I'm back

Well it's been a wonderful Christmas vacation and I'm back. I return refreshed, motivated, and a few pounds heavier.

It was great to see my friends and my family. I sure have missed them. The only thing I was real bummed about was that there was no snow at all. I think these scientists might be onto something with this global warming thing ;)

I spent the last few days (Christmas Eve and Day) with Rachel's family. It was a bit sad on Christmas not being with my family (it was my first Christmas in 26 years not being with my family), but I soon got over it and had a wonderful time.

As for the loot you ask? Lot's of clothes (needed), some cash (always appreciated), an air mattress that I really wanted, a great board game that I've wanted for 5 years now, and the new Switchfoot cd (my gift to myself). Not bad!

prayer request for my friend Jason

Please pray for my best friend Jason Nelson. He and some people from his church are on a mission trip in Burkina Faso in West Africa. I just received an urgent email from him that there has been some militant action around where they are staying. For now, he and his group is safe - but they are concerned about the fighting being so close to where they are staying. Pray that God would bring peace to the conflict currently going on there and that they will all make it home safe.

***UPDATE***

Jason and his missions team are safe and will be headed into the bush to continue their trip on schedule. Praise God for keeping all of them safe. Thanks for your prayers, I'll let you know if there are any other significant developments.

Long time, no blog

From my lack of posting, it might seem like events in my life have ceased. This can't be further from the truth. I've been real busy with ministry related activities as well as the "holiday rush."

It's been a wii bit difficult for me over the past month or so, but I'm getting through all of the real fun wrestling and struggling. The great thing/difficult thing about ministry is that you are contently in need of growth, motivation, inspiration, and reflection. November on into December has been that kind of time for me. I think I'm finally ready to move forward in life and in ministry.

As I look forward to a new year, I'm already planning some great changes for our student ministry and I look forward to what God is going to do in our midst in the months to come. Continue to pray for guidance since I'm still trying to flesh out some of my ideas. Above all, pray for a continued work in the lives of the teens I work with.

I'm going home to Ohio for the week before Christmas and I'm taking a lovely lady with me (Rachel). We're really looking forward to spending some extended time together as well as getting to spend a week with my family. I'm hoping for a white Christmas although at the moment it doesn't look like it will happen. If there is enough snow, Rachel and I might go skiing (her first time).

Christmas eve, Rachel and I will travel 12 hours back to Alabama to be with her family on Christmas Day. Crazy huh?

Well that's it for now. I'll try to post more as I travel (I'm taking my lappy).

Baptism Cannonball

thanks to ysmarko for this video - very funny.

Today is World AIDS Day

Take a moment today and reflect on the thousands dying every day in Africa from AIDS. Then, consider what you can do to help. There are many great AIDS relief related causes out there you can contribute to. You can even buy an iPod Nano that helps to support the relief effort. Check out the (RED) website for more info. Another great way you can be part of the solution is to sponsor a child from a AIDS ravaged country. Click here to visit World Vision's Website.