Note, the OKGo reference in the title of this post.
Since I have started blogging again, there is a lot of stuff that I have thought about writing down and putting in cyberspace; but what do you choose? Something spiritual to encourage others? Something about yourself so that others who will read will go "whoa, he's cool!" ?? Or, just nonsense to make people laugh and pass the time? I'll probably do all three.
HIBBETT SPORTS
I just got done with week 3 of the management experience of Hibbett Sports. It's gone great so far. I love the store and the clientele. My staff is also great. They are definitely good people. Hey, as long as they show up on time and don't steal....I'm good with that! Haha. Naw, seriously...they've been great with the transition from their old manager to me and have treated me great. I hope that I am doing the same to them. So, three weeks in and ____ to go. I've already got my mind set, we'll see what the LORD has in store. More or less-I want to strive to do what HE wants.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
I got a bike on Christmas morning...
You probably know that I love cycling. I have actually posted about it a couple of times before: here and here. I found cycling later and life; I was introduced to it by Miss Ashley Austin, to which I clowned her for liking such a crazy sport-But, quickly saw where she was coming from.
The peloton, team cars, world-wide media attention, all sucked me in. I actually began cycling myself. My first purchase was an old Specialized Allez off EBay. Not the best bike in the world by any means, but it would do. I loved that thing and literally rode it until it died-not that I rode and rode and rode it, but it was so old it finally just died.
I wanted a nice new or slightly used bike for the longest and have really been "dreaming" of one for years. Sad-I know, but I had my mind set on it and knew it had to happen eventually.
Seven months ago I even had the all Carbon Specialized Tarmac Elite on lay-a-way, but had to take it off when I moved back to Greenville.
So, I had to start over. Maybe it wasn't in the cards for me to eevveerr get a bike. But, finally...this past Tuesday, I made the purchase of my dreams. I bought the awesome Felt F-75 and couldn't be happier.
I am very thankful that the Lord provided a way for me to make this purchase. I'm like a kid on Christmas morning; I love it.
The peloton, team cars, world-wide media attention, all sucked me in. I actually began cycling myself. My first purchase was an old Specialized Allez off EBay. Not the best bike in the world by any means, but it would do. I loved that thing and literally rode it until it died-not that I rode and rode and rode it, but it was so old it finally just died.
I wanted a nice new or slightly used bike for the longest and have really been "dreaming" of one for years. Sad-I know, but I had my mind set on it and knew it had to happen eventually.
Seven months ago I even had the all Carbon Specialized Tarmac Elite on lay-a-way, but had to take it off when I moved back to Greenville.
So, I had to start over. Maybe it wasn't in the cards for me to eevveerr get a bike. But, finally...this past Tuesday, I made the purchase of my dreams. I bought the awesome Felt F-75 and couldn't be happier.
I am very thankful that the Lord provided a way for me to make this purchase. I'm like a kid on Christmas morning; I love it.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
It's been 6 months, here's the year update...
Yes, the blog of Justin Pitts' still does exist! After a 6-month hiatus, I am going to try my hand at this again. I have no good excuse, there has been plenty of time to write and jot things down, but you know how it goes...Also, I think I wear my "emotions" on my sleeve a lot of times and have been thinking about keeping my personal life to myself, but I like to talk and tell to much. So, for those interested, here we go again.
The last 6-months have been a crazy crazy time in my life. It has actually been the craziest-for lack of a better term-year of my life. So many life-changing things have taken place it is hard to believe. I quit my dream job, I moved back to Greenville, I slept on a couch for 5 months, I went jobless for 3 months, I lost two grandparents, and separated from my girlfriend; and a lot in between those big events.
Life is hard to make sense of most of the time I think. In fact, I had a conversation today with a man named PJ who works at The Great Escape Bike Shop about this very thing. We started to touch on religion and I shared with him that I was glad there was more to life than just this earth. What if this was all there was. You attempt to achieve the "American Dream" and then you die-what a sad existence. Thank you Lord for showing us mercy and creating life eternal with you for those who choose it.
There has been a lot of positive things that have happened this year as well: I endured the couch and now have an apartment with a long-time friend, I made it through the job hunt and how have the cool opportunity to be the manager at Hibbett Sports in Central, SC; and there is some other cool stuff going on as well.
The last year was scripted different than I could ever imagine but everything happens for a reason. Sometime you know it, and other times you don't.
The last 6-months have been a crazy crazy time in my life. It has actually been the craziest-for lack of a better term-year of my life. So many life-changing things have taken place it is hard to believe. I quit my dream job, I moved back to Greenville, I slept on a couch for 5 months, I went jobless for 3 months, I lost two grandparents, and separated from my girlfriend; and a lot in between those big events.
Life is hard to make sense of most of the time I think. In fact, I had a conversation today with a man named PJ who works at The Great Escape Bike Shop about this very thing. We started to touch on religion and I shared with him that I was glad there was more to life than just this earth. What if this was all there was. You attempt to achieve the "American Dream" and then you die-what a sad existence. Thank you Lord for showing us mercy and creating life eternal with you for those who choose it.
There has been a lot of positive things that have happened this year as well: I endured the couch and now have an apartment with a long-time friend, I made it through the job hunt and how have the cool opportunity to be the manager at Hibbett Sports in Central, SC; and there is some other cool stuff going on as well.
The last year was scripted different than I could ever imagine but everything happens for a reason. Sometime you know it, and other times you don't.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Who said we wouldn't change the world?
Once again, I've fallen off the "blogger wagon". There has been a lot of stuff to write about over the past month-but I think this one deserves mentioning this morning.
Last night I had dinner with one of my best friends -Mark O'driscoll. We ate at the all-mighty Monterrey's Mexican restaurant in North Augusta. ( You haven't lived until you've eaten at Monterrey in NA!) And, as always, it was a mini-city-reunion. I ran into at least 10 people from my old church...and it was great to catch up while the cheese dip started to congeal.
What was more awesome than anything, though, was the conversation that Mark and I had and the memories that we have shared. My buddy Mark is soon to be a commissioned Marine. He has spent the last 4 years studying at USC and participating in the ROTC program. He has excelled. Earning top honors and respect in things that I cannot pronounce and in acronyms that I can't remember (sorry buddy!)
As we talked I began to think of what an incredible impact Mark is going to have on this world. As a Christian, as a Marine, and as a Man in the world but not of it. The Lord has called him into military service; by answering the call he has already done the hard part. And he is actually at the safest place that he can be....right in the center of the Lord's Will.
Their are incredible things in store for Mark. It's funny to think that just, what, 3 years ago we set the Sweetwater Baptist Church parking lot on fire and were shooting flare guns at each other.
Mark is going to change the world. The courage that he has to stand up and fight is far beyond anything I can ever imagine. To think that while I slept through my 8 am class in college, he was up running, training to defend this nation. Soon, he will be fighting, willing to lay down his life to save mine. I am very thankful that he has answered the call. I am very thankful that he believes in this nation and remains steadfast in the values that America was founded upon. While many people speak about ways to fix the world as they sit in their ivory tower, my buddy Mark O'driscoll will be doing something about it. Thank God for Mark O'd.
I can't forget my other friends who have also chosen to serve.
Steven Cheek-an amazing man and Marine who has already served in 2 tours in the Middle East.
Matthew Cheek-another amazing Marine; I don't even know if I'm allowed to mention what he is doing.
Justin Sama-Army Ranger; served on 3 tours thus far.
Mike O'driscoll-soon to be Marine pilot who has recently answered the call
Remember these guys and never forget the sacrifice they are making for you.
Last night I had dinner with one of my best friends -Mark O'driscoll. We ate at the all-mighty Monterrey's Mexican restaurant in North Augusta. ( You haven't lived until you've eaten at Monterrey in NA!)
What was more awesome than anything, though, was the conversation that Mark and I had and the memories that we have shared. My buddy Mark is soon to be a commissioned Marine. He has spent the last 4 years studying at USC and participating in the ROTC program. He has excelled. Earning top honors and respect in things that I cannot pronounce and in acronyms that I can't remember (sorry buddy!)
As we talked I began to think of what an incredible impact Mark is going to have on this world. As a Christian, as a Marine, and as a Man in the world but not of it. The Lord has called him into military service; by answering the call he has already done the hard part. And he is actually at the safest place that he can be....right in the center of the Lord's Will.
Their are incredible things in store for Mark. It's funny to think that just, what, 3 years ago we set the Sweetwater Baptist Church parking lot on fire and were shooting flare guns at each other.
Mark is going to change the world. The courage that he has to stand up and fight is far beyond anything I can ever imagine. To think that while I slept through my 8 am class in college, he was up running, training to defend this nation. Soon, he will be fighting, willing to lay down his life to save mine. I am very thankful that he has answered the call. I am very thankful that he believes in this nation and remains steadfast in the values that America was founded upon. While many people speak about ways to fix the world as they sit in their ivory tower, my buddy Mark O'driscoll will be doing something about it. Thank God for Mark O'd.
I can't forget my other friends who have also chosen to serve.
Steven Cheek-an amazing man and Marine who has already served in 2 tours in the Middle East.
Matthew Cheek-another amazing Marine; I don't even know if I'm allowed to mention what he is doing.
Justin Sama-Army Ranger; served on 3 tours thus far.
Mike O'driscoll-soon to be Marine pilot who has recently answered the call
Remember these guys and never forget the sacrifice they are making for you.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Off to Africa...again.
I want to thank my friends who have supported me in this season of my life. Thank you for your encouragement and your prayers and your friendship. You know who you are...and you are awesome!
I just wanted to write down a few prayer requests as our teams at Heart for Africa are headed across the big ocean once again. I covet your prayers, and so does our team. How great it is that we serve a God who is there to meet us right where we are....and a God who listens to us...and a God who cares, what an awesome God.
-Our two teams; one headed to Swaziland, and one headed to Kenya
-Our Medical Mission for the Kinangop and Naivasha Communities
-That eyes will be opened to all that is Africa
-That we would seek out the Lord while in His great land.
-That I would allow him to removehe all anxiousness and worry from my spirit. That I would "get out of the way" and let Him work.
-That I would be confident in Him.
-Safety and Travel Mercies.
-Swaziland
-Kenya
-That we would draw near to God, even before it gets to be to much to bear.
I love you guys,
JP
I just wanted to write down a few prayer requests as our teams at Heart for Africa are headed across the big ocean once again. I covet your prayers, and so does our team. How great it is that we serve a God who is there to meet us right where we are....and a God who listens to us...and a God who cares, what an awesome God.
-Our two teams; one headed to Swaziland, and one headed to Kenya
-Our Medical Mission for the Kinangop and Naivasha Communities
-That eyes will be opened to all that is Africa
-That we would seek out the Lord while in His great land.
-That I would allow him to removehe all anxiousness and worry from my spirit. That I would "get out of the way" and let Him work.
-That I would be confident in Him.
-Safety and Travel Mercies.
-Swaziland
-Kenya
-That we would draw near to God, even before it gets to be to much to bear.
I love you guys,
JP
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Tat tat tat it up!
That's right, no need in fixing your computer monitor, 'ole JP got a tattoo. Last Saturday, October the 20th Ashley, Eric, and I made the trek up to Hendersonville, NC to Empire Tattoos to get the body art done. (Shout out to Jeremy-I'm coming back for another soon!) I have wanted a tattoo for years! And finally, the day came. Dad always said, "Not while I'm paying the bills." I respected Dad's wishes and waited until I was financially on my own to get the art work. And...I love it. I can see where people say that it is an "addiction". Once you get one, you just keep on coming back for more!
FAQ's:
Did it hurt: You know, it really wasn't that bad. The tattoo guy, Jeremy, would put the needle to the skin for about 3 seconds, and then wipe, 3 seconds, and wipe...so the pain was never that bad. I winced a few times, but that was it!.
Why Africa? Well, I wanted something that has meaning in my life. Any future tattoo that I get I want to also either be from a significant event or something that has eternal significance in my life. Africa definitely qualified. Going changed my prospective on life, I always want to help and support Africa in some way. Conveniently, it is my job right now, but even when this season passes I would like to be involved in this beautiful continent somehow.
Right now, I have two countries outlined: Kenya and Swaziland. I've served in Kenya during the summer (going back this week) and will be going to Swaziland this week. I wanted the tattoo to be a lifelong project. Whenever I enter another country (not just the airport) I can throw another outline on my back.
I put it on my back so that I could cover it up when needed, but show it off when I wanted to! It's a constant reminder of the situations in Africa...a reminder that I/We can do something about it.
So, there it is. I'm a fan. I'm thinking of the next tattoo right now. Right now I'm thinking "MotherLand" tattooed on my side waistline. If you have any good ideas, send them my way.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Kevin "Bubba" Easler
Hey cuz',
I keep typing and erasing, typing and erasing...I'm still in shock about what happened this weekend. But, I think what I am trying to do is just tell you I love you and tell you how proud I am of you.
Cuz, you brought so much life to everyone around you. You were always smiling, always laughing... I can't help but smile when I think about you.
My mind is flooded with so many great memories that we had together. Remember when you fell out of the tree at Memaw's house and hit your back on the root and couldn't breathe? Ok, that wasn't great, but it was kind of funny! How about the many times Scott, you and me would crawl underneath Memaw's pool deck? The pig-pickin' at your graduation. The Lake and Beach trips. The countless hours of Nintendo. I'm even remembering crazy things...like the time (we were probably 5 or 6) you gave me a thank you card and spelled my name with a "G" instead of a "J". And, oh yeah...Harry and the Henderson's. Wasn't that your favorite movie of all time? Great times.
But, of all the memories...I keep thinking of this one where we are at Sweetwater. It's a Wednesday night service, and you are jumping up and down (all 280 lbs) singing praise to the Lord. I can't help to think how much jumping and singing you are doing right now in the presence of All-mighty God. You beat us all to it...you're "living the dream".
Cuz, you would've been so proud of your family. The theme of the weekend was Georgia. Red and white were everywhere. Also, you would have been proud of Scott. What a great man of God. He was strong, when he didn't have to be. I'm so glad he's my cousin. And, your Mom and Dad l
oved you cuz'...they loved you a whole lot, but you knew that. They are so proud of you. We're going to stick together as a family, cuz, no doubt about it.
Life throws out some crazy hands from time to time. We may never know why your time was up on October 7, 2007. We are grieving. But, I can't help but to think that for the first time in your life...you are LIVING. With that perfect body in the land without sin, standing next to our Lord and Savior. I'm envious.
Kevin, I love you so much and you will always and forever be in my memory. I call the lot next to yours on Golden Street.
JP
Kevin "Bubba" Easler
February 8, 1986-October 7, 2007
I keep typing and erasing, typing and erasing...I'm still in shock about what happened this weekend. But, I think what I am trying to do is just tell you I love you and tell you how proud I am of you.
Cuz, you brought so much life to everyone around you. You were always smiling, always laughing... I can't help but smile when I think about you.
My mind is flooded with so many great memories that we had together. Remember when you fell out of the tree at Memaw's house and hit your back on the root and couldn't breathe? Ok, that wasn't great, but it was kind of funny! How about the many times Scott, you and me would crawl underneath Memaw's pool deck? The pig-pickin' at your graduation. The Lake and Beach trips. The countless hours of Nintendo. I'm even remembering crazy things...like the time (we were probably 5 or 6) you gave me a thank you card and spelled my name with a "G" instead of a "J". And, oh yeah...Harry and the Henderson's. Wasn't that your favorite movie of all time? Great times.
But, of all the memories...I keep thinking of this one where we are at Sweetwater. It's a Wednesday night service, and you are jumping up and down (all 280 lbs) singing praise to the Lord. I can't help to think how much jumping and singing you are doing right now in the presence of All-mighty God. You beat us all to it...you're "living the dream".
Cuz, you would've been so proud of your family. The theme of the weekend was Georgia. Red and white were everywhere. Also, you would have been proud of Scott. What a great man of God. He was strong, when he didn't have to be. I'm so glad he's my cousin. And, your Mom and Dad l
oved you cuz'...they loved you a whole lot, but you knew that. They are so proud of you. We're going to stick together as a family, cuz, no doubt about it.Life throws out some crazy hands from time to time. We may never know why your time was up on October 7, 2007. We are grieving. But, I can't help but to think that for the first time in your life...you are LIVING. With that perfect body in the land without sin, standing next to our Lord and Savior. I'm envious.
Kevin, I love you so much and you will always and forever be in my memory. I call the lot next to yours on Golden Street.
JP
Kevin "Bubba" Easler
February 8, 1986-October 7, 2007
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