Originally Unoriginal

Is it a real revelation if a year or two later you're doubting it once again?? Is there something that I'm missing when it comes to living for God? These are some of the questions rolling through my mind lately. Care to catch a glimpse?? A little over a year ago I did a study on "standards" as most UPCI churches adhere to. I wasn't sure if all the no hair cutting, and long skirt wearing was necessary. After discussing it with a wise man, I came to find that I do agree with most of the things I do, yet I'm not going to pressure it or force it on to anyone else. Is it essential to salvation? I use to think not, but now I'm not so sure. If it is indeed essential to salvation, at least for me, then I'm doing what is right and others will burn in hell. However, if it is not something that is essential to salvation, but something I do extra out of love and respect to God, then I'm making myself feel burdened down for nothing. If it's not necessary, ...

Since I last posted lots has taken place. My student that I had the religious discussion with got baptized this past Sunday night after becoming a regular at Youth Services and Sunday School. The youth group really connected with God in the past few services. Our REMIX youth service this past Wednesday night was phenomenal. God has really been doing awesome things for the youth group. As a youth leader it makes me feel so great to see them triumph. I'm beginning to slowly find out what it feels like to be a parent. I feel terrible when they mess up, guilt even though it's not my fault. However when they prosper I feel so proud, as if I, myself, did the great feat! Deep lows but tremendous highs! I still haven't gotten anyone that can go with me to Italy, but I am still going to go. My principal talked my superintendent into letting me go on this trip as professional development. That means that I get to have the days off with docking my pay or taking away vacation days. So...

So I'm perusing through the internet and stop by one of my favorite sites, ninetyandnine.net . This new huge add at the top of the page caught my attention. A tour to Italy?? What's this about? Sponsored by UPCI singles?? Huh?? So I cruise on over to this new singles site and find out more information. It's a tour of Italy for 7-10 days and it's not a bad price! I was bummed recently because 2 trips I thought I was going to take to Europe had both been canceled due to circumstances beyond my control. Is there hope for a trip after all?? I sure hope so! I'm definitely interested in going, but I would like someone I know to go with me. Who cares if the rest of the trip is divorced or older. Italy is worth it! If you are interested in some info, check it out here ! (click on the breakaway flier download)

I'm very glad to see another year come. 2006 turned out to be a great year. It was pretty rocky at the beginning, but all in all, I can say 2006 ended up being terrific! It ended on an extremely high note, and it is still going into the new year, so I only have great things to expect. Thinking back over last year there were some heartaches, but in the end, I was renewed in my faith, and God has been proving his greatness ever since. He's been blessing me and revealing Himself to me in so many new ways. It's amazing how good He's been to me. I know that I'm in His will, serving Him the way He intended. It's such an overwhelmingly good feeling to know that I'm right where I'm suppose to be for the moment. 2006 has been a year of great revelation for me. I've learned more about God and myself than ever. It's been a year of maturity both physically and spiritually. I've spent the past few days in Hot Springs and Little Rock, AR, visitin...