Proverbial Faith

New blog!

2010-10-19T00:01:00.002-05:00

I've moved to WordPress. Check out the new blog here:

It's June?!?!

2010-06-03T01:48:00.001-05:00

Wait, when did that happen? I can't believe I've been out of school for over 6 months. It's crazy to me. What have I been doing this last 6 months (almost 7 now)?

I've been applying to almost any job I can find. I've had leads here and there that all led to a dead end and not hearing back. The most promising thing I've got going for me, which is totally cool with me, is working at church. I've been picking up more and more freelance work, whether it's editing videos for Kellee or working sound for Sunday mornings; I even had a filming gig last week helping out a friend from church that was shooting a graduation downtown. I wish I had a more steady flow of income (and more of it!) but this is certainly not bad work for now.

I've applied to several jobs at the major new networks, ESPN, Weather Channel, Turner, even NASA's JPL (Jet Propulsion Labratory)! But all these places only take online applications and don't give you any sort of contact information for HR. I've only heard back from one position, albeit a form letter, but it was SOMETHING nonetheless.

I've seriously considered the idea of really opening my search to include locations I would normally be searching. I've more or less been looking at New York, Atlanta and California, but I think I'd go for almost anywhere, as long as it's a job I'd really be interested in.

Though, thinking back on it, I had a real opportunity, and I probably could have gotten the job if I had applied, to be an assistant editor at a small town newspaper. And when I say small town, I mean small town, rural Georgia. I just don't think I'm ready go back into northwest Georgia... 4 and a half years of Rome was more than enough to satisfy my small town experience; I'm meant to live in a metropolis. Yes, one could argue that a job is a job and you take what you can get, but I wouldn't have been happy, even if for only a few years to get some experience on my resume. If I'm going to go to a small town, I'd rather it be someplace new and exciting.

So my freelance work will have to suffice until I can get into a real studio and start producing content that isn't a 5 minute video montage of interviews and pictures.

Another development has been the band that my brother and I have started for the youth programs at church, "Sunday Matinée." It's a lot of fun! I was playing keys for a while, but the idea is to bring in students to play, so Chris found someone. So Now I'm running sound for the rehearsals! I'm actually doing what I want to be doing! Yeah it's low-key, but whatever, I'm still learning and having a good time while doing it!

Alright, enough writing, I have got to get to bed. Going to church again in the morning, hopefully it won't be as frustrating as it was on Tuesday.

Late night/Early morning Thoughts

2010-03-12T07:02:00.000-05:00

As many of you may know, I have applied to a position at the Phi Mu Alpha (my music fraternity) headquarters in Evansville, Indiana as the Retreat Coordinator and Programs Associate. Let's just say I've spent a lot of time brainstorming ways to make my mark if I were to get the job. So much so that I have trouble falling asleep at night because my brain is just running through so many different ideas. If you don't mind, I'd like to jot some of those thoughts down, and hopefully I can get a better night's sleep!

I've thought about the position as it exists today and the role it played in my collegiate experience. Where did I experience interactions with this person and what did he (it's been multiple people in my 4.5 years) provide for me? Honestly, I didn't have much if any contact with them, and I don't think anyone in the chapter did either. So my first thought about making an impact would be to spread myself out there to as many chapters as possible. Establish personal connections with relevant chapter officers to make myself and my services known to the chapter. How can I accomplish that? Maybe personal invitations to chapter presidents via email or phone.
Find cost effective ways to bring the Retreat Program to chapters far from Lyrecrest (headquarters). I'm not 100% certain, but I think it's currently done by flying to the chapters that request the program, which the chapter pays for. What are some other ways this can be done? Is video conferencing a possibility? What cost would this be to the chapter versus if a chapter were to come visit Lyrecrest? What are the current costs for visiting chapters and estimated average cost for the traveling program? Would it cost the chapters anything to have the video conferencing? Would the videos be live or produced? Can this method effectively promote the mission and purpose of the coordinator position?
In my phone interview (round 1) with the Assistant Executive Director, Jeremy Evans, we discussed the current state of the program. He mentioned to me that there are an average of 25 retreats a year (weekends). The other weekends of the year consist of various other programs that the fraternity does or holidays. The position is 50+ hours per week, Tuesday - Friday for office hours and Friday - Sunday for retreats. I'm also on call 24/7 since I will be living on the campus (side note: I think everything is paid for except cable (woohoo!)). So the 25 retreats per year; how could I improve that number? Would I want to do that? Sounds pretty hectic already. Spring Break/Fall Break extended weekend retreats was an idea that came to mind. I think it would be a great idea if we opened the first 2 or 3 weeks in March, when most schools have Spring Break to chapters that can't make it for a weekend, or would rather spend more than 2 nights at Lyrecrest to make their trip more financially worthwhile. Back to the traveling retreat program: this would be a great opportunity for those folks to spend a day or two if they'd rather drive to Lyrecrest, spend 3 or 4 days, then make the drive back. Road trips are the thing to do in college and what better (safe) way to spend your spring break then hanging out with a bunch of fraternity nerds!!!1!!1!1!!!!1! Haha... But seriously, that would but a great trip! And Fall break, usually an extended weekend in October, right? Extending the retreat program a day or two during the Fall shouldn't be too big of a deal. Naive little ole' me :)
And now for some random thoughts about the job etc. Retreats go through Sunday, what will this mean for going to church? Hmm. What kind of networking and experience will I attain through the year long program? Do I even know what I'm getting myself into!?! The current Coordinator has held the position for 2 years now, so it must be fun!

I'm looking forward to this!

And to update you on the things I gave up for Lent:

Soda, gone within the first weekend because our water filter broke on the fridge :(

Candy, so far so good!

Alcohol, it's been tough, but I'm doing well!

Praying, it's hard to remember to pray before I go to bed, but I'm trying.

Applying to a job everyday - Since I applied to the PMA job, it's been hard to apply since I'm putting my all into this one!

God Bless!

Lent

2010-02-18T03:12:00.002-05:00

I've decided Lent is the perfect opportunity to reevaluate resolutions and come up some new life improvement goals. The whole idea behind giving up something for Lent is about changing things in your life to more fit the Christian lifestyle. If I can last 40 days without something, I can last a year. This is the test.

1. I'm going sober for Lent. I'm not against the use of alcohol, but I think following some recent events in my life, it's time to give it up for a period of time. Trust me, this will be difficult, especially considering pizza and beer nights at Mellow Mushroom :)

2. Instead of giving something up, I will pray everyday, twice a day (at least); when I wake up and before bed. Something to compliment a resolution I have for the year.

3. Less faith based and more for my own benefit, I will apply to at least 1 job a day until I receive an offer. As a less stringent alternative, if it is a job in the area and I go to check on my application, that is acceptable. It's essentially more proactive job seeking on my part.

4. Finally, I'm giving up sweets (candies) and carbonated beverages. Yikes.

The Invention of Lying

2010-01-14T02:25:00.003-05:00

By far one of my favorite movies of the past year, The Invention of Lying, is about an alternate world where everyone tells the entire truth and every word is taken as fact. Even the concept of a lie does not exist. It's one of those movies that makes you think, and consider how life would be different if you could tell nothing but the truth. It also made me think of a few things I would say. It's more or less "PostSecret" on steroids!

-----

That represents all the things I wanted to say (the truth) but couldn't because I'm afraid people would find this blog. It's really hard to tell the truth, I don't think I could all the time. In the movie, they couldn't even stretch the truth, as that is considered a lie. You couldn't tell someone they looked nice that day, even when you thought they didn't. Small things, but still a lie nonetheless.

If I could only say the things that I felt all the time. If I could truthfully share my life and every passing thought with someone... Not to mention if these things were taken as absolute fact and everything I said was truth. The power...

This is pretty much the story of the film. The power he has over the world for the things he says. Anyways, I recommend seeing it. It comes out next Tuesday (the 19th) on DVD (Blu-ray, etc.).

Graduation #2

2009-12-15T02:06:00.001-05:00

So I found the video for Graduation!

http://berry.edu/webcast/graddec09/

Fast Forward to about 11:00 for my solo and then about 57:00 for Stephen and I receiving our diplomas!!

Graduation

2009-12-13T00:08:00.002-05:00

Hello friends! It has been so long since I last posted here. I have found myself to be so busy this semester! But I am finally finished! I never thought this day would be here. I never imagined I would finish college and graduate, but here I am! Today was graduation and what a great day it was! Today, I sang for the last time at Berry. I had a solo and duet at Baccalaureate and a big solo at graduation. I was so nervous! But it made me realize how much I love singing and performing and I believe there is no way I could let that go.

As I reflect upon the last 4 and a half years of my life, I can only think of how much I have grown as an individual in my faith and everything else I believe in and stand for. I have met so many new people and created friendships that will last a lifetime. I have learned so much about people and my relationships with others. This is truly only the beginning of what I hope will be a successful and meaningful life. I have so much I want to accomplish in my years ahead and it will take the support of friends and family to help me achieve my goals. I also have realized that I need to step up and do my best work in everything that I do to ensure that I leave an impression in all areas of my life. "Whether at work or at play, do your best" - Martha Berry.

The last 4 years have brought tears of joy, tears of sorrow, hours of laughter and fun. Papers I never thought I'd finish, late night runs to Applebees, Waffle House, McDonalds, 4th Meal at Taco "Smell", late night IHOP to see the sunrise. Fraternity get-togethers, dates, campfires, Apples to Apples and Cranium. Movies, Fouche Gap, road-trips that didn't start until after midnight, video games into the night. Practicing, studying, stressing, writing, meditating, praying, worrying, loving, hating, thoughts of dropping out. I have experienced more in the last 4 years than in the whole of my life. I have come so far as an individual, ready to face the world.

Am I scared? You better believe it! But I know that with my faith and the people around me, there is nothing I cannot do. From here on out, I am only limited by my motivation and my time. I can do anything if I believe strongly enough in what I'm doing. I cannot wait to see what the next 4 years and the rest of my time has in store for me. A career, marriage, children... I cannot wait to see what God gives me!

Here we go!

Just thoughts...

2009-06-29T01:15:00.002-05:00

I think I realized why it kind of, hit me harder than the rest of the news this past week. Ed McMahon is truly a television icon, for those who know about him. I never really watched anything that he was on, as he was a little bit before my time. Farrah Fawcett, again way before my time. Michael Jackson, I never was into his music much, I mean, I could recognize a few of his bigger hits, but he was just too weird for me.

Billy Mays, on the other hand, is someone you are just about guaranteed to see on television if you stay up late like I do. His commercials are nearly unforgettable and his voice and image are iconic. As much as I used to get annoyed by his "projecting", as he calls it, yelling, to the rest of us :) ... I've grown to respect him as a business man. As we mature, we look past the small things that get on our nerves or forget about not liking someone for a stupid reason. I've learned to respect people for what they do, as they have been blessed by God to do just that. I began watching that show Pitchmen on Discovery when it premiered and thoroughly enjoyed watching it. It is such an interesting business to me... anyways, I'm not getting to my point.

Why Billy Mays' passing is more significant to me than any of the others... is because I can relate. Young Billy III is only a year older than me. And just two years ago I was in the same position. Albeit, in hindsight, we could have almost seen my father's death as imminent due to his already declining health, Billy's was not. But I can understand what his son has to deal with, suddenly not having the older man in his life, not having that guidance. As the oldest child, I can only begin to imagine having to provide for his family. As the youngest, I've just kind of gone with the flow, more or less, taking things in stride. Gosh. I just... I feel for him. It's one of the hardest things in the world, losing your father at such a young age. I began subscribing to Billy III's twitter today to keep with how he's doing and how their family is dealing with things (oh the joys of the openness of private people's lives). He posted this, and Billy's death is a constant reminder to "Please take a moment to tell someone you love how much you love them." Don't just say it but not mean it.

Two of my favorite "internetainers" (internet entertainers) make up the comedy duo Rhett and Link.

Around :23 is when it gets to what is fact in almost every man's life. It's true!! :) it's tough! I don't know why, but it just is that way! Anyways, enjoy that video for all it's good stuff :D (Thanks go to Greg for showing me how awesome these guys are!)

Such basic yet important advice can come from unexpected places. This comes just under a month shy of my Dad's 60th birthday. Speaking of, Happy Birthday Mommom! (My grandmother turns 85 today!)

We've got my great-aunt and uncle staying this weekend, so as to not make a lot more noise staying up late (it's already 3am... yikes...), I'm off to bed. Catch you guys on the flip side!

I've realized....

2009-04-20T12:57:00.002-05:00

I don't deal well when I'm not in control of something. When I'm on a ship sailing out of my control. Particularly when I at some point have had some say in how things are run, to lose that and be told that I have no authority anymore, it really hurts.

I don't need my blood pressure to rise on a Monday afternoon, it sucks. I don't appreciate being told I can't do something. Not cool. Ugghhh

Dreams...

2009-04-20T08:56:00.003-05:00

I love having really good dreams, sometimes... I love that good feeling you get when it's a happy dream and you wake up all relaxed and just a sense of relief. I mean, that's how I feel usually. I've been fortunate to have a few of those lately, and by a few I mean like I had one a couple weeks ago and one another time this semester. To get to the point, I had a mixed dream last night that I remember.

Basically, we had won this opportunity to hang out with a celebrity and for some dumb reason we chose Lindsay Lohan (I'm not a fan, btw). You notice I'm saying "we." It was my dad and I. Now, I've dream of my dad on occasion, like maybe once every two or three weeks. And I wake up feeling happy mostly just wanting to see him, or else a feeling of just sadness and completely missing all the opportunities I won't have to do something with him...

I've realized now that I'm more mature and I'm adult, I really wish I could talk to him about life, now that I understand things better. I wish I could just share a beer with him some time. I think that's one thing that I'll miss, and it's so simple. It's so minor and silly, but I really would have loved to do that someday.

The other half of my crazy dream night was about formal, this Friday. I always consider going, but never do. I've never been much for dances, and I went to semi-formal one time with someone and basically half of the group, including my date bailed on me. Sad story, but whatever, she didn't pay for my ticket, and I still had fun with some other friends. But then I haven't really had a date to go, so I never went. One formal, I spent watching cars with one of my best friends, that was nice. I hated prom, thought it was the dumbest thing ever. Formals and semi-formals are all the same to me. I guess I'm just not a romantic in that respect. I mean I'd go I guess, but whatever...

Here's a revelation I discovered this weekend. I enjoy analyzing 12 tone music... with the matrices and everything... I'm such a music geek. I could totally write some of it too. Eek.

Ahh Saturday...

2009-04-18T12:51:00.003-05:00

Happy Weekend! :)

It's always such a long arduous journey to get from Monday to Friday. But I had such a good end to my crazy week, hanging out with great people on Friday night, just having fun, putting aside the worries of the week just to enjoy each others company, poking fun at one another just because we are good friends. Made me happy :D That's college.

I'm getting ready to go to this dress rehearsal down at the Forum for a concert tonight, Across the Big Pond IX tonight... It's a big Scottish/Celtic musical festival. Bagpipes, concert choir, North Georgia Winds, celtic dancing... it's intense!

It's quick, because I just realized I have to go! I'll try to post later with what's going on my life!

An interesting month...

2009-03-11T23:28:00.008-05:00

Whew... it's been... um... stressful to say the least! It's been tough.

We had a difficult topic come up in Phi Mu Alpha, the music fraternity I'm in, and it pretty much tore us apart for some time. And it's been tough to regroup and prioritize what we need to get done this semester. It didn't help that we made some bad decisions on how to handle the situation that caused a couple rough spots between the brothers. Ugh... it's a long story and I can't go into too much detail, just that it's been a rough semester.

My junior (finally) recital went well, I think... haha! It was actually pretty good. I made a few mistakes here and there, but it was fine. I'm just glad it's over!

Spring Break is in two days! Friday night I'm leaving with some friends to a cabin in Murphy, NC until Sunday, then I'll be back in Marietta until Wednesday. I've got a flight out in the morning to LA to spend the rest of the break in Pasadena with Dave and Tera! Woohoo!! It's kind of silly, but he's on break the next week and he's flying to Marietta like 2 days after I fly back. But, I'll be back at school and working most of the time so I could potentially drive home on Wednesday at 4pm... only to drive back later that night... and that doesn't make much sense. Yes it's cheaper than flying to California, but I'll get to actually spend time with Dave AND Tera in California, whereas it would only be Dave for like 2 hours over dinner. And I couldn't do that weekend because I work Friday nights and I happen to be scheduled for working that weekend as well.

I've also made a couple of bad decisions over the last couple of weeks. Ones that have affected my friends, my grades, myself. I regret a few of those, but some of them were inevitable and just needed to be done. But I think most of all, in the last few weeks, the best outcome of these things have been that I have starting praying more. And it took some rough times to get there. I've been lacking in the God department lately. But I think through all of this, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Things are starting to fall into place. I mean, they're getting crazy hectic. Life to me, right now, looks like a Tetris puzzle where there's all those crazy colored blocks lines up and a few empty spaces where I don't know what is going to happen, but the important part is that things are starting to fit together.

Classes are getting pretty crazy. I started a 7 week Disc Golf course on Tuesday, which will be fun. It's an easy activity course... as long as I show up! Which should not be a problem...

I'm having trouble sleeping lately... and I'm not sure why. And it doesn't help that I wake up at 5am and can't go to sleep for like 30 minutes. And then I have crazy wild dreams that don't make any sense that just give me strange, awful feelings and I don't want to wake up when it's time... ugh it has been a rough 3 weeks, really it has. I'm just ready for Spring Break so I can be done with getting up early, at least for the time being. Tomorrow, I've got work at 11, class at 12:30 class at 2, work at 3:30, work at 5, I'll grab dinner then work on homework and then do our usual Applebees Thursday. The Friday I have class at 10, work at 12, a lesson at 2 then work from 4-9 then we leave for the cabin! Almost there!!! So I'm gonna try to get some sleep in a little while; I'm actually starving right now... I didn't eat very much today, I never got the chance to eat lunch :( so Good night! and I'll see you in another couple weeks!! haha

Back again!

2009-02-10T11:55:00.004-05:00

Hey everyone, sorry for not posting; it's been kind of a crazy time!

Just a short update before I get to class. Since our last time together...

I took a trip to Milledgeville, GA to Georgia College and State University for our Phi Mu Alpha province (North and Central Georgia) workshop. I was elected by the province (over 75 brothers in attendance) as the ACPR1 for Province 33! ACPR is the Assistant Collegiate Province Representative which basically means I'm an official officer of Phi Mu Alpha. My name will go on the Sinfonia website. The only benefits I'll receive will be in the form of reimbursements. Starting September 1st, I'll be able to travel to the different chapters throughout Georgia (Athens, Rome, Atlanta, Columbus, Savannah, Stateboro, Milledgeville) and get reimbursed for gas! So it will be fun to take weekend trips to all these different places, meeting new brothers and getting to feel important! On top of being able to do that, I will have to compile a Province newsletter and attend a few meetings/conference calls with the other Province officers. So it's going to be exciting starting in September!!! A great resumé addition!

The following weekend was the GMEA (Georgia Music Educators) in-service down in Savannah. We had a great time attending some cool workshops and concerts. It was great because my cousin Zach was going to be performing so Aunt Susan and Uncle Roy came down for his concert Friday and we had a nice lunch on River Street.

Then the next weekend, this past weekend, we had our Rush events for Phi Mu Alpha with Bowling on Friday, a cookout on Saturday and our formal Interviews on Sunday. We've got 3 guys that will be going through the pledging process. With only 1 brother graduating in May, that will be great for numbers! We've also got a whole lot on our plate from a Disc Golf tournament/charity event and Bloodwater Missions concert to executive reform and another probationary process. So it's going to be quite a busy semester!

Classes are going well. I've got my first big test in a few minutes that I've been cramming for! I have another test tomorrow which shouldn't be a big deal, piano and voice lessons to prepare for... yikes! A junior recital in March... more yikes! So I'm going to be pretty busy myself!

We had an interesting situation yesterday here at Berry. About 1:10 pm the power went out all across Berry and even some places along Martha Berry Hwy in north Rome. The Wachovia down the street was out, some places by the mall as well. Turns out a Georgia Power transformer had blown and knocked out the power to much of the area. I was in choir at the time, and it didn't really affect us since we rehearse in the chapel which has plenty of windows for light. However, my 2pm class was interesting because we were supposed to watch a video and have a phone conference, but only had the phone interview since there was no power. Berry Singers was canceled, unfortunately! It finally came on about 2:50 for most of campus and then probably 3:30 or so for everywhere else.

Unfortunately, I've got to run to class! Wish me luck (retroactively because by the time anyone reads this the test will be over)!

Day 2...

2009-01-17T02:34:00.001-05:00

...was Thursday.

I woke up and went up to Ford, got up to Mr. Musselwhite's office to warm-up, but I got there right as they were finishing up! Alright! So then I went down to the Chapel for the service, we sang and I went to get changed for class.

I left for class not knowing where we met because I completely forgot to look it up, but thanks to my trusty ole' Blackberry, I was able to look up VikingWeb on the run. Went to class and I walked in, there were 5 other people and the guy standing at the frost of the classroom had to be like younger than 30, which I was not expecting. Turns out he's a doctorate anyways so I was totally impressed. I think that class will be good.

Then I went to work - pretty uneventful. I got a couple of things to work on and I worked on some. Mostly website stuff. Easy.

Then my 3:30. Finance 310 - Investments.... ok I thought this class would be good for me to take; you know, learning the ins and outs and strategies of investing and everyone needs to know that stuff. In his teaching career, apparently, he's only given out 1 A and it was an A-. Last semester, his highest grade was a B+ and "they was a really sharp person." So.... I dropped that like a hot potato!

And day 3, was fairly uneventful - Composition, sight-singing, work, choir, lunch, Singers, work... typical Friday.

I've had this ABBA song stuck in my head all day - Andy Bernard on The Office sang it one time - Take a chance on me!

So yeah, pretty fun week. Hopefully, next week will be good. It's a 4 day week with MLK on Monday.

Aaaaaaaaand we're back!

2009-01-14T23:22:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a couple of Happy Holidays! I know I did! Not too much exciting happened while I was home. The best part was that Chris and Jennie moved home until they find a house, and it was totally great to spend some quality time with them. I really enjoyed that.

But other than travelling to McDonough for Christmas, the only exciting thing I did for break was go to Murphy, NC this past weekend to get some good brother bonding time with the Phi Mu Alpha guys. It was definitely some quality time that we spent together. I grilled out in 40 degree rainy weather on Saturday night. That was a fun experience. Mom would say, "You are your fathers son." He was known to cook out in extreme weather; we're awesome like that! :)

Now I'm back in Rome, trying to ease back into classes, which is actually pretty easy to do since my schedule is nearly exactly the same as last semester except for I don't have a 9:30am on Tuesday and Thursday but I do have a 3:30-4:45 instead, which will be intersting. I kind of like later classes though, it helps me stay on top of things - I won't go back to my room after class and veg out until dinner time. I had a Monday-Wednesday class like that and I enjoyed it, so maybe I'll like this one! The only problem is that Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30-1:45 and this 3:30 class are both Business classes, in the same building. Which means I'll have to walk all the way over to Green, back to work, back to Green and back to my Townhouse. Whatever. I'll deal. That will only last for the 1st 7 weeks, after that, I'll have a class from 2-3:15 to fill that time. That class will actually be on the other side of campus.... now that I think about it.... and it's an active HPE class.... between my 2 professional classes.... that will be interesting!

Anyways, today was the first day back, it was long... I mean, it was only from 10-5, but keep in mind, I've been on vacation for a month! I start with Composition and Arranging at 10, Theory 202 at 11, a piano lesson at noon (Monday and Friday I work from 12-1), at 1 I had piano, at 2 I had Music Industry (the lone class specifically for my major....) and at 3 I had Berry Singers, and finally I worked from 4-5... long day...

Tomorrow, Berry Singers has our first performance at a memorial service for Cathy Simpson who worked in the Registrar's Office at Berry for several years. That's at 11, then I have Marketing at 12:30 and Investments at 3:30. Easy day. Tomorrow is Moe's day, so I'll probably find some folks to go with and get 1/2 price entree with purchase of a drink at Moe's. Great for College students! Then at 7 I get to sit in the Townhouse RA office as a Desk Assistant! I'm kind of looking forward to that, more income! Yay! I'll have a credit card bill to pay soon, so send your donations my way! haha :)

So anyways, keep up the prayers for this semester; I'm starting to look at Grad schools, which means if I want to go through with that, I'll need to start studying for the GRE and then take it, and do REALLY well on it. And many applications call for essay's and references, both of which I think I won't have any trouble with. But I still need the prayers! I have to do well this semester! In less than a year I won't be at Berry anymore... AGHH!!!!!

Until next time! Ooh and let's hope some precipitation comes in, it's gonna be COLD the next few days!!!

Finals: a Reflection

2008-12-12T10:16:00.002-05:00

Wow. This has, by far, been the most grueling finals week I've faced at Berry College. Fortunately, I think I did fairly well on most of them; at least the best that I feel I could have done.

I wasn't very well prepared for Music History, but that's because Dr. Davis's test are really a challenge. His tests are well written and require a lot of preparation. But it's really hard to do well. I'm hoping for a curve so that it won't hurt my grade too bad. I got a B on the last test and an A- on the paper, so I can only hope for the best at this point.

Carlisle's Theory was also really tough, but I think I could have made a good grade on it. We had to harmonically analyze an excerpt from the 3rd movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. That was rough! The part writing section of the exam will be good I hope. And the fugal exposition analysis I think I did well on. However, with Theory, it can be hit or miss sometimes, depending on how he will grade it. As he put it, there are right answers, and there's better answers. So I hope I've got the better answers!

Government. Well, this one I know I could have done better on. I really should have studied the Judicial cases much more. That was probably 2/3 of the actual test part (which was 50% of the exam). The other 50% was a take home essay in which we had to argue what 5 parts of the constitution would we change if we could and give evidence and a quality argument of why. That I think I could get a 40/50 on. That's what I'm hoping for; I know I could have done better, but Tuesday night I was freaking out about it all, so it was not my best work. The rest of the exam also could have had a little more preparation. There were 2 or 3 questions I just blanked on (worth about 15-20 points!) which is really upsetting, but I put down partial answers in hope that I'll get partial credit. He also said he might curve the test, so another good thing.

World Music was really easy, I think I'll end up with a B in there, after hopefully acing the final. Music 301, I also aced the final last week so it's just up to the compositions. There were 11 or 12 and I think I did fairly well on all of them except maybe 1 or 2, so I can't imagine anything lower than a B+ or so.

And as for Entrepreneurship, our presentation went really well, and our business plan looked good (in my opinion!) so I think John and I will do really well (he was my business partner for the class).

So all I've got left now is to sit and wait for grades. Saturday, Berry Singers is performing for Graduation and Baccalaureate, and my best friend is graduating. Then I'm home free! I'm hoping to go around when I get home to find a job for the break. I'm thinking Moe's or Willy's or something. I know, I'm not really branching out in my job experiences haha!

Well here's to another great semester! Woohoo!!!

I need this

2008-12-10T08:41:00.002-05:00

Government is seriously kicking my tail at the moment. I need some prayers around 10:30 this morning. I really need to do well on this one. Same with World Music at 1:30 this afternoon. And keep it up for tomorrow! Haha! I've got an 8am final for Music Theory and then Music History at 10:30am! I'm almost done! Yay!

My Burden is Light

2008-12-05T02:31:00.002-05:00

Wow. Prayer really does wonders. It is amazing. I think I've really had a "ah-ha" moment this week, or maybe just a renewal of Faith this week. I prayed a bunch Tuesday and Wednesday night (and will later) for things to just go well for me over the next week.

Well needless to say, we finished our presentation tonight and it went really well. We had a lot of great comments. Then in just 3 hours I feel like I wrote a really solid 4 page essay for my Government class. Two HUGE burdens lifted.

And I prayed a lot about it this week. Trying to give all of these things up to God; help me to not worry about them and realize that they are in his control. I'm really happy right now! I'm going to bed (late, yes) feeling a renewed soul, if you will. I finally feel this jittery feeling going away.

Now I'm just thinking abot an entirely different aspect of my life, which needs a lot of work, but looks like it may turn out well. I know I know, I'm horrible at hinting to things. But I'm still just praying about it because I know that's what I want to do and what I need to do for it to turn out like it's supposed to. God really is wonderful!

I'm lovin' it!

God is funny...

2008-12-03T01:43:00.002-05:00

Ok so just a quick thing. Here I am 12:45 am (originally) and I lay down to go to sleep. I get up about 15 minutes later after not being to fall asleep, grab a quick snack and drink to maybe calm me down. I've got so much running through my head right now, it's rediculous!

25 minutes later after a few conversations on Facebook, I try again to go to sleep. I pray that I can fall asleep soon so I can get up in time for my test at 10am and a few other things. I check Facebook on my phone once more before rolling over (hopefully) for the last time and turns out, the dialogue is continuing between myself a friend of mine. This time it's a post kind of about what I just prayed about. So as soon as I saw that, I couldn't stop smiling for a few minutes trying to figure out what to say. Regardless of what the situation is, I just think it's really funny that something I prayed about, this person posted something completely out of the blue, and it just made my night! I think I can go to sleep easier tonight.

Did'ya miss me?

2008-11-29T22:49:00.002-05:00

Hi! So yeah... I haven't written on here in over a year. For good reason - I really haven't had anything interesting, I guess, and I've been incredibly busy. It takes a good amount of time to right a well thought out blog entry.

Well, it's Saturday night after Thanksgiving, everyone has gone home, except me; I'll be heading back to Rome tomorrow. This was a really great Thanksgiving. Lot's of fun moments at my cousins' house in Alpharetta, great food and an awesome game of Barry-Ballance football. Always good times with them!

I got home for break on Monday night and just had to take the night easy because I knew the rest of this week would be crazy! Tuesday, Dave and Tera got in around 7pm so we went down to the airport to sit in the crazy holiday traffic, worsened by the fact that the power was out to the parking garages and a few other areas, so there were cars and people all over the place!

Wednesday, we drove down to McDonough to have lunch with Chris and Jennie, which already seems so long ago! We ended up spending some time over at the Irvin's hanging out and filling there living room with smoke from the fireplace... the flue wouldn't open all the way, so instead of going out the chimney, the smoke came out into the room! I was the lucky one to have Chris and Jennie's new kitten sleep on my arm for an hour... longer than I had planned! Thursday, of course was Turkey Day. And Friday, Dave had a get-together with friends from Church at the house so we were busy entertaining all day. Mom took them down to the airport around 7pm and they arrived in LA about 2am EST! So, as you can imagine, I'm pretty sure they were fairly tired after that! Then today, Chris, Jennie, Charlie and Fiyero (dog and cat) and Mr. Irvin came over for lunch and the first half of the UGA-Tech game. Which turned out not so favorable for us Bulldog fans... And now I'm here, trying to catch up on homework! (Not happening!!)

So just wanted to update you on life. I'll try to update this more often to let you know what's going on... As for this next week.........

Monday - BIG Theory 201 assignment due

Tuesday - Peer Review turned in for Music History

Student recitals.... uh oh

4-5 pg essay for Government

Business plan needs to be worked on and mostly done by then

Lessons and Carols from 7-8:30

Wednesday - Test for World Music

Thursday - Presentations for Entrepreneurship...

Friday - I might start studying, nothing really due yet

Ugh.... And then the next week is finals, Saturday is Graduation which we have to sing at and them I'm home for Christmas!! Yay!

Oh and thanks to Santa, I'll be getting a new Macbook!!!!!!!!!!! I'm anxious to get it!!! But I'm afraid I'm going to have to wait until Christmas Day :(

Oh well, Happy Holidays everyone! I'll try to keep in touch more!

An update?

2007-10-26T10:09:00.000-05:00

Well, hello there! So I haven't posted in a while. Which I'm sure you have noticed. It's been a busy summer and now fall semester.

I guess last time I posted it was just after Chris and Jennie got married. Since then, a lot has happened!

For the summer, I took two classes at Berry: Pre-calculus and English 102 (the second of the two required writing classes). Both of those were pretty easy. Of course, while taking those, I also worked at Moe's. That was a good experience for me. My first real job, outside of student work and an internship. Unfortunately, about a week before school started, I submitted my two weeks letter. That was a good decision as I have stayed very busy so far this semester. Those first few weeks I had something going every weekend, it wasn't until mid-September until I could really go home. I started the semester taking a nearly full class load of 17 hours (18 is the max), but I've had to drop 2 classes because one was too overwhelming - Theories of Communication -, the other I figured I'll save for later - Bowling. Yeah, it's my second activity class I have to take.

Over the summer, I picked up Disc Golf. Imagine all the rules of golf, but instead of using a club and ball, you're using a Frisbee. It's a great game. It turned out that they offered a class in Disc Golf this semester, which of course I took, and loved! It was a 7 weeks course, which meant it only met during the first half of the semester, so it's over now.

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to experience something completely new and different for me. And let's just say I absolutely enjoyed every single minute of it! First of all, I flew for the first time in my life. It was an incredible experience, and i can't wait to do it again! Being up high in the clouds... it was just amazing! You see, I play a game called Microsoft Flight Simulator, so I've had the chance to virtually fly a plane, so nothing on the flight scared me one bit. Every sound I heard was familiar, I knew exactly what the plane was doing and why it did it. And I knew that we were safer in that plane than driving by car, bus or train. It was so exhilarating! The second thing I did was go out to Colorado. That in and of itself was an amazing experience I can't wait to do again. I loved it! Mainly because it was nice and chilly there all the time; I'm a cold weather person. But also because it was just a cool place to be. There was so much I wanted to experience. We went out there for my cousin Alan's wedding, which was amazing! I loved Colorado Springs! The last day we were there, Alan's brother, J.R., was kind enough to take us sight-seeing around the town. We drove up to the mountains and had the view of a lifetime! It was such a clear day that you could see for miles. Absolutely beautiful!

Well now I'm back in Rome, back at Berry. Some of you may know, I had applied for transfer admission to University of Georgia, hoping that I would have enough course hours, but I found out the night before we left for Colorado that I didn't make it in because I was short only a few hours. That's alright, though. I'm sure God has something planned for me at Berry. At least I'm hoping he has something for me. Whether it's an education or job/internship opportunity, something that brings me closer to him or maybe bring me closer to the people around me and my amazing friends that I have. I'm not sure, we'll have to see. I am really excited about it thought, because I know that God has a reason for me being at Berry next semester and I can't wait to find out!

So that's my life for the past 5 months. Speaking of, I can't believe it's already almost November! It seems like just yesterday Chris and Jennie got married, but that was almost 5 months ago! I aplogize for not updating for so long, hopefully I'll be able to do so more often! God bless!!

1.5 Months later...

2007-06-02T01:00:00.000-05:00

Holy cow!! Chris is married!!!!! I've now got a sister-in-law and it is awesome! I can't wait to spend more time with the two of them, they are truly awesome! I love them both so very much and I know when there are little Chris and Jennie's running around, they will be the best parents ever! They're so great with kids. Oh man, Jennie was absolutely stunning today and Chris was equally as handsome. The ceremony went nearly flawless and the reception was great. I think this was an aweomse wedding weekend starting with Thursday.

Here's the play by play since Thursday:

The bridal party was treated to dinner at a Tapas Bar (Eclipse di Luna), which had amazing food by the way, by Chris and Jennie around 6. Then the guys headed back to our house where we sat outside with a hooka, good music and played poker... until Dave got home! At that point we headed inside and Chris opened his present from Dave and I - a Nintendo Wii!!! I was so excited to give it to him because I knew that he would love it! Of course he did and we played that along with sitting outside occaissionally for the rest of the night snacking on chips and spinach dip, guacamole and buffalo chicken dip. We had so much fun hanging out. Friday consisted of a whole lot of nothing, up until the rehearsal and dinner at 5 last night. The dinner was at Maggiano's, which is an amazing all you can eat Italian restaurant. Their food is absolutely to die for! And then today...

I had a dream last night that today was Chris's wedding and next week was mine. It was one of those dreams that when you wake up you just have happy feelings inside. Today was the wedding day. The big day, finally!!I woke up about 9 a.m. went downstairs and Chris and Mom were up with breakfast in the oven. Chris and I played Wii until it was cool enough to eat. Dave came down and Sam (Jennie's brother) came over to ride with us to church. We played Wii a bit longer and around 11 finally got dressed. We got to church and hung out for a little while waiting for our (not even going to try to spell it) flowers for tuxedo's. When they came the photographer took us around taking pictures around the front of the church for about 40 minutes. We came inside,w ent to the room where we were setting up camp, so to say. And finally about 2:10 Dave and I went to the back to walk mom up. Nick (the organist) played Mom's choice Gabriel's Oboe, which is an amazing song, for her to walk down to. Of course the tears started flowing a bit now. We walked her down went out of the side doors to go pray with the pastor in the hallway. We prayed and then walked out. The bridesmaids walked out and then finally, the moment everyone is so excited about, Jennie, beautiful as always, came smiling down the aisle with her father. Then blah blah, they say "I do". We take pictures in the sanctuary, then head over to Chastain park for some awesome shots. Then we head back to the church and enter the reception together. They had their first dance, then Jennie with her Father, Chris with Mom, and then we ate!! Yay! They stayed until the end (around 6:15) and we surrounded them with bubbles as they got into their car and drove away! CONGRATULATIONS CHRIS AND JENNIE BARRY!!!! YAY!

---

Let me just say that I really love me brother and new sister-in-law. They are two of the greatest people that I know and their love is so strong, it's incredible. The entire Irvin family has the ability to love like no other, they are truly awesome and I'm so glad that our families have now been united. Andrew and Buddie have a great love for each other. Emily and Phil - first of all I love Phil - he's such a cool guy - and Emily and Jennie and such fun together. They are so inlove with each other and Christ. Sam and Sarah, sam I've known for a while and Sarah is so wacky, she's awesome. I can see their love for each other. The whole Irvin family really has a strong love for one another and for Christ, they are awesome and I hope to get closer to them over time.

I'm so overjoyed at this weekend. Thursday was by far the most fun day out of the weekend, but today was the happiest. I really am dreading going back to Rome tomorrow, I wish I could just continue spending time with the family for the rest of the summer. I relly kind of regret taking classes, but I really need to. I'm hoping, again, that I'll be able to transfer to UGA at the end of the fall so I can get away from Rome, I just don't like it very much, I've decided. I love my Berry friends a lot, but there's a lot about the school and the professors that I need to get away from. UGA has a much better program for my broadcasting major, so I'm reallyl ooking forward to the possibility of working with that. And on top of all that, all of my family friends will be in Athens - Chris, Jennie, Sam, Sarah - all of their friends that I've hung out with before. I'm just really looking forward to spending time with all of them.

I hate that this weekend is almost over. I don't want to go back to Berry tomorrow, but I know I need to. By the way, I've got a job at Moe's Southwest Grille in Rome for the summer (and beyond?) so that's exciting.

Well, I hope you all didn't miss me very much, I promise that I will try to keep this updated more. Sorry for the really long post, but I've been slacking and needed to make up for it.

God bless you all!!!

- Andy B.

Oklahoma!

2007-04-15T20:24:00.000-05:00

Okla-homa, Okla-homa! O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A Oklahooooooooooooooooooma! Yeow!

It's over! Unfortunately... ? I don't know, I do wish that the show went on a few more nights, but that's the way the cookie crumbles, Musselwhite doesn't plan more than 2 shows and most of us end up wanting to do more. Not sure why he only planned 2, it's almost not even worth doing it. Oh well! It was fun, and tiring, and a lot of work and time consuming.

Not much has really been going on lately, which is why I haven't updated in a while. Oklahoma! took up a lot of my time, especially the past week. Now, Campus Carrier work - that took up more time than anything really. I had spent over 4 hours Tuesday and Wednesday the past couple of weeks in the Carrier office working. It's tough, so I didn't put in an application for next semester because I think I just won't be able to spend that much time up there. And, hey, at least I got some experience in the "business."

I've been trying to get a job here for over the summer. I first went to Chile's because I found out they were hiring, but it turns out they won't hire people without experience. So then I went to Applebee's and filled out an application (things looked hopeful). I went back the next day (Thursday) because the manager wasn't available the first day (Wednesday), and I took a personality test (things looking better). Then I went back the next Tuesday and the manager wasn't there and my paperwork was still being looked at. So I was told to come back Wednesday, I did and spoke to one of the managers. He said that my answers looked promising... but.... they were looking for more experience. Talk about upsetting. I spent a whole week pursuing a job at Applebees and he just says nope.

I'm going to try and hit up Moe's this week sometime, see if they're hiring. I don't know where else to start. Oh well.

So hopefully I'll try to keep this much more updated! Alright talk to y'all later!!! Good night! God bless!!!

Busy times

2007-03-22T11:54:00.000-05:00

Wow, so it's been more than 2 weeks since my last post, so I figure a much needed life update is in store this morning.

Since the last time, there have been midterms, tests, projects due, Spring break, rehearsals, drama and room selection for 07-08!

When I last left you, March 6, I was studying for my Media Design Midterm. That went ok, got the grade back yesterday and didn't do so hot. There were, I guess 3 sections. The Measurement section which I got all but 1 right on, the middle section which we won't talk about, and the last identification section which I aced. Without the short/long answers I probably would have made an A. But because there were about 6 questions that had long lists of items, I didn't do so well on them, unfortunately.

I finally got back my newspaper layout project which I spent hours working on. I got a 76 on that. My layout and design were great - 96 on that section. But because of picky, picky Peterson, I had 15 points taken off for 1 thing that I messed up on 3 times and 5 other points somewhere... So that's really frustrating. It's all in the details.

Fortunately, my grade is still a B - 84.7, so I can still pull it up to an A- or A.

Fastforward a few days, Micheal Smith's wedding! Yay!! Then Spring Break!!! I did absolutely nothing! I mean, I had lunch with mom, Mommom (my grandma), I took care of Kacey and Charlie for 2 days, went shopping, and went to see the Drakensburg Boys Choir - who are absolutely amazing!

Then sunday I got back and picked up my Oklahoma Score/Script and 5 of the main parts rehearsed for a little while at Jessica's (Laurey Williams the lead - with Curly) house. Monday was prety boring, Tuesday was as well. And Yesterday! Lance, Darrell, Adam and me signed up for our Townhouse next semester!!! Yay!!!! E1!!!! So if I am staying over the summer, I'll be able to move into our townhouse with Adam who is too and 2 other guys we'll have to find. But I'm so excited!

Today has been uneventful - it's only noon so not much has happened. But now I'm off to lunch and then Christian Theology! So have a wonderful Thursday!!!!

God Bless!

Tuesdays

2007-03-06T22:45:00.000-05:00

So it's Tuesday... lol not a very exciting day of the week, but I like them. Well, Spring Break is next week, so that's exciting!!! Yay! I had another really good and relaxing weekend. Friday Phi Mu Alpha went camping. Saturday I went out to all-you-can-eat Chik-fil-A brunch with some PMA guys, then I went home, hung out with the mom and the dog. Sunday we hung out some more at home, I did my laundry and mom and I went to Williamson Bros. BBQ!! It was amazing!
Monday, I woke up about 9:10 and tried to work on my computer. Some things are wrong with it and I'm trying to get it to work again. I hate computers. I had a really sad moment yesterday morning. I was working on it, and normally I would pick up the phone and give a ring to Dad, but I couldn't today. So I had to resort to another way of getting help. Still not completely fixed, but it will do.

My 12:00 class was boring, but a friend and I were "passing notes" during class by sending emails to each other, I found it entertaining and made class go by quicker hehe

Choir was ok, we had a guest lady come, she's trying for a voice instructing position after Sellers leaves :(

Then my 3:00 class... oh Peterson... lol he's a good guy, but just kind of strange. Anywho, we worked on our brochure project for a while and looked over the review for tomorrow's midterm. Mrs. Peterson visited our class to give instructions on the brochure (it's a brochure for The Forum, Rome's civic center basically, and it's a competition to see who's she likes best and they get theirs published and can add it to their portfolio). They came around to see each group's progress and apparently they really liked ours. So we'll see how that turns out in the end.

Today, it's been one of those lazy Tuesday/Thursday mornings where I don't have to be anywhere until 11! Yay! But don't get me wrong, it was productive. I worked on the computer some more, got all the boring stuff out of the way, but it's still not right. Oh well. I can deal.

Well, I'm gonna go, gotta finish getting ready and then I'll make my way over to the RLO. Have a great Tuesday! I know I will! haha....

God Bless!

Repsonse

2007-02-25T22:46:00.000-05:00

Ok so honestly, I think we're talking about two different things, but I could be wrong. Yes, Dave, I too believe that God has a plan for everyone on this earth, a plan that satisfies and serves God's work in some way. It serves our purpose on earth. Then is the Doctrine of Predestination completely wrong and unrelated? No offense, Chaplain Dale, but is there no Doctrine then? Is there a 4th view that we didn't talk about that says a combination of free will and predestination? Are we given our gifts but we misuse them or are some people just given bad gifts, to say it crudely?

If God has a plan for each and everyone one of us to serve him, there still has to be free-will and predestination right? Help me on this. I know that Double Predestination and Pelagianism can mean two completely different things. Blah. It's all confusing.

Anyways.

This weekend was truly a religious experience and I had the opportunity to share my faith with a non-believer. Unfortunately, I don't think it went as intended, yet. I have a lot of time though.

Friday, I ended up hanging out at my friend Britt's house. Some Phi Mu Alpha bros came over and we made some dinner and just had a good time. I love hanging out with my Fraternal brothers; they're all good guys and share a lot of the same values as me, so conversation is always good.

Saturday I slept in until 11:30, something I haven't been able to do in a long time. I mainly hung around the dorm, taking time to myself to just reflect on the past month; it's been crazy. Then around 7:15 p.m. Lance and I left for Summerville to spend the night at his house. We had chili for dinner and about 9 or so, left for the Percalator, this awesome coffeehouse that has live music. Unfortunately, only the bass and lead guitar players were there, but Lance hopped on the drums and I sang along to make the duet a quartet. We sang through a few songs, (well tried to!) until the lead guitarist got hungry and we all kind of tired out because it was a slow night. We sat around talking for a while, then about 11:30, Lance, his brother Eric - who came with us - and I left for Wendy's then home for the night. After pulling out Lance's bass guitar and playing that for about 30 minutes or so, we finally crashed upstairs around 1:15 or so.

Today, we got up about 7:30 and hung around until it was time to leave for church at 8:45. We went to the contemporary service at Trion United Methodist, a cute little church. We got back about 10:00 and Mrs. Simpson made some breakfast. We watched a movie until about 12:40 and then Lance and I went downstairs to play some more guitar. Then we had lunch about 1:20 and finished packing the car and made our way back to Berry!

So it was an awesome weekend. I feel relaxed. Now I just have to interpret everything. We'll see. Good night! God Bless!

Andy's Predestinational Beliefs

2007-02-23T11:24:00.000-05:00

See http://proverbialfaith.blogspot.com/2007/02/doctrine-of-predestination.html before reading on.

Ok. Last night/this morning's post, I feel was well written. If you are confused, tell me, I'll try to explain better.

Ok so if it's possible, I believe a combination of the three. There's Predestination. Basically the belief that there are those chosen by grace for salvation and there are those chosen for condemnation. There's Universalism that God has chosen everyone for Salvation. Then there's Pelagianism that God hasn't chosen anyone, he's left it up to us to decide.

Like I said, if it's possible, I believe that there are "God's Frozen Chosen" who are those who believe in God so strongly that nothing could change them. I believe that God loves everyone, but his justice is giving those who do not believe the challenge to believe in him. And I believe, again that there are those who do not believe first-hand, but it is the witnessing, that people granted with grace do, that saves the ones he hasn't chosen.

Basically (I know it's confusing right?), I believe in Predestination, that there are people in this world that have been eternally saved. But unlike the first view, that everyone has been given salvation or condemnation, there are people that have not been "sentenced" to heaven or hell, but have been given free will by God to choose their fate. I know some of this may sound, in a way, crude, but I can't think of another way to say it. The Universalism aspect of this is that God love's everyone that he is giving everyone the chance for salvation, but only some have been promised this, and it is up to the others to receive the gift.

I believe that these elected by God are not special in the eyes of you or me; they are ordinary people that just have faith in God. They are no different than the average Joe.

Is it bad that I think I'm one of the elect? There is nothing (I hope) that can change my mind about believing in God and I really have the want to witness to others and teach them about God. There's gotta be something in that, right? If complete Predestination were solid and our fates were fixed, then missions wouldn't be worth anything, right?

Kirk Powell brought up an interesting point about this in class yesterday: We don't witness and do missions work for our own selves; we do it because God has commanded us to.

I lean towards the Calvinist view more here. Romans 10:14-21 explains mission work: "14 But how are they to call on him in whom that have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent?... 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ..."

So basically, it's hard for me to put into words what I believe, but I tried. Comment, we'll see how things go.

Doctrine of Predestination

2007-02-23T09:47:00.000-05:00

I didn't really want to/I couldn't go to sleep yet. I wrote this at 2:45 a.m, this is on my mind.

We talked about Predestination in Christian Theology yesterday, comparing Classic Reformed/Calvinist, Augustine, Wesleyan and Pelagious beliefs.

1. The first view is Double Predestination. The Presbyterian way, basically, is the belief that God's Power is Absolute, Humanity's depravity is absolute, thus God and only God can save us. God chooses some, but not all to be saved. It emphasizes the power of God, salvation by grace, God's Love and Justice and explains nonbelievers, those who completely shut out God. But is a God who is only loving to some, who we want to believe in? What's the point of believing in God if we aren't chosen? How do we know?

Jesus says in John 17:9, (this is in his prayer before Peter's denial and Jesus' arrest) "I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours."

Romans 9-11 says, 9:6b,8, "6b For not all who are descended Israel belong to Israel. 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring." And it goes on...

2. The second view is Universalism. The belief that God loves all, so God saves all. I apologize, like Chaplain Dale did, for my ignorance and lack of information on this view, but it's simply put, "All dogs go to heaven." Does this not contradict God's justice? Is God not loving and just? Forgive me, but why do all the bad things happen in this world - it's God's loving justice that is the reason for the natural phenomenon. The flood was God's first judgement on earth.

He saw that his creation was flawed unlike what he had expected and in Genesis 6:5-7, "5 The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth... 6 And the LORD was sorry that he had made man on earth, and it grieved him to his heart. 7 So the LORD said, 'I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry I have made them. 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD."...

The ultimate response for God's regret is Covenant! Gen. 8:21b, "I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth. Neiher will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done." Gen. 9:9a, "Behold, I establish my covenant [basically meaning saving grace, salvation] with you..."

John 3:16 gives the perfect argument for Universalism. "For God so loved the World..."

3. The third "View" of Predestination, which is completely opposite of predestination, is Pelagianism originated with Pelagious in the 4th/5th centuries (around the time of Augustine). There are two types, extreme and semi-Pelagianism

The extreme begins with the Laws that God created for man; the 10 Commandments, among many others. Following these laws earns us Salvation, based on good works and works alone. It's heretical for many Protestant beliefs that faith gets you into heaven and it's incomplete for most Catholics, who believe that both Faith and good works will help you earn your salvation and way into heaven.

The semi-Pelagianist belief is attributed to Jacobus Arminius, and it's similar to John Wesley and Methodism. This is the belief that we as humans are all sinful and unworthy of grace and salvation. But God offers us provenient grace (preparing grace) that if we choose to accept, we will be granted with God's gift for us, Eternal Salvation.

Pelagianism completely denies the doctrine of Predestination in that it grants free will to everything and everyone capable of making that decision.

Revelation 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."

And later, boys and girls, I bring you Andyism! God bless and good night!!

End of the Week

2007-02-16T16:35:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's been a while, a whole week. Valentine's day was Wednesday! Yay! That was pretty exciting!

Also, I got my Bible in the mail on Wednesday and took it to Heaven's Attic, on the way to downtown, to get it engraved with my name! It's awesome!

I'm having a lot of fun in most of my classes. I love my digital communications class just because of the project we're working on. We're basically designing an entire website dedicated to the DeSoto Theatre, downtown Architecture and Ghost stories of Rome! It's kind of like this big production room and we're all working on this big project. I think it's going to be a lot of fun. It's the class that is discussing the future of communications and journalism.

Media Design is also a lot of fun because now we have this project where we are basically completely designing the front page and a jump page (like at the bottom of a story you see "Continued on Page A4", I'm designing page A4, basically). It's a lot of fun to play around with.

Then Christian Theology I love just because it's a good class, in my opinion. I've heard different feelings about it, but I'm enjoying it. Now that I have my new Bible, I can read along in class and get a different interpretation; I assume he's using the NIV text.

Well that's about it, I'm getting out of work early today! Yay! So I'm going now, talk to y'all soon! God Bless!!

Friday

2007-02-09T16:03:00.000-05:00

Friday! Yay!!

So this week has definitely been interesting. Nothing in particular has made it that way, it's just... interesting.

I ordered my ESV Bible from Amazon yesterday because I was convinced to not get the NKJV and get the English Standard Version, which I ordered. It should ship today and be in Rome next week some time.

This weekend is Phi Mu Alpha Rush weekend. Where we basically get to spend time with the guys that are interested in joining this semester.

I've been living each day, particularly over the past 3 weeks, just by faith. Just knowing in the back of my mind that God is great and knows everything is going to be alright. Every once in a while, I just get these real emotional moments, just thinking about my dad, and I know it's expected, I've been preparing for it, but it's really hard to deal with sometimes. I've become somewhat of an introvert, wanting to just be by myself and not hang out with friends. I know, however, that it is important for me to just be with people and be in the comfort of company. I'm trying to keep a balance of that. Sometimes I just get really uncomfortable and just want to get out of wherever I am, whether it's in class, with friends or even just by myself in my room. Then I just put on my music and relax for a little while, and I'm fine. I don't know, I think I just need some time to myself.

I "slept" in today. I didn't feel well, the uncomfortable feeling, and didn't go to 2 of my classes today. Fortunately, I knew that today was a light day in both classes and my friends confirmed that I didn't miss anything. I just needed to take a break from people, relax for the morning. I know I can do that tomorrow, but this uncomfortable feeling really peaked last night and I just needed to do something about it, today.

I bought tickets for Kylee and I to go see the Opera on sunday. That will be a lot of fun! Romeo et Juliette @ 3:00!

Ok, well I gotta go, I'm at work, only 1 hour left! Talk to y'all later!!

God Bless!

The week so far

2007-02-06T14:37:00.000-05:00

Greetings! Sorry for not posting in a while. This past weekend, Dave, Chris, Mom and I drove down to Florida to celebrate my "Uncle's" 80th birthday (it's my mom's Uncle, so is that great-uncle?) in Titusville, near the Space Center. It was a lot of fun to see that side of the family, after Barry Overload the past 2 weeks. It was a surprise party, so that was a lot of fun.

I took Dad's car back to school with me, so I have a "new" car! It drives well and I think is much better than the blue one. It's also 10 years newer. Still a Camry, but a more manly black color, as opposed to baby blue.

Yesterday was a long day, I start my Monday's at 10:00 a.m. and end about 9:30 p.m., so "long" is an understatement. Today is relaxed though, well, almost. I woke up about 7:20 and took a shower and played computer for a little bit because I was bored and didn't feel like studying! I checked my email, and checked it again, and again, wasting time. Then about 9:10 I drove out to McDonald's and got myself 2 Sausage biscuits to start my day off. Then I walked the biscuits off on my way to Krannert checked my mail and headed upstairs. I took a makeup test for Christian Theology around 10 and finished about 10:35. It was easy, but I definitely racked my brain a few times. The essay's were simple and I felt proud walking out of the room, knowing I had put as much knowledge as I had, relating to General and Special Revaltion. Then I went to work, had lunch, went to class and now I'm at work again, getting ready to head off the Berry Singers. Then, I really want to get a different Bible than my NIV, so I'm planning to go to Barnes and Noble and browse for a New King James Bible. It's got a more literal translation and I like what I've read so far.

I know this post isn't much about faith, but I figure I should give my y'all something to read!

God Bless!!!

More changes

2007-01-30T02:36:00.001-05:00

I changed the name of the blog once again with the help of Kylee and Britt.

Proverbial Faith is self-evident, visible faith.

Today was Dad's Burial service at the cemetary. It started out as we all drove our cars up to the pavilion, parked and walked to it. We made our way to the cold metal seats and they began the ceremony. It was quite cold. There were two navy men dressed up with slick shoes and official funeral garb, I assume. They stood at attention and proceeded with the ceremony. One of them asked us to stand as a navy woman stood on the far hill playing taps. It was beautiful, to say the least. We sat and the men began to fold the flag. It took them a little while, but after they folded it, the main guy handed it to mom. Unfortunately, it was too cold to really cry like I had planned to. I know, it seems strange that I wanted to cry, but I really just wanted to let it out. I was too focused on my freezing rear on the benches!

Then Vicki proceeded with her part of the ceremony, concluding with the Lord's Prayer. After that, she said her benediction and Mom walked up to put her yellow rose on the casket. The three of us, Mom, Chris and I, then walked out from the shade of the pavilion, into the beauty of the sun. It was a powerful moment; the landscape was gorgeous, and with the clear skies, you could see a long ways.

It feels good to have the official ceremonies out of the way. Although it's really sad, it's the feeling of it being finished, it's official. I remember Friday night, I think it was, before I fell asleep, it really hit me that I wouldn't get to see dad again. I had a dream that night where we were all sitting up in my parent's bedroom talking about the service and in he walked. We rresponded with "What are you doing here?!" I don't remember much more of the dream, but I thought it was humorous nonetheless.

I'm really glad to be back at school, I think. There is still a lot on my mind and it will probably take some time for me to get focused on school like I should be. Fortunately, after this week, I'll be driving to Florida on Friday to visit more family. It's my great uncle's, my mom's uncle's, 80th birthday next weekend, so we are going to celebrate with that side of the family. The car trip will be a good time to relax, I hope.

Well I think that's all for now. I'm really tired and need to get to sleep.

God Bless!

First Post

2007-01-28T22:39:00.000-05:00

I decided I wanted to work on my writing and I figured there was no better way than to start a blog. My brother has a blog and although I doubt it will be, I hope that I will have an audience and be somewhat as popular as his. I know I'm not in a far away place like Lebanon or California, but I think I have some good things to say.

As the title suggests, I think most of my posts will be about my faith and how I see God working in my life. I'll try to update 2 or 3 times a week at minimum, because God works in my life everyday. The problem is that they might be small things so one longer post might be better than a short one. But we will see as time goes on.

God has blessed me so many times in my life and even moreso with the recent illness and death of my father. He was a great man and I know it's cliché, but you really don't appreciate people until they're gone. I have realized how much he has done for us, how much he sacrificed, how much he loved us. He was truly a Godly man.

Well, as I said, I hope to post much more throughout the coming weeks and months. May God bless you!