Thanksgiving Weekend

One could not be more happy than to have his beloved, somewhat strange, and quite quirky family visit for Thanksgiving weekend.

I had to come up to St. Auggie to take care of some car issues and we decided to celebrate Thanksgiving on Wednesday at my parents house.  It was just me, the folks and the dog.  The next morning we were going to drive down to Tampa and my parents were going to stay till Saturday.

It ended up being a great drive.  We decided to make a stop in Orlando to have lunch and go to Dad's favorite store on the planet:  Bass Pro Shops.  Now, this store is THE ONE store that my dad could literally spend all day, and never get bored.  It is his sanctuary; his home away from home.



So, dad went on his way, speeding around every person potentially in his way on his shopping spree.

Although, there was one thing that stopped him dead in his tracks: the bass pro fishing T.V.

Now, of course, Mom and I had to keep ourselves entertained and busy while Dad whisked himself away on his motorized cart through his own "heaven on earth."  So, I went shopping for Mom.  And, boy, did I find her the PERFECT gift!

But, of course, I wasn't REALLY going to get that for her.  We both agreed we'd pass on the gift opportunity and followed our fearless leader to the check-out line so we could continue our journey to Tampa.

We arrived in Tampa safely, took a couple naps, then it was off to Best Buy for my Black Friday graveyard shift.

After searching for a parking place in my mom's Forrester, I finally started my ten hour shift- 11:30 Thanksgiving night to 9:30 the next morning.

After getting off, we went to the best breakfast Tampa Bay has to offer at Pach's Restaurant.  Afterward we strolled down Bayshore Blvd. to check out the amazing view of the bay.

....Ooops!  Well, after a couple tries, we had it figured out....

There we go!  It was a beautiful day!  Afterwards, we went back to the apartment for an afternoon nap. Then it was off to Saint Petersburg!  Dad had never seen the Gulf before and wanted to see the sun set. We got a little later start than what I had planned.  After listening to a faulty GPS, which needed to be updated, we finally found Treasure Island.  What a site!  It was gorgeous!  Just what dad needed to see!

After that, we found a neat restaurant with great food.  Mom got a fried chicken salad (Yes, she ate fried chicken.  It's amazing, I know).  Dad and I had some pulled pork sandwiches.  Delicious!

It was a fantastic trip!  I loved having my family down here.  And, it was so good to see Dad out of the house and enjoying the sites and sounds that he loves so much.  It was a weekend to be truly thankful for.  God has blessed us indeed.

Even in the small things, God is faithful.

Well, it has been awhile since I have blogged about how I am doing.

To give a quick update: Work is good, but, sometimes very hard.  I have been going in at 7p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays to unload their trucks and usually get off anywhere from 4a.m. to 6a.m.  I have also been working the cash registers in 5-6 hour shifts on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays.

Now, when on register, we are supposed to be selling these really cool protection plans that go beyond the manufacturers warrantee on certain products.  My sales on the registers were not good the week before.  I sold maybe 10% when our goal is 20% per shift.  I talked to a manager and he set me up to work with a guy for about 45 minutes after my initial shift ended.  I stayed on the clock and got some really good tips about making better sales.

The next week I came back in and had been praying on the bus to help me do a great job at work. I wanted represent God well and glorify Him in all I do.  I also asked Him for favor with the customers.  I walked out of the store with a 37.5% sales goal met.  THANK YOU JESUS!  The following shift, I prayed again.  My manager told me they had done real terrible the day before so our goal was pushed to 25%.  My sales were 47% after that shift.

Now, anyone who knows me knows that I am NOT the selling type.  My roommate asked if I thought that was because of training from the week before.  Possibly.  But, the funny thing is on both shifts I was getting really big products that people really wanted to get protection plans on.  Some of them had already heard about it, and asked me for without me even presenting it to them.

God has been so faithful and has been teaching me about true humility and trust.  It can be challenging to see exactly what God is doing in you.  Many times , He doesn't reveal that to you at all.  Other times, it's only a little bit at a time, yet not enough to make sense of it.  Yet, He continues to show Himself.

Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and support.  Don't forget if you would like to donate to my YWAM fund you can click on the donate button to the right of this blog, or if you would like to send a check, you can contact me for my information at aaronlovesmusic23@gmail.com.  I am also on facebook at Aaron Gray at YWAM-Tampa.  You can also follow me on Twitter @ Awaron1515.

Thanks everyone!

Stay posted for more updates soon!

Are You a Builder or a Decorator?

At bible study this morning, we were talking about encouragement and the humility it requires.  Our initial conversation began with little ways to compliment each other: "Hey, I like that shirt" or "That's a cool hat you're wearing."  Those are nice things to say and they can be encouraging to someone.  We often refer to this as "building someone up".

But, after a little discussion, one of the guys chimed in and said, "I don't think it's talking about giving someone a compliment.  That's nice and all, but I think it's more about encouraging someone in the truth of God's Word."

But, God's Word can often offend.  How do you encourage someone when the truth can hurt?  The only way to "build someone up" is to point them to the Builder.  Jesus called Himself the Cornerstone.  He is the foundation of the church itself.  So truly building the church means that all of our conversations need to point to Christ.  It's there, in His presence, we can be encouraged and convicted.

Yet, we have this idea that encouragement is merely this pretty way of flattering people.  We pay each other compliments, say nice things, and claim we are building the body of Christ.  To some extent, that might be true.  But, there is more to building each other up than just saying nice things.  What if one of us has a sin or bad habit we can't break that will lead to our destruction?  Will we tell the truth and call each other out like Nathan to David after sleeping with Bethsheba and murdering her husband (2 Samuel 11-12)?

So here is the question: Am I a Builder or a Decorator?

The builder is often subject to uncontrollable elements and uncomfortable situations that can be hard to navigate.  The decorator, on the other hand, has a job once the house is already built.  This job makes the place a pleasant, livable area that is enjoyed by anyone who walks through the door.  

However, many of us try to decorate a house that is not completely built.  Some of us need to be demolished for a complete rebuild, and yet we don't want to lay the foundation because it means we will have to drip sweat and get dirty.  It also requires great strength and precision.  We'd rather decorate  and compliment each other than make a house that is functional.  But a nicely painted house that has termites, dry rot and water damage is not a very safe one.  It might look nice on the inside.  But, once an inspector comes to check it out, he's going to make sure you leave until the necessary repairs are made.

So, am I willing to help build God's house?  Am I willing to encourage and edify my brothers and sisters who are working alongside me?  More so, am I willing to be built, and even torn down to allow the necessary renovations to take place in my life?  We can decorate each other all we want.  But if we aren't properly built, we could cause someone real pain.

Now, constantly tearing people down doesn't make you a great builder at all.  That just makes you a demolitionist.  Remember, the only reason for tearing something down is to build something better in it's place.  It's so important to appreciate each other.  The goal is to genuinely build AND decorate someone to their full potential in the Lord. 

So, are you a builder or a decorator?  I would pray we can all function as both.  Some of us need to be built, while there are others who need some decoration.

Anxiety, Faith and the Steps in Between

In light of the new exciting things that God can take us through, sometimes in walking out that new exciting step we get stuck in a place of fear and could very well end up paralyzed if we are not careful.  Thoughts of doubt and worry can so easily creep up on us.  Praise God for His Word actively at work in our lives!

In addition to that, take a look at what my friend posted on her blog about 12 hours before this.  God really is awesome!  What hope we can find in Him!

Check out my friend's blog "With Radiant Faces: Abundance" Here!

Some days, you just gotta hit the beach...or eat cheap Mexican food

So, my roommate was really excited about surfing because there is a storm out in the gulf that is supposed to be bringing us some swell, which is very rare on this coast.  He checked the report and it said we would have some small surf at around two in the afternoon.  So we ventured down to Gulfport to check it out.  There wasn't a whole lot.  So, after driving about a half hour north, we stopped at a pier to see if there was anything rideable.

Of course there wasn't anything, so it was back in the car to drive a little further.

After about 20 minutes of more driving, we found a little ramp out to the gulf where we could see if there was anything worth trying.  By now, poor Caleb could hardly stand it and had gotten his hopes up maybe a little too much.

At that we decided to go to a little mexican restaurant we had found on the way up instead.
Caleb got a taco, two enchiladas, and beans, while I had myself a classic taco salad.

Of course, after eating mexican food and realizing the day was going to end with no surfing, Caleb became a little distraught.

And so ended our day with full bloated stomachs and an ice cold, flat beach with no surf to show for it.  Oh well...fun times are made with the people you appreciate, not necessarily doing what you would have wanted to do.  That's just the icing on the cake, I suppose.

Buses

So, the Lord has really been working on me since I've been down in Tampa.  One of the ways He has shown His providence is by bringing to my attention the lack of insurance I have on my car.

Yup, you read it right.  I have actually not been insured since April without knowing it.  But, God has worked it out because I was actually paying my insurance bills over the course of 4 months.  So, after a couple of calls, I was able to get a good chunk of change back into my pocket to help pay for bills.

So, I bought myself a bus pass to ride to and from work.  And, to tell you the truth, the bus system down here is not bad at all.  There is a bus stop right in front of my apartment complex and right in front of my work.  It takes around an hour each way, but I don't have drive at all.  I mainly sit and listen to music, pray, journal, read my bible, or make some friendly conversation with some of the other locals.  I have to say, it's a very creative way of God providing for me and slowing down my pace in life to pay more attention to Him.

The Vision

Michael Jackson's "This is it" during rehearsal

"And the Lord answered me and said, 'Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by.  For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint.  Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.'"  -Habakkuk 2:2 AMP

Disney's "Finding Nemo" @ Animal Kingdom Orlando, FL

Here is the vision: There are so many different stage shows that have been critically acclaimed for their groundbreaking performances, epic light shows, creative body movement and vibrant wardrobe.  All of these elements are uniquely put together to create an entertainment experience that leaves people amazed and, many times, even inspired.  These shows have been birthed by artists and performers who simply wish to express themselves artistically.  In the process, they have made a name for themselves worldwide.  Many of these productions have also influenced the way we view the world in which we live.

"Rent"

What if there was a way to take all of these elements and put them together to inspire a new worship experience; an experience that touched our audible and visual senses on another level, and pointed us to the one true Creator?  What if we could use these "worship productions" to influence how people view God?  In addition, what if we were able to use these experiences to touch regions of the world in physical and spiritual need?  I wonder if there is a way to tap into all of this to make a Name for God and His kingdom.

Disney's "The Lion King on Broadway"

I just wonder if there is a way to make the old stories of the bible come to life on a stage.  Could we be reminded of God's restoration power while witnessing "bones" progressively transform into human flesh as they dance across the stage like in Ezekiel?  Or could we get a glimpse of his very throne room  as we see the creatures described in Revelation flying throughout the stadium singing in sync to a worship song about His holiness?  Could we depict the spiritual realm itself while "singing a new song"?

Christina Aguilera "Back to Basics: Live and Down Under"

"Cirque Du Soleil"

There is something about the performing arts that captivates our minds and gets our attention.  I think there is a way to use them to make the name of God great while making a difference in people's lives.  I want to be able to wake the spirit of a man or woman up to the reality of God through music, dance, light and even story.  How awesome would it be to depict the supernatural through dance, music and costumes!  Wouldn't it be awesome to see the story of redemption unfold before your eyes as you sang worship songs in a corporate worship setting?  There's got to be a way to do it!  There's got to be countless avenues to explore!

"The Beyonce Experience"

Regardless, I've got to explore whatever options there are.  I think there are groups who have taken the lead doing worship services to the best of their ability.  These worship sessions are incredible and really leave you in wonder and amazement of God Himself.  However, I think there are more mediums to tap into than just the typical "worship band with a cool light show".

So, with all that being said, Here is my vision:

"My vision is to use the excellence of the performing arts combined with the heart of worship to inspire a life-changing worship experience."

Michael Jackson "The Immortal Tour"

What about the poor, the oppressed and the needy?  Am I trying to do a really flashy production?  Or is gospel actually going to be lived out as a result of all this?  This is where my heart can find itself in a very controversial battle.

How awesome would it be to make music using the sounds and instruments from a certain region of the world?  What I mean is to theme that record after a particular culture.  An example would be China.  Write songs with a Chinese influence that are still relevant to America and western culture.  Use this album to promote a tour that would use artists, musicians, dancers, etc. from that specific culture.  While on tour, we train and disciple these artists and performers so that at the end of the tour, they are planted back into their homelands equipped to share the gospel and influence their nation for the Kingdom of God.  Four things happen because of this: (1) The needs of that specific culture and church are brought to the attention of whoever will listen, (2) People experience authentic worship that is different and unlike anything else they have experienced before, (3) People are being discipled and trained across the earth to one day administer the Gospel of Christ to their homeland and (4) That region of the world receives a direct eternal impact of the Kingdom of God.  All of this happens through music and performing arts.

"Passion" Conference

Impossible?  Maybe.  But, isn't that a part of who God is- The God of the impossible?

Intro: The Backstory

I have been praying about the next steps to take in my passion for music and ministry for awhile now.  After three years of being back home in St. Augustine from worship school, the Lord decided to do a little changing of pace for my life.

On a Thursday evening, one of my very good friends brought a copy of the "YWAM Go-Manual" to our college group.  She knew I had been praying about this for at least the past year and felt the Lord compel her to give it to me.  I took the manual home with me that night to really pray and consider what my options were for YWAM.

That same night my roommate told me he had just gotten a job and would be moving down the next week.  He jokingly told me  I should go down with him.  "Yeah right!"  I mean seriously....what's in Tampa for me?  But of course, being as good friends as we are, we kept joking back and forth about it.  I, being the one who has to always win the joke, I naturally started googling Tampa to see what was down there.

Lo and behold, in my not-so-serious searching, I found a YWAM base just north of Tampa that focuses on performing arts.  After much prayer and seeking counsel, I decided to apply and see what happened. and a few weeks later I received my acceptance letter to the school starting January 9, 2012.

But, after much praying, I really felt compelled to seek the Lord's will about moving to Tampa before the school started.  The reasons for this seemed illogical to me except for the fact that I had a couple friends down there and living expenses would be a little less than what I was spending in St. Augustine.

At this time I was dating an amazing girl, who surprisingly supported my decision.  This was a huge confirmation to me as I would have reconsidered the whole thing if she had felt otherwise.  I can honestly say that I would not be here right now if she would not have pushed me to follow through in my decision to follow what I believed God was telling me.

The scripture the Lord laid on my heart in this decision process was Genesis 12:1-4 which says "Now [in Haran] the Lord said to Abram, 'Go for yourself [for your own advantage] away from your country, from your relatives and your father's house, to the land that I will show you.  And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others].  And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves].'  So Abram departed, as the Lord had directed him."

There was still a lot of doubt in me making the decision to move to Tampa.  But after much prayer, and circumstances aligning themselves, I had a peace about it and I decided to move down September 17th, 2011.

I am currently staying with one of my best friends and former roommate, who has been one of the most patient and supportive people I could have hoped for during this season in my life.  Ever since I have moved down, I have had an overwhelming peace about why I am here, the lessons God is teaching me, and the opportunities God is going to provide for me.

I have a part time job at Best Buy right now and with some financial cuts and changes I have been making, my living expenses will be taken care of until I start school.  There are still a lot of things to figure out, but the Lord is not one to unveil the entire picture all at once.  I know He has called me here.  I believe that if I would have stayed where I was, I would now be in direct disobedience of His will for me.  I may not know exactly what God has in store for me.  But, I do know He has provided for me thus far, and therefore will continue to blow me away in His provision and grace.

YWAM's Mission
View My Other Blog!