Love 30/30 Challenge

Last weekend, I made the trek to Atlanta, Ga. with some friends and family for a short weekend getaway.  While there, we had a chance to do some shopping, eat wonderfully, visit the World of Coke, and spend some time with family.

Sunday evening, I went with my family to Passion City Church.  Louie Giglio, Pastor of PCC, started a new series entitled "Wide Awake" - which may or may not have been inspired by hit song.  Through this series in finding out how to be "Wide Awake" in our faith journey, he started the Love 30/30 challenge (Twitter #love3030).  He challenged each of us to Receive God's word each day, then reflect on it by spreading His unconditional love with others.

It's interesting to see how people respond when you send them a text message of this sort, out of the blue.  Most people respond in a very thankful way, saying that they really needed to hear that, while others are very skeptical.  Some wonder if something is wrong.  I feel that in our society, we often expect the worst.  Just from hearing kind and loving words of encouragement, some respond with the attitude or "what do you know that I don't?"  I feel like these people need to be loved the most.

I challenge you to spread God's love today whether it be to a friend, family member, or co-worker.  Remind those important people in your life that you love them.  They will never tire of hearing it - I promise.

Remind yourself of this statement each and every day...

You are:
God-designed, purpose-intended, significant, lavishly-loved, prince/princess, son/daughter of the King of the Universe.

God is love.
peace.

I made it through the wilderness!

I SURVIVED!  Between you and me, I quite enjoyed my first camping experience.  I worried all that time for nothing.  Our campsite was beautifully located on the lake making it convenient for kayaking, canoeing, and plenty of swimming.  Luckily, we didn't experience any rain that amounted to anything - just a few sprinkles here and there.

 

After setting up camp, (not as easy as one may think), we headed out on the water.  I immediately chose the kayak as I have had experience various times in the past.  Kayaking on the lake is much more relaxing than ocean kayaking, but I'll save that story for another day.  We spent a good amount of time out on the water while stopping to swim along the way.  The best part of it was spending time with my best friend and "sister" Morgan!  We ended up simply floating around with our feet in the water for quite some time just catching up and chatting. 

After returning to camp, we had a slight scare from nearby thunder and lightning.  We dramatically and hurriedly crammed everything we brought, including ourselves, into the largest tent, which happened to be the tent I would sleep in.  The rain passed within a few short minutes.

 

 Waiting out the rain in the tent...luckily it only sprinkled for a few minutes.

 The view from my bed

  Calm after the storm...

 Our Illustrious and Fearless Leader

Our youth leader and one of my very best friends, Mackenzie, did an absolutely wonderful job planning and preparing for this trip.  Of course she had to deal with all of my pre-camping drama and worry, but we both survived, and for that I am eternally grateful!

Tyler, along with others worked tirelessly to keep the camp fire going.  We had plenty of s'mores - always a delicious treat!  To our surprise and delight, we spotted a friend up in the tree...

 "Hooty-hoo"

To my surprise, I slept through the night.  Granted, I was sleeping on an air-mattress.  Some may consider this a cop-out, but this is the way I look at it - why be miserable when you don't have to be?  The sound of the crickets chirping and the water lapping against the beach was quite relaxing.

 Beautiful morning...

The gang!

I can truthfully say that a fun time was had by all!  Next time, we will stay more than one night.  Baby steps though.  I believe it is in these moments that God speaks to us.  Experiencing the beauty of His creation does something for the soul.  These types of trips, filled with nature, always seem to "recharge my batteries."  I can't wait for our next camping adventure!

peace.

Over the river and through the woods...

I had hoped to create a post that told you a little more about me before I posted anything else, but I guess that will have to wait.

This time tomorrow, I will be sleeping under the stars, by the lake with people I love.  Sounds wonderful, right?  Wrong.  What I meant to say was, this time tomorrow night, I will be sleeping in a tent, on the hard ground, in 90 degree heat, with gnats and mosquitoes buzzing around my face, and no accessible bathrooms.  Well, maybe I am being a tad bit over dramatic.  At least I will be with people I love!  We plan on hiking, kayaking/canoeing, eating s'mores and catching up.  Honestly, it will probably be loads of fun.  I always preach: "At least try it once.  If you don't like it, you don't have to do it again."  I sure do not aim to be hypocritical in life.  I will tell you all about it when I get back.

Wish me luck.

peace.

Under Construction

Currently, I'm working on the design and layout of the blog....this might take a while, but check back early and often.  I can be very picky in deciding what I really want.  The look of the blog may change drastically over the next few days as I learn more.  I hope to have it up and running soon!

Hello.

After being an avid blog reader for quite some time now, I have decided to give the whole blog writing thing a whirl.  Just last night, I created a Tumblr account.  I decided that I would probably learn more and be more apt to keep a more - I guess, "professional" blog, up to date.  This being said, I may not be religious about posting, especially in the beginning.  I'm certain that it will take me a while to get the blog looking exactly like I want it...

I knew this would be the trouble.  I had everything I wanted to say in my opening spill planned out, but as soon as I sat down to my MacBook, the words left me.  How do you know what to write?  Everyone makes it look so easy.  I guess this is a learning process just like everything else.  First of all, I certainly welcome feedback.  If I’m posting too much, tell me.  If I don’t post enough, I want to know.

My goal in beginning this blog is not having a particular theme.  Why should we restrict ourselves to one thing when we are complex human beings?  Of course, I will mainly be posting things that interest me - what inspires me, but I hope to inspire others through this blog.  I plan on using this blog write about what’s on my mind whether it be social, political, or religious issues, etc.,…the list goes on and on.  I aim to offend no one.  If you are offended by a topic that I discuss, feel free to move on to the next blog, but I encourage your comments.

Like the title says, I live on the corner of 3010 and nowhere…I’m just a good ole southern boy trying to figure out the meaning of life and simply survive living in this crazy but wonderful world.  More about me later.

peace.