I cannot believe how quickly the time has passed, but it is now down to 5 days. Today we are taking a school trip to Munich. We will first be visiting a concentration camp and then we will be let loose on the city for the rest of the day. Tomorrow we have a day of silence, Thursday is mostly cleaning and sharing and getting things ready to go, Friday we have room checks, and Friday evening we have our closing banquet\graduation.
It is kind of somber around here; people are trying to balance the sadness of leaving with a seize the day attitude for the last week. It is weird to think about, but some of these people, people that I have been living closely with for six months, I will not see again until we are in Heaven..talk about a trip! I am sad to leave but excited to go home, even though much of my future is unknown. If I have learned one thing while being here, though, it is that God will provide. Amen to that!
Well, I guess I will see you all soon.
24 March 2009
17 March 2009
I pledge allegiance to the flag....
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
(This is an article that was written by a friend of mine, T, and I know it is long, but you should read it and think about it...)
Ok, so recently I have been thinking about the Iraq war, the economic situation of the world and the different social/political affairs that are moving and shaping the world, as we know it. I guess being over here in Europe for the last four months it has helped me to get an outside perspective of the Iraq War and other issues at hand. I am not constantly barraged with news on the economy and the war in Iraq. I pick and chose when I want to read up on the issues and I see things after they have already progressed as opposed to simple baby steps. We are so wrapped up in our own little world in America, it really is quite comical to stand back and watch. We have this ridiculously stupid economic situation on our hands because of our desire for "things." Good job Americans. Its about time we start blaming ourselves instead of pointing fingers. There are so many other rooted issues involving the economy but that isn't what has hit me the hardest. The Iraq war has. Ok, so the other day a couple students and I put out a super hypothetical question that went something like this, "If you were in a market and somebody went on a shooting rampage, and you had a gun in your hands and you had the power to shoot him down and stop him, what would you do?" Think about it for a minute than read on.
Ok so right away I thought to myself, ya I would shoot him, he's killing people. It would be the just thing to do to shoot him down. But would it? So then lets put Jesus in this situation. Now obviously Jesus could probably do some crazy thing to this guy, but for hypothetical reasons lets assume he has the decision to shoot the guy or pray for his soul? What would he do? I think you know what he would do. So……. Now lets assume for a second that Jesus was the commander and chief of the USA when 9/11 happened. And the US is freaking out and the media is pumping fear, fear and more fear into the hearts of Americans. And he comes on to give the United State a word of encouragement and an idea of how the government is going to handle this situation. I think he would probably say something like, "Well we need to turn the other cheek, forgive them and we are going to send people to Afghanistan to help build schools and houses and we are going to offer them food, water and we are going to show them love." I don't think he would send out an army to attack the nation. I feel the same can be applied to the Iraq war as well. Now would Saddam have allowed Americans to come in and help the citizens? Maybe, maybe not. Would we have been allowed to go into Afghanistan and do those things to help them? Maybe? I don't know. But what I do know is that we did it completely wrong. We are no different than the muslims who took down the twin towers in the name of Allah. Kill for kill. Blow for blow. The people in the Middle East don't see the "western world." They see the Christians. When we go into a country to liberate it, we are in a sense doing it not in the name of freedom, but in the name of Jesus. Sad but true, we are no different than the Catholic crusaders as well, which is sickening. Yes, we took a crazy ruler out of power, and now the people are feeling a sense of freedom. Yes, there is some sort of good coming out of the war. Yes I can't see the end of this and maybe it turns out in favor for the USA and the Iraqi people. But at what cost?
A chance to finally do something the right way and show the world what "Christians" are about. But we failed. In James 3:17 -18 it says, "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." And in Col. 3:12- 14 it says, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." And then Jesus says in Matt. 5:39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Rom. 12:14, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rom. 12:17-19,"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord."
Ok, so now let me ask you a question to think about, which would have made a bigger impact: President Bush sending Al Qaeda a letter of an apology, telling them that we forgive them, that we will do whatever it takes to bring peace and that we will use all resources to help out their situation in their hometown countries or us sending troops into their countries taking our their leaders and killing thousands of lives? Ok so now imagine we did the first thing and Bin Laden puts up a video and says, "No, and in fact more attacks are coming, we want to destroy America in the name of Allah." Well what we should do in that situation? Sit back and continue to try to help them in any way possible or go out and attack because they turned down our hand of peace?
Oh but Taylor that sounds great and all, but those people are evil, they will kill us along with hundreds of the thousands of innocent lives in America. We can't do that with these people. Its impossible. They are animals. Going to war was our only option. We are protecting Americans and their lives. We had to do what we did.
Great. BUT how many times have you asked yourself, "why is this world so messed up? When will people understand? This world is getting worse and worse." Well we can thank the western world for creating the problems of the world today. Its not the Muslims fault. It's the selfish Christian Americans. Now in my opinion if we would have tried to reach out and help out Al Qaeda they probably would have sent more and more attacks on the USA. And I guarantee you, the people of America the "Christian America" would have had enough and would have demanded an attack on the Middle East. Life after life would have been innocently slain in the US. But oh man what a testament that would be to the rest of the world. No retaliation, still a hand of forgiveness? What is going on? Maybe the countries holding Al Qaeda would have stopped supporting them, and would have reached out a hand of aid to us and asked us why we are not retaliating? Why? Now that is a testimony. But we are selfish. We need to feel some sort of safety when it is merely just an illusion. We need to feel like we have the right to live to 80 and live the American dream. Sad. I feel like if we would have just stuck our necks out and surrendered ourselves we would have changed the world we live in.
I just read something the other day that said the US spent 1 Trillion dollars in 2007 on foreign affairs. 1 trillion. I also saw a video that said in order to solve the worlds clean water problem it would cost around 1.5 billion. Man to think that while America was getting attacked we were spending money on bringing the world clean water and building shelters to those who live in dirt, blows my mind. Who knows what we could have done with that money? Instead of soldiers we could have sent thousands of volunteers who would have loved to help out people in the Middle East and Africa. And eerily the US is scary similar to the kingdom of Solomon. In 2Chr. 9:13-15 it says: "The weight of the gold that Solomon received yearly was 666 talents, not including the revenues brought in by merchants and traders. Also all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the land brought gold and silver to Solomon. King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred bekas of hammered gold went into each shield. He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold, with three hundred bekas of gold in each shield." Then in 2Chr. 9:25 it says, "Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem." Just like America the rich had a ridiculous amount of money and their leader wanted better weapons of war (chariots). They were building up a country of power and they had everything that could need. Solomon also built the temple of the Lord and a crazy palace that took years to build. And through Solomon's selfishness he put the people of Israel to slave labor and after his death, the Israelites ask his son Rehoboam to lighten their yoke because Solomon had put them into slave labor, the very labor God had liberated the Israelites from in Egypt. It's a funny circle. Rehoboam says, no and the people rebel against him and never again does Israel gain its authority. They never recovered. Now let me ask you, how many items do you think you have at home that was made overseas by somebody that makes maybe a dollar a day? Countless items. How many weapons of war does our government have? How rich is the USA?
Now why did I write this? Lets look at the issue of Iran. This is crazy, but lets let Iran build a nuke, lets downsize our military considerably, and in fact let us let Iran build as many nukes as they want. We should pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan now, and send thousands of people and supplies to help rebuild their countries. Lets send teachers, doctors, builders, cooks and simple volunteers to reach out in love. Crazy? Yup. Why? If we really want to bring an end to this cold world, either one of two things will happen in that scenario and putting up the white flag essentially. One we get destroyed and we all die. Good we are in heaven and the people left on earth are left with a testament of a nation that represented Christ. Two we trust God will protect us and we stop relying on the things built by man, and God does a miracle and something unexplainable happens. I think that is what He wants. He wants us to give up, reach out in love and trust in Him to protect us or do whatever is needed to save souls. I know this is simple and cliché but what would Jesus do as commander in chief? That is how you change the world and get people to love
Christ. And its time.
So anyways that is just some random thought I had, I could be wrong, I could be crazy.
(This is an article that was written by a friend of mine, T, and I know it is long, but you should read it and think about it...)
Ok, so recently I have been thinking about the Iraq war, the economic situation of the world and the different social/political affairs that are moving and shaping the world, as we know it. I guess being over here in Europe for the last four months it has helped me to get an outside perspective of the Iraq War and other issues at hand. I am not constantly barraged with news on the economy and the war in Iraq. I pick and chose when I want to read up on the issues and I see things after they have already progressed as opposed to simple baby steps. We are so wrapped up in our own little world in America, it really is quite comical to stand back and watch. We have this ridiculously stupid economic situation on our hands because of our desire for "things." Good job Americans. Its about time we start blaming ourselves instead of pointing fingers. There are so many other rooted issues involving the economy but that isn't what has hit me the hardest. The Iraq war has. Ok, so the other day a couple students and I put out a super hypothetical question that went something like this, "If you were in a market and somebody went on a shooting rampage, and you had a gun in your hands and you had the power to shoot him down and stop him, what would you do?" Think about it for a minute than read on.
Ok so right away I thought to myself, ya I would shoot him, he's killing people. It would be the just thing to do to shoot him down. But would it? So then lets put Jesus in this situation. Now obviously Jesus could probably do some crazy thing to this guy, but for hypothetical reasons lets assume he has the decision to shoot the guy or pray for his soul? What would he do? I think you know what he would do. So……. Now lets assume for a second that Jesus was the commander and chief of the USA when 9/11 happened. And the US is freaking out and the media is pumping fear, fear and more fear into the hearts of Americans. And he comes on to give the United State a word of encouragement and an idea of how the government is going to handle this situation. I think he would probably say something like, "Well we need to turn the other cheek, forgive them and we are going to send people to Afghanistan to help build schools and houses and we are going to offer them food, water and we are going to show them love." I don't think he would send out an army to attack the nation. I feel the same can be applied to the Iraq war as well. Now would Saddam have allowed Americans to come in and help the citizens? Maybe, maybe not. Would we have been allowed to go into Afghanistan and do those things to help them? Maybe? I don't know. But what I do know is that we did it completely wrong. We are no different than the muslims who took down the twin towers in the name of Allah. Kill for kill. Blow for blow. The people in the Middle East don't see the "western world." They see the Christians. When we go into a country to liberate it, we are in a sense doing it not in the name of freedom, but in the name of Jesus. Sad but true, we are no different than the Catholic crusaders as well, which is sickening. Yes, we took a crazy ruler out of power, and now the people are feeling a sense of freedom. Yes, there is some sort of good coming out of the war. Yes I can't see the end of this and maybe it turns out in favor for the USA and the Iraqi people. But at what cost?
A chance to finally do something the right way and show the world what "Christians" are about. But we failed. In James 3:17 -18 it says, "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." And in Col. 3:12- 14 it says, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." And then Jesus says in Matt. 5:39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Rom. 12:14, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rom. 12:17-19,"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord."
Ok, so now let me ask you a question to think about, which would have made a bigger impact: President Bush sending Al Qaeda a letter of an apology, telling them that we forgive them, that we will do whatever it takes to bring peace and that we will use all resources to help out their situation in their hometown countries or us sending troops into their countries taking our their leaders and killing thousands of lives? Ok so now imagine we did the first thing and Bin Laden puts up a video and says, "No, and in fact more attacks are coming, we want to destroy America in the name of Allah." Well what we should do in that situation? Sit back and continue to try to help them in any way possible or go out and attack because they turned down our hand of peace?
Oh but Taylor that sounds great and all, but those people are evil, they will kill us along with hundreds of the thousands of innocent lives in America. We can't do that with these people. Its impossible. They are animals. Going to war was our only option. We are protecting Americans and their lives. We had to do what we did.
Great. BUT how many times have you asked yourself, "why is this world so messed up? When will people understand? This world is getting worse and worse." Well we can thank the western world for creating the problems of the world today. Its not the Muslims fault. It's the selfish Christian Americans. Now in my opinion if we would have tried to reach out and help out Al Qaeda they probably would have sent more and more attacks on the USA. And I guarantee you, the people of America the "Christian America" would have had enough and would have demanded an attack on the Middle East. Life after life would have been innocently slain in the US. But oh man what a testament that would be to the rest of the world. No retaliation, still a hand of forgiveness? What is going on? Maybe the countries holding Al Qaeda would have stopped supporting them, and would have reached out a hand of aid to us and asked us why we are not retaliating? Why? Now that is a testimony. But we are selfish. We need to feel some sort of safety when it is merely just an illusion. We need to feel like we have the right to live to 80 and live the American dream. Sad. I feel like if we would have just stuck our necks out and surrendered ourselves we would have changed the world we live in.
I just read something the other day that said the US spent 1 Trillion dollars in 2007 on foreign affairs. 1 trillion. I also saw a video that said in order to solve the worlds clean water problem it would cost around 1.5 billion. Man to think that while America was getting attacked we were spending money on bringing the world clean water and building shelters to those who live in dirt, blows my mind. Who knows what we could have done with that money? Instead of soldiers we could have sent thousands of volunteers who would have loved to help out people in the Middle East and Africa. And eerily the US is scary similar to the kingdom of Solomon. In 2Chr. 9:13-15 it says: "The weight of the gold that Solomon received yearly was 666 talents, not including the revenues brought in by merchants and traders. Also all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the land brought gold and silver to Solomon. King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred bekas of hammered gold went into each shield. He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold, with three hundred bekas of gold in each shield." Then in 2Chr. 9:25 it says, "Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem." Just like America the rich had a ridiculous amount of money and their leader wanted better weapons of war (chariots). They were building up a country of power and they had everything that could need. Solomon also built the temple of the Lord and a crazy palace that took years to build. And through Solomon's selfishness he put the people of Israel to slave labor and after his death, the Israelites ask his son Rehoboam to lighten their yoke because Solomon had put them into slave labor, the very labor God had liberated the Israelites from in Egypt. It's a funny circle. Rehoboam says, no and the people rebel against him and never again does Israel gain its authority. They never recovered. Now let me ask you, how many items do you think you have at home that was made overseas by somebody that makes maybe a dollar a day? Countless items. How many weapons of war does our government have? How rich is the USA?
Now why did I write this? Lets look at the issue of Iran. This is crazy, but lets let Iran build a nuke, lets downsize our military considerably, and in fact let us let Iran build as many nukes as they want. We should pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan now, and send thousands of people and supplies to help rebuild their countries. Lets send teachers, doctors, builders, cooks and simple volunteers to reach out in love. Crazy? Yup. Why? If we really want to bring an end to this cold world, either one of two things will happen in that scenario and putting up the white flag essentially. One we get destroyed and we all die. Good we are in heaven and the people left on earth are left with a testament of a nation that represented Christ. Two we trust God will protect us and we stop relying on the things built by man, and God does a miracle and something unexplainable happens. I think that is what He wants. He wants us to give up, reach out in love and trust in Him to protect us or do whatever is needed to save souls. I know this is simple and cliché but what would Jesus do as commander in chief? That is how you change the world and get people to love
Christ. And its time.
So anyways that is just some random thought I had, I could be wrong, I could be crazy.
13 March 2009
Looking for a good book?
I have been reading a lot of really great books here. If anyone is interested, I highly recommend:
The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne
Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne
Sex Gob by Rob Bell
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
O2 by Richard Dahlstrom
The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne
Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne
Sex Gob by Rob Bell
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
O2 by Richard Dahlstrom
20 February 2009
Real Woman
This past Tuesday we had an event called The 6th Hour. I think I wrote about the last one but basically it is just a big open mic night for students to perform, well, anything they want. At our last open mic night my friend Luke performed a spoken word poem called 'Manly Man' by the poet Bradley Hathaway. Now seeing as I like poetry, I thought it would be cool to perform a female response or side to this. So, I actually found a poem by a girl named Kristi online entitled 'Womanly Woman', which was a direct response to Hathaway's poem. However, not all of it was quality material so I did a bit of writing, a little adjusting, and came up with my version called: Real Woman.
Here are the lyrics:
I don't want my curly hair (yes! these are natural curls), big brown eyes, slightly a-symmetrical top lip, Vans, booty don't shake too much when I walk confuse anyone. I am a real woman.
I am always dressed to kill, while out shopping, at work, or preparing a meal. I must have at least two pairs of shoes for each outfit. Hair is done, makeup on, nails, a hit.
I am always courteous in public. I smile and greet, confidence is my trick. Never will you see me fart, burp, or spit. The words won't even form on my lips. I am a real woman.
My house is perfectly kept, on top of the chores, have never overslept. I always look good, smell good, taste good for my man. He comes home each day to his biggest fan.
My heart is touched by any love story. When my man neglects me, I start to worry. I try hard to control my monthly emotion, but if you don't back down, I'll start a commotion.
I don't fight or fuss if I don't get my way, my word's enough, it holds much sway. I live out the qualities of Proverbs 31, to make my mark for when my life here is done. I am a real woman. Or am I?
Somedays I don't want to paint the fake face on, sometimes sweats and tees are all I don.
Puppies and bunnies are not that cute, the title mommy I will never recruit.
I'd like a man to journey through life by my side not a step ahead. I believe that bambi was made for us to be fed.
I intend to age gracefully and naturally allowing my gray fro be for all to see the beauty and pain God has trusted to me.
Society tells me all day long that I have defined womanhood completely wrong. But you ask any honest man and he will agree. Ask any honest woman and she too will see that I am a real woman.
Here is Bradley Hathaway's original:
I don’t want my long hair, pretty green eyes, with ( no! I do not have on mascara. ) eyelashes, skinny figure, undersized t-shirt, hip shake too much when I walk confuse anybody. I am a manly man.
Within this sissy frame, obviously rib laden chest lies a heart that beats to the drum of a native American ritual dancing wildness. It pumps an ever cascading supply of untamedness that a herd of wild mustangs have yet to grasp. If danger lurks about, I will seek it out. If adventure abounds, there I will be found. If a damsel be in distress, I will show her who is best. I am a manly man.
Because I don’t flush, and I leave the lid up.
I drive a 1988 Ford Pick-up truck. Girls don’t break up with me, I break up with them first. ( Except the last time, it didn’t really work out like that… ) I don’t shave the hair on my face ( Because I still can’t grow facial hair yet… ) But when I can, I won’t, because beards are tough.
I fart, burp, and spit when I want, not caring who’s nearby. Disrespect my momma, and I will punch you in the eye. I am a manly man.
Or am I? I tell my guy friends that I love ‘em. And sometimes, sometimes I even hug ‘em. Not because I’m gay, but because I love ‘em. And when I watched Bambi, I cried. And when my Mema gets mad, I still run and hide.
Like David, I wanna be a man after God’s own heart. And I’m not there yet, but I’m past the start. And when people talk, I try to listen. A spirit of compassion, that’s my vision. Surely I am a manly man. I want to be loved and have love and give love.
And not just that romantic kind either. Although I am looking for that beauty.
Not helpless, but wants to be rescued. The damsel in distress, man, woman, myth, true. I will fight for her, climb the highest tower for her, love her, share with her, delight in her, be her warrior, her protector.
She will be my crown and I will be hers. My masculinity will be passed down and affirmed to my sons. And each of my daughters will know they are lovely, and deserving of authentic romance.
Society tells me all day long that I’ve defined manhood completely wrong. But you ask any honest man, and he will agree. You ask any honest woman, and she too will see, that I am a manly man.
Here are the lyrics:
I don't want my curly hair (yes! these are natural curls), big brown eyes, slightly a-symmetrical top lip, Vans, booty don't shake too much when I walk confuse anyone. I am a real woman.
I am always dressed to kill, while out shopping, at work, or preparing a meal. I must have at least two pairs of shoes for each outfit. Hair is done, makeup on, nails, a hit.
I am always courteous in public. I smile and greet, confidence is my trick. Never will you see me fart, burp, or spit. The words won't even form on my lips. I am a real woman.
My house is perfectly kept, on top of the chores, have never overslept. I always look good, smell good, taste good for my man. He comes home each day to his biggest fan.
My heart is touched by any love story. When my man neglects me, I start to worry. I try hard to control my monthly emotion, but if you don't back down, I'll start a commotion.
I don't fight or fuss if I don't get my way, my word's enough, it holds much sway. I live out the qualities of Proverbs 31, to make my mark for when my life here is done. I am a real woman. Or am I?
Somedays I don't want to paint the fake face on, sometimes sweats and tees are all I don.
Puppies and bunnies are not that cute, the title mommy I will never recruit.
I'd like a man to journey through life by my side not a step ahead. I believe that bambi was made for us to be fed.
I intend to age gracefully and naturally allowing my gray fro be for all to see the beauty and pain God has trusted to me.
Society tells me all day long that I have defined womanhood completely wrong. But you ask any honest man and he will agree. Ask any honest woman and she too will see that I am a real woman.
Here is Bradley Hathaway's original:
I don’t want my long hair, pretty green eyes, with ( no! I do not have on mascara. ) eyelashes, skinny figure, undersized t-shirt, hip shake too much when I walk confuse anybody. I am a manly man.
Within this sissy frame, obviously rib laden chest lies a heart that beats to the drum of a native American ritual dancing wildness. It pumps an ever cascading supply of untamedness that a herd of wild mustangs have yet to grasp. If danger lurks about, I will seek it out. If adventure abounds, there I will be found. If a damsel be in distress, I will show her who is best. I am a manly man.
Because I don’t flush, and I leave the lid up.
I drive a 1988 Ford Pick-up truck. Girls don’t break up with me, I break up with them first. ( Except the last time, it didn’t really work out like that… ) I don’t shave the hair on my face ( Because I still can’t grow facial hair yet… ) But when I can, I won’t, because beards are tough.
I fart, burp, and spit when I want, not caring who’s nearby. Disrespect my momma, and I will punch you in the eye. I am a manly man.
Or am I? I tell my guy friends that I love ‘em. And sometimes, sometimes I even hug ‘em. Not because I’m gay, but because I love ‘em. And when I watched Bambi, I cried. And when my Mema gets mad, I still run and hide.
Like David, I wanna be a man after God’s own heart. And I’m not there yet, but I’m past the start. And when people talk, I try to listen. A spirit of compassion, that’s my vision. Surely I am a manly man. I want to be loved and have love and give love.
And not just that romantic kind either. Although I am looking for that beauty.
Not helpless, but wants to be rescued. The damsel in distress, man, woman, myth, true. I will fight for her, climb the highest tower for her, love her, share with her, delight in her, be her warrior, her protector.
She will be my crown and I will be hers. My masculinity will be passed down and affirmed to my sons. And each of my daughters will know they are lovely, and deserving of authentic romance.
Society tells me all day long that I’ve defined manhood completely wrong. But you ask any honest man, and he will agree. You ask any honest woman, and she too will see, that I am a manly man.
Budapest
So last weekend I was in Budapest, Hungary. It was great, one because we were the only three tourists I saw the whole time and two because we were staying with Andrea (an old friend) and she made it very easy and comfortable to be there.
The first night we got in a little later so we just went back to her apartment, had some dinner, and hung out.
The next day Andrea was able to take us out and see some sights which included: the Basilica, palace,Fishermen's Bastion, Parliament, and a number of other things. We also went for cake and coffee at this little cafe which was the location of the first pharmacy in Hungary (actually one of the first ones in Europe) and it still has all of the original woodwork. Andrea had a wealth of information about everything so she was the perfect tour guide. That evening we went to an opera, my first. We got seven dollar tickets to the Barber of Seville. Even though our seats were in the last row and I didn't understand a word of what they were saying, I still enjoyed it. First opera in Budapest...no complaints.
The next day we took a day trip to a little village in the hills called Szentandre. It was pretty, full of churches, and a tourist trap, but still enjoyable. I had fun starting random conversations with the shop keepers. That evening we went to an international theatre and saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It was ok but a bit long.
Our last day in Budapest was probably my favorite, our flight did not take off until five so we had some time to kill. We did this by going to the baths. It was awesome! It was in this building that looked like a palace. Outside in the 'courtyard' there were three big baths, which are actually just pools, and then inside there were probably 20 different temperature and mineral baths along with saunas and showers. It was sweet because it was snowing outside and we were running around from pool to pool in our swimming suits. I loved it. Too many men in speedos but when in Europe I guess that is the norm. And, there were old duded playing chess in one of the pools. No joke! The sat by the edge, in the water, and played chess.
Here are just a few photos, I did not get a chance to put all of them on facebook before coming back to school so those may take a while but here are a few.
The first night we got in a little later so we just went back to her apartment, had some dinner, and hung out.
The next day Andrea was able to take us out and see some sights which included: the Basilica, palace,Fishermen's Bastion, Parliament, and a number of other things. We also went for cake and coffee at this little cafe which was the location of the first pharmacy in Hungary (actually one of the first ones in Europe) and it still has all of the original woodwork. Andrea had a wealth of information about everything so she was the perfect tour guide. That evening we went to an opera, my first. We got seven dollar tickets to the Barber of Seville. Even though our seats were in the last row and I didn't understand a word of what they were saying, I still enjoyed it. First opera in Budapest...no complaints.
The next day we took a day trip to a little village in the hills called Szentandre. It was pretty, full of churches, and a tourist trap, but still enjoyable. I had fun starting random conversations with the shop keepers. That evening we went to an international theatre and saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It was ok but a bit long.
Our last day in Budapest was probably my favorite, our flight did not take off until five so we had some time to kill. We did this by going to the baths. It was awesome! It was in this building that looked like a palace. Outside in the 'courtyard' there were three big baths, which are actually just pools, and then inside there were probably 20 different temperature and mineral baths along with saunas and showers. It was sweet because it was snowing outside and we were running around from pool to pool in our swimming suits. I loved it. Too many men in speedos but when in Europe I guess that is the norm. And, there were old duded playing chess in one of the pools. No joke! The sat by the edge, in the water, and played chess.
Here are just a few photos, I did not get a chance to put all of them on facebook before coming back to school so those may take a while but here are a few.
12 February 2009
Are you Hungary?!
Hey everyone, I am off to Hungary today! We leave school around 9 am and we will then take a train to Stuttgart where we will get our flight to Budapest. We will be getting back to school around 10 pm on Sunday evening.
Have a great weekend.
Have a great weekend.
31 January 2009
Open mic night
On Friday night we had another open mic night. It was great. Because we weren't given a lot of notice there were a lot of funny acts, but they were still entertaining. There is so much musical talent here, it blows my mind.
Here are just a few photos. (Yeah, I don't really know what the deal is with the creepy face but...whatever.)
Included in these photos are my fiends: Rachel and Becky Hill, Beccy Funk, and Rebekah Funk, Kelsey, Luke, Lindsey, and me, of course.
Here are just a few photos. (Yeah, I don't really know what the deal is with the creepy face but...whatever.)
Included in these photos are my fiends: Rachel and Becky Hill, Beccy Funk, and Rebekah Funk, Kelsey, Luke, Lindsey, and me, of course.
Bingo!
Last week for a social event we had Bingo night. We were encouraged to dress up like old people and we defintely took the invitation seriously. It was a riot, everyone was in character from an hour before until an hour after.
28 January 2009
one more thing
I forgot to tell you but I am currently reading the book Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis and it is very good and I recommend you all read it.
Here is a soon to be famous quote, generated by yours truly, and inspired by the book Mere Christianity:
If you can accept the impossibility of this life, why would you ever doubt the possibility of the next?
-K.L. Dunham
Here is a soon to be famous quote, generated by yours truly, and inspired by the book Mere Christianity:
If you can accept the impossibility of this life, why would you ever doubt the possibility of the next?
-K.L. Dunham
not a lot to say
I thought, because it has been a while, I should update you all. However, there is not much to say. We are back in the swing of school and it is flying by...again. I cannot believe it is almost Feb. Soon travel weekend will be here and then March will sneak up. It is a weird feeling knowing that going back to the states is in the near, sort of, future. I say back to the states and not home because, well, it feels like home here.
Anyhow, the cold and flu are passing through Bodenseehof currently, and at the moment I am taking my turn, but I am only suffering from a stuffed up nose and a bit of a head ache, so I consider myself fortunate, I could be barfing all over the place.
Well folks, that is pretty much all I have to say at the moment. Things are good here, besides the snot, and I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks.
Anyhow, the cold and flu are passing through Bodenseehof currently, and at the moment I am taking my turn, but I am only suffering from a stuffed up nose and a bit of a head ache, so I consider myself fortunate, I could be barfing all over the place.
Well folks, that is pretty much all I have to say at the moment. Things are good here, besides the snot, and I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks.
16 January 2009
The illist claymation man in da bizz
Before reading this, please open this page (http://www.mrwiggles.biz/ghetto_slang.htm) in a window to help you through language barrier!
I've come to the conclusion that Bible school is a four step front. I don't claim this to be drop science for all the busta's in this joint, but for this baller, this the dilly. (Bible school is much more dope than this hard core gully gives credit fo but I ain't fakin' jacks):
1. On my own: I was all jacked up 'cause I insisted on being my own claymation hustler and I ain't skilled nough for a job like dis. So I formed my life and it was jacked cause the Main Man wasn't part of it and I thought I knew the ledge.
2. Turning point: At a point I realized that I was straight flawed, and I had to admit that God was the only G for the job. And I wasn't given Him props 'nough. So I decided to murk cross da pond to the Bode and shape up...literally, hypothetically, metaphorically... just straight changes were needed...Squash Beef!
3. Progress: The last three months God has been throwin' down new mad forms in me('forms' in this case means: beliefs, knowledge, ways, paradigms...my identity). He straight wrecked (in a good way) my ways.
4. Straight solidifying: Kiln-ing time! I have three months ahead of me for some intense baking. I still be learning and the Lord funna bless me wit new most excellent goods, but this be the time for proofing...making sure that all this new stuff funsta withstand in the hood.
I'm no finished product nor do I think that I ever will be...but I do know that we are clay and God is the illist claymation man in da bizz and if you allow Him, He can work a mad number in yo life too. The thing is, this G ain't comin' to tax you, He's not after the dead presidents, He just wants yo love.
I've come to the conclusion that Bible school is a four step front. I don't claim this to be drop science for all the busta's in this joint, but for this baller, this the dilly. (Bible school is much more dope than this hard core gully gives credit fo but I ain't fakin' jacks):
1. On my own: I was all jacked up 'cause I insisted on being my own claymation hustler and I ain't skilled nough for a job like dis. So I formed my life and it was jacked cause the Main Man wasn't part of it and I thought I knew the ledge.
2. Turning point: At a point I realized that I was straight flawed, and I had to admit that God was the only G for the job. And I wasn't given Him props 'nough. So I decided to murk cross da pond to the Bode and shape up...literally, hypothetically, metaphorically... just straight changes were needed...Squash Beef!
3. Progress: The last three months God has been throwin' down new mad forms in me('forms' in this case means: beliefs, knowledge, ways, paradigms...my identity). He straight wrecked (in a good way) my ways.
4. Straight solidifying: Kiln-ing time! I have three months ahead of me for some intense baking. I still be learning and the Lord funna bless me wit new most excellent goods, but this be the time for proofing...making sure that all this new stuff funsta withstand in the hood.
I'm no finished product nor do I think that I ever will be...but I do know that we are clay and God is the illist claymation man in da bizz and if you allow Him, He can work a mad number in yo life too. The thing is, this G ain't comin' to tax you, He's not after the dead presidents, He just wants yo love.
15 January 2009
Budapest?
Yes, Budapest.
During February we have our sencond travel weekend and today I, along with Kristi and Beckah, purchased a plane ticket to Budapest. We will be there from the 12 to the 15. A few of my friends went there over Christmas break and they said it was one of their favorite places so...we are going.
I am not really sure what to expect, but I do know that I have never been to Hungary and that makes me very excited!
During February we have our sencond travel weekend and today I, along with Kristi and Beckah, purchased a plane ticket to Budapest. We will be there from the 12 to the 15. A few of my friends went there over Christmas break and they said it was one of their favorite places so...we are going.
I am not really sure what to expect, but I do know that I have never been to Hungary and that makes me very excited!
09 January 2009
Dresden
Here are some photos from our trip to Dresden:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2036525&l=54900&id=184702617
It was really cold, to the point of being unpleasant, but we survived! We spent three and a half days there, staying with a couple that we found on couchsurfers.com, and it was a really cool experience, and it was free.
We are now back in Chemnitz and tomorrow we take an eight hour train ride back to school....second semester, here we come! The first half went super fast and they say time just speeds up in the second semester, I think it will be over before we know it and then it will be back to the harsh, hurting, and hectic real world, oh joy!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2036525&l=54900&id=184702617
It was really cold, to the point of being unpleasant, but we survived! We spent three and a half days there, staying with a couple that we found on couchsurfers.com, and it was a really cool experience, and it was free.
We are now back in Chemnitz and tomorrow we take an eight hour train ride back to school....second semester, here we come! The first half went super fast and they say time just speeds up in the second semester, I think it will be over before we know it and then it will be back to the harsh, hurting, and hectic real world, oh joy!
03 January 2009
For those of you not on Facebook...
Here are links to the other albums that I have created while at Bodenseehof:
Bodenseehof Part I:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2035816&l=553d1&id=184702617
Part II:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2035857&l=46af8&id=184702617
Part III:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2035886&l=113f7&id=184702617
Check them out!
Bodenseehof Part I:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2035816&l=553d1&id=184702617
Part II:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2035857&l=46af8&id=184702617
Part III:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2035886&l=113f7&id=184702617
Check them out!
Berlin Photos
This link will take you to my facebook photo album from my time in Berlin:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2036196&l=7d566&id=184702617
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2036196&l=7d566&id=184702617
02 January 2009
Quick update
I am back from Berlin! Wow. What a city?! It was awesome there but it was a lot to take in in just a few days. There is so much history there it is insane. I think the coolest part was the East Side Gallery, which is the longest stretch of the wall still remaining. I have some sweet photos that I will get online soon. New Year's in Berlin was probably the weirdest and one of the craziest things I have ever encountered. I will explain in more detail a little later.
We, Stefie and me, are back in Chemnitz and we will spend the next couple of days here doing who knows what, and then we are off to Dresden where we will spend the remainder of our break.
Happy 2009!
We, Stefie and me, are back in Chemnitz and we will spend the next couple of days here doing who knows what, and then we are off to Dresden where we will spend the remainder of our break.
Happy 2009!
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