Highs and lows from a 366 day, 1 second period in my life

Everyone else is doing it, so I will give it a shot.

A few lows of 2008:

I took out more student loans, putting me more in debt
I said goodbye to some dear friends in Fargo
And Kentucky
I ended the year jobless
I still sin...everyday
I'm still not disciplined
I suck at blogging regularly

Many more highs:


I turned 22,
graduated from NDSU,
was accepted at SBTS,
lived in Kentucky for 5 months,
had my best summer personally at Camp,
got a girlfriend,
preached a few times at my church and felt like I improved each time,
read the entire Bible,
started a blog,
was an usher in one of my best friend's wedding,
spent a weekend at both the Hanson and Brandes cabin,
felt called back to MN,
applied for seminary...again,
drove a lot (I love to drive), and
was showered daily with grace.

I'm sure there are a lot of things I'm missing, but that's off the top of my head.

2008 was good. God was good in 2008.

If some is good, more is better

I went to church three times this weekend. Just because I could. I love one of the churches, and I love people at the other two. I've linked all three, and I encourage you to check them out (but I realize that most of you who read this blog are probably familiar with them).

Saturday night I went to Bethlehem Baptist with Laurel. This was the church I love, and it is where I plan on becoming a member. www.hopeingod.org

Sunday morning I went to Discover Church in Champlin. This is Jess and Andy's church, and I had told them I would go see it (and did in fact want to go anyway). It is a church plant and meets in a theater. That was an interesting experience, and I really enjoyed the sense of ownership and fellowship among the members. Setting up and tearing down a church every week takes a lot of commitment, and they did it joyfully. That's pretty sweet. www.discoverchurchnetwork.org

Sunday night I went to Corner Church in Downtown Minneapolis. This is Scott Woller's church, and he is one of my favorite people. It's a tiny church that meets in a coffee shop, both of which Scott started as part of his vision to reach the people of downtown with the love of Christ. Very cool. www.cornerchurch.tv


These three churches are so incredibly different. All three have advantages and their own set of problems. I was blessed in attending all three.


May God glorify himself in each of those churches.

Poverty

Everyday I

Sleep until I wake up

Eat until I'm full

Drink until I'm not thirsty

Shower until I'm clean

Dress until I'm fully clothed

And wonder why I don't desire Christ.

Evangelism

I'd like to be more intentional about evangelism.

My time is not my own.

If this means sitting through a crappy choir concert at Minneapolis Technical College on the outside chance that an opportunity might arise (it didn't), so be it.

And how can I complain when I get cookies and lemonade after? I didn't even have to give blood.

The Boxer

I recently bought The Best of Simon and Garfunkel. Of the 20 songs on the album, at least 10 are very good. That's not a bad percentage.

A verse from "The Boxer" has caught my ear lately.

In the clearing stands a boxer
And a fighter by his trade
And he carries the reminders
Of ev'ry glove that layed him down
Or cut him till he cried out
In his anger and his shame
"I am leaving, I am leaving"
But the fighter still remains

I feel that part of the beauty of good writing is that explains itself, but allow me to risk a few words. I can relate to the image of a boxer, considered strong and proud, yet standing alone, holding onto the memories of those things which have hurt him in the past.

There's probably more to say, but I'll leave it at that. It's a good song.

Well, I've moved back to Minnesota

So that's cool.

Ingredients for a good road trip

Combine:
1 close friend (a Guy Magno or a Julie Stoner will do)
gas prices that drop the further you drive
1 I-pass (to be held against windshield while driving through toll as Julie laughs at you)
sunflower seeds to liking (original flavor best, BBQ or dill pickle acceptable, nacho cheese just gross)
1 spitter (empty pop bottle to spit seeds into)
Mr. Pibb
cheesy popcorn (and napkins to wipe cheese from fingers)

Mix in 1997 Chevy Lumina. Allow to sit for 6-14 hours, as desired. Rest frequently for potty breaks (if with Julie) or less frequently (if with Guy). Supplement with solid conversation, and if desired, pull "the switch" (use caution).

Avoid: driving without a friend, snow, politics, fast food more than once, missing exits, forgetting sleeping bags, uncharged cell phones.