A quick glance

In one of many visits to Starbucks, an older gentlemen shared some advice with me and my friends in Canada.

"You can glance at the past. Just don't stare."

In this past year, I've done the following things in no particular order;

Finished all the classes I needed for my A.A. degree.

Worked on a Christian T.V. show as a helper/grip, amateur boom operator, and even a quick spot as an extra.

Recorded my first single in a small recording studio.

Helped serve and feed the poor in downtown St. Pete (to celebrate my best friend's birthday, no less).

Led worship for youth group, and a few times for regular service at my church.

Taught a few guitar lessons at two different churches during the summer.

Moved boxes, furniture, and other items to help a friend with his moving business to pay for tuition (I still have dreams of the move that was nothing but boxes).

Ate at the original "Country Pizza Inn" in Clearwater and even got to see the owner from across the room at the restuarant.

Met a few Christians who've worked in different positions in the media industry and listened to their stories/advice.

Helped a friend move to Alaska, and got in a car accident (Also, stated the obvious when I said, "That guy really made a big impression").

Got M.R.I.'s, and x-rays that showed herniated discs in my neck, and a bulging disc in my lower back.

Did physical therapy, electrical therapy, massage therapy, the roller table, chiropractic correction, and, my all time favorite with no sarcasm, decompression to help with chronic pain in my neck and back.

I had two different procedures done to remove a growth on my pinky. It was very painful, the first time, because I had two novices working on me instead of a real dermatologist. I'm still not sure what caused this.

Performed as an actor/video editor in a student film called "Eijopani" directed by my best friend, and also starring another friend.

Said "No" to a variety of social settings, activities, and even good things, so they wouldn't conflict with my classes.

Tried my luck as a stand-up comedian one time at the coffeehouse on campus, and bombed big time (I think I'll leave all the comedic stuff to my older brothers).

Also, took "Drawing" and enjoyed trying something different.

Prayed a couple of times this past semester with other students for God to receive glory, students to shine brightly, and the Gospel to be spread.

Prayed a few times for God to help me finish this degree, and for "the way out" when tempted to give up.

Learned how to stretch my body, mind, and soul to lengths I didn't think were possible.

Made new friends at a different church, and found a place to serve and be served there.

Went to "Lee Roy Selmon's" for the first time and ate barbeque buffalo chicken tortilla's with sour cream.

Met with pastors a few times, and other good godly men for counsel, prayer, and accountability (food, too).

Went with the youth group to watch a Christian battle of the bands in St. Pete where a group called "39 Stripes" gave a great performance, despite the fact that we were the only ones there to hear them, instead of the thousands of students they were promised as the headline band. There was also a group whose lead singer had a voice that can only be described as "Scooby-Do" swallowing the "Cookie Monster". They get props for giving away a free cd though. One of the all guy bands, forgot to buy pants that fit, and made me question whether they knew their audience.


At Calvary St. Pete, I attended the youth conference "Absolute '08" were Phil Wickham led worship live, and my brother Andy gave a message among other pastors like Pedro Garcia. It was really cool.

Was a "crew leader" in my old church's V.B.S. program this past summer and had a great time as a Deputy with his buckaroo's.

Hung out with believers to fellowship at various places/times.

Made it to Ottawa for a quick visit at the Men's Conference and enjoyed the worship, prayer, and messages during the conference, and, especially, Sunday's service.

Visited Full Sail University and took their backstage "film" tour with my best friend.

Hired a lawyer.

Tried very hard to be consistent in my relationship with God and others.

Went to my first graduation ceremony, and was a nervous wreck.

Took several long walks when frustrated, angry, or in pain, to ask God to help me "take every thought captive that comes against the knowledge of Christ".

Learned that any theory, or worldview that has no room for God in it, is absolutely hopeless. Like an unsolved equation, it has no solutions.

Learning that faith has less to do with what I know, or can do, and more to do with just trusting God at His Word by moving my feet like in belief that there's something to step on.

Out of a list of 7 short term goals for this year, I completed four of them (I'm sure to get a merit badge now).

Went to a rare event where all the entire Falleur family was accounted for. Brothers with wives and kids, cousins with spouses, Grandparents, my Aunt, my sister, and even others whom I'm not sure how they're related, but glad they came. I think the total was something like 42 people in all. Thanksgiving was definitely on a large scale this year.