refreshed

I've returned to Denton after a vital, restful, enjoyable Christmas vacation. From Tuesday at 11:55 AM, to Saturday at 1:00 PM, I have been smothered with the laughter, love, and comfort that lives within my family circle. The vacation brought about all my favorite foods that contribute to being the heart of the south; chitlins, gumbo, oyster dressing, and sweet potato pie made my time in Louisiana that much better. In fact, the activity I participated in the most was eating. Those foods aren't readily accessible to me all time so I took advantage of it. My cousin, Christian, let me tag along wit him so I wouldn't have to be a hermit at my mom's house. We hung out at the house, cruised around in his Monte Carlo, and chilled with his girlfriends and her friendsI hung out with my nieces and nephews on Christmas day. I get so much joy out of watching their faces light up with suspence and excitement as they open up thier gifts. They don't get to see me as much as either of us prefer, so we always have a good time, and take advantage of short time we share. The night before I left, I went down to Bourbon street and had a blast! People do the craziest acts when they are away from home; that's all I have to say, haha! We went to this club called Jazz Emporium. It was pretty much the most poppin' off place that night. I stanky legged on side of random people and dougied with the wildest of the crowd. It was a great way to end my vacation.

Above all, the vacation gave me a chance to refresh myself and have a chance to put my plans and ideas into prespective. It's time for me to start focusing on myself. I'm always focusing on hanging out friends, helping everybody be the best people they can be, and I end up not accomplishing anything I need to. Furthermore, I need to get my finances in order and be better at saving my money. My prior ideal about money was, "If I have it, I spend it." Unfortunately, that has gotten me in my current state. For this day forward, well into 2009, I will be "ballin on a budget."

As I've stated in previous blogs, school is at the very top of my priority list. With me being a second semester Junior, there's no room for anymore screwups. As much as I love interacting with people, hanging out late with friends, and sleeping in, I have to let those activities go.

Tomorrow, I return to work after 9 days away from my cubicle. I'm not looking forward to it but "I do what have to do so that one day I can do what I want to do."

With purpose,

[dev]in

set on sights above

2008 is coming to an end and unfortunately I have not accomplished everything I set out to achieve on January 1, 2008. The grades I should have made I didn't make. Money that should have been put into saving was blown on frivolous treasures that moths and rust will soon destroy. My spiritual discipline did not reach its full potential. The year is deteriorating and I feel like I didn't give it my all. However, I will persevere. It would be so easy to just accept that since I fell short of my goals this year, there is no reason to put forth any effort to achieve anything next year, or even in years to come. Thankfully, I know that would be absurd. I'm taking my laziness I exhibited in '08, and am transforming into motivation to achieve goals above and beyond my potential in 2009.

Going into 2009, I have recently realized that the year signifies my 22nd year of existence as well as my second semester of my Junior year. I am growing faster that I thought. This recent ponder is making me set my sights on my future. I will be graduating before I know it. To date, I've been in college for 5 semesters (2 1/2 years). Having fun is no longer an option for me. I've had all the fun I need to have for the rest of my college career. It's time for me to really buckle down and be all about my grades. I'm done with UNT events, hanging out til 2am and beyond, and skipping class just because. Next semester will be filled with school, work, and studying. In no way do I want to be in college any longer that I'm already mandated to be. The only way I will be able to get my grades where they need to be, is to cut out all distractions that interfere with my focus. As man that is a month a way from being 22, I need to step it up and get me right.

This weekend is going to be a blast! I'll be reunited with my old youth paster and old high school friends. Christmas breaks brings about so much amazing events and times for reminicing and enjoy the company of others. I will not work at all next week because I will be back in Louisiana. Another joyous blessed week spent with those I love the most.

every male needs to take heed to this verse:

"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man I put away my childish things." 1 Corinthians 13:1

With Purpose,

dev

finally

Fall '08 has come an end. Time has really flown by. As I finished my last final on Thursday, I realized that once I walk out this class, I will not return to campus until January 20th! That's five weeks of doing any and every thing besides going to class. Words alone can not exhibit how much that exictes me. During every semester, my days start very early, and end very late. Such a big stress will I be relieved of while school is out for the holidays. I've picked up extra hours at work so that'll occupy a lot of my time over the break. The week of Christmas will be spent in New Orleans with the family. Other than that, I'll be in between Denton and Garland hanging out with old friends. Yes, this is shall be an awesome break!

With Purpose,

dev

my joy. my comfort. my family.

Since Wednesday at 4:45pm I have been embraced with the realness of my entire family. I love coming home to Louisiana to spend the holidays with those who love me and I too love them unconditionally. The first stop after leaving the airport was to my "momo" and "papa" house. They are always so excited to see their collegiate grandson. To them, I represent hope and a chance of advancement in which they weren't given. We caught up, laughed, and enjoyed the effortless companionship that is shared amongst a grandson and his grandparents. From there I went to visit my Auntie Honey, cousins Karen, Kim, Jo Jo, Christian, Carvin, and Queen. I was home and it felt great.

10am Thursday, I was awakened by the amazing aroma of cousin Kim's gumbo!! I love gumbo. It is by far my favorite dish above all. That was my cue that Thanksgiving was here. The entire day was spent eating and visiting with people I haven't seen in forever. So many of my cousins have grown up so fast. I was taken back to how many were on the verge of graduating high school when I feel as if they were in 3rd grade two months ago. I saw my brother and his gigantic belly! He's not fat, but every since he turned 30 something has started to grow inside his stomach. He eats like he's eating for two. At 220lbs I guess there's no other way to eat.

My favorite part of the entire day was probably seeing my nephews and my new baby niece. Bra'je Elyse Smith is the cutest baby I have ever seen. I love her will my heart.

Today, the cousins and I chilled, watched movies, and went to the corner store, Gilleries, and got a hot sausage sandwich and a shrimp sandwich; two things you can't get in TX.

Yes, it has been an amazing visit! I don't want to leave but all good things must come to an end. Only one month til Christmas and I'll be back in DA BOOT!!

With Purpose,

dev

the legacy

So, this morning our entire church family gathered for one service, at the Special Events Center, for our "Thanksgiving Service," and to commemorate the 140th anniversary of our church, First Baptist Church of Garland (FBCG). It was incredible to look back to where our church started. They used to baptise people in a creek (Duck Creek), beginning in 1868. The oldest living member of our church is 99 years old, and we have two members that have members of FBCG for 84 years! What an incredible testament to devotion! I saw a lot people I haven't seen in a while because they go to one of the other 3 services other than the one I attend. A lot of my "kids" from camp were also in attendance. It was awesome to see them still devoted to maturing and strengthening their relationship with Christ.

My brother from another mother, Jacob Houghton, preformed, along with his drama troop from Dallas Baptist University, during Sunday School. The dramatization portrayed a girl who was saved but got lost in the desires of the world. It ended with the girl being broken and seeking the Lord, but her sin would not let her. The Lord (Jacob) was trying to pull her out of the darkness and eventually went in and took on the weight of her sin. She was covered in God's grace and born again. For me, it showed how no matter how much we deny and turn away from Christ, He is always there. He never leave nor forsake us. All we have to is call on Him, and He'll come and rescue from the sin that binds us.

Only going to work Monday and Tuesday because I leave to go Louisiana for Thanksgiving on Wednesday. I'll be there until Saturday. I can't wait to get back my roots and be with my family, and eat some AMAZING food!

I have a Marketing test Tuesday and have yet to study. The plan is to begin studying in a few hours. We'll see

With purpose,

dev

my premiere post

So, I have decided to create a "blogger" because I want to begin a written record of the outstanding, random, and inspiring events in my life. Also, I want to share my thoughts, dreams, perspectives, and experiences with others.

For the past 21 years, I have encountered some of the most incredible, devasting, miraculous, detrimental, and amazing events that have done nothing short of making me a stronger individual. Life hasn't been a walk in the park and I am so thankful for that. If it wasn't for my short-comings and "bad luck" I wouldn't be the wise, humble, and independent person I am today.

My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has kept me grounded. Without my faith, I would not have no idea how to survive in this world. The unconditional love from God that forgives all my sins, and keeps to record of wrong, is my saving grace.

This blog will be a place where I can come and lash out my daily experiences. For all of you, I hope to exchange different thoughts and engage in philosphical discussions to further advance our knowledge of the world around us.

with purpose,

dev