Real and Untouched

I don't really have much to say at the moment. A lot of things are going on in my life and I'm just trying to take it day by day. Each day has it's seperate struggles, and I'm constantly looking the one place I've not looked to get me through: God. And he's been there for me too. I can just feel it inside. Thanks to all the people who have been praying for me. I love you all very much.

       1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
       - Hebrews 12:1-3

       I don't think I'd ever see the day when a person changed so drastically and so fast... I have. I have changed. I am someone I've never been before. I feel like everything that's been weighing me down, selfishness, lust, jealously, envy, apathy... it's all gone. Every little part is gone. I've been struggling with a lot these past few days, and I've been putting every little ounce of me into God. I had no other choice. I could have completely destroyed myself and withdraw from people I love and made bad choices... but I didn't. I have been praying non-stop that God shows me his way. I've been praying that God knows best, and that I trust fully in him.

       I've lived as a horrible example of a Christian these past few years. I mean, I prayed and read the bible a bit, but I never feel so passionate about it the way I do now. I feel God is calling me to be something amazing. He is calling me to do something amazing. What has happened this past month was what was meant to happen. I had to lose someone I love to realize how much I truly needed Christ's love. Everything feels so new right now, and every day is a struggle. But I know I'll be alright. I'm new, I'm different, and I want to be your friend. I ask everyone to get to know me again, because I want to get to know you. I love everyone who has helped me so much. I don't know what's in store for me now, but I'm just taking it a day at a time. Hold Jesus close to your heart, because you never know when life is going to fall around you. He'll be the only one that is keeping you from falling with it.

When you think everything is over, you've only just begun.

     For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you."
       Jeremiah 29:11-14a

     There is something amazing going on in each and every life on this campus. I am just now beginning to realize this. God is interactively weaving a web of his plans through every soul. You might not realize it at first, but it's true. No matter how low you might feel, no matter how depressed you might be at this moment, God is always telling you, "I have better plans for you." He loves you and wants the best for you. Of course you won't be able to see it where you stand, because we're so short sighted and thing of the things that will affect us here and now. But just trust in the master of all things, he will never let you down.

     God wants your heart. He wants it to be completely and honestly devoted to him. If you truly seek him, he'll be there waiting. He will NEVER let you down. There is something spectacular planned for me. I can just feel it. I can see that in how I came to be a Christian...

     One day during 6th grade, I came to school to realize that my Social Studies teacher was not there and a substitute was in her place. This substitute "just happened" to be Rachel Reid's mother, Lucy. Also, the topic we were covering at the time "just happened" to be events in the Middle East around the time of Christ. She discussed those in the best Christian terms a school would allow, and at the end of class invited us to come to the Heath Church of Christ to learn more. I felt that it was my time to go to church. I just asked her where it was located and showed up the next Sunday. I went there for awhile and that Summer I was baptized at Round Lake.

      There has been a chain of events set in motion since the day I was born. These events were already in the eyes of God, and he knew exactly when I was going to come running fully to him. He has given me hope in a life worth living for him. Now, I want to give others that same hope because, well, it feels amazing to know that you're in the arms of God.

     As long as there is someone to be loved in this world, I will be here to reach them.

18 "Forget the former things;
       do not dwell on the past.

19 See, I am doing a new thing!
       Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
       I am making a way in the desert
       and streams in the wasteland. 

Isaiah 43:18-19

Plans change, people change, hearts change, souls change, minds change... but God never changes. Only in Him can one count on an immovable, unyeilding rock on which to stand when the times get rough. We are told not to look to the past, where so many people get caught on the memories of how things were and of lovers lost, but we are told to look at the new things God is doing around us! It is so easy to become blind to the present and future because we dwell in former things. God doesn't want that for us. He wants us to constantly be looking to him for guidance and direction. He will show us things we never thought possible if we would only let him. As stated today in church, God will not take us out of the desert, but he will make a way for us. There is always a way out. We just have to trust God and follow him.

I do believe I've heard it said, "be careful what you pray for" because God has a way of answering prayers that you never thought he'd answer. For the past few months I've been praying that God would come into my life and help me get over the problems and apathy that I've been having. I was asking him to give me a true and honest relationship with Him. I was asking him to give me problems so that I could grow closer to him. Well, he certainly does have a way of answering prayers. He took away the things that where a thorn in my side AND some things that made this life enjoyable so that I would only rely on Him to get me through. He's been telling me,

"Dave, your plans are useless and feeble compared to the great plans that I have for you. You think you're going to life your life exactly how you want? You asked a little while ago to 'let me life a life for You.' Here is your chance, Dave. Live for me. Show others your love for me and I will bless you beyond anything you could imagine. I desire an amazing relationship with you because I love you. This is a relationship that WILL work but it will take effort. I'll be right there for you when you need me the most. Even at your worst, I'll love you. I even died for you so you could have this relationship with me. Love me, Dave. Love me with everything inside of you."

My heart is still attached to some things, and I'm just constantly asking God to heal my heart. It will take awhile, and there are a lot of lonely nights ahead, but God will always be right by my side. How amazing is that? The God of the entire universe, the God who created every human on the face of this earth, the God who causes the sun to rise and the tides to fall, the God who watches over every single thing in this world... cares for me. Not only does he care for me, He is earnestly seeking my heart, and he has it now. I am giving him all of me. It's all I have to give.

God has been speaking volumes to me lately. I've been trying my hardest to listen closely and figure out what he wants me to do. I believe this is the first thing that he's been telling me to do. I want to formally apologize for my actions the past month. I've been acting like a baby. I have been moody, depressed, emotional and pretty much every feeling anyone can ever imagine. I am very sorry for taking these feelings out on the people I love and not taking them to God. I have done some embarrassing, childish things recently, and I apologize for those as well. I feel like God is telling me to give people what they need, not what they want... or what I want. It's no longer about me. I have a great desire to be completely selfless. I need to think of others before I think of myself. I need to think how my actions and words will affect others before I do or say anything. I'm sorry for all the people I have hurt, scared, stressed, or creeped out. I have been completely selfish and only wanted to seek after my own wants and desires. For that, I am truly sorry. I am also sorry for not being a man of my word. I desire to let people know who I am and stand for what I say and believe in. I will not back out on promises anymore.

I desire to be a man after God's own heart, and I believe it is in everyone's best interest that I apologize for the things I have done. I am deeply sorry and it will never happen again. I grow stronger day by day and there is a love inside of me waiting to be unleashed. God is placing desires and thoughts on my heart that I never though possible. I am hurting every day, but this is the only way that I could grow closer to God. Forgive me for my jealousy, greed, envy, desire, want, stress, rudeness, selfishness, and lack of caring for those I love. I have learned what love is. Love is giving people what they need even if it kills you. Love is being completely, totally, and utterly selfless. Love is God and God is Love.

I'm sorry. I just ask for your forgiveness, my friends.

Sometimes you do something so incredibly stupid, so incredibly selfish... you just end up asking yourself, "Did I seriously F!#$%ing do that?" Yeah I just had one of those moments. I'm sorry. I'm an embarrassment. Time to stay true to my word. I know it's not worth much at the moment, but soon enough, my word will be like gold. Just you wait. Pray for me.

I just thought it would be nice to write out a statement of who I am and who I want to become.

My name is David Duane Adams. I am first and foremost a child of God. Everything I have comes from him and without him I would be completely lost. I am now a firm believer in giving people not what they want, but what they need. I am determined to find and follow God's will for my life. I am a lover of all people. From now on I will not shun a single person because I deem myself too good to talk to them. I will reach out to them and show them a love like they have never seen before. I am truthful. I will not lie to you just because it will make you happy. I will tell the truth even if it kills me, because liars are worthless. I am strong. I now realize due to recent mistakes that I must be strong to get through life. I have had my time of weakness and tears, but it's time to move on and begin again. God gives me strength and with it I will conquer. I stay true to my morals. No longer will I sacrifice my morals for mere pleasure. Nor will I allow others to do the same. If you can't stand for the things you believe in then how can you stand at all? I am not afraid. No longer will I fear tomorrow, or the day after. I must look at it with excitement. Each day will bring new challenges that can be conquered, but only by the power of Christ will I truly succeed. I am loved. More than I ever knew, I am loved. It is amazing how people reach out when you are broken. I have never, ever experienced this amount of compassion on this campus, and I regret not being able to take part in it since I have been here. May I be a strength to others in their times of weakness and may God give me the power and words to speak when people need to hear it the most.

Some Goals for the coming days/weeks/months:

1. Be an honest, truthful individual
2. Stay true to my promises and my words
3. Grow exponentially in my relationship with God
4. Be a guide for others
5. Respect others feelings and needs (Boy do I ever need to work on that one)
6. Live like I've never lived before
7. Let go of the past
8. Find a new future
9. Build relationships with people
10. Love the unloved
11. Read my Bible
12. Pray
13. Sing unrestrained
14. Show myself to the world
15. Become who I was meant to be, not who I want to be.

I hope you will keep me accountable in this. Failure is not an option. God is taking me somewhere amazing and I can't wait to see what he has in store for me. I can't quit now. I won't quit now.

I'll give you my hand if you reach out and grab it.

Now I see why when people get stressed they go out and buy clothes. Spending over $100 on clothes is really a stress reliever. Tonight is the first night in a long time I can go to sleep and actually be excited about tomorrow. God is doing amazing things in my life, I can feel it deep inside me. God puts just the right people in your life when you need it the most, and God puts you in someone's life when they need it the most, even if they don't realize it at first. Why don't you stop by and see me tomorrow? You'll see something different, I promise. And I think it will make you smile, and give you a chuckle or two. =) I do believe it's one of my goals to give other people joy. Maybe I'll add that to the list below.

I need to meet some new people too. So, if you're reading this and I don't know you, I believe you should come up to me sometime in the near future and introduce yourself. Come on friend, don't be a stranger.

I also need to go out and help the community. I need to do things for people outside of this campus, not just for my friends. So whoever wants to join me let me know, I would be glad if people joined me on my festive adventures with the outside world.

Today marks the end of a truly stressful week. Life has a way of changing in a flash, and if you're not ready for it, you'll break.

I broke.

God managed to put me back together. Everything seems so clear now. I see this world with fresh eyes. I feel older now. I always wondered when I'd grow up. I see now the only way people grow up is when they are faced with impossible challenges that they can not conquer on their own. It is only by the love of God and support of friends and unlikely people in your life that get you through. This is a new weekend for me. I clearly have no idea what I'm doing, but I'm trusting fully on God to get me through. Day by day, hour by hour, I am crying out to God... and he is hearing me loud and clear. He has called me to change a massive portion of my life, and I'm following his lead. It hurts... God it's painful. Honestly... this wasn't just a breakup for me. It was a complete and utter breakdown. EVERYTHING has changed. EVERYTHING. Losing a best friend, losing my sanity, losing my heart, losing my mind, losing my pride, losing my dignity...

Like I said before, I prayed for God to come into my life over the summer, what a way he came. I feel like I'm finally ready to do his will. I'm finally ready to be what he wants me to be. I'm finally ready to be a man after God's own heart. God is wise and mysterious, and he knows the plans he has for me. I still really desire to have my best friend back, but who knows what God has in store for me. I pray everyday for clarity, strength, patience, and hope. He gives, and gives abundantly. God can change a heart if only you would let him in.

People... please let God into your heart. I know it is odd saying that to people on the CCU campus, but you truly need it. You really do. I know what it's like to be on campus here and think you get enough of Jesus through your classes. It's never enough, though. That's not love, that's not a relationship, and that's not what coming to this school is about. I have been a fool to realize it so late in the game. The goal God is giving me is to not let others make that same mistake. Something is happening around me... I feel God moving in ways that can change the world.

Let go. Jump in. What are you waiting for? It's alright. There's beauty in the breakdown.

Finally... God has given me peace.

I now know what needs to be done.

Thank you Lord for giving me clarity, honesty, strength, patience, and endurance to make it through. I ask that you give these things to me in the weeks to come. It's all I ask. I love you Lord, with everything inside me, and I know you have amazing things in store. I can't wait to see what you have waiting for me.

Wow. I don't think I've ever felt so free in a long time! I asked God for a miracle and he has provided. Not in the way I expected, but whatev. I'll take what he gives me. These past few weeks have been complete hell. I became absorbed in crappy circumstances and became slightly staklerish, but God has finally given me clarity. Things are perfect now. I'm free. God is going to do some pretty amazing things soon, so I want you all to just wait and see. I'm coming back to this campus full force. I'm no longer worried, no longer stressed, no longer depressed, no longer tied down. God has healed my heart in a way I never imagined.

I think I'll be dressing up for work from now on. It's really entertaining for me and I enjoy making people smile. I can get back to a normal life and work to my full potential. I'm going to church tomorrow, and I can't wait. I'm really excited to see what God wants me to learn. I'm also planning on doing some amazing things with this web site. So stick around, cause some cool stuff is going to go down soon.

I love all my friends who have been there for me, and have helped me get along. May I always be there for you when you need me the most. I won't leave you hanging. My shoulder is yours to cry on, my arms are yours to embrace, and my ears are for your words. I will listen and be compassionate. I remember being this person for people in high school. They'd come to me with their problems and I'd help them out. I lost that ability for a long time. It's back now, and there is a very powerful God on my side. I think I like him.

There is great work to be done, and I am so excited to finally be able to do it.

11 One thing God has spoken,
       two things have I heard:
       that you, O God, are strong,

12 and that you, O Lord, are loving.
       Surely you will reward each person
       according to what he has done.

     -Psalm 62:11-12

I went over to Jason's friend Jenny's praise and prayer thing tonight. It was pretty cool. I meet a few new people and we sang some praise songs and had a time of prayer for things that are going on in our lives. The verse above was one mentioned during this time and these two things the psalter heard are exactly what I'm hearing now. God, you are amazingly strong. You move mountains and change lives in ways that no human power could ever attain. God, you are compassionate and loving. I've never felt this much love from you or so many of your children. Thank God I am on a Christian campus. Thank God that there are genuine people out there that are concerned not about themselves, but about their friends and aquaintances. God, I am so thankful I have you in my life. You have opened my eyes and given me patience. I will wait for you God. I will wait for your amazing plan to unfold. I love you Lord with everything inside of me and I want your will to be done, no matter what.

Thank you Lord that you know who I am, and know my innermost being.

What a semester. Life has changed quite drastically in the past two months. I have taken turns I never thought I'd take. It's been rough, real rough, but I'm beginning to manage. I have more confidence in myself now than I ever have had before. God has placed a spirit of determination and trust inside, and since he has got me through all this crap, I have no reason to not trust him with everything else. What has God been teaching me through all of this?

1. You don't always get what you want, but you get exactly what you need, when you need it.
2. To love does not mean you will be loved in return, but that does not mean you should stop loving. Love those who hate you. Love those who have anger toward you. It can be extremely hard. But it's what God wants us to do.
3. Be patient. God blesses those who give prayer and consideration into what they are doing. Don't rush in full of emotion or feeling.
4. Give everything to God. All feelings, all thoughts, all actions, all words. Make sure everything you do gives glory to Jesus. Give them up to him and say, "Here. This is in your hands now, Lord. There is nothing I can do. Please let your will be done."
5. Let go of sinful ties to this world. Free yourself from desires that would only bring you farther away from God. If you have to cut people out of your life to do it, and there is no other option, then it must be done.
6. Be sensitive and compassionate about what others feel and think. I don't just mean care about what others think about you, but care about what is on their minds and hearts. Listen to their problems, tell them about yours, and help them to focus on God entirely through whatever they are dealing with.
7. Spend time with Him. Set aside portions of your day free from computers, cell phones, friends, music, and anything else that might distract you. I went to Eden park a lot recently and walked around the fountain just talking and praying with God. It really, really builds your relationship with him when he is all you are focused on.
8. Excel in everything you do. Don't do anything half-heartedly. Put everything you've got into what you are doing or put nothing in at all. Music is a passion I have always had. God wants me to do something with it, and now I feel confident in my abilities and want to excel.

I have learned so much in such a small amount of time. When you really listen, God really speaks. Not just through prayer, but through friends, actions, and circumstance. For so long my ears have been closed to what he has been saying. I regret not listening sooner, but God really had to get my attention. Everything happens for a reason, and you just have to have faith that God's plans for you are wonderful. I know the plans God has for me are going to be more amazing than anything I have ever done. I just pray that I follow his lead and don't rely on my own abilities.

Give me strength, Lord. Give me courage, trust, patience, and the ability to discern Your voice from that of satan. You are a great God, and I have full confidence in you.

Well, I should be studying for my History of Christianity test tomorrow, but I sit before my computer screen typing away, pondering the past few days of my life. I really, really enjoy rebuilding relationships that I have cast aside. It feels so good to have these people back in my life. Last night Nate reeves, Jerod Christman, Matt Burlew, Jason Campbell and I watched the movie Dirty Work and got a crave case from white castle. It was a great night. I also went over to the school and help Jerod with his devos. I love doing that. I have volunteered my services to whoever needs them. I have a passion for worship and strangly, I kind of want to start speaking at devos and such. I'd like to give it a shot. OooO... Fun news. I am now Heather Maas' floor (house) sponsor! Next week they are coming over and we are cooking dinner for them and watching a movie and such. It should be grand. I went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond today to visit Britunia and Allie and grace them with my presence. It was a first for me. I have never set foot inside a Bed, Bath, and Beyond before. The sacrifices I make for my friends. =) Also, tonight I went with Todd and his brother Tyler to Applebees. I haven't been there in awhile and I had a craving for it. We talked about life and good things. I'm glad to call Todd my friend. He's a good guy who I have sometimes pushed to the side. Forgive me, good Todd.

God is good. I have finally set him first in my life, and even though there is all this crap going on in my life that scares the hell out of me, I'm beginning to be happy with where I am. God has blessed me with a good life and has given me another chance. He's amazing. I just wish I could have put him first earlier. But we learn from our mistakes and go to the next level in our lives. I do believe this is Dave 4.0. I just went ahead and skipped version 3. He had some bugs and flaws.

The number one rule, though, in all of this:

Always put God first.

If you don't, you'll lose everything you care about. You won't realize it until it's too late.

The Sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit.
     God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for sin.

     -Psalm 51:17 (NCV)

I read this verse a few days ago. It's so crazy how some of the stuff God has said in the Bible come to you when you need it the most. This is exactly how I've been feeling lately. Completely broken. I am so thankful that God was there to pick me up. He knew I was truly sorry for the things that I had done and he knew that I would no longer be attached to said things. He did not reject me. He lovingly brought me back into his arms despite all the crap I did to him. I asked God to do whatever it would take to bring me close to him. So he broke me, and made it so he was the only one I could rely on. And it worked. Thank God it worked. I would have gone crazy if I didn't go to him first.

Such is life. It's only going to get better from here. I have been broken, but now I will be made whole.

Tonight has been a good night. I went over to Kristen's with Sarah and we made some special gifts for people tomorrow! I think you might like what you get. =) I also bought another shirt, of which I will wear tomorrow. I like dressing up. It's fun. I need some more pants though. Too bad I'm tall and awkward so nothing every fits me properly. Anywho, it's late, I'm tired, so I should go to bed.

Nick The Eloquent and I are currently doing some studies at Sitwells in Clifton. I think I might come here more often to get some work done. It is actually conducive to my work habits. I have to read Luther the Reformer and do a report on it before Thursday. Shouldn't be too hard. Although, I always have trouble beginning papers. I choke easily. Eh, it'll be done when it's done.

I've been thinking a lot lately about where my priorities lie. For the longest time I had my priorities so skewed it was really screwing me up inside. From now on, first and foremost comes God. I will never put anything before him again. It is my main goal to grow and maintain my relationship with him. Without him, I've got nothing else. I will go to him for anything and everything. He's got some sweet stuff in store for me, and I'm going to meet and get to know some amazing people. Second, comes everyone else. I have always been putting myself first, and I need to get away from that happy. Sure, it's nice to enjoy your time and be happy every once in awhile, but I really get my joy from helping other people. I love to entertain others, make them laugh, listen to them, understand them, pray with them, hang out with them, and basically do anything I can so they get what they really need. What is it that everyone really needs?

Love.

We all want to be loved. There has been such a lack of care for others in my heart for awhile. I'm so glad I finally got that back in my life. I really, really desire to be there for others when they need someone. I love encouraging and building others up. Honestly, I feel like a freshman all over again. It's a great feeling, actually. I feel like I'm starting over with everyone. Although I feel older, I am now the same people-person I was 3 years ago. I love it. It makes me sooo happy to see others smile. It's one of the best feelings in the world.

My next priority would be my family. I have really struggled with that one. I'm quite hesitant to open up to them, and it's something I really need to work on.

Somewhere lower on the list is me. I'm trying to put myself as low as possible, because it doesn't matter if I try and make myself happy, cause it won't work. If I stick to the things about, putting everything before myself, that is what is going to make me happy.

There is a lot going to go on in the near future. Tomorrow is the pumpkin festival. Sunday night I'm going to see the Prestige with jerod, jess, matt, and patrice. Next Friday is going to be an amazing night. Heather Maas' house is coming over and we are going to make them dinner! Woot. The Wednesday after that is Battle of the Bands, which I am super pumped about. Then, I've been working on some songs to get together so I can play in our coffee shop. I have a history of being highly, highly cynical of any person or group that played on our campus, but that feeling is long gone now. I'm going to come and support my friends when they play on campus or at other places. It's nice to feel the support of your close friends.

Well, that's my life currently, and it's going pretty dang well. I love God, I love people, and life is only going to get better from here.

So yesterday was the Pumpkin Festival in Circleville. It was pretty fun, although I've never really been a fan of festivals and such. I get bored with them easily. But I was in good company. All in all there were about 15 of us that went. The best part was the Hog Calling competition. Gwen was in it last year and got third place. She participated yet again and is now, two years running, 3rd place winner in the women's Hog Calling division! Congrats Gwen, you make me proud. All in all, it was a pretty decent day.

I've been thinking and praying a lot about what God wants for me. I am trying my hardest to be completely in line with what God wants of me. It is exceptionally hard with the current situation that I find myself in, but I'm giving it everything I've got. It is a crazy life that I lead, but I'm happy that I'm finally where God wants me to be. I don't know where he's taking me, but I want to be there.

I wish I could just pour out my heart and tell you everything that I'm feeling and thinking and what God is saying to me, but I can't. I have learned to guard my heart. It is devastating when you open up the floodgates of your heart without having someone there to catch it. There are things inside here that are only between God and I now. There are also things inside that God is wanting me to tell a select few. My closest friends will be the reciepents of these words. I really, really have a desire to build others up spiritually. No longer are my conversations superfical, full of trite sayings and common greetings. I am going to get to know each and everyone of my friends on levels that I've only dreamed.

God has worked a miracle in my heart. At the same time when I was feeling the most pain I've ever felt, God was there giving me the comfort that I needed. I have acknowledged that I am not a perfect person. I am far from perfect. I have been a sinful, selfish, ungodly person who is completely unworthy of the love that I took advantage of. I have sinned a incredible amount and lacked a relationship with God over the summer. I regret it. And I know that no one is perfect. Everyone has fallen short of the glory of God had have such disappointed and let down those we love. But here is the beauty of it. Because we are imperfect people we are made perfect. True love is not being with the perfect person, but instead it is seeing an imperfect person perfectly, and loving them despite their imperfections. Perfection cannot be attainted, and I don't strive to be perfect. I strive to show people who I am, imperfections and all. I want to know not only others strengths and gifts, but their faults and weaknesses as well. I will look beyond the imperfections at what God has created underneath. That is love.

Life is full of strange twists and turns, and if you don't hold on to God, then it's just not worth it. Approach each day with renewed vigor. Live for others. Expect to learn something about God every day. May God bless each and everyone one of you and I pray that you are doing God's will with every breath you take and every word you say.

I just got back from band practice and wow. I think we're going to blow people away. I am so impressed by the people I am playing with. John is freaking amazing at guitar. He has some pretty awesome solos. Jason rocks out the bass. He's got some sweet speed skills. Sean has impressed me greatly because 1. he's a freshman and 2. he's amazing at drums. Jaki can't play with us at the Battle of the bands because she has an internship, but she's one of the best girl drummers I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and playing with. I can't wait. We're playing two original songs and a sweet cover. We have one more huge practice on Saturday. I think it will be from like noonish until we have everything down. We have the cover and one of the originals down really well. But there is our other song where we have invited some special guests to play with us. It will impress many. God has given all of us some really, really amazing abilities and I'm so excited to finally be able to use them to their full potential.

On Sunday the speaker at church said a few things that got me thinking. He was talking about worship and how it's really good to worship with our voices on Sunday morning. it's great to praise God with song and voice. But the best way to praise God is by our actions. Every action we take can be seen as an act of worship. How we treat others, how we treat ourselves, how well we do at work... everything. We must worship God with everything we do and say. We are to be constantly bringing honor to God. That means not blowing up at people that make you furious, being encouraging to people that need it, loving people despite what they have done to you, and all in all, just making sure that every step you take is one that God wants you to take.

Life is only going to get better from here. I can feel it. God is giving me a hope in things beyond my reach at the moment, but they are getting closer every day. I can't wait to see what he has in store for me.

So I decided last night that I wanted to do something phenomenal for facebook. I want to be in everyone's facebook profile picture. Why? No reason at all. Just because it's odd and fun at the same time. I get to meet some new people and they get to meet me. I've meet quite a few today actually. It's been really beneficial. Today I got 171 pictures taken with people. That is quite amazing, to say the least. Tomorrow should be a grand day as well. SarahB, Allie, and Britunia got me a sweet turtleneck sweater tonight as well. It has a spider web pattern on it. We are officially family now. Our portraits will be taken soon. I'm really glad those girls are here. I knew Sarah from church from a long time ago and Brittany from Round Lake camp. It was sweet to see that they were going to go to school here. Good choice, indeed!

Every day I learn more about God and what he wants from me. It's so odd because I'm feeling things I've never felt before. Like, I was sitting at skyline tonight and I just felt a sudden urge to pray and talk to God. It was so stinkin' weird since I've never felt like that before. It's like God was telling me, "Hey, I need to talk to you for a bit." It's a really good feeling to know that God needs to talk to even you. He has given me an amazing amount of patience, love, and trust in him. I finally feel like he's in control and I am not. One thing I was reminded of today was that I need to always be focusing on God. Even when things are going really, really well, it's easy to lose that connection. I just need to keep that in check.

I hung out with Jarod and Matt a little tonight as well. Two very quality guys. I respect them a lot for who they are and how strong they are in their relationships not only with others but with God as well. I finally feel I have meet some guys who are on the same level as me. God is putting amazing people in my life and I can't wait to take these friendships even deeper.

From now on, all of my spiritual thoughts and discussions will be held in the "Deeper" section. I will also be starting a video blog once I find the time to do so. That will be added in there as well. I will post a news feed on the main site alerting that Deeper was updated. On this main site I will just be posting randomness: stuff that's happened through the day, interesting items, site updates and such. So enjoy.

One second thought, I don't think I'll do that "Deeper" thing at the moment. I don't have enough time to split my thoughts and activities into different sections. I also feel that everything is so entwined and connected that it would not be beneficial to me or others to divide what God is putting on my heart and what God is putting on my life. I think I will just reserve "Deeper" for my video blog when that comes to fruition.

So...

I have decided to begin a Sunday night service at my house. It will be a time of worship, prayer, discussion, and growth in our relationship with Christ. It won't start this Sunday, but hopefully the Sunday after. I feel that this is something that needs to be offered to people at our school. A close, intimate setting in which people can get to know others and grow together. I can't wait to see what God is going to do through this. I'm also trying to get a small group together with some of my close friends so that we can encourage each other and keep each other accountable. It's something I've been opposed to most of my college career, but now I see that it's something I needed all along.

So much is going on right now, and I feel better about where I am at with God than I ever have before. I have no freakin' idea what he's doing in my life, but I have complete trust in Him. I know that great things are going to happen. I just have to have patience and not rush into anything without first going to God.

On another note, the Dave Adams Facebook Project 2006 has begun. The main goal of this is to get in as many profile pictures as I possibly can. What is the purpose? No purpose at all, really. Just to have fun, meet people, make them laugh, and just enjoy life. So partake if you choose, it would be enjoyable! =)

So, today was pretty dang good. Work was meh, but what do you expect? It's work. But after work was when the fun began. I came home and Nick and I began to make dinner for tonight. Actually, he made the dinner, I had to run out and get supplies that were forgotten. We made a three cheese chicken casserole, rolls, and salad. For desert we had cookies and cream and reeses ice cream. This whole dinner thing was for Heather's house because we have taken it upon ourselves to be their house sponsor. Heather, Jaki, Natali, Allison, and Adis blessed us with their company tonight. Heather made an Oreo cake type thing for my birthday and she put candles in it and everyone sung Happy Birthday... how sweet. I wasn't expecting that, so it was a lovely surprise.

After dinner we played a game called Guitar Hero. I have always been slightly opposed to this game, mainly because it looked retarded. But I decided to give it a shot and I was actually pleasantly surprised. I think I might play it some more tomorrow; it's a fun game with some great songs.

Life is going well. I've just been praying, thinking, and talking about a lot of things that have been going on in my life and I have come to the conclusion that it would be folly for me to hold on to anger and bitterness any longer. I believe I'm a better man than that and God is just telling me to let it go. As much as I have every right to hold on to it, I can't let it consume me. I've grown up a hell of a lot in the short span of a month. I know who I am, I know where I stand, I have a true relationship with God, I have goals, I have priorities, I have love, and I am beginning to see where God is leading me. It's a great feeling, and there's no room for things that are just going to bring me down. And I'm ok with that. Everything's going to be just fine.

God, please humble me as I gain confidence in myself and my abilities. May all my confidence be placed in You and what you want for me. I'm really scatterbrained right now, so I ask that you help collect my piecemeal thoughts and feelings and complete them. Thank you Lord for a wonderful day of life.

So I am going to do the Deeper thing, but only when I have a topic that I can elaborate on and give more depth to my thoughts. I added my first entry to that section. You can either click on the link above, or just click here: Deeper. That's all for now.