He Called, I Answered, He'll Provide!

God truly listens to all prayers. I have always been bewildered at the thought of God anwering all the prayers He is asked of from day to day, and Angela has helped me to understand that. ALL prayers are answered, some not answered the way we want or when we want it, but they are answered.

Todd and I went and led at the retreat last weekend. I wish I had the dedication to recall the numerous events that occurred, but I will sum it up as a wonderful experience that I felt blessed to be a part of.

Why did I begin with talking about prayer, side-bar, and then resume the original discussion? I want to say that in the last few weeks I have been really unsure. First off, God has called me to move (switch) the church home that I am at. I was nervous about it for a couple of reasons (one being that I have been at one church since the time I accepted Christ, and secondly I enjoy leading worship with Todd and the gang....doesn't that sound like a 70's sitcom?) I needed to put my personal feelings aside (friends, comfort, etc) and go where I am called. Grace Bible Church has ended up being the end of that calling.

John Rolf is a wonderful guy. He is very quiet and may come off as uninterested, but I think he has a certain amount of comfortability that he must have to truly converse with some one. Even to other members on the team, he seems real passive as far as conversation. I was shy about moving because I am afraid John will not meet all the expectations I have for a worship leader. Todd has been not only a leader and teacher, but a friend. Todd has helped me know my role as a worship leader and helped me to see what I can offer to a team. I wouldn't be able to be a part of Grace's team if I had not first worked with Todd, and for that I am greateful to God for.

The team was very inviting. They were very friendly and VERY excited to add a percussion element to the sound. It went really well. Soungs flowed, team worked together, and they seemed very impressed with me. What I was even more impressed with was they were inviting to Angela, even though she was not singing or playing anything. Angela is a part of my life and I am very glad they can acknowledge that. Well, there's still more to the story.

So during the whole "transitioinal period" of the church thing, I was essentially giving up all opportunities to leading/playing/hanging out with Todd and his team...which I will admit, I was upset about. Todd and Clay are in need of a drummer next fall, and God is giving me the ability and desire to do that. While we were in prayer at practice tonight, God gave me the "plan" as far as how my semester will work and even the future of my job at Wesley. Wesley has become a big issue in my life and I think God is wanting me to step back a little. In fact, in order for me to fufill my calling to lead at OSM/Crosspoint...I cannot attend Wesley Council meetings anymore. Though they really don't involve me, it is still in the "job description" Tom keeps raving about (I have still yet to see a copy of that!). He's opening doors in weird ways.

Tomorrow's going to be a slow one, and it will probably be a slow week for the remainder. I talked to Ryan Finnerud this evening and we talked about me possibly playing drums/percussion on Sunday evening. I called him about buying his djembe and ended talking about that. I feel bad, I said "well, if you need any help, I can be there." I hope I didn't invite myself!

OH YEA, as if this thing wasn't long enough yet, (my thousands of readers are calling their opthamologists due to eye strain), I will be playing on Sunday morning at Grace from now on at 8:30a and 11:00a. Until we get in the new facility, I will be on percussion. When we get into the new building, I will slowly add "kit elements". And, yes, we will be using acoustic drums. Next on the purchase list, a mic kit. I also offered up my "non-existant" new drum kit as the one for the new facility. I don't know how the drum kit shuffle through all the places I am playing at is going to work, but, He called, I answered, He'll provide. Until tomorrow (or like next week at the rate I am going)...

Weird Day

It's been a few days since an update. My following is getting anxious to read the latest installment of my life...what a bunch of weirdos! Monday/Tuesday was evaluation from the guide dog school. It went really well. We have improved greatly since we both left the school, and that's good to know.

Today I went to Nac (I am home now) and turned in an essay and met with my english professor. I was not a good student this semester, but that will change next semester. I also met with John from Grace to discuss the "audition" process he has for the praise team he is leading. I am excited for a few reasons. I have been praying for God to lead me where He needs me. Todd has got a wonderful team at the church. I think that I add some element, but I think He wants me somewhere else. Thankfully, I have outside opportunities to lead with Todd and whatnot, so that's really cool. Next off, I have felt like I have been stuck in the same spot in my spirtual walk for quite sometime. We are called to learn and consume ourselves in the Word and use it in our daily lives. I feel that I haven't had that in a long time. Grace consumes their entire church around the Word and is focused on helping to shed light on how it affects our lives.

I do not claim to be the perfect Christian. There are many times that I am ashamed of myself for losing my temper, or for being someone that I shouldn't be...but I know that I have life in Him. I need that support from the church to help guide me the right way. Todd, Chris, Angela, and Dorcus are some of the few folks that I feel I have the accountability with. I know God is opening doors because He wants me elsewhere, He knows that my relationship with Him will flourish with a change. I believe it is my responsibility as a Christian to do everything and anything I can do to be closer to Christ. If this means attending a different church, this is what I am called to do because it allows my relationship with Him to further.

I have a lot to say about this, because, I have been confused lately about my job at the Wesley. I will write more tomorrow about my feelings about that....but, on a different note...

I am finally home and happy that I am. I am calling tomorrow about my job at ETI and hope to have some concrete date of when I might start. Until tomorrow...

Essay, Benefit Auction, Moving Home

So, I didn't update on Thursday because life was just too much. Not a huge day, mostly studied and wrote and essay that needed to be written. I got an email from a professor due to my attendance in her class (I do not like this prof., she is so condescending towards the class...we're moderately intelligent students...I DO have a B). Anyways, she said that she wanted to see me this week or I "WILL NOT PASS" her class! Yikes! Went to meet her this morning, got there at 9 (the time she was supposed to be there) and waited until 11. No sign of her. She can't hold that crap against me!

After waiting for two hours, Angela and I decided to run errands before the auction tonight. Unfortunately, due to forgetfulness or accident, there was no shirt ordered for me to wear to the auction (wesley polo shirt, yippee). We got in an argument because it boiled down to the fact that I just flat out didin't want to go to this thing. I got even more upset when I found out we had to be there about an hour and a half earlier. I HAD planned to take a nap before the auction since I was so tired, but looked as if I wasn't going to get to do that. Finally got the shirt, and found I had to pay $10! RIDICULOUS! I will never wear that shirt again. We solved the argument, and all was well again.

Afternoon was alright. Brad and I began the "destruction" of the room by cutting chunks of the carpert up to throw it away. He moved about 80% of his crud out of the dorm and it seems so empty. I got dressed up for the Benefit Auction and left. Auction went well (the fundraising part), the entertainment (a Christian illusionist) was great if you have two eyes (boring for me), and the food was decent (chicken kiev, baked new potatoes, fried tomatoes, roll, and a piece of raspberry fudge cake).

Tomorrow I am getting up early to move some junk home and practice with Todd. I am getting really excited about the retreat. I think it will be a change of pace for me and glad that I have the oppurtunity. Alrighty then, until tomorrow...

Wednesday Worship / 5.04.05

Very cool set this evening. We did almost an entire set in the key of E...very cool though. Did "King of Mercy" a Todd song. The congregation was VERY responsive. "King of Mercy" transitioned into "Come Ye Sinners" and at that point I could hear every voice loudly singing. It was great! I think God has really worked through this team this semester. We have been through so many ups and downs, changes of faces, problems, etc....but it has worked out marvelously. Nicholas is not returning next semester, so tonight was his last night. Mike is also gone. We won't be able to utilize Brad as much due to work. Paul, who really isn't in the band, may not be an option either. It is my prayer that God will open up doors for the team next semester and allow musicians/vocalists to answer the call to lead worship.

Nicholas wrote yet another song today. Can't remember the title, but it's a pretty cool one. Pretty punk-rock, but not like hardcore stuff. We worked "Fish" tonight, it's so Dave Matthews. Carter would be proud of me, yeah right!

I am kind of nervous, Friday is the Wesley Benefit Auction and I have been really nervous about big crowds, especially Wesley folks. It seems like the Wesley has been very judgemental of people, me in particular, and I don't want to meet their critism at such an event. I know it will be fine, and I am good with people, just nervous.

That's all I know. Until tomorrow...

Man on the Run...?

So turns out I am on like the top 10 most wanted for my heinous crime last week. They are sending out dogs to find Larry's scent because I'm not even worthy enough as a human being to find! Or am I?

Turns out, I don't have any exciting stories about running from the law or anything like that. Brad got a call from Mr. Lavelle and all is well. "We all make mistakes" is all that was said. Was it really a mistake? I did make the call...it wasn't accidental, however, the way it was percieved was a mistake. Oh well, I am glad I can rest soundly at night knowing there will be no raids on my dorm room in search of a wanted man.

Today was pretty good, not a lot happened. Nicholas wrote a new song called "Fish" essentially talking about how Christianity is not just about the fish sticker on your car, or the WWJD bracelet on your wrist. It's much bigger than that, it's living in Him each and every day. Good song, not a worship song, but a very good song for performance stuff...like we get any gigs.

Practice was miserable. My sound "guy" doesn't know what she's doing. To explain how our system is setup would require you to flip upside down, let the blood rush to your head, and then spin around in circles. It doesn't make sense, and to top it all off, people unplug things (people that only know that a microphone allows you to sing, and that's all they know) and move things around. Practice started about 10 minutes late bcause of mass confusion, but ended well. Paul James, Mike's brother, is playing bass this week. He's VERY good. Reminds me (stylisticly) of Chris Carraway (bassist at church). A really tight rhythm guy, just what a bass player should be.
In other news, I didn't get into the dorm I requested next semester, instead, I'm stuck in the room I am in now. OH JOY. I am going to call tomorrow to see if I can absolutely be placed somewhere else. It's miserable. Also, the guide dog people (mainly Ariel, Larry and my trainer) is coming to Lufkin next week. She's doing a follow-up visit to see what a horrible guide dog user I am. He is, on a good note, sitting by my full drum kit at Wesley now. It's quite impressive. He knows what the word "drums" means and everytime I sit down and play, he runs up to sit by me. It's pretty cool, I'm a DAD! Until tomorrow...

Monday Monday

Lazy day...no class! I need to work on a rough draft tomorrow, but nothing big this week. I am going to go meet with John Rolf (worship leader at Grace Bible Church) about joining the team. Also, need to work on a set list. Still nothing on the "prank call" thing. Oh yea, and I have practice with Todd for Sanger (sane-gur) this Saturday. Sorry not much more to report, too lazy of a day. Until tomorrow...

Man, I feel like I'm in High School Again!

Drama, drama, drama...high school style even. I want to preface what I am about to say with, "I was being childish". I shouldn't have done what I did, and won't ever do it again. I also want to mention, students my age (especially Methodist ones, we'll get to that later...), are doing much worse than this. So here's the deal...

About a month and a half ago, my roommate and I decided we'd do a prank call on a girl he knew. We called, I used a goofy voice, she reacted, and we ended the call. No biggie. A few weeks later, we decided "Hey, lets call this girl". We did! No big deal. Thursday, the night of no end, we decided to call again. We did, she got ticked, I fessed up....no big deal....right? WRONG! Apparently, Brad and I were threatening. I am not a threatening guy, not even close. So, this girl's dad called Brad's dad and said he'd called the police and said we were threatening his daughter. WRONG! Brad got a call from his dad, and lied about knowing anything. DUMB! He called me and told me everything, I told him to call his parents....he didn't want to. I understand, it's tough when your mom yells at you. I wanted this OVER with.

They didn't, and got worse. I finally talked Brad into letting me handle it and call his parents. I did. Standing up to Brad's mom is NOT fun. I was a man and did it. Was it over? NOPE! So, let's stroll back in time really quick because just writing about such petty crud makes me sick. What a waste of BlogSpot's web space!

Brad's mom called her friend and told her about how "mean" we were and what was going on. Apparently, Paul, her son, recieved similar prank calls last semester. I fessed up to that, I did. It's really funny to see what kind of stuff people who are drunk out of their minds' say! Trust me, I laughed for a week about some of the calls I made to Paul on those Thursday night. Brad's mom asked how old I was and I told her old enough to know I screwed up. She said, people pull this crap when they are like ten or eleven, to which I replied, and people my age go get drunk and high and whatnot and that I was glad I am only making harmless prank calls.

If anyone wants to press charges on me for harrasment, they can. But, when they said "stop", I did. People can be so aggrevating!

Oh yea, by the way, church at HHBC was good. Larry was overwhelmed, I was overwhelmed, we came home and slept for a while. Got up, packed, headed home. Unfortunately, I made it to the two hour council meeting. BORING! People are so aggrevating! Until tomorrow...

Clean Clean Clean

Today was a good day. I got a lot of things accomplished. I completely got my room at home situated. It's nice to have a place to come to....its been a while since I could say that. And people wonder why I hate coming home to Lufkin? I moved a good bit of stuff home from Nacogdoches: sound stuff, some clothes, and various other knick-knacks made that list (did I just use the word "knick-knacks"?)

Tomorrow should be interesting. I am in Lufkin, and Angela is in Nac. I have a meeting to be at (Wesley Council Meeting at that) and can't make it there until she gets me. Meeting is @ 6p, Angela gets off @ 6p....wonder what's going to happen? I am sure I could find more beneficial ways to waste an hour and a half anyways. Until tomorrow...