playing cards + apples + starbucks = love? (dec 18 o7)

i don't write these too often because im often intimidated by others depth and use of broad vocublary =). but i thought i'd give it a whirl.

as i'm at the young yet old age of 20 i've began to have my own thoughts and stances on things and i have realized that i am not a fan of labels: that person's gay, fat/skinny, ugly, handicapped. i have began the HUGE task of seeing and learning each person for WHO they are not WHAT they are or seem to be. i'm not saying that i will never judge someone ever again, but i have learned over time that Everyone has a story...a past that has brought them to the point where they are now. i just wish people were more genuine and truly compassionate, almost that the "passing conversation" would be done away with aka "Hey how are you?" ...."good u?" that as friends/fellow man whatever you want to say would truly care about someones present being. *may this be a disclaimer I AM NOT DEPRESSED I AM NOT EMO, I am just venting what is on my heart.

i look to my best friend and greatest example Jesus who kicked it with the worst apples of the bushel, (did i just use an apple analogy wow) but either way they were still people and needed to be loved as much as his studs that walked alongside him. everyone has been dealt a hand of cards, i'm not a huge poker player but i know that some hands are better than others but we ALL still play the game in the game of life. everyone has a story it just might take a Venti Frap at starbucks to hear the whole thing. When you hug people hold on to them just a little longer to let them know your there. don't settle go all out theres no other way to do it. please use your gifts and talents if you can run - sprint like someone is chasing you, if you can sing - belt out melodies at the top of your lungs, if you write - record your thoughts to paper if your artistic - paint the most beautiful picture whatever your gift whatever your person let it overflow let it been seen and used for a greater purpose.

don't let your circumstances bring you down, i used to get really disgruntled and quite angry that I had a disability i wanted to be like every other person, every other kid, but over time God revealed to me that I wasn't supposed to be like everyone else I was supposed to be me Joshua Douglas Carter the one the only the ever, I didn't put that to boast but just to state your supposed to be you and only you and whoever you are is okay. be you. when all else fails when all is seemed to be lost...Love conquers ALL, love can heal a broken heart, love can rejuvinate someone love will press on, in one phrase love wins i know i say it plenty but i really mean it - 1John 4:19 "We love Him because He loved us first"

thanks for reading be blessed- josh

the prayer book (aug 26th 08)

hey i don't do this very often and plus no one commented on my last one ha. i digress. life's a little crazy for me right now,

::still working @ the great wolf lodge in grapevine (yes the one wit the waterpark) lol. enjoying puttin a smile on the kid's faces, plus at night i get to wear my pajamas who wouldn't love that?!

::its honestly just hard right now, to be "james"blunt wit yall I have never felt so uncalled to anything in my entirely short yet long life, it is a very scary and hollow feeling but i press on aka wake up everyday. i just feel like theres something bigger way bigger than i can't wrap my arms around just yet...its that big of a hug.

::i would greatly appreciate your prayers and also your thoughts...i know i don't have to have it all figured out or anything but its hard to walk in a certain direction without a push, and yall know how i am wit directions...SHH!

::in my heart of hearts deep down i know God has a hugely awesome plannage and that I'm living it right now just not sure whats up next, didn't want you to think that I'd forgotten bout the ultimate JC.

:: i feel deeply that love wins, everyone everywhere no matter there background, image, choices, beliefs needs to be loved, so here i am...if you need to be loved/someone to talk to/to vent/to have a jam session/go for a drive/grab some grub whatever let me know please i will do everything to try and make that happen!

::i have been wrapped up in the things of this world...have been tempted and have fallen but i want to admit to all of you that I'm coming back in to the shadow of the cross of Jesus Christ. That I want to be a better friend to everyone thats right everybody. Whether your at DBU, or Kalamazoo I'm here for you.

::in years past i have carried around with me a Prayer Book where I let people write there prayer requests/needs/desires/anything and I'd take time to pray over the entries, well I wanna get back to that put since I can't be everwhere at once I'm gonna create a fbook group that will be that purpose, you can share wit fellow friends, make new ones, or submit prayer requests etc privately via Msg. I'm planning on sending out verses of the day, words of encouragement. And also keep me accountable to stay on top of things.

I love you!- jc