SittyStud8787's Xanga

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:04:01 GMT

I leave in 6 weeks!

I Remain,
*K*

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 02:25:36 GMT

....... Thank you, sir.

...... Congratulations. Good luck.

.... the Victory is YOURS. YOU are the King of KINGS.

I Remain,

*K*

Saturday, January 03, 2009

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:40:53 GMT

2009 is here.

a new year. a new start. the beginning of a future. i have such dreams in my heart of what this year and those to follow it can become. what is in store for me? will i renew old friendships or will they continue to fade? will i truly make an impact on even just one person this year? will i grow taller? i have potential inside me.

its just 99 days until i leave the country for three weeks diving into the country of Africa. what will it be like? what will i see? i want to feel and experience so much. how can i make the support i've been given worthy of being given at all?

there are times i grow so weary of working at the school and kid's club. i frequently question what i'm doing and why i'm doing it and how long i'll be doing it. its not that i feel discontented 24/7, but i just feel like i could be doing something different or maybe even bigger and better and with more purpose... is that crazy? i dont know. i've really enjoyed time off from both jobs for the holidays and its going to be tough to get back into the daily grind again.

i want to do so much.
i want to read more.
i want to be more passionate.
i want to bless more.

::deep breath::

I remain,

*K*

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 03:01:45 GMT

hello there.

today i recieved my vaccinations for my missions trip to Ethiopia, Africa. I had a 1:20pm appointment at the Douglas County Traveler's Clinic on 42nd & Woolworth.

I went in there thinking it would be just a consultation, and that I'd have to schedule another appointment, but as it turns out, I got to get my shots all one stop. So... 2 hours and $436 later... I'm now vaccinated for:

-Polio (left arm)
-Meningococcal (left arm)
-Hepitius A (right arm)
-Yellow Fever (right arm)
-Malaria (pills)
-Tyhpoid Fever (pills)

Praise God for getting me safely through this whole process up to this point. So far, all I've felt is mild soreness in my arm, and a little more tired that usual. It's only been like 7-8 hours since I got the shots, but I have faith God will keep me strong. Thank you to everyone who prayed for me today... your prayers were "powerful and effective."

As of this day I am 87% funded financially for my trip. I have several individuals who I have spoken to who have also pledged to donate in the future. I am continually humbled by all the supporters God has raised. He must have a great plan ahead of me, because the support has been phenomenal! Thanks again, Lord!

One more day of 2008. Its been a good year. I pray that the year ahead of me will be the best year yet. I really want to press into God this year. I want to read more and be more... but, I suppose thats another post. Until then, stay safe, and live for Jesus.

I remain,

*K*

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 18:54:34 GMT

christmas 2008.

i am in awe at how God works. how each year, each day, each hour he is transforming us. it is too much for my mind to even begin to start thinking about. the complexities of our lives, the every details, God creates. Thank you God for giving us life, giving us breath, giving us purpose, and on this day so many years ago, for giving us Jesus.

Jesus, thank you for investing yourself in flesh, and walking among this dark world dispelling ~~darkness~~ with every beat of your divne heart.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I Remain,

*K*

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 23:13:25 GMT

<insert picture of Edy's Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream here>

MMM... try this! It's sooo good!
it's like a rich, creamy, slice of October.

I Remain,

*K*

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:05:24 GMT

I went for a little day and a half retreat Monday and Tuesday. I got the time off of work, and just wanted to get away. I thought that perhaps I could get some uninterupted reading and praying time. I tried my best to not have any expectations and just camp and fish. I think I was just in need of a little peace and quiet, and a little adventure. To be completely honest, it was a little too quiet for me. The place I went was called "Memphis Lakes." Its a little camp grounds tucked away in the little town of Memphis, NE; population 106 (on a good day).

I was literally the only one there for much of monday. The weather was just right for camping and fishing. I did my thing.. and I tried to read some but the bugs were causing that to become more of an annoyance than a pleasure. Dont get me wrong, the trip wasnt all bad. I enjoyed being in the wilderness with my Creator. I know now though, that camping alone is kinda lonely as silly as that sounds... and I much rather enjoy being with even just one of my closest friends. The verse that did come to my heart a few times during the quiet was:

Zephaniah 3:17:
The LORD your God is with you,
       he is mighty to save.
       He will take great delight in you,
       he will quiet you with his love,
       he will rejoice over you with singing."

As I sat in the quiet, my heart was greatful in a fresh way at how much God loves me. How much he loves all of us. Despite the stupid, perverse, ugly things we are capable of and often times do, His grace and love are never in short supply. He takes great delight in us as children, quiets us with his love, and rejoices over us. Thank You Jesus for saving me from myself and giving me grace and love like no other human could.

======================

There was one EXCITING moment I'd like to share with you. At approximately 8:11pm, I caught one of the biggest (if not the biggest) fish I have ever caught in my life. It was ~~easily 5-6 pounds~~ (that's a bit of an exaggeration due to my excitemnt at the time. it was probably a pound.[edit- 12/28/08]) and as long as my SIZE 12 shoe! Behold... I am a man.... gaze upon my catch :) THANK YOU LORD!

I am a Bass-master. Eat your heart out Nemo.

I Remain,

*K*

Monday, April 21, 2008

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:58:54 GMT

my chest feels heavy. there's a physical and emotional pain i feel.
this new and unknown season is so bright and yet so scary.
jesus, please reassure me. show me evidence of your power and love.
not because you need to, or have to...

waiting for this next tide to come feels intimidating. my heart is screaming for so much.
the coming feelings are so hard to take. so hard to see coming. they just come so quickly.
and are gone the next moment.

i find taking deep breaths is sometimes all i can do, and then i find myself taking so many breaths
i need to catch my breath. its so hard having a burning passion for ministry and relationship and being
on divine delay. its not that i dont see the purpose or even the amazing fruit to come, its just... hard.

"where there is suffering, bring serenity.... where there is misery, bring expectancy."

i remain,

*K*

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:53:20 GMT

today i preached two sermons, to 250+ kids.
i played a major role in ushering 20+ kids into the Kingdom of God.
Praise God!
Satan didnt like it. He punched me in the nose.

Almost immediately after i finished the second sermon, my nose began bleeding.... it didn't stop for over an hour.
I was taken to the hospital where they had to have me shoot this spray up my nose to contract the vessels.
I was diagnosed with ACUTE EPISTAXIS, or, a severe nosebleed.

what a day.
thank you Jesus for getting me through.
and everyone who stood in the hospital room.
(em, kels, tim, dave...)

I Remain,

*K*

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:31:13 GMT

Tonight around 8:20pm, will mark the one year anniversary of the loss of Chad Merchant. Chad touched many lives while he was on this earth. He had many friends.

God did a great work in his life. Chad realized in the last few years of his life that he was desperately in need of a savior. He came to the very real understanding that he was sinful and ultimately headed towards eternal seperation from God. In the best decison he ever made, Chad prayed and accepted Jesus Christ into his heart. This meant, that he would no longer face eternal seperation from God... and his ultimate destination was to worship is Father in Heaven.

Chad knew that this was far more than just a one time decision. He knew that after making this life changing prayer... things needed change. His friends, family, co-workers, camp buddies, crazy-car-passengers, and wrestling mates soon saw a great change in his life. Chad began answering God's call to tell people about Jesus and what he was doing in his life. He can forever be rememered as someone who was child-like in his faith just as Jesus wanted... and shared this message with everyone, even those he was afraid to.

A few weeks before his death, Chad and I were riding in the car together. He had come up from Fremont to visit Bridge Church with myself and Shannon Arduser. Chad drove to my house and when I went out to get into the passenger seat, he got out of the driver's seat and said, "hey... do you mind driving?" He then told me about how country driving was what he loved but that "this city driving scares the ---- outta me." Laughing along, I agreed. As I drove Chad in his unmistakeable white car, he started telling me about a time he shared Jesus with one of his co-workers. One thing he said in that conversation, I want you to remember. He said, "I've done a lot of stupid things in my life, lots of things that got me really excited and full of adrinaline..... but there's no rush like telling someone about Jesus."

Today, take the "Chad Challenge". Tell someone today about what Jesus has done in your life. Talk about the things he's saved you from. The places that Jesus will take you... Talk about Chad, and your memories, too.
And... if that person you're talking to doesnt know for sure that they're going to Heaven, spend the time, make the sacrifice, and sit down with them until they know for sure. Do this, and you can and will literally save someone's life. Feel the "rush" that the "Superman from Randolph" said was greater than anything....

You're never alone. Jesus will never leave you and never forget about you. Press on dear friends.... tell of his wonders, sing of his greatness...

Lord, Today we lift up The Merchant family to you. Father, a year ago today they suffered a great loss. Lord, we pray that you would continue to heal their hearts, heal their family, heal their community, heal ther hurting. Father be especially with his brothers, as they remember there big brother. Give the family strength and wisdom as they continue to live their lives. Jesus, we pray that your name would be glorified through this situation and Chad's life would be something that would lead others to You. Thank Lord for the life of Chad Merchant. In Jesus Name, AMEN.

Love Eachother.

I Remain,

*K*