New Beginnings

So, this is my first week at my new job. I don't know exactly to do yet. I know in general that I help get kids to come to Johnson Bible College but how is the question. I am grateful though because I work with all my friends that go to Crossings. I am sure I will find my place here. It's always weird when you start a new job. Anyway, thats all thats going on with me. Sorry, no deep thoughts or funny videos. Just me.

Shalom

Man of Constant Sorrows

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Remember the movie, O Brother Thou art Thou, well a group of buddies and I jammed out of this tune at church. Check it out.

Crazy Train

Hi friends, Life is soooo crazy!!! One minute life is great and grand, then the next minute life can take you on a rollercoaster ride. I have recently run into some bumpy roads in my life. Nothing major,I think. These minor frustrations might affect relationships with others and even your faith. The bumpy roads of life don't just slowly creep up on you, they hit you dead on like a freight train crash.

My car broke down yesterday and I found out the starter went bad. In the grand scheme of things, my car breaking down is not the end of the world but it does cause a chain reaction of frustrations. For example: the cost of the part, my wife taking off of work to take me to work, when to pick up the part, who can fix it, when to fix it, and the list goes on. I view these obstacles of life as learning/growing experiences with myself and God. I have relied on prayer for most part. Life is short and our life can change so much with one blink of an eye.

My wife and I have grown so much do to the pitfalls of life. I guess without those obstacles I don't know if we would be as close as we are so I guess I thank God for them. I know that might sound weird but I guess it's like when James 1:2 says, "...Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds." My wife and friends have helped me so much through life. I believe we are not suppose to walk through this world alone.

Proverbs 27:17
17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Simple but true

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
James 1:22

Clothes = Clothes for children

These companies below take the Christian t-shirt to a new level. I love clothes and I love art. I am a consumer and we are all consumers no matter how much you say you are not. We buy stuff all the time. We consume so much stuff everyday. OK, I am done using the word stuff. I believe if we are going to buy clothes, shoes, and etc. , then why not buy it from a company that supports world hunger. Most of these companies give a portion of their profits to organizations based in Africa, South America, and Asia. For example, Tom Shoes donates a pair of shoes to Argentina every time one pair is purchased. That is pretty awesome. I am not forcing any of you to spend more money by all means, SAVE YOUR MONEY but if you need to buy some trendy clothes then check out of these sites below. I probably should practice what I preach. LATER!!!

http://www.relevantstore.com/
http://www.buyshoessavelives.com/
http://www.tomsshoes.com/
http://www.onetruth.com/
http://www.twicebornstore.com/
http://www.jedidiahusa.com/
http://www.malakaiclothing.com/
http://www.kfleye.com/
http://www.obeyclothing.com/

Betsy loves Steve and Barry's. BFF

Got Church?

Cool fact:

A new survey has found that three-quarters of Americans who haven't gone to church in the last six moths say it is "full of hypocrites". About 44 percent said, " Christians get on my nerves."
However, the LifeWay Research study revealed that more than 75 percent said they would be willing to listen to a Christian talk about their faith.

So what are we (you) waiting for...

2 Timothy 4:5 (Message version)

3-5You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.

--fact taken from March-April Relevant Magazine (emphasis added by Blake Strozyk)

Middle School Mania

This week is middle school mania. A couple of buds and I were asked to lead worship for this youth retreat at this private school. The kids are very energetic and that is very surprising for 8 o'clock in the morning. I am definitely feeling the affects of waking up at 6 in the morning. My wife is happy because she can now turn all the lights on. FYI: My wife is a school teacher. Anyway, Tommy Oaks is speaking and it is pretty good stuff. The theme of the week is freedom. Its a pretty general theme but I think freedom is one of those things we need to be reminded about. We have freedom in Christ and Christ frees us from sin. Did I mention that Tommy Oaks is speaking.

Have a good week!!