Fool for Christ (1 Cor 4:10)

2008-11-14T03:06:00.004-06:00

Father,

I pray that your Spirit breathe through us this weekend. Your wisdom is never ending. We delight in your Word and I look forward to seeing you act during every encounter we have with You. Protect us. Teach us. Let us walk in the Light as you are in the Light so that we do not stumble.

Protect our nation. Comfort and direct our new President. Counsel our leaders and show them the way we need to go. Bless each person who reads today and listen to their prayers. When they call out to you, draw closer. You are the God of comfort and understanding. You've been there and done that.

Yours because of your Grace.

Next Phase

2008-11-13T02:01:00.005-06:00

"There was such a serenity that surrounded you, like you had all of the answers.... but then I realized that you were just as confused as the rest of us. You had just accepted your confusion."

- Major Kira, Deep Space Nine

Yeah, yeah, so I faulted back to my Star Trek geekness. My addicition has subsided, but I still have the craving every so often. But I like this quote! Often times we as people can be paralized by confusion. Seeking answers can throw us into a choatic spin zone causing us to second guess our every move. Should I persue a graduate degree? Do I need to move to another city? I really want to stay where I am. Maybe I should move closer to home. Maybe God is wanting me to apply to another Grad School. Am I ever going to get married? Am I even marriage material? BLARG!!!!!! (Rae Ann's Word). I guess it's there's not much Irony in finding the verse I found this morning.

"I tell you to believe that you have already received he things you ask for in prayer, and God will give them to you..." mark 11:24

I remember saying this before "God wants us to take iniative." Ofcourse saying it was only half the battle. I think somewhere along my walk with God I started to lag behind; still holding his hand mind you, but lagging behind. I wanted Him to drag me and make decisions, but I discovered that waiting doesn't cause God to work any harder or faster. He will bless the ground I walk on, but only when I choose to make the next step.

Bewilderment. Accepting it is going to be more challanging that I want it to be.

It Still Works

2008-11-12T03:22:00.003-06:00

March 2007!!!! One would have imagined that I've stumbled into the abyss of mass despair and agony for not have written something in such a long period of time. The truth is, I've forgotten all about my blogger buddy. The last time I wrote, I was still leashed to the cubical which was my job, but alas I have broken free.

In October 2007, I graciously accepted a position as Asst General Manager of the Hampton Inn Texas City. It was a roller coaster but Oct 29 2008 made a whole year.... until I was laid off 2 days later. Hurricane Ike, in all of it's frivelous glory stripped my hotel of it's roof whilst we occupied her causing us to scurry about finding refuge in the most gracious bosom of the local Marriott. The Hampton was scheduled to open next April, but unforunately with no profits comes no paycheck for me, so I was booted.

No worries though, I never doubted the mysterious plans which are God's. Six years ago, I entrusted my life to Him and he has taken me on a interesting journey to many fabulous places over the years. If it weren't for Him, then I would have not befriended such marvelous companions as Nolan and Bethany. Who could forget my contengiously beautiful blonde flower Sarah Tunstall or my obssesively addicted to Georgia sports team ex-roomate Justin Dale. I would have never mooched off of the Nelsons or made friends with the Alvin Youth Group.

It's hard to believe the changes I've gone through over the last 4 blog years. I've forgotten how writing attributed to my insanely impressive vocabulary. Staying behind corporate America's walls has seriously dampened my creative linguistic ability. I've become enslaved to such terms as "my pleasure" and "absolutely" and "credit or debit." GASP!!!! No More.

I re-new my vow of finding the jovial and heart-wrenching attributes of life which make life worth living. And maybe if I finally improve the vocab, I can finally pass that God-forsaken GRE test and get into grad school. GRE for dummies ain't what it's cracked up to be!

VOD - Trust in God; A troubled heart isn't worth it. John 14:1

They're gone...

2007-03-22T00:14:00.000-05:00

My pearly whites in the depths of my mouth. The wisdoms have vanished.

My mouth had been something sore over the last few days. I've actually have been a little anxious because I'm still waiting to see of there is any permanent nerve damage to be found. You see, I am officially deamed as a bearer of siamese wisdom teeth. That's right buddy, I'm a freak, a mutant, but not as cool as the ninja turtles. As I laid sumberly a sleep in the womb many years ago, my wisdom tooth gene on the right side of my mouth got lost and decided to shack up with my left wisdom tooth. They were happy for awhile, but as nature would have it, an ulcer formed due to their domestic struggle over jaw space, thus their removal proved mandatory. The siamese wisdom teeth synergized to produce a really long root which was dangerously close to a crucial nerve. Being that close, the doctor is not sure if the extraction messed with anything or not. Hopefully we'll find out Tuesday for my return visit. For now I lay happy with vikadin by my side along with the koolaid single squeezer things. It's a good life with a good company that pays for sick days.

Closer

2007-03-10T22:42:00.000-06:00

I love zoe. Not like the little benevolent feeling of a young child running after a puppy, but something close I suppose. The conference was amazing! There is nothing like exhausting worship, listening to gifted speakers, and contemplating new ideas for worship back at home. I even lost self-control and bought all of the Zoe songs and song books. What can I say? I'm a sucker.

Jeff Wallin has always been a spiritual hero for me. My earliest encounter with him was back in my pre-pubescent years in Bible class. I use to watch him in plays on the CTV videos and was captivated by his unconventional teaching methods. This past weekend, I couldn't even turn my eyes to the clock to see what time it was. I didn't want it to be over. To listen to Jeff explain our role as Christians is like hearing about Christ all over again.

His series began addressing our desire and hunger of drawing closer to God. We try to find methods and excercises that create a fresh connection only to be disappointed or lose the spark that will lead us to finding other ways to encounter God. "You proabably even came to this conference in hopes that God will be drawn closer to you," he said. He was right. He reminded me that God had been riding with me the whole 11 hours to Lubbock for my encounter with God. God is always there, but he only is acknowledged when we are ready to acknowledge him.
If the whole Bible could be summarized into one, reader's digest word it would be "closer." Starting with the garden of Eden itself, man has always yearned to be closer to God... even to the point of being God-like. That was the temptation wasn't it? Eat this and you will be like God. They were literally in paradise, but they were pulled in to the temptation of coming to God on a new level. Why did Adam and eve do it? They were in perfection. They didn't have to worry about food. There were no job interviews to prepare for or stress over. Clothing selections were already taken care of. Adam didn't have to worry if he married the right women or not. There's only one! They were in the prescence of God. He walked by them almost daily. They still wanted to be closer.

We overviewed other stories. Just after the flood, the people were commanded by God to spread out and populate the earth, but instead they gathered closer together and plotted a device that would raise them closer to God. It took years and lots of planning, but a tower was in development. God come closer, but not the way the people had hoped. He gave them the gift of tongues. One man said pass me the hammer and the other said "no habla espanol." Utter confusion. Ultimately, God got what he wanted and scattered them himself.
Jeff's randition of the Israelites is the best. Here are a people who were suckered into capitivity and spent years complaining and whining and eventually got what they wanted. God said "You are my people, let's go." They said "How will we get there?" God said "Follow my cloud." They said but what about at night, we can't see it. "Then I will give you a pillar of fire." "Are we there yet?" "No, just a little longer." "We're hungry" "Ok I will throw manna from the sky, that way all you have to do is fall down face first and chew it." "But we want meat." "Ok. then I will send Quail through the camp and all you have to do is open your tent flap and they will run in until you close it again -Israelite hunting!" You see now why they are called "the children of Israel"
At the mountain of Sinai, God called Moses to the top of the mountain and said no one should some much as touch the mountain during the meeting or it will die. What was it that God had to tell Moses on top of the mountain? "Well there was thou shalt not kill, no other gods..." NO NO NO. There was something more. Someone new is moving into the neighborhood... and it was God. God was going to come down to the very center of the community. His Spirit was to confine itself into one room contained by veils that only one man can enter one day a year. Women and children would pass by the temple daily telling themselves that they would NEVER have the priviledge of seeing or entering behind the veil that the community surrounded. But little did they know that was not true and that the veil would come down and the Spirit would drive itself even closer than the veiled room.

I didn't have the opportunity to listen to all of Jeff's lessons, but the last one I heard was one that captivated me more than any lesson heard before. The story began with a man and a women who were having twins. One named "Heal" and the other named "Red", nicknamed "Hairy." During their birth Hairy was breeching the womb, the Heal grabbed the heal of first born and yanked him back into the womb so that he could make his grand entrance first. Unfortunately for the Heal, his parents already wrapped a string around Hairy's wrist to mark him as the true first born. As the two grew up together, the Heal lusted after Hairy's status as the first. You see, the Heal liked to be in control. He like having things go his way when he wants to happen. The Heal appearantly was a really good cook and used that trait to his advantage. One day, after Hairy spent a long day of hunting, the Heal went into action and offered a meal to his older brother. "Hey hairy! Hungry?" Hairy wasn't the brightest bulb of the christmas light string. He perhaps was even one fry short of a happy meal. Hairy smelled the food and wanted it baaad. "You can have till your fills content... oh yeah, for the measley cost of your birthright." You can see the hampster wheel falling from its hinges. "Uhhhhh. OK." That verabl agreement wasn't enough though. The Heal had to ensure the blessing that he wanted, so with his mother's help, he had to get...well, hairy, and trick his father into giving him the blessing. That very deception earned the Heal over 20 years of anguish and what seemed to be non-blessing. The Heal fear Hairy and ran fast and far.

That's when Heal met Laban the used car dealer. *cue jewish accent "Ahhhh, I've got a deal for you! You can get this beautiful model for just 7 years of payment." However, on the wedding night, Heal musta mad a LOT o' wine and woke up beside Leah... which in Hebrew means "weak in the eyes." Actually, if you ask a Rabbi, it would be better translated as "hard on the eyes." Heal married a dog, baby. Laban simply offered the best solution that suited him. Work another seven years and get what you want.

Is was just a few years after Heal's marriage to the 14year prize that he knew he needed to face the music and return to Hariy and make things right. Upon his return, he got cold feet. It was suddenly a good idea to send grovelers ahead of him, so he sent servants. Next, he sent his people. Next his family. He was working it man, everyone he sent would say "please don't kill 'im, he's incredibly sorry." Finally, there was one night after he sent his family ahead to Hairy, he stood alone at night... and was jumped. Heal was jumped, and not by just anyone, but God himself. Interestingly enough, Heal didn't know it at the time but he wasn't giving up on the biggest Smackdown session in history. He actually evenly matched the stranger and would not let go. It come to the point where the stranger had to cripple Heal's hip before he could overtake Heal. How a man could ever take on God is beyond any man.

Heal struggled with God and would not let go. He clutched to God and had one of the hardest fights of his life, but would not let go. He did not let go. Because Heal did not let go, EVERYTHING changed, even his name. He became Israel. Heal walked away from that night a totally changed man, but not unscathed. You see, Heal survived the night a new man, but he limped away. I always thought that Heal was healed from that hip displacement. But this was an injury that would serve as a reminder for a lifetime. Each time a pain shot up from his gimp hip, he be reminded of that night.

A man who walked away with a limp. Kinda lies in the face of some popular Christian beliefs right? Why did God have to communicate this point to Heal this way? Why couldn't God simply and gently send a copy of "footprints" floating down for Heal to read and reflective over. God wasn't concerned about footprints in the sand but he certainly gave Heal buttprints in the dirt. If we expect an enounter with God, we invite a smackdown event.

I Will Tell Your Name

2007-02-04T00:13:00.000-06:00

Roland Allen tells of a veteran missionary who came up to him one day after he hd delivered his sermon. The missionary introduced himself and said “I was a medic missionary many years in India and I served in a region where there was a epidemic of progressive blindness. People were born with healthy eyesight, but there was something in that area that causes people to lose their sight as they matured.”

But this missionary had developed a process which would arrest or prevent the progressive blindness. So people came to him and he performed his operation. After receiving this “miracle” operation, the left realizing that they had been spared a life of blindness because of what this missionary did.
He said that the never said “Thank you.” There wasn’t such a word in their dialect. Instead, they spoke a word that meant “I will tell your name.” Where they went, they would tell the name of the missionary who had cured their blindness. They had received something so wonderful that they eagerly proclaimed it.

Communion is also a time of proclamation. At this table we proclaim the most important even in human history; the event that saves us from a life of spiritual blindness. And when we take these elements; the bread and the wine, we say together that “we will tell His name and proclaim our gratitude for being saved from sin.

1 Cor 11:25-26: 25In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

2007-01-25T23:30:00.000-06:00

"Action is the proper fruit of knowledge." That's it. That's all the chinese fortune cookie could cough up for me today. Actually, it could be worse. I could have gotten the cheesy Reading Rainbow one that said "Set your goals high, take flight." Are you kidding me? Lavar Burton's screen writers coulda finaggled a more thought provoking one than that.

However, this was indeed a strange fortune for me to behold. I guess because in a nutshell I taught this thought to a few hundred teens in the midst of a riverbed of rocks. It's true. The theme was "Pisteuo"... the multi-tasking greek word that is three-fold: Faith, Believe, and Trust. The motto was "walk the walk if you're going to talk to talk." No one likes a hypocrite, especially the one who does the hypocriting. It's not a glorious feeling walking home at the end of the day feeling like you are made of plastic and that no one knows whats really beneath. It's even worse when you know what you should do, but are afraid to do it because your afraid... or even worse, comfortable. Where's the passion to be better than what I am now? What happened to the desire to improve on what I already know?

Star Trek was my show, man! No lie. I use to sit down on saturdays and watch a video tape marathon of that show. On the surface, I loved the space age stuff: Ships, phasers, transporters, fighting, weird looking aliens. I even fantasized of being a captain of my own ship and sitting on my couch pretending to give orders as though I had the perfect solution for the problem scenarios I would make up in my head everyday. The underlying theme in each episode though was becoming a better person today than you were yesterday. I think I actually grew mentally stronger by thinking those thoughts everyday. I somehow found myself acting more confident with who I was and where I was going because I actually was encouraged to be stronger than before.

As I grew older and Star Trek faded away in TC history, but I still focused on acquiring and reaching every goal possible in life. I felt like there was nothing I couldn't do. My jobs loved me because I was more determined to be the best...whatever I was just because that was my core. I excelled through school because I stayed dedicated. I wanted to have fun and looked for every opportunity to take my friends out and find something adventurous to do. I moved to FHU in TN because I wanted to be more spiritual and make more spiritual friends. I wanted to know God more and know how to help others more.

After while, my mindset began to change subconsciously. I didn't see it coming. I use to blame it on Freed, but now I know a darker power may have been involved. No, no mystical forces beyond my control... just forces I gave control to. Before Freed, I remember thinking what amazing joy I had in life. I remember waking up in my warm waterbed, underneath the ceiling fan with the sun shining through my window and just... smiling. I woke up that way and started my day off content and stable. But somehow, between 2002 and now, the joy has escaped me. I don't know what to say about it. I know possible explanations, but I haven't nailed the nail on the head. Atleast, until I read that fortune today.

In 2002, I had direction. I knew who I was and what I was to other people. I had my interests, hobbies, routines, and lifestyles. I was well rooted in a tradition and environment I had know for years. I knew where I was going. I had a plan. I knew sacrifices that had to be made and new poles I would have to hurdle, but I remained committed to my convictions.

It seemed as though all that began to immediately change in August 2002. The night before I was to drive off to college, dad was pulled over and charge with DUI. The day I drove off to school Dad flew to Oklahoma to bury my grandfather and then four weeks later my mom would move out because of a marriage that had failed over the past few years without my knowing it. Making friends at FHU was harder than I imagined. The spiritual atmosphere and friendship I had hoped and longed for was just a fantasy I had engrained in my head. As I began to learn more about the Bible, I learned how egotistical and ignorant the churches I grew up in really were. I grew to love Jesus, but everything else seemed to be falling apart all around me. I took frequent trips to Houston to visit Mom, my cousins, and the church family there, and they provided a sense of strength and a temporary foundation for me, but it wasn't the same as I had before. The friends whom I had a foundational friendship began to slip away and were replaced by christian anquaintances that I was just in surface relationhips with. I no longer had a home to go home to. Churches of Christ had become too dull in their worship practices and I found myself more focused on what was missing rather being lead in spirit-lead worship service. One of the key churches that kept me going strong in my faith and energy while I was in school is now faltering into a place of dullness and routine also, as though the life is being sucked out with every breathe we take.

God... what's happening?

Today, I think about the knowledge I have, and the actions I take because of it. It makes sense, right? What I do is a direct or indirect result of what I currently know. I also think action is a result of what I believe. There's that greek word again, Pisteuo. To the greeks, believing something meant proving that belief with an action. A Christians belief in Christ left no doubt where their convictions lay. Friends at work know I am a Christian. It's because I talk about doing youth group events, not because of a deep spiritual talk I have with them. Shameful, isn't it? To most people, it's a fact of christian life to avoid talking about Christian beliefs in the work place because it's an HR no no. In fact, a co-worker of mine was told by her temp agency specifically not to bring up religious issues. It causes too much confrontation.

Confrontation. I'm fearful of it. I crumble under pressure because of it. I choose to avoid it. I have had my excuses and now my spiritual and mental health have changed because of it over time. I've become confortable. In my Star Trek years, I continually told myself to be better than I was. In the now years, I tell myself to be content with where I am. Somehow, I conditioned me to believe that. The philosophy was somehow reversed when religion became a bigger part of my life. I don't know if that's a direct link or not. I think it's challanged me more and I conditioned myself to take the backseat more often. i think that Satan is also using fear to break me down and create a desire to slide back to where I use to be spiritually because "it was a better era of my life." I actually think that. "What if I try to be the person I was 5 years ago?" What a ridiculous question. No, no, it's one I struggle with everyday, and it's one that's keeping me back.

Today I am a man who lives with his cousins and is working a mediocre job (with great med benefits I might add), attending a mediocre church, and leading a mediocre lifestyle. I discovered recently that I don't have any dreams. Every day, I feel like I am too drained of personality to engage in a simple conversation anymore. I look for funny things to say and do and all I can scrounge up is a blank stare and a brief response. I've become boring. I don't say that to get pity or encouraging comments, but I need to say it for myself and to lift it up to God. I don't want to be that way! I don't want to be comfortable any longer. I want the adventure back. I don't want to care about what will offend someone or not, I just want to do whats right because it's right and absolute.

My prayer tonight is that God knocks me from the stool I've sat on for the past year and a half. I pray that he ignites a flame that will last and bring me through the traffic jam of spirituality I am feeling. I want him to continue guiding me through the path he started for me 5 years ago. I want to shine in his presence and become a better person today than I was yesterday because I let Him change me.

Tomorrow, I want my actions to be the fruit of better knowledge.

Im going to Med School

2006-11-10T13:03:00.000-06:00

This is what my befuddled friend exhasperated to me over the phone last night. Dr. Quinn, medicine woman (aka Courtney Patterson) proceeds to tell me that after 3 months of working the grind at a graphics company, she is bored and disgruntled with her career life. Despite the comfortable chair, limitless coffee, and convenient scheduling, she is ready to take on biopsies and dialysis procedures. I asked her about the needles, and after a little 'eeee" noise, she confessed that she will find a medical profession that is needle-less. Great, give her a rubber mallet and knees and she'll be set.

She found a little comfort in talking to me because i feel whats she's going through. We have an unguided ambition- a strong desire to find that one job that we are passionate about and couldn't picture ourselves doing anything else. It's interesting that I had that discussion as I walked in the door of the Woffords for the UC bible study. We attempted to watch a movie, but the language got pretty bad so we decided to open up a Psalms and study instead. I don't think the kids were really feeling the bible study, but I was drinking it in.

Ps 73 is a pretty long chapter that was written by a Godly man named Asaph. The passage hits me hard because in the beginning, he almost sounds suprised about his circumstance:

1A psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.

2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.

3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. [a]

"I almost slipped up"... he caught himself desiring what the arrogant had. The wicked were so prosperous, walking around with their decorated camels/goats with their tresure chests like they are straight out of the sultans palace in Aladdin. I'm willing to bet that Asaph didn't even pay much attention to the fact that they were "wicked" or not. He realized that afterward. He saw all the stuff and "happiness" and wondered why he didn't have what they had and how he could get it. Some how, along the way he realized that he was trippin'.

14 All day long I have been plagued;
I have been punished every morning.

16 When I tried to understand all this,
it was oppressive to me

17 till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny.

Asaph just couldn't figure out. As he was walking down the streets, he saw people struting their stuff, heard news stories about the succesful, and watched himself fall in the toilet and just couldn't figure out what he was missing in his life. At least until he ventured into the sanctuary of God. This isn't something fantastically mystical; he just walked into a tabernacle or quiet area and listened to what God had to say. He cleared his mind to focus on the promises God made, not his business co-horts.
I know the plague that Asaph faced. Everyday, I had thought "something is missing." I don't know if that's a wife, job, masters degree, moving home, missions, ministry, change in career, road trip, friend... the only thing that can answer my questions is falling in to the sanctuary of God. That's going to be my focus over the next week.

23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Word Dawg...

Potter

Turkey Bowl...

2006-11-05T21:37:00.000-06:00

A long lived ACOC tradition.

I'm really tired and won't spend time typing. I just thought I write a little thought or too... mainly to keep the blog active.

I just need to say that I love my church family. Events today just reinforced that. I love the families that put Christ as their priority. I love the families that are active together and would rather spend time as a church community rather than... I don't know, the lions club. Does that still exist anyway?

Today, the kids took on the adults in a great game of football. Pretty sure we annihilated the teens. When I say we... that's more like a royal "we", because I did not directly participate in any mass damage in each play. However, everyone 's heart skipped a beat and held their breathe when Drew took a hard tumble. He messed up his ankle pretty bad. One of the greatest father-son relationships I have ever witnessed in my life have been Drew and Mark. The support and comradery that is there is so amazing. When Suzette was down taking of Drew's dirty-nasty shoe, Mark just laid Drew's head on his shoulder and just held him, letting him know it's going to be alright. That's the way I want my relationship with Christ to be, like that of Drew and Mark.

I love being around the Davis family because they are always at each youth event together, having fun as a family within a family. The Fletchers are always hillarious; there is never a dull moment, especially when football and Bobby are in the same room/field. The Rhindages too. You have to know each one of them to know that you don't have to be normal in order to function as a family.

Then there's the Nelson's. I have never witnessed a more Spirit-led family. Just being in their house, I feel a comfort and security that I love being around. They truly use their blessings to bless other, I'm evidence of that. They took me in like one of their own and treated me like one of their own. God lives in this house and I love 'em for it.

I'm not usually this sappy, but I'm tired and I get dramatic when I'm low on energy. I think I knew a drunk from Jersey who was the same way.

Pot

Face to Face

2006-04-05T23:35:00.000-05:00

The other day, I heard this song.... I wanted to share it with you

I know you
I want you to know me
I love you
I want you to love me
I see you
Can't you see me?
I'm waiting... here for you.

Cause I'll be the first one running
The day that you believe

Before you were even born
I wore a crown of thorns
So that one day you and I could together
I lived my life
and I gave my life for you
so one we could spend one forever
Face to Face

When you're lonely I won't leave you
When you're hurting, I will heal you
When you're crying, I can hear you
I'm listening... please talk to me
Because I know how hard life can be
...believe me.... I do

Before you were even born
I wore a crown of thorns so you and I could be together
I lived my life for you and I gave my life for you
So one day we could spend forever face to face
While shaking from the pain, I thought about your name
I'm so glad I could take our place there

I let them me, and nail me to a tree
So one day we could spend forever.... face to face

I want to spend forever with you. Face to Face. I want to see your face.

My Skipping Lord of the Rings DVD

2006-03-18T15:27:00.000-06:00

Yeah it's quite frustrating actually.

So great news!!! I just got hired on permanently at A&E Graphics Complex!!!! I'm only semi-excited however. I mean, God has blessed me with a job that pays the bills and complete medical coverage. However, it's a position that doesn't require a degree and I always have a sneaking suspicion that I can find a better position elsewhere that pays more. At the moment, I don't even make enough to get my own apartment.
Commercial Printing not an industry I'm ecstatic about, but it will do until I find the industry I am passionate about. Maybe I should look into the postal service. Being for real! You know those suckas start off at like, $18/hour? Yeah, your thinking about it too now, huh?

This past week, I also contemplated getting a second job. Johanna, my boss from my old job contacted me to get my address so she could mail me my W2. She also mentioned that she could use some help if I needed some extra cash. I miss the hotel industry, so I think I might there 10-15 hours a week. That'll get some extra cash flowing to pay the credit cards off quicker.

Things are on the DL in the church family. We had two baptisms in the last month, Evan and Zach, praise God! Baptisms are so refreshing to me. I love seeing a new life experience the peace, love, and dedication from God and respond to it. Their is another soul that Jerry is walking with who has questions about Christ and the church. Her name is Ashley, a relative of the Fletchers. I sat in a Bible study on Thursday in which we just answered the basic questions about life and what faith in God means. The discussion took many turns, one of them leading to values in Christian living. Ashley asked the interesting question "What are values?" The room sat quiet as we contemplated how to answer the question. It's hard how to define that word without out using value as the definition! Dictionary.com describes it as a principle, standard, or quality considered worthwhile or desirable. I think that's fairly adequate...it makes sense too!

What do you define as your values? What do you consider worthwhile and desirable? Christ spent a lot of time dealing with those questions during his ministry on earth. People on earth spend time doing and investing into what they consider worthwhile. Satan spends his time confusing what is desirable and worthwhile. Is drinking at a club more worthwhile than helping a widow get herself off the street in a warm home. Is finding the best pornographic sites more worthwhile than spending time with a child do their homework. It happened then; it's happening now.

Jerry challenged us to find a story about Christ everyday this week to determine the values he wanted to instill in us. The values that would make us feel alive and less empty in everyday living. I'm gonna spend sometime in Luke and see if I can discover something new. I challange you to do the same!

Because of the Messiah,
Pot

You Can't BUY Happiness...

2006-03-06T21:50:00.000-06:00

"Yes you can. That's just a lie we tell poor people to keep them from riotting."
-Gabrielle (Desperate Housewives)

Last weekend was so amazing at Soul Link. God's presence was so evident and I can see God touching the lives of those around me. The most special time for me was the last couple of hours of the event when we worshipped in song and listened to Wiley Lowe share an amazing lesson using two completely different stories. Wiley is such a funny guy with a contageous heart on fire for God.

Little did I know that soon after my revelatory experience, disaster would strike and all agility and health that I once held dear would be stripped away from me and checked in at Davey Jones's locker. I spent 7 grueling hours at the disposal of stangers during the late hours of the night. What were my symptoms? Swelling leg, stretched skin, HUUGE rash, minor pain, no visable bits, no visable soars, fat toes. Not looking good folks. After the triage unit check my vitals 3 times in a four hour span (too maintain certainty that I would survive the lobby wait), seven viles of blood withdrawn, and 8 xrays of my leg, we established that no alien presence established itself in my limb. However, according to analysis of doctors, residencies, nurses, and astrologists in the lobby... I indeed have the dreaded... "Cellulitis." After many expensive (somewhat uneccesary) tests... the doctors hooked me up to an IV for an hour then sent me on my merry way with two types of antibiotics and .... vikadin... muahahahahahaha

As of now, I am healing and running low on drugs. A new dealer should be located because Walgreens is too expensive.

In other news, I'm seeking out a new career. I'm praying that God blesses my search and walks closely with me as I continue life.

Pray with me if you have a chance. Thanks! You rock.

Potter

Dear Reader (This is You)

2005-12-30T10:07:00.000-06:00

I was quite amused today as I galvanted around my vault department searching the internet, reading emails, reading SOP's, talking, eating... pretty much anything anti-work.

My favorite viewing of the day came from my facebook. As I gazed upon my screen, my glorious facebook title, "Jeremy Potter's Profile", soared above the frivolous text and pictures inferiously lain below. But wait... there's more. In bold, sentence halting parentheses... I held my breath and read the deep impactful words..............................

"(THIS IS YOU)"

STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!!
You mean... I AM THE CHOSEN ONE!?!?!?! THIS PROFILE IS MINE!!!!

I read it again: Jeremy Potter's Profile (This is you)

The picture bearing an oriental, doubled chinned smiles next to a beautiful blonde... the profile labeling every deep, intimate, inspirational "my favorite movies", "favorite quotes", and "job description" entries.... they are all mine!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Well kiss my grits and slap aunt Susan...

Yes, it's true. I have loligagged into the dark temptation and Netherworld of the facebook. I was warned about its addicting power, but I gave no heed. I enjoy it however. I have networked and contacted people whom I have not beheld in years. The random texting on my wall and pictures tagged onto my site make me smile often... one even made me giggle.

In other news:
I bought a used Xbox from my boss today. It was a rather good deal if I could say so myself. I received the unit, 2 controllers, a few games, a headset, and standard componets for $125. Not bad considering a new unit with one controller and one game goes for the retail price of $179. I am quite pleased!
Why such an impulse purchase? Because I want to get good. Good at Halo. Thats right. All this is for the glory of halo. I tire of teens in our youth group gloating delightfully over my digitally dead body 25 times every 15-20 minutes. It has become a passion to become a Halo pro.

God have mercy on my soul.

The church fam has been pretty dispursed over the past month. However, we are so incredibly excited about what God has been doing recently. Over the past month, we have been raising money from current and former church family members alike to pay off the property we have been paying for over the last few years. We are close to pay off, lacking only $4500/ $400 per month. Dale and others have been heading up the fund raising and special contribution operations and have done a magnificent service doing so. After contacting as many as possible, God had moved everyone to contribute a grand total of....

$11,000 dollars!!!!!!!!!!!

UNBLIEVEABLE! God had provided his church in Alvin with almost $7000 more than what we asked for. I was reminded of Jesus feeding the 5000. Not only did God provide what was needed to fill our need, but extra scraps to be collected in the baskets. Money is money, but we are more excited that God answered our prayers with such exuburance and thunder!

We are a blessed people!

How have you been blessed this week? Leave me a note, I wanna know!

Because of the Messiah whom provides,
Potter

Changes...

2005-12-11T23:21:00.000-06:00

So I totally dodged the month of November on here. Sorry 'bout that.

It's actually been an incredible month in everyway. The job has been good and I'm loving staying at the Nelson's and worshipping here with the church fam.

God is amazing. I've heard inspirational stories of God's work in the Bible and books written by Christian authors. However, none of that matches the feeling I've experienced while God's hand in my family's life and my own.

For the past 3 years, my parents have struggled through a divorce after 22 years of marriage and 20 years of ministry together. Every since then, Dad's been praying for forgiveness and for reconciliation in his relationship with Mom....
Two weeks ago, Dad was involved in a massive wreck a couple of weeks ago and was close to death. He went around a curve too fast in his rig on a wet road and rolled it on its passenger side and slid for a 100 yards or so. If it weren't for his seatbelt, he would have slipped between the cement and cab. Well, fortunately, no one else was involved in the accident, which was considered his fault since he could have driven more defensively. Now the feds say he can't drive for 3-5 years because of his at-fault accident. Appearantly mom and he had been talking casually for a couple of weeks before the accident anyway. Well, mom was like, the are hundreds of highing paying jobs in New Orleans. If he wanted to, he could stay in the house and get a job to get a new career going
....An answered prayer!

However, just today, I found out that Mom lost her job. Her company was at risk of hostle take over for several months, but Katrina made that more possible. It's going to take another adjustment for me to get use to picture my parents together again, but spirits are high that God will reveal what His plan is real soon. God still amazes me.

Today was a really good day for me because I started teaching the 4-6th graders in the church family. Those kids are so smart and alive! They brought out an enthusiasm I hadn't felt in a long time. We had fun drawing on balloons and reading over Matthew 22:15-22 and talking about the gifts we give to people and to God.

The elementary and middle school kids performed a really good and funny Christmas skit tonight also.

I'm glad to be part of this church family. They make me smile.

Because of the Messiah who loved His own,
Potter

Great Job, Great Team, Great Concert, Great God...

2005-10-22T19:10:00.000-05:00

That would be the summary of the past week.

What can I say, it's been a blessed week. I'm happy, the city's happy, Roy Oswalt is happy, and the rat terrier is happy... all is at peace in my world.

I love the job and the co's (workers) got me hooked on the Astros. They're a wild pack. Like, everyday is designated Astros day. Jerseys are worn...foam finger full fledged...and large 10 gallon foam hats are worn. The Astros spirit dwell in the vault for sho!

I'm watching the first game of the World Series with Valerie the cuz. She's cool. Kinda bilegerant at times.

Did you know that Boston Terriers don't know how to bark unless they are in the prescence of other dogs?

Make sure to keep Chalmette (and New Orleans area) in your prayers. I've spent a couple of weekends out that way with a relief team and friends. It's amazing seeing the blessings and huge changes in lifestyles taking shape. While I see the Love of God shining through the relief teams in storm shelters and in the frontlines, I see the frustration and despair in in my friends who have to buy everything back.... including homes. For the next few weeks, families will live out of hotel rooms and make shift campers but the recurring theme that prevails is that everything lost were "just things." God love and bless those who lost more than that.

The college ministry is starting sunday night small groups. I pray that God's prescence will dwell in our group and bless the hearts and lives of those whom we minister too.

During my lunch break I'm reading through two books alternately. "Twelve Ordinary Men" by McArthur and "Jeremiah" by...well, God, right? I appreciated Jeremiah because I got to read about God's intense love for his people, but their disinterest in Him. I enjoy Twelve Ordinary Men because the insight that John McArthur provides about the Twelve and Christ spawn new insights everyday. For instance, McArthur describes Jesus as being "perapatetic." In context, this means that Jesus taught as He walked along with his disciples. Jesus didn't wait for Sundays or Wednesdays to teach... he talked and taught in some of the blandest settings. For instance, there was one time Jesus was walking through a grain field on his way to some destination and told a parable regarding the spiritual harvest involving wheat and grain. Christ saw the value in presenting lessons using their present environment...as though it were an ancient visual aid.

Please pray for a friend of mine who experiencing a lot of pain and shock right now. I am choosing not to say her name and keep her name confidential, but God knows whom you'll be talking about. She is being faced with a failed marriage. I spent some time encouraging, praying and sharing scripture with her, but she is going to be faced with some very serious decisions over the next...well, a long while. She is a new believer and still has maintained faith in God. In some ways, her current situation is promoting, excercising, and maybe even stregthening that faith. Thanks for lifting her up!

I hope things are going well with you. You should leave a note O' love. It'll be fun!

Because of our Lord, who's wants you to come home with him,
Potter

Breaking the law four days consistantly...

2005-09-13T21:00:00.000-05:00

I bore shame as I realized that my car had gone uninsured. That changed today.

I have just carried a great sense of blessing over the last week. I started A&E last wednesday and everyday has been refreshing. Working 8-5 brings a sense of structured-ness to my weekly schedule and the people i work with are co-workers I've yearned for. Although I don't know if they are christians, they are fun and some-what ... mature.

My job is... kind of a random job. Basically, architects send their drawings to A&E and then tell general contractors to buy blueprints from us for a small or large negotiated fee and then the general contractor will use the plans as a tool to place a bid to build the project.... um, woah. All over the place. Ok, so the job in detail doesn't sound very exciting... but I'm being serious... I feel like I feel a good niche at this job. The work atmosphere is very comfortable and I have confidence I'll be able to advance through the ranks.

God is good. He does great things. It just takes a mindset that stays aware to notice such things.

Because of our Lord who worked for his keep,
Potter

I CAN'T POST ON YOUR BLOG!?!?!...

2005-09-06T21:53:00.000-05:00

oopsy.

Yeah, so i changed settings without knowing what i was doing. It's ok, you can post now. Except for spam commentors... they don't make me smile much. Don't worry though, God loves you. Until you call his house with foolishness. Then his wrath becomes fury. I should know. My spam prayeres didn't get much response.

Today was a day of rest. A day of transition if you will. Tomorrow I start my new job. I think I'll like it. Today, I spent time at the church helping...well, trying to help organize the housing arrangements. I helped take a few matresses to a family who evacuated East New Orleans. And then I sat. Hey, I can call the 'seventh day' if I need it. '

Hey, i'll appreciate some prayers for tomorrow. I pray that tomorrow goes well and... well, that people like me :) I mean, not asking this in like in a self-depressive, low-egotistical kind of fashion. Just that, I don't have many friends since I am new to Houston and I could use more. A&E will be a good avenue for such things. God is good. I have faith things are working out.
Hey, this isn't fair, I want to pray for you too. You should leave prayer requests in the comment section. Just a thought.

I hope you have a blessed day today,
Jeremy

"Do you know of any Mercernaries?...

2005-09-03T09:24:00.000-05:00

we might need them to get back in New Orleans."

Silly Mrs. Moisyev, mercernaries are for Russia! Mrs. Moisyev is an incredibly cute little russian woman, complete with accent and all. She is a regular guest who is the russian translator for the cosmonaut in the ISS. She lives in New Orleans and she has been desperatly looking for her parents whom she hasn't heard from since the Hurricane. She always carries this smiley, negotiable attitude when she comes to the front desk. Her head barely comes above the counter and her glasses magnify her piercing eyes as she looks up at me. She makes me smile... especially when she is weird... in a russian way.

Mom and I made to her house in LaPlace, LA and happy to report that the house has been saved. Ironically, there was litterally no visable damage. The only inconvenience out of the storm is that Mom's fortress gate drooped a little from it's hinges. (no, for real, it's a fortress gate complete with a big ole plank to secure the door).

We've been blessed. Everyday, the news from the southern gulf gets worse, especially New Orleans. We miraculously escaped damage from the hurricane. However, my hometown Chalmette is a different story. My friends houses lay under 15 feet of water. Some families are trapped in the attics, waiting for that magical sound of an axe breaking through the roof. The hearts and strength of the rescue workers are heroic. I ask God for His blessings on their efforts as well and the welfare of the refugees.

Sure, I wondered if God's intention was to strike down New Orleans. Although it's a convenient assumption, I have nothing to back up that claim. No, I'm for real. Gabriel is still yet to come and tell me such things. It's ok, I don't feel rejected. God's angels don't appear to me frequently. They probably have better things to do than settle my musings. However, if good ole Gabe were to come right now, I'll probably forget about New Orleans, thus nothing would get settled about that issue.

Hurricane Katrina actually opened great opportunities and windows in the southern states. Houses, cars, furniture, money, etc has been stripped away from almost 4.5 million people. The aftermath tested, strengthened, and built personal relationships. Thousands of people are rushing to the aid of strangers. After days of relentless silence, loved ones reunite with running hugs, sighs of relieve, and tears of joy. Friends rejoice with families who frantically greet relatives who were once thought to be dead. God had been pleaded to through thousands of prayers and meditations of the past few days. Hey, you should donate a little to the american red cross! You'll be helping out my friends in New Orleans. It'll be appreciated...

Because of our God who makes starting over possible,
Potter

There She Blows....

2005-08-30T21:33:00.000-05:00

No... not susie blowing bees off herself... I mean Hurricane Katrina.

It has been extremely busy at the hotel. I think this is the first time we have been properly staffed and we have been doing amazing! Refugees have been filling the hotel since Friday and I have been glued to the TV ever since I found out the "big one" was going to finally hit New Orleans. Wow, it's been an adventure watching the storm, especially for me since I am native from there. After the bustling winds and rains took out buildings and levees, my entire parish laid wasted under water. Dead bodies, debris, and rooftops are the scenary left behind. Luckily, Mom and my friends made it out fine, leaving the replaceable possessions behind.

It only took a day for Mom to find out that her house in LaPlace was not flooded at all. The only threat had been trees. Tomorrow I am heading out early to Beaumont to meet up with Mom to see if we can make our way back to the house. I'm also going to take some supplies with us to bless some people who stayed behind and now are left without water or food. We ask God that His prescence be with us.

Tomorrow I'm heading out to Louisiana with as many supplies and I can afford. I pray that God's glory shines. I'm excited to see what He does next!

Because of Our Lord who floods our souls,
Potter

OH LOOK!!! THEY HAVE BLUE BELL ICE CREAM!!!!

2005-08-26T16:43:00.000-05:00

...."well, bless their hearts."

Yeah it's true. Grandma Sue got a little excited after checking-in today as she passed the suite shop. It's ok, grandpa Moses kept her blood-sugar down. They're a cute couple. Their presence made me smile.

Today is a good day! Maybe it's the harvests of sleep I had in combination with the long vacation after Freed. Today, I just feel good! I should write a Psalm like David did when he was in a great mood. Maybe an ode. Perhaps a couple of Haikus would be more fitting.

God who's majesty is great and not so wee
Your presence is like sugar, in bitter tea

"It was good for me to be afflicted...
...so that I might learn your decrees."
Little did I know, that was more than a tease

You know, I once heard a great sermon which outlined and highlighted several prayers of faith warriors in the past: Moses (Ex 15), Hannah (1Sam 2), and Jesus (Jhn 17). When you read each prayer, hear a personal cry out to God. A psalm. Detailed. Personally tailored. Not vague in the slightest. Have you ever wondered what prayers are really all about? The word invokes a distant emotional response in me. "I'll pray for you","I'll keep you in my prayers","We'll put you on the prayer list." - hearing these phrases over the years seemed to numb the word.
I love the word our greek brothers used for prayer: Parakaleo -"To call beside." Omgoodness... what a different that one notion makes to me. Growing up, "Prayer" meant speaking toward God in a kind of cold corner waiting for His response through time. "Parakaleo" is a proactive method saying "God, I need your prescence here with me." Hey, it's not unreasonable asking for God's presence. That's what heaven is all about anyway, right?

Is God walking along side you today? Just ask Him, and believe that He will! The Messiah said "Whoever asks through calling God to your side, and believes will receive." No,.. no. God will not grant every request, but he will answer every request. You silly creation :)

Read the Bible, it's good for the soul.

Because the Messiah who has been there from the beginning,
Potter

Days of Elijah...

2005-08-25T18:51:00.000-05:00

...i wonder what those were like anyway?

Ok, so I've put in my two weeks notice at Hampton Inn. Their response? "Eh, we suspected it would happen." WHATS THAT SUPPOSE TO MEAN!? Am I that obvious. Eh, yeah, guess I am. My first day at A&E is Sept 7 and the more I think about it, the more I see how blessed I am to get the position. It's just about everything a college graduate could ask for in benefits and work environment. When I ran some paperwork downtown yesterday, one lady said "wow, thats a great company to work for. You're going to love it!" Ok, so it was only one lady probably paid to say such things, but it impressed me :)

Ok, so you know how weird things are witnessed in the hotel industry? Well I gotta story for you. Why this man comes stumbling through my lobby doors at 9:30pm, with krispy kreme donuts and milk in hand, and comes up to my desk? He shows me a key card and proceeds to slur to me "Um,......I don't know what hotel I'm staying at." I stare at him blankly trying to figure out if he hit the bottle too hard or if he's a little slow. My first reaction was a little irritation. Why doesn't this guy have his act together enough to know what hotel he's in? Man, he is in a messed up situation. I asked him a few probing questions, but their was no resolve. He wasn't my guest, so in a small ploy to get him off the property I told him that he is probably a guest at the InnTown Suites and sent him on his way. I watched as he walked out, stumble past the bush-wall and on to the hotel. Then it occurred to me that the hotel's office is closed... oh well.
About 20 minutes later, another gentleman enters the hotel carrying krispy kreme donuts and walks up to the front desk. "Oh boy, here we go again." He said "Hey, there's this guy who just knocked on my door and he doesn't know which hotel he is in. Is this your key?" Then I explained that he came in earlier and I thought he was at the InnTown. Appearantly he wasn't. So I volunteered to call LaQuinta Inn and ask them about the key. I identified the key to them and they said that was their key. The guy thanked me for my detective work and walked back out. He went out to the man, took him by the arm and walked him over to the LaQuinta to make sure that he made it home alright. Unbelievable servitude! All I could think about is how much I should have been the one to take on that attitude.
I even felt a little ashamed. My priority was to get a neusence off the hotel property. The other guy's priority was to comfort the man and get him back in a safe place. I don't know if the second man was a christian or not, but he showed me a little bit of Christ's character. Because of his example, my new priority is to worry more about Christ's perspective than hotel security.
May God grant me His perception of everyday life, so I know where to plug in and serve.

Because of the Messiah who showed compassion.
Potter

So... that new job right?

2005-08-22T19:50:00.000-05:00

...thats what you'd be saying to me if you knew I had a new job.

God answers prayers. It's just that simple in this case. I took the first step in sending out resumes... but he made the connections. How? You should call me. We'll talk about it over brunch. You'll pay ofcourse.
The company is A&E Graphics. I'm excited because it is the first daytime job I'll ever have. It also provides medical benefits and such and their character and attitudes are too awesome. They are so positive and ... well, liberated. The dress code is laxed, even jeans are permited. There's practically free parking... meaning it's 13 bucks a month...i can handle that one. The only downside is that the company is located 50 minutes away from my house. Oh well, get a closer house, right?

God has been revealing new things throughout the last few days to me. No, not just the whole "new job" thing. I mean, through life in general. God has been calling on me to change my mindset. I've been trying to break a certain self-centeredness I've been plagued with. It seems as though all I can think about is what is my next need rather than thinking about creative things to brighten other people's day. God has also shown me that I need to take more initiative in my church family, but also in everyday life. I'm just existing right now...there's not much substance. It's human nature for me to think "well this new job will make things different in life." The truth is, no matter what environment I'm in, reflecting God's character should dominate over anything I immerse myself in. God, give me the strength.

I also ask God to brighten and bless your day. You, the reader. Yes... you. What's been on your mind lately? You can put it in the comments if you like, or email me.

Because of the Messiah who doesn't think of himself,
Potter

I Want a Job that pays me more!!!!...

2005-08-13T18:32:00.000-05:00

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

Good one James. I wonder what lesson I'll learn today? Maybe he'll use the blind lady using the seeing eye dog, or perhaps the pain from the stitches on my finger, or maybe the chubby little kid who smiled at the free cookies as he walked in the hotel, or Mrs. Griffin - a guest who always comes to the front desk with a smile and offers to buy me a krispy kreme donut, or maybe the Nelson's when I walk in the front door tonight. So many wonders God places within my reach, and I often look past them. I need to pay a little more attention today and worry about tomorrow... well, tomorrow.

Because of Our Lord who just wants us to worry about today,

Potter

White and Puffy...

2005-08-12T17:19:00.000-05:00

no, not cotton fields, just my finger. It's damaged.

So, I experienced my first martyrdom-like activity. As I lazed about Wednesday afternoon, my cousin comes in sick and complaining of stomach-aches. As she stumbles in and runs for the bathroom, her mom kindly reminds her to feed the dog. No fear, I'll take her burden upon my back and couragously hurl a can of dog food outside and feed that which had been starved for a few hours. Well, to my demise, I found myself exerting maximum amounts of strength and speed in my de-canning techniques. After my task had been completed, I found the tip of my ring finger dangling painfully. The dog was most disgruntled because I had failed to transfer the food from the can to the dish before I had run inside to fetch assistance. No worries... Ellie just ate out of the can. She could rough it just this once I suppose. Caralon and Valerie wasted no time rushing me to the 5 bed hospital of Alvin. Its small size proved helpful because there was no line. I was in and out in 1hr and 1/2. Those people...love 'em to death. Caralon says that the chick at the counter totally dug me. She was cute. Perhaps I'll call again.

Our leadership retreat last weekend was pretty awesome! It was all thrown together at the last minute, but it came out so well because of all the dedication and hard work put into by the adults who went along with it. My favorite part was when reenacted the Last Supper. Candles lit the room as we sat on the floor and ate a typical passover meal. We even read some scripture and remenisced about what the Last Supper was about. Then we had a ceremonial feet washing. It was inmportant since this was a leadership retreat. As Christ showed, a influential spiritual leader must be willing to do humbling acts of servitude. The ACOC kids are awesome. I'm glad God has them around.

Wednesday was too early of a morning. I awoke around 5 in the morn and stumbled up to the church building. Yeah, stumbling around in a car during the drive is quite disturbing. I got stares. We fired up the griddles and produced bacon, sausage, and pancakes for all High School students alike. You see, it was the annual pancake breakfast. An awesome way to start off the high school year. After eating and time came, we packed up the current high school students in the church van and made haste as we traveled 2 blocks in 20 minutes. No...it really happened. However, little did our high school sweethearts know that the adults, high school graduates, and myself had a wee little plan asunder. We weren't just going to light candles and standby silently as the kids exited the van. Actually, we turned up the cheesy, accordian filled, mexican radio station to the max, rolled-down the windows and screamed out everything we can think of. "GOODBYE SNUFFLE BUNNY","SCHOOL ROCKS, YEAH!","WE"LL MISS YOU!!". and the dreaded "WE LOVE YOU!" all while the horn and lights are activated. Heads were turned... it was great. However embarrassed they were... alteast people wanted to know who they were and where those crazy Jesus people in the green church van came from. They walked out of the van knowing they were loved.... awe, tear. Later that morning, we did the same for the middle school kids. They were embarrassed too. It's really funny how things quite down when a loud bunch passes a cop. Windows miraculously roll up and radio music turns down by half. Gotta respect, right?

I just wanna give a shout out to Jessica Phillips. She's had a rough couple of days, but she's been lifted up to the Father. Hey, can you ask Him to help Jessica out a lil. Thank God He's there to be able to make things better.

Because of the Messiah who is cool,
Potter

Man Dressed for a leisurely sunday drive....

2005-08-07T18:14:00.000-05:00

Yeah, he's here in my lobby.

So it's another day at work. I actually enjoy working sundays at times. The hotel is usually always less than half-way filled and the phone-ringing stays aslumber. Here's to being the front desk guy during Sunday's.

Last weekend was some-what exhausting. I engaged in a leadership retreat with the Alvin C of C youth group. I love those kids... but not neccesarily in a grandpa-ish sorta way. We had fun doing a hands-on, reflective reenactiment of the Lord's Supper. It was so awesome! It even involved a candle-lit dinner sprawled out on the floor as everyone around the table reclined on pillows and sleeping bags (mock mats.) When we discussed unity, we labeled each other what body part they represent in reference to paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians 12. I think the funniest one is when they first labeled Aaron G. as a germ because of his contageousness.

Today was a good day in worship. I love it when Mr. Wofford leads singing and prayers. I also enjoyed today because I wasn't assigned anything to do. I just got to sit with the church fam and kick back with God for a little. It's good to do that often.

I enjoyed Jerry's lesson today from Romans 9. God leaves an open door for a relationship with him. The free-will created in us gives us the opportunity to close that door. Often we grow confused and angry at God because of a "strain" in the relationship... or lack there of. The door in the relationship will be closed... or open slightly and we'd want to know why God is treating us poorly. God is consistant. Our perspective is limited. We were created to learn through doing. Frustrations come from limiting God or altering what God has laid out in his revelations.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if we remembered everything God said and did it? Would it be amazing? What if everyone lived the perfect life? Would the perfect life be necessary? What if we attained the desire to read God's word to further our revelation, rather than just completing another Christian duty? Let's ask God what he is willing to reveal to us today. I think it'd be cool... whatever it'll be.

Because of our Lord who Sings... Zeph 3:17
Jeremy Potter

Car ride with God...

2005-07-23T19:07:00.000-05:00

it happens frequently...

It's been awhile since my last blog. Sorry 'bout that to those who've eagerly been watching and vulturing my blog daily. I'm not sure if it's because I hit a void in my life where I didn't have much worth sharing, or because my schedule had me swimming aimlessly over the past month. The latter happens a lot. Like a cruise vessel billowing ofcourse into the bermuda.

Caralon and I had a real good heart to heart. The Nelson's fancy that kind of environment. I fancy it also. I had a revelating experience on that day with Caralon. Growing up, I was one of the easy going lads. Lazze Faire... what happens, happens. I mean, if it's going to happen, it's for a reason right? I've lost that attitude somewhere over the past 4 years. Perhaps it's with my russian pocket watch Pops gave me from his '92 mission.

When I became a college student, I found myself constantly... ok, obsessively planning my future. I felt compelled to chunnel my way through classes to direct myself toward BBA degree. Then when I transferred to Freed-Hardeman, I felt compelled to build my social life. I buried myself in crowds, went to social functions, joined two social clubs, tried to find a "church" clique, etc etc. I exherted myself for a whole school year. However, I didn't feel like I was making very many friends. I began to become disappointed. You can even say my ego took a nosedive. Back at home, I was a social garu. My clique was big and newcomers to the clique loved me.

Later, I became inspired to be like my professors... you know...have the spiritual answer to everything! If someone asked about a subject, snap, crackle and POP... 12 verses and a sermon are breathed out of my lungs. People saying "SHOOOOO... who you IS.... God? Holy Spirit? You up in there?" I wanted to be able to deeply analyze the scriptures and be able to come up with the perfect biblical answer. Boy, it sure did feel good when i tried to do all that. I was clearly going the right direction!

However, i didn't make many friends. Bible scriptures poured in my head, but were soon forgotten. I went through Freed-Hardeman for 3 years, and didn't even leave a mark. Now I'm left in Houston, wondering what to do next. I went after all my temporary goals. Some were a success.... most of them were not.

This summer, I carry an aftertaste of frustration, exhaustion, and unaccomplishment. At the beginning of the summer, Danielle and I had hopes and dreams of becoming servants in all different areas. We needed a place to start. The soup kitchen idea was the most popular. So we scurried about early, early saturday mornings and shuffled over to "Oper Door Ministries." A shelter for guys who want to leave a life on the streets. We did that for about a month, but decided to abandon the idea. I came to Houston with big dreams of being an overactive servant with an overactive group. I'm still waiting.

How can I place blame on anyone? Even if I have someone to blame, I wouldn't know what the blame itself was. I had no fuel for the fiery spirit I yearned for. Wednesday, I poured a little of my heart out to Caralon. Lord knows that if I poured out my whole heart, I don't think it would make any sense to her. I wanted her mental cognition in tact when I left her prescence. At the beginning, she began a prognosis that I didn't make sense. She told me that I was too controling over my relationship with God. I denied that. If anything, I was seeking out what God had in store for me. I was at a Christian University for crying out loud! I was taking Bible classes, hanging around "the good crowd", helping out a church during the summer, trying to make more christian friends to help keep me out of temptation and uplift me when I was about to fall..........

But then a thought hit me. I was happier before I went to Freed. No, like... for real. I was surrounded by not-so-christian things, but i stayed faithful to God. I was known as "the christian and/or Bible" boy. Friends asked about the Bible in private. I left all that for what I thought was right for me. Maybe it wasn't what God had in mind. What if God had plans further down the road? But I think "what if this is God wanted?" It was an overnight decision! My whole life changed in a denny's dining room when discussing life with my friend lindsey. It was so spuratic it had to be a God thing!

I use to be a believer that if I wanted a certain life, I had to shape it in order to earn it. I thought business was the perfect field to go into because of it's flexibility. I shaped my life around that major. I knew that the best way to become popular was to hang around as many people and be funny. I shaped my life by hanging out in the faces of the crowds and going to functions. I using assumption and ideals to shape my life. Maybe that wasn't the right course of action to take.

I'm reminded of the time God told Abram and Sarai that they were going to have a child. We remember that they scoffed at God, even laughed. However, there was a certain amount of belief that God was a promise keeper. When the years went by and Sarah didn't have a child, Sarah thought that maybe they had to take the first step. Hagar was the first step. How often in life do we feel as though we should take the first step for God? I did.... often. Now generations today pay with their lives over the mistake that Sarah made. If Hagar never gave birth to Ishmael, there would be no Muslim nation who claim the birthright given to Isaac. What a doozy!

Caralon's kind words told me... you're too controlling... too limiting. She's right.
My heart, my mind, my body, my soul.... well, God, you know the rest.
~~ Deut 6:4

Because of our Messiah... who really is the know-it-all.
Potter

Conspicuously Shuffling Krispy Kreme, Chocolate Milk, and Freshly Baked Hampton Inn Cookies...

2005-06-30T20:37:00.000-05:00

... as a good ole dad squanders about with his two sons.

It's obvious that the health-freaked mom is staying at home as the three desperate boys enter my gates of the majestic Hampton Inn & Suites NASA Cearlake. Watching the dad herd the boys in hurriedly and exclaimed "Hey, look here JR (insert name), let's take these too" soon followed by a young blond lad gasping and frolicking about his newly founded loot. Quite the musing.

The past two days have been pretty revelating for me. I sat down with a shrink.... well, actually a friend of mine from Freed who has a masters in Counseling and just kinda bounced off thoughts and reflections about my life. Thanks Bethy Ann....(a pet name... she's not a hick or anything).

Today was a great day because I got to spend some meditation time with God. Last year I bought this audio Bible with the intention of listening to it on my long drives home from Freed. I also intended to listen to it on random drives altogether. However, I soon learned that ADD conglomerates such as myself do not take well to listening and driving for prolong periods of time.... NO!? I listen to you! Just not the other guys. They're boring. I love listening to you :-D

Anyway, I read along through the first 7 chapters of Luke with my audio Bible. What an unanticiapted refresher. I love reading along with another voice and inspirational music. Music is an amazing moment maker... you know, it enhances the emotions of the moment. Often times I spend so much time looking for God in outside sources I forget to look in the Word. I read stories I had forgotten and read some I never paid attention to before. I can't wait to do it again. You should do it too! No for real, come over!

Because of the Curer of Spirits and Diseases,
Potter

Shekinah: Word Becoming Life

2005-06-27T21:07:00.000-05:00

Enter it, Dwell in it, Spread it

Shekinah: Hebrew lit: God's Presence and/or Mercy Seat. It origianlly pertained to the area between the cherebim wings on the ark of the covenant in the old testament.

Why rummage in such thoughts and reflections? Well, I am part of founding crew for Alvin Church of Christ's college ministry retreat. We fancy the event title. It makes us smile... and giggle just a wee.

Just last week, I went to New Orleans... I and Danielle. It was fun to be with old friends. It was so fun that somehow we got finaggled into going on a cruise in december.

Anyways... I just wanted to blog for the eve since I am approaching the one month anniversary of my unintentional blog fast. Graduated life is good!

Because of His Blessings,
Potter

Pink bunnies and snuffaluffagus

2005-05-30T17:03:00.000-05:00

No more school causes such visions....

You know, I don't think graduating has hit me yet. Nope, only the grueling strikes from my cousin has grazed my being. I picture dandelions and pink bunnies as the idea of no more homework enter my head. I am at peace.

Right now I am employed at the Luxurious Hampton Inn & Suites at NASA at the moment. It's where I have been working for the past couple of years. I like it. It's cozy.
However, my years at Hampton may soon find completion. Why? Well, being a graduated professional such as myself, I find that the hotel is not capable of sustaining the massive amounts of money I should be making. In fact, I am making about half of my potential pay. I returned here because I felt so welcome. They even held a job open for me... how could I reject such niceness? However, I sit perplexed everday realizing wondering what other career could I get myself into that pays more and that I enjoy equally?

My job dillemma also rests on other variables. As of last week, I found myself positioned among the youth and college ministries at Alvin Church of Christ. I'm excited because the Youth Ministry is gearing up for good things this summer and the college ministry is going to be building foundation with the help of myself and co-ministers. I am bewildered however as to how I can accomodate such a task since I have no experience in the field. I'll be gleaning from others in the church and other churches for help over the next few years so that our endeavors will be succcessful. If I become extremely active in the ministries, maybe I should keep my low profile job.

God's been great these past few weeks. I hope he's busy in your lives. Look to Him this week. He's got plans for you.

Because of the Ressurected Messiah,
Potter

The beginning of the end

2005-05-13T09:02:00.000-05:00

I'm graduating tomorrow!!!

Thats right buddy! I have been in school for 17 years and I am ready to bail! You know, it's kind of a sobering thought. I spent 17 years getting ready for life, and I still don't feel ready. Still feel kinda...incomplete cha know?

Last night was really relaxing. Some floor brothers of mine are renting out a cabin from the local state park for the summer and they had their welcoming party yesterday. At 8pm, they lit up a bonfire just a little ways from the lake and we sang around guitars, enjoyed smores and fireroasted hotdogs and stuff. We even had a little devo to end the night. I love staring into a flame while singing. I wonder what it is about fire that is so interesting. I think God was a pyro too because he always talked about light and fires of hell and, well, he even represented himself as a fiery pillar in Exodus. I don't think God has to worry about fire safety though. He did create it afterall. Your job is still safe Smokey the Bear. Do not fear.

Ok, so graduation practice is today. My parents are going to be here in the eve and things will be set. It'll be a little weird for me because the will be the first time that parents and I have been together since 3 years ago August. This should be interesting.

God has been great and I look forward to see what he's going to do with me over the next few years (God willing). I have no clue what to expect and I'm leaving it into his hands. Talk to God today. He likes ya.

Because of Lord who's already graduated to heaven,
Potter

Another one accounted for...

2005-05-06T00:02:00.000-05:00

blessings that is.

So Mom has been working in her new position as Comptroller with Sizeler Properties Incorporated. She fathoms it greatly. She fancies the exuberant, laxed atmosphere. She has many maidens and lads to do her bidding. She has always been in accounting management, but she's always been stressed out because she had no one to assist her work. The responsibility of the accounting department rested on her shoulders with a minion or two to delegate work to. But now, she is working for a company publically trade on the New York Stock Exchange. A company that, she is confident, will take care of her till retirement. May God grant her that luxury!

As for me, I am at rest. I actually feel post-senior-project joy returning to my soul. The last project was turned in at 3:53pm Wednesday... and I haven't felt so free since 6 weeks ago. It's quite a treat. I'm very anxious about moving back to Houston. My parents have benevolently granted me a large sum of money that'll pay some bills off for me for the next couple of months. That'll help me settle in with more ease. God bless my parents!

I'm looking forward to being with the church family in Alvin again. I miss those kids (meaning adults also). They're a cool bunch. I can't wait to see the Nelson's again too. They make me smile...and laugh too. God bless them too.

Because of our Messiah,
Potter

WHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOO NELLY!

2005-05-02T12:27:00.000-05:00

What a roller coaster ya'll... and I'm talking about Dollywood either.

SO MUCH OVER THE WEEK AND WEEKEND! Well, I won't get into it. The pennicle was when I lost my cell phone. Don't worry, a chick answered it and gave it back to me. God bless the woman's heart, I don't even know who it was. Maybe it was an angel!?!?! ... what's that song? Coulda be an angel...or something. Nah, just a benevolent heart out there who couldn't pawn my phone off even if they wanted to.

I thought today was going to be hectic, but it actually turned out great. I only had one class and even then, i was told that the final was non-comprehensive and a take-home... in MGMT ACCT!!! That reminds me to turn on the news and see if Christ returned.

Ok, i think thats enough taking.

Because of His Blessings,
Potter

Jacked Laundry detergent and Japanese speaking video games...

2005-04-25T15:36:00.000-05:00

Those are the current events.

You know, just when I thought leaving my laundry detergent in the laundry room for a few hours would be ok, I return to an empty carcass in the trashcan. Someone jacked it...ALL of it. We're talking half a container! IM APPALED!

Oh, my roommate is playing some dumb fighting xbox game that can't speak english. All it says in English is "k.o" and "weiner" (winner) in some annoying cheerleader, foreignish accent. What a nerd. Almost as bad as a Star Wars nerd.

So, the semester is slowly winding down. I have to find 2 hrs community service to do by Wednesday for Business ethics and I have to write a 30 page Annual report with my business policy group.

But on the flip side, I discovered a pretty cool potential job opportunity! Some guy told me about signing on as a store manager for Walgreens. Hey, before you judge me, they make pretty good start pay. There is four levels of training for a store manager in which the first level starts pay at $13.40 an hour. There is a raise for every level accomplished. Woah... I'll sign up for that. Right now, the appearant plan is to send out resumes to hotels in the Houston area. Then I'll find alternative source to go to such as Retail stores and Walgreenish stores. Pray with me that God will land me in a good spot!

Hey, you should leave a comment. It's good for your fingers.

Potter

No Direction

2005-04-23T00:49:00.000-05:00

So, where do I go now?

I graduate in 3 weeks... May 14th. I'll publish a list of exceptable gifts soon, no need to worry.
Mom has signed the contracts, reviewed possible housing, approached the board of directors, submitted the drug test (and passed, phew), and recieved her security clearance. She is officially employed in New Orleans, LA. For the first time ever, she has the priviledge of working for a company willing to pitch 4000 bucks to move her 6 hours east back to the Big Easy. As for me, I am saddened. One of the huge perks of moving back to Houston was being close to my matriarch...that is no longer possible. I have many friends and potential jobs in Houston and I'll have no problem settling there. However, the question has popped up in my head... what am I going to do with my life. Freed-Hardeman has been a life changing experience (not in the way I hoped, but none-the-less, I'm a different person.) I'm not necessarily tied down to Houston, although it seems to be the most desireable place to be for the time being. What's God going to do with me? No, really God...that was a legitimate question. Ok, I'll wait.

So anyways, nothing really new to talk about. Chapel hasn't be very entertaining...nor spiritual really. Mainly just people making appearances on stage. Nothing profound. Quite often friends and foes alike ask me what I think about chapel programs. Quite often, I respond "I don't know." I don't place too much attention to them... unless something outrageous happens...like Titanic firedrills or Menengitis panics. Every once in a while, a religious talk will find its way into chapel... but it usually is doused with cliche lessons and predictable conclusions.

Its the last semester of school...and boy does it feel like it. Exit exams, Projects, book reviews, research papers, powerpoint presentations, stupid retarded "Do you like Freed-Hardeman" surveys to fill out in order to walk across stage, stained suits in OK, underpaid jobs, over loaded schedules, overwhelming classes, over paying tuition, bills piling up, sloppy roomates, atleast 2 quizzes a week, homework everynight, social-life building, reviewing moving terms with parents, seeking out future jobs, searching apartments,.... sometimes, being unhappy seems so easy. Hold on there Jim... I think Rick Warren was right when he said trying to fulfill life's purpose isn't about fitting more into life, but actually taking the unnecesary filler out. I have a lot of filler. It'll be nice to get out of school and get some breathing room. It is good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn His decrees. Hey, the poster is right. That is a good meditative phrase. Alright, tomorrow's is an early day. Maybe I'll finish that 300 page book tomorrow just in time for the paper. Cousin, much love and hope and best wishes and chocolate chip cookies for the exegesis due in the upcoming days... I'll look that word up in the dictionary. Oh, Deanna, a shout out to you too.

Because of our Lord who finds time for me,
Potter

Lo, for my loins are full of inflammation...

2005-04-13T12:11:00.000-05:00

Thanks King David... Ps 38:7

The weeks grow hectic as the semester comes to a close.
Motivation is harder to come by and I often doze.
I groan when the clock chimes, yet I celebrate and throw massive feasts when it's time to go to bed!
Projects herd and crouch at my door that I dare not open.
My roommates are sloppy, yet somehow make me smile around the Xbox.
ERISA is hard to learn about. I just had a test on it in Organizational Rewards and Compensation class. I am saddened.
Bible classes bring hope and new learning. I smile and leap gleefully.
I love my cousins...especially Mandy. She makes me boxes and cds...that, appearantly sway my love.
Deanna is a new friend. It's easy to have fun around her.
My church family is a blessing. I can't wait to see them again.
This poemesk-like extended haiku no longer rhyms.
My dog is old... she may die soon
It has been raining for days. Its a day of mourning.
Graduation is May 14... It is a day reckoning... much like the day of our Lord... but less glamorous.
Danielle is my friend. Her smiles have grown few. Perk up sunflower....Perk up!
Be like King David... He knew God
Yesterday was a good day. I was treated to a free steak meal at Outback by the sponsor of the recording crew for Makin' Music.
My mom yearns for a job in New Orleans. She seeks God's counsel about that.
Cousin Jerry maybe purchasing a car soon.
Caralon has a great heart. I enjoy her company.
Valerie and I eat What-a-burger too much. They have good shakes.

No discipline seems to be joyful for the present, but painful. After it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have trained by it.

God is in the 'Ex Nihilo' creation business... out of nothing. God makes universes out of nothing. God makes flesh out of nothing. God makes His children out of nothing. We create love for Him, but that is not Ex Nihilo. He's given us His love to work with.

God loves symbols. Symbols are images that bear a thousand words. The Old Testament in and of itself is one big symbol. The New Testament in and if itself emphasizes one big symbol.

God is constant. God brings peace. God consists of Agape.
God loves obedience. Obedience creates insight. Insight leads to understanding.

Thoughts can be random.

Because of the Firstborn,
Potter

Stomach Viruses and Makin' Music Wins...

2005-04-10T01:55:00.000-05:00

It has been to incredibly long since my last post!

Omgoodness... I just realized how much I have to catch up? Ugh, I don't know if I can make it thorugh this. Ok, Here we go.

Stream in the Desert was last weekend. I left Freed Wednesday to go to LR. I stayed with my beloved friends Nol and Bethany. Thurs, I flew out to make it to Midland, TX. My flight was delayed and I didn't approach the hotel until about 11:30 pm. I stayed in my cousins room. They love me. I reciprocate that love! Friday morning, Mike Cope put on an amazing Leadership convention. I loved the Leaky cup lesson... I was like, um, woah! I need that cd. Friday night was nice. Saturday, we spent time in the auditorium lifting up God and spending time together as a national church family. The afternoon was fun due to the comedian Tim Watkins. I love him. he should have kids. I would go into more detail...but uh, it's 2am.

I came home and had a hectic week with Mgmt Acct. I'm scared im going to fail that class and not graduate. Be prayerful... So Makin Music was this week and I had the awesome opportunity of being part of the recording staff who makes the dvds and vcrs. I was part of something creative, gotta love it! Well, thurs I appeared to have contracted a stomach virus. I left work early thurs and proceed to lose my groceries out every end possible. I went to the hospital friday when i felt woozy. The doctor informed me that I had either 24 hour and/or 48 hour stomach virus. Only time would tell which I had. Thanks doc. Well, after popping pills and sipping on gatorade (Woah, do I detect a polka song in the making?) I slept for 20 hours and felt refreshed this morning at 9am. I recorded some more of Makin Music with the DVD crew, I worked overtime at Pizza Hut, and I now I am going to sleep. Oh, Xi Chi Delta got first place, Phi Kappa got second, and Sigma Rho got third... Eh, you don't care.
I love you guys. Hey, talk to God now. He's a cool cat. I love Him a lot.

Because of our Prince who brings Peace,
Potter

A great church family makes the whole week better...

2005-03-24T19:43:00.000-06:00

....nooo, I really mean that one.

This has been SUCH a hectic week, ya hear me? Everyday (no, literally, everyday) I have been on the road heading somewhere filling agendas I've been looking forward to all semester.

Last friday, I was on the road with Desmond, coming back to Texas. I love Desmond, he's a great guy. I can always have great Godly and Biblical talks with him. He actually inspired me to consider preaching school again. I'm not 100% sure that that is the path I am to take, but it's still in my...considerations.
Saturday I got to sleep in till 12 noon... that's still foreign to me. I awoke and ran around town with mom. We ate at Texas Roadhouse, which is the best steakhouse in the world. The have the best yeast rolls served with CINNAMON butter... mmmm, love it! Then we drove around downtown houston and checked out perspective jobs for mom and I. It's wasn't too fruitful. We then came home and played some games.
I drove on over to Alvin and slept over at my couins (whom I love dearly and above most things...and people). We spent sunday morning worship with the church family and it was soooooooo good to be there. I haven't ever been to a church with more open arms than the Alvin church of Christ. I went back to Katy to go to church with mom so I could go to Memorial Church of Christ with her.
Monday, I didn't wake up till 4pm (what a sloth!) I hung out around the house with mom for awhile and worked around the house a little.
Tuesday, I woke up at 6:30am, I don't know how that happened! We took my car to the shop and then I took mom to work. I hung out at Alvin while the mom worked and the car was worked on. I come back to downtown Houston to pick up mom and I experience the wreck (refer to previous post). I felt so disappointed in myself over that. It took awhile to recover from that one, you know?
Wednesday, I spent the morning calling State Farm, body shops and rental car places. We settled on Honda to fix the car and Enterprise to get a rental. I settled things just in time to make it to Alvin and worship at the evening assembly. It was just what the doctor ordered... It so good to be there after a hectic week. Then I spent the rest of the night with the teen and college group hanging out for Garret's b-day and then driving over to cousin's house to play Phase 10. Now thats a fun game! Ever played it?
Thursday, I had spent the night at cousins and I went to church this morning to hang out with the crew setting up for the program for Easter Sunday. Then I came back about midafternoon to meet up with mom and take the car to Honda for it to be fixed. We picked up a Ford Escape and then came back to the house just in time to CUT THE YARD!!! WOOOOOO, outta my way, I'm already there!
Why did I write all this? I don't know. You're bored. You should eat kiwis...

Our God is Real,
Potter

I have scarred and defaced my mother's car...

2005-03-23T14:05:00.000-06:00

Thats right, I got in my first accident that was my fault. There goes my pride of being a non-neglegent driver.

Spring Break hasn't been that restful afterall. I've had agenda after agenda to fill, now I know what cousin meant when she needed a Spring Break after Spring Break. Why do we do this to ourselves cousin? I need a Sabbath or something.

Today I am calling insurance agents, body shops, and rental car places vigorously as I attempt to restitiute for my failed avoidance of an accident. What happened? Well, I was driving merrily along (perhaps TOO merrily) as I was going to pick mom up from work. After picking her up, we were due to pick up my own car from the shop, which was there for maintainence work. Well, Downtown Houston is cold, dark, and scarry when one doesn't know his way around town. I was just a few blocks away from my mom's building when I gaze over my left shoulder to catch a glance of the street sign to make sure this was the street I was to be on. Well, next thing I know, I look back over the steering wheel to see a Mazda Rx-8 gaining close proximaty at a ravishing speed. I slammed on the brakes, my ABS system clicked away, and then I found myself in the trunk of the sports car. Ok, so wait, the sports car took on hardly any damage...really. A few scratches and dings. Prolly about $500 worth of damage. Wait, sports car, probably about 1million dollars worth of damage. Mom's car? Woah... I pushed the bumper back to the radiator. That sucker was steaming all over the place when I was finished with that accident. Bumper, fender, headlight, hood, radiator...all damaged.

You know, I didn't think about this forced implication until now. Following Christ can end up like this a lot of times. From the interstate, I was able to find my way to mom's building the entire time. The one time I look away to see what path I am on, I wreck hard. Think about that one.

How's God blessed your life today?
Potter

Smelly, Lingering Bologna Burps....

2005-03-12T03:42:00.000-06:00

A quote from Ann Marie, See inside for details if desired. (Is that how you spell that word anyway?)

Ok, so I get I a random inkling to go on HoustonChronicle.com to see what kind of jobs are brewing in...well, where other than Houston, right? So I go to the ever so convenient Hotel/Motel section and what do I spy but the dream job I have been yearning for? KID YOU NOT when I say this. Ever since Houston Hilton Americas was built a year ago, I always said "Dude...that would be the most fantastic job in the world...what if I could be Assistant Director of Front Desk Operations there...so awesome." Lo and Behold... an opening is available. Qulaifications? Well, one must be familiar with "On Q" hotel computer systems (*Check!!!) and have three years experience in hotel industry (*Check!!!!). What holds me back? Oh, just the mere fact that I am a stinking Senior BBA major still stuck in TN till May 14!!!

However, there is a God that answer prayers! I've been praying about it and I would like to invite you to join me. You know, the above sounds like complaining, but it really isn't. If it doesn't work out, I know God has other things lined up. He's been there for me in the past, rely on that hope, right?

Speaking of answered prayers, Mom has been doing well at her temp job. So well, in fact, that the guy is considering taking her full time. No big surprise because this is what always happens with mom; Temp jobs become full time because they see what a great worker and Christian she is. I love her, you should too! God's been good to her. Keep it up God!!!

How's God been working in your everyday life? He doesn't just split seas and raise the dead, he does unobtrusive and inconspicuous things too! Just watch for 'em!

Because of our Lord who loves to sing (Zeph 3:17)
Potter

Rain and no Unbrella...

2005-03-09T17:53:00.000-06:00

So it's raining....and I have no umbrella.

In other news, my roomy (Justin Dale) just purchased the 9th season of Friends and we are loving it! It's even harder to go to be before 2am now, unbelieveable.

Heat and pressure is really starting to build. Ok, maybe it's not so much realistic pressure and heat as much as it is perceived disgruntledness. There are two classes right now that just get my goat. One is too demanding and the other one is just dumb, and for some reason, they ruin my day. I can't let that happen! I got better things to look forward to right! Stay positive! Eat corn! Play with Hampsters! (Lord, this is the perfect day to return! ***gaze)

~~Potter

I am afflicted...

2005-03-02T11:52:00.000-06:00

WITH A BAD CASE OF THE SENIORITIS!!!!!!

So for a whole 7 days I know that I have 3 tests on Wednesday, today. However, what do I do but finanader in front of TV and loligag at work and not study. Needless to say, I didn't do my best. I regergitate the same excuses; "I"VE SPENT 17 YEARS OF MY LIFE IN SCHOOL!!!"... ok, end of list. What a scrub.

So in other news, Mom finally acquired a temporary job paying a mere $35 /hr. What a waste. (CHYEAH!?!) I'm happy for her, because now she can pay rent and not be avicted, always a plus right? With the rest of her loot, she can pay other bills and feed my dog and fish (they need love and the basic needs of Maslow's Pyramid too). Their names are Pedro and Sisco. However, praise God for the opportunity, because we have been praying for God to provide. Now we see the benefits of the prayer because he is giving her the resources and opportunity to work just enough to pay her monthly debt. In the past, she has always impressed the bosses of the temporary job and ended up fulltime anyway. I remain confident that things are working out the way they are suppose to. I think that's cool. Trust God! Thanks Lord!

Yesterday was a refreshing day for me. Every Tues, a group of us huddle up in a friends apartment and open up the Bible to James (Greek: actually means Jacob, did you know that? Foolish English Translators!!) for open thoughts and discussion. I had the exciting (yet daunting) task of leading the thoughts of the night. I thought it went well. I love the feeling of teaching because I learn so much more when I am put in the leadership and/or group guiding position. Don't you? Whether it be Bible, science, math, ebonics, or other culture and ethnic languages? Afterward, a select few decided to read Purpose Driven Life afterward and reflect our path off of that. I love that study!

Our disciplinarian at FHU sign letters of punishment (pertaining to stupid, trivial things I might add) unaccording to my will. He signs "Yours cause His?" or "Yours through His" or something of the sort involving keywords "yours" and "his." The sentence structure makes no sense, plus,.... I hate it; Ok. WOAAAH, strong wording. No no no... no hate, just extreme dislike due to context of the manner and matter. (much love to the Dean of students!)

Because of His blessings,
Potter

Smacking Tacos on the upper lip enhances sniffing pleasure...

2005-02-28T13:29:00.000-06:00

Atleast, that's what Wee T found out.

So today was student recognition day. I don't enjoy such programs. It's embarrassing to those called up and a catalyst for jealousy and hatred for the Lamans in the audience. However, today should have been "let's see if the smart people actually show up to chapel day." Almost half of the people called up were not in attendence. Great planning indeed. Don't get me wrong, I believe in recognition of people's majestic talents. Just not in a setting where people really don't care. KnowhatImean Vern?

Ok, so I have a confession to make. After much jestering of people who surcome to what I once considered foolishness... I think I may have a Halo problem. I may need to seek out an awareness group...seek addiction therapy. To the unfamiliar of the Xbox path... Halo (1 and 2) is a great game for everyday Microsoft xbox fun! Well, atleast those who are of age...preferrably metting the Jewish bar or bathmitsfa age of 13.

I heard a good randition, or illustration, in Lev/Num/Deut today. The convo began by discussing all of the numerous graves encompassing the outside gates of Jerusalem. Jews and Christians alike are buried there because of the belief that the Messiah will come to Jerusalem and ressurrect his people. Naturally, these people would have front row seats and discerned, yet hopeful priority. Then the teacher busts out with "Ever seen Schindler's List (the movie)?" In real life, Schindler ultimately saved 1077 from disgruntlement, dismemberment, and death from the tragic German deathcamps. Originally, the factory made pots and pans and household items for Germans.
Although Schindler himself was no saint, he saw the inhumanity place upon the Jews. Through pity, he began hiring Jews, sparing a few at a time from immediate death or humiliation. After moving his factory from Germany to Cheklosavakia (um, woah, sp?), he pulled strings in the German military to have over 700 Jewish men and 200 Jewish women sent to work for him outside of the country, ultimately sparing their lives! Every Jew in Germany wanted to be on Schindler's list, because that was the path to getting out of harm's way. Men were packed into boxcars like cattle and sent to him soon after his request. However, women were boxed like cattle and sent to Auswitcs to die. Schindler was more avid in pulling string for more woman, so he was able to put together an approved list of names from the German government. Then a German official went to Auswitcs, and read out names of the selected women. Names, not prisoner numbers, but actual names. Unheard of. Germans didn't address dirty Jews by name. Those women were put on trains, left Germany, and spared because of Schindler's pity and sacrifice. When the Russians and Ally forces came to Schindler's factory to arrest Germans in violation of humanitarian crimes, all 1077 Jews sign an affidavit contesting that Schindler saved their lives from the Oppressors. All this to say that Schindler is buried outside of Jerusalem, and even today, Jews approach his tomb to pay honor to him, because the are so joyful of his efforts and commitment to humanity justice.
What a cool illustration! No, no, no, we're not on Schindler's list, but in the Book of the Lamb. His people will be called out by name, rather than social security numbers...or other numbers that apply to paying medicare, or government secured retirement funds, etc. We all sign an affidavit contesting that Christ saved our lives, by putting him on in baptism and growing in our spiritual walk. We don't have a tomb to visit and pay honor to, but we pay honor to the firstfruit of the coming ressurection by telling Christ's story, God's passion for his creation, God's expectations, and ultimately growing through teaching. Being a christian is much more than contently holding on to a name, it's a the way of living that'll attain the goal God has planned for us all along.

I've only seen the movie once. I need to see it again. Bible class rocks....even if I don't get gold stars for memorizing verses. I should approach the board of directors about that one. Maybe the president. He has veto power.

Because of our Messiah,
Potter

Juicy Fruit tastes like old men

2005-02-26T02:27:00.000-06:00

...so says my good friend Ann Marie Williams. Ofcourse Barton thinks Juicy Fruit tastes like Wenesday night church. My taste buds, clearly, are not as advanced as one had hoped.

Tonight has been a great, relaxing night to bring a close to a stringent week. This week, I had a 7 page major paper due on Wednesdays. For those who are seniors, you would know that it is now harder to write a paper that's 7 pages rather than 15. I had an exam and memory verse test. I worked Monday,...growl, but yay tips, right? OH HEY!?! We learned about Lasik surgery in chapel today.... yeah, that's what I said. I guess we ran out of God and campus topics. However, I have to commend the doctor because he is hillarious and he made chapel worth going to. He made jokes, I like that.

So tonight, I awoke at 6:30pm after a small nap to find myself invited out with a few elite friends of mine. We left at 7:00pm and made it to Los Portalos. That is a mexican restaurant. AMAZING FOOD. However, I'm pretty sure the waitress hated us. We tipped her a dollar...and 50 cents. Then we went out to Starbucks, got hot chocolate and...(I cant even say it without salavating)...UGH, expresso brownie. Ok, wait, give me a minute. Ok, good,..I love that brownie! It's like, we had the biggest love affair in the world. Then we played an intense 2 hour game of Spades. Wow, it WAS intense. Then we paid Walla Walla World a visit. To the laman, Walmart. However, Amber didn't have much fun because she got sick over in Aisle 6. Stephanie and I lusted over the Easter chocolates in Aisle 12. Don't you hate it when you go to Walmart with no intention of buying things, and then walk out with $25 worth of stuff? **Guilty.

Psalms and Wisdom Lit has been amazing this week, as usual. Maybe I should just start a new blog talking only soley about that topic. Today was pretty deep and I'm not sure if I could repeat the evidence and scriptures brought up. I'm not even sure if I could repeat the thought. However, until today, I've always assumed that after Judgement Day, one would become disembodied from the physical one and be a free, floating spirit in some eternal realm. However, evidence leads us to believe that there will be a new physical world, just not enrapped in sin. Woah. I wonder if we'll still have to hunt buffalos with spears. I don't think i have ever done that. Maybe there'll be a Mcdonalds instead.

I think that's enough for now,
Potter

Breaking traditions...

2005-02-20T23:09:00.000-06:00

That was the message from Bobby today at skyline. I love that church!

You know, I am am being severly challanged in my thinking these past days. Just when I think I have things figured out, I am back on my knees searching for answers I thought I had. I'm thankful that I have the contemporary concerns class because it is helping me stretch my critical thinking skills as well as making my faith my own. Right now I am stuck. What does God expect? Ha, good one, right? I believe that the Bible has expectations from God, I mean afterall, it is a revelation from Him, right? Wow, I could spell my thoughts out in detail, but they don't make much sense right now. I am in the middle of a painful, confusing growth process, but it actually feels good. Who would've thought.

Finding healthy, progressive churches in the area is hard. However, I have found one awhile ago and I am excited. (Not as good as Alvin C of C though). It is Skyline church of Christ and I have made it my personal mission to bring Freed students to it. So far, few o' students have accepted the invite, but the ones who have enjoy it immensely! It's great to be in a fresh, worship atmosphere at the end of the week. Skyline, makin' it great!

Ugh y'all, for real, working at Pizza Hut is hard, ya hear me? I thought I would be a gent a volunteer to be the closing cook since the original called out. Um, woah, what a mistake. I worked 9 hours and I left the store blisterous, soar, cut up, ruffled, and smelling like chlorine. All for close to minimum wage. I really started having thoughts about what hell was like. Praise God for Bacchelor degrees and college, right? I work tomorrow and hopefully I'll get to be a driver so I can make the tips. I felt a lil envious of my roommate lately. He is a server at Red Lobster where it is not uncommon to make 100 bucks in tips in one night. Oh well, be happy for him and give God the glory, right? By the way, it's been raining for 3 days. I wish it would stop.

God has done amazing work in my life. There have been a couple of times I fell subject to laziness and despair, but somehow he found a way to promptly lift my head and encourage me to perservere. Praise God! You know, God is a good guy. I love Him, you should too. He has a way of making people smile.

Because of the Messiah that allows us to smile,
Potter

Nose Pickers and Sleepers...

2005-02-17T09:12:00.000-06:00

That's what I beheld in chapel today besides a woman up on stage speaking about stories...and *litrature*, story-telling stuff.

So as my optical organs begin the glazing-over process, I feel compelled to glance over to my right and I see this girl sleeping. We're not talking about the casual "oh, let me try to prop my head up so it doesn't look like I'm sleeping" manuever. We're talking full-fledgedly turning completely to her left as far as she can go, raising her left knee all the way up to her chin and nodding downward as to keep the light from striking her eyelids. It was such a bold and daring spectacle that I took a picture of it on my cell phone camera. Sorry, I don't have internet access to send the picture from my phone, but I'll be keeping that pic for a loooong time to give me a lil "heee heee" once in awhile. Inquire the next time you see me as for you to see it.

OOOOH, but wait, that's not the end of chapel. So after I take my picture and I am showing everyone the picture, I look back to the stage and in my peripheral vision, I see a ruckus going on back to my right. It can't be "sleeps in fetal position girl", she is out! Who other than the my sloppy roommate is shoving his right index finger up his nose, trudging around, and bringing home the goods. I tried to take a picture, but the girl behind me thought it would be funny if she stuck her hand in front of my camera as to block my view. It wasn't too funny. She was cute. She can do that.

So my week? Well, um, it's sooo busy. (surprise, uncliche answer, right?) I'm so suicidal after my mondays and wednesdays are through. I have 6...that's right, 6 classes on mon and wed. I'm going full throttle from 8:30 am to 4 pm with only a 1/2 hour pit stop for lunch after chapel. However, I cannot complain. Perhaps I should have contemplated all of this before I engaged in auditing threes classes.

My Psalms and Wisdom lit class is amazing as always. I learned the meaning/purpose of life on earth if you care to know. Ok, well Purpose Driven Life helped with some of my explanation. It's so refreshing to be around a teacher who knows his stuff and non-conservative. His influx and high capacity of knowledge makes me happy. It makes me smile and feel all warm and beluptious inside. Wait...is beluptious an appropriate word? Sarah help me out, you're the queen of extrensic vocab.

~~~Potter

2005-02-10T01:26:00.000-06:00

Wow...There's a lot of God going on here.

Ok, so it is still lectureship week. I've only made it to,...like...three lectures. Afterall, despite the subject matter, they are still boring lectures right? Open Forum has been amazing and has answered many questions for me. I am excited about Friday morning because there is a debate that is to be conducted. Oh no!, we're not talking some little student-sponsored mock debate that the nerdy honors kids put on. This is the real McCoy (what is a McCoy anyway...Like, doctor McCoy from Star Trek?) The subject? Well 2006 represents the official anniversary of the split of the christian church and church of christ regarding instrumental worship, so that is going to be the topic. There is to be a panel of three gentlemen representing three aspects surrounding the issue: "Instrumental worship is sinful", "Instrumental worship is not a strong enough subject to divide churches", and "Instrumental worship is acceptable." Everyone, their momma, and dead grandma is going to be there, I say this with no exaggeration. Debates to Freed-Hardeman is like crack to crack-addicts...this is a huuuge issue and event! People have traveled far and wide for this spectacle. Ugh, it's going to be crowded.

Ok, question. How does one effectively tell a roommate that they are in a sorry, dysfunctional relationship with a selfsih, selfish girl. I've lifted this issue to God and friends, but I'm genuinely concerned about this guy. I need suggestions.

Spread the love and remember God. Afterall, He loves ya, right?
Potter

Lectureship Week

2005-02-08T12:10:00.000-06:00

UUUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..........

What's wrong with me, for real y'all (that one is for you cuz)! I fell asleep at 5:00 and I just woke up at midnight. I only awoke to eat and use to the bathroom. I feel like a big ole grizzly bear and I'm just waiting for a stray hunter or small child to come in my hibernation cave so I can pillage him and share him with the herd/flock/group (what are a group of bears anyway?) I need to learn how to make myself go to bed on time everynight. For the past week I have been going to bed at 3am and awaking at 8:30am. Ok, I know some of y'all acquire 2 hours of sleep and some how by the grace of God still someway to have a wonderful, happy day with butterflies and birds fluttering about your brow as you pick up your first cup of coffee for the day...and I very much....don't (Danielle and Jerry...you disgust me.) Everyday I have to hurddle my body to the ground and recissitate myself in hopes that I will make it just one more day!!! Oh well, sap story right?

Lectureships are going as well to be expected. I'm not really feeling them this week though, however I am LOVING the open forum. Open forum is headed up by my favorite teacher/mentor Ralph Gilmore and it is where people ask questions freely and he uses analytical and critical thinking to solve them. Absolutely amazing! That's pretty much all that excites me right now. That's it right now. I'm going back to sleep. Send me some sympathy!

~~Potter

THINGS ARE ARUCKUS IN CHAPEL

2005-02-01T15:41:00.000-06:00

We have sang two "liberal" songs as an opening song for chapel two weeks in a row...what's going on?

On the website Freedies.com, maybe people seem perturbed at the notion that we have opened chapel with two songs not known by many, "When I Look into Your Holiness" and "Coming Back to the Heart of Worship." Multiple reasons were brought up as to why the chapel commitee shouldn't have used those songs... but I like them a whole lot. They make me happy.

However, I'm happy to be at Freed. Things seem so different than in the past. Maybe it's because I've changed for the better. God answers prayer ya'll, for real. I never thought I could feel the way I feel now. My relationship to God has inspired me to reach out to others here on campus. I've been using "Purpose Driven Life" as a tool. Nobody here has heard of it before, so I have taken the time to read over it with them. It has turned into almost a nightly event. My approach is to have a good theological talk with someone, and then bring up PDL. If they haven't heard of it, I make the commitment with them to read the first chapter with them. If they don't want to go on further, then I acknowledge that. However, I have made the commitment with 3 groups of people and they haven't turned away from it yet. PDL has been an awesome tool 3 fold. First it encourages spiritual time throughout the week. Coming together over the past few days has allowed us to share, thoughts, concerns and communion with each other. How refreshing! Second, it seems to encourages refocusing our relationship to God. Thirdly, it provides a new way of thinking about God for many people who grew up in small churches. It's been highly successful thus far. Remember us in your talk to God today and ask Him to reveal himself more and more to us. Things are going really good!

May God Bless you in your efforts to know Him better everyday,
Potter

Ah, yes...Zepheniah 3:17...LOVE that verse.

2005-01-24T23:06:00.000-06:00

So says my overly-anal, yet somewhat liberlike psalms and wisdom lit professor.

In context, I'm in my Psalms and Wisdom Lit. class and we're talking about anthropomorphism (God poetically given humanistic characterics) among a great VAST of awesome topics and revealing subjects. We are talking about Psalms 2:4 and debating if God possesses a rumpus in order to "sit" or if God is right handed. A young gentleman next to me raises his hand with a comment that he feels would add to the thoughts we are having about anthropomorphism. The young lad is called upon and he says, "so is this like in Zephaniah 3:17 when God is dipicted as quieting with love and rejoicing with us by singing?" Immediately, Dr. Youngblood (weird right?) starts thrusting his head in agreement as the room hushs. "Ah, yes...Zepheniah 3:17...LOVE that verse. Ok, is it just me, or did the professor just reflect and create a sense of exhuberation over a book many do not even know is in the Bible? A few of us chuckled...I was happy for the moment.

I'm really impressed by the newly dubbed Bible faculty member. Students rumor him as the "walking" commentator and I fancy the visual. Every class is so packed with knowledge, I really am like a Compaq printer screaming for mercy as he moves from thought to another. I now pack ice in my backpack so I can occasionally stick my over worked phlanges for relief and healing as my other hand continues to write vigorously. However, don't ask me to share any powerpoint presentations before I can write a bibliography about the guy on every slide. Why you ask? Oh, lets just say that the first day of class, we spent a good five minutes in a little chat about how these powerpoints are his intellectual property and he doesn't want to walk in a church and see his powerpoint flicking away in the middle of a sermon... atleast without giving the Dr. credit for doing so. Oh, by the way, do this and it is a sin. In any case, I do not mock. I merely find it humorous because I really like the guy. We're buds. We're a newly founded posse. Maybe I should call him.

Oh but no, I'm loving my Bible classes this semester. I suddenly realized this may be the last chance that I have to take advantage of Bible academia. I decided it would be in my best interest to audit a few Bible classes since this is my last semester. I am taking Lev/Num/Deut, Paul's Prison Epistles, Contemporary Concerns, and Psalms/Wisdom Lit. My second favorite teacher is Dr Powell. He is such a genuine, compassionate guy who is always wanting to serve. In his opening, syllabus speech-day thing, he talks about how his phone number is on the syllabus so any student in trouble can call him and he'll come and pick them up if need be. Ok, so it impressed me. Dr. Terry Edwards, so knowledgeable about Biblical history! UH, LOVE IT. And Dr. Gilmore...I am such a Gilmore groupy... I love it when he does open forum during lectureships. I really do think he is the smartest, philosohpical person I know. There are two people whom I want as a mentor, and he is defintely one of them.

Um, woah! So, going on a tangent about Bible teachers, right?

Because of Our Sympathetic High Priest,
Potter

So I'm pretty sure it's E. Claude Gardner Day!!...

2005-01-19T23:54:00.000-06:00

Who is E.Claude Gardner prey tell?

He is the ex-presidente of that which was and is Freed. Ten years ago, this man occupied the majestic presidential office and he has returned, in all his glory in chapel today. Why did he return? It's his 80th birthday, which clearly predetermines that chapel will turn into another "old person reflection day." The stage and first 3 rows of chapel are decored gloriously with greyness and wrinkles as students patiently, yet typically roll their eyes throughout the entire chapel process. It begins with the speech of the current president and all seems to be fairly well and safe from senseless talking. However, a woman then hobbles up to the stage; who other than the ex-presidents second wife. She proceeds to tell a rather disturbing, taboo-like story describing her relationship to brother Gardner. She first met him when he hired her as his presidential secretary back in the 50's. Just a few years ago both E. Claude Gardners and this woman's spouses die. A year later, they get together and get married. All of this is in a nutshell which really took 40 minutes to explain, but I couldn't get the imagery of a president married to his secretary after his wife died and her husband died.
Anyways, afterward, the city of Henderson and Chester County (both prestigiously manned by church of Christ officials mind you) decide to declare January 19th "E. Claude Gardner Day." Why? Who knows. However he is know for quotes such as "Let all things be done decently and in order" at the beginning of chapel and "Let's get outta here" when chapel is over... I'm pretty sure that's it.
After chapel, I ran vigorously to the bookstore to purchase the first "Happy E. Claude Gardner Day" greeting cards, but clearly the bookstore remained in the dark regarding this infamous holiday and all marketing tactics regarding this holiday remained void and nonavail. For shame. All this to say... Happy "E. Claude Gardner Day" and let all things be done decently and in order... rrright.

Other than this, God has answered a lot of prayers for me over the past few days. It seems like the environment of Freed has changed for me. So far I've been experiencing an unshakeable joy that I've been asking for during the remaining days here at Freed. Thanks God!!!

Because of Our Savior,
Potter

How Was Your Break?...

2005-01-17T23:23:00.000-06:00

UGH!!!! If I hear that one more time, I am going to snap someone's head off!!!

Ok, Ok... I know its a courteous question to ask someone whom you haven't seen in 5 weeks... but it's so cliche to me. So empty! I've made my way back to Freed as you might can tell. One more semester, then it's over. You know I get very cranky when I move about the country...does it show?

Ya'll I'm soooo tired of moving from place to place!!! I'm ready to settle down. No more "Oh, lets go to school in TN," or "Oh lets go home to Houston," "Lets go back to school!," "Lets go see some friends," "Oh, lets fly home," "Oh, lets go to Tulsa to see dad and then fly home" AHHHHH. I promise, I am not leaving my house for a year once I graduate (which is a good thing since my job will lock me in until vacation time, right?) I'm all asunder and fluxed!!!!!

I arrived on campus today. Greeted roommates and dormmates alike with the same hollow "Hey how's it going" as I walk about aimlessly. You know, I really don't know what it is about this place. Over three years, it has been so difficult to create a deep, meaningful relationship here at school. I use to shuffle blame between the school and myself until I went crazy. However, I think I am just on a different social plain... meaning sarcasim, jokes, and thought process. I met someone else on campus who is pratically my TWIN! and she is facing the same difficulty adapting to Freed. Alas.... There is difinitely something in the air. I went to a devo tonight at 10:30... and it just made me miss my church family even more. I have been cast in sorrow!!! Remember me when you talk to God tonight. Thanks :-D

Because of Our Sympathetic High Priest,
Potter

Jonestown....the morning after

2005-01-01T10:59:00.000-06:00

Thanks Hotel Night Auditor man for keeping drunks at bay while the hotel tries to slumber.

So I work at Hampton Inn & Suites right? Last night, I had worked the 2-10pm shift in order to welcome 50 arriving guests to our property. To my dismay, the hotel engaged in a marketing scheme to bring in more business during our slow hotel season. The scheme? Form a contract with 2 bars in the area saying that we will provide a room, shuttle to the bar and back, and late breakfast and checkout all for the price of 45-60 bucks. Fine and dandy right? Well I had no problems checking in 50 guests, (well, besides psycho women in tears throughout the entire checkin process because she hates men and I was one of them. Schitzomaniacs...right?). The shuttle bus left promptly and all was honky dory. I left the hotel at 11 pm to join festivities at ACOC and came back to the hotel to sleep at 2:30.

I arrive at the front desk approximately 8am to greet a very disgruntled Hampton Inn & Suites Night Auditor. "Whats up?" ~~ the flood gates open, the dam has broken wide open and I go through a 1/2 hour debriefing ending with my screams of disbelief and yelling "STOP...STOP IT I SAY!" What happened? Well, the 5th floor was designated the drunk guest section for the bar sojourners and/or barhoppers. Suites 510 and 512 become the official party room with kegs...thats right...kegs of beer. DJS, radios, loudness, drunks, untimely sexual conduct, trash, cans...you got it all at the newly harloted Hampton Inn & Suites @ NASA clearlake. I had to bring forth what little comforting words I knew in spanish to tell our tired, discontent housekeepers as they waded through the cans, trash, and puke in the 5th floor hallway. The rooms? Yeah, trashed as well. But thats not the best part. At 4:30am, the party was raging. Multiple guests called to complain, not to mention a family staying on the floor with twin babies trying to sleep through the night. After 5 calls to keep things quiet, the infantry was sent in. Houston cops on the call to extinguish the New Years party and to save what was left of the floor. How many times did they come. Oh...just twice. They believed that they paid for the floor (although it was a miniscule rate almost half the normal cost of a room) and they were going to be quiet for noone. After several cop appearances, the crowds settled down and began to pass out one by one.

This morning, the family upstairs with the drunks chewed us out pretty good, but rightly so. Not only did they have the worse night ever, but they are now going to bury their grandmother. I was cast into deep sorrow. I wanted to make things better, but alas, God did not hand over the spiritual gifts needed to do so. I'm a loser, what can I say? All I have the authority to do is remove charges, i wish i could do more. I hope the hotel made the profit they hoped to have made, because cleaning, paying the shuttle guy, and all the extra stuff is going to cost 'em.

As for me, I had a humble New Years. I went to the church, hung out, played a few games, joined a small devo, and called up a few friends on the tele. I made it back to the hotel at 2:30 and went to sleep in which I enjoyed the comfort of the hotel exuberantly! No, really! I'm not just saying that because it is my duty, but the hotel really is one of the best places one could sleep and work. What a suck up, I should be stoned and exiled.

Patiently waiting for Christ to come to free us from drunken-infested hotels,
Potter

Wall O' Blessing

2004-12-29T23:05:00.000-06:00

so, church family right?

Yesterday was a fun day for me. I was dubbed the official representative of the Alvin to scurry near and far and glean any candles from flower shops willing to donate to our churchly cause. What is that cause prey tell? Well, it's a really awesome idea that the worship team came up with. Three times a year (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years) we assemble a blessing wall. During Wednesday nights before each holiday, we spend time in praise and worship with various singings, prayers, blessings from the shepherds, scripture readings and such. Then a few people hand out special pieces of paper for us to write how God has blessed us through someone in the church family. After we write the blessing on the paper, we put it up on the wall so that everyone has a chance to see how members of the church family bless others.

Tonight we added a little candlelighting ceromony to it. The objective was to recognize friendships blessed by God. We turned out the lights, and started singing songs (clayton chapel style) and everyone was invited to grab a friend and walk up front and light a candle together. It was good for me because I saw these people with different opinions, beliefs, traditions, etc walking up together willingly to light a candle representing their relationship blessed by God. At the end of the lighting, a table with 50 blazing candles stood lighting up the room with a dark, velvety glow. We continued to praise God and talk to him by the candlelight. It was very comforting for me after a stressfull week of work, worry, and travel. I hope we get to do it again soon!

So Friday, the provider of the womb that bore me is celebrating her birthday! Alas, I'm working that day, so i thought it nice to go home and celebrate it with her tomorrow! I plan on performing a good ole texan bbq complete with sugarfree ice cream cake from MarbleSlab cremery (operantly owned and operated by a Oriental dude). Does anyone else get the feeling that the orientals are taking over America very slowly through economical means? It scares me, but I have to die sometime anyway, right?

---Potter

Who is your Baghdaddy?

2004-12-28T21:02:00.000-06:00

...reads the soldier's wife who just checked in the hotel.

10 soldiers have come home and made this hotel their home for 10 days while on their holiday home. These guys are amazing. I love the soldiers fighting for the freedom of Iraq. You go boys! (and girls, ofcourse).

Ok, so im spending 53,000 dollars on a degree I don't like. I've always known it was a default degree, but I've never had a true passion for a career. However now, i have a special interest in being a Christian counselor. I know i would need to get a psych BA and Masters, but I don't know what to do afterward. I'm also not sure if I want to spend extra money acheiving these degrees. Hopefully, some prayers will be answered and money will not be an issue!

Potter

Jeremiah is my new homeboy and Santa is dubbed clear for take off...

2004-12-25T20:36:00.000-06:00

Santa's sled was officially inspected by the FAA and authorized by the secretary of Transportation to fly across United States air early Christmas Eve.

Santa's sled must have been a death trap on whe.... well, sleigh skis to warrant such precautions and inspections these days! Maybe too many reindeer and chiminey sweeps died and the human society lobbied for such action.
I don't know about you, but Christmas just isn't the same anymore! First santa's has to undergo beaurecratic-prone inspections, my parents divorce, and my limp node glands are filled with excessive fluid! What happened the magic and naiveness I once felt as a little tater tot (not to be confused with tater salad)!

Not only all this, but I'm called to duty at the Hampton Inn on Christmas day as well! I'm currently in the process of twittling my thumbs as I gaze relentlessly out the Hampton Inn door in hopes of sheltering a stranger caught in the postsnow weather crying in the wilderness seeking out a place to lay their head. As they enter through the door post, I comfort them with my maternal smile, place their head upon my breast and commense to sing "lay your burden down, we are all unworthy..." -- weary pilgrim, come, there is room at my inn!

Or perhaps you are wondering as to why Jeremiah is my new proclaimed "homeboy." Well, lets just say his book Lamentations helped me put on a new perspective for the day. My favorite verse is Lam 3:55-57 and it actually comforted me in the midst of my fanaggling and awryness. Oh, and don't worry Nelson's Ill be home for Christmas! 11:45pm to be exact!

In lieu of our Awesome God,
Potter

It's a snowy christmas...and I'm not talking about Cousin's dandruff

2004-12-24T17:41:00.000-06:00

JK COUSIN, JK. Mandy really doesn't have dandruff...or does she?

That's right, Houston is just a spit cup's distance from the equator but we experienced a flurry or two. In fact, I can reminisce just this morning when the Nelson's excitedly counted out both of the flakes that made it to the ground! Oh but this is no small feat! Those flakes faught tooth and nail (assuming that is part of their anatomy) to reach the parched ground of Houston.

Oh wow, I gotta tell you this story! I work at Hampton Inn & Suites @ NASA in Houston and as a guest was checking in, he peeked at the front page of the Houston chronicle lain upon my front desk. He chuckled a little and told his friend next to him "Unblieveable." I look up and smile and kindly inquire as to what he was looking at. He then held up the paper to display a front page title that read "If Your Boys don't obey, sell their gifts on eBay." That's right, no kid was going to be bad on christmas eve and get away with it. The situation isn't as abusive as it may sound, the article reads that the kids were disobedient and the family spent a whole lot of money on christmas when they didn't have the money anyway. Makes you glad God doesn't sell our salvation on the web when we mess up, right?

Because of Our High Priest,
Potter

A Wedding Story...

2004-12-19T15:43:00.000-06:00

Wow, what an amazing time!

Ok, so this journal is more for me than the readers, so don't feel compelled to read the whole thing. (as if right?). Summary: I was the best man at the most amazing wedding. I love Bethany and Nolan and have gotten to know their families and friends very well. I ask God to watch over them and to continue to bless their lives and ministry. I gotta shout out to Nolan, Than, Justin, Blake, David, little Nolan and John Paul: the greatest groomsmen and friends Nolan and I could ask for!

Disclaimer: Warning-This post is one page short of being "Gone With The Wind"

Details: Wednesday
I left at 10:30am on Wed with Stephanie and began my trek to the Clinton-crazed-infested Little Rock. Ok, so the road trip was only suppose to take 7 hours. However, in a desperate attempt to save milage and gas, we took little wee roads. So after nine hours of vigorous traveling, we arrive in Little Rock just in time for church!!! We greeted the members there and as soon as the final amen was said I hear "GO!!" WOOSH! We were clearing communion tables and podiems (how do you spell that word anyway?) alike to make way for the wedding. Next thing I know, I am hauling 100 pound, live pine trees out of the baptistry room (appearantly thats what grows in there while its not being used.) As you can imagine, this is a winter wedding, so what wedding planner wouldn't want to bring a live, snowy forest onstage. The design was to have 5 trees in an arbor (horseshoe) shape. At the base of the trees, they lain white christmas lights all of the floor and covered them with white, fluffy sheets and lace. The auditorium is circular with a beam lining the walls, just below the ceiling in which we placed 15 strings of ice cycle lights. After my auditorium tasks were done, I ran (no, really, RAN) over to the reception hall to do more. You'd think I was in the ER. Behold, there was a dilemma!!!! WE HAD TO SUSPEND $8 SNOWFLAKE ORNAMENTS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE OR THE WEDDING WAS SHOT! It took us awhile, but we engeniusly figured out a method of prefabrication in which we could successfully hang up the overpriced ornaments. DINNERTIME... the grooms parent's graciously went to Wendy's and purchased 33 jr bacon and other various burgers for the $.99 menu. Absolutely amazing! After we finished, we tied up a few loose ends, but relatively we were done for the evening.

I went back to the hotel room and chilled with Nolan (the groom) for while. A little Best-man/Groom chat, ya know? He walks to his parents room and next thing I know he rushes back in the room and says, "ok, dad's going to the hospital." The mother tells me to stay behind and then Nolan takes off to the Hospital going 105 MPH (no, for real) down the 60 MPH interstate. In the mean time, I'm alone in the room and I hear a stirring in the grooms man room connected to mine. It's the two groomsmen whom I haven't met yet, Justin and Than (short of Nathaniel.) So they are both awesome guys, we hit it off immediately just talking about whatever and having a good time. I get a call from Nolan at 2am and his dad is undergoing testing but things seem good. He wanted me to pick him so I took the guys in my civic and went there. After we picked him up, we decided to go for a random drive out on the town. Nothing was open, you hear me? Thats ok, because we didn't need anything to do we just drove crazy and with the intent to yell at people if we saw anyone. During this time, we cross this bridge and Nolan realized that it was the wrong way and we had to turn around. Well, I obey so I proceed to do a U-ey on the bridge going about...oh, 20mph. To my demise, there was about a 4 inch median that I didn't spot because it was the same color as the concrete and it wasn't painted yellow AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN! Stupid Little Rock. Well after I accepted the fact that I would require a new wheel alignment; the fun, music and such continued until 5 am.

Thursday

9:30 the wakeup call comes in-- thats right, 4 1/2 hrs of sleep. We all piled in Nolan's mom's van and Nolan drove us to the airport at 11am to pick up Blake and Bama (Amanda)- the maid of honor. We had to enter the gate careful so that the box of granades, or Nolan's "hemroids" wouldn't explode entering the gate. JK US government, JK! We picked up the packages then made our way to Men's Warehouse to pick up the tuxes as my first official duty as best-man. The bride met us there to pick up Bama and then we went to the "guitar center" since all of the groomsmen and groom are obsessed with that place. Then we went to eat lunch at "The Old Mill" which is a sandwhich and soup shop and they make the best bread in the world. It got embarrasing because we were moving tables across all these people until they were like "you want us to move and take our spot?!?" NO!! Difficulty is King in our world. Stuffed, full, and tuxedofied, we then made our way back to the Comfort Inn where we slumbered until the rehearsal.

5PM, rehearsal begins. This is when Nancy was no longer "Nancy the wedding planner." Oh no, the bachelors referred to her as "Nancy the wedding nazi satan reincarnate." Ok, mean right? Howver she wanted people to know about the tight shift she was running. We ran through the ceremony a few times for 2 hours and then we made to a restaurant in which I still don't know the name. However, we entered an elegant, italian themed party room which Bethany loved. I sat in the middle of the honor table where the people of the wedding party sat. I was placed at Bethany's right hand and we were served chips with cheese sauce, Italian salad, and thin pasta with very juicey strips of grilled chicken breast. After eating, it was the task of the groom's father, myself and Than to present toasts. Nolan's dad gave advice about a successful marriage. I gave a toast about how I cant get women, but I reflected on my friendship with them as a couple. Than gave a toast reflecting on Nolan before and after meeting Bethany. Then Nolan got up to present the groomsmen with gifts. I received a big old honking tool kit to keep tools in. Appearantly the running joke is that I was suppose to keep tools in it to keep fixing the Focus. However I furled his plot because I bought a new car after he had bought the gift. After all of the groomsmen received gifts I presented a gift to him on behalf of all the groomsmen. It was a pocketwatch with his initials engraved on the front and Phillipians 1:7 on the back. It was a silver watch with an amazing blue clockface that I knew he would love. Bethany then handed out Bridesmaids gifts to all her bridesmaids. After eating guitar-shaped, plum filled vanilla cake (that was AMAZING!!!!)we were headed out for another night of venture as groomsmen and bachelors. We left, did a little driving and retired to the hotel around midnight and most of the guys went to the pool to swim and mess their feet up on the rough bottom surface. I leisurely reclined in the room and chilled with Blake for the rest of the eve.

Friday

I had a really hard time sleeping last night because I had to share a queen-sized pull out sofa with a 6 foot 16 year old. I rolled outta bed about 9 am in preparation for a journey to Searcy, AR - a one hour drive. We had to haul buns in order to retrive MIA pumpkin cheese cakes from Nolan's apt and then do the whole bachelor party thing there. The bachelors set off and we were about 30 minutes out of Little Rock when Nolan discovered he had left the keys to the apt at the hotel. Ok, maybe the office manager will let us in. Nope, she's off on Fridays. Great! So Nol decides it'll be better to buy new cheesecakes than to run around and miss on the bachelor party. No sooner than 5 minutes later, Bethany calls and tells me that we forgot her younger brother John Paul. We didn't have time to go back and get him. After much deliberation, Nolan's uncle was gracious enough to make the hour long drive to us and bring John Paul and the keys to the Apt with him. While we waited for their arrival, we made way to the Farmer Joe's golf driving range where farmer joe himself manned the counter. Without missing a beat, Nolan goes "5 JUMBO BUCKETS please!" What's crawling up your shorts that we need that many balls? In fact 5 jumbo buckets was not enough to pease the aggressiveness-packed bachelors. SEVEN is our number. Thats right, and since we forgot John Paul - who met us on the course later - we bought him his own wee bucket. Dude, there is something in the gulledge blood because John and David were the only ones driving balls past the 100 yard line consistenly. OOPS, except Than! He's great too!!! David was hitting those suckers 200 - 250 yards and this was his first day to pick up a golf club. (Not counting goofy golf or putt putt) David and Than were so amazing, that Blake and I felt very sheepish and inadequate next to their beastly demeanor and somehow turned into personal caddies and cheerleaders for them. We then proceeded to the Chinese buffet and ate like Kings. We all talked about normal bachelor stuff and I gave lessons on how to eat crawfish (being the extreme cajun that i am). We talked about hopes, dreams, fears and women. After I took a picture next to the biggest fish in the world, we left and proceeded back to LR in fear that nancy will eat us if we were late.

Luckily enough, we survived Nolan's driving and we picked up our stuff at the hotel and made it promptly to the church at 5:15 --- all without losing the rings. We played Wedding Night hangman to keep us entertained. However, all was asunder when the 10 year olds entered the room. We had to go into PG mode, but we still had fun. Now we had to line up to walk out. The wedding all went to plan. The minister offered a pray, I read my speech, etc. The minister just happened to be Bethany'd dad and my favorite line in the whole thing "Nolan don't be fearful, no man is good enough to stand where you are." No sir! Well, just a few minutes into the service, one of the service girls is bout to pass out, lose her groceries, something! She's all weaving and wobbling, so the grandmother of the groom walks up to her and escorts her to the back room by the baptistry. Well, to our demise, the baptistry acted as an amplifier and groaning, crying, comforting, and dry heaving was heard by all. Fortunately, I don't think the microphones for the video picked it up. But I was impressed that the people were more concerned about her well-being than the wedding. As the bride and groom were about to kiss, a nice touch was added and Beth'sd dad held misletoe over their heads. After the party walked out, we took pictures and then went to the reception.

The reception was nice and very elegant. The bride and groom chose to have finger foods from all the countries visited during our europe trip. A picture show, complete with music, was playing which featured past pictures of Nolan and Bethany. Bethany's pictures were displayed to Enya "Who can say" and Nolan's to U2 "Still haven't found what I'm looking for." Goose and I had to make fun of the picture taken of Beth and Nol in front of the mountains, just outta sight of the hooters establishment to their left. What if a hooter's girl walked out in front of them! Then punches were AMAZING. Bethany's sister Emily caught the bouquet. However, Than, in leiu of a conspiracy caught the garder. The plan was for the groomsmen to scatter away from Than so that he would catch it...but Nol just turned around and flicked it at him. Ok, the garder was our que to run outside and trash the car. The trashing was rather simple in design. Just car chalk, toilet paper, silly string and obscene words such as sex (13 times), pimp (5 times), Bow Chica Bow Wow (1 big ole time), etc. We then proceeded to tie a double 'D' bra to the antennae so that it would fly and display all its glory. It might cause some drag and eat some gas...but hey, it would be worth it. In a mad rush I was determined to put cans dragging behind the car and I was running out of time. I only had time to rigg 2 cans to wire before I had to shove Nolan from the driver's door before he got in, pop the trunk, and slam the wire into the hatch. Mission Complete. The groomsmen and I ran to the front of the church to wave them on as they turned on the street to proceed on to Outback Steakhouse for the wedding dinner and then to the Double Tree for..other festivities.

The groomsmen and I changed back into civilian clothes and then took the bridesmaids out on the town...literally. All we wanted was a small coffee shop nearby to play cards but I got lost and we ended up driving around Little Rock for 1 1/2 before making to a waffle house close to the hotel. It was a fun crowd and we spent many o' hour making fun of the past event and hicks that would randomly come in and out of the restaurant. I took the ladies back to the Gulledges house and the groomsmen went back to the hotel and crashed on the king size bed that Nolan left us!

Saturday

It was sad, sad day. We lost Bethany and Nolan and now the groomsmen were losing each other. Oh well, get over it right? I was the last one to leave and it was my duty to return the used tuxes. I stopped by the Gulledges on the way and got to see Nol and Beth and ate all of the left over food from the wedding for lunch. What a massive feast! Then they opened gifts and they recieved the nice salad bowl from Mom (salad bowl? good one mom!)

It was a long drive home. I know this event took place only over a few days, but I really felt God's presence with the people I spent time with. We didn't have special devos, prayer sessions, or anything out of the ordinary. Maybe it's because I felt like this period of time was an answered prayer from God. I had an awesome week with Stephanie and she is an amazing person. Her and I click and we had many o' laughs in Henderson, New Orleans, Houston, and Little Rock. The time spent at the wedding was a special highlight for me. I never had a "group of guys" that I could kick back with and be so comfortable. It's not even that we had similiar personalities or traits, but I found great solice and comradery being with them. Wow,...how poetic and over dramatic can I be about just a few days with strangers right? Then dedicating a few moments out of my life to help begin the benchmark of two of my best friends was an amazing notion for me. My prayer remains that God will continue to bless their lives and ministries.

May their hearts continue to be linked together and spread the gospel according to God's grace - Philippians 1:7

There's no place like home

2004-12-13T01:46:00.000-06:00

Wow, who knew I could miss Houston so much!

So Stephanie and I have celebrated our 24 hour anniversary of being in Houston today!
We got to induldge in Golden Coral with mom yesterday! They have the most amazing buffet in the world. However, I was not mused by the "whole" catfish in which I had mistaken for filets. The bones in tha thing almost took my life.

Stephanie and I planned on being at church at 9:30am, but decided to sleep in and get some well earned rest. We strolled in the church doorway about 10:10 and decided to grace the college class with our presence. To our demise, we were immediately labeled as pharisees and officially marked for the rest of the evening. Yeah, thanks cuz...(inquire about details if you'd like to know more about that venture). Anyways, I felt so loved just before worship started because so many people came up to greet me before I even had a chance to put my stuff on the pew. My church family made Stephanie and I feel welcome and set up a great worship atmosphere for us. The praise and worship singing, prayers, sermon, lord supper, etc were very uplifting. I had longed to be with everyone all semester I was at Freed. Stephanie could finally see why I talked about my church family all the time. We went to Joe's for lunch and had a wonderful time and then we kicked back at Cousin's for awhile.

Then, we had an uplifting small group in which LeAnn shared her testimony with us about how God has touched and changed her life. She highlighted the need to satisfy the hunger for God's character and presence. A comment she made I could relate to is to stop getting in the way of letting God take control of my life. That was even a highlight in this morning's sermon. Afterward the teen's christmas party took place and I had an amazing time hanging out with them. I love those kids! As a festivity, they selected 5 kids and transformed them into reindeer. How did they do this? Well, little panty hose and balloons can certainly add to the transformation. I've got pictures!!! In the meantime, Stephanie made her way to visit friends (who are totally awesome) in friendswood. However, the Nelsons and I had an awesome time after everyone had left the house. We laughed at each other and just experienced a great family atmosphere. I will remember these times always.

A special thanks and shout out to God for making it possible for these experiences to happen!

Because of His Blessings,
Potter

Oh...wow

2004-12-11T08:40:00.000-06:00

Ok, so New Orleans right?

Finals are finally over!!! I feel kinda guilty though because for 5 days, i look over and I see underclassmen and seniors alike studying vigorously in preparation for finals. However, I am too busy resting after a hard semester to study. I'm so burnt out on school ya'll it's ridiculous. So what do I do in protest? I don't study. Ok, thats a lie, i look over some material 1/2 hour before the final as a much needed refreshener. However, I figure "why cram for 3 hours + for an exam which spans the entire semester? If I haven't gotten the jist of the class over the semester then what is 3 hours going to do?" Optimistic right? Oh, well...it's finished. Freed-Hardeman and all of its technological glory has allowed me to check my grades online and the results are in. Three 'B's and Two 'C's!!!! What in the world? I was so expecting some 'D's in there... It's no 4.0 GPA but I'll take it! This was a tough semester and I am glad it's over!

So anyways, I have been on a 4 of 10 day journey. Thus far I have spanned the globe from Henderson, TN to the depths of New Orleans, LA and now to the wonderful metropolis of Houston, TX. Why take this exuberating jihad? Well, I am on a road trip with my wonderful friend Stephanie and we are wasting time before the wedding of Nolan and Bethany. Just as a bonus I am the best man. So anyways, before Steph flies to Oregon, I decided to take her on a trek to places she has never been before. Being a West Coast dweller, she has never experienced the Cajun country nor the cowboy plateau. But now, a conglomeration of culture is swimming about her as she indulges in her travels. French Quarter! Jambalaya! Cafe DuMonde! Refineries! Plantations! Drag Queens! Mississippi River! Downtown Houston! Steak Houses! Oh what a wonderful world!!! Ok, well, region... So now I am looking forward to worship tomorrow. It has an exhausting week and I need some spiritual healing and physical rest. No better place to go for that right?

God Bless!
Potter

Why am I so worry-free!?!?

2004-12-04T01:54:00.000-06:00

Wow, finals are just around the corner and here I am bloggin'

So, tonight was the Benefit Dinner for Freed-Hardeman University. Interesting enough, they had Walter Cromkite (sp?) come and speak. I didn't get to attend, but the people who did go told me that he gave an amazing performance! I mean, the dude was reminiscing (again, spelling? Spell check blogger.com, spell check!) about the interviews and fun rendezvous (wow how did i spell that?) with little people, like President Eisenhower and Carter, etc. He talked about how Truman was stuck up when he gave cromkite a tour of the White House. He talked about the behind the scenes atmosphere of the news room when JFK was assassinated or when the Armstrong landed on the moon. He reflected on memories about WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm wars. Ok, I'm sure he talked more about other people than presidents and war. However what an amazing feeling it must be to be in the presence of someone who can reflect on experiences he had and lived what we only can read in history books.

Wow, how much greater would it be to be in the presence of God? Someone who can share His reflections when he created the world, what he had in mind when he thought of man, what did he think about when he planned out the flood, what flux of emotions did God have when His Son pleaded for his life, or his thoughts when He turned against the Christ in order to fill the promise to a people who are lower than the angels? Wow, what is heaven like? I don't know, but I know how to get there! See inside for details (meaning, me...not that I am God...but, I know some answers...)

So, naps right? I got a big ole nasty nap in!!! That's right, one of those snoring, drueling, nasal naps between 1 and 3! Mass...extasy! Ya hear me? Then, I went to an unproduction review session for Managerial Finance? Why was it unproductive? Well, lets just say i didn't learn anything over the semester and I'm not really going to learn anything in an hour, ya know what I mean?

I went to work tonight. It was a horrid day and the manager broke down multiple times. It was almost worse than playing foosball for eternity (which, by the way, would be my eternal damnation if I ever entered hell...ask cousin for details). Wow, so heaven right? Great place to be and I can't wait to be there! I want everyone to be there! Come on, it'll be fun!

After work, I went to campus devo. That's kind of unusual because they turn out to be "hell rallies" sometimes... but I had a friend from europe who was speaking tonight and I wanted to be there. Ironically enough, he used a really funny story that I was involved in as a foundation for his lesson tonight. I felt special and honored. Wanna hear the story? Wait till I am in storytelling mode and I will tell it to you. It's officially labeled as the "red handle scandle". Anyways, afterward I mingled with some buds whom I haven't seen in a really long time and then exited the scene with my friend stephanie who is truly dear to my heart! We went for a walk and then coffee and then a drive. We'll be going on a road trip soon and I am so looking forward to it!

Before I close, I want to give a shout out to my best friend Sarah Tunstall (aka, Wee T). She just had a 21st birthday and she is so special to me!!! She has made such an impact on my life and I am glad she's around! Let us pause...and give a big ole maternal smile in thanksgiving for her birth and praise God for creating a spirit like hers! Thanks God!

Because of Our High Priest,
Potter

The Focus is gone with the Wind...

2004-11-26T23:17:00.000-06:00

Or atleast gone with the certified used Honda Dealer which is dubbed Goodson Honda.

The focus has seen the last of the Potter family. A tear was had by all, but the newborn Honda civic has received a conglamerate of welcome and praise. We broke bread with the new civic at 6pm today, (see date above.) She has a beautiful, silver paint with a luxurious black, velvety interior complete with manual transmission and CRUISE CONTROL!!! Let the angelic voices of my carpal tunnel invested ankles rejoice with mass exuberance (word?>) The car has great pickup and a quiet ride. Only one flaw... a, fixable flaw, if you will. I need to replace the rear tires due to low tread... FRET NOT!!! My business major senses activated immediately. I swiftly negotiated that I would buy the car on the..."provision" and/ or.. "condition" that the dealership would replace the tires to my satisfaction. They had no chance. IT WAS AN OFFER THEY COULDN"T REFUSE MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Anyways, God has seriously answered a pray. Although I was already blessed with a car, God replaced it with something a little less...shall we say, pitiful. Thanks God! I also should give a shout out to my parents who gave me a down payment as an early Christmas present.

--Potter

Going Home...

2004-11-18T10:15:00.000-06:00

Wow... I have been looking forward to this all semester.

Besides Labor Day, this is the only vacation Freed-Hardeman has all semester! And I had to wait 9 weeks to get it!!! What is that?

I'm so excited to go home. I get to see my physical fam and church fam all at the same time. I also get to drive mom's car too! WOOHOO, I'm sorry, but I need a break from my car. NOT A DIVORCE, just a break! I am currently experiencing my first contreversial business decision. The focus has 96,000 miles on it. By the end of this semester I will have atleast 100,000 miles because i have to make the 2,000 mile trek to Houston twice! Not only the high milage, but I also have to replace a clutch, brakes, and shocks within the next fews. It doesn't get any more major than that except for the transmission and engine to go out (save a fiery explosion due to a hole in my gas tank.) So, should I take the repair money and invest in a newer car, or should I take my chances and risk that the car will last for another 50 - 100,000 miles more? Due to extreme cheapness and restricted funds, I'm afraid I will have to take my chances with the repairs. God help me (no for real, that's a prayer!)

Have you ever almost not went to go to church because you didn't think it would be uplifting? Yeah, that was me last night. I dreaded going to church because of several things. The main reasons being that the church is 20 minutes away, I was spiritually drained, andI had a take home test and an 8 page paper due. The only reason I felt compelled to go was because I left my Bible there the sunday before and I wanted it back! So I went, and boy I'm glad I did. The lesson itself wasn't something my heart yearned for, but what happened afterward shocked me. The instructor asked us to break off into groups of 4 for prayer time! (uncommon for this part of the country) After we settled, a girl volunteered to start! Unbelieveable! We all shared our prayers for about 10 minutes and it was so good for me. Although I think the situation was still new to them and they showed a little akwardness about it afterward, it was what I needed! A breath of fresh air away from traditionalism, conservatism and closed minds and hearts. A place that was, for a moment, and haven of prayer and comfort. It changed my week! I even wondered it was divine providence that I left my bible in the first place. Praise God!

Jeremy

Wow, Does time exist?...

2004-11-14T04:33:00.000-06:00

This is what my roommates and I talked about till 2:30.

Oh yeah, we even brought Einstein's theory of relativity into this. Intense baby, yeah! Ok so here's the jist. While we were having a religious talk, a roommate made the comment that evil was created by God, (which I don't because I think evil is the absence of good - another story) - well, from there we present books that prove our points. Then in our talk about relativity, we talk about how the number zero was feared by the ancients. Right, don't ask. But then we talk about time and space. Well, in my way of reasoning, time is not a tangible item but a inherent result of measuring due to the fact that we die and revolve around the sun and on our axis. My roommates argued that time is tangible and exists as...like, something that is there. I can't present their point...because frankly I don't believe it. Arrogant, right? I'm so closed minded... not really though. HAHA, I love my roomies.

Ok, so life, right? Nothing much going on. It was homecoming and I participated in nothing. No, I promise I am not a social reject, but I had to work Friday and Saturday. What is that? Stupid, that's what that is! Well anyways, work is actually starting to get better. We got a bigger crew so I no long have to complete multiple tasks throughout the night. No ya'll, I know I sound lazy, but ya'll just don't understand!!!

GASP!!! Only 6 days until I get to go home!!! ***insert angelic chorus!!! I am soooo glad! I can't wait to see my mom, friends and the church fam!

Besides talking about time, space, and the fears of the ancients (dumb right?) We talked about "what is life really all about?" Actually, that's what lead the discussion for about an hour. What is the meaning of life? Why did God create us? We know he wasn't lonely and that he CHOSE to create us... but why? Why keep us around for eternity? Woah, eternity... think about that one. No really, after death and you are resurrected, what will you do with the time?
Ps 119:71 - It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees... God wants someone who can understand WHY He decreed evil as evil. What better way to explain sin than to allow His creation to experience it and ask "what better way is there?" Think about it...why did God tell Hosea to marry the prostitute...why did he tell Jonah to tell Ninavah that he will forgive them if they return to the lord, even though they weren't God's people? Because he desires for us as his creation to see his point of view. It's not something he can just tell us, so he made it and experience!
We were also created for God's pleasure. His worshippers are the aroma that he desires. His people look to Him because they understand why God is the way that he is (for the most part). His worshippers desire to be like Him so much that they look to Him to be their guiding light and they are willing to totally turn their lives over to Him because they know what He represents is right and just. Desire and trust. Does that define our relationship with God?

Because of our High Priest,
Potter

Ok, so another post, right?

2004-11-12T15:11:00.000-06:00

It's a cold, dreary, cloudy day... AND I GET TO WEAR MY RUSSIAN HAT!!! Oh but the big ole fat galapogos YES!!!

(Definition: Galapogos - in reference to the galapogos islands which bear large animals such as tortoises, birds, etc inhabit. Used in this reference, galopogos means HUGE, Extremely Big, slang: "Big Ole Stupid.")

Ya'll I feel sad for my roommate. They mutually split up and called it quits and they were fine at the time being. However, now he is quite bitter about it. I wish I knew what words to say to him, but I'm afraid I have no... experience to help out. What should words of wisdom would you share?

On a lighter note, chapel has been HORRID for the past few times. Ok, so the school has been gearing up for homecoming and the title is "Remember When." Ok, I'm liberal and I love people sharing feelings, memories, and stuff. It's good for the soul and it's stuff that God and Christ want to hear, so should we. But there's just something about getting up in front of 2000 people and sharing 'sap' stories that get to me. There was this down-right embarrassing chapel in which the marketing professor got up and cried 5 seperate times during a 25 minute talk. I think men have the right to cry, but I'll just say it, I was embarrased for the guy. I would like to revert back to the happy, screaming, menengitis shot chapel days. They make me happy!

So me personally, not too much going on. I took a Hebrews test today that I think I did farely well on. Um... I witnessed a...um, whats the word, hill-race-car? WAIT, soapbox derby?...Is that right? Well anyways, it was right after chapel today. Over all it was, as my friend Sarah would say, anticlimatic. They raced like they never reced before at the thundering speeds of 10 mph. I had to hold my hat. And, (awe my poor social club), Psi Mu's car had been disqualified. Something about it being old, riggity, and no brakes...What's that all about anyway? So, being the kid-spirited group we are, our sponsor RAN down the side of the hill when Psi Mu was called to race. HOW GREAT! A 45 yr old, not-so in great shape guy (like myself) running at the speed of light down a hill...WITH A CAPE on and head band!!!! OMGOODNESS< you have to know this man in order to love him as much as we do!

Ok, woah, gone with the wind, much? I'm going to go now. May God bless your day, relationships, and your pets today. A cold front is abrewin'

Because of My Lord,
Potter

Another Field Trip?

2004-11-05T12:15:00.000-06:00

Wow, I feel like a wee little school boy again!

I'm taking more field trips during my senior year of college than I did in High School! Ok, slight exaggeration, but I am about to embark on my third and final field trip of the semester. That's right UPS, move it on over because we are riding on the Federal Express!!! 'Come and ride the train and...choo cho....' um, ok, done with that. That's right, a field trip to the heart of Fed Ex in memphis. We are going to tour EVERYTHING. DC's, planes, packaging areas, Human resources. What time do we leave pray tell?

Get this, we leave at 9pm.... WHAT IS THAT!?! OH! even better, we'll get back at 3 AM!! STOP...!!!! Bunch of curfew-busters over here! Not only that, but we also get excused from all classes and chapel! UM, WOAH. Curfew-busters and chapel-skippers. God forgive us. You KNOW the administration of Freed-Hardeman is sweating it out and praying for us!

Anyways... things have been uneventful for the past while. For the first time...probably all semester... I came in after class and didn't leave the dorm at all. I wasn't feeling well and I slept like none other. Naturally, my four roommates felt the wrath when I was awaken from my slumber... but then I remember Christ and fell back asleep! When in doubt, think of Christ, right? Get a lil W.W.J.D. going on, ya heard?

Anyways, I love friends, don't you? I wanna give a shout out to the friends I've been close to over the past week! My love to Sarah, Blake, Cousin, Momma (awe, tear), Dale, Ann Marie, James, Eric, church fam at skyline...etc etc. Alright, well chapel is about to start...

Remember that your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts. Ps 119:71, it was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. It's not enough for God to tell us what is right and wrong. We'll just forget, but when you actually live out the hurt, you'll have a perspective and point of reference that'll never die. Make the best of hurts. It's hard to do it at that moment, but if you'll make the commitment and investment, the dividends will pay off greatly (business major,...right?)

Because of the High Priest,
Potter

Wow it is hot...

2004-11-01T15:38:00.000-06:00

No for real, I am on fire!!!!!

Stop, drop, and roll right? (doesn't work in hell by the way - Pentecostal sign) My roomates have performed a coux!(sp?), insubordination!, mutiny!, sin!... against me!!!! They have determined that I have abused my control over the thermostat to the AC in our room, thus they have decreed to make sure it stays above 80 degrees in here.... I'm dying you hear me?

Ho hum, college life is uneventful, but friends make it worthwhile. Pedro is cool, he is my fish. He waves a fin at everyone! Ya'll I hate work. Like really, Pizza Hut makes my day sad...THUS I am going to find a new employer for next semester because it is too late to find someone to employee just for four more weeks. GASP!!! wha..uh...yeah, only four more weeks. What in the world? I can't believe the semester is coming to a close. As I look back I can't believe how long the semester has been. As I reflect on the semester, it has been really easy as far as projects, etc go. I have had some break downs about getting good grades, but dust it off and try again, right?

So last night was Halloween right? A bunch of guys decide to go to the graveyard to see if they can bust a bunch of devil worshippers out there. Well anyways, we took 3 car-loads out there for safety, but alas, all was for not. No worshippers were found, and things really didn't get that creepy because there were 20 of us. If ya'll ever come to Henderson, you have to go to this graveyard with only 3 or 4 people because I promise it'll give you the chills. I think of 'night of the living dead' everytime I go...but that's a cheesy movie, so sometimes I laugh when i think about it. So on our way back, we pass by Leon Johnson Funeral Home and ya'll, the sign out in the front yard said "Mr. Neal Conner - Incomplete" I have no idea what that's suppose to mean.

May God bless you with an awesome week this week. Find a little bit of God in something! It'll change your perspective.

Because of Christ,
Potter

Meningitis, oh my!

2004-10-27T16:30:00.000-05:00

Ok so that's not all chapel was about today, but it has got to be topic of the day!

So today some I.T. guy gets up, gives a schpeal about the new technology we are getting so that we can register online next semester! Awesome right? Well, next thing I know, some man in a lab coat jumps on stage after the presentation and grabs hold of the microphone.

"Ok ya'll, listen up. We have a nation-wide epedimic sweeping across every campus." Thats right, meningitis. What is it? Well he didn't get into ALL that, but according internet research, the physical symptoms are rashes on the body(that appearantly do not turn white while pressing them!!)

Other symptoms? Vomiting, headache Drowsiness, High Temperatures, Joint Aching/Pain, Stiff Neck, Dislike of Light, (In children?--> high pitched moaning, dislike of being handled, aching back, blank staring, difficult to wake up, fever, cold hands/feet, refusing to feed, pale/blotchy. --- I don't know 'bout ya'll, but this is what I'm like when I wake up every morning.

So, most hysterical, I'm listening to guy say "...so this girl went on Spring Break, and the next day SHE'S DEAD!" (propaganda against 'spring-breaking'...much?) Then without missing a beat, I hear "hey,...dad. Did I get a meningitis shot?" I look over at my hunched over chapel-mate trying not to get caught talking on his cell phone while he makes a desperate plea to his father. "No dad, for real, did I get the shot? No? ok well i need to get one. No, I don't have it, but this guy says there's an epedimic and it's important I do...ok,... bye." Again, without missing a beat, the doctor guy announces "oh...and the shot is $70." The guy who just panicked to his Father made this hysterical face and shouted "SSHHHYEAH!! Ya'll can FORGET THAT!!!" Ya'll, everyone was picking me up off the floor. It's like church, once you start laughing, it only gets worse!

It's always a blast in chapel... Like Monday, we had a fire drill in chapel. That's right, just in case the gates of hell open up in Loyd Auditorium, we'll have our act together and make it out in 3 minutes flat. Everyone knew it was coming, so when the alarm went off, the people's scream reminded me of the movie Titanic, NO JOKE. Like, the screams were taken off the film, and put in chapel. I started looking for lifeboats letting someone else besides women and children onboard. I had to laugh.

--Potter

Sleep, does a body good

2004-10-23T14:46:00.000-05:00

So, sleep, right?

I never knew what sleep meant to me until I got a whole slew of it this morning. You know, I always thought that when I was without sleep, I was just tired. But I just recently discovered that I get moody and testy also. I actually myself self in constant hate mode and my self-esteem lowered a whole lot. But all day today, those feelings weren't there. Actually, it was a good-ole, normal, opitmistic, jolly Potter day!

I made a lot of money delievering today, so that's good. Ok, well go get some sleep, it's good for the body and soul.

Potter

Field Trip!!!...and dead cows.

2004-10-19T21:14:00.000-05:00

So today, I went to a "premier" window and door manufacturer. That's right, I went to Marvin's windows. Ok, with a name like "Marvin's windows" you would think of a mom and pop shop where "buck tooth" Bill works, but surprisingly it is a top-of-the-line window and door manufacturer for half million(+)dollar houses around the world. The tour was about how the plant was organized and how the company trained employees and was on it's way to be ISO certified... and then I found $5...(My friend Hollie said that you can also make a story interesting by adding that). So I didn't find $5, but I did get a free shirt at the value of $15.

So on the way to Ripley, TN (pop of 8,000) we were held up in traffic forever in Jackson, TN. What was the issue pray tell? A cattle truck had turned over due to bad weather we have had this week. That's right, it took us 40 minutes to tavel 1.5 miles and we approached the scene to see a 18 wheeler on its side with dead cows everywhere...

After the tour, I got back just in time to take my Physical Science test, which I think I did fairly well. Just as I was walking out the door afterward, tornado sirens were blaring! A tornado had just touched down 10 miles from Freed. I was trapped in a basement with others for 45 minutes until the all-clear was given.

I got my suit nice and clean for my interview tomorrow. Please pray for that to go well for me! God Bless!

Because of His Blessings,
Potter

Procrastination

2004-10-19T01:10:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I'm suppose to be studying right now for Science, but I'm not.

Today, it stormed like none other. We have been under a tornado watch for sometime. However, not to sound ignorant or arrogant, I'm not sure if God would strike down Freed-hardeman. If He does, that will be a definite sign for me to get outta dodge and head to Abilene...

I'm suppose to do my very first dorm devo tomorrow, although there is some confusion as to if I actually get to do it (scheduling conflict). My conviction is to give an inspirational, uplifting, admonishing prayer thought to these guys. Day in and day out, the religious atmosphere surrounds constant judgement and convicition. It may not really be that bad, but in my head it is! I don't know what the guys in the dorm would do if I busted out with Max Lucado or Rick Warren material. The guys have jokingly labeled me as "liberal" and ask me from time to time, "were you filled with the spirit today?", "Is the Holy Ghost going to pay us a visit during your dorm devo tomorrow?" LOL, I never knew displaying love, encouragement, and joy could get such recognition.

Growl... stupid science test. I have a field trip to some plant tomorrow so I need to study now. God bless and keep you!

Because of His Blessings,
Potter

It's great, like chocolate cake

2004-10-18T01:40:00.000-05:00

Mom's surgery went well!

Mom had exploritory micro-surgery to find out what in the world is wrong. It ends up that she has a few cycsts and pollyps (sp?) to take out of her abdomen. Come to find out that some if these things kept her from getting pregnant after me. I wonder if God used the same methods to keep women in the OT like Sarah, Rachel, and Hannah from having kids temporarily. Probably not, but it's somewhat of a sobering thought to me...somehow.

During the weekend, I had the priveledge of visiting with friends, physical family, as well as church family. I have friends, who use to go to Freed, live in Searcy, AR so I drove there to hang out there overnight. Then they drove me to the Little Rock airport so I could save on parking, not to mention the flight fare was cheaper than anywhere close. Thursday I stayed by Mom's side and Friday was the surgery. Granny and Gramps took us to the hospital and she was in at 9am and out by 4pm. A lot shorted and less complicated that I thought it would be!!! The extrapilation only took about 40min and nothing appeared cancerous. God has been amazing. I thank Him for listening to the prayers of the many prayer warriors who lifted her up! Saturday, she was feeling excellent so that evening, I drove down to Alvin to go to the Spaghetti dinner and silent auction that the church was putting on. Ofcourse, I went with no intent on spending anything, but I walked away spending 35 bucks on a set of Star Trek plates, (loser, right?). Hey, they are supposedly worth $120.

On the way, I got to listening to my audio bible that I bought from Sams last year. Take a gander at Jeremiah chapters 1-4 (that's as far as I got). There's some real good thoughts and reflections in that book. It will tell you God's two biggest pet peeves, why abortion is wrong, and that evolutionist aren't the first ones to credit nature to the rise of man. Great Book!

Because of the High Priest,
Potter

Be like Charlie...

2004-10-04T16:39:00.000-05:00

Dr. Powell is great. He makes me smile. I think of good thoughts when I think of him now.

Dr. Powell is one of our Bible faculty that is very passionate about the Bible and Christ. His voice is very calm and soft, like that of a story-teller. And for some reason un be-knownst to me, he prounces some of his 'd's as 't's.

Weird,... but he delivered a great prayer thought today. Friendship. He points out the scriptures Proverbs 18:24 ("A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.") and John 15:13 ("Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.") As you can tell, Dr. Powell emphasized the friendship that Christ wants to have us. He even laid down his life for us as a friend! He had powerpoint pictures to go along with his presentation complete with a video clip from "Hidalgo" (sp?) Ok, so it's true, I had a little condensation form in the eye during the clip. The 5 minutes shown displayed the friendship between a man and his horse. Haven't seen it? Then you can watch it with me because I haven't either.

As a finale, Dr. Powell presented... "Charlie." Who is Charlie pray tell? It is his four pound yorkie/chihuhua (aka yorkiehuhua). As he showed several pictures, he explained how much he loved charlie. Charlie is always the first one to run to him at home, ears down, toungue out, and tail awaggin'. If you have a dog, you know this? There have been times Dr. Powell tripped over Charlie, or kicked him, or sat on him. Charlie became scared and hurt, but somehow charile always quickly forgave him. What a wonderful love! Christ's love is the same as this. Not that I'm calling Christ a canine, but dog's reflect the love of Christ. Usually unconditional and unbiased. Thank God for His Heagape!

Because of the High Priest,
Potter

Psi Mu is great!...

2004-10-04T00:38:00.000-05:00

... It's better than chocolate cake!

Oh but the yes, those were the words I was cheering over this weekend! I joined Psi Mu which is a co-ed fraternity. We went down to Sardis Lake Christian Camp in Mississippi and let loose. I have never found a group of people I have related to so well. A group of christians with the same child-like mentality. How do I define child-like? Games: four square, volleyball, "poopdeck", kiss and tackle, ultimate frisbee, "parking lot", "singled-out", "Big bootie"; talent shows, no-sleep, devotionals, campfire singings, "pass the pig", singing to a guitar with a friend(s), FOOD FOOD FOOD. Omgoodness, four square, do you remember that game!?!?!?! I haven't played that since 8th grade. GASP, and I even became champ and had a winning streak for about 10 rounds!!!! Amazing I tell you! Absolutely GREAT!

I've got to meet a lot of great christians over the weekend and even made myself known to others! People know my name now! I'm no longer that weird kid with great shirts! God has blessed me with a good group of people! Thanks!

Because of the High Priest,
Potter

The First Missionary (Mk 5:1-20)

2004-09-28T23:42:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I can't take credit for all of the following thoughts in this post, but I had to write something on here to share but also so I can put my thoughts onto pap... well, internet.

Who was the first recorded missionary sent out by Christ?

Max Lucado, in his book "He Still Moves Stones" provides an answer. Someone well trained? A long, devoted follower? A close disciple? Nope, this disciple was found in a graveyard. Not only that, but the first missionary was a raving lunatic. "He's the man your mom told you to avoid. He's the fellow Police lock up. He's the derenged man who stalks neighborhoods and murders families." THIS, is the first missionary of the church!

"Jesus' mere appearance humbles the demons. They had dominated this man, they cower before God. They had laced the region with fear, they beg for mercy from Jesus." They would feel safer in a herd of pigs rather than be in the presence of the Father. But the story is not over. After Jesus had put the demons into the swine, the herders went and told the people, who in turn came to see Jesus for themselves. What do they do? They ask Jesus to leave! The man who saved the region from the demons was asked to leave! Why? "Good question. What would cause a church to prefer slumber over revival? What would cause a nation to prefer slavery over freedom? What would cause people to prefer yesterday's traditions over today's living God? The answer, fear of change."

Wow... kudos to Lucado. I love random, yet important facts about my God and Lord. Years ago, I heard God described as ironic. The ironic God. The God who chose the youngest brother to become top dog, the God who chose by heart rather than looks, the God whose son was born in a manger rather than a throne, the God who choses grace over punishment. A God who displays power through mercy, rather than domineering.

In honor of the High Priest,
Potter

Dirt Poor...

2004-09-27T22:48:00.000-05:00

Wow, I have no money!

Ok, so I'm over it and God is amazing. "Why?" is He amazing you ask? Probably because I have begun to see Him in a different light over the past few months. I have discovered a God who honestly and really cares about what I am going through. Sure, I have always complain to Him when I was hurting and would grovel before Him when I messed up, but I would always talk toward the sky not really knowing what I was talking to. I have had awesome classes in Genesis/Exodus, Hebrews, and the Corinthian letters. Brother Gilmore and brother Lipe have shown me that the Bible is more than a book of rules and regs, it's a way God shows me that I can be so much better than I am now. The Hebrew writer shows me that Christ can honestly say to me "I've been there, you can make it!" and "You ARE worth all the suffering I endured." Christ could have made the decision in the garden that he didn't want us, but he didn't do that.

Just the other day I saw God at work (and I love it when that happens!).

My roommate had split up from a relationship he had with his girlfriend for over 1 1/2 years. I caught him wondering aimlessly through the commons not knowing what to do. I took Him out for ice cream and he explained his distrust in relationships. First his parents divorce and now his own relationship was in jeopardy. He had initially talked to her over AIM (big mistake), so I encouraged him to take time now to talk to her face to face, or atleast over the phone. He did so, but it didn't seem to have an effect. He spent the night on his face in prayer. Only 24 hours went by before his girlfriend called me up looking for him. Justin later came to me and said, "Potter, God is amazing. Through this he has revitalized my relationship with Jennifer." In the short break they had, they experienced life without each other, and it was very foreign to them. In the same way, it can be like that with God! Just today, I heard the quote in class, "The degree that one remembers the covenant of God, reflects the degree that one remains faithful to God" After all, thats why God's covenant always requires an act. Circumcision, rainbows, and baptism all reflect signs of God's covenants. Do you take time to appreciate God's covenant everyday? I pray God will continue to fill me with joy and endurance to serve his will! Thank you Father...

Because of Our High Priest,
Potter

September 17 - Friday

2004-09-17T15:33:00.000-05:00

Hey ya'll

Today has been an awesome day. I had no sleep last night due to extreme heat enjoyed by roommates, but its ok. Ya'll, the weather has been awesome up here for days, and each day seemed to reflect a different mood. Yesterday I think was the best. We didn't get rain, but we had deep, dark clouds hovering the sky which sheltered us from the sun. The wind was up to about 5mph and the weather felt about 75 degrees. I LOVE IT. Today it's bright, sunshiny, and yes, the yellow jackets are out. I can't wait till winter because I brought my russian hat along with me and it will look awesome with my leather jacket!

I'm scared for my beta (siamese fighting fish) though. It's true, he's been around for over a year and his tail is starting to wither. tear.

God has truly shown his glory to me today. Yesterday I was not feeling the spirit. I prayed all day yesterday for God to fill me with joy and non-sluggishness. Today, I couldn't go to sleep even if I wanted to. It's the first time I felt like this in a long time!

Because of His blessings,
Potter

I love the Lord messiah, Deep down in my heart

2004-09-09T01:53:00.000-05:00

Ok, so it's official. I'm lazy! Ya'll I try so hard, but the sleep and procrastination just takes over when it comes to school work! But on the other hand, school is going as well to be expected. Homework is somewhat-light and work at Pizza Hut is not as hard as I remember it. Praise God right?

Today I had my bible classes and I love them so much! In Hebrews, I learned something I've never thought about before. To those who studied Hebrews, this may not be a shock, but it certainly got my wheels cranking. Chapter 2 of Hebrews is dedicated to describing the "humanity" of Christ, atleast while he was on the earth. Why did Christ come to the earth? Heb 2 shows that Christ came back to restore man to the dominion he once had! What? You mean man is worth something? man is a blemish in God's eye. I mean, God did kill off man when he sinned, right? Not only did Christ come to restore our former dominion, but to make us sons of glory (2:10). Heb 2:16 says that Christ came to give us aid (which in greek, the context word means a parent who runs to a child crying out). Heb 2:18 says Christ will come running to you and I when we cry out because he suffered the temptations as us. Praise God for His compassion to us!

In Genesis/Exodus, brother Gilmore got fired up and gave a mind-blowing anti-evolution sermon. He touched subjects such as "why is creationism illegal", "how does evolution break scientific protocol", and "evolution is a religion." In 1963, the US Supreme court passed ruling stating Bible is not to be taught in public schools. The court also stated that if something is to be taught, it must pass 5 criteria of science, ofcourse non of which evolution passes. In fact, according to the Supreme court ruling, mathematics technically can't be taught. Who said we didn't have an infallable government? Well, he said a lot more, but it's really late!

Because of His Blessings,
Potter

Greetings and Salutations

2004-09-05T03:57:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I just started Pizza Hut again and made a ton of money! WOOHOO, praise the Lord! Ok, so I'm over with the materialism.

A new Month

2004-09-01T23:29:00.000-05:00

So classes are going full fledge (word?), and I haven't polished up on the awesome study habits I wanted. Oh well, I passed past classes without studying... However, Bible classes are amazing!!! I love them so much!

Today was mission emphasis day, and I am so inspired to go to Scotland. It may be a hype, but I know ministry is a need over there. There are only 5 missionaries there right now and there are only about 500 members in the whole country (out of 5 million, woah). Surprisingly, the speaker, a native of Scotland, informed us that Scotland was one of the founding countries of the restoration movement. Many churches sprung up in the 50's. However, the church fell so hard there that only a handful of people remained with the Church of Christ. He says only 5 remained. All of them either left the church, or went back to the church of Scotland (Presbyterian) because of their strong influences. It's considered important to attend church in Scotland (and US too), but the missionary said he had to teach very elementary stories to his converts because they were simply not explained in church services. The missionaries sent over were the first to open bibles to answer questions of converts.

May the Father bless the missionaries and converts throughout the world! Thank God for strong churches in the US, and may we strive toward other countries to spread Christ.

Because of His Blessings,
Jeremy

Hump Day

2004-08-25T16:41:00.000-05:00

WOOHOO

Hump Day!!! That means the week is almost over. I am really excited because my good friends from Harding are coming down. This weekend is going to be off the chain... right, dumb, I get it.

Wow, today is such an encouraging day. I woke up today talking to God, I had been filled by two Bible classes, and my spirit is rested and ready for the day. I also get to see my church family tonight with some of my buds from school.

The missionary seminar is coming up next week, and that is when I'll have to opportunity to sign up for mission work this year and next year. Pray for my efforts as well as God's blessing and guidance during this process! I would not have this joy and dedication without Him!

Praise God,
Potter

A new week

2004-08-24T23:54:00.000-05:00

Um woah,

I have forgotten how boring school can really be, especially if I am working toward a major I really don't care about. I'm working toward a Business Mgmt degree, but I'm not really sure why. My passion is for ministry and the church and for now, that is the only thing I can see doing that will bring the most joy to my life. I guess I found myself getting here because of my dad. He was a minister for 25 years and was awesome at it. Several things brought him down and he no longer preaches anymore. Bills are high and spirits are low. He's a truck driver now. It's the only profession that he could go to school for a couple of weeks and make the same money he was while he was preaching, plus more. By his advice and other ministers, it would be best to have a profession to fall on if the whole ministery thing doesn't work out. Right now I can't see that happening, but I never know what God has in store for me. All I can do is prepare.

I dreaded coming back to school the whole entire summer. I only look forward to seeing a few people when I came back and I was excited about the Bible classes. However, I refuse to let myself become bitter and negative like last semester. The atmosphere is tough. The conservative view is strong and socialization is hard here. Clicks are prominent, social clubs are life, and church life and dorm life are clearly divided. I thank God for the church in Alvin, Jerry and Carolon, Danielle, the Alvin youth group, KSBJ, my parents, and other influences over the summer. I draw on God a whole lot. What concerns me is that I am doing it harshly so early in the game. I've only been here a week and I am already starting to feel overwhelmed. Pray for me. A verse I am going to draw on over the semester is Psalm 119:71. Wanna know what is says? Pick up a Bible and read it!!! :-)

Because of His Blessings,
Potter

It Begins

2004-08-18T23:41:00.000-05:00

So today is the first day of school. I've been running around all day yesterday and today I finally settled on a schedule just in time to begin this morning. At 8:30, I have Hebrews. 12:30, Genesis and Exodus. Ok so I have two bibles, but it's ok because I can't get enough of bible classes. Then 1:30, I had Managerial Finance. Tomorrow, I have Logistics Mgmt, Human Resources Mgmt, and Physical Science.

So far, I've been to a devo every night. I went back to my TN church family at skyline c of c today. After church tonight, we had a massive group singing in the tennis courts on campus. About 900 people showed up as we sang praises to God while looking up at the stars.

It was kinda disappointing because the college class is canceled until the new semester starts. However, I was lifted up because I went to the youth group class and saw some amazing things there. They sang contemporary songs and the prayer thought was from "Seven Habits for highly effective teens." At the end, the youth leader asked fort prayers because he is appearantly facing a tough situation when he makes a trip to AR monday. A teen, about 15 yrs old, raised his hand and volunteered to lead the group in prayer as we closed out. There are some great things going on in that youth group.

Thank God for young sincere hearts. Thank Him for being there while we are afflicted. Ps 119 says "It was good for to be be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Thank God for showing us why His character is supreme and the life we yearn for.

Because of His Blessings,
Jeremy

On the Ranch

2004-08-15T23:23:00.000-05:00

So I just got back from an amazing weekend with some old high school chums! A long lived tradition of ours is to take a camping trip, watch cheesy horror movies, and then have an awesome time being ourselves! Instead of the usual state park cabin, we headed off to a ranch owned by one of my friend's grandparents. It's in a little town in south mississippi called Kiln. This place is amazing ya'll, they aren't amish, but they are Godly people who live off the land. They grow their own cows (which they herd with 4 wheelers, yeah) chickens, etc. We stayed in the bunk house in the barn. Hurricane Charlie pushed a huge cool front up to us, so temperatures were between 60 and 75 degrees all day. There was this massive husky dog there named tiny whomI hit off with immediately. Tiny and I took a few walks at night down the dirt road and talked with God for awhile. Then I had an awesome time riding the 4 wheelers and threatening my life on it, WOOHOO! Hmm, nerd, right. I would talk about how I made all these friends with farm animals, but that would sound pocohantas like, so lets not.

My friends don't live the christian life, so it was hard sharing Christ with them. I felt like time has begun to drift us apart. I realized that I no longer find comfort or pleasure in many things they do anymore. I've engulfed myself in the Christian atmosphere for the past 2 years, so my past life is slowly becoming uneasy to me.

Thank God for changes that allow us to be like his character! For the first time, I felt proud of my changes. For awhile, I felt as though I didn't make much progress. But after spending a long time away and going back, I've noticed changes. I'm excited! Growing closer to Christ is really possible, and that's what I'm going to do!

Because of His Blessings,
Potter

Last Day of Work

2004-08-09T23:13:00.000-05:00

Ok, so today is the last day of working at the Hampton Inn. Even though this job is really stressful at times, I remember that its an answered pray from God. I had the hardest time finding a job close to home. So instead, God gave me an awesome family to live with in Alvin and my same job that I had last summer so I didn't have spend a lot of time training. God is awesome and I thank him so much for taking care of me as his child.

How has God been working in your life? God is very active in your life, make sure you reflect and thank Him for taking care of you!

Last night was an awesome night. Brock came by with Sarah at the Nelson's so she could stay with them for a couple of days. We spent a lot of time just kicking back and laughing a lot. They are an awesome couple and I pray that God bless their lives together. I think some awesome ministry is going to come out of their lives.

After work, I am going home to sleep, then i am going to start sorting and packing. So why is it you never realize how mcuh stuff you have until you try to move it all? Last year, I really thought I was taking very little to "rough it" at college and that took up all the space in my car! Well anyways, please pray for me and my trip. There are things I am not looking forward to this semester and I am going to miss my church family, friends and physical family very much!

Because of His blessings,
Jeremy

August 6th

2004-08-06T23:30:00.000-05:00

I love some of the random quiet times I share with God. Most of them spark up right before I go to bed since I do not have a TV to watch in my room. I had a really awesome talk with God last night as I read through the first three chapters Galatians. One particular verse stuck in my head, which is Gal 3:13. It reads "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us - for it is written ' Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree.' " This is significant to me because I always wondered what 'magic' was there in the physical act of Jesus hanging on the cross. Deut 21:23, God specifically says that any man who hangs on a tree is accursed in the sight of God. This created the psychological association that anyone who was placed on a cross would be distinctly put in the most accursed action known to man. While I still do not understand God fully, discovering this verse helps me all the more in my growth in Christ.

Because of His Blessings,
Jeremy

August 5th

2004-08-05T19:58:00.000-05:00

Ok so I posted a Blog yesterday, but clearly it is no more! Has anyone seen it? Where did it go?

Ok, to recap what I lost, I had an awesome late night drive Thursday night with Danielle. I couldn't sleep, so i went to the store to pick up some toilet paper, because the well went dry at the Nelson's. I left, and the drive and the music felt awesome, I went for a cruise before hitting the store. Next thing I know, Danielle is in the passenger seat and we are off on some distant country road looking out for cows. We sang some praise and worship and spent the rest of the time catching up on each other's week.

Thank God for awesome friends whom you can call on any hour of the day!

Because of His Blessings,
Jeremy

What in the World?

2004-08-04T20:03:00.000-05:00

Ok, so how in the world did I forget to put this in the blog?

Sometime during the 3rd week of July, I decided it would be fun to take a really late night drive on the dark, tumble-weed infested roads of Texas. I drove for a few hours which totally winded down my day. I proceed down 1462, 2814, or whatever this road's name is, and I begin to daze a little as I watched my headlights hover over the road in front of my car.

Then I pull one of those numbers where I stare a little and say to myself, "What is that?"
Three point five seconds later I find myself swurving my car to left of the biggest cow I have ever seen. I could help but notice that as I was speeding around this heiffer at 60+ mph, it had a great fear in it's eyes and the poor thing tried so hard to run that it's hooves were slipping on the pavement while it's flailing utters threw it off balance. I had been going so fast when i swurved around the cow that when I tried to switch back in my lane, my brakes locked and the back of my car fish taled until I was face 180 degrees the opposite way I was heading. I saw oncoming cars that were following me and I flashed my brights at them because my car had died and I couldn't move outta there way. Just like in a movie, the cows walked back in front of my headlights across the street toward what I had assumed was there pasture. Boy was that cow lucky!!!

Because of His Blessings,
Jeremy

So on and So forth

2004-08-03T19:34:00.000-05:00

Woah, I don't think I have slept so much in a short period of time. So I worked night audit at the hotel sunday night 11 - 7am monday morning. I woke up monday night at 7pm... I know I know. The whole time I was up I was out of it. Then I went to bed at 1am and woke up again at 12 noon. I didn't realize how a messed up sleep schedule could throw a stick in the works. I'm pretty non-chalant today. I can't wait till I am pumped up with the spirit again!!! I've been praying for it, now I'm just waiting.

How has your day been? Have you ever felt out of it like I do today? In a class by Dr. Gilmore, he said that when you feel depressed, out of it, and feel like quitting your spirituality, give to someone. Whether it be a random phone call to someone, a gift, or money. Give something and the spirit of God will gain back control.

Because of His blessings,
Jeremy

7/29/04

2004-07-29T22:02:00.000-05:00

I am so glad God is in my life. Just yesterday, I was asked to share my testimony about the works of God in my life. Although my walk has just taken form in the last year and a half, I already noticed several major ways God has directed me on the path that I am on. I still don't know what he has in store for me, but He has my complete confidence.

I'm still at the point in my life where I don't know where I want to be. Just recently I have a passion for mission work. however, the common doubts enter my mind, "am I prepared", "how will I find a church to support me as well as my school payments." By the time I will graduate, I will owe 50,000 dollars over the next 15 years. For now, I put my trust in the Lord because I know that is what he wants me to do.

In the meantime, I am growing slowly by planning bible based activities at Freed-Hardeman. I would like to be involved in a growing bible-study on my dorm floor. The guys on that floor in the past shared a lot by digging into the word and sharing each others lives. However, this last semester they had stopped due to a lack of leadership. The guy who once did it felt an extreme pressure on his shoulders with no one to lean on for relief. I pray that God grant me the leadership ability and courage so that I may serve these guys and for me to grow while serving.

I also pray that you receive a great blessing from God. You have a talent that others need and God is calling you to use it now!

Because of His Blessings,
Jeremy

2 weeks

2004-07-26T01:11:00.000-05:00

Um, woah. I cannot believe it has been two weeks since my last post!!! How irresponsible!
Ok, im over it. Today I was able to worship God with my church family! I love being there so much. The church here has brought so much hope and stamina to my life. I will never be perfect, but I have changed a lot over the past year. I am a lot more confident in my faith and realize just how much liberty I had in Christ.

Seems like the whole summer I have been in a routine. Work, Sleep, and Church. AH! Sounds like you know that routine too. I want to do something active, yet creative. Maybe I should do a craft! Any ideas?

Because of His Blessings,
Jeremy

Usual day

2004-07-13T03:03:00.000-05:00

I love my family!!! You don't realize how great they are until you spend time with them (makes sense right?) Carolon and I spent the day in the living room together. I was so overjoyed, I even bought dinner. Ok, so it was because of joy, it was because they fed me for like, 4 weeks and I felt a lil guilty! So we are watching Carolon's favorite show "For Love or Money", seen it? That's right, it's about someone ultimately choosing Money over Love, or vise-versa. The bad part is that both people won't let each other know which they are going to pick until the end! Woah, speaking of reality shows, have you seen WB Superstar. Absolutely horrible. The show wants to put people up on stage and compete for the best singer position, yet, little do they know they are actually the WORST SINGERS IN THE WORLD. I didn't see the last show, but I wouldn't be surprised if the winner committed suicide in front of all the millions if people who watched them totally embarrass themselves.

Ok, so now I am looking at cell phones. I had cingular since december of 2002 and they have been the best. No complaints about them; great coverage, service, and low money. However, I'm a lil piffed because I want to get an upgraded phone, but naturally I have to get a new plan. That's right, A 2-YEAR plan (dramatic music flares and then drowns out). The dreaded two year plan!

Oh well, I hope God has blessed your day! Even though it was a usual day, God was part of it and that's what it worth living!

Because of His Blessings,
Jeremy

How could I forget?

2004-07-12T01:43:00.000-05:00

I posted a blog a few minutes ago, but I forgot to mention the talk of the day!

So I was with the youth group after PM devotional at church tonight, and the kids get this crazy idea to play kickball. WOW, i haven't played that since 6th grade. So I tag along. The herd makes it's way to a church a few blocks away that has a soccor field. So we attempt to play, but alas, the field is soaked! That's ok, the parking lot is wide open for play. So we break off these branches for bases, I know ghetto, and we begin. We play a pretty good game, then people are ready to go. So as we pack up and head out, this kid starts talking about dodgeball to me and trash talks me. WHATEVER! I trash talk him back! So he tries to peg me with the ball and me, with panther-like prowless, deflects the ball right into this...orb, statue thing. Naturally, this 1 lb ball knocks over this 100lb (ok, just a lil exaggeration) thing over right on top of this cement bench, which proceeds to break the fragile orb. "LET'S GO!!!" I hear as kids run off. However, a few of us couldn't take off so easy. We made the decision to write an apology letter and left it in the mail slot of the church. I yet to hear what will come of that. I just hope it wasn't like, a secret shrine whose curse will kill that which disturbs it's sleep!!!! GASP

Newly refreshed!

2004-07-12T01:17:00.000-05:00

I spent a lot of time praying and thinking over the weekend and I feel refreshed! God spoke to me through a sermon Sunday morning and I am ready to take on this week with a new heart and mind! Have you ever had prayed to God and he answer your question at the next devo or worship service? I certainly have and it's happened again!

Matt Soper (minister at West Houston Church) spoke about renouncing and embracing. No, no, it's not the typical "Christians must give up fleshly pleasures" speech, although that was the half of it. Matt stated something interesting to me; that a Christian is required to and yet embrace. Renounciation "takes out" a part of your life which in turn creates a void. If you leave that void empty, well, that's not good. Once someone officially renounces something in their life, they must fill that void by embracing something fresh and pure. Have you ever renounced something in your life, and fell empty later on in life?

Matt focused on embracing spiritual matters, but I took it down a different avenue. As I mentioned the past two years, I have changed and given up a lot. I kept renouncing aspects of my life, but I never really focused on filling the void. I moved from home, but never tried to create a new one. I left my very close friends behind, but never really got the level of friendship back with anyone else. I left a grounded lifestyle at home, and semi-replaced it with a rogue, wonderer lifestyle with constantly no where to stay on a permanent basis.

Now I have some goals to accomplish! I've always felt an emptiness, but now God is helping me, day by day, put the pieces together. Praise God and his love toward you and I!

But enough about me, everyone I know seems to be doing very well. I thank my God for Christ, Danielle, Jerry, Carolon, Mom, my church family in Alvin, Courtney, Hollie, my church family in West Houston, my dad, my friends and church family at Freed-Hardeman, and all the members of Christ's body around the world. I pray that people will realize that God is the only and true God in this nation. I pray that as I begin the process of registering for mission work next year, that God send me where I will minister best! I pray for my church family in Africa and Scotland. Freed-Hardeman has sent missionaries to both places and results are very successful! May God receive all glory due to him!

Because of His Blessings,
Jeremy

2004-07-11T01:06:00.000-05:00

It is so great to be home. I have been staying with family (Jerry, Carolon, and Val) all summer, but I miss being home-home. I got to spend the last two days back in Katy and it has been so refreshing! While I've been here I've put a lot of things into a new perspective and I am ready to take on the new week!

To God be the glory!

Jeremy

The days continue...

2004-07-09T02:56:00.001-05:00

Have you ever reached the point where you feel tired, confused, yet inactive and unproductive?

In the past 2 years, ALL aspects of my life has changed. My home, friends, lifestyle, church, priorities, parents, jobs, and school are all different. I felt as though I have been in a long transition with no place to call home. I feel as though I have lost stability in life. The only thing really keeping me grounded is God's revelation, perspective, and promise from the Bible.

I just typed a big, ole, long autobiography about the last two years, and then realized no one would want to read ALL THAT...lol. But in writing it, I recognized answered prayers and tactics which had to be done by God. When I was weak in my walk with Christ, I prayed for a church that loved God along with other things. Over a year, I left for Freed, my parents divorced which sent my mom to Houston, where I lived with her and I found the Alvin congregation. My first summer there was great. I immediately found a niche I could fill. I felt useful in a ministry serving my church. Afterward, I went to study abroad in europe for 3 months, came back, went to Freed for a spring semester and now I am back here in Houston.

I have lost stability and perspective. I've bounced around all over the globe, but nothing sustaining has ever come out of it. Over the past few days, I look at my life and realize that my minstry for Christ is weak. Just today, I watched a lesson from "An everlasting love" in which the speaker spoke about tolerance, comfort zones, laziness. It was a 45 minute video so I won't meantion everything. But afterward, I immediately asked my brother in Christ to pray with me about it. I realize that I have entered stagnation and it is making me ill spiritually. 2 timothy 3:12 says life with Christ is all about the persecutions. That doesn't mean that I should start beating myself with a stick, but I also realize that I have been living the stagnate life because of my comfort zone. Please pray for me and with me as I begin a transition from stagnation to active!

Because of His blessings,
Jeremy

Day One

2004-07-08T02:15:00.000-05:00

Hi, my name is Jeremy. This is my first time ever to write a blog. My friend Danille introduced this to me and I think it's an awesome way for me to write out thoughts everyday.

As you might be able to tell, I am a Christian. I attend the Alvin church of Christ in Alvin, Texas. It is a congregation I have come to love that serves the God I praise and Jesus I model myself after. If you want to know why I am a Christian, I would love to talk to you about it. God is real and he has a real purpose for you and I don't want you to miss out on it!

Right now I live in Texas, but I go to a small school in TN called Freed-Hardeman University. It's a small Christian affiliated school in the small town of Henderson. Why go all the way out there? Well, at the time I started going there, I lived in New Orleans, LA and it was the first Christian school I heard of. I went to school at University of New Orleans for 2 years for basics and then went to Freed to finish up. I have one more year till I get my BA in Business Mgmt.

I live with my mom in the summer in Katy, TX. Her and my dad just recently divorced. I won't say the divorce was easy for me to go through, but I have been blessed many ways through it. If anyone has questions about it, I would love to share the story with you!

Ok, sounds like a good intro to me...

Beacause of His Blessings
Jeremy