No clue where this is going

So I'm bored and my roommate is in bed trying to sleep before me for the first time all year.  i have no clue what i'm going to write about so i guess we'll see where this ends up.  Just so y'all know, I've resumed trying to write that story i started about a year ago. Actually just gave up on writing more for the night because I've realized that i have no clue how girls think, and thus either have to change how i'm going to develop the plot or find a girl who wants to help me.

Anyway, I really enjoy writing this blog, but am totally out of ideas on what to write about.  I tried doing a study on revelation but having to write about it just takes all the fun out.. (I have half of the post I was writing about chapter 1 done and saved as a draft... I started it about a week ago, lol)  So, if anyone has any ideas on what to write about, give 'em to me, I'd love to hear about em.

Lets see... well I guess I'll just turn this into an update post.  Morgantown is wild tonight because we managed to lose our homecoming game (they would've been wild if we won too but thats a different story) I actually think that there was just a fight outside my window.  Outside of that, this place really is pretty awesome looking in the fall.  I'm not normally one who enjoys the changing colors of the leaves, its just another season, but hear, it just created "kodak picture spot" after "kodak picture spot" (thats from the little signs in amusement parks that tell you to take a picture here because its awesome, lol).   I wish I had the time to walk around and take a picture of everything but unfortunately i'm too busy and i forgot the charger to my camera at home (twice).

Keeping up with the add of this post, I'm really enjoying being in the cru band.  Its a lot of fun, and they still want me to play loud (and even ask for me in the monitors at times... lol).  In fact, I play so loud here I go through at least a pair of sticks a week (two this past week) which is not necessarily a good thing since sticks have become so expensive.  I've also gotten them to play a jordan howerton band song this week, which should rock, haha.

Speaking of music, I just want to say that i'm gonna miss jazz band this year.  It was a ton of fun last year and i think that everyone would agree.  I also would like to extend a congrats to SFHS on winning chapter three championships last night (about three hours ago I think).

Neither the yankees or phillies are in the WS just like I predicted before the lcs started.

I'm going to see the Pitt Symphony Orchestra today, which is awesome, and am going to play for a church right before that (which is in about 8 hours).

Classes are still going well, I got a 91 on my History test, and have scheduled classes for next semester.

Well, since i have to be up in 7 hours I guess i should be gettin to sleep.  I can't wait to see everyone from home over thanksgiving break.

God speed,
Andrew Liounis

Pride

In the bible nothing is more difficult to understand than the stance on pride.  Absolutely everyone has experienced pride in their lives.  I mean, there is probably no one who could honestly say that at no point in their life have they thought to at least themselves, that was really good, and I did it.  This is extremely troubling because in the bible being prideful about oneself is essentially prohibited. Take for instance just this small sampling of verses talking about pride.


Proverbs 16:18-19 (18) Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (19) Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.


Proverbs 8:13 (13) To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

Psalm 10:4 (4) In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

1 Corinthians 4:7 (7) For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?


I mean, there's some pretty strong language in there.  Its clearly obvious the pride does not sit well with God, and is in fact the reason the Lucifer was cast from Heaven to the earth and reduced to the devil.  That's really troubling, considering the fact that none of us have lived a life without pride, and almost everyone continues to feel proud at various times throughout their life.  There is seemingly no way to stop it either.  I mean how can you change something that is seemingly at the very essence of what makes us human.  ITo be proud we are told is a good thing according to popular culture and by the government (And I'm proud to be an American....).


I asked this question to Brendon Foulke a while ago (he's a pretty awesome guy, so if you ever meet him get to know him) and he responded with this:


"well its not that pride is bad all the time, to be prideful in your band is perfectly ok, but to take that pride and let it go to your head, where you make it bigger than it should be that is when it gets into being a problem.
and you should take pride in your work, because if you didnt take pride in your work, you probably would never really want to put your heart in it. The bible also says that you need to put your heart into what you do, and to do everything you do with all your heart. So i think that pride in a good way is ok, but when you let it get to your head and you start acting like you are hot stuff, thats when it becomes a sin. So ya be proud and prideful in your band, just dont let it get in between you and God, and your witness to other people."


I think thats a pretty good response and can really pretty much help anyone out there struggling with pride, however, I recently decided to dig deeper.  i definitely agree with Brendon, some forms of pride are good, and we should always "take pride in our work" because we want it to be the best it can be.  However, that pride can't be coming from the typical perspective.  We need to take pride in our work so that it can better glorify God.  I determined that from 2 Corinthians 10:13 (13) We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you.


I also came up with one more conclusion on pride.  For pride about a talent we have, or perhaps something we own (aka materialism), or a child of yours (i obviously do not have a child yet), or anything else similar to those we must again redirect it to God, because guess what, God allowed whatever it was to happen, or gave you the talent, or made it possible for you to give birth.  This idea is reflected in the verse 1 Corinthian 4:7 (7) For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?


So, in conclusion, next time you feel pride coming on, remember A) to make sure that by doing whatever it is you're doing is glorifying God and if it is then take pride in what you are doing to better glorify Him (and if its not, well then you probably shouldn't be doing it anyway and you almost certainly shouldn't be proud of whatever it is), and B) remember that whatever it is you are proud of was given to you from God.  Oh, and one more thing, being proud of God is never a bad thing ;).


Until next time,
Godspeed 


PS: for my first conclusion bringing glory to God can occur in many different ways, a lot that you wouldn't think of.  For instance playing a sport could be used to bring glory to God (you are one of his creations) or playing an instrument, or writing, or dancing, or almost anything.

Who Would've Thunk It

At the urging of taylor i have decided to post this.  For once I'm not really lookin for comments, this is what it is.  Just a warning this is extremely long, like a 10-20 minute read long so, good luck

Written 9/10/10

Hey everyone, its been such a long time since I've used this.  I really doubt I'm going to post regularly anymore so the two of you out there that enjoyed reading this, sorry but I just don't have a lot to say anymore.  Anyway, there are a lot of things I would like to talk about in this post.  (Note, this is a much more personal post than what y'all are used to, so if you don't really know me a lot might not make sense, plus its really really long).

First up let me detail a little of what happened in the long time since I last posted.

• I moved.  Thats right, I no longer reside in Oaks, now my mom lives in Limerick and my dad lives in Royersford.  

• I was successful with my staying off of the computer and only began using it again around the start of August.  It was a good experience and helped me achieve much of what I wanted to but not all of it.  If you want to know more you can talk to me in person some time and I'd be glad to share.  

• I went to the outer banks with my best friends from high school and had an awesome time.  (there's a lot of pictures of sunsets on my facebook page from there, haha, ask papa todd about that if you know him)

• Finally I've moved into college and been here for about 3 weeks

That final point brings me to the next section.  I currently can't believe where I'm at with my faith right now.  Those of you who know me and know the reputation WVU has might be thinking that I'm in a world of doubt, however that couldn't be more wrong.  And honestly that fact surprises me a lot.  Right before leaving for college I was in a horrible place spiritually.  I honestly felt like I was going to lose my fait within the first month of school here at WVU.  I doubted that God even existed, the first time I can say that in my life.  It was bad, and to make matters worse the summer reading book I was frantically reading was very anti-god for most of it and made some convincing arguments (though now I realize none had any facts to back them up, only emotional appeal).  

Honestly I had been that way for some time, perhaps even before PCTC.  Thats one of the main reasons I wanted to go to PCTC, was to try and rejuvenate my faith enough to make it to CIY where I could fully recharge (I know I sound exactly like what the CIY speakers and Brendo, Matt, and Adam always talk about avoiding but I was desperate).  PCTC came and went and really didn't do a lot for me, though it did make me think that the bible study we were starting with John Noonan would actually help a lot with my declining faith as well.  

Unfortunately the bible study fell apart so I began to hold on until CIY rolled around.  During this time I had to fill out a ton of crap for college and somehow managed to forget to pick a date for my orientation. Luckily I could still sign up, but there was a major problem.  The only available orientation session was on the Monday that CIY started.  There was no way around it so I had to sign up for that date.  Eventually my parents agreed to let me go to CIY after the orientation session (we hadn't picked how yet but we had options).  

So anyway, I was stoked because it was getting close to CIY then one day while having our Jesus time for student band Scott (or Adam?) came in and said that they had some news to tell us.  When my friend Taylor asked if it was good or bad, we got a "it depends" which of course is never good.  I figured that someone was leaving again to go to another church.  Taylor guessed that CIY was cancelled.  He was closer.  CIY was being moved to a later date and a closer location because the church couldn't afford to send us out to michigan where we planned to go.  

Personally I thought that it sucked because I was really looking forward to the band that was going to be at michigan but overall I still knew it would be awesome no matter where we went.  Then things started to happen.  No one was going to CIY (that I knew).  Not a single one of my close friends wanted to go.  I don't know why, you'll have to ask them (though I suspect it was because they were really upset with the ministry for reasons I'll never understand).  Now I had a major decision to make.  I couldn't decide whether to go to CIY or not.  To me CIY was about the worship and fellowship and if you take away the fellowship then even the worship leaves a sour taste.   I mean, I would have known almost no one.  Eventually I decided that with no one going (not even Scrussle (who had a semi-legitimate excuse) or Noonan (who had a legitimate excuse) were going)  it would not be able to have the same effect it normally would so i begrudgingly decided to not go.  

At this point I was really worried, my faith was disappearing more every day, I was in the midst of a move that saw me leave the only house I had memories in (that I actually lived in), and I was having being buffeted by all of the crap I had to do for college.  I also began to realize at this time that my closest friends and I were not as close as we all liked to think.  Don't get me wrong, we all loved each other (in a platonic way) and any one of us would do something for anyone else, but that deep relationship was missing.  The one where absolutely nothing is hidden between people.  This type of relationship was almost entirely missing from our group.  

So anyway there I was, feeling alone, loosing my faith (which is the foundation for my morals) and going to one of the biggest party schools the world has to offer.  I was dreadfully afraid that WVU would be the end of my belief in God and even got to a point where I accepted it and, dare I say it, looked forward to no longer having such a strict moral code to adhere to.  Those moments, leading up to the day I left where the absolute closest I've ever been to becoming an atheist.

Anyway, I got here to WVU and figured that I would hold on as best I could and as long as I could to the one thing that most defined my life up to this point.  I didn't expect to last long but I figured I'd give it a try.  On the third day we were there (or something like that) the school had a picnic dinner for freshman.  

At the dinner some of the groups on campus set up booths that you could visit.  I was wandering around looking at the booths (looking for the frisbee team) when I saw something called CRU (Campus Crusades for Christ).  I figured I would go check out what it was because not much else was happening and I found out that they were a Christian group that met on thursday nights.  I asked one of the people at the booth what they normally did and they said that they normally had some worship then a lesson and then some more worship.  It sounded a lot like what we did at Riot before moving to the warehouse so I figured I would check it out to see if I would like it.  As I continued wandering I came up to another group called MCM (Mountain Campus Ministries) who gave me a free chicken sandwhich card from chick-fil-a (of course :D).  I asked them what they were normally like and got pretty much the same description as from CRU (except they met tuesdays).  I figured I would go check them out as well and maybe decide between the two and see if either was worth my time (remember I am still on the brink of giving up my faith at this point).

Well I went to MCM first (because tuesday comes before thursday) and met some really cool people.  There were about 15 people or so and it reminded me of when we used to meet in the office at CCV.  Everyone there was very accepting and it was kind of refreshing to experience such a small group again after so long.  Anyway I went back to my dorm that night and figured I would wait until thursday to decide.  (I'm pretty sure that all of the people at MCM thought I would never come back, and for a little bit I'll admit that I let at least Shane believe that).  

Anyway, on thursday I went to CRU and was pretty surprised, they had like 300 people there (or so I'm told, and it looked like it) and had a live band just like at CCV.  I had a lot of fun and even talked to the worship leader about joining the band even though I hadn't fully decided if I was going to come.  

Anyway on that Friday I figured I would go to both for a while.  And here's where the title of this post comes from.  Somehow, during all the courses, and all the homework, and everything else that a freshman has to deal with I noticed that I wasn't as worried that my faith wasn't going to collapse anymore.  Then I got thrown into the worship band at CRU because they didn't have a drummer for the next week, and at the first practice I had a lot of fun and felt close to God again for the first time in forever.  Now I'm at a place in my faith where I haven't been in nearly two years, and feel as close to God as I ever had.  I'm also playing at CRU again next week which will be a lot of fun again (especially since they have a drum shield and let me play as loud as I want :D(I even got told to play louder at times... I can't remember the last time I've been told that for a worship band)).

So, who would've thunk it.  I came to one of the biggest party schools on this planet with my fait in shambles and now somehow its better than its ever been before.  Go figure, I guess man truly never will understand the ways of God.  

Anyway, this is a pretty personal post, as I'm sure y'all could tell.  And I am planning on doing one like I used to in the near future just for my buddy Talon but haven't decided what it'll be about yet.  

So until next time,

Godspeed

Diving In, Unplugged - Post #1

From Andrew:

So yeah, I lied and suck at following through. Not at the overall theme of what I'm doing, but at writing a weekly thinger like I said I would. So here's my first one, almost three weeks in. First, thanks to Matt who is going to be typing these up and posting them for me (when I ever get them done Xp).

Any way, into the good stuff. Staying off the computer has been easier than anticipated. I have only had to use it once for school. The hardest parts of my plan have been sticking to working out and reading the Bible. Working out isn't difficult because I'm motivated, it's more of a lack of time. I've also hurt my knee from running (well I don't know if its hurt or if it just hurts, so I'm gonna try using a knee brace). The Bible reading has been is more of a lack of motivation. I've been doing it at 10:30, but a lot of times I start watching a show at 10, and hate having to leave it. I also don't feel like I'm getting anything out of it, so that makes it even harder. Anyways, that's about everything for now.

In other news, I think I am going to West Virginia University this fall. Thats about all the other news I can thing of so I'll leave it at that.

Until next time, Godspeed.

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