Once Upon a Farm: Lessons on Growing Love, Life, and Hope on a New Frontier by Rory Feek Book Review

In Once Upon a Farm, Rory Feek has written a second book about his music journey and also his new journey about being a single dad to Indiana. He already raised two adult children from a previous marriage, Hopie and Heidi. Rory and Joey had a career of being a country music group who also happened to be married to each other. The book picks up where the last book ended. This book begins by explaining to readers the final moments of his wife Joey dying from cancer. She battled cancer twice and eventually lost her battle. He describes to readers how difficult it is to live without Joey and how he has questions for God. He shared personal stories about how she loved farming and how he hopes to continue that dream for her. After her death, he was left with his four year old daughter who has Down syndrome. He was very open with the challenges of raising a daughter after being out of the game for a few years. The book contains lessons and stories about how Rory learned about growing up and building a farm and what Joey taught him through her love. He also revealed how his older daughter Hopie came out to him and how she eventually got engaged. Rory shared how he choose to love her unconditionally and how he realized that Hopie’s faith is between her and God. 

I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who enjoy country music and their artists and who loves to read an inspiring story. I have heard of their story before and I can only imagine what heartache Rory went through when he lost his wife and being forced to raise a child alone. I have watched their TV show before and heard them perform before and was amazed with their harmony and their love story. I haven’t read the first book yet. I own the first one and it’s on my list to read. I still felt I was able to understand some parts of their story without having read the first one. This one is really a continuation of the first one and what Rory went through when his wife died. I also love how he shared some stories about his songwriting and how he wrote a few hit songs for a few artist, such as “Some Beach” for Blake Shelton and “A Little More Country Than That” for Easton Corbin. If you’re looking for a new book to read, then read this one! 

"I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program."

If you would like to purchase a copy of Once Upon a Farm, check it out on Amazon.com:

https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Farm-Lessons-Frontier/dp/0785216723/

Nick Vujicic - New Book Unstoppable Out October 2nd!!!

Check out the video trailer for Nick Vujicic 's New Book called Unstoppable!!

The book will be available in most bookstores and online on October 2nd!!






Read First Chapter Excerpt:




Unstoppable by Nick Vujicic (Chapter 1 Excerpt)


http://waterbrookmultnomah.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=b2d1ed69311affedd82b5702e&id=603a0ee578&e=6b7ba741f3


Read Chapter Three Excerpt (This chapter is about how he found his wife) If you're afraid, doubting, and you are thinking about giving up on love and wondering if you can ever find a marriage partner, then this book is written just for you! Be encouraged!





Unstoppable Love Story (Excerpt from Chapter 3) http://www.scribd.com/doc/101881318/Unstoppable-Love-Story-Excerpt-from-Chapter-3



If you would like to purchase a copy of Unstoppable check it out on Amazon.com:


http://www.amazon.com/Unstoppable-Incredible-Power-Faith-Action/dp/0307730883/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348110731&sr=1-3&keywords=Nick+Vujicic

Getting Back Up When Life Knocks You Down By Jeremy Kingsley Book Review

In Getting Back Up When Life Knocks You Down, Jeremy Kingsley provides readers with valuable information to get back up when we fall and fail in life. We all go through tough times and we will sometimes feel as if we can't keep going on. Our hearts gets heavy with the trials of this life. Kingsley teaches that you have to forgive one another and why forgiveness is very important to our well being. We can't play the blame game and expect to win. We also must learn to control our anger and let it go.

Jeremy has had to endure tough times in his beginning of his speaking career and his marriage. He wasn't even making enough money to afford a decent meal. He had to go to the pastor and be vulnerable with their struggling financial times. The church started helping them out. Kingsley wrote this book in order to encourage us to persevere when life knocks us down. He has been down and out and he had to choose to stand back up. He gives readers helpful steps to standing back up.

Some of the steps include "Be willing to fail, look for the joy, seek out friends, mentors, and role models", and much more.

I can tell you that the steps have helped me in believing that hope is still very much alive. We are living in tough times but God is still there and he does care! Jeremy Kingsley has a number of great ways to encourage and lead readers down the right path. It has scripture to back up his teachings which I love.

One of my favorite scriptures he included was:

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Romans 8:28

I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who feels alone and depressed. You can lean on God to have the strength to help you stand back up! He is there and he loves you very much! If you have lost your job, dreams, or your hope then read this book! God is still in control and he will help anyone who calls his name. There is healing and wholeness in the Lord!

“I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers book review bloggers program.”

If you would like to purchase a copy of Getting Back Up When Life Knocks You Down check out Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Back-When-Life-Knocks/dp/0764209086/

Voices of the Faithful Book 2 by Beth Moore, Kim P. Davis, International Mission Board Book Review



Voices of the Faithful Book 2 by Beth Moore, Kim P. Davis, International Mission Board



“Voices of the Faithful Book 2: Inspiring Stories of Courage from Christians Serving Around the World” is a magnificent devotion book to read for the entire year. The International Mission Board composed together a compilation of inspirational stories from missionaries around the world. Beth Moore created the “Voice of the Faithful” series. She also wrote the introduction to the book. Kim P. Davis was the complier of the book and she also wrote the monthly introductions for the devotion book. In this devotion book, you will read stories that will cause you to want to pray and help one another in your everyday life. Some of the monthly topics include prayer the priority, lost and found, the power of the story, lessons from the young, from adversity to triumph, hope for the world. The devotion for each day has a bible verse and a missionary story to go along with it. The devotion book also contains a different prayer to pray for the missionary field each day. The devotion book encloses a list of scriptural references and devotion titles by the month in the back of the book to assist you with your bible study.


I would recommend this book to everyone. Teenagers and adults will be able to learn about the many different missionary fields and what makes their faith stand strong for Christ. It will inspire readers to reach and grow in their personal faith. I think the devotion book is a wonderful tool to use for your alone time with God and you can even pray the prayer for missionaries each day. Note: I only read the devotion book for the month of January. But I plan to continue reading the devotion book for the remainder of the year.

"I received this book free from the publisher through the Book Sneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own."

Voices of the Faithful Book 2 is available at Amazon.com for purchase:


http://www.amazon.com/Voices-Faithful-Inspiring-Stories-Christians/dp/B003H4RE5U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1296350454&sr=1-1

Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson Book Review

Life, In Spite of Me Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Kristen Jane Anderson was a story about having hope in God always. Kristen went through a dark tunnel in her life and she made a dramatic choice that forever changed our entire life and the lives of the people around her. Kristen was determined that she had no place in life and that there was no hope for her. Kristen was run over by a long freight train and the doctors didn’t know how she survived the impact. Kristen tells the whole story about what lead her to lay down on the railroad tracks and why she tried to commit suicide. Kristen shares how to overcome depression and she explains in her book about how much God loves you. God can use anybody who will continue to let him.


I love the book and it has helped me to overcome depression in my own life. The book has helped me realize that God loves me. The book has taught me that what his word says about me is what is most important. We have all been placed on this Earth of a reason. God is always with us through whatever we have to endure and encounter if our lifetime on Earth. God is the one who holds the future we don’t. We can’t change our past but God is always there for us.

Kristen also adds encouragement notes throughout the book to let you know you are not alone in your struggles in life. God was with her and he still is! God is also with you! You are never alone!

One of the things, I adore is how Kristen has started a ministry called “Reaching You Ministries”. On her ministry’s official website, she allows people to email trained counselors if they are struggling with depression and they need someone to talk to.

This book will help you if you are dealing with suicide thoughts and you’re going through a depression. But if you need help I advise you to get help. Please make sure you find professions who know how to deal with depression. Please don’t ever take your life. Your life matters! God loves you!

Check out Chapter One from Life, In Spite of Me.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/36311584/Life-in-Spite-of-Me-by-Kristen-Jane-Anderson-Chapter-1

If you would like to learn more about Reaching You Ministers. Check out the link below:

http://www.reachingyouministries.com/

Kristen Jane Anderson talks about her new book:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiaO-URnbsc



Life, In Spite of Me is available on Amazon.com for purchase:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1601422520/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Please rate my review on Waterbrook Multnomah.

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/view/702

Forgiveness and Letting Go

Day 3 – Sunday, May 30


Don’t you see Satan has stopped people from connecting to one another? He has spread strife everywhere. We who are Christians have to grow up and help each other. I have got to reach out to the loners, angry controlled, sad, hurting, fakers, and EVERYONE. How are we going to reach people if they hear and see us acting bad? I have a hard time faking a smile. I wear my life. But this past week in writing about my days and journey in my run. I felt the need to cover this. I felt like it was time to let it all go. I don’t need to be anger, selfish, bitter, sad, and a never happy Christian. I need to have joy, peace, kindness, love, and all the fruits of the spirit. I know I’m not going to be perfect, but I have to keep growing and learning. If we are judging and rejecting people who are different from us and our friends. We aren’t going to show them love. We have got to try and show them love and what it means to be a Christian.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (King James Version)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205:22-24&version=KJV

I heard this song called, “American Honey” by Lady Antebellum. One of the verses says, “Get caught in the race Of this crazy life Tryin' to be everything can make you lose your mind I just wanna go back in time”. That line in the song is about the truth. It can make you lose your mind. I have had a lot of people trying to tell me how to be and who to be. I need to be more in shape, more manly, write neater, walk better, speak more, and talk better. This is who I am. I guess I don’t fit the mold and the stereotype. But you can’t please everyone. You can change yourself and lose who you are on the inside, but you won’t be you then. You were created to be you and only one! If you needed to be that other person God would have made you like them. Be yourself!

In Natalie Grant’s book called, “The Real Me”, she shared her story about trying to deal with looking her best. If you have struggled or are struggling with an eating disorder this book is for you. She struggled with an eating disorder in her life. She is trying to help others see that you need to be the real you.

Natalie Grant says, “Sometimes I feel like the world is made up of two kinds of people: people pleasers (those who so need to be loved and accepted that they go to great lengths to be loved and yet never feel they deserve it), and people who are never pleased with anything (those from whom the pleasers try so desperately to get love and attention but who can’t seem to see beyond their own wants and needs).” Page 46

We all want to feel loved and loveable. But we all want to be accepted and included. I know it hurts who people rejected you and hurt you. We all say hurtful things to one another. So it’s important to forgive one another. I know it’s hard but its way harder not too. Carrying that hurt is very agonizing. It only hurts you. I know because this was me. I wasn’t enjoying my life. It doesn’t hurt the other person. The other person is living life and enjoying it and you’re not. You’re carrying around the pain and hurt. You have to let it go. It frees you to forgive one another. I know pain hurts a whole lot. But sometimes the person doesn’t even realize they hurt you. You have to forgive them anyway. This weekend was a forgiving weekend for me. And I had to let the comments go and stop letting them define and control me.

I know what it is like to hurt someone too. We are all fallible people and need to ask for forgiveness every day. We all make mistakes. I know I too have said and done things I shouldn’t have done. I am sorry for every single thing I have done to hurt someone in any way. Thank God his love never changes for us. He never gives up on us, even when we give up on ourselves. God forgives us the first time, when we ask for forgiveness. So it is extremely important to forgive one another.

Most things we fight about and get upset about are so small in the scope of life.

I want to share this powerful life changing video with you. It gives me the chills.

Here are some of the lyrics to “So Small” By Carrie Underwood:

“What you got if you ain't got love The kind that you just want to give away It's ok to open up Go ahead and let the light shine through I know it's hard on a rainy day You wanna shut the world out and just be left alone But don't run out on your faith Cause sometimes that mountain you've been climbing Is just a grain of sand And what you've been out there searching for forever Is in your hands And when you figure out love is all that matters after all It sure makes everything else seem So Small”

Here is this impacting video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEQj6RrQbgA

This week, Joyce Meyer told us a secret on her show. “Want to know a secret? We will even tell the people watching by TV. Here’s the secret: The better you treat people, the happier you’re going to be.” The message is called, “Imitate God’s Giving”. Next Joyce said, “It’s like how many more times are we going to have to the bible study on forgiveness before we get around to realizing that when you forgive somebody, you’re going yourself a favor. Why should you waste your life being mad at someone that’s out having a good time and couldn’t care less if you’re upset? Come on, we got more smarts than that.”

“For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 (Amplified Bible)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%206:14&version=AMP
“And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (Amplified Bible)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=esphesians%204:32&version=AMP

I went 1.61 miles on my running for St. Jude’s. I burned a total of 99 calories. I took 3413 steps. Any amounts of donations helps find the cure for the children.
“All patients accepted for treatment at St. Jude are treated without regard to the family's ability to pay.” From St. Jude Website

This is why it is important that we help raise money for the children. We could help save their life and countless others. It can only happen when we all come together.

If you could make a small donation visit the link below: Every little bit helps.
http://www.mystjudeheroes.org/hopenow

I also went swimming today for the first time in a while.

Day 4 – Monday, May 31

I went a total of 0.91 miles today. I burned a mass sum of 48 calories. I took 1923 steps. I also went swimming today. Anything to help me get stronger.
Day 5 – Tuesday, June 1

I went a full amount of 2.19 miles today. I flamed a total of 131 calories to the highway to health. I took a grand total of 4639 steps today.
Day 6 – Wednesday, June 2

I went an entirety of 3.38 miles in my journey of a 5K. I burned a mass total of 203 calories. I took 7145 steps in my run/walk.
Day 7 – Thursday, June 3

I smothered a total of 236 calories today. I went for a grand total of 3.85 miles today. I took 8136 steps.

I went swimming a few times this week. I am committed to getting stronger and healthier.

"Its mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and from around the world." "The daily operating cost for St. Jude is $1.5 million, which is primarily covered by public contributions." I got this from St. Jude.

If you can help in any way please do. Thank you for anyone who has donated and read this whole post. I hope it helped you in some way. Get out there and make a difference! 

Feel free to share this site with your friends.

In closing the post. Here some of the lyrics to “The Words I Would Say” by Sidewalk Prophets:

“Be strong in the Lord and, Never give up hope, You're going to do great things, I already know, God's got His hand on you so, Don't live life in fear, Forgive and forget, But don't forget why you're here, Take your time and pray, These are the words I would say.”

Here a video of the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thLdWPr32yY

Learning to Heal

Week 7

Day 1 – Friday, May 28

Today, I took the day off on my running a 5K.

Day 2 – Saturday, May 29

God didn’t create us to be depressed in this lifetime. He wanted us to enjoy our life every single day. I have been putting off sitting down and writing this. Today, I got really depressed. Sometimes I feel like I don’t even know how to smile and laugh a little. I tend to be serious minded. I am not trying to make you get depressed too. I write to try and help others and myself. I know what’s it’s to carry all of your baggage from your past. I carried anger and my hurts around daily. I have always had the Simon’s in my life. I can even be the Simon. Everyone tries to tell me who I should be. I need to agree with what they are saying. That’s what they are telling me. But that is what Satan wants me to believe. They are the judges and they rule my life or so it seemed that way. I have been called names from a too z and I let them define me. I received the comments and opinions and I let them run my life. Since they seem to know so much right? They define and rule me? Wrong they don’t.

I got knocked down by the wrongs and hurts. But I had to pick myself back up with God’s help. You can’t let life knock you down. As Dolly Parton has said, “We have to get over what is bothering us and get back to living”. She said that statement for her introduction to “Better Get To Livin’” on her “Live From London” album.

Here is the official video for “Better Get To Livin’”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKeulwZ3sGE

I have been called fat in some terms and that comment scared me because I let it. I have been called gay and picked on and rejected from time to time. I let someone tell me, I am fat and who I need to be. I didn’t want to relive the pain. I didn’t want to hear that comment. I was insecure. I didn’t know how to love me for me. Not be in love with me. But just like me.

So this weekend, I got knocked down and stayed in bed. I withdrew yet again from the world. I thought if I didn’t open up and get to know people they couldn’t hurt me. But that was just a lie from Satan. I wanted to be accepted for who I am. There are so many people that need and want to be accepted. I looked the last time, I went to a store and most of the store was teenagers. Not one of them looked happy. When are we going to love people for who they are? So what if they’re not the most popular people! Fame and looks won’t last forever. I had to let down my walls and live a little. You don’t have to be so serious all the time. Yes, we do need to take some things in life seriously but not everything. You can laugh and smile! I had to heal, which is painful. But if you don’t heal and let God heal you. You will continue to be broken. God can take your broken pieces and use them to help others. You can get back to living your life! I know what it’s like to be knocked down and broken. Believe me. So why did I write about this? I needed to and let it all out. Life is way too short to not heal and love again. I know it’s hard when it’s someone who is in your family, someone you thought was your friend, or maybe even your parents. But I had to be happy again. I have let it hurt me for far too long. I had to change my thinking and lighted up and have some fun.

You can’t stay in bed all the time and hide from the world. You have to out there and live. Even a Christian Artist, Mandisa got told who to be and hid in her own bed for a little while. She let Simon’s comments bother her. America was watching her to see how she would react to Simon’s comments. She chose to forgive him on live television. I don’t know if I would have responded the same way.

Listening to music is something I enjoy. So, I watched Good Morning America because one of my favorite bands was on there today. Sugarland performed a few songs in Times Square. Jennifer Nettles and Kristen Bush know how to live life to the fullest and smile and perform.

“Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God.” Psalm 42:5 (The Message)

“Fear not, for you shall not be ashamed; neither be confounded and depressed, for you shall not be put to shame. For you shall forget the shame of your youth, and you shall not [seriously] remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.” Isaiah 54:4 (Amplified Bible)

I am going to start enjoying my everyday life. Life is way too short to hang on to this depression and self-pity. I am going to be happy and be me. Not someone else. I will let God take control and help me change and be who he wants me to be. A song that helped me along the way was one by Faith Hill. It’s called, “This is Me”.

Some of the lyrics are: “Yeah I have my addictions and keep my share of secrets and things you'll never see I get selfish and defensive And pay too much attention to my insecurities Oh I'm just like everybody else I try to love Jesus and myself I don't know what you believe or what you think of what you see but this is a part of me what I do and who I am all my impurities Are right here on my sleeve This is me”

Listen to the song below:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=29981356

I went a total of 1.47 miles today. I burned a total of 106 calories. I took 3106 steps today.

Tomorrow’s post will be on forgiveness.

Sad Times But There's Still Hope

Day 4 – Monday, May 24

I went a total of 2.51 miles today. I burned a sum of 158 calories. I took a whole total of 5302 steps.

Day 5 – Tuesday, May 25

I had to go to a love ones funeral today. It was a very sad day. But she lived a long life. She was one of the nicest ladies you could ever meet. She always went to church and she helped spread the love. That is what church is all about. I know her family misses her very much. But she is in a place with no pain now. She is sitting up there with Jesus and dancing away. I got to see some of my family and her friends. It’s kind of sad you only see this many people when someone dies. We should always be this close, when we are alive. I know many people are busy making a living, but take some time to spend it well with people you love. Think of how many people we could reach out to, if we just would do it. I remember how she used to get me off the bus sometimes. I also remember hanging out with my cousins at her house many times. This song was a song I thought fit her life. She had a lot of love to go around. I wanted to put this song on a family slideshow we did for my whole family at Christmastime. But we found other ones to include on it instead. But my point is I had the honor and privilege to be a part of my family’s history. She sat near my dad at my family Christmas dinner. He had to tell her who most of the people were. But she knew some. Her memory has been going for a while. But I know now in Heaven she remembers everything. She knows her family. The song is called, “Some Things Never Change” by Sara Evans. I want to thank the pastors and the church members who helped provide food for her huge family and friends. They had two rows of maybe 6 tables. They had to add another row. We had that many people. I didn’t count the tables I am estimating. But anyone who came saw a lot of people. Thank you. Thank you to the pastors who said nice things about her. Thank you to the people who sung at the funeral. Thank you for your prayers and your condolences.

Here is “Some Things Never Change”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkIWI1YH3nI

Another song that popped in my mind during these crazy times was a song by Mandisa. The song is called, “You Wouldn’t Cry (Andrew’s Song)”. The song is a about someone who is already in Heaven. He or she is telling that it is going to be okay. Jesus has them and you. Sometimes we get stuck in wanting to know why. I can’t answer that question. All I know is if I died I am going to Heaven. I know it’s hard when you lose someone you love. But we have to have hope that one day we will see them again someday. I know it hurts when someone leaves us on this earth. But if they knew Jesus and you do then you will see them again.

Listen to Mandisa’s “You Wouldn’t Cry (Andrew’s Song)”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFOdA52sjFA

Some of the lyrics are listed below:

“All you saw was pain All you saw was rain But you should see me now Moments filled with tears Lasted all those years disappeared somehow You never said goodbye On your knees you cry You’re still asking why, but Blue has never been bluer True has never been truer Honey never tasted so sweet There’s a song in the breeze A million voices in praise A rose has never smelled redder The sun has never been brighter If I could find the right words to say If you could look at my face If you could just see this place You wouldn’t cry for me today.”

If you like to see Andrew’s Story, check out the link below: Mandisa shares the message behind the song.

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=980a2cb94bf283772d30

Day 6 – Wednesday, May 26

I went a grand total of 3.00 miles today. I smoked a total of 206 calories. 6347 steps were taken by me today.

Day 7 – Thursday, May 27

All I have today is a song to share.

Here is some of the lyrics of “You're Gonna Be” By Reba McEntire.

You're gonna fly with every dream you chase You're gonna cry, but know that that's okay Sometimes life's not fair, but if you hang in there You're gonna see that sometimes bad is good We just have to believe things work out like they should Life has no guarantees, but always loved by me You're gonna be

Here is the video for “You’re Gonna Be”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kLs4VdfFlQ

“‘Cause anything worth doing is worth doing all the way Just know you'll have to live with all the choices that you make So make sure you're always givin' way more than you're takin'”

So let’s listen to these lyrics! That is the truth.

You can be whoever you choose to be. You can choose to love or choose to hate. It’s all a decision.

Check out:

http://sites.google.com/site/theofficialandrewsmith/week6

Journey of My Run Week 5 : Day 1 - 4

Day 1 – Friday, May 14

I went a total of 1.08 miles. I burned only about 73 calories. I took 2281 steps on the track. I didn’t do so well today. But I am doing this 5K run for St. Jude’s! As the song sung by Journey always says, “Don’t Stop Believing”. What Would You Do? TV Show came on tonight. I love the concept of that show. It makes me think about what I would do if I were in their shoes. Would I stand up for something that is wrong? Would I even notice? Would I care? Would I help? See, ask yourself those questions. It makes you want to reach out your hand and stand up for certain things. I also lifted weights today. I lifted my magic number 40.

Day 2 – Saturday, May 15

I went for a total of 1.29 miles. So I went a little bit more today. I burned about 70 calories. I took a total of 2736 steps. The humidly was very scorching today. I also lifted 40 pounds of weights today.

Day 3 – Sunday, May 16

I went a mass sum of 2.77 miles today! I am increasing for once. 174 calories left my body today by exercising. I took about 5852 steps in my journey. I took a day off on lifting weights on my machine. Each day I am getting stronger! I can do this. Please support me in my journey by donating to St. Jude’s the children need your help. They are already going through a lot. Your money helps them get better. Any amount helps them. Big and small and short and tall; size doesn’t matter.

I found this video about Jake Olson. He is a hero! Jake Olson is working on two books on his cancer story. They aren’t released yet, but they are written. I have tried to find information about the books. But I can’t seem to find them. Or I would tell you what they are called. A little background about Jake Olson, he has had cancer 8 times. He didn’t give up. That is a true hero. Watch the video and you can hear his story from his own words.

Jake Olson Cancer Story:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX0ovhkgR7s

Day 4 – Monday, May 17

I ran about three laps! I stopped in some of them. But I ran for the most part. I also lifted weights again today. Finally, I was able to go 5 laps total! Totally pumped! I am improving little by little. My mother also pointed out both of my legs is looking more muscular, which is a benefit to running laps around the track. I went for a total of 2.23 miles. I burned around 160 calories. I took 4720 steps. I pushed myself a little harder today. I heard this song come on my I-pod when I was running. The song is called, “The Power of One” by Bomshel. I hadn’t heard this song before, until it came on my I-pod. It was a free song from I-Tunes a while back. You can still buy the song on I-Tunes. It is also available on the Evan Almighty soundtrack. I needed this song today in my run.

The lyrics goes something like this:

“One grain of sand can turn the tide One single spark can light the night One simple dream One gentle word One act of love from someone Can start a chain reaction It all begins in the heart In the power of one”

The verses tell us about Rosa Parks, Anne Frank, Jesus, and everyday people. It opened my eyes. You can make a different no matter, what your age is. Race doesn’t matter, you can change the world. We don’t ever have to feel like we can’t make a different. Don’t buy into the lies and the excuses on why you can’t help. Trash those excuses! You may feel like all of those names included in the song are great people. Jesus is a true example of love and kindness. But Rosa Parks and Anne Frank are people just like you and me. They had a choice to choose to help inspire many people. They helped change the world in small ways. You could easily be the next person who helps someone. You don’t have to famous or go down in history to do it. Just be you and help somebody.

Watch this video someone made for “The Power of One”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIIXoOXj0Ek

Another song that I want to share with you is “Legacy” by Nichole Nordeman.

“I want to leave a legacy How will they remember me? Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough To make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically And leave that kind of legacy”

Watch the video below of “Legacy”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbi4nSrhRxo

I want to ask you something. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? Do you want to be known for not helping someone else in their time of need? I know you’re thinking they don’t help me. Well, help them anyways and it will come back to you.

“Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (The Message)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+9%3A7&version=MSG&src=embed

"When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. And here's why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.' Then he will turn to the 'goats,' the ones on his left, and say, 'Get out, worthless goats! You're good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because— I was hungry and you gave me no meal, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was homeless and you gave me no bed, I was shivering and you gave me no clothes, Sick and in prison, and you never visited.' Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?' He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.' Then those 'goats' will be herded to their eternal doom, but the 'sheep' to their eternal reward." Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A31-46&version=MSG&src=embed

We need to have more joy in life! We have got to smile more. We need to the kind of people that go out of our way to help one another. Please donate below and help the children of St. Jude’s. They are living with cancer every single day. Cancer doesn’t care if you are young or old. It affects everyone. We all know people who have or survived cancer. You might think you can’t help, but you can! We can help raise money and help support these kids. If you can’t support ask your friends to help. Help promote it! They need people to believe in them.

I hope you will support me in me running a 5K. All the money goes directly to St. Jude’s. I am just a writer. That’s just one of the gifts, God has given me. It is only God using me. To GOD be the glory!

My Page Link is below:

http://www.mystjudeheroes.org/hopenow

My wish is that everyone will see the God in you and me today, tomorrow, and from now on. If you’re alive you’re blessed. God loves you so much! Spread the love!

Watch Mary Mary’s “God in Me” video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agxi8cei9h8

CHECK OUT: http://sites.google.com/site/theofficialandrewsmith/

Journey of My Run Week 2 : Day 1

Week 2


Day 1 - Friday, April 23

I got up the courage to tweet to Christian Singers, Mary Mary or also known as Erica and Tina. They retweeted my tweet about helping St. Jude’s about a week ago. Thanks girls for listening and reposting to your followers! Then Friday, I asked Mary Mary, what they would like to tell teens out there. I asked them this, “If you could tell teens; one thing what would it be?” Mary Mary said, “~Listen!!!!!!Slow Down n Seek God!!” I agree with this statement.

Sometimes as teenagers, we don’t really listen as well as we should. Guys, occasionally have a huge problem in this area with communicating our thoughts and feelings. Most tend to avoid it. We all know, guys don’t talk as much as girls. We need to be better communicators and listen to one another. We don’t need to talk all the time. We need to listen more than we talk. I am not saying never say a word, we need to listen to one another. Most of the world is becoming me-minded. We need to say right things and be positive in our daily lives. Just listen to how people talk for a week and you will see.

Most teens use curse words a lot more these days. I know I am one of them. Of course, I am 20 now and still do. I will have to continue to work on this every single day. Even adults use curse words. We get mad at the neighbors, drivers, kids, friends, when we hurt ourselves or anything else when we don’t get our way. We all know what happens next, we say some words and maybe a few not so beautiful words slip out. Then, we do the blame game, well they made me mad! I was caught up in emotions. I didn’t mean it. You don’t know what they said to me. I regret it now. Boy, we got a long list to choose from. I remember one time, when I let one slip out and there was a child around. Way to go, Andrew!

I think sometimes it’s out of what can I get from that person. Most teenagers will not talk to the lonely kid sitting by himself at school. Why are we so afraid, we will lose our current friends? It must be out of fear or maybe it’s out of we don’t care. I mean look at the bulling going around. In the past, the bulling only could happen in real life. Now, we got kids on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Formspring, and any other social site getting cyber bullied. I am not saying these sites are bad in any way. We just have to use them for good purposes and not bad. You can pretty much invite the bully to come live with you at home. You bully me at school, why not just come live with me too. Guys and girls you can choose to delete them from your friends list. DON’T ADD THEM! BLOCK THE ACCOUNT! You might be scared and be thinking what if they come after me. Tell a professional at your school; if that person doesn’t listen go tell another one. If you know someone is getting bullied stop it and go tell someone. You could be their hero. Sit with the loners! If you already have a group, invite the loners over to be a part of your group. You might be thinking, well they are different. I guess you’re getting a different perspective on whatever you talk about at the table. We have got to start loving each other more. We need love! Maybe you’re an adult and there is a lonely girl or guy at work, talk to them. You’re never too old or too young to reach out and make a difference.

Oh and yes, I didn’t continue on my running journey today. But I will eventually. I ran four days this week! That’s a huge start for me. Remember to take time and love!

Journey of My Run Week 1 : Day 6

Week 1


Day 6 - Wednesday, April 21

I didn’t work out today. Grasp. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, “Why didn’t I.” Well, today was my birthday, so I took the day off! I celebrated with my family. We all need love and I have not loved people for a long time. I would love them, until they said or did something I didn’t like. I was selfish and I still can be most of the time. But I believe, “I am changing with God’s help.” I had to heal and start loving people again. I am still learning how too. I didn’t really smile a lot in life. But I am determined, I will enjoy life. I will write more blogs about certain topics too. I could continue on about things, I truly believe in and I will. I enjoyed my birthday dinner. I didn’t really want a family dinner, at first, but then I kind of needed it and wanted it. My family is some of the best people in my life, who will stand beside me no matter what. Friends will come and go and most do. Some move away and some just get hurt and leave. I have made a lot of mistakes, but they are making me a better person. The only thing you can do is say, “You’re sorry and ask for forgiveness” from them and God. I will continue in this journey called “Life”.

Hurts By Rejections

Rejection effects most people at least one point in their lives. But more than likely, we go through rejection a lot every single day. I have suffered rejection from peers, family members, strangers, and just every day people. We all have been looked at funny with that look that says, “You’re not worth my time.” Just look at people you meet on the street. Some of them are so shy and quiet they hardly talk. Yep, you guess it that's me. I have always been controlled by what people think of me. What should I wear, what should I eat, what should I drink, what should I say, what shouldn't I say, how will I sound, how do I look. I know I'm a guy. But I have been struck with criticism my whole life. I compare myself to other people. I know we all thought wow I wish I had that personality. I wish I could look like that.

In our world today, the models and celebrities look so perfect and flawless. It's called Photoshop; let's just paint over that flaw. But the flaws make us not look like everyone else. If you haven't noticed, no one looks like you; or me for that matter. I know, you're thinking that might be a good thing. But we had to deal with the issue of why we feel so different.

Jessica Simpson was one of the first people, I wrote about in my first blog. She was getting make fun of by a pair of jeans she wore. Which, she looks fine in might I add. Heck, I wear the wrong thing sometimes too. But maybe that's just me. Now, she has a show out called "The Price of Beauty". The show purpose is to show the True Beauty of different countries. Some of the ways are crazy and some are way different than America. The second episode showed a girl who was a model in Paris. She went through an eating disorder called anorexic. She had to weigh a certain amount to be a model. The concept of the show is a great idea.

We think we have to be tan and weigh a certain amount to look good. I am all for being healthy; however, you need to be you. You have got to love yourself. Yes, you make mistakes. But it's never too late to turn around.

Jessica Simpson also has a great theme song for The Price of Beauty. The words in the song include: "I have to take control So much is left untold Trying to find myself At times its hard to know Who we are, we are, we are Words can cut so deep Weighing down on me Time and time I see how vicious the world can be Who we are, we are, we are We're beautiful Our flaws and all They're beautiful to me It's who we are, who we are It's who we're meant to be You've got to be you for yourself Cuz you're like nobody else Who you are, you are, you are, you are" The song is called "Who We Are". It has a wonderful message, because we all just want to be accepted in life for who we are. We may not have done everything perfectly, but no one has except Jesus.

You might have come to guess the truth. I have been called fat before. You don't know what that comment did to destroy my image of myself. I remember in high school I got invited to some pool parties. I wouldn’t even take off my shirt and swim! I wasn’t even swimming in front of the person who called me fat. I just sat on the sidelines and watched everyone else swim. They must have all thought I was afraid of the water. The thing is I LOVED to swim until that comment. I am sure that person meant nothing by it. I couldn’t let it go and move forward.

Another example, some of my so called friends called me gay before as well. I admit I don’t date a lot of girls. I haven’t found the right one yet. None of them are married yet; so I am guessing, they haven’t found the right one either.

How do you get through the comments? Well, you have to forgive them. It took me a lot of years to do just that. I have always been in a little bit of a box. I didn't want to get hurt by anyone. People are going to think what they are going to think no matter what. You have to just be yourselves. If they don't accept you find someone who will. God always will love you no matter what. He can always forgive you. I have been hard to get along with and I have said things I regret too. That's why it's important to forgive one another.

"But if a town refuses to welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘We wipe even the dust of your town from our feet to show that we have abandoned you to your fate. And know this—the Kingdom of God is near!’" Luke 10:10-11 (New Living Translation)

Some people hide their true selves, because they think people will like them more. The mask will eventually come off or it will fall off. Don't pretend to be someone you’re not. It's not worth it!

"You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. John 15:16 (The Message)

If God choose you, why are you rejecting yourselves? There are a lot of people comparing ourselves to other people. You are an original. We all do things a little bit differently.

"Fear not, for you shall not be ashamed; neither be confounded and depressed, for you shall not be put to shame. For you shall forget the shame of your youth, and you shall not [seriously] remember the reproach of your widowhood any more." Isaiah 54:4 (Amplified Bible)

You shouldn't be ashamed of yourself. Keep trying to do the right things in life. God loves you! Nothing can change that. Yes, you may need to change in some areas in your life. We all do. He will continue to work with us to bring the change we need. Keep on keeping on! He is your Healer. No problem is too big for OUR GOD!

“Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong. Everything you do should be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14


With Love,
Andrew

Haiti Earthquake Helping One Another

Haiti had an extremely bad earthquake it is said to be a 7.0 quake. The massive earthquake hit on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 4:53:10 PM. The official number is not even totaled yet. 50,000 people are feared to be dead from the quake. They are still looking for any remaining bodies.

If you can give any money or supplies to help the relief of the quake please do. Even if it's not a lot every little bit helps. Make sure you spread the word around and get your friends to help donate for the relief program. If you can only give one dollar that dollar could help make a difference. If you can send supplies then sent supplies. If you can give money give money. If you can't give anything offer up a prayer.

Some of the Top Organizations you can donate to are listed below.

http://www.interaction.org/crisis-list/earthquake-haiti

You can even donate using text messaging from your cell phone. Your donation is added to your cell phone bill. All you have to do is send a TEXT with the word 'HAITI' to 90999 to donate $10 dollars to the Red Cross relief program. Another good one is to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund TEXT the world 'Yele' to 501501 to donate $5 dollars. The Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund is run by Hip-Hop artist Wyclef Jean. One of his most popular songs was with Shakira called "Hips Don't Lie".

The Red Cross link:

http://www.redcross.org/

The link to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund:

http://www.yele.org/

You can also donate to Joel Osteen's Ministries or Joyce Meyer's Ministries. They are helping in the relief program as well.

http://www.joycemeyer.org/OurMinistries/HandofHope/News/haitisupplies.htm

http://www.joelosteen.com/LandingPages/Pages/HaitiRelief.aspx

This is the time we need to start helping one another. We need to bring back the love. Thank you for helping make a difference in the world today! Get out there and make a difference!

God Bless,

Andrew

New Year Resolutions

1.Live life to the fullest
2.LOVE people more
3.Hang with family and friends
4.Work out more
5.Stand on my head
6.Play the guitar
7.Just be myself
8.Tell more jokes
9.Laugh way more
10.Make good grades in college
11.Thank God more
12.Enjoy life
13.Write
What are some of your New Year Resolutions?

How many are you going to keep?

I hope this year is exciting and fun for you. Live life. Have fun! Love. Laugh. Hang. Chill. Do new things. Continue to do some old things. Now get out there and enjoy life. Hope you have a safe New Year! :)

Peace,

Andrew