathers and can protect each and every one of us with them!

"..under his wings" - with a reference going back to Psalm 91:2, Here the author is bringing up "wings of protection" again. His wings are a fortress and it is emphasized by being said more than once. There is a huge emphasis on protection.

Rampart: (an elevation or platform lifted high) God is really to get you off the ground and lift you high next to Him. While you think you are at the bottom of the barrel, God shoots you up to the top next to Him in full security.

"...His faithfulness" - This doesn't mean his faith in US will be our rampart and shield. He means the faith that He GAVE us will be our shield and rampart!

FRIDAY FIVE!!!

2010-09-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE GYMNIAST

FAVORITE CHICKEN RAP

FAVORITE POLE DANCER

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FAVORITE ROOF JUMPER

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FAVORITE POOP EATING ELEPHANT

FRIDAY FIVE!!!

2010-08-26T17:42:00.001-07:00

FAVORITE ORCHESTRA

FAVORITE SONG COVER

FAVORITE HOG CALLING CONTEST

FAVORITE PIANIST

FAVORITE GAME INVENTION

Psalm 91:3

2010-08-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

"Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence" - Psalm 91:3

Just when you thought nothing could save you from what this world was throwing out you, you just happen to read this verse and blog right now. Let's cut right to it and break it down.

"SURELY He will save you.." - Ever wonder why it says "surely"? Why so sure? don't you think some things are just too wretched to be saved from? How can anyone be so confident in God that they know that no matter what situation you're in you will be saved? Faith. If it was easy to believe it wouldn't require faith.

Fowler: (Hunter of birds) There is always a hunter in everyones life. Somebody that tries to put you down. Sometimes the hunter doesn't even know he/she is hunting! Satan will use people as his hunter to get us birds. God is about to show us how to use our wings.

Snare: (a device/trap used to capture) Thats right, the hunter has tools! Every good hunter will carry tools, plant them in your way and try to capture you. It's hard to avoid traps you can't see, right? Don't worry! The Lord will be your light shining out all those traps so not one will touch you.

Deadly Pestilence: (A virulent epidemic disease) Disease? Yes. Sin is a disease. We are addicted to it. We love it and if it wasn't for consequences, we would indulge our lives into sin. You need help. I need help We all need help. I don't care how much money you make or what car you drive. We are all sinners and now know that we are saved, free of charge. It's a gift. All we have to do is Love.

FRIDAY FIVE!

2010-08-19T19:07:00.001-07:00

FAVORITE CONCERT

FAVORITE ALLIGATOR SMASH

FAVORITE TURTLE

FAVORITE KNOCK OUT

FAVORITE EYE OF THE TIGER COVER

Psalm 91:2

2010-08-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

"I will say of the Lord 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust'" - Psalm 91:2(NIV)

Let's break it down one step at a time. If you remember Psalm 91:1, it hits hard on "shelter" and "resting in the shadows". Deep stuff. This verse is hitting just as hard on shelter, with a slight different use of vocab but just as powerful. This verse starts right off the bat "I WILL SAY OF THE LORD" read that OF in there. He is not talking to God but about God to others. What does he say to others about God?

"..He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust"

"He IS" - that means God currently at this time! He's not talking past tense in this.

Refuge: (shelter/protection from danger and trouble) - isn't this what everybody craves? Protection from all of earth's flaws and hates. Isn't this what parents want for their children? Isn't this what people die to find?

Fortress: (a large fortified place with great security) - aww snap! security? You forget about God's army didn't you? Angels will surround this fortress, no enemy shall pass. No other army can come close to you. Well read more about that in a later verse.

MY refuge, MY fortress, MY God - Look at how personal this gets. God doesn't pick the best looking people or the smartest people, anyone who loves Him and wants to share His love has Him! It is a relationship, the most personal relationship you can have.

"...In whom I trust" - Now that's a tough word to get across to people. Trust. How many people can you say you really trust? Some people have a hard time even trusting God! I know I do sometimes but thats just one more thing I can work on! This entire verse is an encouragement and an inspiration to strive to see the big picture of God.

FRIDAY FIVE!!!

2010-08-12T18:54:00.001-07:00

FAVORITE TALKING DOG

FAVORITE CELEBRATION

FAVORITE TODDLER

FAVORITE NUTS SHOT

FAVORITE EVIL CAT

Psalm 91:1

2010-08-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

For the next few weeks I will be trying to do a more in depth study of Psalm 90. Each day I will thoroughly study one verse at a time and try to fully experience God's comfort in a radical way. After reading this chapter I knew that I had to study it more, I had to go in depth into God's Word and really feel Him speak to me and take care of my life! Psalm 91:1 here we go!

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty"
- Psalm 91:1(NIV)

Dwells: (a permanent residence) This means not just dropping by and saying "hey" to God once a week at church on Sunday but permanently living in His Word and in the lifestyle He has blessed for you.

Shelter: (a dwelling place that is very protected) God is providing for you not just a home but a place where no storms, no fires, for earthly troubles will ever reach you. No troubles at all will ever reach you. He is fully protecting you!

"will rest.." - as you are dwelling in Gods protective refuge for you, He will not make you work, he will not make you labor or worry about anything. He will tell you to rest! to TRADE your fears for faith. That sounds like a pretty good deal to me!

"..in the shadow" - where are you resting? In a shadow? Doesn't that sound dark and unGodly? Look at whose shadow you're resting in! "..in the shadow of the Almighty". God is light, there is no darkness in Him. You are actually resting in a heavenly light but what is explained as a shadow for you are hidden from all worldy distresses. No one will see God's light until they see God for who he truly is so you are fully protected in His shadow but fully protected in His light at the same time!

FRIDAY FIVE!!!

2010-08-06T10:23:00.001-07:00

FAVORITE KEYBOARD THROWERS

FAVORITE TOILET SONG

FAVORITE TRICK SHOT

Tosh.0

Basketball to the Face

www.comedycentral.com

Tosh.0 Videos

Daniel Tosh

Web Redemption

FAVORITE BASEBALL CATCH

FAVORITE DANCING DOG

Light in this World

2010-07-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

"Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." - John 3:19

Let's take a look at the first six words, "Light has come into this world". That's where most people stop and ask themselves "are you sure?". How can there be light in such a cruel and chaotic world. People die unsaved, children are raped, prostitutes roam the streets, murderers plan their next target. Where is the light? Take a look at the next sentence, "..but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil". This is where darkness comes into play, there are now two sides. Light vs Dark. Classic Battle, no? Darth Vader vs Luke Skywalker. Coke vs Pepsi. The reason we don't see the light most of the time is because we are not making Christ our center, surrounding ourselves with Him. We are in the world's sinful darkness. That may sound "obvious" in a sort of a way but if so, why is it so hard to get through our heads? So many non-Christian's ask themselves everyday "If there is a God, why would he let all this happen?" This is mankind! We did this, not Him! God loves us and wants us to have free will. It means so much more to Him for us to freely love Him rather than feel forced to love Him. We had and have a choice whether or not to have the light in our lives. Without the light, you have no life. You are dead. Don't let the worldly darkness possess you. Heavenly light reigns over worldly darkness, anyday.

FRIDAY FIVE

2010-07-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE SHOPPER

Shopping Cart Moonwalk - Watch more Funny
Videos

FAVORITE GOAT

FAVORITE DOG

FAVORITE WILD LIFE

FAVORITE EXERCISE

FRIDAY FIVE!!!

2010-07-23T10:49:00.001-07:00

FAVORITE GOAT

FAVORITE NUT SHOT

FAVORITE WASSABI

FAVORITE WAY OF TRANSPORTATION

FAVORITE PARROT

Thoughts Run Your Life

2010-07-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

"Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life"

Is that true? Your thoughts run your life? Absolutely! There is a stream of thought going around nowadays that "thinking about it" is the safety net for our actions. We think that if we don't physically do or say something, then it never happened. Thats basically telling God he has no idea what's going on in your mind. God knows exactly what you think before you think about thinking about it. If that last sentence confused you, please call 1-800-ROOMS-TO-GO and ask for Tandra as your representative. Everyone has their weak points when it comes to their thoughts. As humans, our minds have been polluted by so many things in this worldly place. You might not curse out loud, but I'm sure you mumbled quite a few profanities in your head. You might not have punched the really annoying guy at work, but I'm sure the scene has gone through head a couple times. You might not say anything to the attractive girl walking by you, but you guys seem to know each other pretty well in your head. How do we keep these thoughts out of our mind? Surround yourself with Christ. Do you really think you will be muttering curse words in your mind when your reading the scripture? Do you think you're going to want to punch people when you're in a state of prayer? Do you think you're going to want to think about hot girls when you're intently singing the Lords praise? Block the thoughts of the world, it's possible! You can let your thoughts flow into actions once your only thought is Christ! Let us be just like Jesus.

I'm a Sinner

2010-07-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

Being a Christian, we have always been told that were are sinners. The most common thing in prayer is to always ask for forgiveness. We ask for forgiveness because we are sinners. We are constantly asking for forgiveness because we are constantly sinning. We notice we are sinners and even admit that we are. The hardest thing to do as a sinner is not to admit that you are one, but actually attempt to change.

I want to apologize to my Father. I'm sorry I say I trust you when a lot of the times I actually don't. I'm sorry I ask for forgiveness knowing that I'm going to cause that same sin again. I'm sorry I lie knowing that you hate a lying tongue. I'm sorry that sometimes I can't be presented as the light of the world because of my behavior. I'm sorry that I'm so selfish enough to think more about myself than of You and others. I'm sorry that I don't read and study nearly as much as you want. I'm sorry that my prayers are sometimes guilt ridden just to get them out of the way. I'm sorry that I ask for so much yet give you little. I'm sorry I spend more time playing guitar and games than with you. I'm sorry I have hurt my friends who you have placed in my life to help me. I'm sorry I'm a good for nothing sinner who can't stand a chance in this world alone. I thank you for You, Your love, Your life! You still love me even after all these sins. The list can go on but yet you love me! Why!? Why do you love me so much? I have no words when it comes to explaining how grateful I am for Your love. I have never physically come close, but spiritually you are flowing through me like a river. I love you Father. So much.

FRIDAY FIVE!!!

2010-07-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE CAT

FAVORITE KANGAROO

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FAVORITE DROP KICK

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FAVORITE RUSSIAN

FAVORITE TUMBLE

Which days are truly fulfilling?

2010-07-15T22:59:00.000-07:00

"Do not work for food that spoils, but food that endures.." - John 6:27

When I read these words, I had to pause. I took a moment and then realized I have to go write a blog, I have to share what I just felt. Did you read the verse? Read it again. One more time. This verse can be looked out in so many different ways but it hit me in one particular way. Always going for things that won't last, how common is that to you? It's very common for me! I can say there have been many days where I spent the whole day learning new guitar solos or playing games and watching movies with my best friends. Now you would figure that all sounds like a great day, right? There is just something different about the end of the day. When it gets to the end of the day, it does not feel full. It feels like you did nothing the whole day even though while you were doing it it felt very fulfilling. Those days will never be fulfilling. Those are the days that will perish. The days that matter are the days that are filled with food that endures. What is food? Jesus said that His Word is food! His amazing, gracefully given Word, that we all have a copy of, is our daily food! The days that we fill ourselves up with that food is the days that are fulfilled! The days that are remembered. The days that are worth living for.

FRIDAY FIVE!!!

2010-07-09T17:22:00.001-07:00

FAVORITE JEDI

FAVORITE TURTLE

FAVORITE SINGER

FAVORITE GYMNAST

FAVORITE LAUGH

Top 5 Favorite Non Christian Bands

2010-07-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

1. Mute Math
- There is not one band who puts on a better show than these guys. Best concert anyone will attend. Darren King tops all drummers of his genre and uniqueness of the bands tops of bands of any genre.

2. Muse
- Matt Bellemay rips out insane vocals on top of some crazy guitar riffs. I have never heard so much be done by a 3 person band, they are all individually very talented and as a band come out the most chemically fused band I have ever seen.

3. John Mayer
- With his incredible lyrics, catchy melodies and insanely good vocals/guitar playing, John Mayer comes at a sloppy third because frankly he's a huge douchebag. John Mayer is one of the most inconsiderate and intolerable human beings ever to be this good at anything. Lucky for him his music is amazing.

4. Asking Alexandria
- These guys have definitely put together some of the most vile metal core screamo out there. Their lyrics are awful but that doesn't mask the outstanding rhythms and talent. Definitely a top notch choice of mine.

5. Kris Allen
- I loved the direction he headed after American Idol. His genre is perfect for him and his voice still shows why he won the whole competition. He may not have the greatest range but he sure makes up for it in the end.

Top 5 Favorite Christian Bands

2010-07-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

1. David Crowder Band
- The David Crowder Band is definitely number one just for the fact that they are so much more unique and different from any other band to step foot near Six Steps Records or any Christian Label.

2. Chris Tomlin
- In a close second place, Chris Tomlin could almost be tied for first for his amazing worship filled music. His songs and melodies are blessed and utterly heart warming, they bring tears to eyes and just go into your soul.

3. The Devil Wears Prada
- Even though TDWP isn't a worship sensed band, they show that it doesn't matter what you play or how you play it as long as your heart is right with God and they have lived through worldy life and gotten past it with God which definitely deserves recognition. Plus they are the more hard core than most Non Christian hard core Bands! Bring it!

4. TobyMac
- Toby Mac is hands down the most crunk worship artist I have ever seen/heard. He knows how to get it down and get crunk! His rhymes are sick, melodies are thick and beats are Mac Daddy G! Warning: Listening to Toby Mac will give you Head Bobbing Syndrom.

5. Steve Fee
- Aside from what Fee has done in his life, his music is still amazing to me and deserves to be recognized. Awesome guitar sounds and great drum fills. I believe Fee will be back on his feet soon and ready to jam it up again!

FRIDAY FIVE!

2010-07-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE MOVIE SCENE

FAVORITE FAT KID

FAVORITE BLONDE

Ditzy Blonde Chick Faceplants Off Ball - Watch more Funny Videos

FAVORITE ASIAN RAPPER

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FAVORITE FOREIGNER

Brutal Nutshot On Park Bench - Watch more Funny Videos

How lucky am I?

2010-06-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

How lucky am I to have a future that has a future?
How lucky am I to be comforted by merely reading sacred text?
How lucky am I to have a choice and be proud of it?
How lucky am I to thank God for making me His child?
How lucky am I to not have to go through everyday non Christian problems?
How lucky am I to be surrounded by people who would go to the edge for me?
How lucky am I to have the opportunity to give what needs to be given?
How lucky am I to write what I'm writing?
How lucky am I to sing for what I live and love for?

I'm not lucky at all. I'm extremely blessed, and so are you. Action says more than words and just by writing in this blog every couple of days won't do much. God won't be in heaven thinking "Alin was a good kid, he didn't steal at all and wrote a mighty tootin' blog". What if you watched a football game where all they did was stand on the field and explain to each other what they should do? You'd probably change the channel to watch a different game. God is the same way! He doesn't want to see you talk or write about it more than He wants to see you do it! Get out of your playbook and start running some downs. It's time we realize how blessed we are.

Who are truly the rich?

2010-06-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

There are many times when I find myself complaining about my paycheck no being big enough or not having all the new technology of pedals and guitars I want. There are so many times where I am caught up in money just like the rest of us. Just thinking about all the stuff we could buy, all the places we could go, all the things we could have. Is it worth it? Is having all this money worth your time? Money not only is a key factor to helping you get more materialistic but it has a huge factor in someones view towards somebody else. People sometimes won't even acknowledge other people of a lower status than them because they are not as good as them. Some people choose not to date others because they don't have a ton of money, even though they might actually like the person. Why is money making our decisions? Why is money getting in the way of seeing what really makes us rich? I don't want money. I don't games. I don't want someone who loves me for my economical status. I don't want the nicest car. I actually do want many guitars and pedals, LOVE it! Either way, I want something more! I don't want to come to end of the road and realize I was very successful in my earthly life but now it has no purpose. When you are full of God, you are RICH! You are ballin' Kobe Bryant style. It's hard to just let go of all this stuff and get spiritual. It takes time to transform but it will be worth it! Drop the money, get rich.

Has your relationship with God actually changed the way you live?

2010-06-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

Let's think about that title for a second. Has your relationship with God actually changed the way you live? When I read that, I had to pause for a minute to think about everything I would be doing if I didn't want to live for the Lord. Reading the Bible and attending church would be out of the question, which those activities have had alot of time put into them. I like parties, I'm sure that would be a regular activity instead. Weed is pretty cool nowadays, why not try that too while I'm at it? I know quite a few hot girls, I'm sure they wouldn't mind hooking up. Why am I not doing these things? Am I scared of my parents? Am I too cool for it? When we refuse these earthly pleasures, do we stop to think why we are refusing? We think refusing these pleasures is the right thing to do and it is. The only reason its right is because its right in Gods eyes. We have our conscience deep inside of us screaming at us to do the right thing. God put that conscience there, He wants us to do what pleases Him! He wants to change the way we live so we don't get caught up in the earthly cycle of misery. God helped me refuse the world. He changed the way I live my life. I hope you can say the same.

Had your relationship with God actually changed the way you live?

FRIDAY FIVE!!

2010-06-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE BACKFLIP ATTEMPT

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FAVORITE FAIL-A-THON

FAVORITE GRANDMOTHER

FAVORITE KITTEN WORLD CUP

FAVORITE SOCCER MOMENTS

True Emotions Towards God

2010-06-24T15:23:00.001-07:00

Feelings can be utterly annoying and confusing at times, we rarely can handle them by ourselves. We can never find the right words to explain certain emotions we have towards certain things. How many times have you found yourself trying to tell a friend how you feel and you keep starting and stopping your conversation because you can't find the right words to use? Have you ever been caught up trying to find out your own emotions towards God?

When somebody asks you how you feel about God you most likely always respond with answers like "I love Him! I'm so blessed" and "He is the number one priority in my life!". As great as that sounds, how many times can you honestly say those are true? As Christians, many of us were born and raised in the church taught to read and pray everyday. Now reading and praying comes as a guilt factor for most people, they read and pray just so they can say that they did it and get rid of that guilt. Is that really loving God at all? Is that really making Him your number one priority? I know I have definitely been caught up in my own life a lot of the time. I would do little quick guilt prayers before I fall asleep so I can have more time during the day to play guitar and xbox. I would glance over some small passages and then go watch more soccer. If we want to really love God, we have to read and pray out of LOVE not guilt. No matter quick passages, no more half asleep prayers. no more giving God a slice of your life. He made all this possible, give Him a praise of Love, not guilt.

I can't do this by myself.

2010-06-19T22:01:00.002-07:00

There's a lot of essentials you tend to acquire in life like food, air, bug spray, QT 49 cent fountain drinks. There are also some things that aren't so easy to really get. Since life can seem so incredibly hard and tempting a lot of the time, you want to surround yourself with good people, Godly things. You want God to be all up in your kool-aid. At times, it's not that easy to let God be all up in your kool-aid. There will be those days where your kool-aid has a bad flavor and you're not thinking about God. You have moments where you're just doing your own thing and makes more mistakes than usual. What happens now? You're trying to do your own thing and not acknowledging God. God gave you another essential that you probably don't even notice until the hard times kick in. God is so incredibly smart that He has already prepared friends for you to be there for you when you don't see Him.

Maybe you're in need of a friend right now. Maybe you messed up and you need somebody to talk to. Maybe you feel like no one is there right now and one simple text or phone call would change your whole perspective. Maybe you're the friend that needs to step up. Maybe you have a friend who is in need and needs your help. Maybe God wants you to drop your grudge and get your hands dirty. Maybe it's not about you this time. Maybe friendship is what is going to keep people on the right path. Maybe we all have some things we need to take care and now is the time.

If you feel as though a friend needs you or you need a friend, take action! God wants you to grow in fellowship, love each other and forgive. Love.

FRIDAY FIVE!!

2010-06-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE GUN OWNER

Gun Recoil Knockout - Watch more Funny Videos

FAVORITE CRUNK BABY

FAVORITE MEXICAN BABY

FAVORITE CAT NOISE

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FAVORITE NINJA BEAR

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Not of this World

2010-06-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

Aren't you so glad that you are not of this world? Aren't you glad that this place most people call home isn't our home? I know I am! How many times have we been caught up in worldly situations that we ourselves couldn't have gotten out of? We are always struggling to be part of the world when we are not suppose to be!

Think about it, we are always trying to be very successful, be the light of the parties, have the coolest technology, wear only the best clothes, play the games everyone plays, watch the shows everyone watches, do only the coolest drugs, live only the worldly way.

We are in the world, not of it. It's okay that you watch tv or play music. It's okay to attend sporting events and go out to eat with your friends. You're not a bad person because of this but be aware to not be distracted. God wants you, all of you. He wants you to realize that you are His and everything you have is His. You made nothing for yourself and everything was made for you by Him. Don't be distracted by the parties, the glam, the electronics and all that. Be who God wants you to be, not what the world wants you to be.

John 15:19
"If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you."

You can stop worrying now!

2010-06-07T09:58:00.001-07:00

Worry never gets anything done. Worry causes you to run from prayer. Worry takes away hope in the greatest love. Worry gives you another drink. Worry divorces your wife. Worry runs away from home. Worry steals somebody else's hard earned money. Worry leaves you hopeless in a hopeful time.

Everyone has their fears and worries that cause them to go through situations that you normally would not go through. You could be freaking out about the shortage of money to take a trip, the grades you got in the mail or boss who hasn't even noticed you still work there. We have so much in our lives that can cause us to be stressful and just give up. I want to give you five important ways to get rid of that useless worry!

1. Pray
- With prayer, you are inviting angels into your worry war zone. Worry can't stand a chance against God's army and you shouldn't let it. Don't ever be afraid to just get down on your knees and ask God for help.

2. Act
- Don't just sit there and let the worry get to you. If worry had a face, I would tell you to slap it! Worry is just another way that Satan tries to alter your mind into thinking God isn't enough. When Satan throws worry in your face, smack it away and go on with more important things!

3. Make a List
- Open up your Word Document and start making a list of everything you are worried about and then start praying about it. By keeping up with this list, you are going to see exactly how easily and care free God can take care of the situation. This is your list so don't be ashamed to put down 100 things if you wish because you know it won't stay on the list for long!

4. Share
- Take to a close friend or friends about your situation or your struggles and let them help you. Let them tell you their experiences but make sure they are listening to you as well. This allows you to see that you are not alone in this and that God has blessed you with people in your life to help you.

5. Focus for Now
- You don't need to worry about tomorrow, the Lord will provide daily! Take each day as a step, stop trying to leap over into next week with your stresses and thoughts and just leave today as today!

"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life -- whether you have enough" - Matthew 6:25

FRIDAY 5 REDNECK EDITION!!!

2010-06-03T20:52:00.001-07:00

FAVORITE REDNECK DRUMMER

FAVORITE REDNECK NINJA

FAVORITE REDNECK PICTURES

FAVORITE REDNECK PRANK CALL

FAVORITE REDNECK EMERGANCY CALL

True Spirit

2010-05-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

"The Spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord" - Proverbs 20:27

Right off the bat what hit me was that MY spirit shines the light of God. God uses each and everyone of our spirits to shine His light in the world. Do you think shining God's light in this dark, wretched world is important? So then aren't our spirits important?

The world is so cut off from their own spirits that it's all about image. It comes down to who parties the hardest and whose wearing the hottest new Hollister clothes. It all comes down to your reputation in this world. Reputation is what people think you are. Character is what God knows you are. What is the point of looking good to people if that is not who you really are when there is no one to see you? What kind of light are you giving off in your life? Are you bitter and angry inside? Is your attitude the same for everyone and not just your close friends? Even children not of the Lord will be nice to their friends but it takes a child of God to love their enemies.

Recently I was told some information about a famous Christian Worship-Leading Musician who was dropped from his Record Label and is currently going through a very tough time due to being caught in having an affair with another women. Think about it, this man was in the church constantly, he was on tour, living his dream, has a family, has children. What else could he ask for? His image was very good but his spirit was nothing! The Lord isn't asking you to look good, he's asking you to be good!

If you need to do some spiritual construction right now, pray about it! Ask God to transform your life and get into His word so you can see how to do that better as well.

FRIDAY FIVE!!

2010-05-28T16:07:00.001-07:00

FAVORITE DRUMMER

FAVORITE PRANK CALL

FAVORITE AFGHANI

FAVORITE PRANK

FAVORITE SKATEBOARDERS

Take down Goliath!

2010-05-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

We all know the story of David & Goliath. It's been told in Sunday School classes like crazy. I'm sure there are some whacked out pop up books on it or something. The point is that this story is definitely epic. It is the most well known battle ever. Obviously because David was a little shrimp with a couple rocks while Goliath was quite massive and probably enjoyed a breakfast the size of David. Truth is that Goliath is not the only Goliath. God used that situation and every single little detail in it so that we may learn something that we can't learn from the world.

We are going to face Goliaths in our lives, not just one but many. Whether it be a financial Goliath, relationship Goliath, career Goliath, health Goliath, Satan is going to throw them in our lives from time to time. How do we take down Goliath? We don't. Well, not by ourselves we don't. Continuous prayer!! Prayer is the most powerful weapon that you could ever have and you need to be loaded up at all times! God will never put you in a battle without the right equipment. The catch is that you MUST depend on God throughout the whole battle, have faith. You usually will never see a Goliath coming your way until it hits hard. No matter how big it is, Satan is very sneaky. Satan wants you down, he wants you to think that there is no way out, that God has failed you and is not that almighty. Do you want to become a foot stool to your enemies? No way! When you see Goliath coming your way you better pick up that sling shot and take Satan on a whole other ride. God has never and will never fail you.

I feel like Satan is going to throw a Goliath my direction soon, not just me but those around me too. Especially with the recording of the new Set CD coming up, I can tell that Satan will do ANYTHING to stop us from recording that. Satan will throw all kinds of nonsense into your life to stop you from doing God's will. I beg that we all stay in constant, real prayer with God and with each other. No Goliath will stop us, it never did and it never will.

Ever been jealous of sin?

2010-05-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been jealous of somebody else's ability to sin?

There is that crowd of people that prance around the hallways, the workplace and the coffee shops that just don't mind sinning. Those people that freely explain their drunk stories to their good friends. Those people that tell you exactly how many girls they hooked up with on Spring break. Those people who don't really know that what they're doing is wrong.

I started realizing this today, I started seeing this more and more, started noticing it more as my day went on. After words, I asked myself "Why couldn't that have been me?". Why aren't I the one making out with random girls? Why can't I get high on the weekends? Why can't I go to the parties instead of just hearing about them? These questions ran through my head for about a minute until I started to feel extremely bad for them. I will never go through or do these things because God will give me an experience that they will never get to have because of this and the absence of this experience for them will conquer all the experiences they ever had.

Why can't I make out with random girls? Because my wife will one day cherish my choices and love me in a greater way than would have ever been.

Why can't I get high on the weekends? I'll smell like crap, have less money and never remember anything I ever play on guitar, there goes a God given talent down the drain.

Why can't I go to parties instead of just hearing about them? Because by spending more time with the Word of God, small groups, worships, studies, writing, jamming etc, I will be more prepared for the world's temptations and the return of Jesus Christ more than I could ever be!

No drug, hook-up or party will never satisfy you. I know something that will.

SUPER FRIDAY 10!!!!

2010-05-20T18:59:00.000-07:00

*DUE TO IT BEING THE FINAL FRIDAY FIVE FOR JUNIOR YEAR OF HIGH-SCHOOL, IT HAS EVOLVED INTO THE SUPER FRIDAY 10! ENJOY OR BE DESTROYED.

FAVORITE ORANGE

FAVORITE PICTURE ATTEMPT

Entire Wedding Party Takes The Plunge - Watch more Funny Videos

FAVORITE MASCOT

FAVORITE DAREDEVIL

Motorcycle Leapfrog Nut Crunch - Watch more Funny Videos

FAVORITE CAT

FAVORITE WEAPON INSTRUCTOR

FAVORITE POLE VAULTER

FAVORITE BASKETBALL FAN

FAVORITE HAMSTER

FAVORITE FINAL FRIDAY FAIL MONTAGE!

Throwing the Jonah's Off Your Boat

2010-05-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows the story about Jonah where he disobeyed God and did things his own way. He was on a boat with some other men and there was a crazy tempest coming their way guaranteed to kill them all. Jonah knew this was all because of him and his disobedience to God that it will get not only him killed but the others on the boat as well. Those men on that boat did nothing to help temp this storm, it was all Jonah's fault and because of him they would all suffer. Is there a Jonah in your boat? Is there somebody in your life holding you back from what you need to be doing? Somebody who seems like a bad influence on your choices and obedience towards God? Somebody that needs to be thrown off your boat? It's time to throw some Jonah's off your boat!

Jonah's will always try to make you feel bad in the process just like the real Jonah. Why didn't Jonah just jump off the boat instead of asking his mates to throw him off? They always want you to feel bad about letting them go, like you're about to make a horrible decision but you have to trust what the Lord tells you to do. Pray about these Jonah's. Pray that God's will be done with them when you have let go of them, it is not your job to please everybody in your life. It is theirs and your job to try to bless God as often as possible! Do not worry about them, just like God had the whale ready to swallow Jonah and take him back to land exactly where he needed to go anyway, God will take care of your Jonah. If you have some Jonah's in your boat, get rid of them! You have been thinking of those certain people while you were reading this blog so go ahead and move on from them. Let it be and give more of your time to a Creator who rightfully deserves it!

FRIDAY FIVE!!!

2010-05-14T14:56:00.001-07:00

FAVORITE BABY

FAVORITE GUITAR STYLE

FAVORITE BEAT BOXER

FAVORITE RIDE

FAVORITE DOGGIE

Why is life so confusing sometimes?

2010-05-08T20:32:00.001-07:00

This question is brought up approximately 9.7 millions times a day according to the statistics I made up for this post. Why do we ask this question so much? Is there something you don't understand about life? Of course! There is so much that happens in our day to day lives that we don't understand yet we go through it and quietly ponder off the question "why?". Life is so confusing because life is based off God's plans, not yours. We think whatever we plan to happen should happen and that be that. What if everything you wanted to happen actually did happen? Do you think your life would be better or worse? My answer is definitely worse. We always have questions like "God why did you put this girl in life if you won't let me date her?" or "God why did I have to get into so much trouble now, couldn't you have gotten me out of it?"

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven

God's plans will domino effect perfectly into what needs to be done in your life so that your life can glorify Him, the King. A lot of the time we are caught even praying for things we think God should do for us instead of praying for God's will to be done in us. Life is not confusing to the Creator of the universe. It is only confusing for us because God is always right while we make mistakes every day. We can't comprehend how each individual event will effect our everyday lives but God can. So next time before deciding that life is confusing, pray that God's will is being done and I really believe you'll have a better sense of how incredibly perfect God works.

FRIDAY FIVE!! WOOHOOT!

2010-05-06T19:47:00.001-07:00

FAVORITE EXERCISE

FAVORITE SPORT PICTURES

FAVORITE PARKOUR

FAVORITE BABIES

FAVORITE ASIAN

Everybody wants to go to Heaven but nobody wants to die

2010-05-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

"Everybody wants to go to Heaven, but nobody wants to die" - David Crowder

David hit it right on the dot with that sentence. How many times have we found ourselves thinking about going to Heaven but then pondering how much else more we want to do here for our stay on Earth? I know I think about it all the time! Honestly, I want to get married, have kids, play music, enjoy the married life, see what job I'll have, pull all nighters with my brothers, take intimate road trips with the band. There is so much I want to do yet so little time. I believe that Jesus Christ is coming soon, very very soon. By soon, I don't mean a couple hundred more years, I mean now! If anyone hasn't noticed, our world is so vigorously hindered. This world is tearing apart and before it demolishes completely, every knee shall bow, every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord(Phillipians 2:10). I believe Jesus will return while we are still alive. Sometimes, I get a bit sad with God and think "but God can I please get a family first? maybe even go on tour? That would be really cool!" but in the end I just realize that ETERNAL PARADISE with the reigning Creator of the universe surpasses all my worldly wants and needs.

Stay with Jesus, love Him, worship Him, read His word, talk to His people and come judgement day, you will not tremble, you will stand next to your Savior and say "He paid the price for my sins and today I'm going home". I can't wait to go home guys, I really can't! If anyone who reads this feels lost, lonely or just like they want a more personal relationship with Christ and doesn't mind talking about it, please call, text, face book, email, twitter, blog, morse code, pigeon letter, pony express me in anyway! I would love to try and encourage!

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" - Phillipians 4:13

Hickory pt. II

2010-05-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, this weekend was a missions conference for the RBYA in Hickory. This missions conference was very different than what I was expecting. I have been to Hickory many times but never for missions. There were people from New York, Canada, Chicago, Atlanta etc. From what I experienced and saw, the point of the conference was a fail. We did not spend much time doing missions, which you would figure would be the point of a mission conference. We spent maybe 2 or 3 hours on missions. The presentations for the other ministry of missions made it seem like they were more so selling the ministry than actually trying to do the mission of it, the issue of money being brought up numerous amount of times made it seem like this. Before you judge this blog as a condemning and mean blog let me get to the upside. There was great fellowship! Since they for some reason gave us so much free time, I got a lot of time to hang out and talk to people. Learn more about them, their point of views, what is going on in their life. It was really a great time for fellowship. The song choices were very very good, this made me exquisitely happy! The hardest thing to do was to leave, there are some people that I miss very much already and it really saddens me to not be able to spend this kind of fellowship with them more. Overall, I think RBYA Missions Conference 2010 didn't do it's job but luckily the people did! Thank God for His children.

BEST FRIDAY FIVES! TOP 5!

2010-04-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

TOP DRIVE-THRU

TOP FAILS

TOP VOCALIST

TOP PRANK

TOP CULTURE

Break the Cycle

2010-04-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

As it is the end of the a Monday and the beginning of a new week, I realize how much I need a break from this chaotic cycle. How can anyone delight themselves in the Lord when they are surrounded with echoing arguments and girls that don't understand that I have more thread on my shoe lace than on they have in their whole outfit? Not to mention the ridiculous amount of personal distractions we have like school, work, and electronics. I feel like I need a moment to let it go for a bit. Now obviously I can't just drop everything and live in the forest for a month and then come back (that would be super gnarly though). From these feelings I have figured out that my personality cannot stand the idea of the cycles, even for shampoo. No thanks Head & Shoulders, you're making my hair to puffy. The point is that going around in circles is not going to do anything for me. I need to change it up, get some flow. I need to experience more than reading books and playing numerous guitars. I'll be sure to keep this thing updated for all two of you who read this(whom are greatly appreciated). Let's break this cycle and get on a straight path of new experiences for God.

What impact are we making?

2010-04-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

My brain is being driven in a million different directions right now. Lately, I feel like I've had a mission put on me that I need to step into or technically step out to. I don't want to be stuck in a cycle of a "normal Christian life". I don't want to just attend youth, church and small group. I don't want to just go to school and have a ridiculous amount of people pass me by and me not say a word to any of them.

My life isn't meant for me to satisfy my needs. It is meant for me to do what God wants me to do. He will then satisfy me in anyway I need, which ironically He is the only one that can satisfy anyone. We aren't going to be satisfied with a new phone, a bigger television or a nicer car. We as humans will never be satisfied by materialistic ways of life. Why do you think people crave love so much? Go out of their way in absolutely crazy instances to find a purpose in life? Because they can't find anything that will satisfy their lives permanently! Here's the key, are you ready? This is a big one, take a deep breath.. maybe two.

SATISFY GOD! What Alin? I didn't hear you the first time.

let me say it again. SATISFY GOD!

Love God, pray constantly, study in His word, talk to your friends or youth about your experiences, admit your struggles and pray for strength, sing to God, write blogs of thoughts, send morning texts of encouragement out.

When God sees that your life is based around serving Him, you will be satisfied beyond your greatest imagination. You will not only be spiritually rich, but He will take care of your physical financial and emotional needs. Let God be the center of your life, please. Don't be a sunday Christian anymore, it's time we step up. Get people involved. Let's show that not only is this a Christ following nation but this is a Christ following world! Every tongue, tribe, gender, group, church, life shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Growing up & Stepping out

2010-04-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

I start to ponder on how casual my life is at times. As a high school teen, being the "out cast", good or bad, is not really the goal of many. At this point in life I should be worrying about how I'm going to fit in and how many degrees my phone can turn until it initiates the transformation of Mega-Tron. Instead, I'm at home on a friday night reading books and writing blogs.

The truth is I'm not worried about fitting in. I'm not stressed about over-exaggerated raves that happened in skate bowls at public parks. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone.

When God cares to be in an intimate relationship with me and I reject Him daily so I can jam for just one more hour or play a couple more games of basketball, He gets a bit upset. God wants me to step out from the norm and do something out of way to please Him. He wants me to go out and love the people who sometimes I want to tornado kick in the face. Continuos love is what is going to separate me and anyone else out from the norm.

Step out of your comfort zone. Make a sacrifice. Pray continuously. Fast at times. Listen to God. DO SOMETHING RADICAL!

No longer am I addicted. No longer will I flow through life. No longer will I let temptation run me. The power that rose Christ from the dead is alive in each and every one of us and once that spirit is awakened, you will not only step out from your comfort zone, you will leap.

FRIDAY FIVE

2010-04-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE JAP

FAVORITE FORIEGN KID

Play Fighting Goes Terribly Wrong - Watch more Funny Videos

FAVORITE BABY

FAVORITE MALE REGION

FAVORITE ALARM CLOCK

Confessions of Faith

2010-04-16T21:14:00.001-07:00

Many times when I come into clicking the "New Post" button on the blog, I come with the state of mind of either convicting people or encouraging people. Maybe a combination of the two. This time I'm here to confess. Don't worry, I'm not going Catholic. Unless they have good pancakes, I am always persuaded with pancakes. I've felt like this has always been buried deep inside of me and I have either been too ashamed to admit it or too scared to believe it to be true. I have horrible faith in God. As bad as that sounds, it's not easy to admit. It is the truth though. I come to times where I am stuck in a stressful situation and I'll pray about it but then still except God to not completely handle it. Why? No clue. Tithing is hard to do because then I get scared I won't have enough money for bills or random trips to Taco Mac with the youth. There is always something going on to where I have little faith and I think now God is calling me to have more faith. I don't need to disguise myself as a person with great faith and great obedience to God when really I struggle continuously with it. I think it's time I take a leap of faith into God's hands and throw away my fear.

PAINFUL FRIDAY FIVE! OUCH!

2010-04-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE ATHLETE

FAVORITE IDIOTS

FAVORITE NEWS REPORTER

FAVORITE SKATEBORDER

Skater Crushes His Nuts On Rail - Watch more Funny Videos

FAVORITE ATTEMPTS

Top 5 Cool Things About Having a Low-Tech Mobile Device

2010-04-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

1. Battery Life

- This phone has the longest battery life I have ever seen! I could text all day, take on the phone and play Tetris and this bad boy is still running full green!

2. Size/Shape

- The size of this mamma jamma is so sleek and small that when I'm texting in class teachers can't tell if I'm texting and fondling with my pencil. Score!

3. Signal

- For some reason, this phone picks up more signal than any of my other high tech phones I have ever had(except for maybe my Blackberry). This is weird because I have always kept the same company, good job old phone!

4. Distraction

- With the entertainment of this phone left to a minimum, I'm not constantly checking and messing with it for wifi, email, games etc. The distractions basically aren't even there!

5. Durability

- The little munchkin seems so sturdy I just had to test it! This thing survives drops, slides, bear attacks, waterfalls, burning houses, fat people, my brother, throws, stomps, jack hammers, being baked in a cake and I haven't tested out run over by a bus but that seems okay too!

What are you chasing in life?

2010-04-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the things we want most in life are the things that will end up killing us

-Donald Miller

Don has got some strong words in that previous sentence. Did you now just realize he's right? Our nature as human beings is to completely please ourselves and put others second, even God. Naturally, we try to do the bare minimum as Christians just to get rid of that guilt feeling we have so we can go back to our demeaning and selfish lives without thinking that we are this way. We can't get away with just the bare minimum, God knows our hearts and what we truly want in life. As we come back from Spring Break, I've been infested with stories from "Christians" that had a fantastic week indulging themselves in impurity and lust and feel no guilt or regret what so ever. God has wiped the earth once because of people's attitudes like this and I think this time it won't be this easy. If you take a closer look at the times now, It's not the same anymore. Everything is changing, slowly yes, but changing. Jesus is returning sooner than you think and I personally believe He will return while we are still alive. Ask yourself, are you living for your own pleasures or something greater?

FRIDAY FIVE!! AND MORE!

2010-04-09T15:42:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE DANCER

FAVORITE CHILD

FAVORITE COVER

FAVORITE FAT GUY

FAVORITE STUPID GUY

BONUS!!!

It's Not Worth It!!

2010-03-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels" - 2 Timothy 2:23

"But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels..." -Titus 3:9

Something that has come to my attention lately, we argue a lot. Us as humans argue so much that some of us, in fact, enjoy starting these arguments just to argue. I don't understand this. Why do some people like arguing? Why do we argue so much? Is it enjoyable in some crazy way? When I hear all these negative controversies and pointless arguing, I see Satan working in us. When you argue, all you are doing is setting yourself up to be the perfect foot stool for the most piece of trash creation that ever was. Are you striving to become lower than "the most piece of trash creation that was"? I hope not! Satan loves to see God's children in quarrels, it pleasures him! Personally, I think I'll pass on pleasing Satan, that's not really one of my top priorities and I don't strive to make it one. Yes, we all fall. Yes, we all CAN get up. Put away your grudges. Put away all anger and malice and clear that bit of Satan from your heart, it's only tearing you apart. You can't love with the same heart that hates. You can't praise with the same tongue that curses others. Let's put an end to this.. NOW! Take a minute and pray. Please.

5 Ways To Stay Positive

2010-03-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

1. Praying

- This should be your first and probably only thing you have to do when staying positive is praying. Not only will this calm you down and allow you to relax, but it will also change your state of mind almost instantly and allow you to continue with your day in a more laid-back sense.

2. Reading Scripture

- Reading the Bible is probably the last thing you want to do when you're not feeling just nice and dandy but once to put yourself down into reading it, I guarantee God will express some great verses to you that will encourage you in so many ways that your previous negative attitude will jump right into a state of joyfulness.

3. Take Negative Situations As Blessings

- Sometimes God allows us to be in hard positions and go through hard times just to see how much we depend on Christ to get us through these situations. If you are going through difficult times, why are you trying to get through them alone? You have the Creator of the universe by your side, give him a shout!

4. Take Some Alone Enjoyment Time

- One of the main things that puts people in these negative moods is stress. When we are overwhelmed with stress we see everything so bad. Take a second and relax. That may mean picking up a good book, watching some tv, playing some video games, jamming out, calling up your friends. You name it, you have a variety of things at your disposal, so don't be afraid to enjoy yourself, even if its only for a little bit.

5. Talk To A Friend

- Chances are that you have a friend, or multiple, who are having some difficult times as well. It's always nice to have someone you can relate to. So really when you are benefiting from simply having a conversation with someone close, it could be helping them as well. This is a time for you guys to joke around, laugh and maybe even hang out a bit, nothing too big. Some of the smallest things make the biggest smiles.

FRIDAY FIVE!

2010-03-25T20:09:00.001-07:00

FAVORITE DRIVER

FAVORITE BLACK GUY

FAVORITE EMPLOYEE

FAVORITE SNIPER

FAVORITE USE OF WINDOWS

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Me

2010-03-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

1. I Sing Romanian Songs In The Shower

-Singing in Romanian is way more fun than singing in English in the shower. Plus it compliments my body wash.

2.My First Concert Ever Was Fall Out Boy/ All American Rejects

- Ahh the days of 7th grade, I was probably the biggest All-American Rejects fan there was and I thought that concert was awesome! Now that I've seen Mute Math, those concerts are obsolete hah

3. I Have Gone Through A Drive-Thru With "Barbie Girl"Cranked Up

-As an experiment, A couple buddies and I went through a drive-thru cranking up Barbie Girl just to see what would happen, that Wendy's have never looked at us the same.

4. I Have Kicked An Apple Off Of A Sword

-As stupid as that sounds, when I was testing for Black Belt, I figured I'd do something stupid and so I ended up kicking an apple off the tip of a sword. The kick was a success but I had cut my hand right after, fail. haha

5. I Have Been Stuck On A Fence.. Upside Down

- When I was about five or six years old, I was trying to jump over this fence really fast to catch up to one of my brothers going somewhere to play. I then got my underwear stuck on the fence and was stuck there for more than an hour, hanging upside until my brother comes back from enjoying his play time just to realize that I'm chilling like a villian.. on a fence. Haha

Click Play. Repeat.

2010-03-24T19:19:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like your week days are on repeat? Like you do the same thing every day on the weekdays and the weekends are the only thing keeping your life sane in a sense. This feeling has been overcoming me today and I absolutely dislike it. The weekdays are so filled with school assignments and work that you never really get a chance to change things around for the better. I don't know, maybe it's just not my day and I know all of us have these kinds of days but I'm sick of coming to Monday, hitting play and putting my life on repeat. I want this to change, for the better.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

--Psalm 73:26

Hickory

2010-03-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went on a trip to Hickory, North Carolina with Set and some of our great friends. We had led worship saturday night, for the least to say, it was amazing. We weren't amazing, God was and is amazing. He worked so much in that place that night. He worked so much in that place that people gave their life to Christ that night. Now lately, I have been really seeing a lot of signs from God that this is what we should be doing. This is what he wants for us, but I've been keeping my eyes open and praying and studying just to make sure. At this point, I really want to say this is exactly what God wants in my life along with Duane, Ovi and Chris's life as well (Joseph and Justin as well). I don't know how miniscule this sounds to you but this is huge! God is developing our lives for his glory and it's happening now! How many people can say that they can feel God developing them into His story right now? This is so life changing! I will keep praying for God's will to work in my life and His love to be bestowed upon the thousands through all of us!

Rock Thrower, Rock Catcher. Rock Crusher

2010-03-19T22:12:00.001-07:00

Many times every day you will be attacked by Satan in so many ways. He will tempt you into doing things you know is wrong. He will try to get you out of things that is for God. He wants to do everything to make you miserable, to make you think you're happy with him. Don't buy it!

Satan is going to throw rocks constantly at you! The catch is this: The rocks are slow

Satan will never throw a rock faster than God's hand. You have the biggest hand in the world in your life holding you and that hand is the same hand that will swat Satan's rock out of your life.

The first thing Satan is going to try when attacking you is to attack the good points in your life. Everything that you do for God, he will try to change all that. He will even use the people closest to you to make it seem like you're doing something wrong, when truly if you know with your whole heart it's for God, Catch those rocks! Ask God to crush Satan's rocks in your life today!