In Loving Memory of Grandma; Lector Mae (Bailey) Piper

I love this photo of my grandmother, Lector. This beautiful Wednesday morning, my lovely wife Nikki and I attended her funeral in Creedmoor, NC. I heard individuals share hilarious memories of my grandma, knowing that she was smiling down at us from Heaven. Although we heard stories that made us laugh, the stories that truly resonated with me this morning, were those told by an elderly cousin of mine, whom preached the ceremony, stating how he could recall as far back as 60 years ago, my grandma diligently serving in the church and community for the Lord. The pastor spoke of how Mrs. Lector Mae (Bailey) Piper was always willing to serve the Kingdom, and how even to this day she would run into him, asking "Are you still a'preaching?" 

Throughout the service at the church, I felt my grandmothers presence; I knew that she was watching and listening to every word. I was able to speak at the gravesite for the final ceremony. I shared with family members and friends how, growing up, Grandma Piper was constantly talking about the Lord...but as a rebellious child and adolescent, it went through one ear and out the other.. But that didn't stop her from praying for each and every one of us; how I know that those prayers have helped me become the man that I am today; that after hearing countless testimonies of how my grandmother was a genuine follower of Christ, a true servant, I truly realized that her faith in Christ truly reflected through her life....that Christ came to this Earth to serve the people and my Grandmother did the same for us.

I closed the ceremony with these verses:

"I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."

2 Timothy 1: 3-5

Grandma, thank you for the prayers. Thank you for never giving up on me.

Humble Inspiration; "Twelve Ordinary Men".

I have recently started reading a book titled Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur.  The back cover of this book states the following description:

"When you take a fresh look at the disciples, you'll be faced with a stunning fact: The men the Savior chose were ordinary.  Hopelessly human.  Remarkably unremarkable.  But they were available and obedient to the Master's call.

And, under Jesus' teaching and touch, they became a force that forever changed the world...The message of Twelve Ordinary Men is clear.  If Christ can accomplish His purposes through the lives of common men like these, imagine what He has in store for you!"

I have only read about twenty or so pages of this book....and those twenty or so pages are packed with  lines that I literally scribbled 'Amen!' beside.  Here is an excerpt from Twelve Ordinary Men that reminded me of these verses:

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called.  Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were noble of birth.  But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.  God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-and the things that are not- to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him.  It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.  Therefore, as it is written: "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Excerpt:

"So there are no intrinsically qualified people. God Himself must save sinners, sanctify them, and then transform them from unqualified into instruments He can use. The Twelve (apostles) were like the rest of us; they were selected from the unworthy and the unqualified. They were, like Elijah, men "with a nature like ours" (James 5:17). They did not rise to the highest usefulness because they were somehow different from us. Their transformations into vessels of honor was so\>lely the work of the Potter.

Many Christians become discouraged and disheartened when their spiritual life and witness suffer because of sin or failure. We tend to think we're worthless nobodies-left to ourselves, that would be true! But worthless nobodies are just the kind of people God uses...

Satan may even attempt to convince us that our shortcomings render us useless to God and to His church. But Christ's choice of the apostles testifies to the fact that God can use the unworthy and the unqualified...They turned the world upside down, these twelve (Acts 17:6). It was not because they had extraordinary talents, unusual intellectual abilities, powerful political influence, or some special social status. They turned the world upside down because God worked in them to do it.

God chooses the humble, the lowly, the meek, and the weak so that there's never any question about the source of power when their lives change the world.  It's not the man: it's the truth of God and the power of God in the Man. (We need to remind some preachers toady of this. It's not their cleverness or their personality. The power is in the Word-the truth that we preach-not in us.)" 
-John MacArthur, "Twelve Ordinary Men".

When Two Become One: Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Piper

A great man of our church, evangelist Pastor Craig Maclaughlin, surprised my beautiful wife and I with this video of our wedding day.  This thirty-six minute video will give you a mere glimpse of our beautiful wedding day on November 3, 2013; a day filled with countless tears of happiness, laughs, smiles, hugs, kisses, and memories that will never be forgotten...a day that two people, became one.

Happy 1st Birthday, Liljana!!

Today is a monumental day for my family; my sweet, beautiful niece Liljana, turns one!!!  

Happy Birthday, Lili!!!

Liljana and my nephew, Elijah!

Daddy and Lili!

Having some fun in Croatia!

It's hard to believe that this precious little girl was born a year ago today.  I pray that as she continues to grow up, she will maintain her purity and innocence, not becoming polluted by the perverse ways of our world; that she will become a Christ-following young woman; a voice and light for her generation.

November 2013 Update

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Piper!

For those of you that have visited my blog, and read my 'August 2013 Update' post, you know that I proposed to Nikki back in July.  Well, by the grace of God, we tied the knot on Sunday November 3, 2013!  We had an absolutely incredible wedding ceremony and reception!

I can honestly say that the past (almost) three weeks have been the best weeks of my entire life.  I know that short time that Nikki and I have been married is only a mere glimpse of all that God has in store for us.  I (we) are praying and believing that God is going to use my wife and I to do extraordinary things for His Kingdom.

On behalf of my better half and I, we would like to thank each and every one of you that were able to make it to our wedding and/or have supported Nikki and I in any way, shape, or form.  November 3rd, 2013 was one of the greatest days of our lives; we are fortunate that many of our family members, friends, and co-workers were able to celebrate such a monumental day with is...it is a day that we will truly never forget; a day filled with countless tears of happiness, laughter, and absolute joy.

Nikki and I simply ask that you continue to pray for us as we seek God's will for our lives; not individually, but united as one.  As I stated earlier, we are praying and believing that God is going to use us in powerful ways.  Please pray for divine opportunities and arrangements; for boldness to fearlessly proclaim the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Stay tuned for an update filled with pictures and video from our wedding ceremony and reception!

"Haven't you read," he replied, that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?  So they are no longer two, but one flesh.  Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."

Matthew 19: 4-6 (NIV)

De-Socialnetworking

If I were to ask this blog's visitors to identify the three logos pictured above, I assume that the majority of you would be able to do so with ease.  The Three Amigos of social media/networking: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Now, if I were to ask how much time each and every one of you spend (or should I say waste) each day on these social media outlets, what would you say?  Now, now...I am just as guilty (if not more) than you are.  I can honestly admit that I spend at a minimum of an hour-and-a-half of my "free" time, browsing these media sources....solely via my iPhone.  That's not even counting time that I occasionally spend visiting Facebook and Twitter on my laptop.  So, let's do the math.  I will assume that I spend two hours each day using these "big three"; 2 hours x 7 days = 14 hours a week.  I waste at LEAST 14 hours a week on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Let's take it even further: 14 hours per week x 52 weeks = 728 hours per year

Wow.

I waste an estimated 728 hours a year posting comments, hashtags, pictures, videos, and simply boredom-browsing.  I can easily think of many ways to better utilize those 728 hours a year.  I'm not sure about you, but for me, this is a huge:

My pastor discussed this social media/networking epidemic in last Sunday night's sermon.  I recall thinking and justifying to myself, "I don't spend THAT much time on it; I really DO make good use of my free time; I've gotten BETTER about it, right?".  Well, ladies and gents, the numbers don't lie.  I've been an avid social media/networking user since the day that I discovered Myspace in middle school.  But, it is time for the ridiculous amount of time that I waste on social media to drastically decrease.  The first steps that I had taken prior to the Sunday night sermon as well as this number-crunching, was to delete the Facebook and Twitter apps off of my iPhone.  Although I had seen improvements this week, I simply started making up for those deleted apps by spending MORE time on Instagram; counterproductive, eh?  Well, that leaves me with one option: delete Instagram.

My prayer is that God will provide me with the wisdom to be a better steward of my time here on Earth; to not waste 728 hours a year....out of sheer boredom.  I also pray that for anybody that just so happens to come across my blog and this post; that you too will realize how much time is wasted on these social medial outlets....and for productive methods of utilizing the hours you will gain by NOT posting that oh-so-incredible image of this mornings breakfast!  #desocialnetworking

 …This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Ephesians 5: 14-17

August 2013 Updates

First and foremost, I would like to share with you all that.....

I'M ENGAGED!

Yes, you are reading that correctly.  On July 12, 2013 I proposed to the most amazing, beautiful, intriguing, and Christ-following young woman on this Earth.....for SOME reason, Nikki said yes :)  My   fiancé and I will be getting married here in Jacksonville, NC on Sunday, November 3rd, 2013 (we aren't wasting ANY time!).

For those of you wondering how I proposed....I'm in the process of making a video consisting of "secret" video and images that I captured (with a tripod) of our engagement.  BUT, in the meantime....I'll briefly describe my somewhat romantic endeavor:

I wanted to propose in a somewhat unique way.  I didn't want to get on one knee and pop the question in the middle of a fancy-smancy restaurant; Nikki and I aren't too "flashy" of people...I knew that she would want something that required more thought on my behalf.  Therefore, I purchased and hid "the rock" for  a couple of weeks as I concocted a method of delivery.  After much deliberation, I recalled that our good friends, Jake and Kayla, had a one year anniversary that was approaching, and decided to include them in the scheme.

Jake and Kayla

I decided that I would tell Nikki that I was going to do a photoshoot for our close friends' anniversary on the shore of North Topsail Beach; Nikki and I have spent a good amount of time there, especially during the first part of our relationship.  I called Jake, discussed my plan and instructions, and asked for him to share the details with Kayla.  Alright, everyone is on board.  Plans are set and good-to-go.  But....it poured, and poured, and poured, almost the entire day.  I prayed earlier that morning, "Lord, if it rains...let it rain during the day while we are at work so that I can propose to Nikki this evening."  And, my prayers were answered!  I left work at 5:30pm and the skies cleared up and rain ceased.  Go time!

Ok, I'm going to stop here.  I've intentionally left out a handful of details, to build up anticipation for the engagement video that I am working on!  Sorry, ladies and gentlemen!  I'll leave you with a couple of images from the engagement:

Post-proposal image that I captured of my beautiful bride-to-be and I; captured with a good ol' tripod and remote!

Post-proposal photo of my beautiful bride-to-be!

Low-resolution screenshots from the "secret" video I captured of our actual engagement!

Unfortunately, Nikki and I were not able to raise enough support for a week-long trip to Nehemiah Vision Ministries.  However, we ARE going to try again next year.  I desperately want to visit all of my friends there...and I want Nikki to experience it as well.

I am also contemplating changing the name of this blog.  As you all know, I am no longer living in Haiti....but would love to continue blogging and sharing my thoughts and images.....Stay tuned!  I hope and pray that 2013 has been a blessing to whomever comes across this blog!

Yard Sale Fundraiser!

My girlfriend, Nikki, and I have decided to raid our closets, homes, our parents' closets, garages, etc. in order to gather material for a huge yard sale that her and I are hosting tomorrow morning from 7am-12pm!  We are going to have a TON of men's, women's, and children's clothing (even some designer clothing for the ladies), purses, shoes, household items & appliances, and a whole lot more! 100% of the proceeds will go towards Nikki and I's one week mission trip to Haiti in July!!! We need to raise a total of $2000 by mid-July! View the flyer for an address....come on out and be a part of something big! http://raleigh.craigslist.org/clo/3840488737.html

Passion and Purpose

In my spare time, I enjoy watching and taking notes on sermons from my home church by Pastor Chuck Milian (Crossroads Fellowship in Raleigh, NC) and from Louie Giglio (Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA).  As some of you know, I work full time in an office setting.  The majority of my work day is spent completing mundane clerical-type tasks.  God has been stirring up my heart lately, leading me to question why in the world I spending eight hours a day in an office, with little-to-no human interaction.  I might have two or three guys come in, for a combination of perhaps twenty minutes out of an eight hour work day.  Don't get me wrong, I am extremely thankful that God has blessed me with a full time position.  He was definitely looking out for me.

I hadn't watched a sermon by Louie Giglio since my six month mission trip in Haiti last year.  I decided to head over to the Passion City Church website to catch up on the latest sermon series.....and boy, am I glad that God led me to do so.  Louie's sermon preached an April 7, 2013, entitled "Whatever", was the first of his series "Passion+Purpose".  I was unsure what to expect, considering the simple title of this sermon.  To put it simply, this is a truly life-changing sermon.  God knew the questions that had been stirring inside of my heart, and He answered them through this message, and other messages in this series; "Passion+Purpose".

I'll try to cover the basis of this sermon, in a nutshell.  He states that many of us have questions such as, "Can I KNOW, WHY I am here? How do I know that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing? Can my life really count...for the stuff that matters most? What does GOD want me to do?"

Louie describes how each-and-every human being on this Earth have been wired with specific passions...things that truly speak to you and make you feel alive.  He states that we all might not share the same passion, we all share the same PURPOSE, as mentioned in Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

"We all have unique opportunities, given by God.  God's not looking for people to simply exist.  God wants you to live, feeling ALIVE! Maybe doing that thing that you told somebody you wanted to do, but they laughed so hard that you haven't told anybody since...THIS may be the passion that God has put inside of you...There is something that moves you.  Don't look for the "Top 5 Careers", or cities with the best jobs...God has wired ME to do something.  I have a purpose in life that is GREATER than this thing I am passionate about.  That I came from God, am sustained by God, and will return to God."

Now I sit here wondering to myself, "If I found out that I had six months left on this Earth....what would I be doing differently? Would I regret not actively pursuing the true passions that God has instilled in me? Would I abandon the mundane job that I have and don't truly enjoy? Etc..." The fact of the matter is, you and I are not promised another day, week, month, year or even breath.  Several days have passed since I first started this post....I came across this video, of a teenager who was diagnosed with an incurable type of cancer and given six months to a year to live.  I thank God for leading me to this video...inspirational is an understatement.  After viewing the sermons last week by Louie Giglio and upon watching this video...I've realized that I have to dig into the Word and truly seek Christ's wisdom and direction...We never know what day will be our last.  So now I ask you....Are you pursuing a passion that God has instilled in you?  Are you honoring God in the job, sport, hobby, etc. that you're participating in? Do you wake up each morning, feeling refreshed and excited to begin your work or school day?  Or do you dread the thirty minute commute to work, the monotonous 8-hour workday, the hassling boss, and the gossiping co-workers...just so you can earn enough wages to make ends meet and have the bills paid?  There are ways to utilize the passions that God has blessed each and every one of us with....and still earn a living sufficient enough to provide our daily necessities as well as support our families.  Is our non-renewable and priceless life energy worth the wages that you are receiving?

"You don't have to find out that you're dying, to start living."

                                             -Zach Sobiech

Heading Back to Haiti!

My girlfriend, Nikki Sylvain, and I are planning a one week mission trip/visit to Nehemiah Vision Ministries in Chambrun, Haiti, sometime around the first or second week of July!! As many of you know, I served at NVM for six months last year...and needless to say...my internship there was absolutely life-changing. I am EXTREMELY thankful that God blessed me with the opportunity to live and serve alongside some of the most encouraging men and women of God that I've ever met...all for the glory of His Kingdom!!

Nikki has listened to me talk about Haiti-how much I loved it and couldn't wait to get back- about a million-and-a-half times.  I told her that it would be an amazing experience for her and I to be able to visit all of the astounding people that I met during my six months there last year.  Not only that....but contrary to popular belief and scrutiny, Haiti really is an absolutely beautiful nation.

1st Annual NVM Summer English Camp. Photo by Jason King.

The main focus during this one week trip for Nikki and I, will be helping out with the the 2nd Annual NVM Summer English Camp, where we will be helping children learn or improve their knowledge of the English language, while incorporating the message of the Gospel! Lot's of fun activities, learning a new language, and hearing/learning the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

1st Annual NVM Summer English Camp. Photo by Jason King.

This camp was one of my personal favorite endeavors during my six month stay there last year! In order for her and I to make it down there in July, we will need to raise support. Our goal, for the BOTH of us, is to raise $2000. That cost will cover our flights, food, shuttle, room-and-board, malaria medication, everything! July will be here before we know it...but Nikki and I trust that God can provide us with the necessary funds and support to embark on our first mission trip together!

1st Annual NVM Summer English Camp. Photo by Jason King.

Nikki and I thank each and every one of you for your generous contribution towards our mission trip.  Our prayer is that God will use both of us in an abundance of ways with the sole mission  to spread the truth and love of the Gospel to the Haitian children and people...bringing glory to His Kingdom in all that we do!! If you are unable to contribute due to financial issues...then PLEASE keep Nikki and I in your prayers as we embark on this journey together!

The easiest, fastest, and most secure way to donate is via this "button":