Andrew Smith's Blog

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Showing posts with label teens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teens. Show all posts

Losing Ourselves in Our Technology Affairs

This semester in College, I had to write a paper for an English Class about the effects of technology. I have decided to share the paper, in hope that people will stand up for what is right. We all have a voice and can help make a difference in someone else’s life. I will be sharing my story over the next 5 weeks.

Technology was once a good tool to use, but it is turning into something bad. When the internet was invented, everyone thought the internet would be a wonderful asset to use once in a while. You could look up any kind of information you wanted to know about online. Now we have the internet available everywhere for us to use twenty four hours a day. You can access the internet from any mobile phone. We are in a constant connection with the whole wide world. We can look at our friends' Facebook status updates all day long. Users can even subscribe to get SMS updates from Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace that are texted to your mobile phone, when a friend status is updated. Some users on these sites tend to distribute all kinds of information with their friends. By having a constant communication with the world, technology has led to a number of people committing suicide. Cyber bullying is spreading all over the world and is happening in our very neighborhoods. Predators have even gotten the idea to start trying to sell human beings for sexual experiences, where the predators can make easy money off victims.

Stop Bullying! Speaking Up! My Survivor Story

I submitted my story on bullying to The Bully Suicide Project. They have accepted it and posted it on their Facebook page. So check it out!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4481396&id=221347206120

Andrew Smith, 20, College Student

1. Tell Me About Yourself (What are you hobbies, beliefs, likes, etc... )

My name is Andrew Smith. I am 20 years old. My favorite hobbies are reading, riding four-wheelers, listening to music, writing, playing guitar, watching TV, hanging out with my family and friends, and just being myself. I am a Christian who believes in God. My faith has helped me through my life. I also like to play video games with my friends. I love to sing karaoke on the Wii console.

I am attending college and loving every minute of it. I hope to become a writer and maybe a Bible teacher one day. I hope my story can impact kids, who are being bullied. I love listening to Joyce Meyer every single day.


2. Tell Me About Your Personality

My personality is I am quiet and straight to the point. I have been born and raised country. I talk when I have something to say. I like to laugh and have some fun.


3. Tell Me About the First Time you remember being bullied (where, how you felt, the names, you were called, how you dealt with it)

I remember being bullied in Elementary School. I was a very quiet and shy kid in school. I wouldn’t talk to my teachers at all. They would try to convince me to open up and talk. But I wouldn’t. The teachers had no idea that I was being bullied by a girl. This girl would pick on me daily like clockwork. She was relentless in her pursuit in controlling me. She would take my things like my pens, pencils, and anything she could get her hands on in class. I remember one day, two girls started picking on me during recess. It started when the main girl got another girl to join in kicking me in the shin. They both pushed and kicked me. I was on a hill and both of the girls continually kicked me over and over again. The teachers didn’t even see them kicking me. I don’t know if the hill was too high and the teachers didn’t see it or what happened. I wouldn’t talk to them. My parents knew about most of the bullying, but since I wouldn’t open up my mouth in school. The teachers couldn’t do anything, since they didn’t see anything happening. I was so afraid to speak out of fear of being harmed.

Another way is I had a high girly voice during Elementary, Middle, and even some High School. My voice didn’t change until the second year of high school. I was called names like gay and fag. I am straight. One guy posted and told me online that it was because of the way I talked and acted.


4. Names you have been called

Gay, Fat, Fag, Bi, Handwriting messy, Walk Funny, Weird, Never talk, Random


5. Tell Me About how bullying has effected you

Bullying and name calling made me not to be able to trust other people. I was afraid to stand up to them and tell someone. Why get close to them, if they are only going to tell me how to be. People wanted me to be a certain way all the time. It was never enough for them to approve of me. I believed that lie and their lies. It was hard for me to make friends at school. It made me want to be “safe”. It was a longing to be liked by my peers. I would also try to be someone I wasn’t to be accepted.


6. Have you thought about suicide? If so, what did you do about it.

I have thought about suicide. I thought I was worth nothing. I didn’t know what love was. I had a false sense of love in me. I didn’t like myself for a lot of years. I had a deep shame base in me. I didn’t try to ever kill myself, but I have thought it.


7. What are ways you have dealt with suicidal thoughts?

I had to learn to heal from my wounds. My pain has become my message. God always loves me and always approves of me no matter what I do. I can’t change his love for me. I may not always perform perfectly, but he always forgives me.


8. What makes you a survivor?

I am a survivor who was picked on throughout his life. I was always in fear and afraid to speak up, and this is a huge honor and accomplishment that I am able to share my story with you. I didn’t let their comments and abuse control and define me. I didn’t let them change who I am. I had to not let them tear me down anymore. My life was worth living freely. I have a right to stand up and open my mouth. I don’t have to live in fear or being rejected or abused.


9. What is your message of hope to the person just like yourself?

I want to tell kids, teens, and adults to love who they are. Don’t let people’s comments and approvable define and change who you were meant to be. God made you to be special the way you’re meant to be. It doesn’t matter if people say hurtful things about you. They don’t make it the truth about you. You are; who you are. Don’t change because someone thinks you’re too big or too small. If you can’t play sports like they can. If they call you gay because you’re voice is different and high and you’re a guy. Maybe you’re a girl and they make fun of you because of your weight. Their comments don’t make you; who you are. Be the way; you want to be! Being yourself is good enough; don’t let anyone tell you different. Don’t you dare believe their lies, not for a second, or a day, or even a minute! If you are being kicked or picked on stand up and tell someone! If that person doesn’t listen, hold your head up high and tell someone who will listen. Parents, school professions, and bullying hotline numbers are a great start. Just stand up for yourself and tell someone please.


10. The quote that you live by today because of your experience is....

“Difficult situations, ones that are hard to bear, are the ones that give you strength to soar, so do not run away from them. “ Joyce Meyer

“I don't wanna spend the rest of my life And wonder why the world passed me by While I wasn't lookin' or laughing Gonna cut loose from all these chains Turn 'em into a fist full of reigns And ride out cause now there's no doubt Everyday I'm alive you can bet that I’m gonna shine.” Jo Dee Messina - Shine

Here is a CBS Video showing The Bully Suicide Project :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De89lMG7pOM

Change Your World : One Step at a Time

Maybe you’re wondering how we can help others. If fact maybe you feel small and like it doesn’t matter. Sometimes we have no clue on how to reach out to one another. Sometimes maybe we stereotype each other based on their appearance and how they act. Granted we are all human. We all feel emotions and we all think with our minds. But helping one another and being kind to one another makes a HUGE different. It makes the world a better place. After all this is only our temporary home.


We only live on this earth for so long. But it all comes down to living and loving along your trip in life. You only have one life to live and love. Yes, things will bring you down sometimes. Yes, you will make mistakes and have to be forgiven. But you have a life, you have been given. That’s why it is important to love each other.

I know some people have hurt you. Maybe I have. But it is essential we forgive one another for each other’s mistakes. We only get one trip to pass through this life. It’s your choice on, if you stay negative and depressed. But you can be happy, if you will choose too. Reading and knowing God helps me get through this crazy ride called “Life”.

We need to be happy in this life. Yes, you will sometimes feel down and sad. But you can get happy and whole again with Jesus. We need our friends and our family. I know some of you dread seeing your family and maybe even some of your friends but you still need to show them love. I don’t know what you’re going through right now but God is still in control. I know sometimes we like to ask the questions why. I can’t answer the why questions. Neither can you. We just have to hang on in this life. If they know Jesus, then we will see them all again someday. Just keep believing things will turn around for the better. Right now, you may not be able to see why things turned out the way they did. But God is still there for you.

Life is way too short to hold on to anger and regrets. You can’t do anything about your past. But you can change your future. You have to heal from whatever is hurting you right now. Maybe its anger and lashing out at people, feeling depressed about your life, hating yourself, abusing someone (or yourself), bitterness, fearful, and anything else. God can take your past and forgive you, if you did something wrong. He can also heal your past that may have hurt you. Maybe you need to forgive people who hurt you. I know I have hurt people with words and actions. I have been hurt by actions and words as well. But God can heal you. I have been working with God to help me heal and let go of some of the pain of my past. I know it is hard to forgive sometimes. Nothing in you sometimes wants too. But it frees you from the pain and hurt. People make mistakes daily and need forgiveness. We all do. We all are human and hurt one another.

Sometimes helping someone is lending a helping hand, donating money, your time, things (clothes, etc), praying, smiling, and loving one another. It doesn’t have to make a huge impact on the world. I know sometimes we think we have to see our names in lights or on TV. But that doesn’t mean everything in life. 15 minutes of fame will always fade away. Look at how much stardom changes for the celebrities out there. One minute you’re in the next you’re fading away.

We have to focus on helping someone, when no one is looking, and there are no cameras around. We can all have an impact on the world but by bring love not hate. We have enough haters out there. We have to love and help people, who can’t give us something in return. This world is not all about you and getting presents. All the presents in the world wouldn’t make you happy. Yes, it might for a day. Then you’re going to the store again to buy something else new. You’re looking to be filled up. Only Jesus can fill that void. I am not saying to never buy anything just don’t buy the whole dept. store. Unless, you own the company would you need all that stuff. I know some people fill that void with drugs, sex, being in love with yourself (thinking you’re better than everyone else), greed, hate, and loving things too much. You need to love yourself but not be in love with yourself. The world isn’t just about me or you. I know it’s hard to give and love people sometimes. But we have to as Joyce Meyer says, “Do It for God”.

I want to share with you a song called, “Change” by Carrie Underwood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H0EY4Rrpf4

What are you telling yourself? Maybe you’re telling yourself, you can’t help someone because you have too many problems. You can smile can’t ya! Then smile a little! There a number of different ways to help. You can give money or your time. Now get out there and lend a helping hand. Make someone else’s life better for good. It’s your choice.
Here are some of the lyrics to “It’s Your Life” by Francesca Battistelli:

“It’s your life What you gonna do? The world is watching you Every day the choices you make Say what you are and who Your heart beats for It’s an open door It’s your life To live the way that you believe This is your opportunity To let your life be one that lights the way”

Week 6

Day 1 – Friday, May 21
I went a total of 1.85 miles today. I burned a total of 112 calories. I took an accumulation total of 3928 steps.

Day 2 – Saturday, May 22
I went for a grand total of 1.51 miles in my running journey. I burned a total of 99 calories. I took 3208 steps in the shoes, which were made for walking scenario.

Day 3 – Sunday, May 23

I went an impressive 1.15 miles today on the treadmill at that. Yes, that is right. I smoldered a total of 83 calories. I obtained a full amount of 2433 steps in this day and time.

In leaving you, with some hope, here is a song called, “No Boundaries” by Kris Allen.

“With every step, you climb another mountain Every breathe, it's harder to believe You'll make it through the pain, weather the hurricanes To get to that one thing Just when you think the road is going nowhere Just when you almost gave up on your dreams They take you by the hand and show you that you can There are no boundaries”

I am not giving up on running a 5K! I haven’t given up and I won’t! Too many people are depending on me. It is all for a wonderful cause. I am doing it for cancer patients, who are getting treatment at St. Jude’s. If you can help in any way please do.

Check out my Google Site.

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

Journey of My Run Week 5 : Day 6 - 7

Day 6 – Wednesday, May 19


I went a total of 3.11 miles in my running a 5K journey. I am still having trouble running the whole laps straight through. Some days I do good and some days it’s a struggle. I burned a total of 199 calories. I took 6588 steps today. I can do this!

Does anyone have any tips on running a 5K?

How often do you work out?

What kind of sports do you do?

What comments or advice would you give me?

Thanks for the feedback and support!

Tonight ABC had a special showing of What Would You Do TV show. It showed a bragger getting called names. I have worked retail and some of the customers are rude and impatient. We need to change this. People, we need to change this. We need to bring back the love. I don’t care if you’re in a hurry. Slow down! You don’t want to be remembered for being rude to another human being. We can’t let fear push us down and keep us from standing up for people, who are being called names. This show is awesome in what stories they cover. It is a wonderful thing to see people standing up and helping one another. There are still good people out there.

I want you to watch the video on ABC What Would You Do TV show page.
http://abcnews.go.com/WhatWouldYouDo/syndrome-grocery-clerk-scenario/story?id=10648284

Day 7 – Thursday, May 20

I went a full amount of 3.34 miles today in my journey to wellness. I burned overall about 221 calories. I took 7070 steps in my lap walking today.
Also, I wanted to encourage you to help one another in your daily lives every single day.

God LOVES you!

Here a song lyric from a song called, “God Speaking” by Mandisa.

“Have you ever cried a tear that You could not explain Have you ever met a stranger

Who already knew your name What if it's Him What if it's God speaking Who knows how He'll get a hold of us Get our attention to prove He is enough He'll do and He'll use Whatever He wants to To tell us "I love you"

Here is a video about the song “God Speaking”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZI2gOBvBHk

Dolly Parton is also doing a wonderful thing. This weekend May 22 and May 23 she is donating the proceeds from Dixie Stampede, Dollywood, and Dollywood’s Splash Country to the Nashville Flood Victims.

Here is her video on her encouragement to help out Nashville:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGa_V6OGYNY

To donate online or if you want to send her a check. Check out her official website for info:

https://www.dollyparton.com/

Total Donations so far are: $36,676.00

It is updated every 5 minutes on her website. So be sure to check that out.

Until next time, remember to keep following my journey on running a 5K for St. Jude’s.

If you would like to donate to help the children at St. Jude’s Research Hospital. Check out the link below:


The money goes to help children with cancer. Let’s fight this disease together. Help find the cure!


http://www.mystjudeheroes.org/hopenow

Check out my Official Google Site.

http://sites.google.com/site/theofficialandrewsmith/week5

Journey of My Run Week 5 : Day 5

Day 5 – Tuesday, May 18

What am I waiting for? What are you waiting for?
Now is the time to make someone’s life better. It is way bigger than us. But when we all come together, we can touch many lives. Who do you want to be? Do you want to get free and feel happy?

I want God to say, “Well done faithful child”. We have got to reach out and not be so selfish. Money is not going to make you happy. You can keep buying all those things and all you have is more things. See, we always want MORE MORE MORE! But are you truly happy? Is it filling you up? Making you complete?

Ask yourself those questions. He already knows the answers.

Do you want to wake up at 90 years old on your death bed wondering, what might have been? If you would have just changed and helped someone. If you would have loved harder. If you would have let go of the pain of your past and healed. If you would have remained peaceful in conflict. If you would just had the fruit of the spirit. If you would have prayed more. If you would open the door of someone. If you would have smiled more. If you would have reach out a helping hand. If you would have accepted everyone. If you would have forgave someone. If you would have spend more time with your family. If you would have read the word more. If you would have…..

I know they are hard questions to answer. They all begin with would have. But I need to wake up and see what I am doing with my life. You may need to look at your life like I need to too. I don’t know when I am going to die. We could all die tomorrow and we could not. But we don’t have tomorrow promised. We only have right now to live. Some people die at 10 years old, 16 years old, 27 years old, 52 years old, or 88 years old. See we have no way of knowing when we will die. But everyone does die. You can choose Heaven or Hell. It’s your choice.

You can choose to party right now, all you want, or you can change the world.

You can choose to love.

You can choose to live by your emotions and mind.

You can choose to be selfish.

You can choose to live in the past.

You can choose to move into the future.

You can choose to help one another.

You can choose to not help.

You can choose to be happy.

You can choose to be depressed.

You have free will.

Watch “What If” by Nichole Nordeman:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUGQFH03apc

So please join me in helping the children of St. Jude’s Research Hospital. The children are being funded by you. Thank you for helping! All of the donations made on the link below are used to help people who are dying from cancer. But we have the power to help stop it! But only if you help and make a donation to St. Jude’s can we fight cancer together.

http://www.mystjudeheroes.org/hopenow

I went a total of 3.10 miles today. On the laps, sometimes I ran and sometimes I walked them. But I am building up my strength and speed. Each day I AM growing and improving. I burned a total of 200 calories. I took a mass sum of 6552 steps. I went around 6 laps on my running and walking journey. Now, let’s help each other out. Love someone today!

Make sure you check out my Google Site:

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

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 4 : Day 1 - 2

Day 1 – Friday, May 7


I went a total of 1.01 miles today. I walked and ran some laps. Walking or running was extremely difficult for me today for some reason. I burned a total of 62 calories and that’s a very small amount. I walked a total of 2139 steps. Tomorrow’s a better day!

Day 2 – Saturday, May 8

I went on my walking trip earlier this morning. Then, I went back later in the day too. So in a complete total I went 3.40 miles! Woot! I burned a total of 212 calories. I walked and ran 7195 steps. I ran a lap and maybe two. Nevertheless, my feet are very sore at the moment.

I would like to thank my family for supporting me in everything. They have always been there when I needed them the most.

I would also like to thank you anyone who has ever said a prayer for me. Thank you for the support over the years. I haven’t always been who, I needed to me, but I’m working on that.

Thank you family, friends, neighbors, strangers, and especially you for believing in me! In the end, we are all really family. I would like everyone to pray that we will raise a lot of money for St. Jude’s. I believe that the children will be healed! Lives will be changed for you blessing and helping other people. Like the old saying goes, “What comes around, goes around”. If you give and help out a child; I believe God will bless you for it. Any amount helps! Let’s just come into agreement and ask for God’s favor in life and protection!

God Bless!

And even if you don’t want to help me, don’t do it for me. Or maybe you don’t even care for me. But please, do it for the children. I am just the voice and the writer for the voiceless and sick. They need your help and my help!

Watch this video for the survivor stories. You’re helping people like these people shown in the video! I love how the video shows young and old survivors. There is always hope! Every life matters! Never give up!

Portrait of Hope Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx2Jqd0U1l8

My page on St. Jude's :

http://www.mystjudeheroes.org/hopenow

Journey of My Run Week 3 : Day 1-7

Week 3

Day 1 – Friday, April 30

I was busy working on homework and studying for finals for college. So you guessed it, I didn’t work out.

Day 2 – Saturday, May 1

I ran one lap then I walked the rest of the four laps. I went a total of 1.57 miles. I burned a total of 1573 calories so far. I went a total of 5173 steps so far.

Day 3 – Sunday, May 2

I worked out today now that is a good thing. I ran one lap and walked the rest of them. It is so hard to run solid straight. But I am going to be able to run 5 miles! I am declaring that. I will, “Never Give Up”! I went for a total of 1.42 miles today. I burned 86 calories. You are going to be happy with me. I finally figured out that to reset the pedometer you have to hit reset on all of the menu screens. I have only been hitting them on the miles one. Nice going, Andrew! I thought if you hit reset it resets the whole thing. Obviously, I was wrong.
Day 4 – Monday, May 3

Study day yet again!

Day 5 – Tuesday, May 4

I went a total of 2.01 miles and I burned a total of 127 calories. I walked 4249 steps today. I ran about a lap and a half. I went a total of four laps. On the Jo Dee Messina’s podcast today, she showed pictures of the town of Nashville. If you haven’t heard what happened to the state of Tennessee, just watch her podcast of Ustream to see some of the pictures. I will briefly explain. This week, Tennessee had a lot of rain and most of the town is flooded. The reports on CNN are saying that at least 20 are dead so far in TN. But the storms affected Kentucky too. They are saying at least 30 totals are dead from both of the storms.

If you like to donate to the Red Cross to help TN out, check out the link below:

http://www.nashvilleredcross.org/

You can also donate by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10.00 to help TN.

If you would like to volunteer, check out Hands on Nashville to volunteer:

http://www.hon.org

Thank you for helping clean up any of the areas affected by the disastrous storm and for donating!

Day 6 – Wednesday, May 6

I had to study but it’s the last day of studying at least for this semester!

Day 7 – Thursday, May 7

All of my finals are officially done! Yay! My mom and I went to eat at a restaurant to celebrate. Our waiter was a very nice guy. He had great manners and an awesome personality. I need to change in some areas from watching him. He was kind. I can be kind of a bit rude and harsh. But over the summer, I have a goal to read God’s word, and heal from my wounds, and let the things I can’t change go. The difference between me and him is that he lives life and is very happy. I carry my life and I have for many years. But I am going to be free! I am going to love people for who they are. We need more love and less hate. I have met a few girls and guys that are truly nice and friendly most of the time. Now I get that we all have off days sometimes. But for the most part we need to be friendlier to one another. One guy, who I went to school with always, had a smile on his face. He went through a huge fight for his life way before I knew him. I have heard he got into a four-wheeler accident in his early teenage years. The four-wheeler flipped over and severely damaged him. He looks fine now but he had a few surgeries, I believe. Why, do I think he had love? He almost lost his life and he now lives every day happily. I only knew him for about two years in high school, and then I went back to public school. A few weeks ago, I ran into him at college. I haven’t seen him in a long time. You can just guess how we met. We met by me going to the bathroom in a hurry. My excuse was I had to go really bad. Well he was coming out of the bathroom, when I was coming in. I jumped because I didn’t expect to see someone standing when I pushed the door. He said, “Sorry”. You know what I said was his name only. I didn’t say sorry or anything. This was a very bad move on my part.

Just one example of how the pain of my past has controlled me. School has always been hard for me due to me being rejected by my peers. I have always felt a little outside of the crowd. No one knows how to connect with one another anymore. We are so caught so much in “OUR OWN LITTLE WORLD”. We have our cell phones and our World Wide Web world now. I am right there with you too. We don’t talk to one another anymore unless they are “cool” or in “our group”. It shouldn’t take a tragedy to bring us all together. Most of my college nights, I couldn’t even sleep well because my heart would just plain hurt nonstop. I was so nervous and so afraid of people. I had a deep shame base in me. No one’s opinion matters expect what God thinks. People don’t define you. Give your future and your past to the almighty God! He can change and heal you; but only if you let him.

In Joel Osteen’s book, It’s Your Time, he says, “One of the best things I’ve learned is that nothing happens to me; it happens for me. God would not have allowed me to go through difficult times if He didn’t have a purpose for them. He wouldn’t have allowed adversity to come if He didn’t already have a plan for good to come of it.” Page 166
So maybe you have been through things (who hasn’t) let God heal you. He might even let your pain and hurt be your message to reach out and help others.

I also went and helped my cousin fix her internet connection today. It would come off and on and it still does even after we called the company. I didn’t work out today. Her dad taught me how to play some more guitar chords. My fingers got real sore again, since you have to get used to playing. He wants me to learn the chords and move faster between the chords. I had fun that’s what matters.

Get out there and live! Make someone’s life better! Put a smile on their face and your face!

“It’s not happening to you. It’s happening for you.” Joel Osteen "It's Your Time" Page 171

Living as a Human

I was up late last night and I heard this new song. Natalie Grant and Jordin Sparks opened the 41st Annual Dove Awards with this song called, “Human”. The chorus of the song, “Human” is this, “We gotta to better than this! Cause we only got one chance. To make a difference. Gotta do better than this. Cause we only got one life that we been given. A little love a little kindness. A little light in this time of darkness. It will be what makes us different. It will be what makes us human.” Natalie Grant and Jordin Sparks




This song speaks to me in so many different ways. We have to make a difference in this life for other people. You might think you’re not ready to help people. But you could be more ready than you think. Love starts in small ways. You love by holding open a door for someone else, helping the homeless, using your gifts to help on another, or just by smiling. There really are so many ways to help one another. Listen to people tell you their stories. I know time is tough for everyone right now. There is not a single person not affected. Let’s not use the excuse and blame it on times are too hard to help. We only get one life to lend a helping hand to one another. God is bigger than the whole economy problem! He is bigger than any problem you’re going through!



What do you want to be remembered for?



1. Being stuck up and not talking to one another



2. Carrying around hurt and unforgiveness



3. Saying hurtful and negative things



4. Tearing people down to feel better about yourself



5. Prideful- I’m too good for you



6. Pity Party



7. Listening to people’s approval



8. Making excuses on why you can’t



9. Feeling like you can’t help



10. Don’t know how too



11. Why should I help? They don’t help me.



12. Too busy to slow down



13. Holding on to money- never giving

14. Fearful - maybe people scare you



If you turn on the TV, you hear a lot more negative stories than positive ones. Where have all the loving people gone? We have become selfish, never wanting to go out of our way for someone else. We have got to start loving people again. Don’t you dare sit there for a second and say, “I love everyone”? Cause, do you really. God knows your hearts are you being honest? We have to really love them not just say that we do. We have to show love!







“Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]. And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].” Colossians 3:12-14 (Amplified Bible)







Now some people do really love their neighbors, friends, strangers, and family. Yes, we are human and we are fallible. But we have to start doing things for one another. Look at how older adults look at some teens. Most adults don’t believe that teenagers can make a difference. We think oh well, they don’t have my knowledge. I want you to just look at the movies, Hollywood makes for teenagers and college level adults. What are in most of them? If you watch one for long, you will hear a sexual joke or scene. How about the language? You don’t have to look just watch a movie there in a Reality TV Show too. What happened to the good people helping and loving? Teenagers are being stereotyped as a drinking, irresponsible, rebellious, sex controlled, and partying loving. Yes, it’s okay to party but now they think we have to have a keg party. I got news for you. You don’t have to drink to have a “good time”.



Next, I want you to look at some adults. Why do some get nicer with old age and some get plain mean? Maybe they went through things. But it’s not an excuse to stay bitter and angry at everyone. You have got to heal from the pain. God will love and accept you and help you. He has helped me.



We have got to rise up and change the way the world looks at us. Christians, the world is watching us. They are seeing how you react to certain situations. You can choose to change with God’s help or not. It’s your choice on what you want your life to be and what you want to be remembered for. No one else can tell you to love one another. Yes, God does say it in his word. But you can choose to act out of love or not too. You can choose to let go off the past and move into the future. It is never too late to start helping out each other. Even if you don’t know where to start, let the creator lead you. Start smiling more at each other! As the song, “Human” says, “We have gotta to do better than this.” Get out there and make someone’s life better!