Cliff Jennings

Europe

2010-03-27T02:08:00.000-07:00

Dobrey Den, Dzien dobrey, Guten morgen, Hello,

As many of you know, I have been in Europe for the past few days. The places I have been and the things I have seen is FAR more to describe to you in a blog, but I am going to attempt to give you a few examples and visuals in the next few moments.

Starting in Augusta, Georgia we loaded up our bags, guitars, pedals, and any other necessity and left for the Atlanta airport at 12 Noon on Tuesday. Arriving in Atlanta about 2.5 hours later, we went through 3 security checkpoints and finally found our terminal, the VERY LAST terminal in the Atlanta airport. We waited for our plane for 1.5 hours then finally boarded. Nothing I could have ever done would have prepared me for the HOURS traveling I had ahead of me.

After 9 hours on the plane. We arrived in Frankfurt, Germany. There we hopped (or slowly made our way to...) another plane which then took us 1 hour away to Prague, Czech Republic. We finally made it.......well...almost. We then found taxi's to take us about 30 minutes away to a train station. After waiting about an hour on our train, we boarded. Keep in mind, boarding a train is INTENSE. You have approximately 90 seconds to get yourself and ALL of your luggage on. And they WILL leave you. At this point in our trip we had picked up 12 people. All with a large carry-on bag, suitcase or two, and us with 4 guitars. So jumping on a train is not as easy as it sounds. Also keep in mind, we have no idea where we are going, what language they are speaking, or any general understanding of what is going on. We were on this train for almost 3 hours.

So let's recap. 12 people. Around 1200 lbs. of luggage. 13 hours of airports and flying. And to this point...4 hours of trains and train stations.

After the first train ride, we were all exhausted. So we decided to take unload (in 90 seconds) our first train, and load (in 90 seconds) onto a second train. This was close to another 2 hours and took us into Katowice, Poland. We then loaded a bus and the bus took us about 20 minutes away to a church. We did a quick church service running on nothing but fumes and then finally another 15 minute bus ride to our hotel. At this point we hadn't eaten anything in about 6 hours. We found a French restaurant to eat at...and it was amazing.

By the time I got in bed, the grand total was 29 hours of traveling. This means it took us 29 hours to get from Augusta, Georgia to our hotel in Poland. Including sitting in airports, train stations, bus stations, taxi stations, etc. And when I laid my head on the pillow to sleep I had been awake for over 36 hours with the exception of some cat-naps here and there on uncomfortable trains and airplanes. Phew.

The next day, we woke and played a service from 12-2. We had some of the afternoon to rehearse and relax a little and did another service at 6 PM. This service was awesome. This Polish church had close to 100 people there including our team and the age range was from toddler to 70 something. All generations were well represented. God did some amazing things there in that church that night.

After a night of quick sleep in the hotel, we loaded up in box trucks and Mercedes cars and got a train back to Ostrava, Czech Republic. A total of 4 hours of traveling again after waiting for a train, (which was WAY late) and trying to find enough Taxi's to take us to our hotel.

We dropped our bags at the hotel and went to our new church. This is where our main conference is taking place. Arrived at the church around 4:30. We setup all of our stuff, then walked to a Chinese restaurant called "A-Dang". Ate there then started the conference off with a bang. Played an awesome set list and God was using us like crazy. Songs were being sang in 3 different languages at the same time!

At this point I have totally lost track of date or time or what language to try to speak. 4 countries in less than 7 days. I think its Saturday, and I know that it is 11AM here. We just rocked faces again this morning for the opening session today. And we will rock faces again tonight....Jesus will rock the hearts like he has already done.

It has been a blast so far...I am very blessed to be a part of this.

We will be in touch...enjoy what I think is your Saturday...

Na shledanou, Do zobaczenia, Biss spater, See you later...

_C_

Die To Yourself Everyday

2009-09-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

As you may already know, God has sent me on a new journey in my life. I have left my church home of nearly 3 years in North Augusta, SC to help launch a new campus location of Stevens Creek Church in Grovetown, GA. I struggled for almost 4 months with my decision, and honestly, I gave my answer in May when the job was first offered to me. My answer was simply, "No". In August I felt God tugging on my heart strings and it could not be ignored. It was and still is very clear to me that I am doing what the Lord is directing me to do.

A week ago I saw where a drummer who plays for one of the bands at The Creek wrote a simple phrase on his snare drum. It said, "Die to yourself, everyday." I stared at those four words for probably 30 seconds, reading it over and over again. I honestly don't know if four words have ever cut so deep into me. For years of my life I have only obeyed the Lord as it was convenient to me. And that phrase, "Die to yourself, everyday." made me realize my will ultimately does not matter, and neither does yours! What we want is not always what God wants. He has a plan to use our talents in ways we cannot fathom.

2 Chronicles 16:9 says this, "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth looking for those to whom he may show himself strong, whose heart is perfect towards Him."

Read that verse again...
"The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth looking for those to whom he may show himself strong, whose heart is perfect towards Him."

God is searching for a heart that is perfect towards him. A heart that is soft and in love with him and prepared to serve however the Lord pleases. In our world it is so easy to catch hold of possessions and worldly relationships and lose our true focus on the cross. God ask that we die to ourselves everyday.

I was reading an online article recently that talked about an old Japanese man who was a Grandmaster in Martial Arts. He used to ask his young students everyday, "Is this a good day to die?" Of course the young students did not want to think of death at such a young age, so their answers were always, "No". The Grandmaster did not ever miss the chance to ask his young students his famous question, "Is this a good day to die?"

Years later the Grandmaster was very old and was in a hospital bed dying. One of his early students who was now a very successful business man asked his Grandmaster. "Sir, why did you always ask us if today was a good day to die?" The old man replied, "Young warrior, you have never answered that question right." The business man looked at his Grandmaster and said, "But sir, I was honest in my answer, I never thought any of those days were a good day to die." The Grandmaster looked up with tear filled eyes and said, "Young warrior, you have missed it. After years of my teaching and after all of my efforts, you have still missed it. Your pension plan does not matter. Neither does your 401k. Your dreams do not matter. And your will does not matter. Your answer to the question was always wrong because it was what YOU wanted." The Grandmaster continued, "Young warrior, the day you die to yourself, is the day all of your greatest talents will be seen, and all of your dreams will come true. You will be the most successful when you die to yourself daily."

This should teach us a very valuable lesson. Our hopes and dreams can only take us so far. But when you die to yourself and let GOD run your life, his will for you surpasses any dream or goal you could ever imagine.

Finally, I challenge you to pray the prayer that I have been praying daily, "God help me live with a heart that is perfect towards you. I am dying to myself today."

Hang on. The ride is great.

_ C _

The Insanity of Love

2009-05-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

The insanity of love is not that your hearts become one.
It's that one heart holds the emotions of two people.

The insanity of love is not missing someone when they walk away,
but missing them when you are sitting right beside them.

The insanity of love is not crying because you are hurting,
It is crying because they hurt.

The insanity of love is not holding someone close because you love them,
it's pushing them further and further away because you love them too much.

The insanity of love is not that you care so much about them,
but that you care about nothing if you are without them.

The insanity of love is not trusting in yourself to be faithful,
it is trusting in another life to love only you.

The insanity of love in not a burning passion inside your soul when you see them,
it's the burning hurt that overwhelms you when they walk away.

The insanity of love is not that you would die for them,
it's knowing wholeheartedly that they would die for you.

The insanity of love is not that love is a good feeling,
but that our lives wouldn't be complete without it.

Love requires insanity.
Insanity requires sickness.
Sickness requires a source.
A source requires a person.
A person requires love.

-Cliff Jennings

Don't Forget

2009-03-03T15:02:00.000-08:00

God is always working. Sometimes in ways that are very obvious, some that are not. Do you know that feeling you have when you're not as close to God as you should be. Maybe it is in a moment or maybe for a long period of time. But the feeling is the same, sort of dry, empty, lost, confused...

I have been hit and miss the past month or so. I have had a lot going on. I just transferred into a new University, new job, new responsibilities at the church. Although, I know my heart has been right with God, I have just felt the passion coming and going. Almost by the hour. I know God works through me, but does he use my passion??

There is a person, who I have met through one of my classes. A "new" friend. "Hey whats up man?" "Hey dude, how ya doin?" That had been pretty much the extend of our conversation, until this day. I had been studying for the class in a lounge near by when my new friend came walking in. We small talked, no big deal. I had been feeling a little down that day. Until, we took our friendship to the next level. (Get the mind back on track...) MUSIC! Musicians always seem to find each other, and we did as well. He started talking about his drum playing and I commented back on my guitar playing and singing. We went back and forth about programming software, favorite bands, equipment we use. This was cool and all, except I knew that God had put him there for a reason. But, because of the lack of passion at the time, I simply ignored it and moved on with my life.

To make a long two week story short, my rotation band and TrueNorth Church had been needing a drummer. (We have weeks of gigs scheduled over the summer and no drummer to play in them...)

This is where my new theory comes into the game...

What if...when we [God's children] are feeling down, and we feel like we have lost our passion for Christ and his Kingdom. (I think this is so cool!) What if God takes some of our passion, not our belief and love for him, but just our passion and gives it away to those who are around us? Do you get it? Even when we are not FEELING God using us, he could be "cloning" our feeling of passion and putting back into someone else! Someone that might not have ever had it, or maybe even someone who has just lost their way. Like taking skin from someone's back to replace a wound on their face. God uses our pure love for He and His Kingdom and rubs it off on others around us!

After asking this new drummer if he would be interested in trying out for our band sometime, and he agreeing, I get a phone call from a friend who was more than excited. The phone call went something like this..."I can't believe he is playing drums for you...in church! I have been praying for him for so many years now. This is SUCH an answered prayer!" Throughout the conversation I find that our new drummer friend has had a difficult past, and that he had been turned away from church because of situations in his past. (Not going into the details...) The person who called me on the phone had literally helped raise him as a child and saw his downfall years ago, and has been praying ever since. God has used the abilities He has given me, once again, to further His Kingdom and to reach the lost. Even the lost who had purposely strayed away. I cannot describe the feeling. Thank you God.

My point is this...

Don't ever forget that God loves you.
Don't ever forget his power.
Don't ever forget that people around you are watching.
Don't ever forget that God is always watching.
Don't ever forget that lost people matter, because they are people too.
Don't ever forget that God loves the lost, just as He loves us.
Don't ever forget that God uses us.
Don't ever forget your passion.
and Don't ever forget your purpose.

"Life Comes At You Fast"

2008-12-13T21:29:00.000-08:00

This past week was very hectic, stressful, terrible...you pick an adjective that is a synonym of "bad" and it probably fits. It was finals week for school, therefore I had my face in a book for about 8 or more hours a day studying. On top of that, most of my classes this past semester were online, which meant instead of actually taking a final, I had to write a paper. I literally have written close to 2 papers a week since last August. For finals week, I wrote one 4 pager, two 5 pagers, and a 7 pager on top of three quizzes, three discussion boards, and two test. (I also crammed in one extra credit paper for Philosophy.) If that didn't make my week interesting and stressful enough, my beloved 2002 Jeep blew up on the way to school on Thursday morning. The result...she's dead. I have to get the block rebuilt, which takes a lot of time and probably even more "chedda" (cash). I snapped a piston lifter which threw a rod which went through the engine block. My mechanic said that the chances of that happening in a Jeep in the good condition mine was in was about 1/1000. Why do I have to be the odd statistic!?

Although I had a bad week. I honestly shouldn't complain. Life is great. Good friends. Good family. And guess what? God still loves me and is in control of my life. I couldn't ask for more.

The Backspace Option

2008-11-17T22:06:00.000-08:00

Well, a new page has been turned. A new chapter started. A new song has started playing. Life is good. Friends are good. God is good. Over the past few months I have seen a lot of change in my life. I think I like where this is going.

A few things have really weighed on my mind lately. Life has no backspace button. When I write, whether it be a song, story, or blog, I always have the option of using the backspace button. Mistakes can be fixed, things can be rewritten and said in a different way. Everything comes out perfect. Life cannot be backspaced. I have come to realize that I must do things right the first time in life. Priorities are crucial. My God must be worshipped and given praise. School has to be finished, and finished well. My family has to know that I love them. My friends need to know that I am there. What if I neglect my priorities? I cannot backspace. I must give everything I do my all. If I fail...I tried. But I would much rather try and not succeed than sit back and watch. I am reminded of a quote by 50 cent. (Yes 50 cent!) He said, "I would rather die like a man than live like a coward." My conclusion, God is great, in him all things can be done, therefore, I can do this.

Over in another rose bush, I have had a crazy urge to travel somewhere. Not so sure what that means, but I really want to go somewhere new. California maybe? Texas? I need to hit up Travelocity and just go...anybody wanna join?

What the World Needs to Hear

2008-10-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

This article is from Huntley Brown. He is a fabulous concert pianist, man of God and is a black man.

Why I Can't Vote For Obama
By Huntley Brown

Dear Friends,

A few months ago I was asked for my perspective on Obama, I sent out an email with a few points. With the election just around the corner I decided to complete my perspective. Those of you on my e-list have seen some of this before but it's worth repeating...

First I must say whoever wins the election will have my prayer support. Obama needs to be commended for his accomplishments but I need to explain why I will not be voting for him. Many of my friends process their ide ntity through their blackness. I process my identity through Christ. Being a Christian (a Christ follower) means He leads, I follow. I can't dictate the terms, He does because He is the leader.

I can't vote black because I am black; I have to vote Christian because that's who I am. Christian first, black second. Neither should anyone from other ethnic groups vote because of ethnicity. 200 years from now I won't be asked if I was black or white. I will be asked if I knew Jesus and accepted Him as Lord and Savior.

In an election, there are many issues to consider, but when a society gets abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning - to name a few, then wrong economic concerns will soon not matter.

We need to follow Martin Luther King's words, 'don't judge someone by the color of their skin but by the content o f their character.' I don't know Obama, so all I can go on is his voting record. His voting record earned him the title of the most liberal senator in the US Senate in 2007.

NATIONAL JOURNAL: Obama:
Most Liberal Senator in 2007 ( 01/31/2008)

To beat Ted Kennedy and Hilary Clinton as the most liberal senator, takes some doing. Obama accomplished this feat in 2 short years. I wonder what would happen to America if he had four years to work with. There is a reason Planned Parenthood gives him a 100% rating. There is a reason the homosexual community supports him. There is a reason Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro, Hamas etc. love him. There is a reason he said he would nominate liberal judges to the Supreme Court. There is a rea s on he voted against the infanticide bill. There is a reason he voted 'No' on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. There is a reason he voted 'No' on banning partial birth abortion.
There is a reason he voted 'No' on confirming Justices Roberts and Alito. These two judges are conservatives and they have since overturned partial birth abortion. The same practice Obama wanted to continue.

Let's take a look at the practice he wanted to continue. The 5 Step Partial Birth Abortion procedures:

A. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the baby's leg with forceps. (Remember this is a live baby)
B. The baby's leg is pulled out into the birth canal.
C. The abortionist delivers the baby's entire body, except for the head.
D. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby's skull. The scissors are then opened to enlarge the hole.
E. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted. The child's brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse. The dead baby is then removed.

God help him.

There is a reason Obama opposed the parental notification law.

Think about this: You can not give a child an aspirin without parental notification, but that same child can have an abortion without parental notification. This is insane.

There is a reason Obama went to Jeremiah Wright's church for 20 years.

Obama tells us he has good judgment, but he sat under Jeremiah Wright's teaching for 20 years. Now he is condemning Wright's sermons. I wonder why now?

Obama said Jeremiah Wright led him to the Lord and discipled him. A disciple is one in training. Jesus told us in Matthew 28:19 - 20 'Go and make disciples of all nations.' This means reproduce yourself. Teach people to think like you, walk like you; talk like you, believe what you believe etc. The question I have is what did Jeremiah Wright teach him?

Would you support a White President who went to a church which has tenets that said they have a:
1. Commitment to the White Community
2. Commitment to the White Family
3. Adherence to the White Work Ethic
4. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the White Community.
5. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting White Institutions
6. Pledge allegiance to all White leadership who espouse and embrace the White Value System
7. Personal commitment to embracement of the White Value System.

Would you support a President who went to a church like that?

Just change the word from white to black and you have the tenets of Obama's former church. If President Bush was a member of a church like this, he would be called a racist. Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton would have been marching outside.

This kind of church is a racist church. Obama did not wake up after 20 years and just discover he'd been going to a racist church. The TRUE church can't be about race. Jesus did not come for any particular race. He came for the whole world.

A church can't have a value system based on race. The churches value system has to be based on biblical mandates. It does not matter if it's a white church or a black church based on racial values, it's still wrong. Anyone from either race that attends a church like this would never get my vote.

Obama's former Pastor Jeremiah Wright is a disciple of liberal theologian James Cone, author of the 1970 book 'the goals of the black community'. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him.

Cone is the man Obama's mentor looks up to. Does Obama believe this?

So what does all this mean for the nation?

In the past when the Lord brought someone with the beliefs of Obama to lead a nation it meant one thing - judgment.

Read 1 Samuel 8 when Israel asked for a king. First God says in 1 Samuel 1:9 'Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.'

Then God says

1 Samuel 1:18 ' When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.' 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. 'No!' they said. 'We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fi ght our battles.' 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, 'Listen to them and give them a king.'

Here is what we know for sure.

God is not schizophrenic

He would not tell one person to vote for Obama and one to vote for McCain. As the scripture says, a city divided against itself cannot stand, so obviously many people are not hearing from God. Maybe I am the one not hearing, but I know God does not change and Obama contradicts many things I read in scripture, so I doubt it.

For all my friends who are voting for Obama; can you really look God in the face and say; Father, based on your word, I am voting for Obama even though I know he will continue the genocidal practice of partial birth abortion. He might have to nominate three o r four Supreme Court justices, and I am sure he will be nominating liberal judges who will be making laws that are against you. I also know he will continue to push for homosexual rights, even though you destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this. I know I can look the other way because of the economy.

I could not see Jesus agreeing with many of Obama's positions. Finally I have two questions for all my liberal friends.

Since we know someone's value system has to be placed on the nation,

1. Whose value system should be placed on the nation.

2. Who should determine that this is the right value system for the nation?

Blessings,
Huntley Brown

Personal Religion

2008-09-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

This is a paper I wrote for a religion class I am taking this semester. Thought that some of you might enjoy! (I made an "A" by the way...)

Cliff Jennings
September 19, 2008
Father Gregory Rogers
Personal Religion Essay

My Religious Beliefs

Religion has always been a part of my life. I was born in Fort Worth, Texas where my father was in seminary. This being said, I have literally been a “preachers kid” my entire life. Until I was in the fifth grade we were a part of a traditional Baptist church. In the tradition style church I learned to stand and sit in church only when told, sing the hymn that was specifically numbered from a dusty hymnbook, and read Old Testament stories at sunday school. I learned the ways of a “Christian life.” This was in the 1990’s, but the church seemed a few decades behind. We needed something new, more modern and fresh.
When my Dad told the family that he had decided to move to a new church, our family was a little skeptical, we were comfortable. The next nine years started a true spiritual journey. As I grew older, I began to understand what God really meant to me and how real he could be in my life as long as I trusted in Him. I had asked Christ to come into my life and live inside of me when I was much younger, it was not until my middle school years that I truly realized what this meant.
In middle school I firmly believed in God, and his plan and purpose for my life. I was picked on everyday because I was “God’s child” or a “church boy.” I learned to push the worldly things away and trust wholly in him. My seventh grade year I felt led to begin a bible study at my school. Myself and two of my Christian friends began to meet in the art room of Merriwether Middle School on Wednesday mornings before school at 7:00 AM. The first month or so consist of nothing but the three of us praying for our friends by name and praying that God would bring people to the art room before school to hear His word. Numbers slowly started to grow, as well as my faith. This continued through my seventh grade year and into my eighth grade year. Myself and two other musically inclined friends began to play worship music before I delivered the devotion that morning. By the end of my eighth grade year we averaged 70-80 people on Wednesday mornings. During the last month of school there was a particular Wednesday where I felt led to invite people to give their hearts to Jesus Christ. I made the invitation and a handful of people stood and accepted. My faith was on fire. I knew the Lord was very present in my life and using me in His ways. This continued in my churches youth group where I began to sing on stage with the praise team occasionally. Little did I know, my life was about to be flipped upside down.
High School definitely opened my eyes. I saw how people truly were and learned that the world and the people in it were not all good. Ninth grade was a very hard year for me. I did not have many friends and became pretty miserable. I thought that in order to have friends, I had to do the “cool” things. Through the next couple of years I grew further away from God and went away from the path He wanted me on. By the time I was a Junior in high school I was high on life, the worldly life. I was a football jock and dated all the pretty girls. Life was good. Halfway through my Junior year’s football season I had a terrible injury that put me on the sidelines. I was furious with God. I lost many scholarship opportunities and many friends because my social life consist of physical therapy and lying on the couch. My Senior year I was back on my feet and back into my party life. I was very far from God, and I never even realized it.
When I went to college I realized how wrong I had been and asked for forgiveness and began to walk the path God wanted me to walk again. The last few years have been challenging to say the least, but I have learned a lot about God and his plan for my life. I have been given many gifts, one of which is a good voice and the intelligence to play the guitar. I have learned that I have a place in the church.
I now attend TrueNorth Church in North Augusta where I am on part-time staff as a worship leader. I have been given the opportunity to lead God’s people in worship and lifting his name. I have learned that church is not about the fancy dress and the traditional ways, but that God wants to reach the people of the world we live in today. I believe that a church needs to reach out and touch the untouched. God does not want your effort in getting dressed once a week to go church, he wants your heart every hour of the week in the most humble spirit you can give. I am glad to be a part of the family of God. I am very grateful for the gift God gave us, his son. I am reminded daily that our sins are forgiven because Jesus Christ gave his life so that we did not have to. Our sins have already been paid for.
Most of all, I have learned that God is real. I have seen his power, felt his presence, and witnessed his miracles. I know that my relationship with God will be worth all of the worldly sacrifices when I get to heaven. There is nothing in this life that can compare to his greatness and his love. Jesus Christ has given his life so that I may live mine. “When you have tasted Him, really tasted Him, there is no going back.” - James Thrash.

A 'Wow' type of day...

2008-09-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

Over the past few years I have had the opportunity to lead worship at a variety of churches and events. More recently I have been leading at TrueNorth Church. Being in a church all my life, I have had and felt many "God moments". These are the times when your knees get weak and your eyes fill with tears and it takes every bit of strength you have to keep from falling on the floor.

I love leading worship at TrueNorth, don't get me wrong, but in the last couple of months I haven't felt much God in our worship. Instead I think we have become consumed with making the church "cool" with the fancy production and expensive equiptment and we have lost focus on what REALLY matters. I have felt convicted of this as well as other leaders in the church. Through a few meetings and long hard talks, the lead worship team decided that many things needed to change in order to change our "heart of worship". I have been very excited about these changes, but in the same breath, skeptical that we would actually move forward with the changes. Today changed my skepticism, wow is the only thing I can say.

This week was not a normal week for me. I felt extremely anxious about what was to happen on Sunday morning. Honestly, this is way out of the ordinary for me. I generally do not ever get nervous. When I looked at the set list for the week, I immediately knew this was going to be a special week. I was right.

This morning during our practice, singing "I Stand Amazed" and "Unashamed" my eyes filled with tears and my voice was shaking because I was so overwhelmed by the feeling of God in the gymnasium. My anxiety turned to excitement as the day moved forward.

Through both services, there was a feeling in the worship that I had not felt in a long time. It almost seemed that the entire congregation knew something big was about to happen. As the band continued to play, I felt as if the band had put our instruments down. The music was truly about the words and hundreds of voices were praising our God together. I was blown away at the sound of his people singing praises and opening themselves to the Lord.

Today was an amazing day. I know that God changed people's lives today in powerful ways. The best part is, I am still anxious. God IS NOT done at TrueNorth. He has shown us just a glimpse of his greatness today. Are you ready? Hold on church, hold on. Greater things are still to be done.

To be or not to be...

2008-09-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

Why are decisions that seem SO simple the hardest ones to make!? I feel my head is going to explode. This time in my life is sorta like going to Baskin Robbins Ice Cream...there are 14,000 choices and you feel that it is impossible to make a decision. I have SO many decisions to make right now...where do I start?

Oh Baby Sister...

2008-08-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

Well, its official. My "little" sister is a legit college student. She packed up her things and moved to North Carolina where she is at Gardner Webb University. I almost don't know what to do because she isn't here! Although I am in a funk and miss her, I am extremely proud of her and all of her accomplishments. I wish her luck and send her on with my prayers pushing her along!

Comfortable?

2008-08-07T16:16:00.000-07:00

It's just when life seems comfortable and manageable that God tends to show up and cancel your dinner plans for you.

At my church, TrueNorth, our pastor has been challenging us not to stay comfortable in our walk for too long. This can also be turned around and looked at from another perspective. God is saying to us, don't get comfortable because I have bigger and better plans for you. I have recently discovered that this is in fact truth. When you pray, "God, disturb me. Disturb my life." it is looking like God simply says, "Ok sure." I am learning that for God to build our lives up, they must first be torn apart.

I am at an age in my life where many decisions will be made. Some for good, some for "not so good." Every time I turn around something in my life is changing. Whether it be my school, major, job, house, or pants size, nothing stays the same for long. This may sound somewhat obvious, of course things change. Seasons come and go, time moves by as quickly as it did the day before, there is always change. So why is it that when we change things we aren't used to changing we feel so torn apart?

In the end change will have always happened, whether it have been for better or worse. But how is a decision supposed to be made when all paths look great? What is to tell you that the prize is actually behind a different door than the one you are thinking of choosing? If all of the doors are God-given, does it matter which path is taken? Is the decision left up to us? Why do we have to change? What would happen if we decide not to walk through any of the open doors?

My thoughts escape me...

Oh Toilets...

2008-03-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

This video made me laugh so hard that I peed a little...Just thought I'd share...

This one is probably even funnier... but at this point I had already hyperventilated...

No Jokin...Growing Up Really IS Hard...

2008-02-06T19:38:00.000-08:00

So I obviously never blog, and I have a few good reasons. One, not sure if anybody even reads it, but does that matter? Oh well.....two, I rarely find time to blog. School, 3 jobs, and a life makes it a little tough. Three, I don't like people to feel sorry for me, so if I write about a problem or something I don't want any sorry people out there!

So this past December me and a buddy got a bright idea of starting a business. Sweet! I thought, a little extra money wouldn't hurt and there is no way it would become a big deal any time soon. Well, guess what? Have you ever thrown a match in a pile of wood soaked in lighter fluid? Thats what the business has turned into. A BIG burning pile of wood, and all of the people who inhabit the csra just keep adding more and more wood. So you could be thinking...what is the problem?! Well, its not a problem that we are doing well, in fact I am SUPER happy that we are doing good. But I am not convinced with myself that I want to own a thriving business at the age of 20. Is that too young? If I didn't really enjoy what I do and how I help people I definately would not be here. Don't get me wrong I am thankful for every person who walks through our office door. But seriously? THIS much in a month and one week? I guess I just wasn't ready for this much so fast. I was honestly expecting 5 or 6 clients, just enough to get by. Oh well, I'm buckled up...time for take off!

Its not just a business that is bringing the reality of growing up...there is a girl. Of course just like any good movie there is ALWAYS a girl. But this girl, can't put my finger on exactly why, is incredible! I really don't think I could ask for more in a young lady. Maybe that she didn't live an hour away...but that's ok! The weirdest thing about her is that I, yes me, chased after her. I don't mean to sound stuck up or anything but I dont usually chase a girl. Thats just not me. But I literally tried to get her to go out with me for almost 6 months. Then when she finally said yes...I was terrified to go out with her! We have been together a grand total of almost 5 months and I am loving every second of it. The best part is that God is in the center of the relationship and I love that. We have something special, I'm not gonna use any words that start with "M" around her yet...but who knows? I am very excited to see our future...

So yeah...I guess I am just venting...the workout just wasn't enough tonight to releive all of the stress. Hope everyone in blogger world is doing great!

I freakin love Hillsong!

2007-11-13T17:07:00.000-08:00

This song is amazing!!! And yes I actually went to GodTube...

Got Fitness?

2007-08-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a very long time since I have posted anything on here. Mostly because the lack of time due to jobs and/or other various activities that I deem worthy of my time. In the summer months I worked for a Lawn Care service, TLW Lawncare (they do excellent work btw). Through countless hours of sitting on hot lawn mowers and walking a couple miles a day with a 40 pound blower strapped to my back (sometimes two blowers to get things done faster...talk about that one later on!), I realized that studying a book in an air conditioned room is much more fun! This will be my third semester of classes at Aiken Technical College in the Physical Therapy program. Less than two years left!

I have also decided to take my Personal Fitness Training to another level. A good friend of mine in Atlanta, GA inspired me to start training a couple of years ago. Last May, after a few bad experiences and many good, I decided to leave the gym I was currently working at. Stevie [my friend in Atlanta] gave me the idea this summer of starting my own business. So that's what I am doing, starting my own business! As of now the business name is still up in the air but almost everything else is calculated. In the next month I will be taking a national Personal Training Certification exam. I am taking the test through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) which is the leading certification in America. I will be working out of personal homes and Body Worx Fitness in North Augusta, SC. (When I become ACSM certified my name will read as follows.....""Cliff Jennings ACSM CPT""....Just though it looked "cool"!)

****I will be charging hourly rates based on where we are training and the type of program. I am very willing to work with anyone. If you are interested email me, cjennings87@yahoo.com, and I will email you with more information!****

I feel like the Lord has blessed me with many things in life, good health included. I feel like I can share my knowledge and "expertise" [if you will] to help others become healthy and enjoy life in a healthy body that doesn't growl at them with every move made. Pray for me as I get things running! I'm going to need them I'm sure!

OH! Any ideas for business names email me or comment on a post! Please keep them mature and related to Personal Fitness Training.

Physcology class is calling.......

Fitness Tip Number 2

2007-01-24T20:06:00.000-08:00

Simple as that! Combine Week 1 with Week 2 and continue to do these workouts three times a week and before you know it......even this guy will be jealous! HAHA!

Ok...maybe he wont be jealous. Personally, I wouldn't want that to be me, poor guy can't even put a shirt on! Happy ABBING!

Fitness Tip Number 1

2007-01-14T19:36:00.000-08:00

DISCLAIMER!!! Understand that these weekly fitness tips are not from a doctor! I am not a doctor and do not try to be. I am a fitness trainer, not to be confused with a dietician, doctor, or physical therapist! These fitness tips are exactly what they are, tips! These are designed to help your health and fitness by suggesting new exercises, routines and possibly diets.

ABS. Not Anti-lock Brake System, or the American Basket-weaving Society, but Rectus abdominis. Everyone wants ABS. Unfortunately, I don't have a 24 hour solution to getting rid of a "beer gut" and gaining a washboard stomach. But, what I do have is a 4 week workout, which can be done at home, that will guarantee results. With this workout, and a little revision in your eating habits, in 4 weeks you will see results. Not necessarily the flawless final product, but a big step in the right direction.

Ok, I will assume that everyone has about 30 minutes of extra time in the day. As soon as you wake up, or before you go to bed, the important thing is that these exercises are getting done. Most of these exercises everyone can do. A few might be difficult if you have a lower back or neck problem.

Week 1: For the first week, you will only work out 3 days. MONDAY, THURSDAY, SATURDAY.

---4 SETS of 10-15 Repetions. VERY SLOWLY! I should be able to count to "8 one-thousand" before you finish one repetition. (Sets-this means you will do 10-15 reps. Rest for no longer than 2 minutes. Then start your second set. This will be repeated until 4 sets is accomplished.)

Exercise 1: AB CRUNCH! Find a comfortable place to lie down, besides your bed! Somewhere with thick carpet is ideal, but putting a blanket down to act as a mat is fine too. Lie down on your back with your feet flat on the floor. Your knees should be in the air. Cross your arms across your chest. (Not behind your head like the picture shows!) By placing your hands across your chest and not behind your head, it will be easier to keep your back straight, and also ensure that you are not cheating! Now concentrate on lifting the upper body off of the ground by only using your ABS. Keep you back and neck straight! You should stop about half-way up, this is just a crunch, not a a full sit-up. You should be concentrating on squeezing with your ABS to bring your back off the ground. Don't use momentum! This picture is only to show how far off the ground you should bring your back, do not round your neck or put your arms in this position. Remember, keep you neck and back straight, you want to be looking at the ceiling and not your stomach. This will concentrate on the ABS and take the pain away from the neck.

Ok, there is week one! Do this exercise on Monday, Thursday and Saturday of the first week. Don't forget to do these very slowly. Concentrate on using your ABS and not momentum. If this is too simple for you, good! Try to do 20-25 repetitions instead of 10-15.

WEEK TWO WILL BE POSTED NEXT WEEK! COME BACK THEN!

Blog to the Future

2007-01-11T20:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, so this whole blog thing I am still not completely sold on. I'm just not quite sure it can hold up to pages like Myspace and Facebook. I am one of those people who like many different things. Jesus, music, health and fitness, and anything else really! As long as it doesn't involve clowns (still getting over that one) or anything illigal I'm normally down for whatever!

So here's what I figured I would do with this blog. I am going to try to post a fitness tip once a week, something that is pretty general. I will also post some music stuff, and I will be posting things about whats going on in my life. And I'm sure I will post some things the Lord has planted on my heart as well.

So anyways! Here it is, here it goes!

My new blog!

2007-01-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

Well I figured that I would be a follower....everyone else is doing it! Go Blogs!