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!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
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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