Life is a tree

It's branches spread out before me

paths too numerous to count

each leading me to the same destination

but a different story along the way

which should I take?

which is the way to go?

I walk blindly

not with sight,

but with my heart

my heart in my God

who places footprints before me

and I but step into them

but I'm to a crossroads

Which way should I go?

Where will I be taken?

If I have 3 things with me

I believe I don't much care

If I'm at my God's side, 

shes at my right,

and my brethren to my left

Then I'll get through

No matter what happens

or where I go

I'll be happy.

Take the reigns,

show me the way

I give my way to you

at the end of the day.

It's official... I'm no longer a subservient to the Government.  The US Army or PA National Guard no longer have the chains on my life.  With whim or force I can effect change within my destiny, or allow God to do it for me.  If I want to move from the country, or travel the world, I have to but do it.

This is the last full semester of college for me.  A transition like none I've come across lies ahead.  It's intimidating, to be honest, but exciting at the same time.  I will miss many parts of it, and be glad its done as well.  There's 2 classes yet I'll finish in the summer semester, then I'll have my associates in General Studies.  I know, cop-out...  So be it.  It's time to get working full time; finally.  Lets move on towards the next chapter in my life.  

I aim to get working full time, and save up enough money to eventually get a loan and buy some property to either buy a house or build one.  My decisions in this area are not my own, but dependent on 2 others decision, so naturally it's challenging for me.  My roommate, Jeryl, is looking to buy a house and property within the month, and he's offering a room for me there if he gets it.  It'll be a change, but that's often what causes growth, so it should be a good thing.  He's offering me acreage there as well, which could be a great opportunity. 

I want to fast-forward at times, truthfully.  This is the hardest point in my life, by far.  This last year has been the most challenging yet rewarding time in my life.  Truthfully it's been harder than Iraq.  But I've grown so much, learned a ton, had incredible growth in areas I never thought I could, and have cultivated relationships too deeper levels than I've had.  I've met the woman I wish to be with for my life, and have to only be patient and focus on doing what's right, growing, and attaining stability.  But I suppose if I just jumped ahead I'd miss out on all the good things that are going on, and look back regrettably.  Instead I'll make the best of what I have, while staying focused ahead.
What does my future hold?  I hope the following are inclusive, Lord willing.

A wife.  :)

A stable, great full-time job.

Increased Spiritual growth.

A house.

10+ Acres.

A small farm.

Deeper friendships.

Hope.

Love.

Happiness.

Simplicity.

Family.

etc.

I understand that asking for such amazing things seems selfish, and rather unrealistic.  But If I don't aim high I'll never hit my mark.  I have a passion, zeal, and heart to get somewhere and do something to get these things, but I need more than that.

If your reading this, I humbly ask for prayers, support, and love.  What more can I ask for?  I know that my life and future is so interdependent on God's grace, and without him I have nothing.  I want to be able to give back to God for all that hes done for me, and all that he may do for me in the future.  I also want to give back to all those who have shown me so much love.  I'm aware the impact it has on them, and yearn to be able to ease suffering and repay in whatever way I can.  For those who have been supportive to me as of late, and have given me ear or shoulder, I am eternally grateful.  Without your help and support, I doubt I could have got to where I am now, or made it through various struggles and decisions.  Thanks so much for being there, listening, giving advice, caring, and showing me love.

For those who don't much care about my future or disagree with parts of it, please feel free to share your thoughts with me.  I'm open to suggestion and wisdom, so long as it's done out of love, not envy, strive, anger, and the like.  I feel at times those forces drive others against me, but know that it won't deter me.  I know some don't exactly agree with my choice for a woman, but my mind isn't going to change, so showing me conditional love sure won't do any good.  God will guide me and love will conquer all.  I only hope that we can all one day be together in heaven, and get past this stuff that slows us down from attaining that goal.

These things are what drives me each day...  Without them I'd be done, without her I'd be dead, and without him I'd be nothing.

Faith.  

Love.  

Patience.  

Passion.  

A sip of my Soul

[>This is a note I posted some time ago on FB, but I thought it would do more good here.  Not every1 is on FB, much to my dismay.<]

Just a few moments ago, a brilliant revelation unveiled itself to me. I was strolling to the Library in between classes, and happened to notice a certain bag. A young girl was toting this messenger bag, with the word "Love" on it. The word was written not horizontally, as most words are, but a combination of up/down and left/right.

L E
O V

The serendipitous arrangement of the letters prompted me to re-evaluate the word, and I came to a stunning conclusion. Ask yourself, what is the opposite of Love? Well you might say "Hate". My reaction was the latter as well. There are few similarities between the 2 words, other than they both consist of 4 letters.

Let's get dyslexic though. "Love" backwards is "Evol". You are probably questioning my sanity at this point, but bear with me. Sure "evol" is not a word, but do sound it out in your head. It sounds remarkably like "evil".

Perhaps man turns evil in the absence of Love. With out people to love, or without someone to show affection for, we [may] eventually face a digression to evil.

This affirmation is reminiscent of the classic argument between young Einstein and his professor:
"Evil does not exist, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."

( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv6pyoWLBoY )

( http://hubpages.com/hub/Einsteins-God-Argument )

I read a book a few weeks ago for school about King Leopold. He was the King of Belgium many years ago, and was the ruler of the Congo in Africa. He was responsible for millions of deaths, slavery, and oppression. His childhood was one full of neglect. His parents were king/queen, and never paid attention to him, so he was lonely. He ended up becoming a miserable person, with an unquenchable thirst for money, power, and stuff. One could say that he became the way he was because he was never loved, or never loved anybody.

Another example is Hitler. The dude was equally miserable, and murdered millions of people.

Adversity & Oppression can bring out the best of us

This is a video that I ran across through my various news feeds of conservative think tanks or movements.  It is a must watch.  The song "Apologize" by "One Republic" is already incredibly popular, and this video only gives kudos to the band.  After watching it, I seriously had chills.  I am so moved by this video, that I decided to post it for the benefit of all, along with my thoughts on it.  I am painfully aware of the parallels of the depicted time and today.  Hopefully I can influence others to see and feel what it must have been like to have been oppressed and controlled, as the 13 colonies were in the late 1700's.  Man must take a stand against such travesty, and overcome whatever holds him back from creating a good place to raise a family, and pursue individual interests ,serving the community and ultimately humanity, all while diligently serving God.