My birthday this year has helped me to realize how blessed and thankful I am for all God has given me, especially with regards to friends. I wanted to take the time to call out a few people who I feel especially blessed to call my friend.
Please note that this list does not include all my friends and influential people in my life. I have good things to say about a lot of other people, too, it’s just I only have so much time and patience with writing.
Jesus Christ – I know this seems kinda cliche to put you in here, like it’s just the right thing to do, but there are really so many more reasons to write about you in this humble little friends page. I don’t think I can ever thank you enough for taking my sins upon yourself and dying for me….not only for me but for the whole world. For people that mock and scorn and spit upon you. That’s amazing beyond belief. I always say sure I’d die for my friends, and though I hope I would, I can’t say that I would with certainty. As one song says, “So I’ll let my words be few…Jesus I am so in love with you.”
Mom and Dad – I can’t really leave you off this list, as you’ve contributed so much to who I am. Not only am I forever gratfeul for being taught the Bible from an early age, but you’ve been there for me through everything and you love me despite my imperfections.
Jill and David -I know I fight with you guys a lot and get frustrated by your silly noises and instrument practice, but you’re both cool people and I look forward to always being your big brother.
Stan Lemon – My best friend. Back before you changed your profile page around and wrote new things about your friends, you wrote something about being a lonely guy who didn’t have anyone to talk theology with until I came along. I was pretty much in the same boat. Sure, I had friends – Mike Doll, CJ, Chris Jakubik among many others – but I didn’t have a best friend or any friends I hung out with outside of school until you came along. You’ve been a great friend over the past few years and I’m sure we’ll be great friends the rest of our lives.
Hans – Though I haven’t known you quite as long as some people on this page, I absolutely love hanging out with you. Whether it’s running, meeting girls after SEMP worship times, walking through the mall cracking jokes, or talking on the phone at 2 am, I love it. I wish I’d gotten to know you sooner. Oh – at the Rock (Luke’s youth group), they still think we’re brothers. Oh well…that’s cool – we get along well enough to be brothers.
Adam Larson – I’ve heard your testimony and all and I’ve see the changes you talk about in it. It’s awesome to see that … I don’t know that I’ve ever gotten a good opportunity to watch someone practically become a Christian and then go and learn stuff like crazy. I wish I had as much fervor for the Bible as you do. Keep learning, keep growing, and always ask Christ to lead you in the direction He wants you to go. Don’t conform yourself to the world, but be transformed by Christ and His Word (Romans 12:2).
Brandon Feil – I loved working on the IV web site back earlier this school year. I hope I can continue to get to know you through hanging out working on stuff like that, through our small group discussion deals, and through the various Bible studies we both attend. You’re a great guy and I hope we can work on more web projects now and then as our schedules allow.
Scott Vetter – Though you’re often very opinionated and frequently have a different opinion from me, I enjoy all the time we spend talking on our runs to fast food places. Thanks for driving me around like that. I’ll make it out to your place some day over the summer.
Eric Evenson – Your love for Christ really shines through not only in your actions, but especially in your writings. I still remember that one prayer about me that you wrote … I’m not sure exactly what it said – I could look at it again if I wanted – but that really touched me. Your concern for you fellow Christian students at school is amazing. Keep following God’s guidance in your decisions as to what to do with your MSOE education.
Dave Ibanez – Though you occassionally do strange things like wear shorts over your PJ pants and wear sandals with no socks in the winter, you’re a good guy. Your heart for the lost is amazing. You’re going to make a great workplace-evangelist.
Josh Carl – Even though I’m a freshman, you’ve kinda taken me under your wing in some respects and that’s awesome. Thanks for all you do with Intervarsity – organizing prayer, making decisions with the other leaders, etc. And thanks for running with me, too. I know I’m not as fast as you but it’s still cool that you let me run with you and get the exercise I need.
Gabe Gorsline – That’s awesome that you let me tag along when you do sound stuff. I enjoy helping out with that when I can. It’s awesome, like with Josh, that you put up with me even though you’re two years ahead of me. Keep up your great work with IV.
Stephen Solon – It’s always cool having someone who calls me up all the time to hang out even when I’m busy and all. We’ve had some nice bike rides, chats at McDonald’s, and just plain old good times hanging out. Keep calling me up when I’m home. I enjoy it. Your knowledge of the Bible is also awesome. Take full advantage of going to Wheaton Academy and learn as much as you can about the Bible. Unless you go to a Christian college, you won’t ever have another opportunity to be forced to take classes on the Bible.
Bill Gilbert – You have a passion for the Bible that not a lot of people in America have today. I don’t agree with you on nearly all the issues that exist, but as long as we both continue to look to God’s Word to teach us and listen to what IT says, we’ll be good. I appreciate your work with Omega and how you’ve blessed my life, always opening up your home.
Andrew Waggener – You’re one of the most amazing Christians I’ve met. I know you’re always hard on yourself, thinking that you’re not good enough. It’s awesome how when you pray, the first think you do is confess your sins and ask for forgiveness. More Christians need to do that more often – they focus so much on Christ’s love, they forget His justice. Continue to seek God’s will for your life and learn all you can at Oak Hills, or whatever the name of that place is. Always take advantage of living so near to Jim.
