Update of the Century

Woah, it's been WAY too long since I have updated and there has been so much that has occurred so it is time to update. God really has been working in my life making some changes (easy and hard) and I feel great about my new direction.

- First off, I quit my job at ADT. That place caused so much unnecessary stress, strife, anger, and depression in my life that I could not deal with the nonsense anymore. On Monday, 6/4/07, I walked in and submitted my resignation, gave an exit interview, said goodbye to my friends, and went on my way. It's a weird feeling not being employed at the moment but I feel at peace with my decision and I am furiously searching for new employment, preferably in the field of Human Resources.

- Karen and I ended our relationship a couple of weeks ago after dating for just over 18 months. It was my decision to move on but I know it was best for the both of us. We had been growing distant over the past few months, only seeing each other once a week, and my feelings and emotions were not there in the relationship anymore. I felt God tugging at my heart to make a decision and do what needed to be done. We have gone our separate ways and I have good feelings about my future.

- Graduate school is going well. I am super busy but that comes with the territory. In less than one year, I will be finished with my work and receive my Master's. I am very eager, nervous, and excited all at the same time for the opportunities waiting for me.

- Much has been happening over at Northgate Free Methodist Church. My dear friend and mentor, Pastor Paul Peterson, will be moving along with wife Sherri and 4 little darlings down to Georgia to "apprentice" if you will at a church learning how to become church planters. That was tough news for me to take because I've come to build a relationship with Paul and it has been great to talk to him about issues and other ideas I've been tossing around. Praise the Lord for the internet so that him and I can stay in contact.

- Not only is Paul leaving, but both Pastor Vern and Pastor Darlene are leaving for different churches. Vern will be going to Gowanda to pastor the Free Methodist church there. Darlene will be co-pastoring a small Free Methodist church in Parma, NY. I know how this can feel because I moved around alot as a kid when my parents kept getting transfered to various churches across Massachusetts and New York. This is the first time that I've been on the otherside, however. God is in control and he will provide the church with new leaders, just as capable as our current leaders.

- I have gotten serious about my health and losing weight. I currently clock in somwhere between 310 and 320 pounds. That is very scary and unhealthy and I need to change my ways ASAP. I have started a diet, cutting out many items to reduce sugar intake and carb intake. I am drinking a gallon of water every day, along with some juices. No more soda or other carbonated beverages. I am also walking on a regular basis. I walked two miles today and I feel great. My goal is to get down to 290 by the end of August and 260 by Christmas. With God's help, I'll do the best I can and lose the weight.

What I've been listening to lately:
Neon Horse - Neon Horse
Maximo Park - Our Guilty Pleasures
Glass Harp - Synergy
Glass Harp - Glass Harp (GH was Phil Keaggy's early mainstream band)
Secret Machines - Ten Silver Drops
Mars Ill - Old Ironsides
Gran Bel Fisher - Full Moon Cigarette
Jon McLaughlin - Indiana
Neko Case - The Tigers Have Spoken
The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema

Recent reading materials:

Blue Like Jazz - Donald Miller
Searching for God Knows What - Donald Miller
Red Sox Nation - Peter Golenbock
The Trainer's Tool Kit - Charney & Conway
The Man In the Mirror - Patrick Morley
The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham - Myra & Shelley