Delayed

Hello Reader,

I do seem to have a lot on my mind! When did I write last... ? Unfortunately, not recently enough.

As we all are certainly aware, when school starts back up, life gets busy. Yes, it is indeed 11:30 in the late evening and I just made a statement which was hardly philosophical.

"School makes people busy." ~ Jacob Hartges

Yes, you may quote me on that. ;)

Anyway, lately my thoughts have been consumed by my day-to-day schedule. "How on earth am I going to find time to study for this subject or read this material and still have time to make soccer practice, maintain a social life, get a full night's rest, AND write the occasional blog post?" The answer, it is impossible to do all these things without proper planning and substantial structure.

One of my friends once comically put it like this:

Pick two:

1.) Good grades

2.) A full night's rest

3.) A social life

Haha, I do seem to be rambling now... Here's my point: In the midst of all my worrying , I sometimes forget that God is in control. I begin worrying that all this overwhelming pressure will distract me from completing my work on time. I begin worrying that because I'm so busy, I might not be able to make an important event. I begin worrying that I don't measure up.

It's not about me, I don't need to worry. Why? Because God is in control.

1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxieties on Him because he cares for you.

It's as simple as that. Summed up in a single sentence. If I ever feel worried or pressured by my agenda, the best option is to take a breather and remind myself that I'm not in this alone. Each week I pray a basic prayer inside my mind, that God would give me the strength to go throughout the day, and to also do my best. I don't think I could make it through a week without the support of my heavenly Father! Just say'n.

As long as I:

1.) Formulate a substantial work schedule for the week.

2.) Follow that schedule.

(And)

3.) Give up my worries/anxieties to God.

Then I will have confidence to make it through the week... In one piece.

Something I'm sure most of you have heard before, but nevertheless, a helpful reminder I'd hope. :)

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OKAY, for those of you whom I informed that I would be having my wisdom teeth removed today, let me quickly inform you further... I had my surgery rescheduled (delayed) until October 14th. So... Thank you for all the prayers! Even though it didn't happen today...

The reason my surgery was delayed was because I wanted to play my game this evening against Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo. If I had my teeth pulled, I wouldn't have been able to play. My mother was very gracious in rescheduling the date for the 14th so I could play.

I apologize for not informing you all sooner! Thank you again for the prayers (they would be much appreciated once more on the 14th. Haha... :))!

ALRIGHT, something interesting that happened the other day.

During Government and Economics at TeenWorks I could not resist the urge to cough (I am currently getting over a cold...), so my teacher (and soccer coach), Mr. Mailand, suggested I take a "Fisherman's Friend", which was a stronger, more potent version of "Halls." At first I thought he was kidding because the little cough drop looked more like a doggy biscuit with powder on the exterior. Unfortunately, he was serious. I decided not to take the icky looking pill until after class.

Oh my word, was it strong... Yes, it cleared my nasal passages, and yes, it relieved my itchy throat, but within half an hour of taking the Fisherman's Friend, my face broke out.

You heard me correctly, my face had an allergic reaction, to a cough drop.

Later that afternoon I came home and took a shower, which didn't help.

The next morning, not only did the rash get worse, but it spread to my stomach, arms, nose, and knees. Thankfully, my mother took me into RediCare so this awful problem could be treated. The doctor quickly decided to get me on steroids... I had one shot, and she gave me a subscription to numerous steroid pills.

In the past 24 hours my rash has significantly disappeared!

One of the side effects was that I would get extremely hungry... Tonight I consumed 2,600 calories at McDonald's and was still hungry. I will not list what all I ordered, for fear of being perceived as gluttonous (though I will admit to feeling like a glutton [oh McDonald's... How you influence America...]).

ANYWAY, aside from that, school is going well! I'm keeping up in all of my subjects, and I find myself enjoying them as well. I think most will agree that school can be enjoyable when one completes the assigned homework on time. Staying on top of things generates more optimism in everyday life. That's my second philosophical comment of the night, folks:

"Getting your homework done feels good." ~ Jacob Hartges

Yes, you can quote me on that one too. ;) Jk Jk

I do believe it is time for me to go to bed. 12:19 at the moment, and I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow. Good luck with all of YOUR personal studies!

Thank you for reading,

~Jacob