Living a life that Matters

Wow.. I have lots on my mind. Very typical after Sunday. So I thought I’d tried and sort my scattered thought with this blog. Spent the whole week hanging with the kids. My youngest turned eight and I had a swim party for him today. It got over just in time for the rainstorm. I’m pretty fried form being outside so much this weekend.

I came across a blog I wrote awhile back on God moving events. I had gone to College Briefing, then Belize and Passion Atlanta all within a few months in ’06. I was on a pretty big spiritual high at the point of my life. Those events brought me closer to God. Then I signed up for three mission trips in ’07. All three of those fell through. I was disappointed and fell into a spiritual rut. In my blog, I wrote how I need to not rely on these trips to bring me closer to God. I wanted to get excited for God by just opening up my Bible. Well, today is not the case. I get pretty jazzed up from opening up the Word quite a bit now. But I also need those God moving trips as well. There is something about that alone time with God away from everyday life and also being around a community of believers. It really draws me closer to him and is a big part of my growth. Passion L.A., Tijuana and camp have all been huge for me this year.

Speaking of camp, one of the kids that was in my cabin came running up to me at Target. He was really excited to see me. I got to meet his parents. I really miss those guys from my cabin. I told him that I was leading a small group for 5^th/6^th grade starting in a month. He was really happy about that. That kid is amazing. He knows more about Revelations than I do.

Just want to write real quick about my friend Nathan. Amazing guy that was in my men’s group a year ago. Friday, his brother Tyrone was found dead from an apparent overdose. I can’t imagine how hard being in that situation has to be. At the same time, I just don’t get it. Life is too short and too precious. My heart goes out to Nathan and his family. He’s such an amazing guy. Even though his life has been super rough, he’s always kept close to God.

Dangit.. I’m frustrated. So a few months back I decided to try and open up a bit and let some new friends into my life. I’ve had this shell around me for some time and I’ve been praying about letting new people in. I’ve had some trust issues with people because I’ve been burned too many times… especially from those close to me. Yet I still continually get let down. Really don’t know how to handle this. I do have some close people in my life I trust, but I’m having a hard time letting others in. I feel myself climbing back into my shell and just staying away from people until I figure this out. Its hard because I love meeting and getting to know people. I just need to trust God about the people he brings into my life. Need to pray, pray, pray…

Had a great time taking a team of people down to Liberty House for Second Saturday yesterday. I really need to sit down and blog about how that ministry has changed my life these past couple of years. There were a few people from the Singles and others class that really wanted to help the organization and set up a thing with the Golden Spoon where they donated 75% of their profits to help fund some camps for kids. I was so excited to hear about that. Then Steve Lappen (the director and an amazing guy with a big heart for those kids) was invited to speak at church today. I’m so excited to see Cornerstone finally get involved with this ministry and helping these intercity kids stay off the streets.

Met the new singles Pastor, James Patterson today as well. Great guy and I’m very excited to see him here. God has good things in store for him here.

Some really cool stuff going on in my divorce group. I’m really bummed that I will be stepping away from it for awhile to counsel kids. But it will be good for me. Speaking of divorce, I was stopped by a girl tonight that said she was going through it . Someone had given her my name. I really felt for her because she is at the early stages of it. Really nice girl.. enjoyed my conversation with her. Divorce sucks. Yet God can do amazing things with people if you stay focused on him and trust him.

I’ve got such a super busy week this week. Going to spend the rest of my night preparing for it so I don’t get too caught up with it. Also want to make sure I make some alone time with God. Got some deep thinking to do. Then I head off to San Diego the following week for a little fun in the sun. God is good.

Love you guys (or whoever likes to read about my up and down life), TT