my thoughts...

- what happened to people giving testimonies in church? I love hearing about what God is doing for people. when Im a youth pastor I really want to bring that back to my church. I think ill have a testimony night at my youth ministry.

- how can people eat cheeseburgers every day. My dad owns a hamburger place and the same people come in everyday and have cheeseburgers. its crazy.

- why is the speed limit in oregon 55? That annoys me so much but they dont have sales tax so that helps ease the dumb speed limit. oh and one can talk on there cell phone in oregon while driving without a hands free, another nice thing.

- why does everyone fight about pc and mac... I have had both and like things about both... cant we all just get along?

- I have always wondered what is in Dr. Pepper. what are those 23 flavors.

- why dont taco shops in america make tacos like they do in mexico? real mexican tacos are way better than those in america.

- why do people always blame the officiating when there favorite team loses? I do it to but seriously get over it, its sports not life.

- my wisdom teeth have officially grown in, does that mean I have a smart mouth?

- is candy really considered finger food? seems to me its more of a snack.

- did you know that a bag of popables candy is the equivalent to 6 full sized candy bars...

a plea for prayer

I need a job, badly. everything has fallen through for me. I know God has his perfect will for my life and im following as best I can. Money is not coming in at all and bills have to be paid. please just be in prayer for me that God comes though for me like he always does for us. I just want to do ministry thats all. its what I love to do...

An Image is Seen

An image is seen

by many its true

a cross is the image...what’s that mean to you?

do you see the cross as something cliche?

is it something that you just encounter each day?

this image is placed in so many places..

its worshiped, its warn, its carried by many..

its on stain glass windows seen by many faces,

yes there all around and i bet you've seen plenty..

yet so many hold this image so high...

as if it were the image that came here to die...

the truth is the cross is a symbol for all

to step back and see that God took the fall...

the fall was to come and to die on a tree

to cover our sins so that we could be free..

all it takes is to say that without Him were nothing.

and to put our trust in Christ so that He can make us something

begging you please, consider what’s being said

this isn’t just any old poem being read

this is the news the world must hear,

let me say it again so the message is clear…

Sin is a death trap that gladly ensnares,

God allowed it to be to prove that He cares

He was born in a shack and He was treated like trash,

And on the day of His death He was beat like a punk

And after His beating He was hung on a cross,

Willingly He hung there bloody with shame,

He endured all the suffering,

He endured all the pain,

All the punishment He took should have been our own,

Since it was sin that He died for….

The sin we’ve all sown.

But like a loving Father He took our place,

And with holes in his hands He holds out mercy and grace.

These gifts can be taken by any who choose….

I'm begging you please….please don’t refuse…

If you’re listening to this poem and you think this is fake

I warn you take caution with each step you take,

Because no man’s guaranteed tomorrow,

And if your not washed in Christ, your future is sorrow…

I write these words with love in my heart

Because one day I know from this body you’ll part,

And when that day comes and you stand before the King,

One question He’ll ask, in your ear will it wring….

“What did you do with My most humble gift?”

If your answers rejection, your sole will He sift.

God gave us a most precious gift on that cross,

And if you choose to reject it….

Your whole life is a loss…...

so.... don't be a loss... give your life to the one from the cross...

Its becoming all to real to me...

I must say, I have been rather sad these last few days. "Why the sad face, little guy?" (as Chris would say). It's a funny thing, actually. You complain and gripe about homework, constant noise, too many people around, etc, but when it comes right down to it Bethany is home. It is the place where so many memories are made, and too many friends that I must now part ways with. I guess that could be why I don't want to complete my homework, because it is another sign that all is ending soon.

It is hard to believe that 5 years have come and gone this fast. It's been an amazing five years, that allowed me to grow as a person. But all good things come to an end, and it makes me sad. It is amazing the bonds you form with people your share your life with constantly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 15 weeks, times 2. Even the guys who don't know what the off button looks like on their stereo, or the volume knob for that matter, all fit in to this equation that makes Bethany home. From the smiling faces , to the late night food runs, Safeway anyone?, the late night talks, the early morning classes, the building of the arc, the same meal everyday (chicken anyone?), the many pointless yet entertaining conversations, the randomness, the noise, the video games, the love, the friendships, and the occasional prank. It's simply home, and home is always hard to leave.

Home is the place that has given me hope, it has been the place where I could shed my tears, and fret my frustrations. Home has been the place that has created a new me. I have grown. I am not the same man I was when I stepped on to this campus in August 2004. So much, sometimes too much, has changed. I have friends I never thought I would have. I have lost what I was never ready to lose. Yet I have grown closer to the One who has remained the one constant in all the laughs, turmoil, pain, joy, confusion, excitement, and change that has taken place these last five years.

The friends I have made, the people I say ill never forget, from the youth ministry that changed my life, to the youth pastor that helped form the me, we see now. Words cannot be spoken to how much he meant to me or how much he influenced my life. I sit here at the computer and try to get the words to speak and I only get tears when I think of everything I'm leaving behind. The church family that accepted me, the people who prayed for me, the relationships lost, the hurt, pain and feeling of Ill never get over this, yet I would not trade my experience for anything in the world.

I know new adventures await. I am not one who likes goodbyes. But I press on, and I gladly run toward the unknown that awaits. Thankfully, He is already there, preparing this Great Adventure of life. 10 days till graduation and then my life adventure starts...

Passion for the Hungry

saturday was awesome!!! My best friend Mack brought two of his youth kids, and three other volunteers from bethany all spent our lunch time handing out lunches to homeless/hungry people all through out Santa Cruz.




this picture is the back of Macks car, here are one hundred fifty two lunches in all. We started out at Pacific Avenue then headed to a shelter in downtown Santa Cruz, went to San Lorenzo Park, and ended at the Santa Cruz Beach board walk. We got to touch the lives of the people in Santa Cruz, and feed them at the same time.

We didnt just hand them and lunch and say here you go, we talked to them and got there names and just had a conversation with them. We really tried to show them that Jesus loves them and does watch out for them. We had a lot of great moments, we had some not so good moments, funny moments and moments I will remember for my entire life. It was a great day and a great way to reach out to these people in Santa Cruz.

faithfully

Faithfully

Tonight I saw a shooting star,
Made me wonder where you are.
For years I have been dreaming of you,
And I wonder if you're thinking of me, too.

In this world of cheap romance
Where love fades after the dance,
They say that I'm fool to wait for something more.
How can I really love somone I've never seen before?

But I have longed for true love every day that I have lived.
And I know real love is all about learning how to give.
So I pray that God will bring you to me,
And I pray you'll find me waiting faithfully.

Faithfully, I am yours,
From now until forever.
Faithfully, I will write,
Write you a love song with my life.
'Cause this the kind of love's worth waiting for,
no matter how long it takes,
I am yours
Faithfully.

Tonight I saw two lovers kiss,
Reminded me of my own lonliness.
They say that I'm a fool to keep on prayin' for you.
How can I give up pleasure for a dream that wont come true?

But I will keep believing that God still has a plan.
And though I cannot see you now, I know that He can,
And someday I will give you all of me.
Until I find you, I'll be waiting faithfully.

Faithfully, I am yours,
From now until forever.
Faithfully, I will write,
Write you a love song with my life.
'Cause this the kind of lovie's worth waiting for,
no matter how long it takes,
I am yours
Faithfully.

feeding the homeless

Today my freind Moses and I were talking about missions and our community. While we both agree that long distance missions is important we also believe that you cannot reach the world if you cannot reach your community. We also agreed that while at Bethany we have a great opportunity to reach the hungry in santa cruz and show them Gods love. The best way we agree to do this without getting all hyper spiritual on them is to just simply hand out sack lunches and tell them God loves them.

The date we have set for this event is saturday April 18th. It will be from 11-1ish, I dont want to set a time on this because who knows what will happen. We are in need of some support and help. If you cannot help financially prayers would be appreciated. We want to set goals and put in writing everything we want to accomplish, and that will come at a later date. If you want to help and get involved you can contact me through email at smoore@fc.bethany.edu. I will update more on this when I have more information.