So, to keep you in the loop, I record a podcast with some buddies of mine.  We talk about all sorts of junk, and have a really good time doing so.  We have some awesome news for our upcoming podcast we record this Wednesday:  Check it out.  This is what Brad had to write about it:

This Wednesday, August 12th we have the opportunity to interview Mike Dawson.  Now for most of you, that might not be a household name.  I understand that, but in the coming months, after you hear the story that Mike’s going to tell, all that will change.  Mike is one of the writers responsible for the new riveting film, “The Enemy God”.  The film is a wonderful depiction of a TRUE STORY about redemption and how Christ is constantly intervening and saving the Yanomamo people!  Believe me when I tell you that some of the things Mike is going to talk about is going to ABSOLUTELY BLOW YOUR MIND!!

I had a chance to go to a screening of the film on Friday and it just blew me away!  Even the intro that Mike gave the film blew me away!

For more information, you can go to the film’s website here, or you can contact CaffeinatedFaith.com for more info.  The podcast should be available August 14th so be ready!

One month.  It has been one month since I have quit drinking energy drinks.  Let me tell you something, it is not easy.  The hardest time is the morning, obviously.  But also, when we go out to play trivia or something.  

My escape from not drinking a beer at a bar has always been redbull. (more expensive I might add)  Now, I don’t have that shield.  I have a sprite.  Not as awesome.  

It’s helped me remember to pray.  Sound silly?  Well, it’s not to me.  It reminds me, every morning, yes, every morning, to die to myself.  It’s a great reminder.  I can’t imagine how these kids must feel.  Hungry, tired, weak, all because we can’t cough up 1 dollar a week, or a day, or a month, to help them out. 

Lord, please help me remember there are people out there hurting.  Your people.  Help me not loose compassion.  Help me remember that there are things I don’t need, no matter how much my brain might try to convince me.  God.  Help me live like you!

-Amen!

I’ve been almost forced in to thinking about addiction again lately.  It hasn’t been pretty, but I think I’ve realized a lot.  Andrea asked me a few weeks ago if I missed the old days.  I told her no.  I said there were still times when I think about them, and… Not crave anything, but I think about it.  I do miss smoking.  It’s a thorn in my side.  It bothers me.  Andrea said that God could remove that from me, and I believe he can. But.

I don’t think he will.  I found recently that I’ve lost patience for addicts.  I have the, “I did it, (quit) why can’t they?” mentality.  I get annoyed, and almost don’t even want to be there for people.  I believe that God gives me this thorn, to remind me.  To keep me on my toes.  Not to weaken me, but to make me stronger.

All of my friends are addicts, and I’d say most of them still use to this day.  When I see them, it breaks my heart.  But, my mind is saying, “Screw them, they’re idiots.  blah blah blah.”  That’s just how I am.  I think I disassociate, so when the inevitable happens, I won’t be too disappointed.  But, the truth is, I will.   I don’t want it to happen.

I don’t even know what to pray anymore for myself, or my friends.  I think I’ll always miss smoking, for reasons mentioned above.  I don’t know what to pray for my friends.  I pray they don’t die.  But I have a feeling some of them are going to have to (again) to get the point.

It’s depressing.  What do you pray when you don’t know what to pray?

Winny has been sponsored!  Thank you, whoever you are!
If you would still like to give to compassion, you can pledge for my OYWO project, Or, simply give by clicking here.

It’s Thursday.  To me that means it’s Compassion Thursday.  Basically, a group of bloggers and myself choose one child a week, who has been waiting OVER 6 months for sponsorship, and we try to get them sponsored any way we can.

This week I chose Winny.

Personal and Family Information:
Winny makes her home with her father and her mother. Running errands is her household duty. Her father is sometimes employed as a farmer and her mother maintains the home. There are 3 children in the family.

As part of Compassion’s ministry, Winny participates in church activities. She is also in primary school where her performance is above average. Playing with dolls and playing group games are her favorite activities

To Sponsor Winny, click her image.  If you can’t sponsor Winny, but want to donate something, you can donate here and give what ever amount makes your comfortable.  If you’d like to pledge to donate to Compassion, while I participate in OneYearWithOut energy drinks and cigarettes, leave a comment below, and I’ll contact you with details.

Another thing, it’s very important we pray for these kids.  Pray for their safety, pray for their parents, (IF they still have them)  Pray for their hearts.

Thanks!

I read that.  I thought about it.  I twittered it.  It hit me hard.

Everyone is searching.  Everyone has a reason to pray. The world is hard for everyone.  It’s rough.  We have issues.  We ALL have issues.

What is so beautiful about this post is this guy (or girl) seems to get something from prayer.  They seem to realize that there is a calming factor from prayer.

that’s huge.  is that God? showing love to an athiest?  Yes. I think it is.  It’s great.  It goes to show, God is working.  On everyone.

That made my day,  thought it might make yours too.

Enjoy.