well, here i am again becoming the blogger i hate. i can't even tell you the last time i blogged, but i can tell you the last time i thought about blogging. obviously it's about 5 minutes ago, right? good grief all of this brilliant knowledge and i can't even make myself write it out. what a shame, what a shame. this year, well i guess the next 11 months i am going to make a constant effort to get out on paper/blog what is going on and what's up with bstew. believe it or not i have wanted to blog for the longest but have shied away because i have tried to take on a new way of thinking/living over the past year and a half...so let me catch you up because i know you want to know.
i started out 2012 in the beautiful state of colorado. little did i know that 9 short months later i would seemingly be back to square one looking for a new direction in life. it was about the middle of august when i realized that the world of minor league baseball wasn't for me. what a tough realization to deal with right? i wanted to love everything about where i was both personally and professionally, but i just couldn't get a stranglehold on that. so here i am in february of 2013 trying to make ends meet by working odd and hourly jobs wherever they may be. do i care? a little. do i think things will turn around? i sure hope! do i have a plan? no not really and i think the best part is i'm not ashamed to admit it. what i do know though is that i have a core group of people that believe in me, not necesserily myself at the moment that keep me pressing on and seeking all that is good in this life.
my goal for the future of my blog/writing is to open up more, speak out more on what i truly believe, and write exclusively from the heart. it may be a bit controversial at times, it may be off at times, and it may even be a bit ugly at times, but i want to be a stronger me from this point forward and things like this help me do so.
i have began to evolve more and more since my departure from the time i left colorado and i truly intend on evolving more as my path less traveled continues.
if i've learned anything over the past year though, it is that i am a southerner to the core!!
peace, love, and live it
Friday, February 8, 2013
Saturday, May 19, 2012
takin' it all in
as i sit here at the desk in my office with a gorgeous ball park on the other side of my wall, i can't help but sit and take a minute to realize how far i have come and how everything comes full circle with patience and perseverance.
since i was four years old the only thing i wanted to do was take batting practice, play catch in the front yard, and be on a baseball diamond. if i wasn't playing baseball i wanted to watch baseball. it is a game that i fell in love with at an early age and am still in love with today. it is hard to believe that though i am not playing the game anymore, i wake up everyday to drive to the ballpark and live out a dream that i thought would never come true. i get to watch 72 baseball games a year interact with major league ballplayers on a daily basis.
at times i am still in awe of what i do. it wasn't too long ago that i was following guys like drew pomeranz, chris coghlan, and dj lemaheiu as they live out their dreams as professional baseball players trying to make the big league squad. these are guys that not only i followed but never thought in a million years i would get to meet or interact with. oh the joys of working in sports and baseball in general. they are people just like you and me doing what they love to do.
it is hard not to pinch myself at times to make sure it isn't a dream. the lord works in ways i have no idea so i stopped trying to figure it out. and with that i'll end with a quote i found quite fitting...man is born broken. he lives by mending and the grace of God is the glue.
stew
since i was four years old the only thing i wanted to do was take batting practice, play catch in the front yard, and be on a baseball diamond. if i wasn't playing baseball i wanted to watch baseball. it is a game that i fell in love with at an early age and am still in love with today. it is hard to believe that though i am not playing the game anymore, i wake up everyday to drive to the ballpark and live out a dream that i thought would never come true. i get to watch 72 baseball games a year interact with major league ballplayers on a daily basis.
at times i am still in awe of what i do. it wasn't too long ago that i was following guys like drew pomeranz, chris coghlan, and dj lemaheiu as they live out their dreams as professional baseball players trying to make the big league squad. these are guys that not only i followed but never thought in a million years i would get to meet or interact with. oh the joys of working in sports and baseball in general. they are people just like you and me doing what they love to do.
it is hard not to pinch myself at times to make sure it isn't a dream. the lord works in ways i have no idea so i stopped trying to figure it out. and with that i'll end with a quote i found quite fitting...man is born broken. he lives by mending and the grace of God is the glue.
stew
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
...and finally a fastball
so i have done exactly what i vowed not to do when i started this blog: taken a 6 month hiatus and completely ignored it. part of it was for good reason as i'm sure most of you don't want to hear sob story after sob story about how much i was failing in getting a job among many other things. i started this blog as something i would enjoy to keep me and my followers upbeat, and for the most part i was feeling sorry for myself about not getting what i wanted when i wanted it up until about the end of january.
with baseball season in full swing and my job currently nothing but baseball, i thought it was only fitting to reference the past 8 months with a baseball metaphor. it started back in september when i finally caved and moved back in with my parents after not getting offered a job within the UAB athletic department like i thought i was going to. that was the first of many pity parties i threw for myself over the next 8 months. it just felt like everytime i would step up to the plate i would get curveball after curveball. i knew what i wanted to do just didn't know how and when i was going to get there. finally, one day in late january i got a call from the university of washington wanting to interview me for a position in their ticket office. the call went well, but when i got off the phone an email was waiting on me from the colorado springs sky sox triple a team. my heart was beating 100 miles an hour as baseball was the one this i wanted to be a part of since i can remember. and to top it off, it was in one of the most beautiful states in the country. after a phone interviews and a lot of praying i got an offer. speechless i had finally broken in to the business i have waited all my life for. it was like i stepped into the batter's box that day and my eyes lit up as i finally got a fastball right down the middle that i could connect on!
needless to say the lord absolutely does work in mysterious ways and His plan is true no matter how many times i wanted to say it wasn't and how many times i wanted to disregard it. moving to colorado and working in baseball has been a dream come true! new best friends, working at a ballpark, family, and a steady paycheck. i can honestly say that when the fastball came i didn't miss it!!
and i live here....
and work here!
with baseball season in full swing and my job currently nothing but baseball, i thought it was only fitting to reference the past 8 months with a baseball metaphor. it started back in september when i finally caved and moved back in with my parents after not getting offered a job within the UAB athletic department like i thought i was going to. that was the first of many pity parties i threw for myself over the next 8 months. it just felt like everytime i would step up to the plate i would get curveball after curveball. i knew what i wanted to do just didn't know how and when i was going to get there. finally, one day in late january i got a call from the university of washington wanting to interview me for a position in their ticket office. the call went well, but when i got off the phone an email was waiting on me from the colorado springs sky sox triple a team. my heart was beating 100 miles an hour as baseball was the one this i wanted to be a part of since i can remember. and to top it off, it was in one of the most beautiful states in the country. after a phone interviews and a lot of praying i got an offer. speechless i had finally broken in to the business i have waited all my life for. it was like i stepped into the batter's box that day and my eyes lit up as i finally got a fastball right down the middle that i could connect on!
needless to say the lord absolutely does work in mysterious ways and His plan is true no matter how many times i wanted to say it wasn't and how many times i wanted to disregard it. moving to colorado and working in baseball has been a dream come true! new best friends, working at a ballpark, family, and a steady paycheck. i can honestly say that when the fastball came i didn't miss it!!
and i live here....
and work here!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
lost and.........found?
what am i doing? where am i going? am i doing it right? what should i be doing? am i looking for the right thing? will i ever find it? why am i looking? do i even know what i'm looking for?
questions that not only i hear all the time and ask myself all the time yet i still haven't found an answer to any of them directly. here i am lost looking into a future that is uncertain and unwritten. here i am searching for answers that aren't clear, and here i am anxiously awaiting what happens next.
i feel like i'm standing at the beginning of a journey with about a million paths leading a million different ways. i have no idea which path to take or even where to start. i have questioned myself, my motives, my faith, my trust, my ideals, among many other things. on one hand i think that there is a path out there worth taking, but on the other hand it seems as though that path is as lost as i am right now.
i have always been one that has been so grounded in my faith and my Lord, but so many times i have questioned that foundation that i have built my life on. why has it come to a point where i am searching for something that i may or may not be there? it was with a deep conversation i had with a great friend that this could be the best learning experience i have gone through. while discussing my issues with him i was brought aware that this could be an experience to strengthen and learn so much more about myself and my faith. i have been given the chance to dive into some views i haven't necessarily believed or considered before.
am i found? will i find it? will it be what i want?
it is these questions that i seem to be looking forward to the most. that day when i find my true purpose, my true calling, my true will for life. for now i sit still lost and waiting on "home" to call.
questions that not only i hear all the time and ask myself all the time yet i still haven't found an answer to any of them directly. here i am lost looking into a future that is uncertain and unwritten. here i am searching for answers that aren't clear, and here i am anxiously awaiting what happens next.
i feel like i'm standing at the beginning of a journey with about a million paths leading a million different ways. i have no idea which path to take or even where to start. i have questioned myself, my motives, my faith, my trust, my ideals, among many other things. on one hand i think that there is a path out there worth taking, but on the other hand it seems as though that path is as lost as i am right now.
i have always been one that has been so grounded in my faith and my Lord, but so many times i have questioned that foundation that i have built my life on. why has it come to a point where i am searching for something that i may or may not be there? it was with a deep conversation i had with a great friend that this could be the best learning experience i have gone through. while discussing my issues with him i was brought aware that this could be an experience to strengthen and learn so much more about myself and my faith. i have been given the chance to dive into some views i haven't necessarily believed or considered before.
am i found? will i find it? will it be what i want?
it is these questions that i seem to be looking forward to the most. that day when i find my true purpose, my true calling, my true will for life. for now i sit still lost and waiting on "home" to call.
Monday, July 11, 2011
my prayer
so many times i sit at my computer and have pandora playing while i surf the net and don't really pay attention to what song is playing or who is singing it. i just pick an artist i'm in the mood for and listen. one random day when i was sitting at the coffee shop listening to whatever and wondering why the heck i don't have a job yet and wanting to do things my way in my time, this song by my new favortie artist shawn mcdonald came on. the lyrics are quite simple but became so powerful for me and spoke to me in. it has been my prayer each and every day since then, and i put it on every night before i fall asleep. i wanted to share them.
Would You open up eyes, so I can see
Would You open up my ears, so I can hear
Would You open up my mind, so I can know
Would You open up my heart, so
I could love You more
I want to serve You, my God
I want to give All of Me,
I want to serve You, my King, yeah
I want to serve You, my Lord
I want to give You everything, yeah
Would You open up eyes, so I can see
Would You open up my ears, so I can hear
Would You open up my mind, so I can know
Would You open up my heart, so
I could love You more
I want to serve You, my God
I want to give You everything
I want to serve You, my King, yeah
I want to serve You, my Lord
I want to give You everything, Yeah
Here I am with my arms open wide
Asking for You to come up, up inside
Won't You make me new, won't You make me true?
Jesus, won't You make me like You?
Would You touch my eyes, so I can see
Would You touch my ears, so I can hear
Would You touch my mind, so I can know
Would You touch my heart, so I could love You more
Won't You open me
Won't You open me, open me
Won't You open me, open me
Won't You open me
Would You open up eyes, so I can see
Would You open up my ears, so I can hear
Would You open up my mind, so I can know
Would You open up my heart, so
I could love You more
I want to serve You, my God
I want to give All of Me,
I want to serve You, my King, yeah
I want to serve You, my Lord
I want to give You everything, yeah
Would You open up eyes, so I can see
Would You open up my ears, so I can hear
Would You open up my mind, so I can know
Would You open up my heart, so
I could love You more
I want to serve You, my God
I want to give You everything
I want to serve You, my King, yeah
I want to serve You, my Lord
I want to give You everything, Yeah
Here I am with my arms open wide
Asking for You to come up, up inside
Won't You make me new, won't You make me true?
Jesus, won't You make me like You?
Would You touch my eyes, so I can see
Would You touch my ears, so I can hear
Would You touch my mind, so I can know
Would You touch my heart, so I could love You more
Won't You open me
Won't You open me, open me
Won't You open me, open me
Won't You open me
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
we regret to inform you...
frustrated. a word that i have become all too familiar with lately. frustrated because i am a worrier, frustrated because i don't yet have a job, frustrated because i know i need a job, frustrated that i have no sense of stability, frustrated because i can't beat my best mile times, frustrated because i am not that good at tennis. i am a competitor, and whether it is playing my little brotherr in tennis or fighting for a job with a slew of other applicants, i want to win. if i'm not doing that(competing) then i become very frustrated with myself and in turn with a lot of people around me. one thing leads to another, frustration builds, and i just go into shut down mode which isn't one of my proudest traits.
a lot of times i go back a read blogs from the past and catch myself needing to do some of the things that i am letting others read about. this will probably one of those times. you see i believe frustration is a growing mechanism that the Lord puts in our lives. in my personal opinion, i hate it. i am a deep and unique thinker and worrier which causes a lot of unnecessary frustration and stress. at times it literally makes me want to explode. instead for some reason i go run and recently that hasn't even been a stress or frustration reliever. i was to the point the other day that i wanted to rip my ipod out of my pocket and throw it into next week. not one "good running" song would play so i just turned it off. after a couple of miles, i realized that running without music all the time wasn't so bad. it was nice to be refreshed with the sound of my tennis shoe hitting the pavement and the breeze blowing in the trees and people chatting as i passed them.
frustration comes almost daily in my job search as day after day i receive an email with another "your qualifications were outstanding and we appreciate your interest in blah blah job but we have found someone more capable of filling our needs at the current time." like i want to call that person and say really, have you really found someone more capable. how do you know that is what i want to ask? like how could they be passing on me, i mean i am benjamin stewart.
i say all this to get to the point that no matter how frustrated i get or become it doesn't solve anything. everything happens for a reason and being frustrated about a situation isn't going to make it any better. frustrationg to me seems to be a test. a test of yourself, a test of your faith, a test of your selfishness, a test of your strength, a test of your will. will i be able to overcome my frustrations? well yeah eventually but one thing is certain, i can't do it alone even though i've tried multiple times. and even though i know i will be stressed and frustrated again i also have the comfort of knowing i'm not going through it alone. He is with me and He is with me always. that voice is saying "the job is coming," "the stability is coming," "the girl is coming," "the four minute mile is coming(maybe,)." it's just up to me to listen and obey.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
PS - There was a little frustration while writing this blog
a lot of times i go back a read blogs from the past and catch myself needing to do some of the things that i am letting others read about. this will probably one of those times. you see i believe frustration is a growing mechanism that the Lord puts in our lives. in my personal opinion, i hate it. i am a deep and unique thinker and worrier which causes a lot of unnecessary frustration and stress. at times it literally makes me want to explode. instead for some reason i go run and recently that hasn't even been a stress or frustration reliever. i was to the point the other day that i wanted to rip my ipod out of my pocket and throw it into next week. not one "good running" song would play so i just turned it off. after a couple of miles, i realized that running without music all the time wasn't so bad. it was nice to be refreshed with the sound of my tennis shoe hitting the pavement and the breeze blowing in the trees and people chatting as i passed them.
frustration comes almost daily in my job search as day after day i receive an email with another "your qualifications were outstanding and we appreciate your interest in blah blah job but we have found someone more capable of filling our needs at the current time." like i want to call that person and say really, have you really found someone more capable. how do you know that is what i want to ask? like how could they be passing on me, i mean i am benjamin stewart.
i say all this to get to the point that no matter how frustrated i get or become it doesn't solve anything. everything happens for a reason and being frustrated about a situation isn't going to make it any better. frustrationg to me seems to be a test. a test of yourself, a test of your faith, a test of your selfishness, a test of your strength, a test of your will. will i be able to overcome my frustrations? well yeah eventually but one thing is certain, i can't do it alone even though i've tried multiple times. and even though i know i will be stressed and frustrated again i also have the comfort of knowing i'm not going through it alone. He is with me and He is with me always. that voice is saying "the job is coming," "the stability is coming," "the girl is coming," "the four minute mile is coming(maybe,)." it's just up to me to listen and obey.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
PS - There was a little frustration while writing this blog
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
this one's for you pops
i figured i would take a break from my ecaudor blogs to write about something new and considering this passed sunday was father's day, i thought i would blog about my father. for those of you that don't know most people just call him big L.
you know people always tell me i am just like my mom and i agree, but without my dad i really don't know where i would be today. i mean half the time he doesn't have a clue what is going on in my head because we are wired so differently in that way. he doesn't understand why i do things certain times and how i do them. this is what makes us relate so well with each other. the characteristics he presents daily are the type of characteristics i want to have some day when i become a father.
humble
outgoing
hard-working
hilarious
loves people
loves meeting new people
a heart for God
energetic
sports minded
these are just some of the characteristics that describe my dad. it really makes my day when people in his sunday school class come up to me and tell me that my dad is the best sunday school teacher they have ever had. you know this is what i love most about him. big L has a love for the Lord and is in a positon where the Lord is using him in every way he can. it is this that stands out about my dad. through all the laughter and tears we have shed it is still awesome for me to know that he is doing exactly what the Lord has called him to me. i read a lot of tweets and facebook posts this weekend about how great everyone else's dad is and you know i wasn't one of those who tweeted or posted it on facebook. he knows he is an awesome dad and doesn't need me to let everyone else know about it. if you ever get the chance to meet big L you are in for a treat just as he is when he meets his heavenly big L (the Lord) one day. (hopefully far off) i can't thank the Lord enough for providing me the type of person to look up to and strive to be like when i have kids.
oh and dad by the way your daughter is the one who is just like you!!
Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
you know people always tell me i am just like my mom and i agree, but without my dad i really don't know where i would be today. i mean half the time he doesn't have a clue what is going on in my head because we are wired so differently in that way. he doesn't understand why i do things certain times and how i do them. this is what makes us relate so well with each other. the characteristics he presents daily are the type of characteristics i want to have some day when i become a father.
humble
outgoing
hard-working
hilarious
loves people
loves meeting new people
a heart for God
energetic
sports minded
these are just some of the characteristics that describe my dad. it really makes my day when people in his sunday school class come up to me and tell me that my dad is the best sunday school teacher they have ever had. you know this is what i love most about him. big L has a love for the Lord and is in a positon where the Lord is using him in every way he can. it is this that stands out about my dad. through all the laughter and tears we have shed it is still awesome for me to know that he is doing exactly what the Lord has called him to me. i read a lot of tweets and facebook posts this weekend about how great everyone else's dad is and you know i wasn't one of those who tweeted or posted it on facebook. he knows he is an awesome dad and doesn't need me to let everyone else know about it. if you ever get the chance to meet big L you are in for a treat just as he is when he meets his heavenly big L (the Lord) one day. (hopefully far off) i can't thank the Lord enough for providing me the type of person to look up to and strive to be like when i have kids.
oh and dad by the way your daughter is the one who is just like you!!
Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Monday, June 13, 2011
love with what?
this is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. if anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18
with the encouragement of chad thompson, this verse has really hit home to me and especially hit home in patate, ecuador. for those of you that don't know, my espanol isn't very fluent, and i can only speak a few words. with this being said the children i was ministering to there didn't care. all they wanted was a smile on my face and a hug waiting on them when they saw me each day come off the bus. it is through ACTIONS that we need to love. everyone may not understand what we are saying or trying to say, but if we love through doing, the work of Jesus can be spread by any way possible. as verse 18 clearly states let us love with actions and with the truth that is Jesus Christ!!!
with the encouragement of chad thompson, this verse has really hit home to me and especially hit home in patate, ecuador. for those of you that don't know, my espanol isn't very fluent, and i can only speak a few words. with this being said the children i was ministering to there didn't care. all they wanted was a smile on my face and a hug waiting on them when they saw me each day come off the bus. it is through ACTIONS that we need to love. everyone may not understand what we are saying or trying to say, but if we love through doing, the work of Jesus can be spread by any way possible. as verse 18 clearly states let us love with actions and with the truth that is Jesus Christ!!!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
open your eyes, ears, and heart
i'm not going to apologize for the next couple of blogs because i want everyone to read them, however, they are all going to be about my experiences in ecuador. on may 27 i was blessed and fortunate enough to travel to patante, ecuador with my the calvary baptist church youth group. in all honesty i had been dreading going on this trip for some time now. little did i know that this was exactly what i need at this point in my life.
in december my mom came to me and asked if i wanted to go to ecuador at the end of may with the youth group from back home. i was hesitant and reluctantly said yes. i told her from the beginning that i really hoped i didn't get to go because i was hoping that a job would be in my future after my may 7th graduation. so for the past 5 or so months leading up until the trip my prayers consisted of asking the Lord for a job and to place me where he felt i needed to be. funny thing is i guess my father in heaven didn't need me in the real world quite yet. weeks and months passed and applications were filled out and turned down. it's a frustrating thing job hunting, but i got to the point where i wasn't just frustrated but mad as well. i NEEDED a job! i could just see God now laughing his head off at me watching me go about things my way and looking for Him to give me that job.
so the day came where we were flying out of atlanta and to be honest i still didn't want to be boarding that airplane to ecuador. i wanted to be making money out in the real world. we got to patante late on friday night so the bed was quickly calling my name. saturday we put on a vacation bible school type camp for the ecuadorian youth. and to be real, i was miserable. i was questioning why i was there. i was wondering were i fit in whether in be with the youth or as a chaperone. i just kinda stood back out of the way selfishly thinking i sure hope things change. there again was God looking down laughing. not only was i ignoring Him but was ignoring my real purpose for being in ecuador. that afternoon after lunch i prayed for something to change. well guess what it did. my and my brother adam went up the hill and were messing around with a soccer ball when to young boys came and started playing with us. those two boys were so excited about getting to play with three american guys, will otis joined in on the fun. from then on i knew i had been brought to ecuador for a reason. it wasn't because God was ignoring my job hunt, it wasn't so i could have some life changing experience, it was to bring smiles, joy, and the wonderful word of Jesus Christ to these young people that wouldn't hear about it any other way.
throughout the week adam and i along with others led bible study at our designated schools even though my lesson was pretty awful in american terms (just ask adam). the kids didn't care, they want to know so much about the Lord we serve in america and the one and only God that they can go share with their parents. they wanted to see our smiling, loveable faces and it clicked. i wasn't there for me, i was there for those kids, i was there for their parents, i was their for the people of patante, and most importantly i was there because God wanted and needed me there.
i went in with a closed mind, heart, and soul but boy did the good Lord bust that wide open and i can only imagine why.
more is to come.....
isaiah 40:11 - our teams theme verse for the week
in december my mom came to me and asked if i wanted to go to ecuador at the end of may with the youth group from back home. i was hesitant and reluctantly said yes. i told her from the beginning that i really hoped i didn't get to go because i was hoping that a job would be in my future after my may 7th graduation. so for the past 5 or so months leading up until the trip my prayers consisted of asking the Lord for a job and to place me where he felt i needed to be. funny thing is i guess my father in heaven didn't need me in the real world quite yet. weeks and months passed and applications were filled out and turned down. it's a frustrating thing job hunting, but i got to the point where i wasn't just frustrated but mad as well. i NEEDED a job! i could just see God now laughing his head off at me watching me go about things my way and looking for Him to give me that job.
so the day came where we were flying out of atlanta and to be honest i still didn't want to be boarding that airplane to ecuador. i wanted to be making money out in the real world. we got to patante late on friday night so the bed was quickly calling my name. saturday we put on a vacation bible school type camp for the ecuadorian youth. and to be real, i was miserable. i was questioning why i was there. i was wondering were i fit in whether in be with the youth or as a chaperone. i just kinda stood back out of the way selfishly thinking i sure hope things change. there again was God looking down laughing. not only was i ignoring Him but was ignoring my real purpose for being in ecuador. that afternoon after lunch i prayed for something to change. well guess what it did. my and my brother adam went up the hill and were messing around with a soccer ball when to young boys came and started playing with us. those two boys were so excited about getting to play with three american guys, will otis joined in on the fun. from then on i knew i had been brought to ecuador for a reason. it wasn't because God was ignoring my job hunt, it wasn't so i could have some life changing experience, it was to bring smiles, joy, and the wonderful word of Jesus Christ to these young people that wouldn't hear about it any other way.
throughout the week adam and i along with others led bible study at our designated schools even though my lesson was pretty awful in american terms (just ask adam). the kids didn't care, they want to know so much about the Lord we serve in america and the one and only God that they can go share with their parents. they wanted to see our smiling, loveable faces and it clicked. i wasn't there for me, i was there for those kids, i was there for their parents, i was their for the people of patante, and most importantly i was there because God wanted and needed me there.
i went in with a closed mind, heart, and soul but boy did the good Lord bust that wide open and i can only imagine why.
more is to come.....
isaiah 40:11 - our teams theme verse for the week
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
i just woke up
wow last night i went to sleep anxiously awaiting my first day as a 1st grader and i woke up today with an MBA staring the real world straight in the face. at least that's what it seems like.
and now what should i do....?
should i jump into a job just because it's a job
should i blog more (this is an obvious answer)
should i begin writing my book
should i move
should i keep doing what i'm doing
and now what should i do....?
should i jump into a job just because it's a job
should i blog more (this is an obvious answer)
should i begin writing my book
should i move
should i keep doing what i'm doing
there are so many "what should i's" that come to mind when facing the future but the better question to ask is what WILL i do? so many times i have gotten caught up in the what should i do scenerio where i really don't take everything into account. through my long dream that was elementary school all the way until the end of graduate school, the "should i" game has reared its ugly head multiple times. the thing i am most sure of now is what i will and feel called to in what lies ahead. i WILL make a difference in lives, i WILL jump on any opportunity that is given to me, i WILL pursuit my desire of athletics, and i WILL rely on my father in heaven for every answer to every question i have. oh yeah, and i WILL blog more. sorry been frustrated and on edge recently.
"but blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. they will be like a tree planted by the water that sends its roots by the stream. it does not fear when the heat comes; its leaves are always green. it has no worries of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8
p.s. prayers are welcomed as i am traveling to ecuador on thursday to do some of the Lord's work.
Monday, May 9, 2011
dear mama
day late but...
yes, i am not afraid to admit it, i am a mama's boy. i have been since the day i was brought into this earth by her. i can't imagine where i would be without her today or what kind of man i would have turned in to without the guidance and direction that my mother provided.
at first i didn't want to be considered a "mama's boy." it just sounded like i was a big wimp and a push over. for the longest time i would get so irritated that people would tell me i look and act just like my mom. i didn't want to be like my mom. i wanted to be the tough, hard-nosed kid that was more like daddy than mom. as i've grown older, i have accepted the fact that God put my mother her for me and that being compared to her in anyway was a blessing and a very heralded complement. it's funny to think back in my stubborn days that mom was/and is always right. without her, i would be a complete mess. she is my best friend and always wanting what's best for me.
funny story in regards to my mom actually...we were sitting in church sunday (yes Mother's Day), and before the service i was looking around the sanctuary trying to pick out a girl that was my "type." as i told my mom what i was doing she just chuckled and said what exactly is your type?" of course i said i'm not really sure, but little did i know that 45 minutes later i would know. my pastor, Dr. David Eldridge preached a sermon on the christian woman and mother, and boy was he spot on. after the service my family was enjoying a wonderful lunch and i looked to my mom and said, i think i have found my "type." oh really she said and what would that be. i responded with a quick did you hear that sermon? david painted the perfect picture of her, and she is just like you (my mom). what a way for God to show me what type of girl i want to be with than the picture he painted with my mom that i have failed to realize recently.
kind-hearted, open, emotional, worrisome, beatiful, bold, unique, talented - these are just the few characteristics that describe mom and i can't wait for the day that i can call my wife the same things.
Psalm 127- the message preached on sunday
and dats her!!!!
yes, i am not afraid to admit it, i am a mama's boy. i have been since the day i was brought into this earth by her. i can't imagine where i would be without her today or what kind of man i would have turned in to without the guidance and direction that my mother provided.
at first i didn't want to be considered a "mama's boy." it just sounded like i was a big wimp and a push over. for the longest time i would get so irritated that people would tell me i look and act just like my mom. i didn't want to be like my mom. i wanted to be the tough, hard-nosed kid that was more like daddy than mom. as i've grown older, i have accepted the fact that God put my mother her for me and that being compared to her in anyway was a blessing and a very heralded complement. it's funny to think back in my stubborn days that mom was/and is always right. without her, i would be a complete mess. she is my best friend and always wanting what's best for me.
funny story in regards to my mom actually...we were sitting in church sunday (yes Mother's Day), and before the service i was looking around the sanctuary trying to pick out a girl that was my "type." as i told my mom what i was doing she just chuckled and said what exactly is your type?" of course i said i'm not really sure, but little did i know that 45 minutes later i would know. my pastor, Dr. David Eldridge preached a sermon on the christian woman and mother, and boy was he spot on. after the service my family was enjoying a wonderful lunch and i looked to my mom and said, i think i have found my "type." oh really she said and what would that be. i responded with a quick did you hear that sermon? david painted the perfect picture of her, and she is just like you (my mom). what a way for God to show me what type of girl i want to be with than the picture he painted with my mom that i have failed to realize recently.
kind-hearted, open, emotional, worrisome, beatiful, bold, unique, talented - these are just the few characteristics that describe mom and i can't wait for the day that i can call my wife the same things.
Psalm 127- the message preached on sunday
and dats her!!!!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
i got da best fam
i love my family and i have the best family in the world. i would not change them for the world. they bring me joy, love, frustration, laughter, peace, anger(at times), etc. and when i say i have the best family in the world, i'm talking from mama and daddy to aunt and uncle to cousins. i love every single one of them.
this past weekend i got to spend time with my whole family. as you know it was easter weekend so i was able to go back home and celebrate that awesome day that Jesus Christ rolled away the stone with all of my family.
so my mom's side of the family is who i spent the afternoon and evening on sunday with, and let me tell you i could spend 24 hours 7 days a week with them. simms, sara scott, uncle g, aunt dana, my tanmama they all just are such a joy to be around. if i want girl advice or any advice at all let me tell you simms and sara scott are right there to tell me what's up. i think i may laugh the hardest when i'm around them. not only that but i learn so much from them with there honesty and bluntness. what a great trait to have when you need someone to shoot you strait. aunt dana is always there talking about how i can get into the school system and what i need to do to become a future principal or administrator which has become more and more of an option. and i can always count on uncle g to agree on how bad the ole miss baseball team is playing or how i can't stand the st. louis cardinals. and my sweet grandmother (tanmama is what i call her) has such a special place in my heart for the push she gives me in my schoolwork and job hunt. she has such a kind heart and a want to for all of her grandchildren to succeed. i admire her so much.
okay so on to daddy's side. it's like night and day when it comes to this side of the family. when we all sat together at church on sunday, i'm sure half of the church was like "oh goodness, what's the stewart clan gonna pull of this time?" it's different because apart from my sister dorie, it's all guys and we all like to be loud and make people laugh (each other especially). i don't have the time or the energy right now to break down all of this side of the family since my dad's side is a bit larger than mamas. nonetheless, everytime we get together it is a treat in itself. and recently one girl has been added as one cousin just got married, and as of friday night another one is tying the knot. exciting times in the stewart family.
now for my immediate family, that's a different blog for a different day. once again i could write a book on how much each family member means to me: mom, dad, adam, and dorie. wow is all i can say. i'm so lucky to be able to consider each and every one of them my best friends. i can share anything with them, and i know they will support, criticize, and help me with anything i'm going through.
i am so blessed to have the family that i do. sometimes it takes a weekend like this past one to actually realize that. i didn't even really want to go back home this weekend but am SOO glad i did. it's these little things in life that are so great and i am so grateful for these people that have been implanted in my life!
i hope each and everyone of you reading has a family that's close like mine and if not.....there is always room for one more in the stewart/haguewood clan! we all know you'd love us!
who wouldn't want to be a part of this??
this past weekend i got to spend time with my whole family. as you know it was easter weekend so i was able to go back home and celebrate that awesome day that Jesus Christ rolled away the stone with all of my family.
so my mom's side of the family is who i spent the afternoon and evening on sunday with, and let me tell you i could spend 24 hours 7 days a week with them. simms, sara scott, uncle g, aunt dana, my tanmama they all just are such a joy to be around. if i want girl advice or any advice at all let me tell you simms and sara scott are right there to tell me what's up. i think i may laugh the hardest when i'm around them. not only that but i learn so much from them with there honesty and bluntness. what a great trait to have when you need someone to shoot you strait. aunt dana is always there talking about how i can get into the school system and what i need to do to become a future principal or administrator which has become more and more of an option. and i can always count on uncle g to agree on how bad the ole miss baseball team is playing or how i can't stand the st. louis cardinals. and my sweet grandmother (tanmama is what i call her) has such a special place in my heart for the push she gives me in my schoolwork and job hunt. she has such a kind heart and a want to for all of her grandchildren to succeed. i admire her so much.
okay so on to daddy's side. it's like night and day when it comes to this side of the family. when we all sat together at church on sunday, i'm sure half of the church was like "oh goodness, what's the stewart clan gonna pull of this time?" it's different because apart from my sister dorie, it's all guys and we all like to be loud and make people laugh (each other especially). i don't have the time or the energy right now to break down all of this side of the family since my dad's side is a bit larger than mamas. nonetheless, everytime we get together it is a treat in itself. and recently one girl has been added as one cousin just got married, and as of friday night another one is tying the knot. exciting times in the stewart family.
now for my immediate family, that's a different blog for a different day. once again i could write a book on how much each family member means to me: mom, dad, adam, and dorie. wow is all i can say. i'm so lucky to be able to consider each and every one of them my best friends. i can share anything with them, and i know they will support, criticize, and help me with anything i'm going through.
i am so blessed to have the family that i do. sometimes it takes a weekend like this past one to actually realize that. i didn't even really want to go back home this weekend but am SOO glad i did. it's these little things in life that are so great and i am so grateful for these people that have been implanted in my life!
i hope each and everyone of you reading has a family that's close like mine and if not.....there is always room for one more in the stewart/haguewood clan! we all know you'd love us!
who wouldn't want to be a part of this??
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
deep breath...and exhale
patient is defined as bearing provocation, annoyance, misfortune, delay, hardship, pain, etc., with fortitude and calm and without complaint, anger. having patience is the act of doing the previously described definition and man is this tough sometimes for me.
i like to consider myself a pretty patient person. i don't mind having to wait to get certain things but more recently i would have to say i'm growing more and more impatient. so here i am 3 weeks from officially having my master's degree and still have no job lined up. this has been a growing concern for weeks and months now and i in turn am getting very irritated and impatient. it seems like every job i apply for, i'm not getting a response and i want answers. little do i know about my future and i struggle with it every day. i keep telling myself there is a reason you aren't hearing back from these jobs you have applied for, God has a plan for you. that plan seems so distant right now.
sometimes it just feels as though the whole world is against you and the only thing you can do is wait it out. in undergrad i was under the impression that i was going to graduate, have the girl picked out that i was going to marry, and have a job lined up(being a big time investment banker). well i've heard it all along that if you want to make God laugh just tell him your plans. well good grief i'm sure the Lord is rotfl (rolling on the floor laughing) at what i had planned out. going back to school is not something i had planned out, but it was the best thing that has happened to me. my job still situation seems bleak but at least i have an idea of what the Lord wants me to do. it's all about following His plan and this sometimes requires much patience. this has been the case with me even though it feels like it will never end. eventually i will land where the Lord wants me and what was meant for me but until then all i can do is ask Him for guidance and patience along the way.
to all, take a deep breath and exhale, the Lord knows and always has so let Him show you.
i like to consider myself a pretty patient person. i don't mind having to wait to get certain things but more recently i would have to say i'm growing more and more impatient. so here i am 3 weeks from officially having my master's degree and still have no job lined up. this has been a growing concern for weeks and months now and i in turn am getting very irritated and impatient. it seems like every job i apply for, i'm not getting a response and i want answers. little do i know about my future and i struggle with it every day. i keep telling myself there is a reason you aren't hearing back from these jobs you have applied for, God has a plan for you. that plan seems so distant right now.
sometimes it just feels as though the whole world is against you and the only thing you can do is wait it out. in undergrad i was under the impression that i was going to graduate, have the girl picked out that i was going to marry, and have a job lined up(being a big time investment banker). well i've heard it all along that if you want to make God laugh just tell him your plans. well good grief i'm sure the Lord is rotfl (rolling on the floor laughing) at what i had planned out. going back to school is not something i had planned out, but it was the best thing that has happened to me. my job still situation seems bleak but at least i have an idea of what the Lord wants me to do. it's all about following His plan and this sometimes requires much patience. this has been the case with me even though it feels like it will never end. eventually i will land where the Lord wants me and what was meant for me but until then all i can do is ask Him for guidance and patience along the way.
to all, take a deep breath and exhale, the Lord knows and always has so let Him show you.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
the "what if" game
yeah it's actually happening, i'm blogging on back to back days and i'm blogging while at work again. oh well what's the worst that could happen? i get fired..ha yeah right these people love me. and while i'm at it i've got justin bieber playing in my ears. what a wonderful spring day. and now on to the real point of my blog today which is the "what if" game.
many times in my life i have caught myself thinking or saying to myself, what if _____ would have happened? or what if _____ wouldn't have happened? i've eventually come to a point where i'm not asking myself that anymore because whatever happens happens and really most of time you can't control it. back in the day i would sit and ponder what if i was 6 foot 3 and weighed 210 pounds and was a stud athlete. now i say thank you Lord for making me the little 5 foot 9 150 pounder that i am. i wouldn't have it any other way.
instead of asking those difficult "what if" questions, i have rephrased my way of thinking in a way that says this happened because .... it is very relieving because i'm not constantly beating myself up over what i think should happened or think will happen.
as the old cliche goes, everything happens for a reason, and you know it is the absolute truth. during my short time that i have been here on earth i am a firm believer of this. it's so comical to me when people think that everything should be in this certain type of order and things should go as the world wants them to go.
i've recently been concentrating on following the road that the Lord wants me on and this "what if" scenerio/question is the furthest thing from my mind. i know and am comforted by the fact that whatever happens is for the best interest of me.
Jeremiah 29:11 says: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Pretty comforting huh!
many times in my life i have caught myself thinking or saying to myself, what if _____ would have happened? or what if _____ wouldn't have happened? i've eventually come to a point where i'm not asking myself that anymore because whatever happens happens and really most of time you can't control it. back in the day i would sit and ponder what if i was 6 foot 3 and weighed 210 pounds and was a stud athlete. now i say thank you Lord for making me the little 5 foot 9 150 pounder that i am. i wouldn't have it any other way.
instead of asking those difficult "what if" questions, i have rephrased my way of thinking in a way that says this happened because .... it is very relieving because i'm not constantly beating myself up over what i think should happened or think will happen.
as the old cliche goes, everything happens for a reason, and you know it is the absolute truth. during my short time that i have been here on earth i am a firm believer of this. it's so comical to me when people think that everything should be in this certain type of order and things should go as the world wants them to go.
i've recently been concentrating on following the road that the Lord wants me on and this "what if" scenerio/question is the furthest thing from my mind. i know and am comforted by the fact that whatever happens is for the best interest of me.
Jeremiah 29:11 says: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Pretty comforting huh!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
and these are a few of my favorite things
first of all i can't take complete credit for this blog entry. she doesn't know it but leah hand and her blog motivated me to write something similar to something she did on her blog. if you haven't read it....start! thanks leah!
the title pretty much says it all about this entry. spring is one of, if not my favorite time of year. spring weather, spring football, baseball(my favorite sport), the nba playoffs, girls at the pool, etc, etc, etc. i could go on for a while about the reasons i love spring but i'll spare you and begin with the reason of me writing this blog. take a minute for yourself and think about all of your favorite things. i bet that list will multiply greater than you may think if you take everything into account. i will go ahead and start with my list and feel free to stop reading now if you have no care in the world about what i like to do or do with my free time.
My Favorite Things:
Jesus Christ
Church
Worship Songs
Isaiah 30:15
The book of Matthew
My Family (yes all of you!)
My Friends
THE Ole Miss Rebels
UAB athletics (hey they gotta be a favorite if you work for them)
coffee shops
coffee
shopping
watches
antique clocks
vintage art
pandora radio
mumford and sons
hearing a new song come on pandora i like
my bed
wine
beer (don't judge me)
the atlanta braves
sports
running
reading
blogging even though i should do it more
the square
the grove
summer rain
attending any sporting event
dancing my butt off
singing
thinking about the day i will actually have a valentine
shoes
kobe bryant
thinking about what i want to do with my life
knowing God already has a plan for my life <--- THIS
apple products
dessert
laughing
my accountablity partner
random texts
thinking about getting a tattoo but never doing it (don't worry, i'll never have one)
leah hand's blog
glee (yep i'm serious)
making other people smile
friendliness
okay okay i'll stop there! from this list you may or may not think of me a little different but i couldn't care less.
The verse is "...in quietness and confidence lies your strength" gotten me through a lot!!
and for now my favorite song for the time being:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjFaenf1T-Y
the title pretty much says it all about this entry. spring is one of, if not my favorite time of year. spring weather, spring football, baseball(my favorite sport), the nba playoffs, girls at the pool, etc, etc, etc. i could go on for a while about the reasons i love spring but i'll spare you and begin with the reason of me writing this blog. take a minute for yourself and think about all of your favorite things. i bet that list will multiply greater than you may think if you take everything into account. i will go ahead and start with my list and feel free to stop reading now if you have no care in the world about what i like to do or do with my free time.
My Favorite Things:
Jesus Christ
Church
Worship Songs
Isaiah 30:15
The book of Matthew
My Family (yes all of you!)
My Friends
THE Ole Miss Rebels
UAB athletics (hey they gotta be a favorite if you work for them)
coffee shops
coffee
shopping
watches
antique clocks
vintage art
pandora radio
mumford and sons
hearing a new song come on pandora i like
my bed
wine
beer (don't judge me)
the atlanta braves
sports
running
reading
blogging even though i should do it more
the square
the grove
summer rain
attending any sporting event
dancing my butt off
singing
thinking about the day i will actually have a valentine
shoes
kobe bryant
thinking about what i want to do with my life
knowing God already has a plan for my life <--- THIS
apple products
dessert
laughing
my accountablity partner
random texts
thinking about getting a tattoo but never doing it (don't worry, i'll never have one)
leah hand's blog
glee (yep i'm serious)
making other people smile
friendliness
okay okay i'll stop there! from this list you may or may not think of me a little different but i couldn't care less.
The verse is "...in quietness and confidence lies your strength" gotten me through a lot!!
and for now my favorite song for the time being:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjFaenf1T-Y
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
hahahahahahaha
well whats up to my readers whoever you may be. it's been a while and i'll take full responsibility. duties at work and school have picked up recently so i haven't gotten around to blogging recently...or that's what i'm telling myself anyway. so i wanted to write this blog about one of my favorite things to do...and that my friends is laugh. if i could i would sit around and laugh all day long. i tell myself i'm funny and sometimes even laugh at myself.. yeah i know what you're thinking..this guy is freaking weird, but i mean hey i am what i am and maybe funny describes that.
we have heard all the sayings:
"a day without laughter is a day wasted"
"laughter is the best medicine"
"an apple a day keeps the .... wait that isn't about laughter but you get the jist.
what is my day like without laughter? pretty lame and dull if you ask me. laughter relaxes me, refreshes me, and heck even burns calories. it's probably the coolest thing to do and guess what...it's free.
laughter is even mentioned in my favorite book..the bible. in proverbs 17 verse 22 it says a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up bones. in job 8 verse 21 job is directly told the lord will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouting. heck even the lord wants us to laugh and be enjoyable.
if you need a good laugh hit me up, i'll give you some good jokes or refer you to some good tv shows or youtube videos that will have you rolling.
until then laugh on my friends and for goodness sake lol (laugh out loud)
we have heard all the sayings:
"a day without laughter is a day wasted"
"laughter is the best medicine"
"an apple a day keeps the .... wait that isn't about laughter but you get the jist.
what is my day like without laughter? pretty lame and dull if you ask me. laughter relaxes me, refreshes me, and heck even burns calories. it's probably the coolest thing to do and guess what...it's free.
laughter is even mentioned in my favorite book..the bible. in proverbs 17 verse 22 it says a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up bones. in job 8 verse 21 job is directly told the lord will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouting. heck even the lord wants us to laugh and be enjoyable.
if you need a good laugh hit me up, i'll give you some good jokes or refer you to some good tv shows or youtube videos that will have you rolling.
until then laugh on my friends and for goodness sake lol (laugh out loud)
Monday, February 21, 2011
so what..
what a monday this has turned out to be...i wake up this morning just as i normally do and head to work to find all the doors locked and no cars in the parking lot. what the heck i kept saying to myself before i tried to get in touch with my boss. of course no answer from her work number and no cell phone number. so of course i call momma to see if i had missed something. i asked her what today was and she preceded to think i was insane as if i had lost my mind and she was worried sick. quickly i let her no i hadn't lost my mind yet but that no one was at work. ohhhh she says it's president's day and the banks are closed. thanks boss for the heads up but hey i'll take a day off anyday. and yes mom for the record to my knowledge i AM sane for the time being.
alright so this is the first time i've written since i ran the mercedes half marathon last sunday. i was pleasantly surprised with my time as i posted a 1:44:54 in lehman's terms that's one hour, 44 minutes, and 54 seconds good for 313 overall out of about 7000 and 42 in my age group. ok ok enough about me and my awesome time, even though that is pretty good for my first half right?
so here i am running my heart out counting down the miles until i see the finish line in sight when i reach something that really touched me. between about mile 11 and 12 i can see nothing but runners ahead of me and really no end in sight. people had lined the streets to cheer on for about the entire race, however, during this stretch there weren't many people on the sides of the streets. all of the sudden i take a glance to my right desperately needing a cup of water, powerade, banana, or something for that last stretch, and i saw exactly what i needed for that last push. to my right a see a boy around the age of i'd say 13 or 14 on a walker cheering his heart out with a friend helping him stand and root us on. talk about heart wrenching. i wanted to stop right there, put him on my shoulders and carry him to the finish line. this boy whom i have no idea who he is had so much energy and passion out there and in the split second i saw him i could see his energy and passion he had for his life no matter what was wrong with him. i don't know his exact condition was, but i do know it was one where he hasn't been blessed with the capabilities and abilities someone like you or i have and to my eyes it seemed as though he could care less. the joy that kid put on my face was like something i'd never experienced. it was just incredible. i wish i could meet this kid just as i'm sure he wished he could put on the asics and run. to say the least that was all the motivation i needed to get through that last leg, and what a way to finish; with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. so thank you to you, whoever that boy was that carried me through!
so...so what, i finished a half marathon. moral of this story be content and take advantage of EVERY gift and ability the Lord has given you because not everyone is as blessed as you may be
alright so this is the first time i've written since i ran the mercedes half marathon last sunday. i was pleasantly surprised with my time as i posted a 1:44:54 in lehman's terms that's one hour, 44 minutes, and 54 seconds good for 313 overall out of about 7000 and 42 in my age group. ok ok enough about me and my awesome time, even though that is pretty good for my first half right?
so here i am running my heart out counting down the miles until i see the finish line in sight when i reach something that really touched me. between about mile 11 and 12 i can see nothing but runners ahead of me and really no end in sight. people had lined the streets to cheer on for about the entire race, however, during this stretch there weren't many people on the sides of the streets. all of the sudden i take a glance to my right desperately needing a cup of water, powerade, banana, or something for that last stretch, and i saw exactly what i needed for that last push. to my right a see a boy around the age of i'd say 13 or 14 on a walker cheering his heart out with a friend helping him stand and root us on. talk about heart wrenching. i wanted to stop right there, put him on my shoulders and carry him to the finish line. this boy whom i have no idea who he is had so much energy and passion out there and in the split second i saw him i could see his energy and passion he had for his life no matter what was wrong with him. i don't know his exact condition was, but i do know it was one where he hasn't been blessed with the capabilities and abilities someone like you or i have and to my eyes it seemed as though he could care less. the joy that kid put on my face was like something i'd never experienced. it was just incredible. i wish i could meet this kid just as i'm sure he wished he could put on the asics and run. to say the least that was all the motivation i needed to get through that last leg, and what a way to finish; with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. so thank you to you, whoever that boy was that carried me through!
so...so what, i finished a half marathon. moral of this story be content and take advantage of EVERY gift and ability the Lord has given you because not everyone is as blessed as you may be
Thursday, February 10, 2011
How you spell fun...
shhhhhhhh......don't tell anybody but yes i'm blogging at work. to many ole miss fans my title may take on a different meaning as well all know the way you spell fun is W-I-N! and hopefully that will be spelled out shortly.
anyway before this blog entry gets all about my passion and intensity for ole miss athletics, i'll move on to what i really want to get across.
not that i have my life figured out or even have a clue what is going to happen in the next week much less the rest of my life, i heard a sermon this past sunday that really just left my smiling and upbeat all week. i have been going to church of the highlands in birmingham pretty much since i have moved here. at first, i was skeptical because i really wasn't open minded about the whole reformed/new age or whatever you want to call it church. little did i know that about a year later i would still be going to this church and absolutely in love with it. i have found my "fun" in this church!
the sermon this past sunday really hit home to me. it wasn't anything mind blowing or radical, just a simple message on the ten year anniversary of the opening of the church. i grew up as many of my peers going to a "traditional" church. in doing this, i got the impression of church being a strict, serious thing. since going to church of the highlands i realized that's not the case at all. jesus wants the best from you no matter how you worship. i have found a church that fits who i am and what i want. i'm not the most serious or uptight person as many of you know. i prefer to be laid back and carefree and let life come, though when the going gets tough, i'm the toughest there is (in my opinion). the basis of this past sunday's sermon was broken into three simple parts:
in closing today, oh how i am grateful for the lord jesus putting a church in my life that i can call fun! and as pastor chris said sunday the lord wants us to be joyful and "fun" in everything we do.
and that my friends is how you spell fun!
anyway before this blog entry gets all about my passion and intensity for ole miss athletics, i'll move on to what i really want to get across.
not that i have my life figured out or even have a clue what is going to happen in the next week much less the rest of my life, i heard a sermon this past sunday that really just left my smiling and upbeat all week. i have been going to church of the highlands in birmingham pretty much since i have moved here. at first, i was skeptical because i really wasn't open minded about the whole reformed/new age or whatever you want to call it church. little did i know that about a year later i would still be going to this church and absolutely in love with it. i have found my "fun" in this church!
the sermon this past sunday really hit home to me. it wasn't anything mind blowing or radical, just a simple message on the ten year anniversary of the opening of the church. i grew up as many of my peers going to a "traditional" church. in doing this, i got the impression of church being a strict, serious thing. since going to church of the highlands i realized that's not the case at all. jesus wants the best from you no matter how you worship. i have found a church that fits who i am and what i want. i'm not the most serious or uptight person as many of you know. i prefer to be laid back and carefree and let life come, though when the going gets tough, i'm the toughest there is (in my opinion). the basis of this past sunday's sermon was broken into three simple parts:
- Love life
- Love people
- Love God!
in closing today, oh how i am grateful for the lord jesus putting a church in my life that i can call fun! and as pastor chris said sunday the lord wants us to be joyful and "fun" in everything we do.
and that my friends is how you spell fun!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Wait for it.....
as i begin thinking about what my next blog topic was going to be i juggled a few options. my mind just continues to race, twist, and generate more and more ideas as to what to right about. i finally decided and deemed it appropriate for national signing day eve to write about anticipation.
anticipation is a funny word. in my opinion, is it not just a fancy word for wait? we all look forward to what lies ahead in life, but more importantly when we anticipate a lot of the times we have a feeling as to what the outcome may be. for example tonight i ANTICIPATED my beloved ole miss to get it handed to them at the hands of the kentucky wildcats. much to my surprise i was wrong. (thank you chris warren)! that is another funny thing about anticipation. it sometimes makes you wonder as to whether what you actually anticipate is actually what is going to happen.
on to one thing/day that i anticipate more than anything in this world, and that is the anticipation to meet my lord and savior jesus christ. whether it be when i pass from this earth or when the lord returns for his people, what a thrilling and exciting feeling it should be to think about that day and what it holds for all of us. it is a type of anticipation that is uncontrolled, something i ultimately think and look forward to everyday. everything i anticipate on this earth pales in comparison to the anticipation i have for that fateful day. i get giddy just thinking about it (shout out to ben bax)! anticipation as described by wikipedia is an emotion involving pleasure (and sometimes anxiety) in considering some expected or longed-for event. that in itself describes exactly why i can't wait to meet the one that created it all and sit and talk for hours upon hours in awe and disbelief!
on a lighter note, i am eagerly anticipating tomorrow, wednesday february 2. as many sports fans know it is national signing day, and as an ole miss fan, it's really been the one thing i could look forward to after a dismal football year. come on houston dale bring in that top 10 class!
in closing we all anticipate and i hope in everyone's case that is reading this blog is anticipating the same thing i am in the end! but until that fateful day comes we must just do as the title says WAIT FOR IT....because eventually it will be here.
in the mean time, make the most out of everyday and everything you do!!
Verses to ponder:
Romans 8:19-22
P.S. Sorry for using the word anticipation a lot, but not really. just trying to get a point across
anticipation is a funny word. in my opinion, is it not just a fancy word for wait? we all look forward to what lies ahead in life, but more importantly when we anticipate a lot of the times we have a feeling as to what the outcome may be. for example tonight i ANTICIPATED my beloved ole miss to get it handed to them at the hands of the kentucky wildcats. much to my surprise i was wrong. (thank you chris warren)! that is another funny thing about anticipation. it sometimes makes you wonder as to whether what you actually anticipate is actually what is going to happen.
on to one thing/day that i anticipate more than anything in this world, and that is the anticipation to meet my lord and savior jesus christ. whether it be when i pass from this earth or when the lord returns for his people, what a thrilling and exciting feeling it should be to think about that day and what it holds for all of us. it is a type of anticipation that is uncontrolled, something i ultimately think and look forward to everyday. everything i anticipate on this earth pales in comparison to the anticipation i have for that fateful day. i get giddy just thinking about it (shout out to ben bax)! anticipation as described by wikipedia is an emotion involving pleasure (and sometimes anxiety) in considering some expected or longed-for event. that in itself describes exactly why i can't wait to meet the one that created it all and sit and talk for hours upon hours in awe and disbelief!
on a lighter note, i am eagerly anticipating tomorrow, wednesday february 2. as many sports fans know it is national signing day, and as an ole miss fan, it's really been the one thing i could look forward to after a dismal football year. come on houston dale bring in that top 10 class!
in closing we all anticipate and i hope in everyone's case that is reading this blog is anticipating the same thing i am in the end! but until that fateful day comes we must just do as the title says WAIT FOR IT....because eventually it will be here.
in the mean time, make the most out of everyday and everything you do!!
Verses to ponder:
Romans 8:19-22
P.S. Sorry for using the word anticipation a lot, but not really. just trying to get a point across
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
New Year, New Place, New Focus
okay okay so i lied...i didn't get a blog written last week like i had promised to do. sue me. i was busy.
the title of this entry pretty much entails what it's about really. so far 2011 has been nothing short of outstanding. i mean i got this new ba job with bbva compass bank, i moved into a brand new apartment downtown with one of my best buddies ever, and i started my last semester of graduate school. i mean life is looking pretty amazing right now, which it usually is in my eyes.
2011 is going to be a year that when it is over, i want to look back and say i did a lot of things this year that i never thought i could do. i want 2011 to be the year that i can look back and say this wasn't just another year of going through the motions, but it was a year of getting off my butt, stopped talking about things i wanted to do and actually did them. life is too short to look back and say i wish i would have done this or i wish i would have done that. that has sometimes been a hard concept for me in that i was just doing what was necessary on a day to day basis. i have since been challenging myself to take a larger step and do what is extraordinary on a daily basis. i'm usually not one to challenge others either, but that should be a goal for each and every one of us. start each day with a plan of goals and ideas you would like to accomplish on that day, week, month, etc. let it be your goal each day to work towards what you want to accomplish not only on that day but on future days as well. if you haven't a clue about a goal or something you want to work towards...pray for it! i guarantee He will show you exactly what you are looking for in one way or another.
speaking of 'new', i have also been trying some new things that i really haven't done ever. cooking, reading, and of course blogging come to mind immediately. the more i have grown and matured the more 'new' things i want to try just for exposure and to broaden my knowledge and uniqueness. i mean hey why not. call me weird but i mean really everyone is weird in their own way!
lastly if any of you readers are out there a quick update on marathon training. i will be running a half marathon on february 13 which will put me well on my way to completing my goal of a full marathon by the end of the year.
a few bible verses concerning new, so take a look:
1 Peter 1:3
2 Corinthians 5:17
Phillipians 3:13-14
P.S. A big black bear shout out to CJ Johnson!!!!!!
the title of this entry pretty much entails what it's about really. so far 2011 has been nothing short of outstanding. i mean i got this new ba job with bbva compass bank, i moved into a brand new apartment downtown with one of my best buddies ever, and i started my last semester of graduate school. i mean life is looking pretty amazing right now, which it usually is in my eyes.
2011 is going to be a year that when it is over, i want to look back and say i did a lot of things this year that i never thought i could do. i want 2011 to be the year that i can look back and say this wasn't just another year of going through the motions, but it was a year of getting off my butt, stopped talking about things i wanted to do and actually did them. life is too short to look back and say i wish i would have done this or i wish i would have done that. that has sometimes been a hard concept for me in that i was just doing what was necessary on a day to day basis. i have since been challenging myself to take a larger step and do what is extraordinary on a daily basis. i'm usually not one to challenge others either, but that should be a goal for each and every one of us. start each day with a plan of goals and ideas you would like to accomplish on that day, week, month, etc. let it be your goal each day to work towards what you want to accomplish not only on that day but on future days as well. if you haven't a clue about a goal or something you want to work towards...pray for it! i guarantee He will show you exactly what you are looking for in one way or another.
speaking of 'new', i have also been trying some new things that i really haven't done ever. cooking, reading, and of course blogging come to mind immediately. the more i have grown and matured the more 'new' things i want to try just for exposure and to broaden my knowledge and uniqueness. i mean hey why not. call me weird but i mean really everyone is weird in their own way!
lastly if any of you readers are out there a quick update on marathon training. i will be running a half marathon on february 13 which will put me well on my way to completing my goal of a full marathon by the end of the year.
a few bible verses concerning new, so take a look:
1 Peter 1:3
2 Corinthians 5:17
Phillipians 3:13-14
P.S. A big black bear shout out to CJ Johnson!!!!!!
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