Thursday, November 20, 2008
Apparently I need to write more
I just realized that I'm behind in doing journal entries for my writing class. I give him this blog as my journal, so I figure that I should probably write a little more.
This may be something I write for nonfiction next semester, I think I'm taking that class. But I want to write about my personal experiences here at UMM as a Christian. I had another interesting class period yesterday in which assumptions about the Christian faith were being made based on one preacher in a news story in which he was placed to look completely wrong and antagonistic. Even though they were using the words this preacher said, it's still completely possible for the station and the interviewer to twist everything into the way they/he wants it to be seen. And for the people who had personal experience with the Christian faith who were speaking in class just didn't quite know the truths of the Bible.
And it's my fault for not speaking up, for not saying anything, I know that. I was completely overwhelmed, my heart was hurting with what was being said, and I didn't speak up. That was the wrong thing to do, I know. If I could go back and change that fact about yesterday, I would. But I know God will give me the opportunity again and give me the opportunity to clear the air about a lot of what was being said. Perhaps this is why I feel the need to write this blog.
One of the assumptions made in class yesterday was that almost everyone, if not everyone in the class, believes that homosexuality is "okay," meaning that they support the homosexual lifestyle and see nothing wrong with it.
To clear the air now, before someone yells at me for hate, I love people. God has given me a heart of love and I believe I have to use it. I love people no matter what, no matter how much the frustrate me, no matter who they are or what their background is.
That being said...
I firmly believe that homosexuality is wrong and is a lifestyle of sin. I can sit here and quote Bible verses at you, both from the Old and New Testament (yes, person in my class, the New Testament says a lot about homosexuality being a sin as well), but what difference would that make to you? I'm sure you've heard it, been completely repulsed by it, been angry at the people who have done this. And in this instance, we are on the same page. So many of the outspoken Christians have said hurtful things to this community and had an overall attitude of hate toward them.
Sidetracking a little bit:
I was raised in a Christian (more precisely, Lutheran) home. I went to a Lutheran grade school and a Lutheran high school. I was going to go to a Lutheran college and become a Lutheran youth worker.
Then God told me no. But that's a different story.
In that Lutheran high school, we had the opportunity to go, as a school on a few different buses, down to the capitol to protest gay marriage. I will not lie to you, at the time I wanted to go, I was going to go. I mean, get out of classes for a day to go protest something God says is wrong? Pssshhhhyeah I was all about that.
But for some reason I didn't go and I'm not sure why.
Fast forward to now.
Christians are called to love (Mark 12:30-31; John 15:12-13, 17). We are called to love our neighbors, not just those fellow believers. We are called to make disciples out of all nations and teach all nations to obey what Christ commanded us to obey (Matthew 28:19;20). All nations, all people. We're not here to just make the body of believers that already exists stronger, we are here to reach out in love! Christ came to save the lost, not the righteous- the sick, the downtrodden, the miserable. Those without a saving faith, those in sin (Matthew 9:12-13). And quite frankly friends, that's all of us. I am the lowliest of sinners, I sin constantly and I know that. I need a Savior because without Him, I would not have the hope of eternal life (John 10:27-28). I would not be forgiven (Mark 2:1-12). I would not be living a life of complete joy (John 15:11).
As a Christian, I know that all sins are equal in God's eyes (James 2:10; 1 John 3:4; John 8:7-11). This means that we as Christians are on the exact same page as people living an alternative lifestyle. We sin, just like they do. We are in need of a Savior, just like they are. We sin, but why isn't our sin protested on the steps of the capitol? We are all people on this earth, dealing with temptations. It's the outcome of how we deal with those temptations that makes us different.
I leave you with one last thought on the matter and I encourage you to seek what God is trying to tell you through these verses:
"Jesus answered, 'Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.'"
-Luke 13:2-3
This may be something I write for nonfiction next semester, I think I'm taking that class. But I want to write about my personal experiences here at UMM as a Christian. I had another interesting class period yesterday in which assumptions about the Christian faith were being made based on one preacher in a news story in which he was placed to look completely wrong and antagonistic. Even though they were using the words this preacher said, it's still completely possible for the station and the interviewer to twist everything into the way they/he wants it to be seen. And for the people who had personal experience with the Christian faith who were speaking in class just didn't quite know the truths of the Bible.
And it's my fault for not speaking up, for not saying anything, I know that. I was completely overwhelmed, my heart was hurting with what was being said, and I didn't speak up. That was the wrong thing to do, I know. If I could go back and change that fact about yesterday, I would. But I know God will give me the opportunity again and give me the opportunity to clear the air about a lot of what was being said. Perhaps this is why I feel the need to write this blog.
One of the assumptions made in class yesterday was that almost everyone, if not everyone in the class, believes that homosexuality is "okay," meaning that they support the homosexual lifestyle and see nothing wrong with it.
To clear the air now, before someone yells at me for hate, I love people. God has given me a heart of love and I believe I have to use it. I love people no matter what, no matter how much the frustrate me, no matter who they are or what their background is.
That being said...
I firmly believe that homosexuality is wrong and is a lifestyle of sin. I can sit here and quote Bible verses at you, both from the Old and New Testament (yes, person in my class, the New Testament says a lot about homosexuality being a sin as well), but what difference would that make to you? I'm sure you've heard it, been completely repulsed by it, been angry at the people who have done this. And in this instance, we are on the same page. So many of the outspoken Christians have said hurtful things to this community and had an overall attitude of hate toward them.
Sidetracking a little bit:
I was raised in a Christian (more precisely, Lutheran) home. I went to a Lutheran grade school and a Lutheran high school. I was going to go to a Lutheran college and become a Lutheran youth worker.
Then God told me no. But that's a different story.
In that Lutheran high school, we had the opportunity to go, as a school on a few different buses, down to the capitol to protest gay marriage. I will not lie to you, at the time I wanted to go, I was going to go. I mean, get out of classes for a day to go protest something God says is wrong? Pssshhhhyeah I was all about that.
But for some reason I didn't go and I'm not sure why.
Fast forward to now.
Christians are called to love (Mark 12:30-31; John 15:12-13, 17). We are called to love our neighbors, not just those fellow believers. We are called to make disciples out of all nations and teach all nations to obey what Christ commanded us to obey (Matthew 28:19;20). All nations, all people. We're not here to just make the body of believers that already exists stronger, we are here to reach out in love! Christ came to save the lost, not the righteous- the sick, the downtrodden, the miserable. Those without a saving faith, those in sin (Matthew 9:12-13). And quite frankly friends, that's all of us. I am the lowliest of sinners, I sin constantly and I know that. I need a Savior because without Him, I would not have the hope of eternal life (John 10:27-28). I would not be forgiven (Mark 2:1-12). I would not be living a life of complete joy (John 15:11).
As a Christian, I know that all sins are equal in God's eyes (James 2:10; 1 John 3:4; John 8:7-11). This means that we as Christians are on the exact same page as people living an alternative lifestyle. We sin, just like they do. We are in need of a Savior, just like they are. We sin, but why isn't our sin protested on the steps of the capitol? We are all people on this earth, dealing with temptations. It's the outcome of how we deal with those temptations that makes us different.
I leave you with one last thought on the matter and I encourage you to seek what God is trying to tell you through these verses:
"Jesus answered, 'Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.'"
-Luke 13:2-3
Wow.
I just was able to facebook chat with Katie a little bit. She's been in Gambia for a little over a month and has 3 weeks left to go... all while her fiancée's band is on their last tour- an experience she won't get to be a part of because she's doing God's work over in Gambia (see a previous blog in which I mentioned them).
You see, I met Katie last spring I think- that was the only time we have ever seen each other. She lives in Canada and is a nurse, so time off is rare. But she came with her fiancée for a few shows, and one of them happened to be in Minnesota- Rogers, to be exact.
Something (that I can attribute to God) was telling me to go talk to her. The conversation that followed was absolutely incredible. I cannot wait until she comes back, even though I know I probably won't have the opportunity to see her until this summer.
She is so amazing, I can't even begin to describe her. She has a heart for missions, for doing the Lord's work in places I would hate to go. Even though she can't be here and seeing Todd, I don't think she regrets her decision at all.
Something that she said today struck me: "yeah. i just wish that children didn't have to suffer and die of things that are treatable. i wish there was more that i could do."
Maybe I'm supposed to do something with those words, maybe I'm supposed to help in some way. I feel so small in comparison with this big problem- but is it really that big? Who's bigger than our God? Perhaps He can even use little old me in this instance. People to contact about this have already popped up in my brain and what's the harm in trying to get medicines and tools over there to be used? The worst that could come out of it would be that there's no way to get supplies and no way to get them over there. There's absolutely no harm in trying.
In other news, I love hardcore music. Mainly, I love the people that play it- they are some of the most genuine, sweet, and amazing people I've met. You would think they would be angry, I mean, don't you have to to play that kind of music and act like that onstage? But that's completely not true and to me, that's awesome. I'm so excited for tonight and to see Means because I know this to be true of them as well. And last Sunday I saw Rawhyde, Nihilio, and For Today- all bands that aren't angry outside of sounding angry from the stage. Another example, you say? For All Those Sleeping- some of the most calm and not angry people on the face of this earth. And now, if you're the hardcore type, go listen to all those bands.
You see, I met Katie last spring I think- that was the only time we have ever seen each other. She lives in Canada and is a nurse, so time off is rare. But she came with her fiancée for a few shows, and one of them happened to be in Minnesota- Rogers, to be exact.
Something (that I can attribute to God) was telling me to go talk to her. The conversation that followed was absolutely incredible. I cannot wait until she comes back, even though I know I probably won't have the opportunity to see her until this summer.
She is so amazing, I can't even begin to describe her. She has a heart for missions, for doing the Lord's work in places I would hate to go. Even though she can't be here and seeing Todd, I don't think she regrets her decision at all.
Something that she said today struck me: "yeah. i just wish that children didn't have to suffer and die of things that are treatable. i wish there was more that i could do."
Maybe I'm supposed to do something with those words, maybe I'm supposed to help in some way. I feel so small in comparison with this big problem- but is it really that big? Who's bigger than our God? Perhaps He can even use little old me in this instance. People to contact about this have already popped up in my brain and what's the harm in trying to get medicines and tools over there to be used? The worst that could come out of it would be that there's no way to get supplies and no way to get them over there. There's absolutely no harm in trying.
In other news, I love hardcore music. Mainly, I love the people that play it- they are some of the most genuine, sweet, and amazing people I've met. You would think they would be angry, I mean, don't you have to to play that kind of music and act like that onstage? But that's completely not true and to me, that's awesome. I'm so excited for tonight and to see Means because I know this to be true of them as well. And last Sunday I saw Rawhyde, Nihilio, and For Today- all bands that aren't angry outside of sounding angry from the stage. Another example, you say? For All Those Sleeping- some of the most calm and not angry people on the face of this earth. And now, if you're the hardcore type, go listen to all those bands.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Revising
I'm sitting here, trying to write a paper, and it's just NOT HAPPENING. I hate Dickens and wish he would just go away.
Okay, that's a lie.
But I'm not doing well with this paper.
So let's switch paces a little, do something a little more creative before heading down to the University Register office to work on my section so I don't have quite as much to do this week.
I'm writing a series of short stories. They have some crazy possibilities, and I am so excited to write them. However, when I am excited to write something, most of the time it comes out as word vomit on the paper. Thus, revising is usually a good strategy for me to use.
Michael Perry, a magnificent man (whose books I have yet to read, but I assure you- this Christmas they will be in my hands), came and spoke to our class two weeks ago. I fell in love with his revising style.
A weird thing to fall in love with, right? Well, I did anyway. Judge me later.
Essentially, he takes the word vomit he put on the page, prints it out, and cuts out the pieces with scissors. From there, he puts the sections in the best order he can find, leaving some sections out and writing in new sections.
I'm going to try it and I have a good feeling that this is going to be my revising style as well.
So, ummm, yay for word vomit writing? It's still gross, but now I know I can do something visually with it. And if you know me, you know I'm a visual person (after all, I do love me some photography).
I shall take pictures of my progress- it should be funny.
-JP
Okay, that's a lie.
But I'm not doing well with this paper.
So let's switch paces a little, do something a little more creative before heading down to the University Register office to work on my section so I don't have quite as much to do this week.
I'm writing a series of short stories. They have some crazy possibilities, and I am so excited to write them. However, when I am excited to write something, most of the time it comes out as word vomit on the paper. Thus, revising is usually a good strategy for me to use.
Michael Perry, a magnificent man (whose books I have yet to read, but I assure you- this Christmas they will be in my hands), came and spoke to our class two weeks ago. I fell in love with his revising style.
A weird thing to fall in love with, right? Well, I did anyway. Judge me later.
Essentially, he takes the word vomit he put on the page, prints it out, and cuts out the pieces with scissors. From there, he puts the sections in the best order he can find, leaving some sections out and writing in new sections.
I'm going to try it and I have a good feeling that this is going to be my revising style as well.
So, ummm, yay for word vomit writing? It's still gross, but now I know I can do something visually with it. And if you know me, you know I'm a visual person (after all, I do love me some photography).
I shall take pictures of my progress- it should be funny.
-JP
Friday, November 14, 2008
Promoting.
This is the last thing I should be thinking about. I mean, I have a million other things I should be focusing on, like Dickens, my short story series (by the way, I will be posting a beginning short story at the end of this weekend), or sociology (the class I'm sitting in right now). But for some odd reason, I was thinking about promoting last night- mainly promoting music. Thus far, I've found a few helpful pointers to everyone who is trying to get their foot into the music scene. This list will more than likely grow, but here is the beginning.
1. Write music. Make it catchy. Cater to your base and make it clear who you want to get hooked on your music.
2. Find a decent but fairly priced studio to record at if you don't already know how to yourself. If you live in MN or surrounding states, I know a few that I can refer you to.
3. Use lower levels of media. Give interviews and press releases to high school and college newspapers, even if they aren't big schools. Talk to magazines, send press kits and market yourself to that magazine and their readership.
4. Find a decent photographer. You will be taken more seriously and fans will think you are a bigger band if your photos look professional. Again, if you want some references, I'm all over that.
5. Don't underestimate the power of myspace. I've seen bands/solo artists who hardly ever have shows, but have some of the largest fan bases I have ever seen. Use myspace, put up music, photos, get a nice layout.
6. Be personable. When fans write you, write them back. When they comment on your myspace, comment them back. Use twitter, and link it on your myspace. Start a blog for fans to read. Make your life accessible to them (not all of your life, of course...). If they can see you as a person, they will feel more of a connection between both you and your music.
7. Have a youtube channel or stickam, and use it. Just another way to become personable. Don't be afraid to play some new songs or new snippets from new songs on these- your fans will appreciate hearing it right from you.
Realize that these pointers will not bring you into popularity overnight, but they will help you to get your music career started. And, as always, I'm a resource you can use- ask me questions! I've been around music for several years and want to do everything in my power to help you. And if I can't, I can probably find someone who can.
-JP
1. Write music. Make it catchy. Cater to your base and make it clear who you want to get hooked on your music.
2. Find a decent but fairly priced studio to record at if you don't already know how to yourself. If you live in MN or surrounding states, I know a few that I can refer you to.
3. Use lower levels of media. Give interviews and press releases to high school and college newspapers, even if they aren't big schools. Talk to magazines, send press kits and market yourself to that magazine and their readership.
4. Find a decent photographer. You will be taken more seriously and fans will think you are a bigger band if your photos look professional. Again, if you want some references, I'm all over that.
5. Don't underestimate the power of myspace. I've seen bands/solo artists who hardly ever have shows, but have some of the largest fan bases I have ever seen. Use myspace, put up music, photos, get a nice layout.
6. Be personable. When fans write you, write them back. When they comment on your myspace, comment them back. Use twitter, and link it on your myspace. Start a blog for fans to read. Make your life accessible to them (not all of your life, of course...). If they can see you as a person, they will feel more of a connection between both you and your music.
7. Have a youtube channel or stickam, and use it. Just another way to become personable. Don't be afraid to play some new songs or new snippets from new songs on these- your fans will appreciate hearing it right from you.
Realize that these pointers will not bring you into popularity overnight, but they will help you to get your music career started. And, as always, I'm a resource you can use- ask me questions! I've been around music for several years and want to do everything in my power to help you. And if I can't, I can probably find someone who can.
-JP
Monday, November 10, 2008
Little pieces of inspiration
In the past few days, I've had a lot of inspiration. Not just inspiration to write, but also spiritual inspiration (that sounds kinda repetitive) and just little comments that still make me laugh.
Here are a few:
Todd and Katie. Todd is on his last tour with his band, and his fiancée Katie is in Gambia right now. After talking to him last night, I can just see how beautiful of a relationship these two have. Katie is absolutely amazing and I look up to her so much- no joke. How she's dealing with working in a hospital/training nurses in this hospital with little supplies is incredible- I just can't imagine it. I know as soon as they can, they will both be out on the mission field and in foreign countries as much as they can. SO AWESOME!
My friend Ryan made this comment to me: "If I was in a band, I would want you as my biggest fan. You like every band no matter how bad they are." Made me laugh. Thanks Ryan.
A myspace message from Jesse the incredible Perkins waiter. Oh, but I have to tell you the backstory on this one. I met this dude- he was our waiter at Perkins. He looked like a band guy, so I asked him if he was in a band. Sure enough, he was. And sure enough, he is also starting a production company with one of my friends. Small world. Anyway, here was the end of the message today that made me laugh: "p.s. I can spell my name using only letters from your name. wild."
Last year, my now roommate Bekah showed me the meaning of searching for Truth. This year, I have been after that so much more. Whether it's people spurring me on to look into the truth about worship, baptism, communion, or about other beliefs I hold dear, it's constantly making me search for the Biblical Truth about why I believe what I believe. It just reinforces why I believe what I believe. 1 Peter 3:15- "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." The rest of this chapter is amazing too, but that's for a different post. In fact, I'm just really into the epistles right now, so you may just be hearing more about that.
My friend Abi has also just been incredible (like she always is). Life's not the easiest right now, financially, spiritually, relationally I guess, but her and I just... click. She's always there to add something to what I've been learning, always there to spur me on toward Christ- I can only hope I do that for her as well.
And there's something to be said for family. I absolutely adore them and love them to no end.
Okay, I gotta go study... test today that I'm completely not ready for!!!
-JP
Here are a few:
Todd and Katie. Todd is on his last tour with his band, and his fiancée Katie is in Gambia right now. After talking to him last night, I can just see how beautiful of a relationship these two have. Katie is absolutely amazing and I look up to her so much- no joke. How she's dealing with working in a hospital/training nurses in this hospital with little supplies is incredible- I just can't imagine it. I know as soon as they can, they will both be out on the mission field and in foreign countries as much as they can. SO AWESOME!
My friend Ryan made this comment to me: "If I was in a band, I would want you as my biggest fan. You like every band no matter how bad they are." Made me laugh. Thanks Ryan.
A myspace message from Jesse the incredible Perkins waiter. Oh, but I have to tell you the backstory on this one. I met this dude- he was our waiter at Perkins. He looked like a band guy, so I asked him if he was in a band. Sure enough, he was. And sure enough, he is also starting a production company with one of my friends. Small world. Anyway, here was the end of the message today that made me laugh: "p.s. I can spell my name using only letters from your name. wild."
Last year, my now roommate Bekah showed me the meaning of searching for Truth. This year, I have been after that so much more. Whether it's people spurring me on to look into the truth about worship, baptism, communion, or about other beliefs I hold dear, it's constantly making me search for the Biblical Truth about why I believe what I believe. It just reinforces why I believe what I believe. 1 Peter 3:15- "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." The rest of this chapter is amazing too, but that's for a different post. In fact, I'm just really into the epistles right now, so you may just be hearing more about that.
My friend Abi has also just been incredible (like she always is). Life's not the easiest right now, financially, spiritually, relationally I guess, but her and I just... click. She's always there to add something to what I've been learning, always there to spur me on toward Christ- I can only hope I do that for her as well.
And there's something to be said for family. I absolutely adore them and love them to no end.
Okay, I gotta go study... test today that I'm completely not ready for!!!
-JP
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)