graduation, a party, friends, and a single tear

to all my homies who made last night one of the most special nights of my life, i thank you. i have truly been blessed with many, many friends who have provided encouragement, support, unconditional love, laughs, memories, hope, disicipline, accountability...i dont deserve you.
just thinking back over my life, i am astonished at how God has used each and every one of you to help me be in this place (and by "this place", i mean a man who is trying to faithfully live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ).

thank you all for your friendship and your love.

the fillers

thanks so much to Rich (pictured on the left, of course) and Ryan (I couldnt find any pics of Ryan, Andy has stolen all of his pictures from this computer) for speaking the last 2 weeks. Rich finished up our study of Colossians by focusing on prayer and the importance of our lives (actions, deeds, words, conversations, etc.) as a witness. Last night, Ryan piggy-backed off of that and spoke on "Defying the Norm," using Daniel 3 as a framework. As Christians, we have become relaxed, perhaps too relaxed in our interaction and our call to be set apart. Ryan gave a great challenge to us to analyze what we are doing with our lives and why we are doing it.
Really good stuff from both of you guys. I appreciate your willingness.

I would also like to add that Rich made the best strawberry shortcake the world has ever known yesterday.

its over...mmm...so over

well, folks. i have finally finished the 2nd (of a proposed 3) post-high school educational endeavor. the masters in in the books. i only have to travel to PA one more time this semester to take the trip down the aisle (unfortunately, it is only a piece of parchment that awaits - not a lovely bride...hopefully she will come before the next diploma...hopefully)

sorry i never post anything. that is either because we dont do much or i am extremely lazy. you can be the judge. now that the summer is here, and i will be in the office more regularly, you will hear more from me as the activities begin rolling in.

birthdays coming up: laura rogers (may 15), mikie b (May 18th), rich plack (may 23)...any others?

pics of the pond

currently...

listening to: David Crowder, Shane and Shane, Cartel
reading: Brennan Manning (Ragamuffin Gospel), NT Wright, John Piper (brothers, we are not professionals), Meredith Kline (Kingdom Prologue)

Recommend some stuff.

the after effect

well....we did it. although at moments i thought my face would fall off due to frozenness (i do realize that it never even got below 35, but you get the picture). our adventure to trap pond was an absolute blast. fishing, some of the best food i have had in a while (thanks leah's mom and rich's dad and uncle), good talks, a nice warm fire, bike rides...it was great.

thanks to amanda, ashley, leah, and all the others who helped out by bringing things, staying the night, or just stopping by. the mvp award of this weekend, goes to mr. leeboy, the true epitome of sussex county outdoorman -- thanks for all your planning.

sorry for the lack of updating. i aim to get a lot better once school is over...1 more week of classes, then finals, then a piece of paper...then, 5 more years!!! aint school great.