Stage Fright

What is it about the stage that scares some people to death? Is it the fact that you become part of the center of attention? Is it the fact that everything you do comes under the scrutiny of many more people than normal? Maybe its the fact that we don't trust ourselves. To be honest with you, I have no clue why people are so scared. I could care less if I'm up on stage. When I am on stage, I'm crazy, I have fun, and if people think I'm weird, well good, I am...

The real reason for the post is that I love to drum. When I'm up there I have fun, I don't care what other people think. Again, why is drumming so much fun, I don't know, it just is. It makes me really happy. To be honest there's no reason why it should. I mean, you're beating a bunch of round things, two year olds do that (granted, without the intensity I do). There's just something about it thats appealing. To be able to play the drums is an awesome experience.

James 1:22-27

Here's some interesting (self explanatory) verses from the book of James that kind of fall along my line of thinking.

Enjoy

²² But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. ²³ For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.²⁴ You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. ²⁵But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

²⁶ If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. ²⁷ Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

The Mentalist

If you haven't seen CBS's new show The Mentalist then you're missing out. Its really awesome, especially the main character Jane. He's some sort of super genius who solves crimes. Jane is just different. People notice that about him. In fact there is no doubt that he is undeniably different, and better than most people. Thats what we as Christians need to be. We need to be so different from the normal people in this world that we stand out. We need to live our lives so devoted to God that people can't help but notice that we have something they don't.

Another interesting thing about Jane that applies to Christianity is that he can become whatever is needed using his smarts. We also need to be able to do that. Paul became what the people who he was trying to convert needed him to be.

Anyway, that was just another brief one. Eventually I will try to get back to longer stuff and to writing more of my book.

Another Update

Alright, here's another update on my life.

First, I've started College applications. I'm pretty sure I'm applying to Carnegie Mellon, University of Pitt, Elon, WVU, Grove City, Messiah, and possibly (depending on the price of applying) John's Hopkins or Princeton, just to see if I can get in.

Second, I've been reading a magazine in the library called Scientific America (or science something it says Origins on the front). Its really interesting (though I don't agree with everything, especially the part about the origins of the Universe) and if you go to Spring-ford I would recomend it.

Finally, I've noticed something. High school seems to be the time when people really make their faith their own. I know a lot of people who are "active" Christians who don't go to my church. Before high school I couldn't really say that. The oposite is also true however, I know a lot more full blown aetheists now as well. Once again, just something I noticed.

In closing, to all my friends worrying about college, or other stuff, a quick verse for you.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."

Matthew 6:34

btw, to those of you who read this as a facebook note, this comes from my blog drummingandrew.blogspot.com, and I would greatly appreciate it if you went there to read it, or leave a comment here, just so I know how many people actually read what I write.

Get off the couch and get in the game

Recently while on facebook I saw that a friend of mine had become a fan of Christianity. I too clicked become a fan. Something struck me then, perhaps this is why Christianity has become stagnant. Too many people are too busy being fans. They want to sit on the sideline and cheer it on. They have good intentions but really don't do anything for their "team." For Christianity to help this world in the way it should, we need more than a small group of people everyone else cheers on. We need everyone to get involved in some way or another. As Christians we need to "get off the couch and get in the game" as one commercial fondly tells us. We need to be the players in this game, we need to be the team.

Anyway, that was just some quick thoughts. It wasn't the best post i've done but I definitely think it has some good points.

100

so yeah, this is my 100th post. Yay... haha

If you're ever bored and want something to think about (well a lot of things) read a chapter of Proverbs. every verse has something to offer. Here's a chapter i read this morning.

Proverbs 18
1 Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.
2 Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
3 Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
4 Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
5 It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.
6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.
7 The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.
8 Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.
9 A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
11 The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
12 Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.
13 Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
14 The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.
16 Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!
17 The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.
18 Flipping a coin[a] can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.
21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.
23 The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.
24 There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Tomorrow

Hey all,
Tomorrow the Spring-Ford High School Marching Band is having their preview night along with the middle school at the football field. It starts around 6ish. the High school should have all of their 48 pages of drill for the opener prepared (the largest we've had for an opener). Come on out and see us perform

My Bucket list

A list of things I want to do before I die.

Go sky-diving

Go diving

Go on multiple out of country mission trips

Attend a Flyers and Phillies playoff game

Go rock climbing on actual rocks (not in a rock gym)

Learn how to surf

See our church's campus completed

Play on a large scale stage with a rock band (will already be doing it with our wind ensemble :) )

Get married and have children

Thats about all I can think of right now, anything you'd like to do? leave a comment

Whats up

Hey again, I thought I'd just give a brief update. My computer is still dead so its still gonna be a while before I get back to regular posts.

In other news school started again today, and it felt odly similar to last year. Thats probably because the order of my schedule, and many of the teachers are the same. I have 15 study halls first semester but only 1 second, which stinks... I was hoping they could split my dc stuff but nope. Ohh well, at least this half of the year will go easy.

I also think I've decided to just go with engineering as a major, because if I decide its not for me I've been told its easier to switch from it than it is to switch to it. Now for college searching and applications, good thing I have lots of study halls with Ms. Demeno.

One good thing about this year is that i know quite a few people in every class despite the fact that many of them are smaller than normal. Jared (and matt) is in my gym class, so get ready to be dominated for ultimate frisbee.

Anyway, I'll leave off there, talk to you all later.

Just so you know

My hard drive had decided to terminate its own life again..... thus I am computerless and probably will be for a while. That means I'll be doing little posting because the only workable computer left in our house is my mom's and she uses it quite often.

Pray that my hard drive goes straight to hard drive hell....

until next time

always say hi to passing monkeys

I lied

So I lied. Last night I said i wouldn't be doing anything with that story for a while. You know what happened, this morning, after being awakened by a coworker because my boss never gave him the key, I decided to work on it for a little. Here it is.

“Ahh, your wife, that would be why you are really here today, isn’t it. You are not just taking from God; you are taking away from her because you are never around, never tell her anything, and are always storming off.” John had this uncanny ability to know just why people came to him. “I’m worried Mark,” John continued after a pause, “I have a feeling that your world is about to be rocked more than you can imagine. God is going to try and get your attention if you don’t change and you will not like it.”

A break in the conversation occurred. I contemplated what John had just told me. Eventually I decided to play it off as him just worrying about me.

“So will I be seeing you this Sunday morning? Bob is leading an awesome worship set,” John started again.

“If everything goes as planned I’ll be there.”

“That’s good, I think you’ll find something in the sermon as well.”

“Oh really? What’s it about?”

“Come on Sunday and you’ll find out.”

“You can be so difficult, you know that?”

John just flashed that smile of his and replied, “I try my best.” At this we both shared a good laugh. “Hey, have you eaten yet? Where are my manners, I have a guest and still haven’t offered him any food,” John suddenly exclaimed.

“Actually, I am pretty hungry. I haven’t eaten since last night, but I really must be going. I think I’ll just pick up something on the way home.”

“Oh nonsense! You will stay and eat with me unless you can provide a real excuse, I’m making pierogis,” John said almost teasingly.

“No fair, you know I can’t resist you’re homemade pierogis,” I laughed out.

“Good, good. Make yourself at home, they’ll be done shortly.”

It's been a while

Just like the title says, its been a while since I last posted anything original, so lets start all over. Hey, I'm Andrew. I play the drums and somewhat the tuba. I love to hang out with my friends, and believe in God. My favorite sports to watch are hockey and baseball, my favorite sports to play are ultimate frisbee and soccer. I am going to be a senior at Spring-ford High School and still have no idea where I'm going to college or what I'm going for. I have some of the best friedns this worlds got to offer and have had a pretty good life up to this point...

Alright, now that you know what there is to know about me let me figure out what this post is about. Lets see, I'm going to the beach tomorrow, which is Friday since its now past 12. This is the first time I will be going to the beach since I was a really little kid, like before I remember anything, so for all practical purposes its my first time.. I'm going with my friends and family, and it should be a blast.

Music wise I just got done with a concert where I had to fill in for my brother on the drums because he broke his collar bone. It went fairly well and I had a solo in it... though I feel bad for Scott because of how loud I was playing throughout. Tuba is going fairly well as is marching band (well about as well as that can go). I'm still just biding my time till concert band. I'm actually in the process of trying to get together a band, hopefully one that will actually start this time.

Lets see, ahh yes, the story I started writing... Yeah, about that, I kinda forgot about it, this summer seems to have flown by, but I still plan on continuing it... perhaps after marching band season when I'll have some free time. So thats about it for writing.

Ahh, last Sunday I went to my first real concert. It was amazing, my friends and I headed to New Jersey to see Creed at the PNC Bank Arts Center. It was awesome, we were the seventh row back. The music was so loud, and the lights and pyrotechnics were awesome. I was totally unprepared for everything. It was a really great time. Also found some time to talk some baseball with Josh Rizzuto on the way home. Thats always a good time.

I've been slowly trying to rework myself into serving at RIOT and IMPACT again after not doing it for a while. Its difficult cause there isn't much left to do anymore, but hopefully as our church recovers financially from having built the student center we will once again get some of the stuff thats been broken lost or stolen.

I finished reading the New Testament early this summer. Actually I'd been pretty much done for a long time but for some reason I kept putting off reading Revelation even though it's one of my favorite books. I haven't read much of anything in a while. I'm waiting for the new Ted Dekker book to come out (this October I believe) and also plan on starting the Old Testament in the near future.

I have become the "fire master" for my friends... looks like being an eagle scout actually does something for you, haha.

To be honest, I don't know what I've done this summer. I haven't played a lot of video games, haven't read much, haven't done a ton outside. I have hung out with friends on nearly a weekly basis but outside of that not much else.

Ohh yeah, one final thing, I got a job right at the end of last school year. I now work at Providence School of Music and Wi-fi Cafe. Stop in sometime, I'd love to make a drink for you.

Alright, now that you pretty much know my entire summer I'll leave you alone. Congrats if you actually made it this far. My next post will be a lot shorter and will probably be more along the lines of what I used to write about. Here's a little gift for you, it's the verse of the day from biblegateway.com!!!

“I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”- Psalm 16:8

Another fwd from Grandma

This is about the best thing I've ever read as an explanation. We all wonder many many many times over WHY?

Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers.
"Yuck" says her daughter.
"How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"
"Mom, those are all yucky!"

To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! "

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you.. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

I would also like to add that sugar could be used as well, it tastes really good (the good moments in your life) but too much can actually make you sick (age old proverb)

Escape

I wrote this during one of the quiet times at escape, just though I'd share.

As I sit here trying to talk to God, i am struck by something. In front of me is a grand old tree, probably one of the oldest in the forest. It is as big around as any I have ever seen. I cannot even reach my arms halfway around it, it is so wide. There is a sad truth to this mighty giant though; it has fallen down. It does not look like its end was pretty. the break is terribly jagged and a large piece nearly twice my height still juts skyward. The wood is bent and twisted. The rest of the tree is slowly decauing, returning to the ground that gave it life.

There is one good thing to come from the demise of this mighty tree though. New life is already springing from the ground in the space vacated by the giant tree, life that never would have survived with that large old tree there blocking the light. This new life has been given a chance to become nearly as great as the old tree that has fallen. Though it will never reach the grandeur that was the mighty tree it will get much closer now that it has room to grow and sunlight to feed it.

While recounting this scene another story runs in my head, the story of our savior, who was the greatest of them all. He too was met with a horrible end, all so that we, small and meek compared to Him, could have new life and a chance to live much longer than if He had lived. His demise was brutal as well, very brutal, but He was even able to conquer death and returned to his fater, where he will lovingly watch as we do our best to follow him. Though we will never reach his glory, His sacrifice allows us to get much closer to reaching that glory, just like the old tree in the forest

Some more

here's some more of that book I'm kind of working on.

“Mark!” John exclaimed as he threw wide the door. We embraced and then I was whisked inside. “How have you been? Oh, I see you have been having more adventures, you must tell me everything. We haven’t talked since Sunday, where have you been?”

John was a very ecstatic and energetic man. He was also very simple. He lived in a small rural house that was quite literally in the middle of nowhere. His car was a ’95 Camry that was outdated before he bought it. Everything John owned was simple and functional.

John was the kind of person that was impossible to hate. He always had a smile on his face and genuinely cared for people. He also had that kind of air about him that said that it was ok to tell him anything you wanted to. If you were in his presence a feeling that everything would eventually work out came over you. Instinctively you knew that he would listen to anything and everything you could tell him, and non e of it would be heard by another soul. John was just that kind of person.

“You know I can’t tell you that,” I replied.

“Yeah, whatever. All that bologna about ‘it’s top secret’ and ‘No one can know.’ I don’t believe any of it…” John said with a grin and a wink. I forced a half smile in return. “So how’s things between you and God?” John continued.

“O.K.” I replied.

“Been watching anything you shouldn’t?”

“Nope.”

As John continued through the standard accountability questions I began to dread more and more the last question he would ask. It was always a sore spot in our meetings. Then it arrived.

“Been reading your bible?” John asked with raised eyebrows.

“Ahem… Well… Umm…. No not really,” I conceded.

“Oh really? And why is that?”

“You know why!” This conversation had occurred so many times before that I had lost count. John just sat staring at me waiting for my answer. I sat there and glared back. The tension in the room was beginning to increase rapidly. Finally I gave in.

“I haven’t had time with work,” I grunted.

“So you’ve told me… Is that really a good answer?”

“It is the answer, what can I do to fix it? Nothing!”

“So you are trying to tell me that your job is more important than God?”

“No! That’s…”

“Ohh but it is. You are placing your mysterious job in front of something God wants you to do. You are stating that God is less important than your work.”

“What the heck am I supposed to do? I have a wife and three kids that I need to support. I can’t just quit!”

“Ahh, your wife, that would be why you are really here today, isn’t it. You are not just taking from God; you are taking away from her because you are never around, never tell her anything, and are always storming off.” John had this uncanny ability to know just why people came to him. “I’m worried Mark,” John continued after a pause, “I have a feeling that your world is about to be rocked more than you can imagine. God is going to try and get your attention if you don’t change and you will not like it.”

A break in the conversation occurred. I contemplated what John had just told me. Eventually I decided to play it off as him just worrying about me.

Ready to Fly

drummers

Hey, I'm finally doing a post on the address of this blog. Anyway, here goes.

People say drummers are a little weird in the head. Well hey, as far as I'm concerned, its true. If you ask any of my friends, family, or anyone who has ever played with me they'll tell you its true too. I'm one weird guy. But what makes us drummers weird? I'm not entirely certain. Perhaps its because we choose to submit ourselves to endless loud noise that often results in ringing ears. Maybe its because we play an instrument where its likely that daily you will smash your fingers. Maybe its because when some of us play (me especially) we pant as if we've just run a marathon because we've thrown ourselves into the music so much. Maybe, just maybe, its because drummers just need to be crazy. We have some many things to worry about all at once. You have to have all four limbs going at the same time, in time with each other. You have to have a metronome (device that makes annoying beaps in order to keep you in time) going constantly while you play. You have to use your fingers in conjuntion with your wrists, in conjuntion with your forearms, in conjunction with your upperarms, in conjunction with your shoulders, and they all have to work together smoothly. You have to be able to do different things with each limb all at the same time. you also have to pay attention to the music during all of this. Then theres the drummers who sing while they play, that something I'll never have the mind power to do. its extremely difficult even just to say yes or no, let alone singing lines in tune. Drumming is such a complex art that you have to be a little crazy in order to do it. Its also extremely fun.

Anyway, that was pretty poorly written and a little pointless but ohh well.

facebook

Alright, so imagine that your facebook homepage is your life. Its filled with lots of stuff and is constantly being updated. However, very little of that stuff is actually important. The quizzes like "see who you would be in another life" and "which jonas brother are you" are just worthless and taking up space. Then you have the updates from the pages that you have added. More useless stuff taking up more space. If you're like me you try to hide all of this stuff so that you see whats actually important, like your friends statuses. Unfortunately thats all we're really doing, hiding them. They're still there, we just don't always see them. Then you have the few useless things that you miss, and sit there visibly clutterring up your life. We may not notice them but they're still there.

So whats the point, we need to find a way to truly get rid of all the crap in our lives that doesn't matter so that we can better focus on what is important, God, friends, and family. How do we do this? I don't know, its different for everyone. But I think that if we can pull it off, our lives will be much better, and much more fufilling.

ummm yeah

So I have no clue where this blog is going to go but hey lets see what happens.

I love ice cream. When we have ice cream in the house I'll have some every night until its gone. Its like clock work, just as i begin to settle into my chair for the night to do some talking and tv watching I always make a trip to the freezer to check for some ice cream. I love every single kind and take at least three scoops a night. I never feel guilty about any of this, but some people might. Thats how I would view sins if I felt guilty about ice cream. They're the little things in life that we try to convince ourselfs won't do us any real harm, but we know that they do. Despite the fact that we know what we are doing is wrong, and is hurting us, we just can't stop. Its like an addicition. Every day (or week, or month, or year) like clockwork we do the same thing over again, and then immediately regret it. We ask God for forgiveness and then and do it again. Se struggle but never win the fight. We're never going to stop eating ice cream (sinning) if we don't first ask God for help, and then ask someone we look up to for help. We can't do this life thing alone, and we weren't meant to, that's why God made man AND woman. We were meant to be social creatures and we were meant to rely on others' strength because ours is not enough by it self.

So yeah, I wanted to talk about ice cream and it turned into accountability, but hey, what can I say, other than I love ice cream! (the real stuff, not the metaphor)

a trip down memory lane

So tonight was the Band banquet, where everyone gets their class awards and we all get recognized, yadda yadda yadda. Anyway, afterwards there is always a dance. Needless to say the songs are never really that good and the lighting is pretty bad so its not that great of an experience. Due to this fact, my two friends and I decided to go play on the play ground. It was the most fun I've had in a while. We went on the swings, we found a ball and played four square with 3 people... We invented our own game. It was just like we were in elementary school again. Those were the good days when school was easy, homework took 20 minutes at the max, and all you had to care about was having fun. Once again let me tell you that that was a lot of fun, and it also did a good job of taking my mind off of school and band and all that stuff. So, next time you feel overwhelmed why not take a trip down memory lane and play on a playground. Remember, you're never to old to have fun.

Contemplations

So my junior year is coming to a close and lets just say it was a little crazy.  I had my toughest schedule to date, and became even more involved in band (if thats possible).  I've started looking at colleges and have changed my potential career close to five times now.  I believe I'm currently settled on engineering, and maybe double majoring in physics, but for all I know that plan could change tomorrow.  

There have also been numerous other changes.  One of these is that for marching band next year I will be playing the Tuba, not the drums.  People have told me I'm crazy, and maybe I am, but I have my reasons, and I am excited to try something new so.  

I also started a book this winter.  I published the first few pages in the last post and will be continuing it this summer.  In response to that, no I am not going to be  writer, I just figured I'd give it a try and see what happens.

Well, thats all for now, I'll catch you all next time.

howdy

So I'm looking to try and start blogging again but don't really have anything to write about right now, so here you go.  This is a story that I started to write in the winter and am looking to continue this summer maybe.  Anyway, this is like the first chapter of so i guess, if you have any comments go ahead and leave them please ^.^

Intro

                Darkness.   An absolute void where not one ray of light penetrated.  A darkness that deprives the mind not only of sight, but also thought.  That’s all there was when I first opened my eyes.  At least, I thought I had opened them, but I couldn’t be sure.  As I slowly began to think again I noticed the cool, hard, smooth surface plastered to my face.  It almost felt like marble, but it was even smoother than it should have been.  I slowly slid my hands under my shoulders and tried to push myself up.  Before I was even to my hands and knees I fell back down.  It felt as if I hadn’t moved in weeks.  Slowly reaching outwards I tried to create a mental map of my immediate surroundings.  To my right was a wall, to my left, more of the cold hard floor.  The wall felt as if it was standard dry wall, painted with really cheap paint. 

                I tried to get up again but soon gave this up as a fruitless labor.  As I lay there panting I soon realized that I had no clue who I was, nor where I was.  As you can imagine, this was not a pleasant feeling.  I raced through my mind trying to find answers to what my past held in it.  Nothing was there.  It was if I was searching through a room darker than the one I was in searching for a contact that had fallen out.  I grew frustrated.  “What is going on?!?!” I shouted.  Only the echo of my voice answered.  I could feel my heart rate quickening and panic setting in.  Not a shred of my identity remained.  I had no clue how old I was, if I had any family, why I was in this god forsaken place.  Wait, one glimmer of hope, one thing that I did know.  I knew that I knew that there was a God.  It was the only thing that I could feel.  I threw myself into this.  It became my identity.  I knew nothing, nothing except the fact that I had a God who loved me dearly.  Thinking back on that horrible moment in my life, that one idea is probably the only reason I didn’t go insane.  God saves in many ways.

 

Chapter 1

                “You’ve really got to stop this…” my wife sighed, “every time you go out you come home with numerous injuries and an excuse that doesn’t fit.”

                “I told you, it was just a little mix up at work,” I shot back as I removed the ice from my eye and winced as she began trying to clean the gash on my leg.

                “Just a little mix up?!  Jesus, Mark! You look as if you just got discharged from World War III.  How can you call that a little mix up?  And what I really want to know is how does your work cause you to get into fights?  You’re a freaking cashier at Walmart.  There is absolutely no reason why you should be getting into physical altercations.”

                “Look, Susan, I already told you, some guy was trying to steal a camera and I chased him down.  He didn’t like that and thus this happened.  How was I supposed to know he had a knife?”

                “Why didn’t you just call the police?”

                “I did!”

                “Oh, and I assume that they saw you and said ‘you look ok to me, you can go home now’ because you look just marvelous,” Susan replied.  I could sense the doubt in her voice; it was always there, ever since the first incident.  I wanted so bad to tell her what really was happening, that I really wasn’t a cashier at Walmart.  I t hurt me so much to have to lie to her like this, but I couldn’t tell.  I never could.  It was for her own good.  If only she knew…

                I looked into her eyes willing her to understand that I had no choice in the matter.  Her eyes were mesmerizing; they could freeze over the Amazon River with their glare and melt the ice caps with their affectionate glances.  Those eyes were just the tip of the beauty that was my wife.  A beauty she was, the most beautiful person in the world as far as I was concerned.   She had long black hair that fell to her shoulders.  She had a face that everyone could love and a body that could turn heads.

                The physical appearance only scratched the surface though.  Susan was the most loving and caring person anyone could find anywhere on this planet.  Even when she was upset or angry she still had your best interests at heart.  I was so happy that we were together, in fact, I can say with certainty that it is impossible for any man to be more happy with his spouse.

                “Look, I told you what happened. I’m sorry if you don’t believe me but that’s what happened,”   I finally replied.  Oh how it pained me to have to lie to her like this.  The words of my high school physics teacher briefly flashed through my mind.  “Never keep a secret from your spouse.  It is not a good idea.”  Ack!  I agreed so much with this statement, but he had never been in this situation, that much is for sure. 

                “Humph!” Susan replied as she stood and walked out of the kitchen.  Our relationship was on its brink and nothing I could do could save it.  The only reason why we were still together was for the children, and even that was beginning to lose its grip.  Oh the precious children.  They were the love of my life.  Few people could experience the same joy I could just by hanging out with those kids.  There was the cowboy Joey, and the princess Shannon.  They were the pride of my life and I would do anything for them.

                I decided that sitting around the house wasn’t helping anyone so I hopped in my 2000 Honda CR-V and shot out into the street.  I had absolutely no clue where I was going, just that I needed to get out and clear my head a little.  I hated it when Susan and I fought and tried to avoid them at all costs.  The times when we did fight, which was becoming more and more frequent, I usually ended up here, behind the wheel of my reliable mode CR-V.  That car probably shared more moments with me than anything else in my life.  It was my place to escape to, my safe house.

                I started to reflect back on the last few years.  My marriage had taken a turn for the worse shortly after that one fateful night.  That one night is where all of this trouble began, where my life changed forever, for the better or worst.  That night and that man, that man who first intro….

                “HONNNNKKKK!!!!”  My thoughts were interrupted by an angry driver behind me.  I had been day dreaming at a stop light again.  I quickly started through the intersection and turned off into the next driveway I saw as the other car sped around me.  I began to look around and tried to figure out just where I had taken myself this time.  I quickly came to realize that I was in the neighborhood where my good friend John lived.  John also happened to be my pastor.  I decided to drop by and see if he was around.  It always helped me to talk to him.

                “Ding-Dong” the doorbell sounded.  It was the most standard sound for a doorbell, and it fit John perfectly. 

                “Mark!” John exclaimed as he threw wide the door.  We embraced and then I was whisked inside.  “How have you been?  Ohh I see you have been having more adventures, you must tell me everything.  We haven’t talked since Sunday, where have you been?”

                Mark was a very ecstatic and energetic man.  He was also very simple.  He lived in a small rural house that was quite literally in the middle of nowhere.  His car was a ’95 Camry that was outdated before he bought it.  Everything Mark owned was simple and functional.

                Mark was the kind of person that was impossible to hate.  He always had a smile on his face and genuinely cared for people.  Mark also had that kind of air about him that said that it was ok to tell him anything you wanted to. 

                

Chow

Hey everyone

Its been a while due to many reasons and its gonna be a little longer.  I have an AP test tomorrow and one next week so don't expect to see anything until after that.

Until next time satisfy yourself with a song.

Livin' on the Edge

Aerosmith

image of the invisible

We're more than carbon and chemicals
We are the image of the invisible
Free will is ours and we can't let go
We are the image of the invisible
We can't allow this, the quiet cull
We are the image of the invisible
So we sing out this, our canticle
We are the image of the invisible

[Chorus:]
We all were lost now we are found
No one can stop us or slow us down
We are the named and we are known
We know that we'll never walk alone

We're more than static and dial tone
We are the image of the invisible
We're emblematic of the unknown
We are the image of the invisible
So raise the banner, bend back your bows
We are the image of the invisible
Remove the cancer, take back your souls
We are the image of the invisible

[Chorus]

Though all the world may hate us, we are named
The shadow overtake us, we are known

We're more than carbon and chemicals
Free will is ours and we can't let go
We are the image of the invisible
We're more than carbon and chemicals
We are the image of the invisible
Free will is ours and we can't let go
We are the image of the invisible
We can't allow this, the quiet cull
We are the image of the invisible
So we sing out this, our canticle
We are the image of the invisible

[Chorus x2]

Raise up the banner, bend back your bows
Remove the cancer, take back your souls

Praise You in this Storm

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down 
and wiped our tears away, 
stepped in and saved the day. 
But once again, I say amen 
and it's still raining 
as the thunder rolls 
I barely hear You whisper through the rain, 
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls 
I raise my hands and praise 
the God who gives and takes away. 

Chorus: 
And I'll praise you in this storm 
and I will lift my hands 
for You are who You are 
no matter where I am 
and every tear I've cried 
You hold in your hand 
You never left my side 
and though my heart is torn 
I will praise You in this storm 

I remember when I stumbled in the wind 
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again 
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on 
if I can't find You 
and as the thunder rolls 
I barely hear You whisper through the rain 
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls 
I raise my hands and praise 
the God who gives and takes away 

Chorus 

I lift my eyes onto the hills 
where does my help come from? 
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth 
I lift my eyes onto the hills 
where does my help come from? 
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth 

Chorus 

face down

Hey girl you know you drive me crazy
One look puts the rhythm in my hand
Still I'll never understand why you hang around
I see what's going down

Cover up with make up in the mirror
Tell yourself it's never gonna happen again
You cry alone and then he swears he loves you

Do you feel like a man
When you push her around?
Do you feel better now, as she falls to the ground?
Well I'll tell you my friend, one day this world's going to end
As your lies crumble down, a new life she has found

A pebble in the water makes a ripple effect
Every action in this world will bear a consequence
If you wait around forever you will surely drown
I see what's going down

I see the way you go and say you're right again,
Say you're right again,
Heed my lecture

Do you feel like a man
When you push her around?
Do you feel better now, as she falls to the ground?
Well I'll tell you my friend, one day this world's going to end
As your lies crumble down, a new life she has found

Face down in the dirt!
She said "This doesn't hurt!"
She said "I finally had enough!"

Face down in the dirt!
She said "This doesn't hurt!"
She said "I finally had enough!"

(Screaming)
One day she will tell you that she has had enough
It's coming round again

Do you feel like a man
When you push her around?
Do you feel better now, as she falls to the ground?
Well I'll tell you my friend, one day this world's going to end
As your lies crumble down, a new life she has found

Do you feel like a man
When you push her around?
Do you feel better now, as she falls to the ground?
Well I'll tell you my friend, one day this world's going to end
As your lies crumble down, a new life she has found

Face down in the dirt!
She said "This doesn't hurt!"
She said "I finally had enough!"

prayer and "What if his people prayed"

Prayer is an intricate part of the bible. One search through the NIV brought up 155 times where the word prayer is mentioned. The word "pray" brought up 365 results. Prayer is our way of connecting with God. It is how we talk to him and let him know that we acknowledge His presence. It is one of the most powerful tools we have as Christians and one of the best.

So just what does the bible say about prayer. Well it obviously says many things, but surprisingly enough there aren't any real directions for prayer until the New Testament. Matthew 6:5 is one of the first times Jesus addresses the topic of prayer. He commanded "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full." So Jesus is not telling us that we can't pray publicly, however, He is saying that our reason for prayer should be to talk to Him, not to look good. Jesus continues with His lesson on prayer from Matthew 6:5-9. These verses continue to make note that it is better to pray in private where you can be sure that you are not praying to look good.

The next time Jesus mentions prayer is in Matthew 21:22. This verse says 21Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. 22If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Jesus is telling us that prayer works, and that God always answers prayers. It does not guarantee that we will like how God answer but He will answer them. Another thing those two verses state is that faith can move mountains, which shows just how small our faith really is (please note that this shouldn't be translated literally, it is figurative speech).

Another thing we are taught that prayer can do for us is to cast out demons. In Mark 9:28-30 28After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" 29He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer.[a]" 30They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were. We can tell from this verse that prayer is a tool that can be used to cast out demons.

Another interesting thing said about prayer is that it is mentioned repeatedly that we should devote ourselves to prayer. Paul says this in Colossians 4:2 and numerous other times. James also tells us in chapter 5 that we should "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

So just in review here is what I covered.
Prayer is/can do all of the following:

useful, when combined with faith anything can be done

drive out demons

ease sickness (there are numerous accounts of praying for healing in the new church, and Jesus himself prayed to heal people from time to time)

something that we should devote ourselves to

finally we reviewed that prayer is powerful if you have faith and are saved.

prayer is not:

to be used for fame

to be a bunch of random babbling (continue reading all the verses I mentioned even if I didn't post them)

I hope that this proved helpful to anyone who was looking to find out what prayer is

What if the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords
Vowed to set the captive free
And not let satan have one more

What if the Church, for heaven's sake
Finally stepped up to the plate
Took a stand upon God's promise
And stormed hell's rusty gates

Chorus I:
What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His faith, yeah
And turn from their old ways

And what would happen if we prayed
For those raised up to lead the way
Then maybe kids in school could pray
And unborn children see light of day

What if the life that we pursue
Came from a hunger for the truth
What if the family turned to Jesus
Stopped asking Oprah what to do

Chorus I:
What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face yeah
And turn from their own way
Chorus II:
He said that He would hear
His promise has been made
He'll answer loud and clear, yeah
If only we would pray

Bridge:
If My people call by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray
If My people call by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray

Choruses:
What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face, yeah
And turn from their old ways
He said that He would hear
His promise has been made
He'll answer loud and clear yeaah
If only we would pray

tomorrow

thanks to jeff i finally have a new idea for a post, check back tomorrow night for my post on prayer

My Own Prison

Haha, I could see myself playing drums for this band and getting into just like he does.