Beyond the Butte September 26, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in Evangelism, PBC, The City Life.add a comment
It’s 12:44 in the morning and I have no idea why I’m still awake. In a matter of hours, the PBC student body will be getting together for a day of outreach. (Beyond the Butte) I signed up for street evangelism and I’m pretty excited about it. To be completely honest, I have no idea what the plan is, but we’re definitely gonna hit the streets of Portland with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! It’s gonna be great. Till next time…
Spelunking in Washington September 9, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in Life in General, PBC, Photos.add a comment
The PBC Gang
I recently went caving with a few friends from school. As always, it was great! All is well in the Northwest but I’ve definitely been busy. Let’s just say I have a lot of homework!
Here are some pics from the trip…
Friendship September 6, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in PBC, The City Life.2 comments
I’m so thankful for the friendships I have. I truly can’t imagine what my life would be like without them. What a blessing! This post however, is just to brag on a buddy of mine. I honestly can’t remember how long it’s been since I first met Scotty while working at Safeway, but my friendship with him has seriously taken my life to another level. Today was the start of a new semester for the both of us. We’ve both blocked out a couple of hours every Friday so that we can spend some time together and catch up. Not only do we catch up, we’re also reading through a book together. You’d be surprised how close two people can get just by reading a book together and then sharing how each chapter impacted your life. It’s just great to walk through life with somebody by your side. Every one of us needs a close friend. Somebody who knows you from the inside out. Accountability is so critical in today’s society. Finding a friend like this isn’t always easy, it’s takes time, but it’s completely worth it. Don’t go through life alone. Find someone you can trust and open up your life to that person. You’ll get what you put into it and if you make it a priority, you’ll find time for them. Life is so much fun when you can enjoy it with those around you.
One more thing…
Everyone needs to…
- Go to the iTunes Store
- Search for Andy Stanley
- Download the LO$T Series
Why? Because it’s THAT good…
Till next time…
Hebrews 10:25 - - Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching
Next Chapter… August 29, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in Evangelism, Life in General, PBC, Spiritual Growth.add a comment
It goes without saying that God is so good! One year ago I was going through one of the most difficult times in my life but by the grace of God here I am, still standing strong and moving forward in life. I just got back from my school’s kick-off retreat and it was so much fun. In a lot of ways, it was officially the end of summer for me. Ever since I moved back to Antioch for the summer it’s felt like a dream, and between being in Portland and Las Vegas during the last three weeks, it still felt like a vacation. Is life really supposed to be this good? I’ve been on this journey since the summer started. The Holy Spirit has strategically allowed me to experience the presence of God like never before. From the very first sermon I heard, to this past week at our retreat, the Lord has been leading me on an amazing ride.
Character
It started with my character. Who I am is more important than what I do. If my life isn’t backing up what I stand for then that’s a problem.
The Presence of God
I can do nothing apart from God. The more I try to, the more frustrated I’ll become. I must rely on the Lord to lead me in life and I can never substitute my ‘God time’ with anything else, I have to be disciplined with my devotional life. I recently had the privilege of meeting Bill Hybels and I’ll never forget what he told me. He said, “Whatever it is you do that brings you to the presence of God, keep practicing those things and never stop doing them. Fads and trends will come and go but the presence of God will never change. It’s the presence of God that will lead you through life.
Application
The only way I’ll see fruit in my life is to actually apply everything I’m learning. For me personally, evangelism is what’s on my heart the most. I want to see people the way God does. I want my heart to break for those who don’t know the Lord.
I’m excited for what’s in store this semester. I’m really looking forward to this next year and I know that it will only get better from here on out. It’s such a great feeling to know you’re right in the middle of the Lord’s will for your life.
This is the end of another chapter in my life.
Viva Las Vegas! August 17, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in Life in General, My Travels, PBC.add a comment
I’m in Las Vegas right now along with the rest of my family for a little vacation. I feel bad because I’m gonna miss the first three days of school, but I’m sure I’ll get over it. We just got done walking through the city and a few casinos. All I gotta say is that I now understand why this place is called sin city…
Till next time…
Let it begin August 14, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in PBC, PBC Dorm Life.1 comment so far
Just left our first dorm meeting of the year and I’m really looking forward to this semester. Opening Chapel is tomorrow and it should be great! Till next time…
Hello from Portland, OR August 9, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in My Travels, PBC.add a comment
I made it back to Portland safely. I will post more later…
Summer is Over August 7, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in Antioch, My Travels, PBC, Reflecting Upon Life.add a comment
I’m down to less than 48 hrs until it’s time for me to drive back to Portland. A couple of nights ago I walked to the top of the hill that sits above my house and had some great ‘reflecting’ time. With my guitar in hand and twenty one years of life racing through my mind, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to smile or cry. The Lord has been so faithful to me. I would’ve never thought the day would come when my heart would beat with such peace. So much has happened in my life during the last two and a half years, and it’s not an understatement when I say that my first year of college was the most difficult time of my life. I was confused, I was lost, and to be completely honest, I felt hopeless. But God! For the first time in my life I have a sense of purpose. I know what I want to do and I know what it’s gonna take for me to get there. I cannot express how thankful I am for having the chance to come home. The time I’ve spent in Antioch has been great and I would’ve never guessed I would experience as much as I have. As much fun as I’ve had, it’s been a very overwhelming summer too. So much has changed since I moved away and if I could summarize all of it in one sentence it would be this; a young man had the opportunity to accept the harsh realities of life. Some of my closest friends have moved on and it’s very difficult to watch. In watching them I’ve learned that the small decisions we make on a daily basis really do determine which path we’ll go down in this little game called life.
With my third year of college sitting right around the corner, there comes a sadness in knowing that I’m leaving all of my loved ones once again, but at the same time, I’m so excited for what’s in store during the next couple of years! My last two days in Antioch will be pretty hectic. As of right now I don’t have a car or a cell phone and to be honest, it’s slowed my life down dramatically! However, I still have a lot to do. By the time I write again I should be in Portland. How sweet it is…
To all of my friends in the Bay Area, thank you! Once again you welcomed me with open arms once and I’m so grateful for each and every one of you.
Car Trouble August 5, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in Antioch, Life in General, My Travels, PBC.1 comment so far
My car won’t start! I have no idea what’s wrong with it and I won’t know anything until Thursday. I’m hoping it’s nothing serious because I need to drive back to Portland on Saturday. If it’s not fixed by then, well, my drive back to the Northwest will be postponed. I swear, every time I come home something has happened to it within a few days of me leaving Antioch. No fun…
12 Days… July 29, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in Antioch, Life in General, My Travels, PBC.1 comment so far
I’m down to my last twelve days in Antioch until I head back to Portland, OR. To be honest, it’s gonna be really hard to leave again, but I’m also very grateful I had the chance to come home for the summer. Between helping out in the office and spending time with friends and family, my schedule is pretty much booked until the day I leave. Let the countdown begin…
