Today I am at a loss for what to Blog about (scary, i know)!! So, I shall list some quotes, lyrics and stories that have happened so far at MOTION 2010... and maybe there just might be a revelation toward the end dealing with what God is trying to set free from my heart into words for the world to hear.
Waffle house at midnight is a great way to end the first night of MOTION. I worked stage security for Pastor John Larson and singer Kari Jobe for the kick-off worship session. It rocked!! Seeing so many young people just worshipping and loving on God was astounding!! After a couple hours of hanging with young people, the conference ended for the night and Riley, Beth, Kate and I headed to the Moody Waffle House to get our grub on (I had not eaten for about 12 hours at this time). Getting out of the car was a bit harder for some than others. Riley about face planted in the parking lot once we arrived, and after laughing at her, Kate did the same thing. It looked like I was herding drunk high schoolers into an (already sketchy) establishment, awesome!! So we enter the restaurant and find the only clean booth in the whole place. We order our food, and people start clearing out. About the time our food comes out, it is just to four of us and some employees. We were being completely goofy from lack of food and being exhausted. Riley almost choked on water when Kate mentioned a pig roast and our waitress was talking about how the place is usually filled with drunk old people dancing to the jukebox in the corner. The night could not have ended better (well, actually we were all missing Madison a ton and wished she could have been there with us)!! So we ventured home to get a little sleep before having to be back at the Highlands for MOTION day 2 at 0900!!
Some notable quotes from Bible study and pastoral influence:
"Holy Spirit, brainwash me and align my thoughts with Yours" - Me
"Faith in motion through leaping not listening" - Pastor Layne
"The able Protector is also the abundant Provider" - MacArthur Study Bible about Psalm 23
What's playing on replay on my iPod:
Hosanna - Hillsong United
Revelation Song - Kari Jobe
Walls Down - Highlands Worship Band
Short blog today, maybe I will write some more this evening... getting more and more excited about the possibility of 20:20 and moving to Fort Benning... busy, busy year lined up!!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Basement. 20:20. Motion. Life.
This week has been crazy busy with the anticipation for Motion Student Conference at Church of the Highlands. Sunday night was CORE (see previous blog about Sundays) and it set the stage for the rest of the week. Let me take you through these last three days and reveal to you what God is revealing in me.
MONDAY: Just like any other day, except I was coming down with a cold. No matter tho, I took a nap during the day so I could muster up my energy for an hour prayer meeting that night for Motion. It worked, I was on fire for God and praying over names, churches and leaders. By the end of the hour (which felt, seriously, like ten minutes), I was exhausted and worn completely out. Madison and I had a good talk on the way home over what was prayed for and the vision of what God will do to the lives of the students who will be coming to Motion. This prayer night is proof that God is working in me and allowing me to grow in Him and to step out of my comfort zone in my Christian walk... words + action = MOTION!
TUESDAY: The Basement. Hmmm, what is to be said about this once a month experience. Matt Pitt, a rather ordinary guy (by the world's standards) started holding worship gatherings in his basement a few years ago. Well word got out and people started coming to grow in the Lord and be unashamed for Christ. The numbers were astounding and the group was quickly growing out of buildings they were using to gather. On Tuesday, The Basement overflowed the auditorium and Switch rooms at Church of the Highlands. However, The Basement provides the seed of the Word of God to be planted... there is no cultivation. During worship at the end, God overflowed my heart with the prayers that the students who came to The Basement would be moved to go back to their churches, families and friends and share the news they have heard. That they would earnestly seek the Lord and not allow The Basement to be a "spiritual high" that they get every month. Prayers were flowing from my heart and my mouth as I stood their surrounded by the next generation, asking God to put these students faith into MOTION!
WEDNESDAY: I spent the day with family and decided to look up 20:20 (a leadership program from Highlands Leadership Institute) as per Madison's suggestion. 20:20 is a ministry internship for working and married adults who was to be equipped with the tools for full time ministry. And, honestly, after Airborne school, this program is very doable for me (PRAYER PLEASE). 20:20 would be an awesome opportunity to grow in the Lord and to take the wisdom gained back out into the Army world. (For more information check it out at COTH 20:20) So as I thought about that, I ventured to the mid-week service at COTH where I help out in Switch 56. Worship was great and I can feel myself breaking out of my little Christian shell more and more. God is moving me and putting my faith and life in MOTION.
MOTION (through dictionary meaning and my plans)
1. the action or process of moving or of changing place or position; movement.
(I moved to Bama to have a closer relationship to God)
2. power of movement, as of a living body.
(Putting my faith into action is allowing me to fulfill my position in the body of Christ)
3. the manner of moving the body in walking; gait.
(my actual walk with God seen by others)
4. a bodily movement or change of posture; gesture.
(a renewing of my spiritual condition)
5. a proposal formally made to a deliberative assembly: to make a motion to adjourn.
(the decision to allow God to change every aspect of my life)
6. an inward prompting or impulse; inclination: He will go only of his own motion.
(The Holy Spirit's influence in me)
7. Music . melodic progression, as the change of a voice part from one pitch to another.
(my way of worship to God)
The word MOTION in all it's definitions has given new meaning to my life, I can only pray that as I work the next three days at the Motion Student Conference, that I can see God working in the lives of these youths and that He can work in my own life as I continue this forward MOTION to follow in the footsteps of Christ.
MONDAY: Just like any other day, except I was coming down with a cold. No matter tho, I took a nap during the day so I could muster up my energy for an hour prayer meeting that night for Motion. It worked, I was on fire for God and praying over names, churches and leaders. By the end of the hour (which felt, seriously, like ten minutes), I was exhausted and worn completely out. Madison and I had a good talk on the way home over what was prayed for and the vision of what God will do to the lives of the students who will be coming to Motion. This prayer night is proof that God is working in me and allowing me to grow in Him and to step out of my comfort zone in my Christian walk... words + action = MOTION!
TUESDAY: The Basement. Hmmm, what is to be said about this once a month experience. Matt Pitt, a rather ordinary guy (by the world's standards) started holding worship gatherings in his basement a few years ago. Well word got out and people started coming to grow in the Lord and be unashamed for Christ. The numbers were astounding and the group was quickly growing out of buildings they were using to gather. On Tuesday, The Basement overflowed the auditorium and Switch rooms at Church of the Highlands. However, The Basement provides the seed of the Word of God to be planted... there is no cultivation. During worship at the end, God overflowed my heart with the prayers that the students who came to The Basement would be moved to go back to their churches, families and friends and share the news they have heard. That they would earnestly seek the Lord and not allow The Basement to be a "spiritual high" that they get every month. Prayers were flowing from my heart and my mouth as I stood their surrounded by the next generation, asking God to put these students faith into MOTION!
WEDNESDAY: I spent the day with family and decided to look up 20:20 (a leadership program from Highlands Leadership Institute) as per Madison's suggestion. 20:20 is a ministry internship for working and married adults who was to be equipped with the tools for full time ministry. And, honestly, after Airborne school, this program is very doable for me (PRAYER PLEASE). 20:20 would be an awesome opportunity to grow in the Lord and to take the wisdom gained back out into the Army world. (For more information check it out at COTH 20:20) So as I thought about that, I ventured to the mid-week service at COTH where I help out in Switch 56. Worship was great and I can feel myself breaking out of my little Christian shell more and more. God is moving me and putting my faith and life in MOTION.
MOTION (through dictionary meaning and my plans)
1. the action or process of moving or of changing place or position; movement.
(I moved to Bama to have a closer relationship to God)
2. power of movement, as of a living body.
(Putting my faith into action is allowing me to fulfill my position in the body of Christ)
3. the manner of moving the body in walking; gait.
(my actual walk with God seen by others)
4. a bodily movement or change of posture; gesture.
(a renewing of my spiritual condition)
5. a proposal formally made to a deliberative assembly: to make a motion to adjourn.
(the decision to allow God to change every aspect of my life)
6. an inward prompting or impulse; inclination: He will go only of his own motion.
(The Holy Spirit's influence in me)
7. Music . melodic progression, as the change of a voice part from one pitch to another.
(my way of worship to God)
The word MOTION in all it's definitions has given new meaning to my life, I can only pray that as I work the next three days at the Motion Student Conference, that I can see God working in the lives of these youths and that He can work in my own life as I continue this forward MOTION to follow in the footsteps of Christ.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Peeves. Name for a Pet.
Today's insight will be coming from a few things that can get me riled up enough to yell things at people who cannot hear me. I am talking about pet peeves... those little things (or BIG things) that eat away at a person and almost cause said person to go insane. I feel that the annoyances that I am about to indulge in are things that would frustrate most people. But if these "habits" don't annoy you, then you might be one of the people doing certain things to put a little edge in someone's day. If that is the case, I shall pray hard for you :)
First up is a simple formula I call customer service and a genuine regard to the human way of life. Twice since I have moved to Pell City, AL have I been shirked out of my correct change. Now, I am not talking about pennies of even a quarter. I have been cheated out of $14.00 all based on a person's inattentiveness to detail. The first time I received the wrong change was at a McDonalds but the second time rings more clearly in my mind. I hand someone a $20 bill and a dime for $4.07 worth of groceries (actually it was cough drops and soup for the sickness that has afflicted me as of late). I expect to get back $16.03, right?! It is simple mathematics (so simple the computer does it for you). I know I have a degree in English and math is not always my strong suit, but I do now how to add and subtract (especially when it comes to my money)! The "nice" cashier hands me back $6.07. Excuse me, but how... why... HOW? So I say nicely, "um, I handed you a $20". The girl opens her drawer and sees that I am right. So instead of figuring out how much she really owes me in change, she hands me another $6 and proceeds to help the next customer. So right there I was still missing $4, but I am not one to make a scene, so I grabbed my bag and left. Grrr...
My second pet peeve is drivers. Road, interstate, car, truck... whatever!! I hate drivers!! i might just go off on a random, irate tangent for a minute, so bear with me. You know when you are in town, in the turn lane and you have the GREEN ARROW... however, the car(s) in front of you don't care that there are a MILLION cars behind them waiting to turn, so they take their sweet time. Thus, allowing two cars to make it through the five minute light and the rest of us have to wait. I hate that. Another instance of bad driving is when you are on the freeway and the passing lane is being taken up by "Sunday drivers"... ISN'T THERE A LAW AGAINST GOING TOO SLOW ON THE INTERSTATE??? OBSTRUCTION OF TRAFFIC??? Then somehow, those same drivers like to cut people off on the highway and don't even give a little courteous wave, like, thanks for letting me over, I know I am a moron?!?! I will have to say though, that my number one driver pet peeve (that has actually caused my to attempt to roll down my window and violently yell at these certain people) is when there is a merge sign and these (special, illiterate, moronic, etc) people wait until their lane is completely gone to get over. It's like their God-given right to cut everyone else (who can read) off because they want to get ahead of all the traffic. Then they end up being stopped like the rest of us (just a few cars up). Then once we get out of the construction zone, or traffic jam, these speed racers (who had to be in the front of everyone) ARE THE SAME IDIOTS WHO LOLLY GAG IN THE FREAKING PASSING LANE!!!!! I just do not understand their driving techniques and I guess I never will.
The last thing that I am going to go off on today is that of the higher-ups who don't care. As I sit, day after day, waiting on the Army... I get a little angrier and angrier at the fact that a single sheet of paper that needs two scribbles (signatures) on it takes months to accomplish. All I need is a signature from a superior officer saying that I can be released from Alabama, to go to Georgia and begin my work as a training/admin NCO... I don't understand why they hold back soldiers who want to work or who are needed in these positions. You would think that the Army (or any military organization) would put the well being of the very backbone of their organization (the soldiers) as a top priority for anything. Whatever happened to the motto "a happy employee is a good employee"? I understand that I am owned by the government and I will do as they say regardless... but I still wonder about work ethics and respect since the Army tends to value those ideals along with integrity, loyalty and selfless service.
Anyway, so that is what has been on my mind as of late. Along with being in constant prayer for the youth of the nation and asking God for the strength, courage and boldness as I wait for the LORD to reveal what it is that He wants me to be doing while I wait for the Army. Your prayers would be much appreciated as well...
First up is a simple formula I call customer service and a genuine regard to the human way of life. Twice since I have moved to Pell City, AL have I been shirked out of my correct change. Now, I am not talking about pennies of even a quarter. I have been cheated out of $14.00 all based on a person's inattentiveness to detail. The first time I received the wrong change was at a McDonalds but the second time rings more clearly in my mind. I hand someone a $20 bill and a dime for $4.07 worth of groceries (actually it was cough drops and soup for the sickness that has afflicted me as of late). I expect to get back $16.03, right?! It is simple mathematics (so simple the computer does it for you). I know I have a degree in English and math is not always my strong suit, but I do now how to add and subtract (especially when it comes to my money)! The "nice" cashier hands me back $6.07. Excuse me, but how... why... HOW? So I say nicely, "um, I handed you a $20". The girl opens her drawer and sees that I am right. So instead of figuring out how much she really owes me in change, she hands me another $6 and proceeds to help the next customer. So right there I was still missing $4, but I am not one to make a scene, so I grabbed my bag and left. Grrr...
My second pet peeve is drivers. Road, interstate, car, truck... whatever!! I hate drivers!! i might just go off on a random, irate tangent for a minute, so bear with me. You know when you are in town, in the turn lane and you have the GREEN ARROW... however, the car(s) in front of you don't care that there are a MILLION cars behind them waiting to turn, so they take their sweet time. Thus, allowing two cars to make it through the five minute light and the rest of us have to wait. I hate that. Another instance of bad driving is when you are on the freeway and the passing lane is being taken up by "Sunday drivers"... ISN'T THERE A LAW AGAINST GOING TOO SLOW ON THE INTERSTATE??? OBSTRUCTION OF TRAFFIC??? Then somehow, those same drivers like to cut people off on the highway and don't even give a little courteous wave, like, thanks for letting me over, I know I am a moron?!?! I will have to say though, that my number one driver pet peeve (that has actually caused my to attempt to roll down my window and violently yell at these certain people) is when there is a merge sign and these (special, illiterate, moronic, etc) people wait until their lane is completely gone to get over. It's like their God-given right to cut everyone else (who can read) off because they want to get ahead of all the traffic. Then they end up being stopped like the rest of us (just a few cars up). Then once we get out of the construction zone, or traffic jam, these speed racers (who had to be in the front of everyone) ARE THE SAME IDIOTS WHO LOLLY GAG IN THE FREAKING PASSING LANE!!!!! I just do not understand their driving techniques and I guess I never will.
The last thing that I am going to go off on today is that of the higher-ups who don't care. As I sit, day after day, waiting on the Army... I get a little angrier and angrier at the fact that a single sheet of paper that needs two scribbles (signatures) on it takes months to accomplish. All I need is a signature from a superior officer saying that I can be released from Alabama, to go to Georgia and begin my work as a training/admin NCO... I don't understand why they hold back soldiers who want to work or who are needed in these positions. You would think that the Army (or any military organization) would put the well being of the very backbone of their organization (the soldiers) as a top priority for anything. Whatever happened to the motto "a happy employee is a good employee"? I understand that I am owned by the government and I will do as they say regardless... but I still wonder about work ethics and respect since the Army tends to value those ideals along with integrity, loyalty and selfless service.
Anyway, so that is what has been on my mind as of late. Along with being in constant prayer for the youth of the nation and asking God for the strength, courage and boldness as I wait for the LORD to reveal what it is that He wants me to be doing while I wait for the Army. Your prayers would be much appreciated as well...
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sundays. The Best Days.
Sundays are by far my favorite day of the week. What is meant to be a day of rest is hardly that at all. Sundays are my busiest day of the week, and I would not have it any other way :)
First off, the day starts with a 0825 deadline to be in the Pilot (this is daddy's rule, if you're not there, you will have to find another way to church). Then we start the 35 minute venture to Church of the Highlands (check. it. out.). Now church does not start until 0930, but we have to get there early for good seats because the place gets packed out and at times there have been 13 of us attending/sitting together (God is good)!! Once there, we stop off a the cafe (where they brew Starbucks coffee!!!) and my drink of choice on Sunday morning is a White Chocolate Mocha. Once we are all caffeinated up, we head into the auditorium to take our seats and people watch. There is nothing I like more than seeing the interactions of people and how different people work. I also from time to time (along with the rest of the fam) am keeping an eye out for my future husband. There are beautiful, Godly men at the Highlands and I know that God has one of them in store for me. About five minutes prior to church starting, a countdown clock appears on the two giant screens one either side of the stage letting us know to take our seats because worship is about to start.
Worship is probably my favorite part of a Sunday (if I HAD to rank the events of the day). Pastor John leads worship and I love watching his facial expressions. This is a man who truly loves God. He knows how to take a normal worship song and make it feel like it is just us and God. I can feel the presence of God during worship and it makes me feel safe. There are other worship singers on stage and there love for God is evident. It's not like a concert or a show, it is true, true worship, in the way God intended it and I am thankful to experience that heart of worship every Sunday. There is rarely a time when I am not overcome with emotion from the Spirit of the LORD while worshipping Him.
Once worship ends, Pastor Chris comes to the stage and greets us. I don't even know how I can best describe Pastor Chris, but when he speaks, he has a way of speaking right to me. I know that it is the work of the Holy Spirit, speaking through him to my heart. Pastor Chris is funny, serious, God-fearing, wise, kind-hearted, sincere and an all around amazing guy. He is passionate about his calling to be a pastor (an equipper of ministers) and he is not afraid to tell you how it is. I feel unimaginably blessed whenever I get the chance to hear him speak. I am thankful that God has led me to church where I can experience Him and where i am surrounded by true followers of Christ.
When church is over, we sprint (well, not actually running, but a brisk walk) back to the car so that we do not get stuck in traffic on our way home (as there are literally hundreds of cars in the parking lots) for lunch and a bit of rest before frisbee at 1400.
Now, I played ultimate frisbee in college and I have missed playing since I am no longer enrolled at Whitworth University. When I saw that there was a frisbee small group, I was all about joining. I have only missed a couple Sundays because of either drill or because it was Daniel's last Sunday here before he left for Kuwait (ugh, 6 months without him). I love my group of frisbee brothers and (a few) sisters. Riley, Madison and Cory are regulars with me and Sarah came for the first time and might become a regular (actually, she BETTER become a regular). The one thing that I like about this group of frisbee players that differs from Whitworth is the values, morals and sportsmanship. We are not playing for titles or championships... we are just out there to have fun in the name of Jesus. My favorite peeps to see every week are Michael Hodges, Little Jonathan, Buxton, Dillian and Dylan. Once I actually get to Fort Benning, I am really going to miss my frisbee group and the amazing times we have had!!
Once frisbee is done, we head home for a quick shower (not even kidding, like 5 minutes), a bite to eat, and then Riley, Madison and I head back to Church of the Highlands for CORE. We get to worship again (YES!!) and then head to the Switch 56 room for an hour of intercessory prayer with God. I. Love. CORE!! This is where God is helping me to get out of my comfort zone and be fully enraptured with Him. CORE has allowed me to grow closer to God and closer to my new family down here. The love of God is with us in that room and it is awesome to see so many youths on fire for Christ. I wish you all could experience CORE and the powerful prayers that are spoken in that room over this generation. It is a marvelous thing to be a part of.
Once CORE is over, we head home to stay... so much traveling back and forth, but SOOOO well worth it. We are on such a God high when we get home that it is hard to think about anything else. Being surrounded in the presence of God is exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time. I am saddened that Sunday comes only once a week, but am honored that it comes at all. Wednesday night I spend with the youth and I would not have it any other way. God is doing a great work in my life and I cannot wait to take that energy with me to Fort Benning and begin my work on furthering the Kingdom of God there as well!!
First off, the day starts with a 0825 deadline to be in the Pilot (this is daddy's rule, if you're not there, you will have to find another way to church). Then we start the 35 minute venture to Church of the Highlands (check. it. out.). Now church does not start until 0930, but we have to get there early for good seats because the place gets packed out and at times there have been 13 of us attending/sitting together (God is good)!! Once there, we stop off a the cafe (where they brew Starbucks coffee!!!) and my drink of choice on Sunday morning is a White Chocolate Mocha. Once we are all caffeinated up, we head into the auditorium to take our seats and people watch. There is nothing I like more than seeing the interactions of people and how different people work. I also from time to time (along with the rest of the fam) am keeping an eye out for my future husband. There are beautiful, Godly men at the Highlands and I know that God has one of them in store for me. About five minutes prior to church starting, a countdown clock appears on the two giant screens one either side of the stage letting us know to take our seats because worship is about to start.
Worship is probably my favorite part of a Sunday (if I HAD to rank the events of the day). Pastor John leads worship and I love watching his facial expressions. This is a man who truly loves God. He knows how to take a normal worship song and make it feel like it is just us and God. I can feel the presence of God during worship and it makes me feel safe. There are other worship singers on stage and there love for God is evident. It's not like a concert or a show, it is true, true worship, in the way God intended it and I am thankful to experience that heart of worship every Sunday. There is rarely a time when I am not overcome with emotion from the Spirit of the LORD while worshipping Him.
Once worship ends, Pastor Chris comes to the stage and greets us. I don't even know how I can best describe Pastor Chris, but when he speaks, he has a way of speaking right to me. I know that it is the work of the Holy Spirit, speaking through him to my heart. Pastor Chris is funny, serious, God-fearing, wise, kind-hearted, sincere and an all around amazing guy. He is passionate about his calling to be a pastor (an equipper of ministers) and he is not afraid to tell you how it is. I feel unimaginably blessed whenever I get the chance to hear him speak. I am thankful that God has led me to church where I can experience Him and where i am surrounded by true followers of Christ.
When church is over, we sprint (well, not actually running, but a brisk walk) back to the car so that we do not get stuck in traffic on our way home (as there are literally hundreds of cars in the parking lots) for lunch and a bit of rest before frisbee at 1400.
Now, I played ultimate frisbee in college and I have missed playing since I am no longer enrolled at Whitworth University. When I saw that there was a frisbee small group, I was all about joining. I have only missed a couple Sundays because of either drill or because it was Daniel's last Sunday here before he left for Kuwait (ugh, 6 months without him). I love my group of frisbee brothers and (a few) sisters. Riley, Madison and Cory are regulars with me and Sarah came for the first time and might become a regular (actually, she BETTER become a regular). The one thing that I like about this group of frisbee players that differs from Whitworth is the values, morals and sportsmanship. We are not playing for titles or championships... we are just out there to have fun in the name of Jesus. My favorite peeps to see every week are Michael Hodges, Little Jonathan, Buxton, Dillian and Dylan. Once I actually get to Fort Benning, I am really going to miss my frisbee group and the amazing times we have had!!
Once frisbee is done, we head home for a quick shower (not even kidding, like 5 minutes), a bite to eat, and then Riley, Madison and I head back to Church of the Highlands for CORE. We get to worship again (YES!!) and then head to the Switch 56 room for an hour of intercessory prayer with God. I. Love. CORE!! This is where God is helping me to get out of my comfort zone and be fully enraptured with Him. CORE has allowed me to grow closer to God and closer to my new family down here. The love of God is with us in that room and it is awesome to see so many youths on fire for Christ. I wish you all could experience CORE and the powerful prayers that are spoken in that room over this generation. It is a marvelous thing to be a part of.
Once CORE is over, we head home to stay... so much traveling back and forth, but SOOOO well worth it. We are on such a God high when we get home that it is hard to think about anything else. Being surrounded in the presence of God is exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time. I am saddened that Sunday comes only once a week, but am honored that it comes at all. Wednesday night I spend with the youth and I would not have it any other way. God is doing a great work in my life and I cannot wait to take that energy with me to Fort Benning and begin my work on furthering the Kingdom of God there as well!!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Pell City Adventures
So last night, the fam (Mama, Daddy, Riley, Madison, Cory) and I ventured into the wondrous City of Pell for some karaoke. There was a little po-dunk (what's not around here, right?!) sports grill and pub, called JC's about seven minutes from our house that has karaoke on Friday nights and minors can be there until about 2300 (which is when the kitchen closed). As we walk in, our lungs were attacked by the thickest cloud of cigarette smoke ever imaginable (ok, that might be a bit hyperbolic, but still, it was gross). The place was packed, it wasn't that big to begin with, but now it felt like a studio apartment full of chain smoking, judgmental rednecks (wait a minute, it might have been). We found five chairs up toward the front, so we could be close to the karaoke, since after all, that was the main reason we went to this bar/grill in the first place. We sat through the first couple singers, who were actually quite good; so Madison and I grab a song book and start picking songs we would like to sing. Cory and Daddy were even hoping to sing a Rush song or two. Then the fun started...
A couple drunk (like way beyond drunk and c'mon, it's only about 2145!!) guys come over to Madison and I and say, "Uh, these chairs were reserved". Like any sober person in a bar, I just looked away. This guy proceeds to grab my sweatshirt and pick me up off the chair. I grabbed his hand, pushed it way and got off the chair on my own. His friend, who was about 65 years old declined to take our chairs at first, but the other Delta Bravo shooed Madison and I out of our chairs so they could sit down and watch some lady sing her song. I moved over by Cory (and I was irate) and I watched the older drunk guy try to tell Madison he was sorry for taking our chairs, but the other guy was just being rude and obnoxious about the whole situation. Then as the older guy grabbed Madison's arm, Daddy stepped in and said something along the lines of "touch her again and see what happens". At that, we made the executive decision to leave this dive and head out. We load back into the pilot where Daddy offers to buy us all Taco Bell so that the night is not a complete waste. Just when we think the night is over, the second half begins...
Instead of Taco Bell, we decide to make a Sonic stop, because most of us wanted ice cream and it was closer. Well, let me tell you about the Sonic in Pell City for all of you Spokane people. It's like the K-Mart parking lot on a Friday night, right?! Okay, so now that you are up to speed on the demographic of the people we ran into at Sonic, I will tell you about their wardrobe. One guy was wearing a hubcap for a necklace (like Flava Flav wears a clock) but this guy was whiter than white and a little overweight. Then there was another "winner" smoking and wearing nothing but purple basketball shorts... AWESOME!! They were all congregating around a red pick-up (very redneck, I know). We continue through the parking lot, park and get out to go order our food. Daddy orders first, then Madison, Riley, I order and Cory was last. This boy (meaning Cory) orders a root beer float and water... but this is how he orders it, "I would like a large root beer float and a water, because it's free". This then started a confusion conversation between Cory and the Sonic worker about what is free and what is not. It was hilarious.
So our night out was eventually epic, even if it wasn't in the way we wanted it to be. A couple things I learned from last night, I can take on drunk people (no matter their size), Sonic Blasts are way better without whip cream and I miss Wednesday nights at Fizzies (Pell City needs a high class bar).
A couple drunk (like way beyond drunk and c'mon, it's only about 2145!!) guys come over to Madison and I and say, "Uh, these chairs were reserved". Like any sober person in a bar, I just looked away. This guy proceeds to grab my sweatshirt and pick me up off the chair. I grabbed his hand, pushed it way and got off the chair on my own. His friend, who was about 65 years old declined to take our chairs at first, but the other Delta Bravo shooed Madison and I out of our chairs so they could sit down and watch some lady sing her song. I moved over by Cory (and I was irate) and I watched the older drunk guy try to tell Madison he was sorry for taking our chairs, but the other guy was just being rude and obnoxious about the whole situation. Then as the older guy grabbed Madison's arm, Daddy stepped in and said something along the lines of "touch her again and see what happens". At that, we made the executive decision to leave this dive and head out. We load back into the pilot where Daddy offers to buy us all Taco Bell so that the night is not a complete waste. Just when we think the night is over, the second half begins...
Instead of Taco Bell, we decide to make a Sonic stop, because most of us wanted ice cream and it was closer. Well, let me tell you about the Sonic in Pell City for all of you Spokane people. It's like the K-Mart parking lot on a Friday night, right?! Okay, so now that you are up to speed on the demographic of the people we ran into at Sonic, I will tell you about their wardrobe. One guy was wearing a hubcap for a necklace (like Flava Flav wears a clock) but this guy was whiter than white and a little overweight. Then there was another "winner" smoking and wearing nothing but purple basketball shorts... AWESOME!! They were all congregating around a red pick-up (very redneck, I know). We continue through the parking lot, park and get out to go order our food. Daddy orders first, then Madison, Riley, I order and Cory was last. This boy (meaning Cory) orders a root beer float and water... but this is how he orders it, "I would like a large root beer float and a water, because it's free". This then started a confusion conversation between Cory and the Sonic worker about what is free and what is not. It was hilarious.
So our night out was eventually epic, even if it wasn't in the way we wanted it to be. A couple things I learned from last night, I can take on drunk people (no matter their size), Sonic Blasts are way better without whip cream and I miss Wednesday nights at Fizzies (Pell City needs a high class bar).
Friday, July 23, 2010
A New Dawn. A New Day.
One year ago yesterday, I set out on a great adventure. Well, it's turned out to be a great adventure, I was scared out of my mind when it was happening. A year ago, I stepped off a plane into Columbia, South Carolina... headed to Fort Jackson with numerous soon-to-be soldiers like myself. We were tired, intimidated and a little scared (whether we wanted to admit it or not). We were huddled in the airport for what seemed like hours and hours, we left at around midnight and made it to Fort Jackson at about 0030 in the morning!! The drill sergeants that met us as we filed (rather quickly) off the buses said that since all of Reception would be up at 0400 for chow, we might as well just say up and kick this thing of right (well those are my own words, there was more yelling and more swearing in the real version, after all, this was basic training)! The next two weeks (yup, 14 days) at Reception were a living hell... no really, if Satan had come to earth, his United States HQ was the Reception Battalion at Fort Jackson!! I met a few cool people (original battle buddies) but mostly a ton of loud, rule bending, immature hooligans who did not seem to care about anyone but themselves. I kept thinking, is this the real Army? Is there going to be a better filtering system than childhood injuries and felonies? I kept hoping for the better and as I was moved with 120 other soldiers to Bravo Co 3-13 for my actual basic training, I experienced it.
As I started my journey through basic combat training in 4th Platoon (Hell Hounds!!!) I began to sort out those who I wanted to share my experience with and those who I wanted to stay away from. My bunk buddy Huffman and I were always going to be together, as was true for Davis and Steele. There were a couple people from my platoon that I knew I would never get along with... Baker and Shibusawa are just a coupl names that stick out now. As the weeks went by, my focus shifted and I began to rely more on God and surround myself with those individuals who did the same. It wasn't until BRM (basic rifle marksmanship) until I really saw who God had planned to come into my life. I was partnered with Baker for coaching while we zeroed our weapons for qualification. We both had a handle on how to make adjustments to the front sight post and rear windage knob in order to accurately shoot our targets from 25 meters. I went first and zeroed my weapon with relative ease, plus Baker was a pretty good coach when it came to aiming, keeping steady position, trigger squeeze and breathing. We switched places and the fun began. I coached her on the same four fundamentals and she was doing well with those, however, Baker was not getting the results that she should have been. Her weapon was double firing and jamming quite frequently. After she had a minor emotional breakdown, I called 1SG Broadwater over to observe her firing. He concluded that it was not Baker's fault, the weapon she was issued was not working properly. After issuing her a new weapon, Baker zeroed in about 10 minutes and the world was set right again and thus started our friendship.
Baker and I came to find out we had a lot in common, we had the same values and beliefs, the same love of football (although hers goes to a scary place sometimes), and we had the same MOS (42A which meant we got to stay together after basic training was over and go through AIT together). So as the course of basic played out fully, Baker became student 1SG and I was student assistant 1SG, we went everywhere and did everything together. When it came time to go to AIT, DS Matekovic informed the soldiers who were going to go to Airborne school that they were not going to AIT school right away, they were going to jump school. This presented a problem, for I was not Airborne... Baker was. As they separated us to go to our different AIT locations, Baker and I thought about what to do. We had envisioned being in the same platoon and going through class together, and this new bump in the road felt like the Rocky Mountains. After a few stressful text messages, I went over, grabbed Baker's bags and brought them to mine and told her she was going to AIT with me. Well, it turned out for the best since Airborne school is attended after AIT and Baker was in the right to go along with me.
After eight STRESSFUL weeks at AIT, Baker and I became closer than friends, almost like sisters. I formed a close friendship with her sister Riley and Mama (Wendy). AIT was stressful, not only because of the physical demands, but the soldiers there were almost worst than basic. I was in a room with 6 other females (Baker, Jackson, Colby, Guerrero, Baez and Salgado) and I got along with two of them. Baker and I were tested spiritually as well. If we had not had the encouragement of the Baker family and the Word of God, I would not have made it through and I know that Baker feels the same way. Even though that was one of the roughest times of my life, I would not give it up for the world. Baker and I now have a friendship that was written before each of us were even thought of. Just like Jonathan and David, our souls were brought together for the sole purpose of furthering the Kingdom of God. I feel truly blessed to have her and her family in my life.
Madison Jane Baker, you are one of the greatest friends I could have ever asked for and I didn't even ask. God placed you in my life and I thank Him every day for that fact. You have half my heart. I love you battle buddy!
1 Samuel 18:1-3
After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
As I started my journey through basic combat training in 4th Platoon (Hell Hounds!!!) I began to sort out those who I wanted to share my experience with and those who I wanted to stay away from. My bunk buddy Huffman and I were always going to be together, as was true for Davis and Steele. There were a couple people from my platoon that I knew I would never get along with... Baker and Shibusawa are just a coupl names that stick out now. As the weeks went by, my focus shifted and I began to rely more on God and surround myself with those individuals who did the same. It wasn't until BRM (basic rifle marksmanship) until I really saw who God had planned to come into my life. I was partnered with Baker for coaching while we zeroed our weapons for qualification. We both had a handle on how to make adjustments to the front sight post and rear windage knob in order to accurately shoot our targets from 25 meters. I went first and zeroed my weapon with relative ease, plus Baker was a pretty good coach when it came to aiming, keeping steady position, trigger squeeze and breathing. We switched places and the fun began. I coached her on the same four fundamentals and she was doing well with those, however, Baker was not getting the results that she should have been. Her weapon was double firing and jamming quite frequently. After she had a minor emotional breakdown, I called 1SG Broadwater over to observe her firing. He concluded that it was not Baker's fault, the weapon she was issued was not working properly. After issuing her a new weapon, Baker zeroed in about 10 minutes and the world was set right again and thus started our friendship.
Baker and I came to find out we had a lot in common, we had the same values and beliefs, the same love of football (although hers goes to a scary place sometimes), and we had the same MOS (42A which meant we got to stay together after basic training was over and go through AIT together). So as the course of basic played out fully, Baker became student 1SG and I was student assistant 1SG, we went everywhere and did everything together. When it came time to go to AIT, DS Matekovic informed the soldiers who were going to go to Airborne school that they were not going to AIT school right away, they were going to jump school. This presented a problem, for I was not Airborne... Baker was. As they separated us to go to our different AIT locations, Baker and I thought about what to do. We had envisioned being in the same platoon and going through class together, and this new bump in the road felt like the Rocky Mountains. After a few stressful text messages, I went over, grabbed Baker's bags and brought them to mine and told her she was going to AIT with me. Well, it turned out for the best since Airborne school is attended after AIT and Baker was in the right to go along with me.
After eight STRESSFUL weeks at AIT, Baker and I became closer than friends, almost like sisters. I formed a close friendship with her sister Riley and Mama (Wendy). AIT was stressful, not only because of the physical demands, but the soldiers there were almost worst than basic. I was in a room with 6 other females (Baker, Jackson, Colby, Guerrero, Baez and Salgado) and I got along with two of them. Baker and I were tested spiritually as well. If we had not had the encouragement of the Baker family and the Word of God, I would not have made it through and I know that Baker feels the same way. Even though that was one of the roughest times of my life, I would not give it up for the world. Baker and I now have a friendship that was written before each of us were even thought of. Just like Jonathan and David, our souls were brought together for the sole purpose of furthering the Kingdom of God. I feel truly blessed to have her and her family in my life.
Madison Jane Baker, you are one of the greatest friends I could have ever asked for and I didn't even ask. God placed you in my life and I thank Him every day for that fact. You have half my heart. I love you battle buddy!
1 Samuel 18:1-3
After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The. First. Post. Ever.
So today I decided that I should start doing something with my days since I am waiting for a TAG Release and orders to go to Fort Benning and be the Admin/Training NCO for the Warrior Training Center. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I get to go Airborne and help soldiers-in-training who will be placed in combat situations one day. I cannot wait to be part of this important training experience. With that said, I have been waiting patiently (for the Army and on the Lord's timing) in Pell City, AL with the Baker family. God has shown my new things in my life since moving down south from Spokane, WA. He has shown me love, loyalty and how to trust Him for everything in my life. In fact, in Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus sums up one part of what God has been revealing to me everyday:
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[a]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Any questions? Feel free to comment and we can discuss this further...
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[a]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Any questions? Feel free to comment and we can discuss this further...
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