Olympic Spirit

I have "Olympic Spirit" by John Williams stuck in my head. Man I love John Williams.

Well, I've been up in Herndon since mid-September, kind of looking for a job. "Kind of" being a result of laziness, money in the bank, and an over-confidence that I could easily get a job based on my talent. I was so confident that all it would take would be a nice email with a link to my portfolio and my resume attached. Employers would go hardcore after me. Well I've found out that isn't the case. I think I've heard back from one prospect, and it was an automated message saying, "Thanks for applying, you'll hear back from us in 2 - 4 weeks if you are selected for an interview." Which of whom I never heard back from after that. So needless to say the job hunt hasn't been smooth, and I'm getting more nervous each day with the reports of unemployment growing. I'm also about to run out of money, and the temp agency I am with hasn't had a job for me since Halloween.

During all of this, I watch movies like Legends of the Fall, and yearn for a simpler, more clear-cut life. But when I look closer what I really want is for my life to fall into my lap, and man am I tired of thinking that way. I've been a minimalist all my life, and I've finally hit a point where more is being asked of me.

This is the main reason I made the decision to move up here. I was saying this to myself before I left. "Time to step up" I'd say. "Put the laziness, idols, and selfishness behind, and go get a life." The reason I say "get a life" is only because of where I was working. I knew I didn't want to be there anymore, and more opportunity awaited me here in Northern Virginia. I could find a job where I would be happy, find a church (even though it was hard leaving Cov Pres), find my wife, start a family, and who knows where God would take me after that. That was and still is the plan.

But this instead has turned into a very dark time. But there's hope still, and I know that, it's just hard right now. I've surrounded myself with the same idols and have grown accustomed to isolation. I haven't been actively seeking people out because I haven't settled on a church. Because of these things that I've given into, I've struggled reaching my goals. I'm doing the things I don't want to do, which, as an aside, is pretty good evidence that there is a power working against me.

I'm so thirsty to find my place! But I am so easily distracted by meaningless things. I HAVE to be willing to shut them out.

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

"For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace." Romans 6:14

"Olympic Spirit" is a good theme song for these verses!

A Test

I haven't updated this blog in forever.. do people get automatic alerts if I update this blog (start using it again) or should I just scrap it?

Update

Hey whoever visits my page. So an update I guess is in order.. been playing SVASL soccer which has been good fun.. my phone was destroyed so I lost all my phone numbers and have slowly been getting them back (if I haven't asked for yours, you can leave a response with your #).. I've been experiencing my first broken heart and have been trying to move on and heal.. I'm intesively seeking out fellowship in my new homegroup, the college and career class, anything else to better make the Lord my ultimate satisfaction.. I've gotten access back to my facebook profile, haven't used it since 2004 when I created it.. still working at Tradeshowdirect.com, my good friend Zak Koops (a 625 alum) got a job here recently, so that's been cool.. I really want to get out and camp some time soon.. I'm hoping to get started on some art projects soon, I have some potentially cool ideas involving large sheets of plywood, stain, nails, and string.. I just moved in to my own apartment which has a lot of space so I can do said art projects- plenty of room for having people over which I need.. um.. can't think of much else right now. Later

John

camping and hiking Blue Ridge Pkwy

So, this past weekend I went camping and hiking- as the title suggests. It was me, Nathan Dupriest and his cousin Jebon. I think it's "Jebon." Anyway, first we went to humpback rocks, which is about 5 miles south of the Afton Mountain exit for the parkway. It's a short hike- about .8 miles one way, but it's pretty steep. The view at the top is awesome. 360º- plus it was a beautiful day. I didn't have my camera at this point in the trip, so I didn't get any photos, but hopefully I will have some from Nate soon. After Humpback, we headed a little further south on the parkway to Raven's Roost, which is a pull-off overlook that also has some spots for some great climbing. We just did a little bouldering- no top-roping since we didn't want to bother setting stuff up and didn't have enough time for that anyway. In between Humpback Rocks and Raven's Roost is an AT intersection with the parkway- this is where we pull off to go to the camping spot- Dripping Rock. The best camping spot in the valley. possibly. Here's some pictures of the evening:









And the next morning:





Jebon and Nate took a bunch of great pictures too- lots of them wacky, so hopefully I can get them soon and give an update some time.

But it was a great trip, perfect weather. I'm ready to go again, so all my buds reading this, lets go. Especially all you husbands with pregnant wives. ;)