Since Sarah took one of her titles as a continuation of mine, I'll use this post to return the favor.
Today was so crazy that I didn't have enough time to at least start packing for the Chicago Trip.
I was the chauffeur for my mom and brother as I took them and picked them up from work and baseball camp respectively. I needed to get a few last minute clothing items for Chicago, so I stopped by the store. My mom noticed that my right eye was still very red and irritated, so she called the eye doctor. He was out of the office, so they referred me to a doctor in North Muskegon. She examined my eye and told me that when I accidentally slept in it Wednesday night, I allowed my eye to be open to bacteria that caused an infection. She wrote me a prescription, and my eye is already feeling better. I'm not supposed to wear any contacts for at least a week, so it'll be glasses in Chicago.
After the eye doctor, we picked up dry cleaning, grabbed dinner for myself and my brother, picked him up for his ball game, and dropped him off.
His game went very well. His team during the regular season was 6th place out of 7 teams, but in the playoff tournament, his team beat 3rd place, 2nd place, and 5th place today to win the league title. Who would have thought that a team sponsored by Shoreline Allergy could win a championship???
I'm very excited about the trip to Chicago. I'm praying that this trip will be very formative in our lives and very beneficial in many ways to the lives of the people we come in contact with.
It's strange to think that the conditions we're going to be dealing with are only a mere 3 hours away, and I'm sure that similar things are right in our backyards.
If you're one of the readers that is not going to Chicago with us, I'd appreciate it if you'd pray for our team when you are reminded. There are going to be quite a few uncomfortable situations for us.
Well, I've got to get some sleep now.
God bless.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Algeria, Bulgaria, Cambodia...
If that title means anything at all to you, I'll have you know I will not be singing in this post.
Anyway, Heaven is a Place on Earth is a good book, I'd recommend it to y'all.
*Chuckles to himself because he never really says "y'all"*
The Pistons allowed the series to be dragged (sp?) out to 7 (seven) games so the NBA and ABC could make more $$$. If, as Dave says, all professional sports are rigged, then why don't more series continue to 7 games? Wouldn't that be the best way to make money and keep both sets of fans happy for the longest period of time?
Donkey Kong Jungle Beat is an insane game. It's not too hard of a difficuly level but it requres great coordination because you use bongo drums rather than the normal GameCube controller. It is a lot of fun though, and very hilarious to watch someone else play.
I've got college Bible study in a little while, and the question we're tackling today has to do with whether or not what Rahab did was wrong when she lied. I'm sure our discussion will walk the lines of the issue of whether or not it was OK to hide Jews during the Holocaust. Is it alright to lie for the benefit of saving a life from a disastrous and horrific death?
Hmmm....
I'm thinking about changing my blog template and title. Or maybe just one of them. Who knows? If you've got a cool idea for a title, drop me a comment.
Gotta go.
Later.
Anyway, Heaven is a Place on Earth is a good book, I'd recommend it to y'all.
*Chuckles to himself because he never really says "y'all"*
The Pistons allowed the series to be dragged (sp?) out to 7 (seven) games so the NBA and ABC could make more $$$. If, as Dave says, all professional sports are rigged, then why don't more series continue to 7 games? Wouldn't that be the best way to make money and keep both sets of fans happy for the longest period of time?
Donkey Kong Jungle Beat is an insane game. It's not too hard of a difficuly level but it requres great coordination because you use bongo drums rather than the normal GameCube controller. It is a lot of fun though, and very hilarious to watch someone else play.
I've got college Bible study in a little while, and the question we're tackling today has to do with whether or not what Rahab did was wrong when she lied. I'm sure our discussion will walk the lines of the issue of whether or not it was OK to hide Jews during the Holocaust. Is it alright to lie for the benefit of saving a life from a disastrous and horrific death?
Hmmm....
I'm thinking about changing my blog template and title. Or maybe just one of them. Who knows? If you've got a cool idea for a title, drop me a comment.
Gotta go.
Later.
Chicago '05
As some of you know, myself and 10 other members of the youth group will be leaving for Chicago following church on Sunday. The fundraisers went very well, and many of us have little or no money to pay.
We'll be working in the inner city with CSM. We'll see people of all kinds of ethnicities and ages. A lot of us will be out of our comfort zones, but there's no doubt in my mind that we'll step up to the new and different settings. We'll be down there until Sunday the 3rd, so if you happen to remember, please pray. The others that are going include:
Dave, Ryan, Cade, Dallas, Sarah, Laura, Stephanie, Shannon, Jennie, Lorna, and Elaina.
I've still got a lot to do before I go, but for some reason, I feel like procrastinating.
Oh well.
We'll be working in the inner city with CSM. We'll see people of all kinds of ethnicities and ages. A lot of us will be out of our comfort zones, but there's no doubt in my mind that we'll step up to the new and different settings. We'll be down there until Sunday the 3rd, so if you happen to remember, please pray. The others that are going include:
Dave, Ryan, Cade, Dallas, Sarah, Laura, Stephanie, Shannon, Jennie, Lorna, and Elaina.
I've still got a lot to do before I go, but for some reason, I feel like procrastinating.
Oh well.
Friday, June 17, 2005
3 New Quotes
Last night, Ryan, David, and I went to go see Batman Begins (good movie). Two of the quotes struck me as kind of essential to the meaning of the story. While I do not necessarily agree with them, they are still meaningful.
"Why do we fall?
So we can learn to pick ourselves up."
It says a lot about how bad things in life can help us grow and make us stronger, but I think overall it just shows the man's desire to fix things himself and pick himself up. As a Christian, I know I should allow God to pick me back up again when I fall, but it's so hard to surrender and not try to do it on my own.
"It is not who you are underneath but what you do that counts."
I don't really agree with this, but I think it's because my entire worldview says that life is more about being than doing. I think that being shows true character because you can "do" things that are against your nature, but you can't "be" what you aren't.
So, those two quotes really stood out to me while I was watching the movie.
Adios.
You may be thinking to yourself: "Self, if this post is entitled "3 New Quotes," then why are there only 2?"
Don't worry if you really are thinking that and having a conversation with yourself, there's medicine for that.
Anyway, the third quote came this afternoon. Today is Ryan's birthday, so Laura, Sarah, Steve, and I surprised him and went to lunch with him since he had to work today. Well, Laura bought a bottle of iced tea to drink with her sub and I was glancing over when I saw a slogan on the side of the bottle promoting the tea. It read:
"Everything that's good about tea starts with the leaf."
For some reason, that just struck me as funny because it made it seem like Laura was drinking MJ-laced iced tea.
For real this time,
Adios.
"Why do we fall?
So we can learn to pick ourselves up."
It says a lot about how bad things in life can help us grow and make us stronger, but I think overall it just shows the man's desire to fix things himself and pick himself up. As a Christian, I know I should allow God to pick me back up again when I fall, but it's so hard to surrender and not try to do it on my own.
"It is not who you are underneath but what you do that counts."
I don't really agree with this, but I think it's because my entire worldview says that life is more about being than doing. I think that being shows true character because you can "do" things that are against your nature, but you can't "be" what you aren't.
So, those two quotes really stood out to me while I was watching the movie.
Adios.
You may be thinking to yourself: "Self, if this post is entitled "3 New Quotes," then why are there only 2?"
Don't worry if you really are thinking that and having a conversation with yourself, there's medicine for that.
Anyway, the third quote came this afternoon. Today is Ryan's birthday, so Laura, Sarah, Steve, and I surprised him and went to lunch with him since he had to work today. Well, Laura bought a bottle of iced tea to drink with her sub and I was glancing over when I saw a slogan on the side of the bottle promoting the tea. It read:
"Everything that's good about tea starts with the leaf."
For some reason, that just struck me as funny because it made it seem like Laura was drinking MJ-laced iced tea.
For real this time,
Adios.
Monday, June 13, 2005
What the...?
Fireside Coffeehouse is closed now. I'm befuddled as to why. It seemed as if they were doing quite well. That's too bad. I really liked that place.
Open House went well. There was a pretty good turnout. We have tons of food left over. I got some really nice books, the traditional cash, a nice backpack, gift cards, and a photo album from Sarah with pictures from the last few years of youth group. Fun stuff.
Some people came back last night after the open house to hang out. We played Spoons and volleyball, ate laxative-laced brownies, had a bonfire, and watched the Pistons (ugh).
I think David and I are getting some people together to go to Grand Haven tonight to walk the peir. If you wanna come, feel free.
Later.
Open House went well. There was a pretty good turnout. We have tons of food left over. I got some really nice books, the traditional cash, a nice backpack, gift cards, and a photo album from Sarah with pictures from the last few years of youth group. Fun stuff.
Some people came back last night after the open house to hang out. We played Spoons and volleyball, ate laxative-laced brownies, had a bonfire, and watched the Pistons (ugh).
I think David and I are getting some people together to go to Grand Haven tonight to walk the peir. If you wanna come, feel free.
Later.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Summer Has Arrived
Well, the temperatures have finally made it into the 80's, and it looks like summer is here to stay!
Summer weather + Free Time = Swimming at the beach and Reading in the sun.
Ahhhhh....... West Michigan Summers.
Summer weather + Free Time = Swimming at the beach and Reading in the sun.
Ahhhhh....... West Michigan Summers.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Of eKINGDOMS
eKINGDOMS are the newest trend in youth group happenings.
eKINGDOM is such a new term that it hasn't been professionally defined, but I shall try.
eKINGDOM - an online community of people that pretend as if they are living in a kingdom and carrying out specific duties.
Right now there are 3 eKINGDOMS that have been started in our Calvary circle of friends. The original and best eKINGDOM was designed by Ladius. His is a generic medieval kingdom with some very "interesting" followers. His eKINGDOM is the most active and popular of the 3.
The second eKINGDOM created was by Sir Hagan O'Donnell. It is known as eIRELAND. For a while he was just antagonizing our eKINGDOM and pretending to fight an eWAR, but in reality he had no followers. Currently, the eKINGDOM and eIRELAND are in a state of peace and eIRELAND has a few more eCITIZENS. The state of peace between eIRELAND and eKINGDOM was never made official because Sir Hagan refused to sign a treaty. Rumors have it that he will launch another attack on the eKINGDOM within the week.
The third eKINGDOM started has maybe 1 0r 2 eCITIZENS. It is known as eRUSSIA and is run by its communist leader King Rodion IV. They currently are allies with eIRELAND, but their relationship has been on shaky ground.
It's a little childish and crazy, but we can't act "grown up" all the time. If you'd like to participate and have a role in the original eKINGDOM, consider this an open invitation to join. Just visit us and go post that you would like a position. For ideas, there is a list of positions towards the bottom of the page. Of course you can always come up with your own.
*In true Kingdom of Heaven fashion* GOD WILLS IT!
eKINGDOM is such a new term that it hasn't been professionally defined, but I shall try.
eKINGDOM - an online community of people that pretend as if they are living in a kingdom and carrying out specific duties.
Right now there are 3 eKINGDOMS that have been started in our Calvary circle of friends. The original and best eKINGDOM was designed by Ladius. His is a generic medieval kingdom with some very "interesting" followers. His eKINGDOM is the most active and popular of the 3.
The second eKINGDOM created was by Sir Hagan O'Donnell. It is known as eIRELAND. For a while he was just antagonizing our eKINGDOM and pretending to fight an eWAR, but in reality he had no followers. Currently, the eKINGDOM and eIRELAND are in a state of peace and eIRELAND has a few more eCITIZENS. The state of peace between eIRELAND and eKINGDOM was never made official because Sir Hagan refused to sign a treaty. Rumors have it that he will launch another attack on the eKINGDOM within the week.
The third eKINGDOM started has maybe 1 0r 2 eCITIZENS. It is known as eRUSSIA and is run by its communist leader King Rodion IV. They currently are allies with eIRELAND, but their relationship has been on shaky ground.
It's a little childish and crazy, but we can't act "grown up" all the time. If you'd like to participate and have a role in the original eKINGDOM, consider this an open invitation to join. Just visit us and go post that you would like a position. For ideas, there is a list of positions towards the bottom of the page. Of course you can always come up with your own.
*In true Kingdom of Heaven fashion* GOD WILLS IT!
Thursday, June 02, 2005
The Cheeseburger Parallel
While driving home yesterday from Fireside Chats, JQ was playing an advertisement for Veggie Tales Live. For a portion of the ad, His Cheeseburger was playing in the background.
This triggered a few thoughts in my head:
First, I remembered Joey waking up our team with that song every morning the first year I went on Survivor.
Second, I thought to myself, "Self, why did the Veggie Tales people even write that song?"
Third, I started to actually search for some hidden substance to that song aside from the basic love story between a piece of produce and his cheeseburger.
Perhaps the song is teaching us a lesson about patience and the faithfulness of God. The cheeseburger lover sought after his cheeseburger, but the employee told him that he'd have to wait for his cheeseburger because it was too late at night. In a similar way, there are times in every Christian's life when God seems distant because sin is clouding our vision and we can't tell that God is still right there with us just as the employee got in his way from attaining his cheeseburger, even though I'm sure he could have gotten a cheeseburger if he had looked hard enough or bypassed the employee.
Next, the cheeseburger lover waited in the drive-thru till sunrise, holding out with patience until the cheeseburger seemed available to him again. All he had to do was wait a few more hours until 10am when he would have his cheeseburger, but he ran out of patience which caused him to waver and jump on a false god that didn't seem so distant, Bacon and Eggs for half price at Denny's. He completely and utterly betrayed his cheeseburger for a cheap replacement just as we sometimes fill our lives with false gods.
However, the bacon and eggs didn't fill him up like he thought it would, so he returned to his one true love, his cheeseburger. The cheeseburger waited for him patiently and proved its faithfulness in much the same way that God waits for us when we reject him for a false, unfulfilling god.
Am I grasping at straws here? Probably, but I'd like to hear your thoughts and see if any of you can better draw a parallel between the cheeseburger lover's story and our story.
This triggered a few thoughts in my head:
First, I remembered Joey waking up our team with that song every morning the first year I went on Survivor.
Second, I thought to myself, "Self, why did the Veggie Tales people even write that song?"
Third, I started to actually search for some hidden substance to that song aside from the basic love story between a piece of produce and his cheeseburger.
Perhaps the song is teaching us a lesson about patience and the faithfulness of God. The cheeseburger lover sought after his cheeseburger, but the employee told him that he'd have to wait for his cheeseburger because it was too late at night. In a similar way, there are times in every Christian's life when God seems distant because sin is clouding our vision and we can't tell that God is still right there with us just as the employee got in his way from attaining his cheeseburger, even though I'm sure he could have gotten a cheeseburger if he had looked hard enough or bypassed the employee.
Next, the cheeseburger lover waited in the drive-thru till sunrise, holding out with patience until the cheeseburger seemed available to him again. All he had to do was wait a few more hours until 10am when he would have his cheeseburger, but he ran out of patience which caused him to waver and jump on a false god that didn't seem so distant, Bacon and Eggs for half price at Denny's. He completely and utterly betrayed his cheeseburger for a cheap replacement just as we sometimes fill our lives with false gods.
However, the bacon and eggs didn't fill him up like he thought it would, so he returned to his one true love, his cheeseburger. The cheeseburger waited for him patiently and proved its faithfulness in much the same way that God waits for us when we reject him for a false, unfulfilling god.
Am I grasping at straws here? Probably, but I'd like to hear your thoughts and see if any of you can better draw a parallel between the cheeseburger lover's story and our story.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Mission Accomplished
Dallas and I successfully penetrated what I believe to be the most heavily guarded school in the area after three months of laying low from our last attempt.
We broke into Grand Haven High School. Kudos to Mrs. Keur for saving us when they asked if we had a planned appointment with her today. (That secretary looked might suspicious of us at first.)
We got to sit through part of Mrs. Keur's computer class; then, we went to lunch where we brought Sarah a sub from Subway. After we finished eating we went to go visit Steve in the library. (He had decided to skip lunch in order to work on his "eRussia") When their lunch ended we said goodbye to them both and went on our way knowing that we had achieved a rare accomplishment:
Outsmarting the Rent-a-Cop.
We may not be very quick, but we're tricky.
We broke into Grand Haven High School. Kudos to Mrs. Keur for saving us when they asked if we had a planned appointment with her today. (That secretary looked might suspicious of us at first.)
We got to sit through part of Mrs. Keur's computer class; then, we went to lunch where we brought Sarah a sub from Subway. After we finished eating we went to go visit Steve in the library. (He had decided to skip lunch in order to work on his "eRussia") When their lunch ended we said goodbye to them both and went on our way knowing that we had achieved a rare accomplishment:
Outsmarting the Rent-a-Cop.
We may not be very quick, but we're tricky.
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