Time Off

I am still enjoying the time away from work. I only have a few days left. I am actually looking forward to starting this new job. By weeks end I will be ready to hit the ground running.

The past couple of days I have been running errands and getting things done. On Monday I had to go in and take a drug test for the screen process for this new company. I went in there and I couldn't go to save my life. And I was told if I go in and try and can't I have to wait an hour. It's funny how they make everyone who comes in feel like they are a crack addict. After drinking ten cups of water in minutes (thanks Pi Lambda Phi) I was ready to get out of there.

Today I had the privilege to go to the dreaded DMV. I honestly don't understand why they have to make things so difficult. You go into one line and wait for minutes to get a form, then fill it out to wait in another line to get a ticket. Then you have to wait for them to call your number. It feels like a satanic bingo game. I found out after all the mess to transfer tags that I have to go back tomorrow. Hmm... fun times!

Tonight I threw out an optional soccer practice. Some of the team was requesting some kind of practice. It was really kind of nasty out with the rain, but I was glad to have Tronster and Bekka show up. Hopefully, I was some help to Tronster. I am glad he decided to play on the team. This next game should be tons of fun. Go Horizon!

I hope the rest of my time off is just as great. I know it's been relaxing.

More later...

Giving Thanks

These past few days have been great. Last Wednesday at the "Geek House" Towson Horizon had four link groups, link-it-up! It definitely was fun to talk and see so many. During the link group we all got a post-it and were challenged to write something of thanks. It really was nice to sit back and think of "what I am thankful of?" Lately, I am finding myself just in awe of how amazingly blessed I feel.

I was happy to get the chance to go home for the holiday. Thanksgiving is a time for me to talk and catch up with the family. It usually isn't a huge family gathering, but it is a time where we have the family back at the dinner table. I cherish these moments. The dinner always just rocks. I had two plates with plenty to spare. A big reason I guess is that now I don't have the opportunity to eat great home cooked meals, so I surely take advantage of them! Man did this time rock. Again, I feel so amazingly blessed that God has provided me with such amazing people.

Friday night was the Horizon soccer team's first game. I want to give thanks to all that showed up to cheer. Lydia, Luke, Paul, Meagan, Jake, and Tronster offered great support. I must say that we were in raw form. I do thank the team for taking it as a learning experience and above all enjoying the time. We will get better! It's all up hill from here.

Saturday night, Paul, Lydia, Meg, Jess, and myself met up at Java Mamma's. The music was great. The few of us hung out and then played some cards. We managed to create a great point system for playing poker without chips. You can't beat great coffee, awesome friends, and killer music. Good times!

The service this past Sunday was the end of the "Bruce Almighty" series. It declared that we are called to surrender. I really enjoyed this last sermon as it tied them all together. The worship was killer. I just want to give thanks to the people and all that goes into preparing for worship. They do an unparallel job.

And finally... A last thanks goes out to Lydia. She cooked a great Sunday night dinner for Jess, Brad, Luke, Mike, and myself. It was great. Afterwards, Jess, Lydia, and myself chilled and played "Karaoke Revolution." I must say that my apologies and thanks go out to them for putting up with such an awful array of noise. HAHA

Thanks for reading!

Weight Lifted

Today was the day that my two year journey at Hagemeyer ended. Resigning took some time but today it was finalized. It actually was not that bad. I expected a little more grief from my ex-employer. I am so glad that I didn't let my fear of moving on get in my way. I know my decision is somewhat a risk. But I only pray that I continue taking more risks like these.

Today, I met with my father for lunch. I met him in Easton. It was so great to spend time with him and talk. We then did a little shopping. On my way home I realized how much I feel blessed to have such an amazing set of parents and family. I feel so lucky. I know many are not as fortunate as I am. Sometimes, we tend to forget how our Lord has blessed us. Lord God, I thank you deeply for your blessings!

Lately, I have felt God using me more and more. It is truly an amazing feeling to see God working! This past Saturday God was in one of the most unlikely of places. I was standing in a bar drinking my sprite, watching all the drunkenness around me. And then out of no where, Jesus became apart of my dialogue. I was speaking with my one friend Ryan. Somehow, the fact that I was a born-again came up. Knowing he was Jewish as the majority of my fraternity, I never expected anything to come of it. But sure enough, I found that his newlywed wife was a devout Christian. And that he had started going to bible studies with her. I spoke to her for a while. I found out she is social worker and counselor for troubled people through a Christian network. She is able to use her faith and experience to help. She said the timing for this conversation couldn't have been better. She has troubled young twenty-something women mostly that are looking for a good church they could relate with. Her excitement was refreshing. I see that the Lord is using her in such an awesome way. I now pray for her, her husband, and the lives she touches through Christ.

God is amazing! If you let Him, He can lift the heaviest of weights!

Lord God, I sit here humbled. Lord my spirit is crushed and torn without you. I praise you Lord, I praise you. I am not worthy of your grace, and yet you still give it so freely. Lord God, as I venture to a new job, I have faith that you will provide. You have made me. I thirst to know what you have in store for me next. I will continue to face and move with and toward You. Please use me as I meet and build these new relationships, and make me a beacon for this new workplace. I pray this in the name of the one they call, Jesus Christ (the son of God) [Amen]

Rolling with my Homies

Last night, (Friday night) I got a chance to hang out with some guys from OM Horizon. Jake from over there came over to watch the comedy, "Envy" with Ben Stiller and Jack Black. The movie had it's moments.

Afterwards, Jake and I went over to Jeff Woodring's(butchered) house to hang with the guys and play Halo 2. I am not a big fan of those types of games, but it was fun watching. Luke, Brad, Mike, and Brent were lethal. It was cool to see and hang with Matt Schwartz. That guy is a character. Larry also provided some comic relief. Overall it was fun to chill, veg, and hang with the guys. Lately, hanging out and getting to know more of the old and new guys at Horizon has been something that i've felt driven to do. Fun times!

Today is my fraternity's(Pi Lambda Phi) second annual flag football alumni reunion. This event rocked last year and I'm excited about it this year. Hopefully, we win this year. It's embarrassing to watch the actives and pledges walk over us old guys. :-) Afterwards, they have rented out the Kent Lounge in Towson. Free food for the entire time. Man am I looking forward to that!

Tonight, "Ashes Remain" is playing in Federal Hill. This should be a great show. Jake, Paul, and I are going to be rolling out once more! I look forward to the show!

Thursday

Yesterday was another great day! Strange, have you ever completed something and either tried to hand it in or even show someone? I know once in college I had an art assignment that I completed and my professor was no where to be found. Well, my resigning process has been equally as difficult. Who would have thought it would have been tough to quit? Anyways, for the past couple of days I have been continuing to work, but solely because it's demanded of me. Since my boss has been out of town the last couple of days, Monday will be the day. I pray.

Yesterday I met with Mark Stephenson to have some lunch at Chili's. I must say it has been a blessing for Horizon to have acquired such a great and talented leader. The dude, is for real.
We chatted about link groups and just real stuff. We also had the pleasure of visiting Chili's on a day that Josh Smith was working. That guy rocks, literally! I must say we have a great group of solid guys at Horizon.

Later that day I went into the office to finish up some paperwork. It really wasn't that bad. I showed two of my colleagues one of the pictures of me at "Retro." They were laughing hysterically! It did give me a segway into telling them a little about Horizon. So the laughs were worth it.

I was off to the gym. I think of my vocabulary the word "gym" is one of my least favorite. I don't know why but even though I am disciplined to go, I truly do not enjoy working out. I would rather be running outside, kicking a soccer ball, throwing a football, or even sitting on my couch and watching an episode of "The Big Break II." I guess I get bored or something. One thing I have noticed lately is that the women seem to be getting more and more attractive. You should see me. My mind is saying(Banks, don't look, don't look, :-(, stop checking her out!) Most of the time I avoid those parts of the gym, or even walk out. (This of course is if I feel tempted.) Another thing, envy. It amazes me to see how much weight some of these guys are pumping. Sometimes, it makes me feel like I'm a weakling. I know I'm not, but when someone is benching three forty-five pound plates on both sides of the bar. That makes my mere hundred and twenty-five to fifty pound sets look like an appetizer. That guy make very well crap bigger than me. Oh well, I am so glad that I normally stay focused on my routine and get the heck out of there. Because as I mentioned, the "gym" is not a place that I prefer.

Later that night I went to my Thursday night bible study group. And I must say it was very cool. First of all, the night was deemed, "my night." I was all teeth. (when am I not?) Anyways, I had the choice of worship songs to sing and even was blessed to open us up in prayer. I truly felt God in the room last night. Thanks guys for letting me have the night. We just finished the Old Testament Walkthrough. Last night I learned a few cool new things. I never knew that three things resided in the Ark of the Convenant. I always thought it was just the ten commandments. I also learned that the women in that day would give their mirrors to the men to be melted for labor. The women were giving up their vanity. We concluded by saying that where the tabernacle was always directly in the center, that Christ has become our center. We must have him be the center of our lives. I enjoyed the time with my group.

After the study Jason and I went to "Nottinghams" to get a bite and chat. I ordered the best personal BBQ chicken pizza I have ever had, well almost. Jason and I have a lot of things in common. For one we are both Christians. We also are both closing in our late twenties. And finally we are both living the life of singleness. With that in mind, we had a great discussion about women and the confusing things about a Godly-based relationship. We've both been single for a while and do not want to lose our MOJO or skills. (HAHA, that made me laugh) And more kudos to me, no alcohol for weeks and going strong! My pal Jason is going on a missions trip to India at the beginning of January. My prayers start here. This guy has an amazing heart for missions and God is surely to use him in a most glorious way.

"Fractious"

Now what does the word "Fractious" have to do with me? This week as noted, I have been pondering the idea of coming to our Enemies (per se), with love. Last night our Wednesday night "Link Group" or study group, talked more about what it was, and how we are to do this. We reflected on the the story of David and Saul. David came to this enemy(Saul) with grace and Love,(1 Samuel 24:1-4)despite the fact that his enemy was out to kill him. Where do we have to start to understand how we "should" come to our enemies, even when someone is out to harm us, physically or mentally? How can we learn to love them?

Last weeks sermon made it very clear to me that "we", yes "we are our very worst enemy." I believe to truly love someone outside ourselves and God, the second most important commandment,(Mark 12:31) we must understand God's love for us. And do not get me wrong, it is so challenging at times. We talk about the impersonal or minor thorns in the side.(ie.bad drivers, random daily occurrences) As our hearts reach for holiness and Christ-likeness, I believe our perspective will slowly change. I have seen it in my own life. Again, "we are our own worst enemy", I can recall arguments with friends that I continued to fuel the issues. How do we approach these differences in a most Godly way? Hmm... I ponder.

Obviously, each of us has our own kind of "foe" or issue that holds us back from loving. Do you ever find yourself in a "fractious" state, maybe this morning?
Defined it merely is to be stubbornly resistant to authority or control, even better, to be easily irritated or annoyed. Personally, I try to make myself more aware of my actions and areas where I can improve.

I read Colossians today, how amazing and rich is the Word! After reading a verse I leaned back and thought.(The only way to make peace with everything in our lives on earth is through Christ, and through the gift and hope he provided.) Understand this, "We", were once His enemy, separated from Him by our evil thoughts and actions, yet now He has brought us back as His friends. He has done this through His death on the cross in His own human body.Paraphrased(Colossians 1:20-22)

Do you think this is an example to live up too?

So how do we start to tame the fractious animal inside?

I think a great start is to live(Colossians 3:12-15)

Let's remember the most important piece of clothing to wear!

Facing An Enemy

Some of you know of my recent decision to embark on a new job and
hopefully career. But with all new ventures, some old will always have to be dealt with. This past Monday was no different from the Mondays that have been building up for the past two years. See, every Monday I have two meetings. These are not short meetings. One with my team, and the other with the Boss. Unfortunately, these meetings with the Boss are long and tend to be very unproductive. He has an uncanny way of de-motivating his employees. After some thought and analyzing the current position and company, it was to my benefit to leave. Now I have to face the Boss.

Today I resign. I have to say it is a good feeling to have the leverage. I now have prayed for the best and most professional way of delivering it. This man who has become somewhat of an "enemy" to me was the man that showed me the door to Christ.
I took it from there and have grown past what he has given me. But the fact is, I need to come to this guy with love; not for his character, and not for his misuse of his position. I need to love him because he is a brother and hopefully the blinders will come off as I leave. I pray.

I am very excited about the new challenge of this new job. It will definitely give me better opportunities to shine.

Yesterday, I had lunch with Tronster, Dreadhead, and Sergio. It was cool to have time with them and throw back some ideas. "Ding How" is a highly recommended restaurant!

With the challenge of today in mind, I decided to help my friend Dan last night. He had a project of demolition on hand. He is renovating his house. I must say, put a sledgehammer and a saw in my hand, and you will most likely see a smile on my face. I didn't need to take out that much aggression, but it was fun!

Well again, we are called to love our enemies, and today I will face one. I only pray that I face him with the intention that God wants me too. And I hope that this decision and moment may help change something in my boss's heart. For his way, is not working.

TO BE CONTINUED...

"Sudden Noise"

Did someone hear something? Holy crap!Or Cannoli!(Just had to use that word);-) Is that Banks? Well "Yes," it sure is. These past couple weeks I had decided to take an absence to Blogging. Actually, I questioned the idea of giving it up all together. After some thought, I have decided that I shall continue.

The micro-machine rundown of the last two weeks: Socceraction-LinkGroup-Smallgroup-Fro-mation/DiscoStew-AwesomeCamping-StarWatching-Steakeating-Weddingreception-SunMoonStar-Jobinterviewing...two weekathon! And of course...

MY REFRESHING DO NOTHING-AND-LOVE-IT VACATION.

See my life in fast forward is not that exciting!

I did manage to read two awesome though completely different books. Thanks to my pal Tali, I have gained insight to CS Lewis's classic, "The Screwtape Letters." What an awesome book! It is bizarre how real Lewis brings out the characters and the root of the premeditated nature of evil spirits. Great stuff!

I also read quite quickly, "Wild at Heart." Eldredge really brings up some interesting points. I found it inspiring at times and then it made me feel like a puny fool at times as well. I guess he is saying that it is ok to be tough, and now- and-then strap on a pair. He had some interesting views on women too. Sadly for men, women in general are all different and impossible to really understand. Women, you know it's true! Maybe just one day I will know enough. I do recommend the book though!

This weekend at service which was quite good and funny at times, went over the fact that we are called to love our enemies. Wow! I have always been taught this, but to put it into action. To pray for them. To have your enemy become your neighbor. It is a topic that I will be pondering this week.

I tried something different this week, at least as far as worship at church. Normally, I am singing along with the rest. This past Sunday I stood silent, closing my eyes. The feeling I felt using my ears and hearing the voices around me, praying and praising our Lord humbled me. I felt as though I could feel their hearts. The sight of watching and listening to the whole church praise Jesus... Wow... Very cool stuff! I must say I recommend trying this once.

Well at least you know that this noise will not be my last. Happy reading!

Home Sweet Home

Though I talk to my family somewhat frequently over the phone, unfortunately lately for me, it's been very difficult to find time to visit. But when I do it's a time that is restful and relaxing. This past weekend I decided to drive down to the town of Salisbury to surprise my family.

Typically when I go down, my twin brother(Brian) and I play a round of golf or play tennis. But this weekend we did more talking and hanging out. Friday night my cousin(Gus), Brian, and I went out to the local sports bar to shoot some billiards. I found out surprisingly that Gus for the past six weeks has been going to a local young adult fellowship. This was huge and exciting for me. We had a great conversation in the bar on a topic that I am sure is foreign to that location. A couple of my brother's co-workers came in and almost created a scene. Thankfully, I handled it in an appropriate manner. And thank goodness I was not hungry!(inside joke)

I also got time to spend with my sister(Christine). Though growing up we were at each others throats, these past eight years we have grown such a beautiful relationship. We are very close now. My sister is a very unique individual and has a perspective on life that really amazes me. She turned thirty last Sunday, but looks like twenty-one. I guess the youngness-factor runs in the family.

After surprising my father with the visit, we got a great opportunity to talk about how things were going in my life and what was new in their life. My mother came home and we had a great dinner, just the three of us. I value times like these. Some days, I wish I could have more of them. I enjoyed the opportunity to pray and bless the occasion and food. I truly felt like God was there with us. I hope that my parents felt His power. Slowly I see my parents opening up. I think all the talk about where and what I am doing in my life as well as my brother's example has slowly planted some seeds. I continue to pray.

I truly look forward to the next time I have to the opportunity to spend time at that sweet place I call home.

Lord God, I thank you. I thank you for love, I thank you for mothers and fathers, I thank you for family! Lord, I desire your love Lord, and I desire that you reveal yourself to my family. I yearn for them to know you, and love you as I do.
I pray with unending prayer that their hearts and souls hear your voice. I ask of you to continue to use me in anyway, and for You to work something amazing in their lives. For I know that it will be joyous times. I love you with all that I am, and ask all of this in your precious and glorious name, Christ Jesus. Amen