Crazy…

Photos of a rare uncontacted Amazon tribe were released on Thursday. I think that’s pretty sweet…

Read the story here

Getting situated

It finally hit me, I’m really not going back to Portland until August. It’s a weird feeling, yet it’s a good one. Scotty flew back to Portland yesterday and then I spent some time with a few PBCr’s that were down in the Sacramento area. The last seven days have been so refreshing. It’s been great catching up with old friends and spending time with my family. I had my first staff mtg. of the summer on Tuesday. After the meeting, I spent some time with my Pastor and we went over everything I’ll be doing for the summer. Finally! I get to apply everything I’ve learned the last two and a half years! For the most part, I’ll be working very close with my youth pastor, doing anything and everything he asks. So yeah, I’m excited. I still need to unpack all of my stuff. I’m living with my Grandparents and it’s great, but as of right now, I don’t have any clean clothes. Rats! I think I’m gonna go do some laundry. Go Lakers!!  

Home Sweet Home

I made it home safely. I’m visiting with my family right now and then Scotty and I will head over to my Grandparents house. I’m gonna be busy the next couple of days so I will write more as soon as I can. Let the good times roll…

Down to 48 Hours

I have less than 48 hrs before I hop into my car and drive home. I still have a lot to do too! My room is almost packed up and I’m cleaning it as I go. As of right now, Scotty and I are planning to wake up really early on Friday and drive straight down the coast all the way to San Francisco, possibly spend some time in the city, and then head back to Antioch. Honestly, it still hasn’t hit me that I’m going home for three months, and I honestly don’t think it will for another two. It should be fun…

Halfway there

In just a couple of hours I’ll be walking across a stage to receive my Associates degree. I still can’t believe how fast the last two and a half years have gone by! Today was the last day of the school and, as usual, we had our closing chapel today. I always get choked up during the last chapel of the semester and usually, I’ll cry quite a bit. Call it what you want, but I have so much to be thankful for. The Lord has been so faithful to me since I moved to Portland, and to think I’m still moving forward two and a half years later is amazing. The presence of God has never been so real to me. As much as I’m enjoying this season of my life, I have to remind myself that this is only the beginning. I’ve barely tapped into everything the Lord has planned for me and there’s so much work to be done! To all of my friends and family, thank you! The presence of God is changing my life and you guys never gave up on me. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Philippians 3:13-14: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Should Christians Listen to secular music?

Do you agree or disagree with the common philosophy that secular music is improper for a fully devoted Christian lifestyle?

Here is my answer…

Summer Reading

With only three more days of school I decided it was time to put my summer reading schedule together.

Telling The Story: Evangelism For The Next Generation – - Luis Palau

From Zero to Eternity in 60 Seconds Flat: Influencing Others for Christ at a Moment’s Notice – - Wendell Smith

Be A People Person: Effective Leadership Through Effective Relationships – - John Maxwell

Touch: Pressing Against the Wounds of a Broken World – - Pastor Rudy Rasmus

Soul Virgins: Redefining Single Sexuality – - Doug Rosenau & Michael Todd Wilson

Dating Delilah: Purity From A New Perspective – - Judah Smith

More Than Enough: The 10 Keys to Changing Your Financial Destiny – - Dave Ramsey

It’s gonna be good…

One more week

I have five more days of school until summer! It’s crunch time. Oh yeah, I went and saw Expelled yesterday. You should go check it out, it’s good stuff.

It’s official…

I’ll be heading back to California for the summer. As far as the funeral goes, I’m not gonna be able to make it down. Under the circumstances, it’s best I stay in Portland. To all of my amazing friends and family who became the Body of Christ and stood in the gap for me, thank you! Even though I wasn’t able to use your donations, the fact that you were willing means a lot. Wow, I’m going home for more than a week? I still can’t believe it…

In Memory of Sandra Hoffman

My first Grandmother in the faith went to be with the Lord earlier today. Boy am I gonna miss her! It’s times like these that make me wish I was closer to home. I got the news during our chapel service and my heart instantly felt crushed. As soon as I graduated high school, I became an intern at Fellowship Church. At that time, there were only three people who worked in the office on a consistent basis; Pastor Shaun, Sandra (Shaun’s Mother) and myself. For six months I served Fellowship Church side by side with one of the most beautiful woman God ever created. Growing up as a young Christian, some of my most precious altar times were with her on the piano. She taught me the basics of what it means to be a part of a worship team and I still carry her wisdom with me to this day. Her sensitive spirit to the Lord was second to none, she set an example for everyone to follow. Right before this year started I was driving with my Grandparents and my Grandmother said, “You know Joe, somebody close to you is going to pass away this year, and when that happens, you need to be strong.” I wasn’t sure what she meant at the time, but now I do. My saving grace is knowing that Sandra has gone to be with the Lord. There’s a very good chance I’ll be heading home here in the next few days to celebrate her life. I will keep you guys posted…  

Sandra Hoffman, you will be missed. Thank you so much for everything you did. Your life will now be carried on through those that you so deeply touched.