Well,

  Things have been going pretty well lately. Different, but well. Work was having its troubles, then it got better and out of nowhere it went right back to troubling. Oh well...

  My summer has been pretty good so far.  I dont regret staying here in PA but I do wish I had made some wiser choices.  God is gracious and I am standing in His strength.  I learned tons about myself this summer which is very good. 

  The interesting thing about this is that I am not really sure of who I am writing to.  One thing that I have realized through my working at Calvary is how pathetic we are a Christians when it comes to friendships.  Just regular solid friendships.  It almost seems we live a life made up of aquatences (sp?).  I find that very very sad.  I often think to myself that I just need to live my life for myself, almost like a dog eat dog kinda thing but as a believer I know that is so wrong.  Not so much as a selfishness but more like a, " cant really count on anyone" deal.  Work and life seems to usually take the place of a simple phone call every once-in-a-while or a thoughtful gesture.  Nope, its the same story...too busy or too tired from being too busy.  

   I have been very intrigued with the book of Daniel lately.  What a bunch of incredible men.  Men that I wish I could be and have next to me.  Praise God for those men so that I and many other can look upon them and see His Glory.

  Well, this sunday I leave for Harvey Cedars.  Not sure how it is going to go but I do know this for sure...God will receive His Glory and Praise.  Whether it be one way or another God is going to be exalted.  I just ask that I be a part of that in a good way.  I often worry that I wish give God glory in my stupidity.  Much like some of the bad kings in the Bible.  Even though He is receiving Honor, it seems so bad to get it that way.  I would rather give it with a willing spirit.  Not sure if that thinking is bad but yea...

Okay...I am going to dip now.  Lots to do. Until next time.

stephen

well,

    I got back yesterday from Group Dynamics.  It was a very interesting class.  It was challenging and strecthing but very awesome and worth while.  I had a great time and was even honored to have been able to spend a week with some pretty amazing people.  I hope that in the future these would be lasting friendships. 

   I checked my grades today and to my surprise, I passed them all.  They were not the greatest of grades but I now know how much more I have to work next year.  I dont want to be an average student but I want to be the best student that I can possibly be for those who may cross my path in my future. 

    Sitting here in bobs place, its so wierd to think that its already been a week of summer vacation. If the rest of it goes this fast then this summer will be too short. 

  Well, I got my cartilage pierced today. It did not hurt nearly as bad as I thought it would. Although, just a minute ago I went out to my car and forgot that I had it in and yanked on my ear as is my habit.  Needless to say, it hurt. Oh, praise God I have a job and really good chances of a place to stay for free.  The possibility includes free residence and food included. I am stoked about that.  Well, I am going to go wash my car with Bob now. Talk to you later.

I am getting pretty upset at my life. I dont understand how I could allow myself to come to this point. How could I be so foolish.  Things really need to change...I need to change.  God, please help me.  I dont like not knowing Your Word and failing classes. I dont like being a poor steward with my money. I hate letting other things take Your rightful place in my life.  I want to be different, I want to be new, I want to be like Your Son. Jesus, please hear me out. I am tired of this. I know things can be so much better.  This is different than persecution because in this situation I am the persecutor. I am the one who is selling myself out.  I am the one who is leading myself to destruction.  I am allowing my foolishness to interfer with all that You wish for me.  Please God, intervene. I really really need You now. Help me before all is lost.

        Amen.

     Well, I had a very enjoyable evening tonight.  It was good to be out with the group of friends that I am beginning to cherish more and more each day.  Why did I let all this go by last year I will never know.  God, thank You for such a great blessing.  I pray that You would continue to work in my life and reveal Yourself more and more.  I realize that I have tons of faults and that I will never be perfect on my own but it is Your grace and mercy that are new in me every day.  I ask that You would teach me from my mistakes, especially my problem with finances.  I am ashamed after having talked with my mom today knowing how careless I have been and how hard they have worked for me to be here.  I pray that I would not take them nor You fo granted any more. That I would step up to the plate and be mature, humble and persistant in my glorifing of You.  I accept Your help Father God. Amen.