I have a new job! I am working at Braums in Norman off of I-35 and Lindsey. I am very grateful that God has provided this job for me, even if it is not what I exactly wanted. But who cares, it pays 7.50 and hour, and they are willing to work with my hours. So I am glad.
That is all.
Later
Monday, August 18, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Sometimes...
Sometimes, life is just hard. It is not full of easy decisions, or amazing moments all the time like we wish it would be. Life is not a cake walk. But usually it is the more difficult times that we can look back on and thank God for bringing us throught them. It is only because of Him that we can. It is also those times when we find who really does care and love us.
I just had to do something that I really didn't want to do, but felt like it is what God would have me to do. It wasn't easy... I have been thinking about it for quite some time now, and I didn't even tell anyone about it until last week. But it is a decision that I believe will definately be worth it in the end. The decision was not to be on a ministry team this school year.
It is a hard decision because MT was my absolute most favorite part about the BSU last year. I learned, grew spiritually, and made incredible friends. But now that I am engaged (which is amazing!) I really want to do ministry with Lauren. I had wanted to do so in the first place, but last year it wasn't as important to me as it is now, and I didn't know where we could do that. But God opens and closes doors all the time.
This year I am going to help Lauren's brother Brandon with a discipleship training program called YOU GROW. I am super excited about it! It is basically the same thing as MT only for teenagers. And I think that it is a great tool for them to learn about who God has made us to be, mature in our faith, and develope strong friendships that will last for years to come... just like MT.
In the past week I have been able to really see Brandon's heart for this ministry, and I know that Lauren has the same heart for the students who come into YOU GROW.
I guess I am learning that doing things by faith is so much more important than doing things by my own recolection. I was praying in the car about this today as I came down to OU, and God reminded me to trust in Him (proverbs 3:5-6), and that He is in control (Jer. 29:11-12).
When I talked to the people at the BSU, they were completely supportive and understanding of my decision, which really helped me. One of them who had been planning on meeting with me said he still wants to, which really really encouraged me. I didn't think they would want to do that. But I told them I still plan on making disciples here and meeting with people, I just can't do it all. And as we talked the more I realized that they supported my decision.
So the decision I made was not an easy one, but it is one that honors God and I can see Him moving in the decision already.
Praise God!
I just had to do something that I really didn't want to do, but felt like it is what God would have me to do. It wasn't easy... I have been thinking about it for quite some time now, and I didn't even tell anyone about it until last week. But it is a decision that I believe will definately be worth it in the end. The decision was not to be on a ministry team this school year.
It is a hard decision because MT was my absolute most favorite part about the BSU last year. I learned, grew spiritually, and made incredible friends. But now that I am engaged (which is amazing!) I really want to do ministry with Lauren. I had wanted to do so in the first place, but last year it wasn't as important to me as it is now, and I didn't know where we could do that. But God opens and closes doors all the time.
This year I am going to help Lauren's brother Brandon with a discipleship training program called YOU GROW. I am super excited about it! It is basically the same thing as MT only for teenagers. And I think that it is a great tool for them to learn about who God has made us to be, mature in our faith, and develope strong friendships that will last for years to come... just like MT.
In the past week I have been able to really see Brandon's heart for this ministry, and I know that Lauren has the same heart for the students who come into YOU GROW.
I guess I am learning that doing things by faith is so much more important than doing things by my own recolection. I was praying in the car about this today as I came down to OU, and God reminded me to trust in Him (proverbs 3:5-6), and that He is in control (Jer. 29:11-12).
When I talked to the people at the BSU, they were completely supportive and understanding of my decision, which really helped me. One of them who had been planning on meeting with me said he still wants to, which really really encouraged me. I didn't think they would want to do that. But I told them I still plan on making disciples here and meeting with people, I just can't do it all. And as we talked the more I realized that they supported my decision.
So the decision I made was not an easy one, but it is one that honors God and I can see Him moving in the decision already.
Praise God!
Friday, August 8, 2008
My Point of View
Lauren and I have been engaged for a week now, and I still haven't posted my version of how it all happened. So I figure I can do it now while I am actually doing nothing.
I was originally going to propose on a point of rocks just down the road from the cabin we stayed in. But considering the fact that it was under water, I couldn't. Well... I guess I could have, but it wouldn't be easy. I was talking to Mr. Werner and Brandon (Lauren's older brother) about what to do since my plan was altered. I decided to go for a boat ride and find someplace quiet and pretty where I could propose (I was telling Lauren it was for our one year aniversery. Which it was, but you know). So Mr. Werner took me out on the boat to show me how to drive it and also to show me a cove I could go to. Brandon also suggested taking her to the Marina so she would have an excuse to dress up a little bit. So that is what we did.
On Friday we went to the Marina and ate dinner. Lauren had a chicken sandwhich and I had a Reuben. As we ate I tore a piece of straw rapper into about twenty pieces, according to Lauren. She said afterword that I was acting a little weird at dinner. Which makes sense considering the fact I was about to pop the question. I don't know why I was nervous, I wasn't until that morning. But whatever.
After we ate I was like "Do you want to go for a boat ride?" and she said the usual "sure." So I called Mr. Werner to tell him we were going on a boat ride. He knew all of this all along and was going to take pictures and video footage for us. Needless to say, he was already at the spot hiding, along with my dad, Mr. Tuter, and Brandon.
We arived at the cove and as I approached the spot I saw two guys on a paddle boat. I was kind of bummed, but it turned out to be kind of funny. I turned off the boat, and we talked a little bit. Somehow we started talking about the upcoming school year, and some of my friends. Real romantic :/ But I finally started to get into what I wanted to say, and told her that we need to make our commitment to getting married official, and I proposed. :)
She said, "Yes!!!!"
We hugged, and those two guys on the paddle boat were like, "You guys aren't fishing are you?" I was quick to say "No!"
We talked a little and I told her that her dad was taking pictures of us, and all that good stuff. Then all four of them came out of hiding to congratulate us and stuff. It was really good. I am glad they were there.
We went back to the cabin and took about a thousand pictures. Lauren has some of them on her blog. And then we called some friends and had a time where our families could bless us which was really cool. I enjoyed that a lot.
Needless to say, I was tired by the end of the night and might have been the first one to be.
God has blessed me incredibly, and I can't wait for May 30th. :))
I was originally going to propose on a point of rocks just down the road from the cabin we stayed in. But considering the fact that it was under water, I couldn't. Well... I guess I could have, but it wouldn't be easy. I was talking to Mr. Werner and Brandon (Lauren's older brother) about what to do since my plan was altered. I decided to go for a boat ride and find someplace quiet and pretty where I could propose (I was telling Lauren it was for our one year aniversery. Which it was, but you know). So Mr. Werner took me out on the boat to show me how to drive it and also to show me a cove I could go to. Brandon also suggested taking her to the Marina so she would have an excuse to dress up a little bit. So that is what we did.
On Friday we went to the Marina and ate dinner. Lauren had a chicken sandwhich and I had a Reuben. As we ate I tore a piece of straw rapper into about twenty pieces, according to Lauren. She said afterword that I was acting a little weird at dinner. Which makes sense considering the fact I was about to pop the question. I don't know why I was nervous, I wasn't until that morning. But whatever.
After we ate I was like "Do you want to go for a boat ride?" and she said the usual "sure." So I called Mr. Werner to tell him we were going on a boat ride. He knew all of this all along and was going to take pictures and video footage for us. Needless to say, he was already at the spot hiding, along with my dad, Mr. Tuter, and Brandon.
We arived at the cove and as I approached the spot I saw two guys on a paddle boat. I was kind of bummed, but it turned out to be kind of funny. I turned off the boat, and we talked a little bit. Somehow we started talking about the upcoming school year, and some of my friends. Real romantic :/ But I finally started to get into what I wanted to say, and told her that we need to make our commitment to getting married official, and I proposed. :)
She said, "Yes!!!!"
We hugged, and those two guys on the paddle boat were like, "You guys aren't fishing are you?" I was quick to say "No!"
We talked a little and I told her that her dad was taking pictures of us, and all that good stuff. Then all four of them came out of hiding to congratulate us and stuff. It was really good. I am glad they were there.
We went back to the cabin and took about a thousand pictures. Lauren has some of them on her blog. And then we called some friends and had a time where our families could bless us which was really cool. I enjoyed that a lot.
Needless to say, I was tired by the end of the night and might have been the first one to be.
God has blessed me incredibly, and I can't wait for May 30th. :))
Sunday, July 13, 2008
What's Up
This summer has been really good. I have been able to work a lot which is great! But I have a daily schedule of waking up around 5:45 going to work, going home around 5, getting ready and going to Lauren's. That is basically what I do every day. But it has been really good because we need to spend the time together.
I have been studying in Galations, though. I have really enjoyed it, even though I really only get to study during the weekend. Usually during the week I read in Psalms and Galations. But I have never really done an inductive Bible study before.
So far I have gone through chapter one, which is Paul defending his apostleship and telling the Galations his testimony. It is interesting to see how he was appointed by God to teaching the Gentiles the gospel. He brings out so many good points in the first chapter such as how we are to please God and not man (10), how those who teach a gospel outside of the one true gospel are to be cursed (8-9), and how we are not to cling to traditions that are not scriptural (13-14). But I think the thing that has stuck out to me so far is how we are to obey God immediately.
In verses 15-17 Paul talks of how God set him apart, called him by His grace and revealed Christ to him so that he could preach the gospel among the Gentiles. Then he says, "I did not immediately consult with anyone, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apsostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus." Sometimes I can become more concerned about what other people think I should do instead of doing what I know God has set me apart to do. Instead of consulting with people when I know what I should do, I should just do it. God will reveal His will in our lives clearly if we are truly seeking Him anyways. So we shouldn't concern ourselves with what others think. Just do it! And God will bless you.
Other than that there has not been a lot going on. Beth and Nathan are expecting their third child wich is exciting. Plus mom and dad came home yesterday from Becky and John's. I am glad they were able to go there with Bryce. I know they had an increcible time.
I am going to go to the lake in two weeks with the Werners! I am really excited about that. I am ready for a break.
Oh yeah, I also found a place to live. I am going to live in a house with my friend Travis Harmon. He is a great guy and he lives right next to the campus. Plus it is going to be really cheap. God really does meet our every need.
I will talk to you all soon I imagine. :)
I have been studying in Galations, though. I have really enjoyed it, even though I really only get to study during the weekend. Usually during the week I read in Psalms and Galations. But I have never really done an inductive Bible study before.
So far I have gone through chapter one, which is Paul defending his apostleship and telling the Galations his testimony. It is interesting to see how he was appointed by God to teaching the Gentiles the gospel. He brings out so many good points in the first chapter such as how we are to please God and not man (10), how those who teach a gospel outside of the one true gospel are to be cursed (8-9), and how we are not to cling to traditions that are not scriptural (13-14). But I think the thing that has stuck out to me so far is how we are to obey God immediately.
In verses 15-17 Paul talks of how God set him apart, called him by His grace and revealed Christ to him so that he could preach the gospel among the Gentiles. Then he says, "I did not immediately consult with anyone, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apsostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus." Sometimes I can become more concerned about what other people think I should do instead of doing what I know God has set me apart to do. Instead of consulting with people when I know what I should do, I should just do it. God will reveal His will in our lives clearly if we are truly seeking Him anyways. So we shouldn't concern ourselves with what others think. Just do it! And God will bless you.
Other than that there has not been a lot going on. Beth and Nathan are expecting their third child wich is exciting. Plus mom and dad came home yesterday from Becky and John's. I am glad they were able to go there with Bryce. I know they had an increcible time.
I am going to go to the lake in two weeks with the Werners! I am really excited about that. I am ready for a break.
Oh yeah, I also found a place to live. I am going to live in a house with my friend Travis Harmon. He is a great guy and he lives right next to the campus. Plus it is going to be really cheap. God really does meet our every need.
I will talk to you all soon I imagine. :)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Father's Day
Today Dad did a tribute to Grandpa, and it was really good. I have such an appreciation for the men in our family who are such godly examples for me to follow. I didn't realize how truly amazing Grandpa is. He is a man who has lived out the Great Commission and truly loved people as Christ did. He was also the first person to give me a verse pack. I didn't ever really use it because I was young a dumb at the time. But I will always remember the fact that Grandpa was the first person to give me one of those and he has become an inspiration for me to really know Scripture. Even today, as he struggles with memory loss, he always can quote Scripture.
But Dad didn't really get to talk about himself in all of that. It would have been weird if he did. But Dad is an incredible man of God also. He is the most godly person I know and the best example of a husband and father I could have ever asked for. Dad has always been there in the good and bad. He is always encouraging me and giving me words of wisdom that I need at the right time. He has and always will be involved in my life along with my siblings lives.
I don't really think Dad will ever know how much I appreciate him. People say I am a lot like him, and I kind of shrug and say "I know." But it is a good thing I am like him because he is such a godly person. And I want to be like him in that way, along with other ways. I don't know if I will tell jokes like he does...ever, but they are funny every once in a while.
I am sure Dad will read this at some point, so thanks Dad for being the godly person you are, and for being the father and husband that you are. I love you dearly.
But Dad didn't really get to talk about himself in all of that. It would have been weird if he did. But Dad is an incredible man of God also. He is the most godly person I know and the best example of a husband and father I could have ever asked for. Dad has always been there in the good and bad. He is always encouraging me and giving me words of wisdom that I need at the right time. He has and always will be involved in my life along with my siblings lives.
I don't really think Dad will ever know how much I appreciate him. People say I am a lot like him, and I kind of shrug and say "I know." But it is a good thing I am like him because he is such a godly person. And I want to be like him in that way, along with other ways. I don't know if I will tell jokes like he does...ever, but they are funny every once in a while.
I am sure Dad will read this at some point, so thanks Dad for being the godly person you are, and for being the father and husband that you are. I love you dearly.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Update
Hello all. My sisters have demanded that I post and let them know what is going on in my life. They are my biggest readers.
I have started work at Kimray, which is the biggest reason for my lack of posts in the last month in a half. I work from 6:15 a.m. to about 6 p.m. And when I get home I don't do anything. I am usually exhausted by that time. And when Friday roles around, I am a dead man walking. Yesterday, I got home around 4:30 and took a nap at 5 and didn't wake up until 8. And that was only because Lauren called me, which was my plan, but I didn't think that she would call that late. But it was good, I actually have energy today. But I really like working there. The people are really good to work with and I am making quite a bit more than I did at Hobby Lobby.
Lauren and I are doing really well. We have been talking a lot about stuff that is exciting and fun. The time this summer has been extremely beneficial to our relationship.
As far as things I have been learning this summer, I think God is really teaching me to trust in Him. I am no longer going to be an RA, which is sad, but it will be alright. I am going to ask if I can live with a guy in Norman near the campus. But who knows what will happen. If I need to live at home I will. I am learning to trust Him more with my relationship with Lauren, school, my job and money, and so many other things. It has been good. I finally was able to start studying in Galations today. I am excited because I want to put a Bible study together and do it at OU or with some people from church. So that is good. I have also been challenged by two different people now to really seek God in knowing who I am in Him and knowing why He has made me the way I am. So I have been praying about that a lot. One thing that I love about my job is that I mow a lot. So while I mow I pray so I spend a lot of time doing that now. Hopefully I will be able to integrate that into all of my life.
Well, that is all for now. I will probably post soon and give a little more detail about things. But Brooke and Lauren are both bugging me to get off.
Talk to you later.
I have started work at Kimray, which is the biggest reason for my lack of posts in the last month in a half. I work from 6:15 a.m. to about 6 p.m. And when I get home I don't do anything. I am usually exhausted by that time. And when Friday roles around, I am a dead man walking. Yesterday, I got home around 4:30 and took a nap at 5 and didn't wake up until 8. And that was only because Lauren called me, which was my plan, but I didn't think that she would call that late. But it was good, I actually have energy today. But I really like working there. The people are really good to work with and I am making quite a bit more than I did at Hobby Lobby.
Lauren and I are doing really well. We have been talking a lot about stuff that is exciting and fun. The time this summer has been extremely beneficial to our relationship.
As far as things I have been learning this summer, I think God is really teaching me to trust in Him. I am no longer going to be an RA, which is sad, but it will be alright. I am going to ask if I can live with a guy in Norman near the campus. But who knows what will happen. If I need to live at home I will. I am learning to trust Him more with my relationship with Lauren, school, my job and money, and so many other things. It has been good. I finally was able to start studying in Galations today. I am excited because I want to put a Bible study together and do it at OU or with some people from church. So that is good. I have also been challenged by two different people now to really seek God in knowing who I am in Him and knowing why He has made me the way I am. So I have been praying about that a lot. One thing that I love about my job is that I mow a lot. So while I mow I pray so I spend a lot of time doing that now. Hopefully I will be able to integrate that into all of my life.
Well, that is all for now. I will probably post soon and give a little more detail about things. But Brooke and Lauren are both bugging me to get off.
Talk to you later.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Friends
This is finals week, and I am glad. Well... at least about the academic part. I am ready to stop going to class. I am not ready, however, to go separate ways from my friends this summer.
It has been amazing to get to know people this year. The friends I have made here at OU are all so amazing and inspire me to become more like Christ. They truly have sharpened me over the past 9 months. The fellowship we have had is just amazing. And I am never going to forget it.
I can say that I have a best friend for the first time. Todd is my right hand man. We are completely different. Just ask Lauren. But we feed off of each other, and can talk about anything. It is cool how God works because when we first started living together we both were hoping that we would become best friends. Neither one of has had had someone we can say is our best friend. So as the year went on and we grew closer together the more I realized that God is so faithful to meet our needs. I am so glad Todd is a part of my life, and I love him dearly. He is going to SE Asia for the summer, and I am going to miss him a lot. But God is going to use him there and work in his life. It is his first time over seas, and I am excited about that.
I also must talk about Lauren, because she is amazing. I am glad that we are going to be able to spend more time together over the summer. And I am excited about our future. God has definately proven to be faithful with her also, because I didn't expect to have a girlfriend any time soon. But God works in ways I don't understand, and he has brought us together to spur each other on in our walks with Christ hopefully for life. So I will probably rely on her this summer a lot to help me as I don't see some of my friends. And I am glad for that.
There are other people that I will miss dearly over the summer also. Specifically Clayton and Chris Krycho (although I will be able to see him some). Clayton is going to Falls Creek for the summer with the BSU to help out with the camp. I am so priveledged to have been able to become friends with both of the men. They are like older brothers to me, and I am praying that God will use them in an incredible way over the summer.
I am glad that I am going to be able to spend time with David Manison and Brandon Headley. They have been two of my closest friends for 3 years now, and I am excited to hang out with them again. They are pretty cool, even if they are OSU fans.
I am also excited to be able to see my sisters this month. They are soooooo cool. And I can't wait for them to be here. But I am sad that they can only spend a little time here. But we will make the most of our time.
Friends are so important. And I am sad that some of my friends are going to be here over the summer. But I am definately going to cherish every moment I have with them. And I am going to look forward to next year.
Love you all.
It has been amazing to get to know people this year. The friends I have made here at OU are all so amazing and inspire me to become more like Christ. They truly have sharpened me over the past 9 months. The fellowship we have had is just amazing. And I am never going to forget it.
I can say that I have a best friend for the first time. Todd is my right hand man. We are completely different. Just ask Lauren. But we feed off of each other, and can talk about anything. It is cool how God works because when we first started living together we both were hoping that we would become best friends. Neither one of has had had someone we can say is our best friend. So as the year went on and we grew closer together the more I realized that God is so faithful to meet our needs. I am so glad Todd is a part of my life, and I love him dearly. He is going to SE Asia for the summer, and I am going to miss him a lot. But God is going to use him there and work in his life. It is his first time over seas, and I am excited about that.
I also must talk about Lauren, because she is amazing. I am glad that we are going to be able to spend more time together over the summer. And I am excited about our future. God has definately proven to be faithful with her also, because I didn't expect to have a girlfriend any time soon. But God works in ways I don't understand, and he has brought us together to spur each other on in our walks with Christ hopefully for life. So I will probably rely on her this summer a lot to help me as I don't see some of my friends. And I am glad for that.
There are other people that I will miss dearly over the summer also. Specifically Clayton and Chris Krycho (although I will be able to see him some). Clayton is going to Falls Creek for the summer with the BSU to help out with the camp. I am so priveledged to have been able to become friends with both of the men. They are like older brothers to me, and I am praying that God will use them in an incredible way over the summer.
I am glad that I am going to be able to spend time with David Manison and Brandon Headley. They have been two of my closest friends for 3 years now, and I am excited to hang out with them again. They are pretty cool, even if they are OSU fans.
I am also excited to be able to see my sisters this month. They are soooooo cool. And I can't wait for them to be here. But I am sad that they can only spend a little time here. But we will make the most of our time.
Friends are so important. And I am sad that some of my friends are going to be here over the summer. But I am definately going to cherish every moment I have with them. And I am going to look forward to next year.
Love you all.
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