Into the life of Brandon

update

2010-01-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

So wow! I havent blogged in months! Been so busy around here. I dont know how much more I will be able to blog. We wont have internet for awhile. We are getting settled in Springfield. It stinks that Melissa has to work. It was never the plan, well our plan anyways. But we are making it work. Melissa and I are both working at our old jobs and we just started renting a house. There are boxes still every where! But little by little we are making it our home! Thanks for all the prayers!

Changes and Trials

2009-11-14T18:49:00.000-08:00

This past week has probably been the worst week of my life. I dont know what God has planned for the rest of my life but I hope I never have to go through this again. I was asked to resign from my position as youth pastor of Bible Baptist Church. My heart is broken. I dont want to leave my life, my students, and everyone I love. Because of disagreements between me and the pastor, he has chosen that we can no longer effectively do ministry together. I have done nothing biblically or morally wrong. Nobody consulted me when they decided to ruin my life and all vote to make me resign. So we will be leaving St. Charles on Nov. 22. As of today, we are not sure where we are going to live. I just bought a brand new car, Jaxen is 8 weeks old, and we live in the church parsonage so we have to find a new place to live. I am so ready to put all this behind me. I am ready for our next phase of life. Just a new chapter in our book. This chapter is called Life sucks. I hate to leave my teens and I hate to see them hurting as we leave. This is my life. But God has better and bigger plans for me and my family. Genesis 50:20 says "But as for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good. Please pray for me and my family as we make this difficult transition.

Jaxen Kayne

2009-10-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

So here are some pics of Jaxen. Born Sept. 17 at 6 pds 11 oz and 20 inches long. He is already 2 weeks old today! Time has flown! He has lost his umbilical cord, he is already using a pacifier, and he is getting bigger every day. I can't wait to see him every day after work. Family has been here for the past 2 weeks so we finally have the next few days for just the 3 of us. I do feel bad though... Toby and Molly have not had much attention lately. Hopefully they can come in tonight and play. Cant wait to see Jaxen play with them some day. But for now they just enjoy licking him in the face lol.

Fatherhood

2009-09-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

dad
daddy
pa
pappy
papa
padre
pop
pops
Father

I'm feeling...

Excited
Nervous
Scared
Confused
Worried
Anxious
Joy
Surprise
Optimism
Love
Anticipation
Pride
Wonder
Uncomfortable
Wary
Apprehensive
Stress
Panic
Hesitant
But most of all I am impatient. I cant wait to see Jaxen. To hold him in my arms. I have loved him since the moment I found out Melissa was pregnant. I cant wait to see the little person I love but have never met. How can I love someone I have never seen or met. I am excited to get to feel and see a glimpse of how God loves His children...all through my son.

Weird words... My son.

Been A While

2009-08-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

Wow! Its been a while since I have blogged. Just got back from 2 weeks of camp. Worn out! But had an amazing time! We really got to see God work on some hearts. Im nervous but excited for the students to restart school. When their summer is over I feel like mine is over. I havent even began to start organizing for the fall. So READY for Jaxen to get here! We are getting his room ready but we still need some of the big stuff. We have 2 more showers to go I hate them being so close to the due date but it is what it is. From the words of my wife, " Put your big girl panties on and deal with it" So thats what I do.

Vacation

2009-06-26T20:24:00.001-07:00

Just got back yesterday from vacation. We have been really wanting to go on a big vacation again, especially before the baby gets here but it didnt happen. We went to see family. It was fun and relaxing. Nothing was planned. We just hung out with family and friends. I got to see my sister, brother n law and my nieces like 4 nights in a row. I miss them so much!! Melissa's mom and dad also got their results from their cancer scans...

Her mom, Cathy, is "technically" cancer/ tumor free. There are no cancer spots on her chest. She has to get some more scans in a few months. A huge blessing and answer to prayer!!!

Her dad, Jim, had 2 stage four cancers. His liver, colon, and lymph nodes were covered in cancer last year. June 2008 he was just hoping to see his last son graduate high school in 2009 and they told us if we wanted to make any plans for vacations, we shouldnt put it off.

The scans showed that his liver and lymph nodes are clear of cancer. There is a small spot in his colon. He is scheduled to have it removed in surgery next Thursday June 2. We are planning on going down to Springfield for a few days next week. Please pray for him and his recovery. He will be off work for a month. God has worked a miracle in his life. The fact that surgery is an option is amazing! God isnt done with her parents yet. He has big things in store and I am excited I get to be a part of it!

Crazy Week

2009-06-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy/ awesome week! This week is VBS at church and I'm the VBS director. I have been a part of a lot of vbs's but never in charge. It's a lot of work! But I have an amazing team to help me. Tonight is the last night. Our highest number was 74 kids on Wednesday. We have raised almost $300 dollars for a missionary. The theme is Boomerang Express. I have been on stage all week doing the motions for the songs. I look like a goober but I love it and all the songs get stuck in my head. One more night to go.....

Man's Best Friend

2009-05-20T07:17:00.001-07:00

This is my shout out to my dog Toby. I feel like I betrayed him today. I just took him to get him neutered. He was so excited to go on a car ride this morning, He probably thought he was going to the park. He had no idea what was going to happen to him. He made it worse on me. I dropped him off and they gave him a shot. I never thought that I would be so attached to a dog. But now I am totally one of those people. Since we don't have kids(yet) those are our kids. We spoil them and treat them like people. So I'll post again later after his surgery and let you know if he hates me or not.

Little Boy

2009-05-02T07:41:00.001-07:00

So most of you have probably already heard but we are having a boy! This is like last weeks news but oh well. Melissa has already spent the last 2 weekends going to garage sales. We can't decide on a name so here are our choices...

Jaxon
Cooper
Gavin
Brayden

Which one do you like?

Great Weekend

2009-04-14T09:52:00.001-07:00

It has been a crazy last few weeks. We have been remodeling the bathrooms at church. They are finally done! But this weekend was a lot of fun. Friday we got to hang out with the Berry family. It is so nice to finally have someone to just hang out with again. During college we had tons of friends but there are not a lot of people our age around here. We played some Wii Tennis and Bowling and tried out a new pizza place. Saturday I got Melissa to help me mop the gym floor to get ready for Easter then we went and picked out flowers and spent the afternoon and evening planting, mowing and putting down new mulch. I love spending time with my wife and seeing her excitement as we picked out flowers. Sunday was an amazing Easter. I went to my first sunrise service, it was cold and uber early but it was great! Its hard not being around family on holidays. Especially when you see other families all dressed up and sitting together and having big family get togethers. That is probably the hardest part about ministry. But we had lunch at Cracker Barrel and had an amazing nap!

Happy St. Patricks Day!

2009-03-18T08:40:00.001-07:00

Funny

2009-03-12T07:14:00.001-07:00

I found this pic and thought it was hilarious! Not much has been going on lately. Melissa has not gotten morning sickness at all! Praise the Lord! I'm still working out every week but I need someone to go with me to motivate me! I get bored really easy. So that's my update this week. Does anyone even read this other than my wife?

Update...

2009-02-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

So I joined the YMCA and have been working out for the past 2 weeks. It's going good so far. I also joined the biggest loser contest at church and I won last week. I gotta make extra money some how for this baby on the way.

Also I am preaching this upcoming Sunday Morning. It will be my second Sunday morning preaching. I have preached about 10ish times in the past 2 years. But there is something about Sunday Mornings. Last time went really well so I'm nervous about this time that it goes just as well.

I recently found out that a friend from high school got engaged and she wants me to perform the wedding. I am very pumped! Mandy was my high school prom date. I married Melissa's prom date in 2007 and now I will be marrying my prom date. Small world!

My Boys can Swim!

2009-01-27T08:10:00.000-08:00

Man I havent blogged in forever! So much I could write about! Let me update you!

Found out I am going to be a dad! After almost a year of trying! My boys can swim

We find out on Thursday if there is more than one baby! I would love twins!

Went to an A Frikin Mazing concert last Sunday! Toby Mac, New Song, Hawk Nelson, The afters It was awesome! Had horrible seats! Waited in the snow for an our in line! But it was great!

I am going to get better about blogging! (I hope)

It's been forever

2008-12-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

Wow I have not blogged in forever! Let's see what has been going on... Went to my first NFL game last week. I got free tickets to see the Rams. It is so different watching football live vs on tv. It was a awesome experience. There was a lot of fans yelling at the refs, I thought there would be a throwdown but no fights.

I leave on Tuesday for Oklahoma! I cannot wait! I havent been home in a year! I get to relax, see old friends, and love on me some nieces.

There is nothing like going home for Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Update

2008-11-19T12:15:00.001-08:00

So much goes on and I never have time to blog! So I will update you...

Got a new 42 inch flat screen lcd hd tv on Monday. Love it!!!

Melissa's Dad's lymphoma cancer is in remission! Go God!

Cant wait for Thanksgiving! Tons of family coming to our house.
My Parents, Melissa's Parents, Melissa's Sister and Family, Melissa's Grandparents!
One big happy family!

Thats all the big stuff!

Hope I can blog more often in the future!

Baby Mama Drama

2008-11-11T13:01:00.000-08:00

In Sunday School on Sunday I taught on David and Bathsheeba. Crazy story. The students were totally into it. You think the Bible is boring read that story. Talk about some drama! It's like a Soap Opera. WOW! Most of the students had heard about it but all of them were intense into it. I took a different view on it and spoke on the masks that David wore- He pretended to be a spiritual leader, a godly King, a good husband. All this time he had secrets and was covering up every sin he was committing. So I used a term I saw in the movie "Baby Mama." This guy told this girl you got Baby Mama Drama. David definitely had some Baby Mama Drama. He sleeps with a married woman, gets her pregnant, kills the husband and tries to hide it all. We then read Psalm 51. This was written by David right after Nathan confronted him about the murder and adultery. David poured his heart out in asking for forgiveness.

Psalm 51:1- Have mercy on me
Psalm 51:2: Wash away my sin
Psalm 51:7-Cleanse me
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart.

As Christians we have a lot of cover up. We pretend to be perfect with no problems. Put on our happy face and go to church.

We need to be honest with God and honest with ourselves. We can never have the kind of relationship we should until we do.

Are you fake? What are you covering up in your life? What do you need to confront and get rid of?

You got Baby Mama Drama?

Rock the Vote

2008-11-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

So Tomorrow is the Big Day! Election Day! Whether you were pro-Bama, no-Bama, I don't know-bama, we love McCain, or all politics drive me insane. It has been a wild ride! I do not believe either one of the candidates is worth my vote but I will still vote tomorrow as my patriotic American duty. I have to remind myself that no matter who fills the seat as commander and chief, God wants that person in there. I find myself thinking a lot about how God put Israel, His people, under kings, judges and rulers for different reasons. How many years was Israel under bondage because of they wanted to worship their false idols instead of God? America has turned our back on God. But remember that God determines the winner of tomorrow elections. He has His hand right in the middle of it directing it.

Romans 13:1 "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God"

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity "1 Timothy 2:1-2"

Just remember tomorrow God won't be surprised at the results. He wont be in Heaven thinking... OH NO! The guy I voted for didn't win.

Remember God is in Control!

Halloween!

2008-11-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

Halloween was a blast! I guess I have some kind of fetish with short shorts lol. Last year I went as white trash and wore jean short shorts. But this year I went as Richard Simmons! I watched a lot of youtube videos and tried to work on my voice and flamboyant personality! Cant wait till next year!

Here is one way....

2008-10-29T12:27:00.001-07:00

Here is one way to grow our youth group LOL!

Faith

2008-10-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what in the heck God is doing? Ever have an experience or a bad situation or maybe a few rough days and you think Where is God in all of this? I have learned that when you are down to nothing, God is up to something! We must rest in our faith in God. We must not put our faith or trust in things or people, we must put our faith in God. So if you are going through a trial or God is testing you know that He has something going on for either His Glory or your benefit!

Walk by faith not by sight!

2008-10-14T20:30:00.001-07:00

God's Promises

2008-10-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

If you get a chance you should read Dan Browns insert in the October Baptist Bible Tribune. The magazine of BBFI. Dan Brown writes about a tragedy that happened in Ohio at Lift Camps. It is an amazing story of triumph in the midst of tragedy. I cannot get the story out of my heart or my mind. Curtis Gessaman was a student attending camp who fell and died at church camp. As a youth pastor I cannot imagine this situation. His parents Troy and Kim showed up at camp Thursday and stressed to the students a personal relationship with Christ. That evening 267 students gave their lives to Christ or surrendered for ministry. This student in high school in his death probably reached more people than what he would have in the rest of his life. Dan Brown made a comment that has been stuck in my head since I read this article. "While it is normal to ask why when something like this happens, as Christians, we do not live on explanations but on promises".

WE DO NOT LIVE ON EXPLANATIONS BUT ON PROMISES!

Wow! No one knows why God tests us and why tragedy happens in our lives. But we know that a faith that can't be tested can't be trusted.

Is God testing you today?

Be faithful!

Rest on His promises.

Youtube

2008-10-12T23:26:00.001-07:00

I just finished watching The Office from last week. Micheal made a comment that really made me laugh and that I can relate with! They were making confessions of stuff they had done in the office. He said "When I discovered Youtube I did not work for 5 days"! LOL! This happens to me all the time. I can get lost in stupid videos on Youtube. So thats my confession. I am addicted! But how can you not laugh at gun prank or fat guy on roller coaster. Check those out!

I got the hook up!

2008-10-12T23:03:00.000-07:00

A lot happened this weekend. So I will start with this and hopefully blog some more in the next few days! Today was Pastor Appreciation Day. I knew something was up this weekend because the gym was being decorated and I wasn't in the loop. And I was told it was for Pastor. So in the back of my head I was hoping they would do something for us too. Well they did. And they did well. LOL! They gave us $500.00! Paula, the pastor's wife is obsessed with the Pittsburgh Steelers! On her bucket list, her one wish is to go to a home game. Our church is sending them in November to Pitsburgh- they gave them plane tickets, transporation money, game tickets, hotel money. We all got the hook up! Now I am going to buy my new flat screen HDTV! Thanks church!

So far,,,,

2008-10-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry its been awhile since I blogged! We caught up on some CSI Miami's on Monday Nite. We had not watched the season premiere. The episode was a follow up on Horatio Caine getting shot. I refuse to watch the show ever again. I am sick of calling the plot. The acting is horrible! Everything is so predictable! I spend more time making fun of the show and how rediculous the show is than enjoying the show. And Horatio's one liners then he puts his glasses on and walks away. Annoying! Neways...

Here is my DVR shows per week:

Monday- Heroes

Tuesday-House
Law and Order SVU

Wednesday-Nothing

Thursday- CSI
The Office
Smallville
Survivor

Friday-Nothing

I dont know that you care what I watch but this blog is supposed to be all about me so there ya have it.....

First Trip to the Park

2008-10-01T07:57:00.001-07:00

Last Nite was the first trip for the dogs together at the park. They loved it! Then we came home and got caught up on all of our shows there were DVR'd. Molly and Toby fell asleep fast! Toby never sleeps inside! Molly fell asleep on my lap and was snorin like crazy. No wonder Toby fell asleep, she probably keeps him up at night LOL!

Molly

2008-09-20T01:40:00.000-07:00

We finally found Toby a girlfriend! We have been looking for another basset hound for a few months. Molly was a stray found by the Human society 1 month ago. She is close to 2 years old. She was the runt of the pack. They didn't know too many details about her. They named her Milly but we changed it, they said she didn't know her name! I took Toby to meet her today and it was love at first site! She just got spayed yesterday and still has stiches, so her and Toby must be kept separate for a week. Which is really difficult! They really want to play! Here are some pics...

Work Day at Church

2008-09-18T14:23:00.000-07:00

So in the summer usually on Thursdays we have work days. Today we had to patch a spot on the roof of the church. There was a bad leak. We started at 9 and finished at 3. I had a soda sitting on the roof and I went to take a drink and there was a bug in my mouth. I spit a mouthful of soda out and there was a bee! I then felt the excruciating pain. The stinger was stuck on the roof of my mouth! I could not get it off. Luckily I am not allergic to bees. After 5 mins with a tweezer I got it off. Then I almost fell off the roof. I am not cut out for manual labor lol! Can't wait for tonight to relax and watch Smallville and The Office!

Ready for Vacation!

2008-09-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

Just a few more days until vacation! I cannot wait! Just a few days of relaxation!!!! Sleeping in, no work and no church related items! Don't get me wrong I looooove my job but I am ready for a break! We will be in Springfield for a few days then my family is coming in and we are going to Branson. I cannot wait to see my sister, brother n law and my adorable nieces! Pray that we come back refreshed and relaxed and if you live in Springfield give us a call and we will catch up!

Nothing to Blog About

2008-09-12T08:15:00.000-07:00

IPHONE

2008-09-08T19:51:00.001-07:00

I got an Iphone! I wasn't even expecting to get one but I had some money put back and I bought it tonight. I feel kinda guilty for spending so much money but I love it. There are so many buttons. I am still trying to figure everything out. LOL.

Please Pray

2008-09-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

We need a new vehicle! We need something bigger with more room. We are looking at a Yukon or a GMC Envoy XL. We have been searching all summer. So please pray that we can find the right vehicle with the right miles and especially the right price cause we are poor lol!

Also our Chevy Blazer is having problems. Someone from the church has been working on it for a week now and we are borrowing a friends car. Pray that it will be a quick and cheap fix

Very Close Call...

2008-08-26T13:13:00.001-07:00

Wow!
So I am the only one in the office today,alone in the church. Our church is located right off the Highway that is connected to St. Louis, so we get a lot of homeless people and hitchhikers and they come to the church wanting rides or money, we have even found some sleeping in our church buses. Neways there were some teachers working up here earlier on their classrooms and they do not have keys to the church so when they left they didn't lock the door behind them. I should have went downstairs and locked it behind them. I am a very big stickler on always making sure that door is locked. I do not want to be killed! Richard, a deacon, came up to the church and found a man asleep in our foyer in the church. He was a homeless guy had been there for about 15 minutes, just "resting". Richard ran him off. I was upstairs without a clue! Scary!

5 Years Gone

2008-08-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that I have been out of High School for 5 years and out of College for 1 year. I cannot get over what has happened in the last 5 years. High School seems like it was centuries ago! There has been a lot of ups and downs in the last 5 years. But I am extremely happy where I am today. I am so glad that God has continued to open doors for me and I have continued to be faithful to follow His lead. It's hard being away from family and friends in a whole new place. But St. Charles is beginning to feel like home. Wonder what God has in store for me 5 years from now? I would be 28 OMG! Thats uber close to 30. I am getting old!

Wedding

2008-08-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

Funny pic huh? No but seriously I performed my second wedding ceremony today! My Pastor found out he had to leave town bc his daughter-n-law is having a baby. So I had to perform the wedding. I found out at 10 and had to be at the wedding by 12. It was outside and CRAZY Hot! I was sweating like crazy but it was fun and a great wedding! And I got paid for it! I love this pastor stuff!

GOD IS AMAZING!

2008-08-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

God has been so Good to us lately!

Tonight after church a girl got saved, Angel. We have been praying for her for over a year. She grew up Catholic and her mom is Muslim.

We had 42 students at church tonight. Both vans full! I had to drop a load off at church then go back and get some more!

What an amazing opportunity and an amazing job I have.

I thought of this phrase tonight for salvation.

If you got something, its gonna spread, its gonna be contagious!

Let our light be Contagious!

Busy Day

2008-08-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

Day started at 10 Am
I went and worked out for the first time in a long time. After 15 mins I was exhausted! I only burned like 300 calories after an hour! Ridiculous! Thats not even one cup of soda!

Got home after an hour and took Toby to get a wash. He smells so much better.

Since he was out of the garage, I swept and mopped and cleaned out the garage. It was disgusting.

Then went and picked up Toby, came home babysat for Melissa then mowed the lawn!

I am so tired.

At 5:30, took Toby to the vet. $180.00 and 3 shots later. He's all good.

I am so ready for bed!

Six Flags

2008-08-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

I love six flags! I feel like a lil kid there. It was awesome having a season pass this year! I dont know why Wonder Woman go into the picture, she was not invited lol!

First Post-Anyone out there?

2008-08-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

Pull up have a seat!

So here is my first post. I'm gonna try this blog thing out. I dont know if anyone is out there that is interested in my life enough to get on here but we will try it out! Enjoy a view into the life of Brandon.