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/.
Thursday, January 5, 2006
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Random Thoughts
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!
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!
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Thankful?! I am blown away...
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
- 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
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Ocean City Reunion and More
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.
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.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Intramural Champion?---Check
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.
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.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Huge Letdown
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?
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?
Friday, October 14, 2005
Changes
“ 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.
- 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.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Update Folks
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!
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!
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Too Long..
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 9, 2005
Last Week…
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.
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.
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