Here I am, sitting in the Pastor's living room...in the comfy chair with my feet up on a stool thing...waiting on a woman! She has been begging me to go on a date for the last couple months, so I gave in and decided that we could spend some of the wedding savings for a night on the town...I starting to wonder if we're gonna make it to the town.
Im sorry again for it taking so long to post...Im catching myself having to apolojize way too often for not doing something. It has been a crazy last couple of months, 3 relocations, 2 jobs, the re-modeling of the Junior High room, the re-opening of a Junior High room, Junior High events, hanging out with all the friends from church, while trying to manage in time for those that don't go to church...but Im back! In a few weeks, Im moving back into dad's house until I get married to save some money because the lady likes to spend it going on dates.
This one is a short one, but I dont have much time. Just wanted to stop in and remind any of you that MIGHT read this that I haven't forgotten about it and to brace yourself...great things are about to happen at NLT and when people cant stand to hear me talk about it anymore...Im telling you about it. "Friend Sunday" is this week, I'm praying that it will be ground-shaking!
Talk to you soon!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Life Through Someone Else's Eyes
Here lately I have come up with the courage to set up an experiment trying to get inside the heads of a few special people in my life, all for different reasons, and figure out what exactly it is they think of when they think of Josh Napier. I would call or text each of these people and ask them what were the first 10 things that came to mind when they thought of me. I asked a wide range of people, with a wide range of variety when it comes to kinds of people and opinions on just about everything. Some I am very close to, and some I am not. I know what your thinking, and NO I am not one of those people set out to impress the world with my good behavior, my qualities, my achievments, my smile, or basically my ability to put on a show. This experiment was to simply evaluate myself from other people's eyes. In other words, to see if I am living the life and wearing the characteristics that I feel I need to be. What better way to get your life figured out and headed in the right direction, then through the eyes of those who know you the best?
The first call went out to good 'ole Papa Don. My Dad is a rougher/tougher kind of guy, but has a big heart and loves his family...just doesn't like to let people know that he is kind of a softy deep down. Don't tell him I told you that. Dad could only give me 5 words, which was fine, considering that he told me that any other word would have just been a different way to say the same thing, which means I would have marked it off the list anyway. Dads were all related to life changing decisions that I have made or were trying to make. Unsure was one, along with Overwhelmed, which I feel fall in the same category. Both relating to school and making decisions about a career. In my short 2 years of school, I have changed my major 4 times, but I am pretty sure that I have it figured out now. Another was Cumpulsive, which makes perfect sence. I got a good job 9 months ago, which I have no longer, that payed very well so what did I do? Ran out and bought a car. I must say now...STUPID! I cant pay for it and have had 2 payments defered already, I should have just kept my gorgeous Durango and fixed it up a little and have no car payments. So Dad, I will give you that one...I let my inherited weakness take over and made a decision on impulse. Devoted was Dad's last word, and a word that I was not expecting from him at all. I knew that I had been doing it right if Dad had noticed it. My father and I have never been super tight, we have a good relationship...but have never seen eye to eye on everything and we both had to much pride to admit our faults along the way. So to hear that word out of his mouth, for him to know that I am a "give it all you got" guy made my day.
Next, I asked Benn Garrett. My homeboy for a long time now, but unfortunately we have gone our seperate ways in life with school, religion, family matters (its okay to laugh), just a little bit of everything. Benn was quick to reply, almost like he had been anticipating this question or something. I am only going to hit on a few of Benn's because they are the sole purpose for our great friendship. Aarogant and Rebellious. Now usually these two do not have anything to do with one another, but in this circumstance they do. When Benn said aarogant it hit me off gaurd, so I had to make him clarify a tad bit for me. Benn said that our aarogance wasn't the bad kind of aarogance. Our aarogance is what sets us apart from others who have grown up in some of the simular circumstances that we have. It is the reason why I think I can do that better than you, because you told me I wouldn't be able to. It was our reason for not excepting defeat, and striving to do and be better than what was. And to me, telling someone that they are Rebellious is just a nice way of saying that they are Aarogant. A Rebellious person is going to do it because you said not to, and prove you wrong if it takes every ounce of energy they have. If you lined up all of our friends and told people to pick out the common characteristics from each of us...those two words, along with Strong and Independent is what sets Benn and I apart.
Momma Beth recieved the next phone call, and had this to say. I was Tempromental, Picky(I used to smell everything I ate when I was a kid), and Good Hearted. All qualities for which I have to give credit to Dad. Like I said he is a softy(has a good heart), has a very bad temper(thanks alot Dad) and is picky, with food...Gosh NO. With bikes! Only Harley-Davidson, the right way in his opinion, and same with me and food. If I am going to do it, I am going to do it the right way, I dont want to put anything in my mouth that is going to ruin the night. The one that really stuck out to me in Beth's list was loner. All my life I had set myself apart from certain things, because I didn't feel like I could rely on them. I relied so much on myself to get things done, and almost refused help or even letting it be known that I needed help because of passed experiences. One thing that I have learned while growing up is that asking for help or needing help is okay. Relying on people to help is not, but being man enough to set pride aside to get the job done is a different story.
Sarah, my step-sister, just so happened to be visiting Beth when I was talking to her, so I let her go next. This one was kind of funny, because it was a typical "Big Sister, Danget Brother, Why are you asking me this" answer. Sarah said that I was a Tall, Engaged, Jerk Brother, who Loved, Well Educated and Adventureous, who just so happened to also be an Uncle. Thanks Sarah, couldn't have said it better.
I surprised my mom away from home, Marilyn Hoyt with a phone call and a question that stumped her. By this point I knew that I was doing something right, a lot of the list were looking the same and things didn't change with Marilyn. The two that Marilyn listed that caught my eye were Appreciative and Protective. Protective because I don't understand why she said it. Appreciative because I was glad she noticed it. Marilyn is Terry's mother, and we all know Terry. He, along with Benn and I, make up the 3 Musketeers. The other best friend. On more than one occasion, Terry and his family has opened their home for me to live at when my mom had to move away or things were rough at home or if I just needed somewhere to go for the night. To this day, I dont think I have ever told Marilyn and Marshall how much I love them and appreciate their direction, hospitality, comfort, love, and selflessness towards me. I will forever be in debt to that family, and I have absolutely no problem with this kind of debt. So to the Hoyt residence, if you ever decide to read this...I love you guys, and thank you so much for never second guessing being there when nobody else was.
Sissy, Heather, and my Madre were hanging out at the time of their text message. With them two, you never know what to expect...and sure enough they teamed up and sent me the most negative list that you could think of, as a joke. When they got serious with me though, surprisingly their lists were 100% different. Ofcourse they hit on the obvious ones like Handsome, Energetic, Smart, Funny...but they also said things like Patient, Good Listener, Encouraging, Spiritual, Sincere, and Honest. Once again, this was one of those moments where I was just glad that they saw that. My honesty has always been important, and sometimes the root of my "evil", or me being too honest. And then me being a Junior High Leader, especially for our group of kids, the rest of those qualities are musts in order to take our church to the next level. Thanks to everyone in my life, who has made it to where I have developed these things.
Last was my beautiful fiance, future Mrs. Napier. Bradonia Anne says that I am Restless, becasue I am never happy in one place for too long and I always want to take it that next level. Although I am Restless, she feels that I am Realistic. Now some people may feel different and that's okay, at times I am...at time I am not. Like Dad, she said that I was Devoted, but more than anything she said that I was a, in her words, "Get-R-Done" person. Let me remind folks, we are a Southern Couple so you will just have to deal with the word usage. I still haven't figured out if she likes that I am Get-R-Done person or not. With a wedding coming up, I am constantly on her case about getting things done...I think it gets on her nerves a little bit.
This was fun, and I got exactly what I was looking for. My strong points along with the points that need alittle work. You guys should try something like this...it really does help to get your ducks in a row, so to speak, and your front tire pointed down the right road. I know this one was a little longer than usual, but in the great words of Matt Markle...
The first call went out to good 'ole Papa Don. My Dad is a rougher/tougher kind of guy, but has a big heart and loves his family...just doesn't like to let people know that he is kind of a softy deep down. Don't tell him I told you that. Dad could only give me 5 words, which was fine, considering that he told me that any other word would have just been a different way to say the same thing, which means I would have marked it off the list anyway. Dads were all related to life changing decisions that I have made or were trying to make. Unsure was one, along with Overwhelmed, which I feel fall in the same category. Both relating to school and making decisions about a career. In my short 2 years of school, I have changed my major 4 times, but I am pretty sure that I have it figured out now. Another was Cumpulsive, which makes perfect sence. I got a good job 9 months ago, which I have no longer, that payed very well so what did I do? Ran out and bought a car. I must say now...STUPID! I cant pay for it and have had 2 payments defered already, I should have just kept my gorgeous Durango and fixed it up a little and have no car payments. So Dad, I will give you that one...I let my inherited weakness take over and made a decision on impulse. Devoted was Dad's last word, and a word that I was not expecting from him at all. I knew that I had been doing it right if Dad had noticed it. My father and I have never been super tight, we have a good relationship...but have never seen eye to eye on everything and we both had to much pride to admit our faults along the way. So to hear that word out of his mouth, for him to know that I am a "give it all you got" guy made my day.
Next, I asked Benn Garrett. My homeboy for a long time now, but unfortunately we have gone our seperate ways in life with school, religion, family matters (its okay to laugh), just a little bit of everything. Benn was quick to reply, almost like he had been anticipating this question or something. I am only going to hit on a few of Benn's because they are the sole purpose for our great friendship. Aarogant and Rebellious. Now usually these two do not have anything to do with one another, but in this circumstance they do. When Benn said aarogant it hit me off gaurd, so I had to make him clarify a tad bit for me. Benn said that our aarogance wasn't the bad kind of aarogance. Our aarogance is what sets us apart from others who have grown up in some of the simular circumstances that we have. It is the reason why I think I can do that better than you, because you told me I wouldn't be able to. It was our reason for not excepting defeat, and striving to do and be better than what was. And to me, telling someone that they are Rebellious is just a nice way of saying that they are Aarogant. A Rebellious person is going to do it because you said not to, and prove you wrong if it takes every ounce of energy they have. If you lined up all of our friends and told people to pick out the common characteristics from each of us...those two words, along with Strong and Independent is what sets Benn and I apart.
Momma Beth recieved the next phone call, and had this to say. I was Tempromental, Picky(I used to smell everything I ate when I was a kid), and Good Hearted. All qualities for which I have to give credit to Dad. Like I said he is a softy(has a good heart), has a very bad temper(thanks alot Dad) and is picky, with food...Gosh NO. With bikes! Only Harley-Davidson, the right way in his opinion, and same with me and food. If I am going to do it, I am going to do it the right way, I dont want to put anything in my mouth that is going to ruin the night. The one that really stuck out to me in Beth's list was loner. All my life I had set myself apart from certain things, because I didn't feel like I could rely on them. I relied so much on myself to get things done, and almost refused help or even letting it be known that I needed help because of passed experiences. One thing that I have learned while growing up is that asking for help or needing help is okay. Relying on people to help is not, but being man enough to set pride aside to get the job done is a different story.
Sarah, my step-sister, just so happened to be visiting Beth when I was talking to her, so I let her go next. This one was kind of funny, because it was a typical "Big Sister, Danget Brother, Why are you asking me this" answer. Sarah said that I was a Tall, Engaged, Jerk Brother, who Loved, Well Educated and Adventureous, who just so happened to also be an Uncle. Thanks Sarah, couldn't have said it better.
I surprised my mom away from home, Marilyn Hoyt with a phone call and a question that stumped her. By this point I knew that I was doing something right, a lot of the list were looking the same and things didn't change with Marilyn. The two that Marilyn listed that caught my eye were Appreciative and Protective. Protective because I don't understand why she said it. Appreciative because I was glad she noticed it. Marilyn is Terry's mother, and we all know Terry. He, along with Benn and I, make up the 3 Musketeers. The other best friend. On more than one occasion, Terry and his family has opened their home for me to live at when my mom had to move away or things were rough at home or if I just needed somewhere to go for the night. To this day, I dont think I have ever told Marilyn and Marshall how much I love them and appreciate their direction, hospitality, comfort, love, and selflessness towards me. I will forever be in debt to that family, and I have absolutely no problem with this kind of debt. So to the Hoyt residence, if you ever decide to read this...I love you guys, and thank you so much for never second guessing being there when nobody else was.
Sissy, Heather, and my Madre were hanging out at the time of their text message. With them two, you never know what to expect...and sure enough they teamed up and sent me the most negative list that you could think of, as a joke. When they got serious with me though, surprisingly their lists were 100% different. Ofcourse they hit on the obvious ones like Handsome, Energetic, Smart, Funny...but they also said things like Patient, Good Listener, Encouraging, Spiritual, Sincere, and Honest. Once again, this was one of those moments where I was just glad that they saw that. My honesty has always been important, and sometimes the root of my "evil", or me being too honest. And then me being a Junior High Leader, especially for our group of kids, the rest of those qualities are musts in order to take our church to the next level. Thanks to everyone in my life, who has made it to where I have developed these things.
Last was my beautiful fiance, future Mrs. Napier. Bradonia Anne says that I am Restless, becasue I am never happy in one place for too long and I always want to take it that next level. Although I am Restless, she feels that I am Realistic. Now some people may feel different and that's okay, at times I am...at time I am not. Like Dad, she said that I was Devoted, but more than anything she said that I was a, in her words, "Get-R-Done" person. Let me remind folks, we are a Southern Couple so you will just have to deal with the word usage. I still haven't figured out if she likes that I am Get-R-Done person or not. With a wedding coming up, I am constantly on her case about getting things done...I think it gets on her nerves a little bit.
This was fun, and I got exactly what I was looking for. My strong points along with the points that need alittle work. You guys should try something like this...it really does help to get your ducks in a row, so to speak, and your front tire pointed down the right road. I know this one was a little longer than usual, but in the great words of Matt Markle...
Thanks for Playin'
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Past Few Weeks
Apologies to all. It has been way too long since my last post, and to be honest...I kinda feel like a let down. A lot has happened in the last 3 weeks, way too much to be able to put it all into words but I am going to try my absolute best.
2 weeks ago our church held a celebration event to honor our Pastor and his family for 20 years of service to our church and community. Russ Taff, a Grammy and Dove award winning Christian vocalist came to hold a concert for the community that saturday, which was a huge hit. Pastor Scott Jones, from Grace Church in Houston also attended as the guest speaker for this event. Scott is Tricia's cousin, and has been through alot of the same things that NLT has with the big splits and removing themselves from the UPCI. Russ Taff and Scott Jones both played significant roles in the success of the weekend with great music and great speaking. Pastor Scott got up there and talked about how our words create our world. What does that mean exactly? It means that if we say that our church will grow, pray that our church will grow, act like our church is going to grow, and tell others about our church growing that our church will indeed grow. Genesis 11:4-6 That if our congregation binds together and says one thing all at the same time, then world watch out. What an awesome, awesome topic to speak on, especially to our church that is growing at a rapid pace. Staying focused and determined, no matter the circumstance is what being a christian is all about. He also talked about all of us having to plug in somewhere and build the strong foundation that we need to build a great church on. He used Luke 17:6, which just says that genuine faith is a lot of faith. That if all of the members of our church had faith only the size of a mustard seed, but we were genuine about it...the possibilties were endless. To conclude this service we all, as an entire congregation, went to the front and prayed together...speaking at the same time, our visions for our church. You would not believe the overwhelming feeling of God that was in that room with us.
This past weekend was the Realife Youth Leadership Conference at JRA in Ozark, Missouri. Like most of the other 19 or so that went, I was wondering the whole way there what I would get out this whole thing. It was more for youth pastor's, not youth leaders. Whenwe got there we were blown away by the size of this building, and everything that they had going on inside of it. The worship was unbelievable, and you just got a feeling when you walked in that this weekend was going to be something special. The second day that we were there was when all the activity was scheduled to take place, workshop after workshop for a group of 700-800 youth leaders that didnt get enough sleep the night before. Each workshop that I went into brought something different to my attention. My first workshop was a Junior High workshop, that was kind of like a quick run through of what a Junior High service goes like there, as well as some key things that have made their Junior High ministry grow from 10 to 300 in less than 20 years. Here I learned just how important it is to have a successful Junior High program, 72% of all people make their decision to live for God by the time they are 16 years old, with the remaining 23% making that decision by their 19th birthday. That was astonishing, basically every single kid that I meet or teach, I along with the Junior High staff are going to play KEY roles in their decision to live for God or not. My seriousness level about this Junior High thing was just turned up about 1,000 notches. My second class was called "Putting the Heart of God in the Heart of your Ministry" with Monty Hipp. A wonderful class, more of like a self and leadership-evaluation class, that really did wonders in helping me get me and the Junior High leadership on the same page. My last workshop was "Establishing Core Values", also a leadership-evaluation class that helped me determine the direction we were headed vs. the direction we needed to be in. Finally was the "Big Workshop" with the Pastor from 180 youth in Tulsa called "Reach-Relate-Renew". This class was focusing on the keys to reaching kids outside of the church. All served as wonderful jump-starters for my brain and to get all my ducks in a row to take the Junior High and/or entire youth department to the next level. The entire youth staff is a piece to fit into our church puzzle. Through the day our pieces were being edged by God, and that night when we were in service He chizzled away the rest of the pieces that were in the way. Finally we all got the picture, we had to bind together and become ONE whole, and be on the same page in order for our church to go to next level.
The entire way home from the conference we talked about ways to raise money, or ways to help make our church more a community building then just a church for sundays and wednesdays. Ways to move the mountain, which was the whole theme of the conference. When we walked in on sunday to church, Tricia informed us of a possible investment into the kingdom worth enough to pay off the land and then some. Then as soon as Pastor got up on the stage he talked about moving a mountain, why is this crazy? Bcause they said all of this without any of us talking to either of them about what had happened to us at the conference yet. Like I have said before, it is crazy sometimes how God works without us even knowing it.
I strongly encourage all of you who read this to take some time to evaluate yourself, and figure out what you are or aren't doing for the growth of the kingdom. Establish the vision and play until the whistle.
Happy Readings!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Our Men's Bible Study
The Guys and I had our weekly bible study tonight. Will lead tonight, and oddly enough he focused his study 110% on encouragement. Odd because my last blog talked a lot about encouragement, and how I got it from others. Not because they literally came up to me and encouraged me, but just the way because of his current circumstance. Will had the brilliant idea of going around the room and encouraging each of us, on a deeper level. Basically going around the room and letting all of us know what he appreciates about each of us, and what we bring to the table. He went around the room and let us all have it, and lifted us all up. Immediately following we took our turns and encouraged each other too...little did we know what God had in store for the night. We allowed an hour, due to Nelson's planned departure time (11pm), its almost like God heard us limit it...laughed, and thought to himself 'we'll see'. We finally wrapped the whole thing up at 12:45am...what a night!
For those of you that don't know Will Bailey, you need to get to know him. willrbailey.blogspot.com Will is an awesome guy, he has his struggles just like everyone else out there, but the big difference about Will is that he doesn't let what is going on in his life effect how committed he is to you and your friendship. He has been through a lot of things, and seen enough to write a book...and no matter how distracted he gets he always gets refocused. His determination is contagious, and just has that spirit of comfort draped over the top of him.
One of the most awesome things about God are his ways of filling voids. Upon me dropping the bottle for a bible, I have split ways with some of my closest friends. Im still friends with them, and they still in my upcoming wedding, but the bond that we once had just isn't there anymore. About 6 months into my walk with God, the effects of not having them around really began to take it's toll on me. With my actions, attitude, way of thinking, I was lonely, and just heart broken because I had friends that I couldn't hang out with because of our different lifestyles. On Wednesday night when I was at church, they were making their rounds to liquor stores and/or to find a fix. I was at my lowest, when I felt like I had ran out of options, after hours and hours of hard and sincere prayer...I saw nothing changing with this situation. In the middle of blowing out my last breath...Matt Markle barges in my door and my life like wind in a hurricane. Filling that void and my lungs with the spiritual breath, and answered prayer, that I needed to make it through. Matt is the life of our party...our apartment is so upbeat and buzzin' all the time because Markle makes it that way. He is so possitive, and so full of energy. The best way that I could help paint Matt's picture for your mind is the energizer bunny. No matter what is going on, no matter how bad things are in our lives, no matter how upset or mad or depressed/discouraged we are...Matt charges us back up spiritual and emotionally!
I cannot count the times that I was scared at my dad's because of the usage of alcohol. Or the times that my mom and I got into it, for so many different things, and I had to get out of the house. Times when I couldn't just stay at home, because I would sit and watch Sports-center with my phone in my hand waiting for the call to tell me that a buddy of mine was killed or tragically injured in an accident of some sort. I had to have a place to go where I could just hang out with somebody, Nelson...and keep my mind off that stuff, to keep myself from insanity. Nelson has been that best friend and brother that I needed, and could turn to because he was going through the same heartache that I was. Two guys, with the same struggles and worries, able to find comfort and stregth in one another. Nelson has been, without him even realizing it, the strength that I always needed when my tank was running empty.
For those of you who aren't aware of it, Nelson is Terry's little brother. Terry has been my best friend since we were put on a terrible basketball team in the 6th grade, full of baseball and football talent, bowl haircuts, and short shorts. Our team was 1-11, and our only win came from a forfit, so basically we didn't win a game. Yeah...we were angry about the losing season, but God was working wonders on that court that year. The good Lord did not put us together to win basketball games, the Lord put us together to win each other. To accomplish friendship, family, and brotherhood...three unbelievable blessings, that we could not understand at the age that we were at. Terry and I surrendered it all to God around the same time. Honestly, at first, I thought Terry's sudden turn for the better was as real as unicorns. Quickly, Terry...or should I say, God showed me just how real Terry was. The first time that Terry asked me to go to church with him, I was hesitant...due to some issues from the past with church...but I went and it was awesome. The worship started and we both just fell apart, we started crying and crying and crying and just couldn't stop. From there, we have both made progress that nobody would have ever thought possible...we are Junior High leaders, very looked up to, and both have huge hearts to reach out and make the difference. I'm not sure what exactly my strength is, but I know that Terry's is praying. He is that one that we all look at when we are quiet, waiting on someone to volunteer to pray. He always knows what to say, and prays with such authority...there is just so much power in his prayer. Get to know this guy at terrybutler.blogspot.com
My mom has worked just about everywhere that you could think of. From furniture stores to staffing agencies, from apartment complexes even to convenient stores. That is where David and I were introduced at only 4 years old. Growing up together, David in I have done a lot together. From baseball championships to throwing dirt clots at each other to up all night skates...there are very few things that we didn't do together as kids. Like most childhood friends, we grew apart. He went his way and I went mine, two way different ways at that. For 5 or 6 years, David and I communicated none. Then one day, after we had graduated, I saw him at another buddies house. It turned out that he was looking for a job, and my boss told me earlier that day that we needed people. The next week, David had a job at Eureka Pizza. It was so weird how we just picked up where we left off, it never crossed my mind that it was weird or anything like that...it just felt good. That was about a year and a half ago, and man have I been blown away buy what has taken place. Just a few months ago, I didn't even know if David believed in God...and then last week he led Bible study, and an awesome one at that. Like everyone else, David is recovering from some things...and making amazing progress. To hear him talk about it, or his feeling on it, just gives you some peace and happiness that I can't explain. He is so wise, and full of knowledge...that his words are so incredibly uplifting and re-assuring.
Notice that I highlighted a word(s) in each of these paragraphs. These are the different God given gifts that these four guys bring into my life. They are strongest or most used/admired in these areas, to me. I explained this to them in the study and this is how I did it, I don't any other way to do it...
DETERMINATION+POSITIVE ENERGY+STRENGTH+PRAYER+POWER THROUGH WORDS/ACTIONS=THE BODY OF CHRIST
We all have our stengths, but none of us have the strength to make it through this vicious world by ourself. We must come together, and find those Christians that have what we don't so that they can help us through. You may have all of these qualities, I do...but not to the level that the other guys do. I have been around some of the guys for 8+ years, and after I took time to stop and appreciate what they do for me, I realized just how important some of these people were to me. I encourage you now...to encourage others. Find that comfort, through Christ, to tell your friends and family that you love them, and what you appreciate about them. What sets them apart? That is something that is so easily over-looked by everyone, but so so powerful.
Below, I posted the verses for the night. Click on them and that will bring up the actual verse...keeping it simple. :) I strongly recommend that you read those verses, get them stuck in your head, and take them out into the battle field.
Phillipians 1:3-5
1 Thesalonians 5:11
Hebrew 10:24-25
Thanks to all!
For those of you that don't know Will Bailey, you need to get to know him. willrbailey.blogspot.com Will is an awesome guy, he has his struggles just like everyone else out there, but the big difference about Will is that he doesn't let what is going on in his life effect how committed he is to you and your friendship. He has been through a lot of things, and seen enough to write a book...and no matter how distracted he gets he always gets refocused. His determination is contagious, and just has that spirit of comfort draped over the top of him.
One of the most awesome things about God are his ways of filling voids. Upon me dropping the bottle for a bible, I have split ways with some of my closest friends. Im still friends with them, and they still in my upcoming wedding, but the bond that we once had just isn't there anymore. About 6 months into my walk with God, the effects of not having them around really began to take it's toll on me. With my actions, attitude, way of thinking, I was lonely, and just heart broken because I had friends that I couldn't hang out with because of our different lifestyles. On Wednesday night when I was at church, they were making their rounds to liquor stores and/or to find a fix. I was at my lowest, when I felt like I had ran out of options, after hours and hours of hard and sincere prayer...I saw nothing changing with this situation. In the middle of blowing out my last breath...Matt Markle barges in my door and my life like wind in a hurricane. Filling that void and my lungs with the spiritual breath, and answered prayer, that I needed to make it through. Matt is the life of our party...our apartment is so upbeat and buzzin' all the time because Markle makes it that way. He is so possitive, and so full of energy. The best way that I could help paint Matt's picture for your mind is the energizer bunny. No matter what is going on, no matter how bad things are in our lives, no matter how upset or mad or depressed/discouraged we are...Matt charges us back up spiritual and emotionally!
I cannot count the times that I was scared at my dad's because of the usage of alcohol. Or the times that my mom and I got into it, for so many different things, and I had to get out of the house. Times when I couldn't just stay at home, because I would sit and watch Sports-center with my phone in my hand waiting for the call to tell me that a buddy of mine was killed or tragically injured in an accident of some sort. I had to have a place to go where I could just hang out with somebody, Nelson...and keep my mind off that stuff, to keep myself from insanity. Nelson has been that best friend and brother that I needed, and could turn to because he was going through the same heartache that I was. Two guys, with the same struggles and worries, able to find comfort and stregth in one another. Nelson has been, without him even realizing it, the strength that I always needed when my tank was running empty.
For those of you who aren't aware of it, Nelson is Terry's little brother. Terry has been my best friend since we were put on a terrible basketball team in the 6th grade, full of baseball and football talent, bowl haircuts, and short shorts. Our team was 1-11, and our only win came from a forfit, so basically we didn't win a game. Yeah...we were angry about the losing season, but God was working wonders on that court that year. The good Lord did not put us together to win basketball games, the Lord put us together to win each other. To accomplish friendship, family, and brotherhood...three unbelievable blessings, that we could not understand at the age that we were at. Terry and I surrendered it all to God around the same time. Honestly, at first, I thought Terry's sudden turn for the better was as real as unicorns. Quickly, Terry...or should I say, God showed me just how real Terry was. The first time that Terry asked me to go to church with him, I was hesitant...due to some issues from the past with church...but I went and it was awesome. The worship started and we both just fell apart, we started crying and crying and crying and just couldn't stop. From there, we have both made progress that nobody would have ever thought possible...we are Junior High leaders, very looked up to, and both have huge hearts to reach out and make the difference. I'm not sure what exactly my strength is, but I know that Terry's is praying. He is that one that we all look at when we are quiet, waiting on someone to volunteer to pray. He always knows what to say, and prays with such authority...there is just so much power in his prayer. Get to know this guy at terrybutler.blogspot.com
My mom has worked just about everywhere that you could think of. From furniture stores to staffing agencies, from apartment complexes even to convenient stores. That is where David and I were introduced at only 4 years old. Growing up together, David in I have done a lot together. From baseball championships to throwing dirt clots at each other to up all night skates...there are very few things that we didn't do together as kids. Like most childhood friends, we grew apart. He went his way and I went mine, two way different ways at that. For 5 or 6 years, David and I communicated none. Then one day, after we had graduated, I saw him at another buddies house. It turned out that he was looking for a job, and my boss told me earlier that day that we needed people. The next week, David had a job at Eureka Pizza. It was so weird how we just picked up where we left off, it never crossed my mind that it was weird or anything like that...it just felt good. That was about a year and a half ago, and man have I been blown away buy what has taken place. Just a few months ago, I didn't even know if David believed in God...and then last week he led Bible study, and an awesome one at that. Like everyone else, David is recovering from some things...and making amazing progress. To hear him talk about it, or his feeling on it, just gives you some peace and happiness that I can't explain. He is so wise, and full of knowledge...that his words are so incredibly uplifting and re-assuring.
Notice that I highlighted a word(s) in each of these paragraphs. These are the different God given gifts that these four guys bring into my life. They are strongest or most used/admired in these areas, to me. I explained this to them in the study and this is how I did it, I don't any other way to do it...
DETERMINATION+POSITIVE ENERGY+STRENGTH+PRAYER+POWER THROUGH WORDS/ACTIONS=THE BODY OF CHRIST
We all have our stengths, but none of us have the strength to make it through this vicious world by ourself. We must come together, and find those Christians that have what we don't so that they can help us through. You may have all of these qualities, I do...but not to the level that the other guys do. I have been around some of the guys for 8+ years, and after I took time to stop and appreciate what they do for me, I realized just how important some of these people were to me. I encourage you now...to encourage others. Find that comfort, through Christ, to tell your friends and family that you love them, and what you appreciate about them. What sets them apart? That is something that is so easily over-looked by everyone, but so so powerful.
Below, I posted the verses for the night. Click on them and that will bring up the actual verse...keeping it simple. :) I strongly recommend that you read those verses, get them stuck in your head, and take them out into the battle field.
Phillipians 1:3-5
1 Thesalonians 5:11
Hebrew 10:24-25
Thanks to all!
Monday, February 23, 2009
No Excuses
What a sunday! My little brother, who has been in more trouble by the age of 16 than most men are in a lifetime, went to the alter today. To see him pour it all out to God. Weeping and praising, as he so often does now days, breaks me everytime. A first-timer, a former believer in the practices of wicken, and one of our beloved Junior High girls gave their lives to God today. Two weeks ago, I talked to this Junior High girl about some things that were going on in her life. Things that nobody should be thinking or doing, especially an 11 year old girl. My best friends mom and aunt, like myself, are two individuals that have been hurt by the church, attended church today as well. A church is supposed to be a place of comfort and love, and these 2 have recieved just the opposite. Here are five differnet people, with five different stories, but all came to ONE conclusion, Jesus Christ is our healer.
September 30th, 2008 was a day filled with worry, tears, and prayer. Vestel Estes, better known as Papa to most, had decided to undergo back surgery in Oklahoma City. A procedure to prop him up, so to speak, so that he wouldn't slouch so much when standing and/or walking. This surgery started great, but quickly took a turn for the worst. Papa had fell into a coma, his vital organs were shutting down and the outcome was not looking good at all. The doctor's tried everything they could think of. They couldn't give him certain medicines because it would speed up kidney failure, and other medicines because it would speed up heart faulure. The doctors were out of options and informed Pastor that he should start preparing himself and the family for his father's passing.
Papa Estes was back at home by the second week of November.
Yesterday, the youth had a fund-raising chili dinner. I was fixing to leave when I saw Papa and Mimi sitting 4 tables from the door. I had some things layed on my heart from last week, after being informed by Pastor that Papa had a blood clot in his leg. This made his leg kind of feel like playdoe, only hard to bend, which made it very hard to stand up and walk. I decided to go and see how they were doing before I left for La Huerta. I extended my hand toward him, as he took it and looked up at me, I began to tear up. Knowing that I had something to say, he just smiled and asked how I was doing. So I let him have it. I told him how GREAT it was to see him at church and how inspired and encouraged I was by it. As we were talking to each other, the same thoughts kept running through my mind. How frequently people come up with exuses to not do something. For example, people want to be at church but can't because they are sick, the kids are sick, or my favorite, because they are just simply tired. Or for those who want to reach out and invite someone to church, just have a conversation, be a friend, and/or just show the unconditional love that Christ shows us each and every day.
Papa gets out of bed and to church almost every sunday, despite his pain and weakness physically, because the power of God in our church has healed him and made him strong spritually and emotionally. Papa has a real exuse to not come. He can barely walk, or even stand up for that matter, but still comes. Comes and sits in his recliner with his hands lifted as high as he possibly can, praising with all of his heart.
My friends and I have a weekly Bible study at our apartment. This week, David took us on a tour of Colossians. The book of Colossians, like the other 65 books, is wonderful. A real helper in how to live a life for God. We pick a "key verse(s)" every week and write it on the dry-erase board to serve as a reminder. On the board is Colossians 3:12-17, a quick strategy for how live a Godly life.
September 30th, 2008 was a day filled with worry, tears, and prayer. Vestel Estes, better known as Papa to most, had decided to undergo back surgery in Oklahoma City. A procedure to prop him up, so to speak, so that he wouldn't slouch so much when standing and/or walking. This surgery started great, but quickly took a turn for the worst. Papa had fell into a coma, his vital organs were shutting down and the outcome was not looking good at all. The doctor's tried everything they could think of. They couldn't give him certain medicines because it would speed up kidney failure, and other medicines because it would speed up heart faulure. The doctors were out of options and informed Pastor that he should start preparing himself and the family for his father's passing.
Papa Estes was back at home by the second week of November.
Yesterday, the youth had a fund-raising chili dinner. I was fixing to leave when I saw Papa and Mimi sitting 4 tables from the door. I had some things layed on my heart from last week, after being informed by Pastor that Papa had a blood clot in his leg. This made his leg kind of feel like playdoe, only hard to bend, which made it very hard to stand up and walk. I decided to go and see how they were doing before I left for La Huerta. I extended my hand toward him, as he took it and looked up at me, I began to tear up. Knowing that I had something to say, he just smiled and asked how I was doing. So I let him have it. I told him how GREAT it was to see him at church and how inspired and encouraged I was by it. As we were talking to each other, the same thoughts kept running through my mind. How frequently people come up with exuses to not do something. For example, people want to be at church but can't because they are sick, the kids are sick, or my favorite, because they are just simply tired. Or for those who want to reach out and invite someone to church, just have a conversation, be a friend, and/or just show the unconditional love that Christ shows us each and every day.
Papa gets out of bed and to church almost every sunday, despite his pain and weakness physically, because the power of God in our church has healed him and made him strong spritually and emotionally. Papa has a real exuse to not come. He can barely walk, or even stand up for that matter, but still comes. Comes and sits in his recliner with his hands lifted as high as he possibly can, praising with all of his heart.
My friends and I have a weekly Bible study at our apartment. This week, David took us on a tour of Colossians. The book of Colossians, like the other 65 books, is wonderful. A real helper in how to live a life for God. We pick a "key verse(s)" every week and write it on the dry-erase board to serve as a reminder. On the board is Colossians 3:12-17, a quick strategy for how live a Godly life.
- Imitate Christ's Compassion
- Let Love Guide Your Life
- Let The Peace of Christ Rule in Your Heart
- Always be Thankful
- Keep God's Word at All Times
- Be a Jesus Representative
It is unbelievable how visible God makes himself sometimes. I was sitting there thinking about how many people that I have come in contact with that week, and how hesitant I was to start conversation. For one reason or another, I made up these stupid exuses to not act. Through all of this, I kept thinking about Papa Estes, and how he may handle situations like these. I have never seen him turn from somebody, if anything he is always eager to talk. He doesn't allow his one real exuse to become an exuse, so what gives me the right to do it? In just one quick year, Vestel Estes has went from the old guy in the recliner that used to Pastor the church, to a role model. God often puts small "instruments" in our lives to help us through our situations. Instruments of God that help us in different areas, and Papa is just that. An instrument that helps us fix little problems through advice or his loving attitude. He is a compassionate man, who lives for God, and is extremely thankful. He's able to recite scripture everytime I talk to him, and represents Christ with the best of them. Seeing him at church, shaking his hand, and having a quick conversation with him, just puts a skip in my step. He is a real encourager and true inspiration to everyone he comes in contact with.
Thank for reading!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Celebrating Recovery
NLT is getting everything together to start a recovery ministry. Although people automatically associate recovery with drugs, alcohol, and/or physical illness, there is so much more to it than that. If you haven't heard of Celebrate Recovery, it is an awesome thing. A place where people can go for just about everything under the sun. Sexual temptation, drugs, alcohol, co-dependencey, greed, divorce, name it and this progam is there to help.
My second mother (best friends mother) went through this recovery program, and tonight I helped a good friend, who happens to be a roommate, celebrate his 30 days of recovery. You would not believe the amounts of progress, in every aspect of life, that they have made. I was invited by my roommate to attend. To help him celebrate, and I was all for it. This was not only my chance to be an encourager to a good friend, but also get to see just how these recovery ministries go about.
The night started with a huge surprise...as my fiance and I walked in, she brought to my attention the amount of people in this class. For some reason, when I thought of this class, I assumed that it would be one of maybe 50 or 60...try doubling that. 100 to 120 people who had previously dealt with anything that could result in stress and pain, were now singing and dancing and clapping and praising...but most noticable, smiling! The international sign of happiness, and these people were every bit of happy...finally!
As the music played, the speaker called up the recoverers to recieve their "recovery chips". First 30 days, as my roommate walked up to recieve his chip my eyes began to dampen. Next was 60 days, followed by 90 days...with each step, the tears weighed more and more. To see adults act the same about Christ and progress, as children do about Barbies and Spiderman action figures is something magical. By the time the 1 year chip was called, I quickly went from a 6'4" 240 lbs man to a 6'4" 240 lbs baby.
Since I have given my life to Christ last March, I have been the one recovering. Trying to make up for lost time. Doing everything in my power to turn myself into a role model, rather than being known as someone associated with the group known for their wrong doing. After a year of hard work and dedication, I feel like I have recovered. Tonight was my chance to sit back and observe fellow christians taking their steps towards recovery, in their own way. To gain perserverence, strength, trust, friendships, and most importantly experience Grace and the power of love. A love that was strong enough to die for, and Grace...the one common denominater in everyone's salvation. Seeing people who's lives have been interrupted and changed by Jesus Christ, is what keeps my head up and steps straight, when the devil is trying to give me the wrong directions.
The verse(s) of the night was Psalms 91, which to me was a helper to those recovering...but needs to serve as a reminder to all the rest. That God is a shelter, a refuge when we are afraid. We must all believe that He will carry us through all the dangers and fears of life, no matter how big or small. Nothing is too big for the Almighty God. To me, it is comforting to know that God watches over us even in times of great stress and fear. That in our storms, when we extend our hands outward for His help...He will reach back, grab our hands, and pull us from the storm.
Come again!
My second mother (best friends mother) went through this recovery program, and tonight I helped a good friend, who happens to be a roommate, celebrate his 30 days of recovery. You would not believe the amounts of progress, in every aspect of life, that they have made. I was invited by my roommate to attend. To help him celebrate, and I was all for it. This was not only my chance to be an encourager to a good friend, but also get to see just how these recovery ministries go about.
The night started with a huge surprise...as my fiance and I walked in, she brought to my attention the amount of people in this class. For some reason, when I thought of this class, I assumed that it would be one of maybe 50 or 60...try doubling that. 100 to 120 people who had previously dealt with anything that could result in stress and pain, were now singing and dancing and clapping and praising...but most noticable, smiling! The international sign of happiness, and these people were every bit of happy...finally!
As the music played, the speaker called up the recoverers to recieve their "recovery chips". First 30 days, as my roommate walked up to recieve his chip my eyes began to dampen. Next was 60 days, followed by 90 days...with each step, the tears weighed more and more. To see adults act the same about Christ and progress, as children do about Barbies and Spiderman action figures is something magical. By the time the 1 year chip was called, I quickly went from a 6'4" 240 lbs man to a 6'4" 240 lbs baby.
Since I have given my life to Christ last March, I have been the one recovering. Trying to make up for lost time. Doing everything in my power to turn myself into a role model, rather than being known as someone associated with the group known for their wrong doing. After a year of hard work and dedication, I feel like I have recovered. Tonight was my chance to sit back and observe fellow christians taking their steps towards recovery, in their own way. To gain perserverence, strength, trust, friendships, and most importantly experience Grace and the power of love. A love that was strong enough to die for, and Grace...the one common denominater in everyone's salvation. Seeing people who's lives have been interrupted and changed by Jesus Christ, is what keeps my head up and steps straight, when the devil is trying to give me the wrong directions.
The verse(s) of the night was Psalms 91, which to me was a helper to those recovering...but needs to serve as a reminder to all the rest. That God is a shelter, a refuge when we are afraid. We must all believe that He will carry us through all the dangers and fears of life, no matter how big or small. Nothing is too big for the Almighty God. To me, it is comforting to know that God watches over us even in times of great stress and fear. That in our storms, when we extend our hands outward for His help...He will reach back, grab our hands, and pull us from the storm.
Come again!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Facebook for old people
So, my best friend started blogging this last week. Always wanted to but didn't want to put in the time to find out how easy it was to get started. I read his first blog, and that was my deciding factor. After we talked about it for a while, he explained it to me the best way that I could have ever imagined...a "Facebook for old people" or something like that. Sounds good to me, right?
I hope that you guys/girls enjoy what I have to say. I love to write, and I love to interact with others...what better way than to start a "Facebook for old people"? Please comment on what I have to say, if I have written about something that you can relate to then please inform me. Fellowship is such an important part of our society.
Thanks to all!
I hope that you guys/girls enjoy what I have to say. I love to write, and I love to interact with others...what better way than to start a "Facebook for old people"? Please comment on what I have to say, if I have written about something that you can relate to then please inform me. Fellowship is such an important part of our society.
Thanks to all!
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