I received this message through my facebook account this morning:
It's that atheist you were bugging a while back. My friends and I got a real laugh from your messages. Still gay for Jesus, or have you discovered science and reason? I highly recommend you read "God is Not Great" by Christopher Hitchens.
Seriously, life is a lot better when you don't believe in a magic man in the sky controlling everything. Frees the mind. Later sheep.
Sweet. And just yesterday I was praying for opportunities to share my faith with people. He'd probably lose it if he knew that. I've never met this guy, but he went to my high school and he's probably 3 years older than me. I messaged this guy when I was a freshman in college - that was three years ago - and we've left each other alone until now. What possessed him to call me out after all this time? Is he really that angry? Pray for him. His name is Dan.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
A Chilly Winter Burn
Dang. It's been a long cold lonely winter...ok...just long and cold, but I feel like I need to make a return to my blog. A return with some authority. Here are some of my (not so serious) thoughts while I've been gone:
The other day while I was walking to class I saw a dude up ahead of me. I wanted to punch him.
His attire: shaved head, a sweater where the collar zips up (i think he had a shirt on underneath), tight slim cut jeans, and flip flops. No lie...it was under 20 degrees outside. While everyone else was layered with winter coats, hats and gloves, this guy was visibly fighting off shivers. No sympathy here, bro. That cup of Starbucks coffee isn't going to get it done. SoCal called, and they want their idiot back.
Still pondering that dude's poor life decision (PLD), I stumbled into another semi-entertaining situation on my way back from class. I saw some guys (they were probably roommates) making a snowman. Snowmen are awesome. If there was enough snow and I had enough time, I'd put snowmen at every bus stop and public bench in the borough of State College. I'd probably give them signs to hold as well. It would be fantastic. But these guys obviously had not been taught the art of snowman building because they had stacked four giant snowballs on top of each other. It looked pretty silly if you ask me. The next morning on my way to class I walked by the snowman to see it toppled over. This is why you don't make snowmen with four snowballs: it doesn't work. It looks like a huge albino turd frozen into the ground. Now I get to stare at it every day until the middle of March.
Along my walk to school it started to snow, but this was different. It was sunny outside. Now State College's weather can be pretty schizophrenic, but I don't think it's ever snowed here while the sun was shining. Raining while sunny...that happens all the time...but never snow. I love it when it's sunny and rainy here. Last spring I saw a rainbow almost every week. It was beautiful! I don't think I liked a sunny snow all that much. It was too bright for my sensitive eyes, but it lead me to think an interesting thought: when it rains and the sun comes out it makes a rainbow...when it snows and the sun comes out it makes a...what? A snowbow? Something tells me that the chemical properties of frozen flakes of water do not allow that to happen, but it was still something to ponder.
I think this cold weather drives people crazy. People don't think straight. Flip flop boy was obviously not all with it that day. It makes other people do crazy things too...
A couple days ago I made a quick stop in the bathroom to witness an interesting sight. This bro rolls in with his music blazing in his ears for everyone to hear; he washes his hands, pees, and walks out.
Did I miss something? Is it now appropriate to wipe before you poop too? I don't understand people sometimes. My story doesn't stop there...
After class, I stop in another bathroom before my next class starts. I don't have to go, but my hands are cold and I like to thaw them out by running my hands under some warm water. I open the door, take one step, and see this chick drying off her hands. We make eye contact, I stop, check the sign on the door (it was definitely a dude symbol) and walk in and wash my hands. I wanted so badly to start talking to her but I don't think her feet touched the ground as she exited the restroom.
Cold weather makes people do wierd things I guess. I don't mind it. Sledding is a blast! And everyone needs a good snowball fight. Then again, I could always go for sunny and a high of 75...
The other day while I was walking to class I saw a dude up ahead of me. I wanted to punch him.
His attire: shaved head, a sweater where the collar zips up (i think he had a shirt on underneath), tight slim cut jeans, and flip flops. No lie...it was under 20 degrees outside. While everyone else was layered with winter coats, hats and gloves, this guy was visibly fighting off shivers. No sympathy here, bro. That cup of Starbucks coffee isn't going to get it done. SoCal called, and they want their idiot back.
Still pondering that dude's poor life decision (PLD), I stumbled into another semi-entertaining situation on my way back from class. I saw some guys (they were probably roommates) making a snowman. Snowmen are awesome. If there was enough snow and I had enough time, I'd put snowmen at every bus stop and public bench in the borough of State College. I'd probably give them signs to hold as well. It would be fantastic. But these guys obviously had not been taught the art of snowman building because they had stacked four giant snowballs on top of each other. It looked pretty silly if you ask me. The next morning on my way to class I walked by the snowman to see it toppled over. This is why you don't make snowmen with four snowballs: it doesn't work. It looks like a huge albino turd frozen into the ground. Now I get to stare at it every day until the middle of March.
Along my walk to school it started to snow, but this was different. It was sunny outside. Now State College's weather can be pretty schizophrenic, but I don't think it's ever snowed here while the sun was shining. Raining while sunny...that happens all the time...but never snow. I love it when it's sunny and rainy here. Last spring I saw a rainbow almost every week. It was beautiful! I don't think I liked a sunny snow all that much. It was too bright for my sensitive eyes, but it lead me to think an interesting thought: when it rains and the sun comes out it makes a rainbow...when it snows and the sun comes out it makes a...what? A snowbow? Something tells me that the chemical properties of frozen flakes of water do not allow that to happen, but it was still something to ponder.
I think this cold weather drives people crazy. People don't think straight. Flip flop boy was obviously not all with it that day. It makes other people do crazy things too...
A couple days ago I made a quick stop in the bathroom to witness an interesting sight. This bro rolls in with his music blazing in his ears for everyone to hear; he washes his hands, pees, and walks out.
Did I miss something? Is it now appropriate to wipe before you poop too? I don't understand people sometimes. My story doesn't stop there...
After class, I stop in another bathroom before my next class starts. I don't have to go, but my hands are cold and I like to thaw them out by running my hands under some warm water. I open the door, take one step, and see this chick drying off her hands. We make eye contact, I stop, check the sign on the door (it was definitely a dude symbol) and walk in and wash my hands. I wanted so badly to start talking to her but I don't think her feet touched the ground as she exited the restroom.
Cold weather makes people do wierd things I guess. I don't mind it. Sledding is a blast! And everyone needs a good snowball fight. Then again, I could always go for sunny and a high of 75...
Friday, January 16, 2009
Chap Stick, Chapped Lips, and...
I apologize to all of you who read this blog (the 3 of you). Finals and winter break really did me in. No creativity here. I promise I'll write something when I think I have something to say. I hate wasting words and I hate wasting your time...like right now...
Dude, it is so freaking cold outside right now! I have class in two hours, and for some reason the word 'skip' continues to run through my mind. The more it happens, the more likely it'll come to pass. Before you go nuts, I'll let you know that it's 4 degrees Fahrenheit...without the wind chill. I don't really want to walk a half hour to sit in class for 50 minutes, and then walk a half hour back. I don't like picking snotsicles off of my face.
It's good to be back at the HOP though. Living with Ryan and Aaron for a semester will be legendary. Those are two smooth cats right there. Nothing but good vibes coming out of the HOP right now. This is a really good living environment if you ask me...wouldn't trade it for anything.
Perhaps it'll give me something to write about later on...
Dude, it is so freaking cold outside right now! I have class in two hours, and for some reason the word 'skip' continues to run through my mind. The more it happens, the more likely it'll come to pass. Before you go nuts, I'll let you know that it's 4 degrees Fahrenheit...without the wind chill. I don't really want to walk a half hour to sit in class for 50 minutes, and then walk a half hour back. I don't like picking snotsicles off of my face.
It's good to be back at the HOP though. Living with Ryan and Aaron for a semester will be legendary. Those are two smooth cats right there. Nothing but good vibes coming out of the HOP right now. This is a really good living environment if you ask me...wouldn't trade it for anything.
Perhaps it'll give me something to write about later on...
Monday, December 8, 2008
"A Beloved Beak"
This is in response to my post a few months ago entitled "Literally Struggling with Forward Motion." It was written by Jordan Egli, a good friend of mine during a class we have together. It made us both laugh. He asked that I put it on my blog but I forgot about it, so I'm doing it now because I want to put off my work for a little while longer. Enjoy!
My name is Adam
I"ll sing you a song...
I really love singing with glee
And telling stories that make me happy
A few days ago I was on my way to class
And then I broke my face.
I shamely looked up and what did I see?
A beautiful girl looking back at me.
"Are you hurt?"
"I'm not sure," I said.
"Is there any way I can help?"
"Well yes," I said.
"You see, I'm bleeding,
But not just my nose
It's my heart for you...
Love, I suppose."
So we took hands
And walked away
I was glad that I fell
(In love) that day.
Originally written September 26, 2008
My name is Adam
I"ll sing you a song...
I really love singing with glee
And telling stories that make me happy
A few days ago I was on my way to class
And then I broke my face.
I shamely looked up and what did I see?
A beautiful girl looking back at me.
"Are you hurt?"
"I'm not sure," I said.
"Is there any way I can help?"
"Well yes," I said.
"You see, I'm bleeding,
But not just my nose
It's my heart for you...
Love, I suppose."
So we took hands
And walked away
I was glad that I fell
(In love) that day.
Originally written September 26, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Keep it Simple
I read this in a devotional last week and it really encouraged me. I often miss this so I need to preach it to myself:
"A father is delighted when his little one, leaving off his toys and friends, runs to him and climbs into his arms. As he holds his little one close to him, he cares little whether the child is looking around, his attention flitting from one thing to another, or if he's intent upon his father, or just settling down to sleep. The father doesn't care, because essentially the child is choosing to be with his father, confident of the love, the care, the security that is his in those arms." - Basil Pennington
I love this. Lately I've been wrestling with how much I believe what I say I believe because my life often doesn't reflect that. I've been challenged by how much faith it takes to follow Jesus and I see how little faith I've had lately. I've been discouraged by how routine the Gospel sounds to me, and I've been overwhelmed by the long list of things I need to do better. That, and the even longer list of things I should start doing. When this happens I often look at Christianity as a checklist of dos and don'ts, and that's exactly what it isn't. I'm not bound to that, and there is so much more freedom in the arms of my Abba.
So far it sounds like I've had a rough couple weeks but it's been quite the opposite...it's been amazing! While I'd love to be intently listening and doing all of those things right, sometimes I'm just not in tune with the Spirit, but when I just show up I can trust that my Father will gently lead me in the right direction and I'll soon be back on track. God loves it when we, his children, simply come to him and seek his company. He is bigger than our trials, our doubts, our struggles...those things often distract us from the joy of being still in his presence. Slowing down, getting quiet, sitting on Daddy's lap and listening to what He wants to do in my life and being open to that has been a really cool experience, and it makes all of the other things seem less overwhelming because I know he's shaping my heart to do all those things better.
"A father is delighted when his little one, leaving off his toys and friends, runs to him and climbs into his arms. As he holds his little one close to him, he cares little whether the child is looking around, his attention flitting from one thing to another, or if he's intent upon his father, or just settling down to sleep. The father doesn't care, because essentially the child is choosing to be with his father, confident of the love, the care, the security that is his in those arms." - Basil Pennington
I love this. Lately I've been wrestling with how much I believe what I say I believe because my life often doesn't reflect that. I've been challenged by how much faith it takes to follow Jesus and I see how little faith I've had lately. I've been discouraged by how routine the Gospel sounds to me, and I've been overwhelmed by the long list of things I need to do better. That, and the even longer list of things I should start doing. When this happens I often look at Christianity as a checklist of dos and don'ts, and that's exactly what it isn't. I'm not bound to that, and there is so much more freedom in the arms of my Abba.
So far it sounds like I've had a rough couple weeks but it's been quite the opposite...it's been amazing! While I'd love to be intently listening and doing all of those things right, sometimes I'm just not in tune with the Spirit, but when I just show up I can trust that my Father will gently lead me in the right direction and I'll soon be back on track. God loves it when we, his children, simply come to him and seek his company. He is bigger than our trials, our doubts, our struggles...those things often distract us from the joy of being still in his presence. Slowing down, getting quiet, sitting on Daddy's lap and listening to what He wants to do in my life and being open to that has been a really cool experience, and it makes all of the other things seem less overwhelming because I know he's shaping my heart to do all those things better.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Stoked to Have A 'Y' Chromosome!
Any time a conversation starts out with, "Now I don't mean to offend anyone, but..." someone's about to get dissed. I love it when people try to pull that trick because it never works. People get offended and make a big deal about it anyways. The story I'm about to share might rub you the wrong way. I'm simply telling the story because I think it's hilarious...and it's my blog. Should you feel yourself becoming agitated simply click the red X in the top corner of your screen and think about punching me repeatedly in the face...maybe that'll make you feel better...if not then think about happy things! Here goes...
Last week a couple of my friends and I grabbed some freshman to hang out so that we could get to know one another better. We get to the HOP (that's what we call my house) and decide to play games. What better way to get to know someone than through some friendly competition? The ratio of males to females was about even, so of course it's gotta be men versus vermin...I mean women (please direct your attention toward the red X at the top right hand corner of your screen). We start out playing 'Battle of the Sexes.' It's a good game, we shared lots of laughs... some of the answers we made up were absolutely ridiculous. Eventually the ladies got bored - probably because we were winning - so we agree to play Catch Phrase. Some of the best memories I have with my friends come out of this game, and this time was no exception...
I love this game because it's fast. I also love it because it forces people to think outside the box. I love to see the way people think when they are rushed. The men lose game one, quite a pedestrian performance at best. I credit the ladies this game...they controlled the timer in superb fashion. We fight back to win game two, and trust me it was a fight. The ladies brought their 'A' game, for sure. After the game, one of the girls says, "Well, should we stop now since we're tied and everyone's happy?" My friend Mitch quickly responds: "The only thing better than beating the girls once is beating the girls twice." Mitch, dudes like you make me stoked to have a Y chromosome! It's game on once again, and we go up 4-0 and we can taste sweet victory, but the ladies come back and suddenly we're in a dogfight at 5-4. They tie it up, and tie it again at 6...next point wins! Everyone is on edge now, ready to bring their team glory. We start, and the timer starts beating faster, it could buzz at any moment! The girls pull out a clutch response and pass it off to Eric freaking Smith...
The only thing going faster than the timer is my heart. Eric glances at the word and goes to work: "OK, stereotype: where the women are supposed to be..." All at once the men shout unanimously, "KITCHEN!" Eric nods and hands the electric game off to the lady sitting beside him, and the buzzer goes off. Ahh sweet, sweet victory in dramatic fashion! And what better way to end it than on a female stereotype!
Come on, you have to admit...that's a good story! Unfortunately all of the ladies probably hate us now...
Last week a couple of my friends and I grabbed some freshman to hang out so that we could get to know one another better. We get to the HOP (that's what we call my house) and decide to play games. What better way to get to know someone than through some friendly competition? The ratio of males to females was about even, so of course it's gotta be men versus vermin...I mean women (please direct your attention toward the red X at the top right hand corner of your screen). We start out playing 'Battle of the Sexes.' It's a good game, we shared lots of laughs... some of the answers we made up were absolutely ridiculous. Eventually the ladies got bored - probably because we were winning - so we agree to play Catch Phrase. Some of the best memories I have with my friends come out of this game, and this time was no exception...
I love this game because it's fast. I also love it because it forces people to think outside the box. I love to see the way people think when they are rushed. The men lose game one, quite a pedestrian performance at best. I credit the ladies this game...they controlled the timer in superb fashion. We fight back to win game two, and trust me it was a fight. The ladies brought their 'A' game, for sure. After the game, one of the girls says, "Well, should we stop now since we're tied and everyone's happy?" My friend Mitch quickly responds: "The only thing better than beating the girls once is beating the girls twice." Mitch, dudes like you make me stoked to have a Y chromosome! It's game on once again, and we go up 4-0 and we can taste sweet victory, but the ladies come back and suddenly we're in a dogfight at 5-4. They tie it up, and tie it again at 6...next point wins! Everyone is on edge now, ready to bring their team glory. We start, and the timer starts beating faster, it could buzz at any moment! The girls pull out a clutch response and pass it off to Eric freaking Smith...
The only thing going faster than the timer is my heart. Eric glances at the word and goes to work: "OK, stereotype: where the women are supposed to be..." All at once the men shout unanimously, "KITCHEN!" Eric nods and hands the electric game off to the lady sitting beside him, and the buzzer goes off. Ahh sweet, sweet victory in dramatic fashion! And what better way to end it than on a female stereotype!
Come on, you have to admit...that's a good story! Unfortunately all of the ladies probably hate us now...
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Jumping for My Parachute...
I'm kinda bummed right now...I just burned my mouth and tongue sipping my tea. I was really looking forward to it, but now every sip is going to be a burden and far from soothing. Because of that I can't even eat anything, and I'll probably have sores in my mouth tomorrow, so I'm sitting around with nothing to do and I have lots on my mind but I don't want to talk about it because my mouth hurts. Thankfully I don't use my mouth to type so this is a solid choice. I'm done venting now...
What I really want to type about is this: I really appreciate music. I know lots of people who love music more than me and who understand music better than me, but I love how music meets me where I'm at. I love music's ability to articulate my thoughts and feelings. Relient K does this kind of thing to me all the time. I used to despise this band because, at first glance, they come across as really silly. Christians singing about a chick asking this dude out to the Sadie Hawkins dance isn't my idea of spiritual fulfillment. As I listened to more of their music I found that they have this brilliant quirkiness that makes a whole lot of sense. They talk about spiritual stuff in a very creative way and I can really relate to it.
In their song, "Life After Death and Taxes" (a little spoof on a common phrase...they're good at that) there is this one line that I absolutely love. In fact, it's one of my favorite quotes:
And this is how I choose to live
As if I'm jumping off a cliff
Knowing that you'll save me...
I like extreme stuff. I want to strap myself into a parachute and jump out of airplanes and off of cliffs or buildings or bridges. I love that feeling I get when I do stuff like that. I think those lyrics are a great depiction of the Christian life. Sure, life is dangerous and uncertain, but it's also exciting and beautiful! Why stand on the edge and think about the things that could happen? What are we waiting for? Jump! Wouldn't you do so much more stuff if you knew that everything would end up ok? I know I would! Not only that, but I would invite others to join me. "God works for the good of those who love him," right? We have the confidence that we will be safe when we land, so enjoy the ride! That's not to say that we won't get banged up or bruised along the way, but we'll be safe nonetheless.
This is a great thing for me to think about because like so many other people my age, I have no real idea of what my future is going to look like, and based on past experiences, my dreams sell myself short. With all of the things going on in my life - school, friends, church, relationships, ministry, carreer aspirations...the list goes on - wouldn't it be easier for me to jump, enjoy the ride and trust God to have me land right where He wants me? Afterall, where I end up will be better than what I could do for myself. I shouldn't worry about all of that. It's all in the Lord's hands and he's blown my dreams away time and time again. I think life is better this way...I think it's supposed to be this way.
What I really want to type about is this: I really appreciate music. I know lots of people who love music more than me and who understand music better than me, but I love how music meets me where I'm at. I love music's ability to articulate my thoughts and feelings. Relient K does this kind of thing to me all the time. I used to despise this band because, at first glance, they come across as really silly. Christians singing about a chick asking this dude out to the Sadie Hawkins dance isn't my idea of spiritual fulfillment. As I listened to more of their music I found that they have this brilliant quirkiness that makes a whole lot of sense. They talk about spiritual stuff in a very creative way and I can really relate to it.
In their song, "Life After Death and Taxes" (a little spoof on a common phrase...they're good at that) there is this one line that I absolutely love. In fact, it's one of my favorite quotes:
And this is how I choose to live
As if I'm jumping off a cliff
Knowing that you'll save me...
I like extreme stuff. I want to strap myself into a parachute and jump out of airplanes and off of cliffs or buildings or bridges. I love that feeling I get when I do stuff like that. I think those lyrics are a great depiction of the Christian life. Sure, life is dangerous and uncertain, but it's also exciting and beautiful! Why stand on the edge and think about the things that could happen? What are we waiting for? Jump! Wouldn't you do so much more stuff if you knew that everything would end up ok? I know I would! Not only that, but I would invite others to join me. "God works for the good of those who love him," right? We have the confidence that we will be safe when we land, so enjoy the ride! That's not to say that we won't get banged up or bruised along the way, but we'll be safe nonetheless.
This is a great thing for me to think about because like so many other people my age, I have no real idea of what my future is going to look like, and based on past experiences, my dreams sell myself short. With all of the things going on in my life - school, friends, church, relationships, ministry, carreer aspirations...the list goes on - wouldn't it be easier for me to jump, enjoy the ride and trust God to have me land right where He wants me? Afterall, where I end up will be better than what I could do for myself. I shouldn't worry about all of that. It's all in the Lord's hands and he's blown my dreams away time and time again. I think life is better this way...I think it's supposed to be this way.
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