So, I've been sending in job applications to all sorts of places in Lansing for a couple months now, but I've been putting off a good job opportunity for just as long: Biggby Coffee. One of my housemates works there and practically guaranteed me a job there if I went for it. Some issues with this: I do not drink coffee, and it's the addiction of choice for most of America, which makes it somewhat repulsive in my mind. I also would have to keep my face clean-shaven, although they would probably let me keep my long hair.
However, God killed off a little bit of pride recently, and I shaved my face and applied for the job. I've decided that too much of my identity is placed in how I look (both in my own eyes and in other people's eyes). I want to break that. Also, it's been a blessing to be able to stay in my new house rent-free during my job-search, but it hasn't even been a month yet and I'm already getting sick of not being able to pay rent. My church doesn't have much money, and the house itself is a sort of parish, so if we're not paying rent, the church has to pay for the house alongside all its other costs. I don't want to do that to anyone. I've been blessed to have just about everything in my life paid for by someone else up to this point (mostly my mom, who does way more than she needs to for me, and I'm grateful); it's high time I take some responsibility for my own bills.
My other housemate is going to shave me head to celebrate before the interview. This way, I'll have less to deal with in job-hunting later.
Not gonna lie...I haven't been able to wear many hats since my hair's been so long...and I freaking miss my hats.
Peace.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Fast Food
So, yesterday I found out something which I wasn't too excited about. According to the grades on Chuck White's website, I got a "U" in his class this semester. Problem. I'm done at SAU, but I need that class to get my degree. He told me in an e-mail I could finish up the readings his chart says I didn't complete, and that should raise my grade high enough to pass. So, this morning I'm reading Augustine's Enchiridion; I decided to take a break and write about some thoughts which have been floating around my head lately.
I often think it's easier to get fast food when I'm hungry. I can be sitting in my room and think, "I should go to Subway and get something to eat." Normally, however, the place I'm living has enough food for me to make a meal, even if it's a small one. Still, my thoughts materialise something like this: "Well, this isn't enough," or, "I don't feel like eating this right now," or, "This will take too long to make. Fast food is cheap, it sounds pretty tasty right now, and it won't take a half-hour to make."
There are some issues here. First, regarding the price, fast food is definitely cheap, but if I already have food in the house, is it not cheaper to eat what I have? I'll be saving money from my wallet immediately, and I will not be using gas from my car; I likely would be if I got fast food. Also, I'm not exactly a skinny guy. I can survive on small meals, and it will probably be better for me in the long run than stuffing myself full of McDonald's or even Subway, depending on how much I actually buy there. The food in my house right now, especially, is much better for me than fast food.
The second issue is this: many fast food chains try to make their products so they are as addicting as possible. Maybe some of you get that inexplicable desire for McDonald's cheeseburgers; you can't explain it, but you really want one, and no other food will quite do the trick. I know that feeling, at least. One of my friends (who may be reading this right now) once told me a story about when he was still a vegetarian. He went to McDonald's and ordered a cheeseburger without the burger. After eating it, he realised he couldn't even tell there wasn't meat in it, because it tasted exactly the same. Gross. It's obvious to most people that fast food chains are just trying to get people hooked on their food, but few people actually make the decision to forego fast food because of health reasons. This even relates back to money: fast food grabs my desires so well that I used to want it all the time, sometimes even letting food I already had go completely to waste, and I end up spending more and more money on it when I don't need to. Now I try to think of it this way: If the food is designed so I become even slightly addicted to it, wouldn't it be better for me to eat something else?
Third, fast food makes me lazy. I think, "Oh, driving a mile and grabbing a quick lunch at Subway will be faster than cooking the pasta in the cupboard." The moment I go through with it, I've given in to laziness, and am wasting the resources God has provided for me. I'm not pointing fingers at people who stop for fast food when they really don't have enough time to make a meal at home; I'm talking about myself, when I'm sitting at home and don't feel like making my own food. When I do this, I'm both hindering the growth of good habits in my life (patience, diligence, thriftiness, moderation) and engendering the growth of bad ones (impatience, sloth, wastefulness, excess).
In short, getting fast food may seem easier sometimes, but it's actually making life harder in the long run: it harms God's temple (my own body), it uses up more money than it appears to outwardly, and it harms my own spiritual and personal growth. I understand fast food can be helpful in certain situations, but making it a regular part of life is not a good idea.
Put differently, it's even more convicting to me: By choosing fast food when I don't need to, I'm deciding I want pleasure now and couldn't care less about the long-term consequences. Anyone reading this, whether you're a Christian or not, should be able to understand that this is not a healthy mindset. However, following Christ specifically calls for a lifestyle which is the polar opposite of this one, so I would hope my argument here would especially resonate with them. Unfortunately, I often find Christians actually care less about their bodies than the rest of the world; a very sad state of affairs, indeed. A case can be made that Christians should not focus their entire lives on the pursuit of health and wellness (and this is true), but a case cannot be made that Christians should not care for their bodies. I see people live out this mindset too often: "Well, I'm working for God's kingdom, so how I treat my body here doesn't matter in eternity." The first part is true enough, but who's to say God's kingdom isn't on earth right now? Maybe we should be setting an example with our lives. Just a thought.
Peace.
I often think it's easier to get fast food when I'm hungry. I can be sitting in my room and think, "I should go to Subway and get something to eat." Normally, however, the place I'm living has enough food for me to make a meal, even if it's a small one. Still, my thoughts materialise something like this: "Well, this isn't enough," or, "I don't feel like eating this right now," or, "This will take too long to make. Fast food is cheap, it sounds pretty tasty right now, and it won't take a half-hour to make."
There are some issues here. First, regarding the price, fast food is definitely cheap, but if I already have food in the house, is it not cheaper to eat what I have? I'll be saving money from my wallet immediately, and I will not be using gas from my car; I likely would be if I got fast food. Also, I'm not exactly a skinny guy. I can survive on small meals, and it will probably be better for me in the long run than stuffing myself full of McDonald's or even Subway, depending on how much I actually buy there. The food in my house right now, especially, is much better for me than fast food.
The second issue is this: many fast food chains try to make their products so they are as addicting as possible. Maybe some of you get that inexplicable desire for McDonald's cheeseburgers; you can't explain it, but you really want one, and no other food will quite do the trick. I know that feeling, at least. One of my friends (who may be reading this right now) once told me a story about when he was still a vegetarian. He went to McDonald's and ordered a cheeseburger without the burger. After eating it, he realised he couldn't even tell there wasn't meat in it, because it tasted exactly the same. Gross. It's obvious to most people that fast food chains are just trying to get people hooked on their food, but few people actually make the decision to forego fast food because of health reasons. This even relates back to money: fast food grabs my desires so well that I used to want it all the time, sometimes even letting food I already had go completely to waste, and I end up spending more and more money on it when I don't need to. Now I try to think of it this way: If the food is designed so I become even slightly addicted to it, wouldn't it be better for me to eat something else?
Third, fast food makes me lazy. I think, "Oh, driving a mile and grabbing a quick lunch at Subway will be faster than cooking the pasta in the cupboard." The moment I go through with it, I've given in to laziness, and am wasting the resources God has provided for me. I'm not pointing fingers at people who stop for fast food when they really don't have enough time to make a meal at home; I'm talking about myself, when I'm sitting at home and don't feel like making my own food. When I do this, I'm both hindering the growth of good habits in my life (patience, diligence, thriftiness, moderation) and engendering the growth of bad ones (impatience, sloth, wastefulness, excess).
In short, getting fast food may seem easier sometimes, but it's actually making life harder in the long run: it harms God's temple (my own body), it uses up more money than it appears to outwardly, and it harms my own spiritual and personal growth. I understand fast food can be helpful in certain situations, but making it a regular part of life is not a good idea.
Put differently, it's even more convicting to me: By choosing fast food when I don't need to, I'm deciding I want pleasure now and couldn't care less about the long-term consequences. Anyone reading this, whether you're a Christian or not, should be able to understand that this is not a healthy mindset. However, following Christ specifically calls for a lifestyle which is the polar opposite of this one, so I would hope my argument here would especially resonate with them. Unfortunately, I often find Christians actually care less about their bodies than the rest of the world; a very sad state of affairs, indeed. A case can be made that Christians should not focus their entire lives on the pursuit of health and wellness (and this is true), but a case cannot be made that Christians should not care for their bodies. I see people live out this mindset too often: "Well, I'm working for God's kingdom, so how I treat my body here doesn't matter in eternity." The first part is true enough, but who's to say God's kingdom isn't on earth right now? Maybe we should be setting an example with our lives. Just a thought.
Peace.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
New house
So, I am finally finished at SAU. This has been an excellent few days so far. Once again, my van is in the shop (this time for minor repairs), but I've been keeping myself busy. I only have one piece of furniture left to bring to my new room in Lansing, and I've been working on getting my bookshelves organised and cleaning up the mess I brought back from my apartment in SAU. Today was a massive cleaning day in that regard. There's still work to be done, but I'm just happy I'm finally here. My new living situation feels so much better than living on campus. Here's why:
1. One of my roommates is excessively anal about keeping the place clean. My habits and personality are somewhat fluid, so I've been able to keep my room cleaner than usual and help keep the rest of the house clean.
2. This is a fairly permanent situation. It's the first time since I started college that all of my clothes, books, electronics, furniture, and other things I need/want are all in the same place, and aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
3. Now I live closer to everything I do. I live close to the church I lead worship at (I live with one of my pastors, in fact), I live close to (but not with) my family, I live close to all my friends in Lansing, I live close to food (which is nice), I live close to a lot of job opportunities (which I'm trying to take advantage of), and I live closer to my friends in Grand Rapids and Troy.
4. The house is generally pretty quiet. I can get all kinds of work done throughout the day and be relatively undisturbed the entire time. Our friends generally visit in small herds at night, so even on more social days, most of the day is quiet. I've been able to read, practice my guitar, and spend time with God more now that I'm here.
In short, this is probably my favorite place I've lived so far. I love it, and I'm blessed to be here.
Peace.
1. One of my roommates is excessively anal about keeping the place clean. My habits and personality are somewhat fluid, so I've been able to keep my room cleaner than usual and help keep the rest of the house clean.
2. This is a fairly permanent situation. It's the first time since I started college that all of my clothes, books, electronics, furniture, and other things I need/want are all in the same place, and aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
3. Now I live closer to everything I do. I live close to the church I lead worship at (I live with one of my pastors, in fact), I live close to (but not with) my family, I live close to all my friends in Lansing, I live close to food (which is nice), I live close to a lot of job opportunities (which I'm trying to take advantage of), and I live closer to my friends in Grand Rapids and Troy.
4. The house is generally pretty quiet. I can get all kinds of work done throughout the day and be relatively undisturbed the entire time. Our friends generally visit in small herds at night, so even on more social days, most of the day is quiet. I've been able to read, practice my guitar, and spend time with God more now that I'm here.
In short, this is probably my favorite place I've lived so far. I love it, and I'm blessed to be here.
Peace.
Friday, December 16, 2011
The future is now
So, I've officially finished my last assignment at SAU. I'm packing my stuff up, saying goodbye to friends, and getting ready to delete my FB account for good.
This is one of the weirdest feelings ever.
I was crying a little at the end of my last class today. I'm really sad about not seeing most of these people again on earth.
I think it's okay to be sad, though. I've spent a lot of my life covering up my emotions or badly expressing them. I'd like to just be sad right now: not despairing or hopeless, but sad about the friendships I will be losing.
This isn't to say I'm losing every friendship I have here at the Arb. Some of my relationships are just going to become more difficult, and I'm excited for it. In today's world, the internet and cell phones make relationships easier to create...but they also make us lazy. We're too used to easy relationships, and when relationships become hard, we have a hard time looking on the bright side of things. Relationships that go through hard times, however, are strengthened! This is also why I'm sad: I know several of my best friendships here are going to become much harder to keep up. However, it's also why I'm hopeful, because I know those friendships that last will endure for the rest of my life.
I guess I'm full of mixed emotions today...but that's okay.
Peace.
This is one of the weirdest feelings ever.
I was crying a little at the end of my last class today. I'm really sad about not seeing most of these people again on earth.
I think it's okay to be sad, though. I've spent a lot of my life covering up my emotions or badly expressing them. I'd like to just be sad right now: not despairing or hopeless, but sad about the friendships I will be losing.
This isn't to say I'm losing every friendship I have here at the Arb. Some of my relationships are just going to become more difficult, and I'm excited for it. In today's world, the internet and cell phones make relationships easier to create...but they also make us lazy. We're too used to easy relationships, and when relationships become hard, we have a hard time looking on the bright side of things. Relationships that go through hard times, however, are strengthened! This is also why I'm sad: I know several of my best friendships here are going to become much harder to keep up. However, it's also why I'm hopeful, because I know those friendships that last will endure for the rest of my life.
I guess I'm full of mixed emotions today...but that's okay.
Peace.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
A new land
So, I was reading Oregon's Wikipedia page the other day. There was a stand-alone sentence which caught my eye:
"Today, Oregon's landscape varies from rain forest in the Coast Range to barren desert in the southeast, which still meets the technical definition of a frontier."
If you didn't catch what I caught in that sentence...I'm sorry we're not better friends.
Peace.
"Today, Oregon's landscape varies from rain forest in the Coast Range to barren desert in the southeast, which still meets the technical definition of a frontier."
If you didn't catch what I caught in that sentence...I'm sorry we're not better friends.
Peace.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Another blog about the future
So, I've been thinking a lot this week about long-term goals. I know what I need to be doing right now: I'm finishing up my degree at SAU, I'm living in Lansing, I'm working with a church plant until I'm no longer needed there, and I'm taking two classes at LCC this spring. These things are nearly a guarantee, unless something crazy happens. I know God could send me in some direction I'm not expecting at any moment, so I'm trying to keep my main focus on what I need to do presently.
However, the Apostle Paul had long-term goals, so I believe I'm justified in thinking about that sort of thing, too.
I want to move out West somewhere after I'm done in Lansing. I fell in love with the western US after my trip this past summer, just like I knew I would. I sort of decided about a week ago that I particularly want to move out toward Portland, Oregon, where a family I know just moved and began some new ministry projects. Coincidentally, a couple nights ago I was talking to the father of this family, who I've been developing a very good relationship with since I was in high school, and he asked me if I wanted to help with his ministry. Of course, I said yes.
So, even just this week, God has been opening some interesting doors for me down the road. I know I need to be in Lansing for now, but now I'm considering the possibility of continuing my second bachelor's degree out in Oregon, if that opportunity was to actually become a reality. I don't know exactly what God has in store for the future, but so far it looks pretty sweet.
Peace.
However, the Apostle Paul had long-term goals, so I believe I'm justified in thinking about that sort of thing, too.
I want to move out West somewhere after I'm done in Lansing. I fell in love with the western US after my trip this past summer, just like I knew I would. I sort of decided about a week ago that I particularly want to move out toward Portland, Oregon, where a family I know just moved and began some new ministry projects. Coincidentally, a couple nights ago I was talking to the father of this family, who I've been developing a very good relationship with since I was in high school, and he asked me if I wanted to help with his ministry. Of course, I said yes.
So, even just this week, God has been opening some interesting doors for me down the road. I know I need to be in Lansing for now, but now I'm considering the possibility of continuing my second bachelor's degree out in Oregon, if that opportunity was to actually become a reality. I don't know exactly what God has in store for the future, but so far it looks pretty sweet.
Peace.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
A dream I had
So, two nights ago, while I was at Center Lake for their Follow the Star event, I had a very interesting dream. Very strange, really.
I was in a house, sort of our in the woods, but not quite in the middle of nowhere. I had been staying there for some amount of time, but now it was time to go. I had already packed up most of my belongings, but it was a much smaller amount than I actually own currently. No furniture, no car, no bicycle, no electronics at all, no library of books. I don't remember anything specific, but I'm pretty sure none of those things were there. I was trying to pack everything so I could carry it all in one trip, since my destination was a bit of a long walk, and I didn't want to have to make it twice. I was going to another house, or maybe a small town. I had packed almost everything I owned into my hiking backpack, but not quite everything. Even with so little, I remember thinking to myself, "Ah, if only I had fewer belongings...I should try to get rid of some of it." I don't remember what happened with my stuff exactly, but I set out on a grey gravel road toward my next destination. I had my backpack, at least. A light rain was falling.
I woke up later and immediately remembered the dream. I didn't think, "Wow, what a strange dream," like I normally would. I woke up and immediately thought, "Oh my...what does this mean?" During the dream, I felt like it had some kind of significance, and after waking up this feeling was even stronger. The more obvious meaning is it could reveal something of what God has in store for me in the future. Then again, it could just mean I've been playing too much Skyrim on my roommate's Xbox 360. Maybe there's some other significance I'm missing. I don't know, but I wanted to record this, if for nothing else but to remind me later that I don't need as many things as I own.
What are your thoughts? I'd really like to hear them, especially if someone out there can interpret dreams, haha.
Peace.
I was in a house, sort of our in the woods, but not quite in the middle of nowhere. I had been staying there for some amount of time, but now it was time to go. I had already packed up most of my belongings, but it was a much smaller amount than I actually own currently. No furniture, no car, no bicycle, no electronics at all, no library of books. I don't remember anything specific, but I'm pretty sure none of those things were there. I was trying to pack everything so I could carry it all in one trip, since my destination was a bit of a long walk, and I didn't want to have to make it twice. I was going to another house, or maybe a small town. I had packed almost everything I owned into my hiking backpack, but not quite everything. Even with so little, I remember thinking to myself, "Ah, if only I had fewer belongings...I should try to get rid of some of it." I don't remember what happened with my stuff exactly, but I set out on a grey gravel road toward my next destination. I had my backpack, at least. A light rain was falling.
I woke up later and immediately remembered the dream. I didn't think, "Wow, what a strange dream," like I normally would. I woke up and immediately thought, "Oh my...what does this mean?" During the dream, I felt like it had some kind of significance, and after waking up this feeling was even stronger. The more obvious meaning is it could reveal something of what God has in store for me in the future. Then again, it could just mean I've been playing too much Skyrim on my roommate's Xbox 360. Maybe there's some other significance I'm missing. I don't know, but I wanted to record this, if for nothing else but to remind me later that I don't need as many things as I own.
What are your thoughts? I'd really like to hear them, especially if someone out there can interpret dreams, haha.
Peace.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Greater Things
So, this Thanksgiving break has been pretty awesome for a few reasons, some of which most people would not quite interpret that way. My car broke down last Friday while I was trying to leave SAU for break, and it turns out the engine cradle is broke, which is normally a cause to buy a new car. *BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE.* First, this is so bad that I'm EXTREMELY fortunate that I didn't make it to the highway, which was only about a half-mile away. If the engine cradle would've broke while I was going 70mph down the interstate, I would most likely be dead. Second, I found out it's covered under a $2,000 recall warranty, meaning the dealership will fix it for free and possibly repair any other damages caused by the break...so my car will basically be in better shape than before it broke down, AND it won't cost me a dime. At least, that's how it's looking so far. Thank you, Jesus.
Since my car is in the shop for a while, my mom has been driving me around when I really need her to. This has given me some really nice times to just hang out with her and talk, and I've come to realise how much she really does for me without me realising it. Thank you, mom, and thanks again, Jesus.
Since it's break and I'm stuck at my house in Lansing, I've also had a lot of time to do schoolwork by myself, which has been nice. I've also been filling out job applications for when I'm done at SAU and officially move to Lansing. I'm praying I get a job with the Ingham County Parks Department, particularly at Hawk Island County Park or at Potter Park Zoo. I'd appreciate your prayers for that, as well.
Tonight I was reading out of John 14, specifically verses 12-17. This is the passage where Jesus says we can do greater things than He did now that He's in heaven...but actually, that's not quite right. Jesus says this: "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do...." Note the key words in there: "whoever believes in me," and "will." If we really believe in Christ, He said Himself that we WILL do what He did, not just CAN do what He did. In fact, Jesus said we will do greater things than what He did...again, WILL DO, not CAN DO. Throughout these verses, Jesus makes a lot of emphatic, absolute statements which I often take for granted. I usually see things like this and say, "Oh, well, I can do those things, but God just isn't working that way through me right now," or, "You know, Jesus can do anything if I ask in His name, but that doesn't mean He necessarily will."
What a load of crap. Stronger words would better express how I feel about this. There are some HUGE promises in these verses that we just take advantage of and forget about. However, there are also a lot of conditional statements which we can pass over, too.
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
Notice the placement of the "if" and the "will" in there. It doesn't say, "You will love me if you keep my commandments," and this is very important. This really got to me.
Read through the whole passage here. Do it slowly, word by word, and take in what Jesus is saying in each sentence. Pray about each promise He makes. Ask God to open your heart to His leading.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither seems him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells in you and will be in you." Jesus, John 14:12-17
Peace.
Since my car is in the shop for a while, my mom has been driving me around when I really need her to. This has given me some really nice times to just hang out with her and talk, and I've come to realise how much she really does for me without me realising it. Thank you, mom, and thanks again, Jesus.
Since it's break and I'm stuck at my house in Lansing, I've also had a lot of time to do schoolwork by myself, which has been nice. I've also been filling out job applications for when I'm done at SAU and officially move to Lansing. I'm praying I get a job with the Ingham County Parks Department, particularly at Hawk Island County Park or at Potter Park Zoo. I'd appreciate your prayers for that, as well.
Tonight I was reading out of John 14, specifically verses 12-17. This is the passage where Jesus says we can do greater things than He did now that He's in heaven...but actually, that's not quite right. Jesus says this: "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do...." Note the key words in there: "whoever believes in me," and "will." If we really believe in Christ, He said Himself that we WILL do what He did, not just CAN do what He did. In fact, Jesus said we will do greater things than what He did...again, WILL DO, not CAN DO. Throughout these verses, Jesus makes a lot of emphatic, absolute statements which I often take for granted. I usually see things like this and say, "Oh, well, I can do those things, but God just isn't working that way through me right now," or, "You know, Jesus can do anything if I ask in His name, but that doesn't mean He necessarily will."
What a load of crap. Stronger words would better express how I feel about this. There are some HUGE promises in these verses that we just take advantage of and forget about. However, there are also a lot of conditional statements which we can pass over, too.
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
Notice the placement of the "if" and the "will" in there. It doesn't say, "You will love me if you keep my commandments," and this is very important. This really got to me.
Read through the whole passage here. Do it slowly, word by word, and take in what Jesus is saying in each sentence. Pray about each promise He makes. Ask God to open your heart to His leading.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither seems him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells in you and will be in you." Jesus, John 14:12-17
Peace.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Anew
So, this week has been craaazy. Not in a schoolwork or traveling way like usual, but in a spiritual way. Last Friday, I was reading John 15:1-17 for a class assignment. I went through the passage really slowly and prayerfully, trying to be open to whatever God might say to me through it. I got to verse 15, and read it several times:
"No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."
As I read those words, I was one of Jesus' disciples, and He was speaking directly to me. I couldn't imagine why I had read those words so many times before, yet had never read them with the understanding I did this time. For years, I have felt distant from God: always trying to get closer to Him, but rarely able. I had no idea where I was going or what God was doing with and around me. I have never experienced Jesus calling me His friend until now. He then showed me verse 11:
"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."
I have been asking God for a while to open me to His love, and to change my heart so I actually desire Him. In these moments when God was speaking to me, the Holy Spirit helped me understand a little more how God really does take joy in me as His son and also began really noticeably changing my desires.
In chapel on Wednesday, the Holy Spirit moved again through the speaker, and God helped me realise the freedom I have in Christ's sacrifice. I knew in my head that I was free from sin, but that day God spoke freedom into my heart. These two intense experiences with God gave me the strangest feeling. I can hardly put it into words...but I kind of felt like I had just become a Christian. I had all this head knowledge about God before...but now I feel like I actually know God. It's...awesome.
Peace.
"No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."
As I read those words, I was one of Jesus' disciples, and He was speaking directly to me. I couldn't imagine why I had read those words so many times before, yet had never read them with the understanding I did this time. For years, I have felt distant from God: always trying to get closer to Him, but rarely able. I had no idea where I was going or what God was doing with and around me. I have never experienced Jesus calling me His friend until now. He then showed me verse 11:
"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."
I have been asking God for a while to open me to His love, and to change my heart so I actually desire Him. In these moments when God was speaking to me, the Holy Spirit helped me understand a little more how God really does take joy in me as His son and also began really noticeably changing my desires.
In chapel on Wednesday, the Holy Spirit moved again through the speaker, and God helped me realise the freedom I have in Christ's sacrifice. I knew in my head that I was free from sin, but that day God spoke freedom into my heart. These two intense experiences with God gave me the strangest feeling. I can hardly put it into words...but I kind of felt like I had just become a Christian. I had all this head knowledge about God before...but now I feel like I actually know God. It's...awesome.
Peace.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
My bad
God, forgive me for my foolishness and arrogance in going barefoot in today's weather.
I learned my lesson.
Peace.
I learned my lesson.
Peace.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Call me a heretic
So, some of you may not like what I'm going to say today. I've been doing a lot of thinking (always dangerous, yes), and I've been finding myself moving further and further from the typical mindset of students at Spring Arbor. As some know, I'm looking at going into the sciences at MSU after I graduate from the Arb, specifically their environmental biology/zoology program. If you've read certain of my posts, you may also know I'm terribly sick of watching the generally bad interactions between the Church and scientists, particularly naturalists. Today in my doctrines class, we watched a video about a Christian man named Francis Collins who is also a geneticist, and learned about his coming to faith and attempt to reconcile science and Christianity. My professor, during the discussion afterward, said many theologians often make fools of themselves in trying to argue science when they really have no idea what they're talking about. On the flip side, people like Richard Dawkins end up being made out to be fools when it comes to talking about philosophy. He also said the overwhelming scientific evidence points toward evolution as being an accurate theory.
The thing is, I have very little issue with evolution at this point. *collective gasp*
The more I learn, even in my religion courses, the less I care about arguing this issue...heck, the more I think the evolutionary theory really isn't that bad. Certain philosophical principles people draw from it aren't compatible with Christianity, but the scientific facts pointing to evolution are. My professor said, in fact, science and Christianity are closer in beliefs than ever in the present time. Plenty of people I know would argue with this statement, but many Christians are realising the merits of the new scientific discoveries in genetics and physics, and many scientists are realising the merits of intelligent design theory in explaining the origins of the universe. This is huge. I want to be a part of the group working to reconcile scientists and the church, as I think this discussion has been too long in arriving. Scholars, sure, have been talking about it for a long time, but the Church in general needs to start practicing love and acceptance toward the scientists, especially the atheists and the naturalists which it has shunned for so long. I'm sure some people reading this will strongly disagree with my stance on evolution; go ahead and argue, but you're not helping.
And now, something completely different:
I was chosen to play Jesus for a short skit in a class today. I expressed some thoughts to everyone afterward about this. People who look like me (full beard, long hair, etc.) are often chosen to play Jesus, John the Baptist, Moses, and other similar characters because of how we look on the outside. I cannot think of an instance where someone was chosen to play Jesus because they truly look like Jesus, not in physical appearance, but in character. I may look like some depictions of Jesus, but I don't feel like my life looks like His.
Peace.
The thing is, I have very little issue with evolution at this point. *collective gasp*
The more I learn, even in my religion courses, the less I care about arguing this issue...heck, the more I think the evolutionary theory really isn't that bad. Certain philosophical principles people draw from it aren't compatible with Christianity, but the scientific facts pointing to evolution are. My professor said, in fact, science and Christianity are closer in beliefs than ever in the present time. Plenty of people I know would argue with this statement, but many Christians are realising the merits of the new scientific discoveries in genetics and physics, and many scientists are realising the merits of intelligent design theory in explaining the origins of the universe. This is huge. I want to be a part of the group working to reconcile scientists and the church, as I think this discussion has been too long in arriving. Scholars, sure, have been talking about it for a long time, but the Church in general needs to start practicing love and acceptance toward the scientists, especially the atheists and the naturalists which it has shunned for so long. I'm sure some people reading this will strongly disagree with my stance on evolution; go ahead and argue, but you're not helping.
And now, something completely different:
I was chosen to play Jesus for a short skit in a class today. I expressed some thoughts to everyone afterward about this. People who look like me (full beard, long hair, etc.) are often chosen to play Jesus, John the Baptist, Moses, and other similar characters because of how we look on the outside. I cannot think of an instance where someone was chosen to play Jesus because they truly look like Jesus, not in physical appearance, but in character. I may look like some depictions of Jesus, but I don't feel like my life looks like His.
Peace.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Help
So, the last couple days I've been asking God specifically to give me opportunities to show His love to people. Be careful when you pray something like this...you might have to go out of your way to help someone *gasp*. God's given me a couple of moments which I could've really easily just let go...I've had to stop and think, then stop and think again, before I decided to take the opportunities.
It's sad I have to do that. I want to be able to willingly give my time and resources to help others without thinking twice about it.
Then on the flip side, I look for ways to help others at random, but I often neglect things which need to be done in the apartment I share with four other guys.
Lord, please continue to change my desires and mind so I can better serve You and those around me.
Peace.
It's sad I have to do that. I want to be able to willingly give my time and resources to help others without thinking twice about it.
Then on the flip side, I look for ways to help others at random, but I often neglect things which need to be done in the apartment I share with four other guys.
Lord, please continue to change my desires and mind so I can better serve You and those around me.
Peace.
The goodbye note
So, this is a note I wrote on FB. I wanted to keep the text around so I can look back on it someday, and for any others who may be interested.
"So, FB friends, I haven't written a note in a while. I'm here to talk about an issue we're all aware of right now, but not in an angry way or to complain (disclaimer). I just want to share my views on it, and maybe make you think.
As we've seen, FB is changing big-time. Some people may still not have seen the biggest changes which are on the way: FB Timeline. The whole Profile system is going to be completely re-vamped soon, with a much heavier focus on pictures. The point is so people can tell their whole life story, from birth to our current state, via pictures. By doing this, FB is making a brilliant move. They're following the current cultural trend, namely, a return to an emphasis on narrative, or story-telling. The general populace will love this, even if most don't initially.
I'm using this as a prime opportunity to leave FB for good. I've mentioned it already to a few people, some accepting it, and some acting appalled, haha. I plan on making a complete switch to Google+, which is Google's social network. I've had to answer a lot of questions so far, so I'll try to reiterate them and my answers below.
"Why?"
- I'm tired of FB, to be honest. People make too much hype about status updates, spend too much time on it, and treat FB friendships like real, in-person relationships (I'm saying they're NOT, if you didn't catch that). The fact of me writing this note at all means we all take it way too seriously. I don't like the dependance people place on FB. We make it out like it's this huge thing to not log on for a few days or a week or a month. Think about it, really: a "FB fast?" Big deal. We put far too much stock in our digital life.
Think about this: the reason we have friendships is because we're made with a desire for love, affection, and camaraderie. My issue is I feel like we're seeking this online now, where those needs can never be fully met. FB gives an illusion of them, which is why we love it. Are we afraid of real relationships, relationships where we hurt and get hurt, relationships where we are vulnerable, relationships where we find others are vulnerable, too? I would rather depend less on digital relationships and work harder on real ones.
"Aren't you just switching to a different kind of FB, though?"
- G+ is significantly less addicting; I've found this to be true. FB also owns all the information you give it and stores it indefinitely; Google gives you the option of deleting all your information from their system if you want to officially close your account. Also, too many people really are overly-attached to FB; I want to stand against this and live without it.
"Why force yourself out of the loop? Won't you miss out on a lot now?"
- People, seriously. Life is not about entertaining yourself and knowing everything. You may think, "Duh!" at this statement, but it's more true than most of us understand. The American mindset is hopelessly distorted with the need for entertainment and the need to be smarter than everyone else. Some people think they're above this...I'll let them think they are; I know I'm not. Facebook is also addicting because it entertains us and makes us feel smarter than we are. It gives us so many options for interacting with others and expressing ourselves, and it gives us a wealth of knowledge about others and what's going on in the world.
Here's a thought: our need to know freaking everything will never be satisfied, and digital communications make this "need" even worse. Most people I know who don't have a FB account have been made fun of or looked down on because they don't have one. The idea is they don't know as much as you do and aren't as socially connected as you are, and it's their choice to live in a cave. Really?
"Won't it be hard to stay in contact with people if you don't have a FB?"
- Meaningful relationships are made stronger when you work hard at making them better, and FB makes relationships cheap. I don't mean to offend anyone (or maybe I do...), but my generation and the upcoming one are digital whores. We want everything to be easy for us, and dealing with people online is much easier than dealing with people in person. Keeping in touch with people online is much easier than calling someone (oh goodness) or, God forbid, writing a letter and sending it to someone in the mail. This, among plenty of other factors I won't discuss, is making us really selfish in our relationships, which causes a whole host of other problems in our lives.
I could probably say more, to be honest, but this will suffice in stating my views. I will be leaving here around the time when the new Profile system gets put into effect. If you want to stay in contact, my information is listed below. If you don't feel like putting in the effort to stay in contact over something else besides FB, then you probably shouldn't complain about me leaving. I will legitimately try to stay in contact if you try, too."
I also included my contact information on the original note. If you want a way to contact me, ask me and I'll give it to you; I'm not just posting it all on here, though.
Peace.
"So, FB friends, I haven't written a note in a while. I'm here to talk about an issue we're all aware of right now, but not in an angry way or to complain (disclaimer). I just want to share my views on it, and maybe make you think.
As we've seen, FB is changing big-time. Some people may still not have seen the biggest changes which are on the way: FB Timeline. The whole Profile system is going to be completely re-vamped soon, with a much heavier focus on pictures. The point is so people can tell their whole life story, from birth to our current state, via pictures. By doing this, FB is making a brilliant move. They're following the current cultural trend, namely, a return to an emphasis on narrative, or story-telling. The general populace will love this, even if most don't initially.
I'm using this as a prime opportunity to leave FB for good. I've mentioned it already to a few people, some accepting it, and some acting appalled, haha. I plan on making a complete switch to Google+, which is Google's social network. I've had to answer a lot of questions so far, so I'll try to reiterate them and my answers below.
"Why?"
- I'm tired of FB, to be honest. People make too much hype about status updates, spend too much time on it, and treat FB friendships like real, in-person relationships (I'm saying they're NOT, if you didn't catch that). The fact of me writing this note at all means we all take it way too seriously. I don't like the dependance people place on FB. We make it out like it's this huge thing to not log on for a few days or a week or a month. Think about it, really: a "FB fast?" Big deal. We put far too much stock in our digital life.
Think about this: the reason we have friendships is because we're made with a desire for love, affection, and camaraderie. My issue is I feel like we're seeking this online now, where those needs can never be fully met. FB gives an illusion of them, which is why we love it. Are we afraid of real relationships, relationships where we hurt and get hurt, relationships where we are vulnerable, relationships where we find others are vulnerable, too? I would rather depend less on digital relationships and work harder on real ones.
"Aren't you just switching to a different kind of FB, though?"
- G+ is significantly less addicting; I've found this to be true. FB also owns all the information you give it and stores it indefinitely; Google gives you the option of deleting all your information from their system if you want to officially close your account. Also, too many people really are overly-attached to FB; I want to stand against this and live without it.
"Why force yourself out of the loop? Won't you miss out on a lot now?"
- People, seriously. Life is not about entertaining yourself and knowing everything. You may think, "Duh!" at this statement, but it's more true than most of us understand. The American mindset is hopelessly distorted with the need for entertainment and the need to be smarter than everyone else. Some people think they're above this...I'll let them think they are; I know I'm not. Facebook is also addicting because it entertains us and makes us feel smarter than we are. It gives us so many options for interacting with others and expressing ourselves, and it gives us a wealth of knowledge about others and what's going on in the world.
Here's a thought: our need to know freaking everything will never be satisfied, and digital communications make this "need" even worse. Most people I know who don't have a FB account have been made fun of or looked down on because they don't have one. The idea is they don't know as much as you do and aren't as socially connected as you are, and it's their choice to live in a cave. Really?
"Won't it be hard to stay in contact with people if you don't have a FB?"
- Meaningful relationships are made stronger when you work hard at making them better, and FB makes relationships cheap. I don't mean to offend anyone (or maybe I do...), but my generation and the upcoming one are digital whores. We want everything to be easy for us, and dealing with people online is much easier than dealing with people in person. Keeping in touch with people online is much easier than calling someone (oh goodness) or, God forbid, writing a letter and sending it to someone in the mail. This, among plenty of other factors I won't discuss, is making us really selfish in our relationships, which causes a whole host of other problems in our lives.
I could probably say more, to be honest, but this will suffice in stating my views. I will be leaving here around the time when the new Profile system gets put into effect. If you want to stay in contact, my information is listed below. If you don't feel like putting in the effort to stay in contact over something else besides FB, then you probably shouldn't complain about me leaving. I will legitimately try to stay in contact if you try, too."
I also included my contact information on the original note. If you want a way to contact me, ask me and I'll give it to you; I'm not just posting it all on here, though.
Peace.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Walking in the rain
So, it's been raining the past couple days here at the Arb. I've discovered a newfound appreciation for the rain. Getting your jacket soaked outside brings a heightened awareness of the warmth and dryness of the next building you walk into.
I've also been recently pegged across campus as "the guy with no shoes." Both friends and people I don't know have been commenting on how I don't wear shoes and asking me why I don't. My usual answer is simply, "I dunno, I don't really like shoes." Really, it's a little more than just this, though. I truly feel better when I walk barefoot: I feel more peaceful and more able to connect to the world, since walking barefoot gives you a whole new sense of what's around you. I feel more alive, because I can feel the pain in my soles from walking over rocks. I feel more like I think I was made to feel.
Peace.
I've also been recently pegged across campus as "the guy with no shoes." Both friends and people I don't know have been commenting on how I don't wear shoes and asking me why I don't. My usual answer is simply, "I dunno, I don't really like shoes." Really, it's a little more than just this, though. I truly feel better when I walk barefoot: I feel more peaceful and more able to connect to the world, since walking barefoot gives you a whole new sense of what's around you. I feel more alive, because I can feel the pain in my soles from walking over rocks. I feel more like I think I was made to feel.
Peace.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Leaves from the Tree
So, I picked a leaf from the big oak tree in the middle of Spring Arbor. I looked at the leaf, and realised certain things about it. Without being connected to its source, the leaf will fade, wither, and die. Oak leaves are strong, yet also flexible; however, they only are because they are connected to their source. There are pieces missing from the leaf, blemishes throughout, and it's fairly bent up...but through all those things, you can still tell what it is and where it came from.
Let's be leaves from the Tree.
Peace.
Let's be leaves from the Tree.
Peace.
Friday, September 23, 2011
The Stoic Christian
So, I recently read about G.K. Chesterton in one of my textbooks, and I was thoroughly impressed with the man. He was a journalist, essayist, debater, and and general learner and reader who loved God and people deeply. He has long been remembered for his intelligence and supreme wit. Opponents who would debate him often went away as his friends because of his charisma and seemingly endless joy about life.
The author of the book said we need more Chestertons in Christianity today, and I totally agree. I often try to stifle my emotions in order to seem more "stable" or "normal," and I think I sometimes come across as someone who just doesn't have any fun. I sometimes find myself in the mindset that I have to control my every emotion in order to be a good Christian, which is not true.
I was reading Luke 18 today. In this chapter, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in the temple together. When He gets to the part about the tax collector beating his chest and crying out to God, I imagined Jesus going through this same motion in telling the parable. After the parable, Luke says many people were bringing infants and children to Jesus. I had a thought during this. I often think of Jesus having a stoic personality who is quiet and sombre most of the time. Why? Thinking about it more, I bet Jesus was a pretty charismatic teacher. I bet He got into the parables He told, laughed a lot, and used the rhetoric of his time.
Just a quick thought, but it's a really nice perspective.
Peace.
The author of the book said we need more Chestertons in Christianity today, and I totally agree. I often try to stifle my emotions in order to seem more "stable" or "normal," and I think I sometimes come across as someone who just doesn't have any fun. I sometimes find myself in the mindset that I have to control my every emotion in order to be a good Christian, which is not true.
I was reading Luke 18 today. In this chapter, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in the temple together. When He gets to the part about the tax collector beating his chest and crying out to God, I imagined Jesus going through this same motion in telling the parable. After the parable, Luke says many people were bringing infants and children to Jesus. I had a thought during this. I often think of Jesus having a stoic personality who is quiet and sombre most of the time. Why? Thinking about it more, I bet Jesus was a pretty charismatic teacher. I bet He got into the parables He told, laughed a lot, and used the rhetoric of his time.
Just a quick thought, but it's a really nice perspective.
Peace.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Beauty
So, I walked to class this morning in a heavy fog. Fog deadens everything it covers; campus was nearly silent for once. Looking at trees off in the distance ("the distance" meaning about forty yards away), I couldn't help but think it was beautiful. People often see fog as an obstacle they have to slow down for; recognising God made it gives you a different perspective. Even though I couldn't see far, and the usual campus noises and chatter were absent, I saw God's Creation still, and the crickets and birds seemed even louder than usual: a chorus singing praise to the Maker of heaven and earth, even through the haze. After I finished my classes about three hours later, I walked back to my apartment. By now, the sun had come out, chasing away the fog. The colors of the trees seemed to be shouting for joy in the light. I looked at an evergreen tree and noticed the striking blue-green color of its needles, how different it was from the other trees, how beautiful it was. I looked at a maple and an oak, and realised they weren't just more trees: God made each one unique and beautiful, and if you take more than a passing glance at any one, you can see its beauty for yourself.
God reveals Himself in nature. He taught me several things this morning. First, the fog corresponds to hardships and obstacles in our life. We see pain and trouble as things to overcome, and we wonder why God brings them to us. We should see God's mighty hand working even then, and the beauty of what He's doing. Even when everything seems quiet, and we can't seem to hear God's comforting voice, His power and beauty are still present, coming through in the smallest ways we don't normally notice. When God lifts the veil, we can see clearly the situation around us, and everything seems even better than it was before the darkness; we can appreciate it more. Second (which God showed me as I typed this), those trees in the sunlight are like people. This is a lesson God has been teaching me a lot lately: people really are beautiful, no matter what they may seem like in passing. This is a hard one for me. Third, if Creation is so beautiful, how much more must be the beauty of its Creator! Every time I look around outside, I have to acknowledge the grand beauty of nature, yet, at the same time, its inferiority to what we will come to know.
Peace.
God reveals Himself in nature. He taught me several things this morning. First, the fog corresponds to hardships and obstacles in our life. We see pain and trouble as things to overcome, and we wonder why God brings them to us. We should see God's mighty hand working even then, and the beauty of what He's doing. Even when everything seems quiet, and we can't seem to hear God's comforting voice, His power and beauty are still present, coming through in the smallest ways we don't normally notice. When God lifts the veil, we can see clearly the situation around us, and everything seems even better than it was before the darkness; we can appreciate it more. Second (which God showed me as I typed this), those trees in the sunlight are like people. This is a lesson God has been teaching me a lot lately: people really are beautiful, no matter what they may seem like in passing. This is a hard one for me. Third, if Creation is so beautiful, how much more must be the beauty of its Creator! Every time I look around outside, I have to acknowledge the grand beauty of nature, yet, at the same time, its inferiority to what we will come to know.
Peace.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Know No Fear?
So, the theme at my camp this summer was "Know No Fear." I've been learning a lot about what this means in my life, especially lately.
I have a hard time with trust. I've lost a lot of faith in people in general, and would have to consider myself a pessimistic realist most of the time. Since I have trust issues like this, it's also hard for me to trust God. It's hard for me to put things I'm deeply concerned about in His hands, because part of me is afraid I'll be let down like I usually am. I know this is something a lot of people deal with, but it's also something I've just been realizing about myself.
I'm really afraid of a lot of interactions with people in general because of this fear. Interacting with people online is easier for me. I think this is a trend of my generation, though. We're becoming more dependent on technology for communication, and it's taking away from our social skills...and fast. The generations younger than us are going even faster.
I hate being part of trends like that. I could justify it by saying something like, "Well, in order to stay culturally relevant to today's youth...." I'm not out to be relevant. I want to have real relationships with people without encouraging bad communication habits.
I'm having the "Facebook ditching" conversation with people right now. It's interesting to see how scared people get of their friends leaving it. We think it's so hard to communicate without it that we fear we'll lose friendships without it. Well, what if we do? We can't be friends with everyone on earth, even though Facebook would tell us otherwise. It seems like we're all just really insecure and afraid of having fewer friends. I wonder why that is.
It's ironic: we seem to be afraid of going out of our way and having real, meaningful interactions...but we also seem to be afraid of having fewer friends. I think that's a little counterproductive.
Anyway, I went a different direction than I was planning when I started writing. Funny how that works. It's late and I'm losing focus. I think I'll stop before I start writing really silly things.
"You say tomato; I say video games!" ~FIF
Peace.
I have a hard time with trust. I've lost a lot of faith in people in general, and would have to consider myself a pessimistic realist most of the time. Since I have trust issues like this, it's also hard for me to trust God. It's hard for me to put things I'm deeply concerned about in His hands, because part of me is afraid I'll be let down like I usually am. I know this is something a lot of people deal with, but it's also something I've just been realizing about myself.
I'm really afraid of a lot of interactions with people in general because of this fear. Interacting with people online is easier for me. I think this is a trend of my generation, though. We're becoming more dependent on technology for communication, and it's taking away from our social skills...and fast. The generations younger than us are going even faster.
I hate being part of trends like that. I could justify it by saying something like, "Well, in order to stay culturally relevant to today's youth...." I'm not out to be relevant. I want to have real relationships with people without encouraging bad communication habits.
I'm having the "Facebook ditching" conversation with people right now. It's interesting to see how scared people get of their friends leaving it. We think it's so hard to communicate without it that we fear we'll lose friendships without it. Well, what if we do? We can't be friends with everyone on earth, even though Facebook would tell us otherwise. It seems like we're all just really insecure and afraid of having fewer friends. I wonder why that is.
It's ironic: we seem to be afraid of going out of our way and having real, meaningful interactions...but we also seem to be afraid of having fewer friends. I think that's a little counterproductive.
Anyway, I went a different direction than I was planning when I started writing. Funny how that works. It's late and I'm losing focus. I think I'll stop before I start writing really silly things.
"You say tomato; I say video games!" ~FIF
Peace.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Amendment
So, I lied about staying in Grand Island, Nebraska. We made it there earlier than we expected and decided to keep going to Lincoln, roughly an hour and forty-five minutes past that. We made it to Lincoln, and I offered to drive the extra hour to Omaha if my mom wanted me to, so we left again. We made it to the outskirts of Omaha, and my mom said we should go to the other side of the city because we missed the only exit with nice-looking motels. We made it to the other side, and she said she didn't want to stay in Omaha at all, so we kept going. Now we've finally arrived in Avoca, Iowa...191 miles past Grand Island. That means we drove 685 miles from Rawlins, Wyoming, today.
Holy crap.
The place we're staying tonight, the Motel 6 right off I-80 in Avoca, was apparently voted the second best hotel regarding staff excellence and customer satisfaction in the NATION this year. The best part? We got a room with two beds for $70. Awesome. This is definitely the nicest place we've stayed so far, and it's almost the cheapest. I'm pretty happy about it.
Tomorrow, we're actually planning to make it home. The trip today was 10 1/2 hours and 685 miles...tomorrow's route should be forty miles shorter, but the same amount of time. We decided since we're so close now, we may as well go home. All this to say, Westward 2011, Day 10, is apparently the last full day of our trip. Sad. This means no more blogs from the road.
I'm over it. If you read my last two posts, you know that I have a lot to work on when I get back...not to mention my internship paper which needs to be done by September 9...not to mention trying to work ahead in one of my hard classes before it starts...not to mention job hunting before school starts...I can definitely use the extra day.
Also, I've realized I often ask for prayer requests here without offering to pray for anyone else. I know the internet is impersonal, but I often go long periods of time without seeing some of the people who read this. So, if you have anything you'd like me to pray for, comment it on one of my posts. I have to moderate all the comments, so I will leave prayer requests unpublished to protect anonymity. Just thought I would offer.
Peace.
Holy crap.
The place we're staying tonight, the Motel 6 right off I-80 in Avoca, was apparently voted the second best hotel regarding staff excellence and customer satisfaction in the NATION this year. The best part? We got a room with two beds for $70. Awesome. This is definitely the nicest place we've stayed so far, and it's almost the cheapest. I'm pretty happy about it.
Tomorrow, we're actually planning to make it home. The trip today was 10 1/2 hours and 685 miles...tomorrow's route should be forty miles shorter, but the same amount of time. We decided since we're so close now, we may as well go home. All this to say, Westward 2011, Day 10, is apparently the last full day of our trip. Sad. This means no more blogs from the road.
I'm over it. If you read my last two posts, you know that I have a lot to work on when I get back...not to mention my internship paper which needs to be done by September 9...not to mention trying to work ahead in one of my hard classes before it starts...not to mention job hunting before school starts...I can definitely use the extra day.
Also, I've realized I often ask for prayer requests here without offering to pray for anyone else. I know the internet is impersonal, but I often go long periods of time without seeing some of the people who read this. So, if you have anything you'd like me to pray for, comment it on one of my posts. I have to moderate all the comments, so I will leave prayer requests unpublished to protect anonymity. Just thought I would offer.
Peace.
Westward 2011, Day 10
So, we're in the middle of Nebraska today.
The joy of the Lord is my strength.
There really is nothing going on here. Seriously. It's not all cornfields...but it is all bland. We have made good progress because of this, though. High speed limits with no interesting places to stop make for fast travel. Tomorrow, we expect to be just over the border of Illinois, meaning we will probably be back home by Tuesday night. Crazy.
No pictures today, either. Hope you weren't actually expecting some exciting ones from today. I might have some tomorrow.
If you read my last post, you know I'm considering a more ecology-focused major rather than geology after I graduate from the Arb. I was looking stuff up last night about undergraduate and graduate programs at Michigan State University and University of Montana. I've been doing a lot of thinking today about it and have been talking with my mom about it as well. UM has both wildlife biology undergrad and grad programs, and an honors option for the undergrad program. Plus, it's in Montana. MSU has an excellent-looking environmental biology/zoology undergrad program, but doesn't really have the kind of grad programs I would want to major in.
I was also thinking about what I WANT to do versus what I SHOULD do, especially regarding where I'm currently at in life. I think God has brought me to the church I'm at for a reason. I've practically promised my help to them already, and if I ran to Montana next year instead of staying here, I would feel like I'm abandoning them. I'm also in a decent place financially, even after I graduate from the Arb. I'm getting quite a bit of financial aid, and going back to school won't put me hundreds of thousands into debt. Staying in Lansing for a while will also give me more time to look for a decent job and keep it for a while, which would be nice.
A lot to think about. I'm praying about it, and I would ask you again to do the same if you would. Thank you.
Peace.
The joy of the Lord is my strength.
There really is nothing going on here. Seriously. It's not all cornfields...but it is all bland. We have made good progress because of this, though. High speed limits with no interesting places to stop make for fast travel. Tomorrow, we expect to be just over the border of Illinois, meaning we will probably be back home by Tuesday night. Crazy.
No pictures today, either. Hope you weren't actually expecting some exciting ones from today. I might have some tomorrow.
If you read my last post, you know I'm considering a more ecology-focused major rather than geology after I graduate from the Arb. I was looking stuff up last night about undergraduate and graduate programs at Michigan State University and University of Montana. I've been doing a lot of thinking today about it and have been talking with my mom about it as well. UM has both wildlife biology undergrad and grad programs, and an honors option for the undergrad program. Plus, it's in Montana. MSU has an excellent-looking environmental biology/zoology undergrad program, but doesn't really have the kind of grad programs I would want to major in.
I was also thinking about what I WANT to do versus what I SHOULD do, especially regarding where I'm currently at in life. I think God has brought me to the church I'm at for a reason. I've practically promised my help to them already, and if I ran to Montana next year instead of staying here, I would feel like I'm abandoning them. I'm also in a decent place financially, even after I graduate from the Arb. I'm getting quite a bit of financial aid, and going back to school won't put me hundreds of thousands into debt. Staying in Lansing for a while will also give me more time to look for a decent job and keep it for a while, which would be nice.
A lot to think about. I'm praying about it, and I would ask you again to do the same if you would. Thank you.
Peace.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Westward 2011, Day 9
So, I don't have any pictures today. Sorry in advance. However, today was sweet, and I wish my camera was good enough to take pictures of what we saw.
The day started at 4:30am when my mom's alarm went off in the motel room. Ick. We got picked up for a sunrise wildlife tour at about 5:50am. Within the first two hours we saw six moose. Six. That is a lot of moosen. Two cows each with a calf, one other cow, and a big ol' bull. One of the cows with a calf was actually walking along a river grazing with her calf roughly fifty yards away from us. It was awesome. Various sections of that river were where we saw all six of the moose, actually, and not very far away from each other.
Moose are freaking huge. The bull was about six feet at the shoulder, to give you an idea. Dark brown fur, long legs, and a goofy, but friendly, face. Our guide was telling us (and we witnessed this to be true) for such a large animal, they could somehow simply disappear into the foliage and be completely lost from sight in a matter of seconds. I commented, "It's probably because they're one with the shadows."
EVERYTHING FINALLY MAKES SENSE.
Anyway, along the same river we saw a long-tailed weasel as well. He ran up the river bank, stopped at the edge, and gave us this look like:
O.O
OMG PEOPLE
Then he ran away. lol. Later on the trip we saw more bison and pronghorn, along with a Swainson's Hawk with intermediate plumage. Sorry...the excessive bird info will not stop.
To be honest, the trip would've been pretty lame had the guide not had a really charismatic personality and been very intelligent. She was extremely knowledgeable regarding almost every animal we saw (minus the small birds) and actually provided us with a good historical look at Jackson Hole as well. We also got on the topic of how she was affiliated with the Teton Science School, which provides the tours, and got a glimpse of her life story, which was nothing short of epic. Trapping animals for research in Yellowstone National Park...working for federal and state agencies in ecology jobs...living in the woods for extended periods of time...driving around to new places and new job opportunities when one would expire.
Let's just say...I'm glad I haven't officially set myself on geology this spring just yet. Both geology and ecology are areas which God has given me a huge passion for. I'm going to be praying about which direction God wants me to take at this point...but I know He's given me these passions for a reason, and I also know that "all things work together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Personally, I currently think I am more prepared to go into an ecology-type field. I have a strong desire to see us use our natural resources more wisely and become better stewards of Creation. Maybe I should go save the whales. I don't know.
I would appreciate your prayers about this issue. If you read my "Schooling and Goals" post before you read this one, you can probably already tell I need the prayers, ha. Prayer is a good thing. I'd appreciate them in general. There's a lot going on with my family, too. Thank you.
Peace.
The day started at 4:30am when my mom's alarm went off in the motel room. Ick. We got picked up for a sunrise wildlife tour at about 5:50am. Within the first two hours we saw six moose. Six. That is a lot of moosen. Two cows each with a calf, one other cow, and a big ol' bull. One of the cows with a calf was actually walking along a river grazing with her calf roughly fifty yards away from us. It was awesome. Various sections of that river were where we saw all six of the moose, actually, and not very far away from each other.
Moose are freaking huge. The bull was about six feet at the shoulder, to give you an idea. Dark brown fur, long legs, and a goofy, but friendly, face. Our guide was telling us (and we witnessed this to be true) for such a large animal, they could somehow simply disappear into the foliage and be completely lost from sight in a matter of seconds. I commented, "It's probably because they're one with the shadows."
EVERYTHING FINALLY MAKES SENSE.
Anyway, along the same river we saw a long-tailed weasel as well. He ran up the river bank, stopped at the edge, and gave us this look like:
O.O
OMG PEOPLE
Then he ran away. lol. Later on the trip we saw more bison and pronghorn, along with a Swainson's Hawk with intermediate plumage. Sorry...the excessive bird info will not stop.
To be honest, the trip would've been pretty lame had the guide not had a really charismatic personality and been very intelligent. She was extremely knowledgeable regarding almost every animal we saw (minus the small birds) and actually provided us with a good historical look at Jackson Hole as well. We also got on the topic of how she was affiliated with the Teton Science School, which provides the tours, and got a glimpse of her life story, which was nothing short of epic. Trapping animals for research in Yellowstone National Park...working for federal and state agencies in ecology jobs...living in the woods for extended periods of time...driving around to new places and new job opportunities when one would expire.
Let's just say...I'm glad I haven't officially set myself on geology this spring just yet. Both geology and ecology are areas which God has given me a huge passion for. I'm going to be praying about which direction God wants me to take at this point...but I know He's given me these passions for a reason, and I also know that "all things work together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Personally, I currently think I am more prepared to go into an ecology-type field. I have a strong desire to see us use our natural resources more wisely and become better stewards of Creation. Maybe I should go save the whales. I don't know.
I would appreciate your prayers about this issue. If you read my "Schooling and Goals" post before you read this one, you can probably already tell I need the prayers, ha. Prayer is a good thing. I'd appreciate them in general. There's a lot going on with my family, too. Thank you.
Peace.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Westward 2011, Day 8
So, it looks like the westward travels are officially subsiding. Things are no less awesome than they were yesterday, however. We took an aerial tram ride up a mountain today. I stood on the summit at 10,450 feet above sea level. Awesome. We had breakfast on top of the mountain, too. My mom had a waffle with brown sugar and butter...mine was with Nutella. Delicious. We walked down the summit a little way on a short trail, which was actually fairly tiring. I could really tell the air was thin; just walking the half-mile loop was pretty difficult. There were several groups of people with huge packs headed out on some of the trails which went through the mountains. I pitied and envied them at the same time. A bunch of people were also going on tandem paraglides down the mountain, which was freaking sweet. I would love to do that someday.
Standing on the summit, looking out over the valley, wind in my face and storms rolling through the mountains around us. Best experience on this trip yet.
After we came back down the tram, we headed to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. The preserve had some nice trails which we checked out, and it was very beautiful and peaceful.
Now we're back in our Motel 6 in Jackson. At 6am tomorrow, we're getting picked up for a guided wildlife tour around Jackson Hole. Apparently, we're the only two people who signed up for it, which should make it more interesting and personal. The tour is run by the Teton Science School, an institution here in Jackson Hole. It looks like a pretty awesome school from what I saw on their website.
After the tour, we're heading out and back toward home. Now we're thinking just getting back in a reasonable amount of time before Labor Day, so we're just going south to I-80 and heading across Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois to Michigan. Yes, corn. Oh well. Everything we've done so far has made a trip through the universe's cornfield worth it.
Peace.
Standing on the summit, looking out over the valley, wind in my face and storms rolling through the mountains around us. Best experience on this trip yet.
After we came back down the tram, we headed to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. The preserve had some nice trails which we checked out, and it was very beautiful and peaceful.
Now we're back in our Motel 6 in Jackson. At 6am tomorrow, we're getting picked up for a guided wildlife tour around Jackson Hole. Apparently, we're the only two people who signed up for it, which should make it more interesting and personal. The tour is run by the Teton Science School, an institution here in Jackson Hole. It looks like a pretty awesome school from what I saw on their website.
After the tour, we're heading out and back toward home. Now we're thinking just getting back in a reasonable amount of time before Labor Day, so we're just going south to I-80 and heading across Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois to Michigan. Yes, corn. Oh well. Everything we've done so far has made a trip through the universe's cornfield worth it.
Peace.
Westward 2011, Day 7
So, we finally made it to Yellowstone and Grand Teton today. Holy cow. My brain was exploding at the scenery at Buffalo Bill State Park, before we even made it to Yellowstone. The Rockies are beautiful. We traveled west to the center of Yellowstone, then south along Yellowstone Lake, which was enormous.
I wasn't expecting to be doubly amazed by Grand Teton National Park. Dear goodness, God put some of the best scenery in the world here. I was expecting to want to stay in Yellowstone for a few days, or at least want to travel back to it for a day trip. Nope. We made it to Jackson Hole tonight, and we're spending the rest of our time checking out Grand Teton. Tomorrow morning, we're taking an aerial tram up a mountain...roughly 10,000 feet up, actually. We'll spend some time hiking around up there, and eating waffles on top of the dang world. Yeah. The next morning we're going on a guided, sunrise wildlife tour around the Jackson Hole area. Should be sweet. I'll be sure to get some sweet pictures of those things.
Here's the Grand Teton itself:
Peace.
I wasn't expecting to be doubly amazed by Grand Teton National Park. Dear goodness, God put some of the best scenery in the world here. I was expecting to want to stay in Yellowstone for a few days, or at least want to travel back to it for a day trip. Nope. We made it to Jackson Hole tonight, and we're spending the rest of our time checking out Grand Teton. Tomorrow morning, we're taking an aerial tram up a mountain...roughly 10,000 feet up, actually. We'll spend some time hiking around up there, and eating waffles on top of the dang world. Yeah. The next morning we're going on a guided, sunrise wildlife tour around the Jackson Hole area. Should be sweet. I'll be sure to get some sweet pictures of those things.
Here's the Grand Teton itself:
Peace.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
A side thought while traveling
So, I need to post this along with my daily travel blog. It's been really interesting traveling with my mom over the past week. The past four years have each looked like this: about seven months at SAU, about two months at camp, about two months at home, and a month of random travels. The two months at home each year aren't even all at the same time; they're broken up into a few weeks at a time throughout the year.
All this to say, I haven't spent much time around my mom since I graduated high school. The first few days of the trip were especially hard because of this; we haven't traveled together for a long time, and we were getting on each other's nerves quite a bit. We talked about it a bit, and have been trying to do better at dealing with the differences between us which we haven't had to deal with for the past four years.
In the end, though, it really comes down to an issue which God has been revealing to me a lot this summer: my own pride and self-righteousness. I got rebuked by a Godly man this summer because of my own self-righteousness, and it hurt to see how much I have. It's become more and more apparent as the summer goes on, and I think it's the main cause of a lot of the tensions between my mom and myself.
Things like this is where following Christ gets hard. It's not a physical hardship...but it might be harder than one. It's so difficult to lay down your rights to stick up for yourself and/or your opinions. I want to prove myself right so much that it gets in the way of having right relationships with my friends and family...which gets in the way of my relationship with God.
I would probably keep going, but I'm tired, and my thoughts are muddled.
Friends, pray that God continues to humble me and reveal more of this to me. Thank you.
Peace.
All this to say, I haven't spent much time around my mom since I graduated high school. The first few days of the trip were especially hard because of this; we haven't traveled together for a long time, and we were getting on each other's nerves quite a bit. We talked about it a bit, and have been trying to do better at dealing with the differences between us which we haven't had to deal with for the past four years.
In the end, though, it really comes down to an issue which God has been revealing to me a lot this summer: my own pride and self-righteousness. I got rebuked by a Godly man this summer because of my own self-righteousness, and it hurt to see how much I have. It's become more and more apparent as the summer goes on, and I think it's the main cause of a lot of the tensions between my mom and myself.
Things like this is where following Christ gets hard. It's not a physical hardship...but it might be harder than one. It's so difficult to lay down your rights to stick up for yourself and/or your opinions. I want to prove myself right so much that it gets in the way of having right relationships with my friends and family...which gets in the way of my relationship with God.
I would probably keep going, but I'm tired, and my thoughts are muddled.
Friends, pray that God continues to humble me and reveal more of this to me. Thank you.
Peace.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Westward 2011, Day 6
So, today was a more chill day regarding travel. In the morning, we walked around one of a series of reservoirs in Beck Lake Park just outside Cody. There were tons of birds, several of which are native almost solely to Western sagebrush habitats, so it was pretty cool to see them.
After this, I started getting a pretty awful headache. This happens with some regularity with me, and I've been trying to figure it out this summer. During the afternoon, I rested and checked out possible reasons for this online. I've been thinking it might have something to do with barometric pressure changes, and some research today along with firsthand experience makes me think my hypothesis is accurate. I felt increasingly terrible in the early afternoon, then a storm rolled in, and as it left, my headache started to slowly subside. A lot of people online say that high barometric pressure can cause headaches, as the strong pressure can cause blood vessels in your head to constrict. Some people offered up some effective-sounding home remedies for it, but most sources agreed there is little which can be done about it, other than drugging yourself up. Sad day.
Anways, we couldn't really go looking around the town much today because of how crappy I felt, which was too bad. After I started feeling better toward the evening, we went for another walk around the reservoir. We took an alternate trail off the main paved trail this time and walked through the sagebrush. It was sweet. My mom suggested I look for job opportunities out here, and I'm inclined to think it would be a good idea. I love the scenery, the people, and the climate out here. It's been very hot each day, but the humidity is very low, which makes the heat a lot more bearable, and actually somewhat comfortable. I could definitely spend my life out here.
Tomorrow we're heading to Jackson Hole, spending the morning in Yellowstone. We'll be spending the next few days in the Grand Teton/Yellowstone area, so my lack of photos today will be made up for.
Here's my one picture for the day:
Peace.
After this, I started getting a pretty awful headache. This happens with some regularity with me, and I've been trying to figure it out this summer. During the afternoon, I rested and checked out possible reasons for this online. I've been thinking it might have something to do with barometric pressure changes, and some research today along with firsthand experience makes me think my hypothesis is accurate. I felt increasingly terrible in the early afternoon, then a storm rolled in, and as it left, my headache started to slowly subside. A lot of people online say that high barometric pressure can cause headaches, as the strong pressure can cause blood vessels in your head to constrict. Some people offered up some effective-sounding home remedies for it, but most sources agreed there is little which can be done about it, other than drugging yourself up. Sad day.
Anways, we couldn't really go looking around the town much today because of how crappy I felt, which was too bad. After I started feeling better toward the evening, we went for another walk around the reservoir. We took an alternate trail off the main paved trail this time and walked through the sagebrush. It was sweet. My mom suggested I look for job opportunities out here, and I'm inclined to think it would be a good idea. I love the scenery, the people, and the climate out here. It's been very hot each day, but the humidity is very low, which makes the heat a lot more bearable, and actually somewhat comfortable. I could definitely spend my life out here.
Tomorrow we're heading to Jackson Hole, spending the morning in Yellowstone. We'll be spending the next few days in the Grand Teton/Yellowstone area, so my lack of photos today will be made up for.
Here's my one picture for the day:
Peace.
Westward 2011, Day 5
So, we finally made it to Wyoming today. Holy cow, it's very different from entering South Dakota. We couldn't really see a difference in South Dakota from other places in the Midwest at first. Once we entered Wyoming, however, the scenery completely changed. We definitely felt like we were in Wyoming when we got here. Low, rocky hills covered in yellow grass and green shrubs, beautiful rock formations off in the distance, and a clear, blue sky above us...it was amazing. I instantly fell in love with Wyoming...and my mom and I both agreed that Glacier National Park might be less of a priority...enough so that we might just skip it entirely. It's sad to say it...but I'm feeling so at home here, and I can't imagine Yellowstone and Grand Teton are going to make me change my mind about it.
Right in the middle of the state, we ran into the Bighorn Mountains. Not the Rockies, but the first snow-capped mountains I've ever seen. While we were driving through them, we found a little rest stop with a couple viewing points over the Shell Falls. We were practically the only people there, and it didn't seem like a huge tourist attraction...but I thought it was cooler than the Tahquamenon Falls. Hilarious. Also saw a yellow-bellied marmot on a cliff on the opposite side of the river, which was pretty cool. We then drove through the Shell Canyon out of the Bighorn Mtns., which was also an amazing experience. The highest edges of the canyon were sheer rock faces, but they turned into grassy, rocky slopes for most of the way down until they came close to the Shell River, where they turned back into small cliffs.
Tonight we're staying in Cody, which is about fifty miles east of Yellowstone National Park. We went to the world famous Cody Rodeo when we got here, which was pretty cool. After all day of being in a car, though, I was pretty sick of sitting and looking at stuff, so we left after it was about halfway over. Tomorrow, we're just going to check out the town and chill. Should be a good time.
Here's a picture of part of the Shell Canyon:
Peace.
Right in the middle of the state, we ran into the Bighorn Mountains. Not the Rockies, but the first snow-capped mountains I've ever seen. While we were driving through them, we found a little rest stop with a couple viewing points over the Shell Falls. We were practically the only people there, and it didn't seem like a huge tourist attraction...but I thought it was cooler than the Tahquamenon Falls. Hilarious. Also saw a yellow-bellied marmot on a cliff on the opposite side of the river, which was pretty cool. We then drove through the Shell Canyon out of the Bighorn Mtns., which was also an amazing experience. The highest edges of the canyon were sheer rock faces, but they turned into grassy, rocky slopes for most of the way down until they came close to the Shell River, where they turned back into small cliffs.
Tonight we're staying in Cody, which is about fifty miles east of Yellowstone National Park. We went to the world famous Cody Rodeo when we got here, which was pretty cool. After all day of being in a car, though, I was pretty sick of sitting and looking at stuff, so we left after it was about halfway over. Tomorrow, we're just going to check out the town and chill. Should be a good time.
Here's a picture of part of the Shell Canyon:
Peace.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Westward 2011, Day 4
So, today we drove around Custer State Park, in the middle of South Dakota's Black Hills. Amazing. Saw a bunch of antelope, bison, and prairie dogs, not to mention more beautiful things like golden eagles soaring high above. We found a pull-off where there was a herd of wild (relatively) burros surrounded by people taking photos of and feeding them. They were so tame I could even pet a couple of them, which was pretty cool. The landscape of the whole area was astounding: the Black Hills seemed to be comparable to the Appalachians in height, but what a difference in habitats and animal life! In a nutshell, it's prairie grassland mixed in with rocky outcrops and thick pine forests.
The Needles Highway is a narrow mountain road traversing the northwest portion of the park, and the scenery there was something else in and of itself. The Needles are giant rocky outcrops which stand straight up into the sky off the hilltops. We traveled through several tunnels along this road, barely making it through with our F-150, and thought we were going to fall off the cliffs around several u-turns without guard rails. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
We came back to Keystone afterward and I bought a nice leather cowboy hat, which I've wanted for a while. I also bought a sweet leather biker's jacket for $100. That's dang cheap for a good leather jacket, and I'm pretty happy with it.
Tomorrow we're traveling into Wyoming toward Yellowstone. We've been doing a lot of driving and not a lot of relaxing, so the trip itinerary may change more, depending on how much down time we need to allot for ourselves.
Here's a picture of the Black Hills in Custer State Park:
Peace.
The Needles Highway is a narrow mountain road traversing the northwest portion of the park, and the scenery there was something else in and of itself. The Needles are giant rocky outcrops which stand straight up into the sky off the hilltops. We traveled through several tunnels along this road, barely making it through with our F-150, and thought we were going to fall off the cliffs around several u-turns without guard rails. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
We came back to Keystone afterward and I bought a nice leather cowboy hat, which I've wanted for a while. I also bought a sweet leather biker's jacket for $100. That's dang cheap for a good leather jacket, and I'm pretty happy with it.
Tomorrow we're traveling into Wyoming toward Yellowstone. We've been doing a lot of driving and not a lot of relaxing, so the trip itinerary may change more, depending on how much down time we need to allot for ourselves.
Here's a picture of the Black Hills in Custer State Park:
Peace.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Westward 2011, Day 3
So, South Dakota got infinitely better today. We crossed the Missouri River, which was awesome. If you're driving along I-90 and are crossing the Missouri in South Dakota, DON'T MISS THE REST STOP. Wicked views, and an awesome little trail through a pine forest. Also a very nice Lewis & Clark exhibit, as the duo apparently stayed at that very spot, naming it "Plum Camp."
The Badlands blew my mind. I've been waiting for this road trip for over a decade...and being out here, and touching the rocks, and walking around in the dirt beneath these amazing geological formations...I was doing and seeing what I'd only dreamed of prior to today. We traveled around the area for most of the day, saw a bunch of buffalo in one spot and a TON of prairie dogs everywhere, and I added about three new birds to my personal list...not that you cared about that part, haha.
Tonight we're staying in Keystone, South Dakota, which is in the Black Hills, right next to Mount Rushmore. I'm pretty impressed with the amount of geological variation I've seen within just one state, and even within one day. We started in eastern SD with cornfields and a generally flat landscape, made it to west-central SD with the rocky and barren Badlands, and now we're in western SD in the middle of a mountainous pine forest. Fantastic. Tomorrow we're traveling around Custer State Park, which will be the full Black Hills experience.
We're working on a new itinerary as well, looking something more like this:
Custer SP
Travel west through Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone NP
Travel northwest through Montana
Glacier NP for two full days
Leave for home through eastern Montana
Theodore Roosevelt NP in North Dakota
Head back through central Minnesota and Wisconsin
Take the ferry across Lake Michigan to Ludington, and home
We were considering doing the whole Porcupine Mountains and Upper Peninsula loop, but we just don't have the time, and my mom and I have never been on the ferry, so we opted for that instead.
Here's a sample picture of the Badlands:
Peace.
The Badlands blew my mind. I've been waiting for this road trip for over a decade...and being out here, and touching the rocks, and walking around in the dirt beneath these amazing geological formations...I was doing and seeing what I'd only dreamed of prior to today. We traveled around the area for most of the day, saw a bunch of buffalo in one spot and a TON of prairie dogs everywhere, and I added about three new birds to my personal list...not that you cared about that part, haha.
Tonight we're staying in Keystone, South Dakota, which is in the Black Hills, right next to Mount Rushmore. I'm pretty impressed with the amount of geological variation I've seen within just one state, and even within one day. We started in eastern SD with cornfields and a generally flat landscape, made it to west-central SD with the rocky and barren Badlands, and now we're in western SD in the middle of a mountainous pine forest. Fantastic. Tomorrow we're traveling around Custer State Park, which will be the full Black Hills experience.
We're working on a new itinerary as well, looking something more like this:
Custer SP
Travel west through Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone NP
Travel northwest through Montana
Glacier NP for two full days
Leave for home through eastern Montana
Theodore Roosevelt NP in North Dakota
Head back through central Minnesota and Wisconsin
Take the ferry across Lake Michigan to Ludington, and home
We were considering doing the whole Porcupine Mountains and Upper Peninsula loop, but we just don't have the time, and my mom and I have never been on the ferry, so we opted for that instead.
Here's a sample picture of the Badlands:
Peace.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Westward 2011, Day 2
So, today's travel day was a lot longer distance, but much more bearable. We traveled from Madison, WI, to Mitchell, South Dakota...AKA, no big-city driving. We stopped at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge on the Mississippi River for a while and saw some American White Pelicans out in the water, which was pretty cool. Minnesota was an extremely long drive, but there really wasn't a whole lot going on since we were almost on the border of Iowa...we thought that's where we were a couple times because of all the corn. Honestly...even after we passed through Sioux Falls, we still felt like we were in the Midwest. I just really don't think of CORN!!! when I think of South Dakota. Ah, oh well.
Mitchell, SD, is interesting: home of the Corn Palace. Yes, the Corn Palace.
I can't wait to get to the other side of the dang state.
Really, though...it is cool finally being here. I'm really excited to get to the prairie tomorrow. Should be pretty awesome.
Casa del Rey in Sioux Falls, SD, is a fantastic Mexican restaurant, FYI.
Here's a picture of the Mississippi River crossing at Winona, Minnesota:
Peace.
Mitchell, SD, is interesting: home of the Corn Palace. Yes, the Corn Palace.
I can't wait to get to the other side of the dang state.
Really, though...it is cool finally being here. I'm really excited to get to the prairie tomorrow. Should be pretty awesome.
Casa del Rey in Sioux Falls, SD, is a fantastic Mexican restaurant, FYI.
Here's a picture of the Mississippi River crossing at Winona, Minnesota:
Peace.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Westward 2011, Day 1
So, today was a travel day. Travel days suck. Got to see some Lake Michigan dunes at Grand Mere State Park before we left Michigan, which was nice. After we got to Gary, Indiana, the traffic started to get rough though, and by the time we were just outside downtown Chicago, my mom and I were pretty much hating life. We're not really fans of big cities, and if we're just passing through, even less so. We traveled up Lake Michigan to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and then headed straight west to Madison, where we're staying tonight. A late start this morning combined with rush hour traffic and a ton of construction means we didn't make it to Minnesota like we had hoped to, but now we have good plans for tomorrow. We're going to make a stop at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, which is on the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota...meaning we're going to hang out in a very scenic area of the Mississippi River. Should be good times. Afterward, the plan is to stop in Mitchell, South Dakota, which is just west of Sioux Falls.
Here's some Chicago skyline for you:
Peace.
Here's some Chicago skyline for you:
Peace.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Long-awaited
So, my mom called me the other day while I was in Grand Rapids and asked me if I wanted to go out West for two weeks when I get back.
UH YA
Needless to say, I came back earlier than I had originally intended. We're currently looking at making a huge loop around and back, with the northern Rockies as the western end. Here's what it might look like:
Make it to Minneapolis/St. Paul area (probably by tomorrow night).
Head through South Dakota: Black Hills, Badlands, etc.
Hit Wyoming: Make it to the Rockies, possibly Yellowstone National Park.
Head north along the Rockies to Montana: Glacier National Park as one of the trip highlights, hopefully spending a lot of time there.
Head east through Montana: No speed limits, barren wasteland, etc.
North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Through northern Minnesota and Wisconsin: Forest. mmmm.
Enter Michigan: Porcupine Mountains, Upper Peninsula, Mackinac Bridge, home again.
That's the plan. I'll try to post pictures daily and give a quick blog about what we've done. My mom's bringing her laptop with a mobile internet device, so we don't have to go looking for Wi-Fi hotspots.
I'd appreciate your prayers during the trip.
Peace.
UH YA
Needless to say, I came back earlier than I had originally intended. We're currently looking at making a huge loop around and back, with the northern Rockies as the western end. Here's what it might look like:
Make it to Minneapolis/St. Paul area (probably by tomorrow night).
Head through South Dakota: Black Hills, Badlands, etc.
Hit Wyoming: Make it to the Rockies, possibly Yellowstone National Park.
Head north along the Rockies to Montana: Glacier National Park as one of the trip highlights, hopefully spending a lot of time there.
Head east through Montana: No speed limits, barren wasteland, etc.
North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Through northern Minnesota and Wisconsin: Forest. mmmm.
Enter Michigan: Porcupine Mountains, Upper Peninsula, Mackinac Bridge, home again.
That's the plan. I'll try to post pictures daily and give a quick blog about what we've done. My mom's bringing her laptop with a mobile internet device, so we don't have to go looking for Wi-Fi hotspots.
I'd appreciate your prayers during the trip.
Peace.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Schooling and Goals
So, it's been a great summer thus far. The camp season for my co-workers and myself at Center Lake was almost double the usual length, but now we're officially done, and I'm ready to chill.
One thing that I need to get out here has to do with my education and life goals. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about where I wanted to be at this point in my life ten years ago and where I am now. I'll start by looking back.
Almost since I could talk, I've wanted to be a paleontologist (someone who studies ancient life-forms). I loved dinosaurs, and I never really grew out of that stage (Jurassic Park has always been one of my favorite movies, haha). I wanted to go to Michigan State University for a few years of college, then transfer to Montana State and live there for the rest of my life. This was my plan since about first grade all the way into high school.
When I was in my junior year of high school, a very intelligent teacher I respected a lot sat my mother and I down and asked me about my goals after high school. When I explained to him my goal of starting in geology at Michigan State and eventually becoming a paleontologist, he basically told me it was a poor career choice, and I should look into something else. Coming from him, this destroyed me, and so I started to look into other areas. My interests in the sciences were fairly eclectic, and I soon settled on ornithology (the study of birds) instead. I had taken a heavy interest in birdwatching in high school, and I had even made some connections which could help me gain a job in the field fairly quickly. I decided to try being a biology major at Michigan State instead.
As the time approached for me to start applying for college, Jesus made me realize something. My faith was not strong enough to handle going to a party school like Michigan State, and my relationship with Him would likely crumble there, especially going there as a science student. I decided to apply instead to Spring Arbor University, a Christian university which I hoped would grow my knowledge of the Scriptures and help grow my relationship with Christ. I applied and was quickly accepted.
During the winter of my senior year, someone I greatly respected in my church was talking with my about my goals after high school. When I explained to him my plan to major in biology and get into the ornithology field, he asked me point blank, "Well, that's cool and I'm sure you would have fun doing that, but how do you expect to serve Jesus doing that?" I didn't expect nor have an answer to this question, as I was still quite young in my relationship with Jesus. "You're passionate and good at music; why don't you do that instead?" So, after thinking about it more and looking at Spring Arbor's options, I switched m projected major to worship arts.
During my time at Spring Arbor, I never had really any idea where I was headed. I thought it was a good thing that I had no real goals in life; I assumed I was being more open to God's leading. I left the worship arts major for lots of reasons and went back in the direction of my former goals as a retreat and camping ministry major.
Last summer on my trip to Ireland and England, I found myself in a museum full of dinosaur skeletons and other geological finds. When some of my fellow classmates saw how into all of it I was, they asked me why I wasn't doing that with my education instead. Even one of my professors on the trip suggested that I do a Master's program in geology after I graduate if that was really where my passion still was. This affected me and got me thinking about the possibilities of more schooling after I graduate from Spring Arbor. This past year, however, made me lose a lot of faith in Spring Arbor as an institution, and I decided I would not ever consider going back to school for anything after I graduate in the fall of 2011.
This summer I read a two-year-old article about how Cedarville University had become one of the first fully-accredited Christian colleges with a geology program and which also holds to very similar Biblical views on Creation and the Flood as I do. They also teach the naturalistic and Creation theories on the beginning of life on Earth alongside each other so students know both views well when they graduate. This sparked a renewed desire in me which I thought had completely died.
Looking back, God definitely grew me closer to Himself at Spring Arbor and grew me in the knowledge of His Word. I also now think it may not have been the best idea for me to completely abandon my educational goals. God gave me a passion which others and I tried to squelch unknowingly, and now I believe He has renewed it in me. I believe He used my time at Spring Arbor to prepare me to finally follow after this passion. This change in mindset took me completely by surprise, and I realized immediately that I still wanted to become a geologist.
I'm now looking at possibly taking classes at Lansing Community College this spring semester, and maybe next year transferring to Grand Valley State University or Michigan State as a geology major. I decided against Cedarville, as I don't want to attend a Christian college again for several reasons. First, I would feel extremely irresponsible for spending so much money for more education after I graduate from Spring Arbor, and other Christian colleges don't actually have as much financial aid as Spring Arbor does. Second, I feel that if I went to another Christian college, I would probably become just as disenchanted with it as I have with Spring Arbor and would end up hating another institution and have a miserable time. I have lower expectations for secular schools to start with, anyway. Third, I really want to get out of the self-protective bubble of Christian education and be a Christ follower in a place where Christians aren't the majority.
I now also think I have an answer to the question which was posed to me during my senior year. The question, "How do you expect to serve Jesus doing that?" just reveals an attitude the church has toward the sciences which I have come to loathe. It seems that the church as a whole has abandoned the scientists as a group worth reaching with God's love, with some exceptions. Many Christians who are interested in the fields of geology and paleontology are out to disprove evolution. The hope in this is to prove God's existence by using physical evidences. What a horrible idea! We should prove God's existence by allowing Him to show His love through us, not by arguing our own points and theories. I have decided that I don't want to argue about Creation and evolution in my projected field of work. I want to work hard at my job, and allow Christ to speak through me to the people around me, and when anyone asks the reason for my hope in Christ, be able to answer them in love.
Peace.
One thing that I need to get out here has to do with my education and life goals. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about where I wanted to be at this point in my life ten years ago and where I am now. I'll start by looking back.
Almost since I could talk, I've wanted to be a paleontologist (someone who studies ancient life-forms). I loved dinosaurs, and I never really grew out of that stage (Jurassic Park has always been one of my favorite movies, haha). I wanted to go to Michigan State University for a few years of college, then transfer to Montana State and live there for the rest of my life. This was my plan since about first grade all the way into high school.
When I was in my junior year of high school, a very intelligent teacher I respected a lot sat my mother and I down and asked me about my goals after high school. When I explained to him my goal of starting in geology at Michigan State and eventually becoming a paleontologist, he basically told me it was a poor career choice, and I should look into something else. Coming from him, this destroyed me, and so I started to look into other areas. My interests in the sciences were fairly eclectic, and I soon settled on ornithology (the study of birds) instead. I had taken a heavy interest in birdwatching in high school, and I had even made some connections which could help me gain a job in the field fairly quickly. I decided to try being a biology major at Michigan State instead.
As the time approached for me to start applying for college, Jesus made me realize something. My faith was not strong enough to handle going to a party school like Michigan State, and my relationship with Him would likely crumble there, especially going there as a science student. I decided to apply instead to Spring Arbor University, a Christian university which I hoped would grow my knowledge of the Scriptures and help grow my relationship with Christ. I applied and was quickly accepted.
During the winter of my senior year, someone I greatly respected in my church was talking with my about my goals after high school. When I explained to him my plan to major in biology and get into the ornithology field, he asked me point blank, "Well, that's cool and I'm sure you would have fun doing that, but how do you expect to serve Jesus doing that?" I didn't expect nor have an answer to this question, as I was still quite young in my relationship with Jesus. "You're passionate and good at music; why don't you do that instead?" So, after thinking about it more and looking at Spring Arbor's options, I switched m projected major to worship arts.
During my time at Spring Arbor, I never had really any idea where I was headed. I thought it was a good thing that I had no real goals in life; I assumed I was being more open to God's leading. I left the worship arts major for lots of reasons and went back in the direction of my former goals as a retreat and camping ministry major.
Last summer on my trip to Ireland and England, I found myself in a museum full of dinosaur skeletons and other geological finds. When some of my fellow classmates saw how into all of it I was, they asked me why I wasn't doing that with my education instead. Even one of my professors on the trip suggested that I do a Master's program in geology after I graduate if that was really where my passion still was. This affected me and got me thinking about the possibilities of more schooling after I graduate from Spring Arbor. This past year, however, made me lose a lot of faith in Spring Arbor as an institution, and I decided I would not ever consider going back to school for anything after I graduate in the fall of 2011.
This summer I read a two-year-old article about how Cedarville University had become one of the first fully-accredited Christian colleges with a geology program and which also holds to very similar Biblical views on Creation and the Flood as I do. They also teach the naturalistic and Creation theories on the beginning of life on Earth alongside each other so students know both views well when they graduate. This sparked a renewed desire in me which I thought had completely died.
Looking back, God definitely grew me closer to Himself at Spring Arbor and grew me in the knowledge of His Word. I also now think it may not have been the best idea for me to completely abandon my educational goals. God gave me a passion which others and I tried to squelch unknowingly, and now I believe He has renewed it in me. I believe He used my time at Spring Arbor to prepare me to finally follow after this passion. This change in mindset took me completely by surprise, and I realized immediately that I still wanted to become a geologist.
I'm now looking at possibly taking classes at Lansing Community College this spring semester, and maybe next year transferring to Grand Valley State University or Michigan State as a geology major. I decided against Cedarville, as I don't want to attend a Christian college again for several reasons. First, I would feel extremely irresponsible for spending so much money for more education after I graduate from Spring Arbor, and other Christian colleges don't actually have as much financial aid as Spring Arbor does. Second, I feel that if I went to another Christian college, I would probably become just as disenchanted with it as I have with Spring Arbor and would end up hating another institution and have a miserable time. I have lower expectations for secular schools to start with, anyway. Third, I really want to get out of the self-protective bubble of Christian education and be a Christ follower in a place where Christians aren't the majority.
I now also think I have an answer to the question which was posed to me during my senior year. The question, "How do you expect to serve Jesus doing that?" just reveals an attitude the church has toward the sciences which I have come to loathe. It seems that the church as a whole has abandoned the scientists as a group worth reaching with God's love, with some exceptions. Many Christians who are interested in the fields of geology and paleontology are out to disprove evolution. The hope in this is to prove God's existence by using physical evidences. What a horrible idea! We should prove God's existence by allowing Him to show His love through us, not by arguing our own points and theories. I have decided that I don't want to argue about Creation and evolution in my projected field of work. I want to work hard at my job, and allow Christ to speak through me to the people around me, and when anyone asks the reason for my hope in Christ, be able to answer them in love.
Peace.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Camp prep and home
So, summer camp is coming up soon. The only reason I haven't left already is because I'm waiting for my van to get fixed (it needs a new power train control module, which is normally hundreds of dollars, but our mechanic says he can get a used one for about $60, thank the Lord). Anyway, this summer I'm going to be Core Staff again, this time working as joint worship leader with one of my friends. I've wanted this job at camp for about three years now, so it's pretty refreshing to finally be asked to do it!
It has been nice being home, though. I've been doing a good bit of reading, as I've said in previous posts. Now I'm re-reading "Mudhouse Sabbath" by Lauren Winner. Lauren grew up Orthodox Jewish, and converted to Christianity. After living for a while as a Christian, she began to miss the depth which the traditions of her former faith had. This book is her attempt to help Christians begin practicing spiritual disciplines and put some meaning into the traditions they hold to. This is my second time reading the book, and I love it. Definitely recommend.
Also, I love having dreads. I said in a previous post that I have a purpose for them; I'll explain a little bit. I have four dreads right now. One of them is for reminding myself not to gossip. This one has been pretty hard, surprisingly. I've realized that myself and others gossip all the time; that is, talk about things behind people's backs which they wouldn't want you to say. Having a physical reminder not to do this hanging next to my face has honestly really helped. Like I said, I have three others currently. I may add more sometime soon as I see fit. You can ask me in person if you want to know what they are; they're for me, not for you, though, so I'm not sharing on here.
You should try something similar. It's really helped me look closer at how I live each day.
Peace.
It has been nice being home, though. I've been doing a good bit of reading, as I've said in previous posts. Now I'm re-reading "Mudhouse Sabbath" by Lauren Winner. Lauren grew up Orthodox Jewish, and converted to Christianity. After living for a while as a Christian, she began to miss the depth which the traditions of her former faith had. This book is her attempt to help Christians begin practicing spiritual disciplines and put some meaning into the traditions they hold to. This is my second time reading the book, and I love it. Definitely recommend.
Also, I love having dreads. I said in a previous post that I have a purpose for them; I'll explain a little bit. I have four dreads right now. One of them is for reminding myself not to gossip. This one has been pretty hard, surprisingly. I've realized that myself and others gossip all the time; that is, talk about things behind people's backs which they wouldn't want you to say. Having a physical reminder not to do this hanging next to my face has honestly really helped. Like I said, I have three others currently. I may add more sometime soon as I see fit. You can ask me in person if you want to know what they are; they're for me, not for you, though, so I'm not sharing on here.
You should try something similar. It's really helped me look closer at how I live each day.
Peace.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Reading: Abridged
So, I have to amend my last post. Turns out after closer inspection that I've been reading abridged versions of all those books I was talking about. Very sad day...but I'm still enjoying the reading. Maybe if I have a family someday, I will own both the abridged and full versions of the books so I can give my kids the abridged versions to read first. Who knows?
Peace.
Peace.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Reading
So, now that school is out for the summer, I've been able to get back into reading for fun. I just finished Robinon Crusoe(which I started during Christmas Break, as sad as that is) and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I love reading. 20,000 Leagues was full of excellent quotes, too.
"'Professor...it is true that I have fled from the world of men. It is true that I hate civilization. Still, I pitied this poor Indian fisherman. He comes from an oppressed country. I am, and always will be, one of the oppressed.'" -Cptn. Nemo
Apparently, a book called The Mysterious Island tells of Captain Nemo's fate after the events in this book, which makes me really want to acquire and read it as well.
I spent a little time today researching Che Guevara on Wikipedia today. I'm probably putting myself on some watchlist by saying this. I'm thinking about buying one of his books, The Motorcycle Diaries. During his college days, Che spent a year with one of his friends traveling across South America on a motorcycle, and it was in this time that he found his passion for justice for oppressed peoples around the world.
Until I get one or both of those books, however, I'll probably be working on A Tale of Two Cities next.
Peace.
"'Professor...it is true that I have fled from the world of men. It is true that I hate civilization. Still, I pitied this poor Indian fisherman. He comes from an oppressed country. I am, and always will be, one of the oppressed.'" -Cptn. Nemo
Apparently, a book called The Mysterious Island tells of Captain Nemo's fate after the events in this book, which makes me really want to acquire and read it as well.
I spent a little time today researching Che Guevara on Wikipedia today. I'm probably putting myself on some watchlist by saying this. I'm thinking about buying one of his books, The Motorcycle Diaries. During his college days, Che spent a year with one of his friends traveling across South America on a motorcycle, and it was in this time that he found his passion for justice for oppressed peoples around the world.
Until I get one or both of those books, however, I'll probably be working on A Tale of Two Cities next.
Peace.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Dreadful...
So, I've been growing my hair out for a while. Now, finally, it's long enough so I can do what I've been waiting for for a long time: dreads. Now, before you start rejoicing, gagging, or some strange combination of both, I would like to say they won't be permanent, at least as far as I can see at this point. I'm doing them myself with no nasty gels or stuff like that. At first, it was just so I could add another item to the long list of strange things I've done with my hair. Now, however, I'm making the whole thing a little more personal than just that. I have three dreads in my hair right now, and I am using them each as a personal reminder for a different aspect of my life. I like this idea more than just dreading my whole head, so I may or may not get to that eventually. For now, I'm content with just a few, and giving them more meaning.
Peace.
Peace.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Living in the Past
So, I was walking around campus for a while today. Going barefoot everywhere really make me feel better. It opens up more of my senses, and makes me feel more alive. Anyways, that was really off-topic. I was getting stuck in thoughts of past mistakes and foolish things I've done, and this question suddenly popped into my head:
"If you're going to live in the past, why don't you live in the death and resurrection of Christ?"
Dang. Why should I be so overcome with shame from the past when my shame has been taken away in the past as well? I need to live more out of thanksgiving. A good follow-up to my previous post, I think.
Peace.
"If you're going to live in the past, why don't you live in the death and resurrection of Christ?"
Dang. Why should I be so overcome with shame from the past when my shame has been taken away in the past as well? I need to live more out of thanksgiving. A good follow-up to my previous post, I think.
Peace.
Memory
So, I'm kind of sad today. I've been forgetting a lot of things lately. Last week, I forgot my backpack with my semester class notes in the DC, and I'm pretty sure someone stole it. It hasn't been returned to myself or to any lost and found area which it may have been left near. I was supposed to go hunting with my grampa last night (Porchfest night, for people from the Arb), and I forgot to tell him that I couldn't make it. I need to call him and apologize today. I forgot to set my alarm this morning to go to class, although I had prepared some homework to turn in, and I'm not doing as well as I could in the class already.
Just one of those days, you know?
At least I'm not addicted to cocaine.
Peace.
Just one of those days, you know?
At least I'm not addicted to cocaine.
Peace.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Woods
So, I decided (pretty last-minute) yesterday night that I was going to sleep in the woods at Spring Arbor. I grabbed my tent, sleeping bag, Bible, and some food and water, stuffed them into my backpacking pack, and found a good spot at around 2100 (9pm). I came back on campus once the tent was set up, and after hanging out with a couple friends, I went back and went to sleep.
Getting a tent set up in the woods in the dark by yourself is an interesting endeavour, to be sure. I was kind of freaked out for a while. It was very quiet where I was, so every little bug crawling on the forest floor sounded like a rabid raccoon coming for my ankles. At least that's what my brain kept going to. Really, though: all the little noises are amplified by about five times when they're the only noises you can hear. It's great.
While I was walking around in the dark, I couldn't help but think about God. Interesting how easy it was for me to turn my mind to Him when I was far away from all the fun things I like to do each day. So few distractions out in the woods.
Sleeping in itself was also an interesting experience. It actually felt pretty good to be sleeping on the ground, even with the sticks and stones underneath me. I just used my shirt as a cushion for my side, and by jacket for a pillow, and I slept great. When I woke up at about 630 the next morning, I honestly felt refreshed. I woke up to birds singing sweetly and the sun gently shining into my tent. It. Was. Fantastic. I did go back to sleep for another hour just because I was up late that night, but I was very ok with being up that early for once.
Part of the reason I felt so refreshed was just that waking up in the woods is something completely different. We're so used to waking up in our little boxes; our world starts when our alarms go off. We get up, get dressed, and go to work. When you wake up in the woods, the first thing you realize is that the world is already busy around you, and yet it's taking it's sweet time. You realize that you're part of something bigger. You realize that the world doesn't revolve around you and your silly plans. It's a humbling experience.
I'm planning on camping out at least one more time this semester, hopefully bringing a couple guys with me just so I can have some camaraderie. Next semester, I think it would be nice to camp out most weekends, if I get the chance. Just thought I would share some thoughts from this time around.
Peace.
Getting a tent set up in the woods in the dark by yourself is an interesting endeavour, to be sure. I was kind of freaked out for a while. It was very quiet where I was, so every little bug crawling on the forest floor sounded like a rabid raccoon coming for my ankles. At least that's what my brain kept going to. Really, though: all the little noises are amplified by about five times when they're the only noises you can hear. It's great.
While I was walking around in the dark, I couldn't help but think about God. Interesting how easy it was for me to turn my mind to Him when I was far away from all the fun things I like to do each day. So few distractions out in the woods.
Sleeping in itself was also an interesting experience. It actually felt pretty good to be sleeping on the ground, even with the sticks and stones underneath me. I just used my shirt as a cushion for my side, and by jacket for a pillow, and I slept great. When I woke up at about 630 the next morning, I honestly felt refreshed. I woke up to birds singing sweetly and the sun gently shining into my tent. It. Was. Fantastic. I did go back to sleep for another hour just because I was up late that night, but I was very ok with being up that early for once.
Part of the reason I felt so refreshed was just that waking up in the woods is something completely different. We're so used to waking up in our little boxes; our world starts when our alarms go off. We get up, get dressed, and go to work. When you wake up in the woods, the first thing you realize is that the world is already busy around you, and yet it's taking it's sweet time. You realize that you're part of something bigger. You realize that the world doesn't revolve around you and your silly plans. It's a humbling experience.
I'm planning on camping out at least one more time this semester, hopefully bringing a couple guys with me just so I can have some camaraderie. Next semester, I think it would be nice to camp out most weekends, if I get the chance. Just thought I would share some thoughts from this time around.
Peace.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Thoughts on Life #2
So, someone I know just posted a question on Facebook which made me very sad: "Does anyone know a place where I can find single Christian men?"
Sigh.
I've expressed my views on relationships on here before, and even more so to my friends in person, but I'll still say this: I do not believe everyone has to get married and be in a romantic relationship to be happy, and I also do not believe everyone is meant to get married.
For anyone who knows me and didn't already know this, I just recently broke up with my girlfriend, ending the longest dating relationship I have been in yet. We both realized we weren't really happy in the relationship, and that this was probably not going to change. On my own end, I've been finding Paul's words in 1 Corinthians more and more directed at me: "I wish all were as I am," him speaking of being single. I realized that I honestly don't want to be married anytime soon, and if that's the case, what is the point of being in a dating relationship right now? To make me feel better about myself? Unless I happen to run across someone who is willing to go crazy in life the way I'm trying to (and if I'm pretty good friends with them for a while first...not making that mistake ever again), I really don't want to have anything to do with a dating relationship right now. Now, I don't know if I'm going to feel the same way about this in five years or so, but those are definitely my thoughts right now, and I'm pretty dang happy with them. Whenever I ask God about it or start worrying/over-thinking things, He just keeps telling me to have patience and wait. So, that's what I'm going to do.
Some of my life goals currently: Get the heck out of Spring Arbor University with a degree. Find a really cheap (price and quality) apartment within a year. Sell/get rid of a bunch of crap. Find a job which will pay more than what I need to survive in said crappy apartment. Pay off student loans (I'm pretty sure debt is un-Biblical. Financially, I really regret coming to SAU. This is a subject for a whole other blog rant, though). Save up some money. Get a motorcycle. Save up some more money. Travel.
That's all for now, I guess.
Peace.
Sigh.
I've expressed my views on relationships on here before, and even more so to my friends in person, but I'll still say this: I do not believe everyone has to get married and be in a romantic relationship to be happy, and I also do not believe everyone is meant to get married.
For anyone who knows me and didn't already know this, I just recently broke up with my girlfriend, ending the longest dating relationship I have been in yet. We both realized we weren't really happy in the relationship, and that this was probably not going to change. On my own end, I've been finding Paul's words in 1 Corinthians more and more directed at me: "I wish all were as I am," him speaking of being single. I realized that I honestly don't want to be married anytime soon, and if that's the case, what is the point of being in a dating relationship right now? To make me feel better about myself? Unless I happen to run across someone who is willing to go crazy in life the way I'm trying to (and if I'm pretty good friends with them for a while first...not making that mistake ever again), I really don't want to have anything to do with a dating relationship right now. Now, I don't know if I'm going to feel the same way about this in five years or so, but those are definitely my thoughts right now, and I'm pretty dang happy with them. Whenever I ask God about it or start worrying/over-thinking things, He just keeps telling me to have patience and wait. So, that's what I'm going to do.
Some of my life goals currently: Get the heck out of Spring Arbor University with a degree. Find a really cheap (price and quality) apartment within a year. Sell/get rid of a bunch of crap. Find a job which will pay more than what I need to survive in said crappy apartment. Pay off student loans (I'm pretty sure debt is un-Biblical. Financially, I really regret coming to SAU. This is a subject for a whole other blog rant, though). Save up some money. Get a motorcycle. Save up some more money. Travel.
That's all for now, I guess.
Peace.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Psalm 130
So, I was reading out of this chapter today, and verses 3 and 4 really hit me:
"If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared."
The first half is enough to spend quite a while on in itself...but it doesn't stop there. God has forgiveness enough to forgive everyone. The last phrase actually has me kind of stumped right now:
"But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared."
Sounds paradoxical, right? We normally associate fear with UN-forgiveness. This verse sounds like it's saying God should be feared BECAUSE he forgives. Interesting, no? Anyone have any thoughts on that?
Peace.
"If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared."
The first half is enough to spend quite a while on in itself...but it doesn't stop there. God has forgiveness enough to forgive everyone. The last phrase actually has me kind of stumped right now:
"But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared."
Sounds paradoxical, right? We normally associate fear with UN-forgiveness. This verse sounds like it's saying God should be feared BECAUSE he forgives. Interesting, no? Anyone have any thoughts on that?
Peace.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Bible study
So, for one of my classes, I've had to create a Bible study series as an almost-final project. I'm just finishing it up now. I've really felt like someone in youth ministry doing this: I started with one whole topic for the series and objectives for it. I started making titles and objectives for each of the lessons, and as I wrote them, I have to keep going back and changing my objectives, because the direction kept changing. Now that I'm done, it looks like I need to change the general topic and objectives as well, since I took it all in a different direction than I anticipated. It's been really interesting, and helpful as well.
Also, I'm been thinking more lately about what I want to do after I graduate from Spring Arbor next fall. I'm strongly considering going to an outdoor leadership school after I get my loans paid off, if that happens relatively soon. Along with this, I really just want to travel all over after I'm done here. There are so many opportunities to go on adventures and have an impact on people's lives. I can't wait. Probably going to be stuck in some horrible job as soon as I graduate, but I think it would be worth it in the long run.
Peace.
Also, I'm been thinking more lately about what I want to do after I graduate from Spring Arbor next fall. I'm strongly considering going to an outdoor leadership school after I get my loans paid off, if that happens relatively soon. Along with this, I really just want to travel all over after I'm done here. There are so many opportunities to go on adventures and have an impact on people's lives. I can't wait. Probably going to be stuck in some horrible job as soon as I graduate, but I think it would be worth it in the long run.
Peace.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Mmmm, weather.
So, it snowed today. I woke up pretty upset about it. During Chapel, our chaplain subtly told us we have no right to be complaining about the weather, citing all the earthquakes, floods, nuclear accidents, and tornadoes which have been destroying people's homes and lives over the past month and are continuing. Definitely sobered me about how little my wet feet matter. Thought I would share this with anyone reading from Michigan who's also unhappy about the April snow.
Peace.
Peace.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Papers, presentations, projects...oh my...
So, I just finished one of the most obnoxious papers for school I've ever written. The topic: Predestination and Election. Now, don't worry, I'm not going to rant or ramble about that stuff in this post.
I think what made this paper so hard was that it's in combination with a presentation on the same topic which I have to give in class with one other student. The problem? We're both on one side of the argument, and over 3/4 of the rest of the class is on the other...and we have to open up the presentation for discussion after we're done...basically meaning we're going to have to defend ourselves against almost a whole class. Needless to say, I'm a little nervous about that. Oh well. I've put in a ton of research for this, so I'm confident we can give adequate answers for just about anything...they just may not like our answers, that's all. haha.
I've definitely become more solid in what I believe through this. I've also realized even more how much the Body of Christ should NEVER divide over this issue. Basically (and I've told plenty of people this already), if anyone says they know exactly how God works, especially regarding salvation, they should be totally disregarded.
Ugh. Anyways. Today, my friend Adam walked into my room, looked at me, and said: "Tanktop? Beanie? You look like a tuna farmer."
I think I found my new calling in life.
Peace.
I think what made this paper so hard was that it's in combination with a presentation on the same topic which I have to give in class with one other student. The problem? We're both on one side of the argument, and over 3/4 of the rest of the class is on the other...and we have to open up the presentation for discussion after we're done...basically meaning we're going to have to defend ourselves against almost a whole class. Needless to say, I'm a little nervous about that. Oh well. I've put in a ton of research for this, so I'm confident we can give adequate answers for just about anything...they just may not like our answers, that's all. haha.
I've definitely become more solid in what I believe through this. I've also realized even more how much the Body of Christ should NEVER divide over this issue. Basically (and I've told plenty of people this already), if anyone says they know exactly how God works, especially regarding salvation, they should be totally disregarded.
Ugh. Anyways. Today, my friend Adam walked into my room, looked at me, and said: "Tanktop? Beanie? You look like a tuna farmer."
I think I found my new calling in life.
Peace.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
EQ
So, in my recreation class, one of my classmates recently gave a presentation on EQ, referring to emotional intelligence. She handed out questionnaires for each student to fill out on their own time to look at their personal emotional health. I just filled mine out, and the answers I came up with did not really surprise me. A quick summary:
I can have a good time, but it's hard for me to really find bliss or awe in activities.
I can accept the help and criticism of others, and am willing to be taught.
I can let go of anger quickly, but not very often.
It is very hard for me to be tender and compassionate.
I am generally very critical of myself, and easily become judgmental toward others.
I can easily express how I feel to people I trust.
That's pretty much it. This is how I see myself, at least, whether or not other people see those things as true. There was also space for a friend to answer the same questions about me; I think I will ask my roommate to fill that portion out. I also have another copy of the quiz I will be giving to someone else, assuming someone else is interested in taking it. Anyway, the point is that I recognize some of my better aspects which God has made (and built over time) in me, but I also see some areas where I need to let Him have more control. Hope this was a little insightful for others.
Peace.
I can have a good time, but it's hard for me to really find bliss or awe in activities.
I can accept the help and criticism of others, and am willing to be taught.
I can let go of anger quickly, but not very often.
It is very hard for me to be tender and compassionate.
I am generally very critical of myself, and easily become judgmental toward others.
I can easily express how I feel to people I trust.
That's pretty much it. This is how I see myself, at least, whether or not other people see those things as true. There was also space for a friend to answer the same questions about me; I think I will ask my roommate to fill that portion out. I also have another copy of the quiz I will be giving to someone else, assuming someone else is interested in taking it. Anyway, the point is that I recognize some of my better aspects which God has made (and built over time) in me, but I also see some areas where I need to let Him have more control. Hope this was a little insightful for others.
Peace.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Lecture Series
So, this week a man named Andrew Walls came to Spring Arbor to give a few lectures. The topic was "Global Perspectives on Christianity." I was really interested, so I decided to go check it out. He spoke about the changing worldwide demographics of Christianity, past trends, future trends, the early church, and missionary work, both past and present. Here are some interesting thoughts, quotes, and points I gleaned:
A crusader goes elsewhere and makes people live Christian lives on his terms. A missionary goes elsewhere and lives a Christian life on other people's terms.
"The altars of Mammon are as gruesome as those of Molech." (comparing past and present idolatry)
Africa has quietly taken Europe's former place in the Christian world.
Already, North American and European Christians are substantially outnumbered by Christians in the rest of the world, and if trends continue, 2/3 of Christianity will be Non-Western.
The early church was culturally, geographically, and linguistically diverse; world Christianity has always been global, even before the "missionary movement" began.
"The only way a Jew could become a Christian was by becoming a Gentile Christian: a sad reversal." (explaining the disdain much of the world had for Jewish Christians eventually)
"When Anthony goes to the desert, he is not escaping the world: he is challenging the devil on his own ground." (during his explanation of Father Anthony and the beginnings of Christian Monasticism)
He also gave a very interesting analogy explaining the Trinity which has apparently been around for hundreds of years. It's a little strange, so bear with me, but it actually works pretty well:
We drink life in Christ just as one would drink a glass of milk. The Holy Spirit is the One Who has "milked" the Father for this life and brought it to us.
That is all.
Peace.
A crusader goes elsewhere and makes people live Christian lives on his terms. A missionary goes elsewhere and lives a Christian life on other people's terms.
"The altars of Mammon are as gruesome as those of Molech." (comparing past and present idolatry)
Africa has quietly taken Europe's former place in the Christian world.
Already, North American and European Christians are substantially outnumbered by Christians in the rest of the world, and if trends continue, 2/3 of Christianity will be Non-Western.
The early church was culturally, geographically, and linguistically diverse; world Christianity has always been global, even before the "missionary movement" began.
"The only way a Jew could become a Christian was by becoming a Gentile Christian: a sad reversal." (explaining the disdain much of the world had for Jewish Christians eventually)
"When Anthony goes to the desert, he is not escaping the world: he is challenging the devil on his own ground." (during his explanation of Father Anthony and the beginnings of Christian Monasticism)
He also gave a very interesting analogy explaining the Trinity which has apparently been around for hundreds of years. It's a little strange, so bear with me, but it actually works pretty well:
We drink life in Christ just as one would drink a glass of milk. The Holy Spirit is the One Who has "milked" the Father for this life and brought it to us.
That is all.
Peace.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Getting redundant...
So, I know this is starting to get old, but it looks like I'm going to be abandoning the site URL I just adopted. I just got a bunch of business cards in the mail today, and since they all have my blog's old URL stamped on them, I'm going to have to switch back...or else I would have to order a whole new batch of business cards. Sigh. I don't really want to switch back, but c'est la vie.
caseybutlerkingofthewildfrontier.blogspot.com
Peace.
caseybutlerkingofthewildfrontier.blogspot.com
Peace.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Pass This Cup
So, yesterday was a hard day. Thank you for your prayers, to those who were praying for me. I ended up going to my night class a little late because of the events of the day. In this class, we always have some silent prayer time. Yesterday we had about ten minutes. Right before the silence, our professor was speaking about Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, when He was praying that if all possible, the cup would pass from Him. During the silence, I thanked God that He had passed the cup from me and had lifted the burden I was carrying from the day. Immediately, He responded with, "The cup of suffering I have for you has not been passed," and a great feeling of awe and dread came over me as I realized that these events were nothing in comparison for what I will face in the future. Thank you, God, for not letting me wallow in shame and regret.
Peace.
Peace.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Fasting
So, you might notice my blog's name has been changed. I thought it was about time to name it something more appropriate to what I write about. The youtube link goes to the song "I Do Not Belong" by Kutless, which should help explain why I chose the new title.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ0i1KRY0wc
Also, for anyone who prays, I would ask that you pray for me this week. I need guidance and discernment very badly, and I'm going to be seeking it hard this week.
Peace.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ0i1KRY0wc
Also, for anyone who prays, I would ask that you pray for me this week. I need guidance and discernment very badly, and I'm going to be seeking it hard this week.
Peace.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Update
So, does anyone remember my post about a month ago in which I wrote out my thoughts on fast food, buying from big corporations, and the like? I thought I would give y'all a little update on how things are going.
I've completely ditched Taco Bell at this point. Since my last post, I've only eaten Taco Bell once, and it was just cheesy fiesta potatoes. I've been trying to eat McDonald's less as well, but that's been harder. I have at least been trying not to eat at the McDonald's and Marino's Pizza across the street from Spring Arbor, because they're the easiest fast food-type places to get to from here. I've also been eating a lot more salads lately, and have been feeling relatively healthier in general. Several of my friends have been trying to keep me accountable to not eat fast food since they read my last post, and I'm thankful for that.
I actually don't think I've shopped in Wal-Mart since my last post, either. I've been in Meijer a few times, but I've honestly been trying to shop more at Hutch's especially while I'm at Spring Arbor. It's been working out pretty well so far, mostly since I don't have to buy food very often anyway.
I've also been recycling more lately, especially since all the dorms got several new recycling bins for various materials. That's been nice.
One more main thing: I decided I'm going to buy a bike this summer. I really want to get back into better shape, especially in combination with the healthier eating habits I'm trying to engender in myself. Biking around Spring Arbor next semester, around home, and around other places would help me spend less on gas, as well. Since I'm already trying to save for an internship this summer, however, I'm considering giving in to consumerism a bit and putting some advertisements on my blog to help me save up. Don't worry though; if I do, I'm going to be very picky on the advertisers I try to get. They might actually be interesting.
Peace.
I've completely ditched Taco Bell at this point. Since my last post, I've only eaten Taco Bell once, and it was just cheesy fiesta potatoes. I've been trying to eat McDonald's less as well, but that's been harder. I have at least been trying not to eat at the McDonald's and Marino's Pizza across the street from Spring Arbor, because they're the easiest fast food-type places to get to from here. I've also been eating a lot more salads lately, and have been feeling relatively healthier in general. Several of my friends have been trying to keep me accountable to not eat fast food since they read my last post, and I'm thankful for that.
I actually don't think I've shopped in Wal-Mart since my last post, either. I've been in Meijer a few times, but I've honestly been trying to shop more at Hutch's especially while I'm at Spring Arbor. It's been working out pretty well so far, mostly since I don't have to buy food very often anyway.
I've also been recycling more lately, especially since all the dorms got several new recycling bins for various materials. That's been nice.
One more main thing: I decided I'm going to buy a bike this summer. I really want to get back into better shape, especially in combination with the healthier eating habits I'm trying to engender in myself. Biking around Spring Arbor next semester, around home, and around other places would help me spend less on gas, as well. Since I'm already trying to save for an internship this summer, however, I'm considering giving in to consumerism a bit and putting some advertisements on my blog to help me save up. Don't worry though; if I do, I'm going to be very picky on the advertisers I try to get. They might actually be interesting.
Peace.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Violence vs nonviolence
So, I'm going to use this post to hash out some of my views regarding wars and the use of force. This might require more than one post, or I may not even express all my thoughts. I've just been thinking about it more now because of the US government's bombing of Libya (which I won't be discussing in particular).
Jesus never condoned acts of violence in the New Testament. He set the example of peace and loving one's enemies. God has not commanded His people (Gentiles now included) to harm anyone else under the New Covenant; in fact, He has commanded the opposite: to be patient, loving, kindhearted, praying for those who abuse you, and blessing those who curse you. Where the Israelites would have stoned to death someone who was living in sin (especially sexual sin) among their congregation, the New Testament believers are commanded to rather cast the person out of fellowship. Just like the sacrificial system, I believe the switch to the New Covenant signaled switch from these physical acts of violence to actions which denote more spiritual consequences. As a follower of Christ (although a poor one at that), I do not feel that violence is an acceptable avenue in dealing with problems, whatever that may mean.
I could say more, but that is all for now.
Peace.
Jesus never condoned acts of violence in the New Testament. He set the example of peace and loving one's enemies. God has not commanded His people (Gentiles now included) to harm anyone else under the New Covenant; in fact, He has commanded the opposite: to be patient, loving, kindhearted, praying for those who abuse you, and blessing those who curse you. Where the Israelites would have stoned to death someone who was living in sin (especially sexual sin) among their congregation, the New Testament believers are commanded to rather cast the person out of fellowship. Just like the sacrificial system, I believe the switch to the New Covenant signaled switch from these physical acts of violence to actions which denote more spiritual consequences. As a follower of Christ (although a poor one at that), I do not feel that violence is an acceptable avenue in dealing with problems, whatever that may mean.
I could say more, but that is all for now.
Peace.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
A Short Thought
So, I was driving behind someone who was going 45mph in a 55 mph zone. I started thinking, "Man, old people sure are obnoxious on the road." Then I had another thought. "Why would I try to respect the elderly everywhere else but while I'm driving? Why don't I ask myself why they're driving slow and what could I do to respect them better as another driver?" Just an interesting thought.
Peace.
Peace.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
CCCA
So, I just got back from a three-day camp conference. It was so good. I just can't explain how much I learned there. Here are some thoughts, though.
Jesus is no longer the object of our faith; our experience with Jesus has become the object of our faith. If we're having a bad day, we get bummed out and forget that Jesus told us we need to count the cost before choosing to follow Him.
"The Spirit Himself bears witness that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him." Romans 8
Faith in Christ is not about what we see or feel. "Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?" Romans 8
Our faith is not about ourselves. Peter, Jesus' closest friend on earth, was also Jesus' great stumblingblock, as told in Matthew 16. Jesus told the disciples how He had to die, but Peter told Jesus it should not be so. Satan's best tool in trying to foil God's purpose (which is oneness) is often the person that is closest to us. The great lie of Satan is that it's all about us.
When people talk about "God told me this" or "the Holy Spirit told me to do that," it's often something that's good for the person. When God spoke to Saul in the New Testament, however....
I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT IT MEANS TO SUFFER FOR MY NAME'S SAKE.
You're not students of the Word for your own benefit, are you? Everything we do should be done in devotion to God and others.
Stir others up to faith and good works.
Just some thoughts.
Peace.
Jesus is no longer the object of our faith; our experience with Jesus has become the object of our faith. If we're having a bad day, we get bummed out and forget that Jesus told us we need to count the cost before choosing to follow Him.
"The Spirit Himself bears witness that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him." Romans 8
Faith in Christ is not about what we see or feel. "Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?" Romans 8
Our faith is not about ourselves. Peter, Jesus' closest friend on earth, was also Jesus' great stumblingblock, as told in Matthew 16. Jesus told the disciples how He had to die, but Peter told Jesus it should not be so. Satan's best tool in trying to foil God's purpose (which is oneness) is often the person that is closest to us. The great lie of Satan is that it's all about us.
When people talk about "God told me this" or "the Holy Spirit told me to do that," it's often something that's good for the person. When God spoke to Saul in the New Testament, however....
I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT IT MEANS TO SUFFER FOR MY NAME'S SAKE.
You're not students of the Word for your own benefit, are you? Everything we do should be done in devotion to God and others.
Stir others up to faith and good works.
Just some thoughts.
Peace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
