NEXT 2010

What is NEXT?

"The vision of Next is to gather worshipers of Jesus Christ who burn with a passion to see the gospel transferred to the next generation. Next is about faithfully receiving the gospel—the message of Christ and him crucified–from those who have gone before us, holding fast to the gospel personally, and passing the gospel on to those coming after us.

The idea behind Next was born when Joshua Harris, still in his twenties, wanted to expose other young men and women to older pastors and theologians who had profoundly affected his life. Josh started the New Attitude conference as a way to bring thousands of younger people and dozens of faithful pastors together to transfer the gospel faithfully from one generation to the next. In 2008 New Attitude ended and now Next is born—an even more focused way of helping see the gospel transferred and received faithfully.

The focus of the conference is the younger generation: college students, singles, and young married couples. But if you are above the 18-29 year old range and have a passion to see gospel truth passed on, we welcome you as well."

Follow the link in the title for information including speakers, registration, & travel/lodging for the 2010 Conference during Memorial Day weekend (note: the days have changed from past years now starting on Friday & running until Monday). Registration starts tomorrow...Hope to see you there.

Pheels Like A Phil Wickham Phriday

Whether or not this will be a regular occurrence remains to be seen. But, I am greatly encouraged by the music/lyrics of one Phil Wickham ever since I saw him open for DC*B in 2007. A conversation that I had recently went over reasons why a friend and I had mutual respect/enjoyment over Phil's music.

1.) Lyrics: Theologically sound words that weave together a picture of grace as it sways and breathes. I envision the majesty of the throne room of heaven as angels encircle the Father in his re-rendition of the classic hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy". My heart dances as I hear the Groom (Jesus) & the Bride (church)lavishing praises on each other in Divine Romance. The grace of the Father is brought to life in the words of Grace (2006):

"Grace I call Your name
Oh won't Your smile fall over me
I'm cracked and dry on hands and knees
Oh sweet grace rain down on me I need You grace"

2.) Leads to the Father: A good "worship" leader creates an atmosphere conducive to worshiping the Father (not that you can only worship by a "certain style"). But leaders like Phil are not a distraction or try to be bigger than the song as shown by the Singalong album available last year (according to the website won't be available again until Jan. 2010).

That's enough for fear I'll start focusing more on the person than the Father the person is exalting. So after listening to his new album "Heaven&Earth" (which just came out this past Tuesday (shameless plug)) twice every day (b/c if you pre-ordered, it came w/an acoustic version), I've grown to love it more and more in turn worshiping the Father more and more. Which brings us to the end through a humorous albeit disconcerting event today. After my morning in "Heaven", Jim Belcher's "Deep Church" made up my afternoon until I dropped my ipod which forced me to reset it leaving the last 3hrs of my day media-less, but this next song kept resonating throughout my head the rest of the day. I love it so I'm sharing it.

I'm leaving you with a song first featured on "Singalong" and the studio version is currently on "Heaven&Earth". Feel free to learn the chords or just sing-a-long with Phil (dont' worry this is a safe place...we won't judge your singing ability or the fact that you still use a hairbrush as a microphone).



Because of Your Love

Jesus you endured my pain
Savior you bore all my shame
All because of your love
All because of your love

Maker of the universe
Broken for the sins of the earth
All because of your love
All because of your love

Because of your cross my debt is paid
Because of you blood my sins are washed away
Now all of my life, I freely give
Because of your love, Because of your love I live

Innocent and Holy king
You died to set the captive free
All because of your love
Lord you gave your life for me
So I will give my life for you
All because of your love
All because of your love

Because of your cross my debt is paid
Because of your blood my sins are washed away
Now all of my life I freely give
Because of your love, because your love I live

You did it for me, you did it for love
It's your victory, Jesus you are enough x3

Hath been nine fortnights

Hath been nine fortnights last I bloggeth with earnest anticipation to return with undeniable fervor and stalwart determination.
So in an effort to display my newly found tenacity, I commit (as often has been done before) to make this digital diary meaningful by posting consistently. The difference will be in the motivation. In past years, I've blogged for self-serving reasons such as padding my ego, keeping others updated on my life (however uninteresting), boosting my view #s, or guilt over months of not blogging.
I know I'm quoting myself, but I have a point if my about is true:

"My life is not my own, but meant to resonate the God who through His sovereignty created me, by His ardent love sent the Living Word to rescue heathens like me from deserving wrath, and with His indelible mercy restores in me what sin destroyed to refract the glory of the Almighty by the power of His Spirit."

then i have a lot of work to do. If God's grace is evident, He must be made much of in my life. So as I brood over the benevolence (hence the new title) of my great God and Savior and Spirit, those evidences of His grace must be made much of and this happens to be one of the possible ways I've chosen to do such brooding.
As I was contemplating a new title/direction, the word "brood" came up in my thesaurus with such pulchritudinous descriptions: "chafe inwardly", "consider", "daydream", "dwell upon", "muse", "ponder", "ruminate", "stew over", "sweat over", "languish", "anguish over", and my favorite "eat one's heart out". As these words sum up my current rediscovery and inspection of Scripture and God, I hope and pray for grace to illumine my eyes and guide my fingertips as they chronicle evidences of benevolence (common & special) in and around my life.

I leave you with a verse & a hymn that I've been stewing over recently. In an institute course at my church, we've been studying John Piper's "Whey We Believe The Bible" and he offered the following verse to appeal the father when reading & meditating on Scripture:

"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." - Ps. 119:18

and a hymn,

Only You

Take my heart, I Lay it down
At the feet of you whose crowned
Take my life, I’m letting go
I lift it upto You who’s throned

And I will worship You, Lord
Only You, Lord
And I will bow down before You
Only You Lord

Take my fret, take my fear
All I have, I’m leaving here
Be all my hopes, be all my dreams
Be all my delights, be my everything

And It’s just you and me here now
Only you and me here now

You should see the view
When it’s only You

*David Crowder

Sovereign Grace

I don't think that I can truly express the effect of Sovereign Grace Ministries in my life over the past few years. I think my first "unknowing" experience was to I Kissed Dating Goodbye during Freshman Orientation/Purity...not necessarily the best induction, but I can see God using it even then. From there it was resources from primarily CJ Mahaney that drew my attention. Culminating in the New Attitude (now NEXT) Conference in Louisville, KY in '07, I was hooked by their passion to live their lives not only passionately in love w/the God of Scripture, but in pursuing Him daily through allowing Scripture to penetrate, convict, and restore. I was overwhelmed by their theological richness from their music to their messages to their personal interactions.

Now attending GBC and seeing that influence permeate every pore of the leadership and laity is refreshing. From the Pastor's Conference this past April, in Ian's interview you can see the progression to adoption by Sovereign Grace this past Sunday. God has truly worked, and I cannot wait to see how He will continue to use this relationship to glorify Himself through the instruments at GBC to affect NE Philly.

One more resource/plug for Sovereign Grace: After attending NEXT '09 in Baltimore this past Memorial Day weekend, I was once again freshly affected by the music of Sovereign Grace, and they recorded a live album during the times of musical preparedness for God's Word. I just downloaded it the other day for $5 and have loved it so much I thought I'd pass it on.

New Home

Pic of the stromboli i got tonight at the place across the street from my house. My first thought was it looks like a boomerang...my next was, I should have gotten the small.


My new favorite cheesesteak place in the city mainly b/c its 5 minutes from my house.


A parting shot of two of my students that I've had for the past four years since 7th grade...gonna miss them.


One final shot of my Sophomore homeroom on our last day of classes.

As of last Saturday, I am officially a resident of great city of Philadelphia...and what better way did I celebrate but with a cheesesteak whiz/with...which any local could tell you means 12 inches of sliced beef on a soft roll w/onions and cheese whiz. I know it may not sound too appetizing, but is truly divine...it may just be further confirmation of God's leading.

A new occupation is my current concern...after flirting with teaching (again), getting a cdl, tutoring, and even applying at the post office. I haven't gone to Mcdonalds yet even though there is one across the street...I have considered Chick-fil-A though. My options are completely open. I'd love something in the nps...seriously giving tours in philly would be a blast in my opinion. So I have some work next week in checking this out more. Pray as I seek out a job in the philly/NJ area.

Fresh Perspective

I was talking to a couple of friends this afternoon discussing life, purpose, struggles, and I was reminded again of why God made us relational beings. I need encouragement and fellowship, but I also need a swift kick in the pants sometimes. Today, I received all. As I continue to struggle with where God is placing me as his plans for Philly unfold, He reminded me through a friend's exhortation that my perspective was off completely. I was focusing so much on what's next that I wasn't focusing and serving where I am at now.

I remember a often-used phrase from the president of the college I attended which was
"Be where you are". I haven't been, but I've been coasting where I'm at looking at the lush grass on the other side of the fence...and I'm drooling just thinking about what's next. I know God is moving me to Philly to be closer to Grace and the city, but as I await where He's leading job-wise, I've been getting restless.

So, today was definitely a gentle, yet prodding reminder of His grace that renews every morning to fuel every step, every breath, every word, every motive to glorify Himself through me. I love being reliant on grace to get me through. It's such an encouraging reminder when I start trying to do it all on my own. Thanks be to God for his grace and for godly friends that show their love by admonishing.

A New Beginning

I haven't updated in a while and this is whats been happening for over a year w/this blog...I feel bad for the 1st few weeks after I don't blog then I completely forget for about 4 months until somebody reminds me (usually my brother) that I haven't updated in a while so I start feeling guilty again...then I finally update 2-3 weeks later and here we have come to.

I'm sure nobody faithfully comes to this blog b/c you'd have no reason to. But to those who stumble upon..I'm turning over a new leaf in this area and promising to update once a week no matter what. So, a little update: I finished my 3rd year teaching and have since started my 4th. This summer's highlights were 1st: trip to Thailand (more pics coming later in the post), joining a new body of believes in NE Philly (Grace Bible), numerous weddings, working part-time for a petfood distributor (not really a highlight, but it happened this summer), prepping for a new school year (including prepping several hours for a class I didn't end up teaching (and never will)), attending my 1st civil war reenactment (Gettysburg...intense), and finally, coming to a revelation of God's furthering will for my life. So, definitely eventful in some ways...and in some ways not so much.

I'll update more later, but thought I'd share some pics from my trip to Thailand which was three months ago now...enjoy :)


Lounging out at the Airport in Anchorage, Alaska on our way to Taiwan


The Bus Terminal in front our hotel in Surin, Thailand


Pig Faces in the Outdoor market in Surin


Doing tricks at the Elephant Village


Riding the Elephants w/one of my students


Courtney, Stephen, & I with some of the students at the Sirindhorn School


Shaun & Sallie enjoying the local faire


Which included Fried crickets...yum...kind of salty, yet satisfying.


At the next school, the teens were treated like celebrities and everyone wanted their pictures.


3-on-3 basketball tournament


Teen testimonies after the basketball tournament


Lunch after the Sunday morning service on Thai tables.


Surin Baptist Church, our wonderful host church


Jim & Kathi Hayes, our wonderful hosts for the week, missionaries to Thailand for over 30 years.





Pictures from the Grand Palace in Bangkok, one of the great sites in all of Buddhism...the intricate buildings and statues demonstrate the importance of their religion to Thai culture.


Offering up small sacrifices on the road to completing the Four-fold path of Buddhism.


Jordan & Matt posing w/the Palace guards (very similar to the non-moving guards at Buckingham Palace)


Chris & Courtney decided to test 'em...they still don't move.


More Palace pics.


Good reminder...don't trust strangers :)


One of my favorite pics...its been my screen saver for the last month or so...the Temple of Dawn.


Pic from the water taxi we took to the Imperial Palace


Even Ronald McDonald knows how they roll in Bangkok giving the traditional Thai greeting..."Sawatdi krap"


My awesome travel group: Tina, Matt, & Kate...boy don't they look tired and this is before our 18 hour plane ride home! Ah yeah, Phillies representin' even in Thailand.

"New"s

Quick update since time management and organization with a blog haven't been a strong point. Its probably a good thing that I'm not overly obsessed with writing too much, but I'd like to keep the faithful few updated on my life as it concerns them.

This past month (February) has been packed with several new beginnings, attempts at reform, and promises made and broken. Early in the month I joined a gym which is exciting because for those who haven't seen me in the post-college years...I desperately need it. It convicted me each time I would (and still does) teach health and P.E. that the most out of shape person was the teacher. Well, I joined...I have only been a few times in the past few weeks and not every missed opportunity was validated.

This month I put a deposit on a trip that I'm taking this summer with our church teen group to Thailand...I'm excited and hesitant at the same time. Its hard for me to foresee God working then when I'm still waiting for finances to come in. I don't have the faith that it will come in, and I recognize that. I've tried a couple of futile avenues to raise finances that haven't come to fruition yet.

About mid-February, I actually started the most exciting of the three endeavors (as of right now). I joined a business team in the Southern PA are called LTD that works in helping companies transition onto the web through marketing and advertising. I didn't think it was for me at first because I don't like to sell things (because thats what I thought I was doing), I didn't think I had the time or money, and I've seen people do things similar to this one and they've alienated people. I'm excited because its not like a job even though it is...I just share new ways of doing things, new products that help toward healthier living, and I have fun doing it. I'd like to explain it more, but its a little complicated to do so and I don't think a blog is the place. Its great because we're going through an expansion phase right now and we're looking for sharp, ambitious people who'd like to make extra money...so if you know of any body you know how to contact me:)

In February I participated in worship with Shane & Shane, Starfield, and Bethany Dillon in Paoli, PA...probably the best concert that I've been to and I've been to a good many in my 24 years. A few weeks later we saw Caedmon's Call and Derek Webb at PBU...I greatly enjoyed it, but kinda missed not hearing some of their classics, but how can I complain because it was still awesome.

The retreat at camp this year was great...nobody died tubing though some got close (seriously not good). The theme was humility and something I have been st-ruggling with for as long as I can remember. God has been continuing to work in my life through situations, circumstances, sermons, individuals to confront me in this...He is so big and so great yet I still think I have a great handle on things myself. I need to just surrender and hold nothing back because he's withheld no good thing from me.

March should be an exciting month if I apply the things I've been taught and heard the past few weeks. I look forward to hopefully seeing a few of you in the next few weeks if I get to traveling...as my business grows it should allow for more time this summer which is less than 3 months away...awesome!! Can't wait, but while I'm here where I am now I must continue to serve and follow. May God continue to uphold you with His right hand.

Still Thankful!

In the midst of what seems to be a storm, God continues to prove Himself worthy to be trusted! Amazing how He keeps showing me even though He doesn't have to. This semester has had its ups and downs, and I'm glad that He's been faithful. Posting a few clips of ways to express my thankfulness...which is often expressed in song!


Before There Was Time by Caedmon's Call in Trappe, PA.
(free concert about 10 minutes from my old house)
Navigation: C \ Caedmon's Call \ Before There Was Time

Before there was time
There were visions in Your mind
There was death in the fall of mankind
But there was life in salvation's design

Before there were days
There were nights I could not see Your face
But the night could not keep me from grace
When You came and took my place

Chorus

So I cry holy only begotten Son of God
Ancient of days
I cry holy only begotten Son of God
And sing the praises
Of the One who saved me
And the promises He made

Before there was time
You counted the hairs on my head
You knew all the words I've said
And You purchased me back from the dead

Before I was made
You searched me and knew my ways
You numbered all my days
And You set forth the steps I would take

You saved me; You raised me
You saved me; You pulled me from the grave

Chorus 2x

So I cry holy only begotten Son of God
Ancient of days
I cry Holy only begotten Son of God
And sing the praises
Of the one who saved me
And the promises He made
Before there was time


Here Is Our King by the David Crowder Band at the Electric Factory in Philly.
Sorry the audio isn't the greatest. The "jumping for Jesus" is interesting...these people were very joyful about who God is (a good reminder).

From wherever spring arrives
To heal the ground
From wherever searching comes the look itself
A trace of what we’re looking for
So be quiet now and wait

Chorus 1:
The ocean is growing
The tide is coming in
Here it is

Chorus 2:
Here is our king, here is our love
Here is our God Who’s come
To bring us back to him
He is the one, he is Jesus, Jesus

And what was said to the rose
To make it unfold
Was said to me here in my chest
So be quiet now and rest

Chorus 1

Chorus 2

Majesty, finally
Majesty, finally here

Chorus 2

Majesty, finally

Boston Recap

The past few weeks have been extremely busy...I'm not the greatest at words so I'm gonna post a lot of pics/videos if I can.

First off, pics from this summer when my friend Weez and I went to Boston in August.


Beautiful City



Union Oyster House (America's Oldest Restaurant) had some wicked clam chowder!!



Boston Skyline at Night




And of course....the whole reason we came!!! They actually lost that day, but we all know the end result...GO SOX!!!



Harvard...could never go there as a student, but amazing campus..

This video sums up the entire trip in a nutshell

2 weeks in to school...man I'm pooped

I haven't updated in a while so, I'll list a few things that have happened since my last post:
1.) Went to Boston w/a friend from Greenville (will post pics. soon)
2.) Then traveled to Delaware and Virginia Beach for a few days before school began
3.) Tried to work in my classroom the week before inservice, but they were painting
4.) Found out they couldn't paint b/c I had mold in my classroom which has since been removed(will post pics later)
5.) Started school last Tuesday and also came down with the flu at the same time.
6.) Jump started my tennis career by playing 5 different times in the past week.
7.) Decided to move my residency to a house 5 minutes closer to school for about half the rent each month (praise the Lord the move will be happening by the end of this month)
8.) Lost my internet at home earlier this week because they never sent us a bill then decided to cancel it (and b/c I'm moving...I'm not worried about it...I just can't email at night for the next few weeks)
9.) Went to a free Caedmon's Call concert on Sunday at a Lutheran church nearby (pics and video soon)
10.)Have been killing myself to stay on top of grading/lesson plans/daily routine with a heavier class load this year
11.) Taking a seminary class on Wednesday nights entitled "Counseling Principles"
12.) Finally received my books from Desiring God about 2 weeks ago...and just read A God-Entranced Vision of All Things
13.) Going on the Singles Mtn. retreat after the soccer/vball games tomorrow night
14.) Will be riding/driving 17hrs. next weekend to Minnesota for Dan Birkholz & Jodi Ostergard's wedding
15.) have been drooling for the last half hour over the 80GB/160GB ipod classic...and contemplating how I can justify buying one.
16.) Am realizing that God has a reason for upset plans, tough decisions, disappointments, frustrations, times I lack faith and am indecisive...He's preparing me for something and looking for my good.

The Long Night is Over

I continue to praise God for His sustaining grace in my life through this summer. For those who know, I've been working 3rd shift for the past 10 weeks at a fiber-manufacturing plant. I took the job to give me extra income for the summer to pay off bills, save some, take a trip or two w/friends, and I thank God for that.

What I never expected was the physical anguish that I would have to endure while working there. I know it may seem like nothing, but to me it was all I could do (and drenched in God's grace) to keep myself from not quittting almost every night. I have severe foot pain b/c of flat feet that I've never had significant problems with, but working 8hrs. straight on concrete really takes its toll. It got so bad there were days I had to call off work b/c I couldn't walk down the stairs.

Well, by God's providential design he directed me to an amazing podiatrist who helped with drugs (oh, sweet pills), new insoles, and a great running store for shoes that are designed to help. Crazy thing is he said my feet are a little spastic so gotta go back in a few weeks w/x-rays to see if he's right. Another little tidbit of extra goodness, my primary physician along w/spending 2minutes in the exam room looked at my feet and said "wow, those are flat" then proceeded to tell me that I've got high blood pressure....by God's working again, He helped curb another issue while I was so focused on something else.

All that to say God is great, and His grace has sustained in spite of my weakness. I look at this and say how miniscule this in when others are suffering from debilitating/life-threatening diseases or devastating poverty. The amazing thing is the God who is concerned for the suffering looks at me w/that same gracious gaze.


Driving on my way to work, psyched about my last night (btw not smart to take a flash pic while driving)


Here was my work area for the last 10 weeks winding reels of fiber onto other reels...exciting.