tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91618475933386968382024-03-13T05:18:05.465-07:00A Moment of LifeNever seems to get dull in my worldEvan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-59249274107695851982010-04-20T02:45:00.001-07:002010-04-20T03:07:11.874-07:00Home Bound - 25 daysLets just say I failed. If you've read my previous 3 or 4 posts you'd see that I continuously promise more and more posts about whats going on in my life. If you've been to my blog 2 or 3 times in the past two months then even you would know that...I've failed. Sorry. I wouldnt say its a lack of passion or something like that. I enjoy writting ALOT, but its clear there just isnt much going on in my life. Nothing has really changed in the past 6 months here in Germany...Until now. I've noticed a trend with my writting style. I usually on post on here when something new or interesting is going on in my life, and I am just going to be honest. There isnt much going on!<br /><br />I sat in Nuremburg Airport this thursday with a plane ticket bound for London to visit my sister and brother-in-law before Afghanistan. Unfortunatly for me a volcano did not want me or half of the world to travel this past week...So there goes that. I sat in the terminal until I looked at the Tv, and saw that Mount Vjijsfhyelpksuduhf decided it needed to erupt. Glad that I could partake in whats turning out to be a historical event. Neat.<br /><br />We've pretty much wrapped most of our training up at Hoenfels, Germany. A month in the field! I had a good time, because believe it or not I love my job... We've hit up some ranges latley but most training is done with.<br /><br />My birthday is comming up this saturday! Yippee, can you sense my lack of motivation?! 19, its just another year. Aren't I suppose to feel this way when I am like 40? I guess being stuck in a stupid country can do that to you. 20 should be even more enjoyable. Not sure what I've got going on so far, who knows what my friends can come up with!<br /><br />Despite whatever is going on in this goofy little country, I can speak for myself and all of my friends around here that EVERYONE is excited to home for a few weeks. That's what I've got my eyes on. I've got a bunch of really great things planned with a whole bunch of incredible people! Its going to be a good time, and it'll be a good way to start off the deployment. 6 months since i've been back in the states, Im excited to be back there for a short time. I should be busy from the minute I step off the plane until the day I step back on (but im not going to talk about that right now. Either way, Its my two weeks of summer and I am going to make the absolute best out of what the Army could offer.<br /><br />One Love,<br />EvanEvan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-11171280914296526882010-04-14T06:57:00.000-07:002010-04-14T06:58:50.861-07:00Video<object width="320" height="240"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/1194692033088"><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/1194692033088" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="240"></embed></object>Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-36761211969433583452010-02-19T16:38:00.000-08:002010-02-19T18:46:42.944-08:00Welcome to Ft Benning, GET THE F**K OFF MY BUSI read a book last week while I was on a 24 hour CQ shift. It was called Faith on the Front-lines. It was a book that discussed having a relationship with God while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The first two chapters I could relate to so well it brought me back to something I NEVER want to re-live again. Boot Camp. Now that I am sitting here thinking about it, I have never told stories about basic training to my friends and family back home.<div>So here it is...</div><div><br /></div><div>It was july 12th</div><div>I was at church sunday morning. I remember sitting through service. I couldn't think straight. This was my last Sunday at home. I was trying to soak it all in one last time. All I could really think about is what im going to say to all of my friends when the service was over? It was goodbye. My recruiter was going to pick me up at home in a few hours.</div><div>Finally it was that time. I walked out to my car with some of my closest friends. They had surprised me with something that I will never forget. Hundreds of sticky notes on my car of memories that we all had together. We shared laughs and tears together that afternoon. It was bitter sweet. I was so excited to start, but my friends and family mean so much to me. Driving away was the hardest thing I've ever done. After that I sat in living room with my parents. It was quiet. I kept looking at the driveway expecting the recruiter to take me. It was quite enough to hear our clock tick. I could sense the pain my parents were feeling. Their youngest was leaving for the military, something most parents dont ever want to see their child do.</div><div>Finally, I said my goodbyes and I was off...</div><div><br /></div><div>The military never makes anything easy. I found this out fast. My recruiter took me to my hotel in Cherry Hill, NJ. I spent the night there, boy I was miserable. The next morning I got woken up at 4am. An angry man at the door said, "Get your bags its time to leave" </div><div>Awesome, a bus full of recruits of all different branches of the military was bound for FT Dix, NJ. We would do some paperwork, get a medical check, and get a brief. </div><div>By 5pm I was waiting in my terminal for Atlanta, Georgia. It was time to go! When I got on the plane I sat in my seat horrified. I had my little bible in my hand the whole time. I read it the whole time I was on the plane. My bible was the only comfort I could find in this horrible life transition.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I finally made it to Atlanta, all the recruits had to meet up in a specific part of the airport. There we waited until our bus driver got us. I felt a sense of relief when I got to the place and met some of the other recruits. You could see in their faces that they were just as terrified as me. We all knew what was to come.</div><div>Eventually our bus driver made it to us, and told us to hurry up we were late. by this time it was 10pm. We were all tired, but little did we know it was just the beginning of a miserable week. The coach bus was nice... Most kids were too anxious to sleep so there was a good amount of chatter among the bus. Typical chatter, Where are you from? How old are you? What do you think boot is gonna be like? The same questions you get asked 1000 times. After the two hour ride, I looked out a window. I saw a sign that read, "Welcome to Ft. Benning, Home of the Infantry"</div><div>Ohhhhhhhhhh Shit. Home. The bus got silent, we all grew silent for we knew what was coming. Ft Benning is huge so we drove around for a while. The bus stopped in this parkin lot next to a building that said, '3oth AG reception battalion' little did I know this place was hell on earth.</div><div>Anyway the bus was silent. The bus driver disappeared. About 20 meters off of the bus I saw a Drill Sergeant approaching the bus . FML. He was bald, about 6'4 and was horrifying. Just imagine a scary looking guy. Yeah that was him.</div><div>He stood in the door of the bus, calmly said, " Welcome to Ft. Benning, Georgia" then without hesitation he roared loudly, "NOW GET THE F**K OFF OF MY BUS" Little did I know this wasnt going to be the fastest I've ever seen a bus get cleared out. It was like a movie!</div><div>3 seconds of being off of the bus I was doing push-ups. Apparently I dont know how to follow directions. The DS (Drill Sergeant) proceeded to tell me about how I was a useless cock that didnt know how to line up correctly! Ooops.</div><div>By this time It was midnight. While standing outside I looked around and saw tree's. I could feel the humid summer air on my skin. It reminded me of the summer nights with my friends. Those nights were long gone. </div><div><br /></div><div>We sat in the reception building all night. We got searched for weapons or other crap we cant have, we did paperwork, got issued uniforms, and got rid of out civilian clothes for 3 months. Finally at 330am they sent us to our barracks. They said, go to bed. First call (wake up) is at 0400. They gave us 30 minutes to sleep. This was the initial part of their "break down" plan.</div><div>sleep deprivation. 3oth AG was miserable. After that first night we didnt have many DS interactions. We didnt get yelled at. We got about an hour of sleep each night. It was 5 days long and it was paperwork, wait in line, get shots, more lines, more paperwork, and more waiting. HELL. I could write a whole post about this place but it was so miserable im not even motivated to write about it. we were allowed to use the phone for 5 minutes there. I talked to my mom. I could hardly talk. I wanted my mom to think that everything was great. I tried my best to convince her that I was happy. Thats all I cared about.</div><div>Well it was friday and the rumor was that we were gonna leave. Early friday we packed our bags and we sat outside. After a few hours of useless sitting down we were ordered to grab our bags. Our bags at this point had all of our issued uniforms. We had two full heavy duffel bags.</div><div><br /></div><div>You ever watch a movie about bootcamp where the new recruits are on those white school buses? Yup, thats not just in the movies. They really exist.</div><div>They pulled up and we all piled on about 5 school buses with our gear. The buses drove around in circles for about 20 minutes to build up our anticipation. Then it happened. They slowed down, I looked outside on the door side of the bus and saw 12 Drill Sergeants standing there with their arms crossed. One was holding a dagger, by this point i just about pissed myself. The busses stopped next to the DSgts and the doors opened....</div><div><br /></div><div>All hell broke loose. I thought the first time I was told to get off the bus was scary, this time there were 12 of them screaming at the top of their lungs. Yeahhhh f that. There were 200 horrified privates running around like D-Day. We were instructed to hold our duffel bags over our head and run around the track a few times. While we were running in the 90 degree Georgia heat we were rounded up like a dog rounds sheep. The Drill Sergeants running within the wild stampede of privates screaming in their faces. When someone tripped a DS was in their face to scream. If someone wasnt moving fast enough, they heard about it. But honestly that day no one was moving fast enough for DS satisfaction. I remember at one point there was a DS on my left, and on my right screaming. I temporarily put my bags down. What a horrible idea. During this time all I could think about was, "what kind of jackass would sign up for this bull crap?"</div><div>After running around the track enough, jumping over a 7 footwall, and standing in formation with our bags over our heads, and getting mentally mauled they decided we should sprint a few hundred yards to our barracks. SWEET! Thats where we were split and sent to our rooms, where for the next 3 months we would have our lives transform.</div><div><br /></div>Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-56452103225134365842010-01-26T15:30:00.000-08:002010-01-26T15:33:52.719-08:00What exactly Do I do in Germany?!Here is a great video of some fun training i've been doing! its a night fire with our IR (infrared) lasers. this is just a video i took using my video camera looking through my Night Vision Optics!<br />Enjoy!<br /><br />Turn the speakers up!!!<br /><br /><object width="320" height="240"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/1175844041900"><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/1175844041900" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="240"></embed></object>Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-65239824736944802212009-11-27T06:12:00.000-08:002009-11-27T08:25:32.504-08:005 things you probably should'nt do in Germany!I haven't been here too long and i've already personally witnessed enough stupid crap to formulate a list about things you shouldn't do while traveling in Germany! I'm stationed here in Germany! Yes I am stuck here filled with testosterone pumped guys who want nothing more than some german beers and a sneak peek at some german boobies! Lets see, army guys + money + beer + endless amounts of woman = never a good thing. Learn from these people!<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> This one is called the Krusty Crab!</span><br />This guy came into my barracks room explaining to me the good time he had with some random romanian girl from the red light district. If you don't know what that is its basically a playground for hookers. Gross right? Anyway when this guy proceeded tell me about his adventures with this girl he had to pay 100 Euros for (which is roughly 160 American dollars.) He kept going on as if I cared to hear about his sad stories about how he had to pay for a good time. As he continued to tell me his story i couldn't help but nothing something was bothering him… i don't need to go into detail because I feel that the title is enough for you to figure out but let me tell you something. Man-scaping in my shower is not going to be a good solution, Actually its more of a HORRIBLE idea. See, now I am just pissed!<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Moral of the story: Just because prostitution is legal here does not mean you wont get the itchies! Gross!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. The Battle Buddy System!</span><br />Here in the army we don't do anything alone! Why? Because if something goes horribly wrong you've got a soldier to cover you, to watch your back, to make sure you get out alive! One guy decided he was too good for his battle buddy and left him in a hotel room passed out with a hooker in a city pretty far from base. The next morning he found a note and some money, she felt bad for him and paid HIM to get back to base! Taxis here arent cheap either! <span style="font-style: italic;">Moral of the story: Pick the right battle buddies! Don't leave your buddy in a hotel room with a syphylgonjuas infected woman. Thats not right!</span><br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Loans are for houses, cars, or really expensive things!</span><br />I know obama wants us to spend money so the economy can kind of fix itself, I guess a few guys here got the idea ohhh so wrong. If your a single guy, 18 and have never really made to much money before the armies pay seems pretty freaking awesome! Right? If your 21, paying child support and are in debt at home you should probably be careful with what seems to be not enough money for you… And when i say careful I don't mean taking out a german loan and spending 2500 Euros in one night. I wish this was a joke but sadly its not…. How does one spend that much money in a strip club? Where do they keep all that money? I probably don't even want to know! This guy spends his nights in the barracks now! Hes out of money. <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Moral of the story: You're in Europe! Spend the money on something better than strip clubs! Go see something cool! Do something other than blowing all your money! Also, this place is HELLA expensive don't blow all your money!</span><br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Watch your stuff!</span><br />We've learned that some people over here:<br />A. Hate americans<br />B. Hate soldiers more than american civilians<br />C. Are Racist!<br />D. Will steal your credit card when your drunk and will max out your cards at strip clubs!<br />This one is pretty simple… Watch your stuff, be careful who you talk to, and remember…people here arent to fond of us, esp soldiers.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Moral of the story - Look at A through D again.</span><br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">This ones for real</span><br />Although the 1 through 4 are pretty funny this one….eh not so much. Maybe you arrant aware but sex trafficking is a pretty popular thing in this world. I would like to say that things in the movie, "Taken" aren't true, but that kind of stuff is happening. Germany is one of the worst countries for hosting sex trafficking. Its not funny at all… This stuff is a real bad issue. The red-light district is a city block of women in windows waiting to be picked! sex for money. You think they all want that? How can anyone willingly take part in that? That makes you just as bad as the assohle pimp who deserves a grenade in his mouth with the pin pulled…. Take it as you will! <span style="font-style: italic;">Moral of the story: Dont be a part of that girls horrible life...</span><br /><br />This place is nuts! Just as a sidenote, I haven't been involved in ANY of these shenanigans! Why because Im Awe…<br /><br />wait for it…<br /><br /><br />wait for it…<br /><br />some!<br /><br />Hope you've enjoyed my return to the blogging world!<br />EEvan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-8191849359904887022009-11-19T14:51:00.000-08:002009-11-19T14:57:32.440-08:00Im Back Fools...After many many many months of crazy training... I have found time to start blogging again. Its going to get intense here...<br /><br />Be ready!<br /><br />Writing from Germany!<br />Hope to see you soon!<br /><br />EvanEvan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-46028083428371793072009-07-12T16:05:00.000-07:002009-07-12T16:28:02.758-07:00Basic Training: Be back in OctWell im gone.<br /><br />Im sitting in new jersey right now on my last time on a computer for a while. <br />Today is the hardest day of my life.<br />I have been praying, and I can only keep praying<br /><br />I hope things get easier cause this is not easy at all. <br />I've been alone for 4 hours and im already freaking out!<br /><br />How do people do this without God?<br />Well i already miss everyone. Take care<br /><br />With Love,<br />EvanEvan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-65365689234524483912009-06-30T21:49:00.000-07:002009-06-30T22:44:14.962-07:0012 Days of Reflection - Day 1: Countdown BeginsIts July first and all I can think about is leaving in 12 days. Its incredible how you see life so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">differently</span> when you are ready to leave everything you've known.<br /><br />This past week I got the incredible <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">opportunity</span> to travel to Holland, Michigan for my 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> year of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CIY</span>. This was a great time to really reflect about my life, my future, and Gods plan for both. This was a great week for me to share how I felt about everything to God and to my friends. The week was amazing because it was one last huge <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hurrah</span> with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CCV</span>.<br /><br />I wake up and the first thing I think is... "I have ___ many days to wake up in my bed, in my house, being comfortable.<br /><br />I go to bed thinking, there goes one more day, Did I spend it the way I wanted?<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I am not depressed about what I am doing. I am not annoyed with my decision or regretting it. I have never done anything this huge in my life. (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">thats</span> what she said)<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Im</span> excited! I am stoked! I am ready! I feel ready! I feel prepared! Its the right thing and I believe so.<br /><br />I want the spend the next 12 doing things that make me the happiest, with the people I love, with people who I wont let go of when I leave. I will blog for the next 12 days...all leading up to my goodbye. <br /><br />God, Thank You for allowing me to serve with the best team,<br />EEvan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-7442855931163005782009-05-19T19:06:00.000-07:002009-05-19T19:46:18.252-07:00Pastor To Private - Why I did.I never was a pastor and as far as I am concerned I never will be. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">don't</span> feel like its my calling. But I can explain. <br /><br />A few years ago if you would've told me I was going to be in the military I would've <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">peed</span> my pants and said no way <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jose</span>. 2 years ago I thought I had it all planned out for me. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Here's</span> what I had going on<br /><br />Two years ago I dreamed of being a youth pastor...hence the title, "Pastor to Private" I loved it!! I loved following my old youth pastor around, doing youth ministry things. I dreamed youth <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ministry</span>. Well of course God threw me an unexpected <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">curve ball</span> and my emotions eventually changed.<br /><br />Last year I went on an incredible missions trip with an incredible group of people. We stayed in Juarez, Mexico. While we were staying in El <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Paso</span>, TX we were living right next to a military base. FT Bliss. It was cool driving by and seeing tanks, cannons, soldiers, barracks, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Humvees</span> and all other crazy military things. While down there in Mexico I was seeing how cool it was to serve. I was out of my comfort zone, even though most of you seem to think Mexico is my home (You know who you all are, and I hate you :-)<br /><br />While in Mexico I experienced serving in a totally different <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">environment</span>. Now I am a mind-reader and I know what you are thinking, "If you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">loooove</span> God, and you love serving, and you wanted to be a pastor than why <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">don't</span> you just work in the field of doing missions trips?" <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">That's</span> a great question! I loved helping the people in Mexico but....<br /><br />I love danger<br />I love protecting others<br />I love blowing stuff up<br />I love guns<br />I want the challenge<br />I want the experience<br />I want the uniform<br />I want to be a part of the United States Armed Forces<br /><br />As I was sitting on the plane home, on a plane with more soldiers than civilians I was thinking about life and what I wanted to do... <br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Im</span> going to serve my King, and my country.<br /><br />Hooah,<br />EvanEvan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-24816425951386451352009-05-13T20:36:00.000-07:002009-05-13T20:46:59.218-07:00BCT - Basic Combat TrainingEveryone fears it, but not everyone has to go through it. So I leave July 13th for Ft Benning Georgia. My emotions are running all over the place<br /><br />I am not happy because: I have a little summer, leave my best friends I have, I'll be pushed harder than I ever had, July in the south is not fun at all, I will miss my church community, I will miss the summer nights, the bonfires...<br /><br />I am happy because: Im on a new chapter of life, Im testing my faith, Im pushing my body physically and emotionally to make me a better person, I get to play with Guns, I get to travel, I get to experience things not many people will, I'll get an amazing oppertunity to serve, I'll make amazing new friends, I get to put on the uniform I've always admired.<br /><br />Either way I am leaving In July and I am enjoying every last moment I get to spend with my friends. Until then I'm going to have a blast! The summer has been great so far! Stick around for more posts until July 13, 2009.<br /><br />One Love,<br />PVT FloraEvan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-61647432924195130442009-05-04T20:14:00.000-07:002009-05-04T20:37:09.989-07:00When One Chapter Ends...I still remember my mom pushing me out of the door on the first day of 1st grade. I still remember what I was wearing. Red sweat pants and and a red shirt. I was crying hysterically. I told her I couldn't go because I felt like I was going to throw up. I was horrified because this was truly the first time I was leaving my house for a long time. I walked to the bus stop with Adam crying. He always <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tried</span> to tell me everything was going to be just fine. He always protected my on the bus. He's always had my back. Everyday I left my mom waved to me at the same window.<br />When Adam went to middle school and I was in second grade she came with me to the bus stop everyday. We always talked. <br />She worked in the cafeteria for a few years and kids always got grossed out when they saw the lunch lady kissing a boy...but it was my momma. She always got me a little something too :)<br /><br />Middle school rolled around and I was one goofy kid. I had a tough time adjusting to a new building and dealing with the big bad 8<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Th</span> graders. What an awkward time in life. I don't miss any part of middle school. I spent my days talking about squirrels and trying to figure out why my voice was getting deeper. <br /><br />I still remember perfectly the first day of high school. I was small and the seniors were big and had beards. Enough said. I remember getting off the bus and just walking into massive crowds of people. I got lost for a while. Freshmen year seemed to be never-ending. Sophomore year was a blur, and junior year was annoying. Senior year was the best hands down. I had all the perfect classes, was with my awesome friends, and definitely met some really cool new people. This year flew and I had one great time. I got in the car today, looked back at the school and waved and said, "you treated me well" and drove off.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Im</span> done. I am finished high school and it sure does come with many different emotions.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Im</span> on senior career study until graduation. June 12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span>.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Im</span> sitting here now asking, am I ready for the next chapter?Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-9724544690762231612009-04-29T17:34:00.000-07:002009-04-29T17:44:26.581-07:00Private Evan FloraYup, Its official!<br /><br />I returned from Ft Dix, NJ lastnight! I was at MEPS (Military Examination Process Station)<br />It was a long day that started at 400AM. The day was a lot of sitting, a lot of signing, a lot of medical testing.<br /><br />I started off really nervous. I signed my contract then I was taken to the place where I get sworn in....It went kinda like this:<br /><br />"I Do So Solemnly Swear<br />That I Will Support and Defend the Constitution of the United States<br />Against All Enemies<br />That I Will Bear True Faith and Allegiance to the Same<br />And that I Will Obey the Orders of the President of the United States<br />And the Orders of the Officers Appointed Over Me<br />According to the Regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice<br />So Help Me God"<br /><br />and then it was done...<br /><br />The next couple months are going to be challenging. Its going to be the start of my physical and emotional challenge. I'm nervous. I'm excited. Stick around to see whats going to happen as time progresses. This blog is also going to be a way for people to keep track of me once I depart Collegeville, PA!<br /><br />Holding onto my faith harder than ever<br /><br />Hooahh,<br />Evan FloraEvan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-2508676073566326202009-04-19T18:55:00.000-07:002009-04-19T19:27:51.658-07:00A Love Uncomprehendable for me - MomThere are two types of love that I have a hard time grasping my mind around. No, this message has nothing to do with God. Although that is the greatest love on earth, It will NOT be the topic of todays blog.<br /><br />My 18th birthday is Friday, and I feel as if my mom is fearing that date more than ever. Shes always had control over me, shes always had a say in what I do. But Friday, I'll be free. Not that I am joyful about this occasion. I will tell you hands down that I do have the coolest mom on the planet, and sorry if your offended but stay at my house for a week and you'll see what I am talking about. Be jelous<br /><br />For 26 years my mom has always played the role of, well mom. Not that she is ever going to stop, but for the past 26 years someone has always lived under her roof, under her care.<br /><br />My sister has been gone for what seems like forever, my brother is leaving this summer for Arizona, and I am leaving for military duties. Who is left? No one. We'll my Dad will be around but there will be a post for him later in time.<br />This I cant comprehend. My mom loves being a mom so much that some time it gets annoying, but I know she really really really cares. I cant imagine this house being just my mom and dad.<br />I have never had a love that even compares to the love she has for me, I just cant fathom having an "empty nest."<br /><br />I was at the Silvers house this weekend, and I just would see Matt and Carrie with their kids. Seeing them made me see what things my mom has gone through with me. Those are two extremely loving parents I might add. Since the joy of them adopting me (just kidding I am not adopted.) Since they day she knew about my existence, the late late nights up crying, the fights, the first day of school (which I will never forget) and going through grades 1-12 she has always been there, she never stopped loving. Saying goodbye might just me the hardest thing I will ever have to do<br /><br /><br /><br />Love you Mom,<br />Evan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kv8fQT1PtFA/Sevdc2M4xeI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/dtoPI9PZgA8/s1600-h/n45103837_31740133_9749.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kv8fQT1PtFA/Sevdc2M4xeI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/dtoPI9PZgA8/s320/n45103837_31740133_9749.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326594471951386082" border="0" /></a>Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-21642775059651331582009-04-07T18:59:00.000-07:002009-04-07T19:13:57.877-07:00"Congrats your 50% closer to be being in the United States Army"I was nervous yesterday. I was nervous this afternoon. But I finally feel relieved and I feel as if I hit the point of being comfortable.<br /><br />Today after school today the Army recruiter took me to the 0ffice to get some stuff done. I was asked a ton of questions; criminal history, health history etc. My height and weight was taken. 18% body fat, not bad. I was given a nice big packet that I filled out. I asked a ton of questions about dates, departure, basic combat training, MEPS, blah blah blah... It was exciting.<br /><br />When I was on my way home, the recruiter said, "Congrats your 50% closer to being in the Army. It was exciting! I take the ASVAB finally on Tuesday @ Willow Grove. <br /><br />All thats left is the physical, signing my name, and taking oath. That all has to be competed when I am 18 (two weeks!) Today though was definitely a great day and got me feeling more comfortable with this intense decision!Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-19594387725709676142009-04-06T12:45:00.000-07:002009-04-06T12:58:49.563-07:00Civic Duty - When It Finally Becomes Your ProblemI was in the passenger seat of my friend Kaitlyn's car, we were on the way to my house on the way home from school. We got to a back road when we saw a car parked in the middle of the road. Two people were in the road fighting. <br />This man was in a heated argument with this women, which I assumed was his girlfriend. Anyways, we drove past to get a good look and about 50 feet away we stopped and watched. He was really yelling at her and I watched closely. At one point he pushed her real hard and then began to choke her and he kept pushing her into the car. <br /><br />An Evan rule: Never push Gods wonderful women around like that!<br /><br />I was about to make it rain on this guys day!!!!!<br /><br />So I ran out of the car and got in this bro's face. he yelled and advised me to get in the car<br /><br />Cant scare me bro!<br /><br />Anyway, he was still yelling at his girlfriend who was crying hysterically in the car, she tried to talk to me but she couldn't. The man continued to yell at me and I tried to handle the situation the best I could without violence. My friend called 911 while we were yelling in each others face. The guy tried telling me, he didn't want her to get wet in the rain (newsflash...IT WASNT RAINING) So when I procedded to tell him he was full of s*** he then got pretty enraged with anger and got in his car and sped off.<br />We drove down the road a few minutes later to see that he was being cuffed and thrown into the back of a police car. Yay!<br /><br />Ladies please: never ever ever tolerate even being slightly pushed by a guy, no girl EVER deserves that. Get out of that relationship immediatly. Please please please.<br /><br />messed up, I am glad I was there because it makes me so angry to think that a guy would do this...in the middle of the road too.Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-86735205160287104032009-04-01T15:28:00.000-07:002009-04-01T16:10:30.830-07:00MTV's Real World - Goodbye!!I am sad! Tonight is the last episode of the current season of Real World : Brooklyn.<br />I know what your thinking. Who on earth watches Mtv anymore? And who watches The Real World? Isnt that show filled with drunken parties and promiscuous sex scenes?<br />Not this season, which is why It was my favorite all time season!<br />This year really related to me, which is why I felt it was my favorite.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mk42XChtvT4/ScA-OYRoEWI/AAAAAAAABuk/s0hCbjKO4Tg/s320/ryan+21.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 158px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mk42XChtvT4/ScA-OYRoEWI/AAAAAAAABuk/s0hCbjKO4Tg/s320/ryan+21.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>The picture above was my favorite person from Real World hands down. This guy was straight out of Gettysburg (2 hours from my house) and he was also in the US Army, and is currently serving in Iraq again! This guy was hysterical, he always could give a good laugh, and he was dedicated to serving the country<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://remotecontrol.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/chet-sadcouch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 176px;" src="http://remotecontrol.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/chet-sadcouch.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>This guy above, Chet, who looks gay but isnt is basically just as cool as Ryan. He is down to earth, he is a super devout Mormon (although I am not Mormon at all, he still had a lot of the same beliefs as I do) This guy really took his faith serious, saving himself for marriage, taking his faith serious, and not getting trashed were just some of the cool things this guy did. Him and Ryan seemed as if they were brothers the way they acted in the show. They were comical together.<br />Great to watch.<br /><br />Of course not all the chracters were as awesome. There was an outspoken, obnoxious, loud mouth who felt the need to jump into every argument<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.newsok.com/gossip/files/2009/01/devyn-real-world-brooklyn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 196px; height: 154px;" src="http://blog.newsok.com/gossip/files/2009/01/devyn-real-world-brooklyn.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Then their was Kaitlynn, the femminist transgenderd girl dude thing. Enough Said<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.dallasvoice.com/instant-tea/wp-content/uploads/katelyn-cusanelli.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.dallasvoice.com/instant-tea/wp-content/uploads/katelyn-cusanelli.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The show did not have one sex scene, and had limited "drunk party" scenes. I feel as if Real World changed its direction of the show. Maybe they got a group of people that preferd not to party, who knows but either way it made the show more enjoyable. Each episode usually had its focus on a specific person more than others. It was interesting because you got to see a more in depth look into their life. The cast this year for the most part had apirations as they entered the big city. Someone was seeking a dancing career, one was looking for a fashion designing job, ryan was looking into getting into the film industry, chet was working hard to get onto Mtv to be a host and interviewer for various bands. It was a great year.Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-50584743868309539812009-03-31T18:45:00.000-07:002009-03-31T19:15:25.008-07:00Dumb Dumb Dumb!I am trying to stay involved with what is going on in the world, if you havent noticed from my previous post...<br /><br />Heres the problem! I am currently taking a Government class, that creates the first problem. I am being taught in liberal surroundings. High Schools and Colleges are the two most liberal influential institutions in America. In class we watch MSNBC (liberal)!! Taught by liberal teachers<br /><br />If you haven't had the honor to meet my grandfather then you would know that he is one of the most conservative people you will ever meet! I enjoy sitting back and drinking a nice cold rootbeer with him occasionally. He tells me pretty much opposite of what school teaches. He has been around the block once or twice and I will not doubt him, because he knows more than I ever will. He is certainly not the only conservative influence in my life.<br /><br />So if I watch CNN or MSNBC, my content is obviously different than if I watch Fox. <br /><br />Maybe I'll just stick to my Yahoo News...Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-67016342392381580682009-03-30T11:55:00.000-07:002009-03-30T12:22:41.978-07:00This Ugly Ugly WorldSo I am searching through the news websites like CNN, Yahoo News..etc and I am noticing something. The world is slowly getting uglier...<br /><br />Lately North Korea has dominated the world news.<br />North Korea currently is planning on launching a high ballistic missile that will launch a satellite into orbit. The missile they plan to launch they think is a ballistic test that is capable of reaching Alaska, Hawaii or the US Pacific Coast. Us, China, Japan, and South Korea all are stressing how horrible of an idea this really is. The action is illegal especially when it was established at the six-party convention a few years ago. Despite all of that NK claimed they were "dismanteling" their missles. But now they are testing them?<br /><br />The being in trillions of dollars in debt: Never a good thing, especially because it makes you vulnerable. Don't know when things are going to improve but most predictions are claiming that the Us has not even hit the lowest point of this recession yet. The unemmployment rate is flirting with 9%. Last time that happened was '83.<br /><br />Iran is trying harder than ever to obtain nuclear weapons, their goal is to blow Israel off of the map. What the heck is going to happen there? Their working hard with Russia, which is never a good thing. And why is Russia having a peacetime draft? Shady much?<br /><br />Iraq is finally dwindeling down, but I am worried about what will happen when most troops are gone by 2010.<br /><br />Afghanistan is becomming more important now that most of our government realized that we are still actually deployed there, since we are slowly forgetting about Iraq now. In Government we were learning how its going to be the next Vietnam. Awesome, considering how Nam was an epic FAILURE! Looks like cave hunting for me by next winter.<br />Considering that most of Al-Quida is hiding in Pakistan, it seems as if we'll be there soon enough, even though we are there anyway.<br /><br />And on top of it a portion of the world thinks the world is going to end in 2012 anyway. I dont personally believe that, but a climax of all these events would result in something horrible anyway.<br /><br />Holding onto my faith harder than ever,<br />Evan :)Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-8390816962236723662009-03-25T17:54:00.001-07:002009-03-25T18:25:47.769-07:00Your Not Invincible - When Death Strikes CloseThe last time I have been exposed to a funeral or some one close passing away was many years ago when my aunt was in a terrible accident. I was too young to truly understand, at that point I had no faith, which changes death completely.<br />Christians view death in different ways. We are joyous that a brother or sister is in Heaven, in a better place, hanging out with God. It seems to amazing, but when someone close to you passes away its hard to think about how they are in a better place. For me not having anyone pass away who is truley close to me, I still dont understand... But a fear that hits close to home with me has hit once again.<br /><br />When I was young, I had some horrible fears:<br /><br />1. Throwing up - I would never go out to my friends or cousins houses because I didn't want to throw up. I worried I'd get sick when I went on trips. That is no longer a big deal. (even though I cant remember the last time I've thrown up.)<br />2. Being kidnapped out of my bed - Im sure this was a common fear for many children but I used to lock my door and have a hiding spot ready for when someone wanted me. This is also no longer an issue because I feel bad for anyone who tries to break into my house.<br />3. My parents dying - This also hindered my from leaving my house when I was younger. This fear definitely stuck around the longest, hands down.<br /><br />As my teenage years progressed, my fear has withered away...<br /><br />Today I found out that a very special girl from my church, and a girl whom I was lucky to share the Mexico experience with; her mother has passed away. Although unfortunately I can say I have never met her mother, I am filled with sorrow for Marissa because I could never imagine how she is feeling.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kv8fQT1PtFA/ScrZam41V9I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/aLCXqI2eSto/s1600-h/marissa.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kv8fQT1PtFA/ScrZam41V9I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/aLCXqI2eSto/s320/marissa.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317301361203042258" border="0" /></a>CCV is an amazing community. Its a wonderful place filled with wonderful people. Through out my time there I have met many incredible people. I have met so many different people. Its hard to believe that through out my years there that there has been no death that has been personally close to me. Its easy to forget death when in fact it is something very uncommon for me. Its easy to think, "Im going to heaven one day" but you dont think about the people who are close to you. The people who will eventually die.<br /><br />Now its easier than ever to realize how I am nothing closely related to invincible. No one is. I guess death is something I have been ignorant about, especially enlisting into the military. Its something no one wants to think about, but now its there.<br /><br />Death is one thing that can be so painful, but so incredibly beautiful.<br /><br />Marissa I am sorry that you have to go through this, there are so many people at CCV who care about you so much. We are all here for you. I am truley sorry. We all love you so much<br /><br />-EvanEvan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-49530630625193637062009-03-24T18:24:00.000-07:002009-03-24T18:42:08.195-07:00Back...Again! Here is What is Going on.Immmm Bacccck!<br />And here is what is going on in my life:<br /><br />-79 days, 21 hours remaining until graduation! I am very very very excited for graduation I feel prepared for a new chapter in life. I am excited to be done with High School and the immaturity that comes with it! <br />-Exactly One month till I am 18 (my moms biggest fear.) Now I can do whatever I possibly want. I can go anywhere, sign up for anything, and get myself into any kind of mess, and...yes I can finally sign myself up for the United States Army! Hoorah! That brings me to my next point!<br />- I plan on taking the ASVAB <strong style="font-weight: normal;">(Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) Its the test that basically says what jobs I can and can not have. If you really know me then you know that I am horrible at taking tests, so I am nervous! I do not think you have to score too high to get into the Infantry Division, but we'll see!<br />-Im trying to keep myself more busy! I am doing various things each week that I am using to keep my occupied! I have a boys teenage HT, student leadership, accountability meeting each week, an oppertunity to serve with a great friend on his farm! I have been keeping myself busy.<br />-Physical conditioning. I was running 2 miles each morning at 5am. I've stopped ofcourse but I am getting myself into running again. I've also been pushing myself to get 100-200 pushups done a night.<br />-As time progresses I find myself getting more and more nervous! Ohhh boy.<br /><br />Stick around, no more blogging break!<br /></strong>Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-86467082453690779662009-02-02T21:59:00.000-08:002009-02-02T22:02:56.955-08:00Why Serving the Military is Not as Un-Godly as You ThinkThis has been something that I have struggled with for months. After carefully praying, seeking guidance, and examining the condition of my heart I am confidant in how I stand.<br /><br />Lets get a few things understood first:<br /><br />1. The bible does not call us to be pacifists! The definition is "a person who believes in pacifism or is opposed to war or to violence of any kind."<br />2. Murder is <span style="font-weight: bold;">NOT</span> the same thing as Killing<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Murder - In the U.S., special statutory definitions include murder committed with malice aforethought, characterized by deliberation or premeditation or occurring during the commission of another serious crime, as robbery or arson (first-degree murder), and murder by intent but without deliberation or premeditation (second-degree murder).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kill - to deprive of life in any manner; cause the death of</span><br /><br />Look at the definitions! Enough said. You can not use the cliche, "Do not murder" as a legitimate argument. Now that we have that established check this out....<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Romans 13:14 says (A New Testament book for you bible Noobs) Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.</span><br /><br />If you are in the United States Military aka AUTHORITY they are "Gods Servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do wrong." (Romans 13: 4)<br /><br />So here it is...<br /><br />When war is Godly : IF its a just-war aka a pre-emptive war Meaning if a military action that is justified as being permissible for legal or moral reasons. A war can also be justifiable in order to defense against the weak or oppressed. Do I think the war in Afghanistan is a just-war? Yup. A bunch of terrorists fly some planes into US buildings murdering 3000 innocent people. Seems like we are defending the United States from this happening. Iraq, I am not so sure of at this point. Although no one can really pinpoint the reasons for the war in Iraq, the ending of the Reign of Saddam was pretty huge.<br /><br />When war is morally wrong: An Un-just war, example If the US invaded Pakistan just because we wanted their oil I would refuse to fight for that war. That war can no possibly be justified.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I've heard the argument when Jesus tells his disciples... "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. (Matt 26:52)</span><br /><br />This verse doesn't sit with me very well. I think Jesus said this because it was simply if the disciples decided to use thier swords right there are attempted to kill the guards, it was obvious all the Disciples would DIE BY THE SWORD. I could be horribly wrong, makes sense to me.<br />You can not compare the sword to a military issued M16. I've had intelligent people argue with this verse. There are TONS of soldiers who have killed with it, and who haven't been killed by it. There is no intelligent argument against that.<br /><br />The last thing I have to say... We should seek peace. We should pray for peace. We should not create conflicts. We should not launch unjust wars. I would choose peace before conflict, If peace creates no solution...Then the problem arises. Its a God given right to defend ourselves, our neighbors, our loved ones, the opressed, the needy.Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-32318874479450386512009-01-19T21:21:00.001-08:002009-01-19T21:26:53.818-08:00This is My Jam!Some of my favorite bands are O.A.R. , Jack Johnson, Bob Marley, Sublime. All artists def throw some reggae into their tunes, especially Marley...Duh<br />Anyway, I love jamming to some reggae, I find it extra chill! Solo, I was excited when I saw one of my favorite styles of music clash with one of my favorite worship bands, Hillsongs! Check out this jam!<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4b9Fg-fiZJo&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4b9Fg-fiZJo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-7535681044560422092009-01-19T13:20:00.000-08:002009-01-19T13:27:21.650-08:00Economy : Now I Am Pissed!Okay, so people are getting laid off. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">don't</span> have a job so I do not worry so much.<br />People are getting their houses foreclosed. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">don't</span> have a house. Well my parents do but if they loose this cheap house then something is wrong.<br />I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">don't</span> have stocks. So I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">don't</span> have money to loose.<br />I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">don't</span> have money period. So I honestly have no worries.<br /><br />But now I cant even tell you how angry this "Economic Crisis" has made me.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Applebees</span> does not have half off appetizers past 9pm anymore!!!!!! Screw stocks, the failing banks, the car companies dying, and all the other financial issues! Now I am upset!<br />You <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">don't</span> take half off boneless buffalo wings away from a kid who weighs 225 lbs! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ARGH</span>!<br />So i got them <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">last night</span> with their "new prices" I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">wasn't</span> happy because I had to spend more than a 5 dollar bill. :( <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ew</span>. And their portions were smaller. So now I pay more and get less?! Lame. Stupid Economy.Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-85317946626856499302009-01-14T17:12:00.000-08:002009-01-14T18:27:14.057-08:00The Jesus Freak Struggle...There is this person I know. Lets call this person Bob. Bob is Christian. Bob clearly loves Jesus. Is Bob being ridiculous or is Bob just getting it Right? <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Here's</span> the story. <br /><br />Bob goes around school telling a whole ton of people that Jesus loves them. Bob will tell girls that are hurt, boys that are hurt, or just he will just tell people that Jesus is the answer to their problems. He'll write notes to people saying that everything will be okay because Jesus is there. Its pretty extreme. Bob has a reputation for being crazy. People in school say Bob is crazy.<br /><br />Does this work?<br /><br />The evangelism that I witnessed has never been anything like this. It has always been a slow time consuming relationship that relies on a lot of time and energy. Usually it takes people a lot of time to comprehend this concept of Jesus dieing for our sins. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">That's</span> what I prefer.<br /><br />Bob <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">isn't</span> afraid to be the outcast, neither was Jesus.<br /><br />But what Bob does, does that work in this day and age?<br /><br />Bob <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">isn't</span> afraid to get rejected and made fun of. Jesus was kicked out of towns and taunted for what he preached. He was even killed for what he claimed.<br /><br />In my life I have never witnessed Bob-style evangelism work. Myself, my family, and my closest friends all spent a lot of time talking to someone about Christianity. We weren't told Jesus loves us and then automatically we decided we wanted to follow. It was a time consuming process.<br /><br />But Jesus calls us to be outcasts. He calls us to be different and not like anyone else. I'll be honest I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">don't</span> like the Bob style of Evangelism. <br />1) I think its ineffective. I believe its going to give Christians a bad rep if they are running around saying Jesus loves you.<br />2) I'll be honest I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">don't</span> want all of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Perkiomen</span> Valley to hate me..<br /><br />But! there is the but I feel that Jesus was more of a Bob kind of person? Maybe not? Maybe in a different way?Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161847593338696838.post-28914252460601509702009-01-12T13:02:00.000-08:002009-01-12T13:21:10.837-08:00Burned...AgainI wrote a similar post about being spiritually burned out about a year ago. That was one of my first posts. Click<a href="http://evanflora.blogspot.com/2007/11/burned.html"> here</a> to check it out!<br /><br />I've been involved in student ministries for 6 years now serving faithfully from 7<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Th</span> to now, 12<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Th</span> grade. I served in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">children's</span> ministry for 2 years, and ushered for 2 years (won usher of the year award!) Student ministries is definitely where I had a passion for serving. Since then I've never really been a student. Once I began high school I always put myself in the staff position <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">haha</span>. Its what I do.<br /><br />I love serving. I love helping. Its what I am passionate about.<br /><br />"Many hands make light work" I like being those hands that make light work! And we all know I've got hands!!<br /><br />Now that I seem to be getting closer and closer to the homestretch of my senior year I am flat out exhausted for student ministries, but not just student ministries. Everything. I am not motivated by any means. It emotionally and spiritually hurts me when I can not get excited about serving and helping out. I feel the conviction but I just am struggling in my heart.<br /><br />What <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">separates</span> this "Burned" from the last one is that I am Burned out on Christianity.<br /><br />Know a few things first:<br />1) This does not mean <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">im</span> throwing in the towel on Christianity, that's foolishness.<br />2) This will not change the way I think about God in anyway.<br />3) This will not affect the way I process thoughts and make decisions. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Don't</span> worry, I will still cross the line with most things I say. (for anyone who <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">doesn't</span> get it, I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">don't</span> typically think before I speak...It can make for a good laugh, but it gets me in trouble sometimes.<br />4) I certainly wont stop going to church or riot, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">that's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">craziness</span>!<br /><br />I am just at a place where a christian hates to see themselves at. It happens I understand.<br /><br />When I got baptised I knew that this crazy thing called Christianity sure <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">wasn't</span> going to make life any easier. I knew my road would have its curves and bumps. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">At least</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">I'm</span> not doing It alone.Evan Florahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05380156847152880384noreply@blogger.com3