January 31, 2010

excuse me, sir.

If you weren't aware, one of my part-time jobs is working as a janitor at a private school here in Lexington which is run out of a church. I often am working late at night and am often the only person in the building.

On Thursday night, I was working late and was just walking down the hall listening to my ipod. As I came around a corner in the hallway, I was suddenly facing three police officers, one of which had a gun drawn and pointed at me. Needless to say, a gun pointed at your face by a huge police officer is not what I was expecting to see when I turned the corner.

Apparently the cops were doing their patrol and noticed a vehicle at the church late at night. As they drove up to check it out, they were suspicious of a vehicle with a Georgia license plate and noticed that one of the doors to the building was unlocked. I always have to lock myself in the building. However, someone earlier in the day must have left another door unlocked when they left.

After they ran a check on me, my vehicle, and called both my boss and a few other people at the church, I was "cleared" to be in the building. I appreciate the cops doing their job and protecting the community. But really? Three huge cops, standing in the hall of a church, and a gun drawn on me? I didn't realize I was that imposing of a figure. However, I wasn't arrested nor was I shot, so it all just makes for another interesting story.

Unfortunately, one of the classrooms in the school caught on fire Friday afternoon. Not too much damage, but so much cleaning to do. I think I still smell like smoke and ash. (that'll teach them to pull a gun on me in the middle of the night...)

I continue to be thankful for the jobs that God has provided for me. But man, this one sure is crazy and creates a lot of weird and strange stories to share.

January 11, 2010

Winter strikes

These are just some pics I took last Thursday. It has been snowing off and on since Thursday, so this isn't the extent of the storm. But I had to finally get out of the house (even though I HATE cold weather) and snapped a few photos. Most of these are from the park down the street from my house.

What does not fit in this picture? (GA tag with that much snow...)






The neighbors were sledding down the hill.


This is a picture I took while driving down to GA on Saturday, Dec. 19th. Part of I-75 had just been reopened after the storm, in time for me to get home. And yes, I got sprayed by the snow plow :)

Human Trafficking

Jan. 11, 2010 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
Please get informed.
MILLIONS of people are depending on it.
learn more at National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Whether you realize it or not, there are victims all around you.

May freedom be established in our world.

January 10, 2010

and we're back...

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Elizabeth. My sister celebrates her ___th birthday today (I don't know if she cares, but I don't want to get in trouble). I love you!!!

Ok, so it has been right at a month since my last post. I'll simply say, there's been a lot going on. I will not try to update you on everything that has happened, but here are a few highlights. I hope to be back to regular posting soon.

-First of all I completed my third full semester at seminary. I'm not quite half way yet, but I'll go ahead and state that it is going by fairly quickly. Finals weeks was incredibly intense, but everything was completed and now my Jan.-term class begins in the morning.
-I drove through our first real snow of the winter and headed to Georgia for one of the longest stretches of time that I've been in the state for a while.
-I made it to Thomasville to see so many friendly faces. I got to meet Floyd and Jessica's newest and most adorable addition. She is beautiful.
-I got to catch up with and see so many friends. I only lived there for a total of 17 months, but the place sort of feels like home.
-I unfortunately was there to attend the funeral of a great man. Dr. John Taylor died on a trip with his wife and his funeral was the Monday I was in town. I continue to pray for Raynor and Ethan and Tori, as well as all of his friends and family. He was a great man. For those of you who've ever heard me called or have yourself called me the "young shepherd," that nickname is compliments of Dr. Taylor.
-I made it back to Savannah to see my family for over a week. This was the longest consecutive amount of time I've been home in quite a few years. It was so great to see them all and celebrate Christmas with them. It was just some much needed rest and fellowship. My nephews and my niece are getting so big. I love to see them and play with them. I miss them dearly. (but thanks to my parents' new computer cam, I got to talk to them on skype Friday night :)
-As he had come home to surprise his family, I was able to stop and see Chris Black on my way back to Lexington. I can't believe it had been that long since I had last seen him. I was also able to catch up with Sarah Olds while she was back in the states. They are back to their "homes" now. But it was so great to see them and get a physical hug.
-I made it back to Lexington in time for the arctic blast and snow that continues to fall outside right now. I hope it stops soon. It is soooo cold here.
-I also had to come back to another tragedy. A friend was killed in a car wreck on New Year's Day. His family was home in California. I picked them up at the airport, but he had already past away. I've lost some incredible people throughout my life and it never gets easier. But to pass a message along to a mother and father from their son whom they'll never get to see again was possibly the hardest thing I've ever had to do. They are back in California now and are continuing to grieve. I'm still trying to catch my breath.

On a positive note, I was asked to be a groomsman in Sean's wedding in June. I am so honored and humbled by his request. I still don't know why he wants me in it. However, that means I'll be back in north GA the first week in June. (oh how I long for June weather in GA.)

Grant me a few more words. I'd like to sum up the past month in this way.

Life is so hard. As we struggle through it we often lose focus of the big picture and what is most important to us. But over a break like this, even through dealing with the two funerals, I am so blessed to be challenged to regain focus.
I love my family so much. I miss them terribly. I love my friends more than I can express. They give me life!

May you all have a great week ahead. May you continue to find focus on the "big" picture. May you allow yourselves to be loved. I love you dearly.

Happy New Year.