More Book Reviews

Here are a few titles I've read recently or am currently working on:

Order My Steps: The life of missionary Paul A. Dennis

I think I devoured this book in about 2 days. It's the story of Paul Dennis who was a missionary to Japan and who happens to be the grandfather of one of my friends and classmates here at IBC. It's an amazing story about how God brought this man out of a sinful lifestyle and gave him a ministry that changed thousands of lives. It goes to show how anyone can be saved and used of God-no matter their past-if they're willing to surrender their life to Him.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

I know that this is not a new find but the series is new to me. I've never read them before and I found the entire set at Goodwill for $5.00. I figured I had to buy them and read them all. I've completed the first one (this one) and am currently in the middle of Prince Caspian. They are a fun and easy read as well as being interesting in a spiritual aspect. C.S. Lewis is a genius. Just sayin'. 

Creation vs. Evolution

This was one of my textbooks last year for my Science in the Bible class and I found it fascinating. It's a book that scientifically refutes the evolutionary theory (annihilates it, actually) and gives overwhelming evidence for the creation story and the flood of Noah's day as described in the book of Genesis. I recommend this book to students who want to be able to defend their faith and be grounded in truth in the face of the lies being taught to them everyday in public schools and universities. I would also recommend this book to any scientifically minded person who maybe wants to understand why Christians believe the way we do about the Creation of the world. It's interesting, insightful and faith affirming. And it's a pretty easy read. :)

My Utmost for His Highest

This is a little devotional book that I try to read from everyday. Oswald Chambers is one of my favorite devotional writers. He deals a lot with subjects in a much deeper way than most modern Christian writers. He addresses things such as suffering, total surrender to God, complete trust in God. I would recommend adding this into your daily devotional routine for a little extra insight on becoming a more effective Christian.

Benjamin Franklin: the autobiography and other writings

Okay, I know what you're thinking. I picked this book up at Goodwill for 99 cents and surprisingly enough it is very interesting. To me at least. It's a detailed word portrait of this important figure in our nation's history. He tells about his life in great detail, reviewing decisions he made as good or bad and giving practical advice to the reader on how to avoid the bad decisions and make good ones. He speaks in depth about the importance of frugality, temperance and many other virtues and how to practically apply them to your own life. It's also interesting to me because he deals with a variety of subjects such as personal relationships, business endeavors and his religious inquiries. Maybe it wouldn't be interesting to most people but I am thoroughly enjoying it. :)

Reading is awesome. I've been trying to read more and I've quite enjoyed rediscovering my love affair with the written word. Challenge yourself to read something new. Whether it be educational or a novel, it's beneficial to your brain. :)

Not All Consequences Are Bad

I took a three hour nap today. Normally, I would feel guilty about that but I'm pretty sure I earned it. :)


Consequently, I cannot sleep. Consequently, I am blogging. 


So, here's the lowdown: Life at IBC continues to be amazing. The first two and a half weeks have flown by as if someone somewhere has pushed a cosmic fast-forward button on my life. So far, every chapel service has been amazing, every class has been inspirational, every prayer meeting powerful and every social event epic. This coming Thursday and Friday, Calvary Tabernacle will be hosting the annual MARC (mid-America renewal conference) at which my amazing Senior Pastor Brother Wayne Huntley will be preaching as well as five other amazing speakers. It's sure to be legendary!


I'm so blessed to be here at IBC at this particular time. There's a unity here that is, I feel, unprecedented. There are young people stepping into their callings and their ministries like never before. It's a wonderful feeling and an amazing opportunity of which I hope and pray that I can take full advantage. 


Twitter is being stupid, but if it weren't, this is what I would post: 


"No weapon formed against me shall prosper. NO. WEAPON." 


In all that I face, I must never forget this. I have been bought with a price. I have obeyed the Word of God. I have done my part. Now it is His turn to fulfill His promises in my life. And, of course, He is coming through for me. Like He has always done for me. Like He will always do for me and you and everyone else who has obeyed His Word.


So there's that. Have a blessed day. XOXO

Back in Indy!

I realize that I have been THE BIGGEST SLACKER when it comes to updating my friends and family on what's happening in my life and for this I am sorry. This is me attempting to make it up to you all.


So...picking up where I left off...


My last blog was posted from DeKalb, IL where I spent the summer interning. It was a great experience for me. I was able to participate in various facets of ministry including things that I normally would not have participated in. I was able to sing, play piano, speak, preach (yes, there's a difference), put together some outreach concerts, take a home missions trip, teach the youth and lots of other small things here and there. I would highly recommend to any young minister, no matter what you're called to do, to complete some type of internship like that if you are ever given the chance. Experience is the best teacher.


Right before leaving DeKalb, I got to attend North American Youth Congress 2011, which, I'm sure you heard, was life-changing! Every service was apostolic. That's the best way I can describe the entire congress. It was completely and totally apostolic. And also, I learned that I'm a Giant. :)

Melinda, me, Candra and Kari at NAYC 2011

Greta, Toby and me. Partial "family" reunion. :)

My new friend Adrian and myself at Canes in Columbus

Me and the little bro being silly

Anointed worship services led by Kristin Keller

An anointed and timely message preached by Brother Jimmy Toney.
 WE ARE GIANTS!

After a 15 hour drive home (which I broke up over 2 days. Thank you Candra and Melinda for letting me crash at your place at 2 am.) I turned right around the next day, picked up one bestie from the airport, hit up Bojangles and we drove to Virginia Beach to see the other bestie. I'm so thankful that I got to see them for a few days. They are a great strength to me and I miss them both dearly.

Heather, me and Korey. Love them!

I then returned home only for a night and then packed up with the family and we headed to the coast. We spent three nights on Ocracoke Island. We all returned home looking like lobsters. But we had a blast and I'm thankful that I got to spend four days with my wonderful family. 

Josh and I attempting to amuse ourselves during the 5 hour car ride

Getting ready to get on NC 12!

Mom and Dad. :)

Daddy and me on the ferry

Traditional feet picture

Ocracoke lighthouse. Taken from the South side of the island.

The next day was spend doing laundry and packing. So much laundry. So much packing. Then, I got up bright and early the next morning and set out for Indy. And I've been here ever since. It's been a week and a half since I got here and already I have gotten back into the IBC groove. I've reconnected with my friends from last year and made some new freshman friends. :) I have some added responsibility this year as I am now the new Music Director for MSA (Ministerial Student Association). Candra, who did this job last year, is now serving as our Student Body Secretary and so for the next few weeks she will be training me to take over her job. I'm excited and nervous about it, but mostly excited. I can feel that this year is going to be awesome. More awesome than last year, which was pretty awesome. :) 

Part of the group that went to the IMA the first Saturday of school.

My new friend Grace.

The lovely Jana. I'm so glad she came back this year!

My hilarious, beautiful, sweet Poitras girls.

Bottom line: God is good. 

Love to you all. Goodnight. <3

Salt and Light

With NAYC 2011 on the horizon, I feel that there are some things that need to be revisited, and that is why I am writing this blog.

We are called to be "Salt" and "Light" to this world.

Salt does two important things. 1. It gives flavor. In a bland generation of sameness, we are called to stand out. 2. Salt makes people thirsty. With our words, our actions, our appearance, our lives, we are called to create in this apathetic world a thirst for Jesus Christ who is the living water that they need.

Light is self-explanatory. This world is in darkness. Jesus Christ is the light. We are to reflect His light, to be like Him, in effect pointing them toward Him.

That being said, a week from today, thousands of us will gather together in one city for 3 days of worship, learning and a unified renewal of our purpose on this earth. But, perhaps the most important things we do will take place outside of the arena.

We will be invading their restaurants, hotels, malls and food courts. They will see us walking down the street, driving in our cars, shopping, eating, etc., and they will know who we are. We will have an impact on the city of Columbus, OH and I hope and pray that it will be a positive one. In order for that to happen, there are some things that we need to work together to do.

1. Behave civilly in restaurants. I know we like food and fellowship and we love to combine the two. But we have to remember that there are lots of other people in those restaurants and we don't want them to view us as loud and obnoxious. If a waiter or manager asks you to be quiet, be respectful. Apologize and obey.

2. Don't get angry at a waiter or waitress when your food is wrong, late, or cold when you get it. They are dealing with bigger crowds than they're used to and they're probably in panic mode. Be kind and polite. If there's a problem with your food that you can't just deal with, kindly explain the problem with a smile on your face. They'll appreciate your kindness and be more willing to work with you, and you've just treated them like a human being (which they're not used to) and that will impact them positively. Win-win situation.

3. TIP!!! I don't care if you have 20 different problems with your meal. They still had to serve you, put up with your large, boisterous group as well as all of the other large boisterous groups in the restaurant. They will be working hard and they deserve to be tipped and tipped well. I'm talking at least 15 % if not 18 or 20. And, please, if all you order is a $1 cup of coffee, still leave them a couple dollars. Remember, we are supposed to be different!

4. Do not be loud and obnoxious when returning to your hotel at midnight. There are other guests there besides you need to respect that. They need to think that we are the most respectful and well behaved group of young people they have ever seen.

5. Please take a long, detailed look in the mirror before you leave the hotel. Do you look like a Christian trying to be like the world? Girls, just because you're wearing a skirt doesn't mean you're dressed modestly. Ask yourself "Is this too tight? Too short? Too low?" Sadly enough, this goes not only for the girls but also the guys. Ask yourself what image you are trying to project to the outside world. I know that we all want to be caught up to the current fashions at these meetings, and that's ok, as long as we're not compromising the Biblical principles of holiness and modesty.

NAYC is a wonderful life-changing event. Just make sure that while you're getting your blessing, you're not hindering the salvation of someone else by turning them off to Apostolic Pentecostalism. Be different. And let's all be a blessing while recieving all that God has for us in Columbus, OH at NAYC 2011! Can't wait to see you all there! :D

Travelink

The title is an inside joke. If you don't get it, it wasn't meant for you. ;)

Can I just say...I LOVE THIS WEBSITE! I'm a huge fan of traveling and learning about different cultures. This website allows you to track where you've been in the world, keep track of all of the places you want to go and gives you the ability to share it with friends. It's also a facebook application but I prefer going directly to the site. Here's my map from whereivebeen.com.

<iframe src="http://www.whereivebeen.com/map/cities?id=9220086&token=fd6280dd0f96e2f5ace8ab6000a0c185&mode=view" width="640" height="400" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Pretty sweet deal. Make your own map. It's fun! :)

A Living Book

Can I just say...I LOVE THE BIBLE! It is the infallible Word of God. It's a living book! You can read the same thing over and over again and suddenly you gain a fresh perspective and see something you've never seen before. If you're not reading the Bible everyday, you're cheating yourself. 


That being said, I believe it's important not only to read the Bible but also to:


Study it. 
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.


Memorize it. 
Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.


Meditate on it. 
Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.


Obey it. 
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.


Preach it.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.


All of it.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.


It will enrich your life. It will speak to you. And if you allow it, it will change you. It's more than a book of ancient wisdom. It's the history of the world, instruction for today and hope for tomorrow. It's a living book. Make it a part of your everyday life. I dare you. :)

Insomnia

I've been in bed for 2.5 hours and still sleep evades me. 

Story of my life.

Since I can't sleep I figured I'd do a short little blurb about some of the books I've been reading recently. Reading has always been an escape for me ever since I was very young. Ask my parents. From the time I was barely old enough to read, I constantly had my nose stuck in a book. In the car, at the dinner table, at night when I was supposed to be sleeping...I couldn't get enough. There's something about losing yourself in a book. It's more magical than watching a movie where all of the imagination is already done for you. One of my dreams is to one day have my own awesome library with all kinds of books about all kinds of subjects. Maybe like the one in Beauty and the Beast with two stories of floor to ceiling bookshelves. Ahhh I'd be in Heaven.

Anyway, here are a few titles I've been working on in the past couple of weeks:

Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi

This book is an insightful look into how relationships fuel success. Though it's directed toward the business world, anyone from any walk of life can benefit from reading this book. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard

This book ended up being more interesting than I thought it would be. It's a memoir of a journalist who fell in love with a Frenchman and moved to Paris, France. She talks in detail of the hardships she faces assimilating into French society and about how she and her French husband overcome their cultural differences. At the end of each chapter there are 3-5 delicious looking recipes. Bon Appetit. 

Caution: contains a little non-christian content (a few words, some innuendo)  

Everything is Gonna Be Alright by Nona Freeman

This book is downright fascinating. Every Apostolic Christian should read it. This is just a brief overview of how Sister Nona Freeman and her husband "Bug" turned the continent of Africa upside down for Jesus Christ. The sacrifices they made, the miracles they saw and the faith they had is inspiring and challenging. Of all the books I've read this summer, this one is my favorite so far. 

And They Continued by John Anthony Guidry

This is yet another book of stories from an Apostolic missionary who happens to be the father of one of my fellow classmates at IBC. It, too is full of interesting anecdotes and beautiful stories of the goodness of God. I'm only about halfway finished with it and I'm enjoying it thoroughly.

Well...that's all I have for you tonight. Much love to all of you out there who are bored enough to read this. ;) God bless!