For the love of banquet

So the majority of my day has consisted of me being drug from store to store. As I tried to come across as happy and having a good time, I watched girls pick out purses and shoes and whatever other side item that matched and needed to be bought for the banquet. I guess with relationships and banquet dates its all about compromise and meeting in the middle. Lord knows I hate shopping and would have much rather been in the pick up game of basketball that was going on back at Gateway. But today and tonight is about keeping women happy and making them feel appreciated. Id rather jump through all kinds of hoops than be stuck with a moody and angry women. I was lectured today that banquets are a night where girls want to feel appreciated and beautiful. I was told that it was their night to be special and have the attention on them. The girls also said something about me and guys not paying attention to them or something, I dunno I wasn't really listening at the time. (wink) So today Im playing along, keeping women happy. I picked up my lovely date's flowers that priced around 30 dollars. (Thats half a dozen) I cleaned the car and planned out some stuff to do after the banquet. She better have a good time! Looking at the time I see it's getting late and to start the evening off on the right note I better show up on time! (On that note I know the girls will be at least 45 minutes late so I might have time to write another post) Wish me luck!









Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

Why am I still up?

Just wanted to throw in a piece of my mind at 3:00 in the morning. One I have no Idea why Im still up and two is what is the connection with guys, showing out, and pain? As I came back from a nightly "quick trip" to a near gas station I came into the cafeteria at Gateway to see a strange sight. There was a crowd of people surrounding a round table propped up on two legs, creating a ramp. I hear a yell from behind me and out of no where a delerious student comes rushing past me on a mountain bike hit's the home made table ramp at full speed and vaults himself about 6 feet in the air. As the crowd of Gateway stood gasps and stares in awe at this students bravery/stupidity, my friend nathan face-plants right into the carpet. Obviously in pain he is quick to tell everyone that he's okay. (Note- hes limping and his elbow and face are scraped and bleeding) Im from the south and I like country music (gasp) and a familiar song comes to mind, "scars heal glory fades and all that's left are the memories... the chicks dig it" Care to listen to the song or watch the music video you can look it up here CMT.com Guys are idiots, yes Im one of them and there have definately been the moments where the male ego must be fed and we must show out and perform. But I just wanted to share with you this thought and new memory. A great sleep to the the fellow late nighters.
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

Progress??

Well Im not sure if I've made any progress at all. Ive been packing up my things, but it appears to me by the scattered items around my room that I'm just creating a big mess! If you didn't catch yesterdays post my names Joel and Im in the middle of wrapping up another year at Gateway College of Evangelism.

Today was one of my first days in weeks to actually sleep in! I was so exhausted yesterday that I didn't even bother to move the mountians of laundry off of my bed. You can picture me sleeping under mounds of clothes, it was quite a sight! (and actually pretty warm)

Gateways chorale had a hour long session today with our music minister that informed us of the many rules and responsibilities that we would be facing on our two week tour. It's my sophmore year, my second tour, and Im finally realizing the magnitude of a chorale tour. Not only is it full of fun and excitement, but its quite a challenge and involves alot of sacrifice and giving of yourself. I found out that Im giving a daily devotional on one of the days and Im in charge of a tour bus loading team. Every other day, mountains of girl's overloaded suitcases, filled with items Im sure they dont even need! (I'm already worn out)

With some packing to do, a dress rehearsal for chorale tonight, I'm looking outside at one of the nicest days of the year. I could be playing softball, taking a walk, or at the park. I'm slowly learning to be responsible and studious but its quite a challenge. You know the days when you have so many things to do, but you just gotta take a break and enjoy your day! Maybe I'll get some more work, Im not sure.

Tommorow should be an intersting day, we have our end of the year banquet that consists of overpriced tickets, cost of flowers, less than desirable food, and millions of eye blinding pictures! Maybe Im just a guy and I dont appreciate the little things in life, but we could throw on some jeans, a t-shirt and a ball cap (all which is very comfortable) and hit up an area restaraunt. We could even go grab some ice cream when we are done! (maybe) Think of the money I could save, and Im sure it would still be fun...

Wish me luck, another banquet to endure and more looses ends to finish up around the school. What a day tommorow will be, I'll be sure to tell you how it goes. Have a great day everyone.




Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

The Next Chapter

With every chapter that we write in life, there is yet another just on the next page waiting to be written. I have finished yet another chapter of my life here at Gateway College of Evangelism. My Name is Joel and I'm from the great state of Atlanta, Georgia; land of the free home of the Braves! (Im an avid braves fan Atlanta Braves : The Official Site)

Many well written pages of my life have come in the last two years here at Gateway. With a calling to the ministry I arrived anxious and eager to study, learn, and grow in God. Now two years later at the age of 20 Im finishing my second year, graduating this saturday with an Associates in Theology.

Im not quite as anxious to learn and study as I was when I arrived. To be totally honest I'm really looking forward to summer break. Not to complain about school, the spirit of the leadership and the students here, along with the classes and hands on experience have impacted my life. There something special, something unique about Gateway that has changed my life and many others. This makes part of me not want to leave for summer break. (I do have two more years)

School is stressful! I would'nt trade my experience here so far for anything, but it definately hasn't been a walk in the park. I finished my last exam (Theology II) this afternoon and breathed a breath of fresh air. With spring fever spreading like wild fire among the students, much procrastination has led to late night study groups and last minute prayer meetings before exams. Im sure if your in any type of school you can definately relate.

While wrapping up here online, I quickly glanced around at the mountains of papers, clothes, boxes, and clutter that will soon be packed up after many hours of manual labor. Moving in and out of school is definately a hassel. I have things to pack, a end of the year banquet to attend, and graduation. This all has to be done before I leave this Saturday for our Chorale tour! The pressure is on. I wonder what exciting things will take place, I wonder what I'll have to write down in the next chapter of my life. I really worry and wonder if I'll get it all done!

%

Adios

This month has been interesting for me, and I hope I've made it at least interesting for you, the reader. Don't look for a Josh Lewis blog on the Net anytime soon, as I don't think this is my calling. I'll leave it to Wendy. I'm afraid if I start my own blog they'll call it A Little Bit Boring.

Anyway, to wrap up my week, I flew from Tucson to Dallas in time for the South Central Junior Bible Quiz Extravaganza on Friday. We lost our first game on Friday afternoon, but had a great time at the Holy Ghost rally that night. Bro. Lyn Story only got about 10 minutes into his message before kids started coming to the altar. At least eight of them received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. I definitely enjoyed it. Saturday we managed to win two games before bowing out of the tournament on question #15. Overall, it was a success.

As I leave, one last comment for all of you--if you can only support one program or ministry, you won't find a better one than Bible Quizzing. Juniors or Seniors, it makes no difference: they're both awesome! And for those of you who can't get it out of your blood, there's a full-fledged over-the-hill tourney in Pasadena, TX, this October. You can e-mail me if you're interested, and I'll put you in contact with the right people. Oh, and don't forget your duct tape--we won't be using those newfangled buzzers!