Encouragement

The smallest bit of encouragement could mean the world to someone. Don't be afraid to reach out to people, even if it's with a simple smile. Oftentimes that's all it takes to brighten someone's day. I'm sure you've heard that many times before, but there's a reason why - it's true! Another thing: don't limit yourself to encouraging only people you know. If you observe or simply "get that vibe" that someone's not doing too great - be it a complete stranger, or a mere acquaintance - talk to them! Ask them how they're doing, or if there's something you can pray about. And who's to say that you should only try to encourage someone if they "need" it? If, at one point in time, you've heard them say something you really took to heart, or saw them do something that you appreciated for some reason, let them know! If you feel someone is doing a good job at something, speak your mind and tell them to keep it up.

Gah.

I don't feel the body of Christ is encouraging enough. To believers and non-believers alike. Maybe I'm just not looking hard enough, or simply don't hear it going around, but I feel that the student body at my school is especially weak at doing this. I've been trying to jump start a movement in regards to encouragement, but sometimes I feel my efforts are in vain. People just keep it to themselves. It hasn't become a ripple effect... yet. Hopefully with consistency and perseverance, encouragement will start to become contagious.

Man...

... I couldn't help myself, I guess.

Except I decided that I'm only going to write in here when I feel like it.
Sporadic.
Excellent.

Finished?

Nine days.
A new record.

I really just don't have the time to keep up with two blogs on top of everything else I have going on. Maybe in a few weeks I'll come back to this, but until then... I simply plan on writing for my 'So Close' blog. Peace.

Grateful

I spent the majority of the day [the hours I was awake, that is...] with my friend Brad. I had a good time. He's a lot of fun to be around. At one point during the day we had quite an adventure as we tried to find a party supply store in Columbia... oh man. I'm glad to be alive. Columbia is crazy. Anyway, yeah. It was good. The best part of the day was when we watched 'Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest' in Pelfrey. Oh. my. word. ! We hadn't seen the movie in probably ten years [or more!] and we both greatly appreciated it.

Seriously. The day had a lot of good moments to it.

And even though I had a phenomenal week, and an okay weekend, I really needed some good, old-fashioned laughter and fellowship. I'm really grateful for good friends like Brad.

Wheat for sheep?

Another year at Central brings another year of playing Settlers of Catan with Jeremy, Dave, etc.

: )

Fantastic.

Remember

Eight years.

Man.

Rant

I'm a pretty quiet person.
I used to be extremely shy, and still can be at times, but not terribly.
I call myself an extroverted introvert.

I don't mind sitting by myself.
I don't always have to be talking to someone.
I don't feel the need to surround myself with handfuls of people, or even just one handful.

But don't ignore me when I make an effort to actually step outside of my comfort zone in getting to know you, after you approached me. When I attempt to make conversation, respond! Engage!

Don't just stand there.
Don't turn your back.
Don't say hi and then walk away, after being asked an investigative question.
Don't constantly look behind me or to the side.
Don't just smile and nod.
Don't simply hear me... listen.

My word.

Circumstances matter in this issue, sure.
I mean, I understand we're busy people, for example.
But when you're obviously just milling around because you don't have class, work, etc., and you're not talking with anyone or let others know that you're about to go do something or meet someone... don't assume that you will have no interaction with others. And when that happens, at least be cordial towards the other person. I really wouldn't think that's too much to hope for... I guess in this day and age, especially in regards to my generation, it is.

I apologize. My mistake.

Dang.
I'm done.

Jokester

Today one of my classes was canceled. Which is why I'm writing this at 2:22 PM, and not sometime in the evening or whatever. Anyway, the teacher personally said so over the phone to me, and I was to tell the class. So I did. Nobody believed me! That's a lie. A few did. And they started packing up their things to get the heck outta there. But everybody else just stared at me with their mouths open. They thought I was playing a joke on them or something, and that I would leave, come back a few minutes later, and be all "Ha ha ha! Just kidding! He's right down the hall!" or something like that. Ridiculous. They had all started to turn their chairs around to mess with the teacher "when" he would "finally" walk in. I bet they were sad that their little idea was pointless to carry out. Oh well. I think it was probably a good five minutes or so before everybody left the room.

Honestly, though. Punks.

Humor

So it's nothing new, but I really enjoy spending time around people with good senses of humor.
I mean, come on... who doesn't?

But seriously.
I like the fact that there are different types of humor, even.
I think it makes life that much more interesting.

Can you imagine what the world would be like if people didn't have [different] personalities or senses of humor?
Man.
I don't want to attempt to imagine...

Cheer Up

I just can't seem to get a break on a couple things.

Disappointed.

Together

Ohhh my.

I love God.
He's really cool.

This weekend has been fantastic.
So much happened in so little time, and my mind is continuing to be blown away by the greatness of God and the way that He works things out in our lives.

Man oh man.

The year has finally truly begun.
Here we go!

Last Time

I'm going home today so that I can work for the last time at Tait Cummins. Cedar Rapids is hosting a national tournament there this weekend and it's going to be really busy - but hopefully not totally crazy. It'll be good to go home and work for a bit, as well as see my parents. I like Iowa.

Friday?

I can't believe it's already Friday. Ridiculous. The first full week of school went well. I'm really excited about all of my classes and everything else that will be going on throughout the year. Three cheers.

NO!

I promised myself I would not procrastinate on anything this term.

Tomorrow [er, today] is the fifth day of school...
... and I've already failed.

At this point, I've deemed procrastination worse than drugs.

Just say no, people.
Just. say. NO.

Gahhh.

Insomnia?

I can't sleep.

Wonderful.

Disregard

What a day.
It was unreal.

In a good way, for sure.
But seriously.

Unreal.

God is making me remember Him.
[I'm glad.]

I couldn't tell you how many times I found myself thinking something along the lines of, "Whoaaa... what the heck is going on?!"

God speaks. God appears through people. And it makes life beautiful.

Fake

I wonder if that's what I am sometimes.
Right now I don't even know.
Stupid mood.