Here's some Chicago skyline for you:
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.
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