mike.jr

1. I have a tendency to procrastinate.
2.

“The people who are playing it totally safe are never going to have either the fun or the reward of the people who decide to take some risk, stick out, do it differently.” - John Akers

I realized today that it’s September. I am perplexed that the summer has come and gone and I didn’t realize it that much. This has been the first summer since 1999 that I haven’t been overseas for a majority of it. Last year at this time, I thought I wouldn’t be able to make it an entire summer w/o being on an overseas mission trip. I am amazed at how God shifted my priorities and desires to where I am at today.

Will I go on another missions trip? Oh yea, never said I wouldn’t. As a matter of fact, one of my life goals is to get out of the country at least once a year, doing some sort of service that further advances the kingdom.

Here is my ‘quick’ update, which I’m good at.

Work. It’s stressful at times; however, that’s expected. If there was no stress… no pressure… there would be no growth. I realize more and more each day at the quantity of things I do not know.

Rest. I have learned so much over the last few months. I had committed myself to so many noble activities, it’s just that I wasn’t giving myself enough time to relax and recharge. So, I’ve re-adjusted my priorities and now am doing SO much better. In addition, I don’t commit to anything so easily now. I say maybe to almost everything to ensure that I don’t over commit. Once I say I’m going to do something or go somewhere, I have to do it to keep my word. Now, I just don’t give my word. hehe.

Socially. I go to tons of events. I am meeting so many people and absolutely love it.

Movies. I did see transformers this summer. I like that movie. I don’t watch many movies at the Theater because it costs so much. I do have netflix going again. I am currently in the middle of the Godfather series.

TV. I watched all of The Office (US) this summer. Absolutely histerical. I will keep up with that show this fall. 24 starts in January of 2008 so I have to wait awhile for that. I did download some episodes off Itunes from the Discovery Channel. Wild, Shark Week and Explorer.

Music. Here are some songs that I’ve had on my mind this summer. Rest In You by Hillsong United has been on repeat in my car for weeks. My God, this song keeps me alive and at peace. Drift off to Dream by Travis Twitt continues to give me hope. Oklahoma Breakdown by Stoney Larue is just a great song. Little of Your Time by Maroon 5 has a great beat and gets my feet moving. Many the Miles by Sara Bareilles has a great tune and incredible lyrics.

THE BEST. I left the best update for last. I now have a macbook, one of the black ones. I have converted to the Apple OS and do not want to go back. I left Mozilla Thunderbird and switched to Mail.app. I also used Garageband to record me playing the guitar.

How useful is a light, really,
   when it’s in a room that’s bright?
Is a call for help heard,
   when no one is around to listen?
If I avoid the sick,
   does that really keep me well?
Do I walk around the sinner,
   so my reputations stay holy?

“My life for the Gospel”

Can I use my light,
   to illuminate the night?
Can I be a beacon,
   to those trapped in choppy seas?

“light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn for thee”

Show me the hurting,
   so I may show them health.
Show me the dead,
   so I may show them life.
Use what light I have,
   I am not afraid of the darkness.

I think I have officially become a Texan. Reasons why:

• Texas is the best state in the union.
• I own cowboy boots.
• The social activity I look forward to most every month is two-steppin’ (country dancing).
• I have a texas country station programmed on my radio… and actually enjoy it!
• I can’t imagine anymore marrying someone who doesn’t enjoy country dancing.
• Texas is the best state in the union.