Welcome back!

It has been awhile since I last posted. Many things have occurred since then. Life is still good as well as you know God is still good!

Family: Please pray as I try to find a way to interact without bringing in my moral compass. I am the only the Christian in my family still. My nephews and nieces have chosen the secular lifestyle. I am not happy about that, but I do know life is about choices. They have to make their own decisions and I was so hopeing that it would be the Christian lifestyle. Those who think others influence the kids more than parents, I have a story to prove you wrong. Please pray! Holidays are difficult. I find myself wanting to limit the amount of time I am around due to what I perceive failure on my part to influence. I know I am harder on myself. I just don't know what to do as we go forward. They are my family, and that's all I have. Again, please pray!

Life: I am content somewhat to where I am. I have had some debates internally about the present and the future. "If you keep doing what you doing, you're gonna get what you get" I think somebody said that. In less than 2 years I will be turning 40. How did this happen? I can not believe it. I remember people reaching 40 and thinking they are old! Now, I am approaching that age. I do enjoy what I do. I have matured in some ways regarding my career. In Education, I have found the only way for me to survive is to be more passive. This might be in every profession, but when you are good at something, your boss will want to come and mess it up for whatever reason. If you go along with it, you will survive. If you resist, you might be looking for something else to do. I have never been fired. I do push the norm wherever I am. I just can't believe I will be turning 39 in January.

Church: I have found another unique congregation to work with since coming back to Atlanta. East Cobb Church of Christ. They love me and I love them. One day I need to post about all the different churches I have worked with over the years. This is a small church of about 300. Ray Hawkins is the preacher. I count him as my long lost brother. He is a counselor and does a great job in the pulpit. As in a lot of churches, they(we) need to express our appreciation for all the things he does and continue to do for the church and the kingdom. I have come to realize that not every church can handle a Terry Davis. I have found another one that loves me for being me. This is very important to me as I try to give 150%. Some days, I think about going back into full time. This church has helped me see that could be part of God's plan.

Work: Yesterday, I received a gift from the JH faculty. They have the last two years included me in the Administration gift. I am always humbled by the inclusion and overwhelmed by the encouraging notes that comes with the gift. They have no idea how much I appreciate hearing those encouraging words. I often say actions speak louder than words. I have to make an exception here, because I treasure each and every word expressed. I don't know why, but believe or not, I cry when I read these words. I am a person that want to get it right. I am learning that I do have a vision of what that is, and you better get out of my way. My prayer is that people see that my heart is for these kids. I don't want to be another adult to fail them. Junior High to me are the special years. They need a guide to help them thru it. I pray that I can continue to be that guide.

Spiritual: I know I can't say this has been the best year spiritually. I have struggle with family, work, and just life. I am renewed each with as I lead worship knowing that I am just a sinner. I am trying my best to do it right. My faith in God has never been stronger. My trusting God for his will in my life has never been weaker. GOD HAS TO BE IN CONTROL. I have to give it all. Sometimes, I think my foot in the boat and in the water. I need to jump freely and trust God will take care of all my concerns. Please pray! I look to 2010 with the idea all will be better. 2009 was not fine, but ok. I look to God to make the next year a better year.

Terry

Recent conversations about marriage

Well, here I go about to stick my neck out there once more. The question of when will I get married always seems to come in the fall. I think about it more in the summer, but ALWAYS get asked the question in the fall.

Here is my take:

In my 20's, I was looking for miss right who would stay with me forever in Searcy, Arkansas.
In my early 30's, I was looking for someone who was a lot more mature and had a faith in God bigger than mine.
Right now, God has a lot more work to do on me. I know, I am not the perfect person I thought I was when I was in my 20's. I have always known but I will admit more today, that I have a very messed up family that I will asked some lady one day to join. Don't get me wrong, my family is my family. This last one, is probably my biggest stumbling block. I am secure in myself, I believe this last point is another hurdle I believe I have conquered.

I am not ashamed of my upbringing, I have to live in the real. I wanted so much to have the perfect life/family to present to my wife. Well, that wont be happening anytime soon. My nephew recent saying "It is what it is!" I hope she will see she is marrying a Christian young man who is a sinner and is looking forward to being in heaven.

So the question of when I will get married. God only knows....

I want to do nothing!

Well, it is the weekend and I'm about to do nothing. I am going to enjoy doing nothing. I might read a book, or do nothing. I want to do nothing, but I might have to go do something. Well, if I do something, I will let you know. I want to do nothing. So, there you have it. What do I do? HA!

Praying

Right now I am praying about many things: New students and their families, Sinners all over the world, East Cobb church, GAC, Creekside Church in Texas, and much more. I pray for our country as I have for many years. I pray that those not liking this President will keep things civil. I hate what I see and what I hear. Adults needs to understand the next generation is watching us on how we deal with things we don't like. Can I say Kanye West? Some Adults should be ashamed of themselves. I am praying for adults everywhere to grow up if they have not yet.

I'm praying for my future. I will be 40 before you know it. I am doing as I always do some introspection, and making sure this is what I should and want to do. I don't know why I look at 40 as the half way point, but the closer I get the more I feel like it is.

Lastly, I am praying for you for coming my way via the blog.

Found a Car!

Well, I found a car. It is a 2000 Chevy Metro. It was the right price. I have done all the necessary things today to make it legally mine. My sister actually drove it more than me today. I am now getting ready for Chicago. I have told myself to take some time to visit friends and have a little more fun away from my fun work. I really enjoy what i do. I just need a little balance. Truth be told I have never been balanced. I will be staying with my good friends from college Rich and Heather Little. It should be a great weekend. I hope yours is as well. Talk to Monday, hopefully sharing all the good that happened this weekend.

Good day in Atlanta!

Well, today was a pretty good day. I have not found a car yet. I am wanting cheap so I can buy new all cash in 2012. The right one will come along. Tonight, I got a free dinner at our magazine sale kick off. This saved me money today. I did not spend a dime except the gas already in my tank. God is still good!

I have had several people to lose a family member here lately. I will continue to preach to my students and everyone else to spend the quality time you can with those you love. I am also encouraging people to be there for those you love. This is difficult for me at times because many of all the "can I borrow" offers. I want to be their emotionally not financially. It is hard, but must be done.

Going to Chicago at the end of the week to be with good friends of mine Rich and Heather Little. I will enjoy this weekend with them. I will lead worship on Sunday, but I always look forward to that every time I can. I even got an email today from another person from my college days just wanting to have that college worship experience at their church today. She said she misses it. I had a great time. She apologized for some people who loved to make fun. I was working for the Lord, so I did not mind.

I hope you are having a great week. Talk to soon!

I want to live like no one else so I can live like no one else!

I am finally sick of being in debt. Today, I am pledging to do something about it. I spent most of my day shopping with my mom and nephews. The whole time I was asking myself, why are they buying so much junk. My nephews said that they just wanted to be like me. I told them immediately, I don't buy to buy. They asked me then why did I buy? Today, people I am pledging to live like no one else so that later on I can live like no one else.

Don't get me wrong I am in a very good position financially. I have been saving for retirement since I was 24. I do have some old debts that won't go away. I will now channel my vision on my debts. I don't want to be slaved to the lender. I want to be free.

A few reminders are in order for those still listening. Remember, I am 38. I have been out of college for a while now. I am single. No children or grandchildren to take care of. Full disclosure, I have taken care of many in my family over the years. I have cut back in that area big time since moving back to Georgia. I do love to give to those who ask. I have been so blessed and that is my way of giving back. I give back in other ways as well. Volunteering my time a lot to service is the biggest way I love to give.

Now, stop reading and go make a written budget plan for the rest of the month. Mine is easy since I have paid all of my bills.

I just want to be good!

I just returned from a 2 mile walk. I find myself thinking a lot lately about life. "I just want to be good!" In the beginning God said on many occasion that it is good. I want him to say about my lift that it was good. What does that mean? What does that look like? I'm 38, and feel pretty good about what is happening in my life. I am always second-guessing myself whether I am doing what God wants me to do! I just want to be good!

I don't have an incredible family to brag about. Most know my story, that I really have to rely on my Christian friends for spiritual family. This can be very hard as most people have their own physical family. I have been blessed over the years, families have been good to include me in their activities. It amazes me how I want that for myself( a physical spiritual family of my own) I not rushing things, and I don't want it to happen tomorrow. It would be great at times.

I have my work. I love my work. I love watching students grow and become who they are. I am in a weird situation. I am single, and I am working in schools and clergy. Both of these professions are not real friendly to singles. I know this, and I want to stay there anyway. Again, all I want to do is be good! Every place that I have worked, I believe was a good experience in my growth professionally. You see, I love getting it right. It might be bad the first year, but it will be better the next. I don't like the status quo. Don't tell me that this is just the way it is. I will want to work to change that. This is where frustration comes on me as I want to fix it. It involves people, so it is very complicated!

I just want to be good!

It is summer!

I have had a pretty busy summer sort of. I have spent a lot of time with my mom and family. I continue to be amazed at how my family see me differently than I see myself. We have had to spend so quality time together. I am getting to know them better as they are getting to know me. When I left for college, I left. It was a major goal of mine to change the pattern history of my family. My family background is well grounded in poverty. I did not want that for myself. My change really occurred during high school when I started working. I got to see how much more there was to life when you could afford to do the things most people got to do.

I have been back in Georgia for 3 years now. I am learning more about my aroma with family. Every time I go to a movie I reflect on it as it deals with my family. The movie "The Proposal" Sandra Bullock had a moment in that movie that almost made me cry. I do have a family, but almost have operated as though I did not have one. I am praying to God for me to find the balance to reengaged without enabling. This is very hard thing to do. I love my mom more than anyone on this earth. Sometimes I do treat her with the respect that I think I do. I try to be the best son ever, and at times I can be the worst.

I am a Christian. I true follower of Jesus Christ. This is a conflicting issue for my family. Although there is a belief in God, following God daily would be a struggle. I want my family to know that we will struggle together. Spending more quality time is my attempt to make this happen. I take my stand, but do not put my belief on them. No one can smoke or drink in my car or house. I do draw the line there.

Perfect! I could only wish. I am working on my walk with God this summer. I am serving him, but want to continue my journey of trusting him with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I am working on loving others more than myself. Patrick Meade spoke recently at Lipscomb saying that we have to Love the Nobodies. It is easy to love the somebodies, but work on loving the nobodies. Please pray that my journey this summer will be a good one, so I can share it even more with my students this fall, and my Church.

What is up?

Hello everyone,

I have been enjoying my summer. I have returned from Oklahoma Christian University, where I got back together with many long time friends. From Katy Hoover Terrell, to Rich Little, I enjoyed my visit.

I am now in the possession of 2 Mac books, 1 itouch ipod, and 1 G1 phone(tmobile versions of Iphone) I think I have arrived with technology. Bring on the woman next, please. I will for the next few days trying to figure out all of these gadgets.

No, I did not strike it rich, but my work with the school, has given me all of these blessings. I am one blessed individual.

Well, I have decided tonight to spend a few days in Chicago for a real vacation. I will hook up with some friends while there, but mostly try to take in the city and rest. One has to enjoy life, and this month will take me to Chicago.

Next month, I would like to go to San Diego and travel up and down the coast. We will see if I will adventure there next month. Meanwhile, I will take each day slowly.

I am looking to buy a bike. I have been walking and have been bored here lately. So, I want to ride a bike for a while. Ultimate trip would be to ride my bike to my moms house. We are thinking about a year from now. 23 miles highway, no telling how many when it comes to back roads. I'll be in touch about my journey.

Mike Cope is in town and I am attending Campus Church each night. He is doing an awesome job!

Are you a good resource?

In my own world, I try my best to be a good resource for others. I was thinking today about people who wants to be a good resource and never are called upon to help others. I am guilty of this, are you? Are there people around you willing to help, and you don't let them. Why? Serving others is one the greatest feeling I have in life. Giving the opportunity for others to serve is a good thing. Now, go and allow those around you to serve with you instead of you doing it all by yourself.

Last night, I went to a rehearsal of the Gwinnett Symphony Chorus. I think I will join them, but it was a very intimidating experience. All in one night, we sang, German, Latin, and Italian. All in one night. I was worned out as well. 3 hour rehearsal. They were getting ready for their Sunday performance. It was good overall. I look forward to this summer activity.

Summer is around the corner. Please come fast!

Still Walking!

I am still enjoying walking. I have lost some water weight. I am feeling pretty good. I am sleeping better. I do have more energy in the mornings. I am nicer to my students. I have notice enough changes to make this walking thing my new hobby. I was eating tonight worrying whether I had enough time to get my walk in for the day.

My new girlfriend is walking! I know that sounds different, but I am thinking here lately during the day designing new routes to walk. I am at a turning point I believe. I am getting ready for the summer and the only plans right now is walking.

My prayer is that I will be able to walk when the weather gets hotter. It has been very cool here in Atlanta with all the rain. God keeps providing time for me to walk.

Saturday, I walked 4 miles to reach my goal for the week. I went 11 miles instead of 10. So far this week being a Monday, I am doing pretty good.

Biggest challenge was to just get started. You know how you say you are going to do something I have found that I do have to plan and make a goal, and then I usually do it. If you are reading, I am not judging anyone, but I will tell you to just get started. I am using miles. I walk and then get in my car and drive the route to let me know how many miles I had walked.

Just get started!

I'm walking!

I don't know what it is, but I am enjoying walking these days. I have a goal this week of 10 miles which will be 2 miles a day. I am actually going to try 3 miles tomorrow. I did it last week, but I don't want go crazy with this walking thing. I am listening to music and enjoying clearing my mind of today's activities. I am meeting my neighbors as well. One asked me if I was on a health kick. I said look at me, does it look like it. We laughed together.

I know walking is a good thing. I am thinking a lot about summer these days. Have a blessed day!

Hey There!

It has been awhile again. I am getting ready for the summer. I have been asked to teach the summer class on Wednesday night at church. I guess no one else would do it. I look forward to sharing stories about Daniel. It looks like it will be Daniel and me this summer.

I'm ready for school to end. It has been a wild year on one hand. Another hand it has been a very rewarding year with two mission trips with teenagers. I look forward to next year adding another one. I don't think the kids understand fully what has taken place. My prayer is that this will be the beginning of life ministry for these kids.

My mom continues to lose weight. People have commented to me that i have lost some as well. I'll take it. It was not on purpose. You know I love to eat. I wondered if I "live to eat" or "eat to live". How would you answer that question. I know how I would. I'm not telling.

Rubber band leadership is a book I am currently reading. Getting ready for my summer camp that I lead at school during the summer. Only two weeks this year, I hope that I don't get bored.

This summer, I also want to do something to my condo. I am not sure what. I'll keep you posted.

It has been awhile!

I can't believe that it has been awhile since I blogged. March was a very interesting month. I am now getting ready to take about 13 junior high students on a service mission trip to Philippi West Virginia. I am excited about this trip. I am so blessed to be able to do what I do. I really can't believe it some days. The students are excited. We will be helping a family who's trailer has been damaged by a recent storm. They have two school aged children as well. We will go and help do whatever we can. My prayer is for those students going will have a lifechanging experience. Things will be slower compared to the big city life that we are used to.

I got a chance to visit passioncitychurch which is starting here in Atlanta. Chris Tomblin and Matt Redman are the worship leaders. I could not believe it. They actually had service on our campus at GACS. They only meet on Sunday nights and worship in different facilities each month. It was a great night! I needed a little distraction.

I need your prayers to continue being who God has made me to be. So many times in my life, people have tried to change me. I am not sure if it is ruted in jealousy or that fact that I need to change. I know married couples that hate how I love being single. I would like to be married, but don't see her around here lately. Meanwhile, I'll continue to be the happy go lucky guy that I am. I hate it for those who can't be happy for me. Oh, well, I'll keep singin and dancin.

Economy is a very funny thing. I see full planes, crowded malls, crowded highways with nice cars, and so much more for it to be in such a terrible shape. I do know and aware of many who have lost their jobs, so I am not taking it too lightly. I am confused seeing all the wealth here in Atlanta. Baseball is about to start and let's see if the stadium here in Atlanta will be effected.

Sorry, for not blogging for awhile. I hope to keep you all up to date.

I have a lot on my mind!

Let's start with this week:

My high school's both girl's and boy's team are in the state playoffs. It has brought back so many memories. They play saturday and then go on to the final four in Macon Georgia. This would be sooo cool. We are not in our 3500 seat arena. Same place we have Junior High Chapel. I have mixed feeling about chapel.

Next week, I will be at Oklahoma Christian leading chapel for two days. They are being very generous to me in inviting me to come and lead their chapel. I am excited about this and looking forward to it. I do miss the college student scene. Who knows I might catch a bug out there. HA!
(I have been back to Harding during Uplift. Not an official invitation to come and lead in chapel. I did get a call to let them know when I am in the area. I live in Atlanta Georgia. Searcy Arkansas is not easy to get to within 30 minutes. Now, I'm not bitter, just pointing out OC is calling me!

Adults still make me sick in how they run their lives when they have children. I pray for you parents and all adults to make wise choices. I usually say this to teenagers, now I am saying it to adults.

I could go on. I wont since I have not wrote in a while.

Peace,

Oh, No woman to brag about today. Stay tuned.

New Orleans and the kids are amazing!

I am often confused about what I am good at in life. I enjoy so many things but if you ask me what I am good at, I could not tell you. I am passionate about kids and service. I love hangin out with kids while doing service. I am here in New Orleans with kids while serving. I love it. It does not mean I am good at it. What are you good at? I am shocked that I really can't answer that question well. I am a very confidant person in what I do. This also doe not mean I am good at it.

The kid have been amazing her in New Orleans! I can't wait to bring another group of kids. We have painted, organized stuff, and moved a lot of things. I got the chance to do what i enjoy and that is meeting new people and making them laugh and have a great time being together. Is that what I do best? I don't know. I did have a great day. I would say the best day of the trip. Yesterday we tied Christmas trees to be dropped in the levees. I have bumps all over my arms. Not complaining but the kids were awesome yesterday as well.

We head home on Monday with stories and hopefully changed lives. Our goal is to make God even more famous. It is not about us, but all about God. I love these kids so much. I don't think they really know how much I care for them. Well, I'm going to bed. Another Great day tomorrow. Peace,

Purity Study and New Orleans here I come!

Well, I have been busy teaching 7th grade boys about purity. I and another female teacher are teaching every class period between last friday and February 20th. It is going well. I am having a lot of fun although teaching all day. I am exhausted by the end of the day. I am not getting much sympathy from my fellow teachers. Oh Well, I enjoy 7th graders. They get my jokes and listen very well to the material I am presenting. I told them I am the non-sexpert. I can tell how to not have sex. I'm good. I should take this on the road. Pray that these boys continue to listen. I am getting good feedback from parents as well.

New Orleans here I come with 35 other people. This is my service trip with Junior High kids. Our winter break which I need will be spent in New Orleans serving along side junior high kids. I love our group and I look forward to what will happen while there. Please pray for our efforts.

Rest!

I am needing rest. It has been a week for me. Hello Naomi and Ciara thanks for joining us. Anyway, I look forward to this weekend so I can rest! That's all for now. Rest!

Adults!

It has been an interesting few weeks. I have been to Colorado Springs, my mom has spent the night at my place, and I am still busy like always.

Adults are a strange bird for me. I can do without them at school except for parents of my students- they are not around during the day. I work really hard to not to offend, but many has their issues. I wish Adults would give EVERYONE the benefit of the doubt and not assume things. I will make it, but I can't be a blessing if you are always going to assume the worst.

Now, I will get off of my soapbox. Life is good other than that. I will be leading a group of Teenagers on a mission trip to New Orleans in a few weeks. It looks like a great group that will be going. I look forward to seeing what God will do with our group.

That's all for now. Be Good!

Life is fun!

I am in Colorado Springs today. I will be leading for the CEA conference this week. This will be a group of adults compared to teenagers. I am excited. I like Colorado Spring so far. It is suppose to get up to the 50"s today compared to the very low temperatures in Atlanta.

Birthday was pretty good. All I could think about is that I am getting closer to 40. Time goes by fast when you are having fun. My facebook friends came out to wish me well that day. That was great, it was like I had a party. I'm 38 now.

Ed Young comes on television in Atlanta while I am getting dress for church. Last Sunday, his message was "GET MARRIED". He had some good points that I will take to heart. I have never heard a preacher be so bold to single men as he was that morning. Don't get me wrong, marriage is on my list and has always been. I have tried to live my life serving and growing closer to God. Ed points out that this is not enough and that I could have have someone along side of me doing the same as me if my standards were not soo high. (Stop laughing, I know you are) Anyway, it was a good morning. I am working on it.

2009, I plan on relearning how to play the piano. I would like to this summer to go on my first cruise. I also plan on being healthier. I am not getting any younger, so I better take care of what God has given me. I have enjoyed Grapefruit in the mornings. I am wanting one now. I will let you all know when I add Prune's to my list. (HA!)

School is going well. We had our spiritual renewal day that went pretty well. I cried Friday afternoon after it was over. I received a note thanking me for the day, but really glorifying what God did that day. The note reminded me that I would probably never know the impact of that day on the kids. It was powerful the note said. I could not help but to tear up. God is good and bigger than all of us. Remember that as you are an example and ambassador for him.

Well, GET MARRIED and stay Healthy. Bye!

I'm 38!!!!!!WOW!!!!

Yes that's right. The less than 250LBS of chocolate will be 38 on January 9, 2009. I was actually born at 6:10 in the morning. 2 years and the chocolate guy will be 40. Where have the years gone, is my question today.

I have lived so far a pretty good life. I have been to South America, Canada, and several states in the US. I have own two houses and a condo. I have paid for 2 cars in full. I have friends in almost every state. I am living near all of my family. Again, I have lived a pretty good life so far. I still have to ask the question-"How did these years go by so fast".

My early years I was living in a city called East Point, Georgia. This is where I have many fond memories and the church located there has played a major part to my life. I really don't have many childhood friends that live there today. Just the church where I was baptized into Christ. I went back last sunday and drove around a bit. I can't believe the time has gone by sooo fast.

My favorite birthday so far has to my 30th where I was thrown my first birthday party with hats, balloons, cakes, and presents. It was very good. Clinton and Belinda Bunch from Dallas Texas and their family threw me a bash. It was fun, and I still remember it today. I think I celebrated my 30th for 6 months. So many people wanted me to celebrate that birthday. It was great! Who knows maybe 38 will be special as well.

38 has made me look inward a lot at my life. I bought a G1 phone on Sunday. Sounds selfish, but if you really know me I don't buy for myself. I am enjoying it. I don't feel guilty. My old phone fell in the toilet on Sunday. Just imagine the sell clerk dropping the phone when I told her what happen. It was funny. Still don't have the sim card, so if I had your cell you might call me so I will have it again. I get to start over. I had about 125 numbers in my cell phone. Now, I must start over and find new friends. HA!

I am looking forward to my 38. I'll post more soon.

2009- Yeah!

Today, I have cut my hair, showered, washed a load of clothes, paid some bills, and started executing my 2009 plans. I am ready to make my journey to my mom's for a new year's dinner.

Before I go, I am looking forward to what God will do with Terry Davis this year. I want to make some changes to my personal life which is already in the works. I will be blogging about my spiritual,travel,budget and etc plans. I do hope that 2009 will be a great year for you and your family.