Tour de Possum Creek

This morning my dad, Tony, and I rode the Tour de Possum in Yuma, Virginia (I just kept think about "3:10 to Yuma" as we were crossing the railroad tracks on the course...). The Tour de Possum is a yearly race that happens during FunFest. My dad had gone with a friend a few weeks ago to ride the 22.5 mile loop they use for the race for fun. He had a great time and said we would ride it the next time I was home.

which
was
this weekend...

I have been riding all summer, but have really just started riding on the road in the last month or so. My dad just got a new road bike a few weeks ago and has really gotten into riding, so we decided to take the morning trip to Yuma. Tony and my dad both has nice road bikes, and I was riding electric plum (that is the name of my Trek mountain bike... it is also the color of the bike). I have been wanting to get a road bike, and today just pushed me over the edge. I love my Trek bike, it is great for trails and all purpose riding, and it even does ok on roads.. but I had to fight just to keep up with them (especially on the rolling hills and flat parts. They were just spinning, and I was in my hardest gear trying to keep up). But it was such an amazing ride. It just might be one of the most beautiful places on earth. Everywhere you looked were mountains, trees, huge fields, open space, and very few cars. You would forget about the road and just be looking at the scenery.

This was my first longer distance ride.. and I am addicted to them already. I have done plenty of 10-11 mile loops, but there was just something great about getting above that 20 mile mark. I even went out and got a road bike this afternoon!! I have been looking for a while and not having much sucess. I heard from some of the people at the bike shops that the prices were going up $100 next year, and the bikes were not getting any upgrade... I wanted to get an '08 model that had been marked down. We went to the store where my dad got his bike to look around. They were out of the ones that he had, but had a similar one for sale. It was the only one they had left and they had just put it together the other day (no one had ridden it at all). After riding it, I knew that it was a good bike, and I could not beat the price.... so I got it! I am picking it up tomorrow after church. I can't wait to get out on the roads of Greenville and test it out.

If you are ever in the east Tennesse/ Virginia area, you need to check out the Tour de Possum creek route. It is just amazing to ride around that area.

More bike stories to come...

WWJD?

This is was one of those phrases that everyone said for a while, put the sticker on their car, wore the wristband, put it on their church billboard, ect. And it was pretty much worn out. WWJD? has been moved into that category of the "common churchy sayings".

But what if we took another look at this little acronym.

It always seemed that people pulled out the wwjd when you were going to do something bad (or wanted to say that bad word. or take the extra cookie when your mom said not to..). It was always something that you could not do, because Jesus was not going to like it, so you would bring the guilt trip on them and say "wwjd?" or just show them your bracelet.

But what if we looked at this phrase not only when we were going to do something bad; what if we look at it when we wanted to do the best thing. When our intentions are good, and we are searching for God's will in our life. What it we though about what Jesus would do as we are going throughout our daily life. What would Jesus be doing if he were here in flesh in 2008?? I have a feeling that it may shock a lot of people...

We seem to have adopted this tame view of the gospel and of Jesus (purple robes, flowing hair, clean cut beard...). But I don't think the gospel is tame. The bible says that it is even offensive to those who hear! Jesus did not call us to be tame little people that walk around in a pious way and talk about how many "good" things we did that day (actually, I think those people in the bible times were called Pharisees... and Jesus did not much care for their religious ways...)

Point is, if we look at our lives and our world and really ask "what would Jesus do?" I think it would change our outlook on the world, lost people, the church, and the culture. If Jesus were walking around right now, he would be hanging out with lost people, "wierd" people, homeless people. the cast out people. He did not come to heal the well, but to help and heal the sick. I think we can learn from how Jesus lived, and apply it to our daily life. After all, we are people that are following Christ, so asking what Jesus would do may not be such a bad idea.

Over the next month, I am going to take some time to go back and read through the gospels and really look at the life of Christ and see how I can apply what he did in my own life. I have a feeling this is going to be a stretching time, but I think it is something that needs to be done. Feel free to join me as we try to find the heart of Christ, and look to Him to reach this world....

Maybe I just need a fro...

Last night Chris Sligh came to our school. He went to NGU a few years ago, after going to Bob Jones for 2 years. He is almost 30 (which surprised me...), and is on his first headlining tour.

It was a very lighthearted concert, complete with jokes, stories, and a few covers of songs. He did a beatles cover, Bon Jovi, and even some NSYNC (it was amazing!). He has such range, and almost all his songs push him to soaring highs. I was impressed that he could sing like that the whole show (he even made a joke about singing like a girl). He looks the same as he did on American Idol. Same personality, same clothes (he had something shiny embrodered on the back of his jacket, and had on converse tennis shoe), and of course.... same hair. You just cannot have Chris Sligh without the fro. There was even a shirt at his merch table about his fro... it was really funny.

Chris made for an enjoyable concert, I would want to go see him again. His sense of humor, meaningful lyrics, and soaring vocals make Chris a very unique concert. If you read this and are from east Tennessee, you can see Chris on Thurday night at Indian Springs Baptist Church in Kingsport. That is his next stop on the back to school tour. Tickets are only $10.. and that is ten dollars well spent. Go see Chris Sligh if he is ever in your area.

And so it begins...

I am almost done with day 2 of classes. This is going to be a very interesting semester... I have a a lot of classes on Monday and Wednesday, not too many on Friday, and only one on Tuesday/ Thursday (and it is at 3:05; so I can sleep in those days). I have a few tough classes; Greek will be the hardest by far. I am just trying to learn the alphabet today...... it is like going back to kindergarten all over again.

I am glad to be getting into the swing of things and seeing all my friends I have not seen in a few months. Once things get going, it seems to fly by, but the first few weeks are always a little weird.

Yesterday, Clayton King came to chapel and to speak at the final night of the crusade. Clayton travels the country speaking to colleges and churches. He works at NewSpring as well. 38 people accepted Christ during chapel, and I bet there were about 60 in the evening service. God showed up and did something amazing! I wish we had more chapel speakers like Clayton who just had a passion for Jesus Christ and the Freedom that He brings.

The first Fusion is tonight!!!! It will be a little crazy because our drummer fell yesterday after chapel and messed up his ankle. He will not be able to play tonight, and we have not practiced yet with the guy that is going to fill in. It could be interesting... but I am trusting God that he will take care of everything tonight. I am hoping there will be a lot o people there tonight. I think that this is going to be a great year for BSU.

I am excited about being able to go to Newsring on Sunday morning. They just opened a campus in Greenville a month ago, so I am excited to see their new facility.

I got to sleep in today till 9:45.. it was amazing!! I feel so much better. I am getting close to being caught up on sleep from the past 2 weeks.

Chris Sligh is coming on Monday to NGU. I will let all of you know how it is, since he will be at my home church that Thursday night. He will be in chapel and have a concert that night, and Moe's is catering food before the concert.... concert+ Mexican food= great way to start the second week of class!

I could fall alseep standing up

I am soooo tired. I have spent the last week moving, cleaning, mopping, dusting, moving, and helping freshmen. I have been so tired, I have not even been able to ride my bike... I have to be really tired not to do that.

We had a service in the chapel this morning for the freshmen and the people on campus. I led worship with the rest of the BSU band and one of the council members spoke about the importance of getting involved in the church. It was such a great time of worship; I never get tired of hearing hundreds of people singing at the top of their lungs.. it is truly amazing. I wish everyone who thinks Contemporary worship is not real worship would come to a service like the one this morning; I think they would change their mind. There is just something amazing about corporate worship when people come together just to worship. I think that is what God desires. People worshiping God because He is worthy; it is not about traditional or your personal opinion, it is not about you at all. The most amazing times of worship I have ever experienced were times when I felt like I was invisible , and no one was seeing me, but they were just worshiping. I never get tired of facilitating worship, but I hate it when it becomes a show..... there is a huge difference between a worship experience and people putting on a show.

ok, time for a nap.....

The first 5 days

I have been back at school for 5 days now; here are some random thoughts from the 1st 5 days back in SC

- It is not as hot as last year... thank goodness . Last year I came to campus for freshman orientation, and it was about 100 degrees. This year has been much better; the weather has actually been quite pleasant.

- River rafting hurts- I wanted to get up this morning and get back on my riding schedule... but I was too sore. I had to just push the snooze and go back to bed for a few more minutes. I got up this morning and my back was sore all the way down; it was not the best feeling in the world. I did really enjoy rafting, but I will be taking some advill before I go

- I am going to have to work hard to keep my weight off this semester- I have been able to lose my "freshman 15" over the last month.. and I would like to keep it off (and lose a little more...). I am going to have to work hard to do so because of the ease and abundance of food. I am trying to eat better, eat less at meals, and drink LOTS of water.

- I keep up with Elevation church (their pastor went to NGU a few years ago, and his brother in law is the BSU director). They started a series a few weeks ago called "Awakening". Over the last 2 weeks, they have baptized 1044 people!!! That is so amazing. I am so impressed with Elevation church and the love they have for their community and the lost. God is doing an amazing work with people who are not afraid to step out of church comfort zones and traditions and really reach out to a lost world with the love of Jesus Christ.

- I picked up my books today... there is a lot to read; especially in Greek (I think there are 4 books...). I am excited about the semester, it is going to be difficult, but I think it is going to be enjoyable.

- I am really excited about BSU music. It is going to be different, but great. I want to get as many people involved as possible. I want people that are passionate about leading worship, and I want to use as many as I can. There is so much talent on the campus and it would be a shame not to use as much as possible.

- I am ready for bed- I am remembering the joys of sleeping. I can remember times last year when I just wanted to do to bed, but could not because of work and paper. College makes you really appreciate those times when you can sleep in. I can't wait for a Saturday morning to come around so I can sleep in (but not this Saturday, it is freshman orientation..)

ok, time for bed....

A little river rafting

Today, the RA's took a trip to the Nantahala river for a little rafting.

I have never been rafting, but I enjoy outdoor sports and such, so I was excited.

After getting geared up with a life jacket and a paddle, I was ready to go.
We divided up into groups and jumped into the water... which was about 42 degrees. I was in the front, and after about 5 minutes, my feet were already frozen. By the time I was half way through, my left leg was totally numb.

But it was so exciting! It was such a rush the whole way, and it was a great team exercise. You really did have to work together to get the raft down the river. I would definitely want to do it again .

School is getting closer and closer to starting; I will be glad to get back into the swing of things.

I will try to keep everyone updated on my life at school and life in SC.

I'm here!

I am back at my home away from home. I really like my new dorm room (I actually have more room than last year.... which is great, because I brought a lot of stuff).
I will do my best to keep everyone up to date on the semester.

Here are some things that I am excited about

- Being in Greenville- I have missed being here and seeing all my friends from college. I will be glad to get back into the college routine.
- BSU music- I am the music chair for BSU, and I am really excited about the music this year. It is going to be different and exciting. I feel like God has amazing things planned for this year
- RA- This is the reason that I am here over a week early. I am excited to see what is in store for being an RA.
- Dorm room- I am really excited about fixing up my dorm. I even went and found some old album covers in the attic... so my dorm will be decorated in Boston, The Who, and even some Elton John. I think it is going to be great (I just hope my new roommate likes classic rock and such...)
-Biking- I am getting into biking and I am glad to try out some new trails and roads. I am really excited about going to Asheville and doing some mountan biking at Dupont forest.


here are some things I am not excited about (in no particular order...)
- Head aches- I had them last year at first and I woke up this morning with one. Maybe it is the air down here. I will be fine in a few days, but for now I will just take some advil
- Assigned readings, late night studying, trying to loose weight in the caf, Greek (I am excited to know it, but not necessarily the class), stress, less sleep,


The pros weigh out the cons and I am really excited about a new year. It feels better here already....

I had no idea...

that I had so much stuff..... OK, I did know. But it still amazes me every time I try to pack just how much "stuff" I have. 

I spent a few hours yesterday cleaning/ packing up my room for the big move this weekend back to college. I am trying to take less than I did last year... I will let you know if that actually happens.

I already have so many boxes... between jeans, shirts, button up shirts (I have about 40.... I know, I am a little obsessed), a box full of shoes, all my guitar equipment, and my bike stuff, I have a large pile that is invading the whole downstairs.

It is crazy to think that in 2 days I will be moving back to college.... it feels like I just moved everything in the world back home and now it is time to do it again. But I do love college (I may not be saying that when my Greek mid-term rolls around), and I will be very glad to be back and settled in. 

I am anticipating a great year. My prayer is that God would use me and stretch me. This summer has been great preparation for the year to come, and I am as ready as I will ever be

I am trying out a new blog name (thanks to Tiger for the idea). Let me know what you think.....

I need a new name

It seems that I will be needing a new blog name now.
Sunday was my last day as the summer intern at ISCB..... I cannot believe that it is over. I feel like it was just yesterday that I walked into Tiger's office to start this job, and now I am finished for the summer.

Sunday was a great service. Tiger recognized me in both services; it was such a special time that I will always remember. If anyone from ISBC reads my blog, thank you for your prayers and support. I am not sure what the next step in my life is, but I know that I am much more prepared for it because of this summer.

I have learned so much about ministry, work, the church, and life. I would not trade my experience for anything.

But now I need a new blog name, since the life of a summer intern is not going to be able to work. It is no longer summer (at least as far as school goes.. it is still HOT outside) and I am no longer an intern....... for now. I hope that I can find somewhere in Greenville to get plugged in this semester. I am going to be busy with BSU music, RA duties, and Greek (oh boy..), but I would love to find a place that I can minister there as well.

SO, hopefully I will have a new title for my blog soon,

stay tuned...

Happy Birthday to....

the internet!!

It is hard to believe the internet has been around for 18 years... (I cannot remember not having it, since I am 19..and the 1st year of my life did not include any computer time).

I can remember when I was in grade school and we got internet at the house. I was so excited to get on the Disney website; I did not even care that it took about 10 minutes to load the page. We have come quite a way since then. Now if it is more than a few seconds, we wonder what is wrong........ Little internet is growing up.

I wonder if the people that invented the internet (and I am not talking about Al Gore.....) imagined all of this when they came up with this idea....?? Did they imagine that you could share your life, create social networks, chat, video conference, buy groceries, do your Christmas shopping, find jobs, find love, or search for anything you can imagine?

I am not sure if anyone had any idea what they were getting into, but I cannot imagine my computer use without the internet.

SO, happy birthday internet.... you are growing up so fast