Always Love

A Hymn

2009-05-10T22:12:00.002-04:00

This is a hymn from the May Magnificat (Evening Prayer, May 2nd) that I found to be both beautiful and insightful. Enjoy!

Where briars grow, unwary sheep,
Befogged by hungry need,

Entangle fleece in thickets where

We only thought to feed.

The Shepherd comes to set us free

From snares of piercing thorn.

Released, we are made whole, but look-

The Shepherd's hands are torn.

On every bare and rocky height,
His sheep in safety graze.
God shelters us from wind and rain
And from the sun's bright blaze.
The Shepherd pastures us in peace,
To living waters leads.
All hurts now healed, we are at rest-
But see, the Shepherd bleeds.

For He has other sheep than these,
Who have not heard His voice,
But when the last are gathered in-
The heavens will rejoice:
The saints who crowd the gates of God
Stand waiting to extol
The last sheep found, for then, ah! Look -
The Shepherd is made whole!

Hallowed Be Thy Name

2009-02-11T00:02:00.003-05:00

The first petition of The Lord's Prayer. This is a brief outline of the talk I gave on it tonight at our Reach Out meeting at church.

“Hallowed Be They Name”

God’s “Name” is the essential nature or character of God. Therefore, what is God’s name?

God is love, peace, hope, forgiveness, salvation, and beauty. God is Father, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. There are many other "names" for God, but these are some of the major natures or characteristics of God that we know and realize here on earth. His true name will not be known fully until we are with Him in Heaven.

These are God’s expressions of himself and ways that he is expressed through us and through creation.

Hallowed –> “holy”, “whole”, “wholesome”, “heal”, or “healed”.
This means that the nature of God is complete and perfect - altogether good. (Fox 156)

The Nature of God = CAUSE

From CAUSE comes EFFECT

Like produces like. A complete and perfect God cannot produce bad, imperfect things, since He is perfect. The Nature of God is Hallowed; therefore, everything that comes from Him must also be Hallowed.

Emmit Fox says that “Hallowed be Thy Name” means simply, “Thy Nature is altogether good, and Thou art the author only of perfect good.”

By stating that God’s name is Hallowed, we not only express Praise and Thanksgiving to God for being a perfect Father, but we ask Him that we might participate in His Hallowed Nature.
(Think of a son that sees the bad his dad does, learns from this, and does not do it when he grows up. The same son also sees the good his dad does, learns from him, and does these good things, and sometimes make these good things even better, as an adult/father. As sons and daughters, we ONLY see GOOD things from our Father in Heaven. Not only are these things good, but cannot be perfected any further! We desire to participate in these perfectly good things that we witness from our Father similarly to how we desire to be like/unlike our earthly father/parents/elders.)

How was God’s Name (and Nature) revealed?
Jesus’ words, teachings, healings and most of all ... his SACRIFICE!

“And we ask this daily, for we need sanctification daily, so that we who fail daily may cleanse away our sins by being sanctified continually. . . . We pray that this sanctification may remain in us.” (St Cyprian, De Dom. orat. 12)

In Summary (from CCC 2814)
“We ask God to hallow his name, which by its own holiness saves and makes holy all creation ... It is this name that gives salvation to a lost world. But we ask that this name of God should be hallowed in us through our actions. For God's name is blessed when we live well, but is blasphemed when we live wickedly. As the Apostle says: ‘The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.’ We ask then that, just as the name of God is holy, so we may obtain his holiness in our souls.
When we say ‘hallowed be thy name,’ we ask that it should be hallowed in us, who are in him; but also in others whom God's grace still awaits, that we may obey the precept that obliges us to pray for everyone, even our enemies. That is why we do not say expressly ‘hallowed be thy name ‘in us’' for we ask that it be so in all men." (CCC 2814)

Sources: "The Catechism of the Catholic Church" and "The Sermon on the Mount" by Emmit Fox.

Giving thanks in the less obvious of places

2008-11-28T10:31:00.003-05:00

Giving thanks generally refers to many of the same things for most of us: our family, our friends, good health, a comfortable place to rest our head at night, and of course the delicious meal we are about to devour. How wonderful is it that we even take the time to give thanks for these gifts we have been given! Remember that they have been given to us and not earned … the only time that we will earn anything is the salvation after we expire from this earth; even then, it is through God’s gift of himself dying on the cross and His resultant rising into heaven that we can even earn this salvation!

Why is it so obvious to give thanks for Jesus’ suffering-the cross that He bared, but the crosses that we have bared, the sufferings we have endured, are viewed as bad things that we either regret or try to move past in our lives? Without these sufferings in our life, how are we to attend the resurrection? These "little deaths" are times in our life that we are at our lowest or have the most difficulty; however, they could also be times that were splendid or wonderful, but when looking back, weren’t really the holy, loving, and pure ways that we desire to live, now! It is just as imporant, sometimes more important, to give thanks to these sufferings than to give thanks for the more obvious gifts of God.

Reflect on these less than exalting parts of your life. Even if you have already endured your suffering and risen above it, it is still necessary to give thanks and remember where we came from.

God has given us these sufferings to help shape us to become who we are today and who we will be tomorrow … our sufferings are His will. Which gifts have really been most important in shaping your person? What gifts have brought you closer to God? What gifts do you take for granted?

Scriptural Reflection:

What was more important in shaping Peter to be the first leader of the Church? When he was able to declare that Jesus is "the Messiah, the son of the living God," despite others trying to identify Jesus as either John the Baptist, Jeremiah, Elijah or a prophet? (Mt 16:13-16) Or was it when Peter denied that he was a deciple of Jesus, even saying that he did not know Our Lord, three times before the rooster crowed the morning of Jesus’ death? (Mt 26:69-75)

What has done more for us to gain salvation into God’s kingdom? Is it Jesus’ teachings, sermon on the mount, parables, and healings? Or was it when Jesus was flogged, wore a crown of thorns, was forced to carry his cross on his back, then nailed to a cross and put to death … all without any resistance from his behalf?

Reflections...

2008-10-31T23:15:00.003-04:00

As a Christian, there remains a constant struggle to always do the right thing. We meet situations that require us to decide right or wrong, good or evil. Other times, we look back at an event that occurred yesterday, a few months ago, or just several seconds ago.

When do we really understand why something is wrong? When do we finally see that certain actions and behaviors ought to be done in a particular manner? Well, often it requires supreme knowledge, prayer and contemplation about the topic at hand.

Although we are certainly not called to process all of these areas of incoherence over night, we must still be able to try to make the best choices with the wisdom and grace that is in us at the time of testing.

The Catholic Catechism calls sin "an offense against reason, truth, and right conscience; it is failure in genuine love for God and neighbor [...] It wounds the nature of man." With the help of Christopher West, I make things a bit simpler. Christopher West is a famous scholar and teacher of former Pope John Paul's Theology of the Body.

West asks plainly, "Does this image God's love?"

Does this behavior image God's love?
Are these words an image of God's love?
Does this action contradict God's love for me?
In what ways have I counterfeit the sharing of God's love with my significant other?

A simple question like this one, not that it should take the place of our search for a complete understanding of God, should provide adequate help with many of our decisions, behaviors and struggles in life.

Finally...

2008-10-24T22:06:00.004-04:00

I was able to relax!

Today, I worked 3 hours, ran 5 miles, and ran a few errands. For the rest of the night, I made venison kabobs and watched The Big Labowski. I've been wanting a night like this for quite a while!

Life has just been so busy, lately. I find myself rushing through any task because I am already looking forward to the next thing I need to do!

Running has also been mediocre, to say the least. I have been worn out, my achilles has been tight, and I've been aching constantly. In two weeks we will go to Penn State for nationals. I'm most looking forward to the after party when I can officially call it a season and take a week off-a week off with absolutely NO running!

Sorry to be so short, but I need to continue this streak of laziness tonight ... who knows when I will get another chance!!!

-Tim

This post is just to say ...

2008-10-22T00:51:00.003-04:00

... that I will be blogging another day! :P

I will all-but promise to you that I will post on Thursday or Friday. I'll shoot for Thursday night, but I might be so tired from this hectic week that I might just pass out far too early that night. If that is the case, then Friday will be the day.

Adios!

15:42

2008-10-05T03:04:00.003-04:00

Just to let you know, Frank, I ran a 15:42 5K today at EMU. Sorry to burst your bubble, but it had to be done! :P This weeks mileage total = 32 miles ... I might run a worthless 3 miles tomorrow to make it 35 for the week, but no more than that!

That is all!

Pretty selfish

2008-10-03T21:28:00.002-04:00

I think that it's pretty selfish for a college student to apply for a Bridge Card. A Bridge Card is basically Michigan food stamps. It is a "debit card" that is accepted by most supermarkets and I think you get something like 150 bucks per month, depending on how much you need. The program is obviously meant to help people who need the basic necessities of life, unable to provide fully for themselves. However, an enormous amount of students here at CMU have appied for, and recieved this generous gift from the state of Michigan. Apparently the state rarely turns down applicants unless they are making enough money through their current employment or are living as a dependant. (If they are a dependant, like me, but are away at school, they can still get the Bridge Card.)

How selfish are we? Yes, we are in "debt", but is that money just a loan, or is it an investment in ourselves? Some of us might not have a lot of savings, or no job, or can't afford the "extras" in life ... but there are people in this state, in this country, that have kids, medical bills, no health insurance, no car, few necessities, and certainly no "extras". I certainly can't speak for the college kids that may not have a family, have health problems causing financial problems, or are truly struggling to make it. I am speaking to the majority. We have so much more than we care to notice at times. Most of us could give away everything we own and still manage to live ''rich" lives.

Stop "stealing" money from the state; our beautiful state of Michigan is losing enough money as it is. Stop and think about how much you really have. Stop worrying about yourselves and see what other people have to go through to get by in life. Stop being so selfish.

Not the same

2008-09-26T00:48:00.003-04:00

Things have been a little different this semester. I have previously alluded to the fact that this semester is more time consuming. I have more classes, more responsibility in my church group, and a job to name a few of my constraints. These are not the differences I am referring to, however.

The past two years at CMU, I have mostly spent time working out, playing basketball, and occasionally running. This year, I was convinced by my marathon-running friend that I should join the Club Running team. I told him that I have been barely able to run 8-10 miles a week the past year. He said, "You can just run on your own. Come to the meeting today, though." So I attended the meeting, only to find out that to join I had to agree to pay 100 bucks for club expenses. I thought about it for only a minute or two, and then I signed the contract.

My 8-10 miles in three days per week of running have changed; last week I ran 30 miles from 5 runs. In addition, I raced this past Saturday for the first time since January of 2006 ... and I ran my best 5k ever! 16:03!

The club has helped because I have people to push me everyday I go to practice. The races, though, keep me motivated and have me thinking of new goals almost daily. I forgot how great this feels; my body, my mind, and my spirit feel so refreshed and energized! I can't give thanks enough for this gift God has given me. I asked him-no, BEGGED him several times over the summer to just give me a chance to race again, and he's given me a wonderful opportunity. I need to seize this. For the first time I can focus on my running without injury or the distraction/importance of other sports.

So my two major goals for the fall running season are: winning the CMU homecoming 5k and finishing in the top 5 at Club Nationals @ Penn State (8k).

Seems redundant ... but I will, um, try to update my blog more often?!

-Tim

C'mon Thursday

2008-08-27T21:20:00.003-04:00

The first week of classes isn't even over and I am already stressed out about this semester. 17 very difficult credits, leader of Reach Out, IM sports, planning for graduation, and trying to fit my friends and maybe even myself in there.

I'm sorry I never post anymore but I have just been incredibly busy. I can't even explain it right now.

Tomorrow is the first football game. CMU vs Eastern Illinois. Tailgating as soon as I get out of class. Then to the football game. Blowout. :)

...

Then fishing the weekend away with my fam. :)!!!

The Worlds Theory

2008-08-15T01:57:00.002-04:00

In one episode of Seinfeld, a theory is introduced that I will encounter, beginning tomorrow. Elaine needs a girlfriend to do stuff with. Jerry suggests that she call Goerge's girlfriend, Susan, to hang out. After Elaine leaves for her residence, Kramer remains in Jerry's apartment to tell him what he just did by telling Elaine to become friends with Susan:

KRAMER: That's gunna be trouble.
JERRY: Why?
KRAMER: Jerry, don't you see? This world here, this is George's sanctuary. If Susan comes into contact with this world, his world's collide. You know what happens then?
KRAMER: Ka shha shha shha Pkooo (exploding sound)

Ok, maybe my two "worlds" aren't all that extreme or dangerous to be put in contact with eachother, but they still are pretty foreign to one another. One the one hand, I have my "back home" world consisting of high school friends, childhood friends, and family (obviously). On the other hand, I have quite a diverse plethora of friends from all ends of the personality spectrum, and even some that have created their own category of normality. Tomorrow will mark the beginning of these world's "crashing", but really, just meshing together.

One of my best friends from back home is now going to the Central Michigan with me. Thus, these two separate and opposite circles have become a venn diagram. (Tell me that didn't bring back grade school memories) My friend doesn't know anyone I'll be hanging out with except for my ex-roomates who are from the same hometown as us.

I'm very happy this is happening, though. I like the idea of a bridge between these groups other than me. He is a dear friend of mine, and I feel that being away from home will be good for him. Especially based on the fact that he'll be hanging out with me, I mean, who could ask for a better role model?! :P

Well, in about 5 hours it will be time to get up, finish packing and head out.

Pleasant slumbers ... Hopefully I'll remember to blog again before the next olympics begin. :)

What Christ do you believe in?

2008-08-03T20:37:00.002-04:00

Ashley commented on my last post, "I truly do believe humans are foolish by trying to live by their rules." I sincerely find this to be true between the notion of living by our own wisdom and knowledge, and living by Christ's wisdom and knowledge. But in regards to the latter half, Our Lord's wisdom and knowledge can also be tweaked and morphed into something entirely different, into something of our own.

You see, we as men (and women) are fallible. In fact, Adam and Eve display our plight as "ruiners" of the pure and decent by using our own self-learned knowledge. Just because one is a follower of Christ, it does not mean that he or she follows the same Christ as another does. Without taking in His word from the Bible, hearing it ministered by true Priests and Preachers, and praying but also remaining open to what He has to say to us, our mind can change God or make up its own God.

Some newer Churches find it brings more people to Christ by preaching joy and happiness through Him as if that's all Christ needs to be for us is a source to make us feel better. This can be quite a selfish approach. Are we happy when we pray for others that are ill or live lives that are of great concern to us? Through Christ we are given joy, but this joy was given to us by the forgiveness of our sins. Forgiveness can only be possible by the death of Christ on the cross. "... While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."(Rom 5:8)

Many people of all different Christian backgrounds think that even those who do not believe in Christ can enter into His Kingdom. Was Christ joking when he declared, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"? (John 14:6)

Many others merely fall into the trap of listening to those around them and not consulting God. This can easily ruin our understanding when people close to us follow a self-conceived God or no God at all. "Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good Character." (1 Cor 15:38)

The only true knowledge and wisdom comes from our Beloved Father in Heaven. It is in our human nature that we come to make up what God is really like. If we truly do love Him, however, we can't remain with the same level of understanding we have today, at this very moment. The search for complete wisdom, knowledge and holiness needs to be carefully, but constantly, dissected each day of our lives. Many people may need surgery, though, because certain understandings have become habitual. Whether we only need to carefully tweak and dissect our understanding or need a surgical repair of an area that we've lead away from God or we simply do not believe at all, everyone is in need of our prayers; we all need help from God and from his people to live more faithfully and lovingly in Him.

*Remember to give praise to the Lord for the mere ability to know Him! Some people in the world will never even be presented with the knowledge of Jesus Christ because of prevention by their own religion or nation. Pray that more may hear His Word and BELIEVE!

Prayerfully,

Tim

It's been a while

2008-07-27T18:43:00.004-04:00

It's been a while, so let me update what's going on...

I just arrived back from camping in Mackinac with my family last night.

We actually won our soccer game on Friday, though I was gone. It was the first round of the playoffs and last year we lost in the first round while I was also gone up north. And last year we were the #1 seed. Undefeated in the regular season. Last year I assumed I would come back home and we'd still be playing. This year, I was unsure of what to expect because, though we were the #4 seed, I wasn't playing along with our goalkeeper and two other players. But we won. My prayer was answered. I get to keep playing soccer this summer! :)

To be very discrete, I gave up something for 5 weeks. Yesterday, I screwed up and had to start all over today. It's hard to imagine how much better life is without it. Those 5 weeks were progressively better EVERY SINGLE day. My mind feels a lot more refreshed. I feel much more holy. I love who I am without it. Period. Day 1 is almost complete ... this time I hope the streak never ends. However, lasting more than 5 weeks would still keep me moving on the right path! :)

I scored a 94% on my Medical Terminology final. That's exactly the same score I received on my midterm (on my second try). That was such a relief to know I aced the final before I spent the weekend in Mackinac. Another prayer that was answered! :) Sorry to end every paragraph with a smiley, but there isn't much to frown about when you're doing things the right way. :) :) :)

Not that I don't have a lot of things I need to work on and get better at in my life ... but that's why I'm a person. I'm not infallible. Perfection cannot be achieved. But in a way, imperfect perfection is possible ... .and that's what I'm striving for, and it can't be done without His help.

I love and miss all of my CMU friends! I cannot wait to see them! :)

Oh, here is a pic from 5 or 6 weeks ago in Windsor, Canada when some friends and I stayed at Caesar's Windsor.
That's me in the orange about to ride the Knight. Two caucasians versus two Indians (from India). Not to brag, but Team America laid the smackdown.

I'm going to come clean

2008-07-08T20:03:00.003-04:00

I'm going to come clean, now, about why I was gone for so long. It's nothing complicated. I just didn't feel the importance of blogging for a while. To be perfectly honest, I still feel that way. Blogging on a daily bases is just a waste of time for me. Frankly, I don't have anything interesting to write more than maybe once a week.

Blogging isn't a waste of time in general. It just is for me. For many people it is important to blog because they need to get things off their chest, they find great recreation in doing so, and/or they love sharing opinions/stories/tidbits that they find interesting or worthwhile to talk about. Also, blogging is great for those who love reading other's blogs. They, too, can be read for enjoyment, information, current events, humor, etc.

For me, however, it just takes me away from things that are more important. Including but not limited to: friends, family, God, athletics/running, trying to become less injured, sleep. I'll mention sleep a second time since it is summertime and the only time I can blog is late the night before I am required to wake up at 5:30 for work. Ugh. Stupid work!

This will likely be a topic for a post of mine in the future: where our time goes. And a lot of that time is spent on the machine that I am using to make this post right now. That's right, the computer! And more specifically, the internet!!!

A couple of updates ... I'm beginning to hit my breaking point this summer. The fall semester cannot come soon enough and I am missing everyone from CMU so much! :( Also, I added a couple new songs a little while ago. Enjoy! And one random update ... I'm still single. Surprise! (Not that I am complaining!)

God bless

a letter to her, from you

2008-07-01T21:47:00.005-04:00

Your life contains friends, family, love, happiness, humor, and faith, but it lacks her. When you give and receive so much with another, no matter how over the break-up you are, it's still depressing. Regardless of how positive you are that she wasn't the right girl for you and that things weren't going in the right direction anyway, it still makes you sad.

You know that it was for the best; you are much better off, now. She doesn't need you. You don't need her. But you miss her. You do need her. You miss her being here. You miss that look in her eyes when she stared right into yours and made the most innocent smile that melted all of your troubles away. Much more than that, you miss her just wanting to see you, talk to you, or just know that you're there and always will be.

You will always be there for her. This woman was a part of such a distinct change in your life, you could never lose contact. But what if you did? "I will always love you," you admitted to her. Sure, she denied it when you said those three words after it was all over, but she definitely heard you.

She's on her second boyfriend since you were her one and only. It feels like it never happened-the relationship. You can't even piece together a special moment you had with her. But other times, you can see, hear and feel some moments quicker than your brain can compute them.

You worry, you wish, you hope, you pray, you let go, you want back, you've said "good-bye", you want to say "hello, again", you push forward, you look back, you sit and think, you shove all thoughts aside, you bear the weight, you let it off your shoulders, you will always love, you will always be there, you will always care ... you would be so happy, you would no longer worry, you would no longer feel sorrow, your tears would be of joy... if she only said, "Hello".

The rest of the story about my Thursday off work where I had to travel up to CMU to take a midterm

2008-06-28T23:32:00.007-04:00

Since I didn't even bother rereading whatever the heck I wrote late Thursday night, I will just give a run down and talk about the important things. 94 on the exam, running/getting lost in the woods, swimming in the Chippewa River, getting 100 mosquito bites, catching the biggest largemouth bass of my life. I guess I'll just talk about the fishing.

That evening, I stopped by a lake on my way home. I got there at about 5:30 and started fishing at around 6. There are no houses on the lake because it is in a metropark, and there are also many rules such as no jetskis or water sports, yada yada. Anyway, I tried fishing in a few places, cought 4 bass, none over 12 inches. Then I wanted to check out one last spot. The lake flows into what used to be the Huron River, then back into another very small lake on the other side of a highway and I wanted to fish that area. The difficult part was that the closest I could park to this spot is about a mile away. But I did it. It was already 8pm so I decided to just take my pole and one lure with me. Other than my car keys on my CMU lanyard around my neck, that was it. I power-walked along the bike-path all the way there til the path became a bridge over the water, probably 15 feet from where the highway travels over it as well. I snuck down underneath both of the bridges and started making casts while seated on a concrete barrier at the edge of the water. I had made no more than 10 casts, but failed to catch anything there, although it did seem very promising. The mosquitoes were at their worst. It was about 9pm. I made a cast into the middle of the water and slightly across/underneath the bridge of the bikepath. I let my purple worm drop down near the bottom and slowly reeled while twitching it every crank or two. It only look about 20 second before I had a battle at my hands. Knowing it was big, I lessened my drag and really let the fish do all of the work. My stomach jumped into my chest every time he tried to dive straight down. Finally I pulled it near the shore and picked it up. Holding that largemouth felt like holding those monster bucketmouths that anglers catch at a Bassmaster's tournament or being out on a stocked lake in Alabama for a fishing show with Jimmy Houston. One thing that took away from the joy, but not from the excitement, was the fact that I had nothing to measure it with. No scale, no tape measure, no camera. Shit, it wasn't til I was walking back to my car that I realized I could have measured it on my arm going from my fingertips on up! One other guy was there when I was bringing the fish in. He guessed 22-23 inches, 5 lbs. I guessed 20-22 inches, 6-7 lbs. The fish was massive. My previous record was about 3 1/2 lbs, which I caught in the U.P. 7-8 years ago. But I will never know hw big it was, exactly.

I couldn't refrain from praising God for that fish, but also for that day. It was a day just like I had wanted for a long time, too. A day alone. Just me. Though I tried to get lunch with a couple friends while up at school, looking back, it was better that we didn't. Why? Not being with people all day is no fun! But in all actuality ... I wasn't alone.

Fell Off The Wagon

2008-06-26T23:18:00.002-04:00

Not Alchy. I fell off the "Blogging Wagon", duh. Or did I get on the wagon a couple months ago, and, now that I am blogging again, have officially fallen off. Hmm ... all I can say is that I abstained from the addiction that is blogging for the past 2 months or so, and now I am back. My apologies go out to every single one of my readers. All three and a half of you. (I'll count Durand as a half because all of a sudden his account/blog was deleted and I have yet to find out if he has come back ... off the wagon?)

I have refrained from commenting on anyone's blog for now just to see if the menage a trois will discover my return. If you want to know why I've been gone, you will not find out at this very moment. I'll save that material for my next blog ... unless I disappear from blogspot again!

Today was a wonderful day. Allow me to tell you why. First of all, I had the day off to travel up to Mt. Pleasant to take a Medical Terminology midterm. 94% without breaking a sweat ... til I went back outside within the 83% humidity and mid-80's temperatures.

I brought my running shoes and a towel along for the journey, forgot my running shorts, but had my hawaiian print swim trunks. All signs pointed toward a run through the woods with a happy-ending. By happy-ending, I mean jumping into the Chippewa River and completely shedding all worries that exist in this world.

And boy, did all of those concerns just melt away! The little things in life that we take joy in will do that, won't they? Sure, going to a concert, amusement park or the bar/club are ways many of us humans, especially at our college age, forget about our worries and live in the moment. How much better is it, though, to create your own carefree experiences! This is something we are all guilty of, no matter how we use external experiences to push aside things we have to deal with. It could be at the bar, in front of the tv, listening to music ... or it could be involving things much worse such as an excess of alcohol, pornography, or drugs. We must be at peace to be able to handle life appropriately, but we also need to handle things correcty to gain that peace.

I'm lost for words being that I've had little sleep the past 2 nights and will be sleeping for another 5 hours tonite. I'd like to pick up on this topic again, tell you more about my blessed day, and maaaayyyyyybeeee tell you why I've been gone. The "you" in that sentence might as well just be directed at me, because I might be the only "Always Love" reader left! :(

-love always

Sunday

2008-04-13T16:20:00.003-04:00

So, I am almost done with reading the New Testament. Just over a year ago, I hadn't actually read more than maybe a few chapters of Genesis, and that's it. I hadn't read the gospels, proverbs, psalms, or anything. Slowly but surely I have made my way through most of the NT and also a few old testament books, and I couldn't be happier! :) Through the many years that I've had a bible, it has always been treated like all of my other books, one on top of the other, never to be opened, never to be read, just taking up space and making me seem intelligent.

Here are just a few passages I read last night. They deal with hardships, trials and temptations, and just some wisdom on how to live:

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin.

-peace

Summer stressin', happened so fast!

2008-04-10T21:40:00.004-04:00

On Wednesday, I had my phone interview with a very prestigious and well known summer camp, Lake of the Woods/Greenwoods. It sounded as if the job was mine, to be a camp counselor and a basketball activities instructor.

Near the end of the interview he asked me if I was confirming that I would be available for the entire season, from June 8th til August 12th. The is the third time I have been contacted since filling out my application. On the application I stated that I was available from June 20th til school starts in the fall. He was befuddled when I told him this. "Wow, that was right in front of me this whole time and I never noticed."

Apparently it would be near impossible for me to work this job without being there from the start, which includes a week of training before the campers would arrive. I have classes scheduled through June 19th, and if I don't get these classes done during the summer, I would be so far behind. "Well, I will talk to my supervisor about your situation, but you normally have to be there from the start of camp." Great.

Hmm, maybe I could take the classes next summer, since I will be here for a full 5 years because of some classes I can't get into next fall, but that's an entirely other problem. But, what if these same courses aren't available next summer?

I also have another job that's possible for the summer, but I wouldn't be necessarily hired for it. I would be a temp position. So they could let me go whenever they wanted to.

So here are the possibilities:
1)Take classes as scheduled. Work temp job but only if I couldn't find any perminant positions elsewhere.
2)Drop classes. Work at the camp (hopefully). Try to work at temp job from early May to early June. Hopefully take the classes next summer.
3)Find another counseling position that can accomidate my summer schedule.
4)Win the lottery and do whatever the hell I want.
5)Enter seminary to become a priest.
6)Sell weed. (But not drugs because they are just way too bad. Plus it would be a much longer prison sentence.)
7)Sell everything I own and become James Van Horne's pan-handling partner and friend.

What to do ... what to do ...

i'm gunna have some drunk fun at MSU tomorrow ... that's all I know. if anyone hasn't seen the video of what happened at Michigan State last weekend, here is the vid:

Idiots.

GO BLUE! :)

WOO!

2008-04-08T15:57:00.002-04:00

I just had to release some of my excitement!!! I originally thought we had an exam this Thursday in organic chemistry, but apparently it is not until next Thursday! :) WOO!!! I hadn't started studying yet, either. Oops. We also will not have our weekly Thursday quiz because the prof is behind in the material. The gray skies and the light rain wasn't going to keep me down after class as I smiled and skipped home! Ok, so I skipped for maybe 3 seconds, but the smile and happiness was, and still remains, constant!

Uh-oh, now "More Than A Feeling" started playing on my iTunes (I always have it on shuffle). Time to sing loudly, maybe do a lil dance! ;P

So, anyone up for a ballet class???

That was just a lil humor from an e-mail I got from my uncle. I thought it was a good laugh.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day!!!

oh, and ROCK-CHALK JAYHAWK!

Listen and Enjoy.

2008-04-04T03:03:00.005-04:00

While I was in my bedroom trying to study human physiology, an argument broke out upstairs among everyone partying at my apartment. Who is the best rock band of all-time? I heard The Rolling Stones, which isn't a bad argument. But I also heard Styx! Try to tell me Styx were the best rock and rollers and I will probably never speak to you again.

Now, the way I see it, no band is "the best". You can have bands that are better based on what you like to hear, but they just can't be the best. It's impossible. It's not like, who was the best basketball team to ever assemble in the history of the NBA? That is win or lose, so you can argue it. You would still be very unsuccessful because the teams you say are the best have never played one another. This argument would still be valid, though, because teams play to win championships.

Bands make music to express emotions, to give the listener pleasure, to give themselves pleasure, and/or to express such things as love, politics, religion, money, drugs, drinking, sex, oppression, family, relationships, etc. They can be better at touching your soul at certain levels, at bringing happiness from your ears to your heart, to make you laugh, and so on. For each individual, one band can be the best at either playing that sound you love to hear and/or singing those lyrics that speak to the soul.

However, you cannot say that one band is the best of all-time. Well, you can, but you'd be wrong 100% of the time.

Don't worry about who's the best or who's better. Listen to what moves you, makes you dance like a freak, makes you sing at the top of your lungs, or just what makes you happy or sounds cool. Let other people know about the songs, bands or albums you love. If you enjoy them so much, it's likely that others will too! Speaking of which, I need to add more songs to my music box over there on the right. Originally, I'm wanted to make sure I put wholesome songs that kind of corresponded to "Always Love". I'll get to that right now.

And Frank, how many cool points do I get for having that music box before you? I say between a baker's dozen and like 15,400. :)

Just to let you know...

2008-04-03T17:33:00.002-04:00

... I am indeed, ALIVE!

Last night couldn't have gone any better! We played some beer pong and hung out at my apartment from about 9-12 then hit up the bar. Some people couldn't make it, though, which is a bummer. I remembered everything til about 1 am. Thankfully, I don't think I puked and I mos def didn't piss myself. All of the phone calls this morning (ie:11am-2pm) were not necessary! But I did appreciate them. :) Tonite I will be trying to study for a physiology exam tomorrow. We'll see how that goes!

Again, just wanted to let you guys who stayed up all night worrying know that I am safe and sound, dispite a severly damaged liver.

Thanks for the bday wishes!

PS- Never EVER drink a prairie fire. Just don't. ok?

It's almost here!

2008-04-02T18:01:00.000-04:00

I am turning 21 in 6 hours. I have realized in celebrating my birthday, it's not really about what I want. My 21st birthday is a hazing ritual. It is my friends who are already 21 welcoming me into the "21 club" in the same way they have been welcomed ... with disgusting shots, one after another. Sure, some underaged ladies and gentlemen will be accompanying me at my apartment before midnight, but that is not the focus of the night. I'm joining the 21 and older club, and in order to join, I have to drink whatever the current club members put in front of me. (please no urine samples or cement mixers!)

To put things into perspective, the title of my birthday party on facebook, made by a friend of mine, is "Tim Horst Gets Drunk". The tagline, "Because it's fun to watch someone get REAL drunk on their 21st..." Part of the description: "Our good friend Tim is turning 21 on April 3rd, 2008, and as any good friends would do, I think it is our job to welcome him to being 21 by getting him nice and blacked out." My buddy Chandler later adds that I will be puking and pissing myself.

On top of this, everyone has described all of the disgusting shots I will be receiving. Worst of all, I had a rule that whatever someone buys me to drink, they also have to buy one for themselves. Good effort, but since most people have class, exams and presentations to do, they can only have a few drinks. Lucky me. I guess I just have to man up and get it done! I ate a huge dinner. I'm drinking plenty of water. Here's to not pissing the bed and only puking in the toilet or outside and nowhere else!

Looking ahead

2008-03-28T01:31:00.002-04:00

Many things that I am looking forward to:
-Boat Party (Tomorrow)
-Birthday (Thursday)
-Final Four
-Horst/Port Palooza 21st Remix (Apr 11th hopefully)

-Downtown Hoedown (largest free outdoor concert in the US)
-Fishing! :)

-Running in short shorts
-Running in nothing BUT short shorts! :P
-70 degree days
-Laying in the park reading/relaxing as people walk to class
-Running through Vites Woods (so pretty!)
-Laying on the beach, looking at the stars :)
-Hopefully getting a job as a summer camp counselor!
-Camping with the fam in Mackinac!

Heck, now I'm just looking forward to life!

Goodnight.

It's been a while...

2008-03-25T17:50:00.005-04:00

It's always nice for other people to bring certain things to your attention. Like, if I forgot about something for class, if something interesting is happening on campus, if there's a party where alcoholic beverages may or may not be wrecklessly consumed, if I need to zip up ... you know, stuff I need to be informed of.

It seems like I am frequently being reminded of something else, though. "So Tim, what's your female situation right now?" "You seein' anyone?" "Any ladies in your life right now?"

First off, it is not annoying. I don't mind it one bit. I'm glad my friends want to know what's goin' on in my life, and if something serious was brewin', they would know.

The part that's tough, is, well, that nothing is brewin'. Giving myself the benefit of the doubt, I'd say I've been on maybe 2 dates in over a year and a half. Take out the one relationship I have ever been in, and I've still only been on 2 dates my whole life. One was with a girl I was seeing about a year ago, and the other was with a new acquaintance. Both are now among my greatest friends.

I never really think about my dating life 'til people bring it up. I'm very picky when it comes to women, so maybe that's part of it. Picky often gets associated with just looks, but it's much more than just a physical attractiveness. The hard part is, I can't even begin to describe what I want. Imagine how picky I would be if I made a list of everything I want in a woman! Boy, the search would be endless! "Wait! You don't like Seinfeld? I'm sorry, but this isn't working." (If I was dating such a girl, she would grow to love it anyway!) :)

I want to date, but I don't want to waste my time with something that I know will not move forward or jeopardize a possible friendship with someone.

If given the opportunity, I would ask a girl I don't really know out for dinner, but I'm no Rico Suave. That's not my style. Even if I had some booze in me, I'd rather be hangin' with my friends than approaching other women. Oh well. It's not all that important. I'm not 30 ... I'm 20! (going on 21!)

Life is wonderful at the moment! I have a loving family, wonderful friends and people in my life that keep me heading in the right direction. Five more years of school await me, so you could say that time is on my side. There is no need to rush. God will lead me where I need to go. He will put people in my life that need to be there to teach me, to hurt me, to love me, to make me laugh ... to make me exactly the person I should be. I just need to trust in him!

"To find someone you love,
you gotta be someone you love."

Damn Blogspot

2008-03-25T13:08:00.002-04:00

Last night, I was over half way done with my blog ... and the website freezes on me.

This morning, I start a fresh new blog and am a few sentences from completion ... but google screws me again.

Technology can be so annoying.

Anyway, I have 2 drafts in the vault, or I could write a whole new one. But for now I have organic chemistry, the love of my life! :(

I knew this would happen

2008-03-24T10:04:00.003-04:00

I knew I would end up ignoring my blog. I have been busy/lazy and I will make it up. I promise!

I would like reflect on a couple really good thoughts I had the past week, so expect that soon. Hopefully, I'll get to it tonite!

Easter blessings to everyone,

Tim

Albany

2008-03-09T14:39:00.007-04:00

Prior to my recent spring break trip to Albany, Georgia, I did not expect the week to live up to last years New Orleans trip. I didn't think it would be quite as much fun. I didn't think the people I would travel with would be as amazing, considering the unbelievable people I met last year. One thing I didn't put past myself, though, was the work that we would do and that it could draw me closer to God.

Well, we did some great work, and my faith most certainly grow stronger, however, the entire trip succeeded in living up to last year's "best week of my life".

On the site, I spent most of my time roofing. We completed the roof of one house, two sheds and began putting siding on another house.

Others in the group put up the entire frame of a house. Some also put together a porch or two as well as many of the interior finishing touches for 2 of the houses.

The amount of work we completed was what they would have expected to be done in about 7 full work days. We worked for 3 full work days. (We were rained out for 1 1/2 days.) You might say that really added to our satisfaction of the work we did all week.

Back at camp, we prayed, played basketball and volleyball, learned new games such as Whoops Johnny and Behind The Green Glass Doors, played catch phrase, enjoyed each other's company around a campfire, sat in the rocking chairs on the front porch and some of us had to do quite a few pushups. ;) But most of all, we enjoyed each other's company in everything we did, and also enjoyed the company of our Lord.

I kinda feel like there isn't a direction to my writing, but that is partially because there is just so much to tell! It's mostly just an overview of the week and hopefully I will write a bit more in-depth some other time.

Finally, I want to give thanks to all those I went to Georgia with, all those I worked with, and for God bringing us together to do his work.

God bless.

Habitat

I can't believe I'm doing this

2008-02-25T23:07:00.003-05:00

Okay, since I am a lazy bastard, I copied the details from Frank's Blog, I'm Frank. He is the one who brought this into my life. Thanks a lot, bro.

Here is what you do when you have been "meme'd":

1. Post a link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules.
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Tag at least three people.
5. Make sure the people who tagged you KNOW you tagged them by commenting to them what you did.

Wow, I'm utterly excited. Here goes.

1) I pick my nose. Usually with my pinky or thumb.
2) I sometimes eat the boogers, too, as long as they're not too big. When you get those huge mo-fo's on your finger it gets a difficult to overcome the guilt and disgust of putting it in your mouth.
3) I make fun of flash-card makers, but lately, I have been putting forth efforts to make flash-cards for my tough classes. Guilty hypocrite.
4) I've had a bowl of ice cream every night for about 2 weeks straight. I know what I'm giving up for Lent next year!
5) My posture is horrible, especially in my shoulders.
6) Oh yea, my nose has been broken since prolly freshman/sophomore year of high school (5-6 years). That explains some of my picking. It has slightly disrupted my nasal passages.

There it is. Eat your heart out.

I don't know a lot of bloggers on here, so I am naming Scott, Rich and Durand.

Tim got some action, FINALLY!

2008-02-24T23:15:00.003-05:00

10:30pm. The night was young. 3.5 hours of drinking, laughing, talking and being silly had just passed. "I know I can have her in bed, tonite," I thought. I was having a spectacular time, so it could wait.

We had never taken our relationship to that level before. We never thought it. Never dared it. Never dreamed it.

But I do love her. I crave her everynight before I go to sleep. It ends the night on a good note.

I knew I shouldn't, but when I got home at 4am, I made a move. I didn't remember much, so I don't know exactly what happened, who initiated what, or what, if anything, was going through my head.

The following morning, I woke without a hangover! It had to be because of her. I rolled over, and she was already looking at me. All around her was evidence of last night's mayhem. Some was also in my hair ... yummy. The look she gave me was as if to say, "Timmy, I made a no-no." I felt embarassed, but I didn't let it bring me down.

We all make some bad decisions. But, we need to take to heart the lessons we learn from these events so the next time we are in a similar situation, we do the right thing.

I'd be lying if I said that our paths will not cross again. Hell, I'd like to get some tonite. Regardless, I hope that this relationship never travels under the covers, again.

Well, I reckon I'll get some more of her now before I hit the hay. By the way, her name is A Bowl of Mackinac Island Fudge ice cream. If you ever run into her, enjoy it, savor it, and also, tell her I said hello. Just don't make the mistakes I made.

Keep it clean,

Tim

Family Is Where It's At

2008-02-18T13:06:00.006-05:00

During the viewings at the funeral home and the actual funeral itself, I couldn't help but realize that my grandmother gave me such a wonderful family! How could I ever give enough thanks to the Lord?! Her mission was complete in the person she became, and in the love and wisdom she passed on to us.

When your family members are striving for the same endpoint as you are, everyone has eachother's back. Certain aspects that you are trying to improve in your life can be seen in a relative. Everyone learns from eachother. Everyone learns through love. The same can definately be said about friends. We choose the company we keep, so hopefully we have people around us that aren't going to send us in the wrong direction.

Here is where things get interesting between family and friends. We do not choose our family. I think this is so special. See, this love for family must be maintained whether a relative loves or hates you, whether they are on the right or wrong path. Jesus says, "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Mt 5:44)

How easy is it to surround yourself with friends you love and love you back? We must love those who hate us, who don't want to be our friends, just as much as our friends.

Family can be a mixed bag. The other day, when I was at my little brother's basketball game, my grandfather ran into a brother of his that I did not know existed. Apparently he cut himself off from the family, for reasons my grandpa did not understand. My grandpa has at least 9 or 10 siblings; he came from a huge family. Yet, even as his brother (who even tried to change his last name) doesn't want to see him or talk to him, my grandpa makes it a point to come by his house once a year. He is the only sibling that has even contacted this brother in many years.

My grandpa's brother is down the wrong path, but as his sibling and as a child of God, it's his duty to maintain that love for him and hopefully he will realize his wrongs and find the path to the Truth.

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers, you did for me ... whatever you did not do for the least of these, you did not do for me." (Mt 25: 40&45)

Keep on loving ... even in the face of hate.

Grandparents

2008-02-15T22:50:00.005-05:00

A grandson says to his grandfather, "Grandpa, I read the Bible, but I get nothing out of it." His grandfather says, "Is that so? Well, go take that basket down to the river, fill it up, and bring it back to me." The grandson aknowledges and does so. Then his grandfather tells him to go fill the basket up with water twice more and bring it back. After the final trip, the grandson says, "The water flows right through the basket by the time I return. I will never be able to bring any water back!" His grandfather informs him, "Yes, there is no water left, but has the basket not changed? Is it not cleaner now than it was before?"

My grandfather (Zukowski) told me this story at my grandmother (Horst's) viewing at the funeral home. This is what my grandfather does for me. If it's not telling me a story like this, it's giving me a paper or card he picked up from church, sharing his un-earthly wisdom or just talking with me about sports, school, faith, family and fishing. As he began to tell the story, I immediately felt the irony. First, because well, we are grandfather and grandson. And secondly, after he mentioned the part about the grandson failing to receive any insight from the bible, I knew his grandfather was going to show him the way, just like my grandfather helps point me towards the One.

My grandmother's funeral is tomorrow. The woman did not have an evil/angry bone in her body. She was entirely love. God bless her for the time and love she shared with me and all of my family.

Grandparents are a very special breed. Cherish them with the time they (and you) still possess.

http://jlpetersfuneralhome.com/ ... Mildred Horst

Lucky

2008-02-11T17:09:00.000-05:00

The website I use to download music, Ruckus, did not have the new Nada Surf album, "Lucky". Not only that, but many of the songs on their previous albums were blocked. Fortunately, I had already downloaded and converted their best album, "The Weight Is A Gift". I figured this would be a good time to use my iTunes gift card. So I did.

Well, the purchase wasn't everything I had hoped for, but it wasn't a bust, either. A couple very good songs are on the album, but most of it is just, well, pretty good. I generally think most genuine music, from the heart, is good music. Basically, among the type of music I listen to, I usually don't find anything I really dislike. Back to my point. Although I find the CD more or less decent, what really intrigued me was the album booklet, or digital booklet if you will. It had the usual- lyrics to all of the album tracks-but it also had something so much better ...

Back in November, Nada Surf issued a statement in which they asked for testimonies that revolved around the word "Lucky", for the purpose of including them with the album. They are fantastic! There are some cheerful, some light-hearted, some touching, some sad, and mostly just wonderful! here are a few that I really enjoyed:

I am lucky to have learned my heart knows more than my mind

When you’re busy being grateful
There’s no time for bad thoughts

these hands to touch these trees to hug these arms to hold

my bed to lay this face to feel the wind on my cheeks

this ground to stand these ears to hear

These ones are very short. There are some that are quick little stories and what-not. If you want me to e-mail you the booklet, or at least this portion (2 pages) of the booklet, let me know. It would be my pleasure.

I hope everyone is loving life and letting life love you back.

God bless.

Today, the day I had been waiting for!

2008-02-06T21:12:00.000-05:00

What was I excited for? Well, the Lenten season was coming up, but who really looks forward to giving things up and fasting? ... Well, yours truely.

For most of my life I had the vein recollection of Lent being about giving things up and not eating meat on Friday, for Jesus' suffering and dying for our sins. Most people have an identical way of viewing these "40 days" before Easter. Lent is about so much more. Lent is about cleansing. It is a time to purify mind, heart, body and soul! Sure, these efforts to become more like Jesus should be done no matter the month, year or liturgical season. During Lent, however, our focus is on "the most important part of the Bible", if such a title can be given.

So, like I said before, Lent is more than just "What are you giving up for Lent?" Giving something up is worthless if it is not done for the right reasons. A good reason could be to allow you to focus more on prayer. It could be that this thing you are giving up would make your body healthier, thus purifying it. It could be giving up something such as a common technology (tv, mp3, computer) so you can spend time on more important things in life. Whatever it is, it's not just enough for you to suffer, but that with this suffering, you will also grow spiritually. Other important aspects of Lent are prayer, charity and penance. Prayer is obviously prayer, but also reflection, and just time alone with the Lord. Charity doesn't mean you have to donate money. You can donate your time. Heck, you could just lend a helping hand to someone, whether friend or stranger. Penance inolves stepping outside of yourself, looking inward at your soul, recognizing your sinfulness, and being forgiven by God.

Say you are going on Spring Break to some place very warm, sunny and beautiful. You put in a lot of time at the gym for about a month prior. Since your body is feeling so wonderful, you wonder why you don't always workout.

Having a time such as Lent to really make an effort to be like Jesus in such respects as fasting, prayer, charity and penance can become an entire spiritual makeover that will last forever.

Now, do you understand why I was excited, and still am, for Lent?

Super Bowl Sunday

2008-02-03T13:13:00.000-05:00

It's time for another Super Bowl! The New England Patriots will win. The game should be close, but you never know with the Patriots. I think the Giants have the best defensive line in football, but will that really mean anything? I mean, will it really make that much of a difference when you are rushing a quarterback that could sip on a slurpee in the shotgun all game and still complete 65% of his passes? No-smile Bill Belichek will just run 3-4 yard pass plays if they actually happen to get pressure on Brady. Don't get me wrong. I would love to see the Giants win. Eli was my second most-hated quarterback in the league going into the playoffs behind Tony "be my friend" Romo. I don't hate Eli as much because, well, it seemed like everyone wanted to hate on him near the end of the season and said, going into every playoff game, that he can't win a big game. I love the Giants d-line, the running back combination, the wide recievers, their injured tight end. But I love Welker, Brady, Moss and the Patriots too much to actually root against them and, especially pick against them.

NE 31 NYG 20

I have an exam tomorrow, a quiz, and a lab report due ... I better get started!!!

Currently listening to: Boy With A Coin by Iron and Wine.

Gooooaaalllll

2008-01-30T23:10:00.000-05:00

4 games in the bag, and 4 wins for the good guys! My team had our second games in the Men's and Co-ed leagues tonite at 7 and 9, respectively. The games were not even close. We dominated, as we do more often than not. I absolutely love the people that I play with, too. It's similar to how soccer was from an early age through high school when I was always playing with my friends. Those were the best of times, especially during high school when we werent in season and we'd be playing indoor in the winter or 6v6 during the summer. It's hard to describe how much I miss playing with everyone. Some of my teammates are my best friends and it was awesome to get out there and play as a unit, knowing eachother's ins and outs.

Intermural sports have been a blessing to me since leaving the track and cross country teams. It was hard to give up running, but when I knew it would take a miracle to get back to how well I was running fall of freshman year, I had to let it go. Whenever I go for a run I always think about what might have been, though, had I not been hurt. I always wish that coach Fuller would have let me run in the MAC Championship meet that fall. I was killin it. I knew I would have been at least 4th on the team that day. But, I hadn't worn a jersey all season. It was smarter to keep my redshirt that season in hope of 4 more years of success afterwords. One race on the indoor track later in January, and those hopes were done. I didn't know it, but trying to get back on the team the following year wouldn't pan out either.

I miss going all-out. I miss being so sore from a workout that I can barely walk. I miss trying to be better, everyday. I miss being part of a team. And most of all, I miss competing to be the best. You know what? I still have most of those with IM sports. It's less taxing, day to day, but can still leave me sore as hell, like right now! I get to play with some good friends. I get to laugh and have fun while I'm playing. And I still get to compete. I get to leave it all out on the court/field. The satisfaction of giving everything I have is something I'll take with me everywhere, for everything I do, for the rest of my life. Damn, my ass is killing me. My legs will be aching tomorrow. The blisters on my feet aren't going away anytime soon ... Fuck it. I love this!

Adios

Favorite Albums

2008-01-26T16:02:00.000-05:00

The "new" Motion Soundtrack album, Even If It Kills Me, is quite good. It really makes me think of how little credit I give for their other albums and songs. Track number 12, Antonia, is probably the best song on the CD. Though I think that this CD is very good, initially, it is not possible for me to put it near the top of my favorite albums of all-time. Heck, this probably isn't even my favorite MCS album. Since they put out a good album recently, I figured people who never really listened to them should take a listen. Now, as for my favorite albums of all-time, I don't see how I could put together a ranking or "Top 10 ... 15 ... 30". But I'll do this ... here are 10 that would definately be on a list of about 20 or 25 (alphabetically by artist):

Enema of the State (Blink-182)

Lechuza (Fenix Tx)

In Between Dreams (Jack Johnson)

Chase This Light (Jimmy Eat World)

Jimmy Eat World (" ")

Losing Streak (Less Than Jake)

Hello Rockview (" ")

Hybrid Theory (Linkin Park)

Leaving Through the Window (Something Corporate)

Ocean Avenue (Yellowcard)

There they are ... love it or hate it. Maybe I will put some time in and actually come up with a list of about 20 of my favorites. Albums are definately easier to rank than songs. I would have so much trouble trying to come up with a list of my favorite songs. Well, I know of a few that would definately be on there, such as ... ohhhh boy ... I need to stop this RIGHT NOW!

-peace out

Differences

2008-01-23T23:43:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine had a discussion with me today about some hot topics (abortion, religion, etc) and this brought to my attention the way we deal with differences in what we believe. Firstly, all views should be held with respect by others. However, nothing is absolute truth. Meaning, until you die and either proceed to the afterlife, or merely decompose as part of a Godless Earth, only belief can exist.
Secondly, if one is not open to the knowledge of other people, religions, and morals, then the truth can never be found. For example, you can read the Bible everyday for the rest of your life, and you would always find something new. Everytime you read it, your views could change about something, or a new way of looking at something could arise. This is just a small example that can be related to our lives. Hearing other people's views can only help. If you have doubts about something, and honestly reflect on it to help reveal what is right, you will either change your view about it, or your original view will be strengthened and anew. Therefore, you could say that the more knowledge one has, the closer they will be to the truth. This is only partially true. Knowledge in the form of intelligence is hardly a key to the truth, but it is wisdom that must be obtained. Certianly, other factors such as discipline and love attribute to finding what is right and true, also.
Finally, all I want to say is to remember to always challenge, strengthen, and express your views, but also take heart to other views because these will challenge and strengthen the views you will express. Therefore, your wisdom will also help others in their search for the truth.

God's blessings,

Tim

He who heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
Proverbs 10:17

The way of a fool seems right to him,
but a wise man listens to advice.
Proverbs 12:15

Hump Day

2008-01-23T15:38:00.000-05:00

So I have been putting Sunday night together from my friends who were with me, and it sounds like I had an enjoyable night. I definately went over the top as far as the alchy, but apparently all I did was dance, pinky promise and act a fool ... oh, and I danced some more!

Intermural soccer starts tonite, and I'm not really that pumped for it. I've been playing so much basketball lately, that's the only IM sport I am really excited to start! Plus, I haven't touched a soccer ball since the semifinals in the fall.

I had a lot of other things to say, but I can't think of one. Maybe I'll make another post later tonite.

Ciao

Don't Lose Focus

2008-01-22T07:58:00.000-05:00

Sometimes in life, you get a wake up call from the front desk when you never even asked for one. Everything is pretty much wonderful in life. You know that there is an ideal you that your striving to become, but as of right now, you are damn satisfied. In sports, it's like when a team is playing very well and then slips for a short stretch because they've forgotten what made them a great team, or maybe they had just lost their intensity and focus for a while (like the Pistons). If you don't regroup and focus on your day to day and lifelong goals, it could be a slippery slope. Things aren't always easy, but if you continue to do the right things consistently, the path up the hill can only become shorter.

I had control of my drinking for a long time, until I really wanted to get drunk for Oldies Night at the club. We had no classes on Monday because of MLK day, all my friends were going to be there, and frankly, I just wanted to cut loose. For some reason, I said a small, minutely harmful thing about a friend while I was somewhat blacked out. Since I am always placing myself in others' shoes, finding this out the next day tied my stomach into knots. Hurting a friend is hurting a friend, no matter how little or big the hurt. Getting that drunk, and being someone I am not was the reason my ex-gf started to hate my guts last year. Maybe if I just had 1 or 2 less drinks, the whole night would have been something wonderful to look back on. It was just dumb luck ... wrong. It wouldn't have happened if I went into the night thinking, "I am going to see all of my friends, tonight. I want to make sure I'm not too drunk because I never want to be anyone other than myself when I'm around them. I love them too much!" It wasn't dumb luck. It was because I lost focus. I lost focus on my friends, my God, and even myself and the person I am striving to become.