Coates of many colors

"Take your top off"

2005-10-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

I come to you today with an entertaining tale involving Aaron the Bryant and myself. We were partaking in Chick Fil-A for lunch discussing Aaron's mission adventures in the wilds of Africa, when an elderly employee of the dining establishment approached us. With a smile she said.
"Do you need a refill for your beverage?."
We nodded, Aaron instructed her that his beverage was tea and I instructed her that my beverage needed to be refilled with Doctor. Pepper. Following our instruction, we slid our cups to the edge of the table so the attendant could take them for refilling. We did not realize that we had not taken the lids of the cup. So the elderly employee reminded Aaron by looking at him and saying...
"Take your top off, honey." (I don't know if she actually said honey but my mental replay of the story thinks that she did because she was a kind old lady, and kind old ladies always call younger people honey or darling.)
We took the lids off our drinks and she departed. Holding our breath for 5-7 seconds proved difficult but we did. After she was out of sight we giggled like school children on holiday. It is not everday that an old lady asks us to take our tops off.

The End. I have now completed my quarterly blog.

Chinatown Bus

2005-07-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hello all its about time for my every 4 month blog. Right now I am sitting in a dorm room at NYU. Somehow randomly I ended up here to visit my best friend Khalil because he is working up here this summer for some investment banking firm. So, that puts to rest the rumors that I am up here to buy pure Columbian cocaine. We got up here on a charter bus service called Chinatown Bus. Sure it was only 20 dollars to ride to NYC from Washington so I knew it wouldn't be great but I wasn't expecting two of every kind of creature to be on the bus either. Needless to say it wasn't the greatest experience and I didn't know if I would wake up in NYC or chained up in a fishing boat in Hong Kong with a limb missing. But, we made it here in 3.5 hours which is way too fast but it works for me. I got to see the fireworks down at the Southside Seaport which is an experience that every American should have, great fireworks and jerk New Yorkers that will find any reason to yell and or cuss you out. Let's see what else has happened, well not a lot, its fun to be up here and remember old times and talk about highshool with my best friend. We played with sparklers last night too and that scene from The Sandlot where they're running around during the 4th of July played in my mind and I felt like I was a kid again. Well not really because there was a large Italian man who was an angry drunk standing near us so that kind of ruined it but for a split second Childhood was there. I'm going home to VA tomorrow on the train, I elected not to take the Chinatown bus back to downtown DC at night. Then I'll return to TN on Saturday after a visit to VA Tech to see my other best friend. My week of Vacation has been busy but fun and its one I'll remember.

Too much work

2005-04-23T19:58:00.000-07:00

I have an incredible amount of things to do. I have no motivation to do them at all. Such is the college life. Its been a cold Saturday consumed with typing papers. I got news this week that I didn't really want to hear. I knew the news was coming but regardless I didn't want to hear it. The news further reminds me that my childhood is fading away and the real world approaches. That sounds depressing, it is kind of but it also reminds me that I have many opportunities and experiences to look forward to in life. But as for now I'll be ticked off about the news I've heard and I'll be introspective and listen to music that's cooler than the music you listen to and write my papers.

At the stars...

2005-04-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in about four months and I don't know exactly why I'm writing anything today. I just finished typing a large exegetical term paper for my greek class. If you don't know what an exegetical paper is go here: http://alpha.furman.edu/~mcknight/wake/exegesis.htm I have an incredible amount of stuff to do between now and next Sunday. I've got two 12 page papers and a 5 page paper due next friday, 3 presentations, and 4 sermons to preach in a little town that you get to by turning left at the fork in Triune. I'm going to Chicago Monday-Wednesday too. But that should be fun, its for the Lord. Now that I've had my pity party I shall go listen to my Better than Ezra Greatest Hits CD and reflect upon my 5th grade year where I first heard "Good" on MTV's beach house. Ah the wonder years have passed. Speaking of the "Wonder Years" I wonder when the sesaons will be released on DVD, for the day that occurs shall truly be a day of jubilee.

Happy Synaxis of the Theotokos/First Day of Kwanzaa

2004-12-26T20:07:00.000-08:00

Hello to all my patient blog readers. It has been over two months since I have blogged. I got an Email from a certain person that we will refer to as "Amy-Jo" telling me that I needed to update my blog. She is right, and seeing as how she is one of my bosses and holds power over future recommendation letters, I feel that it is appropriate to agree with her suggestion. First off Christmas was grand, good family times, good gifts. I got the whole Happy Synaxis of Theotakos from my new palm pilot that I got, apparently when I downloaded the Christian calendar for this palm pilot I got the Greek Orthodox version so when I turned it on today it reminded me that Today is the Synaxis of the Theotokos I think that means something like the Beginning of God being on earth in greek I'll look it up for you. Tonight I saw Life Aquatic with some old friends that I grew up with in Church because Meet the Fockers was sold out. I was happy because I wanted to see this more than Meet the Fockers anyway I mean I love Ben Stiller and all but that movie will be around for a while. I loved the movie, it was random like me and it gave me the happy feeling I had after watching Royal Tennenbaums, of course everyone else hated the movie so I became the social outcast in my group tonight. (it is rated R so proceed with caution). Also I have been pretty good about actually reading books over this break to enhance my knowledge or somethin. I just finished Blue Like Jazz, now I can finally talk to Seth about it and he'll stop threatening to murder me or somethin. I'm gonna catch myself up on The Chronicles of Narnia and read two of those and top it off with some Flannery O'conner's WiseBlood we'll see if I can accomplish that. On the spiritual side I'm doin Ok I really enjoy Christmas because well I spend time with my family but more than that I'm reminded that Christmas marks the time that the source of my Peace and Assurance came into the world. Thats what It boils down to for me. So there's my random long blog that will keep my boss from firing me and or cursing my future employment record.
Observing the First Principle of Kwanzaa,
Brian Coates

Day of travel with many inside jokes created that you as my audience will never understand

2004-10-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

Today we got to do a lot of the tourist stuff in Northeast England. We started off by going to York and going through the minster cathedral which was a miraculous thing to see and realize that people in the middle ages actually made that. We toured the town for a while, and had lunch at some italian place. It was a great visit. Then we headed to Whitby which has ruins of this old Abbey and we got to tour that and tack three thousand pictures and we toured some more and had dinner. Theres plenty of details that i'm leaving out but we just had a great time today hanging out and enjoying each others company, we had deep theological conversations at times, we made fun of eachother at other times but in every situation we just to use the Jay small group phrase "lived life together" and it was just fun. I'm very blessed to be over here with the people that I am over here with, I wish all the people I cared about could be here to just enjoy this time. I'm getting sappy in this blog and thats alright because God just put on my heart today the importance of the people that I have around me in my life, and thats pretty cool. We go to London tomorrow night, Amy-Jo hasn't had splenda for a few days I'm worried about her withdrawl symptoms. Jay is preaching tomorrow too so I'm going to bring my camera to take a picture of him when he holds his arms out inviting all to the throne of God. Peace out all.

This just in: Amy-Jo gets cursed by the gypsies on the second day in England

2004-10-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

Well hello chaps, I just got done drinking a gallon of tea. So, this was the second day and God really used us in great ways. Today we got to go to a school called norton school which is a public school in a rough area of Teesside. We got to talk directly to 4 classes of students about our faith and what we believed about homosexuality, sex before marriage, and answer a lot of questions about America and our culture. It was amazing how God has opened the schools in this area to the message of Christ. Most of the details I will share in person but I really have been blown away by the thirst for God in this area and the need for Him in so many ways. I sense God doing really great things in this area it is much like the feeling I got in my heart when we were at Armitage this summer. There is just a great faith in what God is doing here and I really want to continue to help in the movement here, I'm excited to see the role that our Church will play in helping the people of Northeast England. There are so many great things to tell about today but I'm tired of typing and we have to be up in the morning to go tour castles and fight dragons with lancelot or somethin. Long live the Queen.

In the England

2004-10-21T06:50:00.000-07:00

We are in England, Teesside to be exact. We arrived here about 2 hours ago and Jay and I are staying with the local pastor and we are both very tired, and we can't go to sleep for another 6 hours because if we do sleep before then the devil will eat us well either that or we'll screw up or sleeping patterns even more. Tomorrow should be fun we're speaking in the local schools to some freshmen aged peeps, so pray for that and pray that our bodies can recover quickly so we won't be hindered tomorrow. I'm waiting to see how God uses us I don't know exactly what direction this will go in, keep us in your prayers I know they'll help us greatly. Peace out. Stayin awake 26 hours strong 6 more to go.

Let me stand

2004-09-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

I am tired, and drained emotionally and physically. Funeral's do that. However, God blesses me with eternal promises and eternal love and I am fortunate for everything I have.

Lyrics for my favorite hymn that my dad sang at my grandfather's funeral.
http://www.preciouslordtakemyhand.com/christianhymns/iknowwhoholdstomorrow.html

Monday's are long

2004-09-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

Today has been a long day. But God has put cool things in this long day. I am not deserving of the good people and the great plan God has crafted for my life. Thats pretty much my reflection on the day. And to finish it off words from a hymn, yes thats right folks not a Crowder song, not a Matt Redman Chrous but a Hymn.
"I know not why God's wondrous grace To me He hath made known, Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love redeemed me for His own.
But, I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able, To Keep which I've committed Unto Him until that day."

Until that day, peace out.

Serendipity

2004-09-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

Ah I caught the tail end of my 2nd favorite movie this evening, Serendipity. I really love this movie because it encompasses all that will most likely never happen in my life. Sure I'd love to walk around New York with cool introspective music like Nick Drake and David Gray playing in the background while I went on journey of "destiny" to find my soul-mate. That'd be quite fantastic if it worked that way. It'd also be nice to look on a dollar bill or in a book cover and saw the name of my soul-mate as well. Oh well, now it is time to read the Afro-Asiatic interpretation of Genesis 1-11, by Modupe Oduyoye. I love college. And always remember, don't put any white powdery substance in a ziploc bag and leave it in your car. It can never result in anything good. In other words Splenda is the anti-Christ I mean come on "It's not Sugar but its made from Sugar" If that isn't a device to lead people astray what is? Dialouge about that.

there was "splenda" (cocaine) in Amy-Jo's car

2004-09-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

So, I am at work today and that always makes for a great day. But what made for an even better day was what happened when I was on my way to get my passport photos and go to Brentwood highschool. Amy-Jo agreed to go with me to the highschool and she even said she would drive therefore saving me gas which is always a plus. So, we went out to the car I opened the door and was about to sit down when I see a ziploc sandwich bag filled about halfway up with a white powdery substance. Amy-Jo quickly grabbed the bag and exclaimed, "It's not what you think!" I started laughing immediately and she stammered to explain that it was splenda for her tea. Readers of this may think what they like. I must leave now so I can go study the greek language for my test tomorrow, nothing else is going on in my life. Oh wait I'm going to England in a month or so I'll talk about that later, and getting a passport is always fun. I'm going to roll in my '64 have a great day all my hoodrats. Peace.

Garden State again

2004-09-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

I went and saw the movie again and it was good. The language was more apparent to me this time, it's kinda sad how cursing and angry language has become common vernacular. Oh well that's a sermon for another time. After seeing the movie I went to Seth's and filmed a short film with him and Arley which was an amazing time, I also chatted with the Seth's cool parental units which is always a fun time. God is good to me and I don't really deserve it and that's where I'll end this blog. P.S. Shrew's suck.

The shrew avoids capture

2004-09-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

I was brushing my teeth at 7:35 yesterday morning when I heard the loud clap of the mouse trap (yes that does rhyme). I ran upstairs with great anticipation and I found the mouse trap turned over with half of the peanut butter eaten but no shrew. It was a lost battle, but the war is not over. If necessary we might have to revert to the Rat Poison, but that's like dropping a nuclear bomb its a last resort. On other notes Arley and Seth came over to see the place yesterday and we watched Animated Bible Stories and DINO RIDERS. Classic 80's cartoon productions. Oh and as a footnote to my last blog about Garden State, it is a great movie but I did forget to mention there are two really unnecessary scenes, and the language is pretty bad. I figure if I list all the great things I should list the bad as well. So you all have a great day and if you devise any plans on how to Tame the Shrew let me know, please let me know.

The State of Garden

2004-09-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

This was a fantastic movie I really have not seen a movie this good in a while. Ok there were my cliche responses to a good movie. I really liked it though, I connected with it. I felt the same way that Largeman did when he went home and saw all of his friends doing the same things and nobody ever really progressing. And the whole not crying thing described me to a T. So, go see this movie. I took Amy to see this tonight and that made for a fun evening, thought provoking as well. Its an introspective night, as I prepare to do the master teacher thing in the morning at Church. Beyond seeing a great movie and listening to its great soundtrack, I took an aggressive step in conquering the rodent in my house a step in "taming the shrew" if you will (ah I am too witty) by putting peanut butter on the mouse trap. This peanut butter tactic was told to me by the great Robert Foust who guaranteed its success. So, as I prepare for slumber I anticipate being awoken by a grand snap followed by a shrill squeak coming from a dying vermin. I hope that was morbid enough for you, and on that note I will leave you and read the story of the Birth of Christ in Luke. Peace out Saduccees.

Tired am I

2004-09-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

This getting up at 6:45 isn't fun and commuting makes me feel like a old man. I love living off campus and all though so it makes up for it. I feel like im in high school though when I look at the alarm clock, and I get mad because I feel I have already paid that price. Oh well such is life, class was interesting today went by pretty quickly actually. I really enjoy my Pentateuch class its very interesting. Last night was cool Andrea one of our neighbors stopped by and I chilled with her for a while and I did greek HW. Oh the random thing of the day is we have some type of rodent in our house cuz we find their feces on the tops of the dining room table chairs which makes me life because well they aren't my chairs and I also have a mental image of a family of mice eating at our dinner table when we're sleeping and well also using our dinner table chairs as a toilet. So, on that note I shall relax the rest of the afternoon and journey to Church. Peace out redactors.

Anchor Bible Dictionary

2004-08-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hello all, I just returned from class. Today I had Greek at 8 American lit at 9 and the Pentateuch (first 5 books of the Bible). I had to read from the Anchor Bible Dictionary before I went to my Pentateuch class and let me tell you how I rate that experience I believe it is comparable to getting the shot in my thigh to keep me from throwing up 2 weeks ago. But before I read I had a fun chill time in the student life center with Ben, Erin, Laura, and Julie = 4 Presbyterian and me so they called me un predestined. Funny story of the day comes from Demaree my friend/half dated ex kinda whatever you wanna call it girl who lives in NY for this semester. Apparently she got hit on by Derek Jeter and got to go to his Penthouse last night but he kicked her out because she wouldn't be a skank. I'm proud of her and I'm also proud to say that Derek Jeter couldn't date a girl that I did. Which makes me a grand master pimp of course (I am kidding for those of you who take me seriously all the time). Now it is time to light a candle and sing Agnus Dei in honor of Seth and read the Torah. Peace out priestly Sources.

In the days of Lore....

2004-08-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

Hello all that read my blog, I am sorry that I have not posted in 16 days I know that is an eternity in "Blog" world a world where the little goblins and run free. So my life is busy I have classes now Monday Wednesday and Friday and on Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm working up at the Church which is fun. Classes are hard but they're cool because 3 out of 4 of them are about the Lord which is enjoyable I must say. I get to read the Bible for school it is exciting well except when I actually have to translate parts of it cuz that's not really all that fun. Church was good today I enjoy teaching the 11th grade guys they're fun even though Mitch continually skips my class because he's "Late" aka hates Brian Jared and Ken. No particular topic to talk about today, I've got homework to do so I'm gone do that. Peace out my Moabites stay away from the idle worship and don't do drugs.

Return of the internet and cable

2004-08-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

I have internet, wireless internet in fact. It is a glorious feeling. Cable got installed as well that took all of 5 min. Wireless internet is from the devil but the good ole IP man Bobby at Church saved the day and walked me through how to fix the problems that I was having. Now I can waste countless hours in front of the TV or Computer. Ah the joys of life.

Wed Nes Day

2004-08-11T00:26:00.000-07:00

Im here in the office now its 12:26 and it has been a somewhat eventful day Eric came down here with Seth Chandler Leah and Jared for their worship practice but Eric brought an unexpected guest his friend dave (see Seth's blog). Other than that nothing has happened Dad got here yesterday and we moved stuff in and we went to wal-mart and followed that up with sitting around for a long while. Jonathan's dog is dumb as well. So the streak continues with out cable and internet its really causing me to go to bed a lot earlier than normal which is a good thing I guess. I go home in 4 days which is a good thing. Oh yes tonight is the video and testimony night with the students it should be fun everyone should partake in the fun. Im gonna go have lunch with seth now I believe peace out you evil amorites.

15 days till college returns

2004-08-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

good morning to all, I am taking advantage of having internet at work and blogging in the morning now which really makes for uneventful posts because well its 9:37 and I haven't done very much today. Yesterday was boring as well theres not a ton of stuff to do when you have no internet or TV at your residence, I guess I couldve read more or something. Anyways, the father comes today to help move stuff in other than that plans are scarce until sunday when I go home for 5 days. I hope everyone has a blessed day and please don't marry a prostitue like Hosea did ok. Peace out jebusites.

Amy-Jo hits interns and hates missions

2004-08-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Hello to all my faithful serfs. I have not posted in a long while because I have not really had what we know as the "internet" because I have been moving into the new townhouse which is going well except I do not get Cable until friday and I don't have internet until thursday so my life is full of boredom but its still cool to live in a new townhouse. The father is coming tomorrow to help me set stuff up and to also help me paint some rooms at Church that should be fun. Oh by the way I never capped off the Chicago trip here, it was great and God did a lot of really awesome stuff I wish everyone could have seen the way he used us there, I hope I will always remember what he taught me through watching the students serve. School starts in 3 weeks not looking forward to it but yea God's taught me alot and given me great friends this summer so I'm ready to go back and learn more at the great school of belmont. Anyways enough rambling, pray for me God's got a lot of cool stuff planned for me this year I think and God is cool. Random side note get the Mutual Admiration Society CD its Glen Phillips (lead singer of Toad the Wet Sprocket) with Nickel Creek its an awesome CD. Peace out all my children of the corn.

Humbolt park

2004-07-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

Hey all today was our first day of ministry site work in chicago and the social ministry group I'm leading was a very challenging God showing up kind of experience. The first part of the day we cleaned up the church which was no problem, after lunch however we went to Humbolt park in a semi-rough neighborhood. Garrett and I were paired with and evangelistic pastor to tell people about Christ and give out flyers for a free health care thing at Armitage baptist. Basically God showed up and challenged me and used me which is a great and inspiriing thing, if you want to know more ask details at a later date and i'll tell you the cool stories. But I'm going to bed, and with that I'll be testing my faith (2 Cor. 13:5) read it. Oh by the way if you read this pray for a woman named susan here in chicago I talked to her for a long time today and she just needs your prayers. Peace out my fellows.

Da Bears

2004-07-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

I am in Chicago we made it finally after a pretty good trip with a stop in Pawnee Illinois, that at times made me feel akward, scared and happy. There are stories that go along with that please ask about my stop at Tim and Liz's. Anyways we're here safe and alive God's really preparing my heart and I'm really looking forward to seeing what he does with our group we seem really close knit and that makes me happy. Im thankful for these students more than they'll probably ever know and God confirms my calling everytime i'm with them. Of course 3 days from now when they'll keep me awake too late i'll be looking for blunt objects to strike them with, I may be very upset but i'll still love them just the same. Maybe. Seth and Arley arrive here tomorrow to help restore some sanity that has been lost.

The eve of the Chicago trip

2004-07-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

It is 4:35 and I am residing in my new 2nd home which is Barnes and Noble. Seth was here earlier and he gave me a new script for a film of his which he wants me to star in. Yes, you heard it hear first Brian will be starring in a film, I won't give away any details though just wait by the box office for it because we all know I have such great acting skills. Anyways, a student came and talked with me for a while and we had a good conversation and Brad Paisley was sitting two tables over from me about 30 min ago that was interesting. I need to get mentally and spiritually prepared for tomorrow not to mention do laundry, but I dont feel like leaving here yet. Work was good today got a good amount done and went out to eat for Mattie's lunch at the mellow mushroom and that was good. Pray for me folks I have a feeling God's gonna stretch me and all of the group this week in Chicago but I feel up to it. Oh and by the way too many girls come walking up to barnes and noble dressed skanky, come on folks its a book store not a bordello. Peace out all my little children enjoy your day and count your blessings.

All is well with the world

2004-07-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

I am blogging at Barnes and Noble with my new ibook Seth and Arley are here with me...all is well in the world of Brian, Arley says she's about to have gochez and she's staring at me weird, life can not obtain greater moments. Unless Jim Baker walked in, and then a really hot future wife walked in afterwards too. Peace out dearest people.

Quite tired

2004-07-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

Im tired, reconstruct was good. Tonight was fun, you know you've got good friends if you can go with them to a bookstore for 2 hours and enjoy yourself immensely. I bought a book which I shall read. I'm also looking forward to Chicago this Friday. God's gonna work a lot I think not that he doesn't all the time but you know what I mean. My iBook comes tomorrow. God is good, count your blessings people. Im going to bed now, Peace out to my friends in rounders three.

To have a night picnic in the side lawn of starbucks is grand

2004-07-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a little while. It's been a good week, all weeks have been good I suppose. I'm trying to do the whole count your blessings thing it's a good thing to do it reminds me of the great old hymn that I used to sing at my grandma's Church... http://members.tripod.com/~Synergy_2/lyrics/cntbless.html ...go to that link and read those lyrics they shall encourage you I hope. Summer's been good its going by fast I am thankful for my Sunday night times with the other college interns this Summer its been great. As for today it was fun I enjoyed it and I'm really looking forward to going to Chicago Friday and reconstruct all this week I really think God's going to use me and teach me a lot of things. I do need to pray more though. I feel like I'm lacking in that area, therefore there is less peace. There really is less peace in life when your prayer life dwindles. On that note I shall go peace out to all my Scottish ancestors.

a good night of conversation

2004-07-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day it went quickly. This afternoon was a blessing I got to listen to Jay talk to the SBC Deaf congress pastors for the majority afternoon and I got the privaledge of people watching. I learned a great deal from being around the deaf pastors today and watching their own culture and how they communicated. I just really felt privaledged to get to be a part of that conference in some way. Anyways tonight was good as well I had coffee with a friend Julie, that was very good we had some very good conversation, very intellectual it was refreshing to have a conversation with a lot of depth. Following the coffee and conversation I called Seth and Arley and went over to the house of Worley for the first time, not only to enjoy good conversation with Seth and Arley but we also endured "THE STORM" that I was oblivious to. It was a good night of fellowship and when I was leaving The house of Worley Arley realized that I had a huge tree branch fallen behind my car in their driveway so I moved that and continued on my way home. I feel refreshed today don't know why it was a good day, no complaints I feel like I learned a lot today for some reason don't know exactly what in particular just feel a little more completed today. And in other areas of life I have dilemmas and options but its not really bothering me which is good. Tomorrow shall be a fun day.

Friends are good...politics are bad and the cow jumped over the moon

2004-07-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

I'm lucky that God has provided good friends for me this summer. Last summer I didn't really have a good friend base because all my friends from school were at there homes far away lol so I was a loser. But God's given me good friends, friends that recommend good music like Josh Rouse. So, I'm thankful for that. I've learned a lot so far about my leadership abilities, and I feel like I'm becoming more like my dad (in a good way) more and more. Today has been good, I'm worn out and I need God to really restore me in some ways but I'm confident that he's got a lot more planned for this summer and that I'll see a lot of things in the coming weeks. On my random side note I'm frustrated with politics, granted I want bush to win the election, I'm just sick of people thinking that either of these men are gonna be able to affect any type of moral change in anyway in this country. Stop relying on politicians to do what Christians ought to have been doing. If we don't want death pray for peace, if we don't want marriage to be ruined pray for people to see God and turn from it, or do we even believe that Prayer works anymore. Don't expect legislation to do anything about it. Ok there's the soap box for the night. Waiting on God's guidance in a lot of ways...until tomorrow peace out to all my brethren.

mmm Rocks

2004-07-11T20:52:00.000-07:00

hello to all. it has been a while since I blogged. I went home for a week and a couple days and basically hung out with old friends and slept a lot therefore I did not blog. Today has been a good day Church was good, I went to my friend Laura's play that she directed down in franklin that was good. Then I had a meeting at Church followed by fun fellowship time with the lesser intern, Seth, Arley, and Brittany. We went to pie in the sky and told old stories and laughed a great deal. This weekend was fun after getting back to TN Ben and Josh visited and we celebrated Josh's bday. I can't believe the summer is half done. God's teaching me and has taught me a lot but I havent pieced it together yet that'll take some reflection later. Enough rambling, tomorrow I return to the good ole work it'll be fun. I wish I had something interesting to say but I do not, I do not. I'm listening to some jack johnson and the good lyric of the night is "a short time's a long time when your mind just won't let it go" that can relate to a lot of things in life. peace out everyone I shall write more creative things tomorrow.

a long yet good day

2004-06-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

It was a good day not much to talk about kinda boring. Did some reading, didn't do a lot of work today at Church. Met with Thomas Hunter about a small group we're starting, other than that the day seemed slow but its already done. Now im just ready to go home after my breakfast with a student tomorrow. I'll blog when im home periodically to update the adventures at home. Prayers would be appreciated. check out Seth's blog for a great picture.

If we could all be like Jim Baker

2004-06-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

Today was somewhat long Staff meetings in the morning, followed by cleaning camp stuff up with Karyn which was ever so exciting. I ate lunch, came back to church played video games and looked through entertaining Christian Shirts my favorite of which was "LORD OF THE KINGS" a good ole Christian t-shirt rip off of Lord of the Rings ah now isn't that creative. So work was a little slow today but it was still fun as always. I came home napped and went to the other place I always am which is starbucks in cool springs to meet this girl named Julie that my Ex gf Amy wants to set me up with. It was a cool time and Seth was there which always makes the day brighter and the night was good I got the girls number and I plan on calling her someday. Tomorrow should be a good one and its only 2 days till I go home for the first time in 6 months to the sinful vile DC area where the heathens Roam free and the Bible belt doesn't cover. Yes I am kidding, I'm looking forward to home it should be good. My random headspinning that's going on this week has to do with economic justice and Christian ethics. I just look at how much crap Churches buy and how little we spend on world hunger and how very little we support economic balancing small markets. Sorry I'm rambling and I sound like a Oregon hippy who likes his share of hemp but I'm not I promise I take baths. Ever since this semester Christian ethics has been more heavily weighing on my mind Read the Sermon on the Mount think about if we took what Jesus said literally and how different things would be. And that's what IM thinking about. 1 love to all my peoples locked down upstate.

a good day

2004-06-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

The day started off slow at the Church but things picked up when Seth and I searched for the Coke a cola truck delivery man. Our search turned up nothing we never found the Coke man and we never showed him the way to the coke machine. We figure he was taken up in the rapture. We had our camp break down debriefing meeting at Mellow mushroom today with Jay, Aaron Dave, AJ and Karyn. I commented on the waitress being attractive and of course everyone did their best to embarrass me and repeatedly say "Hey Brian do you need anything" so eventually I went and asked for her number but she has a long time boyfriend so what can ya do. After the meeting which was very productive I came back to the Church did a little work then had the intern devotional followed by our prayer time. Then Arley, Karyn Eric and I went to Starbucks to see Seth but the poor man was working the drive through and I felt very sad for him. Now I'm going to read and try to be intellectual, only 3 days till home and I'm looking forward to going home for the first time in 6 months. I get to see some best friends. Oh yea random side note one of my Ex gf's Amy is setting me up with some girl tomorrow night we'll see how that goes. I'm still thinking a lot about Saved and how to take and learn from that movie. I'm blessed I'm happy and I have people that care about me God is good, I just hope I remember that when the days don't go as well.

The first blog

2004-06-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

so ive succumbed to peer pressure and created a blog. So my life, I had a fun short evening with Demaree and Eric downtown. We got ice cream and I came home. I'm tired I still havent recovered from camp, great time but I am tired. Saw Saved last night with Seth, Arley, Amy-Jo, Darrel, Eric and John a lot of mixed thoughts on it didn't really like it but it does challenge me to be more compassionate in my daily life. Now I must read the word and go to sleep. I will try to have inspiring intellectual insights someday like Seth and Clint and many of you other bloggers but give me time i'm new to this.