Some smells are worth smelling again and again.

Good morning.

Today was a great day. Our directing project turned out very, very good. Our teacher loved it, so that's a definite great start to the day.

Lunch was appreciated and enjoyed.

Math was used to finish OT.

OT was used to finish Math.

Looked at some possible classes for next semester. It's going to be a weird semester to iron out, but God will piece it together perfectly.

Work. Watched "The Limey". iChatted. Fun.

Shot the Cool Hand Luke scene with Clay tonight. He did a wonderful job and the shots turned out very nicely.

Hung out with Sean and Thomas at his place with some of his friends and mates. Watched "True Lies". The action is legit and Arnold is hilarious as ever.

Some good Negger lines:

"Stay"
"Daddy's here"
"You're Fired"

and the like.

Guitar Hero III. Get's old after a while.

Back in the room and ready for bed.

I think I need to have some more lovin' in my life. I read I Corinthians 13 to renew my mindset on what love is suppose to look like.

13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, [1] but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; [2] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Love never ends. I need love like this.


Costume party at the Herd tomorrow. Way happy. Dunno what I'll be, but nonetheless I am excited.

Hope your morning is fantastic.


Lee

Film festivals and late nights await me and I'm neutrally expectant.

I don't know what to think about the weekend ahead. I'm excited but I'd much rather it be a regular weekend. I hope it is well.

I have a lot of homework to do on top of the fests, so hopefully my absence from this place will give me the ability to do all of the homework.

I am going to miss you all.

Lee

I long for the day that faith will be easy and love will be free.

So I decided to put off the much anticipated bed and write a blog just for you.

So I hope it makes you happy.

First off, I'd like to say that I love my friends. I am blessed with such an array of friends that I don't think I could be any better off. I love conversations with friends, hanging out with friends, and being utterly goofy and annoying with friends. I'm glad you put up with my anachronisms. It is a word, sweet.

So thank you for being great friends.

Yesterday was good. Class, youth, the like. Bad Tofu salad. Haha.

Today. Now today was good. Not as good as I'm making it sound, but good.

Woke way later than I wanted. I hopefully won't do that tomorrow.

Went to speech and it was pointless.

Went to lunch and it was delicious.

Went to math and it was pointless.

Returned. Played pool. Ended up shooting balls at each other (David and me).

ER. CMA.

Dinner with Caitlyn, Heather, and David. It was a good time. I ate (most) what was on my tray. Hooray.

Hung out in 408 for a good while. Was goofy. Was fun.

Sox annihilated. 13-1. I heard Dr. Corey was in the Stewart lobby watching, I'm going to see if he is around tomorrow. woot.

Went to a few meetings for film and those both went well.

Went to band practice and had a frustrating but great time. Frustrating because I was a little bit slow tonight, not my usual self behind the kit. I was pretty bummed about this, but I really love the guys and playing with them, so it was definitely worth it.

Practiced late. Packed up and stowed and parked. Here I am.

I'm way tired. I was pensive on the walk back to hope. I feel like there is so much that is out of whack with the world and with my life. Granted, I am blessed with a ton, but it seems that weird attitudes or moods or feelings or thoughts that I get sometimes are just out of whack with what God wants and with what would glorify Him.

I guess that's simply why we need God then. I feel like I'm too unconscious about it in my daily life though, that I don't pay enough attention to what I do and say and whether it will glorify God or just myself or perhaps nobody.

I need to love more.

I miss my parents. I miss my dog. I miss the familiar smell of home. Sometimes I wish I could grow up all over again.

But that's not where I am. That's not where God will use me right now. God can use me here at Biola, at Bethany, here. I wish I knew how I could serve Him better. I wish I had a better attitude about serving Him. I wish I didn't get caught up in being lazy and actually put effort into my faith and life.

So many wishes. So much feeling sorry for myself.

I need to change it. I need to live in the now for God. With God, through God, by God, for God-I need to change it.

That's my prayer today.

Revelation 5:

Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, 4 and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5 And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”

11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” 14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

I am not worthy of grace, yet You still gaze upon my face and hand me the gift that is salvation. I cannot pay my debt, yet You look at me as though I am free.
Take me to Your world where mercy and grace is in the air.
Where no man shall ever sleep but instead be more alive than they'll ever be.
Where it is not time and expectation but love and fulfillment that are substance.
Where the only thing tangible is the touch from the hands that saved us all.

Oh how I long for the day.
How I long for the day when faith will be easy and love will be free.

But for now, heaven can wait when the earth's in this state of disrepair and disregard.

Give me the strength to build up Your kingdom, Lord.
Give me the courage to build it up again.

Oh Israel, hear our cry. You have not been forsaken, you've only wandered from the voice.
Come back onto the path and edify the choice that God made to call you His own.

Come back to Me, Oh Israel, you've not wandered to far. You'll never wander to far.
You murdered me. You watched me die. But all of it was so that you could be saved from the very actions that nailed Me on the tree.

Come back to the place where the only thing tangible is the touch from the hands that saved us all.

Come back, Oh world.

Come back.

Lee

Amidst the smoke and ash your will can still reach.

It's firey out.

The fires are spreading, some are becoming more contained. I hope those amidst it will be kept safe.

Today was great, I acted in directing class and watched a phenomenal movie in math. Ok so it was a hilarious movie about dimensions and math. Phenomenal nonetheless.

Lunch was pretty good today, I ate some yummy sub sandwhich and fresh coco puffs and some great pizza.

Hung out. Met with Becky about the film, that went very well. Still trying to get into the groove again. Getting there, but not quite there yet.

Work was great. Heather and Caitlyn visited and made the night of working splendid. This was all topped off by the appearance of David and eventually Clay. Hooray, I saw lots of cool people.

Taco Bell/Pizza Hut= a glorious thing.

Breadsticks. Double Decker. Soda. Under $4.

Sweet.

Band practice was lots of fun. No Jordan tonight, but I had a great time with the brothers.

I need to fill up my truck with gas = lame.

Called my mom today and had her try to pay for the sticks I won off eBay but haven't been able to pay for and it went through!

Hooray! 24 pairs of sticks for about 28 bucks = a steal.

I'm excited.

Went number 1 without going number 2, can't remember the last time I did this. Pretty neat. Kinda weird. Sorry if you're weirded out, that is not my intention. Just something that I found interesting to the day.

So excited for youth group. Oh yes. It's going to be excellent.

Probably won't get a spot to play at Punk n' Pie, but God had a reason-no worries.

I'm really tired, but before I catch my z's, a simple verse.

I John 4:16

16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

Love. Abide in love. Abide: to remain stable or fixed in a state.

Always. love. I need to follow this. If I could follow this, I might actually say things that are good and helpful and bring a blessing.

Abide in love=abide in God.

Then God will remain stable or fixed in me.

This is something to strive for. Let's strive.

Let's love, Lee. Let's love.

Happy Tuesday.

Lee

The air is sweet in Boston tonight, and likely has a hint of beer and sweat amongst it and in it. Ahh Fenway air.

The Sox did it. They came back from being down 3 games to 1. 3 straight. World series.

Yes. I am so excited, this definitely made my evening.

Today was great, I woke up at 8 and hit church by 910. Practiced while being admired by my fan club.

Youth group went well, we played an extra song as many of the staff wasn't there so we needed to shorten small group time a bit.

My small group went pretty well. We didn't have our normal room, but I think they may have gotten some nuggets out of what I shared via Mark's brilliant message.

Church was great, they played an acoustic set for worship and it sounded really good. The gospel was good. The remembrance through communion was good.

Lunch was great: ate some fantastic Burger King. Italian combo large coke. So good. Ate every last bite. Ate with Clay and Nate and Kevin and Alyssa.

Back home. Watched some football. Patriots destroyed. They are so good. Two weeks. Colts and Pats. I'm watching that game.

Dinner was weird and I didn't enjoy myself because of stupid things and the fact that I say things without thinking a lot. Oh well, I'm over it.

Hung out with Heather and Caitlyn and Sam for a spell and watched some Sox. Had a good conversation with Cait. Watched more Sox.

Watched the Sox started to ice it. Left for band practice to pick up Thomas and heard the Sox ice it and birth a berth.

Oh yes, that made my evening.

Practice with Thomas was thick. Missed him and his bass. It was way fun and the two songs we have are sweet in my opinion.

Jetted to Hope to hang with Heather and Caitlyn. David arrived back on scene at the perfect time and he joined us. It's good to have him back, he was truly missed.

Following good conversation and some goofy but great times, we headed back, stopping at David's car to bring in his ish.

The coffee is putting me to sleep, but it was delicious.

I just want to post a psalm of praise to the Lord as He is perfect in everything, and though I am completely unworthy, His grace extends to me so that I will never leave the palm of His hand. I am only a seedling-I have so much to learn as God can make me a tree. I want this Lord, grow me, flourish me.

19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above [1] proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice [2] goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, [3]
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules [4] of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

May this be conscious in my everyday thoughts and actions Lord. May I say things only to bless and encourage, not to bring down or hurt.

Praise you Lord, bless this day ahead for your glory.

I want to be your instrument.

Make me your instrument.

Good morning.

Lee

I'm starting to believe the ocean's much like you, cause it gives and it takes away

The Sox destroyed tonight.

Holy Akeldama.

Game 7. Tomorrow. 5pm. You know where I will be.

Today was a great day.

I awoke and lounged until brunch time.
A certain someone convinced everyone we were supposed to eat with to ditch us.

Thanks a lot, Caitlyn.

I'm just playing.

Brunch was delicious. I enjoyed the company very much.

The entailed a run to Guitar Center and more lounging around. I started a paper that isn't due for a while, so that felt pretty good.

Sox'd it for half an inning, then hit dinner. Mmm.

Then I tracked Sean's vocals for Phinehas and did one background and recorded Glenn and Ryan doing some background. It was a lot of fun and it was cool to be able to help out and get some more experience with Pro Tools.

Thick.

We hit Molca up at about 1130 and hung there for a while. Clay stopped by the studio before we left, it was nice to see him.

Wish I could have returned to the room to hang with a prodigal 408er but there is always church tomorrow.

Church tomorrow, I'm looking forward to it. I'm excited to drum.

Thomas comes back tomorrow, we'll get to show him the new song. I'm very excited for this.

Matthew 6:19-24 is one of my favorite verses, and it deals with something I often struggle with: putting other things before the Lord and before the will of the Lord.

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust [5] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. [6]

I pray that I will store my treasure up in heaven-that I will do things not because they will benefit me or bring me happiness or pleasure, but because they will bless the Lord and bring glory to His name.

Praise the Lord. He is mighty, I am puny.

Lee

Cut me some slack here.

I know, I know. I'm a slacker.

If you would be so kind and cut me some slack, I would be obliged.

So today, today was a free, non-stressful day. I really didn't accomplish much, but it was very relaxing and was honestly pretty enjoyable.

I woke up a little after nine, and because I was sweaty and gross, decided not to hit the first Torrey session. After not hitting the first one, I was feeling lazy, so I didn't hit the second one.

A shower when one is sweaty and gross is a beautiful thing.

mmm.

Lunch was amazing today: fried chicken, grilled cheese ham and jelly, caesar salad, coke, hot chocolate, clayton chaney. Delicious.

Clay is currently sleeping on the couch in what looks to be a pretty awkward position. Hott.

I returned to the room only to find that my wii looked a little lonely, so I gave it a little bit of love.

Got some recording gear from the ER for tomorrow.

Listened to one of our songs that Sean recorded electronically. It's THICK!

Hung out.

At 6ish, Clay and I headed to Beltran's for a feast and a film.

We feasted on pizza, fruit, salad, rootbeer, string cheese, and the like.

We watched The Matrix.

Both were great. I really enjoy the Matrix, I think it is a great film.

Now, I have returned to my room and finished watching Jackie Brown, a Tarantino film. It was really good, I really like the ending.

And now I am blogging.

Clay's in bed now.

I would like to share with you a poem that I wrote that was inspired during Torrey. It's a little rough, but here goes:

My sin, like clouds, blots out the light
The howls of wolves exploit my fright
My fear and its stench is at its height
Its only help-it hastes my flight

The darkness surrounds me on every side
Futile is my flee, indeed I've tried
Its strength does wrestle me to the ground
Only with Your light can I be found

My God, only Your light can purify
If your will, pierce the darkness now
But if the test will sanctify
By Your yoke I can pull the plow

My heart black as the night
Doesn't deserve the morning's light
But even in my sin
The sun shall rise again

That is all. I actually kind of like it. Usually when I write stuff I think it's really bad, but I actually like this poem. I hope you liked it too.

That's all that I have for you this evening/morning, but as you lay or raise your head, consider this verse:

Colossians 1:15-23

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by [6] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation [7] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

He's got the whole world in His hands.

Lee

I am still a slacker.

Torrey has been good.

Youth Group was great.

Sox brought it back to Boston.

My life is blessed.

Lee

I am a slacker.

I have been slacking badly on my blog, so I think it's time I put it back into gear.

I'm just going to highlight and skim the last few days.

The weekend was amazing and pleasant and very worthwhile, it was good hanging out with David and Caitlyn and Heather and sometimes Clay. It was really nice.

I didn't study much for OT, but the midterm was pleasantly easy.

The Sox lost twice and I'm pretty disappointed.

The Patriots owned the Cowboys and I'm pretty happy.

The new Thrice CD(s) is in my possession and is phenomenal.

Youth Group tonight is going to be amazing, I'm looking forward to it a lot.

Torrey is going to be a nice break.

Hooray.

I Corinthians 1:4-9

4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— 6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Lee.

For oft, when on my couch I lie...

The last two days were a little up and down.

I dropped swim on Thursday and I'm really happy about that.
I added two seminars that will take place during the last weekend of October.
I'm really excited for these, as I will be staying at my 2nd cousin's house while she is away at a conference so that I can be closer to the festivals in LA.

So that's happy. I only have Mass Media on Tuesdays and Thursdays now and I really like that class, so those are going to be happier days.

Lunch was good and rushed.

MM was good.

Basically hung out for a while until dinner, then headed over to work.

I watched Chinatown, it was good.

Met with Dante, then went to Eagle's Nest with Clay. We had some really good conversations, I enjoyed our time very much.

Went to bed before midnight.

Woke up at 3:30 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep. Went to the bathroom 3 times. Took my contacts out. Took my retainer out. Turned the A/C up. Finally made it to sleep at around 4.

Woke. Lunched it. Went to Costco and bought a pair of reed diffusers to enhance the smell of our room, some Christmas music to enhance the sound of our room, and some airheads to enhance the taste of our room.

Proceeded to the Apple Store to get my warped battery replaced. They replaced it no questions asked, my battery life is now like 4 hours and I'm really happy about that.

Played with the iPhones while I was there and enjoyed it. A lot. I want one.

Returned, watched some sox, went to almost a floor dinner, came back and watched the sox annihilate the indians. Jessica came and hung out and Caitlyn came to get milk but we didn't have any. We decided to go to Downtown Disney and watch the fireworks and then go get Krispy Kremes. Lindsey and Natalie and Rachael from SD and Jessica along with David, Ryan B., James, and Adam. It was fun. I thought Caitlyn and Heather would be back in time to join us, but I guess they stayed longer than they anticipated at coffee with the girls, so they were too late to join us. I was bummed about that, they've been wrapped up in lots of homework and projects and it would have been nice to see them.

So we did just that: watched the fireworks and k.k.'d it.

When I got back, I had a meeting with Dante. Following that I went to bed.

I like the smell of the reed diffuser-chai spice-it adds a lot to the room already and it's not even 100% yet. woot.

II Timothy 2:6

"It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops."

I like this verse, and I think it applies to what this weekend holds-lots of studying for an OT midterm, but if I stick to it, I should be one of the students to get an A.

Yikes. My first big test.

I'm pretty confident though, I think if I study hard, I will do a good job.

We just played our football game at noon. It was muddy and wet and awesome. We won. We actually annihilated. Our first win: 26-0. Awesome.

Now I'm going to go play with Sean.

I hope the Sox win tonight, I will certainly be watching!

The End.

Lee

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

I woke much before class, but most of the extra time was taken up by a bathroom visit.

Poop.

Went to class and got a 100% on a quiz I studied not for. I love patterns when I figure them out. Thanks Elliot.

Lunch was good, ate with Clayton and Jono. I made an array of things and enjoyed about half of each of them (as usual).

Then had a math exam which I also didn't study for yet I feel that I did really well on it. I hope I did.

Old Testament. Not really much to say.

Returned equipment to the ER.

Ate dinner, which was yummy and fun.

Hung out. Went to the soccer and met heather there. Biola owned Hope Int.. Good game, kinda weird playout, but after that I went to GFS and pitched a small film to get some crew interested. Several people were interested, and that excited me.

I returned and didn't do much until David and I enjoyed a few rounds of (frustrating at times) wii golf. Yay.

I then went to the Production Center to pack up all of the band stuff-my kit and 3 amps and heads.

I backed up into this sort of loading zoneish ramp kinda thing, but it looked a little suspicious, so a campus saftey suv containing two officers came, the 2nd officer calling for back-up. I explained to them my situation and they were cool with it. It was a little comical because there were 3 officers kind of surrounding me next to their vehicles. They asked a few questions, (and kind of joked about interacting with me before) but ultimately they were cool with it and let me on my way.

I, Lee Humerian, gained respect for campus safety this evening, believe it or not.

I'm actually pretty happy they stopped me and we were able to talk. It was healthy and good and no doubt Divinely arranged.

The packing was fun, I had my ipod on me so I got to rock out to some music while I worked. It was pretty quick and painless and I got out of there in a jiffy.

Here I am.

I am a sinner. I have a bad attitude about things and don't appreciate things and feel like I don't react godly in many situations. In my sin, however, God has shown me my folly, my areas that need correction, and ultimately my need for a Saviour. I'd like to personally offer Psalm 51 as a plea to God that He would cleanse my heart from the darkness that saturates it in so many areas and ways.

51:1 Have mercy on me, [1] O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!

3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right [2] spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
build up the walls of Jerusalem;
19 then will you delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

This is my cry God.

Create in me a clean heart. Renew a right spirit within me.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I drop swim tomorrow, so I'm excited not to have that stress and anxiety smothering me in the morning.

Praise the Lord!

The Lord is Beautiful, my heart is ugly.

Create in me a clean heart O God.

Amen.

Lee

The Lord is Beautiful.

I don't enjoy swimming. I went to class today but was afraid of getting in the pool. I was literally scared to do it. I went to the bathroom twice, but even when I was done, I didn't have the courage to go out and swim. I stood at the exit trying to psych myself up to get in and swim and I couldn't do it.

I'm dropping the class.

Am I wimping out? Yes.

Would I rather be a wimp than be miserable on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-10:20? Certainly.

It was peer pressure that got me into the class and peer pressure that got me to stick with the class and it was peer pressure that tried to belittle me into not dropping the class.

I think it's time I made some of my own decisions, so I'm making the decision to drop swimming class because I abhor it. Call me a wimp or whathaveyou, I don't like the water, I don't want to do swimming anymore, I'm wimping out.

I didn't want to lose the unit, but I also didn't want to not enjoy myself during a physical education class of my choosing.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28. The Lord is Beautiful. Went I got to work, I read an email about a 1 unit seminar that requires me to go to the city of angels film festival and watch 8 films. All that and I get a unit of credit.

Problem solved.

Even better: there is another 1 unit seminar at the same place as the festival the morning before. So I get there early and go to a 4 hour seminar on "Reel Spirituality" (reel like the film reel as a play off of real. clever.) and I get another unit of credit.

Extra bonus blessing.

So. I drop a class I don't enjoy that lasts all semester for two days a week and go to a film festival and a seminar that will take up one weekend and double my credit worth from the class I dropped.

The Lord is Beautiful.

So that basically made my Tuesday morning/afternoon.

Now for my Intro to Mass Media Speech.

Played a little Price is Right: Movie Budget Edition to start off my speech on Movie economics.

The professor loved it.

Then spoke on some Movie economics.

The professor loved it.

I really enjoy speaking in front of people, it's actually one of my favorite things. The professor appreciated my high energy and clarity and my quick paced but very information packed presentation.

I'm really happy that he enjoyed it, I would have been disappointed had he not. I'm glad God blessed me with the ability to enjoy public speaking.

The Lord is Beautiful.

Covered for a fellow employee today at the ER and that went well.

Met with Ricky about DPing an upcoming film of mine and he agreed to and is excited about the project. I'm very glad about that, Ricky is not only extremely talented, but he is a true joy to be around and to work with. Hooray.

I am finishing up a few synopsizes for another film that I am directing. (Matthew, I will get those to you by the end of the week, I have been quite busy).

Went to youth group. Practice went great. I'm glad that the students in the band are in Student Passage (student leadership) as they meet at 6 and therefore we are forced to move efficiently through practice to be done by 6.

And efficiency is one of my favorite things.

Jetted to Starbucks with Heather before our respective youth groups and waited to be helped by the gentleman behind the counter as he was talking to a friend.

I am very critical about service as I grew up around criticalness all around, but especially in service as my parents run a quick service restaurant or "fast-food" restaurant for those of you sans QSR magazine. Hah.

And working there for 5 years definitely added to that.

So. I am critical of service, and I hate bad service, especially when it's my team that's giving it, but also when I am the receiver of it.

The thing is, giving good service is so easy, there really is no excuse to giving someone bad service.

I sure am getting up on the soapbox tonight. Geewiz.

Youth group was splendid though we certainly missed David during the music.

And at Mark's afterwards. We shared some good cookies and string cheese and soda and catch phrase laughs and david letterman laughs.

Food. Fellowship. Fun.

Yes, I just said the three F's. Yes I just used the title "the three F's" for "Food. Fellowship. Fun."

Too far, I know.

Rocked some As Cities Burn on the way home. woot.

Uhh, not really tired, but will likely hit the bed soon as I could use the sleep.

I think the song "Wake Dead Man, Wake" by ACB on the album "Son, I loved you at your darkest" is amazing. The lyrics talk about how we need to love God not only in the good times, but in the bad as well just as God does to us. It recognizes that though we are quick to stray, God never ceases to love us.

"Let the dead bury their own dead

will you still love me in famine
as when love began at the harvest
or would you gain the whole world
son, I love you at your darkest
but what good is the whole world
when I promise no tomorrow
I only promise your tomorrows
will never take you past my palm

love, what is love without trust
at my word would you bring your Isaac

son, I loved you at your darkest"

at my word would you bring your Isaac. that is a really powerful line.
That really humbles me. It makes me wonder if I would really sacrifice what is closest to me for God. No doubt I say that I would, and truly think that I would, but if the moment came, would I really?

But no matter what: "son, I loved you at your darkest"

He loves us even when we are at our darkest places. What true love.

The Lord is Beautiful.

That's the kind of love I want. Love that can love others to the end, even during their darkest times.

God, give me a love like that.

So be it.

I hope you enjoyed this book I just wrote, I'll be signing the inside of the cover later.

Until then, I am going to work on a short film project for a friend, then hit the sack.

Nightynight.

Lee

Ahh, what great friends I have.

I don't even have to blog anymore, my friends do it for me! That last blog brought to you by Caitlyn Frank. For the most part it's very accurate. I laughed when I realized what had gone done.

Today. Woke up and finished my point to point only to find out that my class had been canceled. This was a blessing, however, for I received more time to finish Old Testament.

Lunch was good.

Math was funny. David and I had a great time.

Ditched Old Testament. Nothing happened in class as it was just lecture time.

I deposited my checks! I actually have some money in my bank account, woohoo!

Well not yet because it's a holiday and it's still pending.

Watched Unbreakable and Le Femme Nikita at work and got to help a few people out.

Had a couple of film meetings, they went well.

Practice was cancelled but it was okay because I wasn't really feeling the vibe to play much.

Tonight may be the first time I go to bed before midnight, which doesn't happen often because I enjoy staying up late. I'd really like to go to swim tomorrow, so I want to get a good night of sleep.

I have great friends. How about a little chapter with some dealings with friends in it?

John 15.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, [1] for the servant [2] does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, [3] but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’

26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.

Jesus was the perfect friend as He laid down His life for us. That is what I strive for.

I hope my presentation goes well tomorrow. We shall see.

I look forward to Christmas time.

The list is well over 100889 things by now.

Nightynight.

Lee

Who will buy this wonderful feeling?

So I am finally getting a chance to sit down and write about yesterday. It was fantastic. It started off by me and David sleeping in through both our alarms and rushing to church just in time to lead junior high worship. My small group this week was much better than last due to the fact that they weren't playing with rubber bands while I was trying to talk. Praise the Lord! Next I headed back to Biola and caught up with David and Jono Lippman for lunch in the caf. I love T3R and the blessing it is to me. We are still searching for a bass player to replace Clay-- hopefully that will happen soon. I love Clay and the band misses him already.
David's sisters left in the afternoon and I was sad to see them go. They are cool girls. I did a little bit of Joshua reading for OT and played Wii while David slept for the whole afternoon. He is sick as a dog and I sure hope I don't get what he has! I had dinner with Sam, H, C, and D. Their company was good as usual. Nothing better than pizza and captain crunch! Four of us decided to hit up Starbucks afterwards to get some homework done. We ended up being ridiculous and not getting much work done at all. Oh well, we had fun. On our way home I stopped and got a fring from BK. YUM YUM. Everyone should eat BK!!
Then David and I had a cartwheel contest down our hall. He is swell. I worked some more on Joshua and started studying for my theology test. We were in such a crazy mood we stayed up till 3:30 am. watching Clay sleep. yeahuhhh.

I read these verses yesterday that were so intense yet so encouraging. I would like to share them with you. They come from 2 Corinthians 6:4-10.

"but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love,
in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things."

So good.

I hope this week is stress free. I am excited for what God is going to teach me.

love, Lee.

ps. I have 100798 things to be thankful for.

The face on the picture says it all, days like this won't soon be forgotten.

I'm tired, but I figured I would give you a taste of what I will be blogging about in the morning.

Good Night.

Good Morning.

Good Luck on Bio.

To Be Continued.

How often I take for granted what true blessings my parents are and what true blessings days are.

My past couple of days have been great.

My parents came into town yesterday. It was really good to see them. They left this morning and I miss them a lot.

We went to IHOP as is the tradition when they come down here.

We them picked up David and headed to Knott's Berry Farm. I had a really good time there, the lines were basically non-existent, and it was a lot of fun hanging out with my parents.

After a good time inside the park, we ate at Knott's Famous Chicken Dinner Restaurant. I had the famous fried chicken dinner and it was amazing.

We returned to Biola and I got ready for my flag football game. We lost, but I had a good time.

Afterwards, I went back with my parents and watched some t.v. with them. Numb3rs to be exact. It's a good show, and the episode was really good, but even if it wasn't, it was cool being able to hang out with my parents more.

My dad took me back to Biola and I went to the park with my friends. It was fun, but I really wish that I would have spent some more time with my parents. We went to the spinny park but I was still feeling a little queezy from the earlier coasters of the day, so I passed on them. I had a good tome sitting and being pensive and looking at the stars.

I really miss my parents a lot. They are such a blessing to me, I am really thankful for them. I'm looking forward to seeing them again.

Bedtime, bedtime, I knew where I was going to sleep last night.

I woke up a little late and tried to take a quick shower so that I could meet up with my parents and spend more time with them, but I took longer than I wanted to. I still got to see them for a little bit thankfully and they brought me Burger King and it was delicious. I said bye to them because I had to go film a wedding. I wish I didn't have to so that I could have eaten brunch with them, but God had a reason for it.

The wedding was very good. It took place in a little outdoor wedding chapel/gazebo. The sun was perfectly placed so that the lighting was amazing throughout the entirety of the wedding, so I'm really happy with the outcome of the shots.

The reception was at a little park and it was nice and casual.

I returned and hung out for a little while until 5:30, when the entire gang went to Erin's house for dinner and hangouttime.

I really enjoyed myself: the Gundersens were nice, the food was great, the fellowship was fun, the games were hilarious, and the dog was nice. It was a fun time with friends.

Upon return, everyone chilled a little in our room, then I, Clay, Sam, and Lindsey went to Commons and had good coffee and conversation.

New favorite hot drink there: Black Forest. yum.

After ichatting with Heather and Caitlyn for a bit, I began this blog entry. And here I am.

A verse for tonight: Philippians 4:6-7.

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I've been anxious about tomorrow, as I have a lot of work to get done, and I know of a few other people (at least one :]) who have a crazy crazy Sunday coming. So, for myself and perhaps for you, I hope we can take this verse to heart as we prepare and act out the day ahead.

Praise the Lord for Christ Jesus and for the peace that comes from and through Him.

Bedtime, bedtime. I know where I'm going to sleep tonight. Thank you for that, Lord.

Come Now Sleep.

Lee

Bedtime, bedtime. I know where I'm gonna sleep tonight.

My day was great, but I really need to sleep, so I am going to go lightspeed tonight.

Wake. Overslept.

Lunch. Good.

Class. Frustrating/Good.

Hang out/Halo 3. Great.

Work. Great.

Practice. Fun/Productive.

Game. Fun.

Extra Mile. Cheap.

Writing a song with David. Priceless.

Haha. Got ya. But yes, David and I have been/are writing a song. At 2:45 in the morning, it sounds pretty awesome. Hopefully it sounds good at a time when both of us are functioning at closer to 100%, but it's about not taking things for granted and appreciating and cherishing what we have.

Hopefully it turns out good.

Sunflower Seeds are delicious.

How's that for a transition?

I'd like to say that I Corinthians 4 is absolutely amazing. I just discovered it/rediscovered it. It talks about how the Christian ministry should be and just how blessed we truly are though many times we take it for granted, and Paul even uses some sarcasm! This is a brilliant chapter, it really spoke to me and I hope it speaks to you as well.

4:1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, [1] that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! 9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent [2] you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, [3] as I teach them everywhere in every church. 18 Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. 21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?

Wow. What a really great chapter. I want to minister like this and be appreciative and humble like this. I'm really excited now, but I'm still pretty tired, so I'm going to go to bed.

Praise the Lord for a roof and a bed and a heater and blankets and sunflower seeds and computers!

Praise the Lord indeed.

Bedtime.

Lee

with thankfulness in our hearts

I want to go to sleep. But I feel I must tell you that my day was fantastic.

Speech class. Early dismissal.

Lunch, great food great company (David, Clay, + Austin and Allen).

Math. Easy.

OT. Interesting. Complete other homework.

Dinner. good food, good company.

Fun. Hang out with David and Clay, joined by vertical neighbor Jessica and eventually Megan, along with Lindsey and Natalie. Good time. Met new people. Cait came down and grabbed some coffee. It was booming in here.

Band practice. Long. Fun.

Current unofficial name: Angry Little Children

Hard. Core.

Haha.

I'm really tired, but I'd like to share this verse with you again before I sleep.

I've shared it before if I remember correctly, but it is a really great passage that talks about ridding ourselves of our old selves and putting on and embracing the new. This is what the new self should consist of per Colossians 3:12-17:

12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

mmm. Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly.

That is my desire. I want the word of Christ to dwell in me richly.

Praise the Lord.

Bed.

Lee

You've loved me forever and Your love will never end!

Today was a good day.

I slept through swimming...again.

It's okay, I'd rather sleep than swim.

Showers bring not only a sense of cleanliness but an implicit measure of happiness and serenity. Especially in the morning when I have just wakened.

Lunch. Class. Both good.

I recorded a little more, but ended up not being very satisfied with the end results, so I eventually saved my work and returned to the dorm.

Before departing for youth, I talked with Heather a little bit about High School group at Bethany. I enjoy our conversations.

Youth group. Practice went unusually efficient. Hooray for that.

It was a great night, youth group went well and the worship was smooth and connec ted perfectly with the message.

Hanging out at Mark's is always a blast: cookies, soda, string cheese, catch phrase, lots of laughter and fellowship, woot.

Returned and upon packing up my set and the recording equipment with David (which was goofy and fun), I met with Heather to help her with Math homework. We ended up talking about high school group and other things and eventually got to the math, but not before another great conversation.

woo.

I'd like to post a song this evening/morning. It is a song by the band Showbread entitled "Matthias Replaces Judas". It is pretty amazing and deals greatly with God's grace and love.

"It is so that my transgressions have born a withered fruit,
The sun has scorched the rising plans;
Alas they have no root, the bleached bones of animals bound by leather strips,
Dance through the air with laughter as I wield this wicked whip,
As you did warn me carpenter, this world has weakened my heart,
So easily I disparage, self-seeking the work of my art,
And there you have come to me at the moment I bathe in my sorrow,
So in love with myself, sought after avoiding tomorrow,
Where do you find the love to offer he who betrays you?
And offer to wash my feet as I offer to disobey you,
Your beauty does bereave me, and how my words do fail,
So faithfully and dutifully I award you with betrayal,
The weak and the down trodden fall on broken legs,
As I walk past a smile I cast, fervor in my stead,
But my bones like plastic, do buckle backward now,
I lay in this field by Judas' bowels and anticipate the plow,
I can not be forgiven; my wages will be paid,
For those more lovely and admirable is least among the saved,
And where would i fit Jesus?
What place is left for me?
The price of atonement is more than I've found to offer up as my plea,
Jesus my heart is all I have to give to you, so weak and so unworthy,
This simply will not do, no alabaster jar, no diamond in the rough,
For your body that was broken, how can this be enough?
By me you were abandoned, by me you were betrayed,
Yet in your arms and in your heart forever I have stayed

Your glory illuminates my life, and no darkness will descend,
for you have loved me forever, and your love will never end"


Such a great song. The way it builds in intensity and climaxes is simply amazing.
I wish I could write lyrics like this.

I think it shows well just how true and amazing Jesus' love for us is.

Simple, yet awesome.

Indeed, I am blessed. I don't deserve Jesus' grace or love, yet He reaches out to me.

Praise the Lord!

Come Now Sleep.

Lee

Is my love really love? I think our love isn't love unless it's love to the end.

Today was good. I'm going to be brief as I am pretty tired and itching for bed.

Directing class: good as always.

Lunch was great. Got to eat with David and Clay. Love 'em. Love their company.

Math. Bible.

Dinner with Clay, Heather, Caitlyn. Yay for more good company.

Work: slow = nice. Watched Magnolia. It was goofy but good.

Met with David Martina. Excited about new film project.

Set up drums to track. Frustrating.

Eagle's. Caitlyn. Heather. Clay. David.

Definitely eased the frustration.

Went back to try to figure the input issues and figured it out right as we were leaving. Oh well, at least I figured it out and can get some recording in tomorrow.

Bed will come soon.

But first, check this chapter out. Psalm 36:

36:1 Transgression speaks to the wicked
deep in his heart; [1]
there is no fear of God
before his eyes.
2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes
that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
3 The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit;
he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
4 He plots trouble while on his bed;
he sets himself in a way that is not good;
he does not reject evil.

5 Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
your judgments are like the great deep;
man and beast you save, O Lord.

7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.

10 Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
and your righteousness to the upright of heart!
11 Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 There the evildoers lie fallen;
they are thrust down, unable to rise.

May my love really be love-love that lasts til the end like the Lord's, not like the wicked's.

Praise the Lord, Come Now Sleep.

Lee

Grace, make your way to the well.

Good morning.

I have had a very nice, relaxing few days. I got all of my homework done at the end of the week, so I had all three days of the weekend to relax.

It was nice.

I'll recap on both Saturday and Sunday as I didn't get a chance to blog at all Saturday night.

Saturday started with some football practice. It was pretty chill for me as I don't play offense regularly, so I got to take it easy for most of the practice.

I took a shower. Mmm.

David and I hit up brunch. Brunch is so good.

I really didn't do much in the afternoon. I basically just hung out and took it pretty easily until my interview at Starbucks at 3.

The interview went pretty well, I believe. I really hope I get the job. I assumed that they would let me know at the interview whether or not they would hire me, but I guess since they hire not only for their store but for the district, I have to wait about a week. I'm pretty confident, but at the same time I'm a little nervous.

I could really use the job, so hopefully it's God's will for me to get the job.

After the interview, I got a speeding ticket. From a real cop. I was pretty pumped about the interview I wasn't really paying attention to my speed, and it finally cost me.
That was a big bummer after a pretty good interview.

At least I can take traffic school.

Dinner. Good. Appreciative.

Flag Football game. This was a lot of fun. Aside from getting a foot to the right groin muscle/more, I had a really good time. A few more of our players got injured which was really lame, but overall it was a pretty good game even though we lost by two.

Then I started Deer Hunter. So far. So good.

Stopped it and David and I went to commons with Heather and Caitlyn. I helped Heather with math, which was great. I really enjoy math and I really enjoy helping people with it, especially friends. I was good hanging out/doing some homework.

Bed was nice. I slept in Clay's bed. Being not lofted is pretty nice and I definitely see the benefit of it, but I can't complain.

Wake. Shower. Drive.

Church. We did Only You and Not to Us for worship. So good.

Small group was very frustrating, but towards the end some of the students were getting a little bit...at least I think maybe one of them might have grabbed a snippet. Hopefully.

Rubberbands + 7th graders = not good for talking and asking questions. Dumb rubberband bag.

It's okay. Hopefully one of them grew a little bit or had their hearts poked at with some conviction. It was good to hang with my guys, but I definitely wished Mark was there.

Church was good. I was a little distracted for the service due to one of my awesome guys still having a few rubberbands and a pen and an endless supply of paper to carve on. Simply writing/drawing does not make that much noise-definitely was carving the paper.

Holy moly.

Lunch at Best Cafe with BryceMollyJonDavidKevinAlyssa = good stress relief and hang out time. That made me forget my small group/service woes. Hooray.

Band practice took place after the return trip. Practice was good. We tried out a new guy for bass. It made me realize that I miss Clay there. A lot. We all decided that Clay's pure and raw talent and creativity can definitely not be replaced by anyone, so we need to not expect that. We're keeping our eyes open, mayhap we will find someone who can maybe fill a tenth of Clay's shoes.

Doubt it.

Hung out some more after that and helped David with a powerpoint presentation. That was cool. I ate with Jono tonight. That was fun. We discussed the future of the band some more.

I visited Caitlyn and Heather. They were homework ridden but I was able to help Cait with some computer issues and got a rough cd for Heather. That was fun.

Been hanging since then. David, Mark, Titty, and myself hit Carl's up for $1 spicy chicken. Burger King definitely blows CJ's chicken out of the water. Owned yet again.

And here I am. Typing away. Only having to make one bathroom break. I'm pretty content and I'm rocking As Cities Burn. Good.

I've been writing a song. Sort of. It's not done yet, but I added a significant amount to it today. It has to do with the idea that many of us Christians often hide inside of a shiny, clean shell and pose for everyone and hide the wretched inside that could get healed if only we would bring it to the light. It's a goofy song (the words "turtle" and "crab" appear in it = extra goofy). I like it so far though. I wish I could write like Thrice or Showbread or As Cities Burn, oh dear that would be amazing. But I'll have to settle for writing about turtles. Ha. I guess if Pumpernickel bread can appear in a song, anything can.

I'll disclose the song for you once it is complete. Perhaps a rough cut of it via Garage Band? Perhaps.

I'd like to share with you the verses that inspired me to write today: Romans 12:9-21. We are going to be going over this all year in our small groups, so we've been reading it frequently for the past couple of weeks. It has some heavy stuff but definitely a ton to learn from.

9-21 is the focus, but the whole chapter is good and the preceding verses really build up to it, so here is the whole chapter. p.s. all of the verses I post here are from the English Standard Version found here: http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/

12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, [1] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. [2] 2 Do not be conformed to this world, [3] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. [4]

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, [5] and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, [6] with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, [7] serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. [8] Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it [9] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Wow. So many things for me to work on. What inspired me is the fact that the first thing listed is genuine, not hypocritical, love. First things first: we need to not be hypocritical in our love. So that's really where the song gets its roots from.

I hope it turns out to be a good song. I usually look back on "poetry" I've written and found it to be poopy. I'd like for this not to be poopy.

But yeah, I'm definitely going to be learning with my students as we dig in and chew this passage all year. I'm praying that it will help me grow as a believer so that I can be an example to my guys and simply the youth group as a whole.

With the Lords help, anythings possible.

Grace. Amazing.

Praise the Lord for that.

Monday, you've started nicely.

Come Now Sleep.

Lee