Done!!

I'm done!! The semester is over! and I can't remember when I've been this excited about break since fish year! The past couple weeks have been rough. Finals were tough, along with other stressful stuff on top of studying. I think they all went pretty well, though. I had three. My last one was Calculus on Monday morning, and before that I had my two engineering classes - materials science and statics & particle dynamics - back to back last Friday morning starting at 7:30. It was rough. Hopefully, I passed all my classes. Yeah, I have super high expectations. Like Brian, who is still making a 4.0. He's ridiculous. I'll be looking for a place that'll hire me while he's looking for the place that wants him the most.

Anyway, school is over, and I get to keep going and going. I'm going to meet up with old friends, make Christmas presents (I want to buy as few as possible this year... we'll see how that works out...), apply for staff for Camp LIFE and raise money for it - I need $1,500 by January 15 - and apply to work at Duncan. I think that's about all I have to do. Oh, and recruiting. I might save that for after the bowl game, when I have my full uniform...

So, God has been teaching me soooo much, not the least of which is how little I actually know. But, I'm finding that He gives me wisdom when I need it. But then again, I guess that's kinda how it works anyway, right? Does anyone have wisdom when they don't need it? Is there ever even a time when you don't need wisdom? I mean, it seems to me that I'm pretty foolish at times, really lacking wisdom, but then at times that I need to be wise, I have that wisdom. I think it's awesome because it's a testimony to the fact that it's God, not me, with the wisdom. If I had wisdom on my own, I would have it all the time, but I don't, I'm only wise when God decides I should be. But, I am also developing godly wisdom by learning and experiencing. It still comes only from God, though. I'm a pretty dumb person, and I'm super thankful for the wisdom God gives me. One thing He's just recently reminded me of is how incredibly big and incredibly loving He is. He's enormous. If you don't believe me, http://hubblesite.org/gallery/album/entire/pr2010013a/. He made all that, and we don't even know how much more. And He's so loving, too. He loves us because He is good, not because we deserve it at all. He loves people who don't deserve anything good at all (that's all of us, actually) enough to sacrifice for us to win us back. He is running after us, pursuing us like a man pursues a woman that he knows he is going to marry. He sets after her with confidence and determination, ready to make any sacrifice, pay any cost, fight any fight, suffer any wounds, just to rescue his beauty, and that's exactly what God does for us, the church, His beauty, His bride. He is relentless.

Stuff like that, I've been learning this semester. There's always something more to be learned about God. Always. It will take us all of eternity to fully know Him, and that's exactly what we'll be doing. I'm super excited, and I hope this has got you excited, too, because you should be.

So, I've slept through about 3 of the last 27 or so hours, so... yeah... Goodnight. If I'm still making sense at this point, wow. I'm surprised I can even spell. I'm using backspace a lot. Goodnight.

Vision

I keep laughing at how great the title of this blog is. It's just so perfect. I'm just going through life, living and learning, and finding out how much I really don't know.

So, I had this vision the other day. It was sometime last week, but I don't remember when. I also don't remember whether I dreamed this, or just thought of the scenario while awake. I actually totally forgot about it until last night.

The first thing I remember is cardboard boxen, at least six of them. We are packing the last one. Filled almost to the top with Bibles, we put in a final layer of textbooks and close the top. Flash forward, there's an SUV, with the boxes in back. It's dark, and raining. I'm walking around the back of the car to get in the driver's seat, there's a man in the passenger, and the area is illuminated by the bright spotlights of a security checkpoint...

So yeah, I just remembered that last night. I don't know what it means, if it means anything, but I think it's pretty cool. Something I just realized is that the driver's side was on the left side of the car. I don't know which countries drive on the right side of the road, but that kind of makes me want to find out...

Ok, so so much has happened since the last time I wrote anything significant on this blog, so if you haven't been  talking to me or something like that, you missed out on a lot. Zambia was incredible. Life-changing. Seriously. It changed the direction of my life. Before I went, I was kind of interested in missions, but not really concerned with them. I just wanted to go on at least one for the experience. Now, however, they are a huge focus of my life. If I didn't think an engineering degree would help me get the gospel overseas, I probably would have changed majors by now. I'm going to talk to my advisor about getting a minor in math so that I can teach math to kids in Zambia. Yeah, if you had asked me about that last year, I... don't know what I would have said... It probably would've been pretty dumb, though...

Anyways, so yeah...

Also, being chaplain is not quite what I thought it would be like. It's hard being in that role and talking to people who have been facing crazy hard things. Some of the freshmen have gone through some intense trials. There hasn't been anything major lately, but whenever something big happens, and I go to them to help or they come to me for support, it's like I take some of that emotional burden on myself. I can feel the weight of it pulling down on my heart. I guess I've never really done anything quite like this, so I didn't know that happens. It makes me think about what others must have felt like when I came to them and just threw all my troubles on them. It really helps just to talk to people sometimes, but it can also be pretty tough for that person. I'm not saying that I dislike it. I love being the chaplain, and I'm so thankful God has put me in this position to influence others and be a role model. I'm so glad to be a part of that, but it isn't always easy. I read the part in James where he says that it's not good for many of them to be teachers because of how teachers are judged more strictly. Because of the stuff he says next, I think James is being pretty specific, but it still made me really think about my words and actions, and whether I'm really representing the gospel like I should or not. Paul says in Titus to do everything in a way that will make the gospel attractive to others. Even non-believers hold us up to a higher standard. If I cussed, or stole something, or started talking about girls the way some of buddies do, they would immediately notice and wonder what was wrong with me. If I insult someone (even kidding around), they'll say something like "Man, and coming from the chaplain!..." As if I am supposed to be kinder, gentler, and more respectful than them. Am I? As a Christian, definitely. I should always be striving to imitate Christ, to love God and to love others. But as a cadet, we all commit to the same set of values. There is no clause in the honor system that says "Only chaplains must be respectful of women..." or anything like that. All of us swear to the same cadet oath, and are all held according to the same standard. So then, why am I expected to act differently? I think it's because, deep down, whether they realize it or not, non-believers know they're missing it. They know "right" from "wrong," even though they deny the existence of God, the only possible source of a universal set of morals among us. It's just how we, Christians, are supposed to be. We're supposed to be kinder, humbler, more generous, more loving. But then, why doesn't everyone want to be a Christian? If we have that stereotype, and it's something that is generally held in higher regard, then why doesn't everyone want that? Maybe they see it like a religion, where it's something that we've committed to, so now we have to do it. We joined the club, signed the contract, said the oath, so now we have to follow the rules. Do we make it seem like that? Do we act like my Mormon buddy did (one of our buddies fish year is Mormon. He's on his two-year mission trip thing right now), who would never go see R-rated movies because he wasn't allowed to, but played Mature-rated computer games with (in my opinion) just as much gore, language, etc, as those movies, because there was no rule against it? We should be living content with Jesus, and uninterested in the fleeting pleasures the world finds so enticing and entangling. We should make the gospel of Jesus attractive by showing others that in it there is freedom, there is contentment, there is a greater pleasure than anything this world can offer. People should expect us to act differently, and wonder why we are so happy with it.

Shine, make 'em wonder what you got, make 'em wish that they were not on the outside looking bored.
Shine, let it shine before all men, let 'em see good works and then, let 'em glorify the Lord.


I've been reading A Pilgrim's Progress lately. It's really cool. I love this part here...


I saw also, that the Interpreter took him again by the hand, and led him into a pleasant place, where was builded a stately palace, beautiful to behold; at the sight of which Christian was greatly delighted. He saw also, upon the top thereof, certain persons walking, who were clothed all in gold.


Then said Christian, May we go in thither?


Then the Interpreter took him, and led him up towards the door of the palace; and behold, at the door stood a great company of men, as desirous to go in; but durst not. There also sat a man at a little distance from the door, at a table-side, with a book and his inkhorn before him, to take the name of him that should enter therein; he saw also, that in the doorway stood many men in armour to keep it, being resolved to do the men that would enter what hurt and mischief they could. Now was Christian somewhat in amaze. At last, when every man started back for fear of the armed men, Christian saw a man of a very stout countenance come up to the man that sat there to write, saying, Set down my name, Sir: the which when he had done, he saw the man draw his sword, and put a helmet upon his head, and rush toward the door upon the armed men, who laid upon him with deadly force; but the man, not at all discouraged, fell to cutting and hacking most fiercely. So after he had received and given many wounds to those that attempted to keep him out, he cut his way through them all [Acts 14:22], and pressed forward into the palace, at which there was a pleasant voice heard from those that were within, even of those that walked upon the top of the palace, saying-- "Come in, come in; Eternal glory thou shalt win."


So he went in, and was clothed with such garments as they. Then Christian smiled and said; I think verily I know the meaning of this.

Bunyan, John (2009-10-04). The Pilgrim's Progress from this world to that which is to come, delivered under the similitude of a dream, by John Bunyan (Kindle Locations 425-437). Public Domain Books. Kindle Edition.


Pretty sweet. Ok, I'm going to the second part of the GO! Missions Conference put on by Breakaway :) I'm excited. I'm going to try to post more (I've heard it's not good to say stuff like this on blogs, but I don't really care). I have the time; I'll just waste less time on other stuff. See ya!

Just a few...

Here are some ways that you can make a difference easily for another person:

1. Deliver fresh-baked cookies to neighbors and others.
2. Collect canned goods for a food bank.
3. Offer a couple of hours of baby-sitting to single parents for a night out in your neighborhood.
4. Volunteer at an agency that needs support help such as Salvation Army and Red Cross.
5. Donate time at a senior center with games and activities.
6. Give blood.
7. Stop by a nursing home, and visit a resident with no family nearby.
8. Leave a treat or handmade note of thanks for a garbage man, delivery person or mail carrier.
9. Clean graffiti from your neighborhood walls and buildings.
10. Organize a clean-up party in your park.
11. Give toys to the children at the shelter or safe house.
12. Send a gift or gift card anonymously to a friend.
13. Organize a clothing drive for a shelter.
14. Buy books, backpacks and school supplies for a day care or school.
15. In a note slip a $20 bill to a person who you know is having financial difficulty.
16. Roll an elderly neighbor’s garbage cans back up the driveway at the end of trash pick-up day.
17. Purchase a copy of a good book about kindness, put a card in the middle, and pass it on.
18. Pay the toll for the person behind you.
19. If a friend or a neighbor is moving, offer to bring food.
20. Collect personal care items for homeless shelters and safe houses.
21. Take flowers to work and share them with coworkers.
22. Get to work before others and leave a piece of candy, brownie, fruit, flower, etc. at every desk attached with a homemade card.
23. Leave a cake or other food item in a central area anonymously with a “I appreciate you” note.
24. Buy a cup of coffee or snack for someone who’s having a long day.
25. Send a prayer note to someone who is having a rough day.
26. Bake cookies together with your kids, and take them to a neighbor who needs a lift.
27. Pitch in and clean up the yard of a neighbor who is ill, has had surgery recently, or has had a family emergency.
28. Volunteer with your children at a soup kitchen.
29. Leave a bouquet of flowers on a neighbor’s front step anonymously.
30. As a house-warming gift for a new neighbor, ask others to pick their favorite quote to write in a nice book welcoming them to the neighborhood.
31. Clean up litter on a stretch of road in your neighborhood.
32. Surprise your spouse with breakfast in bed.
33. Call your mom just to say, “Hello.”
34. Arrange a conference call for the entire family.
35. Offer to wash your dog or a neighbor’s dog.
36. Make nutritional treats for dogs and cats, and give them to neighbors for their pets. Make extra for animal shelters.
37. Plant a tree in your neighborhood.
38. Promote a neighborhood cleanup day for homeowners.
39. Give houseplants to teachers, friends, or coworkers.
40. Select some people in your life who you feel need a special lift and send them a gift: flowers, tickets to a special event, or a gift certificate.
41. Help an elderly neighbor by raking leaves, mowing lawn, weeding flower bed, shoveling snow, wash car, clean house, etc.
42. Visit widows or homebound individuals. Make them a meal, stop in to say “hi”, or help around the house.
43. Spend an evening teaching a senior citizen how to use the computer or internet. You can use the time for painting, drawing, or scrapbooking, too.
44. Adopt a “Grand-friend” – every once in a while, pick up the phone, send an email, write a letter, or go and visit your “grand-friend.”
45. Help an elderly person by picking up their medicine, retrieving their paper, helping them with grocery shopping, taking them “out.”
46. Find a person who is homeless – give them a few dollars, or buy them a meal, or simply just talk to them.
47. Collect food from neighbors, at school, or from churches – give it to a local family in need, homeless shelter, or charity.
48. Volunteer at your local homeless shelter, food bank, or soup kitchen.
49. Gather clothes, blankets, toys, books, or basic supplies and donate to local family in need, homeless shelter, Church, or non-profit organization.
50. Help with home repairs and yard work of local families / homes in need.
51. Tailgating at a sporting event: offer free hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, etc to the community before the game.
52. Give away coffee and hot chocolate during a community event.
53. Sports season is starting at local schools. Provide bottled water or Gatorade after a local team practice.
54. Organize a neighborhood block party.

from KLove

http://www.klove.com/promodetails.aspx?i=7325

Oh man, life is crazy. I don't really have anything to write about, I just don't really have anything else to do. Well, I guess I do, but It's been a while since I've bolrogglgogged. In my last post, I was excited because I was going to leave for Zambia soon. Well, I went to Zambia, and it was amazing. I don't even think I can write about it here, because it just wouldn't do it justice. It would be wrong to try to condense all of that awesomeness into a post or even series of posts on here. If you want to know about it, just set aside an hour or two, or three, and come talk to me and I'll tell you all about it. Otherwise, I'll just tell about stuff from the trip whenever I mention it here, on this blog, on which I post, to here, this blog, right now, and other times, on here. This blogglegog...eroggle.

On a totally random note, I think the movie Courageous is coming out this month, or maybe even in the next week or two. I'm pretty excited about that. It should be really cool.

I'm a junior this year, and it is so cool!! I was having fun basically the moment I got here. It's a little weird, almost like I'm not as much a part of everything, but it's only because we're so much less restrained this year. Less rules to follow, and they're all (or mostly) rules that make sense. Except for having to have the top button done on your clothes. That's kinda dumb. Just the top button must be fastened. And the clothes in your closet have to be in order.

I got to go to first yell last night. It was really cool. Brian Regan (the comedian, not the felon) is really funny.

There's a bunch of stuff that I really need to get done today... including some homework. I need to go get a book for Bible studies with the underclassmen. I had one with the fish this past week. It went really well. Half of it, maybe even more, was spent just chilling with them, giving them a chance to get away from the corps for a while. I think I'm going to show them a funny youtube video next week.

I really like music, but I can't figure out what kind. I guess just about every kind, and what I want to hear at the moment just depends on how I feel and what I've heard lately, and the situation. I love putting in headphones and pretending that your life is a movie and the current track is the background music. Needs more explosions, though.


Everything you just read, or skipped past, I wrote at the beginning of this month, but then I never posted it because I planned on writing more, but never got around to it. Now I'm super busy, so I decided to get onto my blog again. I make so much sense :) Anyways, so yeah, definitely. I'm really tired. I finally got to sit near the front of my materials science class today... and I slept through most of it. And it was a test review. Poop. Anyway, up next is lunch, then canoeing class, then homework/Bible study/Breakaway/sleep. Not necessarily in that order.

Keep your eyes on the lookout and your ears on the... uh, listen up over the next few days and weeks for info on awesome stuff that's going to happen in Zambia. Hopefully we'll have a group from Camp Winchester that wants to go next summer. I'll be sending out an email soon, probably this Friday. If we can get a bunch of people going, that would be super awesome and exciting. Another guy in the band and I are also going to talk to the Aggie Band about it, and maybe we'll get a group from there as well. But, the really exciting thing is something that everyone can be involved in. I'll be sending out more info on this as well, but basically, Family Legacy, the organization that does Camp LIFE, has what they call the Tree of LIFE Childrens' Village. Check it out on their website. It's a home for the most needy orphans, where they are really loved and provided for, and have clothes, food, friends, a good education. It's great. Anyway, it's a series of homes, each housing 14 kids and 2 house mothers. Well, the houses are built off of donated money, and us Aggies here in Aggieland are going to raise the money to build one!! Stay tuned (or following or whatever), and I'll let you know how it goes :) I'm pumped.


Run the Race.

Just wait.

Sorry I haven't blogged much lately. I don't really know what to say. There's been a lot going on, mostly good stuff, but I don't know what all to write about. Camp is about to start (super exciting!!!), but I can only go to one 3 day camp before I leave for Zambia next Thursday (also super exciting!!!), and then summer goes crazy. Unless I find some time to post stuff from Zambia, I probably won't blog again until August. Sorry, but don't say I didn't warn you. Anyway, I guess I should make this one good... yeah, I got nothin'. Sorry. Oh wait, I never talked about the canoe trip with Brian! So we did go on that trip we were talking about, and it was really cool. We saw a dead cow, and an armadillo, and about a million turtles. And we ate a lot of gorp (by "we," I mean just me). Gorp is good ol' raisins and peanuts. What we had was technically gorpmc, though, which is good ol' raisins peanuts m&m's and cranberries. Plus some other stuff. It was good :) It was a really cool trip, and we went about 76 miles down the Colorado River (from Little Webberville in Austin to Plum Park in... wherever it is) in 3 days. Yeah, we're beasts.

Also, yesterday (Sunday yesterday, not technical yesterday, since it's technically Tuesday. I don't care), my dad and I went to College Station, and on the way back, we stopped by the Texas Boot Company in Bastrop to see  what hours they're open. They were closed, and didn't have an hours sign up, but there were some people inside, so I tried to open the door to poke my head in and ask for hours, but it was locked. The guy that was inside opened the door, invited us to come in and shop for a while (even though I told him we just wanted to look around), and started talking to us. Turns out it was the owner, who had stopped by for a minute because his wife had to use the restroom. They're really cool people. They're Christians, and he's an Aggie (I didn't ask what year). They had actually just opened up a dance hall in the back of the store for Aggies to stop at on the way to games from San Antonio and Austin. I started talking to his wife about Camp Winchester, and Zambia, and it turns out she knows one or two people who went or are going on the same thing I'm going on (Camp LIFE). Then the guy gave me a bunch of coupons for the camp staff. It was pretty crazy, most of all because I know it was God's doing. See, we wouldn't have met them if we had been just a few minutes earlier or later, and we had missed the store the first time around and had to loop around the highway again to get back to it. Also, they used to have a sign with their hours posted, but it got old, so they had recently taken it down... Haha yeah, I know. And then, one more thing. I wanted to tell people about it (I don't really know why), so I told Brian, but then I also wanted to tell Hannah (I don't really know why), but instead of just telling her about meeting the owners, I told her to tell anyone at camp that wanted new boots that I have coupons (I don't really know why). She texted me back to tell me that she needs to get some boots, and she was going to go this week. Haha isn't God funny sometimes? (I mean literally funny, like humorous. God has a sense of humor, and He's way funnier than you are)

Busy bee

Are bees really always busy? Or are they any busier than any other animal?

I've been really busy lately, and it doesn't look like it'll let up until... uh... maybe Christmas? Once finals are over next week, and final review and Jaclyn's grad party, Brian (Sowell) and I are going on a canoe trip. For sure. It's gonna happen... we hope. I think it's possible. And after that, I might go backpacking with Brian (Smith), but it looks like we'll be putting that off for a little bit. But all during May, I'll be visiting churches to ask for money (I don't really feel right just walking up and asking for money, though) for Zambia, along with preparing for the trip itself as well. Also, there's a cncert with my (ex)band, staff training, and then camp starts at the end of May, and then I leave for Zambia in June, and I go straight to Missouri for a family reunion once I get back into the country, and then straight to camp once I get back into the state. Until August, it's camp, with a weekend trip in July to the coast with Brian and Daniel (Sowell) and some other guys, and probably working a couple Saturdays at Truck City. I might have a week off after camp ends, but even if I do, it'll be spent packing for school, which I have to move in for early this year. Once school starts, I'll probably be a sleepless hermit for 3 1/2 months, with maybe 2 weekends off, until Christmas break, during which I might take online classes...

Why do I bring all this up? Well, for one thing, I just basically wrote out all my plans for the next 7 or so months, and I can see how crazy they are (I decided while typing all that that I probably shouldn't take online classes this summer). Also, I want you to catch something I just said. All of those things are my plans. That's everything I want to do. Yes, God is a huge part of almost everything I just said - everything if you count the fact that we do everything for the glory of God - but I'm still the one who made all those plans. Even Zambia, though God is telling to go, I've been planning, and seeing how I can make it work. Does this show a lack of faith, planning out my year for myself? Maybe. It really depends on intentions and motivation. I didn't plan everything because I don't think God has a plan, or that His plan isn't good, though. I think (and I'm figuring this all out as I type, I just started this post without any real direction or intention, I just wanted to post something. I need to go to sleep soon. Anyway, I think) I just did it because I wanted to do those things, and because it's habit. We plan stuff out so that we know what's going to happen, and we can be prepared for it. I guess its not wrong to plan on things, as long as you understand that everything happens only inside God's will. Oh, and as long as you keep your schedule flexible...

Sorry, I can't be calm right now! I'm so excited! Like, you have no idea. God is doing incredible things right now! This guy in my outfit just got saved, and he is totally on fire for Christ now! Its amazing how far he has come in literally less than 24 hours. And the head drum major, who is a key leader of the entire band, is hardcore on fire for God as well, and he was talking about some crazy bandwide praise and worship that we're planning for next year, and our outfit commander is also a strong man of faith, and one of my spiritual mentors. He's chosen some great leadership for our outfit as well. I'm so excited for next year! I'm so excited for tomorrow! God is so awesome!

Ugh

So much to do! Breakaway was amazing tonight, and I really wish I could talk about it, but I've just got too much to do. It really makes me sad, but it reminds me of something my old youth pastor told me fish year, in an email. I had said that I was pretty busy, and he basically said yeah, life gets like that sometimes, where you can't do the things you want to. I want to stay up and pour out some thoughts and feelings, but I need to sleep, because I've got two tests tomorrow, and one more on Thursday. So much studying... Anyway, I could sure use everyone's prayers the next two days, and then I don't even know how many tests I've got after this week. Too many. I'm just trying to get through Thursday right now, so please pray for me in that. Thanks.

Well, this could be pretty rough...

Centennial

This is my 100th post on this blog!! *cheering and whistling* *cricket chirps* Well, anyway...

Today was awesome, and it was awesome because I received some awesome news. I'm going to be the outfit chaplain next year!! I'm super excited, because this is the position I've wanted since I found out there was one, which was the second day of pre-FOW, I think. It's a junior position, but everyone in my class had pretty much decided it would be me since fish year. It's going to be great. I report directly to the CO (Commanding Officer, the guy who's in charge of the outfit), which is really good, because I've been going to him a lot this year to talk (he's the first sergeant right now), and he's become a mentor and spiritual leader to me. He's also behind me all the way on my goals as chaplain, and for the position itself. He literally said to "As far as I'm concerned, your purpose is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ." Not as chaplain, but as a Christian. Being chaplain just makes me more prominent and gives me more influence, especially in that area. The chaplain is also something else, too: a counselor. I'm the "go-to" guy for the fish, the first person they can come talk to if they need help with anything. I was even given a first-aid kit today. I was first told this morning, by the first sergeant, and then this evening, by the current chaplain (I don't think he knew that I had already been told). When Jacob (our first sergeant) told me, he asked me a few things, the main one being that I pray, every single day, for the incoming freshman. When he gets a list of who they are, he's going to give it to me, and then I can pray for each of them by name, all the way up until they show up for FOW, and then I can personally meet with and pray for them. I've also been told about all the tough situations chaplains can be faced with. I know I'm not prepared for all that now, but I also know that God can prepare me for it before next year. I know God can and will use me to do great things in this outfit, I just need to make sure it's Him behind it all. Whenever I jump in, that's when things go wrong. So, I'm super excited about being selected as chaplain, but I also a great weight of responsibility. After all, spiritual leaders will be judged more strictly.

Jealous-C

I'm really jealous of Brian. He has this really awesome blog, and you know what it's about? His schoolwork. Schoolwork. Yeah. Well, in an effort to best his efforts, I'm going to start blogging about my engineering schoolwork. (For those of you who don't know Brian, he's an architecture major, and he had to make a blog last semester for class where he posted all of his work. I don't know if he's still required to post his work, but he still does, because it's really cool.) So, here goes... Today, my first class was Army. We talked about squad ambush. Squad ambush is when a squad ambushes the enemy.

Then I had concert band. We played music. I played music on the tuba, just like every day. Today, I was really out of tune on one note. I think my lips were broken. They fixed themselves by the end of class, so I have no idea why I was so out of tune.

The next class I had was physics lecture... The prof said he would explain a new equation. It was

but then he went on to an example problem he didn't finish last Friday. I think he explained the equation later, when I was asleep.

Next, chemistry lab. We did an experiment on chemical equilibrium. We took two clear substances, and water, and mixed them together. They turned red. Then we used a machine to tell us exactly how red they were. This is red.

This is less red.

Congratulations.

Now I have to do calculations on it. I'm procrasti - uhh, sharing my progress...

World Mandate Tour

Wow. I just went to this World Mandate Tour thing. It was pretty crazy awesome. Intense worship, and some pretty cool stories. It all really made me want to go. All those miracles and stuff in the video I saw last night. The guy said that to see the power of God moving in that way, you have to go where He is moving and working! That doesn't mean He won't move where you are, but He calls His people to go places, spread the good news about Jesus Christ!! So yeah, now I'm even more excited about Zambia, and what kind of miracles I'll see happen there, and I want to find out where else God wants me to go. Also while I was there, during the crazy worship part, I don't even know what started it, but I started thinking about my buddies. Then this guy walks up and taps me on the shoulder, in the middle of a song, introduces himself, and then says that God wanted him to pray for me. Then he says "Is there anything going on right now, is anything on your mind?" So I told him about how I've been trying to witness to my buddies, but it's hard because I'm not seeing much progress. He prayed for me and really encouraged me, and I was just in awe. Then later, I don't remember if it was during a song or someone talking, John 12:32 came to mind. That blew my mind. I just need to lift Jesus up, and He will draw all men, all people, including all my buddies, to Him. There's no way I can be enough of a "good influence" to get my buddies saved. No one confesses Jesus as Lord except by His Spirit. It's not how well I can do in reaching them, it's how much I can lift Him up for them to see, and for Him to reach out to them.

So my journal came in today. On the website, it looked like this

But then in actuality, it looks like this

Yeah, I know, talk about false advertising... Ok, not really. It's really cool. I like it. It's pretty thick, but it's not ridiculous or anything. Just means I'll have it for a really long time. It has a ribbon place marker, though. I don't get those things. They're so annoying. It's hard to put them in the place you want to mark, and when you do, it's hard to open back up to that place. No one uses them, and even fewer people like them. If you use them and like them, you don't count. I'm not being closed-minded; you just aren't looking at the situation the right way.


antio.ch/wm11

I have to wake up at 5 for a pt test, so...

just check this out. Go here.

http://www.fingerofgodfilm.com/

That's all :) Goodnight.

Something Real.

Jesus became real to the world when He stepped down from heaven to live life as a human. He became "More than a story," as the song goes, "more than words on a page of history..." When we pray, we shouldn't pray as to a distant god who looks down at us from some high up, far away place, because when we pray, we pray to our God who looks us in the eye, takes our hand, and our heart, and says "I love you. I love you enough to do more than reach down and lift you up. I love you enough to go down to where you were, where you couldn't get up from, and carry you up to be with me."

I

talk too much. I know it, too. I just don't realize it when I'm talking. I realize after I stop talking. I finish saying something, and then I think "Wow, I just talked a lot, and it was mostly about me." Then I try to talk less, but I always have something to say (you now have that song stuck in your head). I always ramble about something having to do with me. It's annoying. I'm sure you've gotten annoyed at me for it, and if you have, I'm sorry. I just want you to know that it irritates me, too. So please tell me if I start doing it next time I talk to you. Cut me off if you have to. Just go "Hey, shut up, no one wants to hear about you," or something like that. Just push me off my soapbox. And if I stare awkwardly, I'm not trying to make you look dumb or anything, I probably genuinely have no idea what to say. I do that sometimes, too. Ok, I think I'm done now. Have I talked enough?

Let's try...

Journaling! So I've never journaled before. The closest I've come is this blog (that should make you laugh), but that's not really a journal. I got the idea after the last Zambia meeting. The guy talking recommended that we get journals and start writing down what happens to us and stuff, so that later, like in Zambia, we could look over the journal and see what God's been doing in our lives, specifically stuff He's been doing to prepare us for Zambia. So, I ordered a journal from Amazon, even though I said I wouldn't. I've started not liking Amazon lately because, even though they've got good prices and lots of stuff and great deals and convenience and free prime membership for me and all that stuff, they're not cool. They're kind of like Apple. They're really exclusive. Take the Kindle, for instance. You can read aaannything on the Kindle... but if it isn't on Amazon or a pdf file (which are dumb to read on the kindle anyway), it has to not be CRM protected. Just about everything is. You go to any website that offers ebooks, and 99 times out of 10, they'll say in their FAQ "Our ebooks are compatible with [list of every single kind of ebook reader except kindle]... Q: Can I read the ebook on my Kindle? A: Not currently [this actually means 'No. Amazon won't let you.']." The reason Amazon is like this is because they own like 75% of the ebook market already, so there's no reason for them to open up the Kindle to stuff like library books. They make enough money that they don't have to care about the people who want to read that kind of stuff on their Kindles. They also don't have to care about the people who want to change the picture that shows up when the kindle goes to sleep [people like me]. So, that being said, I'm NOT complaining about my Kindle. I love my Kindle reader; I just don't like Amazon. It's like having an iphone you love, but hating all the rules Apple has for it. I'm one of those people who jailbreak their iphones, except I don't have an iphone, I have a Kindle, and you can't jailbreak those. All you can do is pay Amazon the price of a real book for one of their ebooks, unless it's one of the few free ones they have. So anyway, I said all that to say that I was personally boycotting Amazon because I don't like them, until I started looking for a journal. I found one I liked

It says Amazing Grace sideways, and then has the verse that starts "The Lord has promised good to me..."

but it would be a month before it came in. So I went to the website of the people that make it, but they don't sell to consumers (stupid marketing... things... whatever reason they do that...), so I googled it, and guess where I found it? Yep, Amazon. So you know what I did? Well, after careful consideration, and advice from friends, I bought this manlier one that I found on the manufacturer's website while browsing before I found out they only do wholesale

Like it? I still bought it from Amazon, but it'll be here this Thursday (because of that free prime membership I mentioned earlier). Guess my boycott kind of failed... I thought the verse was a little generic, but I like it a lot, and after thinking about it, I think it kinda fits the reason for getting the journal a little better than the Amazing Grace one. They're both really good, though. The only thing is, this one has 400 pages, so I'll probably be using it for like 10 years...

So real quick

I'm looking for a journal. They suggested at the last Zambia meeting that we start journaling, so we can look back on it and see how God has been preparing us for this trip. That got me thinking about journaling, and I think I want to try it anyways. I forgot, though, but I was reminded when I went to this site oberondesign.com for kindle covers after seeing it on an amazon forum. They're really cool, but super expensive, so I started looking elsewheres, and I found some other really cool journals, like this one http://www.christianbook.com/amazing-grace-journal-two-tone-brown/9781869208523/pd/208523?event=WL&item_code=WW and this one http://www.christianbook.com/know-the-plans-jeremiah-11-journal/9781869208530/pd/208530?event=WL&item_code=WW but the Amazing Grace one is out of stock, and won't be in until halfway through May. Hmm. Any suggestions? Here are some from the site that I liked http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/registry_shop?action=shop&registry_id=1113368&event=REG but I don't know which one to get.

So in the band...

Yeah.

Intermolecular Forces & the Evaporation of Liquids

Summary

In this experiment, we experimented with intermolecular forces and the evaporation of liquids. You already know what liquids we used, so I won’t bore you with those details. You probably know basically what results we got as well, because you’ve probably done a similar experiment before, so I won’t waste any of your time with that, either. I’m sure you’re very busy, so I’ll give you a little bit more free time. Also, I’m sure you know the concepts we “learned” in this lab, so again, you’re off the hook there. You don’t have to worry about reading another entire lab report. I know, it’s a relief, isn’t it? You deserve a break. In fact, why don’t you take a break after you put this down? That’s right. It’s been a long day. Rest your eyes. Go get yourself a blanket and that book you haven’t touched in a week, and a nice hot cup of tea, and just sit back and chill for a while. Maybe even all evening. After all, you’ve been working really hard lately. Yes, people notice, and they really appreciate you. So kick back, take a break, and when it comes time to grade this lab report, just remember how nice that break was…

So, I really need some prayer right now. I'm under attack, and I'm starting to lose the fight. I'm getting depressed, over school, Zambia funds, and other stuff. I'm getting distracted; I didn't finish the lab report I was going to do today (thankfully it's due tomorrow), and I haven't studied for my theater test tomorrow. I'm demotivated, and on an emotional roller coaster, slowing gliding to a stop. I feel like I know what I need to do, but then I don't...

I've had "100 Degrees and You're Still Smiling" stuck in my head today. Awesome song. Wish I could hear it again. So true.

I'm tired, but I stay up til midnight.

Bye.

If I...

Wrote a full blog entry about every time God did something amazing, it would be like a whole newspaper! So, I'll just sum up tonight real quick. I went to this small group called a lifegroup, right on the quad (can you say "Yes, that's exactly what I needed and was looking for!!"?) earlier this evening. Normally, we'll worship, then have basically a Bible study. I say "normally," but this is only the second time I've gone, so I don't really know except that the guy said that we were going to "shake things up a little bit" and do some different stuff tonight. This was after some awesome testimonies, and even awesomer worship. The different stuff he was talking about was just walking around campus telling people about Jesus. Yeah. Talk about awesome!! We just split up into groups and then walked around, looking for people for the Holy Spirit to lead us to talk to. I went with my buddy that was there, Terence, because I had never done this before (but I've been thinking lately of how I don't talk to people about Jesus enough... Yeah. Coincidence? I think not. God is too big for coincidences), I admire his faith and his confidence in speaking to people, and because he's my buddy and I would really like to get to know him better than I do. So anyways, we talked to three people. We only had an hour, and the time flew by. The first guy is a junior in our outfit, and he said that he was raised Methodist, but hasn't really thought much about Jesus lately, so I told him about our morning prayer group and invited him to join us, and then we prayed for him. He asked what we were doing, and couldn't really believe it when we told him we were just walking around telling people about Jesus. So then the second guy we talked to had a bunch of stuff wrong in his head. I'm not saying he was crazy; mentally, he seemed totally fine. But as far as what he believed, I'm not exactly sure he really even knew. He said he's Catholic, but he didn't really understand or know a whole lot about Jesus, and he was talking about stuff like purgatory (which to me will always be a ski resort). So we talked to him a lot, telling him what Jesus did to pay for our sins, and how much He loves us. Terence gave him this little track... tract?... this little booklet thing, that he had been showing him to illustrate why Jesus had to die for us and how to be saved, and the guy said that he would look at it and think about. Terence told me after he left that he (Terence) saw that the guy needed to get stuff in his head straightened out, so he let him go. We prayed for him after he left, and went on. The last guy we talked to was actually the chaplain for a major unit in the corps. Terence just told him that Jesus loves him, and then we started talking, sharing some testimonies, stuff like that, and then we left after praying with him. It was really cool; I think God had us meet with him just to encourage him. So anyways, that was a "short" version of what happened tonight. I think it was pretty awesome, and it makes me really want to do it again. It's not easy to do; Terence was talking a lot, and I just stood there most of the time. But it's definitely worth it, and the other guys who had done it before said that it can be tough when you first do it. I don't know, it's kind of weird thinking of sharing Jesus like selling something, but the way we approach it is pretty similar. You sell something because you want that other person to have it. Well, we have Jesus, the reason for the world, and we can't keep Him all to ourselves! We have to go tell people about Him!

So, I have a challenge for you. Actually, it's a challenge for me as well. Go to that person. You know who. That person that you see every day, or however regularly. Tell them about Jesus. Don't wait for the conversation to head that direction, bring it up. You don't have to walk up to someone and say "Hey, do you know Jesus?" although that is one way to do it. Pull out your Bible, and when they ask about it, ask them if they read their Bible. Start talking about church, a song you heard, anything. Just remember: you have the greatest news in the world, in all of creation!! If someone gave you a new iPad, you would show your friends, you would pull it out in class to use to take notes with, you would put your calendar on it (maybe your Bible, too), and let people see it, and then talk to them about it, show it to them, tell them all about it and all the great things it does. You see where this is going? Jesus is so much better than an iPad, or anything else you could possibly imagine! And if that's not how you feel about Him, then you need to spend some time reading about His life, His ministry, and most importantly, His death and resurrection. Discover what an amazing gift you have, and go share that gift with others. After all, Jesus did say, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..."

So I've been thinking...

Maybe....

So, over spring break, I went to Colorado to go skiing. Yay! We drove there and back, and, for me, two whole days of sitting in a car means lots of thinking. And here's what I came up with.

So, things are changing. Think about it (I did, a lot). Think about everything. No, that's not big enough. Everything. Everywhere. All of creation. All of it. Yeah, I know, that's a lot. There's a lot to be said just about that. But anyways, still think about all of creation. Now think about this: it's always changing. Always. There is never a single moment in time, no matter how short, that is exactly like anytime previous, and there will never be another moment in time exactly like it, either. Even those giant stars that can last millions and billions of years, can only last that long. They have a limited lifespan. Everything does. Anything that changes, ends. It has to, because any change is bringing it closer to its end. Even if something doesn't appear to be changing, you get small enough, and something is moving, and moving means change, and change means end. Everything changes, everything has an end. Everything. You do, I do, the earth, the sun, stars, galaxies, caterpillars. Everything. There will be an end to all things. Now, I got to this point in my thinking, and I got pretty depressed. Sure, this means bad stuff will end. I've used this thought before as motivation to keep pushing through smokings and stuff. But good things end, too. The spring break trip. Over. Last summer is over, and at some point in time, this coming summer, what we're all looking forward to, will be over as well, and then all we are left with are memories. Only memories. Good memories, bad memories, they may bring emotions, but they don't bring back what happened. Talk to a young person, and what do they have? Nothing but ambitions! Talk to an old person, and what do they have? Nothing but memories. So what's the point of anything? It all just ends anyway. You build something up, someone else tears it down, if it doesn't fall on its own. You buy something, it breaks down (this is especially true of cars). Say something, and it's lost in the wind immediately. There's a History Channel show about "life after humans," where they predict what the world would be like if all the humans on the planet disappeared suddenly. They go from a few hours, a few days after, to thousands, and millions, of years. In the end, the only thing left that even hints of a civilization is our fossils. Nothing lasts forever. So, I'm thinking about this kind of stuff, and getting pretty depressed, when I pulled up a thought I had been saving in the back of my mind. Everything ends...  Except God. He is unchanging, therefore He is eternal, and vice versa. He never changes. Never. You can't put faith in anything except God, because nothing will stand still, except for God. Nothing will be there forever, except for God. Words are slow, and sorely ineffective. Stop and think about everything I've said. Really think about it. It's pretty crazy. So, why does everything change? Why is there an end to everything we see around us? Creation sings praises to its Creator; why is it temporary, and, in our case, so imperfect? I don't fully know the answer to that question, except I know that it's part of God's plan because it will bring Him the most glory, and I know this: it sure makes you long for home, doesn't it? Thinking about how nothing stays the same, nothing lasts forever, I can't wait for eternity with our unchanging, perfect God. Or as Matthew West puts it, "Maybe the reason for all hope, is so we can face the world, and the reason for the world is to make us long for home."

I typed this last night

So, I'm staying up later than I should... Again... I had a physics test earlier this evening. It was poopy, but not quite as bad as the last one. I think I did ok. I hope I did, because I'm Q-dropping the class if I didn't. Poop...

Rockstar ENERGY GUM!!!

That glare is on purpose, sort of.

I'll finish the rest tomorrow. Goodnight.

... So, it's Wednesday morning! Good Morning!! I don't really have anything else good to say in this post, so here:

Lets try this again

Ok, let's see if this works. You should see me.

"They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do."
1 Peter 2:8b

Oh, poop...

Look, its me!

Android app "androidify." Ok, I seriously need to stop distracting myself and go to bed. Goodnight!

Death of me

Have you heard of StumbleUpon? It's a website. If you've never heard of it, and you want to ever make something of your life, DON'T VISIT THAT SITE. If you've already gone, or worse yet, have an account, I'm sorry. I'm sure there's hope... maybe...

StumbleUpon must be the single worst enemy/best friend of the college student. You start by setting up an account (you don't even have to do this, but it's the only way to save your preferences and all). No incriminating information or anything, just the typical name, screen name, email, etc. Then, you select what you like from a huge list of topics. Games, art, music, history, health and fitness, humor, you name it. You select as many or as few as you like. Then - and here's where it gets bad - a toolbar appears at the top of your window (only while you're using the site), and on the left side of it is this pretty black button that says "Stumble!" Click it, and StumbleUpon will take you to a random site in one of your topics of interest. Like it? Say so with the like button, and even share it on Facebook, Twitter, or some other site I've never heard of. Don't like it? Click the dislike button and move on! Bored with that page? Just click the stumble button and it'll take you to a new site! It even learns what you like and dislike more, and adjusts where you go accordingly. Yeah, I'm pretty convinced that this was created by someone who didn't get many college scholarships. Why? Simple. He or she created this site to distract college kids, cause them to stop studying, fail their classes, drop out of college, and open up more scholarship opportunities! See? I told you that site is evil. But it gets worse...

Open up a new tab. If you don't have Google Chrome, download it now and start using it instead of Internet Explorer or Firefox (or, even worse, Safari). That has nothing to do with what you're about to do, Chrome is just better than whatever you're using. Anyways, type "futility closet" into the thing at the top that you type words into. If you didn't do what I told you, you'll have to either go to Google or use the little search bar that's part of the collection of toolbars taking up half your browser window. Click on the first result (www.futilitycloset.com)... Yeah... Uh huh... I know, right? Click on the random button on the right. Yeah, the title of this post isn't about StumbleUpon. I only opened with that because StumbleUpon brought me to this site, and I'm pretty sure it is going to be the death of me. It's awesome!! Some of those things are genius! Most of them are just interesting to read. There are links to other sites, too, with other cool things, stories, whatever. And I've googled some of the wild stuff on there ("I don't know... google it."), and it's legit. Like the guy with three legs! There's a story about this guy with three legs, four feet, and sixteen toes. He played football (soccer). I know, lawlz, because he has so many feet. He only did it for show, though. Anyway, yeah, check that out, but don't stay up all night on it. I have a test tomorrow afternoon. Goodnight.

The following what happens when the above text is translated by computer ten times. See http://tashian.com/multibabel/


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Found out about that on futility closet, too.

With him it discovers in this argument in the closet of uselessness, also

Worst Week Ever

Man!! You know what? I'm super happy!! Even though I don't really feel like it sometimes... God is so awesome!!! So yesterday, I went to a church I hadn't been to before with one of my buddies, and it was really cool. The worship music was slightly different than what I'm used to, but it was still good, genuine worship, so it was awesome. Then I went home to drop off some laundry (hey, I'm in college), and then went up to Chris' place to go to The Austin Stone. I went just to talk to them about Zambia, but also for the service (last time I went was a long time ago, but it was awesome). The worship was awesome, the service was awesomer, but really tough. Like, it's making me look at... everything... I don't know, it's weird, but I've been thinking about it a lot since then (which was barely more than 24 hours ago). It was about "election," (or it was called something like that), which is the belief that God predestines people to be saved. This guy basically just read scripture and said "Look, see what it says here? Yeah..." I don't really know how to adequately explain what all he said. Basically, it's like, God chooses to save us. It's all Him; we have nothing to do with our being saved. Like, we can't even choose to accept Him, because then some credit would go to us. Without Christ, if we are given the choice between God or sin, we'll choose sin every single time. I don't know if I'm explaining that right... I don't really know. I'm still trying to sort everything out myself. Feel free to comment and let me know what you think. It's a tough topic, though, and I bet it'll be pretty touchy with most people. Please don't start bashing anyone or anything like that. We're saved by Christ's sacrifice, and our sole purpose is to bring Him glory. That's all that matters.

Anyways, after the service, I went to eat with the group I rode with, and then everyone got dropped off, Chris and I being last. So, I didn't even leave Chris' place till like 11:20, and I don't think I left Buda until 12:15 or so, but then I had to stop on the way because I was running out of gas. I got to sleep sometime around 3:20. But that's ok, because I was able to take a bag-in this morning :) I got up at 8:15 for Army, though, and it turned out I could've slept in until 10:45 and not missed

anything. Oh well. It just means I need to go to sleep... now... Oh, the life of a Corps person. So, I have a Chem test Thursday, along with a quiz in theater over a play I haven't read yet... the next two days are going to be wonderful...

Speaking of which, we're playing music from the Wizard of Oz in our next concert, and the tubas have a soli for If I Only Had a Brain. Awesome.

Dumb

Went to Galveston today with the band for a Mardi Gras parade. It was dumb. It was cold, so we took our black jackets and our raincoats, which we don't normally wear in B's. But then, when we got there, someone decided "Oh, hey, maybe we shouldn't wear our jackets," so the whole band was freezing the entire time. The parade wasn't any good either. I've never seen so many drunk people in my life. Beads were being thrown at us from every direction the entire way, and those things hurt when they hit you. It was also really stop and go, and my bass was messed up so it was hard to play. Then after that, we got fed. It was dumb. The food was good, but all the good stuff was gone by the time I got there, cuz I was on the last bus (it's all about me, btw). Then our bus stopped on the way back to College Station. Dumb. We just got back a little while ago. I like using italics. We got fed twice, which was cool, I guess, but it didn't make it worth it. It's not like the parade did us much good. But oh well. It's over now.

I have somewhere to go to church tomorrow! I'm going with my buddy to Antioch. I don't know what kind of church it is, but I think I've heard of it before. I'll see how it is. I can't believe I'm still looking for a church to regularly attend. I guess it just shows how much I go home on the weekends... Ok, I gotta get some sleep. Night yall!

Who am I?

Don't worry, this isn't a philosophical post about my identity or anything like that. I just saw the movie "Unknown" with Brian. It was really cool. It was about this guy whose identity gets stolen (I won't say more, in case you want to see it), and it's an action thriller movie. One of those kind of movies that you drive home from really fast and alert, like you're on a mission and/or running from someone. And rocket launchers. There are rocket launchers somewhere. Just 'cause. But anyways, that's what I did after going to Chili's with Katrina and Brian. It was cool, and really good. Now I've got to get some sleep, cuz we're running tomorrow morning. It's supposed to be a really cool run, because this really cool First Sergeant in the Army is leading it or something. I don't know, but he's a really cool guy, and everyone likes him. I also heard that it'll be easy, because he wants everyone to stay in for the whole run. I slept through physics today in the second row, close enough to the prof that he could probably see the red marks on my face from my hand. And I like turtles.












Allen! Allen! Allen!!

Forgot to blog tonight, sorry, so I'll text in. Didn't drown (that's good), had free bbq and fno, 2 Bible studies, God's so awesome, hung out with brian. Night!

that was close

Ok, one more post on the balrogglegog tonight. So, I planned on just posting "nothing eventful happened since my last post... goodnight," but something eventful did happen. Sorta. I mean, it really happened, but I don't really know how eventful it really was. Ok, maybe I should tell you what it was. I did my chemistry homework that was due tonight, and, due to my computer being slow, me not having much light to work by, and there being soo many questions, I cut it pretty close to the due time.

I got that no more than a minute after I finished the last question. I did everything except the last six assignments before today, and then I did all but the last one in probably about an hour total. That last one was RIDICULOUS. I mean, look at it!! 4 of 4, 1 of 1, 1 of 1, 1 of 1.... 26 of 26!! And most of those 26 questions were made up of more questions!! I very much dislike this online homework site thing.

On the plus side, I get to do a treading water competition tomorrow at like 5:30... yeah, that's not a plus...

Goodnight, faithful boglogelol followers.

Yeah, that didn't last...

So much for posting something every day. I guess what I should have said was "I'll try to maybe start possible posting stuff a little more often... probably."

Today was Tuesday. In fact, it still is Tuesday. In fact, I won't be going to sleep for a while, so I'll have to either post again later tonight, or remember whatever happens after this point and brog about it later... I'll post again later. Stay tuned! No, really, stay in tune. It's annoying when people get out of tune and don't even notice, or worse, don't care. I'm always in tune. FOREVER.

Today is Silver Taps.

Silver Taps is the student body's final tribute paid to an Aggie who, at the time of his/her death, was enrolled in undergraduate or graduate classes at Texas A&M. The notice is posted at the base of the flagpole in front of the Academic Building.

That was a campo. Because I told that to you, you'll never join the corps. They tell us at the training meetings for this recruiting thing I joined (it's just like my cutco job, except worse, and I don't get paid) that the number one rule for recruiting is DO NOT RECITE CAMPOS. I recited a campo. Sorry for ruining you.

Anyway, Silver Taps is actually pretty cool. It's a ceremony to honor all current students who died in the past month. It's held on the first Tuesday of each month, if anyone died in the past month. Sadly, every month I've been here has had a Silver Taps. It starts with a 21 gun salute, then a special version of taps (played with two bugles) is played three times, once to the north, south, and west, but not to the east, because the sun will never rise on those Aggies again. So that's Silver Taps. It happens at 10:30 tonight.

So today... nothing really special happened... I ate breakfast, went to a prayer meeting, went to class, went to a coffee shop with some buddies (it's becoming a Tuesday tradition for us), went to class, ate lunch, took a nap, went to class, pretended to study, went to class, studied for real, ate dinner, studied some more, and now I'm broggling!! I have a little bit more chemistry for tonight, but I'm pretty close to finishing.

So, we have this daily prayer meeting in our First Sergeant & Gunnery Sergeant's room. It's awesome. Like, it's the best way to start out the day, hands down. It's so cool to get together with some hardcore believers and pray for each other, even if just for a few minutes every morning. We pretty much just cover prayer requests, but we kinda mix up how we pray. Like, we started out going in a circle praying for the needs of the person next in line, then one time we went in a circle and each person read a verse from a psalm, then prayed about it, the next person read the next verse, prayed, etc. Today we split into pairs (one group of three) and prayed for each other. My partner and I finished before most everyone else (there were 9 people, I think), so I prayed for the other people on the list (we have requests for everyone in the meeting, then other people to pray for). It was really cool.

BTdubs (that's btw, or by the way), please keep praying for my mission trip. I haven't said much about it lately on my blrog, but I've been pretty worried about the money lately, so today I decided I'm giving all my worries about raising money for the trip to God. I'm still going to send out another letter like I planned, but I'm not going to fret about the money. It'll come. God can handle it, no problem. So, with that aside, I'm so excited to be going to Zambia!!!

I guess that's all for now. I kinda need to get ready for Silver Taps. I'll continue bolrogging later. Toodles!

Ima try and post something every day, or almost every day, just to talk about what God did that day. Kinda like a journal, or more like a log. Brandon's Log. That's too long for the interweb... Brog? No, that's weird... Blog... Yeah, I'll call it a blog!

So, today was Sunday. The highlight of today was the band concert. It was really cool, especially because God worked it out so that Brian could go and see it. John came with me early because he had homework, though, so he was with BA before the concert. He told John to sit outside of the theater until he finished his homework, then come inside for the concert. John missed the whole thing. Yeah, I got pretty mad about that. I really need to forgive Bert (Bert Allen, BA, whatever you want to call him. I always call him Bert Allen, but that's a lot to type, so BA) for that. It's tough, though, which is weird for me. I normally don't have any problem at all forgiving someone for something they did against me. You could do just about anything to me, and I'll forgive you in a heartbeat. This was to John, though, and I think that's why I had such a big problem with it. BA said he didn't think it would take that long for John to finish his homework. First of all, it's John. He spends a lot of time on his homework. And second, it doesn't even make sense to me how you couldn't think to say "And if you don't finish before the concert starts, put it down and you can finish afterwards." I seriously don't understand how he could've just said "Stay out here til you finish your homework" to John. If it seems like I'm being unreasonable, consider that we're brothers. It's not like he's a stranger. He should know enough about his own brother to know that if he tells him "Stay out here until you finish your homework," then he is going to stay there until he finishes his homework or is told something else. He wanted to see the concert, but he missed the whole thing! John rode two hours to college station, just to sit right outside the theater doing homework during the concert that he rode two hours to see! All because BA didn't use some common sense!! And the worst part is that he does this all the time!!... Yeah, I'm still a little bitter. I'll call him up tomorrow and talk about it, straighten everything out. We kinda ended the conversation about it with me angrily stating exactly what he did and turning away to slam my tuba case shut. We dropped it and moved on, but we never resolved it. I don't know, it just makes me mad, mainly because I can't understand how you can do that. Like it doesn't make sense to me. But whatever. My dad said he recorded the concert. Maybe we can use this whole thing as a lesson for John in independence (He should have put down his homework and gone inside when he heard the concert starting, if he did). Oh well, what's done is done.

On the bright side, today was an overall good day. Concert went well, spent time with my family, got some groceries (BA got them for me. See, he's a good guy! He just doesn't think sometimes...), went back to the dorms and... that's about it... :D Goodnight!!

movie night

So, i just found out right now that I can post blog entries on my kindle (by the way, i have a kindle reader. It's awesome! My dad got it for me to use for school, and i love it! Its so cool, because i put the Bible on it, for free, and i can take it everywhere i go and read my Bible and highlight, make notes, and its so cool! Also, I charged this the day I got it, and i haven't charged it since then. That was about a month ago... Yeah...). i really wish I could connect to the school's network now. Oh well. I should go to sleep. Got a big concert tomorrow! Oh yeah, so the reason i titled this "movie night" is because I was going to talk about How to Train Your Dragon, because we watched that tonight, but I think I'll sleep instead. Goodnight!

:D

Have a slice of pie <|}

I should apologize for not posting very often anymore.

I'm sorry for not posting very often anymore.

Went to the coffee shop place thing with some band buddies this morning. I was planning on just getting tea, but then one of my A-Co buddies, the guy who's also going to Camp LIFE, told me that there was a coffee blend called Zambia something... so I got coffee instead. I don't even like coffee.

So some of the juniors in the outfit have started a little thing where they all get together every morning and pray for each other. It's really cool (especially since they've invited me to join them whenever I can). We all sit in a circle around a dry-erase board with everyone's individual prayer requests on it, along with other people to pray for. Someone starts us off, and we go around the circle, with every person praying for the requests of the next person. It's pretty much the best start to your day. It was pretty awesome how I got started with it, too. It was totally God. Jacob, our first sergeant, had asked us one morning if we would like to have a certain privilege, but then the conversation changed topics so that I never heard him say whether we could have that privilege or not. So, after breakfast, I went to his room to ask him about it, and they invited me to stay. That was the day they decided to start the prayer meeting. I love how God does stuff like that.

I'm excited about the future, but I'm content with today. I guess it's really not hard when you love and trust God. He's got awesome plans for your future, but He's made a great day for you, and today is that day.

So, as I say in every post, I'll make this one quick. I've just had something on my mind lately, and I wanted to blog about it. So, let me tell you about Tangled.

Tangled is an awesome movie. Just sayin'. If you haven't seen it (yet), slap yourself, and go watch it. If it's too late and it's not in theaters anymore, slap yourself again and get it when it comes out on DVD. It's basically just another typical Disney movie, except funnier and awesomer. But there's one thing in particular about it that has stuck out to me. I didn't really know why I liked this particular movie so much, but, after watching it a second time with some buddies on Friday night, I think I have realized what it is. Rapunzel has really stuck out to me in this movie. I really liked her, and I didn't really know exactly why, but now I think it's this: she's just so innocent. I mean, that's to be expected of someone locked in a tower for her whole life (talk about sheltered), but I mean, she's genuinely innocent, and I think that's really cool. I don't know how other Disney princesses are, because the last time I watched one of those movies I was too young to notice something like that anyway. So maybe that's why this movie stuck out to me, but whatever. I just think it's so cool that she's so untainted by the world. I know her mom locks her in the tower because of that (or at least that's what she says, but whatever), but I still think it's cool. But anyway, think about Rapunzel. She doesn't judge anyone, or talk bad about them, or anything like that. It doesn't even cross her mind. She doesn't even understand the weird faces that Flynn makes to her, and she gets a whole bar of tough guys to sing and a whole town to have an awesome time at the festival, all because she doesn't see things in the crooked way the rest of the world does. She wouldn't have had anything to do with those guys at the Snuggly Duckling (I'm going to open a restaurant and name it that) if she had judged them by their outward appearances. I just think that that's really cool, how she was like that. So yeah, maybe we could all learn a lesson from Rapunzel...

... always keep a frying pan handy.

Ok, so...

Yeah, I don't know what to write about again. I just feel obligated to post something because it's been like a month and a half since my last post. I want to go to sleep, though, so this will be one of those ones that I say will be short but then ends up being really long anyway because I come up with more and more stuff to talk about...

Like Zambia!! Oh, man, am I excited for Zambia now!! We had a meeting Saturday in Houston about the trip, and it was awesome! I am so pumped for this trip now. It's going to be so cool! Those orphans there in and around Lusaka (capital of Zambia, and where Camp LIFE is) have been through so much, some of them feel so worthless, because they've been told their whole lives that they are worthless... until they come to Camp LIFE! The theme this year is the Kingdom of Heaven, and it's all about how much each of those kids is worth! Some of them come to camp not even able to look you in the eye because, in the past, eye contact meant harsh punishment. But by the end of camp, they know that they are precious, highly favored, and so very loved children of God, and princes and princesses in God's Kingdom! Isn't that so cool? We'll take them to a hilltop on Friday, the last day (when the guy said "we're taking them to the hilltop this year," everyone who had been before freaked out, and I had no idea what was going on), and show them a glimpse of the glorious kingdom God has for them. We'll give them gifts like shirts, socks, shoes, and we'll sing songs, dance, and just love them all week! I'll have my own group of about 10 kids! My own group!! I'll get to know these kids personally... man, I can't wait for June 9th!!!

So, after the meeting in Houston, I went to Jaclyn's house! (or "your house," Jaclyn, because you're probably the only person who reads these anymore anyways. That was cool. I got to hang out with the kids she babysits, hang out with the rest of her family, then go to church with them the next day, and guess what? It was missions Sunday!! Talk about coincidence (aka God thing)! And guess what else? I got my passport pictures taken, and a passport application! So that stuff was pretty cool, but I know that God planned it all out and wanted me to be there, and you know how I know? He had me miss breakfast, and then they were serving cinnabons!!! If that isn't the hand of God, I don't know what is...

So, Josh, my old old lady, got dismissed from the corps for grades. It's really depressing, because I really enjoyed living with him and stuff. We got along really well, and always made each other laugh. Now my new old lady, Scott, has fully moved in. He's quite a bit different from Josh.

By the way, we sleep on the floor every night.

So, Scott dips, which Josh didn't do, and I think it's kinda nasty. So far we haven't had any major issues with that, but it's only the first day. He also cusses a lot. Josh did, too, but I think Scott is worse. I'm not sure if he'll try to curb it for me, but he might. The biggest thing, however, is that he's a hardcore atheist. Maybe this is why God worked it out so that we're old ladies now. Part of me is excited for this opportunity to influence him, but there's another part of me that just longs for a roommate who's a Christian that's really on fire, who I can learn from and grow with, or even just have legit God conversations with... I don't have anyone like that in my class. The only other Christian is never here, and I don't think I can live with him anyway. Plus he's already old ladies with someone else. Scott was single status (by himself) because we have an odd number of males in our class, so he got moved in with me instead of us both living alone. Please pray for me, for my strength to remain uninfluenced by Scott's lifestyles, and for Scott, that God would soften his heart to the truth of His love (and existence), and also for me to find someone. There are plenty of upperclassmen to go to, there's Brian, people from Impact, even someone I know going to Zambia, but I feel so alone in a crowd right now.