Effects of the Internet Harming Users

Here is the rest of my paper on Technology. If you missed one you can view it on previous posts.

The effects of using the internet for ghastly things guides the way for a countless number of lives falling victim to the crude cold world. Cyber bullying has escalated in the last few years and it shows no sign of stopping. We have lost an innumerable number of children, teens, and adults that have committed suicide because of the cyber bullies. We can never get those people back! But we can do something to stop it now. How many more kids will have to die before we see that technology has put us in a very tough position? Bullying isn’t stopping in schools. It is now coming home with the victims to continue to harass and torment them some more. Human trafficking, in particular, has increased rapidly with predators selling little children and women by using Classified ads on the internet. Predators make a lot of money off these victims, where they are trapped and held against their will. Victims are made to perform sexual intercourse in order for the predators to make money off them. Technology has permitted prostitution to amplify where hookers can make money easier than before. Hookers can be found on classified ads that are near you without you having to go out and find them. The internet has turned into a way to communicate with our friends and post updates on popular social media sites. We are constantly updating and telling all kinds of information that our friends really don’t need to know. Houses can be broken into easier if users were to update and tell people when they aren’t at home. Technology might have caused the world to learn more about each other in our daily lives, but is technology really a good tool to have? We are in continuous communication everywhere we go. But lives are being lost daily because of the World Wide Web and the harm it causes people to have to endure.


My mother and father brought me a CD for Christmas. The CD was entitled “Freedom: Artists United for International Justice Mission” and it is available at Family Christian Stores and their online store. Every CD purchased helps to rescue a victim of human trafficking. The CD includes a total of three CDs. The CD features 26 songs from Christian artists on two CDs. On the third CD, it has a DVD to watch on human trafficking. The CD includes songs from artists: Natalie Grant, Third Day, TobyMac, Tenth Avenue North, Brandon Heath, Jon Foreman, MercyMe, Phil Wickham, Jars of Clay, Sara Groves, Relient K, Sixpence None the Richer, and many more artists. You can help someone that has fallen victim to human trafficking get rescue and at the same time you get a wonderful CD to enjoy.

This CD has a song called “Arise” that I am praying and hoping people will arise and help one another out.

Here is a user made video to the song “Arise” By Third Day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2-2XMIKmvI



If you would like to purchase a copy of the Freedom CD from Family Christian Stores check it out below:

http://www.familychristian.com/shop/product.asp?prodID=133165&name=Various+Artists-Freedom

Let's all come together and help put an end to human trafficking, bullying, and let's be a little bit smarter about what kinds of information we share on the internet.

Chazown by Craig Groeschel Book Review

Craig Groeschel teaches readers in his book called, “Chazown” how to find their vision for their life. For many readers they might be wondering what a Chazown is. Chazown (pronounced khaw-zone) defined in the Hebrew language is a dream or a vision. Craig leads us in defining God’s vision for your life. You have the power to choose what you do with your own life. He helps identify your vision and how to find out what God is telling you to do with your life. He provided examples from his own life about how he began his call to ministry. Craig will show you how to find your core values and what you stand for in your own life. He also teaches you how to find out your spiritual gifts that can be used to further Christ’s kingdom. He will lead readers to uncover and relook at what has happened in your past and how that works in determining your vision for your life. He will help you tie together your spiritual gifts, your past, and your core values to find your Chazown.

In Chazown, Craig will explore with you and encourage you to continue or gain a relationship with Christ. He will show readers how health has a big part to play in your vision. He will give you advice on your finances. He wants you to have good relationships with the people in your life.

He instructs you to write down and keep a journal after each section of the book. He provides exercises to help you find your vision, your core values, your past experiences, and your spiritual gifts. He encourages readers to make goals and stick with them.

I liked the book because it helped me to discover how to redefine my vision and continue on to what God has called me to do. I kept a journal and tried to answer all the questions that Craig listed after each section of the book. Sometimes the questions will make you stop and think and that is fine. You just need to have a vision for your life.

Craig strongly persuades you to read and listen to this verse from the Bible. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18 KJV

I would recommend the book to every teenager, college student, and adult. I would recommend this book especially if you don’t have a vision for what God wants you to do with your life. It is so important to know which direction of your life you would like to go. Even if you have a vision this book will help you to stay determined and keep following your vision. It will help anyone to tap into God’s will for your life.

The book also has a neat interactive website to help you in your process to finding your vision. This website has great resources for you to use.

Check it out below:

http://www.chazown.com/

Read Chazown Chapter One:

http://www.multnomahemails.com/wbmlt/pdf/Chazown_Craig_Groeschel_Chapter1.pdf?ref=BloggingforBooks_Chapter1Link

Check out Craig Groeschel Describing His Book Chazown:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc9cEE90YIg

Chazown by Craig Groeschel is available on Amazon.com for purchase:

http://www.amazon.com/Chazown-Define-Vision-Passion-Purpose/dp/1601423136/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293153445&sr=1-1

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Please rate my review on WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books Program:

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/view/1147

Privacy Taken Away by Online Interactions

In fact, a big problem with the increasing websites and users is that we want to share all types of information online with everyone. We have no more privacy on what we share on our Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace statuses. Some people posts updates about where they are located at that present moment. For example, my friend Bryan posted, “I am at Wal-Mart”. If a robber saw that status update it would translate to “I am not home, come take all my things” and “Enjoy the big screen TV, my iPod, and my laptop; they are all FREE!” In other words, everyone on social media sites needs to think before they post and share information online. Once you put out a picture, status update, video, or a comment it is always there online. Users can’t take it back. You may be able to delete whatever you post, but someone may have already seen it and the damage can’t be undone. We tend to think everyone cares about our everyday life activities. Do we really need to know your whole life story, minute by minute, by what you’re posting? For instant, the social media raises the question that we all need to ask ourselves, “How much information is too much?” Do people really need to know you just ate Oreos and you dipped them in milk? I can’t help but think who cares. You can learn so much information about a person just from their Facebook page. Some users are even audacious enough that they share their home addresses on their Facebook page along with their home and cell phone numbers. I don’t think most people realize how dangerous that can be especially if they add random people they don’t even know.

Classified Ads Escalates Human Trafficking

Classifieds ads in the newspaper are a popular way to advertise for help wanted ads or items that you wanted to sell. The classified ads now have spread to the internet in another way. Now users can post information about what they would like to sell or offer services to people online. Popular classified ads websites include Craigslist and Backpage that allow human trafficking and prostitution to be offered on their sites. Craigslist “adult services” section on their site permits users to post ads offering to meet each other for sexual intercourse. More specifically, a human trafficking victim can be sold for sex a lot quicker and can go unnoticed by the police. Little children from all ages and women are being sold into human trafficking. Victims are held against their own will and technology and sites allow it to happen. Human trafficking victims are being forced to offer sex to make predators more money by using Craigslist and Backpage. The predators charge people who response to the adult services ads, but they fail to pay the victims any money for their part in the “services”. The predators continue to post the adult services ads on the sites over and over again. They are not going to stop selling human trafficking victims for sex, unless we put tougher internet laws into place. Another example is prostitution has become an easier way to make money by using the new technology out there. Prostitutes don’t have to secretly hide in the dark alleys to offer prostitution to people anymore. They can use Craigslist and post an ad to make money by selling their bodies. Classified ads like Craigslist and Backpage refuse to take down the adult services ads. With technology changing rapidly, no one knows how to handle the increasing sites or how to monitor everything on the internet. There are no government amendments on how to handle the increasing internet problems.

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

Cyber Bullying Leading Factor to Our Children’s Deaths

Cyber bulling, for example, is leading many children, teenagers and young adults to an endless pit of depression. Most teens are falling victim to bullies online, and they have no idea what to do about the harassment. We are in unremitting cycle of watching what our friends are doing online and what they are saying on popular social media sites. You can get a text message or check your social media account during class or at home from your cell phone. The cyber bullies can start groups or fan pages about the person to make fun of another person. Bullies can also post hate messages and sexual comments about someone else. Peers can sometimes gang up on a person online and they make the person feel like are worth nothing. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and YouTube have a hard time monitoring every single comment, group, fan page, or video that users create to share with one another. The website Formspring, for instance, permits users to create an account that allows users to ask any variety of questions anonymously. The questions are not censored so bullies can ask the victim anything they choose. The questions are not shown publicly unless the victim tries to answer the question. If the bully were to ask an inappropriate question, for example, “Why are you gay, weird, and stupid?” The victim could feel like they must answer the question. Failure to answer the question makes the bully think the questioned asked might be true. But the damage is already done when the victim reads the question; they are scared forever. The victims of cyber bulling are feeling like there is no hope out there for them. The teens feel that they are all alone in their battle against the bully. Technology has permitted the teenagers that get bullied in school to take the bullies home with them too! The problem is that most schools don’t even know how to handle cyber bulling because the bullying happens online. Schools can’t watch every student’s accounts on social media sites for cyber bulling or suicide threats. Cyber bulling is a leading cause of suicide deaths from teenagers and kids. Tyler Clementi, Phoebe Prince, Hope Whitsell, and Megan Meier committed suicide from being cyber bullied. Tougher laws will have to be in place in order to stop cyber bullying from happening to a countless number of our children, teens, and adults. We have the power to save lives and give these kids hope if we chose to.


So won’t you stand up and fight for change and for what is right. It only takes one to stand up and make a difference in someone else’s life. The question is will you be that one? Will you stand up? Would you stand up for someone else? Or will you join in with the bullies? It’s your decision.


Here is an inspiring video to encourage you to do just that “Stand Up”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARkxnRbyR1c



Some of the lyrics of Sugarland – “Stand Up” are:

“All the lonely people cryin’ It could change if we just get started Life the darkness, light a fire For the silent and the broken hearted Won’t you stand up Stand Up Stand Up Won’t you stand up you girls and boys? Won’t you stand up Stand Up Stand Up Won’t you stand up and use your voice?”

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.

Love Revolution Shown by a Church

This Love Revolution story is about a church who gave itself away. I have been looking for a church to attend for quite a while. This past two months I stopped going to church all together. Every church I have went to hasn’t felt like home to me. But this church holds a back to school Christian event for the county along with many churches in the area. I had no idea that God would bring someone to my doorstep but he did. They are giving away a prize at the back to school event and when I entered the contest. One of the question asked, “If I had a church I go to”. I clicked no. They also asked, “If I wanted more info on the churches in the area”. I clicked yes. Then God showed up! I had no idea this church member from one of the churches would come actually to my door. I thought they would send a flyer not a person to my house. J But I am glad they did. He brought me homemade bread, info about the church, a message series, and a worship team CD of the church. Why would someone randomly do that? After all they had no idea who I was. I haven’t been to a church service there before. I honestly had no idea where it was located even! They were starting a love revolution! I haven’t ever heard of churches doing anything like that in my entire life. I felt the LOVE of God for the first time in a long time. It was the God in him. So I decided to give church another try. It just takes one!


Natalie Grant is starting a LOVE REVOLUTION! Joyce Meyer is also trying to start one. I think it’s a wonderful idea. So I posted this story on Natalie Grant’s Love Revolution website.

http://startaloverevolution.com/
If you have a love revolution story about you or others post it on her site. You might be wondering what in the world a love revolution is. It means everyone coming together and helping one another in small ways. Some examples would include feeding the hunger, donating to charities, helping out at church, holding open doors for one another, buying someone a coffee, talking to someone who is lonely, and anything else you can come up with.

Mission Completed

I had my run for St. Jude’s Research Hospital on Saturday, June 12. It was extremely hot in Nashville, TN. The humidity was smoldering to anybody’s body. The run was at 8 am. This little girl named Ellen Taylor kicked off the 5k run with the National Anthem. One guy juggled balls during the whole walk/run. I don’t know how he did that. I did good to walk and run it. Then two girls walked and hula hooped the whole run. I only had about two months to prepare for the run. I could only run for 0.31 miles. Then my right foot started killing me, but I finished the 5k. Most people walked and some ran the whole time. But the reason we all came together was for the children not for being first.

Someone recorded this video of Ellen Taylor performing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaJKOWvhL5g

I would like to thank everyone who has read and supported me during this run/walk. Thank you everyone who donated or who has ever donated to St. Jude’s. I even saw young kids ranging from 3 to 16 helping one another. I even saw some older people helping and running. The world would be a much better place, if we all would just reach out and move along and help one another. We can’t live in fear or let our doubts hold us back any longer. So thank you for reading any of my posts.

I went to Nashville for the CMA Fest too. It was my first time going and it was a blast. I only went to three of the four nightly concerts. I was hurting and too sore to stay for the last night. But I got to see a lot of artists and TV show stars. I even got to met some of them, which was awesome. I went to the Convention Center which is where artists sign at booths. My favorite would have to be Point of Grace. They made me feel like they cared about me as a fan. We connected and Leigh even remembered my name. Point of Grace did a free concert at the Music City Zone and Leigh said, “We met Andrew today. Hey Andrew” I got a picture of her pointing at me. I about flipped out. If you ever get the chance to go to the CMA Fest, it is worth it. It was crazy and hot though just to warn you. Nashville is very hot! Two of the best singers at the nightly concerts would have been Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride. They rocked it! Everyone who performed was great! But they were my favorite, if I had to pick two.

I also heard of a new artist, Danny Gokey. Yes, he is from American Idol too. I got his new CD this week and it is great. I like most of the tracks and I agree with this dude. His first single called, “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me” is a song about looking ahead in life and not living in the past.

Here are the lyrics:

“Life hasn't always been a party but mostly it's been good There's only one or two things that I'd change if I could I don’t get lost in the past or get stuck in some sad memory yah My best days are ahead of me

Age is nothing but a number Sometimes I have to wonder What does it really mean But hey I’m still putting it together I keep getting better if I keep getting better I can be whatever I want to be My best days are ahead of me”

Here is the powerful video for the song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqus079lUz8

I know we all have some things we regret but the past is the past. We CAN’T change it. No matter how much we would like to change some things. We all make mistakes. But all we can do is pray for forgiveness and receive it. Then move on. As the song says, “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me” we have to believe that.

Who knows maybe I will run another one completely one day.

“Forget perfect. Perfect is boring! Our bodies are beautiful, no matter how narrow our cultures definitions might be. Embrace your perceived imperfections- they make you unique- and love who you are. It’s the only way to move forward.” Jillian Michaels “Winning By Losing” Page 6

Oh and my supporters raised $500 dollars for the run. Which I couldn’t have done it, without you thank you again. I made my goal with everyone’s help. $5,110.00 was raised by Team Messina so far. They are still counting the donations. I believe you can still donate so I don’t have any clue, when they will stop the donations. $27,019.10 has been raised for the St. Jude’s so far! Let’s just pray that we help save a life with all the donations and maybe we will find the cure to cancer!

Determination - Never Giving Up

I will never give up in helping to raise money and awareness for St. Jude’s 5K run! I heard this song and it fits my life. I can’t give up in running my 5K. I will run this! I can do this!

Here is a song called, “Never Say Never”. It is by Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith.

“You see I never thought that I could walk through fire I never thought that I could take a burn I never had the strength to take it higher Until I reach the point of no return And there's just no turnin back When your heart's under attack Gonna give everything I have It's my destiny I will never say never (I will fight) I will fight till forever (make it right) Whenever you knock me down I will not stay on the ground Pick it up, pick it up Pick it up, pick it up (up up up...) And never say never (ne-never say never x3)”

Here is the video for “Never Say Never”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z5-P9v3F8w

I watched Jillian Michael’s new show last night. It’s called “Losing It with Jillian” and it’s on NBC. One of the quotes I like that Jillian Michael said, “I am going to give you one warning, don’t say I can’t to me.” She is a very tough coach who is all about fitness and being healthy. She also said, “You know what you’re doing right now. You’re quitting”. The show is very moving and motivating. She made this family mother run a 5K. Kind of ironic isn’t it? I am kind of like the Jones family. I can relate to Deb (mother of the Jones Family) letting people and the voices to push her down.

Here is an 8 week program by Jillian Michael in training for a 5K Run:

http://www.nbc.com/losing-it-with-jillian/exclusives/jones/sedentary-to-5k.pdf

I would like to thank everyone who has prayed for me for this run and donated to St. Jude’s. I can do this with your support! I have my family and friends and even strangers depending on me to finish this run. I have to have the determination to finish this running event. I will do it! The cancer patients have to face living with cancer every day. I can at least raise support and money and believe that I will finish this race. God is for me! Let’s believe our money will help the doctors find cures for the patients. We are going to believe God for his favor and for his healing. God is still in control and always will be! We will pray that God will bless everyone and he will.

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” Romans 8:31 (The Message)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:31&version=MSG

Here is a message thanking you for your support from Keith Urban:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffq59mGMI94

This is what it means to be a part a St. Jude Heroes Program:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-Tn8M9Y6rQ
Here is “Just Stand Up” by Various Artists:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2hPmcyJBDc

That song makes me want to keep going!

I hope you will consider supporting me and praying for me for my 5K run! You can help save a life.

Here is “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sad2_p1EOic

She let this little girl with cancer walk on stage.

A little background on St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital is that it was founded by Danny Thomas in 1962. Because of your donations, families never have to pay for anything not covered by insurance companies.

Read more about St. Jude: No Place Like St. Jude multimedia presentation

http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=b842499d66678110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD&vgnextchannel=776c13c016118010VgnVCM1000000e2015acRCRD


To support St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital click the link below:

http://www.mystjudeheroes.org/hopenow

"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.'” Matthew 25:37-45 (The Message)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:37-46&version=MSG

Week 8

Day 1 – Friday, June 4

I went a total of 0.64 miles and I took a total of 1354 steps. I burned a mass sum of 39 calories.

Day 2 – Saturday, June 5

In my journey for my run for St. Jude, I took a total of 3460 steps. I went for a grand total of 1.63 miles. I burned a total of 98 calories.

Day 3 – Sunday, June 6

I went an enormous sum of 4.65 miles! I smoldered a full amount of 284 calories. I took about 9824 steps! Wow, I can do this!

Day 4 – Monday, June 7

I went for an extensive amount of 1.52 miles. I burned a total of 91 calories. I took a complete sum of 3219 steps.

Thank you supporting me and for helping so many children living with cancer. You are helping make a difference in their lives. When we all come together, we can change the world for the better. May God bless you! Never give up! Everyone can be happy and have joy, if they choose too.

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.

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

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

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 3 - 7

Day 3 – Sunday, May 9

I went a total of 1.89 miles today. I burned a total of 114 calories. I also took a total of 4187 steps. I walked and ran four laps. I ran one complete lap.

Day 4 – Monday, May 10
I ran in the morning and at night today. I only went one lap at night though. I felt sick for some reason. But I went four laps in the morning time. I went for a sum of 2.74 miles including both times. I burned around 181 calories. I took a mass sum of 5804 steps today.

Day 5 – Tuesday, May 11

I went a total of 1.92 miles today. I burned 124 calories on my journey. I took a total of 4056 steps. I went a total of four laps around the track.

Day 6 – Wednesday, May 12

I went a total of 4 laps. Four is the always the lucky number. I went a total of 1.24 miles and I took a total of 2632 steps. I burned a whole 73 calories, which I guess is a start. I also lifted weights today. I am up to 40 pounds! I was doing 30 pounds. I am improving, which is a wonderful thing. I watched Joyce Meyer today like I do every day. I encourage you to watch this week on TV or the internet. This week is about “What the Devil Doesn’t Want You to Know”. Joyce Meyer said, “You may be sitting there and you’re 20. But someday, you’re going to be as old as me. You need to make a decision now what kind of condition you’re going to be in when you get there. Come on now, I’m talking to some people. Oh well, I’ll worry about that then. No, then it may be too late to worry about it.” I think someone was speaking to me. I don’t really care to exercise and work out, but I need to. I wasn’t ever an athletic person. I would prefer to just have a six pack abs and not do anything to get them. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. And no, I don’t have anything near a six pack. I am going to get fit! Yes, I am the least bit person to run a 5K. But it’s for St. Jude’s Children! Even if I don’t run the whole 5K and I walk some of it. It will be okay. They still get the money. We need to give these children a hope. We can always have hope and faith that things will get better. I know you may be using the excuse times are hard. But the children still need donations and someone to believe in them. We all need someone to believe in us! We have got to bring back the love. Don’t make excuses on why you can’t do anything in life. Just get up and do them. If you make a mistake, repent and God will forgive you. Tell the person sorry if you can. But get back to living.

I love Mary Mary’s song called, “Get Up”! Some of my lyrics are:

“Get up ‘Cause you can’t stop Get up Got a lot to do 24 hours Almost gone Get up

Don’t sit there Get up If you wanna get there Clocks don’t stop and Time won’t wait What are you afraid of? Don’t you know What you’re made of? One of God’s Greatest creations Take this invitation now”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgtMHdir_7A

It’s never too late to change and turn your life around. You can get fit if you want to bad enough. You can be happy or you can choose to be depressed. Don’t you dare listen to the lies of Satan! He will tell you its too late but it’s not. He will tell you negative things and he will try to stop you. You can be a positive person, change your words, and your mind. Read the word of God! God sent his only son for your sins.

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.” John 3:16 (The Message)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%203:16%20&version=MSG

Day 7 – Thursday, May 13

I am so excited! I ran two laps of my four laps today. I am getting better and better. I went for a total of 2.04 miles today. I burned a total of 143 calories. I took a total of 4327 steps today. I also continued to work out by lifting weights. I lifted 40 pounds again.

Jo Dee Messina has a song recorded called, “Was That My Life”. The lyrics are: “Yes I'll fall before I fly But no one can say I never tried Oh we just get one Ride around the sun In this dream of time It goes so fast That one day we look back And we ask Was that my life?”

I don’t want to look back and wonder what if. No one wants to do that. We need to love and help one another out more. We have got to do better. So many people are getting bullying and abused at school, work, and home. As a whole world, Satan tempts us with drugs, sex, money, things, our mind, our emotions, our mouth, reasoning, and other people’s approval. He has gotten so good at controlling and lying to people. He makes us be afraid to step out and reach out to one another. We hear in the media every single night, everyone is bad. We think, “You can’t trust anyone anymore.” When I die, I know where I am going. But do you? There are still some good people out there! We are all human. But God is always there for us. He never leaves us! Even when you think he isn’t listening, he is. We have got to reach out and love better than we are doing now. We only have one life to live. How do you why to be remembered? Do you want people to say, “______ was selfish, never willing to help anybody, life of the party (but they can’t remember half of their life), doesn’t say hello, wasted years, all talk-never show, living in the past, never laughed, depressed, rude, and critical. I know we all fail in some of these areas daily. I know because I struggle with this too. Everyone does. Not one person has it all together. But we can still try and reach out to each other. It doesn’t matter if you think that person is way different than you. So what! We need to stop judging and LOVE! I of all people know how hard it is. Satan tells us lies! He is a liar. You are never alone! You have not made the biggest mistake that you can’t repent and be forgiven. God will forgive you and come into your heart. He loves you.

Matthew West wrote a song called, "Life Inside You". The lyrics are: “There's a life inside you. There's a beating heart. There's a child of wonder, shining like a star. There's a life inside you.”

So please join with me and help the children of St. Jude’s Research Hospital. All the money goes directly to St. Jude’s and they help children with cancer. Any amount helps them!

http://www.mystjudeheroes.org/hopenow

My page name for St. Jude’s came from the song called, “Hope Now”. Addison Road recorded the song.

Listen to the song below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xboucW89gUU

The song lyrics are: “Everything rides on hope now Everything rides on faith somehow When the world has broken me down This love sets me free When my life is like a storm Rising waters all I want is the shore You say I’ll be ok and Make it through the rain You are my shelter from the storm I'm not my own I've been carried by you All my life”

All of the songs are on ITunes, Wal-Mart, Amazon, and other online retail places and they will inspire and encourage you. Or you can also go and pick up their CD’s.

I am also about to start reading a new book. There is also a movie out as well. The book and movie is called, “Letter’s to God”. They both look great and it will make people think. The storyline is about Tyler who is a kid going through cancer. He is writing letters to God and having hope!

Here is a sneak preview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBDK2LGn4p0

Check out the official website for the movie below:

http://www.letterstogodthemovie.com/

Here is a clip that is very sad: He is afraid of what people will say.

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

Inspiring clip: Giving hope!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP8A8ydEdSs

Check out my Google Page Site:

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