Today's Verse - Ephesians 6:10-13

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. (NIV)

Be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. (CSB)

If you have lived and been around long enough you have met evil personally, whether it was a person, a place or an object, you felt it and knew. I have felt pure hate from a person and I have walked into places and new something dark was there, even at a church building once, I have met evil and darkness. As a soldier of Christ, empowered by God  and the Holy Spirit, we can not shrink back but must confront the darkness, bringing the light of Christ and Truth to remove the darkness for it cannot stand the light and has already been defeated by Christ's death on the cross. All we have to do is invoke Christ's name and be prepared to stand our ground and not give in till the darkness has been pushed out.

My the light of God flow outward from within and destroy the darkness in our lives. Praise to the Father. Amen.

Today's Verse - Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Today's Verse - Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NIV)

I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (AB)

Today's Verse - Romans 6:12-14

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. (NIV)

Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. (NLT)

When I am tempted I imagine blinding light filling me, consuming me, shining out from me and leaving no darkness within. Temptation can not stand the light and must leave.

Today's Verse - Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

Today's Verse - Jeremiah 39:17-18

I will rescue you on that day, declares the LORD; you will not be handed over to those you fear. I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the LORD.’”

Do not fear.

Today's Verse - Colossians 3:12-17

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

So much easier said then done. Goals to strive for. I pray I get close to this sooner than later.

Today's Verse - 1 Peter 5:6-9 NIV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Keep moving forward, trusting the Father's guidance. Stand in the face of evil and roar back with the strength and honor of Christ for we are victorious! Amen!

Today's Verse - 2 Thessalonians 3:13

(CEV) Dear friends, you must never become tired of doing right.
(NLT) As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.
(CSB) Brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.


Never give in, never give up, never surrender, to the death. Praises be to God the Father. Amen.

Today's Verse - Philippians 2:14-15

(NIV) Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.

(NLT) Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

People will notice when you live and especially if you work this way. They may not say anything but they will notice and know you are not a normal person. You will be rewarded for such living and working by both man and God in time and the rewards will be worth it when they come.

Today's Verse - Mathew 10:37 NIV

Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;

Christ demands we love him more than our parents, brothers and sisters, friends, spouses and even life it self. He must be first. When he is first all of our relationships will benefit and become better from the changes that will occur inside of us as a result of putting Him first. Love the Son above all else.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 4:23-27

(NIV) Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead,  fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

(CEV) Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life. Never tell lies or be deceitful in what you say. Keep looking straight ahead, without turning aside. Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground. Don't make a mistake by turning to the right or the left.

I love Proverbs.

Today's Verse - John 6:68 NIV

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

I'm with Peter on this. The Father has provided for me, guided me through the fires of life I have gone through, opened my eyes to things unseen, disciplined me, given me wonderful gifts, lead me to adventure and success. I owe my life to him and looked forward to the day I die and can be fully one with the Lord.

The words contained in the Bible are a manual to life, a guide to freedom and salvation. Read them, study them and grow in wisdom.

Today's Verse - Psalm 112:4-8 NIV

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
   for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
   who conducts his affairs with justice.
Surely he will never be shaken;
   a righteous man will be remembered forever.
He will have no fear of bad news;
   his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
   in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.

 Trust the Father, no matter how dark it becomes he will provide the light and see you through and in the end you will be with him, made perfect. Amen.

Today's Verse - Jonah 2:8

(NIV) Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

(NLT) Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies.

(CSB) Those who cling to worthless idols forsake faithful love.

Today's Verse - Hebrews 2:14-15

(NIV) Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 

(CEV) We are people of flesh and blood. That is why Jesus became one of us. He died to destroy the devil, who had power over death. But he also died to rescue all of us who live each day in fear of dying.

As Christians we should have no fear of dying. Death means we go home, to heaven, back to the Father, away from pain and suffering. I for one welcome death when it comes and will do my best to live my life with out fear.

Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

(NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

(AB) Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.
    It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].
    It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.
    Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

Practice makes perfect. Practice love.

Today's Verse - Galatians 6:9

(NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

(CEV) Don't get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don't give up.

(NKJV) And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

It is easy to get discouraged and feel like giving up when all you get for your good work is negative remarks or even insults, but Christ promised we would receive such things for being his servant. It hurts the most when it comes from "Christians". I have had to deal with what feels like more than my share of this here in the Northwest. The lack spiritualism, Bible knowledge and Christians behavior in the church is astounding at times and I wonder why God sent me to such a dry place. It has forced me to rely on Him more and remind myself not to give up, but to press on and continue to do good, not for the people but out of my love for God the Father.

Today's Verse - Luke 16:13 (NIV)

“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”


This scripture does not mean only money, it means anything you rely on other than God. I have tried to server two masters and it does not work well at all. It may seem to for awhile but soon either your relationship with God is taking a beaten and we're not spending the time with God we need or the other master is neglected and starts to act up and puts up a fight, particularly if it is a negative/sinful action, because Satan wants you to stay away from God, to feel helpless, powerless and unworthy. Thirdly we get frozen and sit in the middle spinning our wheels doing nothing and neither growing nor maturing, stuck in an infinite loop that will eventually break taking us with it. 

Focus on God and the light. Draw it in, visualize drawing it in, charging it, growing it bigger, like Goku from DragonBall Z :), building our strength and consuming all darkness in the process. Blessed be the child of light. Amen.

Today's Verse - 1 Timothy 4:12

(NIV) Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

(NLT) Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

(NCV) Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life.

Today's Verse - Romans 2:6-11 (NLT)

He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

Today's Verse - Mathew 10:22

(NIV) You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
(CEV) Everyone will hate you because of me. But if you remain faithful until the end, you will be saved.
(CSB) You will be hated by everyone because of My name. But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.

Christ never promised following him would be easy and in fact he promised the world would hate us, curse us and be out to destroy us. Which makes perfect sense when you realize Satan is the prince of the world, so he is going to do everything possible to harm, prevent and destroy Christ's influence in this world. Christ will never allow more than we can bare but what we can bare is usually more than we think we can bare so pray, meditate and read your Bible. Christ will comfort and bring peace.

Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 15:33

(NIV) Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
(CSB) Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
(CEV) Don't fool yourselves. Bad friends will destroy you.
(AB) Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionship (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.

When spending time with our friends we need to make sure they are not influencing us away from God and into bad situations. We need to be influencing them towards God with our actions and decisions. If they don't have respect for your Christian life are they a real friend? Guard your hearts and minds, draw a line and don't allow your friends to push you across it. If they insist then its time to find some new friends. Be careful and wary of negative, poisonous friends and people.

Today's Verse - Ephesians 2:8-10

(NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.


(CEV) You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That's why he sent Christ to make us what we are.

(NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Is a Christian who grew up in the church better than the junkie who was saved yesterday? NO. We have all sinned and are the same. God had to send his son to die so we could be saved and have a relationship with him. Your past doesn't matter for when you become a Christian you become a new creation. Holy and washed clean of our sin by blood, blood of the creator's son. All because God desires, wants and seeks a relationship with his creation, which he gave free will to reject him, despise him and say he doesn't exist. Yet he still stands at the door of our heart and knocks saying, "Let me in, I love you."

I pray that God gives us the capacity to love as he does.

Today's Verse - Joel 2:28-31 (CEV)

I will give my Spirit
   to everyone.
   Your sons and daughters
   will prophesy.
   Your old men
   will have dreams,
   and your young men
   will see visions.

In those days I will even give
   my Spirit to my servants,
   both men and women.

I will work wonders
   in the sky above
   and on the earth below.
   There will be blood and fire
   and clouds of smoke.

The sun will turn dark,
   and the moon
   will be as red as blood
   before that great
   and terrible day
   when I appear.

I so very much look forward to this day and going home.

Today's Verse - Galatians 5:22-26

(Amplified Bible)
But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another.

(NIV) the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

(CEV) God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires. God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are.

Today's Verse - 3 John 1:11

(NIV) Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

(NLT) Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.

Actions speak louder then words. I enjoy watching people, its my favorite thing to do at the airport while waiting, observing what they do and discerning their true character. If we claim to be Christian and yet our actions, attitudes and deeds don't match up with what is set forth in scripture are we Christian? Bible says nope.
We must do our best to imitate God by following the few commands he has giving us. If we make no effort then how can you claim to be a Christian. Word and deed must be aligned.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 19:20

(NIV) Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

(CSB) Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise in later life.

Today's Verse - Galatians 1:10

(NIV) Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

(CEV) I am not trying to please people. I want to please God. Do you think I am trying to please people? If I were doing that, I would not be a servant of Christ.

(ASV) For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.

Don't worry so much about what people think about you or their opinion of how you should behave as a Christian as long as you are following God and his commands. Following Christ will make people upset with you even other Christians and trying to please them is just a waste of time and energy. Keep God as our focus and do not worry about offending people. If someone is offended then talk about it and all can grow. Stay focused on Christ.

Today's Verse - Mathew 5:37

(CSB) But let your word 'yes' be 'yes,' and your 'no' be 'no.' Anything more than this is from the evil one.
(CEV) When you make a promise, say only "Yes" or "No." Anything else comes from the devil.
(NLT)  Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

This is one of my favorite verses. Simple and to the point. When asked to do something a simple yes or no should be sufficient. I have had people look surprised when they have asked me something and I have just said no, no excuses or explanation, just no. They weren't sure what to do with it. As Christians it should be this simple, we should be people of integrity and honor. When we make a promise or give are word it should be a simple yes or no. Don't make excuses, be honest and truthful. Keep your promises and if you aren't going to then just say no and don't make them in the first place. 

Honor and integrity must practiced and strived for. 

Today's Verse - 1 Samuel 16:7b

(NIV) "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
(CSB) Man does not see what the LORD sees, for man sees what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart."

As Christians we should be striving to know the heart of the person before we make any kind of assumptions about them. I know to many "Christians" that don't practice this, instead they let fear and worldly opinions influence their decisions on how to deal with people and the kind of people that can be at "church". This makes me sick and angry for we are here for the sick, unrighteous and sinful people. We came from them so how can you say they are unfit. We are to be imitators of God - Ephesians 5:1 to bring healing, joy and love to this world.

Man has no right say who can be in God's family.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 4:18

(NIV) The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
(CSB) The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.
(NKJV) But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.

The closer we get to God the more his light shines through us and becomes brighter. Till the day we are made perfect let us strive to be pure light.

Today's Verse - Hebrews 2:1

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

We can drift from God with out even realizing it until one morning we wake up and say, "How the heck did I get here?" Same thing happens in our friendships, marriages and other relationships, all because we stop putting in the time it takes to maintain and keep the relationship healthy. This also applies to God's teachings. If we don't spend time in the Bible reading and studying we drift from his teachings and the simplicity of them. We must be diligent in our time with God and his teachings to prevent drifting and being deceived by teachings of men.

Spend time in the Bible and with God everyday.

Today's Verse - 1 Peter 2:23

(NIV) When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

(CEV) Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. And when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly.

Another amazing example of Christ for us to strive towards. I used to be really good and getting even and making threats and I guess I still have those skills, but I refuse to use them anymore for negative purposes. I learned awhile ago to trust God's judgment and love for me over anything that man says about me. I know God loves me enough that he sent his son to die a horrible death, so that we could become his children.Trust God to turn the insults and suffering into blessings and joy in time.

Be patient and trust God.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 16:9

(NIV) In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

This applies all to well to the way my life has gone. I know where I want to go and I am getting closer, but the journey sure has been interesting, fun, filled with joy and sorrow and difficulty at times, but I would not trade the experience for anything. Adventure for the win!

Set your goals, follow and rely on God and enjoy the adventure of a life time.

Today's Verse - 1 John 4:21b

(NIV) Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
(NKJV) he who loves God must love his brother also.

So simple to say and preach about, but very hard at times to practice. I know it has been very hard at times to love "my brother" when I have been betrayed, stabbed in the face, insulted and cast aside, but I must continue to love them even when I can't stand to be around them. I hurt for them and wish they would open their eyes and see God more clearly. Being human makes this very difficult and nearly impossible at times but I have to trust in the wisdom of the creator and do my best to fulfill his commandments. Prayer helps a lot in pursuing perfect love.
 
Pursue the practice of love.

Today's Verse - 2 Timothy 1:7

(NIV) For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
(CEV) God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.
(CSB) For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power,  love, and sound judgment.

The affect of the Holy Spirit should be constantly moving us toward increased spiritual power and knowledge, increasing or ability to love those who hate, hurt or wronged us, increasing our self-control, knowledge and wisdom and driving out any fear and timidness. This does not happen on its own, only with time and effort do we move in this direction and we should never be content with where we are spiritually and mentally. Constantly seeking God's wisdom and asking for knowledge and praying to be put into situations that will challenge and make us uncomfortable to help us grow will keep us from stagnating and getting comfortable.

Always seek to improve yourself, because there is no such thing as perfection in this life. Amen.

Today's Verse - Psalm 23 (CEV)

You, LORD, are my shepherd.
I will never be in need.
You let me rest in fields of green grass.
You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life.
You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.
I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid.
You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows.
Your kindness and love will always be with me
   each day of my life, and I will live forever
   in your house, LORD.

Today's Verse - Hebrews 2:18

(NIV) Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
(CSB) For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.

There is nothing on this planet that Jesus was tempted with or suffered through that is different then what we go through or deal with today. He understands and knows what its like to be human. He was human for some thirty years. He has been to hell and back, literally in my opinion, to sacrifice himself so that we may have freedom. Freedom from fear of death, freedom to come to the Fathers throne, freedom from the flesh, freedom from sin, freedom to love and freedom to live. Our freedom came at the highest price with is death. Talk to Jesus about your temptations, struggles and suffering has they are happening He will come help and comfort you.

 

Share with Jesus and he will share with you.

Today's Verse - John 14:21

(NIV) "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

Such a simple statement. Love Jesus and keep his commands and the Father will love us too and Jesus will show himself to us. In my experience truth is often simple and easy to understand and that is one of my favorite things about Christ. His teachings are simple but take a life time to master. The more I have gotten to know Christ the more I am aware of his influence and movement in my daily life, even more so when I look back and see how things worked out for the better. The trick is we have to put time and effort into the relationship and Christ will match and exceed what we put into it thus showing himself to us. The more time spent with him the more times we will see him move and to be thankful for the gifts, protection, guidance and wisdom that comes from knowing and spending time with Christ.

Strive to know Christ, not to know about him.

Funny Bible Story - 2 Kings 2:23-25

This story has a bald guy, annoying youths and bears. Enjoy!

From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some youths came out of the town and jeered at him. "Go on up, you baldhead!" they said. "Go on up, you baldhead!" He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths. And he went on to Mount Carmel and from there returned to Samaria.

Tune in next Saturday for another fun Bible story.

Today's Verse - Job 41:11

(NIV) "Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me.", God.

Humans love to think of themselves as equal with God or even a god, but this is stupid and it makes me laugh. We know so little  about our own little planet and even less about the universe. I mean we don't even know how gravity works, or whats on the bottom of the ocean. So when a human, made by God, starts to think they know better than God it makes me laugh and sad at the same time. God created everything  we can see and have yet to discover. He has the RIGHT to do as he pleases, whether he smites us all because we are to stupid to recognize who he is or to send his son to be beaten, murdered and hung on a cross because he desires a relationship with us and wants to be our father.

Know your place at the feet of God.

Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 10:24

(NIV) Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Does this mean you never seek good for yourself? NO, but when you are seeking good for yourself make sure you are thinking of others and how you can benefit them and when there is a conflict the good of others should come first. God wants us to prosper, to better ourselves but not at the cost of another. Anything that damages relationship for the worse should be avoided. As always though God must be at the center and the Holy Spirit will be our guide to the correct path.

Seek wisdom.

Today's Verse - John 3:17

(NIV) God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

God did not send his son into this world and to die so that we Christians can go around telling people they better repent or go to hell. We should be practicing love, which if you don't know what love is go read 1 Cor 13:4-7, and building relationships with people we wish to convert. Jesus met people where they were at and went from there. The only people he ever condemned were the religious teachers of the Jews because they had perverted God's law, which means we should be watchful of our Christian leaders to make sure they are preaching and practicing Christ and not perverting it. If our approach does not line up with Christ's and the apostles then maybe we should be taking a hard look at how we are reaching out to people. Church should be a place of welcoming, peace, healing and love, not of fear, politics, and hate.

God's guidance be upon us. Amen.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 27:6

(NIV) Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
(CEV) You can trust a friend who corrects you, but kisses from an enemy are nothing but lies.

Getting corrected is never much fun but when it comes from a friend it is worth the pain and tears that can come from. I know I have been better off when I have been corrected or wounded by a trusted friend and as a bonus the friendship is strengthened and brought to a deeper level of trust and understanding.

I have also experienced the kisses or what I prefer kiss ups who never say anything negative or questions your motives and just sit there and watch you run right into a wall. American Idol comes to mind with the bad singers they have and I always wonder what kind of friends a person has that would not tell them they need to learn how to sing, of course there are always the people that don't listen to correction or wisdom from there friends but the Bible has a diffirent word for them, a fool, so the two people who read this, don't be a fool, heed the correction or wounds from a friend for it can be trusted.

May God bless those who read this. Amen.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 14:2a

Whoever lives with integrity fears the LORD.

The fear used here is not the kind of fear you would have from say seeing a ghost, spider, your worst nightmare, of getting in trouble but one of awe, respect, reverence and a hatred of evil. If you put those words in place "Whoever lives with integrity has awe, respect, reverence and a hatred of evil for the LORD." brings more meaning and depth to the spricpture when you understand/know the meaning behind a word that is not normally used in today's language. For more on this check out these two pages here and here

We The People Stimulus Package

The revolution is coming.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeYscnFpEyA

Refreshment for the Soul

Music Camp for those that have gone know what refreshing unity, love and peace goes on during its week and for those that haven't been I hope you will come and experience God's presence and power through music. I look forward to it every year and have had the privilege of going since I was fifteen, from camper to staff. I get more out of it now, watching the kids grow and experience the life changing presence of the Almighty Father, then I did as a camper. Come to think of it this blog was started as a result of one of my years at camp.

Anyway back on track. If you have read my previous post you will know that my family and a few others have been dealing with a lot of church crap. It was so refreshing to come and worship and just sing without all this religious bs that is not Christianity. There was no bickering, arguing or playing church. We were all there united through Christ the way the church is supposed to be. We were sharing, crying, comforting, rejoicing, confessing, worshiping all as one. There have been very few churches I have been to where it is safe to do most of those things and it breaks my heart to see what happens when our focus goes from God to I. I was crucified when you were buried with Christ (Gal 2:20). I left all his crap when he died, but now we have Christ living in us to deal with it and clean it out. We just have to remember to keep our eyes on Him for He is the author and perfecter of our faith.(Heb 12:2) All things will healing in time. I guess I had some preaching in me. lol.

Anyway, this year I really got a lot out of it as well as some challenges to grow myself as a man and leader in the church, thank you Mike. As a result I have begun putting together a lesson series on becoming a man under God that has been on my mind for about a year, so pray that God guides me and speaks through me in this endeavor.

It was a great camp this year. God spoke so much through the devos and worship lessons. Thank you Father for putting the people together to make it happen. Praise be to you my King.

Wolves in Sheeps Clothing

Since I have come back to the northwest I have been asking God why he called me back to this place and after seven months I think He has finally revealed His purpose for calling me back. My parents and brother have been in intense spiritual warfare for a long time and it got worse when I arrived in August. I am now convinced I was brought back to bear witness and as support for my family and others involved in this war.

I am experiencing first hand what Paul wrote in Romans 16:17-18, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 and what Solomon wrote about in Proverbs 26:23-26. I find it unbelievable that the elders of this church stand by as evil gains ground and turns this church into a social club with no depth of faith or knowledge, its breaking my heart to see the damage done to my parents, brother and the others involved. It saddens me to see how blind most of the congregation is to what is happening around them.

I know there is great evil here. I have been woken up twice in less than month in the middle of the night by a presence and I know the first time something was in the room I could feel the evil emanating from it and the second time it was not nearly as strong. I have not been scared either times for I know whose I am and rebuked it in the name Jesus Christ. It left and I went to sleep at peace. The fact I have felt this in my home tells me how serious the situation is and how much my parents and brother have been dealing with and assaulted by.

It reached a pinnacle Saturday and my parents, brother and I have done what we could and it is on the shoulders of the elders their decision to either confront this evil or to sweep it under the rug and pretend what has happened hasn't will determine our next move. I pray to God they confront the evil.

I can't explain or tell everything that has happened for I would be here writing for hours and this would turn in to a book. Instead I write to show the challenges that have been set forth and what we have been dealing with.

This is a call to arms for prayer, for the light to shine in the darkness, for the glory of God to reveal and destroy the evil that is rooted in this church, for healing and comfort for us very wounded and weary soldiers. Were it not for the Armor of God and the protection, faith and strength He has provided we would have become casualties of war.

Brothers pray for us.
To God be the glory forever.
Amen.

Direction

I went home to Washington to spend two weeks with my family and really had no intention of coming back to live and work, but I had never ruled it out, it was just not my first choice. God is a funny guy sometimes and knows just what we need and when. He put the people I needed to meet and in situations I needed to be in to make me realize I needed to come back to the Northwest to serve Him. I was filled with such and intense desire to stay that I would not have come back to Arkansas if I didn't have anything. For the first few days after coming to know His will it would nearly bring me to tears thinking about it. I don't know if it was just His presence, the excitement of finally having a direction or what but it was intense, exciting and a bit scary. I also realized, or more like God revealed it, during the second week, which was Music Camp, that my time at Harding and in Arkansas has been my wilderness/coming of age journey that every boy needs to go through on his way to becoming a man. After seven years my journey has finally come to an end and it is time to return home. I left a boy and return a man confirmed by the Most High. Praises be to the LORD my rock.

Idols

I have been reading Sidetracked in the Wilderness by Michel Wells again and I am in the part about idols. I really like his definition of an idol, which is anything we turn to other than God when we feel stressed, rejected, hurt, alone, attacked, etc. He also talks about how God will put oneself in situations were their idols will not work. The funny thing is I am experiencing it first hand as I write this. Some history first. It is pretty well know that I have never had a girlfriend and I have been really frustrated at times over it and it seems every time I'm interested in a girl she does not want that kind of relationship just adds to it. I have noticed in the past but never made the connection till just a few months ago while Sara B was in Greece that when I am feeling lonely or ignored/rejected by girls, especially from on I like, I almost with out fail turn to my idols of masturbation and looking at scantly clad pictures of women, not quite porno but close. I don't always give in to the temptation, but it happens enough. The thing I find annoying and it really gets on my nerves because I know it is Satan hitting me in my weakness is it does not take much for him to get in my ear whispering encouragement to go back to my idols. The triggers are little things like not returning a phone call, email, message or anytime I feel ignored/rejected. Satan is right there whispering go back to your idols they will make you feel good and you know what? They do, but that only lasts a short time and they will never meet this need in me, which only God can fill. God has been leading up to this realization over the past couple of weeks with the conversations I have had, what I have been asking for in prayer and with the book I am reading and I thank God for the sight to see these things in m life so that I can ask Him to change them and meet these needs in me. I also ask for those of you who read this to please pray for me that God will give me the sight to see when I am being tempted and to run to Him. To burn these idols out of my life and to fill this need in me.

Father, through the blood of your Son I come before you asking You to fill this need, teach me to run to You. Burn these idols out of me, Destroy them! Give me sight to see and run to you when tempted. Pour your spirit and strength on me. Meet this need in me. Christ name I pray.

Faith part 2

God spoke to me today through the lesson and several of the songs we sang today. Trust, trust, trust, was what I heard over and over. Trust and faith go hand in hand, trust being the hardest part for me, especially in a storm. Waiting on His timing at this moment in my life is beginning to get very difficult. I want and wish for certain things to happen and He says wait for my timing and then I go arg!!! I want it now(the song) playing in my head. That is where the struggle comes from, its between my selfish/false self and my true self in Christ. So, I walk by faith, not hiding any emotion from my King. Being sure to tell Him when I am frustrated, angry, excited, or whatever I am feeling and it strengthens me, because He sends a word, song, or something else to comfort me or reveal some truth I need to hear. You Gave Me a Promise and Wrapped in Your Arms by Fireflight is pretty much how I am feeling right now.

You Game Me a Promise
The waves are crashing down on me
But I know that this cannot be the end, be the end...
Right now I feel like copping out
Will You hold me up, if I just say
That I will stay

I will hold on to this hope that I have
You gave me a promise
You gave me a promise
I'll push through this moment, I'll never give up
You gave me a promise
You gave me a promise
I'm so tired that I can't stand

But I know that time will heal this heart, heal this heart...

With every door that's slamming shut
A new one's there to lead me where You are

You, You call out to me
You're just out of reach
But I'm closing in
I'm still going, still believing in Your word


Wrapped in Your Arms
Is this the whole picture
Or is it just the start?
Is this the way you love me?
You're capturing my heart
I used to try and walk alone
But I've begun to grow
And when you tell me just to rest
I'm finally letting go
I let go

And I'm here to stay
Nothing can separate us
And I know, I'm ok
You cradle me gently
Wrapped in your arms.... I'm home

I'm seeing so much clearer
Looking through your eyes
I could never find a safer place
Even if I tried
All the times I've needed you
You've never left my side
I'm clinging to your every word
Don't ever let me go
Don't let go

Faith

Walking by faith has been the scariest, yet most rewarding thing I have done in my life. It has been extremely stressful at times, making me want to run away from the situation and go the easy road. Taking the right path as opposed to the easy path has become a requirement for me. I'm not sure where I am going with this post, other than to say right now all I have is to walk by faith. I have to trust my King and know that doing His will for me must be my top priority. I don't know where I am going to get a job, nor when or what will happen tomorrow. I must trust my king. I really don't like the unknown, because I like structure and routine and walking by faith is practically the opposite. He tells us not to worry about what we will eat or where, because He will provide on His time and I guess that is what I am getting frustrated with. I have been waiting a long time for a specific thing and it is just getting to me right now. I am tired of waiting, DO YOU HEAR ME GOD?!?! I am tired. I need to hear from you.

Done

Well my collage career is just about to come to an end. I have my last final on Monday at 10:30 and then I am done. Its kind of surreal at the moment and is just beginning to sink in. I am done! I am really looking forward to not having school anymore and getting a real job. It is going to be a new and great adventure for this new phase of my life and I am ready for it.

Ripped Pants and Tractor Fun

Saturday, almost the whole house hold went to the lake house to do cleanup. We moved a lot of dead stuff and burnt it all up. I spent most of the time on the Kubota we borrowed and almost got a blister from driving with one hand, good times indeed. Anyway only two exciting things really happened. It also had rained almost the whole previous week so the ground was muddy in some places. The first one happened when I was going to go pull a pile of dirt over what had been a ditch and was not watching close enough and sunk the whole front end up to the frame in mud. I tried to back out but there was not enough wait on the back and I could not lift the front with the bucket so we had to get the Explorer and pull it out. The second one happend while Zach was drive and he was getting a bucket of dirt from the pile, which was getting pretty mud and sticky, as he was going to lift the bucket his left front tire sank and put the tractor on pretty much just that tire. If he would not of had the bucket it would have rolled. I jumped on the back it was just enough weight to get the rear wheels back down and he was then able to back out. It was exciting/scary, but what and adventure. I almost forgot about ripping my pants in all the excitement of writing about the tractor fun. We were loading eighty pound bags of cement into the bucket and I squated to lift one and back of my pants split, lol. Luckly it was after lunch and I had good underwear on. It was quite funny. ~Semper Fi

Fellowship of Men

Tonight group was a little different because three of the for leaders were gone. We sang and talked for a bit, then we broke up into smaller groups. In my group was Jordan, Branson, BK and I. It was like old times when we just had a guys group. We talked about a lot of personal stuff and I shared a lot about my relationship with my King. I can't believe how good it was, God is amazing. I needed that time and fellowship of men. We are probably going to be doing that for the rest of the semester since Ray is going to be gone. I have been missing the closeness and level of intimacy we had tonight. I have been craving it and trying to start a guys group has been on my mind again. I need to work on the M.U.G creed and get a finale draft to share with the guys. Maybe it will be the begining of a new adventure.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. ~Proverbs 27:17

So true, I can't tell you how refreshing it was to be the company of growing men in pursuit of the King. I am filled, recharged and ready for battle. Brothers prusue, seek out and fight for this intamacy with other men. Together we stand and are strong. Praise the KING!

About time for an update

I have been really busy with school and work, so I haven't taken the time to write in awhile. Last Thursday we had a huge storm come through with tons of rain, lightning and even the tornado sirens went off. Didn't have any tornadoes touch down and the closest one was in Little Rock. It caused some damage but not very bad. This whole past week we have had a ton of rain and several parts of the state are flooded. The road to George Town is flooded, so we can't go there. Hopefully we will be able to when Luke and Emily come down on the 19th. I am really looking forward to seeing him again. Yesterday, Erin and I went over to the Jackson's to help with the birthday party they were having, it was quite the affair. They had two big blow up play things, a petting zoo, football toss, duck bob, face painting, Erin was doing this, and pony rides, which I was doing. Heart did good for the most part, until right near the end when he started making angry faces and he even kicked once. I would walk two thirds of the way and then have him trot the last stretch, which everyone really enjoyed. I had a couple of girls comeback and ride quite a few more times. The boys didn't seem to interested in the rides and I only had a couple of them come for rides. It was a neat party with a ton of kids and I had a good time giving rides. When it was time for cake I put Heart up and about that time the other horses had come down for dinner, so I fed them and then I got the currie comb brushed on Jake, Pedro and Squirt for the next hour or so, probably was not that long but it felt like it. I have a test on Monday and Tuesday which have been studying for all weekend and I should do really well on them. Not much else going on for the time being and I am going to try and write more often. Take care.~Semper Fi

Horses Good for the Soul

Went out to the Jacksons today just to get away from the house and have some peace and quiet. It was just me, the horses and God. It was so quiet, peaceful and beautifully with some snow left over from yesterday. I really needed the alone time to think and be in nature. Just to rest in the beauty of my King. I am much better and ready to start school and work again. Nothing beats resting in the arms of the Creator. ~Semper Fi

Crazy Arkansas Weather

It is snowing in March in Arkansas?!?!?!?!?! The weather has been crazy over the past four days. Saturday it was 75, Sunny and beautiful. Sunday it started getting cloudy and a nice cold wind was kicking up. Monday it rained all day dropping about two inches. Today, Tuesday, it snowed?!?!?!

I took pictures of the snow and they are under the Montgomery album. I really enjoyed the thunderstorm yesterday and today it is beautiful outside. Thank you my King for the gifts.

Weekend Hikiing

Erin, Zach, Bethany and I went hiking at Petit Jean. It was beautiful out, almost to warm for pants. First we stopped at the top to eat lunch and look at the surrounding area. Then Zach and I, mostly me climbed around on the rocks before heading to the hiking trials. We hiked down to the waterfall and I got some neat pictures. Then we took the Canyon trail which wasn't all that interesting, though it did follow the creek almost the entire time. On our way out it was a work out. I'm used to going downhill on the way back, but here it was uphill the whole way back. ugh. My legs got tired and almost jello like. When we got back to the top we took the Bear cave trail, so we could go see the bear cave. The trail was alright, but the bear cave was just a whole in the side of the rock that was probably once a bear cave, really not impressive at all. I was bummed when I say what it was. I did take some pictures of it. Then we hiked back to the car and headed home, stopping at Sonic to get some drinks. On the way back the girls counted how many dead skunks they saw and it totaled about 25 or so. There were so many it was ridiculous. It was a really good, tiring trip we all thoroughly enjoyed. I'll have the new pictures posted in the petit jean ablum. That's all I feel like writing for now. ~Semper Fi

Pursued by the King

I find it amazing how God moves through things and uses them to draw me closer. I just got two albums by Jeremy Camp, Stay and Carried Me The Worship Project. Originally I was just going to get a song from each album, but I listened to a few on each cd and decided I had to buy the whole albums. Since then God has been speaking to me through several of the songs. I realized today the shuffle kept playing a couple of the songs over and over and mind you it was out of twenty seven songs. The words were things I needed to hear and it was God saying this is the path you must walk. My king has healed more wounds and filled needs I didn't know I still had. I have learned a lot about grace and how to apply it in my relationships. One gets an idea of what God must go though when we hurt/disappoint him, when a loved one does it to you. I now its only through grace, prayer and waiting on Lord that what has happened to me as only drawn me closer to my King. I have learned so much more about myself and I know I can endure much more as long as I cling to my King. I found I have much more grace and forgiveness then I thought I did.

These are the songs that I found especially directed towards me. You can click on the songs to see the lyrics.
Enough
I Wait For The Lord
Empty Me
I Surrender to You
Walk By Faith

I still find it hard to believe how perfect those two albums are and I know it was not coincidence I bought them when I did. My King is an amazing and wonderful friend. He knows just what to say and how to say it. He speaks to my heart like no one else. The journey I have been on over the last couple of weeks has been hard at times, but what I have gotten out of it has been more then worth the pain and tears. Praise to my King! I love you. ~Semper Fi

Relationships

Blessed is a man who endures trials, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that He has promised to those who love Him. ~James 1:12

That pretty much sums up this week. I have been dealing with a lot of varied and different emotions this week and it has been very challenging. I am not going to give details because pretty much all of it has to do with relationships and they are private matters, but I am going to share what I have learned/learning this week. I had a come to Jesus meeting yesterday in the woods and spent a couple of hours talking and listening to him on how to handle what is going on. He gave me the following passages by flipping the pages of my bible with the wind.

Hear my prayer, LORD; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. ~Psalm 102:1-2

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. ~Psalm 107. This part was repeated over and over through the whole psalm.

And the strangest one came out of Song of Songs 3:5b: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.

It was what I needed to hear and it helped me focus and a get handle on what to do.

Here is what I know when dealing with relationships. God must be first and must be consulted in all matters, especially when it involves matters of the heart. Communication is a must and has to be open and honest. Failing to communicate and/or not listening will only cause harm to those involved. Do not force things or rush them, wait on the LORD's timing. Be patient. When you get hurt be a man and step up. NO running away. Running only makes things worse. I really did not want to deal with what is going on. It would be so much easier to write them off or run away then to step up and deal with it. Only through the grace of my king has it been handled in the way it has. That is all I have at the moment, if I think of anything else I will add to it. God be honored above all. ~Semper Fi

Weekend Details. Only a week later :P

Ok, so I finally got around to writing about the amazing weekend I had. Friday night Sarah got in after dinner. We had a loud welcoming with hugs and laughter. After a bit we all, Sarah, Erin, Zach, Bethany and BK, watched Mr Deeds. I had forgotten how funny that movie is and both Zach and I had some really good belly laughs. The girls laughed a lot to but mostly were like, why are we watching this?!? It was much fun.

Saturday morning Zach and I made breakfast. I made banana, cranberry and plain pancakes and Zach cooked some eggs. It was an enjoyable time of just visiting and sharing stories. About lunch time Sarah, Erin and I headed to the Alltel Arena in Little Rock to see the Lippizaner Stallions. I knew we had pretty good seats but when we got there we didn't see our row because they were all numbers and we were in row b, so we walked all the way down and asked the lady to help us. She looked at our ticket and said, "oh, your down on the floor." I was thinking to myself, "what?!?!" We ended up being about ten feet from the show floor. It was amazing, the horses were so beautiful. The show was great and really enjoyable. The only thing that sucked was our camera died just before intermission, crappy old rechargeable batteries. I figured, I would go out and get my camera, don't ask why I left it in the car. So I get to the door and it says no reentry, so I asked a ticket lady if I could still comeback in and she said, "if I want to by another ticket". I was annoyed to say the least and there was noway I was buying another ticket, stupid greedy people. The rest of the show was really neat and I did get some cool pictures that I will get posted soon. That night after dinner we played a couple of games. The first was paper telephone and oh man did we have some fun and major laughing, it makes me crack up just thinking about. Then we played dominoes till Alycia arrived around 11pm. We played dominoes to long, but we had fun and some funny things happened.

Sunday was SUPER BOWL Sunday!!! We, Alycia, Erin, Sarah, Zach and I, went to church in the morning and then came home and ate lunch and waited for the Super Bowl party to begin. A bunch of people showed up and they all crowded in the den with the big screen. I watched about the first quarter in the den and then ditched them to watch it in the living room with Sarah and Alycia. Much better company and we all sat on the same couch. The game was not all that exciting till the fourth quarter and then OMG!!! it turned into the best game I have seen in a long time. I was yelling and on edge and getting stressed out, because I wanted the Giants to win. Oh man it was great, couldn't have asked for a better game. We didn't do much else after the game and then I said goodbye to Sarah and Alycia because I had to go to class at 7:30am and they were not going to be up. All in all it was a great weekend.

I had forgotten how much I enjoy being around Sarah and Alycia. They are wonderful women of God. One thing I really enjoy when they are around is that they will pick on me and poke fun about me, very few girls I know do that, so that makes them extra special to me. It was so good to see them. Old friends are the best, you can just pick up where you left off and it doesn't seem as if time has passed at all. Thank you my king for such relationships. ~Semper Fi

Great weekend

This weekend is going to be so fun. First Sarah, Alycia and Amy are coming in to town. Second Sarah, Erin and I are going to see the world famous Lipizzaner Stallions on Saturday!!!! Third is Super Bowl Sunday! Going to be lots of fun and restful at the same time. I will post more details when I have them. Not much else happened in the last couple of weeks since my last post. It snowed on Thursday, but it didn't stick. :( Nice while it lasted though. Have two tests coming up next week and the week after. Last weekend, Zach, Matt and I went an saw Rambo. It was a good action movie and ended the Rambo series perfectly. I also went riding two weekends ago, about froze to death on the way back. I am also trying to begin running regularly, but I gotta get some better shoes or I am going to kill my knees. I got a playable version of tic tac toe up and ready for download at www.rabiddesignstudios.com Go check it out. I am done for now. ~Semper Fi

Made it through the first week.

I just finished my first week of school and work. Getting up at 6am everyday wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, made the week longer but oh well. My last two classes are going to be fun, especially discrete math. The teacher is funny in a nerdy/geeky way. Sara B left for Greece on Tuesday and made it there safe and sound. I miss her. I am not sure how bible study at the house is going to go or if I am even going to go here this semester. My king will give me direction though, which I trust. Not much else is going on. Work has been busy and pretty much the same. I have been programming a lot again. Been working on tic tac toe and should have a playable version soon and available for download from www.rabiddesignstudios.com Anyway, I am getting hungry for breakfast, so till next time. ~Semper Fi

Living Well

I just got back from Christmas break at my parent's house. It was a good time and relaxing for me. I got to just hang out at the house and play video games mostly. I also moved wood and trimmed our horses hooves and I got to learn how to install a wood floor, which was a good time working with my dad. I did go see a couple of movies, I am Legend and AVP R, both were good. My dad, brother and I watched the whole Band of Brothers series together, which is a must see. It was really good to see the parents and grandparents and especially my brother. Finally got to see our dogs, Chester and Tessa or how my dad refers to them as Stinky and Dinky or Mut and Jeff. Any i am keeping this short on purpose and I plan to write more often in the coming weeks. ~Semper Fi

Thanksgiving Break

Monday I flew down to Abilene, TX to watch Sara B play basketball on Tuesday. My plane was supposed to leave at 6:55am, but just as the plane was getting ready to taxi on to the runway the pilot comes on and announces Dallas has had an equipment failure and all flights are grounded in and out of Dallas. We sat for about 30 mins and then the pilot tells us we are going to get off the plane and wait. Long story short we didn't leave till 10am and I didn't get into Abilene till 2pm almost three hours later then I was supposed to. Sara B and Kristen came and picked me up and we went to Walmart and they got some food for lunch on Tuesday. After Walmart they took me to Kristen's brother's house, which is where I was going to stay the night, while they went to basketball practice. After practice they came and got me and took me to Chickene, Sara B's favorite place to get sweet tea. The food was good, fried chicken and mashed potatoes, and the sweet tea was really good, I got a sugar rush from it. After dinner we went to their dorm and hung out. They made a cake for a friend and since Sara B was involved, a fight broke out and end with both Kristen and Sara B with chocolate cake batter all over their faces. I only got some flung on my clothes and so I got Sara B in the face, since she had gotten Kristen really good. It was really funny and fun to be apart of. hehe. After the we watched some tv while Kristen did some homework while waiting for the cake to cook. Then we went and delivered the cake and hung out there for a little while. It was getting late and they had class plus their game tomorrow, so we headed home. They stayed for a little while and then we said goodnight. A long but very enjoyable day.

Tuesday, Sara B was in class till eleven, so I slept in and watched some tv till she came and got me for lunch. We went to her dorm and her and Kristen started cooking the pasta and bread. They invited Bryce over as well, he seems like a good guy who they just met this semester. After lunch, Sara B and Kristen, had to go get ready for the game, so I hung out with Bryce till it was time for the game. They game was good, even though they lost. It was great to watch Sara B play again. After the game we said goodbye to Kristen and headed out on the road. Sara drove the first hour and half or so till she got hunger and we stopped in Ranger, TX for dinner. There was a beautiful sunset when we came out of DQ and I took a couple of pictures with Sara's camera. I drove the rest of the time. We talked the whole way home, except for about an hour or so when Sara took a nap so she could keep me company later. We talked about what was going on in our lives and what God has be doing for us and to us personally. I really enjoyed immensely and something I'll be sure we do more often. Other then that it was a pretty uneventful drive. I did see what was left of deer after it had been run over by a semi. We got home around 1:30am and said goodnight to each other and went to bed. It was a really good trip, wish I could do it more.

Wednesday not much went on during the day we both slept in and got some much need sleep. I got my programming assignment done and relaxed. Sara B spent most of the morning helping here mom get Thanksgiving dinner ready, she made mashed potatoes and cranberry stuff, both were very good. We all went to Roma's for dinner with a bunch of Sara B's family and cousins. Sara and I sat at the kids table with her cousins and had good time. Shooting straw wrappers, ice fingers, telling really really really cheesy jokes and laughing a ton. After dinner everyone came back and we watched Muppets from Space, it was pretty funny. Thursday was of course turkey day. I was a bum and watched a lot of football, and Sara watched too when she wasn't helping her mom. We everyone that was at Roma's came for Thanksgiving dinner at four. Sara B and I ate at the kids table again and again it was much fun more lame jokes and good conversation. Kids are great. After eating way to much food and desert we watched some more football. A bit later we watched Amazing Grace, which was good movie. Friday morning Luke came to see me, since him and Emily were in Memphis. He came to house and visited with everyone that was here and then he and I went to Harding so he could see the new hotel lobby. After that we came back to the house for a little bit while we waited for lunch time to come around. I took him out for lunch so we could catch up and just talk with the two of us. It was good and we talked about future plans, relationships and various other things. It was so good see him, it was like we had never been apart. After lunch he had to head back to Memphis so we said good bye. Friday night we watched Shrek the Third, I had forgotten how funny it was.

Saturday, Day of Adventure, dun dun dun. The day started at 6:30am, so we would have plenty of riding time because we had to be back by noon. It was Sara B, her cousin Shelbi and I. Shelbi had never gone riding before, so today turned out to be a really good adventure for her especially. We took our normal trail for the woods and out to the far field for some galloping. Sara was on Jake wasn't doing and running on him, so I asked her if she wanted to switch and ride Pedro. We switched and she started riding around on Pedro. I had to go and help Shelbi with Heart because he was given her trouble and she had never ridden before. After some coach she got Heart to listen better and at this point Sara B came galloping across the field. Then the three of us headed to the far side. After a bit Sara B went galloping across the field again and Shelbi and I did a little trotting and some walking in that direction. All of a sudden Heart starts loping and I was thinking, "WOW he broke a trout". Then the adventure began. Heart started crow hoping while loping, so of course Shelbi lost her seat and fell of, good thing hear is only about four and half feet tail and doesn't move that fast, I trotted over to make sure she was alright and she was. I was about to ask her to climb up so we could go get Heart, because he was making a b-line for Pedro, but he didn't stop. I told Shelbi I better go catch him before he gets out of the field. I give Jake a kick and go full speed for the entrance. As I get near Sara, who is near Heart, I yell, "I got him", as I go flying past. I just beat Heart to the entrance, but now he is trying to get around me, so now I'm herding him and after a bit of that he stopped moving and I was able to grab his reins and lead him back to Sara B and Shelbi. It was amazing, it was like Jake knew exactly what I wanted him to do and I knew exactly what need to be done and it all fell into place. It was exciting and I got to be a hero. After that Sara B and Shelbi were pretty much frozen and ready to head home. Shelbi did really well for her first time. The trip home was uneventful. Looking back I know God had a hand in the event, with Sara and I switching horses and keeping Shelbi safe during her fall and giving me an opportunity to step up and use my strength for the benefit of others. Life with God at the helm is never boring. For dinner the house family went out to a chinese buffet and when we got back I made a fire and Sara B and I sat on the couch and watched Miracle on 34th Street, which is Sara's favorite Christmas movie, with BK and her mom. Sara slept for most of it. After the Sara and Cole were having a tickling war so I jumped in to assist Cole and got a hold of her feet and went to town. Needless to say I ended up on the floor after some wrestling. Good times indeed good way to end the day and our break, at least I think so, Sara may have something to say though. :P

Sunday was bitter sweet having to say goodbye to Sara B, I will miss her presence, but she will be home in three weeks and I am looking forward to it already. At church God spoke to me through the preacher and put two things on my heart to share. One for Sara B and one for Kristen. Sharing what he put on my heart definitely put me out of my comfort zone because I was not sure how they would be received. All went well and I am getting much better at speaking when prompted by the Spirit and not worry what others will thing about it. Well this post turned into a beast, but I think it pretty much covers all the big events of my break. Definitely one of the best if not the best Thanksgiving break I have had. God be praised. ~Semper Fi

Gifts From God

Just wanted to share a couple of gifts God has given me over the last couple of days. On Monday we had a quiz in calculus, which was worth half a test, and I was pretty sure I bombed it because I got confused on the second part and started to second guess myself on the first part, but I said bag it and moved on and finished the test. Tuesday we got the "quiz" back and I made an A. I thank God for it because I know he had a hand in it. That was the first gift. The second one came today while I was eating breakfast, cheerios of some generic nature, and I as about done and as I was about to put the spoon in my mouth I looked down and low and behold a smiley face was looking at me. Two cheerios for eyes and a half one his smiley face and that was all that was on my spoon. Another gift from God.

Luke 9:23-24

I understand this now. The more I give myself to Christ the more he gives me the things my heart desires. Which leads to a much better and full filling life, that can only be obtained through Christ and the death of self. I am having a really hard time putting in to words my thoughts and feelings and the complete understanding I have of these statements by Christ. I read it and the meaning just hit me in the face like a 2x4. There is no point in doing anything with your life without Christ, your dead, period. But if you kill your false self for Christ and he will restore your true self in such an amazing way you won't even recognize yourself any more. BAH, I don't have the words for this.I hope everyone comes to know this understanding and the peace it brings. Pursue Christ, death to the false self, Christ restores your true self. Well I hope someone will benefit from my sharings and ramblings. ~Semper Fi

My Adventure

I was between the Reynolds and GAC on my way to the Reynolds to deliver some packages, when I see this person laying on the ground curled up and the first thing that goes through my mind is what is some club doing to their poor pledge, but something didn't feel right so I stopped and got out and as I was walking up to the person another thought went through my. This better not be a body. I reach down and touch his should and ask, "Are you all right", to which he responded, "Cold chest hurts". I call security, while talking to the dispatcher lady and try to find out who he is and is he a diabetic or has any allergies. Then the security guy shows up and checks him and asks me some questions and then calls in an ambulance. While waiting for the ambulance a couple more officers show up and on of them is a medic and he starts checking him out and asking questions, but he was barely cognitive. About then the ambulance shows up and the put him on a gurney and take him to the hospital. Before the ambulance leaves my boss Frank came walking up, because he was looking for me because I had a package that needed to get somewhere asap so he was going to take it. He was worried at first because the security guys had parked a golf cart right in front of my van, so he thought I had hit it and sent the driver flying ten plus feet. He was relived it was not what happened. I will give a update when I have have more info about how the guy is doing, because he is a Harding student, so please keep him in you prayers. Well that concludes my adventure for the day. ~Semper Fi

Not dead yet

I have been really busy and or to tired to write in this thing much, plus I have been putting of a post I need to write, but I am still going to put it off. :P This post is about this weekend.

Thursday night, but really Friday morning, Sara B and Kristen got in for the weekend, but I didn't get to see them till after I got home from work at 4:30 :( I was looking forward to seeing Sara B all day and for the get together Erin and I had planned. We had invited some people over to play games and have dinner. We ate and I don't even remember what we had, but it was good and the conversion was even better. After dinner we played a girls vs guys game of Pictionary, which the guys completely dominated. It was probably the most fun game of Pictionary I have ever played. Then we played another game of 2v2v2, which was fun and Rachael and I won, with Zach and Holly very close behind and Erin and Matt nowhere in site, lol. It was fun.

Saturday morning Sara B, Kristen and I went riding. We rode for about two and a half hours and went to the far field for some galloping. After I galloped and cantered on Pedro a bit, I let Kristen ride him, because he was being really good. After I gave her some direction and what to expect from him, she rode him a bit before galloping to see how he would do for her. Pedro was really good and Kristen did well too. It was a lot of fun and it was just wonderful to be on a horse again and especially with great company. After they got back we watched some home videos and just hung out. We said our goodbyes that night, because they were leaving at 7am and I wasn't going to be up. It was a good visit, short but good and it was really good to see Kristen and especially Sara B again.

That is all for now. I will try and keep this thing updated more often. ~Semper Fi

Last Two Weeks

I am still alive, even though it has almost been a month since my last post. I finally feel like posting again so here comes a new post and update on my life. Two weeks ago I started my finale year of school and will be graduating in May. I also started working the same day. I finally had found a job the previous week with Aramark, but I needed my birth certificate or ss card to get approval to work, which I had neither, so I had to wait till my birth certificate showed up. It didn't show up till Friday evening, the weekend before school started. I had looked Friday morning at Harding's student HR page and saw that they need workers for some stockroom and hours were from 8am-4:30pm M-F, which was just perfect for me. Monday I call them and ask about the position and after my 10 o'clock class I went over there with an application and resume and got hired on the spot. I started working that afternoon after lunch. The first week of classes and working was really tiring as I would get up at 6:30am everyday and come home at 4:30pm do homework and fall asleep. It wasn't that great and I was not sure how well it was going to work out. The next week was much better, because my body has gotten used to the new routine and I enjoy going to work. The three people I mainly work with are pretty laid back and good Christians and just nice to be around. Thursday was a really good day at work. First when I was delivering stuff to the Admin building, which is about as wheelchair unfriendly as you can get, some girl went out of her way to get the doors for my which was really nice and quite unusual, as I have found out. The other thing that was nice and funny, was my boss helped me deliver eight boxes of paper. The paper was on a pallet, so we moved the pallet to where he could pick it up with their big Skytrack forklift and drove the eight boxes of paper to the library with it. I was laughing the whole time as I was following him in the van. I was too funny. Wednesday night bible study has gotten off to a good start and I think the group I am in will be really good and we will learn and grow a lot this semester. Anyway that is all for now. ~Semper Fi

Texas Trip

The trip to Texas went really well and was very relaxing and refreshing. We mostly just hung out at the house and did nothing, which is relaxing for me. We did go shopping on Tuesday and just walked around and visited some stores and went to Chipotle for lunch and got some really good spicy tacos, which burned on the way down and on the way out hehe. Wednesday we made dinner for them and got to go to a really nice grocery store and then went to a fabric store and I got some really neat fabric that mom is going to make into a pillow case, wall hanging and a curtain. I cooked the beef and chicken, the beef was amazing, while mom made a really good salad and aunt Valere made the bake beans, also very good. Very good meal with great conversation. We just had really good time visiting with them all and I realized how nice it would be closer to them. My mom and her brother, Uncle David, are crazy and just egg on each other, we got a lot of laughs from the two of them. It was just really neat to see are cousins and get to hang out and talk to them. We do have pictures and I plan to get them up real soon. On the way back we stopped in Dallas and had lunch and a good visit with Alycia for a couple of hours. It was really nice to see her again. We also had some really good conversation and sharing on the way down and back, which was really good for all of us. God was speaking to me very much through Wild at Heart and brought somethings to my attention and called me to do two things, which are scary for me, but I must do them as part of my journey to true man hood. Anyway, I think that is about it for the Texas trip, I may add more detail later but I am very tired. ~Semper Fi

Overwhelming Presence

I will start from the beginning. My mom came down to see Erin and I and then her and Erin were going to Texas to see my cousins for a few days. Anyway I was not going to go because they were going to be gone to long while I am looking for work and I needed to spend the time during the week looking for a job. I was fine about it till about 11:00pm tonight when I was hit with an overwhelming feeling telling me I had to go. I laid in bed for several minutes trying to get it to go away but it only got worse. I finally ended up calling my mom and telling her I was really torn about not going with them and seeing my cousins. The feeling was so overwhelming that I could not even talk about it with out breaking down and crying. Mom and I met outside to talk about it but I was not able to talk with out crying and then Erin came out and we all talked and finally said a prayer about it. I am at peace now, but still recovering from the presence of God. This is the second time I have had an experience like this. The first one was not nearly as strong and it was when I was supposed to go to Colorado for Thanksgiving but God said no and to stay. I did and it was a very wonderful week and one of my most memorable times with Sara B. So I am going now and feel at peace. God will speak very loud and clear when you need to hear it most. God is amazing, seek him at all costs. ~Semper Fi

God is Amazing

Since my last post things have quieted down a lot for me and God gave me a wonderful surprise for sticking it all out. I don't remember what day it was but earlier this week I got an email from my math teacher with our grade for our last test and our final grade in the class. After failing the test during the most intense part of the fight, I needed to get at least an eighty or more to get a C in the class. I took the final test and totally felt like I had failed it for sure therefore failing the class, cause I totally felt like I blanked and couldn't remember how to do anything. God is amazing and thanks to him I made and 86 and got a C in the class, which was just what I needed. I was so surprised and excited, I couldn't believe it, God is good.

Yesterday was wonderful. Sara B and I got up early to go riding, because we wanted to beat the heat so we could do a lot of running and have plenty of time to work with them. Pedro was being really good and Jake was being kind of tooty, wanting to run off and not listening, especially when Pedro was around. So I rode around different parts of the field and to get out of sight while Sara did circles and lots of them. Anyway we did that for about an hour or so and I would comeback and check on her and to see how things were going. Then we rode down to the river and sat there for a bit in the cooler air. After that we rode some more and thought about seeing how over grown and accessible it was. We started heading over there and Jake was still not listen real well, so I kept going while Sara B did some more circles with him. Anyway I got over to the other field and waited a bit for Sara B and when she didn't show up I headed the rest of the way to the entry and rode down to the river. It was a bit steep but doable with out dismounting. I scouted it out and then headed back to find Sara B. After I founded here we both headed to the river and when we got down there we both thought about rolling our pants up and standing in it, so we walked the horse of over to this nice long that is just right for a hitching post and tied them up and got ready to get in the water. At first the mud was about six inches deep and so we walked a little further down the bank and found a much better place. There was a long that extended out into the river a ways, so Sara B started to climb out on it and did just fine until she tried to come back. On her way back she lost her balance and ended up jumping of and landing waist deep in the water, which by the way was ice cold, she made some great nosies and faces, lol. After that she just sat down on the log in the water and so I joined her on the long but on a part that was not under water, but covered in mud. After getting cooled of and chatting she got of and tried to fall over in the mud, cause she doesn't have the leet mud walking skills I do, so I helped to keep her from getting all the way wet. After that she tried to push me over on the log, which didn't work because I was leaning kind of forward and she didn't push hard enough. Of course if she had pushed harder I would have grab her and took her with me which would have been funny. The water was cold but it felt so good after getting hot and being in the sun so long. It was a really good time and Jake was doing much better by the end of the day. Both of us thought it was one of the best times riding we have had in awhile. It was such a good time.

In other news I have started looking for a job I can have for the next year while I finish school, to make money to get a car and to be able have enough money for when I finally move out and get a really job, so please pray for that and for vigilance and open eyes. God is good! ~Semper Fi

Satan is an Ass

Thursday was a rough day for sure. For most of the day Satan was in my ear whispering get mad at Sara B, get made at Sara B and would not stop. Along with that was a very strong feeling of being completely ignored/tossed aside, which was completely false and was not coming from me. Along with fighting that, I was trying to study for my test on Friday and was not able to concentrate because of what was going on inside me. I even tried going outside to fishing/have quiet time and pray while in the boat and that was not working so finally I went to the weight room to play some NS to get my mind off of everything and that finally helped. I prayed that night and the rest of the week was good. I talked to Sara B on Friday about Thursday and Satan being all in my face and she said he has been in her face a lot lately which didn't make me happy at all. Sunday I skipped church to go spend an hour or so in the woods praying and talking to God about what has been going on and for Sara B. It was a really good time and before I got up to leave I asked god what verse he had for me today and just opened my Bible and there was Jonah 2:2-9

"In my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me.
From the depths of the grave I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.

You hurled me into the deep,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.

I said, 'I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.'

The engulfing waters threatened me,
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.

To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you brought my life up from the pit,
O LORD my God.

"When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, LORD,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.

"Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

But I, with a song of thanksgiving,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the LORD."

Just what I had been experiencing lately and needed to hear. God is amazing. Always remain vigilant in watching out for the devils schemes and know they can never succeed against the LORD Almighty, God be praised. ~Semper Fi

Yep, I'm Not Dead

I was trying to do more studying for my tests, but I am really distracted and the information is not sinking in. It is kind of pissing me off atm. Maybe cause I got too much going on in my head right at this moment to focus enough to study. I am some what tired but I think it is mostly just feeling ignored by Sara B because Bethany came for a surprise visit for her birthday, but at the same time I am not being ignored so the cause is Satan trying to put wrong thoughts/feelings in my head, so I am having to fight him off constantly. He has been after my quite a bit this month and I am getting tired of it. The last couple of weeks especially when I am tired and don't feel like doing much on my computer Satan is right there with the desire to go look at porn, so I have to tell him to go away in Christ name and walk away from my computer, because there is no way in hell I'm going down that road again. Seven years was much to long the first time. So that is what is going on with my spiritual life at the moment, war time. Life is good though. As I mentioned above Bethany got in yesterday evening and the look on Sara B's face was priceless, lol, makes me smile and laugh just thinking about. Sara B and I have started working out together this week and it has been enjoyable, I have been sore pretty much all week. Monday we did legs, Tuesday we did arms and Wednesday we did sprints and today we were supposed to do should and back, but since Bethany is here that's not happening, I am kind of bummed about not working out, but I understand. Sara B and I have gotten to go riding quite a bit, which has been wonderful of course. Tomorrow a whole bunch of us are going to Georgetown for catfish and that will be lots of fun. I have been so busy with school and working and homework, it feels like all I do is work, school, sleep and that does not make me happy. I am pretty sure that after I finish my school the coming year that I will be moving to Texas around Dallas or Abilene for a couple of years while Sara B finishes school and then after that I may be off to Montana or where ever Sara B decides to go to grad school for her doctorate, but it all depends on where God want me to be, which atm I feel is Texas for a few years and the to Montana. I think that is about it for now. ~Semper Fi

Moonlit Ride

Riding under a nearly full moon is pretty much amazing! Sara B and I went riding last night under a nearly full moon. It was so pretty and peaceful just riding bareback in the moon light. We road around the field for a bit and then took the wooded trail to the wonderful open field, which is right next to the river and makes it feel like you are out in the middle of no where. We rode and talked for quite awhile and about 10:30 fog started coming up from the river, which was kind of eerie and cool at the same time. The woods were kind of spooky to ride through but we had Buddy and Sport with us for body guards. Anyway it was a wonderful time and we are planning to do it again Tuesday. That is all. ~Semper Fi

Just an Update

This past week as been very busy because we were getting the yard ready for a Memorial Day cook out. The fun started Monday with the rental of a rototiller to till areas around the pool and out front to get them ready to put sod down. I tilled for about four hours on Monday and also spent time raking up the tilled up grass and rocks. Tuesday I did some more tilling and raking, plus digging around the edges to getting it low enough to match the other parts of the grass and concrete. It was very tiring and hard work. Wednesday I spent some more time finishing the raking, leveling and digging, by the end of the day my arms felt like jello and were pretty much gone.

Thursday we got the sod and spent six hours laying it all down. It wasn't very difficult but by the end of the day my lower back and right between my shoulders was very tired. That night though we, Sara B, Amy, Natasha and I went to Georgetown and had a really good time with lots of laughing and talking. We stayed there for about two hours before we finally got up and left. We also had a bunch of fun on the way to and from there, with lots of laughing, it was a great time.

Friday was a really relaxing day compared to the rest of the week. In the morning Sara B and I went riding for about two and a half hours. It was hot out and the horses were be a bit tooty, so we didn't do any galloping. We did go exploring more and finally found a way to the river!!!, wahoo. We are playing on going swimming this week but will see what happens. After riding I went for a swim to cool off. That evening Amy, Natasha, Erin and I went to the movies. Erin and I saw Shrek 3, which was about as good as the other two and Amy and Natasha saw Pirates 3 and they said it was good. Any way it was a really good day.

Riding Adventures of Sara B and Jacob

Sara B and I went riding in the woods today and found our way into a very large grass field in the middle of the woods. The field was picture perfect for galloping through, with tall grass and rolling hills. Sara B asked me if we could run through it and of course I said yes. We take off at full speed across the field and about three quarters through was somewhat of a muddy patch which cause Pedro to change strides and speed very quickly, which in turned caused me to be pitched forward nearly onto his neck and it took me a few moments to recover, after that it was all good. We road in the field for close to an hour, exploring and trying to find a way down to the Little Red River, but alas we failed to find a way down to the river this day. Now we have a great trail ride to take people on with some challenging parts, tree dodging and field galloping.

On Tuesday we had wonderful weather for evening riding, so we went. On our way back we got to see part of the sun setting in the clouds, beautiful. We also spotted something black and it appeared to be standing on its hind legs. We road towards it and it started moving away, but it wasn't on its hind legs, it was just its tail in the air and it had a white strip. Then Sara B exclaimed, "It's a skunk!" About that time the two dogs spotted it and started chasing it further into the field and then it turned and started coming towards us, ahhhhh! We were both not going to let that happen so we took off and put safe distance between us and the skunk before we turned around to watch where it went, luckily it went down the road and away from us and the house. The skunk left a wonderful choking, make your throat burn, smell behind and the dogs got it on them too. :( Away we got a good laugh. Ya never know what will happen when you go riding. Adventure for the win!!!!

Make up your own title. Just like choose your own adventure

7am I wake to wonderful weather just perfect for taking the trash to the road. I make the journey and return with the trash safely at the curb. Breakfast with Erin and Sara B was enjoyable with eggs, bacon and fruit making up the meal part. We ate in a rush, so we could get out to the horses asap. Now the adventure begins. Sara B and I went riding. On the way to the woods Buddy and Sport took off into the woods after something and then Buddy came running out and Sport sounding like he was getting killed, so I rode towards the noise to see what was going on and to scare it off. As I got closer I could see something, which seemed to be rather large, chasing Sport but could not tell what it was. Getting closer it stopped chasing Sport and looked right at me and dun, dun, dun it was a doe, ahhhhhh oh noes!!!! The End.