An Ode to the BUSY

So it has come again. I am going to embark on yet another journey through the ranks of Eastern University. I am really looking forward to a lot of classes that I am taking this semester. I am also looking forward to the challenge of the balancing act that will occur at the same time.

Let me explain.

Yes, I am looking forward to going to Eastern University and taking almost 20 credits, working 25+ (most likely plus) hours running the Christ's Church of the Valley student ministry with Ape, Alex Ben and Frank, playing in-line hockey at 422 SportsPlex, having a incredibly beautiful and devoted girlfriend to see as much as possible, a house 30 minutes from all of that and of course friends and family.

But Why?

Well you want to know why? Because that is what "real life" is most likely going to be like.

When I am older and in a profession, the world doesn't usually stop so you can take a breath, you have to learn how to breathe in the midst of the madness.

If you are a pastor at a church or a professional of some sort, but you also have a husband or wife and kids, you already have a much harder job then I will have this semester. Heck, from what I hear, just having kids ALONE is a much harder gig than what I am about to do!

(MAD props to all of your parents out there... this is one kid saying, I definitely have no idea what you go through)

So taking on a few extra things that I enjoy this season to keep myself busy... it's surely alright with me...

Check out my classes!:

Jesus and the Gospels
Youth Ministry Programming

Wisdom Literature

Christian Marriage

Spanish II

Youth Ministry Field Placement

Youth Ministry in an Urban Setting

God is Good... thats it...

Talk about a clearing after the storm... I want to give anyone who has a hard time trusting God a little more evidence to do so.

Obviously some recent struggles in my life have been basically all of the different aspects of my life. Not that long ago I was wondering if I was going to be able to find a job this fall. I was scared I would not be able to go to Eastern. I was upset I may not be able to see Melissa as much as I would like to, so that we can grow to the next level. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to live on campus or anywhere else but where I am...

But at the same time... I had this inner peace that God is good. And that He will continue to work things out in his own way on his own terms. While working with April Tatta, she couldn't understand how I wasn't freaking out over all of the unknowns of my life. But God has always worked best in the times of unknown.

Currently I sit here with my UNBELIEVABLE freaking job extended through the fall as we do HUGE things at CCV. I am also moving into a SWEET new house with friends Albert Bellows and Alex Stenman. This house is almost directly in between Melissa and my school, which helps me with the housing thing and gives me more time with Melissa. I got to register for classes today at Eastern because two friends had found out I was struggling gave me a second chance at life. God Bless them, they have been used by God in ways no one may ever understand... Boy am I BLESSED!

But there are two things I must understand, even in this time of celebration for these things I am blessed with.

1 - It can all be taken away... and I must rejoice in that also.
Job 2:10 says, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said."
This is what he says after losing everything but his health at that point. I have to be okay with God taking all of these things away.

2 - Our lives are but a blink of an eye... never get too caught up if your plans don't go as you plan them.
James 4:13-15 says, " 13Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

Who I Am Hates Who I've Been...

So it's kind of been one of those weird days... I was sitting at my computer, going through all of the mail that I haven't gotten to yet, and a song came on that explained exactly how I feel right now.

Relient K - Who I am hates who I've been...

This is the part where I admit that the 6th grade version of myself would kick my butt all over the place right about now.

As I was sitting here I went through all of the letters that people sent me while I was in Fiji. I got so many loving letters from incredible people in my life. They said so many nice things, and it was just unbelievable how kind they can be to me.

Have you ever felt like you didn't deserve to be treated that good?

Sometimes I feel like I don't love people the way Christ would love people. Jesus Christ knew how to love people so WELL. Jesus loved the prostitutes, the tax collectors and the poorest of the poor. To me, that is Jesus loving his bosses, his coworkers, his best friends and his enemies.

Why do I let people just fall off the planet if they don't call me? Why do I feel the need to be in charge all of the time? Why don't I go out of the way to tell people just how much I appreciate them? When was the last time I gave someone besides a family member or my girlfriend a gift for their birthday? Why am I so good at talking and so bad at listening sometimes? When was the last time I sent a letter half way around the world just to make someone smile when they might feel alone?

To what lengths are we willing to be Jesus. Are we willing to be Jesus only when it's easy... I know right now, that's how I feel that I am.

God has blessed me with THE BEST, and I really mean, THE BEST people on earth. I work with the most incredible people anyone could work with. I am friends with the best, most kind hearted, most giving people that God has created. He gave me Eastern University where I have met the best friends I will ever have. God gave me CCV where I found the most unbelievable church community. God has given me an incredible girl who loves the Lord way more than she loves me, and that is AWESOME. God has given me home and family that has helped turn me into the man I am. God has also shown me his face early in life so I have lots of time to do his work.

And I take it all for granted... and that makes me sick to my stomach.

Parts of me wish I could just do over the last year... so I could treat some people the way they deserve to be treated... The way they treated me.

Unfortunately we don't get do overs... but some of us are lucky enough for second chances... and I'd really like to take one of those right now. I know that I have a lot of good in me, and that I'm not the worst person in the world. But the bar is higher now...

God I pray you save me from settling. I never want to be just another American Christian...

I want to end my post by taking this opportunity to thank those people who sent me letters in Fiji if I haven't yet... you are forever in my heart:

Melissa Jaworski - Thank you for the 320231803 letters... I'm really glad I gave you that flower back in 5th grade.

Mom and Dad - You sent me the ugliest card I have ever seen... I love it!

Bob Connor - You show me Jesus every time we talk.

Brad - Dude, we've been best friends since birth... and we will be until we die.

Pat & Bill Shifflet - I want to grow up and be just like the both of you... always young...

Grandmom and Grandpop - You are the best neighbors in the world! Thank you for keeping me on the right track.

Aunt Rosie and Uncle Mike - You take care of me better than any nephew deserves.

Here is the song that brought it to life...

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A Nation Brought Together By... Swimming?

Let me lay down the time and the place for you...

I was in Philly 2 nights ago at McFaddens celebrating a friends 21st birthday. Now you can imagine a place like that would be totally hopping at 11Pm. It was, don't get me wrong, but something was a little different. From time to time instead of everyone drinking at the bar, and dancing, and jamming out to the ear piercing music... they would come together for something different.

The Olympics are on this week, but not everything in the Olympics is getting the same attention.

Don't get me wrong, no one enjoys a good bad mitten championship like I do, but I think it is safe to say that swimming has taken the spotlight. Not only swimming, but it's USA HERO Michael Phelps. Everyone in the bar stopped and EVERYONE watched the TV. The DJ says, "Ladies and Gentleman, Michael Phelps!" and everyone in the bar would scream! They would chant and root him on for every race. It's the thing to talk about!

Some of my favorite facts to talk about:

He is 6'4" with a wingspan of 6'7"

He has oversize feet and hands acting as flippers.

He is double jointed in many locations to enhance movement.

And my favorite fact is that he is the only guy who can put down 11,000 Calories a DAY and still look anorexic.

Just last night I was at California Pizza Kitchen in King of Prussia when he had another record breaking night as he won by a finger TIP ... I thought I was the only one watching the screen as he started to race. But out of nowhere the quiet restaurant turned into a roar for some common cause.

There are two things I like about this whole thing...

1) It's the first time I've seen America come together for something since 911 when we all wanted to come together to bomb other countries.
To see people from all over the country be rooting for the same thing is a breath of fresh air in a time of such division. Phelps breaks the divide between black, white, old, young, poor and rich. To be in a restaurant, and hear people starting U-S-A chants, is a very cool feeling.

2) He is not perfect, but he let the gifts God gave him, take him to where he is.
I was watching an interview they had with Michael's sisters. The question was asked to the girls, "What do you think of your brother as an international sex symbol?" The girls laughed... hard... They had noted that it was their little brother! The kid who always annoyed them. The kid who has a very strong diagnosis of ADHD. But he was given certain qualities... like the ones I had mentioned before.

1 Corinthians 12:14-20 says:
14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.

Right now, I'm really enjoying that Michael Phelps is a foot, and he's really trying to be a foot...

As I Wish Upon A Star... Uh, in a manly way though...

Today started unlike any other day.
Today started with true mystery and wonder.
Today started with a breath of much needed fresh air.

Have you ever encountered something that just... takes your breath away.

It leaves you standing in awe, with the ability to only utter, "wow."

It's a moment that can bring out with 6th grader that is bottled up inside all of us.
It's a moment where God can finally get the credit he deserves.
It's a moment where you can see just how BIG God really is.

For me that was today.

I was watching the news last night, and heard there was going to be a meteor shower early this morning. I woke up at 5:00 am to go lay down on a bench on my deck. After 20 minutes of blank and still stars I asked God to show me his beauty...

And there it was.

One of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

A bright blue streak across the cloudless sky. Bright as the moon, and fast as a bullet. The streak started to slow down, and then zig zagged across the sky, back and fourth. I looked at God, and asked to see his beauty, his power, his face... and God looked back and said, "oh this is just a little piece..."

I know this may sound stupid. But maybe... JUST MAYBE. This little and seemingly meaningless moment could be a change. It could be the start of something new. And boy I hope it is.

If I got to blow my one wish, on this one beautiful "star." It would be that I never allow myself to miss the shooting stars flying by me every... single... day...

Mexico Pictures!

I have finally posted some pictures that I took down in Juarez, Mexico during our Casas Por Cristo trip. It was one incredible journey... Enjoy!

(Click the Picture)

Gossip RUINS Community... FIRST HAND ACCOUNT

So this particular post comes for a very specific reason, and with a very specific situation. I want to face the issues and problems that can come from going behind the back of anyone head on. Please read through my situation, and see if you have been in my place.

Gossip is a disease that runs rampant in most church circles, and DEFINITELY doesn't stop short of my own church community. I am on this never ending journey to find out what it looks like to live the reckless and thoughtful life of Jesus Christ, and a trait that I can definitely see in man of Christ is the ability to come strait to anyone with whom you may have a problem with.

Never speak negatively about someone behind their back.

If the intent you have may cause any negative rebounds toward anyone involved you should rethink your approach IMMEDIATELY.

Why?

Because gossip destroys community.

Matthew 18:15-17 says:

15"If your brother sins against you,^[b] go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'^[c] 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church

If that is still hard to understand, then I will translate it into the AFIV (The Adam Flora International Version) ... It says if someone "disses you" in any way, go tell him "what's up". If he's still being "wack," get help from a mentor or MUTUAL AND UNBIASED FRIEND. If he's still being wack, then seek guidance from Preach.

NOW, My reason for speaking on this subject. I have a personal experience that was in my face tonight, and if not handled correctly could have created much conflict and fighting. So I want to be real, and face a problem head on.

I am NOT going to claim that I am perfect, or that I don't ever speak in a way that could harm someone. I am not even close. I just hope through situations like this one that I can stray just a bit farther from something so dangerous.

Friendship... It's powerful Stuff.

Something that is truly a force to be reckoned with is definitely the power of friendship. Last night I had one of my best friends, and first roommate in college, Justin Best, come up for the night on his way to Princeton to see another old friends of his. I couldn't tell you how much just one night with the kid brought me to such a good place. There are a few reasons why it was so good.

First - It is such a good thing to be around someone who understands what you are going through.
Whether it is with relationships or spiritually or with hardships you are going through, it can make all the difference to have someone there who understands what you are going through. Maybe you've been with a friends who will say something, and you could have sworn it was you that was saying it.

Second - It is so refreshing to be around someone who has the same passions as you.
Justin and I talked theology, politics and about our girlfriends until some stupid hour of the night. I personally love to talk about theology, and most people just end up giving me crap for it. It was very refreshing to listen to someones outlook on something that you really care about.

Third - Sometimes you need someone from the past to help you remember where you've been.
My freshman year of college was the greatest year of growth that I have ever had. We had so much accountability with each other, and were constantly pushing each other to chase God more. Someone who will be honest with you is also a key. Having someone in my life to tell me, "Adam, you are better than that." can be the greatest gift in the world. If you every find a friend who is willing to be completely honest and soul naked (that's for you best), than you stick with them until the end.

UNFORTUNATELY, Justin will be leaving in two weeks for Uganda until December, then to Europe by himself for a month bringing him home late January. If you could keep him in your prayers, that would be huge. He will also be blogging throughout his journey at JustAVessel.com

My Semi-Annual Struggle

It's that time of year again... the time when I am about ready to go back to school, and financial aid tells me that it isn't possible. I have basically run into the same financial roadblock every single semester I have ever gone to school, and this is no different.

I received word today that because my transcript from my class I took at Montgomery County Community College didn't get to Eastern on time, that they took away ALL of my financial aid. This is a fun thing to hear 2 weeks before school starts. What is even more fun is when they tell you to file an appeal letter, and that you will hear back in two weeks... may I remind you, the first day of class is in... two weeks.

I always need prayer this time of year.

Maybe there is something that comes around every year for you that you just don't have the strength to get through alone.

I have always struggled with this financial aid thing because the only way out of it is through loans... Then besides that comes the stupid tasks of finding cosigners because of my age. A few things about loans:

1) Whoever invented the idea of borrowing $35,000 dollars and paying back $120,000 dollars wasn't very good at math.

2) I don't think God likes loans.

Proverbs 22:7
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.

Romans 13:8
Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

3) I Hate loans.

We are always encouraged to take out loans because it is "for a good purpose". I hate the idea of not being able to do what I want to do after I graduate. I have to do what the bank tells me to do. That is usually to find a steady good paying job. Not go be a missionary, or go explore the country... That stuff you can do after you pay your loans... except you will have kids by then, then what??? CAN YOU SAY CATCH 22!!!

I am going to find a way to beat this stupid system that they have created for people to fall into debt and start life behind.

YAHWEH and Jager Bombs - PART 3

Please read posts 1 and 2 of this 3 part series before reading this one!

So here it is, the part of this series that is a little big different than the norm. I am going to have a short discussion on the UP side of enjoying a few drinks every now and then. Remember again, this is strictly opinion, and I am hoping to learn more as I continue to hear of more Biblical resources and personal experiences.

Reason 1: Community
Two things I look forward to that involve alcohol in them. The first is when we have large family parties. Our family parties are very... Italian. We have a bunch of drinks and we have fun as a family. Obviously there are no lusting or debauchery because you are with your family, you just get to enjoy laughing over the past and all kind of stupid memories. The second would be when my sister comes over. We enjoy playing Beer Pong, which is one of my favorite games. We play the game and laugh and talk about old memories. I can also get away with asking her truthful questions about her faith. I can seldom get away with asking her about that aspect of her life without getting an earful or criticism. I have been involved with a whole bunch of gatherings with friends where there was drinking that was not excessive, and it surely makes things a whole lot more lively.

Reason 2: Honesty
One time in specific I remember having so many awesome conversations because my aunts and uncles were willing to put down their guards and be real. People can sometimes have some help putting down their guards that we so frequently put up on a daily basis. It's pretty cool to hear how someone really feels. I'm sure however, some of you can recall what it's like when someone is too honest.

Reason 3: Biblical Encouragement

Ecclesiastes 8:15

"15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun."

Take what you may from this verse, perhaps they are talking about drinking water? Biblically speaking, the Bibles history is rich in enjoying drinks. Wine was a very common thing at meals. Another thing that was common practice was people in that time drinking their good wine first, and their not so good wine second, because at that point you didn't care about the taste so much. It was not frowned upon, it was just part of their culture. I mean, one of Jesus' first miracles was turning water into wine... did he want to keep the party going?


FINAL ANALYSIS
In my OPINION, alcohol was put on the earth to be enjoyed, however a few guidelines come with the whole package. I do like the community aspect of alcohol, and the fact that it helps people come out of their shell, however their are a whole lot of warning signs that you must look out for. If alcohol is ever an escape from problems, or something you ever NEED in any way shape or form, then this is a vice for you, and you must AVOID IT AT ALL COSTS. If alcohol is something that becomes frequent more than once a week on a weekly basis, then you must also look very seriously at dependency and STAY AWAY from it forever. With alcoholism in my family, I like being able to drink and be the one in control. I hate seeing what it did to my mom, and how it controlled her. It continues to be in charge, and that is why she has decided to make the incredible decision to never drink another drink again!

If you are in ministry, then the rules change for you a little bit. You want to always be beyond reproach, but a lot of discernment is involved with how you need to make your decisions with drinking. If you are a senior pastor of a church, then you may need to consider the fact that if other people see you drinking it could cause them to stumble, EVEN IF it is not directly a sin. You also have to try to figure out how far you will go with the whole idea how not actually sinning, but having to look at how people view it from the OUTSIDE. If you are not a senior pastor, then you must be VERY careful on the when, where and how. You must do it around a few people, and obviously never around students if you are a youth pastor, or someone who you know would have a problem with it. The rules are not so black and while unfortunately. It takes you really looking into your heart, and into your actions and making smart decisions.

I have seen alcohol destroy families and lives, and I have also seen it create some really cool memories. Alcoholism is a very real thing, and God's strength is the only thing that can get you out of that. For some reason our culture puts underage drinking and alcoholism as some kind of super sin. It's unfortunate because I think it's original intent was something really cool. This will be an ongoing discussion, and I hope to learn more as I grow more wise with my years.

Who I Am vs. Who I Want To Be...

(Part III of the current series to be continued)

Introducing my late night rant:

If you are anything like me then you have these moments where you just kind of count all of your chips and figure out where you are. One of those moments is right now...

I started up a new Hometeam (small group) tonight where I opened up in a way I was not expecting to. I simply stated that I had this huge, incredible vision of what my life should look like, and the simple fact that I am not there.

Frustrating...

If you've ever wanted to be at a certain place by a certain time and have not been there, it can really bring you down.

I just thought I would simply share what I want my life to look like. So all of you few readers can help me be accountable to a completely possible, incredibly unbelievable and unbelievably difficult lifestyle.

THE RANT - I want a life full of adventure. I want every single day to be filled with adventure, even small adventures that can appear in the tedious everyday tasks. I want to find enjoyment in every sunset, sunrise, sun-ray, star in the sky, in every smile, in every laugh, in music and in anything else that we always take for granted, I want to live every day as it is my last. I want to treat every conversation as if it may be the last with that person that I ever have. I want to be smart, but I want to take chances. I want to truly listen to the wisdom of my elders while teaching children that it's okay to stay young. I want to treat every relationship in my life like the most important relationship that I have. I want to do things that don't make any sense, and not try to make sense of things that need to just be enjoyed. I want to look at the map and think that "I'm lost", but see it as an opportunity to explore new grounds. I want to work hard, then when the time is right relax even harder. I want to travel and love people of all nations. I don't want to count calories, I want to count the number of meals I have with people I love to be around. I want to listen way better than I talk, and talk to anyone who needs a friend...

I want to live as a man freed in Christ would live.

You know what they say... if you want something bad enough, go get it. And that is my random bedtime rant...

Much Love,
Adam


Ps. One of my favorite musical artist , Jason Mraz, has a music video that I watch from time to time just to continue to inspire me to yearn for more. Check it out: