What?s That?

Responsibility. Maybe you've heard the song by MxPx, maybe not. This week has brought forth into my sight how much responsibility that I have. I think the I have on my to do list:

- Read 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles in two different versions AND write a collateral report on it (Complete)
- Read first three chapters of Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis and write a collateral report (complete)
- Read 3 books on evangelism, write 2 collateral reports, and a 1500 word reflection paper on it (current project)
- Formulate my philosophy of youth ministry and summarize it in 1500 - 2000 words (complete)
- Read first chapter of "New Directions in Youth Ministry" (Failed...didn't know about the assignment)
- Prepare a sermon for the Jr. Youth meeting on Wednesday night (current project)
- Go to classes 16 hours a week (in the works)
- Work 14 hours this week in the library (in the works)
- Meet with Pastor John Symonds for preregistration (Complete)
- Go to Saint John for immunizations for India trip (Thursday)
- Meet at least 1 hour with the India team (Complete and in the works)
- etc.

This list is JUST one weeks worth of events, not to mention the unexpected visit of Sarin and all of the daily necessities (God Time, eat, sleep, bathroom stuff...). I know that the trick is to choose the battles that you fight. That is what I am doing! With great sweat, tears, blood, gnashing of teeth, prayer, petition, fasting, and other random exertions, I was able to write my philosophy paper....one of this week's major projects. Now the trick is to get the rest done.

A Side Note of Unexpected Jubilation:

I know that this is going to the complete flip-side of the other side of my rant. One specific item on my list is a blessing to me: Point #10: "Go to Saint John for immunizations for India Trip" have been brought to you by the letters: G,O,D, ,P,R,O,V,I,D,E,S! I have been at the end of myself for money for these shots. Yesterday, after our team meeting, Mike MacNeil, our fearless leader, came in with an envelop and says: "Here is the money for your shots. It just came and and it expressed that I rush this to you. I don?t know...it's from some guy from Tennessee." Tennessee.... Tenessee... who do I know from Tenessee?

Randi.

Through a random series of events, I met a super-awesome, Jesus-loving, Missions-minded chick from Tennessee when I went to Virginia to visit my brother and go to the Warped Tour concerts. During the day, Ginny, one of John's friends, mentions that I'm planning to go to India. At this point, Randi says, "You're going to India? I've gone there with YWAM!" So, we spent the day hanging out and stuff. At the end of the day, I got her e-mail addy and have kept into contact with her.

Since that time, she has been a huge encouragement to me in preparing for this trip. This current event is just another form of God's blessing through preparation. I have learned so much from the preparation, about faith and relying on God to being satisfied in whatever He has for me. Randi... if you're reading this, thank you for listening to God's leading and for being an encouragement to me.

An even more unexpected side note:

So I get back from Models of Youth class and Rader tells me that I got a phone call a few minutes ago. So I look on our message board and I see "D-man, Kirk called....". So what did I do this time? Well, I figured instead of calling him, I could just run over to his office. So I walk in the office and he says "Wow, Mr. Jonny on the spot... glad you came over." And like Uncle Sam, he leans over the table and points his figure, "I want you......to run for Student Council." Turns out that he wants me to be Vice President. Then he pops the question, "Are you at all interested in this?" I smirk and say "Yeah.... I'd be up for that." So as I get brought before whatever commitee that desides these things and I can start my campaign Friday...."Vote for Damien....he'll help make Kirk's Iron Fist seem more like a gentle breeze..." .... or not