His son

Early starts

2012-01-30T10:21:00.001-05:00

I don't often get a really early start to my day. You know where you get up an hour or two before you need to and just jump start your day?

Yep, this morning definitely wasn't that. But I really like to have an early start to my day. I feel so accomplished then by mid-morning. It is hard because even when I have to get up "early" (8ish) I usually only wake up with enough time to shower and get dressed. But that's not enough time to really get the day going. I really like what a friend blogged about taking breakfast (see post). It's such an important thing to do in getting an early start to your day.

Maturity

2012-01-27T14:43:00.004-05:00

I am very excited to say that I will have a nephew at the end of June this year. I am so happy for my brother, sis-in-law, and niece. Adding another one to the family.

As I've been thinking about them and my own life it is weird to think that I will also have kids sometime in the future (at least I hope I do... I think I hope so anyway haha). I have been thinking about what it means to grow up and what becoming an adult looks like. I am realizing as I get older and new children are born that time continues to move forward despite how I've sometime viewed life. And what I mean is that time, the earth, life, etc. does not revolved around me (crazy, right?) I know that sounds ridiculous but I have definitely looked at life like this before. I have had this selfish/egotistical/ideal view that as my life progresses time moves right in step. But that is not at all the case.

As I see my brother have children I see that a new generation is being born and growing up. In a decade or so I will be the uncle (I am one already, but I mean the uncle that my niece and nephew will recognize as their uncle). Those figures (my uncles) that I had as a child and as I grew up... I will be that guy. Time is a weird thing. And so is growing up (I just hope that growing up is accompanied by maturity as well).

Not a big deal.

2012-01-22T22:58:00.002-05:00

I finally got around to updating and changing up my blog a little bit. Hope it's better than it was previously.

new years eve anecdote

2012-01-01T01:19:00.002-05:00

Today started off as an alright day, worked a 4-hour shift at Apple. Then I went to 4 Rivers. I knew we were going to close a little earlier because of New Years. Little did I know what I was about to get myself into at 3pm. To-gos hit the ground running when I was there and for two straight hours (3-5pm) we were non-stop. All of that was well and good when I heard we were closing at 5pm. Haha, that was not at all the case. Turns out we actually did not stop serving people until about 7pm. And then we got out by 9pm. Glad we were able to get out before midnight.

Crazy day. Happy New Year's ya'll!

It's two thousand twelve!

Christmas time.

2011-12-29T22:56:00.003-05:00

It's already December 29th. I cannot believe Christmas has come and gone so fast. Having two jobs now I feel like my schedule goes like this: wake up, work, maybe my other work then, come home, eat, sleep, wake up, and do everything all over again. But I am thankful for both of them. This Christmas, while quick, was a great one. Mike, Laura, and Ella came down from VA and Stephen came in from Tally. We had a few days with M, L, and E before they went to Tally to be with Laura's family for Christmas. We went to my cousin's in Clearwater for our Christmas. And after Christmas M, L, and E came back to Orlando and we celebrated all together. It has been a weird fall semester/holiday but I am thankful for all the time that my whole family has had together!

Playing catch up

2011-11-30T11:45:00.001-05:00

So it's been so long since I have posted. In a few short lines:
- Apple is awesome. My work experience up until now has pretty much all been great.
- 4Rivers. I am still waiting to really get started with this job. I've had training, now I am just waiting for the opening of the new location.
- Life has been crazy busy with those two jobs and with Christmas coming up and Thanksgiving just past.
- I hope to write more soon.

Take care all!

Quick Update

2011-11-07T11:50:00.000-05:00

I know I have been so remiss in updating this.

I just want to give you a quick update on my job situation. Well God has blessed me with two great opportunities.

Yep, He provided two part time jobs: Apple, Inc. and 4Rivers Smokehouse.

I am quite excited to start working for both of these great companies. I have already had Apple core training (this past weekend: all day Fri., Sat., and Sun.) and will have more training this week as well as training for 4Rivers this week. I actually received a call from Apple two Fridays ago while I was at 4Rivers for an interview. So within an hour I had two part time jobs. Huge, huge answer to prayers and blessings! Thanks all for your encouragement and prayers with and for me along this journey.

Blessed... Further news

2011-10-22T21:54:00.002-04:00

Hi all,

I'm sorry I have not updated this sooner in regards to my previous note (Blessed). Well, there are two things that happened not this past Friday, but the previous one. I got a call from a restaurant in VA/DC area asking me to come in to talk to a manager, which is crazy, and I received an email-invite to an Apple hiring event that happened this past Tuesday. So, this past Monday I talked to the restaurant and am now waiting to talk over the phone with a manager, which is a lot nicer than going to VA and then maybe being told, "Sorry, you have have come all the way up here but we actually don't want to hire you." This saves that embarrassing possibility.

Then on Tuesday I went to the Apple hiring event, which was cool. I was asked back for an afternoon interview, after the morning "group interview". The afternoon interview went fine and I was sent that day a background form to fill out. Now I am waiting for a final in-store interview to see if I am hired or not! PTL!

So that's what I wanted to share. God truly has blessed me so far with these potential jobs. Thank you all for all your prayers!

Deeper

2011-10-19T16:46:00.001-04:00

Listening to this song today. Great lyrics.
(Here's a video version: Deeper by Hillsong UNITED)

Deeper

Light of men
Love of God
Healing for the wounded heart
Like a child I quiet my soul
Hear Your voice surround me Lord

Jesus, hold me into Your heart
Into Your heart
Lord my soul delights
And I know You hear my prayer
Take me deeper Lord
Glorious Son to You I shall bow
Bow my knee, bow my will
Cherished by the strong and the weak
Humble hearts shall hear You speak

By Your love Lord You opened my heart
Now Your light will shine always
By Your Word Lord Your promise secure
And my soul will live always

Take me deeper Lord

Blessed

2011-10-15T23:34:00.003-04:00

I am very blessed. God has been providing in different ways and really glad to see where He might take me.

More details to come in the next week or so.

Weird day.

2011-10-12T17:37:00.002-04:00

It's been a weird day today.

This past Sunday I headed to Tally to see my brother and go to the Passion 2012 University Tour stop at FSU. I left late afternoon on Sunday and got in that evening. It was great time with my bro and his friends up there. He is interning at a ministry (CCF) this year and is living in one of their houses. It's a cool set-up. He lives there with two other interns and a resident guy. So I was there for Monday and Tuesday. We grabbed coffee on Monday and caught up some, I was able to share more about my processing India with him. It was good; I always like when people are willing to hear out where I am at and actually want to hear what I have to say. Then on Monday I got to attend CCF's campus gathering. This is there weekly night with worship songs and a message from their director, Michael. It is awesome to see what he is apart of up there and what Stephen has had his hand in. He truly is an awesome brother and over-flowing with creativity. CCF marketing, graphics, media, etc. can attest to this.

Then on Tuesday, I slept in, which was nice. I went to Panera for awhile, around three hours, while he had a meeting that was longer than the time I was at Panera(!). And that night we went to Passion 2012 University Tour. Charlie Hall and Kristian Stanfill led everyone in an awesome worship time. And we had a simulcasted talk from Louie Giglio. It was a great night. I also got to see and sit with my friends from Jax that are apart of Campus to City Wesley (CCW).

So I decided because I needed to get back Wed. (today) morning and it was advised that I sleep before I head back to Otown from Tally, I left Stephen's place around 3:45am and made it back to Orlando around 8am. That is why its been a weird day today.

Goodbye Washington, DC

2011-10-03T19:26:00.000-04:00

I headed home today from my brother's and sister-in-laws in Arlington, VA. It was a great trip to spend taking care of my niece with my mom. See below post for pictures.

I enjoyed the weather as it started out probably in the 80s when I first arrived and got down to the 60s and 50s. Great weather. That is one huge perk of VA/DC. A possible down side is that it becomes unbearably cold in the winter, for a FL boy anyway.

We had some hard times and some great times. The hard times include Ella breaking down, screaming, fitful-screaming tantrums. You know, what 14 month olds do. But we would got through those times. Either she would realize we were no longer paying attention to her and that the fits were not getting her anyway or that whatever was bothering her passed. Than we got back to normal. In fact, the mood swings were such that one moment she would be screaming like she was dying and the next she would be smiles and laughing. It was a little bit crazy.

But the fun/good times were well worth the hard ones. To be able to spend time with this little one who is the daughter of by brother. Still a weird idea. But awesome nonetheless. We played with blocks, old cell phones, push car/things, food, etc. Mainly I was just glad to be there. I know for so many people often, especially if they are separated by long distances with family, they do not get to share in the growing up years of their nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. I want to be there for Ella and be family even with were separated by hundreds of miles. She really is the cutest kids ever (ok, ok one of the cutest ever). It's not really worth arguing over ;)

#documentlife: Ella in Sept-Oct '11

2011-10-02T22:30:00.001-04:00

Here are some pics of my mom, Ella, and me from my trip to VA/DC. Ella makes some crazy faces sometimes.

Washington, DC

2011-10-02T02:54:00.001-04:00

I have been up in VA/DC since last Monday and have been enjoying my time with my niece. My mom is also up here right now while said niece's parents, my brother and sister-in-law, are on vacation in Hawaii. I really love it up here. The weather is changing and so it is getting cooler (way better than FL weather anyway). I had the opportunity of getting together with Nelson, a friend attending seminary in DC, and went to a good chili joint, Ben's Chili Bowl. I recommend the chili cheese fries.

Like I said, I have been enjoying my time with Ella. I'm glad for at least a little while to be able to input into my niece's life and see her grow up. It is often hard to live with a 14-month old because you have to cater to their every needs, you don't always know what they want because they cannot really talk, sometimes they scream uncontrollably making the neighbors think you might be abusing them, and they have this baby smell that never really goes away.

BUT, they are probably one of the best things that could happen to you and your life. First, it is most amazing to watch how they play and interact with the world around them. Secondly, they teach you humility. When raising a child, now don't get me wrong I've never actually done this, you have to be willing to give up time and really all of you in order to meet the needs of the child. It is a 24/7 job. It will humble you. You cannot be selfish and be successful at this I do not think. And this is what I have been kind of/slowly learning while being up here.

It has been a great time.

Late night

2011-09-19T03:10:00.000-04:00

I am up quite late once again. It's funny how many times I've thought to myself, 'Oh, I'll be in bed before 2am, no problem.' Then I look at the clock and remember how ridiculous it is to think that I would be able to do that. I am happy that tonight I was able to fix my slip-ons somewhat, hot glue is the answer. And I got some stuff put together for the CCC College Group, like a fb page and a twitter.

Now, it's time for bed.

Healer

2011-09-16T01:15:00.002-04:00

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease

I trust in You
I trust in You

I believe You're my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my Portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need

Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands

I was listening to this song tonight. Wow, to know that God holds us in His hands. That nothing, NOTHING, is impossible for Him. Ponder, meditate, and wrestle with this truth.

Nothing is impossible for God and He loves us so much that He holds us in His hands.

Listen to Healer (by Hillsong) on YouTube.

Missing India

2011-09-14T21:02:00.002-04:00

Today I was stopped at a train crossing on the way to get my dad from work. It reminded me of India.

We crossed a lot of train tracks in India, but only once or twice did we actually have to stop because a train was passing by. To really picture this though you have to know Indian traffic. Well it is made up of motorcycles, cars, bicycles, camel carts, scooters, vans, makeshift cars, and such. Now, when Indians stop at train tracks, and really just when they stop anywhere, the motor cycles try to make it to the front of the line and the rikshaws also try because they are small. Now the only reason this is possible, because unlike the US, India does not really have traffic lanes. It's every man and vehicle (or camel or horse) for himself.

Our team leaders had explained all this. So one day we were stopped at the tracks in a rikshaw. And because the trains take forever to pass the the crossing, the vehicles continued to pile as close to the track crossing bars, as was warned. And so once the train passed it took us forever to get past the crossing and intersection next to it.

So ya, today reminded me of India again. I really enjoyed that trip.

the lost are found

2011-09-11T14:37:00.003-04:00

//I really, really like this song, especially for the lyrics//
//Here is a video form with lyrics: The Lost are Found (YouTube)//

Everlasting
While Earthly ages fade
In mercy
Our God Your kingdom reigns

Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet

In the Saviour
Injustice brought to right
For Your glory
That Your name be lifted high

Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet
Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet

The lost are found
The blind will see
The lame will walk
The dead will live
And You Are God
Forever You will reign
The lost are found
The blind will see
The lame will walk
The dead will live
And You Are God
Forever You will reign

His thoughts are higher (way higher) than mine.

2011-09-08T13:38:00.002-04:00

I've been reading Chan's Erasing Hell (which is very interesting) and one of the things he is pointing out in a chapter is from the well known verse in Isaiah 55, "Your thoughts are greater than mine." I know most all of us have heard this once, twice, ten times, a hundred times but how often have we really thought about what this means. This means that we have no right to question His ways. We have no right to say, "Sorry God you can't do that, it is not right." Because if we in fact could tell God what was right than that means we must be greater and higher than Him in every way. But we aren't. We are His clay, His creation. We cannot tell Him what is right and what is wrong. He created morality, not us. He truly knows what is right to do and what isn't. Because if He did not, would He still be God?

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard this Isaiah verse and how many talks I have been given on it. Yet so many times I am the first whether verbally or, more often, mentally to say, "God, how could you do that? How could you be okay with just wiping out a whole group of people? Where is the justice in that?" And please do not get me wrong here, I believe He still wants us to question and wrestle with what He has done. I do not think the Isaiah passage encourages us to shut up and follow His orders and reasoning like we are merely wound-up toys. He has given us a mind and a heart to reason, debate, discuss, and wrestle with such topics of His character, His will, His methods of dealing with His people, etc. Let's not forget though that He is still God. And let us not dawn this mindset that we can fully understand God to the point that we can say and preach, "Oh, God would not do that! Or, He cannot have done that? That's not fair!' God is justice. He is love. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. We must not forget this. And this post above all is written to myself. I need to remember that He is God and He does know. He has the future plans taken care of. Should I seek Him by learning and wrestling through His decisions? Absolutely. Should I take on this arrogant attitude that I must be right in thinking that He should have/cannot have done that? Nope, I am not God.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord." Isaiah 55:8.

Worth.

2011-09-03T23:52:00.000-04:00

A lot of the time I judge what I do, or I quantify what I do, by some thing's worth. Sometimes that means I will go to Starbucks to try and get some reading/work done or I will stay home and nap because I need to re-energize myself. The funny thing is a lot of the time I miss judge some thing's worth because I am always trying not to waste my time (though if someone were to look at my facebook consumption they might say otherwise). And I think a lot of it has to do with how I value things. I think I need to put a little more time in correctly determining some thing's worth then just trying to make every aspect of my life efficient.

I need a job.

2011-09-01T23:31:00.000-04:00

So I've been waking up later than normal, like 10 or 11am. And my days have seemed shorter as a result. There really isn't much structure to my day. I am taking an online class so I can work whenever I want.

So I need a job. Haha. I need some more structure in my days.

I would definitely appreciate prayer for this!

The daily cycle.

2011-08-31T14:54:00.000-04:00

It's been pretty chill since returning from India.

Living in Altamonte Springs for now at home. Still trying to decide what the spring holds. I'm doing an online class, Intro to Philosophy to bring my GPA back up so that maybe in the spring I'll return to Jax. For now, I am looking for a job. I need to finish my thank you notes for India and for my birthday. I also need to finish up my letter to send with the thank you notes.

So life is just kind of cycling right now. Getting up, usually later than I plan, doing some homework, maybe writing a few notes. Possibly going out to do some errands or to work at Panera. Then either chilling at home at night or going to something in the evening.

Not to crazy. Pretty typical.

I'd appreciate prayer for a job. And I need some motivation to finish this post-India work.

too long.

2011-08-30T19:45:00.000-04:00

Wow... it's almost been a year since I last posted. Way too long. A lot has happened. Fall semester in Jacksonville. Spring in Jacksonville. And summer spent in India. A lot has happened.

I'll try to post some more here in the next few weeks.

Peace out.

People matter.

2010-09-28T00:56:00.000-04:00

What really matters? This post certainly doesn't. You'll probably forget it like that devotional or fictional book you just were reading the other day but can't remember what it was about. No, I'm not trying to say you're forgetful. It's just fact. We consume way too much visually, even if what we view/read is memorable, to remember most information. Like that we need to love. Yes, I have no doubt you'll forget this post. I'm ok with that. You better remember people though.

I was thinking today (no, don't be surprised). It was about things that matter. And I got to pondering, where it is so easy to do so, that so often I forget what is important. It is often a choice I make though. Like when I am walking behind a person and know who it is but choose not to hurry up a bit and engage them. I often don't because they're the kind of people who it is either awkward to talk to or that once I get in a conversation with them I feel like I will never escape their clutches. I'm just being honest. That really is a horrible thing though.

People do matter. The fact that I purposely go out of my way to avoid someone is so wrong. Yes, you heard me right, wrong(!) People are important. When it comes down to it they really are the only thing that matters. So I know you'll forget this post. I hope you do actually because it does you no real good to remember it.

There's only two words I hope you've gotten out of this: People matter.

Next time you're walking right behind that awkward person or pass that person in Starbucks but avoid eye contact because you know the minute you lock eyes you'll probably be talking with them for the next hour. Please engage them. And you never know when a simple conversation could make someone's day. Believe me; you need it!

Transitions.

2010-08-24T16:18:00.000-04:00

I hate them. They are not easy. They mean change. Readjusting. Re-scheduling. Re-organizing.

This past Saturday saw the next step in life as I returned to the industrial yet sometimes friendly city of Jax. It's a big step from my bagel-selling summer. I wasn't ready to come back up here. Though I never am.

But transitions are good things. Despite myself being against coming back up here (and not because I do not like it up here, but because of the change) I am now back and into the swing of school. I know I hate change because it upsets the status quo. I don't like not knowing what comes next. And transitions mean that we must let go of the present that we understand and can hold and exchange it for something we don't know or can predict (even if it is returning to somewhere we've been before.)

But I know transitions are good because they shake me out of stagnation. Too often in my own life I prefer something I know, something familiar because it is comfortable. It does not require work. Call it laziness (and it probably is that) or what ever it is but I prefer it. And I know this has also seeped into my spiritual life.

Going to church, hanging with my Christian friends, going to my Christian events, and the like have caused me to fall (as it so often does) into a season of life where I do those things and kind of let life pass me by without taking action. And it is a dangerous thing because I am not being the man God has made me to be. He has called me and every other believer to action. Not to sit around like a stagnant pool that grows algae. And that is why we need transitions.

That is why I need transitions. I think that is one reason we have transitions in our lives. I wouldn't put it passed God to use the many changes in our lives to stir us up from out complacency. So live life with purpose. Really live it. Don't let it pass you by.

Contentment.

2010-07-31T22:10:00.004-04:00

Wow. This is a subject I really cannot even begin to write on because I struggle so much in this area. It's so hard for me to be content with where I am right now. Would I much rather say "I'm really content and life could not be better"? Yes! But honestly I'm just not there right now. Don't get me wrong though, I am, and know quite well, that I am blessed in so many ways. More ways than I can list. But for a long time there has been a constant discontentment in my life. Now I know everyone is discontent at different times for many reasons. But this is different.

I find myself wishing I looked different, had certain friends, have some sort of popularity (it's shallow I know), had a better walk with God, more spirituality, etc. There is just an overall discontentment in my life. It's a lot I know. Don't worry I'm not going to do anything drastic and I am not overly depressed. I am just discontent. Now I know this is not good. When I am discontent it leads to all sorts of sin. I become jealous of people, self-centered, and turn inward and not let anyone in. I know this is something I'm going to have to work through before I can move on in certain areas of life, it's just hard. I wish it would be as easy saying I don't want this or I don't want to be like that. But it's not that easy. I would appreciate prayer in this area.

"I know both how to have a little, and I know hoe to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret [of being content]--whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need."
Phil. 4:12

#documentlife: ella jane icardi

2010-07-20T23:02:00.001-04:00

nothing will ever be the same

2010-07-20T01:29:00.000-04:00

It changes everything. This is another life. A separate entity. Ella Jane Icardi. For Mike and Laura everything is going to be different.

I was thinking about that over the short time we had in VA. I know it's a cliche to say that a child changes everything, but think about it. That is so true. I mean while the baby is in his or her mom's stomach the baby is apart of their mom. It's just the husband and wife. But once that baby joins them and enters the world we call earth that family goes from two people to three people. Bam. There is now another life to support. While that is a huge blessing, it is also a huge responsibility.

These things have really been hitting me. So, while I love Ella and so glad she is apart of the Icardi family, I've realized I'm so glad that I do not have a child. I'm more than glad to wait a while for that. :)

baby day.

2010-07-18T09:27:00.001-04:00

(From yesterday)

My day started off pretty normal. Woke up around 4:40am for work. Ok, maybe not so normal. But I had to open at Brueggers so I had to be there at 5:30am. Yes, it's pretty rough.

Anyway, I got to work and the day started off pretty well. I put caffeine in and got energy out. And at different times of the day it was crazy busy at Brueggers which was great. So later on during the day I received a text that would change my life.

"Ella jane was born at 1105."

Yes. Yes, I'm an uncle! Praise the Lord! Overall, the whole birthday process went well and both mom and baby (Laura and Ella Jane) were good, except some bleeding Laura experienced. But now they are both better. This is so crazy to think about. I can't believe I'm an uncle. I can't believe my brother and sister-in-law have their own child! (Ya, I know it sounds like some kind of merchandise. But ya know she's not.) It's just amazing. God has blessed them with this little one.

Wow, is really all that can be said. So after my shift ended at 1pm at Brueggers I got home, I chilled some and cleaned up, we packed up our rental car, and hit the road for VA.

We are just so excited and cannot wait to hold that little one in our hands. As cliche as it is, she's our little angel and she's a blessing from God. Plain and simple. I just still cannot believe it.

really bad at keepin' up with this thing..

2010-07-13T00:53:00.000-04:00

At Thrive Youth tonight, Josh has been teaching a series on Spiritual gifts. This was the third week. I missed the first week or two so I'm not totally sure how he has approached it all, but tonight he spoke a lot on passions. While passions are not our actual spiritual gifts, they help, I think, show what our spiritual gift/gifts is/are.

Josh went through a list of questions that were aimed at helping the kids consider what there passions are. The questions included things like what is one thing that when we see it moves us to action, what is one thing that we cannot stand to see people live without, and such. They really were good questions to get the students (and also me) thinking about our passions. That was the first part. And it was good.

The second part, while somewhat depressing, resounded a little more with me in that it caused me to think a little more. And it was about Passion Killers (sounds kind of like pain killers...which is a good thing...haha). Anyway, Josh shared a list including things like sin, doubt, fear, self-focused, and apathy as things that take our passion away. Sin, doubt, self-focus, and apathy struck me as four things that stood out in that list that I struggle the most with in terms of what kills my passions. The sin simply takes away my passion because I think I've found something better which replaces my passions. I doubt because I do not think God is able to use me for big things. I'm self-focused and think I know what is most enjoyable so I replace that with what truly would make me happy. Finally, because I am apathetic I do not care enough to follow my passions.

These things hit home in that I realize they have been ousting my passions. Often, and only to my detriment, I think I know what makes me happy. When in fact, I've been "settling" for what I think is good. From this I've taken that I need to stop sinning, doubting, being self-focused, and being apathetic. Yes, yes I know that is impossible because I'm not perfect, but I know what I need to strive for.

"All that we call human history--money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery--[is] the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy."
-C.S. Lewis

"Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."
-C.S. Lewis

P.S. Sorry it's been so long. Proud of you if you made it through all the above scribble and thoughts. Hopefully I'll start writing more. Though I always say that and it never happens. Oh well.

More than a drizzle...

2010-05-17T11:15:00.000-04:00

I just want to sit and watch the rain with you,
Just stroke that silk chocolate you call hair.
We wouldn't even talk, just let the rain talk for us.
Wish I could just sit next to you
And know we'd always be together,
Knowing that the dark clouds would never be what our undoing looked like.
Oh, that this would not be a fantasy,
That this would last...or at least begin.
For I fight in my mind and remember that these are just wishes.
For your smile draws,
Like an empty stomach to its nourishment.
Your infectious laugh is all I need.
I wish to wish you the best,
But it is so hard when I know all the rest.
For we are but friends and perhaps always will be.

(Just something I wrote in senior year. I added punctuation when I wrote it on here.)

Summer

2010-05-06T22:43:00.000-04:00

So it's summer now. I'm really hoping to have a job soon. I feel so much that I need one. It won't be the end of the world if I do not get one but it would be a blessing if I did. I would appreciate y'alls prayers for that.

So, a friend of mine suggested I make a list of things that I want to get done this summer, otherwise I may not really get stuff done. I haven't given it enough thought, but I have two things I would like to get done/accomplish/etc. First, I want to get a job. Hopefully full-time, but I'll take what I can get. Second, I have been feeling that this summer I want to do something. And I don't mean just whatever. But I want to find a ministry or some other organization that I can be involved in, as time allows. I am not sure exactly what, but I want to at the end of the summer feel like I actually did something that in the long run will count. I don't want to look back and just be like, ya I worked and made money, hung out a little, and that's all. If you all have any ideas about ministries or organizations that would be appreciated.

Finals

2010-04-28T00:10:00.001-04:00

...week.

You know what that means? Lots and lots(!) of caffeine. All-nighters. And tests and papers to do/study for. Awesome :)

Psyched.

2010-04-18T01:18:00.000-04:00

I was reading my bro and sis-in-laws blog (http://icardi.wordpress.com/2010/04/17/a
-little-bit-of-crazy/) and am getting excited to be an uncle. Laura has pics up on the blog.

Healing Begins

2010-04-13T10:19:00.000-04:00

So you thought you had to keep this up
All the work that you do
So we think that you're good
And you can't believe it's not enough
All the walls you built up
Are just glass on the outside

So let 'em fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now

This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark

Afraid to let your secrets out
Everything that you hide
Can come crashing through the door now
But too scared to face all your fear
So you hide but you find
That the shame won't disappear

So let it fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
We're here now, oh

This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark

Sparks will fly as grace collides
With the dark inside of us
So please don't fight
This coming light
Let this blood come cover us
His blood can cover us

This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark

-Tenth Avenue North (single from their upcoming album, The Light Meets the Dark)

Blast to the past.

2010-03-31T17:08:00.000-04:00

   Sitting in Basic Astronomy right now. Teacher slightly droning on about terrestrial and jovian planets. So what am I doing? On the computer of course.

   I was perusing the pictures from the Thrive 2010 All-Nighter and thinking about back when I was in high school. I cannot believe I am not in college when I think back to earlier days. Life was interesting then(still is...haha). But I just think about who I was and about friendships. It was crazy in high school. I worried about where I stood with friends and things for me could hinge on a single conversation. I wanted to be popular and liked by all, of course (who doesn't/didn't?). And my world really revolved around youth group and other church activities as well as school.

   I don't have much to write, really just what was above. It was just interesting seeing those pictures and thinking about when I was in high school and never really thought college would happen...and now I am here.

Airports.

2010-03-22T12:09:00.000-04:00

   So I am sitting here in the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport awaiting the Angola Team to return. I drove with Aaron Stinson up here from Jacksonville, FL to see them return. As of right now, 8:24pm no sign of them, but praying that they will be here soon.

   Airports are crazy places. I love them, but they are indeed insane palces. Peopl going; people leaving. Tensions high. Muscles relaxed as loved ones re-unite. I love these hubs of bustling action.

   As I wait for the arrival of the team there is a knot or some uneasyness inside my chest. I'm just waiting for the team to turn the corner to where they will become visible for me to relax. But until then I'm tense.

   This trip has been a ...Chris, husband of one of the girls on the team just called and the plane landed. It's 8:28pm. Praise the Lord! Uneasyness residing. Such great news... The trip was full of turmoil and rough patches. Yet I believe it was full of amazing times and changes that rocked the team's world. That's what I hope and pray. My processing of all of this has been mixed. But I just have to come back to Romans 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep."

   Praise the Lord we returned safely to Jacksonville; everyone is pretty wiped out, though. Got to hear from some of the members who traveled back in the car I was in. Cannot wait for you guys to hear from the team. It's going to be great!

Friendship

2010-03-19T23:48:00.000-04:00

   So I as thinking about friendships the other day. We often (well I do anyway) put values on friendship. What value exactly I am not sure. But some immaterial value. And I keep score. You have this many points. She has this many. He has this many.

   Haha...I'm just kidding. But, seriously. I was thinking about this because recently I have, haha who am I kidding for as long as I can remember I have held friendships at some value, been evaluating people's value to each other. And not good values, like a person should have certain values. No, these values are how we see ourselves and others in our eyes.

   So, for example, I was thinking about some friends away right now. And one of them is this guy I have met and am getting to be pretty good friends with. Well another of my friends went on the same trip. And I am worried that because those two friends went on this trip they'll be even better friends than I am with the first guy. And to top it off I'm having to work with being upset with the second guy because he is dating another of my friends. That's all well and good, but it makes me jealous I don't have a girlfriend...haha.

   If you just read that and are like huh? That means you're probably normal. Besides the fact that I used so many ambiguous terms. First off though, please hear this: I love all those people. It's just I'm having a hard being happy for them and the experiences that they are going through. They are on a missions trip right now. I know I am a jerk. I mean really. They are on a mission's trip! It has been a bumpy ride for them and I know God has blessed them in so many ways. I won't lie. I am jealous of what they are experiencing together because I know their friendships and relationships will be even stronger as a result of that. And I want that to be my prayer, but my selfishness is stubborn.

   What it comes down to it, it is me swallowing my pride and selfishness, and joining in on the joy they have experienced that I must come to. It's so hard knowing that something great went on and you were not apart of it. You missed out. I know God had a reason for sending only those who went and not sending those who did not go. But it's rough. As I wrote this I thought of Romans 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." And that's just it. I know I should be happy but it's going to take work. And of course weep and be sad with those who are going through hard times. That is as well hard because I could just say, "No, I won't be sad. I'm not on that trip, so I don't care if their flight got delayed." No, no, no! This attitude is so wrong. I should be sad and weep. They are my friends...my brothers and sisters in Christ!

   I just really wanted to express that and get it out. If you think of it and would prayer for my attitude, that would be very much appreciated. If you could pray that I would just be filled with joy and excitement at what this team experienced and what God did and is doing through them. As well if you would just pray for the team's safe return. They are in Angola and will be returning Sunday evening.

It's been too long...

2010-02-18T13:47:00.000-05:00

...(and since I'm fasting Facebook, I have to have some outlet to communicate with people).

All I want to say is that I'm blessed.

You have no idea. When I think what I have compared to the plight of others it just does not even compare.

Thank you Lord!

Hello world.

2009-12-10T06:09:00.002-05:00

Good morning Jacksonville.

It is 6:10am and I should not even be up. Precalculus final at 7am. Then work later today. Also I have a paper I really need to get done.

Well, anyway. Home in a few days. I'm glad. But it is weird to realize it has been a whole semester.

Take care!

P.S. I am sorry I have not written in over a month.

sometimes you need a break...

2009-10-31T00:57:00.002-04:00

from things that consume a great part of your life.

i.e. facebook sucks your time away from you like nothing else.

(I'm sorry I haven't posted in awhile and will hopefully begin to post frequently. Though those vBlogs never really took off from my first, so we'll see how well I stick with posting.)

So, I just wanted to bring up this subject known as: fb. You know it. I know it. You love it. I love it. This weekend that I am in Tallahassee I am giving up facebook. You're probably thinking, "Why would he do that?" Good question. I decided to do this because it was brought to my attention that I spend way too much time on facebook and because I saw that someone else was doing it (lame reason, I know). So you will not "see" me on facebook until Sunday or Monday. I just thought I'd comment on what consumes my time. I mean when was the last time I evaluated how much time I spend on the Internet? Um........I don't know.

Using the Internet isn't wrong for sure. But if I come to the point where I find myself wondering what to do with myself if I do not have facebook, that my friends is just sad. Seriously though, I mean it's just facebook. What has happened to me? I think to some degree I've become addicted to it because it allows me to live life through facebook, ya know? I know for me I get excited when I see notifications from comments on my statuses and wall posts. WOW. Ya, it's true.

So, why am I doing this? I need a break from the time-sucker: fb. My life should not revolve around status updates, quizzes, wall posts, and picture posting. Life is more than fb.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.

//soitbegins//

2009-10-04T23:19:00.005-04:00

enjoy....(just a head's up: it's pretty lame, but, hey, I'm just starting out)

Starbucks.

2009-09-15T09:54:00.002-04:00

Just sitting in Starbucks on campus. I was reading Economics homework. Starbucks is a great studying/hanging out place on campus. I have more time because Precalc was cancelled because my teacher is sick. And just so happens Haylee is sitting at my table on her laptop as well. It's great just to be in Starbucks for a while or even less on any school day. You will most likely see at least one or two people you know, if not more. So, yes. It's good :]

Just kind of eh...

2009-09-04T23:30:00.003-04:00

Today was kind of a weird day. It started out pretty good though. This morning I woke up before 9am and made my way over to the Osprey Fountains for breakfast. Oh yes. Chocolate chip pancakes and chocolate milk :). The Fountains has an Ozzie's which is like a convenience store/grill. Well they have a breakfast menu so I and some friends (most of who were leaving for the weekend) purchased some pancakes. We took them back up to their dorm room and ate them with satisfaction :) After which, I hurried back to my dorm to get ready for a "hike" at the UNF trails, which was to begin at 10am. I got to the trails in time and had a nice time walking through some of UNF trails. That part of the day was good/nice/etc.

When I got back I did some different things: go on my computer, read some, watch Star Trek. As the day progressed I really did not have much reason to go out much and have personal interaction except with my roommate when he was here. So I think that affected me, and then with people leaving there were not as many people to hang out with or do things. I finally did do some venturing out of my abode: picked up a package from the Post room and made my way to an unfortunately closed Outtakes. All and all it was just something of an odd day....which is all I more or less was going to say, but I get wordy quickly...

Hope you all have a great weekend and Labor Day!

Sundays

2009-08-30T23:41:00.004-04:00

As I've moved up to Jacksonville, two key decisions lay in front of me (that is if you do not include everything to do with school, job, etc. :]). What campus ministry should I attend? (and) What church should I get involved with? Both are very hard decisions.

On the topic of campus ministries, I am looking for one that is open, accepting, nice, and one that will meet a few guidelines (among which include sound doctrine and a discipleship program). I have so far only visited one group: Access218. I kind of already feel apart of this group for multiple reasons. I went to the Community Night on Wednesday and it was good. Not quite what I was hoping for/would have liked. But it's still a great group. I am definitely going to be attending the A218 again though. I also am going to check out BCM, InterVarsity, Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru), and maybe a few others. So if you think of it, I'd love prayer for a decision in this area!

Probably the harder of the two decisions is finding a church. It'll be hard and that's not because there are only a few churches...no Jax is full of churches! There are so many; it's just finding the "right" one. So I have had the oppurtunity to check out CrossRoads. It is a United Methodist Church and the home church of A218. After attending it for two weeks I have made observations (well really after the first week I had formed opinions). It is definitely more charismatic than Circle and is on a whole quite different. That does not mean I don't like it. When I'm looking for a church the foremost thing will be the teaching. If it is not sound than I will not be able to respect the leadership and thus should not become a member (because my end goal in finding a church will be someday becoming a member). After attending CrossRoads for two weeks here are a few of my observations: the worship is not my style and I have a few objections with the teaching. Though I know people there are now and want to at least get to know them better!

In my guidelines for finding a church some of you might be like, "Well it's not all about the worship style?" or "Maybe people just didn't see you, etc.?" And I can be ok with not fulfilling the two first things in a church :) However, if the teaching is not sound than I will not be able to respect that church's authority.

With that said, I am going to continue on my search for a church!

I'd appreciate much prayer in this area because I want to find the church that God wants me at...not that certain church that meets my needs, but that church that God has chosen a seat in for Matthew to fill to fulfill His will!

UNF Bookstore

2009-08-25T23:30:00.003-04:00

So today I began my work at the UNF Bookstore. It was quite crazy. I was more or less thrown into the heat of things (for those of you who do not know the first weeks of class are insane. no joke.) Because I had received no formal training, I was scared and quite oblivious to what was going on...if only you could have experienced it. No, I do not actually wish that upon you :). I began as a greeter. Ok, not too bad. Then someone above me comes over and says that I'll be walking around the textbooks and offering help where needed. Ohh...not so cool. Turns out though I had a ton of questions it was not too bad. From there I manned a table, might have walked the floor some more, and then was returning books.

But that was only my 10:30am-1:00pm shift.
(No to mention I had a 1:40-4:20pm class after)

Next shift: 5:00-10:00pm (oh ya...)

So I report back to the bookstore at 5 to Leah (who is the very, very nice Customer Service Manager). Alright, she hands me off to Gina (who is very nice as well). She tells me to help the Textbook Info desk. Phone rings. Ack! One of my least favorite things to do...nobody is their. Whew! Telephone rings again. Dag! I answer it and am able to help the lady on the other end (with assistance from someone else at the desk). After that I did a number of different things. It was crazy and intense. But I guess I have to give it my all if I want to hold this job :/

College life

2009-08-24T21:00:00.003-04:00

I'm sorry I haven't written in a while.

Just two things for now. One, I had my first real college class today: General Chemistry I. It was not so bad. Only an hour and fifteen minutes and most of the time was taken going over the syllabus and such. It'll be a challenging class, but good. Secondly, just a huge praise: I got a job at the UNF Bookstore! I start tomorrow at 10:30am as a door greeter. Praise the Lord! It's great and the lady who hired me, Leah, is so nice. I am indeed blessed. So, after a Pre-calculus class I'll head back to my dorm drop off my things and head over to the Student Union to begin the second job of my life!

...

2009-08-13T00:05:00.001-04:00

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted!

Well I do not think I'll write much now, but maybe later. Life's crazy now. College in less than a week. I still have so much packing to do! I've (of course :]!) started, but have a long way to go.

I have been able to "meet" my new roommate through e-mail and facebook. He's nice and I think we'll at least get along. Please pray that God will use me to shine in his life because I do not think he's a Christian.

Hopefully once I get settled in next week and classes start and everything I'll write more. It'll probably be more than a week because the first week of classes and such is going to be hectic.

Well, that's all for tonight.

Good night.

Day 6....home, peach shake, and Giant's

2009-07-10T09:03:00.004-04:00

(From Thursday)

Today Natalie and I decided to stay in instead of going into DC or out anywhere. This morning I took Laura to the Metro and headed over to Panera to do some reading and to do some stuff on my computer. For the past three days I have been able to go to Starbucks or Panera to read my Bible and another book. It's good to set some time away in the early morning to do this. After I returned home, I took Bailey for a walk. Natalie woke up and got ready and we headed over to Chick-fil-a for free small chicken biscuits (apparently each say this week at a certain Chick-fil-a they are giving out certain free breakfast items) It was good :); plus, I bought this Peach Milkshake which was not bad. I had been told it was really sweet. Yes, it was sweet but not too sweet.

Later we just hung around the house. We did some cleaning: I cleaned some of the counters in the kitchen. I wanted to some cleaning for Mike and Laura; I mean we have been living in their house, eating their food, etc. so this was a way of giving something back :) Later in the afternoon Natalie and I drove to Giant's for some food for dinner (I took directions this time! I had taken directions for Chick-fil-a earlier was well. After that touring northern VA incident, I thought it good to have directions :)).

We came home from Giant's and a little later Natalie and I made dinner. We made a bacon and chicken cheese sauce to put on the pasta we cooked. Then for a vegetable I threw together some different veggies from Mike and Laura' freezer. I put broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower together with some cheese(of course!)

Later on I picked Laura up from the Metro station and we headed home to dig into our cheesy dinner. It turned our to be ok. The sauce was not as tasty as I would have liked. However, we had brownies later on which were good. After dinner Laura, Natalie, and I headed over to the community pool for a swim. We only went into the pool for a little while. After 8pm Laura headed to Ronald Reagan Airport to pick Mike up from his trip to LA. We had the brownies when they returned.

Day 5....DC and Donald's

2009-07-09T22:54:00.006-04:00

(From Wednesday)

Natalie and I went into DC again for more museum bouncing. Yes, well, honestly that meant only two museums :P. This really is not a bad quota for a day though. I mean the Smithsonian museums are chalk full of displays, so two in a day is not bad, if not even too much. But our method of museum viewing was not as intensive as some. For example, we did not stop at all the displays in each museum and did not read every board and plaque with information on it.

We got into DC via the Metro and headed on over to the National Museum of American History. This museum basically captures any and everything from the establishment of the US as a nation all the way up to pop culture today in our great nation. It was fairly extensive, though it let me down. Back some years ago my family and I visited DC, and I think we came to this same museum. This last time though they did not have a display they had last time (unless I just missed it). It was a Star Trek phaser! (Geek? Yes! Awesome? Heck ya!) But not this time around, no phaser to be found. Though I must say that I did not search the whole museum, so I might have overlooked it :/ I went into the pop culture section and you would think it would have been there....nope. So ya, a disappointment, but we saw some other cool and crazy displays.

The thing is museums are full of so much rich knowledge and facts, yet they are very overwhelming with their extensive data and media displays. It would take at least a day or two to soak everything up from just one museum, though after a day I probably would have got bored of that museum. :/

After the American History Museum, Natalie and I traversed up and down DC roads to locate some nourishment. We finally found a McDonald's to fulfill our hunger. After devouring fries, a chicken sandwich, some chicken nuggets, and a Bacon Ranch salad, Natalie and I, with Strawberry shake and soft drink in hand, respectively, found our way to museum #2.

The second museum we went to is the National Air and Space Museum. (Yes, from my above comment you can imagine that this is probably my favorite museum.) The Air and Space Museum is full of planes, rockets, capsules, and crazy technology, which is cool! Let me tell you what. It was crazy, though, that there was a line coming out of the building to get in, it was free, but quite unusual for a museum to be so busy. But we got in fine and were able to see some cool things: a replica of Sputnik 1, different space capsules, multiple rockets, etc. :)

After that we took the Metro to the station near home and then drove home.

Later, I went back to the Metro station to pick Laura up and then went home to eat dinner. After we played mini golf near their house :) Laura won. :/ :)

Tomorrow Natalie and I are just going to stay home and hangout their.

Day 4...relative rescue

2009-07-08T22:02:00.001-04:00

(From Tuesday)

6:35am....wake up and take a shower.

6:55am....take Mike and Laura to the Metro station.

This morning Mike was leaving for LA, but he just had to go to the Metro so the day started like any other. I drove Mike and Laura to the Dunn Loring Metro station so that Natalie and I could have the truck for the day :). I proceeded to Starbucks after depositing them at the station. I grabbed a strawberry-banana smoothie and did some reading. It was good to just spend time doing that. The smoothie was nothing amazing; I would definitely recommend the chocolate banana smoothie if you were going to buy a vivanno from Starbucks.

I drove home and had some breakfast, watched some tv, and decided what to do for the day. Well, I was thinking about going to a park of some sort, so I googled to see what I could find. Natalie and I ended up visiting the Manassas National Battlefield Park. This was, of course, after missing a turn on the beginning of the trip and having to turn around to get back on track. Then we wanted to grab some lunch to take to the park. So we explored our options and eventually found a Firehouse Subs, which is what we had wanted. With lunch in hand we traversed back to the park and parked at the Visitor's Center. I bought my pass and Natalie was free(!) We drove (it's a big, big park) to a picnic area and gobbled down our subs.

After a filling lunch, we headed back over to the Visitor's Center where we began a one mile tour/walk with information along the way about the First Battle of Manassas. There was some interesting information and lots of cannons (it was a battle after all).

Well by the time we left, it was about 3 o'clock. This would have been fine. I mean it should have only took us 30 minutes to get home. We did need to stop by a supermarket, but that should not take too long. After I would pick up Laura from the Metro station sometime after 4 o'clock. This was the hypothetical situation and probably the best way to accomplish this. Well, turns out that's all it was: hypothetical.

We left the park in the right direction, though I was uncertain. So, after turning around and turning around again (because I was originally correct) we headed towards home. Everything would have been fine if we just went home. However, we were going to a Super Giant (VA supermarket) for some food for dinner. I did not remember where any of the Giants were so I went on a wild goose chase. This took Natalie and I on a tour of norther VA (ok, that's a but of an exaggeration). So, we finally found one that I had been too before. Ok, that was not too bad. The worst part was me trying to get home. That's when we began our long drive to no where. So, after much reluctance I contacted Laura for help(!) After talking with her, one of her co-workers, and a friend, Natalie and I were finally able to get home (relative rescue!).

We picked Laura up from a Metro station and headed to McDonald's to pick up some dinner. We did this because we did not want to take the time to make lasagna and Laura had a Bible Study to go to, so we went for some "fast" food.

Tomorrow Natalie and I are heading into DC again.

Day 3....day in DC, way too many people

2009-07-07T18:57:00.005-04:00

(From Monday)

10:46am - Wake up.

12:17pm - Leave home for Metro.

12:45pm(ish) - Enter Metro and get off at Federal Triangle station.

Well, I ended up waking later so we (Natalie and I) did not get into DC until after noon. We walked up to the Metro station and took the train to the Federal Triangle station. Our goal for the day was to visit two of the Smithsonian Museums: the National Museum of Natural History and Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture. Mission accomplished.

We first went to the natural history museum. There were a ton of animals from all over the world. No, they were not real, but they were replicas or something. There were live bugs, butterflies, etc. though. There were some normal looking ones and ones you might be like, "That looks like a combo of two animals!"

After exploring the plethora of replicas, skeletons, and interesting nature-related facts, we checked out the Atrium Cafe. It was an ok cafe. They had soup, pizza, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, etc. You know your basic cafeteria food, but they were all crazily priced. Natalie and I got a total of two drinks, a slice of pizza, a beef wrap, and fries and it was about $26. Insane!

From the natural history museum we went to an art museum. We only went for a little while and checked out parts of a few exhibits. There were some interesting pieces of art, especially in the folk art area.

Once we had perused some different pictures and portraits we headed towards the National Mall and eventually found a Starbucks :) After we purchased our drinks, Natalie and I headed to the Mall and found some shade to sit in. After 4pm some time, Natalie and I returned to the Federal Triangle station to head home. We got back with only a little trouble and joined Mike and Laura outside the Dunn Loring station.

That evening we played Settlers (again).

Day 2....Count your blessings, count them...

2009-07-05T22:12:00.004-04:00

Two (deer) by one (deer) by two (deer) by one (turtle) by one (prairie dog...thing) by one (deer) by one (deer).

Second day here in VA. This morning we went to Mike and Laura's church, Covenant Life Church (Josh Harris is a pastor there, yes, the author :), ya I've mentioned this before). It is a really great church. It was interesting today they had two baptisms during the service. Yes, in the sanctuary there is a small pool! It was different, but good.

After church we drove over to a state park in Maryland (that's where Covenant Life is) to play some disc golf. The course is made up of three loops of nine holes. We only did two of the loops :) (27 holes is a lot!) If you've never gone disc golfing, you should. Today I did not do so well, but it was good exercise and a chance to try out a new course.

After disc golf we came home for some lunch and watching golf (ya, I know you're like, "Golf? That's boring!"). It can be boring, but it's easier to like it when you're going for someone. We watched that for a while, well some of us, and I got a few z's on the couch. When I awoke we played Settlers (mentioned in previous post). After we went to Olive Garden for dinner! It was pretty good :) We came home and Mike and Laura went to bed not long after; they have to wake up early! Now watching some tv and on the computer.

Going into DC tomorrow with Natalie.

P.S. Oh, by the way, the beginning reference about counting your blessings and the animals refers to the wildlife we saw while disc golfing. We first saw two deer. Then another deer. Thirdly, we saw a buck and a doe run/jump across a creek. While searching for a missing disc, I located a turtle. We think it might have been a snapping turtle, not sure. Then we saw this prairie dog animal as we left the park. As we were driving out some of us saw two more deer. I missed them :( :/.

Day 1....crazy day

2009-07-05T21:24:00.002-04:00

(From Saturday)

8:20....."Get out of the shower! We got to go!" (not direct quote from family, but how they were probably feeling :P)

9:30.....bags checked in.

12:00........got into Dulles International Airport.

*times are estimated

Well that was the beginning of my day. Natalie and I were off to visit and spend time with my brother and sister-in-love, Mike and Laura. The day it not get off to a great start. Turns out that my baggage, due to our late check in (because of me :/) did not make it on our flight. After getting into DC, we had to go back to the airport to pick it up :( later that day. Thankfully after we figured this out, Mike and Laura were close and picked us up pretty quickly from the airport. We drove home and were greeted by Bailey (Mike and Laura's huge chocolate lab). Our afternoon then consisted of hanging out, eating, and playing a game called Settlers (interesting game :) ).

Well, since it is the 4th of July we had to grill. Mike had burgers and dogs. But his burgers were not your everyday burgers. They were stuffed with mozzarella cheese. (your mouth is probably watering now :P) The recipe was more or less a take off from a burger made on the Food Network's show "The Next Food Network Star". They were good burgers (he did make some plain with cheese on top :) and they were good as well). We also had baked beans, pasta salad, and s'mores!

After dinner we headed out. This is the time we picked up my luggage. After calling AirTran twice during the day, we went back to Dulles and thank the Lord(!) my bag was there. Whew, what a relief! After, we headed to the Metro system. From there, we boarded the Metro to go into DC. We went to the National Mall where we watched fireworks with Laura's boss, Marissa, and her husband, Rob, as well as two of their friends, Molly and Carlos. It was really nice that Marissa had saved us some area on the Mall, because there were a ton of people! It was crazy, but quite aweosme to be able to watch a fireworks show in DC between the Capitol and the Washington Monument! We were on the Mall for awhile before the fire show so we played cards and talked. At 9:20ish the fireworks started. It was just amazing to be where we were. The fireworks show came from behind the Washington monument!

On the way home it was crazy. We took the Metro out of DC and the crowd was crazy. Not even joking! It was insane. Oh, and on the way back to Mike and Laura's house I did a, yes just me :/, chinese fire drill! Oh yes! Haha...

What a day!

Because I can...

2009-06-19T18:01:00.000-04:00

...new layout :]

We're going to miss you Mae Mae!

2009-06-15T15:22:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to take this blog to dedicate to Megan! We're going to miss you so much. You will have an amazing time this summer though: seeing relatives, being on the farm ;), and just spending time in another place.

While it is only "See you later!" it seems like "Goodbye". We've had great times together and will have more to come, but for now we will have to be ok with only Facebook, texting, and the million other media options out there to communicate.

I hope you have an amazing time this summer! Keep your eyes out for God, Megan, and you will see Him! Enjoy the time on the farm :P and out in nature. Have a great time at Bible School and learn a lot!

See you later Megan!

P.S. Of course, this doesn't mean we will let you off the hook in August Megan. Prepare for 48 hours of being awake and lots of caffeine!

it's just that crazy...

2009-06-08T00:20:00.001-04:00

...yes, I'm 19 now. I cannot believe it. This should not be happening, but it is. So, yep I'm really old now.

good morning...no...almost good afternoon!

2009-05-26T11:20:00.002-04:00

Hi all.

Well, I have not written in a while, so I thought I'd post a short little thing here. I woke up and got out of bed after 11:00am today!?! It's crazy. I am usually up earlier than that. I mean I like my sleep, but I feel like I've lost part of my day when I do not get up until anytime after 10:00am or so :] So anyway, ya...I'm sure it can't have anything to do with the fact that I stay up to 2:00am :P.

So.....ya......that's all for now. I'm going to try and post more during the summer...so if I don't you can yell at me or get on my back about it :]

Happy Tuesday y'all!

Verses for now: "Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart;
when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart;"
-Proverbs 26:24-25

College.

2009-05-14T23:45:00.003-04:00

Well, by the time I'm done writing this it will be Friday, May 15, and I'm not ready to graduate. At all. :[ It's sad and too bad.

For 18 years I have seen people graduate and move on. My friends and brothers have gotten on stage and received their diplomas. I just never really thought I would be up there. I mean I knew it was coming, but it never seemed like it would come. I do not feel ready to move on. I should not be allowed to. There is still so much I should know before I go off to college, or that's how I feel anyway. I would not mind re-doing (or just spending more time in) my highschool years. Some of you are probably like, "You're crazy! I have waited for this day since I began highschool!" And that's great for ya. I just am not there. I wish I would have taken more advantage of my highschool years, but I just did not. I wish I had spent more time building relationships and not worry about unimportant things.

So yes, this is where I'm at. It's crazy. Graduations is tomorrow and well I cannot go back and relive these past 18 years. I would just like to enjoy it and realize that, yes, I have come this far and it's time to move on. I cannot always stay in my comfortable spot. I need to be put in situations that will cause me to grow closer to Christ.

By the way, sorry I have not posted in a while :/

God's love.

2009-04-28T02:05:00.003-04:00

Tonight at youth group we were learning about God's Kingdom. Specifically, Josh talked about the "Kingdom of Love." It is very late, but I thought I would write something between Precalc and English homework :/.

It is amazing to think of God's love. God gives us the same love He shows Jesus. He loves us unconditionally.

- Loving God means loving people.
- Our love for others must start with (loving) God!
- The love of God makes us secure.

I've struggled with God's love for me honestly. But if we can let it pervade every part of ourselves and our lives I cannot imagine how we would be a light for God to a lightless and loveless generation.

We must remember we cannot truly love on our own. We can only do it through God. After all, "we love Him, because He first loved us!"

I just want to leave you with two questions:
- How can you live from this point on in God's love?
- How is God's love affecting the way you live? (Is it?)

"Bringing Heaven's realities to earth is the most radically redemptive God-saturated existence possible for mankind." - Jamie Harris

college.......hmmm.....

2009-04-24T16:27:00.002-04:00

Sorry, I have not posted recently.

Life's been fairly crazy. I visited the University of North Florida this past Tuesday. It is a very nice school. I like the campus. It is well kept and some of the buildings have a contemporary look which I really like. Compared to the University of West Florida, which I visited with my dad a week or two ago, UNF's campus is much nicer. I did not think UWF really kept their campus as nice. I do however like the staff and such at UWF better than UNF. They were just more nice and personable than those at UNF. I do however have friends at UNF and it would be nice to have a connection up there. I visited the campus ministry that Haylee and Kelsey are apart of, ACCESS218, and was not bad. Kelsey actually spoke (she is on staff at ACCESS) and it was cool. I'm still debating on where to go and still dreading it. But, the decision does need to be made soon. I'm just not sure. The people at ACCESS were nice and I got to know some new people. I was able to hang out with Haylee earlier and meet some of her friends, which was pretty cool. It is nice to have a familiar face.

Since I have last written, my dad, brother and I joined Planet Fitness and I have gone only two times. But it is a pretty good place :)

I am done with Circle classes. It's crazy. I will not take another Circle class for the rest of my life. Wow.....Yep.

I still have Precalc, English IV, Personal Fitness, and Theology to finish though. It's weird how high school is coming to a close. Crazy....

I'm nobody....how about you?

2009-03-17T00:37:00.004-04:00

"I'm nobody! Who are you?
Are you nobody, too?
Then there's a pair of us--don't tell!
They'd banish us, you know. How dreary to be somebody!
How public, like a frog
To tell your name the livelong day
To an admiring bog!"

Most people have probably (well maybe) heard this poem before. I have felt this way a lot recently and in the past in differing degrees. I have not necessarily felt it in a conscious way, but in more of an unconscious way. I have struggled with friendships a lot. (I would just like to say right now I am not looking for sympathy here. I am just wanting to put to words a little of what's been going on in my life. :) )

From as far as I can remember, I have not been a very social person. I am not one who is outgoing and makes friends very easily. But, I think if I may say so, I am known to be quite a friendly person. So, why do I am not outgoing and have lots of close friends? This could be for many reasons. As I have given it thought, I guess I have drawn this conclusion. You cannot be close friends with people if you never allow them to get close to you. I put a smile on for people and I try to be nice....not that I am not, but sometimes I do not feel like it.

Alright well it's late.....I'm going to finish my thoughts in another installment or two.

James Eli Harris......

2009-03-04T10:10:00.003-05:00

.....Welcome to earth :)! It is so exciting that yesterday (03/03/09) my youth pastor and his wife (a.k.a. Josh and Kim Harris) had their first child, James Eli Harris. I believe everything went well and that they are probably home now. It is very awesome anytime that a new life is born, because God has given that child life. For the gift of life is a thing that many people take for granted. Praise the Lord that he is a life born and not one of the many children who get aborted and never leave their mother's womb!

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth..." Psalm 139:13-15

p.s. It was also Megan Schwoch's birthday yesterday! So she got an awesome present of a baby she knows being born on her "birth"-day.

four square.......

2009-02-10T12:24:00.003-05:00

I did not have anything to say currently and I have not posted in a while. So let me entice you with an entertaining and intense game that you should play when you get the chance. That game is four square. It is a long forgotten game perhaps, as you do not see many play it nowadays. But we have (kind of) brought it back at youth group. After Thrive for the past two Mondays, some of us have played four square. Let me tell you it can be quite a fun game. But I must warn you it can be very addicting. Once you start, you may never stop...............

......................

..........................

..............................

..........okay.......just kidding..........you can stop.......

....................but who would want to...............when it's so addicting!!

p.s. The four square picture is not of us :) It's juste a random one I found online.

the end.............

2009-01-27T00:06:00.003-05:00

Alright, so that is a little dramatic, but none the less true as of tonight.

Tonight my soccer team suffered a deadly blow by TFA Orlando. We began District's tonight and came out with a loss. Unfortunately it was a one-game elimination and tonight we lost 2-0.

When things come to an end, depending on the activity, event, etc., we do not necessarily no where to go from there. I was kind of in a zombie-mode, if you will, after the game. I mean I was not falling apart or totally out of it, but there was a realization that I'm done. After three seasons (well years) of soccer, I am done, for high school anyway. Looking back on the three years, they were good. I went from being a novice at soccer to being a slightly smarter novice :) and built friendships that otherwise probably would not have existed if it weren't for two goals and a round object known as a soccer ball. I just want to thank all those who were involved from the beginning that I started playing up to tonight, the last game I will play for my high school career (well the last one of the school season). I want to thank the guys on the team, through fun and hard times thanks for just being my teammates. Also, thank you Coach Lauretta for all the time that you invested in the team. Those are countless hours that will never be lost and could not be bought. I also want to thank Coach D, Coach Sherman, and Mr. Clean :) for all the time you put into the team.

While it is not "the end", it is the closing of soccer for the 08-09 year. I just want to wish the best for those who have yet to graduate and I hope next year is even better than this year!

Verse for now: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

thinking about blogging......

2009-01-25T22:52:00.002-05:00

I was thinking about blogging and, well, wished I had some witty and/or humorous stories to blog about. Seems my posts are just not that engaging, which is ok, but not the most interesting. Hmmmm.....I'll have to work on that.

Anyway, I have some good news. My throat is feeling better. Praise the Lord! It is not 100% back on track, but getting there. Great timing, too! (with it being the beginning of the week:))

Verses for now: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14

it's been a while............

2009-01-25T01:04:00.002-05:00

.......since.........well you know.........I posted:). Sorry it's been so long.

I guess a quick update would be that school, work, and soccer are in full swing for the second semester. In fact, soccer is almost done. Crazy!?!?! Friday night we had our Senior Night. Each year the seniors get to experience some sort of crazy shenanigans on Senior Night. This year, the seven seniors on the soccer team travelled through "Middle Earth", dressed in our Lord of the Rings-esqe costumes. We had to protect the golden soccer ball and get it from one end of the field to the other, basically. It was a good idea and put together excellently by the parents of the seniors. Additionally, we have Districts starting Monday and then after this week, and maybe another, I'll be done with soccer. It's bittersweet. It's been good to build relationships on the team, but I have missed youth group because I have had soccer.

School's been progressing........slowly but surely. I am basically done with my first semester on both my FLVS classes and am already making ground in English.....Precalc is lagging behind though. I would always appreciate prayer to keeping pushing to finish this semester strong. :) Senioritis can be a powerful thing.

The college search/applying process is en route, but moving at a slow pace. Ack! I really need to finish those.

Work is going fine. We are going to be doing webinars for Accordance soon. We had a trial run today. It is a pretty neat thing. It is not the easiest thing to set up, but it'll be nice when its done. This way people do not have to travel to go to a seminar and our oversea customers can participate as well. It is basically a seminar on the web. So yes, work is going good. I have nothing to complain about:)

Other than that, more recently my throat's been nasty to me :( and has not been feeling the best. Hopefully it will get better soon.

With that said, life just continues to be busy. It gets hard to find time to do what's important in life, besides school and such. Hopefully I can realize that somethings are worth being done each day. Taking the time each day to spend with God is important and that often gets thrown to the way side. Also, I have realized that it is hard to slow down a bullet train and direct it in another direction and get it back up to speed. I have found that going through hard times is tough and getting yourself back on the right track can be even tougher.

life....doesn't have to be....no....isn't meaningless

2009-01-07T00:10:00.006-05:00

I have been going through many things and either from hearing something, reading something, or God's hand at work I have come to realize something. I have a probably known this but just never registered it. When you live life with a double standard (saying or acting one way in front of people and then totally not holding to that standard is in your own mind as to what you think, watch, listen to, look at, etc.) the line between what reality is and what you have led yourself to believe ends up being muddled, or simply destroyed. At that point it is hard to find where you really are and even more difficult to go back and fix all that is messed up. That is where the difficulty of it all really kicks in. You really cannot do it without God. Without Him, life is meaningless and cannot be changed, altered, etc. With Him we are given hope and a reason to rise each morning.

Verse for now: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

marriage, part 2

2009-01-03T23:53:00.003-05:00

Well, this probably does not even count as a part two and will not be deep enough either :). I attended Heather and Michael Margio's wedding today. It was nice. The decorations were good. The food was chosen well:). The people were even better (had to say that though hahaha...no, but, they are!). Don't weddings get you thinking? (whether married or single) For married couples they may be returning to thoughts of their wedding and such. (this is just a guess as I have never been married.) Singles, like myself, have a different train of though, obviously! What is marriage like? How will I know when to get married? Am I ready to jump into all that marriage requires (not to say that marriage is not amazing, but I know it is no walk in the park)? It is a big step. I hope as I get married (and boy do I hope I do) that it will be great and amazing. However, I have been finding or observing that my expectations for things and the reality of what my life is rarely are two roads that turn into one. I mean not to say that I will not be so happy at my wedding, but the ideas I had do not look as if they will ever happen. I do not think that is necessarily a lack of something on my part, but a lesson to be learned in life. A hard lesson.....but one we all need to learn. Those were just some of my scattered thoughts after having attended a wedding today:)

Verse for now: "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

one of the many subjects I am very clueless about.......

2009-01-03T00:14:00.002-05:00

relationships.........I have never been in one. How do you know if that is the person you should spend the rest of your life with? How do you know when to tell someone you like them? Why are they so complicated? When is a good time to begin (not that time solely matters, but should it be high school? college?) ? So many questions.........

everything is meaningless.............

2008-12-27T17:00:00.002-05:00

Yes, it is. Well, that is really a conditional statement. I have recently began to read Ecclesiastes and this is one of the messages Solomon is trying to get across to readers. He says that everything that is not connected with God is futile. It is basically like trying to chase the wind. Think ya can? Nope! I guess its just important to remember that anything that is not in, through, or of God is not worth pursuing. This is something that I have bee struggling with that is thinking that some things are worth going after. It is not. If you want more on this, check out Ecclesiastes.

Christmas day..............

2008-12-26T01:40:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!

I hope y'all had a great Christmas........so far!!! :) Today I woke up kind of early, I think it was 8:00ish. I hung out for a while before breakfast with some of the family, then had the Garment(Laura's family) tradition, sausage-mushroom casserole, and my dad's cheese and bacon grits for breakfast. It was a pretty filling breakfast:). After, we opened presents and got to see what everyone got each other. This year we, the Icardis', not including Mike and Laura, decided since we took this trip, not to do big or regular presents. We did not have as many gifts, which really ended up being fine:) despite some protests. We compromised with each person buying every other one gift. Mike and Laura joined us with this, but they gave each other regular gifts. Our one-per-person gifts were more "supposed" to be stocking-like gifts. Well, they kind of were, but not really:). So, all that to say, that's how the presents went.

Next, we hung out some and some people worked on the Christmas meal, chiefly Laura (who did a good job;)). Once the meal was completed, we sat down to quite a feast. I had some wine with dinner (only a little), you know special occasion :), well you may be glad to hear I did not like it. No reason to worry that I will be an alcoholic. After, we cleaned up and the guys played RISK. Oooohhh it was not such a hot game:). I was the first one out and was not too happy about it, but I got over it:), and then Stephen went, then Tim, and then my dad. Yes, Mike won. :) He usually does, but that's life. Hahahha...got to love it. Then all of us, besides Mike, played Scategories (again, proper spelling?) and Laura won. Yes, do you sense the losing streak? Sorry, I'm putting too much attention on myself here. Back to the story!! After that, we talked about tomorrow's plans and now a few of us are watching Batman Begins (one of Timothy's gifts).

Now, I just want to jump back to yesterday. Chiefly, to last night. We went to Mike and Laura's new church, Covenant Life (I think I have already mentioned it). They had a Christmas Eve service. I do not think I have ever been to one. I will tell you what.........this was GOOD!!! There was a small orchestra, a choir, and an interesting dramatization. All the music was done by the choir.......all I have to say is amazing. The choir was made up of children, teens, and adults. They were good, maybe not amazing, but definitely good. Finally, the dramatization. It was taken from the Gospel of John. If you are familiar with the story of the birth of Christ then you may be wondering the same thing I was wondering, "How are they going to take the nativity from the Book of John?" It was interesting; it was good. Fairly good acting, voices, and a minimum yet sufficient backdrop made up the service. Covenant Life is a big church. I am not, or have not, been a fan of big churches, but this is one of the times when a big church is so great. While small churches are great, they just cannot put on Christmas services like Covenant. So, it was quite a good service. After, we went into D.C. for a little while and walked around. We saw this huge dog. It was like a bear.

I hope you all have had a great Christmas and have remembered Jesus. I know it may be hard amidst the gifts, vacation, family, friends, and such. But I hope, unlike myself in many respects, have been able to take it in and just remember why December 25th is such an important day for all of us.

You should go read Luke 2:1-7 (I think it is) and just take time to think, remember, and appreciate what Jesus has done for us. He is Immanuel and He is with us!

W&L reveiw, cold, Subway, and Giant..........

2008-12-23T19:33:00.000-05:00

(Ok, the blog was being stupid and I have never published pictures, but here you go)

Yesterday I went, along with my mom, dad, and Natalie, to Washington and Lee University to check it out. Picture a beautiful southern state with cool weather, pretty buildings, and a place so full of history you are practically living it. It is set in Lexington, Virginia.

The school has been around since George Washington, who gave a large contribution to the school. The school's name has quite a history. First, it was Augusta Academy. I think after that it was Liberty Hall Academy. Then it was Washington College. Finally, it was named Washington and Lee University. Lee was added to the name because Robert E. Lee was the president of the school and made some big changes there like founding the school of law and the first journalism program in the US.

It was a very nice university. I was not quite happy with some of the features, but over all it was a pretty great place. We got to see the crypt where Robert E. Lee and his family are buried. We also saw Lee's office at the school, which was pretty much left the exact way he had it before he died. Right near Lee Chapel which was right near the school, where Lee's office was, is the final resting place of Lee's horse, Traveller. Yes, it's kind of funny his horse is buried right near him. I guess dog's are not man's best friend.

After meeting with a counselor, (he's been there since '67), we walked around the school for a bit. The school is still on my list; we'll see if I get the full scholarship. At $48,000 a year, that is probably the only way I would be able to go. I am not set on the school yet, but it is still a possibility.

After our visit, we headed back to Mike and Lauras'. But before that, we went on part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was quite beautiful. It was also cool because there was ice frozen on some of the rocks and some huge icicles that we broke off and threw. It was pretty cool......literally.

After that, we went home. On the way back we stopped at Subway and I tried their new flatbread. It was not that great, honestly. It was full of good stuff, but the "bread" itself was very impressive. We arrived home and settled down. We played Scategories, which can be quite a fun game.

Today has been quite a relaxed day. We woke up and did some different stuff. After breakfast and some TV, I did some work on my brother's treadmill. Then we went to Giant's food. It is the equivalent of Publix. I use this loosely, as some will be quick to acknowledge that Giant's cannot at all be equated to Publix. It's a supermarket, but not at all like Publix:). Well, anyway, turns out my bro and I took quite a long time to shop. We were buying Mike and Laura food that they wanted. My dad and bro, Tim, were also there, but they were buying other things. Anyway, it took awhile as some things were hard to find. Finally we made it out:).

Then we did some other things after we got home. Tonight my dad and bro cooked dinner and we are going to watch Fred Claus. Alright, take care all!

Verse for now: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Phil. 4:8

Old, VA, W&L, siblings, and Christmas........

2008-12-21T14:34:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all,

I'm sorry I have so neglected my blog. I apologize if you are a faithful reader, or if you just casually read it, that I have not written on this for a while. Ok, so much has happened since I last wrote. As you will see I previously wrote about soccer and I'll touch on that, but there is a bunch more to talk about besides that.

Currently, I am at my brother (Mike) and sister-in-love:)s' (Laura) house in Virginia. This morning there was ice on our windows! It's crazy! Hopefully it will snow on Christmas! If you guys think about it, it would be great if you prayed for a white Christmas. That would be cool. Literally. We got in last night close to 9pm or so. We spent a lot of time in our rental van (from 5:30ish to 9pm that night). It was crazy. Well we got there, said our hellos and such, and unpacked our stuffed van. We talked, played some darts and just hung out. This morning we went with Mike and Laura's church, Covenant Life Church. It is a church that is under Sovereign Grace Ministries. And, guess what? The senior pastor is Josh Harris, yes, the author of I Kissed Dating Goodbye. Isn't that crazy!?!?!? But yes. Tonight we're going to have Mike's birthday dinner. Tomorrow I am going with, probably, just my dad to check out a college, Washington and Lee University. It's a couple hours away and it looks like a nice college. It is about $48000 a year so I would need full scholarship if I would even think of going:)

For the rest of the week we're going into DC, celebrate Christmas, and do some other things. It should be a fun rest of the week!

Well, here's a short update on soccer. We do not have any more games this calendar year. Our record ended with something like 3-1-3 (wins-losses-ties), although I know that is not accurate, we have at least two losses, but anyway:). It has been a pretty good season overall.

Ok, well, I think I stop here for now. Don't worry, I'll write soon! I hope you all have a great few days before Christmas and a very Merry Christmas!

Verse for now: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" Isaiah 9:6

sorry it's been awhile since I've posted....

2008-11-29T00:33:00.000-05:00

....however, expect to see a post tomorrow, or technically today:), on my blog about Thanksgiving and life. Be there or..........eat some more turkey!

soccer........

2008-11-24T23:10:00.000-05:00

We beat the Rock this afternoon/evening 2-0!!!!

Good job, Centurions!!!

thoughts on Thanksgiving...

2008-11-22T19:23:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all,

So, Thanksgiving's in less than a week! My mom challenged or said that we should journal each night or day during the week up to Thanksgiving, so Thursday the 20th to the 27th. I'm going to go ahead and just do it here. I'll start with Thursday and do Friday and Saturday.

Thursday: I am thankful for underarmor to keep me warm and hamburger soup that my mom made! Also, for a car to get me to soccer practice.

Friday: I am thankful for coffee at work, a car to get to work, and nice coworkers! Also, for family and friends who come to my soccer games!

Saturday: (well the day's not over yet, but that's ok) I am thankful for friends! Also, for food to eat and family! (even when there are difficulties)

Verse for now: "Enter [H]is gates with thanksgiving and [H]is courts with praise; give thanks to [H]im and praise [H]is name." -Psalm 100:4

soccer......

2008-11-14T23:41:00.001-05:00

Hey y'all.....

....just some soccer news:

- We won our first game 5-0 against Windermere Prep (I would like to add a disclaimer, this was their first year and the team had only practiced for a week or so.)

- We lost our game against Holy Trinity and they won 1-0, although we should have won (sorry about my angry attitude, now it is ok.)

- We have our next game at Orangewood at 4:00pm. Hopefully we will win, but if we do not then such is life.

So yes, that's what's been happening with soccer. If you want to come, let me know, that'd be great!! You should!

Take care!

If you want to check out a blog that will make you think, check out: www.michaelicardijr.wordpress.com

Verse for now:

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands." - Psalm 119:9-10

marriage....oh yes.....sounds good....

2008-11-10T00:45:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I was thinking about something while in the shower...

(that sounds weird, but the shower is really a great place to do some thinking:))

...ok, so yes, I was thinking about marriage. I think it was because I was recently at Aaron and Kristen Lesondak's wedding (yes, I do like weddings, especially helping with them) this past Saturday. So, I know I've never been married and probably will not be for a while, but I was thinking about it. I just wanted to say that after thinking about it, I am pretty stoked about whenever I am going to get married. I mean getting to spend the rest of your life with the girl or guy that you love with all your heart sounds pretty much like the best thing. Yes, there will be tough times you go through as a married couple, or so I've heard from those who have been married, but true love can overcome any problem (a cliche, for sure). However, I think its so important, in fact, indispensable that God be the center of the marriage. I do not think that it can succeed if God is not at the center of the relationship. And true love can overcome anything only if that love is from God.

Anyway, those are just some of my thoughts and here they are in a few points.

-Marriage is great.

-I am going to enjoy when I finally get married.

-God has to be the center of all marriages if they are going to be successful.

Thank you Lord for creating marriage! May we keep it sanctified and enjoy it through You!

p.s. If you are married and reading this, well you know what it's really like and you'll have to excuse my lack of actual knowledge in this subject:) I hope you found it enjoyable!

Verse for now: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." - Genesis 2:24

quick really happy and great note.......

2008-11-05T00:51:00.000-05:00

Looks like here in Florida.......the Marriage Amendment passed. Yes, marriage is between one man and one women!! Praise the Lord that we retained that!!!!!(sad, but yes we've come to that)

only the Lord knows......

2008-11-04T23:46:00.000-05:00

...that's what I think concerning this election. It's a sad thing that we are taking part in this very night. I do not want people to think that I am not a fan of Obama because of his race or because of anything like that. But we must look at the most important issues. I cannot support someone who is in support or will not speak out against abortion(murdering babies, innocent children) and same-sex marriage. These issues are so important to God. He loves all people, especially the weak and innocent and marriage(between one man and one woman) is sooooooo important to Him.

I just do not know where our country is heading. It's just.............crazy. I am just.....arg! I'm not happy.

Prayer, prayer, prayer, prayer.......that my friends is what this country is screaming!

I'm sorry that this is not cohesive. I'm just rambling.

I mean this should not be about race.....we should in no way discriminate people, but seriously, you should not vote for someone just because you have the same color skin as them. You should vote for someone because of what they stand for and those stands should line up with what God says.

I just do not know.

I am currently listening to Obama give his acceptance speech on FOX. Oh, for the four years ahead. I just hope that we will not have to experience four sad and devastating years after George W. Bush leaves office.

Well I'll end this post. I ask that you pray for America and what God is going to do with her. I can only imagine.

(Obama's done with his speech. It was kind of weird that his family came on stage at first then left and Biden is just here now at the end of the speech.)

((sorry if this post offends you, but I'm expressing some of my thoughts and such))

Pray! Pray! Pray!!

"The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous."

-Proverbs 15:29

vote '08.....

2008-11-04T13:22:00.000-05:00

Go VOTE (NOW!!!)

I DID...........

a sticky business....

2008-10-26T13:55:00.000-04:00

Hey y'all,

I just wanted to do a part two to my previous post. I was not planning on it, but I had some more stuff to say, or so I found out today. It's about friendships, so I'm considering it part two.

I was thinking today, after making observations at church this morning, again about friends and people. It is so hard to, at least for me, watch certain people have pretty deep conversations and not be apart of it when I want to. Not so much a knowledge kind of deep conversation, but a personal conversation. But this is only, I find, with people that I want to be better friends with. It's like, "I wish I was that other person in the conversation" or "Why did they choose that person to talk to?"

Yes, I think it's as selfish as it sounds. Even if you are in a conversation with a person or in a group, you have this feeling that a certain person does not "like"(I do not like this word in this situation, I guess "care" would be a better word, but I digress) you as much as you would like. I guess you will always have friends who you want to get to know better or be such a friend to a person that you are the one they talk to for advice or the person who they call just to hang out with.

Why do friendships have to be such complex, difficult, easy, and misunderstood all-at-the-same-time in the many phases of life? I was thinking, maybe God is using hard situations where I feel far from my friends or that they do not care for me as much, to help me. You know, like a trial that helps you grow? I do need to remember that I should not worry about friendships (at least not the way I do) because God will work out everything and has decided who of my friends I will know really well and who will be more of less, good friends (yes, now there is such a thing:))

Those are just some of my thoughts. By the way, just a quick update since my last post:
-Friday:
-Went to a work meeting.
-Went to church and worked on the Thrive website.
-Went back to work from about 1pm-4:20pm.
-Went to soccer from about 4:40ish to 6:30pm.
-Watched Numb3rs with Mr. R from 10pm-11pm.
-Saturday:
-Was at home for a lot of the day doing jobs and such.
-That night went to Epcot with my "Aunt" Kathy. I say that because she is not really my aunt. She is actually one of my aunt's friends, but we have called her that for a while. She is so generous. She just came down from Jersey for "some fun" at Disney. She brought some of her nieces and a nephew. There was a couple from England who are long time friends of hers there, also. We had dinner near the Moroccoan display at Epcot in our own little private area. She does everything up big! It was really nice of her. We went from her hotel to Epcot in a limo! (That was definitely a surprise. It ended up being two limos. One, the kids went in and the adults went in the other.) It was a nice dinner and there were fireworks after. Over all, it really was nice! Thanks Aunt Kathy!!!!!
-Sunday:
-Went to church. Got up late so I did not even eat breakfast! (Should have set that alarm clock and woken up to it, Matt!)
-Came back from church.
-Went out and went to a few Halloween stores for tomorrow night's Fall Party!!
-Now I am here finishing this blog I began earlier and it's already 4:40pm!!! Ack!!

Take care all!

Verse for now (you get a bonus, this time I put the verse on my blog!:)) :
Romans 12:9-10
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."

fickle and strong friendships......

2008-10-23T20:21:00.000-04:00

Sorry I have not written for a while.....

Recently I have been and have been for a while thinking about friendships. It is an interesting topic. Friendships exist on many different levels: best friends, good friends, casual friends, acquaintances, etc. I have struggled in this area. Sometimes you want to be better friends with certain people and maybe, honestly, not want to be around other people. (I in no way recommend that you avoid anybody, but we as humans do. We should, however, love and care for everybody, no matter what.) Such things as friendships are sometimes complex and difficult things. I do not really understand them fully at all and never will. We wonder why people react to us in certain ways. It's so hard because we do not always know if people like us or not. (That's just my view though. It's not the best view though because my friends are great and I hold people's friendships sometime by how much they interact with me at a time.)

Ok, so all this may be jumbled up to you. I just wanted to write about friendships. Let me finish up with this. Friendships can be hard. They can be downright annoying and hard to understand. However, worrying about them usually only makes things worse. Not always, but a lot of the time. So, be careful not to read too much into things because they probably are not what you think. Finally and most importantly(this really is the most important part), having a good relationship with God first is important and absolutely key if you want any of your horizontal relationships to work out. This does not mean that if you have a good relationship with God all your friendships will be peachy-keen, but your relationships will be better and they will work out way better than if you do not have a good relationship with God. But I better stop. I do not want to talk for God and do not want to incorrectly portray how friendships work and should work.

Alright, well....in a short summary about life:

-I have officially started soccer and try-outs are officially done.

-My online classes have been suffering due to lack of time spent on them:). I have improved in my English IV class, but PreCalc still needs some work.

-Work is going fine. It's a great job. Things are going to get crazy once I start soccer practices at Airport Lakes Park that is out by the Orlando Int'l Airport.

-I would definitely appreciate prayer that I spend enough time on all my classes and stop procrastinating. Also, that I would seek God in all areas of my life and submit humbly to His control. I would really, really appreciate prayer in these areas.

I hope these thoughts have maybe been helpful, if not at least you are getting a glimpse into my mind....though that may not be a good thing:) Hahahahah....I hope that does not scare you!

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Verse for now: I John 4:7...check it out!

Take care kids!

today...yesterday...extras........

2008-10-16T19:25:00.000-04:00

So here's a point by point of my last two days.........

-Wednesday morning got up and ate breakfast.

-Wednesday afternoon-ish walked to take care of two dogs.

-Walked to work and was at work from 1:00pm to about 5:00pm.

-Went to church, after eating dinner, and worked on the Thrive Youth website (go check it out: thriveyouth.org).

-Watched debate Wednesday night - Go McCain and Palin!

-Thursday morning got up late(somewhat) and had breakfast.

-Worked on school and got Theology homework done before Theology:).

-Went to Theology Class and came back around 5:00pm.

-Ate dinner tonight and am home now. Have school to work on now:).

Well, it's not that interesting, but I do not have a lot of time and should be working on school....

So, that's all for now.

Verse for now: Jeremiah 29:11

Check it out!

quick update....

2008-10-15T09:11:00.000-04:00

So, yesterday was a pretty normal day, kind of. I no longer have work on Tuesdays!! It is nice so now I have time for other things, like school, soccer, college stuff, etc. But, I got to go play soccer with Josh H. and Caleb G. up at Sanford with some missionaries and MKs. It was good to get in some soccer this week because we are off till out last club game on Saturday. Then after playing soccer I came home after my mom picked me up from church, I had dinner and watched some news. Then I read and went to bed. It was a good day in that I got something done, but it was kind of a weird day in what I felt. I was just not feeling right. But anyway, that was yesterday and today's a new day! Ask yourself this today, "Am I living compartmentally or wholistically?' If ya have no idea what that means, just ask me!

Take care now!

so.......

2008-10-14T00:49:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone, if there's anyone out there reading this:)......

So, I would like to be persistent with this and keep updating it pretty often. I could use some encouragement to if you see that I have not posted in a while. Anyway, so I've started a blog once or twice, but it's never stuck. I want this one to. By the way, if you want to check out a good blog go to mymklife.blogspot.com. Megan, I hope you do not mind me giving a plug for your blog. It's great stuff though!

I thought I'd start my blogging off with a review of sorts. It's a movie/miniseries review. It's about none other than John Adams. This was a miniseries, I guess, created about the life of John Adams, America's second President. It is based off of David McCollugh's book, John Adams.(Original, isn't it?) Well I'm going to do something some reviews may not do. I'm going to give you my rating first, then explain. I give it a three-and-a-half to four stars(out of five) rating. It really was a well put together film. It is broken down into three discs. The first one has two parts, the second has three parts, and the third has two parts. It starts with Adams witnessing events directly following the Boston Massacre and it follows his life up to his death. It gives you an idea of what the Founding Fathers went through and experienced to get our country where it is today. Let it be known that while they were not all Christians, the foundation of America was based on God's commandments. Without Him, seriously, our country would be nothing.

The story takes you through his life as a representative to Congress before the national government was established to his extended time spent in Europe as a delegation for the US to his presidency and all the hardships involved. I cannot vouch for its validity as it relates to actual history, but being based off of a book that was greatly researched one could assume it is fairly historically accurate.

It really is entertaining even if you are not a history buff, but all the more so if you are. The acting, from my little knowledge of good acting, was done well. The people they chose to play the historical figures may not be who you'd think looked like the original people (with the exception of George Washington) but they did a purty good job.

As material and content are concerned, I cannot in good conscience recommend it to people of any ages. It is not full of inappropriate material but there are a few scenes that could have been done without and with which I have reservations on recommending it. It is a shame because it is a good film. But if you are interested in seeing it you can contact me and I can let you know specifics that will help you avoid watching parts you would not want to.

So, I gave it a three-and-a-half to four stars, because it does have some regrettable material in, but it really is worth the time if you interested in seeing, from one man's point of view, what it took to make America what it is today.

I hope this review has not been boring, if anyone read it that is:). No, but I thank you if you took the time to read it, and if you did not, that's ok too.

Well, it's late, but here begins the beginning, hopefully, of my blogging for much time to come!
Goodnight kids!