Economic Advice

I've been looking at some of this stock market stuff, and it doesn't look promising. We've all known that the economy hasn't been great the last couple of months, and then this happens? Now we hear all these panic-triggering words about the economy like "blood bath", "2nd great depression", "economic collapse". Well I've decided that I am going to increase the amount of stock I own. Maybe you haven't heard of this particular company, but it is a sure-fire safe bet to help ease your economic concerns. The Symbol is IXOYE, and it is from the Yahweh Kingdom of Heaven Corporation. Their motto is simple:

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:25-34)

I'm investing in Yahweh's stock, because I know that he will see me through all my troubles. He is the only one who can give security like that. And if we lose all things? It doesn't matter, because he will provide for all of my needs. Glory be to the one who takes care of those who seek him first! 

Crazy Times!

It truly has been a crazy last couple of weeks! I feel like I am finally getting into the groove of going to school full time. Five classes a day is pretty intense, but I am managing o.k. I actually saw on campus the world famous, Fiesta Bowl proposing Ian Johnson. He looks a lot bigger on T.V. Maybe it is because he is wearing all of those football pads, but hey it was still pretty cool. 

The thing I really like about school is the complete exhaustion I feel after going for 12 straight hours. It sure does help me sleep better at night! 

Fall Time!

Well it is officially September... and it is getting cold. I find that this fall is a little bit more like the spring time, with the birth of my first child coming in four weeks, more or less. It seems like this whole experience has gone by so fast, and all of the sudden it is time for the little one to come. I find now that I must really start getting ahead in all of my classes so I don't fall behind... That's about the last thing I need when I am getting up several times in the night. I must say there is a benefit to having these 12 hour school days... I am really tired, and I sleep great! It's important to keep pulling the positive out of the things life hurls at you. In writing to the Philippians, Paul states that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (4:13). I am claiming to his words, knowing full well that it is Christ who strengthens me, who will help me make it through this challenging fall. I will make it indeed!

Head Colds and Football

Well it figures that on the eve of my busiest week of the year, I would come down with a head cold. I don't think it is because of stress, because the stress hasn't even started yet! That's supposed to happen this week! I don't think I have ever been stuffed up like this at the end of nice summer weather. Figures.

On happier notes, football season is about to begin! High School, College, and Professional football all kick off this week or next week, and I must say that I am very content with that. I think the game of football is the one thing I can tune out and just be with. I don't have to worry about all of life's struggles, just who will make the conversion on fourth and 2. Happy days for football!

I am worried about my 49ers. They are pretty unsure at quarterback right now, and I've got that sinking feelign that we won't win more than five games this year. I am a fan, but I am also a realist. Maybe the Mets can carry baseball for me into October.

Youth Group!

Today is Wednesday, that means Youth Group at the Refuge! 

The Refuge exists to provide a safe place where young people can experience the love of Christ and be directed towards a lifelong relationship with him. 

Truly I love this slogan. I think it is important that the young people get to experience not only the love but the blessings that come with having a relationship with Christ. It is such a great honor and blessing to be able to work with teens and help figure out a way to navigate through this awkward phase known as adolescence. It is my hope that I can help teens come in to a relationship with Christ and experience a real relationship that grows.

If you could, I ask that you would be in prayer for the teens that will come tonight, and with the leadership that will meet with them on their level.

One Week of Full Time Employment

Today marks the last week that I must work full time. I work at a place called Total Truck, and because my wife was able to get a full time job, I can now work part time, and go back to school full time! Needless to say I am very excited to not have to work as much anymore. It just kind of takes me out of all the major responsibilities of the day to day full time job. Now I can say "I don't know, I haven't been here all week!" For some reason, that really excites me.

I'm nervous about going back to school though. 15 credits this first semester. Hopefully I can handle the workload. I have 5 classes on just Tuesdays and Thursdays, so that will become my full time job those two days of the week. At least I get Saturdays off, otherwise I might go insane from work overload.

Fall Sports!

I really do enjoy the entire Summer, but there is something about the Fall that really gets me excited. For one, Major League Baseball is starting to wind down, and my New York Mets still seem to be in the chase for October and the World Series. Second, my other baseball team, The Luchadores, are still playing. Never heard of them? They are my fantasy team. I must admit that I am not very good at fantasy baseball, but I enjoy it none the less. Finally, Fall marks the beginning of Football season. My San Francisco 49ers haven't been much to cheer about these days, but my Boise State Broncos are always a lock to win quite a few games. Expectations have been sky high for this college team that upset Oklahoma two years ago in the Fiesta Bowl, so I'm really hoping to not be let down. Can't wait for the sound of big men crashing plastic football pads into each other!

What is Hobo Jay's Refuge?

I guess I feel like I should take some time to explain the title of this here blog.

It actually has a dual meaning to it. The Hobo Jay part comes from a trendy little nickname that I have acquired over the last couple of months. As stated in my profile, I really like to recycle. I like being green, but it isn't for the environment. Instead, it is for another type of green named Washington, Lincoln, Jackson, and Franklin. Recycling is a good way to supplement my income, so I do. But since then it truly has become a full blown obsession. I have no problems reaching into the top of a trash can for a pop can, as long as I can see it. I don't dive in, but if its easily attained, its mine. So Hobo Jay is in reference to my recycling addiction that cannot be quenched.

It is a refuge because that is the name of the Youth Ministry I am involved with. The Refuge takes its name from Hebrews 6:18B: Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.

My goal is to make this not only a place where you can enjoy fun and entertaining bits of knowledge, but that it can encourage you and be a place where you the reader can come to for a little refuge from this life.

Thank you for visiting and enjoy!

My pretty lady and my baby girl

I am so excited for the month of September, or maybe October. Then my little baby girl Ava Claire will be born! My pretty little lady Andrea has been carrying our first child for 8 months, and she is incredibly uncomfortable! We have been going to birthing classes for the last couple of weeks, and it is so incredibly scary to me. I must admit that the birth of our daughter is something that makes me rather uncomfortable, but throughout the whole experience, I am reminded of how wonderfully made we are. God is making a tiny little miracle inside my wife, and I am excited to hold my little girl in my arms. God is so good indeed!

Welcome to my refuge!

I have finally joined the bandwagon and started my own blog. I give you the warmest greetings for finding me! I plan to use this medium to pour out on you, the reader, all sorts of wonderful bits of random knowledge and funny stories for your pleasure and enjoyment. Once I figure out what I want to write about, I will post again! So again I say welcome and enjoy!