Sweet Apple Pie

This past weekend was full of events. From Friday to Sunday it was jam packed! This is becoming very typical for me. But I definitely enjoy tons of stuff, it makes me feel as if I had a complete weekend.

Friday night the Horizon soccer team had it's second to last game of this season. We all got to see our new jerseys! I think some were surprised, but I like the fact that we are unified. To give you a picture, imagine fifteen adults playing soccer and wearing mostly pink tie-dyed jerseys. They are very bright and some very tight! Regardless, our Friday nights game was great!

On Saturday the snow came. It really hit the Baltimore area and Western Maryland fast. A few of us took the white and slippery adventure up to the Bandy's house. We got there safe and chilled there all day. It's amazing how a few people can entertain one another for such a long period of time. The dinner Mrs. Bandy prepared was monumental. I sincerely thought I was having a holiday dinner. So much food! I was in heaven. And then, lurking and eyeing the field, was this Goliath of an apple pie. I think she must have put a whole bag of apples in this one pie. I kid you not, this was a blue ribbon pie all the way! Later we all enjoyed it with vanilla icecream. I know you must all be salivating. I want to thank the Bandy's for their unending and genuine hospitality. This family has a heart for serving.

Sunday, the church services were cancelled. A few of us got together at the Geek house. I swear I got there at eleven-thirty and in no time it was four o'clock. It was definitely a fun group of people! Then I was off to my Sunday soccer game. This game was fierce and intense. Both teams battled back and forth as we were down during the half. The second half we went after them and won in dramatic fashion with fifteen seconds left in the game. Man, does it feel so great to win in that way.

Your words or Mine?

Have you ever been in a conversation where you were just eager to get a word in? I know that I find myself doing this. Why do we do this? I wonder if we find our words more important than those around us? Some try to gain recognition, while others may do it for entertainment. Everyone has their reasons, but really, why is it that we are charged to offer our thoughts? How important is it really, that we are good listeners?

Last weeks sermon was from James as well. James tells us to be slow to speak, quick to listen. How does this play in our lives? Are we not suppose to throw our hands up and give a response? I think most will agree that we all need to learn to be better listeners.

At work, I find myself fighting between these two. I listen tentatively to my boss, and those that may offer great information. But in a sales meeting, I find myself quickly analyzing the dialog and motioning through my mind what to say next. In that environment your thoughts and words matter! The quicker the better.

As a kid, we were told to listen carefully from our parents, and not to talk back. I think some where in school we slowly were trained to speak up. Has our culture hindered us from being better listeners?

I know I have a lot to work on. I have to get out of this mode where I am trying to offer a solution in a conversation, or a new idea. Why can't I just lean back and listen. I guess what it comes down too is, do we show more love through what we say or how we listen?

I don't think this is cut-and-dry, but I know that there is room for me to improve my listening skills. I can only see it help strengthen my relationships.

Actions

• A car cuts in front of you last minute
• A player taunts you on the field
• A group is gossiping
• A friend is in need

How do my actions when dealing with situations like these affect other people?

Lately, I have been in up-and-down moods. Last week, the sermon was out of James where he talks about how our faith is justified by our actions. It really has me thinking of how others may perceive me, and whether that is how I want to be perceived. What is my reputation? In my past I had a tendency to be a little blunt and short with people. I really didn't think before I spoke or when I offered my mind. I have really changed since then, but on occasion the old Banks shines through. So when I'm in a down mood I tend to kick myself later. So during one of those times, what happens if I run into someone who is seeking or needs consoling? I wouldn't approach me. And I wouldn't approach the same guy honking his horn at me, or yelling at an opposing player. So are we always suppose to have a character and actions that are consistent with our faith? When is God going to use me? One question that I am going to continue to remind myself to reflect. "Do your actions reflect your faith?" I am beginning to see that my actions are relative to whom I am around. I don't think this is always a good thing. During our link group a friend made a good point. Our actions start from within. If our heart is true and our faith, then it will shine through in our actions. We all have things to work on. I am just going to try to be more aware of myself, we never know when others are watching.

New Year

While many cultures and people celebrate the new year on a different calendar year, we celebrate it on the first of January. So much has happened in the past year. It has definitely been a year that has had significant precedence.

The year started off with God blessing me with my home. Shortly after that I found the church Horizon. Leaving my previous church was a difficult decision, but I feel as though I was blessed with the outcome, and have grown exponentially in the process. I have developed some strong friendships and have seen God work in amazing ways through the people around me.

One of the strongest memories during the past year was the baptism. Having the opportunity to outwardly and publicly announce to the community that I am a follower, and that I am living my life for Christ was so important to me. I am so proud to say that I love Jesus, and that I am nothing without Him.

I now look onto the upcoming year. I pray that I will be prepared and willing to make the sacrifices that I need to do, to do God's will and honor God in everything I do. I know this will be a year of excitement and yearn to see what God has in store for me next.

Lord God, no words are great enough to explain my gratitude for how you have blessed me. I yearn to understand you and how I can serve you next. I am excited about the challenges you may bring. I give myself to you. Use me in anyway to build Your great church. I love you more than any physical thing that I may own, want, touch or see. I thank you for this past year and the year to come! In your glorious name I pray. -Amen