Hey Friends

New blog link: http://thesesilentmelodies.wordpress.com/

Enjoy. :)

Moving On

I don't know if you really know me, although I hope you know me more than you did when I first started this blog.

But as time changes, so do people. And so do blogs. I'm going to start fresh. I'll delete this in a week or so, but I'll send you the link to my new blog before then.

Thanks for being awesome.

Sincerely,

C.C.C.

Just Say It

Wake up, 7:32 AM, can't believe it's time to do it over again. Yesterday, it took all that you had and you're wonderin' if you'll ever get it back. But the whole wide world is waiting for you to step out that door. So come on and let your life be heard today.

You got something to say...
If you're livin', if you're breathin', you got something to say.
And you know if your heart is beatin', you got something to say.
And no one else can say it like you do, God is love and love speaks through you.
You got it, you got something to say

Listen up, I got a question here, would anybody miss you if you disappeared? Your life is the song that you sing and the whole wide world is listening.

Well the answer to the question is:
You were created, your life is a gift and the lights are shining on you today, 'cause you got something to say.

So just say it.

7 Things Christians Need to Remember About Politics

From an article by Relevant Magazine... 

Political discourse is the Las Vegas of Christianity—the environment in which our sin is excused. Hate is winked at, fear is perpetuated and strife is applauded. Go wild, Christ-follower. Your words have no consequences here... Jesus doesn’t live in Vegas.

IT’S TIME WE TALK POLITICS IN A WAY THAT MODELS THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS RATHER THAN MOCKS THEM.

Not only are believers excused for their political indiscretions, but they are often applauded for committing them. Slander is explained away as righteous anger; winning arguments are esteemed higher than truthful ones (whether or not the “facts” align); and those who stir up dissension are given the pulpit. So I balk when pastors tell me the Church should engage in the political process. Why would we do that? The political process is dirty and broken and far from Jesus. Paranoia and vitriol are hardly attractive accessories for the bride of Christ.

Rather than engage in the political process, Christians have a duty to elevate it. Like any other sin, we are called to stand above the partisan dissension and demonstrate a better way. Should we have an opinion? Yes. Should we care about our country? Yes. Should we vote? Yes. But it’s time we talk politics in a way that models the teachings of Jesus rather than mocks them.

Here are seven things to remember about politics:

1. Both political parties go to church.
There’s a Christian Left and, perhaps even less well-known, there’s a secular Right. Edwina Rogers is a Republican lobbyist and head of the Secular Coalition for America. She’s a Republican, and her entire job is devoted to keeping religion out of the U.S. government. Party lines are drawn in chalk, and they're not hard to cross. The Church must be engaged in politics, but it must not be defined by the arbitrary lines in politics.

2. Political talk radio and cable “news” only want ratings.
When media personalities tell you they are on a moral crusade, they are lying to you. These personalities get rich by instilling fear and paranoia in their listeners. If we give our favorite political ideologues more time than we give Jesus, we are following the wrong master. There are unbiased, logical and accurate news sources out there. But it’s up to you to be a good steward of information—to fact-check for yourself, take ideology with a grain of salt and make decisions based on facts rather than gossip.

3. Those who argue over politics don’t love their country more than others.
They just love to argue more than others. Strife and quarreling are symptoms of weak faith (Proverbs 10:12; 2 Timothy 2:23-25; James 4:1) and are among the things the Lord “detests.” We need to rise above the vitriol and learn to love our neighbors the way God commanded us. We need to love our atheist neighbor who wants to keep creationism out of schools; our Democrat neighbor who wants to make gay marriage and abortion legal; our Republican neighbor who celebrates death penalty statistics; and yes, even the presidential candidate from the other side.

IF YOU’RE MOCKING YOUR GOVERNING LEADERS ON FACEBOOK, THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GRIEVED.

4. Thinking your party’s platform is unflawed is a mistake.
The social policies of your party were constructed by imperfect politicians fueled by ambition. It’s nearsighted to canonize them—and it will make you obsolete in a few years. Every four years, the parties adopt a current, updated platform at their respective conventions. And while they stay on general tracks, every four years the platform evolves to meet the needs of a growing, modernized and changing party. The Republican party of today doesn’t look like it did 10 years ago. We need to know when to change our views to meet a changing culture—and when to stand by them.

5. Scripture tells us to pray for our governing leaders (2 Timothy 2:1-4) and to respect those in authority (Romans 13:1-7).
Translation: if you’re mocking your governing leaders on Facebook, the Holy Spirit is grieved. We should spend more time honoring our leaders and less time vilifying them. This doesn't mean praying the President will be impeached; it doesn’t mean praying your candidate will win. God commands us to pray for our leaders—for their wisdom, for their hearts and for them to be led by Him.

6. Don’t be paranoid.
The country is not going to be destroyed if your candidate loses. As 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Stand up and demonstrate what God has given you. America has functioned—albeit, at varying levels of success—for years under the direction of alternating Democrat and Republican control, and at every flip, the other side thought it was the end of the world. It’s not. And if we’re a Church that believes God is in control, we have to believe that He is the one in control of the end times—not Barack Obama, not Mitt Romney and not whoever succeeds them.

7. Stop saying, “This is the most important election in the history of our nation.”
It’s not. The most important election in the history of our nation was when Abraham Lincoln was elected president. Before that, we thought it was okay to own people. Every generation thinks it’s living in the most important moment in history. We’re not, our parents were not and our children probably won’t be. And that’s OK.

Source: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/current/politics/7-things-christians-need-remember-about-politics

Lie To Me

I heard this song once a long time ago. And for no reason I could think of, it popped into my head the moment I woke up. Maybe one of you guys are supposed to hear it or something.

5 Ways to Bless Your Pastor

From Clayton King's blog:

You may or may not know that October is more than the most beautiful month of the year.  It's also Pastor Appreciation Month.  For many congregations it carries the same weight as Arbor Day.  It means very little, if anything, to most churches.

Many people bristle at the idea of showing anyone extra appreciation or honor if they're being paid for doing their job.  I once asked a Deacon if they were doing anything special for their pastor in October and he replied, "Yep, we're giving him a paycheck!"  And he wasn't being cute.  He was being serious.  That attitude is completely opposite of what we are commanded to do in scripture.

How can we honor and respect those God has called and equipped to lead us?  How can we avoid worshiping a personality while simultaneously loving and blessing our pastors and setting them up to win and succeed in serving us?  Here are 5 practical places to start...

1.  Obey The Bible
The pastors (elders) who lead the affairs of the church well are worthy of DOUBLE HONOR, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.  I Timothy 5:17
This is a hard verse to argue with.  I can choose to pick that verse apart by finding examples of bad pastors that I don't think deserve it, or I can submit myself to God's authority and begin to give double (generous, gracious) honor to my leaders.  Don't refuse to honor your pastor because you're afraid it will go to his head and cause him to be arrogant.  How foolish!  Honor and encouragement foster humility, not pride.

2.  Verbally Affirm Them 
Dear brothers, honor those who lead you.  They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.  Show them great respect and wholehearted love.   I Thessalonians 5:12
Not only should I use my mouth to encourage pastors, I should also use my hands.  I can write a card, send a gift certificate, compose an encouraging email, or post on Facebook and Twitter how much I love and appreciate those who lead the church.  I can brag on them in public and pray for them in private. 

3.  Consistently Defend Them
Do not listen to an accusation against a pastor (elder) unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.   I Timothy 5:19
At some point, people won't like something our leaders say or do, and they will talk about it.  When we hear these comments, we should quote this verse and explain to the gossiper and anyone else who is listening that we won't put up with that kind of harmful slander against our pastor.  I did this once in a restaurant when someone was berating a good friend of mine.  I warned him twice to stop.  He refused.  And I caused a scene when I rebuked him for his cowardice (anyone can talk smack about a leader when the leader isn't there).  You wouldn't let someone talk about your kids or spouse in front of you.  Get your pastor's back!

4.  Love Their Family
Being the spouse or the child of a minister is akin to being married to soldier who is perpetually deployed.  They are on a mission and family can get overlooked.  Everyone else wants and needs something from the pastor, and their families often get the leftovers.  Try to understand the fishbowl that they live in and reach out to them with gifts, cards, words of encouragement and offers to help with small tasks.  Invite the pastor and his wife out for coffee or lunch.  Have them in your home.  Have their kids over on a Saturday to play so he can rest and prepare for Sunday.  Babysit so they can go on a date.  Trust me...if you want to appreciate your pastor, love on his wife and kids.

5.  Faithfully Bless Them
For the scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while he is treading out the grain" and "The worker deserves his wages."  I Timothy 5:18
Generosity is a biblical principle.  So is blessing and taking care of those who lead us spiritually.  Find out what your leaders enjoy and pray about giving it to them as a gift.  This is above and beyond their salary.  Here are some ideas...
*a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant or shop
*an iTunes gift card
*an overnight trip to their favorite getaway
*a surprise party on their wedding anniversary or the pastor's anniversary at the church
*tickets to see their favorite team, musical, play or concert
*an invitation to use your beach house or mountain house as a getaway when they need time alone

All my best friends are pastors.  I am a pastor.  I love pastors.  And I know that the more we honor and care for our leaders, the better they will love and shepherd and serve us.  They win and we win, and ultimately God is glorified and His church is advanced.  Let's follow God's instruction by loving on our leaders.  Pastor Appreciation month is a great place to start.

Source: http://claytonking.com/blog/5-ways-to-bless-your-pastor/?

Dentures

I have a confession to make.

I was quite angry today. I don't like it when I get angry.

See, my great grandmother lost her dentures... If you are the average person, you're reading this and thinking, "What's the big deal? Just go down to her room and look for them."

You don't understand. The only way you could be sharing my misery is that you also have a great grandma or grandpa living with you, and you also have to find dentures. And if I do not find the dentures, my grandmother will not be able to eat normal 'tough' food.

Dentures do not get lost every once in a while. Dentures get lost every other day. The fact that my grandma has dementia does not help. At all.

To make it even better, my dad had just gotten home from the hospital. He had surgery done and after four days, they let him come home. Obviously he was not feeling his greatest, but he went downstairs to look for the dentures away. I went down to help. Long story short, we spent about an hour going through trash and clothes, and letters, and who knows what else to find these dentures. But they've truly disappeared.

Now the me-getting-angry-part.

I was so fed up with looking for dentures that I started to get really, really mad. My dad was right there, and I could tell he was stressed out too, so I didn't say anything. I just continued to get angrier. About thirty minutes into the search, a voice popped into my head, "Would you have the same attitude looking for a different elder person's dentures in... Say... Guatemala?"

Ouch. Like, big time ouch.

I was a complete idiot! How could I have the guts to serve at church, or at a women shelter, or in Guatemala... If I can't even do it in my own home?

Doing big things starts small. You have to have a training ground. You have to have a starting point. It's the little things that make the greatest change. And if you don't get that, then your chances of changing the world are slim to none. I have to swallow my own pride and learn that -- even relearn it -- every single day.

Do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14

I Feel So Underrated

I feel so underrated. Have you ever felt this underrated? And are you sick of it?

I know the last will be first in that line but I'm a little bit crazy right now.

And I'm just sick of all things underrated. All I want, all I need is a chance.

See the cuts on my hands? They hurt from working.
Will I ever be deserving? Oh, help my eyes to see and not feel so underrated.
I don't want to be one of those that stares at all the questions while the open doors shut close.
I just want to get out there.
So with a humble heart, teach me some lessons. Show me to do my part in the place you have me standing.
As I meet with humility, is it the injustices or pride that’s killing me?

I've been here all day, and just one denarius.
If I must boast, let it be that of my weaknesses.
Humility, you have my attention.

You know, you're better off to be underrated.
All I want, all I need is a chance.
Underrated. I don't want to be more than me. I'm just sick of things underrated.
All I want, all I need is a chance.

Underrated.

THE ROCKET SUMMER

That Will Leave a Mark

These videos were made a couple of years ago at our church. They're so funny!


That Will Leave a Mark 1 from Biltmore Baptist Church on Vimeo.

That Will Leave A Mark 3 from Biltmore Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Liberated

I'd like to share with you a blog by one of the sweetest people I know... Her name is Josey, and she's on a long-term mission trip in Uganda. I hope you get the same chills that are compelling one to go and spread the gospel as I do. Whether it's in your local area, somewhere in your country, or to the ends of the earth.

She's such an inspiration.

http://josey-liberated.blogspot.com/

One Does Not Simply...

...Not have a peculiar fascination with these.

Bet you didn't notice at first!!

Such a powerful truth... 

Simply Me

Music allows me to be something important but it’s not who I am, it’s what I do. I am not famous, or rather, I don’t really want to be famous in the way American media defines a “celebrity” as someone so untouchable that you can’t even “earn” his or her attention—as if that would be moral by anyone’s standards. I just want to make music. I just want to be myself.

Unsure

I thought I breezed through it. It hit me a few days later. You do get tired. Will it get worse after three or four months? I don't know.

Nutella

I'm going to get my favorite gals together sometime and we're going to have a Nutella party. Probably on World Nutella Day, February 5th.

Nutella Hot Chocolate
Recipe

Nutella Ice Cream
Recipe

Nutella Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Recipe

Over and Over Again

Maybe one day my fingertips will agree with me and finally decided to grow calluses. Until then, I'm stuck with raw fingers.

I'm saying this because I was practicing guitar like crazy today. I only know four cords so far, but I practiced them repeatedly, my fingers felt like they were going to fall off, but I didn't care. I was a little angry at my family members because they wouldn't leave me alone, so I locked my door and had at it. E minor, G, D, C, over and over and over and over and over again. Playing cleared my head a bit, and I could think about things.

Sometimes I get really quiet. That’s when a million things are running through my mind.

Google, Coke and French's Mustard (Oh, My!)

I've recently found refrigerators to be very interesting. I mean, what would we do without them? I guess we could always go back to iceboxes, but what a pain in the neck.

A couple years ago, a huge snowstorm hit our area. Many houses lot power (our's didn't!), including my friend's. They expected it to be out for a couple of days, so they went to their grandparent's house to wait it out... But not before they took their fridge and put it outside in the snow to keep the contents cold.

Here's a refrigerator for you Star War fans. How cool is this? 

This is a fridge from Japan. It's see-through. I wonder how gross a dirty one looks...

Look me in the eyes and tell me you don't think this is cool. I dare you.

My personal favorite. It's a tiny refrigerator that hooks up to your computer, using a USB cord, and is just big enough to hold a can of coke.

I'm guess this is what a single guy's fridge looks like... It's kind of what my fridge feels like, too.

Simple

I'd rather be happy than sad. I'd rather eat ice cream sandwiches than rocks. Those are my thoughts.

Random Facts Part 2

1) Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.

2) In most advertisements, including newspapers, the time displayed on a watch is 10:10.

3) Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer.

4) The only real person to be a Pez head was Betsy Ross.

5) When the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers play football at home, the stadium becomes the state's third largest city.

6) The characters Bert and Ernie on Sesame Street were named after Bert the cop and Ernie the taxi driver in Frank Capra's "It’s A Wonderful Life".

7) A dragonfly has a lifespan of 24 hours.

8) A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.

9) A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.

10) On an American one-dollar bill, there is an owl in the upper left-hand corner of the "1" encased in the "shield" and a spider hidden in the front upper right-hand corner.

11) It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.

12) The giant squid has the largest eyes in the world.

13) In England, the Speaker of the House is not allowed to speak.

14) Dentists have recommended that toothbrushes be kept at least 8 feet away from toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush.

15) The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.

16) Mr. Rogers is an ordained minister.

17) The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.

18) There are 336 dimples on a regulation golf ball.

Random Facts Part 1

1) Rubber bands last long when refrigerated.

2) Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite.

3) There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.

4) The average secretary's left hand does 56% of the typing.

5) A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.

6) There are more chickens than people in the world.

7) Two-thirds of the world's eggplant is grown in New Jersey.

8) The longest one-syllable word in the English language is "screeched."

9) No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver or purple.

10) Mosquito repellents don't repel, they hide you. The spray blocks the mosquito sensors so they don't know you're there.

11) "Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt".

12) All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5 bill.

13) Almonds are members of the peach family.

14) Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.

15)Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable.

16) Los Angeles's full name is "El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula". And can be abbreviated to 3.63% of its size, "L.A."

17) A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.

18) An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.

You'll Always Be My Best Friend

I wish I knew you, way back when before you were a part of my plans,

I think that we would have been friends.

There's only time to live our lives, 

You'll be the one that's by my side.

And I can promise you, then you'll always be my best friend.

Till the end when we part, I will give you my heart,

And will promise to love you with all that it is,

And I will promise to be there whenever you need me, 

Because you'll always be my best friend.

Happy Birthday to Nicole and Jessica, my best friends.

There Was No Thief

For a time I thought there was a thief among us,I thought I'd track him down but prior to my pursuit,The smoke it cleared into my disbelief...There was no thief because it was me that lost you.
I guess it's safe to say you're never coming back.And I understand why you wouldn't want to.I guess it's up to me to find a way to get to you.
And there's just one last thing that I have to say,As we reflect on the mess of all of this I've made,It was cowardice that made me push you away,I was so afraid because you were so much better than me.
I can't see you getting used to,Living in the midst of your perfection.And I'm so lost how can you trust,Somewhere the sun is always shining, oh.
And there's just one last thing that I have to say,As we reflect on the mess of all of this I've made,It was cowardice that made me push you away,I was so afraid because you were so much better than me.
I guess it's safe to say you're never coming back...

Friend Vs. Best Friend

This one is for you, Nicole.

Friend: You have to tell them not to tell anyone.

Best Friend: Already knows not to tell.

Friend: Is only through high school/college.

Best Friend: Is for life.

Friend: Will leave you behind if that is what the crowd is doing.

Best Friend: Will kick the whole crowd’s butt that left you.

Friend: Would knock on your front door.

Best Friend: Walks right in and says "I'M HOME."

Friend: Has never seen you cry.

Best Friend: Won’t tell everyone else you cried... Just laugh about it with you in private when you’re not down anymore.

Friend: Never ask for anything to eat or drink.

Best Friend: Helps them-self and is the reason why you have no food.

Friend: Calls your parents by Mr. and Mrs. and Grandpa, by Grandpa.

Best Friend: Calls your parents DAD and MOM and Grandpa, GRAMPS!

Transpositions

Black walls creates a disconsolate feeling as you make your way past the misfits and dark horses. Crazy happy people are dancing way above you, but you can't reach them because they're too bright. Melancholy calls you by name, so you go to the wardrobe that's painted by a color of grief. Inside is a cookie. You grab it and it transforms into a bird.

She is mad because you tried to eat her.

Looking back in the wardrobe, you see a firefly. You give it to the bird, and the bird eats it. She then flies out the window and the rain pours. You don't bother to shut the window, and you let the fear crawl in. As usual, it sits on your shoulder and whispers in your ear all the reasons that you shouldn't let go of the past.

You're so dumb. Nobody likes you. You walk alone, no matter where you go.

Glass shatters and bombs go off as you begin the climb up the Mountain of Regrets. They're telling you not to press on. You're holding fast, because it's darkest just before the dawn. And, after all, the shadow proves the sunshine. The crazy happy people laugh. You ignore them, you rather just get to the top and forget it all, but instead you jump down into the water and land of the floor of the kingdom. You see Him there... You're Prince is waiting for you. He's untying your weights of shame and guilt. No longer must you carry them, He says. The songs plays. The song of your life. You dance with your Prince and He transposes the song into a different key. You get married right there and then, and you fall into His embrace. To your dismay, you have to leave Him. But you have work to do. Instead of becoming one of those crazy happy people, you're reaching back down to the darkness. It pulls you in, but your Prince implies that he'll always be with you, and so, rather than just being in the darkness, you shine your light down there. Creating a fire that blazes so big that all of the silhouettes come running. Running to find the Prince.

You're Prince is waiting for you.

Dreams

Finding Great Leaders

People are always wondering what the recipe for a good leader is. As usual, the best examples are in the Bible.

Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

1 Timothy 4:12b
...Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

And, my personal favorite...

Matthew 20:25-28

Jesus called the disciples together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave– just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

From what the Bible says, a Godly leader...

Finds strength by realizing his weakness.
Finds authority by being under authority.
Finds direction by laying down his plans.
Finds vision by seeing the needs of others.
Finds credibility by being an example.
Finds loyalty by expressing compassion.
Finds honor by being faithful.
Finds greatness by being a servant.

**Bible verses from the New International Version 84

Quiet Notes

Singing Pigs

Never try to teach a pig to sing.

It wastes your time.

And annoys the pig.

Stories

They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie, as I looked at him lying in his pen. The shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.

But something was still missing as I
attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.

But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes and a sealed letter from his previous owner.

See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too.

Maybe we were too much alike.

I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that. "Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice."
____________ _________ _________ _________

To Whomever Gets My Dog:

Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. He knew something was different.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.

First, he loves tennis balls. The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hoards them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after them, so be careful. Don't do it by any roads.

Next, commands. Reggie knows the obvious ones ---"sit," "stay," "come," "heel."

He knows hand signals, too: He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business.

Feeding schedule: twice a day, regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.

He's up on his shots. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car. I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time. It's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.

And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you...His name's not Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. But I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. But if someone is reading this ... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. His real name is "Tank." Because, that is what I drive.

I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. You see, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with .. and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call to the shelter ... in the "event" ... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my CO is a dog-guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.

Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family. And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family, too, and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.

If I have to give up Tank to keep those terrible people from coming to the US I am glad to have done so. He is my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me.

Thank you,

Paul Mallory
____________ _________ _________ _______

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure, I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer.

I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.

"Hey, Tank," I said quietly.

The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.

"C'mere boy."

He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months. "Tank," I whispered.

His tail swished.

I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.

"It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek.

"So whatdaya say we play some ball?" His ears perked again.

"Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?"

Tank tore from my hands and disappeared into the next room. And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away.
We cut down people in your name, but the sword was never ours to swing.
Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see.
The world is on their way to you but they're tripping over me.
Always looking around but never looking up, I'm so double minded.
A plank-eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided.

Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand,
Make the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands.
Help us to remember we are all the least of these.
Let the memory of your mercy being your people to their knees.

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast,
For the leper and the lame, they're the reason that you came.
Lord, I was that lost cause and I was the outcast.
But you died for sinner just like me, a grateful leper at your feet.

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners,
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers.
Let our hearts be led by mercy.
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors.
Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours.


Nobody knows what we're for, only what we're against when we judge the wounded...


What if we put down our signs, crossed over the lines, and loved that you did?

Spoken Word

I hear voices in the distance, but my heart is in resistance.

Trying to discern and learn the heart of the One for whom my heart burns.

Raging against the lies of the enemy.

Claiming darkness, the greater reality...

But there's something bigger than you and me,

Bigger than what I can see.

A city on a hill, calling life to those who follow.
Healing and wholeness for those in sorrow.

Who holds the stars in His hands?
Built His temple in mortal man?
Calls dry bones to rise and stand?

In the beginning was the Word.
The Word became flesh.
Darkness was history... That's the rest.

Who is like the Lord?
Who shows unfailing love to the undeserving?
Holy God in humbleness serving.
Those who marked and crucified him.
Dead, buried, rising again.
And us with him.
Seated with him in heavenly places.
Higher than these earthly spaces.

It is finished, your ransom paid, foundation laid.
New hope, new life, it's a brand new day.

Of Men And Angels

I need a break... But I'd rather have a breakthrough.

I Will Praise You In This World So Cold

I've been fooling around with graphic design lately:

Inspired by World So Cold by 12 Stones

Inspired by Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

9/11

Today marks the day of tragedy, but it also marks the day of strong American people making it through.

Today, I read John 16:33, one of my favorite verses:

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

This is a really important thing to remember, especially on a day such as this. So many families are looking back and thinking about the tragedy that happened 11 years ago, thinking about their loved ones that they lost on that day.
After the attack in 2001, churches were filled with people looking for answers. They wanted comfort. They wanted peace.

With these words (John 16:33), Christ told his disciples to have courage. In spite of the inevitable struggles they would face, they would not be alone. Jesus does not abandon us to our struggles either. If we remember that the ultimate victory has been won, we can claim the peace of Christ in the most troublesome times.

Friends and Commitments

Life has changed drastically for me.

This past year, I've made friends with so many people at my new church, and I never thought that would happen. At my old church, small as it was, I knew pretty much all the kids that attended. All fifteen of them.

Now, when I first started going to BBC (Biltmore Baptist Church), I was in the middle of 5th grade, and had zero friends. It remained that way for about two years, when I became friends with Nicole, who is now my best friend. Life was great. Just me and my bestie.

Then one year later, I started getting more involved in the student ministry, just serving behind the scenes. No one knew me, and that was fine. In fact, I tried to avoid people. Because most of them seemed loud and annoying to me. Then, I went to a weekend conference at my church called DNow, and decided to recommit myself to God. It wasn't a walk-down-the-aisle and announce that I got saved or anything, because I already was saved... But it during one of the worship sessions, and I just made a commitment to God. I promised him that I was going to give everything I am to him.

And in that split second, my eyes were opened. I realized how much I loved all the people that were worshiping around me. Even the ones I didn't know. I suddenly had a heart for people.

Was I still mildly scared of people? Heck, yeah. Did I reach out to be friends with all of them? Heck, no.

The only thing that had changed that weekend was my commitment level to God. I gave it to him to decide who I would be friends with and who I wouldn't be. Life resumed normally for a while, serving behind the scenes and being ignored by people.

Then I went on a mission trip to Atlanta, Georgia, and made a few friends. I guess God decided to start small, which was probably a good thing.

I can't really describe what has happened since then, because I haven't really figured out myself. But five months since DNow, and now I know almost every student at my church, and they know me. And it's not that we just know each other... But I've started to form friendships with them.

In five months, I've gone from the girl that no one knows, to the girl that people want to hang out and be friends with. Which has definitely been strange for me. It's made life more complicated in a way, but so much more worth it.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, people have never really been my favorite thing... But I've learned how to be less shy and a better friend. Sometimes, I just sit in my room wondering how lucky I am to have friends like mine.

I have more friends than I've ever dreamed I would, and they aren't just people anymore. They're legit Christ-followers who encourage. Amazing teens who serve harder than any I've ever seen. And I love each one of them.

Heroic Deeds

It's two in the morning, and I can't sleep.

Swell.

I'm writing this at my deck on a scrap of paper, hoping that writing will help me sleep.

My mind keeps going back to the time I skinned my knee in a church service...

Backing up.

See, I used to go to a little church with pews, hymn books, and blue carpets. Like most churches, during the beginning of the service, the pastor would ask everyone to stand and walk around and greet each other... Well, every Sunday since we graduated into big church (Yeah, that's what it's called), my friends and I would take this opportunity to run around the worship center to get some of the little-kid energy that comes from who-knows-where out of our systems and say a few hellos to people on the way.

This particular service, I was running down of the side aisles when some smart person decided to step out of his pew and right into my line of fire. Quick-witted as I was, I figured I would save the man's life, and dove onto the floor beside him.

And the reward for my heroic deed? A skinned knee.

I guess someone caught sight of my rescuing and somehow word got to the pastor...

We never had any more meet and greets.

Tuesday, July 24, Day Ten

Woke up again at 5:15 to go to the market to get food. This time, we brought not only the trailer, but also a UHaul truck. Jose's goal was the fill the UHaul truck.

What was my goal? Glad you asked. My goal was to fill both the UHaul truck and the trailer.

Not halfway until lunchtime and we already had the UHaul truck filled up. We filled the trailer up too, and ran out of crates. We were pretty much forced to stop, and had lunch.

Jose took the trailer back an Falstove took the UHaul with Clay and Nathan.

Ofelia led us to the public bus and we rode that back to our bus.

We then unloaded, sorted, and handed out all the food, which took twice as long as last time! We had so much, that Jose took quite a bit to other ministries in Zone 18.

Then we went back to the seminary and had dinner. After dinner, our leaders had planned a surprise campfire, and so we walked up the hill a little ways to where it was. The funny thing, though, is that they couldn't get the fire started. So we just sand worship songs in the dark. After worship, Levi gave us a few minutes for whoever wanted to share his/her testimony. Then we all started to make our way to bed.

Riding in the trailer.
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More trailer action.
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Working hard together.

          

                                                                               

BANANAS!!!!



Monday, July 23, Day Nine

We said goodbye to the Zone 46 Group again as they returned to Zone 46, sad to see them leave.

Team Hope went back to Hope For Guatemala and had a pretty typical day. We've finished the second story, so now Jose has to find more for us to do.

We're all getting so close to the people at Hope. Week one is over, and week two is going to fly by.

Guatemala is amazing.

Sunday, July 22, Day Eight

Wow, another big day. (What's with all of these big days??)

We went to Jose's church again, except this time with Parromos and 46. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.

After the service, everyone went to play soccer, but I offered to babysit Jose's kids, so he and his wife could go out to eat. They left for dinner at 6. Sophie, Daniel and I watched Kung Fu Panda at Jose's house, then I put them in bed. At 8, they came back. Turns out, I needed to be in a meeting back at the seminary, so he called Jose so he could bring me back. Turns out, they had just sat down to eat, so in the end. They never really got to eat out.

Sad story. :(

On top of that, Kevin was the only one who knew I had left, so instead of simply asking him, quite a few people were freaked out wondering where I was... Then they finally asked Kevin. I felt bad.

The meeting was good. Again, we did highs and lows, Levi led worship, and Ryan spoke. He talked about when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, and how he sent two disciples to get the donkey for him. Basically, we're the disciples, and getting the donkey means preparing the way for Jesus getting all the glory, because in everything we do we need to amplify God, not us. Otherwise, as Christ followers, what do we have to live for?

Saturday, July 21, Day Seven

Looooooong day.

We had breakfast with Parromos and Zone 46 teams, and loaded the buses for Antigua. We had lunch at Pollo Campero, then walked down to the market. I had $40 to spend, and bought a bracelet, a ring for mom, an elephant made out of porcelain, a backpack, a coffee bag, coffee for my parents, and a 'Guatever' shirt.

We then walked from the market, to a restaurant called Mono Loco. I wasn't hungry (not to mention I was low on money), so I didn't eat, but some people from our group bought a nacho platter that looked big enough to feed 5,000!! (Get it?)











We returned to the seminary and all three groups had a meeting together. We went over the highs and lows of the day, and Levi led worship, then Ryan talked about Jacob and Esau, and how important it is not to make decisions when you're tired, hungry, and/or emotional. Look at Esau, he gave away his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of soup. And if that's not bad enough, that birthright included being part of the family tree of Jesus. Esau is no longer the great-great-great-great-etc grandfather of Jesus. Instead, Jacob, because of the birthright, has been put in Esau's place.

Ouch.

I was supposed to Skype with mom and dad today, but the laptop stopped working just as we tried to connect.

Joy.

There's always tomorrow...

Spotify... Love Comes Loudly

Friday, July 20, Day Six

 

Long, but amazing day!!

First, we dropped the boys off at Hope, then us girls went to the park to play with the kids for game day. I played with a little girl names Daniella, who was 4. She was so cute!!

Around 11:30, we loaded the buses full of kids, and went back to Hope. We serves the kids lunch, and then cleaned up. Then we reloaded the buses with the older kids and went back to the park. After an hour or so, we played soccer (FUTBOL!!)  against some Guatemalan kids, which was a blast.

We then went back to the seminary to change out of our sweaty clothes, and revisited the mall. This time, we had pizza from El Macorone in the food court, and then went to watch The Amazing Spiderman at the movie theater in 3D (Side note: We were among the first Americans to see this movie. It came out in Guatemala before America.). The Hope staff was there: Ofelia, Helen, Aura, Falstove, Jose, and Harrison. The movie was in English, to our delight (With Spanish subtitles for our Guatemalan friends).

The bus had been fixed, but, unfortunately, when we left the mall to go back to the seminary, the bus door was locked, so it took about 30 minutes of standing in the cold (again, Guatemala here, cold and no rain, how weird is that??), before they could squeeze Harrison through one of the windows.

We arrived back at the seminary at 10pm. The Zone 46 Team had returned for the weekend from Zone 46. We got to hang out with them for few minutes before bed. It was great seeing them. I missed them all so much, especially Ryan and the McElhaneys. Tomorrow, we head out to Antigua for some shopping.

Thoughout the day, Matt Papa's song, Here I am, Send Me, has been going through my head, especially the chorus. It really reminded me why we're all here, and gave me a bit of encouragement.

"Lord, here I am, send me.
I'll follow wherever you lead. I will tell the world that Jesus is the way.
Won't you send me Lord? Here I am,
I offer my dreams, my plans.
I will give my life, a living sacrifice.
Lord, here I am."

Thursday, July 19, Day Five

Another 'normal' day, the food is good, the people are so sweet, and it's really hot outside. No rain.

We're all working so hard. I know not only Team Hope, but also Team Parromos, and I have a feeling Ryan is pushing Team 46 to their limits. Speaking of which, we'll be seeing them tomorrow. So excited to be reunited with them!!

I read my Bible for almost two hours this morning, and found peace in every single moment. I really enjoy Team Hope, we're becoming so close, and I love every single one of them. :)

There are some teenage boys at Hope, and we're starting to make friends with them. Omar, who's 18. His younger brother, Harrison, who's 16. Then there's Axel, Carlos, and a couple of others.

I know how cliche this sounds, but God is moving through us. I can feel him.

Group we were working with today.
<-----------------

My two sweet friends, Anna and Morgan (from left to right). <3
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Making corn tortillas with two more of my amazing friends, Sarah and Francesca (from left to right).
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Wednesday, July 18, Day Four

Today was what they called a 'normal day'. We went to hope and served lunch and played with the kids. The guys have been working so hard on building the second story of Hope. Really proud of them.

 

After working, we went to the seminary and ate with Jose. Then, he took us to his church. It was really cool and a lot of fun!! Everything was in Spanish (big duh here), but I knew most of the songs in English, and Jose translated the sermon for us. It was really cool to see how free the members of the church felt to worship, they danced and shouted and raised their hands. They didn't care what we thought about them. They just wanted to praise God.

It occurred to me that even though it's rainy season here, it hasn't rained at all. It's supposed to rain almost every day... Odd.

Tuesday, July 17, Day Three

Feeling pretty sore right now, but it's been totally worth it.

Today, we went to a huge outdoor market to ask people to donate food for Hope. At first, it was kind of strange just walking up to people and basically begging for free food was a little strange, but once we warmed up to it, it was actually a lot of fun.

After six hours, we filled up a trailer full of food. While eating lunch in a little restaurant at the market, Jose told us that it was the first time in seven years that he's ever gotten donations from a certain two big-time sellers. Pretty cool.

The girls then went with Jose and Kevin to the bank to exchange our money for Guatemalan currency while the boys went back to Hope. The bank was inside a mall, and the mall was super cool. There were fountains that shot out colored water, and a waterfall that somehow got water to fall in the shape of different words. It was weird going from a neighborhood of people so poor, to a mall full of people so well off. The mall reminded me just how much it's the more blessed peoples jobs to lend a hand to the less fortunate. It was also a shocker to walk into a mall much nicer than the one at home.

After the mall, we went back to Hope to start handing out food to Zone 18 families. The boys had already unloading everything and sorted it while we were at the mall, so all we had left to go was hand it out. It was amazing to see how much these people depended on Hope, how much faith they had that they would receive enough food for the week.

After that, we all got into the trailer -- The one that recently had food in it, as the bus was still not working -- and headed back to the seminary to eat dinner with Parromos group.

Then, we went to bed. (Yay!!)