They call me Sleeve

Its not always cold, hard math

2007-02-27T08:24:00.000-05:00

this is a struggle i have. i look at life and i make decisions in a way that resembles a math equations. it’s just how my mind works. in a lot of ways...it really is a great quality to have. it helps me be steadfast in a lot of area's of my life. it gives me confidence. it helps me discern good from evil and right from wrong...with few gray area's (sometimes). the trouble is when the decision and life issues don't fit easily in the equations of my mind, like faith, hope, and love. none of these have any kind of equation attached to them what-so-ever(even though a lot of people try to make them fit...they really can't). i'm now coming to a point where i am starting to understand this, and i'm trying to change how i look at things. it tough, but im coming around. i don't really mind the extra effort it takes to change though. i like how it strips all the barriers away from these topics. it makes them absolutely limitless.

faith is dangerous for your health.
hope can make a man invincible.
love is wild and untamable.

I wanna know

2007-02-21T15:08:00.000-05:00

I wanna know why there are only 28 days in February, while other months in the year have 31 days in it. Why are they being so selfish. Do they think they are better or something? I think they should give up a couple of days to February to make it a month that has 30 days in it and 31 on a leap year. Can't they see that their fellow brother is in need?

Fer my Valentine

2007-02-14T13:15:00.000-05:00

Collards is green, my dog's name is Blue,
and I'm so lucky to have a sweet thang like you.

Yore hair is like cornsilk a-flapping in the breeze
Softer than Blue's and without all them fleas.

You move like the bass, which excite me in May.
You ain't got no scales but I luv you anyway.

Yo're as satisfy'n as okry jist a-fry'n in the pan.
Yo're as fragrant as "snuff" right out of the can.

Still them fellers at work, they all want to know,
what I did to deserve such a purdy, young doe.

Like a good roll of duct tape yo're there fer yore man,
to patch up life's troubles and fix what you can.

When you hold me real tight like a padded gunrack,
my life is complete; Ain't nuttin' I lack.

Yore complexion, it's perfection, like the best vinyl sidin'.
despite all the years, yore age, it keeps hidin'.

Me 'n' you's like a Moon Pie with a RC cold drank,
we go together like a skunk goes with stank.

Some men, they buy chocolate for Valentine's Day;
They git it at Wal-Mart, it's romantic that way.
Some men buy fine diamonds from a flea market booth.
"Diamonds are forever," they explain, suave and couth.
But for this man, honey, these won't do.
Cause yo're too special, you sweet thang you.
I got you a gift, without taste nor odor,
more useful than diamonds...IT'S A NEW TROLLIN' MOTOR!!

New Profile Pic

2007-02-01T20:41:00.000-05:00

So, I decided I wanted to add a profile pic...just to spice things up. I figured I would go with a good road trip pic from my trip from Denver to Dallas. I like it:-)

Trend Setter

2007-01-31T12:57:00.000-05:00

This years motto:

STAY HYDRATED!!!

This all stems from Christmas. KT got me an awesome Camelbak and a new Nalgene. So, it was almost like subconciously she was trying to tell me something...like maybe I needed to work on my water intake (which I agree with). So, we joked that this was going to be the theme of the year...STAY HYDRATED.

I think I am going to try to take this STAY HYDRATED catchphrase one step further. I want to make it a trend/fad. I think it should be on t-shirts, on billboards, in Superbowl commercials, in song lyrics...stuff like that. I think it should even become like a new farewell statement. For example..."OK man, well it was good to see you. Stay Hydrated!!!"

You wait...its going to be awesome ;-)

A friend sent me this quote in an email

2007-01-15T22:46:00.000-05:00

"While watching a football game a couple weeks back, my wife and I were discussing life and death.

I told her, 'Just so you know, I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug.'

She promptly got up, unplugged the TV and threw out all my beer.

I hate being married to a smartass."

SLEEPY TIME PLEASE

2007-01-11T16:10:00.000-05:00

So, this morning I woke up at the time I was supposed to be at work...OOPPS. Its no big deal really. We pretty much make our own schedules anyways (which is really nice). The problem has been that I am so freekin tired. All day long, I have been fighting this urge to crawl under my desk and take a nap. I think its because I didn't get to take my time and actually wake up this morning. It was a mad rush to get ready as fast as I could. No good. I have learned my lesson. Even if I am unbelievably late...I'm taking my time. No more rushing for this kid.

A year ago

2007-01-10T08:17:00.000-05:00

I am going to interview an intern, for this summer, today. It interesting to think that a year ago, that was me. I did this same thing about a year ago. It crazy to think about how much happens in a year.

The past years great accomplishments(in no order):
1. Took 21 hours the spring semester(and did very well)
2. Roped me in a fine lady to call my girlfriend
3. Moved to Columbia and started my internship
4. Graduated from Clemson
5. Spent 3 weeks in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park where I got chase by a Grizzly Bear
6. Started my first real job
7. Went to my first season of Clemson Football as an Alumnus
8. Spent 2 weeks in Ohio and New York
9. And now interviewing my own intern

Plus all the other stuff that I have thought of while I was writing this.

Near Miss

2007-01-08T16:30:00.000-05:00

I had a near miss today. I almost didn't make the registration for the half marathon that I have been training for the past 5 weeks. But, luckily I called and talked really nicely to a lady that let me fax in two registration forms (one for Katie and one for me) and she was going to count them as mail-in's. Near miss.

By no means do I consider myself a runner. I have never liked it and thought I never would. But, the funny thing is, I really was disappointed when all this went down and I thought it wasn't going to happen. I never thought I would admit this but I think I am accually starting to enjoy this running thing a little.

The year in review

2007-01-05T16:17:00.000-05:00

This is kinda cool.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16094272/

I'll show you mine if you show me yours...

2007-01-05T08:41:00.000-05:00

I got some new stuff that I have been holding out on. I know...I'm sorry. I get a little selfish sometimes. God and I are working on it together. Anyways, I have come across some new (at least new to me) good artists so I thought I would share for some of you music lovers out there.

This is in no particular order:

1. Snow Patrol (Just got it, but I'm quite pleased so far)
2. Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers (Cool sound)
3. Mindy Smith (Great voice and good lyrics too)
4. Little Big Town (Pretty main stream, but I like mountain music)
5. Corey Crowder (Good acoustics and song writing)
6. Celtic Women (You will feel like you're in a Disney movie)
7. Augustana (I've had this since summer, but it's still good)
8. Daughtry (Good rock power ballads)

Rootlessness

2007-01-04T15:53:00.000-05:00

i mentioned how i was a part of a rootless generation in the previous post. what i ment by that is we are a generation totally afraid of commitment. we do it so that we are free to float where we wish and when we wish. we are also in search of the bigger and better deal. we might even be looking at the best option going and we are still scared and hesitant to say yes because there is a chance it might not be. getting people to commit to a date or time a week in advance is one of the hardest things to do in my job, i plan special events and trips for those of you who don't know. why is that? why are we a rootless generation? what made us this way?

Resolutions

2007-01-04T09:44:00.000-05:00

So, I've decided that I don't like New Years resolutions very much. I don't see the point anymore. People don't keep them for over 2-3 weeks, so that tells me that people are making these decisions out of opportunity and not out of desire. Therefore, they are going to jump ship the first time its difficult or the first time they are tempted or the first time is just not convenient. And don't get me wrong, I'm one of these people. I am just as fleeting and rootless as the next person my age.

I do like the point of it though. I think it is important to try to improve on your current life situation, no matter where you are. There isn't a whole lot of good in staying stagnant. I personally like the way a preacher on the radio that I heard recently say it. It went something like this..."LADIES, If he don't work. Don't feed 'em. I mean, he can do somethin. He can wash your car or rake the lawn or somethin."

Here are some things that I am interested in improving upon in my life:

I want to love the Lord a lot better
I want to worrying about the time less
I want to meet more local people
I want to learn to play the guitar
I want to be more adventurous
I want to find someplace locally that I can escape to every once in awhile
I want to learn how to be a better cook for one
and many others....

Newness/Oldness in the 07

2007-01-03T10:34:00.000-05:00

New stuff is great. New times in life are fun. New friends are refreshing and exciting. New car smell is unmistakable and delicious. Newness is a pretty great concept all around. Therefore, a new year, I think, is nice. It's 07 and so far it's been a good one.

On the other hand though, don't forget about the old. Oldness is also so good. Old t-shirts are so confortable. Old cars are so cool. Old friends are so close. Old souls are great to encounter and are so encouraging.

Goodness

2006-12-21T15:37:00.000-05:00

It's enough to drive a man crazy; it'll break a man's faith
It's enough to make him wonder if he's ever been sane
When he's bleating for comfort from Thy staff and Thy rod
And the heaven's only answer is the silence of God

It'll shake a man's timbers when he loses his heart
When he has to remember what broke him apart
This yoke may be easy, but this burden is not
When the crying fields are frozen by the silence of God

And if a man has got to listen to the voices of the mob
Who are reeling in the throes of all the happiness they've got
When they tell you all their troubles have been nailed up to that cross
Then what about the times when even followers get lost?
'Cause we all get lost sometimes...

There's a statue of Jesus on a monastery knoll
In the hills of Kentucky, all quiet and cold
And He's kneeling in the garden, as silent as a Stone
All His friends are sleeping and He's weeping all alone

And the man of all sorrows, he never forgot
What sorrow is carried by the hearts that he bought
So when the questions dissolve into the silence of God
The aching may remain, but the breaking does not
The aching may remain, but the breaking does not
In the holy, lonesome echo of the silence of God

Andrew Peterson
"The Silence of God"

Christmas Vacation

2006-12-15T08:14:00.000-05:00

I have a big road trip, with my parents, coming up next week. We are starting out by leaving here after I get out of work on Tuesday. Our first stop is Columbus, Ohio. It's where my bro lives with his girly. I havent seen my bro since June I think. So, I'm really excited about that. Then, we travil up to the great state of New York for some good quality time with family that I havent seen in probably 3 years, for Christmas Eve/Day. Then on the 26th, Katie is flying up to meet some of my family and see where I grew up. This is pretty great. I'm am especially excited about this part. There is currently only one other person is the state of SC that has seen where I grew up and spent the majority of my life (Mr. Scott Horton)...this is a time I like to call the Pre-Sleeve era. So, thats going to be great to drag her around to and show her all those places where I have so many memories. Then we drive home on the 29th. All in all, I really couldn't ask for a better trip. It's getting really hard to stay on task these last few days at work because it's all I think about...other than what I'm going to get people for Christmas because I havent started shopping yet...ooppps.

P.S. I don't know what I'm doing for the New Years. If anyone has any thoughts...please share.

i don't know

2006-12-13T09:46:00.000-05:00

i don't know what i am going to write. i just know i haven't written in awhile so i think i should. i'm sorry about that, by the way.

my life has been really, really busy. well, don't get me wrong. i like it this way. i would much rather have too much to do than nothing to do. i'm really good at getting lazy sometimes...well...i really like movies, so when i have free time, it usually gets filled with a movie or two or five. and the more movies i watch, the less and less motivated i get. so, the busier i am, the less likely i will fall into the movie trap...aka...the less likely i will get lazy.

which brings me to my next topic, i am really complicated. for the longest time, i thought i was a simple guy...a meat and potatoes...a man's man...a simple guy. thats not true at all. i'm not. but i think i will grow into it. if you picture in your head of the most simple, steady guy you know...he is probably an older gentleman. which tells me that it comes with maturity. i think i will be there one day. i hope.

well...i hope this quenches your thirst for now. i will try to find some other post-worthy topics and i will be sure to get them in here. i apologize for my slackness.

Happy December!!!!

2006-12-01T10:54:00.000-05:00

I have had a restless heart and mind this past couple of days. There is nothing in me right now that wants to conform to a 9-5 lifestyle what-so-ever.

I want to live.

I want to move to Colorado and become a professional skiier
I want to hike through Europe and settle on the coast of Italy
I want to move to Australia and teach sea kayaking at the Great Barrier Reef
I want to join a band and tour the country in an old van

But all at the same time, I want to settle down.

I want to coach my son's little league baseball team
I want to grill out in the back yard with all my friends and their wives and kids after church
I want to mow my lawn on a sunny Saturday morning
I want to love my wife

I am a complicated man. But one thing is for sure, this work thing is obviously getting in the way of my free time.

im a sucker for a pretty girl

2006-11-28T07:55:00.000-05:00

so, many of you might know that i hate running. i really do. its not a strong dislike either. i really can't stand it. but, yesterday i was suckered into training for a half marathon, thats 13.1 miles of running folks. its a 12 week training schedule and i start training on monday. and it was all because of a girl. my girl. she batted her eyes and talked to me sweet and i was putty in her hands. it was discusting. the next thing i knew i was printing out my training schedule.

im kidding...i really am going to run a half marathon and i really do hate running but my real motivation is to get healthy and to have some dicipline in my life. i have gotten pretty lazy since school ended and i need to do something. i kinda have that tire thingy around the middle of me, if you know what i mean...not cool. plus, i think this will be fun to go through with my girl.

so...stick around. i feel like this whole training thing could spark a few good blogs along the way.

Thankfulness Day

2006-11-22T08:26:00.000-05:00

It is that time of year again...Thanksgiving. For some, its a day of turkey and football. For some its a day with the family. And then there are some who use this time to reflect and be thankfull for what the Lord has blessed them with.

These are the generic traditions. I want to know about the specific family traditions. Like for instance, back in New York, with my family, it was always all about hunting (because the dear season is only like 3 weeks and the last week is usually the end of November). Or maybe your like the Gibson family and have firework wars everytime you get together.

I want to know what your family does.

Punkish Qualities

2006-11-20T08:50:00.000-05:00

In case ya'll havent figured out yet, but I really am a punk...jerk...whatever. At least I feel like one. I have the hardest time remembering people's names. I really wish I could. I really wish it came natural for me just to remember every face and name and conversation I ever encountered. But I can't. I want this so bad because I really feel like I am hurting people's feelings when I see them the second, third, sixth, tenth time and I still havent got their name down. It almost like I'm telling them subcontiously that they are not worth remembering, which is not the case. I'm just an idiot...(hello, six years in college).

Love People

2006-11-15T08:30:00.000-05:00

Loving people is not efficient. It will not balance out evenly in your equation. But thats ok. Love is bigger than the things of this world. It doesn't have to make sence. And I, for one, am glad.

God's Desire

2006-11-15T07:19:00.000-05:00

God doesn't want your sacrafice. He wants a relationship. He would rather you not be sacraficial in any way if your heart isn't in it, if its just some religious act.

He doesn't desire your motions. He wants your emotions, your heart. It when the motions are overflow of the heart is when God is pleased.

Worship is more than a song.

God is good

2006-11-14T23:45:00.000-05:00

Repentance is U N B E L I E V A B L E.

I mean...are you kidding me. So I don't know how many people think about this on a daily basis. God, the creator of all and knower of all, offers us complete forgivness...as a gift. WOW. It doesn't matter if you have killed someone, raped someone, or did some other aweful thing that I can't even imagine...its all the same. All you have to do is confess to God with a broken heart and God will hold you close to His boosm and love you, without looking back. Jesus made that all possible. Praise Him for what He has done for you. Thank God for trading His perfect, blameless, and holy Son for you, and considering it a good and worthy trade, if you havent done so yet today.

I'm a slave

2006-11-07T15:31:00.000-05:00

As much as I don't want to be...but I think I'm a slave to money. I think we all are. Things need to change. Someone once told me that "money can be an amazing servent but one of the worst masters." I think they were right. Money has the potential to do so many good things in this world, but if you let it control you, it will ruin your life and potentially those around you.

Reality Check

2006-11-01T08:46:00.000-05:00

"I am humbled to know that we are living among a harvest field that has been centuries in the making. For hundreds of years, faithful followers of Christ have invested their lives here, working to make Christ known, fighting for the countless millions of souls in this country, many of them seeing little or no fruit from their hard labor. Due in part to their hard work and fully by the grace of God, we are seeing incredible things happen right here in the ********. Father is calling people to Himself each day and each day more hearts are being turned to Him. Father is making opportunities for more and more people to know of His faithfulness and gift of salvation!"

This quote comes from a letter that was sent from a closed country (meaning that Christian missionaries are not allowed). I am so happy that these things are happening there (praise GOD!!!) but at the same time I am deeply concerned that I don't think the same way about where I live. I don't look at Columbia as a harvest field nor do I feel like I am fighting to for the souls here. Why am I so complacent? What does it look like to be missionary in the US?

Bambi Killer

2006-10-31T13:38:00.000-05:00

I get to go hunting today....hurrrraayy!!! I havent been yet this season and I am so excited.

brothers

2006-10-30T08:47:00.000-05:00

"i am blessed to have guys in my life that truly care about my relationship with God. that dont care about our value the way the world sees it, so we can all fit in the life boat. guys that are willin to hurt just to expose the pain of sin. thank you brothers for the encouragement and the much needed companionship as we learn to be men of God." Grant E. Turner

last night was amazing. the plan was we were going over to Adams for some shrimp boil and some good 'ol guy time, thats all. and we ended up having some real...in-your-face spuring toward Jesus. it was great and much needed. God is so good. it is obvious that the Holy Spirit has been working in all of our hearts for awhile and God the Father set it up that all of us would come together...over shrimp boil, but it still happened. i love feeling like God is in control, cause He is, and that i am part of a bigger plan. i cannot say enough...God is good, so good.

its the simple things in life

2006-10-26T13:48:00.000-04:00

i know there are more out there like me...come on...you can fess up. one of the best times of my day is going to the bathroom at work and while im in there thinking to myself..."i am so getting paid for this right now."

Oddest Places-Interesting People

2006-10-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

What is it about plane rides that get interesting stories of encountering people? I was reading my friend AJ's blog (Kaleidoscope) where she was talking about a great conversation she had with a man from Jordan and I got to thinking about how many different stories I have heard about people having meaningful conversations on plane rides. Why is that and why is it always plane rides?

I think its because we are forced to interact with these people. There are no other options...you will be sitting uncomfortably close to this same person for the next 3-5 hours and you know you don't have enough battery life left in your iPod to last that long. Its going to happen. You know you are going to get bored enough that you have to stike up a conversation to pass the time. And what do you know...these people actually have an interesting story to tell. I think these interesting people are all around us, everyday. We just choose to pass on by with meaningless conversation or none at all.

And then I started thinking about these people you see everyday, the people you work with. I work with people everyday that I really know nothing about, but I could sit on a plane and learn someones complete life story and never see them again. Does that seem odd to you too? Why is this so? My answer is...usually...it just doesn't come up. (not a good enough excuse)

Inner Desires

2006-10-25T15:21:00.000-04:00

I want to just go spend time in the woods in the mountains. I take that back...I need to go spend time in the woods soon. Its has been bumped up from a desire to a need.

Stupid Stuff

2006-10-24T15:02:00.000-04:00

I need to vent.

Ok. So, one of the things that pushes my buttons is making something more difficult than it really is. Let me give you an example. I am putting together a Hay Ride this Friday at Fort Jackson to go along with a Haunted House that is already happening. It’s nothing difficult…just a Hay Ride. Honestly it just tractor + wagon + hay + course + participant = HAY RIDE. Not hard at all. But, we are running into so much “red tape” that I don’t want to do it anymore. There are issues with the tractor operator being certified, the hay being arranged a certain way, the water sprinkler heads, the water sprinkler boxes, the bleachers not being allowed to be moved (but it would be easier), the ground being too steep (which it isn’t), bumpy ground (which isn’t bad), low lying limbs, line configuration, and everything else that you can possible think of. Yet, in the back of my mind, I keep thinking two thoughts:
1. It’s just a Hay Ride…not that difficult.
2. Its probably going to get cancelled anyways because its supposed to rain.

This is what I posted a year ago and I felt it was worth repeating.

2006-10-23T11:28:00.000-04:00

French Kissing Life
there is a kenny chesney song that talks about french kissing life right in the mouth. for some reason those words leap right out of the song and hit me square in the heart. thats what i want to do. i want to grab the bull by the horns...live life to the fullest...take the red pill and stay in wonderland...play rough and ride hard...french kiss life right in the mouth. i dont know, maybe i am different. maybe its the high action, adventurous guyness come out of me. i just feel like people miss it. myself included sometimes. we just get wrapped up in the day-to-day class/work and miss out on what life has to offer. so, to all you fuddy-duddy's, you have to keep it spicy cause you dont know if tomorrow will be there like we think it will. so, climb that mountain, tell your mom you love her, get up early and watch the sunrise in the cool morning, and hold that girls hand in the moonlight.

A special SHOUT OUT

2006-10-23T11:23:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to Katie Hogue. She is pretty great and its time we celebrate her presence on this earth. She is getting old but she is still a fox.

I know...its been awhile

2006-10-23T11:20:00.000-04:00

Honestly...I really havent felt all that whitty or clever or had any crazy experiences that I felt were worth blogging. But I realized today...thats definitly not the point. I will try to get better.

I might do something crazy

2006-08-09T23:07:00.000-04:00

I have a goal in life to "Keep it Spicy." I don't know why, but for some reason I get these urges to be or do something...well...different. It's like the ordinary isn't good enough or something. And it's not all the time either, only every once in awhile. Odd...I know. So, I do things like take a cold shower in the morning instead of a warm one or stand on your head like you did when you were a kid or (as my girlfriend mentioned this weekend) roll down a grassy hill...just because it's there. Anything to mix it up and live this life we were given. No sence in wasting it...right.

Ordinary isn't good enough sometimes so you have to put a little extra into it to make it extraordinary (I'm not this clever. I stole this from somewhere).

Must Do

2006-08-09T08:07:00.000-04:00

One of my newer favorite songs is "Home" by Marc Broussard. You gotta check it out. In fact, I would look into getting the whole CD if you have the extra cash.

New Day

2006-08-09T07:53:00.000-04:00

Do you ever have those days when you wake up and already its a good day? Its like God woke you up with a purpose today. Thats what it was like today for me. So, I am excited about the day the Lord has made. I think I will rejoice and be glad in it(Shane and Shane rip off). But seriously, I hope God has woke you up with a purpose and I hope you feel His love close to you today.

an interesting thought

2006-07-21T09:13:00.000-04:00

in either a shane and shane, ross king, or andrew peterson song. i cant remember which one but one of them mentions that what Christ did on the cross really had little to do with us. which, at first, when i thought about this i was a little confused and a little upset because i thought Christ did what He did because He loved me that much (which is true. He does love you and me that much...God is love). but after a little thought it really makes a lot of sense and paints an accurate picture of God and His character. Christ's purpose on this earth is no different than our own purpose on earth...to bring God glory. that is why we are here. thats why the plants and animals are here. thats why the earth, planets, and stars are here...its all to bring God glory. Christ did die on the cross and did raise from the dead to take the sins of man onto himself, therefore anyone who trusts in Him will have a pathway to God through His blood. this was what He was doing. but if you take that one step further and look at it with the thought of why He wanted us to go to heaven (which heaven is to be with God. its the relationship with God)...the anwser is to bring God glory. you see, by us surrendering our lives and taking up our own crosses and following after Christ, God is gloified through our relationships and actions. He is glorified through us living a life that is forever pointing toward Him, saying this is why i am the way i am. and we can only do that with a relationship with Him. therefore, ultimatly the cross really had little to do with us and everything to do with God.

i like this thought. it helps me to understand how big God is, which im not all that good at. mostly, i am good at seeing God as a close savior and counselor. so i guess that means i relate more to the Son and Holy Spirit. but this thought helps me to understand the Father a little better.

So much has changed

2006-07-06T21:27:00.000-04:00

Wow...so much has changed in my life. I've had a lot of time to think this week with my roommate gone and the appartment to myself.

If anyone was to tell me that I would be living in city, especially a state capital, when I graduated from high school. I would have done everything in my power to not let that happen. I am not a city person, at all. Never have been. But here I am, city livin. And giving it my best. Nothing has changed...im still a country boy but I am warming up to it. Slowly but surely.

I also have said I could never do another long distance relationship. They are too hard and I am not good at it. But here I am, in a long distance relationship. Its going really well though. We make it work. There are times when we think its not fair and it sucks, but we stick it out and really enjoy the moments we have together. We seem to think that the other person is worth that extra little bit it requires to date in different cities. Not to mention she's hot.

Lastly, Im finally not a college student anymore. Which I know a lot of you folks thought would never happen. But its true. I am living the life of a real adult. Thats scary and great all at the same time. I had a nice little comfort zone that I created for myself up at Clemson. All that is gone now. I am starting over in a land where nothing is given and everything is earned (except Gods grace and goodness. We could never earn that). And so far...I like this big bad scary world. Im learning a lot.

I think its good to look back everyonce in awhile. I dont think you can know the direction your heading without knowing where you started. So, here is your task. Take the time to stop and think. Go to your spot (the mountains, the boats, the car rides, the showers, the beaches, the music, the whatever it takes) and just be and let it all fall back into your mind again. All the memories and experiances, the good and the bad. And let it fill your heart and mind until you appriciate the journey you have travelled.

I dont know...that just what I like to do.

This is not worth reading

2006-05-16T12:02:00.000-04:00

so, i am sitting here in my room, listening to some music and a song comes on that i enjoy. it mentions crying in the song and that sparked some questions. why tears from your eyes? why not snot from your nose? why not ear wax from your ears? then i took it one step further and started thinking about smiles and laughter. why dont our legs shake when we are happy like dogs do? after long deliberation, all by myself, i declare the answer is that i dont know. i guess that just the way God wants us to be and so thats the way He made us. God...You are a tricky one.

Im a jerk

2006-05-10T11:58:00.000-04:00

This week is my last week at Applebee's. Which, I cannot wait to get out of the food service industry. It truly is like living in the movie "Waiting." So, all week long people keep coming up to me with a sad look on their face saying "AWWW Im sad that your leaving" or "We sure are going to miss you" and in this moment, I have to lie to these people. I have to say, "I know, Im going to miss you too." When really im thinking, "Im really probably not going to think of you very much ever again." So, this boils down to two things: Either im a jerk or im too realistic to get caught up in the moment. Im banking on the second one. But, i still feel kinda bad because these people really are sad and im not.

Odd Behavior

2006-04-27T08:02:00.000-04:00

The strangest thing happened to me twice this week. I woke up early. Im talking about 6am early and not even on purpose. And its not like I went to bed early or anything, it was like 2:30am. Also, its not like I had to wake up any time soon either. I definitly planned on sleeping until about 11. I just woke up, bright eyed, and decided to get some work done. This happened on tuesday too. Odd. So very odd. This type of behavior is almost against my character. I don't wake up early...especially to do work. Maybe its just another sign of me getting older. One of the many in my life right now.

The Simple Things

2006-04-04T13:08:00.000-04:00

I don't know if this will make some of you as happy as it makes me, but I just had one of the best lunches ever. It was simple. All it involved was me making a couple of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grabbing my fresh strawberries out of my frig, and poured myself a glass of milk. Then I took all that out on my back porch and sat in the sun and enjoyed my meal. It was simple but I loved every minute of it.

The process of Christ following

2006-03-27T23:32:00.000-05:00

Selfishly, I kinda wish there was an obvious right or wrong, black or white, yes or no when it comes to God and His will for our lives. I find it so interesting that some things are very very clear as to the way God wants us to handle certain situations, while others are quite vague...we have to search and pray and seek guidance for. I honestly go back and forth on this topic. Most of the time I think it would be so much easier if God just laid it all out on the table for us to look at and understand. But, then when I think about it, I find myself liking the pursuit and the mystery of not knowing. I like realizing im not God and im not in control. I suppose that this is why God has it set up this way. It keeps us chasing after Him. We dont know. We are weak. We do fall down. And its though these times that He is magnified and glorified. He picks us up. He makes us strong. He changes our hearts so they face toward His again...and I love Him for it.

To sum it all up. God is God and I am not. And at first glance I want to be God...but after thought, I realize that I like that God is God and I am not. Its thoughts like these that help me to realize Adam and Eve weren't pathetic, they were human.

lets talk

2006-03-26T23:13:00.000-05:00

so...i went on a mission trip this past week to chicago. great trip, really. God moved in so many peoples lives and used us to share His love with the people of chicago and we held nothing back. It was great.

but here is my issue. my heart goes out to the homeless. i truly hate that they are in this kind of situation and i would really like to love on them, but i refuse to give them money. i will not let them use it to get drunk or high. so, the solution is give them food...right. but why is it when i offer them food they look at me like i am a terrible person. aj and i went out one night about 10:30-11ish and we had with us a ton of burrito's(leftovers from feeding the mission trippers). im talking about so many burrito's that i had a hard time carrying the box it was so heavy. we had the hardest time giving those burrito's away that night. people would come ask us for money and we would offer them food and they cursed us. i just dont get it. how am i supposed to help. i have worked in enough homeless shelters to know that there are programs to help them get off the streets and on there feet. which tells me that there are people that have made a choice to be homeless and stay homeless. i just dont understand that. how am i supposed to help them when they dont want to be helped...all they want it a free hand-out to get drunk or high with. aj and i conversed about it and i guess the only solution is to let the people of chicago handle it. the only way to help these people is if the people of chicago say "thats enough" and come along side them and offer them a better life. its a lot like the theory of that a missionary wont save a nation. it will take the people of that nation, that live everyday with their countrymen, to impact them through relationships.

i know this is long...im sorry. it just troubled me that the "have-nots" would refuse generosity. i could be way off on all of this...i encourage you to form your own opinion.

its been a long time....sorry

2006-03-26T22:49:00.000-05:00

yes...i know it has been a long time since i last put a blog in here. no real reason i guess. i have been kinda busy these past few weeks and i have been suffering from a little writers block. i have been on here a couple of times and the things i came up with were kinda crappy, so i deleted them. so, i am going to try to force my way through this time of drought.

the cooper state pen.

2006-02-28T00:39:00.000-05:00

i have made a very sad correlation. it hit me tonight that the library is very similar to a prison. my reasoning:

1. people dont want to be there
2. they are forced to spend their time in the library
3. everyone cant wait to get out
4. people walk around asking each other "what are you in here for?"

im telling you....its a prison.

Good Day

2006-02-21T13:21:00.000-05:00

Today has turned out to be a pretty great day. Two of my four class's were cancelled today. One was delayed about a half an hour. So, all in all, I had one and a half on my normal class's. Not to mention, it is beautiful outside. And to end it all, I have football practice tonight at 9. Just a good day.

Poetry In Motion

2006-02-13T00:30:00.000-05:00

What you are seeing here folks is poetry in motion. These two manly men are Blake and Macky and if you know anything about Clemson sports over the past 5 years you know about

these two amazing men and their God given skills. These men can shake it like no other. Im talking about enough talent to engage a full stadium for a full time out.

I have even witnessed it last up to a full break in between innings. Clemson sports has suffered since these men left. And from what i've seen there are non that can take their place.

Homeless

2006-02-10T12:31:00.000-05:00

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.

Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young-
a place near your alter,
O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
Psalm 84 1-5

WE ARN'T HOME YET. This is just a layover before we get to the real destination. Try not to settle.

I would say this would be among my favorite verses.

Sanity In Insanity

2006-02-07T16:40:00.000-05:00

Its good to be crazy every once in awhile. In fact I would argue that your not sane if you aren't a little crazy sometimes.

This Is Good

2006-02-01T13:32:00.000-05:00

ok folks....what i am about to share with you is not for the faint of heart. this is real and this is serious. the link that i have shared with you at the bottom of the page is a link that goes a one of the best "killin time" online video games i have ever found. its kinda like a 3D pong. you start out slow on level 1, but by level 5 and 6 it starts to speed up and by 7 and 8 your going nuts. you can also put spin on the ball to trick the computer. which reminds me, this game is hard to do and not as fun with a lap top unless you use a mouse. oh man...good times. enjoy.

http://www.addictinggames.com/curveball.html

Chillin' like a villin'

2006-01-29T22:51:00.000-05:00

My Top Ten Best Chill Music:
1:Shane and Shane
2:Norah Jones
3:David Grey
4:John Mayor Trio
5:Jack Johnson
6:Coldplay
7:Death Cab For Cutie
8:Joss Stone
9:Kenny Chesney
10:Anna Nalick

none of these are set in stone, in fact, i bet they probably by the time you are reading this, they would have changed already.

the next american idol

2006-01-25T09:47:00.000-05:00

i wish i could sing well. i was watching american idol last night and i couldnt help but think how great it would be to be a good singer. not that i want to be a star or a celebrity, i think that would get real old real fast. i want to be a good singer for the people in my life, my everyday people. because music heals people, it puts them at ease, it takes away their sorrows, it makes them smile when smiling is hard. i dont know, i just think it would come in handy in this thing called life.

Tattoo Idea

2006-01-16T23:58:00.000-05:00

so, what do yall think of my new tattoo? just kidding...but, i have been doing a little research about this tattoo thing since i posted about it earlier. i have decided that it definitly has to be something that means everything to me and will remain to mean everything to me. which, in my life right now, the only thing that is consistent and is worth pasteing on my body, other than family members, is Christ. Pretty much everthing else is changing and will change soon.

so, with all that in mind i started doing a little research and this is one of the things that i came up with. i dont want the arm-band part. i only want the part in the middle, the part the nails and the fish with the red glow on the outside. and i was thinking that in the middle of my upper back would be the best place. whats yall thoughts and how much do you think something like this would cost?

The begining to the end

2006-01-11T09:10:00.000-05:00

This is the start of my last full semester at Clemson. I say "full" because I still have a maymester class and an internship before I accually graduate in August. But, the point is that this is my last regular semester at Clemson. PRAISE HIM FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW.

Gravity

2006-01-08T17:46:00.000-05:00

gravity...let me go
i want to fly
i want to run among the birds in the air
gravity...why wont you let me go?
i want to look down on the mountains
i want to sail between the sky scrapers
gravity...take your hold off of me
i want to recline in the clouds
i want to dance in the sunset
gravity...please let go of me
i want to fly

TROY

2006-01-05T22:27:00.000-05:00

so, i decided that i want to be achillies. i want to think for myself and fight for something higher than me. i want to have passion and courage...and not to mention i want look like brad pitt does in this movie too.

wisdom

2006-01-03T17:08:00.000-05:00

tip your servers well. even though it may seem like its not a difficult job. you have to remember that everything they do at your table, they are doing at 5 others.

real men of influence

2006-01-02T20:04:00.000-05:00

larry-you were taken too soon, but it was because of what you did in life that took you to the after-life. i can remember taking weeks and weekends with you and your wife during the summer. you would take me into your shop and teach me to use your power tools to create simple wooden toy guns, which i thought were the greatest things in the world. you were an amazing wood worker. you could do anything with wood. sometimes, you'd take me fishing with your friends, and we'd be gone all day and all day you'd treat me like i was a man, when i was only 10. you would take me to the bar with you and i would drink all the pepsi i could fit in my body. it was hard to watch you go at the end, way to hard for to long. you shared your heart with me and i thank you.

scotty-you were a hard man, but a man that would do anything for your family. you didnt show a whole lot of emotion, other than grumpiness. you taugh me what it looks like to work, really work. you would work with purpose and as if a piece of you was going into whatever you were doing. my dad would tell me stories about how hard you worked. one week, one summer, i stayed with you and your wife while you were at your florida home. you took me under your wing and showed me a side of you i had never seen. you let me into your world, into your heart, and you let me fly your model airplanes. we went to an airshow and you taugh me all about planes. you took the time to share you with me during that week. everytime i smell a pipe i think of you. when you died, they told me you said you were proud of me for going to college and trying to do something big. you have no idea what that ment to me.

my grandfathers were great men, in each their own way. i am sad that i didnt realyze this until this late in life. i wish i could spend time with them now. i know there is so much i could learn from them that i never will. its funny, some days i can literally feel their blood...in my blood...in my vains...in my body, and its like they are there with me. i miss them. i love them.

i dont understand myself

2005-12-28T23:52:00.000-05:00

ok...so tonight at work, i was working in the kitchen and someone came in and told me that a guy at the bar was starting a little trouble. so, i went out to check things out and i found that one guy was up in this other guys grill. so, i stepped in and got between them. nothing happened but something inside me wanted it to. i was telling them that "this was not going to happen", but deep down inside i was thinking, lets go. i know this is dumb and dangerous and i know that something like this is not a game but still, i wanted to go. now, what is it about men that makes us this way. the smart thing is to stay safe and healthy, but its almost like thats not important. i dont know what makes men want to be dumb and violent and dangerous, but its there. is it the sport, the challenge, our competitive nature, or stupidity. i dont know what it is, but i know i like it. i gotta say, i dont think i want to change. now, im not saying im looking for a fight by no means, but i know that something in me is ready. weird...isnt it?

Urge

2005-12-28T23:45:00.000-05:00

i have this urge and i have had it for awhile. i want a tattoo. i dont know of what or where, but i know i want one. one part that makes me nervous though is that its permanent. which means that it has to be perfect. first, its got to be the right thing, which means its got to be something that means a lot to me. second, its got to be in the right spot, because i dont want it somewhere that will look tacky when i dress up. so basically, i want to be able to hide it when i want to.

do yall have any insight of what i should get or where? let me know.

A Christmas Night

2005-12-25T23:59:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Family

2005-12-23T01:02:00.000-05:00

i gotta tell you, i look forward to spending another Christmas morning with my family, just like all the other ones, but each one special and better in its own way. i am very thankful for my family. i wouldnt trade them in if i could, and this sounds like something my dad would say but my family truely is the best Christmas gift i will have on Chritmas morning.

i think ive figured it out

2005-12-21T00:05:00.000-05:00

i think i have narrowed down why riding a bike is so great. before we even get really started i have to say that im not talking about a bicycle, which is good, but not the topic of discussion. i am talking about motorcylces. here it is. its the reality in it. it is the smells, the numbness in your hands, the roar of the air rushing past your ears that sounds like a constant ocean wave crashing, the view of the yellow lines whizzing past your feet, the feeling of the power that comes from riding on top of an engine with two wheels, the loud constant blast coming from the exhaust, and the feeling of the wind on your face. it is like a sense's overload. which, as a side affect, clears your mind to only think about what your are doing at that time.

i figured this out over thanksgiving break. i went to florida to visit my parents and we left about 8 in the morning on friday and didnt get back until about 6 that evening. i was on my mom's lowrider, my parents were on the roadking, and my uncle and aunt were on their full dresser. it was one of the best rides i have ever been on. we were just cruisin. it was on the way back when i got to thinking about what makes this so great. why is this something that i enjoy so much. the answer...its the reality of it (as stated above). by riding a bike, you are forced to feel what you would normally never feel or experience by riding in a vehicle. the vehicle acts as a bubble that blocks you from understanding whats going on around you (dont get me wrong, i enjoy this aspect of a vehicle. thats why i drive one most of the time anyways). but, its that every once in awhile when i need to feel, like im really here...on this earth...thats what makes riding a bike so great. not to mention, you look really cool doing it too.

Restlessness

2005-12-12T16:49:00.000-05:00

I feel like Alaska, Colorado, Kentucky, or Wyoming....well anyplace wild and untamed for that matter, are calling to me today. I don't know why today above any other day. But, I feel like the more time I spend in the library, the more I long for freedom and adventure.

I want to hang from a rope on a cliff.
I want to climb a waterfall.
I want to hunt big game.
I want to cook on an open fire.
I want to watch the fog rise in the morning while fly fishing.
I want to sleep under the star.
I want to study the beauty of the trees and say "God did that."
I want to feel alive again.

For now though, i'm sitting in the library...waiting my turn...learning what it means to persevere.

Honesty is the path to Christ and then to Righteousness

2005-12-11T16:54:00.000-05:00

This is complicated....At least for my un-complicated mind.

I had a revelation last weekend. This is what it said, "honesty is the path to righteousness." Now, obviously Christ is the path to righteousness but bare with me. Its about being honest with yourself and where you stand in your heart. I think in this Christian life, we get caught up in doing the right thing and not being the right thing...We fail to look at the motivation behind what we do (and I say we but I mean me and assume others have done this too). You see, when you are face with a decision and it is obvious that one choice is the right path, the right choice, and you choose it because you think its right. It would be arguable that you can still be sinning in that. Let me explain, say you are faced with the choice of adultery (sorry, it was the easiest example to explain). Now, it is obvious that adultery is sin and is wrong. So, you choose not to commit adultery...Easy, right. But maybe you are still not choosing Christ in all of this, but you are only choosing not to sin and because of that you are still sinning. Do you get it? All you are doing is choosing the right path. You are not choosing Christ and by not choosing Christ you are sinning. You have to look deeper to the inner core of your heart and ask, what is my heart saying. Is my heart saying "I choose to do right", or does it say "I choose Christ."

All-in-all, you can't be good enough for God, it is not possible. It is only through Christ that you are righteous enough to enter into community with Him. Therefore, its not what you do but what Christ did.

So, I guess my revelation should state "Honesty is the path to Christ and then to righteousness."

This was my nugget of wisdom for the weekend. Let me know if this makes sense.

...by saying "choosing Christ" I am saying that I am choosing, in that moment, I want to worship Christ in this decision. It is saying that I am making this decision because I want Christ to be exalted

Victory

2005-12-11T15:53:00.000-05:00

We have escaped death once again in death valley. We were announced the Clemson co-ed flag football champions on Thursday night after we beat WTE in the finals. It was a great game, both teams brought their "A" game.

Let me just say that, we have started something...The team I am leaving behind has to defend a two year title. I'm talking about a dynasty in the making here folks. I want to come back in 5 years and see that we are 7-0 for championships. I'm not kidding.

Tonights the night

2005-12-08T14:41:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the night...tonight we play in the college flag football championships in death valley at 6:15. we need your support.

much love

2005-11-22T13:37:00.000-05:00

this is a shout out to my boy sandy gibbes. he is currently "the man." im not going to ruin the greatness of his news. if you want to know you will just have to ask him for yourself and watch him start to glow. im not kidding...the boy glows.

way to go sandy. i am very happy for ya.
God is good.

This is not important

2005-11-21T00:07:00.000-05:00

We all have those things in life that just make us happy. They're not things that have any real impact on the world at all. I'm talking about little, little things...little nothings. They are just litle things that make your day bright. I absolutely love these things and I love knowing other peoples little nothings too. Like my friend Kate, she is in med school, and she just found out about a little muscle in the hand (palm to be more exact) that seems to have no real purpose but bring happiness. Odd....But great. I love it. One of mine is the rest stop on 385 just before you get to 26 on the way to Columbia. This thing makes me so happy. It is planning genius at its finest. Instead of making two rest stops and putting them on opposite sides of the highway, like everywhere else. They made ONE and putt it in between the highways. Genius I tell you. I love this thing. Its to the point that I make myself stop there every time I pass just so i can support it and for what it is (and get a mountain dew). Odd....but great.

life goes full circle

2005-11-13T22:14:00.000-05:00

it takes work to make it work
it takes some good to make it hurt
it takes some bad for satisfaction

it takes a night to make it dawn
it takes some old to make you young
it takes some cold to know the sun
it takes the one to have the other

it takes no time to fall in love
but it takes you years to know what love is
it takes some fears to make you trust
it takes the dust to have it polished

it takes some silence to make sound
it takes it lost before you found it
it takes a road to go nowhere
it takes a toll to make you care
it takes a whole to make a mountain

jason mraz

Professors Groves

2005-11-09T02:11:00.000-05:00

my professors, who is the driest man you will ever meet was on a roll today. he opened up class with...

"ok....so, today we are going to be like taco bell and think outside the bun."

to hear that come from an old hair man with no sense of humor was just beautiful. but that wasnt the good quote that i wanted to put up. that was just funny. the good one was...

"one thing you can count on being constant is change"

i liked it. thats witty.

the beauty of the unbelievable

2005-11-06T23:42:00.000-05:00

the gospel is unbelievable to me. i dont get it. i dont understand how the blameless lamb died for me...perfect and righteous son of God knowingly sacrificed himself for me. in my sinful eyes this trade doesnt make sense, i am not worthy. but fortunately, its not my opinion that matters. fortunately God sees this deal to be worthy...infact he is happy about the trade. wow. i am worthy of Christ, in Gods eyes. man, if that statement doesnt shake you in your shoes, your not shakable.

heads up

2005-11-03T13:50:00.000-05:00

this is a heads up for all the old fca people. i just wanted to let you know that the float is smaller than normal. i know all of you are used to the monster float that fca builds every year, but due to budget cuts, we have had to downsize considerably. it has still been a ton of fun to build and the fellowship has been great. its fun to hear people say..."oh yeah..i met you last year on the float." it reminds you, once again, what its all about.

For all the ladies....

2005-10-28T01:15:00.000-04:00

im gunna let you ladies in on a little secret about men...so listen close. when you are hanging out with your man and he is watching tv or looking off into the distance or just not really looking too engaged into anything....when you ask him what he is thinking and he says nothing, its the truth. he really isnt thinking at all. men have this great ability to just clear their head and just exist for a little while. no thought at all.

let me know if i am wrong, but you ladies are not blessed with this gift from God. there is always something goin on upstairs with yall. i really dont know which would be best. being brainless part time or brainfull(not a real word, but work with me) full time.

Happy days are on their way

2005-10-28T00:32:00.000-04:00

the inner man is coming out of me once again. you see, next week is the homecoming for clemson which means that FCA is building a float. this makes me happy...so very happy to be honest. wood, chicken wire, saw dust, power tools, staple guns, ladders, what more could a guy want. i have been cooped up doing school work for far too long. i haven't had a chance to be active and really apply myself to a tangible, real project. so, i am really looking forward to next monday at noon when we can start up with the float and apply my skills to other things than school.

i'll tell ya some more reasons why this float makes me happy. first, i love creating. i love pouring myself into something and stepping back when it finished and being proud of what was accomplished (not that im God, but it must be kinda like what God felt on the seventh day). second, i love to empower people. i love to come along side of someone and help them and guide them to accomplish something that they never knew they could do. i have a feeling that there will be some freshmen that will be out there next week that by the end of the week will look at what they helped do, and be pleasantly surprised. i know i always am.

plus, as an added benefit, i get to wear my tool belt and look sexy (inside joke).

Test tonight

2005-10-25T15:13:00.000-04:00

for all you prayer people...i have an accounting 201 exam tonight at 7pm. i have put the study time in but i still think i may take its toll. so, if you have a minute, please pray for me.

French Kiss Life

2005-10-23T17:03:00.000-04:00

there is a kenny chesney song that talks about french kissing life right in the mouth. for some reason those words leap right out of the song and hit me square in the heart. thats what i want to do. i want to grab the bull by the horns...live life to the fullest...take the red pill and stay in wonderland...play rough and ride hard...french kiss life right in the mouth. i dont know, maybe i am different. maybe its the high action, adventurous guyness come out of me. i just feel like people miss it. myself included sometimes. we just get wrapped up in the day-to-day class/work and miss out on what life has to offer. so, to all you fuddy-duddy's, you have to keep it spicy cause you dont know if tomorrow will be there like we think it will. so, climb that mountain, tell your mom you love her, get up early and watch the sunrise in the cool morning, and hold that girls hand in the moonlight.

God Moved

2005-10-23T16:17:00.000-04:00

i am blessed. well, for more reasons than this but this is the most recent blessing. so i have a rather large research paper that is due on tuesday, and i a some other stuff going on as well. but, i just got an email from my prof and he has postponed the the due date a week. that means i have a whole nother week to procrastinate. oh yeah. feelin good. doin the bull dance.

Holding Pattern

2005-10-20T22:28:00.000-04:00

So, being a student at Clemson University has been great (all 6 years), but there comes a time when enough is enough. I think that time is now for me. Especially when the people that I grew tight with have left me for the real world. Plus, being that I am such an impeccable student, I am having take a load and a half of class this semester. No fun....No fun at all for this kid. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This is my last year. Then its off to tropical islands, mountain tops, and other exciting things. No, in all seriousness, this time in my life is tough, but I can see how God is teaching me perseverance (which can be something I stuggle with). This is where God has me and this is where I will try to bring him all the glory (while I am currently supposed to be writing a 10 page paper but I am creating a blog instead, go me and my good studentness, ha).