Delayed . . .

Here I am delayed in Seattle until 2 AM! Guess I should catch up on my reading . . . Yeah, I didn't get too much done this last weekend as far as school is concerned. It was great to be back in Seattle. I got to see my best friend from High School tie the knot, got to hang out with friends, and picked up some real Seattle coffee. It was a great time, but am excited to return to Nashville and see all my peoples. See y'all soon!

NashVegas to the Coffee Capital

Right now I am in the Nashville International Airport with a four hour wait. Planning on getting into Seattle at midnight, and will spend the weekend at "My Best Friend's Wedding," Every Nation Church Seattle, and spend some time with friends.

I am excited to get some real coffee and maybe even grab a bite of sushi . . . If there's time. The coffee in Nashville is a sad excuse for coffee. I think folgers in Seattle would be better than Starbucks (which is like the mecca of coffee in Nashville) in Nashville.

Well, I'll be home soon. I look forward to talking with everyone. See ya soon.

The World Cup and How to be a "Goat"

I loved the World Cup this year. I've played soccer all my life, but sadly it seems that in the last few years my passion for the game has diminished. However, this year's games have revitalized my love for the most popular sport on earth. Maybe it was the outstanding play of the Americans (O.K. probably not) or maybe it was just because the game is so great.
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. The final match was watched by 1 billion people. Now that's immpressive.

Zidane (pictured above) really was the goat of the final match . . . in more ways than one. In the final minutes of the game, after some illeged provocation, Zidane gave the Italian a full fledged headbutt right to the sternum. If you didn't see this you missed out. It was pretty incredible. Zidane is rumored to retire. What a way to "leave a mark."

A Night on the Town

It hasn't been all work! Here are a collection of photos from a recent night on the town.

Stop #1- Monell's Here I experienced the most incredible Southern cookin' I've had to date. In the past I've experienced North Carolina cooking and have been less than impressed, but this place was a gem.

As you can see below the food quantity may have been a bit excessive, but hey, we're are all still growing boys right? The food included, fried chicken, pork ribs, greens, several different salads, rolls, hush puppies, and much more. This is the stuff y'all.








This is Chris from Reno Nevada. He played Division 1 football at University of Nevada for four years, and has already become a great friend. He eats a whole lot more than anyone else. He is a modest 250 pounds so we let him get away with eating like a heifer. This is one strong man of God, and an incredibly gifted leader. . . .Oh yeah and there was lots of sweet tea . . . my new favorite drink. It's a sanctified-not very harmful to my body-addiction. Praise the Lord.

Stop # 2- The Parthenon Replica, I think . . .

Sweet replica to say the least (Looks kinda like President Bush's pad)


. . . along with it, a strong set of individuals who I am priviledged to share the next 6 months with.

Stop # 3- Karaoke
This was our final stop for the night, and honestly this was a blast. People here in Nashville really like their country music. These pictures really speak for themselves, wow.


This was a duet between Ashley and Chris. They of course had to pull out a little Outkast for the audience. It was a big hit.

Chris and his dance moves were kickin' for sure. Nothing like seeing a defensive tackle goin all ballerina in a karaoke bar.

Ashley fearlessly lives for competition. This is a good quality to have when doing karaoke, to the tune of Outkast, in front of seventy drunk cowboys. Way to go Ash.





You gotta pop the collar if any serious singin is gonna happen. Actually everyone made me do it. It was a great time. Nothing quite like a pose next to a gigantic bottle of alcohol. We'll have to pray for this place.


All in all the entire night was an incredible success, and I am excited to share in many laughs over the next months. As a class, we have been reading a lot of books. We do work incredibly hard here! However, as you can see, when we play, we play hard. We're livin life to the fullest, and desire to be fully used by God to impact our world. Until next time!

Thanks for Freedom

“All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, and hope.”
-Winston Churchill


The best things in life are everywhere around me. The worst things in life are everywhere around me. Being immersed in American culture at times makes it easy to forget why it is I can experience more of these "best things" in life. In thinking about my own freedom I believe that sacrifice (as cliche as it sounds) is the best definition love. I've heard it said (pardon my lack of proper citation . . . I'm not in college anymore) that 'love is putting other people's interests ahead of our own, regardless of personal cost. The only response I have toward the many who have sacrificed is "thanks." Thanks to the many who have laid down their lives so that today I can to sing, write, worship, and become whatever I wish. In the the mosaic of America I realize that I am one brick stacked in between many courageous and honorable individuals.

In the same way, I respect and honor the many who have given their lives for the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. After just completing a course on World Missions I have come to understand that for the Kingdom of God to be advanced hardship and sacrifice are inevitable. Why would it be any other way? If God's perfect power and love was shown through sacrifice why should our love for people and the expansion of God's kingdom be without personal sacrifice.

This fourth of July has been a time of reflection, and I understand that my life has been a direct product of God, honorable courageous people, and historical moments. Thank you to all who have served so selflessly for the cause of freedom and truth.



Lord, in the middle of all I don't understand, give me the wisdom to live out the things I know are true, the things I do understand
My life's goal is to see your will accomplished and your glory revealed, your love shown to all you put in my path.
It is an honor and a joy to call the God of the Ages my friend.
To you be all the glory forever and ever.
- Amen