honestly

Two Years

2009-08-07T00:42:00.004-05:00

Two years ago yesterday I received a phone call from my brother at 6:45 a.m. informing me that the Lord had taken my cousin and friend, Binil Samuel. The details of that morning are so clear:

Just getting out of the shower when the phone rang.
Standing next to my loft in a cramped university apartment.
Responding, "really?" That is all I could say.
Calling my sister.
Seeing a friend, receiving a hug.
Waiting for the bus.
Riding in a daze, realizing that the rest of the world thinks today is a normal day.

That day was anything but normal. Each day since has continued to be abnormal in the lives of many. In closing, I wanted to share a few links and a few quotes.

Binil's brother, Bijoy, has blogged twice in the last few days. His thoughts are authentic, difficult, yet hopeful in the Gospel.

Last year, I posted a few times about Binil. Watch his testimony or read my thoughts on John 11.

For today, I end with a quote:

Life is not joy above sorrow; life is a battle for joy in the midst of sorrow. --John Piper

"All I Need"

2009-07-30T10:21:00.011-05:00

My friend from undergrad wrote this song and shared it with me (so I wanted to share it with all of you, of course, with his permission). There are three reasons why I like this song:

1) It sings Scripture (Psalm 73 in this case).
2) It is simple, easy to remember, and easy to sing.
3) It leaves me at the Cross of Christ.

I quickly put the video together so you could hear the song (so please excuse the simplicity).

Lyrics:

V1:
When this world has proved, all it can do is lie and lead astray
When darkness comes, and all around my soul is giving way
Lord I’m prone to doubt, remind me how Your hand will not let go
I’m Yours forever more

Chorus:
Oh my heart and my flesh will fail me
But my God, You’re all, I ever need
You are my strength and my portion
You are everything, O Lord You carry me
My God You’re enough for me

V2:
When Satan speaks, and all I hear, is of my sin and shame
When all my thoughts, are telling me, the debt is mine to pay
I will lift my eyes, to look upon, the Lamb who died for me
He paid my penalty

Bridge:
It’s Your face I need to seek
To Your cross I need to cling
For You alone, You never change
And Your Word, it never fails
When all I know is fading away

By: Matthew Damico

Diametrically Opposing Emotions

2009-07-28T11:49:00.004-05:00

Although the 2008 Olympics are long over, I still am blown away by two things from the 4x100 Men's Swimming Relay. Watch the video of the race here.

First, it is probably the most excited I (and the majority of the country) have ever been about swimming. Watching Michael Phelps chase eight gold medals was gut-wrenching, inspirational, and riveting. The 4x100 relay was arguably one of the most dramatic finishes I have even seen in a sporting event.

Second, and more importantly, the end of the race caused incredible joy, patriotism, and excitement. However, at the same time, I felt embarrassed and understood why many other countries around the world consider the United States arrogant and cocky. Listen to the announcers at the very beginning of the race and around the 5:47 and 9:08 marks. I found it extremely unprofessional for an announcer to seemingly "talk trash" to the French competitors.

In closing, I think there are numerous events/moments in life that produce opposing thoughts and feelings. The cross of Jesus Christ is the ultimate example. On one hand, we see a man suffering a torturous, brutal, and gruesome death on the cross. On the other hand, we (as sinful human people) now have the opportunity to experience the perfect, holy, all-satisfying presence of God because of that very death.

(For another Michael Phelps exciting finish, see the video below of the 100 meter butterfly)

"Don't Waste Your Life" Music Video

2009-07-28T11:16:00.002-05:00

If you have not already seen it, check out the "Don't Waste Your Life" music video by Lecrae.

Bold Is an Understatement

2008-10-23T21:09:00.004-05:00

Have you ever heard of Polycarp of Smyrna? If you have a quizzical look on your face right now, do not fret. I was in the same position as you just a few months ago.

But over the past few weeks, through my dad and a History of Christianity class, I have had the pleasure of being exposed to his incredible story, especially the last few hours of his life.

Instead of rehashing the story for you, I will instead set up the scene for the last scene of his life. Polycarp was born around 69 a.d. He became the Bishop of Smyrna (a major city in the Roman Empire) and defended the Orthodox faith against Marcionism. Around 155 a.d., Christians began to be persecuted by the Emperors of Rome.

The following true story unfolds as Polycarp is 86 years old. Roman officials are on hot pursuit to arrest and kill Christian leaders. You can read the rest of the story here. If you do not desire to read it all, start at verse five and work through verse 19. The last few statements that Polycarp make are insanely bold.

You can find more information on Polycarp here.

It Is Coming...

2008-10-06T13:16:00.003-05:00

If you have not heard about the ESV Study Bible, check out more information on it here. I am blown away at the amount of people I look up to who have endorsed the Bible.

The Understanding That I Have Nothing To Give of My Own

2008-10-06T13:07:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I was writing a chapter evaluation for my Missions class, specifically addressing the financial shortage in supporting missionaries. But the problem is not a lack of monetary funds, especially in the United States. More so, many people just to do not give (or give generously). As a generalization, it seems like people are very protective of their money, and are hesitant to give their money to anyone or anything else (because it is their money).

Oddly though, one of the richest men in the world seemed to understand reality. Not only did he have monetary wealth, but he had power, influence, and success in every aspect. Towards the end of his life, he prayed to God in the presence of the nation he ruled and said, "Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand" (1 Chronicles 29:14).

What would change if the reality that all things you supposedly "possess" (e.g. time, money, intelligence, skills, resources, etc.) were actually God's and he was allowing you to be a steward of it?

The Consistency of the Gospel in Personal Uncertainty

2008-09-07T23:34:00.001-05:00

The last four months have been extremely difficult. My thoughts about the future, vocation, and seminaries caused great concern and uncertainty. There were days I would wake up feeling certain of what to do, but going to bed thinking something completely different. One verse has continued to encourage me in this season, Psalm 119:92: "If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction."

Yes, this may seem to be an odd verse. Why would anyone delight in the law (Bible)? For me, this set my mind in a tumultuous time on the one thing that is consistent, the Gospel. The question then is, what is the Gospel?

Simply, the Gospel is the truth that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. But there is more. Our sin has a real consequence, eternal separation from God. Without Christ, there is no way (e.g. good works) we can overcome the great gulf our sin creates between God and us. But there is no strength, confidence or security in intellectually knowing these things. We must each receive Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. Truly then, my hope in uncertainty is not in myself, but in my relationship with Jesus Christ and His unexplainable love, compassion, and truth.

Discipline Leads to Freedom?

2008-09-02T13:08:00.001-05:00

A friend shared a great quote on his blog on Discipline. Check it out here.

Don't Waste Your Life by Lecrae

2008-08-29T09:16:00.004-05:00

I just heard the song "Don't Waste Your Life" by Lecrae this morning. Once again, the lyrics are inspired by Scripture with an obvious passion for the Gospel and seeking Christ as our treasure. Check it out here.

You can preorder the entire Rebel album here.

Apple Pie...Eaten by Appachen

2008-08-14T23:18:00.004-05:00

This is what an apple pie looks like after my Appachen (grandpa) gets a hold of it. He seems to like the middle a bit more than the crust (he says that others enjoy the crust so he was saving it for them).

The funny part is when he is confronted with the evidence, he cannot help but break out laughing. That is the beauty of being old or really young, you can get away with things that would usually cause people to be upset with a simple chuckle.

So you know what he looks like, here is my grandpa with his great grand daughter Meghan.

I do not want to be unfair, so here is my Ammachy (grandma) with Meghan too (I apologize for the glare)...

Ok...one more. This is Josiah, my brother Justin, Meghan, and my sister-in-law Lisa (not Josiah/Meghan's parents).

This is not a small parfait...it is a baby

2008-08-13T21:54:00.001-05:00

Kyle was sad.

New Macbook and Macbook Pros?

2008-08-10T09:18:00.003-05:00

According to this it seems like new Macs could be coming as soon as September. I'm hoping it is true.

Binil's Testimony and Funeral Video/Slideshow

2008-08-07T00:49:00.003-05:00

The following video is Binil's testimony of his journey with Christ. I plead with you, reading these words, to take a few minutes and watch the clips.

The next video is similar to the one above but to music (in an incredible way). In addition, there are a good amount of pictures and a humbling quote at the end.

Jesus Wept

2008-08-06T23:37:00.004-05:00

He really did.

I'm glad Jesus felt the emotionally pain of losing a friend on earth. Here is the story, from John 11.

Jesus was going about his life of ministry with his disciples when he was informed his dear friend Lazarus was sick (vs. 3). Although news of the illness came as "new" information, Jesus knew that he was going to die (vs. 14). Nonetheless, Jesus traveled to Bethany to see his close friends Mary and Martha, Lazarus' sisters.

For anyone who has experienced a sudden/tragic death, you know what the scene is like at the family's house. There were tons of people at Mary and Martha's place consoling them (vs. 19, 31). They must have been distraught, weeping greatly, and likely in shock.

The shedding of countless tears.
Random verbalizations of frustration/sadness/hopelessness.
Moments of composure that leads to questions of "What if?"
People coming in and going out of the house.
An overall sense of loss and uneasiness.

When Martha heard that Jesus was near she ran to meet him. She shared the sorrow on her heart and the hope, that if Jesus had only arrived earlier, Lazarus would have lived. Mary, after being informed by Martha, runs to Jesus' feet and states "Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died (vs. 32)."

There must have been a sharp pain Jesus felt at that very moment. "...he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled (vs. 33)."

So Jesus asks them to take him to the tomb. As the group walks towards Lazarus' permanent resting place, the firmness and finality of death must have increasingly become a greater reality with each step. Soon enough, they were at the tomb, with the smell of death evident in the air (he had been dead for four days-vs. 17).

I imagine Jesus separating himself from the group and approaching the tomb alone. In front of him is a stone symbolizing the physical reality of death. Behind him stands a group of people sobbing and heart broken. In the midst of all this, Jesus breaks down and begins to weep (vs. 35). The emotion, shock, and sorrow had penetrated his spirit, producing tears that expressed the unexplainable emotions of the soul.

Today, as I remember Binil's passing, I find great comfort knowing that the Rock that I cling to, especially in moments of deepest sorrow and pain, understands what I (and maybe you) am going through.

He has been there. He has wept.

Binil Mathew Samuel (1985-2007)

2008-08-05T23:57:00.005-05:00

The following has been a part of my Facebook profile for the last year:

The person to the right is Binil Samuel. He passed away in a car accident on August 6th, 2007 at the age of 22.

He was not a perfect person. In fact, his sin destined him to eternal separation from Christ.

However, in his abbreviated life, he was passionate about the one thing that saved him from his own sin, Jesus Christ.

Binil did not do enough pious sacraments to earn heaven. He placed the destiny of his eternity on Jesus Christ's death and resurrection.

Here are a few characteristics that set Binil apart from the rest of the crowd:
• He was witty and funny yet able to have deep, serious conversation. This is a balance that few ever master. Some are natural comedians but struggle with discussing the tougher issues of life. Others are just the opposite. Binil was blessed with a personality that was both/and.
• He cared about people. It was over a year ago now that the 35W Bridge collapsed in Minneapolis. Binil was one of the first people to call and see how I was doing. This may have been expected for the closest of friends, but Binil and I had not seen each other in months.
• More than just a phone call, Binil had a huge heart for the kids at the Navjeevan Center. Most of these kids are born of women from the red light district in Mumbai, India.
• He had a bigger picture in mind when it came to life. One of the last emails we exchanged, he mentioned how he was about to start his professional career as a consultant with Accenture. Here was his last line in regards to the job:

The best part is I get 25 PTO, not including 9 holidays, and my future manager has said people take it all their PTO at once usually, so the possibility of me being able to travel on missions annually is a very reasonable reality.

The reason I say these things is to give you a sliver as to how incredible of a person he was. But the hope of all this is not to draw more attention to him. No, it is to point the glory towards Christ.

For the next few posts, I hope to work through a few passages that have brought affirmation, realization, and encouragement over the past year.

***If you have Facebook, you can check out his testimony on my profile.

35W Bridge Collapse

2008-08-05T23:26:00.004-05:00

It has been over a year since 35W Collapsed. As some of you may know, the apartment I was living in at the time was only a block away from the bridge. The following was the monthly update letter I wrote to friends and family a few hours after the event.

Note: By no means will this be a normal monthly update

At 6:04 p.m. on August 1st, 2007, I sat in a coffee shop on 6th and University confidently discussing the joy in knowing that the God I have entrusted my life to knows what will happen tomorrow and has everything in his master plan.

At 6:05 p.m., with a few flickers of the building lights, that simple thought was amplified and scrutinized. The fall of a heavily traveled bridge produced inquiry, anxiety, wonder, helplessness, uncertainty, and sorrow.

At about 6:15, my eyes fell upon an inconceivable sight, literally one block from my apartment. The billows of smoke, sirens from every direction, crowds of people, a major highway standing vertical, and the faint site of a school bus bombarded my senses.

It is times like this that create many critical questions directed towards God, but paradoxically, leads us to ask God himself for help. In the same breath two quotes are heard: "Why would God do this?" and "Our prayers will be with the families that are suffering and the workers that have responded."

I long to believe that God has everything in control and knows what is going to happen. But I cannot comprehend then why He would let something so dramatic and destructive occur. Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding." Too often I want to grasp an eternal, immortal, and invisible God within the boundaries and confines of my limited, tangible, experiential mind.

Friends and family, you may wonder what the purpose/point is in this rambling? The brevity of life is magnified when seemingly inconceivable events occur in your own front yard. The hope is that, although many of you may have slim to no ties to "35W," you know "94," "90," "55" and "400." You can attempt to relate and understand.

In this process, my longing is that each of you deeply comprehends and contemplates the uncertainty in a seemingly routine daily life. Inevitably, we will all face death, whether dramatically or naturally, surprised or expected.

At 2:49 a.m., as I near the conclusion of these words, all my strength and hope stems from one avenue, Jesus.

Each of us is destined to drown in the sea of hell as the proper consequence of our sin. Will you and/or have you grasped the soul-preserving hand of Jesus, who died on the cross to be in a position to offer eternal life?

Josh
08.02.07

Indelible Grace Music

2008-08-04T08:16:00.005-05:00

A couple weeks ago at church, we sang a song titled, “Father, Long Before Creation.” I was struck by the lyrics and set out on a search to find it. After having little luck, I emailed our worship pastor and he pointed me towards the website for Indelible (impossible to remove/alter) Grace.

According to their website, Indelible Grace’s “hope is to help the church recover the tradition of putting old hymns to new music for each generation and to enrich our worship with a huge view of God and His indelible grace.”

Most of their music is free to listen to on their website.

What music has "struck a cord" with you recently?

Enjoying Suffering for the Greater Goal

2008-07-17T23:14:00.002-05:00

During our softball game tonight, I made a play at shortstop that involved diving to my left, fully-extended in the air, and snagging a ball destined for center field. It was probably one of the sweetest sports plays I have ever done. The aftermath was a mouth full of dirt, a shirt covered in it, a broken necklace, and a very sore left shoulder. But none of that mattered when I began in pursuit of the ball or after the catch. It was completely worth it for the greater goal of getting the out.

In light of the catch, this same tolerance (and even joy) of pain or persecution can be experienced as a Christian. As a Christian, we are not promised a simple or easy life (Luke 9:23-26, 2 Corinthians 11:24-28, 1 Peter 4:12-14). But suffering (or on the opposite end, the pursuit of safety) will not be our primary factor(s) of consideration if our physical and spiritual eyes are set on the greater purpose of pursuing Christ (his fame, kingdom and the spreading of it).

All of a sudden, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 starts to make a little more sense:

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal

The One Thing You Have To Do To Start Praising God

2008-07-16T07:12:00.002-05:00

My friend Brian has a great post on praising God. He briefly but properly works through Psalm 99:1-3.

Here is a short excerpt:

If you're anything like me, you're probably not always feeling up to falling at God's feet in delightful worship. Some of you hate or avoid or want nothing to do with God. Others find yourselves longing to joyfully praise Him, but instead you battle indifference only to muster a trickle of response. How does Biblical praise happen? At what point do we change from numbness to happily exalting His name?

Check out the full piece here.

This Is What We Have To Look Forward To?

2008-07-13T13:28:00.006-05:00

This small quote was on the front page of the local news paper in the "Birthdays" corner.

Jane Doe turns 89 today. She enjoys sitting on her patio looking at her yard and flowers, and spending time with family.
.

I changed the name for sake of not pointing the finger at the person, but more so the trend that society seems be promoting. As a young professional, I am advised to save, contribute to a 401(k), invest wisely, and start a Roth IRA. But for what purpose? For comfort? For security? To look at flowers? To retire early and disconnect from life and coast into my death bed?

There must be more! There has to be some sort of purpose.

The greatest cause in the world is joyfully rescuing people from hell, meeting their earthly needs, making them glad in God, and doing it with a kind, serious pleasure that makes Christ look like the Treasure he is. (Piper, Don't Waste Your Life, 122)

My reaction to this simple quote may be a bit extreme. What do you think? What is the point of retirement? What would you want your retirement years (if you have them) to look like?

La Paz, Bolivia.....is Now

2008-07-09T22:42:00.006-05:00

About a week ago, a friend I met while on summer project headed down to La Paz, Bolivia to work with a Christian social welfare organization called Bolivian Street Children Project (BSCP). She has been keeping a blog about her experience and I highly recommend checking it out.

Here is a short snippet Patty included in her email about BSCP prior to heading down to Bolivia:

BSCP is a christian social welfare organization that seeks to love kids who live on the streets and introduce them to a new hope to live in the world, a completely different world from which they are familiar with. These children have left homes due to abuse or have been forced to the streets due to the death of both parents. On the streets the children may have their autonomy, but lack so much knowledge to live the life kids should live. BCSP serves the thousands of street children living in La Paz by forming relationships with them in their world, the streets. They invite children to live in their homes where they are able to receive education, food, stable housing, and most importantly a familial love. The kind of love that doesn´t hold back in loving the core of the person, but will also not hold back in offering order and guidance that every child needs from a parent-figure.

This is what she will be doing:

I will be working for the next five weeks with this organization to assist in establishing a more established volunteer program. This organization receives numerous requests from volunteers from both America and Europe, yet there are no concrete volunteer positions to which people can apply. Most often this organization will take volunteers and then create a volunteer position that cater to the skills of the individual, which can be fruitful, but inevitably leads to more work on the part of BSCP. My work will involve a week of observing all the activities of BCSP, creating and writing several formal volunteer positions, and creating a handbook that can serve to orient a volunteer prior to arrival in Bolivia.

Again, you can find the blog for her time down there here.

The Awe Factor of....

2008-07-06T20:16:00.005-05:00

Folks, check out this video. If this will not blow you away, I'm not exactly sure what will. Usually, we are blown away with things that happen in our own lives (e.g. vacations, experiences, hopes, problems).

If we take time to think of others, famous people, corporations, and news events come to mind (e.g. Iraq War, the falling economy, Google, C.C. Sabathia going to the Brewers).

But where should our awe be of God? This may help in realigning our perspective to reality. What other things can we do to help our perspective of life?

HT: Liz Mathews

Pepperdine University

2008-07-05T13:22:00.000-05:00

So we are traveling down the Pacific Coast Highway and lo and behold, we run into good ole Pepperdine University.

I'm not sure how students get studying done when the ocean is a few blocks away.
Joshua Mathews
joshmathews@gmail.com

Meghan Likes Her Cereal

2008-07-04T00:22:00.003-05:00

Words Used in Various Circumstances

2008-06-30T18:16:00.003-05:00

Are there words that you use in one form of communication but not another?

For example, I use "w00t" or "hooray" in written communication forms (e.g. email, Facebook, texting). However, I rarely use these words in verbal situations.

On the other hand, I often say "tough" or "sick" as verbals, but only occasionally in written form.

What are some of the buzz words you use as verbals? How about in written form?

May 2008 Learning Point...Bible Reading Encouragement

2008-06-22T23:04:00.003-05:00

Each month I write an email update to friends, family, and other people I have come in contact with throughout life. Towards the end of each of these letters, I include a section called the "Learning Points." Here is May's learning point.

Yesterday, I asked a friend, "what comes to mind when I say Bible?" His response was "a lot of pages." I can see his point. The Bible looks so big and intimidating. The natural conclusion for most is just not to even pick it up. However: when it comes to Bible reading, quality is more important than quantity.

What good is it to read through the entire Bible but not remember, understand, or have the ability to apply it? It is far better to properly study, pray about, contemplate, and apply five verses.

Try it! I challenge you to read John chapter 1 through chapter 3 over the next few weeks.

HT: Lisa Mathews (my sister-in-law)

Over 1 Billion Indians...and Not One Good Basketball Team?

2008-06-22T21:27:00.002-05:00

Last week a few friends and I got together to attend a Saturday night service at Harvest Bible Chapel. On our way home we stopped by Gino's East to grab a slice of extremely good pizza. Our conversation was all over the board but one of the things we discussed was that out of 1 billion people, India has to have eight guys that are good at basketball. The probability is on our side! However, you never hear of India in the Olympics. Something is wrong with this equation.

Josish After "Splish Splash"

2008-06-22T21:25:00.002-05:00

Here is my nephew Josish after he had a "splish splash" (more commonly known as a bath).

Does Your Thought of the Gospel Include This Idea?

2008-06-19T21:45:00.003-05:00

A church that does not provoke any crises, a gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a word of God that doesn’t get under anyone’s skin, a word of God that doesn’t touch the real sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed-what gospel is that?

Archbishop Romero, El Salvador

This May Cause Tears....

2008-06-19T21:39:00.004-05:00

I saw this video on Justin Taylor's blog a few days ago and was reminded of this incredible story of an Autistic high school basketball manager named Jason McElwain.

Unashamed Tour

2008-06-15T09:10:00.004-05:00

Over the past few weeks, I have started listening to rap music again! I'm not sure if I have any good reason outside of the heavy base in most of the music. I came across a record label called Reach Records (Tedashi, Lecrae, Trip Lee).

After listening to a few songs by these guys, I am blown away with two things: the lyrics and the music. These guys are dedicated to writing raps that are focused, purposeful, and full of meaning. Reach Records is traveling across the US doing concerts called the Unashamed Tour. Check out the calender to see if they are coming to a city near you.

If you check out their website, you can listen to a good amount of their music. I personally like Lecrae's "Break it Down" and "Fanatics" and any Trip Lee song.

Desiring God wrote a small piece on the tour too.

This is Lecrae's "Jezus Muzik."

Unstoppable Live

2008-06-09T23:15:00.005-05:00

This past week I was sitting at work when the song "Unstoppable" popped into my head. It is one of those moments when you wonder, "why did that come to mind?"

Even more than the lyrics, it is sweet to see that this church (Bethlehem Baptist in Minneapolis, MN) has not only allowed, but provided a platform for the display of worship that is much different than the general culture of the congregation.

Check out the video below!

From Riches to Rags

2008-06-03T19:37:00.002-05:00

Who really would choose, even desire, to go from riches to rags? There is a guy I know who grew up in a home where his parents taught him well. He was well respected. In the eyes of most people, he was good. In fact, he was very good. His integrity was above most people. Further, he was pretty passionate guy. He really lived out his convictions. One of those guys who many people wanted to be, but were not bold enough to become.

But in a moment, this guy gave up all hopes for power, wealth, and fame. He did not give it all up for the sake of his family or to have a better work-life balance. He wasn't pursuing a stress-free lifestyle.

In fact, it was the opposite. The rest of his life was filled with going to jail (multiple times), countless beatings, being stoned, and he was even caught in some crazy natural disasters. No matter which side of the diversity line the people he came in contact with stood, they didn't like him. For the most part, he was homeless, poor, and hungry the rest of his life.

Who is this man? His name is Paul. You can read a more accurate narrative in 2 Corinthians 11:23-30 and Philippians 3:4-6.

So why would he go through all of this. It is pretty obvious from what he says in 1 Corinthians 15:19, "If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people to be pitied."

Paul choose a seemingly foolish lifestyle of sacrifice, persecution, and hardship for the sake of Christ!

Many people have a different definition of "believing" in Jesus Christ. What does your definition of "believe" practically look like? Is it similar to Paul's? If you believe in Christ, would your life be pitied/regretted if Christ's resurrection is not true?

A Post On Theological Education (But Applies to All)

2008-06-02T22:27:00.003-05:00

I read this quick article titled, "How to Waste Your Theological Education." I was ready to write it off because I am not currently in any sort of formal theological education, however I gave it a quick glance.

Honestly, this post is for everyone! Granted, there are a few things that do not apply to everyone, but there are some good suggestions.

Here are a few that convicted me:

8. Practice misquoting and misrepresenting positions and ideas you don't agree with. Be lazy and don't attempt to understand opposing views; instead, nurse your prejudices and exalt your opinions by superficial reading and listening.

23. Day dream about future opportunities to the point that you get nothing out of your current opportunity to learn God's Word.

Numbers 30, 32, 35, 40 were also great (in that they forced me to deal with my own inadequacies).

A Trip to the West Side (of the Nation)

2008-06-02T22:19:00.003-05:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to spend a few days in Seattle, Washington. While there, I visited a cousin, a very close friend, and did the stuff an average tourist would do. What set this trip apart were the conversations, fellowship, and interactions with a close friend and his group of friends.

Many people will say that post-college graduation is some of the hardest years of life because most people are distanced from a large group of their close friends. In Seattle, I was blown away at the pure, authentic fellowship that I experienced. For some reason I thought that the community I was surrounded with in college would never be experienced again. In just a few days across the country, I realized that thought was terribly inaccurate.

See below for pictures. I must say, it was beautiful too!

How to Have a Spiritually Sweet Summer

2008-05-21T16:58:00.009-05:00

I just read this post titled, "Don't Waste Your Summer (9 Resolutions)." This is a great article for those who are enjoying summer vacation from middle school, high school, or college.

Here are a few more suggestions or further explanations from the article.

1) Really take your time through the Bible. The key is not how much you read, but how rich your times are in the text that you are working through (quality over quantity).
2) Have a Bible reading plan. Set aside a certain time, place, and what you will read. This will prevent you from feeling lost when you set aside time to read.
3) A book I would add to the list that the link mentions is "A Call to Die" by David Nasser. It is a challenging book and is great to do with a group of people. I also like "The Jesus I Never Knew" by Philip Yancy.

Blue Earth

2008-03-23T11:29:00.000-05:00

Somewhere in Minnesota. The sunrise service in Dell Rapids is over and I am on my trek across Minnesota. I'll be making a wick stop in Rochester and then back home in Kenosha.

Happy Easter!
Joshua Mathews
joshmathews@gmail.com

Goodbye Dell Rapids

2008-03-23T08:36:00.000-05:00

Joshua Mathews
joshmathews@gmail.com

A Real South Dakotian Truck

2008-03-22T15:29:00.000-05:00

Joshua Mathews
joshmathews@gmail.com

cupcake

2008-03-21T22:00:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of Matt Hupila's mom's famous cream cheese cupcakes.

She literally went to Target today and bought all the cooking utensils (and ingredients) just to make them!
Joshua Mathews
joshmathews@gmail.com

Sonic.jpg

2008-03-21T10:24:00.001-05:00

Sonic beakfast burritos....check
Joshua Mathews
joshmathews@gmail.com

No Frills

2008-03-21T10:09:00.000-05:00

Interesting check out @ grocery store in Omaha.
Joshua Mathews
joshmathews@gmail.com

University of Iowa

2008-03-20T08:23:00.000-05:00

Came into hawkeye country last night. It was pretty hard to be surrounded by black and golf, but I survived.

This morning I had the opportunity to see part of campus. I must say it is pretty nice. However, Carlson at the U is much nicer than the business school down here.

Going to see the famous (at least around here) Hamburg Inn and then off to Omaha!
Joshua Mathews
joshmathews@gmail.com

Hillsdale, Iowa

2008-03-19T21:02:00.000-05:00

Stopped at a gas station in the middle of nowhere. However, the middle of nowhere now has a name, Hillsdale.

I met a lady st the gas station. She shared how her father was a drunk growing up. One day a pastor came over to their house and started talking about having a personal relationship with Christ. By the end of the conversation her dad was on the floor weeping.

Now, her dad and brother are both preachers and she says Christ is the best part of her life!

Are you kidding me?! Oh the power of God in Hillsdale, Iowa!
Joshua Mathews
joshmathews@gmail.com

The start

2008-03-19T18:59:00.000-05:00

Here is the first leg of my road trip. Iowa city = 4 hours
Joshua Mathews
joshmathews@gmail.com

Josish getting in trouble

2008-01-31T22:29:00.000-06:00

Joshua Mathews
joshmathews@gmail.com

Josiah

2008-01-30T19:34:00.000-06:00

Joshua Mathews
joshmathews@gmail.com

Meghan Rachel Mathews

2008-01-30T11:34:00.000-06:00

This is a test post.
Joshua Mathews
joshmathews@gmail.com

The Blog Has Moved

2006-06-13T17:47:00.000-05:00

josh.mathewshome.com

Yes, this is the new home of the blog and some other stuff. However, if at any point the other site goes down, this blog site may come back into existince.

Concert on the Lawn

2006-06-03T09:07:00.000-05:00

I feel like I see a new perspective each day of my North Point Internship, whether that is in ministry, life, or just people.

As the days go by, the importance of understanding the vision and mission of whatever you are doing, from a small project to your occupation, is vital. Further than understanding, having the ability to properly communicate that vision truly shows if a person really “gets it.” At North Point, it is so evident that staff has captured the vision of “Leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.” The way the entire staff operates reflects this understanding. There is no competition between divisions and ministries. The staff sees the church as one body and work together so that everyone succeeds.

With catching the vision, comes this feeling of responsibility and ownership of what you are assigned to do. Although North Point does not have tons of different ministries and aspects, everything that they currently do is done with excellence.

Along with excellence, there is an aspect of purpose. From the intern retreat a few weeks ago to Concert on the Lawn (which was yesterday), every aspect of what they do has purpose that ties in with the vision statement. Yesterday was Concert on the Lawn. Basically it is this huge concert that North Point puts on to attract married couples to come and hang out together for a Friday night. The concert is held outside and all the music played is secular. It is a perfect way to invite someone who has never considered church to a safe environment. Although it was raining throughout the night, about 2,000 people showed up and had a great time. All the singers and musicians were a part of North Point church, but you would have never known the difference between them and the radio. I have attached a picture (not a great one) of the concert. Tonight is Gig on the Grass, which is targeted towards singles, between the ages of 20-35 or so.

One of the coolest things I saw yesterday was the community in small groups, which is the entire focus of this church. North Point believes that heart change really happens in small groups, so everything that they do, leads to encouraging people to be a part of one. Because of the rain yesterday, hundreds of people waited inside the church before the concert started. As I walked through the hallways, I experienced something that is unusual for a mega church. There were groups of people everywhere, talking and socializing on a personal, intimate level. Granted everyone did not know everyone, but everyone did know someone. The sense of acceptance, love, and fellowship was so evident.

In a sense, I feel like the box I have placed heart change through God has slowly been getting bigger and bigger. It is said that Americans are among the loneliest people in the world although they have the most entertainment options. People want to have community. If only the Christian stereotype of exclusiveness and “holier than thou” attitude could be eliminated and replaced with a Christ-centered perspective of loving everyone and considering others better than yourself. Oh the lives that could be affected and changed, simply by acting as God intended us to be.

Welcome to the South

2006-05-27T12:27:00.000-05:00

It has been quite a long time since I have posted. So much has occurred the last few weeks that it is difficult to figure out where to start.

Junior year of college is done. In retrospect, I saw many things that were so difficult throughout the year, but at the end, it was all worth it. Really, isn’t this how the Christian life seems to be. Struggles, challenges, temptations and difficulties are common parts of staying in step with the example of Jesus Christ. However, the ultimate end glory, eternity with Him, will be worth it.

In about a week span, I have gone from being in the midst of studying for finals in Minneapolis, to being at home in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to being in Alpharetta, Georgia for an internship. It really does seem like a huge whirlwind of weather, emotions, and environments. But I officially do know that I am in the south with the numerous Sonics, Waffle Houses, and just good ol’ southern hospitality (and all the “y’all’s” I keep hearing).

For the next 10 weeks I will be doing an internship at a church in Alpharetta named North Point. It is a pretty large church and my perspective on ministry has already started to change a little bit. It is so interesting to see the differences between what I have been used to my whole life, as far as church, and now see a totally different perspective, a good one at that.

In the past, my perspective of ministry and reaching people was one of direct contact and relationships. But being part of a ministry that has so many facets, it has been sweet to see how heart change really occurs on many other levels.

On the flip side of the internship, there are 40 some other interns, mostly from Georgia and other states in the south. I am realizing how different I am in simply the way I talk and do things. At the present time, it is so interesting to be in a place where I really do not know many people or have established contacts. The situation is quite different from home or college, but at the same time exciting.

That is it for right now. My mind for some reason has found difficulty in processing all the information and situations that have been experienced. Hopefully in due time, these things will come into an organized sequence of maturity and understanding.

Back Home...Learning

2006-05-01T00:29:00.000-05:00

Right now I feel like Doogie Howser M.D. (if you don’t know him, use Wikipedia). I am sitting at my computer late at night after a long day reflecting on the incredible amount that I have experienced and learned this past weekend.
I had the sweet chance this weekend to travel home and be with my ENTIRE family. That is right, all the brothers, sister, parents, grandparents, cousins, relatives, extended family, and some family friends. There was an atmosphere of celebration and joy this weekend because it was my brother’s birthday, my sister-in-law’s baby shower and a cousin’s wedding. Although I was sick the first two days, the chance to sit back and observe helped me learn so much about myself, my family, and the way we interact. So here is my random laundry list of some sweet things (at least to me they are sweet).

- Ok, my family, especially my mom’s side, is loud. I mean really loud. The decibel level when we are all together is pretty high. It does not surprise me why I am so outspoken and vocal at times anymore.
- The thing I thought I began to despise this year is something I love at home. The same sounds and noises that make it difficult for me to sleep at school were soothing at home. I went to bed early one night, and everyone else was still up. The loudness of conversation, jokes, and random sayings eased my mind to sleep. This phenomenon of something so difficult turned into something so desired was unusual but a pleasant surprise.
- Chicago Cub fans are arguably the best in baseball. The mere passion and perseverance of supporting a team that is difficult to root for shows the deepness of this fan hood.

- Being away from friends at school for a wee bit, made my realize how close I have become with some and how important many have been this year.
- There are less than two weeks left in school. The realization that this hallway and group of guys that I become accustomed to will never be together again as a unit is tough.
- The amount I love my siblings (including my sister-in-law) is greater every time we are together. This is not because we have just a jolly good time the whole time. Maybe more so because we can argue, passionately disagree with each other, and at the end of the discussion, we still respect each other the same. For many, the first person to turn to is your “best friend” or confidant. I realized for me, apart from God, I turn to my family so much for support, encouragement, and joy.
- In the Indian community, I am realizing more and more that you do not just marry the person, but you marry the entire family. While this is a difficult concept to grasp for man, it is a reality in my eyes. (Ohh yea,500 people at a wedding is "medium" size)

- The numerous wedding traditions Mayalaye’s do once made me look down at my culture now make me proud.
- The importance of worth of a late night conversation of deep meaning and “realness” is nearly priceless in my eyes.
- Money is really not that big of a deal. At the Cub’s Game this weekend, my brother found a single seat, maybe 10 rows behind first base. The rest of us had tickets for seats way higher up. After an inning of enjoying the quality of the seats, my brother came back to enjoy the company. No matter what, the love and fellowship of close family far outweighs the world’s delights money can buy.
- Cousins I have not seen from Edmonton, Canada for years hold such a special place in my life and heart. It is as if we do not need to talk, and we can just go back to being friends in an instant. That my friend is special.
- But the biggest thing I learned this weekend is the bond of fellowship and love that is found in the presence of God. He is big, powerful, huge, but intimate, close, and personal. The love, peace of mind, true permanent joy that is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is something that cannot be replaced, bought, or substituted for. This time on earth may provide huge homes, large sums of money, beautiful cars, and expensive clothing, but what good is all that 300 years from now. The actuality is that these things are temporary, but the fellowship of being with the Jesus in eternity is forever.

Small Towns and Easter

2006-04-16T23:57:00.000-05:00

This weekend, I may have visited Babbitt, Minnesota for maybe the last time of my life. Ok, for many of you, you A) have no idea where the heck Babbitt, Minnesota is or B) know the town and really wonder if there is something wrong with me that I would actually miss it. For the second time in my life, I visited the wonderful, small, Iron Range town in Northern Minnesota. This is where one of my roommates from last year lives. Town = about 1300 people on a good day. It is kind of weird, there is not too much in the town except of course The Babbitt Golf Course, The Teen Center, a few churches, a school, and of course Tank’s Bar. The reason Babbitt plays such a special role in my life is because it is the first real small town I have ever actually spent time in. All my life, I grew in a big town with multiple gas stations, stores, and five Wendy’s restaurants within a few mile radius. If any of you have never spent time in a small town, it is something you must do.

The unity of people in a town like that is incredible. For many small villages in Northern Minnesota, the entire community is dependent on one thing, the local mine. I never understood the implications of how one thing could really effect so many people at a deep level. The thing about a mine is that after a few years or decades, there just is not anything left to mine, meaning all those who worked there would have to be laid off. It is as if each day you go to work, you are actually working away at eliminating your job. Maybe a decade ago or so, a mine closed down in Babbitt, decreasing the need for schools from three to one and shutting down numerous business. Families have been affected greatly. It is not just the parents, but also their kids and grandkids. For many, growing up in a tough environment with an unstable job is common. The implications for the children are great and heavy at the same time.

What I wanted to establish here was the implications of one thing (in this case a mine) that could effect so many people for generations to come. As today is Easter, it is crazy to think of how deep the implications are of what Jesus did on the cross on Good Friday, but further the unbelievable joy in Jesus being raised from the dead. What implications are there in these activities? For us as humans, we have the ability to accept a gift that redeems us from the penalty of our sins. Although the physical act of Jesus dying and then being raised occurred thousands of years ago, the result of this act effects each of us today and for our eternity. So often the spirit of Easter is lost in activities, family, and food. While these things are important, the true meaning of Easter is often overlooked. Let us not forget what it meant for Jesus to overcome the sins of the world on the cross in being resurrected. There would be no Christian faith, no atonement for sins, no eternal life in Heaven, no forgiveness of sins, without Jesus being raised. What an incredible gift that is offered to us that is often overlooked?

Lastly, I must add that although my stay in Babbitt this time around was about 24 hours, I do not think a family outside my own has ever treated me so nicely. It was as if I was their son for the weekend. I always said that one of the biggest reasons why I came to the U was because the people were so nice. I never knew that the parents and friends of the people I became friends with would treat me as one of their own too.

Others

2006-03-17T01:05:00.000-06:00

For many people, this Cross may mean, represent, or symbolize various things. Some may see hope, peace, prosperity, and salvation. Others may see anger, disappointment, or bewilderment. The range of emotions and feelings may be wide.

The thought that ponders my mind when I see that Cross is that it represents a person who thought of others before himself.

As a culture and society, the constant focus in our lives is ourselves. What can I gain? How do I look? What does everyone else think of me? Where I am going? When will something happen for me? Why is this happening to me? These are questions that consume our minds daily.

Granted, it is impossible to go through life and not think about yourself some. But the thing for me is that, often, when I think about myself, I compare myself with others who are better than me. It is this competitive attitude combined with a certain feeling of inferiority. The biggest challenge for me, and most people from the U.S., is to realize how blessed we are.

Why is it that I stress about which article of clothing I am going to wear when many in the world would be overjoyed with a set of clothing? The education that I stress about and often complain about is what many in the world, young and old, long for. I always say that I am “starving.” I do not even know what starving is. How many people in the world would beg for the leftovers of what we have eaten?

With our hearts, can we please stop looking at ourselves and see the world. Let us who have so much help those who do not have much at all. This may be in the physical sense of food, clothing, and shelter. But this can also be in the spiritual sense too. Why do we often see people as what one is wearing or what another is driving? What about their eternal spiritual souls?

This all comes back to the fact that the source and meaning of the Cross. Jesus Christ gave up his LIFE for people like you and me who deserve nothing remotely close to that kind of love. Let us stop thinking about ourselves and start seeing the needs and pains of those around us.

Unexpected Blessings

2006-03-04T03:05:00.000-06:00

Do you ever do something that you completely dread and really do not want to do, but after you do it, you realize that it was actually for the better? I know that is a bit of a vague question. Tonight, I experienced an unexpected reality.
So often, we all get so caught up in what we are doing that we have no time to realize how much we have all changed, matured, or grown. Since so many things happen gradually, we just cannot see for ourselves what has changed. It is kind of like growing taller or growing out your hair, the people immediately around you everyday do not quite realize the difference, but someone you have not seen for a long time recognizes it right away.
Without going into details, tonight I got to see first hand a few things. First how great God’s grace has been in my college life? Second, because of God’s grace, how different I am from my first semester freshman year to now. Ultimately, the biggest factor I am slowly understanding is how unbelievable Jesus’ gift was on the cross. Is there a better example of complete love and forgiveness for those who run away from him?
To challenge each of you, I ask you to think back to who you were a few years ago. Maybe this means looking back into a journal, asking a friend what they thought of you, or simply sitting down and reflecting. What has changed in your life? What is different? Are you happy and satisfied with what you have become? Is their disappointment or regret? While it is inevitable for everything you think of to be good or positive, make sure to give yourself grace. And lastly, no matter what you have been or have become, the incredible love of God that offered his Son, as atonement for our sin, is never unreachable. The beauty in all of this iswhat Jesus said, “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12).

Minneapolis---Miami, Ohio---Minneapolis

2006-03-01T00:48:00.000-06:00

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to go down to Oxford, Ohio to see some friends from this past summer. They go to the Miami University in Ohio, also called J Crew U (because many on the campus dress up a good amount). Anyways, while I was there, I started realizing some things that blew my mind away. Here are some of my reflective thoughts on the weekend.
- Why the heck would I spend way too much on a ticket to the Middle-of-Nowhere, Ohio to visit people that I have known less than a year? Logically, it really does not make sense. Many will say going on a Summer Project will change your life. Others say you will make friends for a lifetime. My question is why do people say that? All to often, the focus is on the person or the people themselves, not on what is at the core of that person that is missed. Here is where I am going with all this, all too often I think about people from this summer and really miss them in my heart. But is it solely the person that I miss, their personality, their smile, laugh, or conversations. I don’t think so. It is more than that. It is the way God was working in their lives. It is that special relationship each person had with the Savior of the world.
- As I continue to think about the core of people and their relationship with Jesus Christ, I cannot help but feel comforted. See, the unbelievable thing about it all is that the same God that I saw in the actions and personalities of people, that I experienced on the boardwalk, at work, or wherever else in Ocean City is the same God that is here with me in Minneapolis, Minnesota. What an amazing thing to remember and hold on to?!
- This thought of missing people so much more than what God was doing this summer is a bit scary. As I progress in college and start to realize that graduation college and entering the real world is actually going to happen, I continue to think about what my relationship with God truly is. Is it an activity? Is it volunteering or hanging out with others that believe the same thing I do? Is it doing something or going to a meeting? While all these things are great, all too often, people fall in love with the activity, meeting, or people, not the God that is at the source of it all. Why do we lose sight of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords among small things like a large meeting or a fun time?
- On to a lighter subject, I have realized something extremely cool of being with good friends. There is something special and unique about friends that are near and dear to you. Two guys that I was very close with drove down from Ball State, which is a few hours away. While I was excited and pumped to see them, I felt no pressure to have to say something or have a conversation. The pure joy in simply being in the presence of these guys and all the others at Miami was satisfying enough. What a blessing?! For some reason, I look at my relationship with Jesus often times in a different way. Why is it that we always need to be doing something or saying something to Him? While these are not bad things, many get caught up in those processes and routines instead of realizing that it is a true, real relationship.

I wanted to end with another random event and thought. A few weeks ago, I had written that I lost arguably one of my most prized possessions, my Prayer Journal. By God’s grace it was found and returned to me through the mail. Alright, I know that is not that big of a deal to many of you, but reflecting on how unbelievable God is so amazing. The timing of God is so unknown but so perfect and right. A little over four years ago I had this serious allergic reaction to an Amoxicillin. Some of you from high school would remember this (Especially one guy). Recalling that time through the reflections and words that I wrote is incredible. See, the beauty of the situation was what I wrote the day before the entire allergic reaction happened. I was feeling lonely and down, wondering if my friends truly even cared about me. The next day, my life was on the brink of ending. While that was a bit scary, the after effects of seeing how much people cared and really did love me were incredible.
Here is my challenge to all of you and myself. Too often we go through life being reserved in our appreciation towards others around us. We think that it would be awkward to express how much a person means to us. We continue to shy away from being encouraging but some how attracted to insults, sarcasm, and put-downs. Why is this paradox so true? People, be encouraging today. Find one person today and compliment them on something. Tell someone how they have positively affected you. Be open and honest. Why is it so easy for many of us to be critical of someone but so hard to be uplifting? Do not just agree in your head that this is good or right; instead, go do it right now!

The Unexplainable

2006-02-03T01:28:00.000-06:00

There is a part of life, a big part, which is so unexplainable. There are feelings we just cannot express completely in words. There are actions that do not have a legitimate reason in words but make complete sense in our hearts and mind. We have logic and common sense to guide us in so many of our routine decisions, but there is always this field of unknown that leads us, guides us and controls us.

It is that feeling you get before a huge game. What is that? A competitive spirit, not knowing what is going to happen, but excited to tackle whatever comes your way.

It is that feeling that money does not matter. That the thing you are about to do cannot have a price tag. It is like one of my friends flying to London for the weekend to see his girlfriend.

It is that rumbling in your heart that leads you to randomly talk to a stranger. That desire to decide against the logical and choose the radical.

What is IT? I cannot describe IT fully? It may be love. But then who can describe love.

Love is more than just kind words or a romantic moment. It is more than an intimate situation or deep conversation. It lasts longer than that. Love is consistent. Love is the feeling to give a stranger a hug because you have a connection with them. Love is seeing someone you have not seen in five months and thinking that it was just yesterday when everyone was together.

But I still have not come close to describing love. Maybe 1 John 4:8 will give some insight “…because God is love.”

Well, good luck to the person who wants to try and fully describe God.

My King (Remix)

2006-01-12T00:16:00.000-06:00

I know I already let you all know about the speech by SM Lockridge. However, I just found this new site that actually has a video to go along with it. And it is only about three minutes long. So for those of you who were too busy to listen to the six minutes, try this out. It is totally worth your time. Just click here. (And if you haven't noticed, I just learned how to include links and pictures!) The picture is of SM Lockridge.

The Beauty of Simplicity

2006-01-10T02:55:00.000-06:00

While I have been at home this break, I have been pondering the simple things in life. So often, I get caught up in immersing myself in complicated issues, discussions, arguments, and ideas. While these events are needed and beneficial for proper maturity, I often lose sight of the most important, yet simple, aspects of it all.

In the spiritual sense, it is so easy to get caught up in current, “hot-button” issues that are fun, interesting, and exciting. Finding a faith-based conversation on homosexuality, the death penalty, abortion, or whatever else is simple. However, how difficult it is to talk about the source and foundation of that faith. Why am I not digging deep into the well of the simple yet deep GRACE of Jesus Christ? How often I lose sight of my sin and superficially take God’s grace as atonement?

See, the ugliness of losing sight of simple yet foundational truths is that these very truths are perceived in a light manner. No longer do we attempt to feel the weight of our sin bearing down. I do not mean this in a way to prevent one from experiencing the freeing grace of Christ. Actually, I mean exactly the opposite. Attempting to understand our very sin helps us appreciate how beautiful and marvelous that saving Grace truly is.

Think of it this way. If you were expecting to get a 95% on a test and your teacher told you that you received a perfect 100% score, you would be pretty excited. On the flip side, if you knew you had earned a 50% failing grade, and your teacher came to you and said that one of your classmates agreed to take the consequence of a failing grade and give you their perfect score, what would your reaction be? My first emotion would be one of questioning. Can he do that? Is it possible? Is it right? After seeing that it is true, legitimate, and possible, I would be so joyous and awestruck. It would not even compare to the excitement I would be feeling if I expected it. At the same time, you would not be able to have that perfect grade unless you accepted it as your own. Just knowing that the offer is there does not mean you actually have the grade. (I know this may not be a perfect example to God’s grace).

People, this is what we have in Christ. We are sinful. We have all done something wrong and these things deserve a failing grade in the test of eternity. However, Jesus Christ, who had a perfect score on the test of eternity agreed to switch grades. He agreed to take the consequence of your sin. He was mocked, beaten, whipped, and nailed to a cross. He died in your place. And He gave us a way to reach Heaven, solely through himself. He gave us this free, undeserved gift. It is not enough to just to know that this amazing gift is there. We must all accept it as our own.

My King (Second Post in One Day!)

2006-01-05T02:58:00.000-06:00

I have to let you all know about six minutes of speaking that is unparalleled to anything I have ever heard in such short period of time. If you want to know what I am talking about, go to this link (http://www.theiowaharvest.com/harvestholler/archives/000085.html) and download (MyKing.ra).

For those of you who are not Believers in Christ, this short speech will give you a perspective of why people are so passionate about their faith and have such a peace and joy about what they believe in. For those of you who are Believers, this will blow your mind of what you may have already known but never heard in such a concise, passionate way.

Also, there is a separate posting I will have which is right after this. I just thought that these six minutes were important enough to have its own separate posting.

Christmas, TCX, True Joy

2006-01-05T02:57:00.000-06:00

Look at this, I haven’t posted at all in the last few weeks, and now two postings in one day.

Over the past few weeks, so much has been going on: Christmas, TCX, and perspective changes.

Here are some thoughts from each of those events and other things mixed in. By the way, TCX stands for Twin Cities Experience, which is a Christmas conference through Campus Crusade for Christ. It was in Minneapolis, Minnesota from Dec. 28-Jan. 1 and encompassed 1400 college students from six states.

CHRISTMAS
- I probably have the sweetest family ever.
- This Christmas was special because it was my mom’s 50th birthday a few days earlier. So we all celebrated that together with Christmas.
- Throughout the season, it was great to continually focus on why the world even celebrates Christmas. O Holy Night!
- I am cheating a little bit and still listening to Christmas music.

TCX
- God is Big. He is so much Bigger than I can ever imagine. He is more powerful, graceful, caring, vengeful, peaceful, concerned, in control, wrathful, and loving than I my mind can attempt to absorb.
- I realized what my most prized possession probably is. At TCX I lost my prayer journal that I have been keeping the last four years. It was a journal started my junior year of high school that kept track of prayers. It was so cool to look back and see how God answered them in different ways. The thing about the journal is that I did not realize how important it was until I lost it. What a bummer. I was thinking to myself that I would have rather lost my digital camera or cell phone than my journal. Those precious thoughts, reflections, and pleadings are things that can never be remade or bought.

Going of my journal, think to yourself what truly is your most important possession. It has hit me that I would almost trade my laptop for that journal. Why is it that a few pieces of paper bound my cheap wire that probably cost less than a dollar means so much? It does not make logical sense. But think now, what really is important in life?

So often, it is easy to get caught up in the temporary things of life. Maybe it is the new car, or video game, or TV. But really, what does all that really matter? It seems like there is so much more to life than just material possessions. I am reminded of a perspective someone gave me of the people who were on that plane on 9/11 that went down in PA. When many of the passengers knew that they would only be living for a few more minutes, they all made phone calls to their closest loved ones. Most likely, none of them called their bankers to find out how much money they had. Their thoughts were probably not with the new house they just bought or the new promoted position they obtained at work. No, it was with people, those they would leave behind, or on their eternal savior, Jesus Christ.

It seems like so many things in life are just so meaningless. After their immediate luster and glory, they just fade away into rust and distant thought. For example, today was the NCAA Football National Championship. It was an unbelievable game that was exciting to the very end. But really, who is really going to care about the game five years from now? Ten years?

Why is it as human beings we get so caught up in temporary happiness? Why are we not consumed with the search for eternal, consistent joy? To be honest, I think every human being on earth is constantly trying to find this joy, but most find it in empty places that do not provide true joy. See, the difference between joy and happiness is that joy is the big picture while happiness is how you are feeling in a moment. Many attempt to find joy in clothes, position, money, jobs, sports, competition, friends, relationships, drugs, etc. Ultimately, all these things will fail at one time or another. They cannot provide constant, eternal joy because they are imperfect.

There will always be a new trend in clothes. Someone will always have a higher position, more money, or a better job then you. The essence of sports is that someone wins, and someone else loses. No one always wins. Competition is great, but eventually draining. Friends can turn on you or lose your trust. Relationships are broken. Drugs temporarily cover the troubles of the day, but always bring you back to reality.

I was talking to a guy who was 37 the other day. He is currently an executive pastor at a church. He was telling me that he had it all, a great job, expensive possessions, a wonderful wife and family, and money. But in the end, he was unhappy. He was not fully satisfied.

People, there is only one source of true joy. There is only one person who will never let you down (even when you think He might be). You all just celebrated His birthday. His name is Jesus Christ.

So how can you tap into the ultimate source of all joy? Many may say they know Jesus but it is only intellectual knowledge. Others may say they know Him because they go to church, pray, volunteer, or do good things. But these things of itself do not represent a true relationship with Christ. To accept Him into your life means a yielding of your will. It involves understanding that your sins deserve a penalty, and that is eternal separation from God. It means giving up control of your life and asking Jesus, through prayer, to forgive you of your sins and accepting that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins.

Do not get me wrong. Being a believer in Christ does not mean my life is perfect and I do not have unhappy days. It does not mean that everything goes my way and I get whatever I want. However, the peace that comes with eternal joy and satisfaction is special and indescribable.

If any of you have questions or comments about what I have been talking about, please e-mail me. Here are some great sources to investigate: everygopher.com, www.livingwaters.com/good/.

Random Thoughts

2005-12-11T01:19:00.000-06:00

Every so often, I get in one of those moods where I just feel reaaally mature or deep.

I just thought I would read my bible study leader’s blog, and now I am feeling a deep sense of joy, happiness, along with some unbelief and amazement that has caused me to be taken back. If you want to read the posting of how he became a Christian, it is at www.adamgo.blogspot.com.

Over and Over today, I have been feeling older and older. I know that I am only 21 years old, but it just seems like I am old. It is a bit weird, but I remember feeling like this in high school too. Now I am in college, and feel the same way. Here are some reasons why:
- The last few nights, I have been ready for bed before midnight. Ok, I know that may not seem that old, but man, I remember freshman year thinking that midnight was a good time to start something, like a movie.
- Tonight was Saturday night, and I checked out three board games from my residence hall and played until midnight. That of itself is not old. But we got there at 9:30 and were ready to be done and in bed by 11:30.
- I enjoy peace and quiet. A lot!!! The noise I used to enjoy, I now get annoyed with. I would much rather sit and read a book then watch TV (most of the time).
- Eating dinner at 5:00 p.m. is late for me.
- I have to plan a week ahead of time to meet someone for coffee.
- My planner is almost always with me. I actually schedule people in for things.
- I like Michael W. Smith a lot. I used to not think that was a very old thing, but after discussing which concert I would like to go to if I had a chance, and having Mr. Smith himself as an answer, people started laughing, as if I was joking around. (I was actually pretty serious.) And the funny thing right now is that most of you that are reading this are like, who the heck is Michael W. Smith. Wikipedia him.
- If you don’t know what Wikipedia is, Google that. If you do not know what Google is, ok, I am not even going to go there
- An ideal weekend is going out and having coffee with someone discussing deep issues.
- A lot of my friends will be graduating next year. Some might even get married. Some already have.

See, the thing about all this, is that I am not unhappy, sad, etc. at all. I am actually really joyful and confident of where I am. I feel accepted and loved just the way I am. It is kind of cool how God can make you feel that way.

Here is my challenge to you all. Think of the one thing that makes you feel old, sad, lonely, or whatever, and find the good in it. Maybe you feel like everyone else is doing something and you were not invited. Know that if you are reading this at a computer right now, you are looking at an electronic piece of equipment that most of the world may never see.

If you are feeling lonely because someone broke up with you or are coming off a bad relationship, remember that many people in this world will never even know what dating is. Even if they did, they would not have the means to even date.

If you are feeling stressed about school and finals coming up, find the joy in being able to sit in class, learn, and be educated. People, do you understand how lucky you are if you are currently in college or ever have been to college! There are people who would die to be educated. To be able to read, write, and communicate.

See, the thing about all this, these are not just statistics. This is real. There is a person, sitting in Minneapolis right now, wishing he or she could go to college but will never be able to afford it. There is a person working in some field in India, who does not know a thing about dating and even if he did, he already has an arranged marriage with a person he barely knows. There is boy in Ecuador who may never even know what a computer is. He may one day see a picture of it and hope to SEE one.

I didn’t write all this to make you feel sad. I wrote it so we could all find joy in the stressful, tough, sad, hopeless times of our lives. All the glory goes to God!

Thankful?! I am blown away...

2005-11-24T02:26:00.000-06:00

It being Thanksgiving and all, it is only proper to be thankful for some things. Hopefully the ones I list are a bit more unique then usual.

- I am thankful for silence. Maybe it is because I live in a residence hall where it is usually loud all the time, but I just love sitting at home right now and really having silence. There is just a peace about it that makes me calm and comfortable. But this is definitely not the only kind of silence I enjoy and have grown to love. How about the comfortable silence between two good friends or family that is not awkward or weird? That is beautiful.
- I am thankful for the cold. See, this is not because I love winter sports or the outdoors or even getting all bundled up (although I do enjoy that every once in a while). It is more so because the cold helps be appreciate the warmth that spring and summer bring. If I never knew any better then just warmth, I think I would just take it for granted.
- Speaking of feeling cold and warm, I am thankful that the Thanksgiving to New Years Season may be cold on the outside, but really warm on the inside. Let me explain. Like many, I love the Holiday season, and even though the weather is below freezing outside, the warmth that I feel inside is incredible. I love how God works like that to use opposites to blend together so well.
- I am thankful for the feeling of heartache of missing someone. That feeling of sentiment that a little part of you is left behind. Maybe that sounds weird, but for me, it truly shows the people that mean the most to me.
- I am so unbelievably thankful that Jesus loves me just the way I am. That I do not need to impress him with the things I have done or am doing to receive his unbelievable free gift of forgiveness and eternal life. I am sooo thankful that it has nothing to do with me, but everything to do with Him.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Ocean City Reunion and More

2005-11-13T00:19:00.000-06:00

It is really weird because I am unsure if my heart has ever really felt this way in my life.

This past weekend was the reunion from the Summer Project I did this past summer in Ocean City, New Jersey. The reunion itself was at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. Before I start my reflection on the reunion, I must say that Northwestern is such a beautiful university and I just loved the atmosphere.

Reflecting on it is a bit difficult just because I miss it so much. When I left this summer, I really did not have to deal with the “big, official good-bye” because I had to leave early for CA training. So going to reunion was a bit bittersweet knowing that at the end of a few days I would have to say good-bye to some people for the rest of my life.

Overall, the weekend was extremely quick but good. It was nice catching up with people and just enjoying people’s companies. One of my favorite parts was just sitting back and looking at all the people talking to each other and enjoying each other. The love and joy of Christ was so evident between everyone.

Just thinking about those people right now hurts a little bit, not knowing when we will see each other again. However, as believers in Christ, there is such an amazing and hopeful ending to be looked forward too.

Here are some other random thoughts that are not exactly organized from this past week:
- I have started listening to the Doxology by different bands. It has been incredible the strength in a few, old words. Praise Him!
- From last weekend and this week, it has been incredible how encouraged I have been by other people. I always wonder why I am so blessed with the people I am surrounded with.
- You know the uneasy feeling you get when you really just do not know what is going to happen next, but either way, it is going to be a big deal. And further, the even more uneasy feeling knowing you have to do something but not wanting to do it. It is like this battle between your spiritual self and human nature. Sometimes the human nature wins the battle, but more often than not, the spiritual side will prevail. I went through quite a few of those moments this week. But all was good in the end.
- More and more, I have begun to appreciate silence and solitude. Maybe it is because I live in a freshman residence hall and it is pretty loud often. But more than that, I just love being with people and not feeling the pressure to have to say something or think of a question to ask to keep the conversation going. It is just so nice just to appreciate the presence of the person you are with.
- Going off that last thought, it has been sweet just spending time like that with God. I think often times we pray for so long, that we never just sit and rest in His presence.
- Here is a fun question I like to ask myself: In 5000 years, what you are doing now is going to matter? Grades? Looks? Societal perception? People?

Just as I have been encouraged a lot this week, I wanted to do some public encouraging. I have mentioned my family many times and how I love them so much. I wanted to give props to my second brother. There are just so many things about him that make him special. I could go on forever in this blog, but he is just so self-less and would do anything for the betterment of others. He truly is an example of a person who is passionate but would much rather have someone else be better off.
That is it for now.

Intramural Champion?---Check

2005-10-30T01:59:00.000-06:00

Today, I accomplished one of the goals I had before I graduate college. It may have taken three years, four sports, and probably seven different teams, but it finally happened. You may be wondering what this IT is.

Well, I finally won an Intramural Championship. The sport was outdoor soccer. The team: E-stars. It was sweet, because I played with the same team last year for indoor soccer and we had a heart-breaking loss in shootouts. But this year, we scored two goals in the last five minutes of our first playoff game to win 4-3. Then the second playoff game went into shootouts where we won 3-0. Finally, the Championship game we cruised to a 2-0 win. It was pretty solid. Hopefully I get the long awaited T-shirt soon.

Huge Letdown

2005-10-15T14:56:00.000-05:00

Well, as many of at this point know, the Gophers just had one of the worst football collapses. Up by 10 with two minutes to go, Minnesota had the game in the bag. However, huge disappointments on special teams negated that and they ended up losing by four.

Alright, right now the emotions I am feeling is just a huge disappointment and heartache. I cannot believe what I just saw. If you have no idea what I am talking about right now, go to espn.com and I am sure you can get a run down on what occurred.

However, I am sure many of Gopher fans exactly understand. But here is the parallel point for me. As a Christian, why do I not feel this deep of emotion for my Savior? Why do I not feel this deep sense of loss for people who are literally “losing” the game of life all around me? If you have no idea what I am talking about as far as “losing” the game of life, get a hold of me and I will let you know.

For those of you who go the U and understand what “losing” the game of life means, remember the emotion you are currently feeling after that unbelievable football loss. Do you feel that way about the eternal loss people all around us are destined too?

Changes

2005-10-14T01:37:00.001-05:00

“ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Wo we fix our eyes on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
- Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Well, by starting with a statement like that, it may seem to you that I have it all together. On the contrary friends. I actually put that verse first to express how little faith I have in the One I believe saved me from eternal death.

Often, it is easy for me to say a verse, or vocally agree when hearing something, but so many times, I never apply them in real life. Why is that? Why is it that we can always say we believe in something, but cannot follow through in our actions?

For me it is the limited view I have of God. I put the God of the universe who created me and think, “He cannot possibly do this.” It is easy for me to say that I am only human and these things are normal and common. However, I do not want to live life with excuses. I know the truth that is revealed.

(Insert Transition Here) One thing that has kept me up tonight is the realization that I do not appreciate things enough when they are right in front of me. Even going back to freshman year of college, I remember being sad at the start of second semester that our hallway would be splitting apart in a few months. Then there is this summer and the amazing experience that I am missing so much. When will I start enjoying the amazing people I am currently surrounded with? I am so unbelievable blessed and yet do not even realize it!

How is your life? Worried? Stressed? Angry? Joyful? Excited? Appreciating of the things around you? Take a 20 seconds, really 20 seconds, to just sit and think.

Update Folks

2005-10-11T19:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I definitely have not held up my promise to continue to post…so here comes a short one.

I got a “reminder” from a friend (Ziesemer) that it had been much too long since I have posted. So here goes nothing.

In the past few years of college, I have never really felt too overwhelmed with academics. Boy, this week and the last have been much different. With three midterms and a test in three days this week, I was a bit hesitant coming into the exams. I still have one to go and the first two definitely did not go so well. Ohh well, there is some eternal perspective there. In 5000 years, who is going to care how I did on an Operations Management test? With that being said, I know I have to keep up in my studies and honor God with even that.

This past weekend was Fall Retreat with Campus Crusade for Christ. Alright, that was a ton of fun, but did not help the fact that I had not studied enough. The talent show was sweet. My personal favorite was a group of girls all “decked-out” in gangsta rap jersey’s dancing to a Cross Movement song. Solid.

I still love being a CA. The guys are great and I am getting to know them better. However, they get to be a bit distracting. For example, today, I got back from classes and needed to study, but then they asked me to play football and there went the last few hours.

Alright, that is it for now. I am honestly going to try and update later this week when all my midterms are over. One more Finance Midterm left tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Too Long..

2005-09-17T00:58:00.000-05:00

Alright, I am unsure if anyone even reads this blog anymore because it has been a month since I have updated it. However, I'm just going to go ahead and assume that my mom and dad have yet to give up hope on me and will at least read this update if I tell them too!

So, you are wondering, how has the last month been? Well, one simple word can describe it, busy. I know, that’s lame, cause everyone is busy, but whatever, I am one of them. My last post was a reflection on project. I enjoyed just randomly putting thoughts down, so I think I will do the same here.

It is weird to think the last time I wrote on this blog, I was still in Ocean City, New Jersey. Are you kidding me that is just really weird. So, I left project on Monday, August 15th. Wow, what an unbelievable weekend. Tylor Wagner and I had to leave early to get back to Minneapolis on Friday for Community Advisor (some school call it RA’s) training. Saying goodbye to people that you may never see again was hard. Surprisingly I did not cry though. Tylor and I were talking about it on the ride home, and we both felt in our hearts just so sad but our outward emotion may not have shown it as much.

Remembering that Monday morning is tough right now. The Impact Group I grew so close to all woke up for one last time together. The card the women of the group made for me was extremely special. Getting a few notes from other people was just so special. Reading those letters once I got to Ohio was incredible. The memories are still so vivid of just waking up early to pack the car. The night before was sweet, just being able to tell people how special they were to me and how much I truly appreciated them. God placed each person there for such a special reason.

Many of you who have never been on project or do not even know what project is may wonder why I talk about it the way I do. It is hard for me to describe in words. For each of you, think of the most important, passionate thing in your life. Maybe it is a sport or a hobby or simply family. For me, it is my faith. Now imagine, dedicating an entire summer to solely focus on that one thing (and with that many other things). Say you love sports; your summer would be filled with training camps. When you are done with that, you would talk to others who also loved the sport and just wanted to get better. You would watch tapes and study games and players. You would talk about the sport to other people and learn from random people. At times, it may seem to be overwhelming, and that’s because it is. However, by the time you leave that summer, you cannot help but wish you are still there.

Now that example of sports may have been a bit far fetched; however, it still makes sense. My faith is so important to me. But there are so many aspects to my belief. It is not just sitting and praying or just reading the bible, although those are both extremely important things. I believe as humans we were created to have fellowship with other people. Being surrounded this summer with over 100 other students at the same place as me in so many ways. They were all students in college but all of them had their faith as the most important thing in their lives. The fellowship was incredible in way I only started to truly appreciate since I have been back to reality.

Transitioning now, the trip home was nice with Tylor. I got home on Tuesday afternoon and got to spend the next few days with my family. Wow, did I miss them lots. Each of their personalities and support really cannot be replaced in any way. Especially talking with my brother about so much stuff was so refreshing and encouraging. I still do not think I appreciate those that I am surrounded with in my family enough. They are just amazing people and I would be the person I am without them. I know that may sound so redundant because I always say it, but the reason is because it is true.

So it was sad to say goodbye to them on Friday when I started my trip back up to school. For the first few hours of the trip, I was alone, and it was so nice to just reflect a bit on the summer and also call a ton of people that were just leaving project back in NJ.

For the last few hours, Tylor was with me again. Boy, it was so nice to have him along throughout the entire process. What a blessing from God! He is just an incredible guy and I love being with him and just experiencing life with him.

Once up at school, CA training started on Saturday. Wow, what a turn-around. Basically for the next two weeks, it was intense training for most of the day with so much to learn. It was a bit overwhelming because I was still reeling from this summer and now being thrown into the school year. However, the same God I considered so great in Ocean City is the same God that took me through in Minneapolis. Do not get me wrong; training for the most part was good and fun. I got to know the staff here at Frontier so well and others around campus.

I felt a lot like elementary school gym class those two weeks of training. Try to stay with me here. Back in gym class, when we started a sport, lets say volleyball; we would have to learn all the rules and simple things first, like bumping and setting. Then after what seems forever, we finally get to play a few days later. And that is exactly how CA training was. Although it was essential to go through it to be prepared when students came, I just wanted so badly for school to start so I could actually meet my residents.

Finally the school year started and things are going well but extremely busy. To be honest, I feel like I am not studying hard enough, so hopefully this next week I can really start focusing and making sure that I get back on track. However, God has been faithful to in just providing people to talk to when I need support and just guidance in many areas.

That is it for now. All I can end with is that God is so good and He deserves all the glory and honor. God bless folks.

Last Week…

2005-08-09T22:57:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody, I hope you are all doing well. It has been such a long time since I have talked to many of you. Summer has seemed to fly by without telling me it was even here. Can you believe it is August something or other?
Anyways, enough complaining of the short summer. The last few weeks have been good, bad, fun, stressful, and a full of learning. Summer project is winding down. I will be leaving Ocean City this coming Monday! Wow, I cannot believe that. It seems like I just got out here last week.
Reflecting back at the last few weeks, so many things come to mind. So like the last posting, I think I will just do a list of random facts, ideas, thoughts, etc. I do not know if I have the energy or wit to actually intertwine everything together into a logical paragraph. So here goes nothing…
- One of the coolest things about this summer has been the people surrounding me. Because of God’s amazing grace I have the opportunity to meet and make friends from across the country. California, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois are all states where God has provided friends who are seeking after His will.
- Believe it or not, I have become a lot less sarcastic and a bit more serious this summer. While many of you may think that is impossible or disappointing, I look at that as a really good thing. A lot of the time, instead of being sarcastic, it has been so much more rewarding and satisfying to be encouraging. While many of you may be shocked, think about it. How many times has something you said that was sarcastic actually productive? Usually, sarcasm is used either to be funny or condescending. Rarely is it actually building someone up. Also, many people feel uncomfortable around sarcastic people and never truly open up.
- My last day of work was supposed to be today; however, it was pouring rain outside this morning so work was canceled. Because of all that, I am officially done working at Greate Bay Golf Course. It many ways, it was the best job I have ever had. My bosses were incredible. I enjoyed working outdoors a ton. Compared to working in an office or inside a store, time flies by so fast when working outside. I am not sure exactly the reason why, that is just the way it is. One of the things I figured out is not to wear a watch, and then you will not check the time every five minutes and feel like time is just dragging by.
- I know this week is going to be bittersweet. Compared to most people, I am a pretty sentimental person. Usually, it is difficult for me to say bye to people or have really great things come to an end. At the same time, I am super pumped to get back home and see my family for a few days. Also, I just cannot wait to get to campus. There are people I have not seen or even talked to in a long time.
- One of the coolest things about being surrounded by those who have put their trust in Jesus Christ is the fact that I will one day see them again. For the rest of eternity, I will be with them in heaven.
Now that I think about it, I think it would be fair for me to get sentimental. I have less than a week left here in OC. Here are some initial thoughts of things I am going to miss.
- Alright, this might sound weird, but I am going to miss the laughs of people. There are a couple of individuals on project that just have such a unique laugh. They just brighten up the room with their distinct laugh. That cannot be replicated or replaced. You know if you have one of those laughs and I thank God for blessing you with that.
- It is going to be weird not to be surrounded by so many Cubs fans. I have made a good amount of friends who heart the Cubs just the way I do.
- There are numerous things I will miss from the boardwalk. Here are a few: $1 slices after 11:00 p.m., seeing people in almost every store up and down the boardwalk that are on this project, the people that hang out late at night, TJ’s lemonade, the 99 cents store, and many other things I cannot think of right now.
- The instant deep conversations I had with people. No longer did I have to establish a relationship. There was already that trust between individuals to just open up and share what is on their mind.

There are just a few more days to go until I am back home. Cannot wait to see many of you that I haven’t in a long time. Take care.

So much to do, so little time

2005-07-25T15:38:00.000-05:00

Well everyone, it seems like this past week was one of scheduled events at all times. With the responsibilities of my project job along with my normal job all paired up with the fact that I went home for the weekend equaled a week that was jam-packed. However, it was cool to see that everything worked out and how I needed to be flexible and accommodating.

This passed week I feel as if I have learned a lot and so many different things have happened. So here goes a random list of all that.
- One of my favorite and smartest cousins got married this weekend. It was cool to see how loving he was towards his wife at the wedding. This is often unusual to see at the actual wedding ceremony for Indian weddings.
- While I always knew this, I am unsure if I have actually ever said it. My brothers and I make a pretty great team. Somehow we all know when to take orders and give commands. We each have our own strengths and weaknesses that all work together.
- I love working with others who are humble. There is a guy named Jimmy at my church back home who is just an incredible team player but at the same time does so much. The amount of time he has invested in various activities is often unappreciated. However, I have never seen him make a big deal or commotion about anything.
- A blessing from God that I never really truly appreciated. A guy I know, John (or as I lovingly call him Dosha) is one of my best friends. We have known each other since birth. For me, he has been the example of the true Christian life through thick and thin. The things he has gone through and is still going through is challenging. However, he continually gives all the praise to God and lives a life according to God’s will.
- My family is loud. Not just my immediate parents, siblings, and grandparents. I am talking about my cousins from all over. A bunch of us were together on Saturday night, and wow, was it loud. It was so funny because I was in a completely different room of the house and I could hear every point of the conversation from every person. No person is a slouch in the area of decibel level. And you all wonder where I get it from!
- Ok, as an Apple fan and a person that is trying to get into video editing, this weekend was cash money! My brother got the new operating system for Mac’s, which is called Tiger. And then Jimmy hooked me up with Final Cut Pro HD. While those two things may not sound like much to most people. Let me try to make an analogy. For a person who loves basketball, it is like getting the best basketball court made for you to play on at all times and the newest and greatest pair of shoes to play with.
- One of my favorite things to do is to just sit down and have a good conversation. This week has been filled with them. I have just got to open up a lot to people at project and have been learning so much from many of them. I love the fact that I can be authentic to mostly everyone. At home, it was great to talk with my sister and brothers about many things that are going on.
- My sister is going to be in Frontier Hall next year.
- I am going to be in Frontier Hall next year.
- Weird but true. I am actually super excited for her to be there. I think we will have a great time and things will work out well. Our relationship over the past few years has been getting so much better and I thank God for that so much.
- Tylor Wagnor is a Community Advisor!! In Middlebrook!!!
- I need to have much more grace and humbleness in conversation. (I know this is a general one but it would not be nice to get into details)

Alright, this list is pretty long. That is it for now. Take care all!

Job + NY = Busy, yet Sweet

2005-07-15T14:24:00.000-05:00

Well folks, I am now able to reveal my campus job.

I will be an action group leader. Basically that means I will lead my bible study each week and also disciple three guys for the next few weeks. While this means that I will be a bunch busier, it will be worth it. I cannot wait to “pour” into some of these guys and have them “pour” into me.

On Tuesday, I had the chance to go to New York. While it was a really great trip, it was a bit expensive. I guess that should be expected. We left OC at 6 in the morning and got there in only two hours. We took the Staton Island Ferry from SI to New York City. That was sweet because we saved a lot of money on parking and got to go by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We went by Ground Zero and then took a taxi to the Empire State Building. The taxi was a big mistake because it was expensive and we could have just taken the subway. Anyways, once at the Empire State Building we went to a lower floor where Kings College is. It is a private university that was reopened in 1997 because Campus Crusade for Christ financially funded it. Because of this, they treat Crusade people well. Anyways, so a group of 11 of us go down to the admissions office of Kings College. We tell them who we are and all. Initially, they thought we were all high school students, but after a bit of an explanation well let them know that all we really want is a trip to the top of the building. Our “advisor,” Kim, was incredible. She was just so nice and willing to help us out even though we were not in the least bit interested in the university (although I must add the college was sweet). Well, she took all of us to the top with VIP passes. Each of these passes are worth $31 which meant we could cut the lines that were almost 3 hours long!! It was a bit funny because people were like “Hey buddy, lines back here!” and Kim would just flash her VIP card. I felt like a celebrity or something. Once at the top, it was so cool and better than the Sears Tower because you are standing outside seeing the entire city. Kim told us different areas of the city and it was so solid.

After that I was just pumped. We went on to Time Square which was cool but just had waaay to m any advertisements. In Time Square, I actually saw an Indian Fast-Foot place. Weird, but true. We ate lunch at Hello Deli. That is the place that is featured on David Letterman’s Late Night show. If you know Rupert, I saw Rupert, That is right folks. Anyways, the rest of the day, we went to Chinatown and Rockefeller Center.

Overall, the trip was great, but a bit expensive.

That is all ladies and gentleman for now. Take Care.

Stuff

2005-07-07T22:11:00.000-05:00

Well everyone, it has been a bit of a while since I have updated this form of communication.

The last few days have been a blessing in so many ways. Project is just challenging me in more ways then I have imagined. At the same time, I have been able to learn tons and gain good insight.

My parents came down on Monday just to see what Ocean City was like and get a better glimpse into what project is like. When they had to leave on Wednesday they were sad to go. Over the past two years, I have been realizing more and more how much I love them and how blessed I am to have two parents that truly love me no matter what and care so much about the spiritual side of my life.

Over the week, I have realized that I really do miss my family, especially my grandparents. At our local church, they do this thing called “Adopt-a-crusader.” Basically, a group of people in the church “adopt” a few of us on project and takes us out to eat a few times throughout the summer and what not. My “parents” are older and I love talking to each of them. They are so personable and wise. I miss my grandparents because they are the same way. So easy to have a conversation with and so open to listen and learn.

After the fireworks on July 4th, we played this game called “Buck, Buck.” Ok, I am going to try and explain it but I am bound to mess it up. First of all, a group of about five big guys get together, lock arms, and bend over. Then, they from the shape of a semi-circle or so. In the same way, a group o guys makes a layer in front of them of four. Then, with the people left over, they jump on top of the group of people. Ok, I know this sounds really dumb or whatever, but seriously, the game itself drew so many people to just watch. Alright, I know I did the game no justice.

Other than that, not too much has changed (which is a huge understatement!). I have definitely got a bunch darker and my hair is a bit longer. Alright, that is it for now.

Tough But Good

2005-06-27T14:56:00.000-05:00

Well all, I think the toughest week of project is over.

This past week was just really intense. Basically, during most of our free time, we would go out and talk to people about what they believe, as far as their faith. One of the toughest questions we asked is “What do you think happens after death?” It was sweet to hear all the different perspectives and opinions. At the same time, we would share how we believed that as people we are sinful. However, God gave us this amazing gift through Jesus Christ that we need to accept into our lives.

It was a great week but now I am excited for the coming week because it is all community building, which I love. The week is themed “All for One.”

One of the more ironic but great parts of project has been the choice of computers in my action group. My action group is basically a group of four students and one staff leader. We are a bible study and do a lot of stuff together. One of the great things is that three of us have Apple Powerbooks. How unbelievable is that. That’s right. There are many people that are realizing how superior and Apple is to any other computer.

Anyways, today has been the first day it has consistently rained in weeks. Because of that, I did not have to go to work. How great is that?! Also, a group of us wanted to go to New York this week, but we will see if that actually works out.

For the second time in my life, I went to a laudrymat today. It is kind of weird because I have always done my laundry either at my house, my apartment, or dorm. In a way, it’s a cool experience because it gives me a bunch of time away from everything and everyone to regroup and get things done. However, not being in the comfort of my own place is a bit weird.

One of the guys in my action group let me borrow a CD by Passion, called “How Great Thou Art.” For those of you who are into worship music, I would totally recommend it.

Other than that, it has been a good week and project has been going well.

Deals, Steaks, and Sunburn

2005-06-21T15:38:00.000-05:00

Here I am folks, four weeks into summer project and still trying to find time for everything.

Summer project is a lot like freshman year of college. You meet a ton of new people and there is always something to do with somebody. Whether you want to go play basketball, hang out, have a deep conversation, or just play MAFIA, you can always find a group of people to do it with. There are also the infamous phone number exchanges. Many times, at least during freshman year, I would exchange my phone number with everyone I came in contact with. Midway through the semester, I did not know half the people in my phone book. While it is a little different on summer project, everyone is getting around to exchanging phone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc.

For those of you who know I love Apple Computers, I have been blessed with great roommates. Out of the four other roommates I have, two of them have PowerBooks, how sweet is that!!

Ohh yea, I think I told everyone I was going to Philadelphia last week. A group of six of us went, which was sweet and we went around to three different Philly Cheese steak places to see which one was the best. While Pat�s is by far the most popular, most of us agreed that Geno�s was the place to be. If you ever go, make sure to get cheezwiz on the sandwich. That is the only way to go.

I also went to Atlantic City last week, which is only 30 minutes away. It is much bigger than Ocean City with a bunch of casinos and what not. One of the cool parts of the city is their outlet mall, similar to the one in Kenosha. I have found out that one of my new favorite stores is H & M. For those of you who have not been there, you are missing out. They have great clothing for reasonable prices. It is like the IKEA of clothing stores.

Speaking of great deals, I found this Chinese place right down the block that has this lunch special for only $4.80!! And there is a ton of food too!!

The Golf Course is going well. I really do enjoy working for my boss because he always compliments us on our work and is encouraging in general. I have learned that no matter what, I just want to work hard for him because I respect him so much. But the bad part about the job is that I got sunburn. I thought I never could get sunburn, but that is untrue. So my skin is peeling a bit and I am really itchy.

Other than all that, I have been learning a lot about God. While that sounds like the most general statement ever, it really is true. I am understanding how sweet it is to have a relationship with Jesus and really, how amazing of a friend He is in my life.

Alright everyone, that is it for now, I hope all is well!

A long time...

2005-06-15T14:12:00.000-05:00

Folks, I apologize for not posting in a while. I have been in Ocean City for almost three weeks now and I am still attempting to get fully in gear. It seems as if each day brings so many new things that I cannot keep up. However, it has been pretty fun and exciting at the same time.

God is doing some sweet stuff out here. There are just some people I look up to so much already. The more I get to know some people, the more I respect them.

In addition, I have been able to find some great deals. A few of us walked into a store thinking it was a thrift store. It was not, but we did find the best deal in town. A 24 pack of Jones Soda 12 oz. bottles for $6. That comes to only a quarter a bottle for Jones Soda!!! Are you kidding me?!?! Then, on Sunday, we found this Chinese Restaurant down the block that has a lunch special for only $4.80 and so much food!! Ya, the deals have been great.

Lets see, I will be getting two new roommates this weekend. They both had to take summer school, I think, so they could not come until now. I am pretty excited because that will complete my Action Group.

For the first time since project started, I played sand volleyball next to the ocean. While it was sweet and all, the sand was not so good because there are so many shells in it. Unfortunately, some people got cut up and all, but there were some great games.

Like I said before, I work at Grate Bay Golf Course. My job is so sweet and laid back. I have never worked outdoors, but the time really does go by faster. My boss is really laid back along with all my coworkers. I have learned a lot of things and have made a few mistakes along the way too. Just today, I learned how to work the fairway mower, which is huge and sweet. It even has a speedometer that goes up to 10 mph. Which is pretty sweet for a lawn mower. My boss was like, “try to be careful, the thing is worth $40,000.” Are you joking me that is insane for a lawn mower!?!

Along with all that, the last week has been good. There are still so many people to meet and get to know. I will let you know how it goes. I am going to Philadelphia tomorrow to get a real Philly Cheese Steak. I will let you all know how that goes too!

That is it for now, I hope you are all doing well and would love to hear from you too! Ohh yea, if you wanted to send mail, my address is:

1301 Central Avenue
Ocean City, New Jersey 08226

Alright, that is it for now, take care!

Folks, We gotta Job!

2005-06-07T21:04:00.000-05:00

Holla at you boys, I got a job today!!! Hupila would be so proud. I am officially a grounds crewmember of a local golf course. How sweet is that?!? Lets see, the only real downside to the job is that I will have to wake up early in the morning because I have to be to work at 7:00 a.m. Other than that, I get to work outside with some other guys that are great and it is pretty laid back. I did not even fill out an application for the job before I got hired.

Other than that, it has been sweet getting to know a ton of new people. And even better, there will be whole wave of people coming this weekend because they are on the quarter semesters. Ya, I am pretty excited.

Project, in a way, feels a lot like the beginning of freshman year of college so far. There are just so many people and everyone wants to hang out all the time. It just seems like there is no time to break apart and spend some alone time doing things. As I currently type, there is a big card game going on in the room across from me and there are people doing random stuff upstairs. It is taking so much in my body right now just to sit down and attempt to concentrate. And to think, I have to go to bed soon, wow, lets see how that goes!

Well, it is almost 10:30 here, so I think it might be time for bed. Wow, I feel like an old man! I hope this all finds you well. Take care.

The OC

2005-06-04T17:40:00.000-05:00

Well, I am finally here in Ocean City, my home for the summer…(technically, I am currently flying on an airplane back home for my sister’s graduation, but who really cares about details.)

We arrived here on Wednesday night around 7:30. It was so sweet because we met up with three other cars in Pennsylvania, so we had this huge caravan of people through Philadelphia rush hour, which was definitely interesting.

Also, on that night, I was asked to emcee the first meetings tomorrow. Which were sweet and a lot of fun. I enjoyed doing it, although it was a bit nerve-racking speaking in front of people I really did not know at all. However, that quickly changed.

Over the past few days it is shocking to me how well I am remembering names and how much I have gotten to know people. It just seems like everyone is open and willing to share what is going on. This environment is totally me and I am excited to have that the rest of the summer.

I live in a place called the Ambassador’s Inn. It is four stories and 80 of us students live there. There are two other places on the same block that people live, they are called Grandmas and the Mansion. However, the Ambassador’s Inn is the main place. To explain a bit, Campus Crusade owns the Ambassador’s Inn. It is not a functioning hotel or anything. It doesn’t even look like a hotel. It is just sweet. If I can post some pictures somehow, I will.

I have already met some great people. I have met numerous Cubs fans and even two Bears fans!!! How exciting is that!!?? And there are still about 60 students to come to the project who go to quarter schools!!!

Some time the last few days have been spent trying to find a job. So far not luck in finding a coffee shop to work at, but I did apply to Ben and Jerry’s, which would be sweet to work at. So we will see what God has in store for me this summer as far as work goes.

Alright, that’s about all I am going to write for now. The OC is great. I am sure home will be fun too the next few days with my whole family for my sister’s graduation. Take care all.

Out of the Office

2005-05-31T23:16:00.000-05:00

So here I am, sitting at my brother's house in Columbus, Ohio after midnight in deep thought. It is kind of weird because I am in a physical and psychological transition period.

Physically, I am about halfway between my final destinations for the summer, Ocean City, New Jersey. Psychological, because I still have all the thoughts from home but I know in just a few hours I will be overwhelmed with a whole new world.

While I am extremely excited to be going on this summer project, I am sad to leave home, especially my family. I really love just hanging out with them and talking. We usually always have great conversations, although they can get pretty heated. I will miss them a lot this summer, but I know that God wants me to be in Ocean City. There is so much to learn and so many people to meet. I do not know exactly what to expect, but I know God will be moving.

Other than that, I had a great night at my brother's house in Ohio. It was a blast with lots of food, like usual, and good fun. James and Shiney (my oldest brother and his wife) are great people and unbelievable hosts. I love them both so much and cherish the times that we get to hang out.

Alright, now I am tired, I'm out folks....

Good News

2005-05-28T00:42:00.000-05:00

Well, for about the last month, I have been on an alternate pool for a Community Advisor (some call it Residence Advisor) position for next year. Basically what that meant was that I was qualified to be a CA but all the positions were filled. They developed this alternate pool to replace the people who drop out throughout the summer and fall semester.

While all this does not sound like that big of a deal, it really was. I am one of those people that really like to plan ahead and have things set up. However, since the start of my sophomore year of college, I have been working on ways to be more spontaneous and easy going. Well, I did not know God was going to put me in a situation where I would be forced to either choose to be in an alternate pool with no gurantees or sign a lease so I would have a place to live next semester. In the end, I choose to stay in the pool and not sign a lease.

Over the last month, I really could not do that much. Nothing I did or said could really get me the position, so I learned to rely on God for the whole thing. It was pretty funny because I was joking with my roommates that they were going to live so far away next year (which they really are), but Hupila would always say, "At least I have a place to live!" Anyways, as of yesterday morning, I have a place to live too!

I received e-mail from the director for Housing and Residential Life telling me there was an opening in Frontier Hall for next year and if I would be interested in taking the position. Honestly, I did not even know what to think, I was just so blown away. Earlier in the week, I had told my mom just to continue to keep the whole situation in her prayers especially this week. And just the night before I was talking to a friend from school and she had also said she would also be praying about it. Last night before I went to bed I remembered a thought from the book The Prayer of Jabez. One of the things said is to not just to pray but to pray specifically. So I proceeded to pray that a position would open up in either Frontier or T-hall over the summer.

I have always had a special place for Frontier since freshman year. For those of you who are lucky enough to know my hallway (2S holla!) understand how close we still are and how sad we were to leave at the end of the year. I cannot wait to go back. My room will actually be 183, right below where I was freshman year (294), so now I guess its 1S holla!

Before I forget, I wanted to thank all of you who supported me through the process. Especially to Rohde and Dietrich and also Spencer who all opened up their apartments to me as a backup plan. Also Sean who let me have UV as a back up too. And to add to some seniors that I will miss who have helped me through the process: my old CA Peter along with Cara and Spencer again that have guided me from the application to now. I appreciate all your advice and guidance.

Alright, now that I sound like I am giving an acceptance speech at the Grammy's, I have figured its getting late and I need to wake up early...take care

Perspective

2005-05-26T00:08:00.000-05:00

Wow...it has kinda been a while since I have written...

For some reason, sometimes, I get some weird perspective that just makes me feel really serious and just wanting to share it with someone. I am not sure if that last sentence makes too much sense, but someone has to agree that at times you just realize something that just makes you sit back and think. I will try to explain the current situation.

So about a month ago or so my sister got in a car accident that totaled her car (don't worry, she is totally fine). Then, the day I was to move back from Minnesota, I found out the car I was supposed to take to Ocean City for the summer has been having some problems so the car wouldn't be very safe to drive long distances. The conclusion of all this: our family needs to get a car. But the car is ultimately going to be my sister's and mine for going to school next year, and by default, because I am older, it is more my car. Anyways, the point of all this jabbering is that my parents are going to be buying me a new car.

Alright, I know what you are thinking, wow, "you are so lucky!" And ya, I totally agree. I am blown away that my parents would just be like we need to get you a car, and lets make sure its kinda nice. They also gave me the freedom to research and find the best deal I thought possible for the car I want. While that sounds easy, it is really tough in a family of six who all have their different opinions and are not afraid to share it and impose it. If any of you know my family, you totally understand what I mean by that previous statement. At the same time, it is really cool to see that especially my oldest brother would take so much time out of his day to help me find a good car.

Anyways, I have been so blessed. But driving home today from my friends house, I realized the extent of this purchase. This may very well be the last car my parents will ever buy for me. And that statement alone leads my mind to wonder about so many other things. I know some of you may have been independent financially from your parents since you were 18. On the other hand, I am not independent. Now don't get me wrong, it is not like I just go out and spend my parent's money. But I started realizing that I do take that for granted and in just a few years I will have to start supporting myself. Wow, I cannot believe it. I feel like I am on this roller coaster ride that is going way to fast and I want it to slow down.

It kinda scares me to think that I will have to become fully independent in a very short period of time. I still am not even completely decided on a major, let alone figuring out where God wants me to be post-graduation! So now I think about something my dad and I were discussing over lunch today. How God is the same God that was there early in my life, and the same God that took me through high school and college. He never changes. To think about that right now is so reassuring and sweet. I know that God will be right there when I graduate and figure out what I need to do.

Well, I have been just rambling forever now about that one thing. I have had a great week. Last night I got the chance to meet up and talk to a girl from high school. It is so cool because I feel we have the coolest relationship because we can go on and not talk for a few months straight but sit down and have a two-hour conversation about serious issues. Anyways, I am totally blessed to have people like her in my life too!

Alright, that is all for now. Less than a week until OC!!!!

Back Home...

2005-05-17T15:20:00.000-05:00

So I am officially back home in Kenosha..

My parents came and picked me up last Thursday afternoon and we were back home by night. It felt really good to be back. The sinks are deeper, the bathrooms bigger, and the toilet paper softer. It is the total package. Unfortunately I found out that I would not have a car once home because my sister totaled one and the other one was in the shop.

On Friday morning we flew to New York for an Engagement Party. Alright, I have been asked this a million times, why are you going to an engagement? Here is the low down. In the Indian Community, when someone gets married, they throw a huge engagement ceremony, usually at the bride's hometown. Then the wedding usually ends up at the groom's hometown. In this case, the bride was from New York and the groom was from Chicago. So my whole family flew to New York on Friday and flew back on Saturday afternoon. That's right, a total of about 23 hours in NY!

I finally got to meet up with some friends from high school on Sunday night. It was nice to see a lot of the guys again. I also met up with one my closest family friends. He has been one of the most influential people in my life and also our entire family. It was nice to get some advice on things that I had questions about and have a bit more clarity for the future.

Monday was so great because I finally just got to be plain out lazy. I slept until about 11:30 and basically roamed around the house all day. I did go out and cut the grass, which was pretty intense. Other than that, I was lucky enough to catch my sister's last Powder Puff game that was good but pretty boring. No one scored until the last play of the game with 14 seconds left on the clock. It was unbelievable (that’s not a good unbelievable either).

Over the last few days I have had the opportunity to hang out with my Appachen and Ammachi a whole lot (Grandpa and Grandma in English). It is such a blast just hanging out with them because they know so much. I made breakfast with my Ammachi this morning, which was such a good time. Banana, Chocolate Chip pancakes, always a big hit. Also, my grandparents filled me in on the way they grew up and how they ever came to be in the U.S. It is such a great story, truly a work of God. Just over the last few days, I have learned to appreciate how lucky I am to be where I am.

And finally, here is the biggest news of the week, if you already do not know. I am in a hunt for a NEW DIGITAL CAMERA! Yes, that is right. If you already do not know, I LOVE taking pictures and usually have my camera with me. However, the last few weeks of school I have been slacking because my camera has been acting up. So, my brothers said they would pitch in and help me get a new one. Wow, am I pumped. However, now I am on a frantic search to find the PERFECT camera. I don't know which one I want. Alright, for those of you who are digital camera savvy, here is what I am looking at. The Panasonic DMZ-FZ5, Olympus C-770 UZ, and the Kodak Z740. If any of you have any insight on these cameras in specific or the companies themselves, which would be great.

Other than that, I am meeting up with a few friends tonight for dinner. I am thinking about bringing my book of questions. For those of you who know about the book, you know that it is an instant good time. I cannot believe that two weeks from now I will be heading out to Ocean City!

The End...

2005-05-12T03:27:00.000-05:00

Well, there it goes, my sophomore year of college is over...

I have realized I get really sentimental about almost everything, so I think this little post will be purely a reflection.

It started hitting me today that tomorrow I will be back home again. The roommates I have been with for the last year will no longer be there. The apartment I am used to will be gone. Do not get be wrong at all, I love home, but still, it is just different. I was reflecting on how our roommate situation even came together. Towards the end of my freshman year, one of my roommates, Matt Hupila, and I were trying to figure out where to live. For about a month period, we had about seven different roommates who eventually all backed out on us. However, in the end, the group that was formed was pretty great. There were two guys we barely knew, Matt Hegar and Mark Anderson, and a guy I just met towards the end of freshman year, Travis Kluthe. Hupila and I really did not know what to expect. We really only knew each other. But looking back on the year now, it really was a pretty dynamic combination. Each of us brought something different to the table but we got along extremely well. I was just so surprised how laid back everything was, but at the same time, things got done. I learned a lot about myself this past year by being surrounded by people who had such different views as me. It was such a great thing, and I will really miss that this summer.

Tonight was also Lindsay Greco's birthday! I love how my hallway from freshman year works. We have always been known as "2 S" and I am proud to be a part of it. Some how, some way, we find a way to get together. I think the greatest part of our hallway was how open people were. Every time I am with the hallway, I instantly feel comfortable and able to speak my mind. It is such a great environment. I think all of us from the hallway would agree that we totally miss that environment. Again, the reason it was so great is that everyone brought something different to the table that really opened up great conversations and some funny times. One of my favorite moments was "The Prank" Evan K., Kevin, the Big O, Hupila, Shwa, and many others planned for months. It was a genius idea to use the wireless technology of a keyboard to scare the heck out of one of our friends, the unfortunate Taylor. While it was unfortunate we brought her to tears, we knew she wouldn't be mad at us and it was just a great time. Props to Taylor and the other girls in the hallway for putting up with us.

Before I forget, I wanted to give the guys in the Sanford Study a big thank you for taking Go and I out for dinner. Guys, that was really great and unexpected (even though I got an e-mail telling me the plan!) I really appreciate the thoughtfulness and will say it one last time. This year has been huge for me, I think I learned more from you guys then what I taught you. Your love for the people around you and each other is unbelievable. You guys truly blew me away and I love each of you for what you brought to study. Wow, here is a reoccurring theme, it was just dynamic to see how different each of you were, but how well you all got along. I cannot wait to see what God does in your lives!!

Other than that, I have probably spent a good 4 hours in the past 10 hours cleaning up the apartment. It being close to four in the morning, I am going to call it a day. Take care all!

Its about time

2005-05-09T23:44:00.000-05:00

So here I am, the night before a final, thinking to myself, I really need to write something on my blog. Although I have not told to many people about it, I feel some sort of responsibility to myself to at least add to it every once in a while. Ya, its finals week, but for some reason, I'm not as stressed out as I should be (which is a bad thing, because I am writing a blog posting when I should be studying.)

Well the last week was pretty anti-climatic for what it should have been. A lot of people graduated who affected my life in one way or another. However, it is kinda weird that when you say good-bye to them, you really may never see them again in your life.

So here is my shout out to those people who have played a role in my life who are graduating (I'm going to apologize in advance because I know I will forget someone who should be here.) I got to give props to Ross for leading the Frontier study last year and all the sweet breakfasts he makes. One of the few die-hard Bear fans here in Minnesota, Nate Lishway (sorry if I spelled it wrong) is the man. Not only is he a Bear fan but also he also always offers rides and took me to Vespers this year. I just saw Brian Jacobson tonight who I just got to know this year but has been extremely helpful and offering advice for various things. Guys like Nate Smith and Charlie who I look up to in general. My Geology friend John Schrupp deserves credit for always making me talk in the middle of class. Even those guys like Jon Hart, Zach Thwaits, Dave Hammon who I do not know that well but still look up too.

The last one I do not want to forget is Diddy. Wow, I feel bad for those who have not got a chance to meet the dynamic man. He just had a way of relating to everyone. It will be weird to be down in the Cru house and not see him at all.

Alright folks, that is the list I could think of right now. I know for a fact I am forgetting a whole heap of people, so it is possible I may add people in the future.

And now, a notebook titled "Literature of the Public Life" is calling my name. Bye!

p.s. I know I spelled a ton of names wrong, sorry

Rambling

2005-05-05T00:22:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the offical blog of Josh Mathews. Yes, I have finally carried my thoughts into action and actually created a blog. This time I am going to share the website of my blog with other people. At first I had this idea that I could keep a secret blog as a sort of online journal. But then I thought that might be a bit selfish. So here it goes.