Diving in Unplugged

Alright everyone, here’s the plan.

I’ve decided that I spend entirely way too much time on the computer.  Basically whenever I’m not doing something I am on the computer.  So I’ve decided that it’s time to change that.  Here’s how it’s gonna happen.  Starting tomorrow, the first of March, I’m giving up my computer (figuratively).  I will not allow myself to use it for one month.  When that month is done I will re-evaluate and decide on my plan for the next month.  Here are the rules:

• I will not use the computer and will leave it turned off and in its bag behind the chair I sit in.
• Unfortunately due to the fact that I am in high school and am in the process of getting ready for college I may need to use a computer to write papers and or do research.  This will be acceptable only if I cannot do what I need to in school.

a.       Should this be necessary I will only use the internet for research, and will not go on any other sites, such as facebook or myspace or anything else.

b.      I will also allow myself to update my ipod once a month from my computer, preferably during one of the times when I have to use it to type up a paper.

•  I will not be allowed to access the internet on my phone, except to check my email once every other day

a.       Again this is because I am applying to college and need to be able to keep in touch with them

•           I will occasionally use my phone to update this blog with a short blurb about how things are going (through a text message)

a.       About 3 times a week hopefully

•           I will not be able to use the instant messenger on my phone (but I can still text)

So with my stoppage of computer use I will have a lot more free time.  In order to deal with that, and the boredom associated with it I will

·         Read the bible/pray nightly for at least 30 minutes

·         Do my homework even if it is not required

·         Practice for at least 30 mins (if I get home before my siblings are in bed)

·         Begin working out and getting in shape

Should I still have more free time I will

·         Start reading more, I’ve gotten away from it a lot because I’ve been on the computer

·         Watch a little tv (no more than 2 hours a day, unless of course the flyers or Phillies are playing)

·         Play video games (again not for more than an hour or so)

Already then, here’s how this is all gonna work.  I’m going to separate the necessary things for my computer.  The actual computer will be in its bag behind my chair.  The battery will be in my room somewhere and I’ll put the charge cord in the basement somewhere so that I can’t just grab it and start it up without thinking.  I am also going to have my small group (which will be starting on tuesday!!!!) hold me accountable to everything I’ve laid out here.  They will ask me at least once a week at small group (and if they remember in person) If I’ve kept up with it (which I plan too).  At the end of the month I will re-evaluate and adjust any of the rules, and any of the ways that I will be using my free time.

This is gonna be difficult but it should be fun to see how much I am changed by this and how much I will grow in my relationship with God.  If anyone has any suggestions of what to read or changes I should make send me a text.  If you don’t have my number but are my facebook friend it should be on there.  So goodbye cyberspace!

Another note, I'm changing the name of the blog to Diving in, Unplugged because that will now be its primary purpose.  It will be a place where any updates about this I have will be sent.  I am contemplating writing a review once a week on paper and then at the end of the month typing it up (or maybe giving someone else access to the blog and let them type it up).  So you guys won't have to hear about how I feel that love is the foundation for living anymore ;)

Sappy moment for the year.

So everyone, this is my sappy moment for the year.

Tomorrow is Worship Night at CCV.  The band has been practicing quite literally for months.  the techies (mainly matt) have been preparing nearly as long.  Tomorrow night everything we've worked for comes to fruition.  While I was downstairs repacking my drums after my final alone run-through I had my songs blasting through my ipod singing out of key and just being happy.  Tomorrow is going to be great no matter what happens.

this is especially for the band and tech members.

We all have reason to be angry/anxious going into tomorrow.  For some we're feeling that way because of worship night and everything that is happening and has happened.  I'll admit I was very angry at some of the practices because I felt like not everyone was pulling their own weight.  but honestly, how can we be angry?  We're getting together to worship the most kind and loving God.  We're not here for personal gains, to make ourself seem bigger than we are.  And I think thats why some of us have gotten angry (myself included).  I really think that we made this more about ourselves than we should have, I know I did.  But I realized that this isn't about me, its not about us in the band, its not about the tech team, is not about CCV, its not even about the people who will be attending.  This night is all about God and how amazing he is. As I let go my anger built up over the last few weeks I started really getting into my music.  I sang (out of key) hummed, air drummed, and smiled.  I felt the same excitement that I get right before I leave for CIY.  thats what we all need to feel.  That excitement that we are allowed to sing/play/do lights/run sound/do whatever it is for such an amazing God.  Even if no one shows up tomorrow there should still be so much energy that the walls fall down (figuratively) because there will still be at least 12 of us worshiping the God that we all love.  some of you may say that we're not the ones worshiping but we are.  God has given each and everyone of us these gifts so that we can praise His name for ever.

Guys, tomorrows gonna be awesome!!!!!!!!

Faith like a child

So yeah, i haven't posted in ages.... and i'm gonna try and start blogging again but i can't promise anything. Life has been and will continue to be crazy with college and school. However, with two massive snowstorms in less than a week resulting in no school the past two days and off tomorrow for in-service I'm pretty bored and had an idea of something to write about. Today I was outside playing in the snow, making snowmen, having snowball fights, and of course sledding. It was a lot of fun and reminded me of my childhood when snow was awesome not because we could get out from school but because it was so much fun to play in. This reminded me of a verse, Matthew 18.3. Thats right, for those of you who know the bible well this is the faith like a child verse.

Then he said, "I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Now what did God(Jesus) mean by this? Well the first part is simple, turn from your sins, always a good thing to do. The become as little children is a little more difficult. i see two possible explanations that are similar but have slightly different meanings. The first is that He wants us to have the faith of children. If you've ever talked to a child you know what this faith is. Anything someone they respect tells them must be true. They full heartedly believe what it is that they are told is true. Warning if you have younger children make sure they aren't reading anymore.

Take Santa for example. We tell children that he flies around the world delivering presents to every good boy and girl and they believe it until they are told otherwise by someone they respect just as much as the person who first told them. This is a great example of unquestioning belief that Jesus could be talking about. However I don't feel as if this fits really well. Two mentors of mine have actually encouraged questioning your faith. They say that this makes it your own and strengthens your faith so that even in the bad times you'll still have it. I happen to agree with both of these people, and though i can't think of any verses backing this up I feel that God feels the same way.

The only other explanation I can come up with then is that God intends for us to love him like a child. (yeah, here I go again about the love thing). Working with three year olds every other Sunday morning gives me a first hand look at the love of a child. The kids always want to talk about their parents, and how great they are, and when their parents come to pick them up they leap up and run to them because they can't wait to tell them about their day. I think that this is what Jesus means with his child analogy. He wants us to love him like children love their parents. He wants us to talk about him to everyone. He wants us to run towards him. He wants us to yell when we realize hes always with us. I believe that this is the love that God envisions us having for him, and in turn i believe that this is the love that he has for us (well he's the parent who loves his child).

Anyway, as you could probably tell i'm just as unorganized as ever. Anyway, here's to hoping that I keep on posting this time, even if the odds are against me.

btw, everyone should check out the Live. Loud. album from the Jordan Howerton Band. It quite literally is just as good as, if not better than, the albums that brewster, tomlin, and crowder put out.

Until next time,

live like a child