History will be kind to me...I intend to write it

Contest Time!

2009-03-09T20:57:00.005-05:00

Well, it's that time of year again: music contest. This is probably the busiest time of the year for me, but it's also my favorite time of year. It's the time I have the opportunity to accompany many awesome music students, and I'm able perform many awesome solos. I love the chance I have to build relationships with the students I accompany. Man, I am so excited for this! Wish me luck on March 27th and 28th!

Wow, This Has Been A While

2008-12-08T21:26:00.005-06:00

Well, I'm actually still here on the earth...I didn't disappear. Just so I can catch up a little bit. First, I had my senior pictures taken at the beginning of November with Abby Nelson, and so here's one of them. I absolutely love her pictures she took: she is VERY talented. Also, I am very close to being finished with the first semester. It is hard to believe that my senior year is already half over. Also, this past Friday I had my college audition at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO and it went amazingly well. Dr. Richard Smith and Dr. Mia Hynes, the piano professors, both listened to my audition and thought that it was very good. They promised me that they would try the best that they could to cover the rest of my tuition expenses and any other expenses that the college will allow them to do. From that I have decided that I will attend UCM in the Fall of 2009. I am so excited about going to UCM because I will be there with so many friends I know: Dakota Fletcher, Megan Wake, Taylor Finley, and Paul Kugler. Well, that's all for now, more to come....when I get the urge to blog.

Yes...I'm Still Alive

2008-09-12T07:10:00.005-05:00

I know that it has been a very long time since I last posted anything, but just to verify to the blogging world....I am still alive. Ever since school started back up I have been even busier!!! First of all, this year I have some harder classes: College English, College Algebra, Anatomy, Psychology, and some others. Also, I am working my fingers to the bone on my college audition music. Yesterday I believe that I practiced for 3-4 hours on one piece!!!! I apologize to my parents for having to hear some of the same parts literally hundreds of times. I am getting so excited about college! My first scheduled audition is on December 5th at UCM in Warrensburg, MO. I am fairly sure that my best scholarships will come from UCM because the piano professors there have known me for three years now from piano camps I've attended there. Well, I am going to get finished getting ready for school. Please pray for me as I practice my audition music...that I don't burn out too quick!

New Galati Plan Website

2008-08-06T18:30:00.004-05:00

Over the past few weeks I've been working on a new project; the Galati Plan Website. This was a project I started and offered to Troy. This main purpose of this website will be to help future teams prepare for a mission trip to Romania. Also, all Galati Plan and Nation Bible Reading Campaign material will also be posted here, in English and Romanian. As of right now most of the website is under construction, but it will be finished by September 17th, 2008. Here are some screenshots of some of the completed pages. Once the website is fully functional it will offer all the materials, an interactive map of Galati, videos, a blog, chat, and much more! Please pray for this as Troy, Randy, Teresa, Justin, I, and others work towards our goal of completion by September 17th.

Playing It Cool At Cool Crest

2008-07-29T22:07:00.008-05:00

Tonight the youth took a trip to Cool Crest Mini Golf in St. Joseph, MO. Before Mini Golf we ate at CiCi's pizza. Afterwards we took off for golf. Fortunately the rain stopped just long enough for us to golf.

Like I said, anytime I can get a picture with Lanny, I just must.

After we finished Mini Golf, I suggested Ice Cream, so we went to Baskin-Robbins. Lanny was so proud of his Sundae. And of course, Casey finished off every last drop of his ice cream.

World's of Fun

2008-07-19T23:57:00.004-05:00

Today, the youth from FBC Cameron went to World's of Fun for HeartFest: a christian music concert including MercyMe and David Crowder Band. Since I am still tired from traveling home from Romania I decided to go separately, later in the afternoon. I arrived around 4:00 pm and met up with them. I soon found out that tickets for the concert had sold out even before Cameron arrived early that morning, so no concert for any of us. Outside it was blazing hot and muggier than a sauna. Instead of frying in the sun, many of us went into shows, such as the one in the first picture.

Here we saw a show called "35 Years of Music." It was really just an escape from the heat, but it ended up being a neat show. I was next to Lanny, so I got a lot of commentary.

As always, if Lanny is close by, I must get a picture with him.

Zone 8

2008-07-11T06:58:00.002-05:00

Today I was with Lanny in Zone 8 as we prayer walked. We worked our way through the tangled mess of apartment buildings to find the best places to hit tonight. As we were walking we would occasionally say hello to some people in Romania. However, when we said hello to this woman in the picture she started talking to us in Romanian. The only problem is that it was just me and Lanny...no translator. We were trying to explain to her that we were from America an spoke English, not Romanian. Every time we would try to walk away she would say something else in Romanian. Soon a young man came by, and Lanny shouted "Hey dude, do you speak English?" and he said yes. We found out that his name was Steven, and through him we found out that her name was Catalina. Steven became our translator to Catalina and we shared a few verses with her and gave her a Bible. Here we are in the above picture using Steven to speak to Catalina. She was very friendly and loved the Bible we gave her.

After we finished speaking with Catalina, we then shared with Steven. He was very open to what we shared. However, he said that he didn't have enough time. He also kept talking about how he wanted to go to America because it was so much better. He is 18 and is hoping to go to college in England for Science and Math to possibly design cars. We gave him a card to contact us, and we asked him to talk to Bogdan. He kept talking about how poor the conditions are here, but we explained to him that Bogdan is a living example of how God can change a life, no matter how bad we think it is. We pray that we will see him again tonight, and that God will be working in his heart.

Awesome Work in Zone 2

2008-07-08T13:58:00.004-05:00

As many of you may already know from Troy's Blog we are working on "Operation BlackOut" which is a plan to prayer walk all 14 zones of Galati by the time we leave. Yesterday we took on Zone 1 with great encounters, and today we went into Zone 2. There were many amazing encounters, and the best thing right now is the way the youth from Holy Trinity are becoming more involved.

Before we left Lanny got Bogdan a hat, and he taught him how to wear it. Poor Bogdan! The picture on the right is from this evening in Zone 2. The guy with the white shirt asked us to call him Tibet. Next to him is tall Mihai, who translated for us. He was very interested in what we had to say, and he had some very good, deep questions. He wanted to know who wrote the Bible, why God allowed people to drown in the flood, and many other good questions. He wants to study more, so pray that we can meet him again soon.

On the left is a picture of Troy, Tibet's father, myself, Tibet's friend, Tibet, and Andrew Geddes. Tibet's father also showed a lot of interest, so pray that he will want to study with his son. On the right Lanny is speaking through Bogdan to some young men in Zone 2. Please pray as we work in Zone 3 tomorrow!

For other related stories from Romania visit Lanny's Blog or Casey's Blog.

Professional Couch League

2008-07-08T06:24:00.005-05:00

There's no denying the gravity of the situation: No Lanny is not in deep prayer, he's asleep in the middle of the day! Right as Casey and I sat down to check our email, I looked behind me to see that in the matter of just minutes Lanny had dosed off. How glorious it is to have a photo moment like this! Even better, I got a video, too! (Turn volume up to hear snoring) He had told me days before that he doesn't snore. Lanny, you can't deny the facts! As Lanny said...he's in the PCL (Professional Couch League).

Children Behave...Oh Sorry Lanny

2008-07-07T15:45:00.008-05:00

Oh gosh, this has been an amazing trip, full of much mischief, child-like behavior, and downright immaturity.....all in the name of Jesus. As you know, our leaders, Lanny and Casey, are....how do I say this.....they are very playful and energetic. You know, like 2 year olds. They are always finding ways of making any situation fun. Just from Lanny at the Chinese restaurant "It's chicken....quack!" or Casey who started drumming to the music in our van (movie soon to come). Overall they are great leaders, no matter how childish.

Who's Your Sugar Daddy?

2008-07-07T15:24:00.010-05:00

There's not much to say so.....just look at the pictures. Please pray for the mental capacity of our team....Lanny is beyond help, but keep us in prayer that he won't infect us.

Cutie Pie

2008-07-05T15:01:00.004-05:00

Our leader, "Cutie Pie" was suiting up for a day of adventure out in Galati. Casey shared the same excitement. However, I think he just wanted the chocolate.

Tonight we met at Holy Trinity Baptist Church with the youth group and had an amazing time of fellowship. Lanny, Casey, and Randy all spoke. Taylor, Whitney, and I were invited to lead in some worship songs. Tomorrow night we have been invited once again to sing with their youth group. On the right, Bogdon, Paula, and their children received gifts from Nancy. They loved them all, and greatly appreciated it Nancy. They said that they love you and miss you!

For other related stories from Romania visit Lanny's Blog or Casey's Blog.

Mission Life is Tough

2008-07-05T00:56:00.005-05:00

We are now all safely in Romania, except for Whitney's sandals and hairbrush, but more about that later. Above are pictures on in the van to KCI.

After way too many hours of travel we arrived in Bucharest and Troy picked us up. He took us to Larry and Peggy Kearnes' house and we had a 4th of July Cookout. I am perfectly okay; they had a grand piano! Next to that is a picture of my couch/bed.....it is the best bed in the world (However, after that much travel, I would even take a cardboard box for a bed).

Missionary life is so hard, as shown here in this picture of Casey.

More pictures soon, please keep us in prayer!

In My Neck Of The Woods

2008-07-01T20:54:00.004-05:00

Tonight we had MasterLife as we do every Tuesday night, but this time it was different. I actually didn't have to drive 30 miles to Cameron, instead, everyone else came 30 miles to see me! We had MasterLife at Elkhorn Steakhouse in Braymer, MO, which is where I work. We enjoyed an awesome meal then settled down for an awesome study. Tonight we explored the goals and purposes that God puts in our lives. A verse that really came out at me was Ephesians 5:15 "Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning of life but as those who do." My meaning in life is to serve my Saviour in any way he sees fit, and because I know that purpose I should live that way. Of course, none of us are perfect, and we all fail, but even so "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." -Phillipians 3:14-

Piano Camp

2008-06-24T09:54:00.003-05:00

Well, if you don't already know, I am currently at UCM in Warrensburg, MO for a Piano Camp. This is my 3rd year, and I absolutely love it! We take some classes, including music literature, music theory, and a master class, where students perform and we all critique the piece. Mostly, we practice, practice, practice!!!! Overall it is just a great opportuinty to meet other young pianists. Well, I must be going..I have more classes!

(Picture is of UCM Graduate Student, Sarah Stoltsfuz)

Today Is The Day!!!

2008-06-13T18:55:00.003-05:00

Wow, today has been such a beautiful day! In the last few weeks there has been a new song on K-Love, Today Is The Day, by Lincoln Brewster, and I am in love with this song! It reminds me so much of how I don't have to worry about tomorrow, I can just trust in what God says. I can just look at today and be so thankful for what I already have. I took this picture today, just behind our house, and all I could do is just stand in awe! God reveals himself in so many ways that there I times that I just want to scream out to the lost to just look...He is there waiting for them! This song has also been building up a desire in me for Romania...which is now less than 3 weeks away! I am so excited to see the work that will take place with the Cameron team, especially with the new church in zone 6! God has done amazing things already, and I KNOW that He has a whole lot more in store for Galati!

Woah...It Has Been A Long Time!

2008-05-28T12:09:00.012-05:00

Wow, it has been so long since I have been on here...nearly two whole months!!! I will try to kind of recap what has happened. First of all, school is out!!! Since then, life has actually been even more busy. First, since I have last blogged Javier has prayed to receive Christ! It was so awesome. We were texting back and forth because he was in a low point in his life. I told him to pray, but then he told me that he didn't know how to pray. I told him that you just talk to God like he's your best friend. He then told me that he doesn't feel like God listens, so I explained how sin gets between us and God, so we went through how Jesus can take that sin away. After that we talked on the phone and he prayed to receive Christ! Please pray for him as discipleship begins!!! Next, on May 7th we received a phone call from my brother...he was in the hospital with severe abdominal pain. Next thing I know my parents are taking off for Springfield, MO to go see him. Now, my parents had just been gone the weekend before in San Antonio for their 25th Anniversary. Now, this was going to be the 2nd weekend I would be home alone. On May 9th we had tickets for the Gaither Homecoming at Sprint Center, but now with my parents gone I had seats to fill! In their place came Nancy and her secretary, Pam. We also had another ticket left because a friend of ours now couldn't go, so then Carri came. Well, as it turns out, after we left Olive Garden Carrie received a call that Jeff was at the hospital, so we took her by to stay at the Hospital with Jeff. My friend Tanner was already with us, and he is with me in the first picture, along with two guys from the vocal group, Signature Sound. They were just walking through the crowd after the concert! Okay, now, this past weekend my grandparents were traveling from home (Texas) to Montana, and while they were in Wyoming my grandfather had a seizure and started to have severe bleeding. So, for the 3rd out of 4 weekends, my parents had to leave me home alone. They took off Thursday, May 20th to Casper, WY. They came home Saturday night, but as of right now it doesn't sound good for my grandpa. They did a colonoscopy and found something that they fear may be cancer, but it still is not certain. Please pray for him, and our entire family. Now, some more news that many of you may already know...Taylor and I are dating. Yes, since May 1st we have been an official couple. Please pray for both of us, that we will keep Christ at the center of our relationship, and that Satan will NOT get any foothold in this. Finally, the last thing I have is our trip to Worlds of Fun on May 24th. It was our last time to hang out with Dakota until he comes back from basic training at the end of the summer. We had some much fun that day...from the rides, to our $0.50 basketballs, and everything in between. I will truly miss Dakota, and I pray that God will protect him, and keep him close as he goes through training.

Really?!?!?!

2008-04-02T22:41:00.005-05:00

I have such an awesome story to tell, and the best part is that it's still occuring!!! Over the past few weeks God has laid a new burden upon my heart: Javier. I met Javier less than a month ago at El Maguey's where he works, and through conversation I found out that he plays organ, and he found out that I play piano. So naturally, as musicians do, we began to get to know each other. Since then we have really hit it off, and are great friends now. However, that's not even the awesome part: now, I have begun witnessing to him and he is VERY interested! On Sunday I rode with him up to St. Joe and we just took time to get to know each other. While we were trying to find a radio station we came across 97.3, K-Love which is a Christian station, and at the time Mark Schultz, my cousin, was singing. I just made the comment "Oh that's my cousin," and he was just like "No way.....really?!?!?!" So we started talking about Mark, how he's a Christian artist, so then we began discussing Christianity. I asked him some questions and soon found out that his hope for heaven is by being a good person, so we have been discussing and learning together ever since. I have explained how good people don't go to heaven, but that forgiven people go to heaven. He is so excited to hear the Word, and comprehends it very well! He even came with me to the Revival Monday night at the Baptist Church. He absolutely loved it, so after the service we talked a lot more back at his apartment, using his Spanish Bible. He really loved it when I started talking about how God loves all people, and that He wants all people to know Him. I told him how scripture says that if a person wants to know about God that God will reveal Himself to them, and Javier was in awe! It is so cool to see how the Holy Spirit is working in Javier's life! Please pray that God will give me the words to speak, and that he will give both of us the time to meet. Praise the Lord for the work God has begun, and that He has yet to do!!!

Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord!!!

2008-03-29T20:45:00.005-05:00

These last two days were awesome! For all music students, this is one of the busiest times of the year, well...at least for me. Including yesterday and today I had a total of 14 events: 6 I performed in and 8 I accompanied. Overall contest was very good. Contest has been very interesting this year. This is actually the first year that I have accompanied for students and district contest. I was first asked to accompany for South Harrison because they had many difficult pieces that just required the piano piece to really come out, so from South Harrison I had 6 events to accompany. Well, about the beginning of this week Mr. Jones from Cameron called me and was like "Hey buddy, good ol' pal, can you accompany something for me, our accompanist can't play this piece," so I agreed. Well, then it turns out that the accompanist was very mad so she quit. In the end, I was asked to accompany Jenice Assel's trumpet solo and vocal solo. It was so awesome: she received a 1 on her trumpet solo! Well, for today here is how it goes (In Bold is what I accompanied for South Harrison):

I - Euphonium Solo
II- Boys Quartet
I - Brass Quartet
II - Baritone Solo
I - Vocal Solo
I - Piano Solo
I - Alto Sax Solo
I - Alto Sax Solo
II - Alto Sax Solo
I - Trumpet Solo
I - Bari Sax Solo

Overall I am very pleased with my results today, but even more so I am so proud of how well the students I accompanied performed today! God truly blessed this day!!!

(The picture is of my brass quartet)

Amazing Concert!

2008-03-14T22:32:00.005-05:00

Wow, I am still so very excited. Tonight I went to a Dino Kartsonakis concert at the Methodist church in Cameron, MO. He is one of my personal role models, and I always enjoy watching him and seeing how he can witness and evangelize to people! Well, two years ago my parents wrote him an email about me playing piano so at a concert 2 years ago at Pleasant Valley in Liberty, MO he called me up and had me play piano for him infront of all those people. There he prayed to essentially commission me into the ministry through piano, and all forms of music. Since that time God has grown me and used me in so many ways that I never thought possible. Well, all through the concert tonight I saw him glance at me now and then and kind of make a face, but then go on. Near the end of the concert he asked if there were any pianists there, so I raised my hand and he remembered me! He called me up and allowed me to play "Was it a Morning Like This" with his accompaniment track; it was amazing!!!!! When I finished I received a standing ovation! It was so amazing to see how God had put me there tonight and how he was able to reach so many people! After the concert I received many requests to play at many churches, so this concert tonight opened many doors into many more churches! Praise God!!!

Not The Best Day...

2008-03-06T20:26:00.002-06:00

All I can say that today was not best day I've had in a a while, actually probably one of the worst. First, I have had a sore throat all day, along with a head ache, on and off. That is not the really bad part...then I just felt lost in almost all of my classes today. I had a test today in Geography that I was not the best prepared for. The worst part came tonight...I found out that my English teacher will be gone next year. He is one of the very best teachers I have ever had, and I just can't believe that he will be gone. For those of you who don't know, Braymer is a bad school when it comes to holding onto good teachers. I will really miss him...he has helped me so much to truly question what I know so that I can better answer those who ask me. He is a Christian and he helped me so much to back up what I believe so that I can lead others to belief in Christ. All I can do is be thankful for the time I have had him as a teacher. Amidst the grief I do accept that all things are with purpose, as it is said in Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."

Are You Devoted?

2008-02-20T23:06:00.003-06:00

I always enjoy reading a passage and then picking it apart to fully understand it, and then try to apply it. I want you to truly think about this, and although I knew this principle, I have yet to fully apply it as I would like to. This is from Jerry Bridges' book "Growing Your Faith"

"...This personal attitude we have toward God is what we call devotion to God. But it is always devotion in action. It is not just the warm, emotional feeling about God...neither is devotion to God merely a time of private Bible reading and prayer, a practice we sometimes call 'devotions.' Although this practice is vitally important to a godly person, we must not think of it as defining devotion to us. Devotion is not and activity, it is an attitude toward God."

It has just really caused me to rethink what I consider to be my devotion - my devotion should come from everything I do, that it may glorify God!

On Fire For Christ!!!

2008-02-14T20:23:00.007-06:00

Wow, it has been amazing how God has been working in my life in the past few weeks. I have been praying that God would open up opportunities for me to witness and that I would be able to better recognize, and be willing to act in those situations. Well, God surely answers prayers! First, a good friend of mine has now decided to start going with me to Youth Group and evening services at Cameron. He is a Christian, but isn't active in a church, so I hope that he'll grow closer to God once again. Also, my friend Dakotah has been quite a great witnessing experience. He was going to go with me to Youth Group this Wednesday, but this Saturday is a Junior High music contest at Richmond and his mom made him stay home to practice. Please pray that he will be allowed to come with me next Wednesday.

In addition, today was a half day of school so many teachers didn't assign any work, allowing for a free day. While enjoying some free time I started talking with a guy in my class. I had heard that he became a Christian in the summer, so I started talking to him about church and about his life. I know for a fact that he is a partier and so I brought that up, asking him why he would want to party and so he told me that he would actually like to stop, but that there is nothing to do in Braymer. I reassured him that if he would allow God to work in his life that he would have more fun than any party can ever create. I invited him to youth, but he said that he doesn't fit into the youth group crowd. I just asked him to try it once, and if he didn't like it that I wouldn't bother him with youth again, so he told me that he'll think about it.

I have a feeling that this is just the beginning of many awesome sharing experiences in the weeks to come. I look forward to all that God has in store for me, and I pray that God will equip me for all situations. Like Lanny has told me many times; just keep throwing seed and allow yourself to be used by God. Many people are equipping themselves to witness, but are still too afraid to witness. I encourage you to pray for God to strengthen you and to lay a burden upon your heart for the lost. If you have a desire to witness may it just overflow from your heart and mouth so that you don't always have to ask the first question. May your life be such an awesome testimony that others want to know more.

Dakotah

2008-02-08T22:35:00.000-06:00

I am in serious need of prayer. I am in the middle of a hard time with a new friend of mine at Braymer, Dakotah. He is new to school this semester, and so far he hasn't made many good friends, so I've been trying to befriend him. He was talking to me and he brought up that he wanted to go hang out somewhere sometime, so I mentioned going to Youth Group at Cameron one night, and he instantly lost his excitement. After talking with him more I came to find out that he outright HATES church. I just couldn't believe that anyone would hate church, but he explained to me that every church he'd ever been to wouldn't allow him to ever ask questions. He said he just felt like he was supposed to believe and wasn't allowed to know why to believe. He brought up questions to me like "How can God send anyone to hell?" and so I told him that God doesn't send anyone to hell, it their choice. So then he asked about people who have never heard about Jesus, and many more questions, so I answered. He accepted my answers and had a better understanding. I told him that God wants us to ask questions and find out more about him, it is not worng to want to know. I know that he really wants to know more and that he really wants to believe, he's just afraid of it being just like it was at other churches. He was going to go with me to Youth Group Wednesday but the bad weather didn't allow that to happen. Pray that God will continue to tug at his heart that I will be able to take him with me to Youth this coming Wednesday. Also, pray that even if he can't come to Youth Group that I can share more with him. I just want him to know that God is not looking down on him to judge him, but that he's walking right next to him, helping him every step of the way.

Logic...What Does It Mean?

2008-02-04T16:50:00.000-06:00

Just when I thought that I wouldn't have to worry about 'God' being taken out the classroom we started a section on Logic in English class. This was nothing to do with a school decision, this was purely the idea of our teacher - he has a degree in Philosophy, and Theology. This is what bothered me...he said "2+2=4, that is logic, nobody can disprove that, not even God." Now from the man with a Theology degree, this frightens me! He also went on to use this sentence "It is raining, or it is not raining." and said that this sentence is always true and said "not even God can disprove it." Now, none of us could disprove it, but I spoke out saying that just because we can't doesn't mean God can't, that's like saying that God isn't God. Then he brought up "Could God create a stone large enough that he couldn't move?" I just became so fed up with this and I just simply said "God in his infinite wisdom has no need to make such a stone." He really became upset with me from the beginning because he asked for a definition of logic and I said "Man's poor attempt to understand that which man cannot understand." I don't know what to do! Many of us just were outraged by hearing "Not even God can do this and that." Am I getting too worked up, or should I speak up?

What Does It Mean To You?

2008-01-30T20:55:00.000-06:00

Recently I stumbled upon a quote that really made me start thinking. It was this:

"Most of us spend our lives as if we have another one in the bank. "

- Ben Irwin-

I just really began to think more and more and I realized that at times I just live like I have another life in the bank. I don't want to live like that, I want to live, knowing that every breath is a blessing from God. I want to know what you think. Be honest with yourself...do you truly strive to live the life that God wants you to?

Back In Action...Kinda...

2008-01-26T21:49:00.000-06:00

Well, as many of you know I had surgery on Thursday to correct my heart problem. For those of you who may be just hearing about this read my previous posts. Well, here's how it went: I woke up around 5:00 a.m. and left for the hospital at 5:30. We arrived at North Kansas City at 6:30 and they immediately got me into prep me for my surgery. First, they took my blood and then I was taken back to the cardiovascular surgical waiting area. Once there they got me into my stylish gown (pun intended), they started my IV and checked all my vitals. My parents came back in along with my dad's sister Sharon, and my dad's brother Warren. Before surgery the surgeon Dr. Rigdon came in to meet with me one last time before surgery. After he left all of my family joined hands with me and we all prayed. Almost immediately after praying I was taken into the surgery room. I woke up about 4 1/2 hours later, not very aware of where I was, but still aware of what had happened. While in my room I had several visitors. One visit I especially remember was when Casey, Sheri, Travis, and Taylor came in with their balloons and ENORMOUS "Get WHALE Soon" card. I spent the night Thursday night and then left the hospital around 11:30 a.m. Friday morning. Since then I have been walking quite a bit, and now I am walking around pretty well. Once again, I want to thank you all for all of your prayers. I do intend to be at church Sunday night, so see you then!

Surgery...Finally!

2008-01-11T21:29:00.000-06:00

Well, I guess the time for surgery has finally come. Today we went to North Kansas City Hospital and met the surgeon. He went over with us again about exactly what I have and how the ablation procedure works. This diagram shows a better idea of the solution to the problem. Through a vein in my leg a catheter is sent into my heart that first finds where the "extra circuit" is. Once found another catheter in inserted with a radio frequency device that will melt and disconnect the extra circuit, like cutting a wire. I am scheduled for surgery Thursday, January 24th, at 6:30 a.m. I will be required to spend that night at the hospital for monitoring, then I will be sent home on Friday. I am so thankful for all the prayers I have had, and I ask that you please continue to pray!

Fun In The E.R.

2008-01-07T18:11:00.000-06:00

Who knew that anyone could have fun at the E.R.! Okay, here's where it starts: On Saturday I had the NW All-District Band rehearsal and performance to go to in Platte City. It started 9:00 a.m., and the entire morning I was fine. After lunch we came back and started practice again. After a few songs the director gave us a break, but as soon as I sat down from break I could feel my heart rapidly racing, so I started my heart monitor recording. I called the phone number on my recorder to send it in because what it records must be sent on a phone: it sends a fax sound that their computer translates into an EKG. Unfortunately a cell phone is too poor of quality, so I had to interrupt the band director of the school from a meeting to get on the schools phone. I sent it in, and made several more recordings an sent them in. I stopped after about an hour, but they contacted my cardiologist and he said for me to rest for a few hours, but that the performance was alright. I went into the auditorium to rest in one of the seats and about 10 seconds after I sat down my heart started racing again, so I went back to the phone. Then my cardiologist told me to go home, so my parents came to pick me up. My cardiologist said that if it happened again to go to the E.R. at North Kansas City. Sure enough, after they picked me up it started again so we went to the E.R. They immediately got my on an EKG and into a room. They gave me an IV and soon a doctor, Dr. Orr, arrived. They gave me a medicine though my IV that literally stopped and restarted my heart to try to reset my heart rate, but even after doing that two times my heart just went back up to around 160-170 bpm. Then they started a new medicine called a beta blocker. It finally brought my heart rate down. Even though I didn't want to be in the E.R., while I was there the doctor and I were able to talk and I found out that he has played piano since he was about 5, like me. He also played trumpet when he was younger but switched to Euphonium in high school, also like me. He was very fun to talk to! As of right now they have me on a daily beta blocker, atenolol, until I have the ablation. I am still scheduled to meet the surgeon on Friday. I'll keep you updated!

Don't Break My Heart, My Achy Breaky Heart!

2008-01-03T21:39:00.000-06:00

Well, as some of you may know, on Sunday night my heart started racing in the evening service so I went to get "Polly" and we went back to another room to try and get my heart to slow down. What many of you may not know is that I have been having this problem a little more than a year now, but with no official cause. I first went to a cardiologist about a year ago, but he said not to worry about it unless it became more frequent, and it has. Now it happens about twice a week or more. The good thing is that it's not harmful to me, but it is painful, and can last anywhere from 20 minutes to all day, on and off. I have a condition called Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) which is just a fancy way to say that my heart beat rises very rapidly. I can be sitting doing nothing with my heart at 80 bpm and it would instantly jump up to 200 bpm. The reason being because of many possibilities: deformities, etc. The heart runs just like an electric circuit, but in my case sometimes the electric charge gets "stuck" in the AV node, and builds up then rapidly releases causing my heart rate to instantly increase. Now, we have only known just today that it really was linked to the AV node, and only because of the wonderful grace of God! The only way it could ever be diagnosed is if an EKG could be taken while it occurred, but the episodes were so short that there was no time, but God changed that. After I got home Sunday my heart immediately started racing again. After about 30 minutes we knew this was a long one, and my dad instantly remembered that one of our neighbors has an EKG machine: she is an on-site R.N. She took my EKG readings and printed it out for me, and today we took it to the cardiologist where he diagnosed it as AV nodal tachycardia, a form of SVT. It is a major blessing, because now I will be having surgery in a few weeks called an ablation, to fix the problem. I please ask that you pray for me, even though I already know you all will!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T10:49:00.001-06:00

This has to be one of the best Christmases I have ever had! My Christmas present was a ski trip to Lutsen, MN with the Cameron Youth. Granted, I hadn't ever skied before, so the first day of skiing kinda stunk, but the next day I picked it up and it was so awesome. Even so, the best part of the trip was not the skiing, but the fellowship. I met so many new awesome friends, and got to know friends I already knew even better. The group Bible studies we had were my favorite time. It has always fascinated me how amazing it is when fellow believers gather together; it is the energy that surrounds us that amazes me. As it says in the Bible, if even a few gather in His name, he will be there. I find that just so awesome! From this trip I will never forget the night at the Hilton when we had Bible study in Casey & Sheri's room. It was about Elijah and the cave, just being in a place of peace. As we were sitting quietly the song "It Is Well With My Soul" came to mind, and filled my heart. As we began to leave I began to sing it, and it was so cool when everyone else joined in. I knew at that moment that the Holy Spirit truly was there, and I haven't felt that recently. I think that this trip gave me an opportunity to step back and examine myself. I will never forget the friendships I have made, but most importantly I will never forget the fellowship I experienced.

As Promised!

2007-12-09T20:27:00.000-06:00

I know that it has been nearly a month since I said that I would post pictures of Mark Schultz. Well, I held up to about half of my promise; I only have one picture...all the others were way too distorted. You see, we were halfway there when I realized that we forgot our digital camera, so we had to buy a disposable one, and it wasn't very good on detail. Overall, it was an awesome night! Before the concert we were sitting and talking with Mark! It was such an awesome experience, and I would do it again!

It's Finally Here!

2007-11-30T15:43:00.000-06:00

Okay, so this may look like an ordinary cable, but look closer - that's not a normal American power cable now is it? Nope! It's a Romania laptop power cable. Now, how did I get it without going to Romania, one of the most awkward of places - China! It's amazing what you'll find on eBay. Well, I did some searching and found a China based company that makes Laptop cables for all brands for all outlets. Most amazing is that this cable was only about $6, yes, including shipping! This all may not seem that very important, but it will be a blessing in Romania next summer!

I'm Back!

2007-11-21T23:21:00.000-06:00

Wow, I am so sorry that it took so long for me to post again, I have been swamped with things to do!!! I will try to catch up. First, I am so sorry, but I still haven't gotten around to scanning the Mark Schultz pictures I have. Let me see, well, I guess that I won't try to go back and tell everything since my last blog, so I'll just start recently. First, on Sunday afternoon and evening, then Monday Morning through evening I was apart of the Chillicothe Clinic Band. Through auditions I was 1st chair Euphonium, or some may know it as a Baritone Horn. It was such a neat experience. If you would like to hear it and you are nearby, tune into 98.5 FM at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday to hear a rebroadcast. Let me see, well, then on Tuesday night my dad, brother, family friend, and I all went to the O'Reilly CBE Classic (College Basketball) at the Sprint Center in Kansas City to see Missouri vs. Maryland and then UCLA vs. Michigan State. Most of all we were there to see Missouri, and it was all worth it. As you can see in the picture, Missouri won 84 to 70. Then tonight, we had our Thanksgiving meal...we ate at Texas Roadhouse. That is about it, I'll try to post again soon!

In Constant Sorrow All Through His Days!

2007-11-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

Well, last night was my High School's annual vocal music production: Fall Fest. It's an amazing evening with live music, great food, and many, many laughs! I am so happy that Casey and Sheri were able to come and watch! This year's theme was country music, which may seem kind of dull for some people, but it was A LOT of fun. My favorite song had to be when I and my two friends, Tanner Fuson and Billy Neely, sang "Man Of Constant Sorrow." Through the night I had 8 songs that I performed on by playing, singing, or both! Also, today I attended the Northwest-District Band Auditions and made 1st chair Euphonium of the 2nd band. I am so excited because that also makes me 1st alternate of the top band! This is going take a lot of work to learn music for the performance, and now I have All-State Auditions on December 1st, so I will really have to be working hard on that. Well, that it all for now; Mark Schultz pictures will be up soon!

Cameron Fall Fest

2007-10-31T22:09:00.000-05:00

Well, I really don't have too much to say, I mean look at these pictures, they speak for themselves! I met a hick, a boxer with a concussion, and a man who's cheeks were sweating from eating hot chili! What more could I ask for at a church event! :)

Chemistry Lab...Oh Joy!!!

2007-10-22T19:03:00.000-05:00

Well, on Saturday I, along with the rest of my Chemistry class, took a trip to UMKC for a full day of Lab experiments. Except for having to get up at 5:30, burning myself a few times, inhaling things I wish I never knew existed, and staining my fingers with Iodine, it was a good day! No, in all reality, it was really cool! First we had to light our Bunsen burners, which I haven't done before because we don't have the resources at my school. I managed to light mine, but my friend Faith was next to me and she couldn't get hers lit, so I offered to light it. Well, I did, and it threw out a huge fireball...it didn't burn either of us, but it was quite comical. Then, with our flames we had to heat up and bend glass tubes. We were told to be careful to not touch the glass because it would be about 750* and still not look red, it would look the same. Well, what did I do...I touched it...just not thinking! I didn't have any lasting burns, but for a brief moment it REALLY hurt. Also, we were able to do an experiment involving paper chromatography, which is what is in the picture. We used pure commercial dyes like you see in a lot of the food we all eat like Blue 5, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 6, etc. I am so looking forward to the next lab we have in about a month. Well, that's all for now! I will have a new post Thursday after the Mark Schultz concert I'm going to Wednesday! God Bless!

Time To Catch Up!

2007-10-10T20:13:00.000-05:00

Wow, it has been a while since I blogged, it's time that I got caught up! This last weekend I went down to Jacksboro, TX to my grandparents church and gave a mini-concert. It was a very exciting experience! I performed "Was It A Morning Like This," "The Exodus," and "We Shall Behold Him." They took a love offering for me, which was a GREAT help for the expenses of my mission trip in '08. Also, I met a new member of my family, Jamie Brinkley, who married my great cousin Michael, and it was a great privilege to meet her! She loves my music so much that she has agreed to finance the making of my first CD! I am so very excited, and I hope that my CD can help so many people! Other than that I have been busy with school work, choir, band, and piano. I have begun work on Christmas music for Christmas concerts. I currently have two scheduled, and many more possibilities! Well, that's all for now, God Bless!

UMKC!

2007-10-02T22:39:00.000-05:00

Wow, Monday certainly was a fun day...we had a field trip to UMKC. You see, at Braymer we are apart of a program called VSI (Video-based Supplemental Instruction). Our school can't support teachers to conduct college courses, so we watch video lectures from UMKC. I am in College Chemistry and Western Civilization. Monday was so fun because we had the opportunity to meet our professors. Our Chemistry professor is Todor Gounev, a Russian. He was absolutely hilarious to listen to, and he was just a fun guy overall. My favorite of all the professors though was Dr. James Falls, my Western Civilization professor. He is the in the picture on the left; obviously a photoshop job, lol. Most amazing about him is his memory. When he saw me he said I looked familiar, so he asked if I'd had a brother in the class before. When I replied yes I began to say Aaron, and before I could finish his name Dr. Falls blurted out "Aaron Stephens!" I couldn't believe that he remembered my brother, who took the course 3 years ago. One girl who gave us a campus tour told us a story about Dr. Falls. This girl had gone to the first 3 days of class, then skipped the next 2 weeks. In a class of 150, when she came back he identified her by name in front of the whole class and asked her how her 2 week vacation had been. He has an outstanding memory. We also had lunch with the professors, and Dr. Falls and I sat together and talked. We were the last ones finished eating because we were talking so much. Through our conversation I brought up Romania and he became so excited because it was the only country in Europe that he hadn't been to. I am so excited about this class! I took the first half of my Western Civilization test today, the essay, which I found quite easy. We have the second half Thursday, so please pray that I will be prepared!

It Really Is The New Timex!

2007-09-25T23:02:00.000-05:00

Wow, now I really am starting to act just like Lanny! I found out for myslef that the iPod TRULY is the new Timex! Last night I was in a rush and was just hurrying at everything, I even ran into the house from my car, just to save time. Well, since I was going so fast I left my iPod in my car, or so I thought. Well, what did I find this morning? It was my iPod, on the ground right next to the driver door - soaking wet from the storm the night before. I almost died when I saw it there, but as soon as I picked it up and wiped the water off the face I pushed the play button, and what do you know, it worked! It came on to the song - I Will Lift Up, which I listened to on my way to school. I truly was lifting up my eyes, voice, and life at that moment!

Quite A Full Day

2007-09-11T22:32:00.000-05:00

This day was, and is so full of so many things. First are the memories. It has been exactly 6 years since the Worlds Trade Center Towers, and the Pentagon were attacked. Also, many lost their lives in the failed terrorist attack on Flight 93. Yet, as sad as it is to think about what happened on September 11th, 2001, I dwell more upon September 11th, 2005. It was that night that I had gone to see Dino Kartsonakis perform and he had me come on stage to play for him. This was at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty, MO. I was in front of nearly 1000 to 2000 people, and this was truly one of my first public piano performances. It was that night Dino prayed with me and I fully dedicated my gift to the Lord and his will. Since that time my gift has become a ministry that has affected so many people, including myself. I am just so thankful for the gifts that God has given me, especially since they can be used as a ministry! The one true desire of my heart is to share God's love and through my music I can share his love in any language! So, no matter what September 11th may mean to all other people, to me it means the beginning of my ministry!

P.S. Lanny, you would absolutely love my new English teacher...some student mentioned thinking outside the box and he blurted out "No! There is no box! We're not thinking inside or outside the box. The box doesn't exist because I hate boxes!"

It's Official!

2007-09-09T01:01:00.000-05:00

Yes, it is official; next week is my last at Elkhorn Steakhouse. I have been praying and I feel like God was telling me to take work out of my life. I have so many activities, and priorities, that were being sacrificed because of my job. I thought of the possibility of working only Fridays and Saturdays but so many of my activities are on Fridays and Saturdays, and so it would be utterly pointless to even bother. I submitted my letter of resignation to my boss yesterday, and she accepted. She told me that she wasn't happy, but then again, she wasn't mad either. I'm so fortunate to have such an understanding boss. It is just like Casey Joyce explained in Youth a few Wednesday nights ago...your priorities are like plates that you are spinning on a stick, and the more you have, the less time you have to keep each from wobbling and eventually falling off. Although none of mine had lost too much momentum, I just don't want to wait for that to happen. So Lanny, if you're still wanting to come to the Steakhouse, I have 3 days left: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings!

Rest In Peace

2007-09-06T20:57:00.000-05:00

Today, people such as I mourn the loss of the greatest Tenor of our time: Luciano Pavarotti. Now, many of you may not particularly enjoy classical music, but it is my favorite kind of music, and Pavarotti is my favorite classical vocalist. He died early Thursday morning at his home in Italy at the age of 71. He has been fighting Cancer of the Pancreas for some time, and eventually he lost the battle. I ask that you please watch one of the videos on my sidebar, just to see the awesome, powerful voice God gifted to Pavarotti. In all of history there has never been one with such a powerful, soothing, and beautiful voice as Pavarotti, and today I say: Rest in Peace Pavarotti. Also, I have found it quite ironic that it has been exactly one year ago from today that my grandmother passed away at the age of 91. I do miss her, and her wonderful knowledge of the Bible. I could just sit and talk with her for hours, yet I must believe that God obviously took her for a reason, or in a broader sense: allowed her to live as long as she did. Well, that is all I have, so God Bless!

Let's Take The Long Way Around The World!

2007-09-01T23:51:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite songs recently has been "Let's Take The Long Way Around The World" by Ronnie Milsap. Recently it has been a very good depiction of me and my relationship with Christ. It just seems as though I haven't spent enough time with Him lately. I just want to get away or "Take The Long Way" and just go nice and slow to spend some quality time with God. I have had a craving and yearning for Christ. I almost broke down in tears tonight because I just couldn't believe how much I have been ignoring God, and I don't like it at all!!!!!!!! Please pray for me that I may be able to reassess my priorities, and put Christ back above all other things. I basically told my boss tonight that either my days are cut back or it's two weeks notice. She said that she will change my schedule to only Friday and Saturday nights. Just pray though...I have two college classes that I really need to be studying in, and I just need a small break, even if only for just a few hours. God Bless!!!

Youtube "Long Way Around The World" just listen, don't watch the video, I just wanted you to hear the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR_apbrn-9M

What A Week!!!

2007-08-26T20:54:00.000-05:00

Well, I just must say that this has been quite an interesting, and even a very productive week. My week really started Wednesday with the first day of school. The first day was great; I love my new teachers. My new English teacher, Mr. Pulley, went to High School with my cousin, and he also likes classical music; it's just perfect! Also, I really get along with the new bad teacher; he is really funny. And last, my new Science teacher is hilarious, and so much fun. I have her for a video led Chemistry class so she doesn't necessarily teach it, but she helps so much, and is so funny! Other than that, I have been saving my money for a few months now to get a laptop, which I plan to use in Romania. Well, one was on sale, and I had to buy it Saturday or the sale would be over; well I was $25 short. I would work that night, but I wouldn't have the money in the bank to buy it, so my dad was generous enough and allowed me to borrow some money. Well, I can already pay him back, I made over $85 in tips Saturday. And finally, the last event I had was my concert tonight at the Nazarene Church in Kingston, MO. It was so cool! I played about five songs, had some congregational singing, I shared about Romania, and then I used "Share Jesus Without Fear." They took a love offering for my mission trip next year! Well, have a good week, God Bless!

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!

2007-08-21T15:49:00.000-05:00

I want to share with you about a very dear friend of mine's birthday. For those of you who don't know, today is Lanny Wake's birthday. For those of you who don't know who Lanny Wake is, I'll give you a little backdrop. If I recall, I believe that I first met Lanny Wake about 2 years ago at my home church: David ManSingh, Crossroads Correctional Center Chaplain, was preaching at our church and brought his friend Lanny Wake. Since then I have gone to Cameron Baptist Church nearly every Sunday night, and became more and more acquainted with him. I really grew to know him as we prepared to go on our mission trip to Romania. This was my first trip, but Lanny had gone for several years, and so he was our team leader. Throughout that time I really grew to know and love Lanny as a great,and dear friend. I just wanted to share my great appreciation for Lanny. He has shown me the great things God can do through us when we just allow him to guide us, if we will just be bold enough, God will to the rest! Now, for those of you who know Lanny, you will agree that this picture of him is a great depiction of Lanny!

How Do You Want Your Steak Prepared?

2007-08-11T22:23:00.000-05:00

In recent days that is about all my mind was able to compute! Since Carolyn fell I have had to make up some slack. I had a double shift (10:00am-2:00pm and 5:00pm-9:00pm) Thursday and another double shift (10:00am-2:00pm and 4:30pm-10:00pm) on Friday. Between shifts Friday I had to go to the school to help record some music for a wedding in Colorado. Also, I had another busy shift tonight from 4:30pm-10:00pm! I am exhausted, and I have two engagements tomorrow morning! I need some rest, my mind is so mixed up right now: all I can think about is "How do you want your steak prepared?" or "What kind of salad dressing would you like?" etc. Yet, having double shifts does have its benefits, because it does mean double tips! Well, Carrie, if you read this, I'm sorry but I'm gonna be gone at HOJ practice again....going with David in the afternoon to the Marriott in Kansas City to play piano. I am hoping to be back in time for church. But Carrie, you can put your mind at ease, I know quite a bit of the script already! Well, see everyone at church tomorrow night!

Carolyn Needs Your Prayers

2007-08-07T22:19:00.000-05:00

Well, this was a very interesting day, unfortunately not a very good day. Well, I called the Steakhouse at about 2:00 to see if my boss, Connie, wanted me to bring in some garden fresh tomatoes. Well, when I called I got Anna the cook, which is unusual because I usually get Carolyn the head waitress (Connie's Mom). When I asked for Carolyn, Anna told me that Carolyn had just fallen and that they had to take her to the hospital. They found out that she had dislocated her shoulder. Please pray for her because she absolutely loves to serve at the Steakhouse, but she is not allowed to work for a few days. Even after she starts she is not supposed to carry anything heavier than a single plate on that arm, so please pray for her; it will be hard for her.

Cool Link....And That's All Folks!

2007-08-04T22:21:00.000-05:00

Well, I don't really have anything to post....where just in the middle of Oklahoma. Tomorrow we will be able to eat lunch with my Aunt & Uncle and Cousins in Tulsa, OK, then from there we will come the rest of the way home. It just depends on how fast we get out of Tulsa on whether or not I'll be at church Sunday Night. Well, since I don't have much to say I thought I would just leave a cool link.....I found this while clicking on the "Next Blog" button and this one randomly came up...take a look, it is VERY cool!
Bent Objects!

Heaven......I'm In Heaven!

2007-08-03T20:55:00.000-05:00

Wow, boy was I in Heaven today!!!!!! Today was my special treat....I got to go to the Steinway Showroom in San Antonio, TX. (For those of you who don't know, Steinway is a VERY expensive and popular piano brand, one of the best, if not the best, in the world!) The room was full of them......all there for me to play!!!!!!! Well, past that I have still had a great time. This morning we went and saw the Alamo, the AT&T Center (where the Spurs play) and I just got back from Schlitterbahn.....the BEST water park in the World! We're just about to leave to go eat and see a movie....The Bourne Ultimatum! I am so excited. Well, see you later!

Another Day In Galveston

2007-07-31T19:35:00.000-05:00

Well, just like the title says, it has just been another day in Galveston, TX. Today was a bit different, though. I got a two-day pass to Moody Gardens (the pyramids in the picture) which has an aquarium, indoor rain forest, and many other things. While I was there I went into an exhibit which was "Music and Sound" and so, naturally, I found a keyboard and started to play. Well, a Spanish woman came over and noticed my cross necklace and asked if I was a Christian, and when I replied "yes" she was so excited! She invited me to come play at her church in Houston, TX. She goes to a Spanish-Speaking Baptist church, but she said it would be alright even if I don't speak Spanish. We are working on some dates...I may try come to her church at Christmas because every year we come here to visit family, and it would be just that much closer! Well, that's all I have for now!

PRAISE THE LORD......AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-07-30T20:35:00.000-05:00

Wow, I am so super excited again! Since I have been here in Galveston, I have met so many wonderful, open people, to the Word of God, and tonight one of those people asked Jesus to come into their heart!!!!! Tonight, while out in the waves I met Tressa (16) and Tim (12). After a time of talking with them I started "Share Jesus Without Fear" and found out that Tim was Catholic, and that Tressa was Baptist. I started sharing the verses from memory with Tim, and so we went back to shore to talk some more. After telling him that when we pray to Christ to forgive us that he will take away our sins, he immediately said "I NEED to pray that prayer!" so right at that moment, on the beach, he prayed to receive Christ!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited for him, and I pray that God will guide and direct him...his mom is Baptist, but his dad is Catholic. As you can see, I can put up pictures now! I went and bought a portable card reader. Well, that is all for now! God Bless!

Vacation, Here I Come!

2007-07-26T21:52:00.000-05:00

Hallelujah! Vacation is finally here, and we're leaving for Galveston, TX tomorrow! I am so excited to be able to get away and relax, but most of all I am so excited about the witnessing opportunities! I went to my church and picked up some tracts to hand out, and I have my "Evangelism Bible" marked with the "Share Jesus Without Fear" verses ready to take with me! Yet, I am still trying to find a way to follow up, but if I can't I just have to trust God that if I sew the seed he will take care of the rest!!!! That is what is so cool to me! And like Lanny said on my last blog, it's the first few words that are so hard, but once you get past that the Holy Spirit will guide you the rest of the way, and I am so thankful that I was willing to take a stab at the "first few words" with David! Since Romania I have just felt a drive to witness to EVERYONE that I come in contact with, even through my behavior, so I am working on that! Usually after a mission trip or some kind of great church thing that has brought me up on a "Spiritual High" it will die after a week or two, but this time is so much different, it has truly changed my outlook on ministry and evangelism and I am 100% dedicated to all that it entails, no matter what that means! Well, I must be going, I have a lot to do still before I leave, but please be in continued prayer for David so that he may be strengthened and that I may be able to disciple him! Also, please pray for the mission work I do in Galveston, that many seeds will be sewn!!!!!!!!

PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-07-24T22:09:00.000-05:00

Wow, I am so excited, I need to catch my breath!!!!! :) I know this post will make everyone happy, especially Troy and Carrie! All of last week I felt like I needed to talk to my best friend David, but I just dind't think he would listen. Well, all day today I really felt him pulling on me to go and share, and so I went. I went to his house and he came out so we leaned up against his car and talked. I started using the 5 questions from "Share Jesus Without Fear" and through that I found out that he wasn't 100% of where he was going, so I told him that I was 100% sure I was going to Heaven, and asked him if he wanted that reasurance, and he said yes so I started to show him scripture. At one particular verse I started to tell him about Judgement House and a little bit about what the story was this year, and he started to see that we all can die at ANY time, and so we continued into scripture. After I asked him if he believed he had sinned, if Christ had died for him, and I asked if he wanted to pray to recieve Christ......AND HE DID!!!!!!!!!!! I am so very excited, the angels in Heaven are rejoicing!!!!!!!!!!!!! That absolutely made my day, and I invited him to youth at Cameron, so I hope he goes! Well, that was my day, God Bless!!!!!!

2007-07-23T20:07:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe that it has already been an entire month since coming home from Romania! It was just so amazing, and I must say that it truly melted my heart! I was so blown away by how loving and welcoming the Romanian people are, and it is amazing to see how hungry they are to hear the Word! I love Romania and missions so much that I am ALREADY saving up for another trip next summer, hopefully an entire month! Yet, I must keep my mind open, and if God does call me away from Romania to other places, possibly even home, I will keep my mind open and ready for any change. As Jay told us before we went to Romania "be flexible, be ready for last minute changes!" Off the subject of Romania, and now to Judgement House. I am still so very super excited!!!!!!! I really have a great feeling about this script because I believe that it will truly show people that they honestly may have only hours or minutes left to make the choice, they may not even make it home from Judgement House! I am just so excited, and I pray that God will work through all who participate in Judgement House this year, and I pray that he will prepare the hearts of those who come!

Rock Climbing

2007-07-22T23:48:00.000-05:00

Wow, this was such an AWESOME day! First it all started out with church, and I went to Cowgill and this morning I was able to have a slide show presentation, sharing about my trip to Romania. After church we all went home and ate, and then not long after that I left because I was going to Cameron. Well, I arrived just in time for the Judgement House meeting. I am so excited, and I can already feel that this will be a great year for it. I am so soaked up already in the script, and I even already have a part! I am Ryan..but I'll save the rest for later, don't want to ruin it all! Well, then after the meeting about 15-20 people from Cameron, including me, all went to IBEX in Kansas City for Rock Climbing. It was so neat, mostly because Lanny and I were a team. There must be two to climb, one actually climbing, and the other is belaying, which is essentially controlling the rope. Well, I just have to say that Lanny is awesome at this, I was so glad to have him as a partner (no offense Travis!). It was really quite hilarious to watch some people, especially Abigail and Whitney, because they were a team, and as you can imagine it was quite interesting. Some of the most fun I had was in the training lessons, the first climb we did we had to go with someone who had finished the previous lesson and Lanny still hadn't so Abigail had to. It was just so funny because we were supposed to jump off to simulate a fall to see if the belayer could react, and both of us were like "NO!!! I'm fine up here, there is no need to jump!" Overall, it was so cool! I am so excited about the Spring Break Ski Trip now!!!!!!!!!

What An Amazing Book!

2007-07-19T23:12:00.001-05:00

Well, I must say that I recently haven't been able to find the time to read, but after buying this book Tuesday so many opportunities have opened up for me to just sit and read. This book has been one of the best books I have read in a long time. It is so captivating, and it opens my awareness even more of how dreadfully terrifying Hell really is, and it just seems to go right past me that right at this very second there are souls there, and every second more and more souls pour into the pit, never to leave. I nearly cried as I started to think about some of my dear friends whom I am unsure of their salvation. I could not fathom the idea of one of my best friends going through the pain and agony that Bill Wiese experienced for those 23 minutes, and yet it would be for eternity. Reading this has also made me so very thankful that I won't EVER have to see Hell or feel it's horrible pain. I have been redeemed! But because I am saved, it is now my turn to show others the way to Jesus...I desperately want everyone to know about Him! Oh, how great it would be for everyone to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I pray this night that I will have the courage to share the gospel...from my closest friends, to my worst enemies, and even those who I have never met before, and I pray that as you read this that you will feel the same fire and passion to go and share with all you come in contact with. God Bless, and have a good night!

Hey, I've Got A Camera....kinda

2007-07-17T22:23:00.000-05:00

Well, my camera is still broken, but my mom has bought herself a new camera which I can use for now, and that is how I got these pictures. I am so glad that Team 3 is home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeff just couldn't wait for Nancy to get a kiss

Reunited, once again!

Now he's going after the right one!

Friday The 13th!

2007-07-13T23:19:00.003-05:00

I didn't even truly realize that it was Friday the 13th until now. Oh well!!!!!

Daily Scripture

2007-07-13T00:02:00.000-05:00

Well, not much happened today, so I will just tell you about my daily scripture. Every day, though I may not always put up a post, I will do my best to put up a new scripture every day. I just thought I would let people know for those who didn't see it there on the side!

Another Day, But One With Pay!

2007-07-11T22:24:00.000-05:00

Well, today was a usual day, except I received my first paycheck today. It wasn't much because I haven't worked many hours yet, but it was okay. I also was very busy today and received my highest amount of tips thus far: $46! I am really looking forward to a Saturday night! I worked last Saturday night, but it was very slow because many people were at a Tractor Pull at Tait Park in Braymer. Well, off to bed, and I'm sleeping in - don't have to got to work until 5:00 p.m.!!!

Notta Lotta

2007-07-10T22:07:00.001-05:00

Well, I had a day off, so not much happened. I had a hair cut, and that is about the extent of my day. I am home alone, so there really isn't much to do but play piano and use the computer, but this gives me good practice time. Well, I won't ramble on about nothing, so noapte bună!

Jam-Packed!!!

2007-07-09T21:38:00.000-05:00

Well, today wasn't exactly how I planned it, but I guess it was all okay! It started out with a funeral, not a very exciting way to start the day, but the funeral was okay, then man was a Christian. Afterwards I went home because I had a day off, or so I thought. About an hour after I had returned home I was called in because they were absolutely Jam-Packed with people so I had to come help. I ended up working until about 2:30, then I came home. I spent the rest of the day watching a movie and keeping my eye on an eBay auction, which I won! I am now the proud owner of a RAZR!!!!!!!!! I am so glad, my old phone, well, it was broke and needed repair, so this was a blessing! Well, that is all for now!

Bless The Lord, O My Soul!

2007-07-08T22:19:00.000-05:00

This has been an amazing day! Well it all started out with me going to Cameron to meet David ManSingh at his house at 9:30. After we met there we took off to Travis' house because he was supposed to go with us. Well, I guess he forgot that he was supposed to go because he was not at home, and therefore it ended up just being David and I. We went to Rayville to Calvary Baptist Church (this has been my 3rd time there) and I was allowed to share bout my mission trip to Romania. They loved so much to hear about the mission work going on in Romania, and they also enjoyed my piano playing, I performed We Shall Behold Him. Well, after leaving there we went back to Cameron, and My parents, my brother, David, Joan, Joanna, and I all met at El Maguey's for lunch. I spent most of the afternoon keeping Lila company (thanks Lila!) and then headed over to church early to help Steve and Grace set up Grace's VBS room. After the service I made my way home, and now I am ready to go to bed. Good Night, or for those in Romania, it is nearing Good Morning!

Super Seven Saturday!!!!!!!!!

2007-07-07T23:40:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness, this has been a LONG day! Today started by me waking up too late and therefore only having time for a Granola bar for breakfast. Well, my mom and I made our way to Cameron, where she dropped me off at the church and she went to Lila's open house. Well, I was a part of Servant day with Abigail, Caleb, Mason, Jenice, Casey, Sheri, Bill and his son. It went in a team with Casey and Sheri to zones 3 and 6. It was quite funny because we parked in the Church of Latter Day Saints parking lot. We didn't have any work to do in the two hours we walked....nobody would let us help them, but we did accomplish much needed prayer walking.

After that I had a little time at home that I took to my advantage and rested. Them I had to be at work by 4:30.......I was there until 10:30, and didn't get home until about 11:30 because of some errands I had to do. This has been a long day, but still very good.

I also have a prayer request: Pray for the Kelly family of Braymer, MO: Bob Kelly, the father of two boys in grades 8th and 12th, just passed away in a hospital after a car accident a few days ago. Pray that God will give them strength and that they will find peace and comfort in the LORD.

Meh!

2007-07-06T20:04:00.000-05:00

I love the word Meh!, and I don't even know why! Oh well!!!!! Well then, today went well as usual. Once again, I just absolutely love working at the Steak House. I just get such an awesome rush from the mad dash to seat, take orders, deliver food, etc. I am also so very excited because my best friend might be working with me soon, too!!!! Who knows, we'll just have to see how that works out. Well, other than the Steak House I went over and visited a woman that helped me with my mission trip and gave her a gift from Romania and told her about the trip. She is so interested that she is thinking about going next summer! Now I am at home, getting ready to watch a movie and rest - I have a long day tomorrow - I have Servant Day from 10-12, then I work my first evening shift at the Steak House from 4:30-10:00!!!!!!!! I am also getting excited because I am going with David ManSingh to Rayville Baptist again with him Sunday, then I have a concert on the 15th at Henrietta Baptist! Praise the LORD! He is giving me so many opportunities to share my gift! Well, off to watch my movie!

Familiar Faces

2007-07-05T19:38:00.001-05:00

Well, I never thought that working at the Steak House would give me so many opportunities to meet new people, and even to see people that I haven't seen in ages. Today I ran on to a woman from Cowgill that I probably haven't seen in over a year. I couldn't believe that she came in, and she reminded me that I need to come out there to play on her piano for her. As a matter of fact, I believe I will go out there right now!

Happy Independence Day!

2007-07-04T23:22:00.000-05:00

Well, this has been a LONG day, but still very enjoyable. Luckily, I had a day off from work today, but as soon as I woke up I had the "honor and privilege" of trimming the yard (and we have a BIG yard). After that, which took most of my day, I had some free time, but not long after that we left for Cameron. We went to Walmart where I placed an order for my pictures from Romania. While we were leaving we ran into Lila and Megan. Then we were going to eat at El Maguey's, but they were closed, so we settled for Sonic. Afterwards, our plan was to buy fireworks and to then go home, but taking into consideration how much they cost, and what time it would be before we'd be finished with fireworks, we decided to watch the fireworks at the school in Cameron.
We went to the park near the school and sat at a picnic table, but I was curious if some people I knew would be there so I called Joan ManSingh and she told me that Nancy was there. She gave me Nancy's cell number, but I had to call Joan three times for it (I have a replacement phone right now, my cell is broken, and on mine I normally have, I can usually store a number even while I'm talking to someone, and this one can't!). After calling Nancy I found her and watched fireworks with her and Jeff. It was an absolutely amazing fireworks display! Now I am here at home, about to fall asleep, so I think I'll try to get to my bed so I can fall asleep there!

I'm exhausetd!

2007-07-03T19:40:00.000-05:00

Wow, I really worked hard today!!!! I served at the steakhouse from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The entire time it was quite busy. This was my first day actually taking tables to myself. I am really proud of myself, it went really well - I didn't spill anything, I didn't mess up any orders, and I didn't make anyone angry.....well not intentionaly. I served a group of three men and as soon as they came in they were EXTREMELY rude to me; yelling at me to hurry up an get menus, drinks, this and that. They were also being very vulgar, like when I asked if they needed anything one replied by asking for a Playboy magazine. Then to top it off they dind't leave a tip, but I just smile and go on, I have to! Well, after that I went to the store to get a few things, then I came home to mow the rest of the yard. Now I am here, ordering music for a wedding, checking things on Facebook, and writing on here! That's all I have for today!

First Blog here, first in a long time anywhere!

2007-07-02T23:04:00.000-05:00

Well, I haven't published on any blog in quite some time, and this is my first post here! I'm going to try to start posting on a regular basis. For a time I won't be able to post recent pictures on here because my camera is now broken.

     Well, over the last three weeks I've had a mission trip to Romania - very awesome - I already want to go back. Then the day after I arrived home from Romania, I started Piano Camp at UCM in Warrenburg, MO. Now, I arrived home Friday, and I started work today! I am a bit tired, but never did I really SEVERELY suffer from Jet-Lag.

     About my new job, I am a waiter at the P.C.'s Elkhorn Steakhouse in Braymer, MO. I absolutely love it - I love the rush of serving a large party. Today, on my first day, I had to help serve a party of 14 people, and even more ironic is that my choir teacher and her family was part of the 14, along with a good friend and past neighbor of mine from Cowgill.

     Well, this must seem boring, so I will wrap it up. If you wish to see any of my pictures from Romania or Camp, just add me on Facebook©; they're all posted on there at the current time!