A few posts ago, I wrote about how I experienced the presence of God in a way that has seriously changed my life. I finally figured out what the ‘problem’ is; I’m thirsty. I seriously can’t get enough of Him. My soul is so thirsty for more of His presence.

” As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (Psalm 42:1-2)

My Spot

Whenever I come home, I always try to make time for ‘my spot’. Right above my house sits a bench that overlooks the city of Antioch. For me, it’s one of my favorite places to get away from everyone and everything and just sit there. I love reflecting over my life. I love thinking about what the Lord’s saved me from. (Read this to get a better understanding of what I mean) It’s been a great weekend, but I’m ready to get back to the Northwest. I had a great time catching up with my friends and family and as always, attending service at my home church was a blast! My flight to Portland takes off in a few hours and if all goes well, I’ll be back in Portland tonight. Let the good times roll! Oh yeah, driving my brothers truck while listening to Eminem brought back one too many memories. Will the real slim shady ever stand up!? Here are some pics from earlier today. Till next time…

With my sister Jocelyn.

The view from the bench...

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Half of Antioch...

Me being bored.........

Me pulling a David Benton. He's always taking pics of himself! : )

My example of a cheesy smile. It works if you work it!

With the Bride and Groom

When all of your friends start calling you a “professional groomsmen”, you start to realize you’ve been in one too many weddings. Ahh well! Today was a great day. The wedding was awesome and the food was off the hook! So yeah, I was recently asked if I’m the type of guy to cry a lot. Well, I normally do when I’m reflecting over my life but never for the heck of it. I’m not gonna lie, I fought back the tears today while my friends were getting married. Call it what you want, there’s just something special when you’ve watched two of your friends handle their relationship correctly up until their wedding day. Anyway, now that I was in touch with the ‘inner man’ (sike!) here are a few pics from the wedding. Till next time…

I'll always love my Momma! (remember that song?)

Walking with the lovely Yasmeen

We're a pretty big deal...

Like I said, we're a pretty big deal...

Part of the gang...

I love my parents.

I’m back in California. Two of my good friends are getting married today and I have the wonderful privilege of being in it. It rained all of last night but the sun is shining and it’s great! So yeah, today will be a busy day. I had to wake up pretty early to take care of a few miscellaneous things, I’ll be heading off to my cousins football game in a few minutes, and then off to the wedding for the rest of the day. After two and a half years, I still haven’t mastered the art of time management when I’m visiting Antioch. There are too many things I want to do and too many people I want to see. We’ll see how this trip plays out. 

So far… 

• I lost my wallet literally an hour before my flight to Sacramento. Thank God I have a passport! Whoever took it can’t do much with it anyway. I still have my debit card so the only thing they got out it was a bunch of touch cards inviting them to church.
• I drove by my old high school. Has it really been 3 years!?
• Watching the sunrise + listening to Holy Is The Lord = Amazing. 
• When your brothers get rid of your bed after you move away for college, you get used to sleeping on the couch. 
• Waking up to find out that O.J. Simpson is guilty!? haha…
• I swung by my Grandparents house and came across a few home videos from years ago! God is so good…
• I’m still tempted to buy a new book. However, I wouldn’t mind buying a new CD either! Pray for self-control.

It’s 12:30 in the morning and I can’t wait for my flight to Sacramento! The next time you hear from me, I’ll be in the wonderful state of California. How sweet it is…

When I'm really excited at 12:30 in the morning, I transform into Super Joe!

Those who criticize people for having joy are usually the ones who want it but don’t know how to get it.

Selah…

Here’s a list of some of my favorite books in no particular order…

1. Be A People Person - - John Maxwell
2. When The Game Is Over It All Goes Back In The Box - - John Ortberg
3. Touch - - Rudy Rasmus
4. A Tale Of Three Kings - - Gene Edwards
5. The Ragamuffin Gospel - - Brennan Manning
6. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership - - John Maxwell
7. Waiting and Dating - - Myles Munroe
8. Confessions of a Pastor - - Craig Groeschel
9. Rescued - - John Bevere & Mark Andrew Olson
10. Visoneering - - Andy Stanley
11. Make Today Count - - John Maxwell
12. Axiom - - Bill Hybels

Life is so much fun. I don’t know if I’ve ever enjoyed it as much as I am right now. I have everything I could ask for and more! This past weekend was awesome. Pastor Larry Stockstill was our guest speaker and he preached a great word. I really love them southern Pastors! ‘Beyond the Butte’ turned out to be a great day too. Matter of fact, I’ll take it as far as saying it was one of the best days I’ve had since moving to Portland.

Yes my friend, it was that good!

September is coming to an end and October is patiently waiting to bring me thirty one days of pure craziness. With a trip to California and New York in store, it’s going to be a great month. 

I’m not sure what happened, but the way I experienced God’s presence two weeks ago at Chapel has seriously done something to me. There’s so much peace and it’s definitely the kind of peace that surpasses my understanding. Life is so much fun when you do it God’s way. It really is. The grace of God and the power of the cross are two things that are unfathomable to me, but I’m so thankful for the both of them. Alright, I’m being distracted because the sun is out and all I can think about is playing ultimate frisbee. I’m addicted to the sport! Pray for deliverance…

Till next time…

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…

Here’s a list of my top 10 worship songs in no particular oder…

1. You Are Good - - Israel Houghton
2. Give Him Praise - - Lincoln Brewster
3. Mighty to Save - - Hillsong
4. You Are The Living Word - - Fred Hammond
5. Saved My Soul - - Generation Unleashed
6. He Has Done Great Things - - City Bible Church
7. Moving Forward - - Free Chapel Live
8. Amazed - - Desperation
9. Favor of the Lord - - Israel Houghton
10. Hosanna - - Kirk Franklin