Alright, it's about time I write in this thing again.
So, just got done with another round of intense homework. But I feel great now that it is all done.
Last night I got to go to a screening for a new movie called "The Nativity." As the name suggests, it is about the birth of Christ. The people involved with the movie specifically wanted people from Biola to come, because we fit the movie's target audience. So I singed up and went.
I really enjoyed the movie a lot. The way they portrayed it was biblically accurate and very personal--you could relate somewhat to the characters.
After the movie was over we got to fill out cards telling how we felt about the movie, what we didn't like, etc. I also got selected to be in a focus group that had further discussion about elements of the movie. While the movie was overall really good, there were a few things that most of us wanted to see differently....hopefully they'll make some of those changes before it comes out in December.
So yeah, just hanging in around here, enjoying myself. Still trying to fit myself in socially here, but I am sure that will all come in time. I've already made a few good friends, so that has helped a lot.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Sunday, September 17, 2006
HW
Wow, this weekend has been full of homework. It's amazing how fast reading and essays can accumulate.
I pretty much spent all yesterday reading (missing out on going to the beach w/ the rest of the floor). Today I went to church, interviewed a guy for a paper in journalism class and then wrote the paper (4 pages). Luckily I was able to play soccer a bit to run of some steam, but right after that I got right back in.
On top of that I have been working on a story for The Chimes. It's a really interesting story and I am getting a lot of juice. So, in between homework I have been working on this. So, yeah, just a bit worn out right now.
Next week probably won't be much different. There are two essays I am going to have to work on (along with finishing my story for The Chimes) and I can't imagine the reading getting any lighter.
But, hey, at least now, Sunday night, I feel like I've had a productive weekend--how often can you say that?
Weather down here still feels like summer. I am loving it!! Still waiting on a job. Went to a job tour thingy for UPS, but pretty quickly relized that what they were going to want me to work was not going to work with my schedule. So, I did some other apps for on campus jobs and turned one in the other day--I think I have a good chance of getting it since it is an office job and I already have a lot of experience with that type of work. Keep your fingers crossed.
Prayer I need right now is just for my composure. I usually thrive when on deadline, but it also wears me out and I tend to get very single-minded. I want to find a good balance between work and social activities right now. Don't want to work-horse my way through the year but then realize I didn't form too many relationships.
Also pray that I just have the patience to deal Javier. I think we're starting to get on each other's nerves, and I know there have been times when I've wanted to be smack him around a bit. But yeah, I guess living together with anyone will cause conflict...I don't want to lose my friendship over it, though.
Thanks for reading! see you all at Christmas!!
I pretty much spent all yesterday reading (missing out on going to the beach w/ the rest of the floor). Today I went to church, interviewed a guy for a paper in journalism class and then wrote the paper (4 pages). Luckily I was able to play soccer a bit to run of some steam, but right after that I got right back in.
On top of that I have been working on a story for The Chimes. It's a really interesting story and I am getting a lot of juice. So, in between homework I have been working on this. So, yeah, just a bit worn out right now.
Next week probably won't be much different. There are two essays I am going to have to work on (along with finishing my story for The Chimes) and I can't imagine the reading getting any lighter.
But, hey, at least now, Sunday night, I feel like I've had a productive weekend--how often can you say that?
Weather down here still feels like summer. I am loving it!! Still waiting on a job. Went to a job tour thingy for UPS, but pretty quickly relized that what they were going to want me to work was not going to work with my schedule. So, I did some other apps for on campus jobs and turned one in the other day--I think I have a good chance of getting it since it is an office job and I already have a lot of experience with that type of work. Keep your fingers crossed.
Prayer I need right now is just for my composure. I usually thrive when on deadline, but it also wears me out and I tend to get very single-minded. I want to find a good balance between work and social activities right now. Don't want to work-horse my way through the year but then realize I didn't form too many relationships.
Also pray that I just have the patience to deal Javier. I think we're starting to get on each other's nerves, and I know there have been times when I've wanted to be smack him around a bit. But yeah, I guess living together with anyone will cause conflict...I don't want to lose my friendship over it, though.
Thanks for reading! see you all at Christmas!!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Wow
So as I have been settling into my new college life, I've begun to develop friendships that are a little closer than just the many aquaintances I have been making for 4 weeks.
One of these new friendships is with another guy named Michael that lives on my floor. We have just gotten the opportuinty to talk with one another a lot lately, and will occasionally have meals with each other.
Just today he came into my room really emotional. He told me that his mom was going to share The Gospel with a Buddhist today, and she was really scared (there were a lot more details that he shared, but that is the basic message). He was really affected by this. Almost in tears he asked me if I could pray for his mom right then and there. I did, and walked away thanking me.
I was just amazed...this guy who I am just now beginning to know, trusting me with such emotions--unusual, yes, but not in a bad way. It also just made me remember how awesome it is to be here amongst people who have no problem acknowledging God's existence in practical life. It's easy for me to get discouraged when I see so my brothers and sisters acting contrary to their faith (yes, even happens here at Biola). So this was just a good reminder that while everyone here is at different levels spiritually and can disagree on virtually every moral level, most people here are still dedicated to God.
_______________________
Anyhow, while writing this I was reminded of something else I wanted to share. It's just from a book I have been readin called Love Your God with All Your Mind. It's basically a book designed to teach Christians the importance of developing their intellect so they can adequately defend scriptures.
One of the things the author talks about is the error or believing in moral relativism (that is, believing that all beliefs have equal truth values and there really is no absolute truths--e.g. "that's great that you believe that, but what I believe is truth to me."
Anyways, he just points out that the very statement that "there is no truth", is a truth statement in and of itself. He also gives an example of sharing the Gospel with a person who was a moral relativist. When the author walked out of the conversation with the person's radio, the person objected: "You can't take that."
The author basically responded by sarcatically saying that he believed stealing it was okay. The author then went on to point out to the person that if they believed that all beliefs were equal, then he should raise no objection to him taking the radio (because of course, the author supposedly believed it was okay to take it). "You wouldn't impose your moral beliefs on me would you," the author asked the person.
So yeah, the person was contradicted. Suprisingly, the book said, he eventually became a Christian.
Interesting stuff, chew on it
One of these new friendships is with another guy named Michael that lives on my floor. We have just gotten the opportuinty to talk with one another a lot lately, and will occasionally have meals with each other.
Just today he came into my room really emotional. He told me that his mom was going to share The Gospel with a Buddhist today, and she was really scared (there were a lot more details that he shared, but that is the basic message). He was really affected by this. Almost in tears he asked me if I could pray for his mom right then and there. I did, and walked away thanking me.
I was just amazed...this guy who I am just now beginning to know, trusting me with such emotions--unusual, yes, but not in a bad way. It also just made me remember how awesome it is to be here amongst people who have no problem acknowledging God's existence in practical life. It's easy for me to get discouraged when I see so my brothers and sisters acting contrary to their faith (yes, even happens here at Biola). So this was just a good reminder that while everyone here is at different levels spiritually and can disagree on virtually every moral level, most people here are still dedicated to God.
_______________________
Anyhow, while writing this I was reminded of something else I wanted to share. It's just from a book I have been readin called Love Your God with All Your Mind. It's basically a book designed to teach Christians the importance of developing their intellect so they can adequately defend scriptures.
One of the things the author talks about is the error or believing in moral relativism (that is, believing that all beliefs have equal truth values and there really is no absolute truths--e.g. "that's great that you believe that, but what I believe is truth to me."
Anyways, he just points out that the very statement that "there is no truth", is a truth statement in and of itself. He also gives an example of sharing the Gospel with a person who was a moral relativist. When the author walked out of the conversation with the person's radio, the person objected: "You can't take that."
The author basically responded by sarcatically saying that he believed stealing it was okay. The author then went on to point out to the person that if they believed that all beliefs were equal, then he should raise no objection to him taking the radio (because of course, the author supposedly believed it was okay to take it). "You wouldn't impose your moral beliefs on me would you," the author asked the person.
So yeah, the person was contradicted. Suprisingly, the book said, he eventually became a Christian.
Interesting stuff, chew on it
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Church
So I have been going to a church real close to campus called First Baptist Church of La Mirada.
The church is pretty small, but I am really like the community so far. As you can imagine there are a lot of college kids, but there also is a good mix of other ages as well.
After service we have a college group meeting in one of their rooms. Lately we have been talking about what the purpose of church is. We want to define our role in the church, and we can do that effectively by first identifying what our own personal reasons are for attending.
We have had a lot of meaningful discussions. We've talked both about biblical ideas about the church, as well as American cultural ideas about the church (ex. people going just to feel good about themselves, or just because it is a tradition). I really enjoy puting out my personal feelings in the discussion, as well as hearing others respond and bounce other ideas off each other. We eventually want to take these discussions and apply them practically through our role in the church (whether that be serving the community or church members, exhorting another, just learning, etc.)
Anyhow my closing thought of the day: Be brave enough to step outside of your traditions and habits. Evaluate them and figure out why they're there in your lives. If there's no point, why do it? We need to have meaning in our life...not blind observances of what has been passed down to us and we've been told to adhere to.
The church is pretty small, but I am really like the community so far. As you can imagine there are a lot of college kids, but there also is a good mix of other ages as well.
After service we have a college group meeting in one of their rooms. Lately we have been talking about what the purpose of church is. We want to define our role in the church, and we can do that effectively by first identifying what our own personal reasons are for attending.
We have had a lot of meaningful discussions. We've talked both about biblical ideas about the church, as well as American cultural ideas about the church (ex. people going just to feel good about themselves, or just because it is a tradition). I really enjoy puting out my personal feelings in the discussion, as well as hearing others respond and bounce other ideas off each other. We eventually want to take these discussions and apply them practically through our role in the church (whether that be serving the community or church members, exhorting another, just learning, etc.)
Anyhow my closing thought of the day: Be brave enough to step outside of your traditions and habits. Evaluate them and figure out why they're there in your lives. If there's no point, why do it? We need to have meaning in our life...not blind observances of what has been passed down to us and we've been told to adhere to.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Umm...assorted?
No real topic here...just a variety of things.
First off...today the school's local paper The Chimes was published today. The article I wrote was on the front page!!! My first article at Biola! I am enthused if you cannot tell. I am sending a bunch of copies to my mom, so I am sure you'll all get to see it sooner or later.
As far as soccer goes, things didn't go as good as I hoped, but went as I pretty much thought they would. In summary, the coach really doesn't want to bring any more people on the team (already 24 players on roster) unless they can replace starters...and quite frankly, him and I both agree that right now I can't. Still, though, I wished he would have given me more chances to perform. I mean, I know I am rusty (haven't been playing since high school season ended last fall), but he pretty much judged me in about 5 mins of playing time. He was only there for half the practice, and he just saw me play in a short-sided game once. I felt like if I was given a few more chances I could have shown a little more of my skill. I know I need some work, but these guys aren't out of my league.
Still, though, there's good news. Eight seniors are leaving this spring, and the coach was pretty insistent that I keep in touch with him...so at least he sees I have potential.
But anyways, God knows what I do and don't need. I'm involved in a lot of areas right now, so one little downfall certainly doesn't bring my entire person down. Which, by the way reminds me, I'm getting involved with the praise band at the local church I've been going to. They already have two drumers, so I'd be entering into a rotation, but when I am not drumming, they're going to be having me play some bongo type instrument...cool!!
So, yeah, a lot of random stuff there. I got to get to homework. Yo tengo mucho leer ( I have much to read ).
Laters,
First off...today the school's local paper The Chimes was published today. The article I wrote was on the front page!!! My first article at Biola! I am enthused if you cannot tell. I am sending a bunch of copies to my mom, so I am sure you'll all get to see it sooner or later.
As far as soccer goes, things didn't go as good as I hoped, but went as I pretty much thought they would. In summary, the coach really doesn't want to bring any more people on the team (already 24 players on roster) unless they can replace starters...and quite frankly, him and I both agree that right now I can't. Still, though, I wished he would have given me more chances to perform. I mean, I know I am rusty (haven't been playing since high school season ended last fall), but he pretty much judged me in about 5 mins of playing time. He was only there for half the practice, and he just saw me play in a short-sided game once. I felt like if I was given a few more chances I could have shown a little more of my skill. I know I need some work, but these guys aren't out of my league.
Still, though, there's good news. Eight seniors are leaving this spring, and the coach was pretty insistent that I keep in touch with him...so at least he sees I have potential.
But anyways, God knows what I do and don't need. I'm involved in a lot of areas right now, so one little downfall certainly doesn't bring my entire person down. Which, by the way reminds me, I'm getting involved with the praise band at the local church I've been going to. They already have two drumers, so I'd be entering into a rotation, but when I am not drumming, they're going to be having me play some bongo type instrument...cool!!
So, yeah, a lot of random stuff there. I got to get to homework. Yo tengo mucho leer ( I have much to read ).
Laters,
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Labor Day Weekend, etc.
So, went to the beach last weekend with some people from my dorm; it was a lot of fun. It always kills me, though, how industrialized the beaches are here in California. I like it here a lot, don't get me wrong, but there's just that green Oregonian inside of me that cries out when I see so much commerce around such a natural environment...hehe. But yeah, was fun. Played some soccer, went swimming.
Sunday was kind of interesting....mainly because I realized I locked my keys in my car after church got out. Doh! What made it even more dynamic is that my phone cell phone is broken. So, I had to borrow someone's cell phone to call AAA. They got my car open in minutes, so it's all good. After I got back to Biola, I played soccer...once at 2:30, another time right after at 4:00....was pretty tired.
Monday, Labor Day, was spent doing a lot of reading...well, with breaks for meals.
Tomorrow I am going to practice with the Men's Soccer Team. I talked to the coach about tryouts, and he said I could just come this week to train with them. I'm nervous and excited. Nervous because I very well know that I am not in prime game-shape, and don't want to embarass myself by puking on the field :p but I am excited because I really have been missing soccer...plus, it would be so cool if the coach at least red shirted me (in case you don't know, to "red shirt" a player is to train him with the team until he is ready and/or a spot opens up on the team).
So, everyone just pray for me. For endurance, confidence, and perseverance.
So that's about it. I just got back from Big 5 Sporting Store to buy some shinguards and soccer socks...brought with me a guy from my floor who wanted to get some cleats (he is training w/ the team this week too). He's a nice guy...actually is from Washington but lived in Korea for a while.
Oh, I didn't mention...last Saturday I played ultimate frisby--a lot of fun. I was diving everywhere and have turf scuffs all over my leg now. No prob, though, not nearly as bad as the ones I had during playoffs last soccer season.
See Ya All! Enjoy the Oregon weather as the Fall kicks in :) :) :)
Sunday was kind of interesting....mainly because I realized I locked my keys in my car after church got out. Doh! What made it even more dynamic is that my phone cell phone is broken. So, I had to borrow someone's cell phone to call AAA. They got my car open in minutes, so it's all good. After I got back to Biola, I played soccer...once at 2:30, another time right after at 4:00....was pretty tired.
Monday, Labor Day, was spent doing a lot of reading...well, with breaks for meals.
Tomorrow I am going to practice with the Men's Soccer Team. I talked to the coach about tryouts, and he said I could just come this week to train with them. I'm nervous and excited. Nervous because I very well know that I am not in prime game-shape, and don't want to embarass myself by puking on the field :p but I am excited because I really have been missing soccer...plus, it would be so cool if the coach at least red shirted me (in case you don't know, to "red shirt" a player is to train him with the team until he is ready and/or a spot opens up on the team).
So, everyone just pray for me. For endurance, confidence, and perseverance.
So that's about it. I just got back from Big 5 Sporting Store to buy some shinguards and soccer socks...brought with me a guy from my floor who wanted to get some cleats (he is training w/ the team this week too). He's a nice guy...actually is from Washington but lived in Korea for a while.
Oh, I didn't mention...last Saturday I played ultimate frisby--a lot of fun. I was diving everywhere and have turf scuffs all over my leg now. No prob, though, not nearly as bad as the ones I had during playoffs last soccer season.
See Ya All! Enjoy the Oregon weather as the Fall kicks in :) :) :)
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