I'm a scientologist!!!

yeah well at least that's what my mom told me i was the other day. It pretty much ticked me off mainly because she has no idea what that even is.

also things that have made me mad. Pretty much all day yesterday at church. I really want to post about something but im sure i will say something that i will not say in love so i will not post about it.

I was also told last night by guess who an old person about how i need to help stack chairs. Which is only funny number one because i had just stacked chairs and secondly because it was more important for this person to suggest that people that were younger than her to pick up chairs than to actually make an effort to pick up chairs.

It was like she was in ms. pac-man running around trying to eat all the young people she could find because she wanted to let us know how irresponsible we are because we aren't as close to death as she is.

Also this came to my realization the other day. Is there anywhere in the Bible that talks about older people being an example for those younger than them? This is a serious question. These are some reasons i want to know:

1.If we believe that the whole Bible is true why have i only heard how important it is to obey your parents and respect your elders but never heard how you should be an example to your kids (even though it has been assumed or alluded to it has never been specifically addressed.

2.If it is not in there should it explain something to adults (oldies) that the Bible addresses young people so much and old people not so much????

3.Why must adults quarrel? I want to say so much more on this but im sure I'll be called a muslim or an occult leader so i will hold back.

Man please read your Bibles It makes me so angry to see people just throw around Bible verses that are so completely out of context it shouldn't even be allowed as intellectual thought.

Hey Crosspointe wake up!!! Quit trying to hide things. Quit trying to please everyone. Quit bickering. By the way Read This

I pray that love would flood my life cuz its not there right now and I'm just praying that God would be glorified in this in some way.

I'm out

weekend thoughts

I'm so stinkin excited about tomorrow morning!

I will be taking over the 8 o clock class tomorrow and im so pumped. I'm getting an opportunity to lead kids that show up at 8 in the morning to learn about God!

I have plans and dreams that I want these kids to take over from me in these next couple of months and im pretty sure that I haven't been this excited about our church in a long time. Which is definitely a reflection on me not just our church.


If you read this make it to the 8 o clock sunday school hour and hang on for the ride of your life. It gets started tomorrow.

P.S. i don't listen to music much on the radio but today i decided to and im glad that i did. I heard a country love song where the chorus ends with the line:

"I want to check you for ticks"

Funniest line in music history!!!

Love you guys pray for tomorrow that God chooses to bless that time!!!

I'm out.

Vision

So this morning i had this dream that a bat (not baseball but like a flying rat) had flown on my head while i was sleeping and was just staying there and was flappin all crazy and stuff so i woke up and grabbed the closest thing and starting to destroy my pillow.

It was a dream and i laughed as im sure you are now.

But this is what i needed today. Sometimes something feels so stinkin real and you just have to act on it.

For a long time i've struggled with vision for my life. You guys know me if i have a vision or a goal i go get it. (usually faster than someone else(a lil joke about my competitive spirit))

But i haven't and still don't have a clear vision, which i heard today is this:

'a compelling picture of a preferable future that inspires us to perform'

that is what i want. But now i understand that you can't manufacture it. It has to be given by God. I pray that one day my vision is not big but colossal and that God will use my flawed and weak self to change as many people's lives as possible.

God used leaders to fix problems and change lives, but He showed them the need first. Well now there is a need. My vision while not my main vision or mission in life it is what i must do.

Please pray for me as i follow God and pray that i will listen. I really need your prayers in this area of my life. Please pray. Love you guys. To God be the glory, great things He has done.

I'm out

See what had happened was...

well here's what went wrong:

1. a wire came loose on my flight from Memphis, I was supposed to leave at 735 am but didn't board the plane until 9 am!!

2. i sent msgs. to josh bradley(guy filming the video and in on the plans) trying to let him know that i would miss my connecting flight because of the delay, he didn't get them. Mrs. Beth (Kristen's mom) sent me a txt saying she was waiting in the greenville sc baggage claim. Only one problem: I was in Charlotte!!!

3. The original plan was to hide in the basement until Kristen got picked up to go downtown but now we had to stall until 530 when she would get picked up from the house and head downtown. I got in at 200! Lots of stalling...

4. Morgan(pickup) was an hour late! We were going to do the whole thing at 7 which would give us about an hour to get ready. Instead we had to push the time back to 730 because of the late pickup. Imagine how Morgan must've felt knowing everything was going on. Its ok Morgan it all worked out and you did great.

5. They got lost on the way downtown. We can't give them directions because we have to direct them to a certain direction and we are in the car driving to about the same location and the times could be thrown off again. So Eryn(plans and Kristen's roommate) had to direct them.

6. On the bridge, you can see this in the video the prom people(people that had prom that night) asked me to take a picture for them while Kristen was very close...I said sorry im kinda busy and the girl in the blue dress got some attitude and was like busy? ur just standing on a bridge? so i showed them the ring and they freaked out right before they took the picture!!

Anyway even though all these things happened it all worked out lovely. Thank you God!!

Now we're planning a wedding which is funny cuz my idea of fashion is plaid pants!!!

Keep us in your prayers, wedding, job for me in sc, vision, and wisdom is what we need right now. Thanks so much I love you all.

I'm out!!!

sorry guys

well i've been trying to find the time to write this blog but its been so busy around my life.

I will post on what went wrong with the engagement tomorrow. (Even though it worked out perfectly praise God)

David Jacks u and me are in the same boat along with some others around the area. And it seems for the last few weeks i was struggling just to hear God speak but the main thing is that it will come and for now whatever the next step is it will come and you will know it.

I'm excited and nervous. By the way i sent out a resume about a job in SC to someone in UPS about 4 weeks ago. No answer back at all! Freaks me out just a little bit. But i know that God is working and I can only wait and work while i wait.

Keep your head up i love all you guys keep me and kristen in your prayers.

I'm out!!!

So little time so much to say

i have like 3 minutes before i need to leave so ill make it quick.

This weekend:

got engaged it was exciting but it seemed like everything was going wrong but God worked it out to be an amazing time.

God is changing me and i am thankful i need prayer and i need time but i am excited about the impact that He is making and the things that are going to happen.

Jere Phillips is leaving: Goodbye sir(that's all im gonna say)
But I am praying that Russia and all the Muslims over there will get saved. Go God!!!

Reading Blue Like Jazz interesting sometimes real the others i love the book cuz its so transparent but some things are very unclear and diluted.

Looking forward to what God is going to do with me over the next 7 months before i go to greenville. God is gonna change my life in this time. Thanks for ya'll support let kristen know you love her and tell her she should write a blog to explain everything. Love you guys...


I'm out!!!

Thanks

First of all i want everyone to know that I am not going to Acworth, GA. That is not God's will for me at this point in my life. I still have preparation this is what confirmed this state that I am in right now in my life Exodus 2:15-17.

no one is coming to slay me but i still have something to do before I am ready to take on God's call for my life and I believe I know what it is.

I just want to thank you both J.R. and Todd. You have shaped my life more than you know. I've learned to challenge people and that its ok to use my passion outside of the church to benefit the people of the church.

I've learned that learning is good and that the Bible is inerrant and infallible. We went through Bible Doctrine and was extremely molded by that entire experience.

It seems that we've grown a little bit more distant because of my circumstances but know that both of you have made a lasting impact on my life. And also remember that if you ever want to get destroyed in soccer i'll only be like 2 hours away after i graduate.

I know that this is the right thing for all of us involved especially for me as I begin to prepare me and my future family. But again i thank you for all that you've done and will continue to do in my life. Thanks so much and if you ever need anything let me know.

Thanks....


I'm out....

sorry guys

i have so much to talk about but not alot of time. Sorry i've had the busiest week in history this past week and after this weekend i think it's going to all slow down for about 3 weeks which will give me a much needed break. Anyway big things happening very soon. I can't wait to tell you about them. Anyway hang out and also tell kristen that she needs to write a blog and david jacks that we need to do a video blog together but until next time peace out.

Also tropical mango tea from sonic.....AMAZING

i'm out.

I'm Sorry

First of all im so sorry for all of the people and the families of the va tech victims. I apologize for the people that won't let you grieve and for those grazy gun control and non gun control people that seem that their agenda is more important than the fact that you guys are grieving.

I wish that it didn't happen and im sorry that it is everywhere. Im praying for you and your family and i hope that some network out there instead of pushing their agenda would take the time to remember the victims and let them have their memorial instead of giving all the time to the guy that caused all of this.

Anyway im sorry to all the families and Know that I'm praying for you and again I'm so sorry.

out.

What I'm About...

Well in trying to discover who i really am I have found out some interesting things that are almost a habit for me now.

I am honest. When it comes to life or other people that want an honest opinion i give it. Ask my workers I'm probably the most honest guy that most of them know. This leaves me vulnerable in many situations but I also know that the truth is the best all the time.

I am creative. I have known this since probably about 5th grade when i wanted to be the first person on Mars not so everyone would know but instead to say i was the only person on the planet and run it for the short time i was on it how i wanted to.

I am bold. This is my most troublesome quality. To illustrate this a long time ago when i was a junior in high school i believe we had some issues in our student ministry many of the kids there would be all about it when they were there but in their daily activities the same commitment wasn't there. To Me this was HUGE!!! So i got up in front of everyone and introduced myself to the visitors because i didn't want to yell at people i didn't know...true story...so I told them that they were mocking the cross and I couldn't believe their actions and don't say that you come to this place because its an insult if you do. In front of 200 people i said that looking back. Probably won't do that but i speak my mind no matter what people think always have and more than likely always will.

And last but not least I'm frustrated. I think this is where God is growing me in passion for something meaningful. Because even though I am all of those things above I am not focused and concentrated.

To use my own analogy for a second. I'm like a beam of light, bright full of energy and I can do crazy things. Make things grow, offer nourishment, and even light up a dark situation but you know what i can't do: burn. I lack focus. I'm everywhere spread out good but not great.

I'm looking for God's giant magnifying glass to multiply my ability. Cuz right now I don't have a focus. Work, school, phone, driving, workers, ss class, are all of my activities. I need one spot magnified to light something on fire. That explains my entire situation. I lack focus. I need it I want it but I don't have it. So again I'm frustrated but like I've been hearing for almost ten years (which is nuts cuz im only 20) I have so much potential.

Blah Blah Blah is what i have to say about that. I'm not where i need to be and maybe its not time but God is in charge please don't take this out of context. God is in control of my life but I AM NOT GIVING ENOUGH IF I AM NOT WHERE I WANT TO BE.

That's where I am at. Jeff Hill hangout maybe tennis this week. David C. Jacks you too buddy i want to destroy some faces this weekend. Let's go Tigers!!!!

I'M OUT!!!!

Waiting to meet new folks

These past couple weeks i have been in more deep thought than ever before. One of the thoughts that is running through my head is how i will be separating from most of my friends when December ends. It will be a new time. I will miss them so much. I literally have the greatest friends in the world and Each one of them is extremely unique.

But I'm excited because I know that God is beginning something big in my life but I also know that God has partners and friends to join me along the way. I'm so excited to see the people that will join me in ministry in the future it makes me anxious and nervous but pumped at the same time.

I'm sad cuz two of my best friends is called by God into missions. Jeff Hill will be an incredible missionary and Cammo Price is going to be one as well. But I'm sad that they can't be a part of my life ya know. The Regulars: Me, Kristen, Jeff, Carmen, Lauren, and Cameron will be separated (even though we already are dissected some)

Its sad because they are and will be valuable members to any team and will make a huge impact where ever they end up.

But that's life live, learn, love and let go. It sad but encouraging that at the end we'll get to hear each other's stories from our short lives hear on earth. And laugh and joke like we always have. Anyway guys i know its a long way off but i just wanted to let you and all my friends know that I love you and I am who I am because of your friendship.

I'm Out Again!!!

What's up...

Well not much to talk about just found out that Stacie is now a University of Memphis cheerleader! That's pretty awesome. Especially if you know the story you should definitely ask her about it.

Anyway just wanted to see what was up with everybody Friday i put in a resume for a potential job when i get out of school. I should get an email back this week. Hope for the best.

Love you guys, I was sick this week and missed everyone at church and Jeff sorry i couldn't make it to your house i was doing a take home test and I HAD TO GET IT DONE! I was hoping the all caps would make it seem very important.

Anyway many decisions to make and am waiting for guidance. Have so much to do in the next few weeks end of school, position changes at work, tests, papers group assignments its gonna be nuts.

Thanks for thinking of me and reading this chatty post. Love you guys.

I'm Out!!!

To be Great or not To be Great?

U know i've been on this get to know me spat over the past couple of days so let's keep it going.

I've talked to a few people about this and im just really not sure.

Background: When i was a lil kid i dreamed of greatness, I wanted to be the greatest preacher, the greatest ballplayer, the greatest writer, the greatest teacher.

Whatever i did i strived to be the greatest.

Growing up i realized (or was told) how prideful that is. But now that I am thinking about it: Is it or Isn't it?

Did Moses become great because he strived or God put Him into that? Did David become great based on decisions he made or the opportunities that God gave Him?

I am not writing this blog to start another predestination argument but instead to know am i pursuing the wrong thing if I am pursuing greatness? Think about it and let me know.

I'm Out!!!

Who Am I?

well i know this is a weird subject but i wanted to write it for me and for those of you wondering where im at in life.

I've been struggling to find direction in my life and not general direction but specific direction. I know where I'm going but not what im doing when i get there if that makes any sense.

Well in that time i have had some time to think and have came up with things that i have learned about myself in the past few months:

I'm a hard worker who isn't working hard enough.

I've got potential but im not sure how much of it or how or through what way.

I think im ready but im scared.

I'm confused and i don't get confused.

I'm encouraged by my mom because she actually said i would be preaching one day (never did that)

I'm tired school, work, life is tough.

I'm fed up.

I talk a big game but if i backed up half of what i said i would be more of a man that i could ever imagine.

I say that i live for the next life but im not sure that i do sometimes.

God loves me and is not confused at all and yet all i do is worry lately.

I see competition as a relief from reality and that's why im competitive its my element its where i succeed.

I'm a Thompson we survive more under pressure situations than any family i can think of.

I want to learn to play golf.

I'm anxious to see what God wants me to do yet at the same time scared that i won't do it.

I'm learning that truthfulness is a scary part of life. Not something they tell you about in Disney movies.

I'm scared, I'm confused and not in control. I have God to lead me and i can't hear Him sometimes. Its the truth i need guidance and comfort yet i know that it can only come from God. So again like most of my life im stuck waiting.

It sucks where I'm at. I'm usually a sight for people without hope i bring an example of stability for the younger people around me but now its like im starting over.

I wish i knew my exact mission in life it would make life easier. But i didn't come into this world easy and i didn't sign up for the easy life either. So i guess ill have to wait to find out who i really am and who i am going to be.

cuz right now im just confused.

I'm out!!!

I'm upset

Well i was gonna either write a blog today about easter (overdone but not in any way underappreciated by me or the others writing the blog) or the blog i've been wanting to write about: Who Am I? Because about two years ago all my friends and everyone knew about me and what i was about and what i was up to.

Now with so much going on i just don't have that time that i wish that i had to just chill with people. So its almost like im shrouded in mystery and i don't want to be but that's just how it is.

But now for my blog. So i sat with the 'rents today at church and i was looking fly in some pinstripes but i digress.

So this awesome baby was in front of us completely behaved except for some minor noise not crying more like cooing.

Well then an usher had the nerve to come up to the mom and say "You know there is a room where you can take your baby when she gets too loud."

By the way there were two twins across the aisle crying like crazed birds the whole time. Not a word to them.

It was completely rude and uncalled for. I was ticked but to make sure i wasn't out of line i asked my truthful in your face sister and mom(that's where she got it from) and they were saying it was rude too.

I was completely upset that he had the audacity to say something like that. Secondly, i was perplexed as to why he told the quiet baby's momma that her calm baby could be taken to the nutso baby room. While the terrible twosome over there remained as unsatisfied as before.

This is where an atmosphere guy deviates. People are the key. Why would you say something that daring to a mom who has her handsfull already when the goblin and ghoul are howling like lil banshees. I would've been upset if i were the mom and it probably would've affected my feelings at that time about the service the church the people that go to church everything.

Y? Y? Y? Does it make sense am i insane who knows. But it seems to me if your atmosphere gets in the way of people and the message which i believe that it did then your atmosphere that you have worked so hard to achieve is in vain.

That's it keep the main thing the main thing.

I'm out.

Time to weigh in...

Well first of all it seems that there has been a quiet uproar over jeff hill's blog

by quiet uproar i mean people are upset by it but refuse to tell jeff about but want to see what others think.

first of all i would agree somewhat with what he said. I think that the problem is that we forget (as we were taught jeff) that only a beckoning of the Holy Spirit can allow us to have a choice as to our salvation. So when we get uproarious and rambucuous about not having a choice in the matter remember that.

secondly, this brings up a point that i won't talk about anymore but i want people to think about because i have. We have a gap between evangelists-traditionalists, there always has and there always will be there is not one right way to look at this issue of how we minister to people everyone is different.

Different strokes for Different folks.

Lastly jeff i say this to you, thank you for reading your bible, thank you for questioning, but be careful you are demeaning everyone who has ever preached from a pulpit by making general blanket statements. Please think before you speak especially about other people. I love you man and im glad that there are some young people that are ready to experience a life led by God.

No matter where it may lead.

I'm not an expert, heck im a marketing major. But to criticize(this is for everyone) and jump to conclusions without any evidence or guts to confront someone personally but instead to someone else or even on a computer screen is childish and obnoxious.

Breathe a little bit jeff isn't raising lil blue devil children, that's JR (just a Duke reference!!!)

However this subject is important and i don't think enough weight is given to God's role in salvation except for the cross and then we believe. We should be thanking God for beckoning us and the Holy Spirit for following through with what God said.

Pray for the Spirit that it would beckon others as well.

I'm Out!!!

Another Championship, Another Lie

Is it just me or does everytime someone thank God on tv after winning something just make you want to throw up. Well maybe not everytime but almost everytime.

I know that i sound like a 65 year old baptist church member who wants people to mature before they convert. But im serious on this one.

It drives me nuts to see people who you would never imagine thanking God for anything in their lives (three 6 mafia, lance armstrong, and rasheed wallace to name a few) thanking God for all that He has brought them through.

But also every year along with that i am sickened by the fact that someone else is going to talk about it.

Instead of talking about it why don't we do it. What if we lived like our life was a tribute to God. That we had the media following us everywhere and they couldn't find a fault.

What if people actually did God size things. I am talking to adults now. Kids dream we dream big. Most of the time to get our dreams crushed by our parents or a sunday school teacher who says you aren't ready for something that big yet.

Well how long does it stinkin take the rest of you guys out there. Frankly, we should see adults who are running successful businesses cuz they were fed up with bad customer service or a mom running a food distribution company because of what her kids were eating at school (by the way pizza should not taste like cardboard)

Where are these people that talk about a miraculous God but only from a third person perspective. Once in my life i would like to see 1 person who the media does nothing but talk about their relationship with God before they succeed and they do nothing but good and good and good afterwards.

Take Mike Maroth (P Detroit Tigers) he lost like 14 games in a row a couple of years ago and all the media would talk about was how did he feel about God now. He ended up losing 21 games that year. Did he turn out to be an all pro, no he's won about 25 games in two years. But i can bet that He was thanking God for every victory along the way and he might not have been i don't know the guy.

But i do know this we need people that aren't scared to take chances with God to let Him lead their passion and go full speed ahead and don't look back.

Think Big! I'm Out!!

Yes im posting about diets

if you know me then you know that im a fan of people that have goals, also you know that i don't like people that have goals but don't know how or don't try to reach them.

this blog is about the glycemic index.

this system seems to me to be the best diet that you can have out there. You don't do away with anything but instead swap things that you already eat.

this is the website: The Glycemic Index

anyway as you know i work a long time so i usually have between nine and ten hours between lunch and dinner. Crazy i know but true.

so i was looking for a way to eat the same amount of food but have the energy for a longer amount of time.

Basically what this thing is based on is glucose which if you don't know if a form of sugar. it is contained in almost everything that you eat and it releases sugar extremely fast into your body.

so the scale is based on glucose which =100 the lower numbers indicate foods that release sugar into your bloodstream at a slower rate which means that you feel less hungry for a longer amount of time.

the higher numbers indicate a quick rush of sugar to your body. You would eat these foods after a workout to quickly regain the energy that was lost.

Basically eat fruits and vegetables less potatoes and a lil pasta and wholegrain bread and the hunger virtually dissapears. Just thought i would let you know about my new view of food.

So much to write about

I have so stinking much to write about but no time or enough dedication to get it all on the blog. So a couple of things im thinkin of:

1. How many people need paternity tests? I watched Maury cuz i didn't want to get out of bed needless to say 5 minutes after learning that there are like 1,000s of people that don't know who the father of their kid is i got up and felt better about my life.

2. Derrick Rose is playing in the McDonald's all american game tonight. Best pg in the country is coming to memphis next year lets just say im excited.

3. Glycemic index i will talk more about this in the coming days very interesting.

4. God's planning. God is shaping me and Kristen for something big and i have no idea what it is or how it is going to happen or when but its growing inside and im excited.

5. I wish i could play the tuba for those moments in life when you need music to accompany you. That would be awesome.

6. I don't know who Sanjaya is but everyone hates him and for that he is now my favorite. Let's go Sanjy baby!

7. Duke fans are weird

8. I'm looking for a new car one that i can hit the gas and feel like a man in.

9. No more SSS i know you are all dissapointed but i have a few more ideas. word of the day, color of the day, and last but not least haircut of the day.

10. Yeah that's it man school is hard and starting salaries are going down what is happening to our economy.

I'm out!!!

Its Time!!!

Yeah today is the day i've been waiting on the whole year. The chance to prove the critics the experts everyone wrong. People don't think memphis is a real basketball town. I looked on facebook's standings today number 8 college network in the country and the top regional network in the country. I think that says something. Now the david of the tournament the team that lost more than any other team in the country( two first round draft picks and one european player) almost 40 points a game gone.

Now we can't compete with those big conferences. By the way Conf. USA is undefeated in the NCAA tourney!!!! No one wants to play us we're deep we're athletic and we play defense. Bring it. What to look for as we play the Nuts known as the Buckeyes...zone. OSU will play zone to try and take us out of our backdoor driving princeton offense. We must shoot the three well and take Ron Lewis out of the game. Conley will choke and no one likes to throw the ball to Oden. A good matchup for us even though Dorsey called him overrated (big mistake) Watch us root for us love us. It's our time. I'm out!!

I hate Mondays

I know this is on tuesday but mondays are the worst thing to ever happen to the planet earth.

You go back to work. You lose that extra sleep you built up over the weekend. Your boss thinks that you have to make up for lost time. Teachers do their best to give the hardest tests of your life(by the way i took a finance test yesterday and my batteries on my calc. went dead no replacement!!!) you have to start thinking about life again (or so it seems.)

Im getting tired. I go through this stage about once every quarter. The love of my life is in sc, i have no real ministry besides the guys at my job, I have been doing the drive and hour-school-drive 35 minutes-work-drive 40 minutes-eat-sleep routine for almost 3 years now.

But i've finally found a bright spot. I know that i am worthless without christ puppeteering me into an oscar winning performance(bad analogy i know but meaningful to me) but my vision for my life along with Kristen has begun. It will take time and effort and i don't know how that path will align itself. But my vision is growing and gaining strength.

My path now has a general direction and my passion and fervor is growing. Its not earth shattering and for some of you you might just say "...uh yeah and" but i know that God is molding my future and am excited more than ever about it. I pray that God will continue to shape mine and Kristen's lives and that my path will be alight with a fire that can never be quenched. Oh yeah for those of you that work part time don't call into work. Grow up you stinkin lazy bums!!!


SSS: I'm trying one today to reward myself for surviving Monday...It's a cherry limeade with blue coconut!!! Seems weird but which of these haven't try it today and also if you don't have anything to do tot rejection game

Pray for me as my journey is just beginning!!! Love you guys I'm out.

Let's go Memphis

I'm waiting for todays game and am pumped. Let me explain life to you as a memphis fan. Number one we win by about 15 and we hear on cbs and espn that we are definitely the next team to lose even though its seems extremely strange to me that two years in a row the team that is "our test" gets to play at home.

But if we lose they will talk about how they expected it all along and we are just not that good. Undefeated in conference, 23 in a row, 31 total. Yeah i guess that is a bad team huh. Bring on all the big conference talk its coming i know. Just make sure you watch us play. Let's go tigers!!!

Parents

Parents are interesting things. They have our best interests in mind but sometimes its just like they don't want us to risk anything they just want us to be safe our whole lives.

My parents are worried that i might be trying to over step my bounds by taking summer classes and that i shouldn't push myself too hard. By the way this is coming from my dad who works about 14 hours a day. So he knows a lil of what he is talking about. Anyway, I'm trying to get done so i can get married and get a real job and move into the next phase of my life. All the while knowing that i have no idea as to my mission in life yet.

All of which is ok for me. This just adds to my blog yesterday about stress. But last night as i am thinking about what i read during the day in my reading time. I find this in Matthew Henry's commentary in J.C.'s paraphrase. God uses stress to bring us closer and causes us to rely on Him. If we give into that stress and fear then we allow ourselves room for the credit that is not due.

Look i don't have in depth plans or a long term goal (yet!) but i know that God is shaping me and Kristen for something that is bigger than both of us. Something that i could never have imagined.

Where? Don't know
When? Don't know
How? Don't know
What? Don't know
Why? Cuz God wills it that way and its the mission for my life.

I'm on a quest i know it sounds archaic and has a touch of classicism but nevertheless I am. And each day is another page turned to ultimately reach the end of my novel here on earth.

SSS: Blue Coconut in a Vanilla Shake pure bliss!!!!

Remember to root for the Tigers tomorrow!!! I'm out.

God is Funny

Isn't it funny sometimes how much God can just throw us for a whirlwind of a life in like three weeks. Ill give you a sample of what the last three weeks has been in good ol drummonds, tn.

Girlfriend is outta town very lonely, girlfriend comes in town not lonely, girlfriend has to leave again lonely again.

Told more than likely ill be switching areas at work. Won't switch areas at work.

Have to pay car insurance but glad it goes down later this year. Looking for a new car, don't have the money for a new car.

Been looking forward to a ring and summer school, find out that they both are mucho dinero and now am stressed about money (not cuz i can't get it by the way but i have some beliefs on how God wants you to spend your money and how you deal with debt).

Trying to invest and save but at the same time realize that i have to spend money to invest in current assets (people, friends, family etc. yes they are important assets.

All this to say the other day Kristen said "you just don't get stressed out about stuff [like this]" she was talking about one of her own stress factors. I did this to let everyone know that i do stress out.

But its funny that people talk about how we shouldn't feel stressed and how stress is really bad for you and all that is true. Ill probably die at like age 32 if i don't get back to being fit again. But how can we deal not only with stress but these God ordained times of decision.


And i've learned something important God wants us to experience Him in life now to understand more fully what life will be like for eternity.

Don't you think that God could have opened a sinkhole when the Egyptians were chasing the Hebrews? or took them a different way? There are millions of possible solutions but God wanted the Hebrews to experience, to walk with Him, to see Him working literally on all sides of them.

God doesn't put decisions in front of us to stress us out but to draw us deeper into our intimacy with Him. Talk to Him today to figure out how he wants to change you but more importantly just talk to Him.

SSS: this is more of an announcement. No more peanut butter!!! maybe this is just around here or everywhere im not really sure but the peanut butter is gone. Sad Day....


I'm out!!!

1,000 Days!!!!

yes its correct yesterday was mine and kristen's 1000 day together. Its kinda crazy actually that someone could put up with me for so long. Not cuz im a bad guy or anything like that im just weird. I love you and thanks for the best 1,000 days of my life.

Quick Blog

hey quick go tigers. Kristen Barfield is wonderful and i am once again lonely. I am going to play basketball this weekend i haven't played in ages sweet.

SSS: look at Josh Currie's blog for the SSS I'm out!!!!

Goals vs. Mission

First before i start not going to talk about atmosphere. Second I am going to talk about something that is relevant.

If you know me one word you would probably use to describe me is driven. If not then you probably don't know me well enough. I learned something in my advertising and promotion class today that has never been clearly defined ever before and i think that it will help us all.

A mission is a reason for existence. Goals are things that you do to reach your mission. Usually we see these terms as synonymous but they are clearly different.

So i ask you what is your mission??? Why are you here on earth??? Why do you exist???

I would venture to say that we don't clearly have that defined but when we do it will keep us focused on what our goals should be.

SSS: New Banana Pudding shake i haven't tried it but i love banana so im super excited. Go get one now!!!

I'm Out!!!

No Church For Me

Well i didn't go to church at all yesterday which is very weird for me to do. My uncle has been at my house all weekend helping us fix up our bathrooms and stuff. So its like extreme makeover home edition at my house except for we pay for it and we put it in and in no way did any of us cry when it was finished.

Also it gave me a chance to listen to different people i wouldn 't normally hear preach. I heard Steve Gaines at Bellevue, a little of Charles Stanley, and some other guys i have never heard of before. Its always nice to hear different people speak and it provides balance in your spiritual walk.

Not only that but i got to go to the last Memphis home basketball game of the year. It was fun but the atmosphere was pitiful. I am going to talk about this subject probably tommorrow but i will stop there for now.

I also went to Blockbuster to get Madden 07 for the Wii. I've always wondered how awesome my arm would be against professional competition. While i was there this kid rushed in with his parents and instantly flies to the new movie called flushed away. I have no idea what it was about but he wanted it more than anything in the world.

Now this is going to be one of those you had to be there stories but i laughed so hard so i have to tell you: this kid's mom tells her son that he needs to pass his spelling test before he can get the movie. Now in my mind im thinking "sweet im going to get to see this kid pull one over on his mom" cuz kids usually get what they want.

The son proceeds to say who is Patrick Spellingtest??? I laugh and shake my head more at the fact that while this was clearly innocent I saw it as a clear diversion to try and fool the mom into thinking the kid didn't know what was going on and try in a valiant effort to bring the movie home with him.

Moral of the story: spend time with your kids and reward their achievement. They want to be challenged and loved by their parents.

SSS: How bout a chocolate coke today??? Sounds gross right....but until you've tried the caramel flavor of a classic coca-cola with the delightfully indulging rich taste of chocolate you haven't truly experienced life to the fullest...See what you've been missing!!!

And you wonder why I'm in marketing...hahaha I'm out!!!!

Can't Wait For Work

yeah well last night at work we got told our boss's last day was tomorrow, which is now today. Seems like short notice, huh? Yeah he got told on Monday night. It really stinks for him because we are literally the best sort in the country right now. No exaggeration we are the number one sort in UPS.

So you would think a reward would be in order right, wrong. Our boss is going to the midnight sort out at Oakhaven so his hours switch from, 2-10 in the day to 8pm-5am. Just so he can make some "changes on the midnight sort" Needless to say he was very upset.

On top of that we have a part time sup moving into a finance position and one moving into an IE position. So basically its a rebuilding time. For other places it seems like that would be great but we are being broken down. The dynasty is being shutdown.

I write this blog to say a couple things that i was told by my parents at this situation. Number 1 that's life. People get dumped on and the ones that it usually happens to are the ones that are dependable, hard working, trustworthy, full of integrity, loyal, and skilled.

Secondly, there is a positive spin that you can put on anything if you are taking advantage of someone.

Lastly and i think the most important thing is this, We aren't working for people our reward does not come from this earth. It comes from God.

This leads me to wonder how many people that have been walked on, taken advantage of and just plain neglected will be overjoyed when they see their Heavenly Father grant them the blessings that they should have probably gotten on Earth.

It has always been in the back of my mind but i guess it has never really applied but it does now. And i had a chance to really understand what it means. Don't give up hope, God is always aware of what's going on.

No SSS, I'm not in the mood I'm trying to sulk. I'm out!!!

What to right...hmmmm

Well sometimes its a struggle for me to find what to write. And yes i mispelled write in my title for this reason. Why is it that we can't be totally transparent all the time. Why can we write some things in our blog but others we can't.

Anyway lately i've had so much stuff to do with school and its boggin me down cuz i don't have the time i would like to hang out with people because of it. I've been thinking of so many things that have nothing to do with school its not contributing to the fact that i need to get the work done.

An update on work...my belt has been either the best or the second best belt in the last three weeks. I'm pretty excited about that. For two reasons, one the work that they are putting in is paying off both mentally and physically. They feel like they are accomplishing things at work, they are having fun, and they are getting healthier all at the same time. Secondly, we will get opportunities. I say we because their efforts help me out too.

We are going to be changing things up soon at work. I would go into more detail but some people from my belt might be reading this. Anyway an update will be coming in about a month about what will be happening.

Last but not least the process is underway in "The Proposal" the story of a girl in SC and a guy from Drummonds who have traversed the difficult road that is long distance relationships and not only survived but kicked it in the teeth. Glory to God believe me I'm sure He told Kristen a couple of times: "He's really not that dumb it just seems that way"

How far along the process am I you might be wondering? somewhere between asking her dad and asking her to marry me if that clears it up for you. (Seriously you think i would say it there baby!)

Anyway for those of you making decisions I ask you do a couple of things. Don't stress it will all work out. Use this time to get to know who you are and what you are about and what you are good at. And last but not least use this time to seek God's will in your life no matter what it may be.

SSS: I'm starting to run out of things that i've tried but today ill give you tj's fav. drink. you can go to www.maketjdrink.com to make the combinations but his favorite is this one: blue coconut, watermelon,cranberry juice, apple juice, and coke. sounds weird but im going to try it.

Have a great president's day!!! I'm out!

Happy Valentine's

Well its that time of the year. I love this time cuz i think that its one of the funniest holidays on earth.

I went to pick up some stuff to ship Kristen's present in yesterday at Wally World and I saw a mob of people at the Valentine card section. The only thing funnier than the mass hysteria at the cards was how all of the candy was completely destructed.

For you single people out there you come up with some way to cope with your pain or you even say that you hate valentine's day but the reality is you just want to feel loved. I encourage go buy your own stuff some candy flowers whatever makes you happy and celebrate single's awareness day.

And for people in a relationship don't forget this most sacred of days. Women you pretty much control men on these days so take advantage of it. Guys this is your chance to make up for how dumb you've been the first of the year don't let this opportunity go to waste!

Last of all on the pink and red show day, let someone anyone know that you love them. Kristen Barfield i love you and wish we could spend this day together, one day we will. Love you guys and have a wonderful day seeing people express their love to one another.

SSS: Watermelon sprite. This is for those sonic trips after ball games or during the summer heat. Try a sprite with watermelon or grape you will be glad that you did.

Let's go Tigers!!! I'm out!

This is for you J.R.

J.R. told me to look up the non conference schedules for Duke and I would clearly see how much tougher a schedule Duke plays than Memphis so I did:

Duke:
Columbia
Georgia Southern
UNC Greensboro
Air Force
#17 Marquette L
Davidson
Indiana
#23 G'town
Holy Cross
G Mason
Kent St.
@#24 Gonzaga
San Jose St.
Temple

Memphis:
Jackson St.
Oklahoma
#19 Ga Tech
#22 Kentucky
Arkansas st.
Manhattan
@Tennessee
Ole Miss
Austin Peay
@ #9 Arizona
MTSU
Lamar
Cincinatti
@ Gonzaga

It looks like to me that Memphis plays the same number of ranked teams even though one of your ranked teams will not be ranked when memphis plays them and at the same time we have to play all of those games away from the Fed Ex Forum.

But we have to go find people to play because we are in a small conference. Also I believe that Ole Miss and Tennessee are two pretty good teams and Oklahoma is a middle team.

I guess we compare those to Air Force, Indiana, and George Mason on ya'll schedule???

Anyway i just thought i would post this for all to see make the decision on your own.

Let's go Memphis and Boston College this Wednesday!!!!

I'm out!

This is for you J.R.

J.R. told me to look up the non conference schedules for Duke and I would clearly see how much tougher a schedule Duke plays than Memphis so I did:

Duke:
Columbia
Georgia Southern
UNC Greensboro
Air Force
#17 Marquette L
Davidson
Indiana
#23 G'town
Holy Cross
G Mason
Kent St.
@#24 Gonzaga
San Jose St.
Temple

Memphis:
Jackson St.
Oklahoma
#19 Ga Tech
#22 Kentucky
Arkansas st.
Manhattan
@Tennessee
Ole Miss
Austin Peay
@ #9 Arizona
MTSU
Lamar
Cincinatti
@ Gonzaga

It looks like to me that Memphis plays the same number of ranked teams even though one of your ranked teams will not be ranked when memphis plays them and at the same time we have to play all of those games away from the Fed Ex Forum.

But we have to go find people to play because we are in a small conference. Also I believe that Ole Miss and Tennessee are two pretty good teams and Oklahoma is a middle team.

I guess we compare those to Air Force, Indiana, and George Mason on ya'll schedule???

Anyway i just thought i would post this for all to see make the decision on your own.

Let's go Memphis and Boston College this Wednesday!!!!

I'm out!

i hate duke

This is old news but ill tackle this subject anyway. Duke was given the Clemson game, however it doesn't stop there after losing two games in a row last weekend Duke actually moved up in the polls except for one!!! How in the world can you move up in any poll after a two game losing streak. Meanwhile Memphis beats every team by more than 15.

Who do we play though? well first of all we are 7-1 against the SEC over the last two years. And we can choose who we play during the conference schedule.

Who does Duke play out of conference on the road i ask??? How many nonconference road games do they play a year not against loyola or st. mary's or some other bible school or something???

I hate Duke now. Before it was a mild dislike but after this year i hate them. Nothing against you J.R. (who happens to be a Miami fan during football season) but Duke is handed games on a platter and i was estatic to see UNC beat them in the end after all of Duke's hard work.

They'll have ten losses by the end of this season and you know what's sad...they'll still be a 3 seed or higher. That's nuts.

Anyways my guys went 1 for 32000 last week in missorts considering we want 1 for 3000 that's 10 times better than what's expected.

Now for SSS: this is my Dad's favorite: strawberry and chocolate shake. Its pretty good.

Anyways watch for Memphis we're stepping it up when it really counts. I'm out!!!

Back from an incredible weekend

Well I came back last night and missed the Super Bowl but it was totally worth it. I spent last weekend with kristen and her family we played Wii, went to church, ate at Carabbas(amazing!) and...me and Mr. Dave went on a date!

For some of you this sounds very weird. This weekend was the weekend that I set aside for me and him to talk about mine and his daughter's future together. Anyway me and him talked about things and to make a long story short I asked for his daughters hand in marriage.

I won't go over the conversation but it was encouraging and challenging, Mr. Dave tends to do that which is just another reason that I love Kisten and her family. But he did say yes!!! So now the hunt and anticipation begins my plan is in the works and the date is a mystery and no one knows except for me!

But more than that I learned a lot this weekend. I'm praying and longing for a couple to share our lives and ministry with. Another guy that I can talk about my dreams and goals and we have the same things in mind. I see everyone growing closer to someone around them and it seems that I am left alone in the mix. This is a major consequence of my strenuous schedule. However, I know that God has partnerships in mind in the future that I just can't see right now.

Also, things about worship were reinforced in my mind this weekend. In sunday school the teacher taught how we must come to worship God. (Psalm 95) This is important in ministry because when we come with a heart to see God do amazing things and wanting to spend time with Him then those things usually happen. Also, when our leadership doesn't expect things to happen then they proabably won't.

So much motivation and challenge yet again I feel like I'm being reigned in. It's not time yet still more preparation. Im not worthy of the things that God has for me and Kristen but they are going to be great and awesome and more than I could ever imagine.

Now I'm waiting to see who God is going to put in our path to help us get there.

SSS: Peanut Butter, chocolate, and banana shake. My all time favorite drink ever. Get one today!!!

i hate snow!!!

yeah i said it mainly for 2 reasons: we never actually receive this white blessing that equals days off and endless fun. Secondly, we get this other thing called ice. Ice is much worse than snow and it is way more dangerous so for you crazy northern yankees that always trash us cause we get two inches of snow and cry for help you suck.

We don't get two inches of snow we get two inches of this wonderful thing called "wintry mix" which turns to ice or as i like to call it the clear death.

and UPS NEVER SHUTS DOWN this makes me sad as well but also makes us who we are. i hope it never snows again unless its like 14 feet of it then it will be ok.

Why must i get so upset?

So anyway before i burst into flames with anger at something that was said yesterday morning, i would like to let everyone know that you will never ever ever get the name of the person that said this out of my mouth. Promise, and if you ask i might just rip off your ear lobes.

So to begin, I was in the car on Sunday morning after i had just taken the family picture and sat that for about 5-10 minutes in prayer. I was praying that God would show up and that He would speak in my life and let me know where He was leading me in certain decisions in my life. I think that I am extremely close to a decision however. One that will be the best for myself and those around me. So after i prayed i got outta the car and went into church.

As i am waiting for the service to begin a person comes up and in the middle of a conversation we are having they say to me: "It's not like God is going to do anything here today anyway." That person goes on to clarify with: "He will do things in individuals life but definitely not as a corporate body."

First of all for the first time in my life i can honestly say that while i was fuming inside i kept my cool. In the past i would have wrecked there world with a bold statement that instead of teaching them anything would have created a gap in the relationship between me and this person.

However, i was still stinkin mad. I was told after praying a couple of years ago that God shows up at our church because people are praying, reading their Bible, and are following God. And i took my slap on the wrist and decided not to go further but not this time. I've had it.

Many things anger me but this one is now going to be apparent to everyone so listen up. Do not i repeat do not put God into a box and put limitations on what he can and can't do! We learn deep theological truths like whatever God does is just so while i believe that yes He blesses those that do those things does not in anyway mean that God has to save a hundred people or ten people or any people for Him to show up and do a work in people's lives.

God is in no way a puppet that is on strings and can only move in directions previously laid out. By the way why did Jesus heal people and talk to people even when there was no difference going to be made in their lives. Ex: the rich young ruler, the man healed at the pool of Bethesda. There are no clear indications that these people in any way made a change in their lives spiritually.

God is working in our church. Individually and corporately we are being transformed to take the next step that God has for us. So quit being so close minded and angry and bored. It is a reflection on what you expect God to do with unfavorable circumstances.

Preaching not good, people asleep, and you are talking about God not able to do anything corporately. I'm appalled angered and disgusted at this kind of attitude. But before you all jump on the bandwagon, you are probably there too.

What kind of attitude do you come to church with? Do you yearn to see God do something miraculous? Or do you seriously doubt anything with a lasting impact can happen?

In case you forgot when everything was "good" in your eyes, people prayed God we beg for you to fall down, we don't know or understand why you have blessed us in such a way but we beg you not to take your hand away from us.

Now when we need prayer like this more than ever we fall short. Look into your hearts and see if you really yearn to see God do amazing things for people or are you just waiting for yours, your little drop of blessing.

I'm so mad about this if you couldn't tell so there is no SSS today. Later though i promise. I'm out!

Let the sparks fly...

Competitions started last week at Bartlett for the best belt in the building. Basically, we get packages that are supposed to go into certain trailers that take them to a correct location. If those packages are put into the wrong trailer it is called a missort.

The basic competitive format is that whoever has the better frequency at the end of two weeks is the winner and the belt is given free pizza at the end of the night.

To determine frequency you take the number of packages scanned divided by the number of missorts accumulated.

Well if you know me I am extremely competitive. Every pickup game is the national championship, every walk to the car is the Boston marathon, and every sudoku puzzle in the Daily helmsman is another opportunity to flex my number patterning guess and check method(patented by me in case you were wondering). So this competition means alot.

But more than just the competition at work I explain to my guys that you will always have something to compete against. And your effort that you put in is a direct reflection i believe on your performance.

"Average effort equals average performance, better effort equals better performance, but the most effort equals the best performance" quoted by a future author J.C. Thompson.

So what characterizes your life? Do you just go at things in your life ho-hum? Do you leave effort and energy untapped in your life? Or do you give it all you got really all that you got? Wonder why your organization or skills are struggling, look at the effort that you are putting into it?

However, let's not forget that God is in control and sometimes in the sovereignty of God things just might not work at all no matter how hard you try. But in the end if you have done all that you can, if you have 'shown thyself approved' it will turn out well.

God weighs the heart remember that always remember that.

SSS #2: Cranilla Craze its sweeping the nation literally like a broom and dustpan. You can ask for it by name and they can make it for you. Basically its a combination of sprite, vanilla and cranberry juice. Its simply succulent.

Tigers are now number 11 in the country and are undefeated in conference play. I'm out!

Finally...marketing

Well if you don't already know I'm a marketing major and go to the university of Memphis, go Tigers! anyway I've spent basically the last 3 years of my life going through basic education, science, math, English, and a few core business courses all of which was kinda a review of my 13 years in primary education.

But this semester and really today has peaked my interest more than ever. I will explain what marketing consists of and then those of you that know me will understand why it is so amazingly interesting and exciting to me.

First, math math math. Numbers are my thing and I've usually been pretty good with them and them with me.

Secondly, psychology. I would never ever be a psychologist however the way and patterns of people's thoughts always peak my curiosity.

Thirdly, communication. You must be an excellent verbal and script communicator in order to excel in the marketing field.

And last but not least, marketing. Marketing concepts and terminology combined with the other 3 elements make up my favorite part of business.

So basically excited to finally get to do things that i have been waiting to do since high school. Research proposals, watch commercials, do case studies on segmented groups of people, etc. etc. etc. I'm ecstatic.

Also im going to start a new feature on my blog. One i think everyone will love. I'm calling it the "Sonic Suprise of the Second" (like the alliteration?) It will be a section on different crazy Sonic drink concoction that I am really interested in right now.

Some will be great others I am just kinda curious about but im sure everyone will love it. So for my first SSS I will give one of my personal favorites(except when I'm with Kristen because she'll call me weird) is:


BLUE COCONUT CREAMSLUSH WITH CHOCOLATE SYRUP.

The bright blue flavor is extremely died down with the addition of the chocolate syrup but also thickened and results in a creamy dark sweet drink that is sure to please the senses. Anyways I'm out.

another. to add to ...

Sunday school great stimulating discussion, inquisitive young people, and a teacher with a passion for a relationship with Christ. That is what happened on Sunday.

I usually teach my sunday school class but i literally had the worst headache ever. The kind where you have to close your eyes and clinch your teeth and buttcheeks as tight as you can to bare the pain. So i let my class join jeff and dan's while i observed. My guys are usually incredibly inquisitive were more so today than on other days.

Jeff wanted to encourage and inspire the guys to dig deeper into the word of God and as the discussion intensified you could tell that they were intrigued. Different things happened and i came away more excited and happy than i have been in a long time.

Now as far as the service not as good. Someone actually got saved this Sunday which was suprising but exciting all the same. It's becoming more and more apparent as i think and pray and strive to see where God is leading me that i am here in this present location for a reason. One that i am not sure of but is of utmost importance. God always answers, remember that.

I've felt like God is not leading me one way or another right now. As i read his word the only thing that He is making apparent to me is that He is in control. Prov. 21:1 and pretty much all of Prov. 16.

This should lead me to peace but it doesn't, perhaps because of the condition of our church but more apparently the condition of my heart. I have always been a part of great things.

But when things aren't so great where i'm at do i cower into complacency? Do i just forget about where im at and look for a better situation? I should strive to make an impact now or else i wasted time.

The present is where i'm at and since i can't change the past or travel into the future my decisions have to have an impact on my current settings. Do i still question what the future holds? Absolutely. Do i wish that i knew what the decision is that i have to make? Of course. But if God is not leading me one way or the other there is a reason why and i must figure out what it is.

Analyze what God is saying to you and figure out what you should be doing to progress towards that today. I'm out.

oh yeah by the way

i see on bloglines that i only have one subscriber which makes me a lil upset but then i got really upset when i realized that i was the lone subscriber! read my blog please!!!!

imagine if...

have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you could just change a couple of big decisions that you've made. Like for instance, if i would have eaten cheerios instead of nothing this morning for breakfast i wouldn't be so hungry.

now i am imagining how if i never worked at UPS i could watch network prime time television and actually know and understand what is going on with shows like 24, American Idol, Scrubs, and Scooby Doo. Oh wait sorry that was on prime time the last time i watched tv on a weekday.

i think that we can get ourselves into trouble if we look so much at the have nots and not enough at what we have. so when we get into thinking about what could have been we lose focus on what we have.

just a lil food for thought. Also i have a wii and it is the single greatest invention of all time except for the light up keyboard that tells you where to put your fingers and those biscuits from argentina but besides those two things it's the greatest.

Grizzlies please don't try to win please. We want Kevin Durant or Greg Oden. Go Memphis sorry J.R. but coach K refusing to sign big name 1 year players will hurt your program. anyways like my friend Mr. T always says drink school, get 8 hours of drugs, stay in milk, and don't do sleep. I'm out

well, well, well

So first off i haven't held strong in my new years resolution. School has started and my usual routine takes place. 7:30 wake up class at 9 then school til around 3. Next i drive to work and get off at around 9. Then i get home eat spend time on the phone with kristen and finish any tasks that are necessary for me to do it all over again tommorrow.

But anyway besides that more and more i am thinking about what to do with the rest of my life. Kristen found some interesting news out about her life and how she will be spending a few years of it at least we think. And its exciting to see her passionate about something. She has found her niche and I am still waiting on mine. I was frustrated for myself when she told me her great news because i am still clueless as to the next step after school and her purpose looks like it is coming together, however as she was encouraged so was I. I am realizing more and more that everything is in God's timing. And He has the best planned for my life and He wants to use me in an incredible way. But as I am reading a book by Chuck Swindoll I am learning that God's word is my relief and my encouragement in my time of confusion. People i don't think realize that the Bible is how God really speaks to us. I am beginning to really understand and grasp this concept. I was reminded yesterday that God is in control and if i haven't been told yet then its not time for me to know. I would be lying if i told you that i was being calm cool and collected about all this cuz inside i am beginning to freak out. But instead of going on doctor phil or oprah I am letting God counsel and train me for His next post that He has waiting for me. I pray that all of us will remain focused on God's plan, not our own and that we will chase that plan with all that we have. So if you are like me dig and scratch and push forward to find your purpose and for those of you that know read to remain strong in your pursuit of that purpose and let nothing hold you back. You've got one life and One God leading you and guiding you on how to make the most of it and don't let anything get in your way. I'm out

Getting some things off my chest

Im gonna start by getting some things off my chest and then ill give an update on what is going on with me.

First if you are teaching people not to do something and then you make them do it. Don't expect your credibility to rise. Second, my church needs to wake up. We had less than a hundred people there on Sunday night. The young people are bored, even the adults have a hard time justifying why they are falling asleep in church. It does not suggest that we are in a spiritual slump but instead that we are more concerned with who we are as a church instead of ministering and teaching people. Make an effort don't just pass it off as one of those things that happens. Take responsibility and intiative. Alright that's enough of that.

Alright as for what is going on with me. Finishing up hub school which im so ready to get done with. I'm ready to see my guys and dominate the shipping industry once again. Also, im looking for opportunities after school. I have a few options. And to go along with JR's blog i have to pick where God leads me. He leads us to the best not to the better or good. I'm sure that people will be upset and possibly even hurt by the decisions that we make but if God makes the decision then we will just have to leave it up to Him. I'm just leaning on His word and waiting for His direction. No rash decisions out of desperation waiting is not hesitating it is marinading to make you better than you were. Nice lil rhyme huh? Anyway go Memphis!! I'm out!

The Sims UPS style

First of all i would like to report to all of you Fed-Ex junkees out there that you ran 9.8 million on your heaviest day of the year, while your competition ran 22 million for 4 days in a row think you can match up with the big dogs? I think not. Anyways today in hub school we talked with a big wig. His name was Bob Cowhen basically he's like 5 down from the CEO! He shook my hand and asked me my name and stuff. And while im in the competitive mood let me mention that while Fed Ex is huge in Memphis. The number one district in all of UPS is also the Mid-South so just remember that we were, are and will be the best. But getting to hear him talk and ask him questions was extremely interesting to me. But i just thought i would mention that to all of you out there.

Now on to the subject of my post. We have 20 people in our class all part-time sups. Divided into 5 teams of 4 people a piece. We are each given different assignments throughout and all together are in a competition to become hub champions! One of those things is a 6 round business simulation complete with virtual employees and problems that can occur on the job and as a team we must decide from a list of options the best route to take with our employees. The decisions affect skill, morale, and how they feel about us as a supervisor, this in turn determines our belt's performance (misloads, mistoggles, mispicks, safety, etc.). Not only is our team first but also there is a large gap between us and the next team. We have had zero employee turnovers, drastic improvement in all areas of production and overall increases in skill and morale. But this is what i have learned through this crazy business video game. When you spend time with your people and aren't too busy to help them become the best. They will get better. They will learn. They will achieve and make gains you never thought possible.

Why can't churches and more importantly church leaders take this approach to leadership? Why can we here our ministers from the pulpit but how often are they spending time with their congregation. How crazy would it be if we canceled church one Sunday to all go minister to homeless people. How about donate all of the money that we took up in the offering to a family that needed our help without asking for an extra love offering. Why don't we stress to our people that they need training. They need guidance more than words and counsel but on the job training.

Parents, you are on the frontlines every day. Spend time with your kids. Dads spend time with your kids they need you. They need you to train them for the battle that is life.

I find myself frustrated I am being fed with so much meaningful stuff at my job but so much la di da stuff at my church. I am losing the passion that i once welled inside. Im not afraid to say it. I'm being taught more at UPS how important people are than I am at church! Absurd but true. Im becoming frustrated and confused. Am i in freak out mode...no prov. 3:5-6 which was yesterday's reading urged me to rely on God and trust Him. There are reasons why everything happens don't rely on what you know but wait it out and God will show you. That is my life story right now. Waiting...just waiting. Burn with passion show your students, children, adults that you care and want them to succeed and most importanly show them how to do it. Keeping up with my resolution so far should be more to come

I'm out.

Stayin on track

So two posts in a row crazy i know. Yesterday at hub school after an hour lecture on accountability and loader dispatch forms, the boss comes in and tells all the memphis sups to go back to memphis and tells the barlett and oakhaven sups that we need to get ready to work. So i am psyched because i haven't worked in like 2 weeks so i am fired up and i want to try and blow up the automated machine that is oakhaven. I learned an essential truth during this 7 and a half hour workday. One of the first concepts in accountability is making sure that the person knows what he/she is supposed to do. This seems simple but an able body with a desire to work couldn't do anything because i had no direction or instruction. Too often we expect so much from our people and our church members but are we shouldering the responsibility of letting them know what is expected of them. If they don't know how can we keep them accountable? Are we doing more than our share to let people know what is expected of them and how they should behave and live according to the word? I think not. If you are upset at how people act tell them what they should do because for all you know they might have more desire than you do to impact the world they just don't know how to do it. More schooling and a commitment to blogging this year. But for now I'm out.

So here's an update

i know that most of you have probably forgotten that i exist or have just figured that i have quit blogging. But unlike most others while christmas brings a time of rejoicing and cheer and giving for me it mostly represents a break. See all of you that send those wonderful presents in the mail, well someone has to get them there on time and that someone is us UPS cheapest and most reliable ground service that there is check it out. If you are shipping any other way you are paying too much. But to update you on things that have happened since my last post. The love of my life is in town, i got a Nintendo Wii for christmas, and i am going to school to learn how to do the job that i've already been doing for 5 months now. But it is great because it is reinforcing that people are the most important resource that you have. Train, Train, Train is what we preach at UPS and people have already expressed the fact that they are scared to train someone to do your job because they might be better than you and possibly take your job or something. But the way i see it if they can do it better they should be doing it and you should find what you are better at. Plus, training someone to do your job and then allowing them to do it makes your job and life much easier. How do i know this? Well considering that 3 of my guys have moved up in the 5 months that i've had this job should give me an idea. So train and build people up not only will it help you but you will gain the support that you always wish that you had without just hoping that it will happen.

And while im writing i got a ticket for not wearing my seat belt the other day. Im not very mad because they are trying to save lives by doing this. But what i am upset about is the fact that about 30 feet in front of me someone runs a stop sign. Now im not a genius but my life might have been in danger but more lives were in danger by the guy that obviously needed a coffee real bad cuz what else is there to do in millington? But before anyone assumes (no one would ever do that would they) i wasn't speeding, i used my turn signals, i stopped at the stop lights and at the stop signs, look both ways did everything except wear my seat belt. So im pretty upset and am looking forward to my conversation with the millington court system. I will begin a new push to blog like no one has blogged before for the good of myself and those that care enough to read until tomorrow. I'm out

Recent happenings

Well over the last few days i've been thinking about an issue that has been pretty heated in the last couple of days. It's funny first of all that so much anger and emotion is poured into this argument. I think that it is funny that we put so much energy and effort into finding the right way with God instead of ministering to people and doing the very thing that we argue about. McArthur wants to point out problems, Driscoll wants to be immersed in culture. Its just funny that there is so much time being taken away from their own ministries to point out the failures in each others. As you know im a mktg. guy and am into business and advertising. Its sort of like the old argument that is involved in marketing. Do we as a company create an image of our product as having a high quality and not delving into "cheap little tricks" done by those other companies to trick consumers into buying our product or do we charge a very low price and increase our market share because those "nose in the air guys" are afraid to sell their super expensive products to everyone because of how people might see them. The problem with both is this there is no right way. If you look at Jesus life he did many different things to reach people from putting his hands into the mud spitting on them and restoring sight, to disciplining disciples to keep the focus on the Father. Do i have a side that i sit on when it comes to this issue? I don't know yet to be honest. I'm still young and God has not shown me how to minister to people in my own way. I know one thing however sanctification is important. Leading others to Christ is important. Honoring God is important. Why must we further split and give lost people a reason not to seek God? Why must all this effort be poured into conflict instead of ministry? I pray that we get things straight and whatever the answer might be that God would be pleased with our efforts and lives. I'm out.

LIfe and more life

I was reading a few blogs today and besides realizing the fact that i like reading blogs more than i like writing them i also came to a conclusion. Young people have many decisions that are tough to make about life including myself. On three separate blogs today not including my own i read about how someone had tough decisions that they were about to make or were going to make in the future. This leads me to a question. Where is our guidance? Where have all the wise adults gone? Now not to say that there parents aren't helping or anything like this. But where are the older people in our churches in our kids lives. How can we get Godly advice and counsel if they are too busy going to their senior craft bus trips to kentucky or somewhere. The last time i saw someone over 55 in our student part of the building they were lost and not lost like going to hell, lost like i don't remember where i laid my dentures at. Anyway i am realizing more and more that small things, things that will never be in the limelight or forefront, the unnoticeables are extremely important if we are to succeed in life. I realize that few adults read my blog but Where my seniors at? You talk about how bad kids are getting nowadays but you are drinking coffee in your lifetime membership ss class. We need help guidance and advice on how to live Godly lives and you want to blame us for the decisions that we make and yet you aren't around to tell us what is wrong and right? Seems very odd to me. Anyways i am not prejudice against those over the hill but i see a problem especially with those in my age group and it isn't getting better. The gap between the young and the old is becoming more and more distant. Bridge the gap and connect with the kids and you'll help make someone's life a little more blessed. I'm out.

The Story of the Bad story teller

I know this story teller. In fact many know him (this is sort of an extended metaphor blog) He is old and very boring however many people show up when he tells stories. People don't expect much from him because of his lackluster style. I don't expect excitement or flamboyancy if that is even a word. So why do people show up to hear this guy talk???? Is it because they have to or something deeper. Obviously this is a very true story and it is happening right now. I can't believe im writing about this but i am and it is true. Our temporary pastor, is not a very good speaker and i will blame much of this on his age. His organization allows the audience to lose focus and his jokes are older than the country of England. I know however and this is teaching me a few things. God is not limited by man. I have honestly gotten a word from every message and has had an impact on what im dealing with. But honestly i don't see the visible results that i am used to seeing at my church. Also, visiting downtown with J.R. and Todd made me realize some things. Our church and all churches aren't reaching those that need God the most. Are we afraid? Are we scared to tell or are we afraid of the effect it might have on those that are coming to church already. I know it wouldn't make a difference in our tithe cuz right now we can't anybody to tithe so actually ministering to homeless people and getting their attendance would result in the same gross intake (not a percentage of a person's income but actually what they give). But also, i am hesitant to throw all of my eggs in one basket. Our church should be reaching these people. We should be reaching everyone but a long time ago i was told that church was not a time to preach to lost people but instead preach to christians. I don't agree with this but i don know that you must maintain your ministry to your own people while reaching out to those that needs Jesus Christ. We are called to Evangelise and Equip not one or the other but both. So basically i am grateful and thankful that God is prevalent in any situation and hope that the church wakes up and makes an effort to reach out to those who need Jesus. That is what we are here for isn't it?

Exams

Well its that wonderful time of the semester where about 30% of your grade comes from a single test that covers the entire semester. Doesn't make much sense to me but it never has. You would think that school would base your grade on application and effort and not on a single paper or test but that is the way it has always been. Maybe they do it to increase our performance in the clutch or maybe it is so they can laugh at the bewildered look on their students faces when they see the question from the 2nd class of the year about what the exact quote from the professor was about the sensitivity analysis of integer linear programming. But that is how it is set up. But its one of two times of year for students. Those that are upset because of how the system works or those that deal with it and rise to the occasion. Its funny to me that those that are in authority would use this defense in every situation that if "you didn't waste so much time complaining you could've aced the exam if you studied that much" As young people we are programmed to do as we are told and put forth the effort to get there. But how many breakthroughs or social movements or progress in thought would have been sparked without someone analyzing the system and realizing the need for a change. I hope that one day i will find some way to show people that they have to find what they are good at and that sometimes no matter how hard they try in their current situation you can't just move up and be where you want to be. Risk is involved. Go to school, learn about yourself, find people that you can take along the way, and don't settle. Change the world or it just might change you from being something special to something ordinary.

Something Funny

I haven't posted about anything funny in a while but i will show you this its pretty funny.


Crazy Ping Pong

BCS and life

Well yesterday was the time that college football has waited for all this year. The BCS standings that determine who plays where. I think that it is funny first of all because the BCS is the greatest device ever conceived by individuals except for maybe the microwave or pop-up tents. But think about it. What gets more talk and publicity than any other subject in the world: the BCS. The fact that some people think that the BCS really determines and is the real solution to the two best teams are incorrect but that is not the purpose of the BCS and the NCAA. The purpose just like any organization is to make money. Well what better way to do that than get everyone on earth to argue for like 4 months over this system it really is ingenious.

Now on to life. Im getting to the point where im starting to find things that im good at. If you are reading this i could find a way to sell you a No. 3 pencil. No one would have the need for it but in some way i can make you think that you can't live without it. I also realize and this is really thanks to UPS that i can get results from people in the business setting. My employees went 1 for 6,000 last month as a unit. That means for every 6,000 boxes they scan and load one was sent to the wrong spot. This might not seem like a lot to some of you but considering the goal is one for 3,000 we doubled that production that is pretty impressive.

Business idea of the day: ncaa team history christmas ornaments. if you could assemble the teams of the past from your favorite college teams and put them on your tree that would be great. But the lil red balls and popcorn chains will get jealous.

Also, David nice job on the act test. Our new business idea should be to make and sell Admiral's Chocolate Cheerios. We'll make hundreds!!!

Thanks!!!

so i stole this idea from David Jacks but it was a good idea so im taking it. If you read my blog i want to thank you very much. In order to know who does this however i need you to leave me a comment. If you are scared of hitting the publish comment button i completely understand but just let me know if you read this lil blog of mine.

Square Peg in a Round Hole

After the Thanksgiving weekend that i spent with Kristen and her family which was amazing by the way all the pains of having to plan and try to figure out my future came soaring back to me today. The result a 20 minute conversation with Kristen on why we still don't know what to do after like 3 months of being in the same situation. I am a problem solver and always have been i was the kid in third grade that people who had math problems they couldn't get would come to me to help them and the kid that people always wanted on their team to win candy for knowing the answer to geography questions. I solve things i fix problems i find a solution regardless of the circumstances....Until Now!!! School is winding down finally for me and i have to figure out where to live, where to work, where to continue my education, what kind of job should i get and in the midst of all these plans i also have to integrate the plans of my future wife Kristen Elizabeth Barfield. And after an emotional breakdown i cooled off went to work got my butt kicked aroung by 48,000 brown boxes(not an exaggeration on the number of boxes by the way) i heard some encouraging news from my lovely girlfriend. Trust God!!! It seems so easy but not for me in fact its one of the most difficult things i've ever had to do. I solve things and if i can't i obsess over them until they get fixed. But i can't when it comes to this. I've realized things that i have to have in this situation however. I need people that will truly pray for me on a consistent basis why??? because if like 25 people are all saying "Hey God J.C. can't figure out what's going on can you let Him in on what you're doing?" its a lot louder than just me even though God hears my prayer and has the capacity and willingness to grant my request without accompaniment. So i need prayer and time to weigh options but mostly just revelation from God. Even though its horribly cliche i need God to open and close doors and He will i just have to trust Him.

Paper Towel Doctrine....A Must Read

well i was in the restroom in the psychology building an on the papertowel holster is written Jesus loves you which some of you people are like awesome way to go somebody wrote on it about Jesus. but then after that someone writes the Elect? then only if your gay then no not the elect everybody then some profanity. All this to say people everywhere are searching and given different information about God and religion and Christianity. Find out from a reliable source what you can people don't be dumb the meaning of the universe and your life depends on the fact that you know about these things. This is also to Christians man if you act like idiots and like everyone else don't claim to be different somehow. The Christian life is not about holier than thou or your grace is sufficient(even though it is) but more about the fact that your life is a living example dedicated to God so that your life is basically a work of art paid homage to the gift that was given you. If you want to squander your blessings and act like a fool by all means do it but don't put yourselves in with the rest of us that are living the life. Don't say im a Christian if your not and don't say your a Christian if you don't act like one. I wish sometimes that i had enough time to post on everyone's facebook or myspace if they had christian beside it but also things on their profile that clearly contradict that status that they are moronic and incosistent. Man the things that you can be motivated to say all because of some cheap made paper towels from the psych building....hmmm psych building, deep thoughts, paper towels. Can you say very weird

Archie

So last week i walk into the hub at Bartlett to find out that one of our humblest, most dedicated workers was apparently murdered at his own house. Not partying or carousing or doing anything out of the ordinary but at his house. It makes you think about alot of things you here all the time how you are not guaranteed tomorrow but sometimes it is difficult to understand or even comprehend that fact. So this short blog goes out to you Archie this might be totally untheological in every way but i do think people are watching us that have passed on do i think that we can communicate with them maybe i don't intend to try cuz that stuff is freaky and we shouldn't mess with that kind of stuff but man its crazy what can happen. So to one of the nicest guys i've ever met who never called in a day to work in 15 or so years not like 2 or 3 but 15. Who put up with so much crap but never fought back or got upset just took it like a real man and did his job every single day. I wish that people would recognize how honorable that is cuz its tough to find people like that. I love ya man and wish the best for your family and am keeping you in my prayers.

lalalalala

Since the last post i have discovered 10 things about life and i thought that i would share them with you:

1. Only your real friends read blogs bcuz it seriously takes like 700 hours with dial-up and with like 5 blogs to read i really love you guys: todd, jr, andrew, jacks, josh currie, perry noble, and espn

2. The university of memphis team is fighting to become the worst team in college football history. With so many talented players at skill positions we continue to lose thank you tommy west for figuring out that the one sport where you hit people more than any other big guys aren't important at all.

3. Me and David Jacks should go into business together if not for the simple fact that it would be incredibly entertaining we would be an unstoppable duo in whatever we choose to do. Watch out bounty we have a quicker picker upper than you do.

4. J.R. smells like burberry brit and has a flower wallet which says many funny things about him.

5. Todd Lollis feels the pain of being a Tigers fan only from a different state. His tigers like mine have a history of dissapointment....wait his have a history of disappointment my tigers never disappoint we always know they will suck at football.

6. Jeff Hill is too funny for words but not in a standup comic way more like a i think i look like johnny depp while wearing only 3 shirts and shoes with spinners on them way.

7. Basketball is the proverbial silver lining in the clouds for memphis fans but we shoot this year like a marksman with no arms so hopefully the bball team won't suddenly see the football team as wonderful role models and quit playing the sport they are getting paid to play (with scholarships that is....you crazy people probably thought college athletes get benefits on the side or something, ha)

8. I hate school, that is all.

9. I am the greatest fantasy sports player of all time, Memphis Grizzlies you might want to hire me as your new coach when you finally fire Mike Frateezie. Man that guy is like 5' 2" and coaches a bball team like all of his players are 11' 12".

10. Blogs should be about whatever you want them to be. Not a flamboyant made up story about things that you wish you do instead of what actually happens.

tune in next week for 10 more things i have discovered about life

LATE!!!

For U Da-Vide

This post is just for David Jacks since he might be the only one that reads this thing i figure that i will honor his request for an entry.

Here it goes:

I worked for 8 stinkin hours on Monday which to those of you that have fulltime jobs you are probably sneering and or laughing right now. But for me that is much more than i am used to doing. 8 hours after 4 and a half hours of school is pretty tiring but i have learned something that is so integral yet also so simple when it comes to dealing with people from a leadership position that i absolutely have to tell you. And if you aren't in that position this will still help you immensely when dealing with people in general. If you don't deal with people then buy people for dummies the book and read it and do what it says. Honesty is the best policy however when you are in leadership it is important sometimes not to tell your people everything. They just don't need to know everything that is going on. I've heard this numerous times and im sure that it is true some of the time but most of the time if you can be as straightfoward as possible people will respect you and will be more willing to follow you wherever you lead them. The greatest asset that you can have between you and your people is trust. If they can't trust you every move you make will be questioned whether it is where you spend money or what you had for lunch 3 weeks ago. We don't realize this as followers of Christ many times. We feel like in some way people aren't allowed to be truthful and honest and straightforward because lost people want to see this perfect emblem of a Christian. This is certainly not the case. If you can be honest you can be respected. If you can be respected then you can lead.

On another note i told my loaders that if i can get them to go five consecutive days without a misload or mistoggle then i would buy them dinner. that's about 10 people if you were wondering. I did this knowing that they have the capability to perform such a task but also knowing the immensity of such a challenge so you know what they did on Monday i told them this request and yesterday 0 for 14,000 pkgs without a misload. When UPS requires you to go 1 for every 3,000. 0 for 14,000 is pretty impressive. I love my guys (and girls, Roslyn) and they work their butts off every day and all have the potential to shake this world up if they keep their heads on straight. Keep it up guys like i always say winner winner chicken dinner!!!

Quad Stacker!!

So after work last night me and one of my friends went to Burger King and both had a Quad Stacker meal king sized. Why write a blog on this you ask??? This sandwich has four beef patties, eight strips of bacon, four pieces of cheese, 68g of fat and 1,000 calories!!! The burger itself was pretty good but wasn't as big as advertised. I think that the Wendy's triple is much bigger and more filling however. So seriously why write a blog??? Its amazing to me that McDonald's gets sued by people that were fat and magically Mickie D's injected lil gnomes in their brain that command them to eat their food and get as fat as possible so our wise courts told them that supersize could no longer be used as an option. However Burger King can sell a burger like the Quad Stacker with no such penalty i think this is funny. This is very prevalent right now in an area near you. Its election time and people are doing their usual look at the other guy and not at me. Its hilarious to me that i haven't heard a single political issue in all of the ads that i have seen for our two candidates. Only past accomplishments or questionable actions. All this to lead me to this point: we live in a crazy country but i know that i have a responsibility to make responsible decisions. Im asking that you all do your homework and vote this coming up week. Find the issues and find the candidate that supports your stance. Oh yeah and Memphis won by 50 in bball and play this Sunday night on tv for football but we might lose by 1000 but i encourage you to watch so that you feel better about your favorite football team!!

Its finally here!!!

I have waited oh so eagerly since april of this year for this moment. Today marks the beginning of Memphis basketball. Yes we play the Lemoyne-Owen Magicians whose only chance of winning is to make our team dissappear. Its preseason but im excited if we could only keep our guys from getting into too much trouble then we'll be perfectly fine. I love basketball season after a horrible football season im very happy that it finally got here watch out indianapolis the Tigers are coming baby!!!!