love.

new BLOG!

2008-01-09T01:34:00.000-05:00

http://billyroberts.vox.com/

Domo Arigato

2007-04-29T21:52:00.000-04:00

Remember this commercial?

And look!.. that's Tony Hale from Arrested Development!

brilliant.

love.

Enough is Enough

2007-04-18T21:32:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I don't even know how or where to begin to help. There are so many hurting people in the world, but where do we start? Genocide, AIDS, natural disasters, wars, human rights, lack of clean water, poverty, homelessness... this list can go on for days, but what good are we doing? Is anything being accomplished? Am I even doing anything to help? Am I doing enough? The thoughts can send even the most devout into a sea of doubt. So what do we do?

Take Darfur for instance, we've been hearing about the problems in Darfur for a couple years now. The Sudan Liberation Army/Movement (SLA) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) rebel groups have been fighting back against the Sudan government since February of 2003. They've won a couple of battles, but in response, the government begins arming the Arab Janjaweed militia to take out any civilians who support the rebels. Violence has raged since then - in 2004 and 2005 alone there have been a onslaught of fighting, even though there has been a heightened awareness of the conflict, including some 7,000+ African Union protection force soldiers. Divisions between the two rebel groups have only made things worse and have stunted any progress of negotiations. Hundreds of thousands have died and millions have been displaced, but only survive by external assistance. Things have gotten worse, not better, for this region. Our action is necessary and needed immediately.

I wish there was more that I could do. I'm only a student at small univeristy and an ocean away from everything that's going on. I can give money, I can pray, but I feel guilty because of the blessed life I've had. Maybe that's a good thing. Maybe I'm supposed to feel a sense of guilt, without it, maybe I would not be inspired to do anything. I want to be able to do something drastic, something large to benefit, not just Darfur, but all sorts of places in the world that need the help of those more fortunate. God will not let his beloved creation die like this, but it is up to us, it is up to the Church to act. If we continue to ignore the evil in the world, or if we continue to read about these atrocities and then sit and do nothing, then we are failing to bring the message of love and hope to the world God created. We know there is a better way. We are called, as followers of a eternally loving God, to be a monumental force for good in the world. If we do not act, then we fail to love the way that Jesus loved. And that, I think, is a disgrace.

love.

songwriter

2007-04-12T23:49:00.000-04:00

I guess I don't normally post music I'm working on, but I just feel like sharing this one. I have this heart for politics, justice, Christ, and what we should do in response to that, lately. I suppose what I've written flows out of that heart.

When You See Things The Way I Do

You’re going to look at them and walk away
You can see their eyes but do nothing
Jesus Christ came for the marginalized
He came for the ones with tears that fill their eyes
And you pass them by…

When I was hungry you gave me food
You clothed me and gave me your shirt and shoes
There are miracles in front of you
When you see things the way I do
When you see things the way I do
When you see things the way I do
When you see things the way I do

You can name the men on your dollar bill
You can ignore the poor by your free will
You are allowed to live your life from your purse
And you can be assured that someday
The last will be first…

When I was hungry you gave me food
You clothed me and gave me your shirt and shoes
There are miracles in front of you
When you see things the way I do
When you see things the way I do
When you see things the way I do
When you see things the way I do

Your cries won’t be ignored; your cries won’t be ignored
Your cries won’t be ignored… anymore

When you see things the way I do
When you see things the way I do
When you see things the way I do
When you see things the way I do

Thanks for allowing me to make mistakes and for your continued support and love.

love.

pandas

2007-03-28T01:17:00.000-04:00

Discuss...

love.

working for the church

2007-03-07T12:48:00.000-05:00

I have fourth row tickets to one of three sold out shows in Chicago.

You should probably be jealous, and I cannot wait for May when this night happens.

Please watch...

love.

there are two colors in my head

2007-03-02T00:36:00.000-05:00

Blast in the morning.

I've spent the past couple days basking in my love for Radiohead. I'm glad.

love.

rockstar keeps me awake

2007-02-28T04:49:00.000-05:00

I'm still working on this stupid 20 page paper... that I started tonight.

I'm distracted often. I can't help it.

I'll probably go to bed at 10 AM. Oh well.

Ethnic dinner date tonight will be fun, because I love Panda House.

I don't even know what I'm talking about anymore. I've been writing too much about communism and fascism. I can't think clearly. Alright, well I'm going to write about Adolf Hitler! See ya!

love.

i am robot and proud

2007-02-26T17:50:00.000-05:00

I don't know, I guess I have ADD or at least it reoccurs everytime I have to sit down and write a 15-20 page paper. Maybe that'll go away in time? I hope so.

I think I want to revive this thing. I have been pretty on and off with my posts. I also think that I am going to be post about any and everything more often instead of trying to spend so much time focusing on what to write about. Maybe this will be more real you know? I don't know what I'm talking about.

I think I read that radiohead's new album is coming out in August, also travis' new album will be out in May so that's exciting.

I love radiohead. A lot.

love.

reflections on snowdoubt

2007-02-25T22:48:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have moments when you just want to yell, with a lot of excitement and happiness, "YES!!!?"

That's how this weekend was.

I am so happy.

love.

the reunion begins...

2007-02-12T17:10:00.000-05:00

the ONLY good part about the grammy awards last night.

love.

you don't have to put on the red light!

2007-02-08T01:53:00.000-05:00

love.

wincing the night away

2007-01-31T15:42:00.000-05:00

In a surprising sales report, Billboard has reported that the latest release from indie rockers The Shins debuted at No. 2. Wincing the Night Away moved 118,000 units last week, the highest ever for a Sub Pop Records band ...1/31/07 | 2:30 PM

This is one reason why everyone should buy the new Shins album.

Go buy it... now.

love.

if anyone comes thirsty to me...

2007-01-29T01:26:00.000-05:00

The gospel is so offensive, how can you ever convince anyone to believe that what they believe isn't right?

As I reflect on this I am realizing it isn't solely my job to convince anyone, because God will redeem man, not me.

God pursues people, I suppose prayer is in order.

love.

global warming?

2007-01-04T14:02:00.000-05:00

Meteorologists are saying that remarkably mild conditions across the East Coast and Midwest are not necessarily the result of global warming and most likely have to do with global weather patterns and jet streams. Temperature records have been broken throughout the United States as New York City saw its first November and December without snow since 1877 ...1/4/07 | 9:43 AM

here's an inconvenient truth.. you're still not president!

love.

a new year.

2007-01-01T15:03:00.000-05:00

2007. worrrrrrrrrrrrrrd.

love.

the last kiss

2006-12-30T02:52:00.000-05:00

Whoever said they didn't like 'The Last Kiss' is out of their mind.

Definitely a much more mature movie than Garden State.

So incredibly moving.

love.

camden ryan baker

2006-12-17T02:35:00.000-05:00

love.

say uncle! say it! say uncle!

2006-12-11T13:32:00.000-05:00

I'm an uncle as of this morning at 10:34.

7lbs 8oz

Camden Ryan Baker.

Pictures to come for sure, but for now, just be excited!

ok bye.

love.

oh ps. i got my MACBOOK today!

i'm coming home

2006-11-25T23:34:00.000-05:00

the roberts children (adults now)

katie and i

the nap before dinner (it was brilliant)

the family

i love my family.
i'm ready to finally be home.

love.

southern hospitality

2006-11-24T00:12:00.000-05:00

a few things before i retire for the evening.

a: i'm in south carolina and it's been fun being with my family often.
b: i felt my nephew camden ryan baker kick several times in my sister's stomach.
c: stranger than fiction is will ferell's best movie.
d: i am happy that its soundtrack is riddled with spoon all over it.

happy thanksgiving. goodnight.

love.

heck yeah.

2006-11-09T12:21:00.000-05:00

So listen, I'm in my 'Writing in the Professions' class right now. It's a joke, so I'd rather be writing in here than doing anything else.

Literally, I do absolutely nothing in this class and it's great. ... Ooops my prof. just walked by. Oh well. His name is Basil... amazing. We are supposed to be working on some sort of critique, but I don't think I care too much about that.

I love this class... and.... umm... bunnies.

wow.

love.

what's a boy to do...

2006-11-04T03:10:00.000-05:00

"I know the night is not the same as the day: that all things are different, that the things of the night cannot be explained in the day, because they do not then exist, and the night can be a dreadful time for lonely people once their loneliness has started."
- "A Farewell To Arms," Ernest Hemingway

sigh.

love.

20 pages of essay in 2 days (and 2 nights)....

2006-10-16T23:13:00.000-04:00

this is what twenty pages of essays looks like.

and i still have ten pages to go.

love.

there and back again

2006-10-02T13:43:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I feel like I've been a flurry of emotions lately. Back and forth, but I suppose such is life. And I'm ok with that, life's a bit more exciting that way.

There is so much in this world that I have to be thankful for. And although every emotion - including sorrow -is a valid one, I'm trying to remain positive, because there is so much to be happy about.

"Jesus what a strength in weakness
let me hide myself in Him
tempted, tried, and sometimes failing
He, my strength, my victory wins

hallelujah, what a savior!
hallelujah, what a friend
saving, helping, keeping, loving
He is with me to the end

Jesus what what a help in sorrow
while the billows o'er me roll
even when my heart is breaking
He, my comfort, helps my soul

hallelujah, what a savior!
hallelujah, what a friend.
saving, helping, keeping, loving
He is with me to the end"

there is so much to look forward to.

love.

time travel...

2006-09-30T02:11:00.000-04:00

Dear Roberta Sparrow, I have reached the end of your book and... there are so many things that I need to ask you. Sometimes I'm afraid of what you might tell me. Sometimes I'm afraid that you'll tell me that this is not a work of fiction. I can only hope that the answers will come to me in my sleep. I hope that when the world comes to an end, I can breathe a sigh of relief, because there will be so much to look forward to.

:)

love.

but she stopped running months ago...

2006-09-27T23:36:00.000-04:00

I HATE being alone.

"cause all you see
is where else you could be
when you're at home

and out on the streets
are so many possibilities
to not be alone."
---------------
[death cab for cutie]

sigh.

love.

a generous misunderstanding

2006-09-27T01:40:00.000-04:00

I've been completely ignorant to how a lot of Americans view Christianity. In my Politics and Religion class I get a taste of the generally misled thought of what the state of the church in America is.

Something should be probably done to change this view.

I hope I can do something to create a more positive image about what Christ's message was. Not sacrificing beliefs, but making positive change, and being positively good helping others.

Does anyone else experience this?

love.

let go

2006-09-21T00:41:00.000-04:00

and so i'm letting go.

for now.

boy this has rattled my nerves (to say the least).

love.

jesus camp pt 2.

2006-09-15T13:17:00.000-04:00

On the eve of the film's release, Ted Haggard has disowned the movie Jesus Camp, saying that it misrepresents evangelicals and puts them in a sinister light. The film follows kids who attend a Bible camp where they pray for the country and speak in tongues. Haggard is among the most prominent names to be featured in the movie ...9/15/06 | 12:19 PM

hmmm.

love.

And it got us to think about living our lives for what's right...

2006-09-06T23:57:00.000-04:00

Entrance Music: Phantom Planet - The Guest

Hi. I'm not even sure who reads this still, but I'm going to write anyways because it feels good and right and natural and I want to. So there.

Do you ever feel like things just pile up and pile up. Not all at once. It creeps up on you slowly over time. You keep feeling this nagging in you that you continually suppress until it seems nonexistent, but that never helps it just comes back a little bigger and a little more intense than the previous time. The voice is pretty persistent. I suppose that's Holy Spirit. I suppose that the voice has been speaking to me for a while now.

I think I got a lot of things out in the open this weekend.

I think (I hope) I've made a lot of decisions about my life - at least for the time being - and what I'm going to focus my energy on.

I know this is probably personal but I have my reasons for being so vulnerable. I've spent so much of my time wishing that a girl would fill my lonely heart. I have never been too long withouth someone in my life filling that part, but I haven't had a great deal of luck in that department. A lot of it has been due to my immaturity as a person, but another part I believe is that it's just not the right time. So I guess with that thought and a LOT of thinking I've set my mind to not be looking for any sort of relationship this year. I need to stop thinking of my singleness as a disorder and start viewing it as a blessing. God has me here. I don't know why. I don't know why I am supposed to be single right now, but I'm going to quit trying to find someone and just find Him. That sounds a bit cheesy for my taste, but it's really what I feel.

The thought it scary and exciting. I have never really tried to stay away from relationships, but for this school year I'm going to remain single. I suppose that is why I'm being open about this because if you are reading this than you can keep my accountable for what I'm trying to set myself to. There is so much in my life that needs to gather all of my attention. My family. My friends. School. My God! Besides, I will be plenty busy with interning and other things to devote a healthy amount of time to someone right now.

I'm a bit nervous about all of this, and I am asking that you pray for me as I embark on something that might seem silly to many of you, but it's something that I think is going to be beneficial in the long run.

I pray that God will use this time to grow me, stretch me, and shape me into a better man, boyfriend, husband, father.... in time.

Sigh.

love.

coming soon

2006-09-05T16:17:00.000-04:00

I have lots to say.

I'll write it out soon.

love.

jesus camp

2006-08-29T18:08:00.000-04:00

Watch the trailer...

...and discuss.

I'm not even sure what to make of this.

love.

no, but seriously, school isn't that great...

2006-08-28T03:35:00.000-04:00

I'm an upperclassmen again.

2 years left of college... wonderful.

Here look at this:

love.

be more ready now... because the future is fast approaching

2006-08-04T02:00:00.000-04:00

Entrance Music: Ryan Adams - Love is Hell (the entire album)

I haven't devoted anytime lately to sit down and write. Or to think for that matter. I'm feeling up for it so I'm not going to waste this opportunity.

Maybe it's the time of year. Maybe my life is picking up. Maybe I've been around too many things that remind me that my future is fast approaching. Or maybe it's just that I'm growing up a little quicker than I prepared for. In any event there has been a thick sense of "oh no what am I going to do in the next few years that will define my life?!" in the air. And it's consumed most of my thoughts.

Bryan's wedding weekend sparked dozens of great discussions, mostly centered around our futures. And to be honest I really enjoy talking about what's in store because I feel like there is so much to look forward to in each of our lives. One particular conversation with Robbie, Troy, and Nathan was completely fantastic. In round robin style we each laid out what we wanted to do in the next few years and on. How amazing it is that God plants something completely unique in each of our heads and hearts. Each story compliments the next.

What is in store for me?

Here's what I've come up with so far...

The next 2 years:
I started out school at Grand Valley, but now I'm back in Saginaw. I'm completely cool with that. Things worked out here. I'm interning at church, working for my parents, and have an outlet to be writing and writing worship, and gaining invaluable training and experience as a worship leader. I don't plan on leaving for the next two years. I will finish school at SVSU with a degree in Political Science. Hopefully with a few life changing experiences along the way...

My parents introduced me to the Washington Semester program. If I participate I'll spend a semester interning with an organization in DC as well as spending a few weeks abroad focusing on whatever program I choose to involve myself with. In all honesty I've been a bit more skeptical intially than I should have been, but this really looks like a cool opportunity and I have lots of voices in my life telling me to go. As with all things there are a lot of considerations to be taken into account. I'd have to take a step back from interning for one semester either this winter or next fall. It would be a huge loss to leave that behind. Not even so much the internship as the relationships with the students. But again, when am I going to be able to do something like this again in my life? There is so much to think about. Please pray for me that I would seek to follow God in wherever He leads.

2 years and so on:
Hopefully in two years I'll be a true Political Scientist backed up by my bachelors degree. From there the aim is seminary. I have three options. Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (which Troys calls "Grrrrts"), Deniver Seminary, and Fuller Theological Seminary. My desire is that I'll be out of state, but I'm certainly not against living in Grand Rapids again. I mean come on, Mars Hill is in Grand Rapids. There are a ton more seminaries, but these three are most appealing to me.

If I end up in Denver I'll fall into community at the onset. Bryan and Anna are already there. Steve and Jodi are making their way there this winter. Denver Seminary is a solid institution and I've heard only good things from anyone I've talked with. Not a bad choice.

But if things go as I'm hoping they will, I'll find myself in Pasadena, California at Fuller Theological Seminary. I have had this sense of adventure burning in me for a while now and I would absolutely love to spend a couple years (maybe more) on the west coast. It wouldn't be a walk in the park financially that's for sure, but it's a task I'm hoping to tackle. Most importantly there is a program that almost seems too perfect for my interests and leanings. I would pursue a Master of Arts in Theology with a concentration in Theology and the Arts. Which means I'd be taking classes like: Theology and Culture, Theology, Pop Culture, and the Emerging Church, Theolgy of CS Lewis, Viewing Film: Philosophical and Theological Considerations, and Worship and the Performing Arts. I literally get chills just thinking about how thrilling it would be. My heart is set on Fuller, but again it's in the Lord's hands. (Fuller... Fuller... pleaaaaase!)

And so on.. and so forth:
I don't even know where I'll end up after my run with seminary is up. I'm open to any place. Be it Michigan or California or Denver or .. Montana? Anywhere. Working in a church or teaching at the college level would be my final aim. Oh and of course a family, but that's a whole other discussion I suppose.

If you've made it this far I want to first congratulate you for sticking to your guns and finishing this novel as it's turned out to be. Mostly, I just want to let you know how much I appreciate your interest in my life. How insignificant I am in the history of mankind and I consider it a blessing that you have even the slightest concern for what I'm doing. I value our frienship immensely.

So please pray. Pray for me. Pray that God would reveal in His time and with His perfect love. Pray for others in my situation. Pray for my friends and my family as they go through all of this with me. Pray to praise God for the work He's already done in my life and in the lives of everyone around us. Pray that He will "create in me a heart that beats for Him".

I love you all very much (even when I don't show it all the time like you all deserve).

love.

Exit Music: Ryan Adams - Jacksonville City Nights (With The Cardinals) (the entire album)

someone got married this weekend... it was bryan and anna

2006-07-31T01:56:00.000-04:00

love.

generously orthodox.

2006-07-14T23:55:00.000-04:00

I think anyone interested in spritual development should be required to read 'A Generous Orthodoxy'.

What a breath of fresh air.

love.

we think the same things (at the same time)

2006-07-11T22:03:00.000-04:00

Thom Yorke is a gift to music.

if you want to be blown away click... here.

love.

come on my hair is so long.

2006-07-09T23:36:00.000-04:00

troy and i need haircuts, desperately.

any takers?

love.

this is what a school picture should look like... (or the study of best friends)

2006-06-30T15:02:00.000-04:00

love.

so i was thinking, it hurts to be punched...

2006-06-28T17:10:00.000-04:00

Ever have those days when every possible attempt that life gets to sucker punch you, it does?

Yup, me too.

love.

as long as we're talking about artists that make me feel warm...

2006-06-21T01:31:00.000-04:00

David Crowder is incredible.

'A Collision' was one of the best albums released in 2005. I know he's trying to be a lot like Sufjan with his concept for the album (even covering a Sufjan song) but dear lord he's just absurd!

Hands down most important worship leader of our generation. There I said it.

I want to be David Crowder when I grow older, and I don't care who knows it!

love.

ps. 'B Collision' drops next week!

kyrie elaison is such a freaking great song

2006-06-20T02:36:00.000-04:00

No but seriously, I love that song. It may have revolutionized my life. You can't help but be inspired when your ears hear the sweet melody. And by sweet I mean breathtaking, but by sweet I also mean like something you eat.

It's nearly 3 am everytime I post. That's because I am nocturnal. Or wait, I'm up during the day too. I basically find minimal amounts of time to sleep because well, it's just a waste of my time.

I think everyone should play more board games. Scattegories? Sequence? Scotland Yard?!! and umm.. Mancala? No, I take that last one back.

Wednesday night, Wednesday night. I need to maybe change my strings before then. They've been neglected and I feel horrible.

Also, does anybody love the music from megaman 2 on nintendo as much as I do?

I looked through a good deal of my old livejournal entries from probably 3 -4 years ago in high school. I don't seem the same as I was then, but there are lot of things that make me think I'm still like that boy from back then.

I'm going to be useless for awhile longer before I retreat under the covers.

love.

we can dream

2006-06-19T02:07:00.000-04:00

-----------------------------------
come on hope
you're alive
come on peace
you're alive

be ready
be more ready

change is coming
change is now
look! glory fills the sky
look! love rains down

dream on now
love has arrived
oh god above
you're alive

lift your weary head
with urgency
for he made the universe
we can dream, we can dream!
-----------------------------------

i'm trying to write more often.
but my (attempts at) creativity creates vast insecurities. eek.

love.

neighbors

2006-06-17T02:50:00.000-04:00

So Troy and I just met one of our neighbors. Let me set this up....

It's 2 am and we were watching 'the pianist' with Britney when all of a sudden some girl (i'll now refer to her has crazy (in her comfy's)) just walks in and this exchange happens..

Troy: Hello?
Crazy: Oh, I'm sorry.
(Crazy then walks out.)

Weird, right? We assume she was drunk, we get a good laugh from it. Less than 30 seconds later...

Crazy girl busts in.

Troy: Um, Hi?
Crazy: (now in our kitchen looking around.) I live here.
Troy: Um. No you don't.
Crazy: (really confused) No, I live here.
Troy: No you don't, look. (points to door with our names on it.)

Troy guides her out the door and she goes on here merry way.

End Scene.

The weird part is that Britney suggest that she might have been sleepwalking. If that's the case that was really freakin' creepy.

Quite possibly the weirdest thing that's ever happend to me.

I hope you enjoyed that.

love.

irony?

2006-06-08T01:07:00.000-04:00

i just read this on relevantmag.com

Community officials in Sydney are planning on installing a loudspeaker system in a local park that will play Barry Manilow music in an effort to drive away teenage "hooligans" who hang out there. If that doesn’t work, they will actually have to fly in Barry Manilow to hang out at the park and physically remove the teens, a drastic but effective solution … 6/7/06 | 12:11 PM

ironic.... in light of recent events.

if you only knew how funny this is.

love.

closure.

2006-06-07T02:10:00.000-04:00

Stable Song___

Time for the final bout
Rows of deserted houses
All our stable mates highway bound
Getting the air inside my lungs is heavenly
Starting out with nothing but crippling doubt
We'll rest easy justified
Suffered a swift defeat, i'll endure countless repeats
The gift of memory is an awful curse
With age it just gets much worse...

love. (though i don't feel much of that right now.)

i just feel numb.

sigh....

summer pt 2.

2006-06-05T15:45:00.000-04:00

I can't find my camera. This is kind of upsetting, I want you to see my apartment, but you can't. I'll post pictures when I find it.

Holy cow it's such a drastic difference between my old apartment and the new one. I'm sitting on our balcony right now and it's gorgeous outside, but the fact that I'm looking at trees and a neighborhood is so much more pleasent rather than looking into a big parking lots and nasty carports. I hear birds and the wind instead of cars and contstruction. The fact that we are by two 7-11's makes me happy. I enjoy living here. (I enjoyed Normandy too, but only cause my roommate was great not because Normandy was awesome... cause it wasn't.)

Summer has been going really well as a whole (some minor issues, but I suppose that's expected). I've been trying to write music a little more and take advantage of some free time. I'm trying to get in a better habit of reading over break. I started 'A Generous Orthodoxy' by Brian McLaren and I'm flying through it. I try to read as much as I can but it's not often that I'm consistently thinking about when I can get a chance to sit down and read more like this book makes me do. I might not agree with everything he's saying in his book, but I respect that he's pushing the envelope and challenging today's thinking (and thinkers).

I have lots to be excited for this summer and I can't wait to get back into ignite. It's been too long and I can sense some excitement building. Extend will be great and I can not wait to be apart of that weekend. It is only a few weeks away so please be diligent in praying for the students, leaders, and speakers involved.

There are two albums that are due out this summer that I am anxiously awaiting. Both are set to release on the same day: July 11.

First is Sufjan Stevens' other half of his Illinoise album. Illinoise was originally a double album, but was cut short near the end of recording. So instead of scraping the material Asthmatic Kitty is releasing 'The Avalanche' which includes a healthy serving of b-sides and outtakes from the Illinoise sessions. I've already heard a few tracks and 'The Henney Buggy Band' is the catchiest Sufjan song I've ever heard. I'm pumped.

The second album releasing the 11th is Thom Yorke's (radiohead) 'The Eraser'. Radiohead and Sufjan Stevens are probably my two favorite artists for sometime. Pretty much any music that Thom Yorke makes is genius. The Eraser leaked on the internet this past week so I've enjoyed a nice preview of the tracks and it's alot like Radiohead's 'Kid A' album (my favorite Radiohead album). So July 11 is going to be a big day for me not to mention that it's free slurpee day!

I suppose this update will suffice.

Until next time here are a list of things I want to do this summer:
_Play tennis lots.
_Buy a bike.
_Ride the bike lots.
_Cedar Point!
_Homerun derby.
_Swim at my house more.
_See a Tigers game.(June 13 - check)
_Road trip..anywhere.
_Mars Hill at least once.
_Anything fun.

Enjoy God's creation!

love.

summer

2006-05-24T14:20:00.000-04:00

Ok, ok I've been absent from writing, but I've been busy.

Troy and I moved in to our new place and it's fantastic. School's over with and I did pretty well (3.42) and I'm happy that I get good grades again.

The past month has been pretty crazy but alot of fun.

The last ignite of the year was last Sunday. It's been an honor and joy to be able to worship with all of you this year. Thanks for being so encouraging to me and I will certainly miss the seniors next year. You're all wonderful and I love you guys.
Please keep in touch.

Bryan was home the past few days and I got to spend time with him which was great. We did guy things and it was fun.

I haven't had time to write anything of meaning lately, but I'm thinking about it soon.

I hope God is continually blessing your lives as only he can.

love.

paper

2006-04-27T01:39:00.000-04:00

I wrote a ten page paper in less than one day.

And it's freakin' good.

How 'bout that?!

I'm quite sleepy now.

Goodnight.

love.

busy

2006-04-03T23:41:00.000-04:00

I've been busy. I've neglected writing for far too long. For that, I'm sorry.

I do not have a focus in my writing tonight, but maybe that's because I feel like I've been stretched in about a million directions over the past month or so. My thoughts are so scattered and my post will look like much of that same. And with that let's begin...

I've been writing a lot of music and words lately. God is continually enstilling confidence in me to keep writing. And I've thought about this a lot lately and I would like to become a hymn writer. That is not a profession. I know. But that's what I'd like to be used by God for. (He'll direct my life and I'll be happy where I am. No matter where that is. Still...) I'm so fascinated by hymns. I've been trying to teach them to our student ministries at Hopevale and I think I'm just to nerdy for them. My heart is that they would understand how important these words are. The fact that someone hundreds of years ago in a completely different context could write these words and have them sung for generations is incredible. I'm certain they were not writing for the purpose of putting out an album. So what did they write for? Not for others. Not for a hit worship song. They wrote out of devotion and pure worship to the Lord God. And yet, they probably had no idea that their words would touch my heart in 2006. What a priviledge it would be that someone might view my words as something of value. I just want to follow God where he leads and hopefully offer words of praise.

My political science class is so good. Holy cow. I am so challenged and I love it. First of all my professor is a genius. Second, he's just a good guy. Last week we discussed Westboro Baptist Church. Westboro believes that God hates America. Some of them are the ones you see on television protesting homosexuality at military funerals. The same people who cry that God is love and desire to preach the gospel are picketing with signs that read "God hates fags. Fags doom nations. Repent or perish." If you want to see how awful it's become go here.. www.godhatesamerica.com or www.godhatesfags.com . I warn you though, it will leave you feeling dejected and sad.

At first when I heard about this church I did some research of my own and my initial reaction was to be angry at these people, but after awhile I just felt this immense sadness. How did Christ's message become so distorted? When did it become a good idea in someone's head to opress others in the name of a just but still loving, gracious God. Now, I certainly do believe that God is just and he is the ultimate judge, but where we fail in our sins (i.e. homosexuality, deceit, sexual immorality, pride, etc.) we are showered with grace through God's sacrifice in Jesus Christ. We are sinners. I am a sinner. We are forgiven. I am forgiven. The fact is that Christ died for the sins of every person. Including these people (the picketers) who have somehow lost Christ's message. His life was entirely a testiment of love.

God is a judge.
More than that he's a compassionate, caring, healing, graceful God who can wash away any condemnation we have, through his son Christ.

We cannot forget that. And the fact that some have is so disheartening.

My hope is that God's love is so overpowering that we are filled to the brim and it pours out on to everyone we interact with.

God is love.

love.

paint

2006-03-13T22:26:00.001-05:00

I can no longer say that I've never painted before. That's pretty cool. Katie has been trying to get me to paint for a good 3 years now and this week I finally gave in, but you know what? It was great.

Not as goofy as Troy's, I know. In fact it's really kind of creepy.

Radiohead is my favorite band and has been for a long time. So, I decided to pay tribute to an amazing band that will probably continue to astonish and creep me out all at the same time.

I love Radiohead. You should too.

love.

tradition

2006-03-06T16:09:00.000-05:00

I've been hearing a lot of talk about Lent this year, probably more so than I have in any other year I can remember. I'm not even sure how to approach all of this, because I have yet to figure out where I fall into place in this picture. But here are my thoughts that I have been wrestling with for a few weeks concerning Lent but moreover tradition.

Tradition is a peculiar thing to me. We are definitely creatures of habit and yet the artsy part of me wants to continually reinvent myself or the things I'm doing. This is obviously contradictory. Can you have tradition and reinvent simultaneously? Probably not. So I guess many of us are stuck in this cycle of pushing forward and looking backward. Well then, what takes precedence?

There is great value, I believe, in living within our context. You are never going to reach out to someone using very structured, organized, repetitive faith. Repetition, to me, is an easy way to find yourself very bored very fast with even the most exciting stories and the best news. I get upset when I see Christian sub-culture becoming more and more exclusive. In many churches I've observed a trend, which I'm equally as guilty of, in which they place high importance on community (which is a necessary and great thing) and little on how they are being light in a world that is very much consumed by darkness.

All that to say that there is value in being engaged in culture. This example may be widely overused but if we look to follow Jesus and we observe where he's been and what he'd do then we can see that he found himself immersed in culture and hanging out with what would be considered filth by not only today's society, but Christians as well. Then what are we so afraid of? I will not blindly let my children do what they wish without concern about their spiritual welfare, but when they are wise enough to know that they are to be in the world and not of it then there can be great worth in allowing them to observe the word as society views it (i.e. movies, music, etc.). This step into culture requires a bit of straying from traditional practices of Christianity in which we have a cookie cutter form for each believer.

Growing up I think I was trained to just assume that tradition, specifically within Catholicism, was a bad way to find God. For years I thought my friends who were Catholic really didn't understand Christianity. I believe that tradition was an evil that was destroying God's message. The older I've gotten the more I've come to believe that I was missing much of the point. Liturgy is just as important now (maybe even more so) as it was when it began in the book of Acts at the foundations of the Church.

I like to relate tradition to hymns. There is a resurgence of hymns in the modern Church that is very powerful. For me personally there is something exciting about singing the words that someone wrote in a completely different time and a completely different context. When we study the history behind the hymns/words we sing they take on new meaning and empower us to worship the creator of all things more passionately. I don't believe the authors really could even imagine the impact their words would have on many generations to come. So our tradition of singing the same words for hundreds of years is something to be excited about and when we look at tradition in this light there is a great deal of benefit to be had from it.

If Christ is unchanging then can it be wrong that we find ourselves in worship that is unchanging?

Let's perhaps rethink our stance on tradition, not losing ourselves in repetition, but gaining momentum as we build on what millions of other followers of Christ have already started.

love.

nature anthem

2006-03-01T22:32:00.000-05:00

This post is completely ridiculous, but I have to post this.

If you like animals dancing and happy music this is for you my friend.

The Nature Anthem by Grandaddy

"I wanna walk up the side of a mountain
I wanna walk down the other side of a mountain
I wanna swim in the river and lie in the sun
I wanna try to be nice to everyone."

I love this song.
You'll be singing this for days, hopefully years.

love.

sigur ros

2006-02-19T01:04:00.000-05:00

I wasn't sure if it was possible, but this was the most beautiful, brilliant, amazing, emotional concert I've ever been too. I can honestly say I've never seen a better concert from opening to ending there is nothing I would have changed. I already had a lot of respect for Sigur Ros but this just solidifies them as one of the best bands, yup I'm just going to say it... ever.

I can't even describe how amazing it was.

Unbelievable.

When we get to heaven I hope (I know) the music there is as beautiful and passionate as this.
love.

grandrapids

2006-02-17T17:23:00.000-05:00

Agenda for this weekend:

1. Drive to Grand Rapids.
2. Meet with Steve Argue.
3. Spend time with quality people.
4. Wait for the arrival of Troy.
5. Attend a Sigur Ros show!!!!

This will be great.

Have a wonderful weekend. Stay safe.

love.

vday

2006-02-14T22:30:00.000-05:00

It's valentines day.

I don't have a valentine, but someday I will.

So wife, wherever you are right now,
you are wonderful and I cannot wait to meet you.

love.

d webb

2006-02-11T22:53:00.000-05:00

Derek Webb was phenomenal, just like last time.

The thing that I like about his shows are that during his set he
discusses some deep theological and ethical issues that we all
need to think about it. I always leave feeling really convicted,
in the best sense possible.

He pushed for lots of aid to Africa and the 1000 wells project,
which was real exciting to me, because I helped out with that
a few months back.

And a photo...

love.

poly sci

2006-02-09T19:38:00.000-05:00

My political science class, Local and State Government, makes me think very hard about the things I have believed and have never tried defending. It's a challenge and I LIKE it.

Keeping God at the forefront of my political beliefs is tough business.

I have not much of value to post, sorry.

love.

blast

2006-02-02T15:04:00.000-05:00

more pictures from this weekend soon!
if you want to see more www.hopevale.org

love.

really

2006-02-01T18:07:00.000-05:00

gosh!

when are we going to really believe that love wins?

lord, help us to love everyone even when it hurts.

love.

retreat

2006-01-27T00:47:00.001-05:00

Currently Listening to: Aqualung

Later today I'll be in Hillsdale leading worship for a few hundred kids and I'm pretty excited about it. It's just now starting to sink in. This is exactly what I want to be doing with the rest of my life if it is where God leads.

What a privaledge it is to sing and play music with others.

Hopefully I'll be able to pick up some wireless reception down in Hillsdale so I can post as the weekend progresses.

Oh, and... I want to go to seminary in California. Maybe Fuller Theological (Pasedena) or Bethel (San Diego). Eeek, this might be fun!

When you get a chance, please pray for my heart and the other members of the band's hearts. Let us gain as much out of this weekend as the ones we are leading.

love.

ps. I've been watching too much Disney Channel for my own good I think.

anxious

2006-01-20T23:26:00.000-05:00

DISCLAIMER: I am not depressed, dork. I am not always sad, but when I write on here I am really reflective and it sometimes comes out as a somber read. I love life and I am just going through things that will one day pass, but for now it feels good to write out my frustrations and feelings.

What are we so afraid of? And why do these fears control us so fervently.

Fact: I am a people person. I love to be around people. I love to make others happy.

This is probably why I look forward to Sundays when I get to work on a team and work with youth. It's a blast and definitely the highlight of my week. First of all I get to do what I love more than anything in the world and that is to play music that pleases the Lord and in turn, hopefully, help others engage as well.

Fact: I am flawed. I do things that upset others. I feel it when people are upset with me.

And I get concerned. Concerned isn't even a strong enough word for what goes on inside of me. I let it eat away at everything I do. From the moment I learn that someone has ill feelings toward me I just let it sink it. I sit, stare, space out. It's usually followed by several huge sighs. I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate it when someone doesn't like me. I suspect my personality has a great deal to do with it.

There are just some people I'll never be able to please, but how can you just be ok with that? How can you just let it not affect you? Wouldn't you want to try and fight to earn their trust or respect? That's usually what I end up doing or thinking about doing. It's hard to be ok with just understanding that you can't please everyone. Please get a chance to know me. I'm not a bad person. I swear! eek.

Fact: I am alone. I am lonely. It's not easy to be alone. It's not easy to be lonely.

I am sick of this feeling. I am learning to deal with it a little better (thanks to writing and Sufjan Stevens), but I still have my moments. And I guess I'm ok with not having a girlfriend right now, but I want to find some peace in that. I'm ok with being single, I just want to be filled up by God so that I am ready to be a good boyfriend when he allows me to be one.

I believe that people struggle much harder with loneliness not because they feel so alone but because when they try to reach out to feel loved it's extremely difficult to do so when you don't have something tangible to make you feel better. I'm sick of being sad. It's hard to read black and white text and expect to feel the love of an unseen distant Lord. I can't feel Him wrap his arms around me. I can't feel Him hug me and tell me everything will be alright. And it's hard. It's so hard.

Fact: God's grace is really enough.

I need to keep telling that to myself. I know it's true. I need to be a stronger leader. I've been told that I shouldn't write all of these sad things in my blog because it makes me look weak. I think that it's just the opposite. I hope that this is helpful to my peers and those who may be younger than me. Being a leader does not mean that you have yourself figured out. We are all going through life at the same time. It's my hope that you might learn from the things I have experienced. One of my biggest fears is that my life is unimportant and hasn't had an affect on someone.

I do struggle with life, but I'm in an ever constant pursuit to be like Christ. I want to be a man after God's own heart. So I press on. It's going to be hard. God never promised that my life was going to be easy and it surely hasn't been a walk in the park.

Do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid, do not be afraid.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry
That life is anxious
Life is mean"
-Sufjan Stevens

love.

antsy.

2006-01-18T02:30:00.000-05:00

Do you ever just feel anxious? I do. In fact I do right now. It's 2:30 in the morning and I can not sleep. I just feel really stressed out about so many things right now. I don't even know why.

I feel like I'm running on empty. Spiritually running on empty. I think I have been for sometime now. It isn't that I'm shying away from God; it's that I'm trying to just manage my life on my own with me in the driver seat and God more of a passenger than anything.

If I'm really honest with myself I think I am having a hard time trusting God with the things in my life right now. I'm convinced that this age can put a lot of stress on someone. The decisions I am making right now, as well as in the next few years, are ones that will ultimately shape the rest of my life. That's a bit scary.

I'm just a kid.

What will be left when I've drawn my last breath
Besides the folks I've met and the folks who know me
Will I discover a soul-saving love or
Just the dirt above and below me

I'm a doubting Thomas
I took a promise
But I do not feel safe
Oh me of little faith

Sometimes I pray for a slap in the face
Then a bed to be spared cause I'm a coward
If there's a master of death I'll bet he's holding his breath
Cause' I show the blind and tell the deaf about his power

I'm a doubting Thomas
I can't keep my promises
Cause' I don't know what's safe
Oh me of little faith

Can I be used to help others find truth
When I'm scared I'll find proof that it's a lie
Can I be lead down a trail dropping bread crumbs
That prove I'm not ready to die

Please give me time to decipher the signs
Please forgive me for time that I've wasted

I'm a doubting Thomas
I'll take Your promise
Though I know nothing's safe
Oh me of little faith.

-Nickel Creek

I still have much to be thankful for.
Thank you for loving me guys, because sometimes I don't deserve it.

love.

false.

2006-01-15T22:30:00.000-05:00

i know you stay true
when my world is false
everything around is
breaking down to chaos

i always see you
when my sight is lost
everything around is
breaking down to chaos

i can't avoid what i can't control

love.

myPod

2006-01-12T14:18:00.001-05:00

I did a little collage last time I got an iPod so I decided to do one this time around.

I got lucky and was actually home and watched the fedex truck pull up! Eeek!

Oh it is glorious.

If you can't read the engraving it says "holy is the sound" which is a line from a Sufjan Stevens song off of his Seven Swans cd.

Also, in case you weren't sure that Apple will soon take over the world...

In a sign of Apple’s massive cultural influence, jean maker Levi's is reportedly making a special edition of its popular pants that have a fitted pocket for the iPod. Even more evidence of the iPod's dominance.

love.

class

2006-01-11T13:29:00.000-05:00

Gross. School started for us college kids this Monday. I am not thrilled about the whole experience either. I think school (or my mindset about it) automatically makes me depressed. I just want this semester to be over with already. I will eat my words in a few years I'm told, but for right now I still would rather be in a career doing what I will be doing for the rest of my life.

4 more months until summer vacation!

Is it too early to start a countdown?

It is? .. oh well.

love.

allegiance

2006-01-03T15:38:00.000-05:00

"My first allegiance is not to a flag, a country, or a man
my first allegiance is not to democracy or blood
it's to a King and a kingdom.

But nothing unifies like a common enemy
and we've got one, sure as hell
but he may be living in your house
he may be raising up your kids
he may be sleeping with your wife
oh no, he may not look like you think."
- derek webb

wow.
i'll be sure to expand on this soon.

love.

christmas 2005

2005-12-25T16:06:00.000-05:00

i played santa.

michaela and paul.

father.

katie and brett.

mother.

my new toy.

it's raining outside?

love.

chronic

2005-12-21T01:24:00.000-05:00

Probably the funniest thing this season of SNL.

I seriously haven't laughed this hard in a long time.

"Well let's hit up Yahoo Maps to find the dopest route.
I prefer MapQuest...
That's a good one, too...
Google Maps is the best...
True dat!
DOUBLE TRUE!"

love.

pain

2005-12-19T02:45:00.000-05:00

The truth is there are things in my life that I want very badly, but can not (and though I would not like to admit, should not) have at this moment in time. Not inherently evil nor wicked, not vile or offensive. These are things in my life that I long to have, that I desire, but would not be proper nor beneficial at this point in my life. God has given me specific instructions in my life and I am discovering that whether or not I comply His good and perfect will, will be done. It is my choice to be used by Him either as a son of God or as a tool to carry out his plan. As C.S. Lewis describes it, "you will certainly carry out God's purpose, however you act, but it make a difference to you whether you serve like Judas or John." God uses situations that can be evil and turns them into good. Situations where I want something but God says, "not so fast." To go on without these things would stir up a pain that I simply cannot stand to bear.

And the fluke about the whole mess is that God actually uses these seemingly negative positions to produce a good in us that we can never dream of duplicating ourselves on our own accord. We (and by we I mean I) spend some much our life trying to avoid pain. Pain and suffering are never things that we pursue. Yet we would all agree that they are a means to build character and obedience as well as spur on spiritual maturity. So we go about our lives trying to steer clear of any kind of affliction that may be heading our way. Should we run into any kind of hindrance we battle through it hoping that it will be our last.

If I just tackle this one area then I'll be able to finally live life joyfully for the rest of my days.

Unfortunately, this mentality will never hold water. You see, if we really believe James' encouragement that we should consider it 'pure joy' when faced with trials then we should also believe that pain/trials/suffering are a natural step in the growth process. Not always the one way to achieve growth, but often times a sure sign that we are in the midst of a growing season as believers. Based on this belief of growing as a direct result of trials in our lives, we must then also believe (and anticipate) that these trials will not cease until God fully redeems this world at the end of all things. For as long as I am alive I will continue to be pressed, but not shaken. Knocked down, but not knocked out. Persecuted, but surely not abandoned.

"sins do cause grace to abound, but we must not make that an excuse for continuing to sin."

For too long I've been hiding behind God's grace to forgive me of all sin that I might go on doing the things I know I should not in order that I may avoid pain and hurting. The same pain and hurting that can only help me to grow in the end. Therefore, once I press on past the temporary discomfort of my flesh then can I truly begin to be a son of God and grow by great strides. It is ultimately freeing. I can finally find myself at rest when I get rid of the excuses and justifications for acting the way I have been. I can finally begin to mature and live a life that is in pursuit of holiness. What a joy that in itself is! There will be no more deceiving myself in believing that what I do in secret does not displease God, who knows me inside and out. He must become greater, I must become less.

But I do not forget what I am being patient for. I will not fail to remember the reward that is waiting for me in the end. The prize is worth all of the pain and suffering that being obedient and patient may bring.

And frankly I have too much to be happy about right now to dwell and live with this pain for too long.

Your grace is enough for me.

love.

wonderful

2005-12-16T00:50:00.000-05:00

Thanks be to God for His gift that is too wonderful for words.
_2 Corinthians 9:15

love.

magic

2005-12-14T13:48:00.000-05:00

It looks like Gob Bluth may have pulled off his greatest magic trick yet. The ABC and Showtime networks both have serious interest in picking up the critically acclaimed sitcom Arrested Development. Fox decided not to order a full season of the show and rumors have been swirling that AD would be canned because of its declining ratings. Though negations have not yet begun between the networks, Showtime is reportedly the more fervently interested …12/14/05 | 11:19 AM

thanks for the good news relevant!

love.

connected at the sides

2005-12-12T23:45:00.000-05:00

The past few days have been pretty solid. I've just been really joyful lately, thank you God for giving us times of joy.

I can probably conclude that it has something to do with the Christmas season. The good mood is contagious this month and everyone seems to be enjoying life. Christmas time always brings community in focus and I think we find ourselves extremely thankful for the friends and family that we have. I love being around people and I love to spend special occasions with people I love dearly.

Holidays always mean that I get to have my whole family under one roof again. I absolutely love being together with the entire crew: Dad, Mom, Paul, Michaela, Brett, and Katie. They are wonderful and I very much wish we had more times spent together than just once every few months. I don't know if I really appreciated it as much as a younger kid, but in recent years as I've kind of risen to their level (finally, haha) we all share similar interests and it's just great to share in community with them. I think God really blesses this time of year with a heigthened awareness of our surroundings and I hope we do not forget to stop and praise Him for all the things He's chosen to give us and even the things He's chosen not to just yet.

And with that... a few things I'm thankful for:
_Chronicles of Narnia (all of them!)
_My Family
_Worshipping with the students at Ignite
_My wonderful Friends
_God's push for fellowship

This week has been great.
I had a great birthday (probably the best birthday surprise ever.)
I had a great time seeing Chronicles.. 2 times in 1 day.
I had a great time bonding with multiple groups of people I hold dear.
I cannot wait until Paul and Michaela join the rest of us in Saginaw for Christmas.

Stop right now..
Thank God for something in your life. (I'm serious, do it.)

I thank God for each of you.

love.

another year older

2005-12-08T02:15:00.000-05:00

I was not expecting anything extravagant for my birthday, but what can I say I have some pretty fabulous friends. In fact, I wasn't even planning on anyone even remembering.
Mind you my birthday is today and as soon as it struck midnight my friends were already here wishing me a happy birthday. Thanks guys, very much appreciated, you made me happy!

Nathan and I went to get a cake at meijer, but we ended up getting not only a snickers cake but some fruit/drinks/dip..etc. When we came home Britney, Cassi, and Mallory came over followed by Troy, Kyle, and Ashley. They sang me happy birthday and it was glorious. Afterwards much hanging out was done until about 2 am when Kyle and Ashley left.

Plenty of Mario Party was played and plenty of fun was had.

It's also Katie's bithday today! How cool is that?! (I'm still older. ha)

I'm twenty years old today.
Wow.

love.

festivus

2005-12-03T02:05:00.000-05:00

deck the halls.

love.

fairy tales

2005-12-01T22:02:00.000-05:00

Currently Listening to : Pink Bullets _The Shins
Currently Reading : The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe _C.S. Lewis

I've been reading The Chronicles of Narnia the past few days to help prep myself for next week. Initially, I wouldn't have said I was very excited about this film, but lately I can hardly wait for it to grace the movie screen. It's funny how by the time I see this movie I'll be 20 years old and I'm still very much enthralled by stories - a fairy tell at that. What is it about it? I think it might have something to do with things inside of me wishing to hear how good, though put up against what seems to be impossible odds, triumphs over the evils of the world. That sounds like a silly answer but who doesn't love to hear an epic like that? Think about the success of Lord of the Rings. Think about Harry Potter. Fantasy stories about a compelling force for good overthrowing evil. Think of the gospel. There's something inside of us that wants to be part of something big. So I'm almost finished with the book and everyone should probably start getting excited for what I'm dubbing the "new Lord of the Rings".

I was also very excited to read this about the film today as well...

Is this going to be a secularized Hollywood version or will C.S. Lewis’ Christian themes stay intact?
"It’s no secret that C.S. Lewis was an outspoken Christian and his faith was woven throughout everything he wrote. Narnia is no exception and much of the stories are allegorical in nature. Will Hollywood have its way and strip out Lewis’ spiritual messages? Not so, promises Douglas Gresham, co-producer and stepson of Lewis himself. A committed Christian, Gresham has vowed not to “change the words of the master.” Indeed, Walden Media itself has a track record of family-friendly films so it seems that the film will be in good hands. Many are concerned that Disney's influence will water down the Christian themes which run through the Narnia stories, but it's important to remember that Walden Media is ultimately in charge of the film, not Disney."

Also, today (though most of you will probably be reading this after this day has passed) is World A ids Day which is an international day of action on HIV and AIDS which takes place every year on 1 December. There's alot that we can do to help change things. Whatever means you can is beneficial to fight for this cause. Whether its going abroad or just remembering to pray for those in the world who battle with this throughout their entire lives do something this week to remember that you are only part of God's creation and He loves all of His creation just the same.

be a blessing this week.

here's how:
DATA
World Vision
The ONE Campaign
Blood:Water Mission

love.

Music.

2005-11-27T00:04:00.000-05:00

Current Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Michaela and Paul's house (which is freakin' sweet)to be exact)

I'm a little bored right now, but I'll be heading to bed shortly. I have to get up for a little Mars Hill action in the morning and I could not be more thrilled. It is in fact much of the reason I am in GR this weekend.

Anyway, I promise to update tomorrow, but for now I've been enjoying all kinds of new music, and if you know me even a little bit you'll know I love music very, very much.

If you would like to listen to some excellent music that is phenomenal I would strongly suggest this...

enjoy God's gift to the earth: music.

love.

help.

2005-11-20T02:57:00.000-05:00

26,000,000 in Africa live with AIDS.

Another 3,000,000 will be infected this year.

6500 Africans will die of AIDS today.

1 Billion very important people lack access to clean water.

25,000 people lose their lives to water-related illnesses every single day.

"The two things Africa needs most are clean blood and clean water."
-Dan Halsetine

Maybe it is because Africa has become a wide spread topic of discussion these days. Or, maybe it is because I am becoming more and more aware of the need. Maybe it is just that God has placed something on my heart that I was ignorant to for most of my life. In any respect, I have been continued to be blown away by the unsettling facts about a crisis in our world that can be solved, but we have been lacking in our commitment to help those who are in need.

And what exactly would I say to someone who explained to me that clean water was something absolutely foreign? (I just looked around me to see - no joke - 7 empty bottles of purified water.) The truth is I do not think any of us can begin to imagine what it would be like to live life without a basic human right and necessity like water. And if we're really honest with ourselves we do not spend much time to stop and think truly what a gift it is to be in the situation we are in, where water and health is taken for granted. Water is free. You can order it in a restaurant for no charge. You have access to cold, clean water in any public restroom or from any public drinking fountain all over the United States.

What exactly do I say to the millions of orphans who no nothing of life with parents to guide them, to protect them, to care for them, to love them? I would hope - and this is where I am beginning to find myself - that I would have nothing to say to them. Not because I do not care, but because I am not spending my energy to mere lip service. No, I want my efforts to be directed in tangible actions. Americans have a unique opportunity and vast resources to help the world live a life that is pleasing and rid of unneccessary illness and death. Sub-Saharan Africa has just over 10% of the world’s population, but is home to more than 60% of all people living with HIV. (I am sitting in my nice, cozy, and comfortable apartment and I feel horrible that even with facts I still can not imagine the great pain of loss that the people there are facing.)

I know it has been extremely cliche to jump on the African Aide bandwagon, but I am not sure that a lot of people are doing anything else besides talk about the problem at hand. Americans love to talk. They are talking about the atrocities in Africa, but most - even the ones talking - are not doing much to be a living example of the words that they speak. People living with HIV/AIDS are dependant on clean water to survive. Millions of them in African lack access to that life saving water. Did you know that it costs just one dollar to provide one year of clean water for an African? That's only the beginning. One dollar. That's all it takes. I can make a difference, you can make a difference, we can make a difference in the lives of so many people who are just as important as we are and just as deserving of a healthy life.

So I would be a hypocrite of everything I have just said to not do what I can to be a blessing. It costs as little as 10 dollars to provide one person with a lifetime supply of clean water. The 1000 Wells Project is building 1000 wells in 1000 African communities. Many people are already contributing the resources that God's given to them. And since I have been blessed, I certainly want to be a blessing.

I am going to completely just go on a limb, but I would seriously love to see at least one person be touched enough that they would take this challenge up with me. The challenge that 1000 wells is giving is to, for two weeks, make water the only beverage that you drink. With the money that would have been spent on other beverages their desire is that it would be donated to this project.

I just can not stand to continually hear of what has been happening to God's creation for years and continue to hide behind my comfortable American existance. And if I can not be there - yet! - to physically help, then I will give what I can at this moment, my resources.

"Our knowledge now demands our action."
- Matt Odemark

Should you care to dig deeper...

1000 wells project

blood:water mission

lifewater international

africare

Please partner with me and keep me in your prayers as I make a small sacrfice to greatly benefit one of God's lovely children.

love.

leaving a mark

2005-11-17T01:25:00.000-05:00

Every Tuesday at 4 Troy, Mike, and I meet to recap last week's ignite (our student ministry) and begin to prepare for the next week. This week, as like most, we were all over the map in our discussion. I really do value the time I share with these two guys and it is an absolute joy to serve along side the two of them. We began to talk about the impact that Mike is starting to see us have in the lives of the students. This is always good for me to hear because I am a little too insecure when it comes to feeling like I am indeed doing what is right.

As I was sitting there trying to overcome my doubt that my life is an example of what I'm striving for, I just thought about the impact that has been placed on my life. I am immediately floored when I think that I can be that in a student's life now. There is one person that pops into my head when I think about influence, Bryan Dyer. I know I've beat this into the ground with my gratitude for the impact he's had on my life, but it all seemed different this time.

Oh, wow. So you have a man crush.

No, I.. ok yes, but it is different because when I think of the profound change that Bryan made in my life I do not think of it as something that was in my past. He lives in Colorado, half way across the nation and yet, his character is still shaping our youth. Not directly. They do not have Bryan as a physical presence, but they do have the Bryan that comes through me. When I saw the passion that Bryan had to be a man after God's own heart I wanted (and still want) to be just like that. His life is still making a difference even in his absence.

I don't get it? So you want to be a legend. Isn't that a little prideful?

You are missing the point. I don't care so much that my name is remembered, but I hold great significance to the weight that my words and actions can carry into the students at this very moment. Just as Bryan had no idea the lives that would be touched by his own, I have no idea the example that I could potentially be setting that could be carried over into the way others mentor. It all seems like a lot of pressure, but I am having so much fun right now loving students and learning to love God even more.

I am blessed to have had mentors like Bryan.
I have been blessed and now I want to be a blessing.

love.

fresh.

2005-11-16T00:22:00.000-05:00

Greetings.

I've been blogging for about two years now. Mostly about nonsense.

I think I wanted to escape xanga and retreat to blogger for a number of reasons:

1. blogger = google = automatically phenomenal.
2. I want to write something meaningful. (not that what I say will
actually be meaningful, but that will be it's intent.)
3. My friends from Saginaw and Grand Rapids are writing here.
4. ... I got nothing else I guess.

I should be studying right now, but I want to express my sheer excitement in beginning this new site.

Please enjoy.

love.