I got back from az (btw, my z key is reazlly touchy aznd I'm not going to edit them outz) retrezazt yesterday. I really wanted to talk about the things that I went through, but the words escaped me. I've sorta been in a meditative mood today. God really showed me some things about my heart.

I don't think I'm going to share a lot about that because I don't need to shout it out to the world. What I will share is a prayer.

Lord, I thank You for Your world. You've created such a beautiful place. Sometimes I take it for granted, but I really saw the beauty and love in the leaves and water this weekend. Thank You. Thaznk You for what You showed me and the other's. Thank You for the ability to come before You and praise You! Thank You that You answer prayer. Thank You that You are in control of everything. Thank You. Amen.

I really should be going to bed right now, because I've been up for way too long. However, I wanted to give a semi-update.

Life has been mainly about juggling jobs. Yesterday I finally cut my hours at shopko so that I could work more at the Thrift Store. my manager talked to me about it and I was honest. I think she understood, though she wasn't too happy about it. I did mention a raise half jokingly and she responded in kind, saything that if the money was there, several people would be making more. So, no, I'm not losing my job, just scaling it back a bit.

So starting the first week of Nov, I work at least 15 hours at the thrift store, Mondays and Saturdays were definitely what LeAnna wanted me to work. I'm glad too, 'cause I find I would rather work there, where I know that a percentage of my efforts will filter down and help make a difference. It's not just about making money (though that's nice), but it's also about serving.

My hope is that the hours will settle down and I'll have an average of forty or forty two hours a week. *shrugs* Who knows? We'll see what happens.

But in all this juggling I'm discovering that my priorities are slightly misaligned. I'd rather sit down and watch a few hours of movies then to try and spend time with god and in the study of His word. This is something that I have been hammered with this last week - You can't do it on your own, but you have to rely on God. It's hard to stay focused. (Sidenote: I need to do a blog about the differences between real life and EBC).

I did devotions this morning (as always) with the guys and I was again reminded about how much I really do enjoy delving into the word of God. It was refreshing.

The other thing that I'm juggling is trying to maintain relationships with the people I hang out with and minister to. I really view those times as opportunities to talk and uplift people. Even if it's jus dessert, or watching some movie, or something odd, it's still a time of getting closer and ministering. It's the way I'm built and I'm really noticing the lack of having people to dinner or coffee or whatever.

Anyways, prayer would be appreciated. We're doing a CCG Retreat this weekend and I hope to come out refreshed and ready to go.

My brother will appreciate this computer

Ryan Green has good things to say.

Pensive Isaac

Pensive Isaac
Originally uploaded by jcforgod.

I haven't taken a lot of pictures, but I just uploaded a smattering of the last couple of weeks. Mostly CCG pictures, but there's one of Moi. Enjoy and Comment!

Praise the Lord!

I went out this morning to work on the car. In the process of taking the arms off, I noticed that the driver's side nut was loose. Is it that simple? I tightened it and tried the wipers. They worked!!! So I won't have to take it apart and then order a part and then put a part back on. Yay! Thank you, Lord!

So my list is revised. I need to go deposit a check, go to winco for food, then get a haircut. If I have time, I'll also pick up wiper blades and Rain X.

I guess my car troubles aren't over... Yesterday I left for work at the Thrift Store and I got about a mile away when my windshield wipers went out. This time it was just the driver's side so I know it's not the part I replaced at the beginning of the year. I was blessed to get a ride to TS from my brother and then I was picked up by Alicia and got home with plenty of time to get ready for shopko.

On my list of things to do today:

• Take apart my car


• Get over to Honda somehow and order the new part


• Drop by the bank and deposit a check


• If there's enough time I want to get a haircut


• work from 2:30 to 10 at Shopko

I'm waiting for nine to roll around for two reasons: One, to let it warm up a bit outside and two, to make it so my contact wearing time will only be thirteen hours.

Anyone have a nice vehicle they want to give me?

So last week wasn't too stressful. I worked something like 35 or so hours, still with two 11 hour days, but it wasn't too bad. I am getting into the swing of things over at teen challenge thrift store and really enjoy it. The best thing is that I know that the things we sell go into a fund for setting up a teen challenge center. It feels good that I'm participating in something that's more than just a corporation trying to get as much profit as possible.

I also had a couple of adventures with my car... I had been needing gas for awhile, but didn't want to spend my last twenty to fill it up. On Wednesday I knew I needed to get gas but decided to push it. I got to the thrift store (17 min drive) fine, but when I headed back home, I ran out of gas. I was headed west on 105 and as I went over I5 I lost power. I knew that was the gas sloshing back because of the hill. I kept going and a bit later it lost power on the level. I then coasted all the way to the end of the northbound coburg rd exit. I parked, put the hazard lights on and thought about what I needed to do. I had two choices: Get out of the car and walk to a gas station or call my roadside assistance. I did the later since I didn't know that area very well. About 10 minutes after calling I received a call from the company who was going to get me gas. They were on their way. So I'm sitting there, counting cars, and about 20 minutes later I get a call from Roadside Assistance. Apparently the company had canceled and it'd take another 45 minutes to get me gas. I wasn't going to wait that long, so had them cancel the call and headed out.

I was only a quarter mile or less from the Albertson's gas station (boy, did I kick myself for not going before!) and wasn't that bad of a walk. I talked to the girl there and asked if she had a gas can I could borrow. She said no, so I headed over to the store, but before I got very far she called me back. Apparently her boss had a can and she let me use it as long as I brought it back. I lugged two gallons of gas back to the car and then returned to the station. I was very thankful!

But that's not the only adventure with my car this week... Friday I got to the thrift store early so I called my mother. Talked to her for a bit, but was distracted and locked my keys in the car. Now, I had made copies so that this wouldn't happen, but I never put them in my wallet. It didn't do me any good sitting on the window sill at home.
Kyle and I proceeded to work on breaking into my car. We tried several things and finally found a curtain rod that worked. That was fun!

Needless to say, when I returned home, I made a pouch on my wallet for my spare keys.

This week I have 11 hours at TS and 33 at Shopko. Not bad. I got paid for both jobs this week and it helped, alot!

I survived last week! I worked 52 hours. 35 at Shopko and 16 at Teen Challenge Thrift Store (in the future this will be referred to as the thrift store or Teen Challenge or TC). I had two 11 hour days back to back. What an experience!

This week I work 25 hours at Shopko and 9 at the thrift store. I have two 11 hour days, but they're not back to back, Thank Goodness!

I'm discovering that I need to go to a foot doctor. My ankles, after a long day on my feet, are killing me. It's just like before I got orthodics way back in the day. I guess I should start setting some money aside.

I'm really enjoying working at TC. There's always something to do, but it's not a stressful job. I have had a couple of conversations with a co-worker (who is attending EBC) that have touched on a lot of theological points. It's been great!

We're gearing up for a retreat at Culp Creek for CCG. The theme is "Call to Action." I'm looking forward to seeing how God works. I'm expecially excited because my Dad is the speaker and both of my parents are going to be there. I'm stoked! Oh, does anyone know any good leadership games?

Trace Bundy is an incredible guitar player. Watch some of the videos on that site and be amazed! His albums are now a big part of my wish list.

I don't work until three today, so I'm trying to think about what I can do... I guess I should do some chores, take care of the piles around the apartment, and try and call someone. Either that or sleep.

*peeks in*

Hi! Yeah, I've been busy. And this week is nuts! I got called in early yesterday to fill in General Merchendise for two hours. I didn't really have a problem with working early - 15 bucks is worth it. That pushed my total hours (both jobs) to 51 this week! *stares* Yeah, I'm totally amazed that I'm working that many hours. Believe me, I'm drinking a lot of Airborne (I'm on the edge of getting sick).

What else... hmmm... I was going to put some sort of interesting ramble on here, but it's escaped me. Oh well.