The Rough Road

We all have times in life where the road and journey gets rough. The start of this school year has been rough for many of reasons. First of all, school is getting stressful because it's my last year and I am trying to graduate this year. Classes are extremely difficult this semester, especially astronomy. Secondly, it's hard being away from the girl that I am madly in love with. Being away from her has cause me to be down because I miss her so much. That has ultimately affected our relationship. So the road I've been traveling on lately has been rough, but I got good news. The good news is that God is in control. I am going seek to be the Godly man He wants me to be. When one really focuses on who God wants them to be, then they notice all the issues and problems in their life. God has revealed issues with me that He is going work out because I am going seek Him.

I am going try and keep this blog thing going weekly. I thank God that I have an incredible girlfriend that is pateitnt and loving to me. I thank Him for a family that has cared for me. If it were not fo God and Him placing them in my life, life would be extremely harder right now, harder than i could imagine. Pray for me as I seek for a job that works well with my schedual. God is in control and he will lead my life and my relationships from here to eternity.

In Him, Joe

WOW!

WOW! It's been a long while since I have posted on here, because I have been so busy this summer. This summer has been so refreshing and hetic at the same time. It seemed like I have had much time to breathe cause I have been coming and going so much. I know I have fallen mored deeply into love this summer. Through all the fun times, disagrements, and attitudes we have had this summer, I've realized fault in myself and I know that I love Alison with everything I have. I'm sure there are times where I don't show her that as much as I should, but I hope God conctinues to work on me with that.

The Interim position has been a huge learning experience for me. Going on three major trips (Mexico, Summer Camp, and Super Summer) has taught me so much about ministry. Dealing with such a vast age range (Jr. High to College) has led me to a new vision with First Southern. I know God has some awesome things in store. I'm also getting ready to enter my last year of school. I'm a little nervous about it, but God will take care of me. I have never take 18 hours in a semester before and I hope I do well. In order to graduate this year i need 18 hours both semesters and then maybe some next summer, but I am committed on getting my schooling out of the way.

Once I get my college out of the way then I could move on in life. I can try and find a good poisition somehwere that will allow me to start my seminary process. Then start realizing it's time to start considering marraige. There is so much to look forward to that I can hardly wait, I just want to get this next year of school over with. I love you all and I hope all of you makes a difference for the sake of Christ, even if that means that you might be hurt by others.

In Christ, Joe

Summer Is Coming

Summer is coming so quickly. As summer comes, there has been a lot on my plate lately and I've been thinking about a lot stuff. The Interim position at First Southern could not be going any better than I would have dreamed. God has been so good and has been blessing us so much, our church ans Student ministry continues to grow. Not because of me, but because of He who created me. I just think about how 6 months ago there were people who were upset about me getting this position, but God had His plan and it has been so good.

I am also going be living by myself this summer, which will give me even more responsibility than i've ever had. My roommate felt like it was best for him to move out and it's kind of left me alone, which might be best for everyone. I am looking forward to an incredible Summer and I hope God does some incredible things.

I am finally starting to see the end of college. Only one more year and I'll be walking to get my diploma. I cannot wait until then for I can start seminary. As i think about that, I can't help but think about my future with Alison. I think she is the greatest girl I have ever met and she makes me so extremely happy. There is not another girl that could treat me as good as she does. Our relationship has become so incredible and I thank God for giving me a girl that cares so much for me. I love her with all of my heart and I that love will continue to grow and will be for a lifetime. I can't wait to see what God has in our future together. God has been so sufficient in so many ways, one being that I am involved in a relationship with the greatest person i have ever met.

Continue to focus on how to glorify God and may He use you in a mighty way.

In Christ, Joe





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It's Been Awhile

I know it's been awhile since I've posted, a long while. Part of the reason is because of how busy life has been. School is in the middle of the semester and is running me dry, while church is preparing for Disicple Now which has taken a lot of me. I feel like I have been a little bit on edge the past couple weeks because of some of the things that has been going on.

With all that said, I am really at peace with where God has me in my life. It can be depressing going weeks without my sweetie, the one I have fallen in love with. I've never been in a relationship where we are apart so much and I don't think I could have imagined how hard it was going be. But I am definitely happy with our relationship, and I couldn't have asked for a better girl in my life.

It's just my prayer that God calms me down in this busy time. May I just focus on Him.

In Him, Joe

My Sweetie and I at the IU game! 

The Week Ahead!

I am ready to get the next 5 days over with. It seems like this is the busiest time of the year. I'm planning for Disciple Now which is less than a month away. I have 5 papers due this week, which is just rediculous. But with that, God has continued to bless me. I don't think the position at First Southern could go any better than how its been going. God has been so faithful, like always. I also am complete happy with the girl God has put in my life. Alison is so awesome, more awesome than any other girl I have ever met. Guys I'm sorry, but shes mine. And I'm going do anything I need to, to make sure I keep her.