It seems that this blogging thing ran through the college group like a wildfire but it seems to also have died like one too. It’s slowly rejuvenating itself through Mike, Sue, and the Lowes, so we’ll see how it goes. This is my comeback blog for everyone reading. What could be so amazing that it would constitute as a great comeback opening for a blog that's been in hiatus for over 2 months??? You probably guessed it, the biggest and most amazing blessing in my life, a very beautiful young lady by the name of Jen.

I totally consider this relationship a gift from God; one that I especially don't want to take for granted. It all started December, well... you can read all about it in her blog. I don't want to bore you all with the same story. Actually, it's pretty funny because we've explained it to so many people already. I’d have to say that I don’t think that I’ve ever seen Night Watch so shocked before. One thing was for sure, the looks on everyone’s faces was classic. I think the most hilarious response was Hiromi yelling out "oh my gosh" 3 whole times (with each time getting louder). I never got to see it, but it sounded pretty funny from the way Jen explained it. Then there was Mike who was already sensing something different, probably from the day Jen and I out of nowhere came to jump start his car. He’s not one to ask questions, but he knew. Mike is keen on that stuff. Ronsaren tried to keep excited but it didn't really work since someone had already leaked out the good news to her (although it was still a kick watching her try to be unknowing and excited). Then there was Scott and James who both gave the most unbelievably excited and congratulations response. What was really funny was that Scott thought I was kidding, so he kept asking me if I was telling him the truth or not. What did the Lairds say, you all ask? Well, Chad was unbelievably excited for us when I told him. And from what I heard, Marissa was hugely excited too. I guess Stacy was pretty excited about it as well. Jen and I got a chance to sit down with her and tell the whole loooooooong story to her. It was very exciting to tell, but I’m surprised she didn't need an interlude to stretch out cause it was sooooo long. All in all, I’d have to say that it was soooo fun telling everyone “our” story.

I wanted to take the time to dedicate this blog to everyone who supported Jen and me: Homie, Mike, Scott, Erica, Sue, the Volker’s, Cherisha, Neda, Aubrey, and more...from the beginning to now. I especially want to thank Gracielle, Ronsaren, Aubrey, Mike, and Dave Arnet for rooting me on the whole way, even when I was dazed and confused about the whole thing. And Chad, for his encouragement towards me to continue to put God first no matter what happens. I know that it wasn't much of a surprise to him cause he'd been discipling me into becoming a more mature Christian and Jesus lover, but he was still so excited. Wow, if only you could have seen the enthusiasm that man displayed. And the Lowes, they have given such helpful advice, the insight that they've given us for our relational aspects has been a huge help.

The relationship is going phenomenal for anyone asking. It’s got its kinks here and there, but that's definitely a part of every relationship (from what I see and hear). Also, if anyone of you wanna pray for us, pray that we both continually seek God in this relationship. That it's not just another relationship but one that totally brings the glory full circle back to God. And also, personally for me that I can grow and be a sufficient male leader, continually helping to encourage her in her personal walk towards God. This is totally new territory for me. Christian dating is not a professional field for me. Every step of the way is a learning experience in what it means to be the Godly man in the relationship, and I have sooo much more to work on. So please pray for me everyone.

(NOTE FROM JEN: And if you guys could pray for me, I need to understand how to be a patient and supportive girlfriend. The submissive part doesn't come until later ;op, but I do want to practice being supportive. Please pray that I learn gentleness as well as how to put God as the center focus {and not my feelings for Chey}. And that God will give me the strength to deny myself and serve Him fully. THANKS!)

spectacular new year

something spectacular happenned today. it's a very good new year!!!

my cousin is a genious

So I think that my cousin is a genius. This girl, after being exposed to English for such a short period of time has picked up so much of it. Just from so little exposure, she’s been able to pick up so much.

So then, she picks up my guitar and in a few days learned what probably took me quite a long time to learn. Maybe it was just a coincidence I thought. Who knows right, first English, then guitar?

But then, she one day starts talking about a piano/keyboard. Next thing I know, she saves up money and goes to buy it. And once again, I come home and in only a few days again, she's already picked up a ton of keyboarding. At one point, I couldn’t tell if it was a preset tuned song that was randomly playing. I later find out that she just knows it.

That is such a talent right there. I’ve always wanted to be able to do something creative. Fortunately, I am pretty decent working with my hands (which I also give all glory to God). I really like working on with anything that involves using my hands; I can go forever and not get bored out of it. I’m definitely grateful for it because character is built in and through hard work (according to James 1).

What can I say; I’m a big fan of mechanics and handyman work.

Dave, Ruth, and Chey Lowe

I don’t think there have been any of us that haven't been affected by the Lowe’s in one way or another. They have continually been a blessing to NW, pierce and everyone they come in contact with because of their continual commitment to serve Jesus together..

So I met them both at Pierce College through the on campus Christian bible club (before they were even together I might add) and have been blessed ever since. Even though I met Dave in 1999, it's wasn't till a few years later that he and I became close friends and was given the chance to serve him and his wife in their wedding wedding. and after that a couple of years later (by Gods grace) was given the pleasure of become one of his closest friend. So to the point...

i've had the pleasure of recieving rebukes and challenges, and have been totally been served by my brother dave. he's at times served me till it hurt (i can testify to that one too). But it all has turned out great; besides, nothing can prove better than a friendship rooted in Jesus. So to the point again...

I spent about 6 months with the Lowe’s day in and day out; I must have been there almost daily. Well... of course not daily but it felt like it anyways, not one time did they not welcome me into their homes with open arms. Ha-ha I guess my point is that I love being a vital part of the Lowes life.

:::CSUN:::MASTERS:::

WARNING: this excert is mostly rambling. read at your own risk.

Have you ever had a big decision to make??? For the past few weeks, I’ve wrestling on a decision about schools. Which is best for me, CSUN or MASTERS? It’s been driving me nuts, where does god want me!

As far as checks and balances go, I can decide to go to either college and life will go on. God can and will inebetably use me where ever I’m needed no matter what background proficiencies I have.

Here are the ups and downs: the pro's as far as masters goes, I’ll be able to get a bible bachelors in both biblical counseling and bible languages. Definitely something that God can use me in. Unfortunately, there's a con too (a mighty big one at that). My mother is currently aging and working too much for her age, I suspect that she's doing at least 50 hours a week. If I go to csun, then I’ll be able to get a double major in whatever I chose and also, I can take advantage of the added bonus of extra time and run over to pierce to get an associates degree in cars (which I love to work on). The extra added bonus is that I’ll have EXTRA MONEY left over to help my mother out with. i guess this brings me back to basic biblical principles of money. what would be the best use of money on my part. helping my mother or helping myself.

So this is pretty much a "wants" and "needs" decision. I love masters and what it offers: Christian’s morning day and night and biblical teachings all encompassed in a nice little circle. I’ve never been much for total Christian communities or bubbles but there is something about this community I want to be a part of (for whatever reason not even I can understand). Do I need it??? Of course not. Will csun suffice??? Definitely of course.

... and that's where I stand... at the edge of wants and needs.

God where do you want me???

1chron11:16-19

At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. David longed for water and said, "Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!" So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. "God forbid that I should do this!" he said. "Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?" Because they risked their lives to bring it back, David would not drink it.

my fav tv shows

smallville and 24
i don't know about anyone else but i am a big, and i mean BIG fan of 24 and smallville. i'm getting ready right now to order the box sets of season 4 for both tv shows. it's like an anual thing for me. every year, at about the same time, the box sets will get realeased and since i'm such a big fam, i go out, buy em, and watch a seasons worth of episodes in a matter of a few days. and if you think that's bad, i also encourage people to do the same cause if there's someone watching it with me, i just don't feel as dumb. haha that's right, stay clear of chey cause the dvds are being orderrred.
24 is this 24 episode per season seriouse about a dude who is a modern day mygiver slash superman slash matlock. if there's a problem, he'll fix it... within a matter of 24 hours.
smallville is the story of young superman his teen childhood. i don't know about now though since last i heard clark kent graduated. but that's pretty much the jist of young superman.
so that's pretty much my fav tv shows in a 2o second window.

that's a NEGATIVE on AFRICA

So I guess it was a negative for Mauritania Africa. that's ok though, cause there's gonna be a lot of serving opportunities to come; one of which is the summers missions trip on Canoga park with the church itself. And maybe I could even take a couple of weeks to fully devote into it too.

It’s funny because I thought for sure that God wanted me to go there because all the signs were there but I guess not. I think it was my wanting to go that was really pushing for it; as opposed to what it should have been which was the final confirmation from the man above. I was a little bummed out but I kind of saw it coming already followed by a big banner saying "trust in the lord and he will make your path straight." But at the same time, I’m still really exited to serve this summer here in Canoga Park. So many people to share the truth with, wow, i'm exited.