Be Courageous Mr. Obama

January 22 — The 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade

May we be a part of the change that would turn our culture’s belief that a baby can be an inconvenient appendage to a woman’s body, easily destroyed, and reveal the wickedness of such selfishness.

May we be a part of the change that reevaluates true virtue, courage, dignity, and freedom.

May we be a part of the change that ends the use of euphemisms like “reproductive freedom” when we mean killing a human being.

May we also be a part of the change that ends the condemning of those who get abortions and instead pursue them with love, coming to their aid.

Bishop Robinson

First of all, when a religious leader’s life style contradicts his own religion, and he justifies it, he should not be a religious leader. And why should Bishop Robinson be ashamed? Because we actually follow through with our faith and are not ashamed? If the people of his church are truelly that blind that they cannot even see that their own Bishop is leading them astray, then someone else needs to go in and take control of that situation. To be honest, that Bishop is an embarrassement of the Christian faith. http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2009/01/18/green_robinson_prayer/

Weird abortion situation…

Question: if she was having an abortion to get rid of a baby, why is she overjoyed that her baby survived? Shouldn’t she be filed with sorrow that her child now has to live with the possibility of a deadly disease? What was the point of the abortion in the first place? The idea of using abortion as a cure for inherited diseases just so the child doesn’t have to go through a life where they may POSSIBLY die sounds a little messed up to me. “The child has a chance of dying young, so we should just kill him ourselves.” If this is going on throughout America, whats so wrong with euthanasia? please, let’s allow that to take a hold in our medical practices as well!http://health.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/06/05/baby-survives-abortion/

prop 8 and the inaugeration

When I first read this article, the first thought that came to my mind was, “and people say that religious people are trying to force THEIR ideas on people?” To use a national event to promote gay marriage sounds extremely wrong. People are watching this inaugeration of President Obama because of the historical importance, and hopefully, the start of a better future. Believe me, we understand that the gay rights movement would do whatever it takes to pass Prop 8. But honestly: the President’s inaugeration day? For once can’t America just come together for a single day without trying to pile-drive an opinion into the mind of society? http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,479932,00.html

Someone want to explain it to us guys?

As I’m sure you all know, there is a new craze that has hit America: Twilight. It seems almost everywhere i go, i see something that relates to Twilight. Whether its t-shirts, movie posters, backpacks, jewlery, or the books themselves, Twilight has taken a hold in the heart of society. Now here’s my question: why? At my school, i have questioned many girls as to why this series is as addicting as it’s made out to be. i usually get told that i would have to read it to understand how incredible it is. But from my understanding, it was written for female readers. i understand that men do read this series as well, but only “hard-core” male readers would dare to do so. I have a basic understanding as to the story line and the themes involved in Twilight, and i have to say it really disturbes me. In one of the books, the second or the third, suicide is a major theme, and in one of the later books, there are sexual themes portrayed throughout the book. I have heard multiple complaints from guys saying that Twilight puts ideas in the female mind of the perfect man that no normal human being can fulfill. From my point of view, Twilight is almost taking too great a hold of our society.

Cinderella

What is the deal with all the Disney channel movies and making a ton of Cinderella movies? No matter how hot the new actresses get (words of Zack Polte), they still get as predictable as the first original one. Its about a girl that is abused and adopted by her step-mother, who is an evil little witch, that sets the original setting. She then goes somewhere and has an epiphany, then falls in love with the most handsome guy around, that just so happens to fall into the plot perfectly, and she doesnt think she is good enough for him. She meets him, dances with him, and falls for him without showing her true identity. She leaves something behind, he finds it, and he goes crazy finding her and returning the lost item. Its so predictable. I want it to be like the original, gruesome, horrific, and bloody. But noooo…….. They have to ruin it and make it “G” rated. Boring. Well thats my thoughts on the twisted Hollywood rendition of the Classic classic.

Twilight

Twilight is a romance book series about a girl and a vampire. This series has many Biblical issues that I am not personally alright with. Here is the hottest topic, the thing I have the most blatant issue about. The fourth book. They get married and on their honeymoon go and, of course, have sex. It is gone into detail. He breaks furniture, bruises her, and her feelings are along these lines, “she was so into the erotic feeling that all she could think of was, ‘I wish he would just hold me harder and when he did it felt so good.’” Don’t think that is problematic? Don’t think that that is sinful? I have heard girls defend that section saying, “its ok! They are married!” Yes, this is true, they are married. But the detail described as human-on-vampire sex is way over the top. Simply combat their statement with defending porn for a guy. “Hey, the title said they were married so I am not sinning.” They are essentially watching them have sex, defiling the thing God created to be a pleasure between a man and a woman. I was first introduced to what was in the fourth book by my Youth Pastor, who knew I hated the series, and it was out of a secular magazine. The magazine called it “over the top” even for a romance novel. Don’t think that it stops getting worse there: 13 year olds and even younger are reading these books. Most of these young kids don’t fully know what sex is. Can you imagine if your 12 year old girl had no clue what the heck sex was, and read about a vampire having sex with a human, breaking furniture and bruising the girl and THAT is what they thought sex was? I know of one story where a thirteen year old girl had sex with her boyfriend after reading Bella’s passions and desires. She thought that that is what a normal girl should be like, that girls like her normally desire sex and lusts like Bella does.

Here is how it lines up: Not only are our girls, claiming to be Christians, reading it, they are defending it, not only are they defending it, they are recommending it, not only are they recommending it, they are recommending it to younger children. Here is the sad thing that I have seen time and time again, the young girls do not tell their parents about what the books are about. So parents are oblivious to the blatant sin in the book. When confronted the girls will claim that it isn’t that bad, it’s all normal.

Why Radiohead is Amazing…

Radiohead is a band that started off small. They became famous after they released their album Pablo Honey. The song that lead them to fame was Creep. From here, Radiohead sky rocketed in their popularity. What qualifies a band with the status of “amazing” is much, much more than fame itself. Radiohead showed class in how they carried their fame. It came about that their fans were only going to their concerts to hear their most famous song, Creep. So the band decided to stop playing Creep at their shows. They didn’t want to be known just for their one song when they had so many other great songs. It was a bold move, that could have cost them their careers, but they committed to it. As a result their fame grew as people realized that Radiohead had so many greater songs than Creep.

Another mark of how amazing Radiohead is is the sheer genius of their lyrics. They are a masterpiece, a intricately woven garment. Each line compliments the next, yet keeps the central theme close to the heart. In their latest CD In : Rainbows, they amazingly show how simplicity in musical design compliments their complexity in their lyrics.

Truly, Radiohead is a band worthy of the title: amazing.

Common courtesy

It seems that people have become more and more oblivious of others around them.  Being more impatient and rude to bystanders.  Not concerning themselves with the people that come after them.  I work in the food industry, which has its perks and dislikes.  Yet i notice that most people leave their trash behind.  of course, we pick up after them.  But it brightens up a day when a person just puts all there trash in the trash can.  I’m not asking to much am I?  The trash is located right by the door you exit out of.  There are those that you can see do it on purpose.  What do they really gain out of it.  When you are on the road people seem to zoom by.  Just to get where they need to me.  They should have left earlier if you ask me.  Wouldn’t it be neat if courtesy was as simple as brushing your teeth every morning.

People are eveyrwhere

Anyone would agree that killing an innocent human being is wrong.  Another life that could have cured cancer or found the answers to our economic problems.  What would the world be like without the words RESPECT sung by the phenomenal Aretha Franklin?  Look around you and see the people that walk with you. The man at his mailbox, the little boy with his dog, the woman driving to work and the first time worker at a job.  So if the most influental people now had never been born than who would we look to.  So if we know all this then why is abortion okay to so many people.

On Tuesday January 13, 2009, a good friend of mine passed away.  He was only 24 years old with a wife and a young son.  Another victim lost to gang violence in front of his own house.  Unfortunatley, his mom asked me to tell his brother, which is the hardest thing to do.  In another city on January 14, 2009, a four year old boy was killed for nothing.  He had no problems with anyone and was just playing.  This young boy could have cured cancer, become president or a teacher.  yet we will never know.  On the one hand most gangbangers never had a role model in their lives.  They consider those in the gangs their brothers. What makes them so mad to where they take an innocent life?  Some people say that we should eliminate gangs all together.  Yet that is an impossible task.  in many cities the citizens are taking a stand agaings gang violence.  How many more will have to be lost until all people take a stand against. 

    http://www.myfoxla.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=8245348&version=13&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

Prop 8 passed

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/10/fight-against-p.html

Californians decided that marriage should still be between man and woman only. It seems that those who were against say that it is unfair.  Yet the conclusion does not ban same-sex couples from being together.  It defined what Californians wanted the word marriage to be.  Who people choose to love is up to them.  We are not stopping them at all.  They can be united but not using the word marriage.  Some are saying that citizens are discriminating against them.  Hopefully they look at other ethnicities who are discriminated against every day becuase of the color of their skin.  Yet for now Prop 8 has been passed.

I would like to vent for a moment. Will someone please tell me why crocs were invented? Yes, I am talking about those hideous shoes. The fat plastic-like ones with random holes in them. Don’t they cause blisters with that odd little strap on the back? Who invented them and why on earth are they making such a big profit from them?! They are perhaps the ugliest shoes I’ve ever seen! And I tried some on once so I could actually be justified in arguing about them, and I found them to be quite uncomfortable. There is no protection from water, heat, dirt, and people’s feet are just exposed! It’s disgusting. For some reason, I hate feet. If someone puts their bare foot near me, I flip out. They’re gross. You can disagree, but I don’t care. They’re still gross. Anyways, I’ve gotten off topic…. I went to Disneyland a few months ago, and there were crocs everywhere! I could barely stand to walk around in them for likw a minute and a half, how the heck do people walk around the happiest place on earth in them all day?! They look like they would easily slide around, right? Do they not? I just don’t understand. I’m not one to care very much about fashion, but seriously, they’re hideous! They come in like every color known to man, and still look absolutely ridiculous with anything you wear.  Sorry if you like crocs, I don’t mean to offend, but honestly…ew. Yeah that’s all I have to say.

 

The Valley of the Shadow of Death

How often do you think about death?  What are your thoughts on the subject? Are you afraid, or do you embrace the thought of what lies ahead once your soul leaves your body?  As Christians, we are told not to fear death. Paul says in Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  His life here on earth was only to glorify the Lord, and he looked forward to the day when he could be with God.  He knew that death was not a thing to be feared, but something to be excited about.  Finally, our bonds to the flesh are broken and we can live forever in peace with the God who created us and loves us.  Those who don’t know the Lord view death as an entirely different thing.  They see it as a tragedy.  There are a few different views on what happens when we die; from being taken to another planet by the mother ship, to returning as another person, animal or plant or something, or just ceasing to exist all together.  Christians have the assurance that after death, we will spend eternity with God, but what promises do non-believers have to hold on to?  They have no assurance of anything, so why wouldn’t death be frightening to them?  It’s incredible how differently I feel about death depending on the person… For my loved ones whom I know have a relationship with the Lord, death wouldn’t be something tragic, but something wonderful. Yes, because of my own selfishness, I would be heartbroken for a while and miss them terribly, but I would know that they are with God and no longer have anything to worry about.  They will have new, glorified bodies and will never know pain or sorrow ever again.  That’s something to look forward to and find comfort in.  But when I think about one of my friends or family members that don’t know the Lord, death suddenly becomes an aweful tragedy. They will be eternally separated from God, and the thought of that is devastating.  Thinking about death was one of the key factors in my conversion.  I was terrified of dying.  I saw the joy that my Christian friends found in the thought of death.  Naturally, I was appalled that they could think so highly of death, but it was also very intriguing to me.  As weird as it may sound, I wanted to be excited about death, too.  I started looking more into it to come to realize that it was because of the death of one man thousands of years ago, that all of these Christians found joy and comfort in passing away.  The death of Jesus Christ made it possible for sinful humans to be born again and have the assurance of eternal life with the Lord.  Dying was now just a doorway to something beautiful, and that was so amazing to me.  I don’t really know what prompted me to write this.. I think I actually just heard the word death on TV and my thoughts just went in many different directions.  On a personal note, I just want to share with everyone that I don’t fear death.  I know that when I die, I’m going to see Jesus face to face.  What could be better?  I just want to end with my favorite Bible verse.  Psalm 23:4 says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”   God is with us in life, death, after death, and for the rest of eternity.  Nothing can separate us from Him, and having that knowledge is enough to get me through this life.

Chuck Norris Saves the Day

Ok, so I’ve been some computer problems with wordpress for the last few months but I finally got it to stop freaking out everytime I try to log on. Woo hoo! Anyhoo… I suppose I should talk about something interesting. How about Chuck Norris? Yes, that’s always a good topic. I’m pretty sure everyone and their mom knows who he is. I wonder how he feels about all those jokes.  I spent like 3 hours on google once looking up funny Chuck Norris jokes. I guess they’re kind of rude because they’re just mocking him, but he is quite mockable, I suppose.  Sometimes, when I’m sick and stay home, I watch Walker, Texas Ranger. Good ole’ Chuck always saves the day, while wearing his sweet ranger hat.  He even sings the theme song.  Not the best singer, but the tune is catchy and hey, it’s Chuck!  It’s on my bucket list to meet him.  I just found out the other day that my mom met him and has a picture with him!! Apparently he’s quite short, but that’s ok.  He makes up for his lack of height with his super sweet ninja-tastic karate skills.  I’m not really sure why I have such an interest in him. Something about him just always puts me in a good mood.  Maybe it’s just his name… Chuck Norris…. hahaha yeah, it’s fun to say.  And whenever I hear his name I picture a small red headed man flying around totally destroying everyone in his path.  Did you know that he is a Christian?!  That brings joy to my heart. Ok well I think I have rambled on long enough about Chuck Norris.  I hope you found joy in this blog post; I certainly did.  Have a nice day.

Three’s Company…

The birth of my little Avila Joy has been simultaneously one of the weirdest and most meaningful experiences of my life. Thank you guys for your prayers.

Mr. Edwards

Anything On A Stick

Aside from being related to the name of the blog, the Minnesota state Fair really seems to have ANYTHING on a stick. I was recently searching the web when I came across a video (below) that revealed this to me. At first I was shocked at the variety of food that was deep fried and skewered. They had everything ranging from spaghetti dinner-on-a-stick, to teriyaki ostrich-on-a-stick, to key lime pie-on-a-stick. I didn’t know whether to be amazed or disgusted by this incredible, yet heart-clogging assortment of strangely skewered foods that seemed unusual yet tempting. Most of the people that go to the fair go purely to try all of the bizarre foods that they can fit into their stomachs. As for now, the Minnesota State Fair remains OFF of my “Places-to-go” list, but perhaps one day I will go there and delve into the vast array of artery blocking “on-a-stick” foods myself, and pray that I live to see the next day.

Christmas Break Abroad

So I spent my Christmas break in Sri Lanka. It was my first time back in 9 years. 9 years ago I couldn’t really appreciate how beautiful and amazing the country truly is, but now I see what I’ve been missing out on. The amount of trees and forestry there is incredible. And in those trees are every type of colorful bird you can think of! I would love to live there. But not only did I enjoy the Nature, but I also have a lot of family over there that I haven’t seen in forever. Every second I spent with them was amazing. I don’t know whether I liked my trip because all the beautiful scenery, or because I was surrounded by family that I haven’t seen in ages, this Christmas break is by far the best Christmas break I’ve had in my life so far.

Resolutions.

The New Year has finally come. As with every new year, resolutions are made. Resolutions to be more fit, to get a better job, to be more generous, and to spend more time with family. However, new year’s resolutions have a reputation of being abandoned. So, what’s the point of making a resolution, right?

Well, I myself have made a set of resolutions which I hope to keep for the rest of my life, much like
Jonathan Edwards did. He made these goals throughout his life and sought to keep them as to become more and more of a person after God’s own heart.

So the following is a list of resolutions that I’ve made from past years to the last week.

 1.) I have resolved to remember, with all of my heart and will, to try to give glory the God in everything that I do.

 2.) I have resolved to fill my time with much profitable things.

 3.) I have resolved to become a healthier person with the body that God has given me.

 4.) I have resolved to not become completely calloused to sin to where I will not be bothered by my sin, or the sin of others.

 5.) I have resolved to appreciate the world around me and remember that Heaven will be infinitely better.

 6.) I have resolved to always think. Nuff said.

Don’t worry…be happy :)

My mom always told me, ” if you are feeling depressed, then just get un-depressed.” Seems too easy and a bit silly, right? Well as hard as it is to believe, she’s right.

Just as happiness is contagious among friends, you can also infect yourself. When we’re down, it almost seems like we are so stuck on feeling horrible that we will never be happy again, no matter how much we want to. There’s not a single person out there that hasn’t endured at least one difficult time. The problem is, the world is beginning to depend so much on pills and therapy sessions that they forget about the organic cure to depression; a rejuvenated mindset

Now, I am in no way saying that you can simply wake up one morning and decide to be all better. But even a fake smile can turn into a real one. It takes a lot of will power, determination, and help from a friend to get out of a rut, but in the end you will feel much better knowing you conquered that beast without the aid of a quick fix.

For me, it’s always been exercise. When I get in the habit of staying away from the gym, I can already begin to feel a little down. As people, we need stimulation and lots of it. And as much as we feel like just sulking into the couch cushions all day long, we have to force ourselves out of the house.

Next time you or a friend is feeling down, spread happiness. Infect those around you with this contagious bug and you too will begin to feel happier. Putting a smile on can change your whole day and make you see the world from a much brighter point of view. I strongly believe that your mood depends on your outlook of life. Optimism breeds joy, so seek it out and spread the mood.

http://thedailyuplift.com/2008/12/09/want-to-change-the-world-be-happy-its-contagious/

dedication

So I know this might seem lame, but I think people should hear, er, see what I have to say.  So pretty much just about everyone in this world has a best friend right?  Well mine is the best ever. Like, you can’t argue about this to me. Haha well, I guess you could, but it’s only because I have a biased opinion that I say “the best ever.”  So there’s this girl and seriously, I’ve never been so close to someone before in my life.  She has helped me grow in every aspect of my life.  That’s good.  I’m closer to my family than I ever was before, I’m more motivated to succeed in anything, and I’m way closer to God than I could even imagine.  She pretty much saved my life when it was going down the drain.  There was two extremely important deaths this year, and they both crushed me.  They absolutely hit me so hard that I was being shoved to rock bottom.  But I’ve never had someone stand by me as close as she did and is still standing by me.  I know that God is ALWAYS here for me, but with many challenges going on, I need a shoulder I can actually cry on.  For those of you who know me, you can probably guess who it is.  We are completely attached to the hip, like no joke.  People think we’re crazy for being together so much, but you know what?  I don’t care.    And for those of you who don’t know me…well this girl’s name is Kayla Kristine Haviland-aka my Best Friend.  I have never met a more AMAZING person in my life.  Thank God for connecting us together from the magical power of a myspace bulletin. LOL

A SON DIES!

This is a sad story about how a boy who lost his life in a car accident. The boys name was Tim and he was a soccer player. He had a lot of friends at school and loved his dad very much. Tim was a believer but his dad was not. He tried to get his dad to go to church and talk about the Word with him. His dad kept saying no may be next time or thats one opinion. The boy was heartbroken but never gave up. He tried and tried to preach to his dad. His one fear was if my dad dies I want to know that he will be in heaven with me. He loved his dad so much that no matter what happened he would talk about how God did this and it was his plan. So one day Tim and his dad are driving to school and they get in a car accident. Tim dies… and his dad lives. Tim was rushed to the hospital but it was to late. Tim’s dad was crushed and could not believe it. He stayed up all night for a week he could not eat or drink and he never picked up the phone. Until one night he got a message that said “I found this letter in your son’s pocket I think its for you.” So he rushes to the hospital to get the letter.

Dad,

If I die I want you to read this. I have tried so hard for you to believe in Jesus and God, you simply won’t listen but I won’t give up I have faith. God picked my family for me and I think my purpose was to bring you closer to him. So far I am only 12 and have not had a dance or a banquet, I have not had a girl friend but I’m sure I will soon. The most important time to think about God is in a life and death situation. If you die where will you go? I love you so much dad and I want to live with you for all eternity in heaven. But you need to go to Christ for me and pray. I always pray for you and I love you so much. All you need to do is have faith dad because I know you will see me soon in heaven I have faith in you.

Love,

your only son.

 

Since that letter the dad has professed faith in Christ and wishes to see his son one day in heaven so they can both worship God together.

The Almighty Soft Pretzel

From my days at Grace Brethen Elementary, I remember specifically looking forward to Mondays. No, not because it’s the beginning of another wonderful week at school (or not), but because that was the day the lunch vendor was Pretzel Maker. Oh, precious Pretzel Maker; many can vouch that it was not anything short of amazing deliciousness. I grew to love soft pretzels. Then the day came–the day Grace Brethren decided to no longer serve this wondrous food selection. I was nonetheless heartbroken. When the Simi Valley Town Center was finished, I went shopping only to find to my surprise a soft pretzel place called Wetzel’s Pretzels. When I tried a pretzel from there, it reminded me of Pretzel Maker but a million times better. I found out my favorite selection–the Grateful Garlic pretzel accompanied by two (yes, two! one is not enough) cheese dips. This soft pretzel is not only the best of pretzels, but it is the best food ever. It is a combination of all the best of a meal: carbs, sodium, and fat. I’m not saying it’s the best on a scale of healthy food, but on a scale of delicious foods. The Grateful Garlic pretzel is a not just a soft pretzel but has cheesy layerings. It is dipped in a garlic butter sauce and baked. When each bite is also dipped into the cheese dip, it’s even better. Yes, the pretzel is amazing. First of all, its baked dough. I think wheat is one of the best things on this planet. Second, it has CHEESE; almighty cheese. Third, it is basically soaked in a garlic butter sauce. Let me say that again. Garlic butter; possibly the greatest creation ever. Fourth, you have the choice to dip it in a cheese sauce that is most heavenly. With this satisfactory meal, you get a serving of dairy and some garlic–major points in the health category! Obviously nothing stands up to this pretzel because it has all of the best ingredients. So, I encourage you all to try this fabulous combination of food. It truly is the best.

Sleeping vs. Doing Nothing

First of all, I have to say that there is ALWAYS something beneficial you can be doing (but that’s a totally different topic to write on).

Have you ever found yourself with a considerable amount of free time? You think to yourself, “What could I be doing right now?” After considering the options for about half an hour, you are still asking yourself the same question. I have wasted much time myself searching my brain for something to do. If you encounter such a time, I recommend sleeping. Sleeping is better that doing nothing (or thinking of something to do for long periods of time) because it is good for your body. Your body heals itself during sleep. You also grow during sleep. If you need to get through a period of time, sleeping will make it pass very quickly. On the other hand, sitting and doing nothing is very ineffective at passing time quickly, buy very effective at wasting time. Don’t get me wrong, there is a time when it is appropriate for you to be alone, traveling with your thoughts in an open valley of freedom in a land called you brain, but there is also a time to enjoy the beautiful gift of sleep. Even if you take a 20 minute nap, you often feel refreshed, and ready to cope with reality again. Short naps may improve your performance at work or school (through observation, and not experience of course, I have noted that taking a nap during class usually does not help you to perform better in school). Next time you find yourself with some free time, consider sleep. 

Peace Out

Who We Are

Who are you? Who am I? We may not know ourselves or others as well as we believe. The choices we make, make us who we are. Do we act differently or inappropriately when we are around people? Or do we act selfishly when we are alone? What kind of thoughts run through our heads throughout the day? These are all choices we make everday of our lives, each one as defining as the next. No one in the world may recognize all of the sinful choices we have made or even the pure intentions we have for the lives of others. But we must at least try not to lie to others about what we know about ourselves. That too is defining in itself.

pro athletes vs. the rest.

When athletes become pro athletes, they tend not to work as hard, get cocky and do things that get them in trouble, and become bad examples for younger athletes looking up to them. They do this because when they make it to the pros and are  making a lot of money, they tend to get cocky and not want to work hard or try their best. Even though their pro, they should still work hard, because no matter how good you are, you can always  get better. Pro athletes also tend to do stupid things that get them into trouble. For example Micheal Vick, the former quaterback for the Atlanta Falcons, was probably one of  the best running quaterback of all time had a dogfighting incident during the offseason. This incident caused him to go to prison and he is still in there today when this happened about 2 years ago. Theres a good chance he will never play in the NFL again.  I have never seen a college athlete do that.  Athletes under pros tend to work harder, they do this because most of them want to make pro, and they have to always be getting better at their sport so they can become  a pro.

Just KISS

Have you ever considered how stress affects you? Nowadays people take so much in their plates and everyday is struggle to make it to tomorrow. Is it really worth it? I know that my days consist of waking up, go to school, then soccer practice or a game, and come home to do homework and chores and various other responsibilities, not to mention some people who balance a job along with that, and then wake up and do it all over again day after day. What is the reason we put ourselves through so much? Are those little A’s on our report card or that MVP Award really worth the mental and physical stress we put on ourselves? There are so many things that we could be doing in this world, like helping those less fortunate than us who have disabilities and would love to hear a book read to them because they can’t read it themselves, or simply to just stop and smell the roses once in a while. Don’t get me wrong, it is very important to succeed in life and go to college and get a good job, but at what cost? Is it worth it to be stressed out every night just so you can get that 4.2 GPA, or wouldn’t it be better to enjoy the life God has blessed you with and “settle” for that 3.9? Sometimes getting into your dream university isn’t the only thing in life that matters, and God may have something better planned for you. There is no reason life needs to be so complicated and stressful. We make it that way. Just KISS – “Keep It Simple, Stupid!”

Popularity

 We all know the type, but what defines someone as popular? Popularity is usually seen as purely superficial. In movie , they are always depicted as snobby, good-looking, and envied. Sometimes its money that makes them popular, like what kind of car they drive or if they wear the ”cool”  kind of clothes. These things are factors of popularity to some, but maybe there should be a different standard to judge by.

What about the person who doesn’t have very nice clothes or much money, but they always have an open seat for the kid who doesn’t have many friends? How popular you are should be more than just the physical but the inside of a person as well. The people who are well liked and try to get along with others is a person worth noting. A person who wants to try their best and make a difference in their school or society that will last.  Maybe those who strive to treat others like Jesus did will be people worth giving the label “popular”.

Stop the texting…and smell the roses

Every Monday at 3:30,  I go to my math tutor. And every Monday at 3:30, I see the little girl down the street walking her dog with her sister. As I left today, I noticed she was outside washing her mom’s car in her little red dress, dispite the bitter cold air.

Its amazing to think of all the things we would have time to do if we didn’t spend a majority of our lives on myspace or texting our friends. Sure as a teenager our social life is a top priority, but also remember that as kids, we still had friends without techonology.

I believe that if we take a moment to detatch ourself from our phones and computers( whether surgically or mentally), we will find that our relationships with others become more genuine and enjoyable. I don’t think many would argue that they cherish their conversations through texting or instant message over the quality time they spent with their friends or significant other. Most likely you will find that your bonds with others become stronger and you may even find yourself more sociable.

During high school, time is cut short by mounds of homework, sports, and a possible a job on the side. With the time we spend on the internet or in a cellular trance, we could be enjoying moments of our adolescence we don’t even realize are slipping by. Now, we don’t necessarily have to spend that time washing cars or walking our dogs, but maybe step outside and remember the scent of fresh air. Ride a bike around, meet up with a friend, in person! One day you will look back on this time as you’re sitting in an office cubicle and wish that you had taken advantage of your last few years as a kid.

Doing Something You Love vs. Just Having A Job

In life there are many twists and turns and dead ends. Once you get old enough you usually get a job. As a kid you have a job just to get some money in your pocket, but have you ever thought of what your going to do with the rest of your life? If you just have a desk job or work behind a counter for the rest of your life your gona miss out on a lot of things. But if you pursue something you love or at least pick something you enjoy you will be much happier in the long run. Example: I would rather pursue my dreams of becoming a professional paintballer who only makes like 25,000 a year and then also work a side job than living the rest of my life behind a desk knowing that all those oppertunities and dreams i had when i was younger are now faded.

When you just have a job its your job, thats it. But when you have a career in something you have a passion with it really is your life and your dreams being lived out. If there is something you want to try for, even if you only have a one in a millionth chance, I would go for it. Cause you miss 100% of the things you dont try for.

This is why I would rather live life and live out my dreams cause thats what makes me happy. Thats what america was founded on, the pursuit of happiness and the freedom to try things and even though you might fail, get up and try again!

Life Story

Take a moment to view your life story. Do you think you your life has been good time waisted? or bad time spent? Our motivations are nintey percent attitude, ten percent determination. When you think about death, are you in fear of it? Do you pursue or run away from death? The bible says, depending on how we look at death, we can either save our lives, in a sense follow him, or waist it, spending your days aimlessly and selfishly. Dont waist your life saving it, find your life spending it for God. So where does your attitude stand?

Santa Slims Down!

No, not his stomach! Im talking about that big red bag he carries down your chimney year after year full of toys. Due to the high demands and desires of children, parents are finding the Holidays less enjoying for their family. Parents are often left stressed and children are found disappointed. We want nothing more than to see kids happy, but in an economy like this, in a recession like this, how can we afford anything? Kids do not understand the value of money yet, so how are they going to react on December twenty-fifth when they don’t see a pony in their living room? People have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas, is a day of celebration, the day of Jesus’ birth. We don’t deserve anything. Without Jesus, where would we be?  Why do we even stress Christmas? It should not be about that perfect gift, or the best gift. Spare the stress, economy and your wallets, just give thanks to Jesus.

Dream

http://livinglifebravely.wordpress.com/2008/12/01/my-dreams/

Dream: the most desireable, the ideal.

Even the most unmotivated human beings possess dreams. They are often our highest expectations of life, mostly left a distant wish. Should I dare say only the lucky fiew live out a dream? Perhaps luck is not the answer, but pursuit.

Unfortunately, dreams are usually forgotten or belittled. At times they seem far from reality and unreachable. However, dreams, if given love and attention, can be the key to inner prosperity. Every action we take was conceived from a driving force within us. A nurtured dream can become that force.

One of the most satisfying experiences can be living out a dream. It will lead us to places we never expected to be. I encourage you to transform your dreams from a handwritten list or a midnight thought into a reality. By doing so, I believe that as people, our capabilities and desires will strengthen and grow to incredible heights.

My Dreams:

1. To discover a God-given gift

2. To visit every state

3. To speak out against the norm

4. To discover myself in my faith

The Greatest Gift

With the passing of Thanksgiving, the next holiday to come is Christmas. Personally, I think Christmas is the best of them all. Walking through shopping centers and seeing all of the decorations makes me overjoyed, and I absolutely love seeing the neighborhoods lit up. It creates a sense of comfort for me because it seems like everyone becomes warm and inviting for the season. But, that’s just it: for the season. So, 11 out of the 12 months, we are permitted to be self-centered/self-absorbed creatures? Odd. In the month of December however, you are almost expected to be the complete opposite–to be loving and selfless. Interesting how it takes a couple of Christmas trees and some lights to instill those characteristics into hearts of millions. What makes me curious is why we receive presents on Jesus’s birthday? The Son of God is born and we get presents for it? Then it hit me. It’s not about us receiving presents–it’s about us giving them. Our Savior is born and what better way than to celebrate by showing His love to others. The awful part is that many of us don’t open our eyes wide enough to see that because we all expect to receive presents on the morning of December 25th. However, there is a way to firmly see the underlying message within getting presents. The presents we receive are like the blessings God gives us. Christ is born, and we receive blessings because of this miracle. If Jesus was never born, we would not have the life we do in the Father. Christians should take joy in giving presents to share the love of Christ, but we should also take joy in receiving them because it should remind us of the amazing blessings God has given us because of the birth of His Son. So, when you go to open your presents on Christmas Day, remember what is truly important: our Savior is born and because of this we get the greatest gift of all–the gift of life.

What?! Youth ministries are taking over the role of the parent?

While clicking through endless tags and catagories, I came upon a little article with an idea that I’ve never heard before. The blog is called a manifesto. rethinking ministry (interesting but weird name…) and the blog post of the day was named Rethinking Youth Ministry. The author had read a book which stated that “The majority of our youth programs have displaced the parental role of discipleship.” He believes that the American Youth Ministry has “separated itself from the parental/family unit, and even taken on some parental responsibility.” Essentially, the author is saying that junior high or high school youth group should be a supplement to what is being taught to the student at home. Now, I have no problem with that statement. However, coming from a non-believing household, this doesn’t hold much truth to me however, if any. I come to youth group to receive my spiritual output. The blog post also asks if whether or not youth ministires are becoming so “powerful” that moms and dads are being pushed out of the way, which is an interesting view. Are the youth groups becoming so attractive that parents are not being pursued for answers to questions about the Bible and doctrine? Perhaps, but in the sense that teenagers mostly want things to be spelled out simply from someone that is a few years older than they are.