More than just Easter eggs.

Hey Y'all.

Well. I find myself here thinking about what to write. Here's an idea...

Right now in English class we are comparing the four gospels to the movie "The Passion of the Christ."

Kids were totally surprised that I knew so much, and, it was just awesome! People asking about my religion, and then other kids saying it's just relaxed, and non denominational. It felt good, then when they realized I read the bible, daily, for fun... they were shaken up. They didn't get it.

Well, I guess pray that I'll get to keep surprising them and making their minds tick with questions.

One thing that kind of got me, a lot of kids who are forced into a religion such as Catholicism, or any other, they loose interest in reading and thinking about God, all they try to do is contradict it, and bring up points that maybe it isn't real. They get turned off.

One point that was made was, How did the disciples write about Jesus going to the garden and praying if they were all asleep? It caught me off guard. So, I am asking for You guys out there, any answers that maybe I can use to brighten up the situation. I just have this desire to bring some truth and hope and realness into their views, to inspire them to continue to seek the answers and to see the genuine love that is in it all! To show them it isn't a sad story, it is an incredible happy day, and we need to be thankful, and of course we feel sad for Jesus, but that is want inspires us to love Him more.

Easter is here, let's really take this weekend to think about it all. Tomorrow night I am going to see an Easter play called "Freedom", I am pumped, God using ART to minister. :)

So, let this be the first day where we look back on Easter 1977 years ago and realize it is more than Easter eggs. How was God feeling right now? This man.... A HUMAN... Was so much in pain and fear that He started sweating BLOOD. We asked God to get Him out of it, but He know this was the world's fate if He didn't go through with it, so He did. Now that is an inspiration.

Chocolate is good, Christ is better,

Colton

Your face is all I see.

HEY HEY HEY!

Well, I have so much to say, such a good day, well, I don't know, just, mmmm.... content.

First things first, I head to a voice lesson this evening, we sit down and talk for two hours, I sing one song. We talk for another half an hour. I leave. We talked about my future, about music, passion. Just everything that has been on my mind lately, and it went along perfectly with what God had been putting on my heart yesterday and today, and of course, it is great!

So, to sum it all up, because there is no way I can remember everything that was said, I heard this quote on Monday Night.

"If you can't say it, you sing it, and if you can't sing it, you dance it."

Haha, I really liked that, and after tonight I love it that much more. Here is where my mind is going --- In that phrase "it" equals my passion.

I figure, God has given me the gift of acting, singing and dancing, so what do I do it for?

Answer: My passion. Which is Him. Ta-Da.

We also talked about, focusing on one thing, and I feel so bogged down when I try to focus all my attention on one thing, and I feel like that time is coming, it's time to focus and be disciplined, and utilize what God has given me to really bring joy to others in this world.

So, it's decision time.

Not everyone will agree. Big whoop, there are few people in this world who will actually be able to see the real you and understand you. A lot of people think they do, but because they don't know what is most important to you, they actually don't. So keep faith, and keep the ones who should be held close, held close. Embrace what they have to say to you - It is most likely words from God.

Another thing we talked about was meditation. I chuckled to myself, this morning I was reading and thinking about that. Meditating with God - finding a quiet secluded place, just being ourselves, being with Him as simply and as honestly as we can, watching the focus shift from us to Him. It's insane how your thoughts just become *boom* clear.

I dare of all you, Christian or non christian, to just try and "meditate" for like a minute, to breathe and let your thoughts figure themselves out, wether you believe You are with Go, or by yourself. Let me know how it goes, I bet something cool will happen.

God made all the arts for fun, for love! I love it, and man, I love God, it's indescribable, and I can't say it enough, and I can't even sing it enough, so all I want to do is dance it!!!! Who's with me???

Finished all homework, so is headed to bed, EARLY! YES!!

-Colton

Thank You!

Hi There folks!

Well, thanks for the comments and e-amils on last nights blog. Totally all make sense, I love FEEDBACK!

Anyway, a little story, I was at TNB rehearsal tonight and on the way I looked in my book bag, and there was a birthday card! Signed by a few friends from Fredericton and filled to the side with inspiring lyrics that all mean something very valuable to me, I don't know, but I think that is the best birthday present yet! Thanks guys, it means the world.

So, I think in tonight's blog I just want to share some verses that were in this card, some of them I think I may have blogged before. But hey, this is God speaking directly to YOU! I think you can hear it again :)

Jeremiah 29:13 ---

When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you"—God's Decree—"bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it.

Psalms 42:1-3 ---

I want to drink God,
deep draughts of God.
I'm thirsty for God-alive.

Galations 5: 19-23 ---

It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.

This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God's kingdom.

^22-23But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

^23-24Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.

Psalms 27: 7-14 ----

^7-9 Listen, God, I'm calling at the top of my lungs:
"Be good to me! Answer me!"
When my heart whispered, "Seek God,"
my whole being replied,
"I'm seeking him!"
Don't hide from me now!

^9-10 You've always been right there for me;
don't turn your back on me now.
Don't throw me out, don't abandon me;
you've always kept the door open.
My father and mother walked out and left me,
but God took me in.

^11-12 Point me down your highway, God;
direct me along a well-lighted street;
show my enemies whose side you're on.
Don't throw me to the dogs,
those liars who are out to get me,
filling the air with their threats.

^13-14 I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness
in the exuberant earth.
Stay with God!
Take heart. Don't quit.
I'll say it again:
Stay with God.

There is so much more jam packed into this card, I can't say enough how much I love it.

Stay with me God, if I make it through this, I can make it through even tougher times, I will grow stronger, encourage me, give me some good feeling power, energize my soul! Show me your love,

Colton

BLEH

Ever just want to be really good at one thing? Like the absolute best?

I don't know why, possibly the immense amount of "tired" that is overflowing my body, but right now I really want to be perfect, at something. God, why do I have that feeling right now?

Hah, this isn't one of those blogs where I know the answer, just a question.

Anyway, besides my spastic mind asking randomly obscene questions, my day was... well...

I had hardly five hours of sleep, woke up, went to church, came home, family came over for birthday lunch, feel asleep until 5:15, found out I worked at 5. Went to work, was called "sleepy boy" all night, and now I am home... wanting to be perfect.

Perhaps it isn't a feeling of so much wanting to be perfect, but so much of just wanting to dedicate myself to one thing, I think I spread myself too thin, and with that I can't really see what my full potential is in one area. Which sucks, because now I don't have a clue of what I am capable, who knows, maybe if I practiced one thing all day everyday and dropped everything else I would be perfect. But how do you do that in this world?

Oh No, I feel like I am starting to sound like my old blog. This has got to stop...

Breathe....

Sorry guys, I think I just used this blog as a little bit of a garbage can, haha hope you enjoyed it.

God bless those crazy words, and I pray that someone who reads that may get something positive from it.

Okay, here are some of my favourite parts of Psalms 16, I just read, it kind of mends my heart in a soothing way if that makes sense.

Psalms 16 ---

My choice is you God, first and only. And now I find I'm Your choice! You set me up with a house and yard. And then you made me your heir! Day and night I'll stick with God; I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go. I'm happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I'm firmly formed. You cancelled my ticket to hell - that's not my destination! Now you've got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of you face. Ever since you took my hand, I'm on the right way.

:) Nice.

Well, can you tell I am extremely tired? Forgive me, and maybe a little prayer? Haha, funny how things work, everytime I pray to God to strengthen me and bring me closer to Him, things get a little bit more tough, interesting!

-Colton

Redeem

Hey Guys,

well, yesterday was a busy day, and all in all, I didn't get to blog and I went through withdrawals. I don't know if that's a good thing or not, either which way I am blogging this morning to make up for yesterday and I will blog again tonight.

So, today.

Let's celebrate! Okay, this may be corny, but I was reading the comments on my last blog and it hit me that we can celebrate our life everyday with the people who matter. Perhaps my birthday wasn't ideal because I didn't have the right friends around to celebrate with, or who knows the reasoning, but hey - I have God, and His presence is all I need. Right?

Anyway, today I am headed to church and then I am having a family birthday dinner here, which will be a blessing. It's a day to smile, a day to laugh and just have fun, that is why God made us, to have fun! To have the right kind of fun, the fun that doesn't hurt us in the end. So smile, laugh, eat, drink, and be merry. I'll talk to you tonight.

I am so thankful, check out what God is giving you! Seriously, look, it is so much more than you think,

Colton

17

Well, today was my birthday, and I think I will say it was a humbling one at that.

I guess that isn't bad though.

I maybe expected too much. Birthday's are such a big deal - still! I think today really shook me up when I realized the factor of me and my lack of Christian friends, and the ones I do have are awesome, but I wasn't with them. And sometimes, friends who don't understand you on that level hurt you, even when they think they are having fun with you... hmm.

I don't know how, but I think I can relate this to if you think you hear something from God, follow it, it will be better, more enjoyable, and You will get all you are longing for, plus more.

Really, think about that, when we become tuned into God, and are ready to listen, we will constantly be getting thoughts, and sometimes we think, no this is just my imagination, test it, and find out for yourself.

Like maybe, I wasn't supposed to hang out with people on my birthday because I was going to end up disappointed, or maybe I should of gone somewhere else at a different time when I felt the urge to do so. Somehow we dismiss that feeling and go the opposite way.

A good way to test it is if you are not feeling tuned into God, not feeling like you have the connection going on at the moment, and you get an idea to do something, chances are it's not the right thing to do. Know where you are standing on your level of hearing God's voice when you make these decisions.

I fear that no one will be able to decipher what I just wrote down.

Anyway, I am seventeen, and I thank God for that, the same as yesterday, but I am guessing that party I asked for ended up in heaven and not so much down here on earth, oh well - now I know to specify for next year,

Colton.

Birthday

If you know me, you know that I think birthday's are big deal, I never knew why I thought this, but I always get super pumped up about it, like incredibly pumped up. Well, my birthday is tomorrow. So, I was thinking about writing this tomorrow, but I shall write it now, after all, this is what God put on my heart TODAY, so maybe that means someone needs to read it TODAY.

So, birthday's. You were born. Big woop, you are another year older, yee-haw!

NO! Get this, you got a chance at life, you were given a life. I don't know, that baffles me in itself.

I don't know what made me think about it, or how it started, but something got me thinking, God must celebrate birthday's ever day, multiple birthday's everyday. He has a kid, that He loves with everything in Him, born each day. I was thinking about how excited I get, and I wasn't sure why, but then I was thinking about God, you know sometimes we think of God as this massive power, it dawned on me, He has feelings too, and He knows how to party, let me tell you, I've been to a couple of parties that He has hosted. So, I asked God to throw me a party. Sound like a good plan?

Then I was thinking, I think I know why I get so excited, besides the presents and the b-day wishes and what not, it means God has given me another year! I am going into my eighteenth year of life! Tomorrow, I will have lived for seventeen years, that is seventeen years that God has looked after me, that He has cried with me, that He has picked me up when all I wanted to do was lay down. Man oh man, I don't know why, but I think on my Birthday this year I am finally realizing all He has done for me! I ran so hard, and he chased so fast! O jumped off cliffs into burning poisonous lava, and he flew over and caught just before it was too late. I was talking today in first period parenting and how sometimes parents are really easy to talk to, or are bad at making rules, or are too lazy, etc. Basically we had a debate about the perfect parent. God is the ultimate parent, He is my Dad! My rescuer, my best friend, the guy who helps me out when I really need another guy to talk to, who always has the right answer!

Thanks Dad,

Come with me in this next year, and thank you so much for giving me life on March 26th, it means everything to me that I get to experience this world, Your world day after day.

-Colton

You are faithful... haha

Brain Vomit #2

OKAY! Well, I just spent the last hour, just soaking up information on God, not just on God, but on life, and everyone can relate to that! So I have thoughts come into my head, a lot of stuff that Kim Walker has taught me, and some stuff that really has penetrated the way I have been thinking, so check it out. Two thoughts for tonight.....

#1) In the pursuit of following Him, He will bring our destiny to us, we don't even have to chase it, it will just come. Fix our eyes on Him, walk towards Him, don't run away from the path He put in front of you, look ahead. Don't promote yourself, He will set up those opportunities and situations for you. He will put in you the right place at the right time, his timing is perfect. It's about trust, He will bring about the destiny he has called us too. He will open the doors and put us there. Simple.

Now... haha, I like this next one, a lot!

#2) Think about this: Worship is not music, it's not songs, those are expressions of worship, it cannot be defined to a box, it is simply our connection to Him. The song, the dance, it is all an expression of worship, but worship simply put, is the connection straight from us to God. We go through our week, we have life, we have school, we have bad days, we have good days, then we come to church and say, come on worship team, get me connected again! We can't stay in that place! Imagine what a "worship" service would be like if everyone came in already connected, because they fought all week long for this connection - because it is the most important thing in their life.. what would it be like? How much more of Gods presence could we encounter? We all have this well inside of us, its our job to keep it full, overflowing! Constantly pouring in and out! Whatever we have to do to keep it filled, thats what we have to be concentrated on. Absolutely everything in life demands us to pour out our heart and souls, so we need a constant refilling. At any moment we can stop what we are doing, and BAM worship Jesus, right then and there, because our connection is alive and connected! We don't have to stop and be like, "Hey is there anyone around who can play a song for me right now? I feel the need to worship and I need you to work something up in me." No way, I want this connection to be alive!!! I want people to have this connection, constantly! The key is having an unoffended heart! That feeling when we ask God, why did you let that happen? Why did I go through this? Day after day we deal with ugly reminders of our past, and day after day we have to remind ourselves that God had a reason for it, even if we can't see it. You know what? It is an amazing thing to come to God and say, you know what God, I don't need the answers, because more then I want the answers, I want you! Sometimes we think, why don't I feel God? Why don't I see him, what is holding me back from understand this amazing God I hear about? Maybe you've been hurt in your past and it is holding you back, and it painful, it feels like it kills to even think about what you've been through, but to press through that, and get through that pain, and say it is all of little importance compared to being with God is simply rewarding. So push through that pain and hurt, He is there, waiting with open arms, wanting a hug.

Gahhhh!! I want to spew out my thoughts more clearly, be honest, what do you think? Did that makes sense?

I love you, and I don't know... I just have a burning heart,

Colton

I love You could not be said a better way.

Hello my friend
I remember when you were
So alive with your wide eyes
Then the light that you had in your heart was stolen
Now you say that it ain't worth stayin'
You wanna run but you're hesitatin'
I'm talkin' to me

Don't let your lights go down
Don't let your fire burn out
'cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe
Why don't you rise up now?
Don't be afraid to stand out
That's how the lost get found
The lost get found

So when you get the chance
Are you gonna take it?
There's a really big world at your fingertips
And you know you have the chance to change it
There's a girl on the streets, she's cryin'
There's a man whose faith is dyin'
Love is calling you

Don't let your lights go down
Don't let your fire burn out
'cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe
Why don't you rise up now?
Don't be afraid to stand out
That's how the lost get found
The lost get found

Why do we go with the flow
Why take an easier road?
Why are we playin' it safe?
Love came to show us the way
Love is a chance we should take
I'm movin' out of the gray

So when you get the chance
Are you gonna take it?
There's a really big world at your fingertips
And you know you have the chance to change it

-Britt Nicole

Hey! So I heard this song on the radio tonight, and I don't even remember what it's called but man, the lyrics are gold! It's by Britt Nicole. So anyway, I think the praying pulled off, I did my Bio test, stopped three times to pray because I didn't have a clue, and then guessed a bunch of answers, but afterwards I checked with a couple friends, and from what I know, I think I did decent, anyway, I guess we shall find out.

So How are you?

How are you?

Just a question, and maybe I just think too much, but is it true that this question is actually difficult to answer?

How are you? Look deep, you angry, sad, overjoyed, is something deep within your soul not right?

Why live feeling less than perfect, especially when You have the chance to live with the feeling that everything is taken care of, all that you feel is peace, clarity, and love?

Peace, Clarity, and Love. What a life. I don't know what else I would need besides those three things. Man, I guess sense I have those things I am taken care of pretty well. I can smile, knowing that even when something seems "off", it really isn't. It's part of a plan that in the end is going to make me soar like an eagle with joy, laughter, and freedom.

I think, Love is a chance we should take - after all, what do you have to loose? Hurt? Shame? Sadness? Depression?I think I can handle loosing that, for good,

Colton

The flames of Love that burns in His eyes -- for You.

Do you dare? Look into the eyes of love tonight, leaving everything else behind.

Oh, Eyes that burn with the flames of love.

Eyes that burn with flames of love.

Those flames are a consuming fire. They will burn in me, come and burn me.

Oh, come and burn in me, all consuming fire.

My God is an all consuming Fire!

Haha, Fire that can't be tamed, fire that won't be put in a box, fire that won't be put out, an all consuming fire, come burn in me.

Your love is stronger, and bigger, and greater, Your love.

Oh, the flames of love that burn in his eyes... for You!

You are all I want, You are all I need, everything my heart could hope for.

God, I love you and all You do, can I have more of you?

Amazing grace how sweet the sound, oh my God You never let me down.

I have found a peace, that plows on through the storm.

I have found a joy, that jumps over sadness.

I have found a love, that lights up every room.

I have found, I found You.

I surrender, No turning back, I've made up my mind, I'm giving all of my life this time. Your love makes it worth it, Your love makes it worth it all.

Okay, so I am failing hard at this homework thing, pray for me... I am serious haha.

So, lots of good news, more followers on the blog, thanks guys, hope you like it as much as I like writing it.

Just a little note, the above blurb it's a bunch of lines from some of Kim Walker's spontaneous stuff, it gets me going like nothing else. Check it out, her album is called "Here is my song."

Well then, I was just talking to a friend of mine who heard a take on the story of Abraham on the weekend, from a pastor named Mike Miller. Just when I heard a piece of the story my mind was blown.

The story of Abraham has been a cool one to me and God has been showing it to me a lot lately, but this kind of hit me in a new perspective. Abraham was told by God to take his son to the alter as a sacrifice. This was a test from God, see Abraham had been praying for kids for so long, he was 115 years old, and he finally had one son, this son meant the world to Abraham.

One day, God wanted to test Abrahams faithfulness, and He told Abraham to go to a Mountain and sacrafice his son, Issac. Abraham set out to do the job. What got me with this story is this, Abraham was 115, Issac was a young adult at this point. He would of understood what was going to happen when his father asked him to lay on the burning alter. Issac would of had to help his father tie the ropes around himself. He was willing to sacrifice himself to let his father obey God's command. Now that is faith, that is going out on a limb and saying, "God I give it all to you! I trust You!"

Of course, God sent an angel down to that very spot and said to Abraham -- "Don't lay a hand on that boy! Don't touch him! Now I know how fearlessly you fear God; you didn't hesitate to place your son, your dear son, on the altar for me." Imagine how Issace felt at this point, I imagine it consisted of a little relief.

So get this, this wasn't just a little game, God isn't cruel, it was a test, and because Abraham passed, God gave him quite the promise....

Genesis 22:15-18 --- The angel of God spoke from Heaven a second time to Abraham: "I swear—God's sure word!—because you have gone through with this, and have not refused to give me your son, your dear, dear son, I'll bless you—oh, how I'll bless you! And I'll make sure that your children flourish—like stars in the sky! like sand on the beaches! And your descendants will defeat their enemies. All nations on Earth will find themselves blessed through your descendants because you obeyed me."

I want to be like Issac, so willing to give it all up, knowing that no matter how rough it looks, I'll be fine. We should live like that daily, on the alter, when we are on the alter we can see more clearly what God wants from us, so let that be our challenge, to be our thought. Let's live like Issac, on the Alter.

I feel like I did a lousy job describing how incredible that is, anyway, seriously pray for the Bio text tomorrow and English Homework that needs to get done. Thanks! Haha. I love You guys,

Colton

Real

Hey bloggers,

well today was a wonderful peaceful Sunday... and then I was called into work, Oh well... all is well, I am still living, even after changing garbages -multiple times-.

Anyway, what I have been praying for a lot lately is realness, and when I say it like that I guess it kind of sounds funny, so bear with me.

I think what I mean is I am praying to "be and not to do."

I feel like sometimes we try to do all these things to make us seem like an awesome person, or a cool Christian, or our train of thought is, "hmm... maybe, if I start these hobbies, and dress like that, people will think I am a really neat kid", when the fact is, God already made us this really cool person; A person who is neat and funky, and who has there perks that no one else can offer. The things that we go through in life, shape and mold our characters into the extreme creature that God wants us to be. I don't know why, but for some reason that was just on my heart on the way home from Work.

Be satisfied, be proud, be happy with what You are, and if that's a challenge embrace it.

All I can do is keep breathing,

Colton

DRIVE

I just had an incredible drive home from work. I really just couldn't stop smiling and laughing at it dawned on me. Praise isn't going to God during a worship service and waiting for Him to touch You, or for Him to heal you, or for Him to do anything, really. It's just that, to give Him Praise. It's what WE do, and when we come with our genuine hearts, just wanting to show and scream and sing and dance our love to Him, we are, I don't know... really praising Him.

Just a thought. Here are two songs by Kim Walker, the lyrics are cool but the songs are even better. Look them up!

"Can I have more of You" ---

I give up trying to earn Your love,
I just look above, up to You.
My desire is to see Your fire,
Growing even higher than before.

God I need You right next to me,
For my heart to be satisfied.
I decide how I live my life,
I've made up my mind, I'm livin' for You

Because You are good, beyond measure,
My heart longs to give You pleasure.
You fulfill all my longing,
And all my life I will sing:


God I love You and all You do,
Your joy lives inside and does me good,
Can I have more of You?
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
Oh, my God, You never let me down,
Can I have more of You?

and...

"I asked you for life." ---

I asked You for life, and You sent your son to die for me.
I asked You for hope, You came in the night and gave me a dream.
I asked You for freedom, You broke every chain and gave me the keys.
I asked You for love never-ending and every day You surround me!


And now my faith in You is a mountain that can't be shaken,
Now my strength is found in You, it is joy that can't be taken!

Praise spills from my lips, flowing onto the feet of You, my King.
You deserve all the love and all the honor that I can bring!

Here is my song, here is my heart, here is my love, all for You, Jesus!

Holy, Holy, only You are worthy!

Still smiling,

Colton

Alive to Live

HI-YAH!

So, I am feeling much more... what's the word? Not tired? Needless to say, I slept for 12 hours.

Anyway, last night was excellent at youth group. We talked a lot about Martyrs. People were really interested. The fact that was brought up was, there are so many people willing to die for Christ, and some of us aren't even willing to Live for him. BA BOOM! There is a splash of cold water on the face - wake up call. With that we led into Romans 12, fitting into our own culture without even thinking. You could tell everyone was hungry for God to pour down. So many prayer requests. I just can't help but feel a sense of family growing, especially with the girls, they have such a powerful desire to advance further in their maturity with Christ. And the guys are craving so much to break temptation and chains of sin. It's incredibly empowering to think of even after the fact.

Later in the evening I was talking to my pastor a lot about passion, and my day with my teachers, and just where my heart was. Actually, I am headed to work soon so I am going to count this next part as my blog for tonight.

My pastor and I were talking about Abraham, and how God made him give up his passion, which was his son, when Abraham willingly said, Yes God, I will give you my son, I love you that much, that is when God gave his passion back to him. He let Abraham have his son, but not until Abraham put him on the Altar. So I was kind of thinking about that, and how maybe God was showing me that? I think sometimes we get really set on the success that WE will see, for ourselves. Will people know our names? Will people remember us after we die? Will we make a massive impact? When we think these things our passions turn into plans for success for ourselves and not for God. Of course, God fixes that. So, take that thought for what You will. I am still working on it.

Another thing that we talked about was how this Western World has this outlook that if you are having an incredible walk with God, you are not allowed to be sad, or upset, or tempted. Not true. God says in His word that we will go through stuff like that, and Romans even says that if our friends are upset, be upset with them and comfort them. We talked about that for a while, and I don't know how, but I made the connection of being too serious with life. We have this one life, so have fun. god is not a completely serious guy, He invented comedy, He invented dancing and singing, and everything that makes us happy. It is Satan who has turned all these amazing gifts of joy into sin. So let's take those gifts back, they were here for us initially to have fun with, so let's have fun. Let's not be all stuffy and feel like we are glued down into a law of doing this and this and this in order to get into heaven. That is a load of *crap*, it is about a personal relationship -- directly from you, straight up, to your best friend. And your best friend wants you to live having the time of your life. We are alive to live, to have fun. WOO, feels good.

Another side note of what my pastor and I were talking about last night... when Satan reminds us of our past, we should remind him of our future.

Haha,

Colton

Just a Note

Hey guys, I am super sleepy.

So I shall blog about tonight tomorrow morning, make sure to check out what I wrote this afternoon, still can't get over it. :)

Night guys,

Colton.

YES!

So, usually I blog at the end of the day, but something so cool happened at school today that I will blog twice today.

Out of nowhere at lunch time I felt the need to go to the music room and play piano. I get up there and my teacher is in the room. He says He was looking for me, which was funny, because I kind of felt the need to just talk to him, for no apparent reason. We got talking about my passions, my desires. He dug deep into things that were bothering me, and what really holds me back, what I am lacking, what I am gaining. Basically pulled at my soul in a perfect way. We kept talking about God, and another teacher of mine came in, the three of us just felt like thee guys talking and sharing about God and what we were feeling. In the end of it we were all crying and praying. Haha, I was late for my fourth period, but it was so worth it. It's funny because lately I have really been feeling destroyed for some reason, just not peaceful, and at school, a place where I usually feel terribly alone, I had a totally incredible experience.

There is so much more I could say but I just want to praise God for that, He REALLY does take care of us, and puts people to help us out, in the strangest, but BEST places. I feel like I have a new best friend who can help me out at school now, my teacher! Haha

Well, I am headed to youth group soon. I am so pumped, something amazing is going to happen. I will fill you in when I get home. Pray.

"I want to take You away, let's escape into the music..."

-Colton

I choose You

So, ever have one of those times in your life when you feel like because of everything around You, You are getting drained, You just want to sleep, You're tired of trying? It seems like lazy is your middle name?

Well I think it's safe to say that at points We all go through that season, everything just seems that much more difficult. So I was thinking this, being lazy and tired, then this verse came into my path.

Romans 13: 14 ---

Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!

Fine then! I guess that's as straight forward as it gets. Haha, the fact that I got an answer to what was on my mind is pretty sweet. But what's cooler is the timing, just when I feel like I want to sleep and not wake up, I get this. Ha, He is good.

You know, people really wear you down. That is a fact of life, nobody is perfect, therefore You can't be with someone every second of everyday and not feel the drain it's taking on your body. School is the same, I feel like my energy is being sucked directly out of my system. Thoughts take their toll. Then I think back to that verse we read yesterday...

Romans 12:11 ---

Don't burn out; keep yourselves fuelled and aflame.

It seriously all comes down to that doesn't it? Make sure you get take that time to be set aflame, and I am starting to realize that it takes more than one shot a day. Know what I mean? So, pray for a recharge, and opportunity to find the time and place to do so.

I guess what's really on my heart lately is giving up when the going get's tough. You just can't do it, no matter how tired I am, I can't do it. I'll get nowhere. God gives us days to relax, so let's use them. He'll look after us, keep that faith. When it gets tough you are doing something right, don't give up and you will come out of the fire that much stronger and brighter, and THAT is the desire of my heart. We will come out refined.

So there we go...

Hey bloggers, want to pray? Youth group is tomorrow night, and the kids are on fire, pray for another encountered, we want to see and feel God's extravagant love.

Break me down God,

Colton

Smiling.

Hey Guys,

So I am home and it feels beyond good. A couple things that were really penetrating my soul while I was away. I had been talking a lot about passion, and how my passion had changed or drifted, I saw a different side of that on this trip. I remembered how much I loved to dance, and perform. I think I was resenting it because of all the things that I didn't like that didn't go along with it. I was talking to a couple of friends of mine about this. One said that I have to combine my passions to be truly happy. I feel like that is a phenomenal truth, and stands strong for anything and anyone. Why settle in this life for anything other then the complete passions God has placed in our lives. Of course, be sure that they are there, and that they are God driven, but don't be afraid of something because of past experiences. See, last year I went through a long rough time, and that is when I flourished in the dance part of my life, it makes sense that I related those two moments together. However now that God has taken me to new heights of clarity I can still use that passion, just in a different, and much more successful way. I feel at peace with this. I know God has something great in store, and I trust Him. I know where my heart is, and I also know He will satisfy it beyond anything I can imagine.

Now, on another note, I was reading this morning and I was so excited, it was time in my schedule to read my favourite chapter, possibly in the entire bible.

Here it is.... I think it speaks for itself. It really is just so... man, I love it!

Romans 12

Place Your Life Before God ------

^1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

³I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

^4-6In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvellously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.

^6-8If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.

^9-10Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

^11-13Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

^14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

^17-19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

^20-21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

Let the light of your face shine down on me, and let me feel it. I want to feel you, the favour of Your face. Bless me,

Colton.

Rescue.

Hey Bloggers,

I AM HOME, and it feels so good!

Well, good to be home - Good to blog - Good to get back into the pattern of things. I missed it so much.

On the way to a voice lesson tonight, It really hit me what God has been doing and I guess I kind of had a revelation that there is always a battle going on. I really called out for God to rescue me and restore me, to continue to renew my passions. So pray for me. I guess it gets tiring not being able to worship freely for a long amount of time. When that goes away, guards come down, and BAM, You're in trouble. So let's pick ourselves up. Be in awe of the wonder that we love. Display that love in everything we do.

Haha, so if you couldn't tell from that mini post, with terrible grammar, I am exhausted. Pray for me. Let's do this. Tomorrow I will fill you in on my trip, and some of the things God has put on my heart.

Check this out....

Psalm 119:129-135 ---

Every word you give me is a miracle word—
how could I help but obey?
Break open your words, let the light shine out,
let ordinary people see the meaning.
Mouth open and panting,
I wanted your commands more than anything.
Turn my way, look kindly on me,
as you always do to those who personally love you.
Steady my steps with your Word of promise
so nothing malign gets the better of me.
Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women
so I can live life your way.
Smile on me, your servant;
teach me the right way to live.

I love you, really,

Colton

This is it.

Last Night I watched the Michael Jackson DVD 'This is it'. It is truly incredible the talent that that man held. A gift from God, so I was checking out some of his lyrics and videos. The following link is to the "Man in the Mirror" video. Check it out. I'll list the lyrics to, there is an extreme truth held in them, I love it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PivWY9wn5ps

Ooh ooh ooh aah
Gotta make a change
For once in my life
It's gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right

As I turned up the collar on
A favorite winter coat
This wind is blowin' my mind
I see the kids in the street
With not enough to eat
Who am I to be blind
Pretending not to see their needs

A summer's disregard
A broken bottle top
And a one man's soul
They follow each other
On the wind ya' know
'Cause they got nowhere to go
That's why I want you to know

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change, yey
Na na na, na na na, na na na na oh ho

I've been a victim of
A selfish kinda love
It's time that I realize
There are some with no home
Not a nickel to loan
Could it be really pretending that they're not alone

A willow deeply scarred
Somebody's broken heart
And a washed out dream
(Washed out dream)
They follow the pattern of the wind ya' see
'Cause they got no place to be
That's why I'm starting with me

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make that change

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways, yeah
No message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make the change
You gotta get it right, while you got the time
'Cause when you close your heart
Then you close your mind

I'm asking him to change his ways
No message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself then make that change


Oh no
Oh no, I'm gonna make a change
It's gonna feel real good
Just lift yourself
You know, you got to stop it yourself
Oh
Make that change
You got to, you got to not let yourself, brother oh
Yeah
You know that
You got, you got to move
You got to
Make that change
Stand up and lift yourself, now
You know it, you know it, you know it, you know
Make that change

Just reading those words get me going, so much truth. So much truth. And a reminder, we don't have to be literally feeding the homeless to be making a change, but you know what I mean. That change can be anything, anything you want to see, start it. Now, one last M.J. lyrics, This Is It.

This is it, Here I stand
I’m a light in the world
I'll feel grand
Got this love, I can feel
And I know, Yes for sure
It is real

Wanting to come home, just a little bit,
Colton

Real

"And tonight, God wants to encounter you, and wants you to feel His love, His amazing love. Without it, these are just songs, these are just words, these are just instruments, without the love of God it's like we're up here just making noise. But the Love of God changes us, we're never the same, we're never the same after we encounter the love of God. And right now, if you haven't encountered the love of God, and you would know, because you wouldn't be the same, you would never be the same again -- and if you want to encounter the love of God right now, you better just brace yourself because He's about to just blow in this place. And we're going to encounter the love of God, right now."

Those are some fine words of truth right there. The thing about God is that He wants us so much, that whenever we come to Him, he will be right there with open arms to make us feel comfortable, to make us feel like home, to make us feel loved. That is a promise.

So, this is the real deal about love. So many times in our lives we will feel hurt, or broken down, like there is no other place to turn. Sometimes, that is where we meet God, and that is totally cool. The thing that draws me into God, is the love aspect. His love is unconditional, and it is safe to say that that kind of love is hard to find anywhere else. You feel something, a comfort, like things are taken care of and they will be okay -- ALL THE TIME.

The reason why I put that quote at the top of this page is because of two words, "right now." When You are feeling that emotional pain, that hurt, that feeling that there is no where else to go, you can go to God "right now." When you are having a moment of complete joy, like nothing could be any better, You can share that with God "right now" and make it ten times better.

What is God? A friend who never leaves or back-stabs, a Dad who will always be there for you and never hurt you, A Savior who will get you out of every tough place in this world, and continue to save you before things get worse.

Another question I get a lot is, "What do I do? Pray? I feel stupid just talking to air." The thing is, have faith. I wouldn't be writing all these blogs for some specks of air -- trust me. Yes, pray, for anything and everything. The bible says instead of worry about anything, pray about everything. You will be amazed. Check out www.biblegateway.com they have some wicked versions on the bible, check out "the message." itunes some Jesus Culture music. A really cool thing to do when you are first starting out thinking about God, and You feel stupid, or silly, or overwhelmed -- Just play some music, sit, and simply say "God, show me your love, show me that You are real. How much do you love me?" Then you are on a whirlwind. The thing about God is, He can't ignore you, so go for it. It's real.

Ask me anything,
Colton

Perspective.

Readers!

It has been too long, I am now out of Arizona and in Texas, one week until I am home in Canada.

Anyway, a couple things that I have missed, and it has made me realize how blessed and fortunate we are to have these things.

1) Time alone, "our time" where we can be calm, and breathe, and surrender to God, by ourselves.

2) Reading my bible freely and openly - no hiding, without criticism or questioning. Do we realize how fortunate you are to have a wonderfully supportive family? And if you don't, I realize what that's like now, and my heart goes out to you. Keep going, don't let anything stop you.

3) Blogging Everyday! I miss it so much, but, sense I haven't got the opportunity lately I have been writing to myself every day in on my ipod, and Today I am going to share some of things that God has put in my heart.

So... a few thing that I have read and that have been on my heart,

Romans 8. Check it out, the amount of knowledge that God has put into this guy is massive. Listen to every word that is written in that book, after all, these are God's words to you! This is how He does it.

^22-25All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.

^26-28Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

^29-30God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.

^31-39So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.

We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

There it is! Nothing, NOTHING, can come between us and the love God has for us. No location, no changes in our daily patterns, nobody, no words, no unsupportive family members, or friends, or roommates, or SIN, Nothing! And that is a promise!

God has shown me so much already on this trip about what I want in life, and how I work, but also has given me a glance at the life of not having a supportive Christian family around you, or maybe you don't have the opportunities to be as free as you want to just surrender to him constantly. Keep holding on. Pray for that time, you will get it. Last night I pray for some kind of peace to just be able to blog and write you my thoughts, and look what I have been given, this is a massive blog. Thanks God.

Okay, so one last thought. It is not our job to go out there and deliver our family or roommates or friends. That is God's job, it is our job to be constantly open to what God wants us to do, and to be a light to the people who we are with while we are waiting for God to do His stuff at the perfect time.

Wow, I have missed this, time to go lay in the sun,

Colton

Day 2 - Arizona

Hey Blog Readers.
Well it is getting harder and harder to blog, so if I don't - well, this is fair warning. I feel guilty if I don't tell you.
Anyway I keep writing all my thoughts down on my ipod, but of course, when i come to the computer I forget to bring my ipod -- leave it to me.

Anyway, today the workshops start. Which is nerve racking, However, God has been putting peace on my heart. When we are calm, and peaceful, even in times of stress, people will be drawn to that, and then conversation start, etc.... In the end, you have a friend. That's what it's all about, the love.

So, smile, be peaceful, because God has it taken care of.


"It's all about the love.",
Colton

Breath

Hey guys
So I am now in Arizona, the temperature is wonderful.
It's funny, I have been flying all day, and as tiring as that is. I am super excited and... happy. Haha


I don't have a lot of time to write but just a thought for the day.
Take time, in everything you are doing and Thank God for it. Breath, and take time to enjoy the little things.
There is no better recipe for joy.

Smiling and Breathing,
Colton

Passion. Figured out.

So, just a spill of my heart through typing tonight.

Well, tomorrow morning I am headed to Phoenix Arizona. I am there for five days, then I am headed Dallas, Texas. In total I will be away from home for about two weeks. That also means away from my beloved computer. So, pray that I will find a computer to blog on throughout my travels, I like blogging. So, if there isn't a blog entry, you know the deal. I promise, I am not breaking the promise I made myself way back January. :)

So, tonight I was thinking about these trips that I am going on, the are for a dance convention. Dance and performing arts used to be a massive part of my life. It was my passion, it was my everything. Lately I have been talking about how my passion has changed, so then this thought occurred. If God has shifted my focus from the performing arts to other aspects of my life, why does he continue to put these incredible possibilities and gifts in my life? I was talking to a "spiritual father" of mine, and he said that maybe it isn't God who has put these possibilities and opportunities in our lives. The thing is, we are born with gifts, and if you are anything like me, you are constantly asking for God to throw down more gifts on your life(see story of Jabez.) So God blesses us with gifts. Isn't it true that Satan will see these gifts and try to use them for himself? The bible says that the enemy is sneaky and is always waiting to pounce. So he would totally try to put these things in your life to divert you from the path you are meant to go on.

Now, about the whole God changing passions thing. The thing is, God puts desires in our lives at different times for different reasons. Its called seasons. There will be a certain season in your life where your ministry for God will be doing a certain thing, and when God sees that You will be more effective in a different place, or you are ready and willing to go to the different place, he will open those doors, and unlock those passions in your life for you to go there. Make sense?

Jeremiah 29:11-15 ---

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."

or, the message version...

I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. ¹²"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen.^13-14"When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you"—God's Decree—"bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it.

So, a last thought, when our passions change and we are able to identify what desires God has placed in our hearts, and which opportunities are from Him, be excited! Don't think of this as a funeral of your old passions, you have simply moved on, into something that God has prepared for you, it's a gift.

So pray for me, pray that I will be God's light on my trips, that I will find ways to spark conversation and bring hope. That I will be Jesus in those conventions. Wether this is a an opportunity from God, or I didn't pay attention and this isn't exactly where I should be, God is going to use it for His glory, He can make it successful. Pray that I will have His eyes, and no matter the reason why I'm there, I will make the best of it. I find myself getting frustrated if I'm not elbow deep in full force ministry, but this is a trip, that for one reason or another, that I am going on, and I will continue to worship, Praise God, and set examples for him there.

God bless you all, and thank you. Stay posted!

Energized, Passionate, and Not wasting time,

Colton

I just re-read that and I feel like I sound like I am having no fun. Not true, I am filled with joy, and I have to thank God for that, I love and appreciate everything that I get to do, and every opportunity I've been given, I want to make sure that that gets out there. Haha