Impressions

Lately I have been thinking about an issue that I can not really grasp. Even though I surround myself with many Christians, I do come in contact with more that aren't. So all these questions have started to pop up in my head. Questions that I would love to ask, but would not be appropriate in certain circumstances such as work.

What is your impression of Church?
Do you view that all church services are similiar?
What keeps you from going?

I have also started having some questions for those that are Christians and church goers.

What do you enjoy about your church?
What part of the service do like the least?
What could be added to make it better?

I now go beyond other church communities and wonder about Horizon. The same questions can be asked.

What do you like the most about Horizon?
What do you like the least?
Where do you feel Horizon needs to improve?

These are just a few questions lately that have come to mind. The more I communicate with those in or out of my Christian network, the more I wonder what makes it work for us individually. I understand that God plays a huge role in this, but there has to be more.

Romans 15:4-6

4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,

6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

New Venture

Today I spent hours with an agent and found this gem in Towson. I ended up putting a contract on the house. I will know in a couple days whether I am the new proud owner. I am pretty excited about this new venture, but I don't want to get too excited. It is not a sure deal. I will keep you all updated, but if possible keep me in your prayers.

-Banks

One Year: Appreciation

Today marks one year since my first blog entry. A lot has happened in this past year and I thank all that have tuned in. It has been fun throwing some thoughts together and sharing. My first post was giving shouts of appreciation. I think it is only appropriate to throw out some more.

Readers: Thanks for reading some of the impactiful moments of my life this year.
Horizon: I feel blessed to be apart of such an amazing community of brothers/sisters.
Dave C: Thanks for being you, and showing strength during trying times.
Mark S: Thanks for being a leader among leaders.
Jenn S: Thanks for having the wellfare of the community always in mind.
Dave R: Being real
Tronster: Continuing to say "No" if it isn't something you believe. Not agreeing to agree.
Lydia: Showing me geeks can be cool. :-)
Rebecca M: Being a sport, when YOUR team lost to MINE. :-)
Tali: Backing me, when I am surrounded by so many that mock.
Scott J: Jumping in head first into this community and contributing so much.
Aaron: Bringing your talents to this community.
Eli: Thanks for stepping up and helping out.
Jeff M: For keeping the line on OM and Towson.

The list could go on... Some quick shout outs to Coach Sam, Mary T, Sarah Lynn, Sean N., Dan & Alicia, my link group!, Jimi & Charlie, Katie, JessieLynn, Shannon, Ashley J., Joel, Chad, Darcy-Dave, Amber, Megan, Rachel, Nolan, and everyone else!

Battle of the Beltways

Rivalries rock, and last nights game was no exception. The Baltimore Ravens and the Washington Redskins faced off in a preseason battle. The night was highly anticipated all week. We as people sometimes have an event coming up or that we are counting on, and this was mine. Thanks to my friends Mr. Scott Jenkins and Rebecca Miller for buying the tickets and inviting me to come.

The adventure started with me taking the light rail. Holy wow... It's amazing the type of people you will see or meet on that form of transportation. After the ride into Baltimore, Miller and I then had to find each other. Think of unbearable loud noises. Every step, was done carefully as to not run into anyone. The sounds in the background of train horns, street peddlers, and drunk tail-gaters made Miller and I's phone conversation almost impossible. Though we finally met up, and it was time to start the night!

We made it up to the top level where our seats were and after gathering some refreshments, I headed to our seats. Miller went to grab some dough, so I was the first to locate our spot. The first thing I notice are these very loud and at the time (prior to kick off) slightly intoxicated Ravens fans. A smile started to form on my face, because I knew that the night would be full of words. Miller finally made it to the nose-bleeds, and just in time for kick off.

What a beautiful night for a game. The view was great, the company great, and both of our favorite teams battling it out. Miller was dressed to the nines with her Redskins colors shown and fully supported, finished off tremendously with her trademark moccasins, while I cheered with a quite nice Ravens jersey. So the game was on! Miller and the Redskins versus Banks and the Ravens.

The game started out slow but it gave us time to catch up. I thought about it later and realized we haven't hung out much since soccer. For those who don't know, Miller was Horizon's star sweeper. And then it happened... the stadium, me, and the outspoken fans in front of us, had to wince as the Redskins scored the first points of the game. Miller had a great time making it well known who she was rooting for. Back and forth Miller and the burley Baltimore boys went. Miller held her own well, though her team was winning.

Quarters went by and the game was still led by the other local team, the Redskins. The excitement of the game surfaced at the end of the third quarter and final quarter. The Ravens were on the hunt and pecked away at the deficit. I could see Rebecca getting a little unsure of her team as she knew very well the game was very much alive for the opposing team. With minutes left in the final quarter the Ravens found a receiver in the end zone to take their first lead of the game. The crowd and I jumped out of our seats; we could smell victory. This left the Redskins little time to mount a drive to win or tie. But as sure as I sit here, they did. They finished the final seconds of the game with a game-tieing field goal. We were onto OT(overtime).

The Ravens won the coin toss and would receive the ball. This luck of the draw was what they needed. They capitalized on a play and then hit a receiver for the game winning touch down.
BAM... It happened so fast, and the Ravens won the battle. Overall it was such a great time, even if my team had lost, it would have rocked. Thanks Miller for the invite and being an awesome sport. I totally enjoyed hanging out and the conversations. You rock! But never forget who won. :-)