I once told my baseball coach that I just wasn't a leader. I told him I was the quiet type, the only way I could lead, was by example on the field. He replied that I was a leader if I chose to be; a sentiment echoed by my parents. It seems that for some inexplicable reason, I am, time and again, thrust into a leadership role that I've passionately tried to avoid. This brought so many questions to my head. Am I just meant to be a leader? Perhaps God will continue putting leadership roles in my path until I have learned to accept them. Are leaders born or simply coincidentally placed in these situations?

It's been said that, "Leaders must live by higher standards than their followers." I didn't want the responsiblity of those higher standards. From a young and immature age I knew my sister was watching. She followed in my footsteps, not wanting to fall behind in anything I did. This included friendships, our height and even school. And for being a year younger, she did a terrific job...however I fought this process, desperately wanting to formulate my own, unique identity. I never truly learned to embrace the leadership role I was given. My rocky baseball career flew by and I never stepped up in any sense. I supported the various captain's of my baseball team but I preferred to stay behind the scenes.

As Christ would have it, I fell into a leadership role in church also. From the age of 13-years-old forward, my family didn't have a home church, so it was easy to stay invisible. Finally, two years ago, I found a church to call home. My siblings and I fell in love with the church and actively participated in many areas. One of which was the youth ministry. Being a very old youth member at 18, I was inherently bestowed with an unspoken leadership role for the younger members. I subconsciencely ignored this leadership opportunity and strived to learn what I could. Freshly out of my parents home, I was in a tumultuous time of decisions and limitless freedom. Looking back I am so disappointed in myself. I gave myself alot of credit because I was learning alot and thought I was doing good. My pride had me blinded to the fact that I was not, in any way, leading in a Godly walk as I should. Now, two years later, the young youth ministry is entirely graduated and preparing to disband. Some will stay and join a college and career class, others are embarking on a new stage in life at a college elsewhere. I look at our group and have such a heavy heart. I feel like I failed in leading them in any sense of the word. We all admit to having a lackluster desire to read The Word, we have weak faith at best and everyone's standards in movies and life in general, seem to be regressing. I feel like, as the oldest, I should have set a better example. Instead, we are entering one of the hardest times of our lives, ill prepared and spiritually debilitated.

The point of this blog isn't to depress anyone, but instead encourage you to not waste opportunities you're given. God specifically chooses those He wants in leadership roles. Moses, David and Paul are three very prominent examples. In the end Paul was able to write, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - (2 Tim.4:7) Thank God my race isn't over, I just hope at the end, I can say the same as Paul.

"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." - (Col. 4:5-6)

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." - (Eph. 5:15-16)

So it's pretty much been forever! lol I have almost forgotten how to use xanga anymore....and since they changed everything I really am lost! I'm thinking I miss my blog a little bit and I'm gonna try to find a little time to write on this thing.

The new purpose for my blog is going to be for my completely honest thoughts and ponderings...not much in the line of "what I did today" lol. Idk how often I'll be able to keep up with it but I'll try. I'm not even sure anyone looks at my site anymore. *sigh* Poor neglected xanga! lol I hope everyone is loving the cool weather and are ready for Thanksgiving! I'm glad to be back.

~ 1 Week til Thanksgiving! wooo!~

 I'm finally posting again! I know its been too long. We've been having computer problems that just wont go away lol. Anyway, congratulations to Mrs. Amelia, Brittni, Jennifer, Lea, and Emily....they all got my trivia question correct! It was the time change from Texas to Florida. The time said 18 hours but we were only in the car 17 because in Georgia it went from 5PM to 6PM.


Anyway, this is going to be a big ol' picture post! I dont have all the pictures I want but I do have alot. I wont be able to post a pic of my truck yet but as soon as I can get one on here i'll share it with everyone. So here we go on my trip to Florida.....

Here are the Florida bound boys...Justin, Me and JC.

In a tunnel that went under some buildings in Mobile, Alabama.

A sweet lookin' battleship we saw as we got near to Clearwater.

JC trying in vain to beat my Yahtzee record.


And finally, the stunning coast! That's not a postcard peeps...we actually took that pic!!

I like this pic...I caught a couple of guys throwing a football and the football is in the air with the coast as a background.

JC and I at the beach.


As you all know I was down in Florida playing for the Texas Prospects. They actually have 2 teams...one older (18-yr-olds), one younger(16-yr-olds). Here is a group pic with the older group (me included) standing in the back in black. Congratulations to the people that can find me in the picture lol. I'll give you a hint...even at 5'10 i'm shorter than most lol.

Here are some pics of a few players in action. First off we have Mason Denson pitching.

This is me awaiting my turn to bat while standing "on deck"...a baseball term for those of you who dont know lol.

This is our amazing centerfielder Jaron Shephard...He had offers to play at Oklahoma and Florida St, both of which are great programs.



My fellow high school teammate that got me the spot on this team, Jeff Thompson on the mound.


This is one of the guys i shared a room with, Logan Chitwood, also pitching lol.


This is Justin and I after a game. We were out to eat at this coast side diner and Justin and I jumped onto the rocks and JC got a pic. Justin is the other guy that I was rooming with. Plus JC of course, so we had 4 guys in our room.


And finally, me with my trophy and the team trophy that states we are the winner of the 2007 IBC World Series!!!



That pretty much wraps up my trip to Florida. Hope you all enjoyed the visual aid lol. Have a great day guys! TTYL

                                     Daniel