Don't worry. I don't know what I'm doing either

Well, hello there!

2010-03-30T17:57:00.001-07:00

2009-05-09T21:46:00.001-07:00

Not really sure where to go with this one.

It's summer.

I've finished two books so far, so that's nice.

Saw Star Trek. The first great movie of the summer for sure.

This blog has potential to be really boring, and I don't think I will make any attempt to redirect its current.

Bla bla bla bla.

Here's a funny picture:

Currently reading:

Up In The Air by Walter Kirn

From Where You Dream by Robert Olen Butler

Currently Listening to:

White Lies for Dark Times by Ben Harper and the Relentless 7

H.A.A.R.P. by Muse

Slow Train Coming by Bob Dylan

Currenlty watching:

Band of Brothers

The Terminator(s)

Chapman out.

Dear Diary

2009-02-25T12:26:00.000-08:00

My latest venture has been attempting to keep a daily journal. This task has been hard for me and, from what I've learned, it is for a lot of people.

I don't write because I rarely feel that I have anything important to say. Lacking eloquence is something else that prevents me from writing.

I'm trying to get in the habit of writing even when I don't have anything to say or the ability to say it well.

Currently reading:
World War Z by Max Brooks
Proverbs

Listening:
Hold Time by M. Ward
Fiction Family

Forever is a strong word

2009-02-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

It has been a very long time since I've done this. I'm not even sure that I know how to. I'm not sure that I knew how to.

Well, I have been occupying myself with schoolwork, reading, writing, listening to music (this should be able to be said with one word. Any suggestions?), and thinking. This semester has been great because I have been reading more than usual.

Anyway, I thought I should probably quit being such a vagabond and update this thing. Hopefully, I will keep it up. But, I wouldn't bet on it.

P. S. I can't wait to find out what this is...

Currently...

reading: The Sun Also Rises - Ernest Hemingway
The Liberated Imagination - Leland Ryken
Proverbs

listening: ...And The Battle Begun - RX Bandits

watching: Lost
Flight of the Conchords
The Office
AFI Top 100

Top 10

2008-10-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

I was driving late the other night, about thirty seconds from my dorm, when my ipod, in shuffle mode, played February Stars by Foo Fighters. I drove past the entrance to my university in order to be able to hear the entirety of the song. That's when I thought of a new top 10 list that I could make. So, here it is:

Top 10 songs I'd extend my driving time for

1. Every New Day by Five Iron Frenzy
2. February Stars by Foo Fighters
3. Hear You Me by Jimmy Eat World
4. Misunderstood by Wilco
5. Paranoid Android by Radiohead
6. Title and Registration by Death Cab for Cutie
7. The Earth Will Shake by Thrice
8. Seer's Tower by Sufjan Stevens
9. Let's Dance by M. Ward
10. The Shadow Proves The Sunshine by Switchfoot

Top 100

2008-10-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

I have a new goal: the American Film Institute's top 100 movies. So far I've watched On the Waterfront and The Graduate. Both were great films but The Graduate struck my soul in a different way. I can definitely see Wes Anderson being heavily influenced by this film.

"Mrs. Robinson, if you don't mind my saying so, this conversation is getting a little strange"

"I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it."

2008-08-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

I'm currently reading The War of the Worlds and let me just say that the tripods in the book are much scarier than the ones in the Spielberg movie...

0h and sorry for not blogging much.

The Ped Egg

2008-06-10T18:16:00.000-07:00

A) good idea, B) bad idea, or C) glorified cheese grater. There are probably other options but I'm too lazy to think of what they might be.

A good week

2008-05-01T23:07:00.000-07:00

I have had an excellent week. Last Saturday I got to see this guy (see below) in concert as well as several other great bands at Agapefest:

I started my job at this place (see below) and I'm having a blast:

If that weren't enough it seems that The Office keeps getting funnier and Lost keeps getting weirder:

So here's to good weeks.

Currently listening to:
Word of Mouth by John Reuben
City of Echoes by Pelican
Live at Schubas by Russian Circles
The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me by Brand New
Winners Never Quit by Pedro The Lion

Reading:
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
The Coffeehouse Gospel by Matthew Paul Turner
The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller

Moving Mountains

2008-04-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

This verse has been running through my brain so much within the last couple of days. I think about how it sums be me up really well. I try so hard to know so much about God. I am the type of person that needs to know everything and I pride myself on the knowledge that I have.

I know about God's love and I will talk about it freely but for some reason my own ability to love is inhibited. I would much rather say, "God, if you just send me the good-looking, sinless, normal, and unflawed I will gladly love them. Jesus takes care of the weary and heavy-laden so I'll take those whose worries are least cumbersome."

I have become the "clanging symbol" with my empty words and barren promises. God, help me to love like you. There is nothing else I could ask of you that could be more important than this: teach me to love.

Currently listening to:
The Alchemy Index, Vols. III & IV: Air & Earth by Thrice (listen to Moving Mountains for a cool take on 1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
Guero by Beck
Five Score and Seven Years Ago by Relient K
The Reminder by Feist
Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace by Foo Fighters

Currently reading:
1st Corinthians 13:1-3
The Third Policeman by Flann O'brien

Turning vinyl in to gold

2008-04-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

A week from today marks the release of the second installment of Thrice's Alchemy Index. With Volumes I & II: Fire and Water they showed musical maturity and transformation (which they have consistenly been doing throughout their entire musical career) with infectious melodies and beautiful, well-written lyrics. The Alchemy Index has been the most-played music in my life for the past six months and if Volumes II & III: Earth and Air are anything like their predecessors in creativity and ambitiousness, I know they will not fail to please. You can preview some of the album at Thrice's myspace site.

Albums curruently in heavy rotation:
Elliott Smith-Elliott Smith
Rubber Factory-The Black Keys
In Motion-Copeland
The Alchemy Index-Thrice (as if youd didn't know already)

P.S. The Office returns this Thursday. If you would like more information and to see my joy more adequately put into words, look here.

The joys of an old flame

2008-03-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

Music is something meant to be everlastingly fresh. I love music that I can listen to and discover something new about years later. A band that has been everlastingly new for me is Five Iron Frenzy.

It seems like every time I listen to one of their albums I can find something else that I did not know was there before. Sometimes it's a guitar or horn part that I never recognized or it might be a new harmony for me to sing along with.

Recently what has changed for me in their music is the lyrics. I have found new meaning in some verses that I didn't think about very much when I was in junior high or high school.

So here's to FIF. They always will be my favorite band.

Rest in peace. You're still alive in my heart.

Speaking of great music I've decided to start posting what music I am currently listening to in each of my blogs so here you go...

Albums currently in heavy rotation:
In Rainbows-Radiohead
Volume One-She & Him
Spring-Jon Foreman
Funeral-Arcade Fire
The Alchemy Index ,Volumes I and II-Thrice

"Consider the advantages"

2008-03-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

I am currently reading That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis. This is the third and final installment in his Space Trilogy. I am about halfway through it and if the second half is nearly as good as the first it might very well become my favorite book of all time.

I want to share a paragraph that I found interesting and perhaps insightful of our modern society's desire to control the natural world (even though this book was written in the 40s). In this selection the character Filostrato is proposing that trees on earth be done away with and replaced by something more manageable.

"But consider the advantages! You get tired of him in one place: two workmen carry him somewhere else: wherever you please. It never dies. No leaves to fall, no twigs, no birds building nests, no muck or mess."

"...I foresee nothing but the art tree all over the earth. In fact, we clean the planet."

"I would not have any birds either. On the art tree I would have the art birds all singing when you press a switch inside the house. When you are tired of the singing you switch them off. Consider again the improvement. No feathers dropped about, no nests, no eggs, no dirt."

Road Trip!

2008-03-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

Spring Break starts today for me and tomorrow I am venturing on a trek with my family to Destin, Florida. We will be driving for twelve hours in my parents' recently purchased conversion van. The trip will look a little something like this:

More to report next week.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is a pretty cool dude

2008-02-15T09:50:00.000-08:00

I have finished Pride and Prejudice and I still don't get it. Women. I just don't get it...them. It was a wonderful book, don't get me wrong. The story was intriguing and the language was so beautiful. I still have a hard time believing that the way Jane Austen's characters spoke conveys the actual verbiage used by people in that time. I hope it to be true.

I'm getting off track, though. I was talking about women. And how I don't get them. I do believe I have learned something, though. And something is better than nothing, right? I have learned that I am much like Mr. Darcy (i.e. prideful and egocentric). People like Darcy and I need someone to come along to pull us out of ourselves; to show us that we are not "all that".

"You taught me a lesson, hard indeed at first, but most advantageous. By you, I was properly humbled. I came to you without a doubt of my reception. You shewed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.''

Currently Obsessing Over:

2008-01-29T06:49:00.000-08:00

I just finished re-watching the season 3 finale of Lost and since the season 4 premiere isn't until Thursday, I had to fill my time with something else this weekend. On Friday night I decided to watch the King Kong remake. I love this movie and don't care what anyone else says. That's all I have to say on that subject. Now on to the real topic of my blog.

Saturday and Sunday night I watched M. Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable and The Sixth Sense. I plan to watch the rest of his movies soon in order to adequately prepare for the release of his new film, The Happening, this summer. I love all of his films (yes, even Lady in the Water and The Village) and just wanted to share some memorable quotes and also encourage anyone who hasn't seen these movies to get to watching!

"Do you know why you're afraid when you're alone? I do. I do."

"It's alright to be afraid, David, because this part won't be like a comic book. Real life doesn't fit into little boxes that were drawn for it."

My problem

2008-01-14T07:02:00.000-08:00

I have this problem with becoming to attached to things that I enjoy. For instance, I love the television show Lost. My girlfriend got me hooked on it last year and just recently my affinity for Lost has been rekindled. Lost's 4th season begins on the 31st so I have been caught up in all the hype on the internet and everywhere else.

Last night I was reading some reviews on netflix for the 3rd season and I saw a couple of ratings of only one star. Some of the comments that followed these single stars talked of bad writing and and poorly developed characters. When I read these I felt very anxious as if these negative reviewers were commenting on myself rather than a tv show. It seems silly but I don't think it is irrational. I absolutely loved the 3rd season of Lost and thought it had amazing writing and incredible backstories. And for someone to say that it was terrible is not only a comment on the television show itself but also a comment on my own terrible taste. Or maybe I am just thinking about this too much...

Or maybe this was just a giant product placement

P.S. If you have never watched Lost please don't start with the 4th season. You will just be confused.

U.S.L.D - United States of the Living Dead

2008-01-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

A recent article on MSN labeled the Presidential campaigns of Hillary Clinton and John McCain as campaigns that "rose from the dead". This is exactly the same reason that I will not be voting for either of them. I will not have a member of the living dead running this country. Beware the grins of these two seemingly normal candidates. They are smiles triggered by an uncontrollable hunger for human flesh. Whether you vote Republican or Democrat, DON'T vote Zombie.

Christmas top 10

2007-12-26T08:49:00.000-08:00

Alright so I have decided to bail on the Movie Review Extravaganza and just give a list of my top 10 favorite Christmas movies. I know, I'm a dullard, but there just aren't that many movies out that I want to see.

10. Home Alone-This movie was one of my favorites when I was a kid so it holds special meaning for me now. Plus, everyone said I looked like Macaulay Culkin when this movie first came out. I don't know if that's good or bad.

9. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation-One of the funniest movies of all time. That's all that really needs to be said except, "That's pretty low, mister! If I had a rubber hose, I would beat you into a... "

8. The Santa Clause-This also holds a special place in my heart. Ah. It's hilarious and possibly the only Tim Allen film I've ever enjoyed.

7. Jingle All the Way-Nothing says Christmas like Arnold Schwarzenegger. No seriously, nothing does. It sounds like "KLLLISCMASTH!"

6. Nightmare Before Christmas-Tim Burton is brilliant in everything. I wish he would make another Christmas movie. It would probably be on here too if it existed. This movie is great for both Christmas and Halloween.

5. A Charlie Brown Christmas-Best Christmas cartoon ever. You can keep your Grinch (still love it) and your claymation. If I had to pick just one Christmas cartoon it would be Charlie Brown.

4. Miracle on 34th Street (Original)-Classic. That's all that needs to be said.

3. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe-I have loved this book for a long time and thought that the newest movie version was fantastic. It strays a bit here and there but for the most part sticks with the original story.

2. A Christmas Story-I watch this every single year on TBS. It is a great tradition which will hopefully never be broken.

1. It's a Wonderful Life-The BEST Christmas movie of all time. Jimmy Stewart is hilarious and heart-warming all at the same time. I love it. If they ever do a remake I nominate Jim Carrey to play George Bailey. Go back and watch again and tell me I'm wrong. I dare you.

Yeah, that's right. Arnold is carrying Mini-Me on his shoulders. Merry Christmas!

Review #1

2007-12-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

From the very beginning I am Legend instills a feeling of eeriness within the viewer. This spooky feeling continues throughout the entire film. It seems that unlike other thrillers I am Legend does not give you any hint as to what is coming. Part of this has to do with the lack of music in the film. In movies like Jaws the viewer will hear the "bum-bum" and know that something is about to happen. The minimal soundtrack provides for much more of a jumpy movie-going experience. It also helps in getting across the overall themes of the film: isolation and abandonment. In many of the scenes I felt so uncomfortably alone that it was almost unbearable.

Many people have probably read the novel by Richard Matheson on which this movie is based and are excited to see the film adaptation. I want to warn these people to come to the movie with an open mind and not to expect a perfect re-telling of the novel...or anything close to it. The filmmakers took the basic premise from the novel (Robert Neville being the last human being on earth) and ran with it. Other than the title and Will Smith's character's name there are not many similarities between the film and the book. I still enjoyed the movie and thought it was very well done. I give I am Legend 4 out of 5 stars.

Oh and if you go see this movie be prepared to see two excellent trailers for movies coming out this summer: The Dark Knight and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. These look pretty amazing. You can view The Dark Knight's trailer he re and the trailer for Prince Caspian here.

I am Legend

2007-12-12T11:18:00.000-08:00

A couple of Summers ago I read the horror novel I am Legend (recently made into a movie starring Will Smith) by Richard Matheson. In order to celebrate the end of the semester I will be enjoying this new film. This movie will kick off my Christmas Break Blog Movie Review Extravaganza. I am very excited for this movie for two reasons: 1) the fact that I have read the book already and know the storyline 2) the brand new trailer for The Dark Knight will be released with I am Legend.

Black Friday

2007-11-29T10:59:00.000-08:00

So, last week was Thanksgiving break and if I said that I slept in every morning, I would be lying. Yes, I did get much more sleep than needed on several days. But, when it came to Black Friday I was up and ready to go at 4:15 in the morning. I went shopping with my sister-in-law, Carrie, partly because no one else wanted to get up that early and partly because there were several deals that I did not want to pass up. I then found myself not even able to wake up in time for work at 8 AM the following Monday. I started wondering what made this task so much harder than the former.

I came to this conclusion: my workplace did not have Walk the Line on sale for $5.88 like Wal-Mart did.

"So long," to the love of my life

2007-11-16T19:37:00.000-08:00

It's hard to say goodbye to one of your closest friends. Especially someone who has always been there for you and for so long. A couple of weeks ago I had to say goodbye to Bertha. She had a good run but it was time to let her go. It had gotten to the point that she would overheat within five minutes of starting her up. So, with 235,000 miles to her name, I sent her on her way. The people at Habitat for Humanity have a car donation program and they towed her for free. I loved her very much and I thought it fitting that I use this opportunity to remember her.

She's always watched over me.

Isn't she beautiful?

I've taken many girls on dates with
her but none nearly as cool as this girl.

Bertha, you will always be remembered.

The Messenger

2007-10-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

It has been a very long time since I've blogged and don't expect this to be much of a blog anyway. These are just some really cool lyrics to a really cool song:

Mark me with fear and trembling

Send someone else instead

I know my world is ending

I can't repay my debt

How can I carry such heavy burden?

How can I move when I am paralyzed?

I see a fire behind a heavy curtain

I lean in closer and I close my eyes

And kiss the coals

Breathe in smoke and I say

"Here I am, send me!"

It lifts my soul

Free and so unafraid

"Here I am, send me!"

Mark me with fire and send me

Among the living dead

They cannot comprehend me

I watch the sickness spread

How can they hear me when their hearts are hardened?

How can they see me when they close their eyes?

Still they can tell that I'm an easy target

A wooden saw is quite a way to die

Kiss the coals

Breathe in smoke and I say
"Here I am, send me!"

It lifts my soul
Free and so unafraid
"Here I am, send me!"

"The Messenger" by Thrice, from The Alchemy Index Vol. I, Fire (with some help from Isaiah 6:8)

"Indy"pendent Film

2007-09-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was on duty in the dorms and each night I invited people to watch one movie from the Indiana Jones series. After an entire weekend of watching these classic films I realized what I want to do with my life...be Indiana Jones. Now I just need to find myself a whip and a cool hat.
Oh and by the way in theaters Memorial Day 2008: "Indana Jones and the ..."

Remotely Attractive

2007-08-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

I don't consider myself a world travel(l)er by any means but I have lived in two different states throughout my lifetime and visited a couple of different countries. The one thing that I have found in common among all people is their uncommon names for the remote control. These differences in title don't necessarily signify a certain region. In fact, differences in remote control speech can differ as close as next door. Where you might refer to the remote control as the "clicker" your best friend might call it the "box". Whether you accept these differences or simply find them frightening you cannot deny their existence. I believe that we should embrace this plethora of names as well as make changes in our choice of words often. I will leave you with a few options in case you feel like straying from the frequently taken path. If you have other suggestions please leave them in a comment.

1. remote

2. clicker

3. box

4. telecommand

5. 'mote

6. controller

Writer's Block 2

2007-07-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

So, I think I may have a good idea for a book/story. I've written about a page and more ideas keep coming to me. Here's a small hint

More to come, later...hopefully.

Anger

2007-04-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

Do you know what makes me angry?

Pre-lathered soap.

Are we so lazy that we can't even lather our hands with regular soap?

Seriously.

Come on.

It's ridiculous.

That is all.

Green

2007-03-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

your beauty is so masked whenever you wear green
and it's so hard to say that without sounding mean
you say you don't want to fight so why do you have to scream?

you know that I still love you no matter what you wear

you ask me in my dreams who it is that I see
"I've never been one too remember my dreams"you say, "Now what in the world is that supposed to mean?"

I simply do much better with the nightmares
and when I have those darlin' you are never there

Writer's Block

2007-03-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

Last night I dreamt that I was in a David Fincher film. It was amazing. I think this dream must have stemmed from my recent desire to write a book. And the stories that are told in his movies contain some really incredible storytelling. I have been trying to think of a good story that I might like to write and I can't decide what sort of book I want it to be. I am leaning towards more of a drama set in recent times. I just don't have any idea what will make it special. I think I just might start writing some short stories and see what comes out. Any suggestions?

Private Eye

2007-02-20T20:31:00.000-08:00

As I listened to the radio tonight I heard a commercial for a private investigator. During the ad the p.i. said something along the lines of ,"Everyone has questions that they want answered. For as little as $100 we can help you answer yours". I'm not sure how anyone else feels about this but it ruined my idea of what a gumshoe was. It's hard for me now to associate private detectives with the cool, suave characters I remember from the great films of the 40s and 50s when instead it's much easier to view them in the same category as "telelawyers". I do however think it would be worth the $100 dollars to see the look on their face when I ask them the question I want answered: Does Nessy really exist?

Lord, is it I?

2007-02-04T22:44:00.000-08:00

20Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. 21As they were eating, He said, "Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me." 22Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, "Surely not I, Lord?" 23And He answered, "He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. 24"The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born." 25And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" Jesus said to him, "You have said it yourself." Matthew 26:20-25

This passage struck me in a different way the other day. When the disciples ask, "Surely not I, Lord?" it seemed to me like they were trying to suck up to Jesus. I also realized that even though Judas was the one who turned Christ over to His killers all of the disciples betrayed Jesus in their own way; whether it was denying His name or not believing in His resurrection until his hands were stuck in Christ's side.

I also see this occur in my own life. One minute I will tell Jesus that I could never turn from Him and be cursing His name the next. Seeing how I treat my savior makes me glad He does not love like I do. Because I would have been done with me a long time ago.

Cold Cash And Colder Hearts

2007-01-18T20:36:00.000-08:00

The following is a song by Thrice:

They are sick, they are poor
And they die by the thousands and we look away
They are wolves at the door
And they're not gonna move us or get in our way

'Cause we don't have the time
Here at the top of the world
Feeling alright
Here at the top of the world

We hold our own by keeping our hearts cold

Different god, darker skin
They are just not a burden that we'd like to bear
They are living in "sin"
There are so many reasons for us not to care

But I'm feeling alright
Here at the top of the world
Doing just fine
Here at the top of the world

We've learned money matters most
So we keep our cards held close
Here at the top of the world

We hold our own by keeping our hearts cold
And we've learned what matters most
So we keep our hearts cold

They are no one
They are nowhere
They are not our problem
Not worth saving
Nonexistent if we keep our hearts cold

They are no one
They are nowhere

These lyrics really mean so much to me because I find that as a Christian I seem to get this attitude of superiority toward non-believers. It seems to constantly put me back in my place. Dustin Kensrue (Thrice's lyricist) has an amazing way of constantly encouraging me and restoring my sanity as a Christ follower.

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27

Greatness

2007-01-11T22:18:00.000-08:00

"This list... is an absolute good. The list is life. All around its margins lies the gulf."-Itzhak Stern

This quote is taken from the movie Schindler's List. It is one of my favorite movies and definitely one of the most moving films I have ever seen.

Throughout the movie, it is apparent that Oskar Schindler is living a degraded life filled with greed, lust, and other debaucerous activities. It is amazing how his life starts to turn around once he realizes that he is doing some unintentional good by saving hundreds of Jews from execution with his latest business endeavor.

As I watched the story unfold I felt a sense of longing to do something great. I started to think, "If I had been Schindler, would I be courageous enough to do what I know to be just?" and "Where is my moment of greatness?" Stories and movies are always about people doing great things and they constantly seem to belittle anything I might accomplish in my lifetime. I think all of us want to do something great, but we are constantly waiting for an extraordinary circumstance.

I have come to believe that I am capable of doing great things, even in my mediocre life. I may not save hundreds of lives or unbeach a whale but with the situations I am placed in, I will always do my best to be just and fair and that is something great. There may be a time in my life where I wish I had done more but everyone will wish they had done something differently. Even Schindler who helped to save hundreds of lives felt that he could do more: "I could have got more out. I could have got more. I don't know. If I'd just...I could have got more."

I will always be waiting for some amazing opportunity, but until that day arrives all I can do is all I can do.

Break

2007-01-06T00:22:00.000-08:00

It's almost time for school to start up again and I have had a terrific time over break. I have learned a lot of things during my time off. Here they are in no specific order:

1. All breaks seem shorter than they should be.

2. I love and miss my family and friends very much.

3. Seeing the sun set over the Rocky Mountains doesn't seem nearly as beautiful when you are watching it through a rear view mirror.

4. I enjoy lists.

5. Death isn't all that scary if you really think about it.

6. Jesus isn't the reason I get a break from school in December. It's Santa. That makes me sad.

7. If you stay stopped at a traffic light at 1:12 in the morning for an extended period of time, there is no one around to care.

8. Sigur Rós can make even the most mundane moment beautiful.

9. Boredom is easily cured by a good book.

10. There are some amazing beards out there.

http://www.worldbeardchampionships.com

The reason for the season

2006-12-24T22:14:00.000-08:00

I was going to write a big blog about how we need to love our fellow man and how Christmas has been commercialized. But, then I realized I was sick of people (including myself) complaining about all that. The best way to change the tide isn't by complaining about the way the tide is coming in but by redirecting it. So here it goes:

My reason to sing during December and during all other months is Jesus Christ. He died for me so that I wouldn't have to pay the price. I love Him above any other and to Him I will always lift my voice. That is all I have to say.

I'll be home for Christmas

2006-12-22T10:13:00.000-08:00

I drove down to Fort Collins, Colorado from Parker on Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday, it snowed. Then it snowed. And it also...snowed. For the past couple of days I was somewhat worried that I wouldn't be able to get back home for Christmas. Though the worry was in my mind, I still had a lot of fun. Being snowed in may seem bad but at least I'm not stuck inside on other circumstances. When I say "other circumstances" I mean zombie attacks, acid rain, etc. I really do love being with all my friends in Fort Collins, but not enough to miss out on my family Christmas.

On a side note, the title for the seventh Harry Potter book was announced yesterday. I am excited.

Please Come Home

2006-12-15T22:45:00.000-08:00

Well I woke one morning Found you staring down at Me
You said "I'll take my share now, Father please"
And you took your money And you took your leave
You drilled My heart and turned your back on Me

And you hit the town
And you hit the bottle hard
You race 'round in your fancy cars and you blow all your money
On brothels, beds, and bars
Before you know your broken times get hard

I still stand here waiting
With My eyes fixed on the road
And I fight back tears and I wonderIf you're ever coming home
Don't you know son that I love you
And I don't care where you've been
So please come home

And now you've hit bottom
All those open doors have shut
And you're hungry stomach's tied in knots
But I know what you're thinking
That you troubled Me enough
Nothing could ever separate you from My love

I still stand here waiting
With My eyes fixed on the road
And I fight back tears and I wonder
If you're ever coming home
Don't you know son that I love you
And I don't care where you've been
Yes and I'll be right here waiting
Till you come around the bend
And I run to you and hold you close
Won't let go again
So please come home
Please come home

Don't you know son that I love you
And I don't care where you've been
So please come home

Perseverance

2006-12-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how the Christian life works. There are always times of despair and drudgery but we eventually come back to a point where we are filled with God's joy. I've recently come out of one of these times where I didn't feel in tune with God. It is so encouraging to know that if we keep pressing on and never give up hope, He will continue to draw us back to Him. I want to encourage anyone who is going through one of these tough times to hold on to hope and faith. It will be over. And when it is, God's joy will seem just as new and wonderful as it did the day you decided to live for Him. Press on.

The Devil and God are raging inside me

2006-11-22T21:43:00.000-08:00

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. -Galatians 5:16-26

As I was reading through this passage, I realized how many of the fruit of the Spirit I am lacking and how numerous the deeds of the flesh are in me. The nine fruit show themselves every once in awhile but for the most part it seems that I am a pretty wicked person. It's my continuous prayer that the fruit will take over my personality and that I will continually look to God for guidance in this.

Yeah

2006-11-18T23:43:00.000-08:00

So, there have been a few things that I've realized/been reminded of during the last couple of weeks:

1. The Bible always has something new to teach.

2. I love Wilco.

3. Playing on stage is fun and isn't anything worth getting nervous over.

4. Wilco is really cool.

5. Taco Bell is not worth getting angry over.

6. Being rebuked isn't so bad once it's over.

7. Wilco has some of the most relaxing music ever.

8. Bonfires by the Meramec are really fun.

9. Once you start watching Lost, you can't stop.

10. Jim and Pam need to just realize that they love eachother and quit beating around the bush.

11. Wilco loves me.

Good Season

2006-11-12T17:56:00.000-08:00

I've been really impressed with the movies I've seen this fall, so far. A few weeks ago, I saw The Prestige which was absolutely amazing. It was one of the most entertaining movies I had seen in a long time. Just this weekend I saw Stranger Than Fiction which also was amazing. It had was really funny but the best part about it was that it made you feel good about life. It sounds stupid and corny, I know. But, it's the truth. It really helps you appreciate the small things. I'm feeling really good about this season of movies. I am so excited for Children of Men and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. But, the movie I am most excited for has got to be Spider-man 3. It's new trailer came out last thursday and it looks incredible! I am a big dork but I don't care. It is going to be awesome! May 4th will be a great day.

Would you like a mint?

2006-11-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

I appreciate being appreciated. Nothing tells me I'm appreciated like recieving a complimentary mint from a restaurant. My favorite fast food restaurant is Sonic© because of this. A lot of restaurants have a basket of mints sitting out for consumption but Sonic© takes it one step further by actually handing mints to their patrons. To me this says, "We'll see you later." They don't NEED to see me but they sure would like to. Sonic©, I am a big fan of what you are doing. And I will let you know that you will definitely be seeing me soon.
In case you were wondering, I only posted this blog so I could use the © symbol.
-Ben™

Bertha

2006-10-30T17:27:00.000-08:00

On Friday, I was going to meet a friend of mine at the movies. I got in my car and unfortunately it wouldn't start. Luckily, another friend of mine jumped my Volvo and I was on my way. I wasn't even late to the movies. I hadn't driven my car since the previous Monday. I'm convinced that the cold weather and the idle state of my car are the main causes of it's lack of motivation. Once I got it started, however, she ran like a champ. This made me realize how much I love my Volvo, Bertha. She is so amazing. She is an '86 Volvo 240DL and has about 230,000 miles on her. The coolest thing about her is that we share the same age. But, she never quits on me. She has trouble getting started on cold mornings but once she does there is no stopping her. I love Bertha.

Run Lola Run

2006-10-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm enjoying a free month of Blockbuster Online. The latest movie they sent me was Run Lola Run. I had heard from many people that this was a great film so I decided to add it to my queue, knowing nothing else about it. I soon found that the entire film was in German.( I've decided that German is one of the ugliest languages ever but perhaps I'll talk more about that at a later date.) Even though it was in another language, it was a great film. I don't want to say much more about it but if you enjoy a good thriller and don't mind some swear words you should rent it.

P.S. I should be getting Thank You For Smoking in the mail today :)

A Shelter from the Storm

2006-10-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

Today was a very rainy day. I love the rain because it always makes me want to read and/or listen to music. As I was walking through the Great Hall I was listening to my ipod. I had just finished taking a test for my speech class and was on my way back to the dorms. Directly in the middle of the floor of the Great Hall "tower" was a mop bucket and a wet floor sign. The mop bucket was catching drops of rain water and I could hear them as they hit the bottom. I was listening to a live version of "This is our God" featuring Chris Tomlin and David Crowder. As I neared the bucket I realized that the drip of water was perfectly on beat with my music. It was one of the most ::grabs thesaurus:: majestic things ever. I am a dork, I know. But, I know that from this day forward "This is our God" will always be associated with the rain in my mind. Or, more accurately, the rain will always remind me of who my God really is: A God who makes music out of rain water.

"The refuge for the poor, a shelter from the storm, This is our God"

2006-10-14T23:56:00.000-07:00

Don't panic

I just watched The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy again. I love this movie so much. It's so smart, funny, and even heart-warming. I sound really cheesy right now. It's probably because the time is almost two in the morning. If you haven't seen HGG you need to. I also highly recommend reading the book first. It's even funnier. I really hope they make a film for The Restaurant At the End of The Universe and so on.

P.S. British films are much funnier than American films. It's a scientific fact.

2006-10-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

Paranoia

This is a short story I wrote for my English class. When I say, "short" I mean, "short." Enjoy!

As Jack walked along the path behind his house, he had the sneaking suspicion that he was being watched. He could swear he heard someone moving behind him."Quit being so paranoid," he demanded. In a state of fear, a man doesn't care how crazy talking to himself may seem. Rustling leaves caused him to quicken his pace. He could hear crickets now. Their chirps seemed to echo in his eardrum like shouts through the Grand Canyon. His feet moved faster still. "Just a little further," he said aloud. It was getting darker now. To his right he heard a twig snap. At this point, Jack leaped into a sprint. Trees passed on his right and left. The forest seemed to be changing shapes in the moonlight. As the gravel gave way below his feet, he fell to the ground. There he lay on his stomach, breathing deeply, as a squirrel met him face to face and sniffed his nose. Jack grinned and let out a guffaw at how ridiculous he was being. After brushing himself off he returned home at a snail's pace.

2006-10-10T22:12:00.000-07:00

So Stacie and Brittany are two of my favorite people I've met since coming to Mobap and today we are going to have a blast. In honor of Stacie Is Awesome Day (SIAD) we are going to have a picnic in the park and Brittany is going to dye my hair. I hope everyone realizes that Stacie's awesomeness is the real reason why we don't have day classes today at Mobap. If you were all really cool you would send her some comments on myspace or write something on her wall on facebook wishing her a happy SIAD and thank her for being so awesome. I hope the rest of you are doing something just as cool as dying your hair or having a picnic in the park for SIAD. Please let me know what you did/are doing. Here's a picture of approximately what my hair will look like.

2006-10-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

Well, it's beginning to look and feel like fall. I absolutely love this time of year. I love October in particular for multiple reasons: leaves seem to start changing in October, Halloween is in October, and I always try to read my favorite book of all time during October. This book is Dracula. I started reading it the other day and it just seems to get better every year. It's so mysterious and Bram Stoker has a way of describing things that just sends chills down my spine. If you've never read it I highly suggest that you do at some point during your lifetime. It is spectacular.
So, this weekend I was a counselor at Breakaway, which is a youth retreat put on by Concord church here in St. Louis. I had such a blast! I was a counselor for the seventh grade boys and they are something else. They made me laugh so much and I was really excited because they definitely opened up more than I thought seventh grade boys could. The camp we went to was pretty sweet and the scenery was amazing. The first night we arrived there was a full moon that cast the most magnificent reflection on the lake below. The next morning the lake was covered in a thick fog and I could only imagine what thoughts would have run through my head if I had been reading Dracula while all this took place. They would have been eery, that's for sure.

2006-09-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34
For the longest time I just thought this verse was talking about cursing and saying mean things to people. But, I read this the other day and the second sentence struck me in a different way. I think when Jesus said this He was talking about more than just dropping the f-bomb or saying something nasty about someone behind there back.
I think He was talking about our everyday conversations. What is the first thing we talk about when we meet someone new? A band that we our currently enjoying? The great movie we saw the weekend before? Jesus tells us right here that whatever our heart is overflowing with is what will come out of our mouths. You'd think that if we loved Christ as much as we say we do, we would talk about Him a whole lot more. If His grace is everything that we claim it to be then we should be shouting it from the rooftops. It's my fervent hope and prayer that Christ will always be spilling over the walls of my heart and ready to leap from the tip of my tongue.

2006-09-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

So, this weekend I'm going to Chicago for the first time ever. I am so excited. I've always had a desire to visit this city and I can't wait to finally get there. I'm going to watch the Blue Brothers and listen to a lot of Wilco to get in the mood. If anyone has been to Chicago and has any suggestions of places I should visit please let me know because right now my site-seeing list is pretty much a blank slate. Sorry if this blog wasn't deep enough for everyone. I just realized my past few blogs have been pretty serious so I thought this one could be more light-hearted. I'll leave you with this:

2006-09-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

I overheard two people debating the existence of God tonight. The man who was arguing on the "anti-God" side used this as one of his reasons why God didn't exist: "You can't 'hear' God". This got me thinking and I realized that I had never actually "heard" God either. The question is, "Is that a good reason to believe that God doesn't exist?" and the answer is "No."

God is like our heavenly pen pal. Allow me to explain: Many people have pen pals that they have never met in person due to distance or whatever else. Yet, they believe that this person exists. The letters recieved are proof of this person's existence. So, our letters from God are His word along with how He touches our hearts. Instead of a state or an ocean separating us from God it is our sin that is the barrier. We've lost contact with Him in that sense but we keep holding on and hoping for that day when we will meet Him face to face.

So, basically, if you believe that never hearing someone is proof that they don't exist then you'd better use that logic when it comes to your pen pal. I don't know how theologically correct this idea is but it makes sense to me. Much love---Ben

2006-09-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."-Jesus Christ
This passage has been on my mind and heart for the past few months. It's something that I keep coming back to in my life. A lot of times I think we pray to God, in hopes that He will just fix our problems. We hardly ever just come to Him. That's what Jesus is commanding us in Matthew 11:28-30. We get so caught up in thinking we know the solution to our problems and asking God to provide it when in acutality He is the solution. Our hearts will find peace if we just confide in Him. This is something I struggle with tremendously. So often, I just want God to fix the things that are wrong in my life and rarely do I really seek His comfort. I'm doing a lot better with that now but it will definitely take some getting used to. I think it would do all of us a lot of good to just pray for His peace and let Him do what He does best...be God.

2006-08-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

The first week of college felt like sumer camp. Allow me to explain: I'm staying in a strange place that sort of smells funky. I ate food in a cafeteria at designated times. If you want to eat before or after these designated times then you're just out of luck. The food is not very healthy at all and I definitely wouldn't want to eat it for more than a week. I met a bunch of new friends in a short period of time and I kept thinking that I wouldn't be seeing them by this week because I'd be on my way home. I've had a blast with all these people so far. And I'm sure it'll continue. I'm hoping to find a church sometime soon. I had duty last weekend so I couldn't go to church. And this week I'm going out of town so that means I won't be going till the week after. I think I'm going to check out the Journey here in St. Louis because I've heard that it's pretty sweet. Wish me luck.

2006-08-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't been online for a few days and I must say...it feels good not to be joined at the hip with a computer anymore. I was addicted for a while there but then I realized that there were people around me that I could actually talk with...weird.
So, this Friday kicked off Welcome Weekend here at MBU. I had an absolute blast. I met all the guys in my hall including my roommate on Friday. He's a pretty cool kid. He's actually from Colorado and he listens to a lot of Christian Metal. Friday night, we had free barbecue and karaoke. The rest of the RA's and I sang "Get this party started" by Pink. It wasn't my top choice but I went along with it anyway. Saturday, was cosmic bowling. The university rented out the entire Brunswick Zone from 9-Midnight. Free bowling gets old after a bit. Free pizza and soda, however, do not. I've had a blast this whole weekend with getting to know new people. Tomorrow, classes start so I had better get some sleep. G'night everyone!

2006-08-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm here in Missouri. And it is hot...humid...whatever. This trip was awesome. I am a big fan of road trips anyway but especially when there are no complications. Basically, road trips are a great excuse to listen to music for 10 hours straight. The best way to describe this journey is surreal. I drove my '86 Volvo most of the way here while my parents drove their Toyota Camry. At one point my Dad and I switched vehicles. There is something strange about seeing your own car pass you on the highway. I can't remember ever seeing the tail lights of that car fade into the distance.

There are so many billboards on the side of the highway in Missouri. And some of them are hilarious. It's one thing to see an adult bookstore billboard but to see one immediately followed by a Cracker Barrel billboard is priceless.

When we first started driving into St. Louis I saw a car with personalized license plates that said "NAWTY-K". That is funny in and of itself but as I passed this vehicle I noticed handcuffs hanging from the rearview mirror. I don't even want to know what that person does for a living ::shivers::

I am so anxious to get my dorm situated and start my R.A. training.