zozi.

Because the name of my blog is 'Adventures of Phiz', I thought it would be fitting to share with you guys an awesome website I found! ZOZI is a website devoted to promoting adventure and helping you get there. It's a lot like Groupon but some of the adventures and gear are FREE! And what's even cooler, is that everything is catered to you based on where you live.

How cool is that?!

If you'd like you can access ZOZI using my personal account, by clicking here! You definitely do not want to miss out on some really sweet adventures and some sick adventure gear.

Enjoy my friends! And until next time...

be adventurous!

from called to equipped.

It's been almost two months since I moved to Greenwood, SC and started a new chapter. These weeks have been filled with much excitement and growth. I have been pushed and pulled in new ways and owe it all to the grace of God. I have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support, both from my family and friends in Virginia, but also from those I have met here in Greenwood.

I wanted to sit down and take some time to write this post to tell you about a change I recently went through. It's one that may seem small while you read this, but in the moment it was drastic and life-changing.

A few weeks ago, I was going through my new office and cleaning out drawers and cabinets from my predecessor. As I rummaged through old files, I came across a large black binder. In it I found pages and pages of letters and resumes from people who had applied for the job I now hold. At first, I closed it and threw it on the ground, knowing it was something I probably was never meant to see. But human nature took over and I opened it. Looking through the names and resumes, I was overcome with humility.

Why me?

These people carried with them degrees from huge universities and seminaries. They had years of experience under their belts, families and marriages to draw from, and letters of recommendation that could, seriously, be turned into a book on "How to do Youth Ministry Right!"

As I closed the binder and put it to the side to be thrown out, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with the question, 'Why me?' I mean, why would God bring me here if there were people much more qualified for the position? What was going through the minds of the people who made the decision to bring me here? I couldn't help but to feel small and insignificant. In comparison to these people that filled the binder, I was the low man on the totem pole. I searched for a reason and when I couldn't seem to find one in myself, I turned to the One who could. My Creator.

As I prayed, I asked God to help me understand why I was here. I wanted to know why He would bring me here when I was so unequipped.

And then it hit me. I was right. I was unequipped. But only by my own standards.

I flipped through my Bible to Philippians 1:5-6. It read, "...because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." And Phil. 2:13 which says, "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose."

God had brought me here to Greenwood for a reason. He had called someone who may not have had the most experience or the highest degree. But He was equipping me despite those earthly standards. He was working in me to fulfill His good purpose.

I think it's a normal thing for us to become overwhelmed in new situations. It's easy to make ourselves believe that we are not prepared or that we are not worthy of being where we've been led. However, when we hold firm to the truth that God works in us for good, we are able to move forward in doing the work He set forth for us to do. He is giving us all the proper and necessary tools we need to carry out our calling.

We (myself included) must remember that God does not called the equipped. He equips the called. And that He is working in us to fulfill His good purpose.

i stink...

1...at writing blogs.

I think it's safe to say that I probably, more than likely, should not be the main contributor to a blog. But, alas, it is what it is and thus here I am...contributing. And before I continue on with my thoughts I want to apologize for the large gaps of time between my posts. Sometimes the adventures I take lead me away from my computer (or at least that's the excuse I'm going to use). But now onto the good stuff...


2...at being patient.

I get this flaw from my late great-grandfather who was, quite possibly, the most impatient person I've ever known. For the past few months I've wrestled with what I'm doing. Whether that be in work or in play. The question I ask myself is, "What am I doing with my life? How am I being used? How am I being a witness?" These questions run rampid and force me to take long, hard looks in the mirror. I can't help but wonder what God is preparing me for. My impatient spirit longs for the answers and screams "Just tell me what to do! Show me where to go!!" And with those thoughts, come the questions: "Will I be ready? Will I be good enough?"

3...at being confident.

The questions that race through my head at night have most definitely taken their toll on my confidence. But in the moments when I can sit quietly with my Father, I'm reminded of Philippians 1:5-6 where Paul writes, "because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." My prayer is that, going forward, this be my heart's cry.

4...at being brave.

In response to being unsure of where I'm at and what I'm doing, I decided to venture out and actively pursue God's calling in my life. I know that He has blessed me with a passion for youth ministry and a love of spreading His Word. So I put myself out there, and man has He responded in BIG ways! The doors (and windows) that have been opened hold some unknown, yet exciting, adventures. And while I welcome the next chapter in my life, my human nature still creates a bit of fear of what is ahead. Pair with these thoughts the questions from earlier (section 2), and you get a vicious cycle.

And while I realize and admit these faults, I humbly welcome my Father's grace and mercy. And with those, the vicous cycle of fear, doubtfulness and impatience that Satan has thrown my way is banished. I embrace the adventure He is unfolding before me and am excited for the journey ahead. While my blog skills may not improve much (if any), I am convinced that the things I "stink" at will slowly begin to morph into ways to bring Him the glory.

I cannot wait to share with you all more of what the Lord has laid on my heart, and the plans He is making known to me. Until my next post, be adventurous!

surf. sand. and a helluva good time.

Anyone who really knows me can stand up for me when I say that the beach is seriously one of my favorite places! There is absolutely nothing like sitting in a chair in the sun with the waves rushing in and knowing that I have no where to be. Ahhhh....relaxation!

A couple weeks ago, Heids and I were blessed enough to join my family in Myrtle Beach for a week of sun, sand and good times. There were 23 of us staying in our house, and though things were crammed at times we made it work. With the beach only a couple hundred yards away, I knew this week would hold a ton of memories. So, instead of overwhelming you with tons of details that you'll probably just skim over, I've decided to post some of my favorite pictures from the week. I'll add in the link to the full album down at the bottom too!

Enjoy!

These two.. #bff

My main lil homie - cousin Caleb

Surfing with my niece, Hayden

Heidi and I searching for "wildlife"

My parents renewed their vows for their 25th Anniversary!

My cousin, Brooke, and her boyfriend, Steven

Ready for our "big kids' night out"

The backyard

I seriously have the cutest niece EVER!

I hope you all enjoyed this sneak peek into our week at Myrtle Beach. Feel free to take a look at the rest album by clicking here! And remember to leave comments below and check back often for more fun with Phiz!

Until next time, be adventurous.

paddle faster. i hear banjos.

Well it's has definitely taken me longer than expected to get the post up, but I didn't want to publish it without some pictures. After all, what's a blog without some sweet pics to look at?!

Last month, my girlfriend, Heidi, and I took a trip down to my hometown, South Boston, to visit with my family. This wasn't just any ordinary trip to see family though. No, friends, this was a big step in our relationship. During our weekend in Southern VA, we made plans to go on a big family canoe trip! I was a little nervous about whether or not she would paddle any (which she ended up not), while she was more worried about bugs, snakes, fish with fangs, rapids, etc....Needless to say, we were definitely in for an adventure!

Sorry for the finger in the picture... #fail

We set out on the Staunton River at Long Island (Virginia - not New York) Saturday morning, equipped with enough food and drinks to survive a voyage on the Oregon Trail. (Do you guys remember that computer game?) It wasn't long before Heids was lounged back in the front of our double kayak and I was propelling us down river.

Along the way we hit all of our usual stops, like Jump Rock, Lunch Rock and the crowd-favorite "Tree"!

My brother rocking Jorts

Too much fun!

Looking back on our time on the river, it's impossible not to smile and reminisce on how much fun we had. Though we all suffered some scrapes and insane sunburns, what stands out is the overwhelming feeling of laughter. Heids and I are anxiously looking forward to our next trip down the river. Don't tell her, but I think she's slowly coming around to accepting her adventurous rugged side!

In the meantime, I hope to see each of you getting out and enjoying an adventure or two of your own. I love hearing from you about what crazy things you get into, and suggestions for my next outing. Keep em' coming!! Stay tuned for another post sometime today with some details from our trip to Myrtle Beach; I'm really pumped to share it with you guys!

Until then, be adventurous.

a walk in the park.

I should have posted this a few weeks ago, but I guess it's true when people say "Better late than never". I had been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Spring so I could get out of the house and into the Great Outdoors! There is nothing like taking a hike in the Valley in springtime.

So my girlfriend, Heidi, and I packed a bag and headed up to Shenandoah National Park. We didn't quite have a plan set, but we knew we weren't going to let the day go to waste. We settled on the South River Falls trail (which has always been one of my favorites) and commenced our trek! The sun was bright and there was a cool breeze blowing - God was definitely planning to show off His creation.

Along the way, we both decided to get a bit adventurous. Heidi scaled a massive rock-face, while I maneuvered my way across a treacherous bridge...okay, maybe we weren't staring death in the face. But we sure felt like intense wilderness voyagers.

There's something about hiking that always puts me at ease. Now, I can't sit here and say I've always been the outdoor enthusiast, but in the past few years it's something I've grown to love and appreciate. I have my best friend and college roommate, Jeremy, to thank for it. It's hard not to be blown away by nature. When you really take a moment to take in the magnitude of it all, it's easy to be made humble.

For me, taking hikes or spending quiet time in the presence of my Creator and His creation, puts me back in a centered place. The fact that the One who molded mountains and valleys, trees and streams, also molded you and me is astounding. Whew! It kinda hurts my head just thinking about it. We are incredibly small in the grand scheme of things. Yet, God reaches out to us, loves us, and offers us lives of grandeur as if we were the most important things on Earth! And when I dig deeper, I find that, in fact, we are the most important thing to Him. He is our Father and He searches for and pursues us constantly. That's HUGE!

I want to leave you with some more pictures and the challenge to get out! Take a hike. Go explore the wonderful creation laid outside for us. You definitely won't regret it. And maybe one day in the future we can enjoy a walk in the park together. 

  

Looking out over South River Falls.

Jesus Calling.

It's Hump Day! And I am supa pumped to say the least. Don't get me wrong, I love having an awesome 9-5 job with an air conditioned office, but I'm also looking forward to the weekend.

It's been a very interesting week, well month. I said goodbye to a job that I loved, and started a new one that offers more stability (and benefits). The transition has been a bit overwhelming but I'm acclimating to the change in pace. Heidi, my beautiful girlfriend, has been extremely supportive and should be given an award for dealing with my complaints and stress. Now on to the point of this post...

During my lunch-break today, I was reading through my daily devotional - Jesus Calling (by Sarah Young). The message was as follows:

When things don't go as you would like, accept the situation immediately. If you indulge in feelings of regret, they can easily spill over the line into resentment. Remember that I am sovereign over your circumstances, and humble yourself under my mighty hand. Rejoice in what I am doing in your life, even though it is beyond your understanding.
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In Me you have everything you need, both for this life and for the life yet to come. Don't let the impact of the world shatter your thinking or draw you away from focusing on Me. The ultimate challenge is to keep fixing your eyes on Me, no matter what is going on around you. When I am central in your thinking, you are able to view circumstances from My perspective.

Umm....YES! What an amazing conviction! It's human nature to nit-pick and complain about everything little thing we don't like. I'm definitely guilty of it. Even though I have been thoroughly blessed, my human nature takes over and I find something to be unhappy about. And then I sit down for some quiet time with God and He smacks me across the face and tells me to WAKE UP!

I love that! I love how this ever-evolving relationship with Him can bring me back down to reality and remind me that He has everything, absolutely everything, under control. And the message is true. The hardest challenge is keeping our eyes fixed on Him and trusting in His all-knowing way. I urge you to check out the Scripture associated with this devotional, and find time to lay any worries on the One who has the power to make them all go away!

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6; John 14:6

a lesson in Love.

November 3, 2012. A day that might seem like an ordinary day to many of you. However, to me, it is the day that I began one of my greatest adventures.

For a long while, I had become convinced that relationships, let alone LOVE, just weren't for me. I hadn't had much luck in the category and figured I probably was in the small percentage of men who grow up to become the creepy guy who's house all the kids were afraid to go near, fearful they'd never make it home alive. It's a tough thought to swallow, but I just merely accepted my fate and moved on.

Much to my surprise, God had another plan for me.

As I sat at home watching the X Factor with my roommates, my phone let loose a buzz. "Hi, Phil!" The girl on the other end of the message was surely as nervous as I was. (This "encounter" had been set up the day before by her sister.) I was too nervous to respond, but knew I needed to make a witty reply in order to keep her interested.

"Hey there chica!"   Smooth. I know.

I would love to post all the messages we exchanged that night, but I don't think Google will allow me that large of a blog post. All you need to know is that nearly seven months later, that preppy blonde is still sending the butterflies in my stomach flying.

I think it's easy for most guys to misinterpret God's hope for relationships between men and women. "Relationship" is the most important thing to God. Think about it! We were created by love and through love to be loved and to give love. Love changes us. It creates a reaction that provides energy, both emotional and spiritual, for life. Relationship is intended by God to be an experience that exposes us, transforms us, and mends us.

This woman that God has placed in my life has taught me these things and more. I think of how closed off I allowed myself to get, and how with love I accepted vulnerability. I remember the times when I hid true feelings, and how with love I became who He created me to be. I look back on the moments of brokenness, and how with love I have been pieced back together.

I have been blessed by the past seven months. And to ignore that truth would make me a fool. I know that the Lord has much more for me to learn, and He will surely place moments before me that teach me to be humble. But I rest confidently on His promise to never lead me down a road or path I am not capable of meneuvering.

No Excuses.

To say that I have fallen off the radar would be a HUGE understatement; my last post on here dates back all the to October which is highly unacceptable! While my absence from my blog may seem unwarranted, let me assure you that I have had many good reasons.

My life has been nothing short of interesting, consisting of various twists and turns, roadblocks and moments of joy and delight. I've walked along paths I never imagined for myself. And I have faced obstacles that have undoubtedly shaken my faith to its core. Yet, all the while my God has stood faithfully by my side, flowing words of encouragement into my wondering heart.

I now am finding myself back at the keyboard, excited about adventures that lie before me. My hope is that you all will return here often to hear the stories, see the pictures and, ultimately, marvel as the Lord's plan unfolds before me.

I look forward to sharing with you all again very soon. Until then, enjoy an adventure of your own.


Fondly,

Phiz