A place far, far away...

(for CEA's MOJO blog)

At my ripe old age of twenty nineteen (Thanks, Allison), I've visited a surprisingly vast array of places. From the San Francisco to the Grand Canyon to Ben and Jerry's ice cream factory in remote Vermont, every experience has left me with great laughs, fantastic views, new experiences, and in the case of the last example, a full belly.
But taking the prize for favorite destination as well as a duel prize for most exotic would have to be Mallorca, Spain. Mi hermano and I visited the beautiful island three years ago after my mom was able to snag some insanely cheap tickets (thanks mom!), and we had contacts there, a la a prior foreign exchange student.
So what makes this chunk of land floating off of the coast of Spain so different and awesome? Well, how about the fact that it's in Europe, an entirely new continent for me by itself. However, to name specifics that one might relate to more, pretty much everything. What made it memorable was the fact that we in an entirely different country. From the lively seafood that sometimes glared back (eek!) to the lively nightlife that seemed to never end, Mallorca never ceased to be a new experience for me.
Starting our average day at the peak of noon, the warm ocean air would usually beckon us back out to the boat all day. Chasing octopi, snacking on cheeses, and giving our try at windsurfing were just a few of the salt water-infused activities we tried. Later that evening, we would meander back to port and gear up for dinner, an event that is not to be taken lightly in Spain. The real food came out here, namely the super-delicious seafood that Spain prides its diet off of. After a few plates and a few more cervezas or copas de vino, the bars called. Now, I know it's scandalous in America, but a sixteen year old (I was that age) drinking alcohol was quite normal there. This also meant it took some getting used to (We had a month to adjust; I think we did fine ;) )! Finally, our night would wind down hours later when we - sometimes drunkenly - stumbled back home and crawled into our beds, ready to repeat the same thing in a handful of hours. Completely exhausting, yet totally worth it.

Memories come in so many forms and colors, namely pasty white and ginger, as seen above.

Really, five hundred words don't do this trip justice. I would need a few chapters of a book to tell all. But my first true international trip is my most memorable, as it exposed me to other cultures, furthered my self confidence away from my parents, and kick started my interest in Spanish, an interest that has followed me to college and is one of the strongest reasons for me attending the University of Granada this upcoming semester. I can only imagine how much more I'll learn this time around.

Jacob

Chillax

A veces, me tengo que reír. Las cosas que yo pienso (y hay muchos, si has leído mis posts anterior, sabrías que digo) son tan indescriptible que me preocupo sobre esos cosas. Como mis pensamientos débil pueden afectar el futuro de nuestro vidas y almas.
No, nada mas. Este semana (ojala mas), no pensaré de esos cosas locas. Permitiré Dio a controlar todo.

No es mi problema.

Jacob

Rejoice!

There is so much hurt in the world. Emotions, relationships, abuse, physical disabilities, I could go on. But there's so much to be thankful for! We have a safe nation that respects our beliefs and improves our lives. We have a functional family unit that, despite its flaws, continues to hold people together. And when those ties come undone, we have services to help. More importantly, we have Christ! I have been inexplicably ecstatic these past few days, despite all the challenges that have arisen. I think I narrowed it down today. I think it's because I realized that I really don't have anything to fear, because no matter what, I'm going to end up with Jesus in the out-of-this-world heavenly eternal party!

The Digital Age – Symphony Of Grace

This song, and actually the entire album, has been my anthem this week. It's great, really, listen to it.

Praise be to God, who has set me free, in a symphony of grace! 
...for my king has come, and he's comin' again!

Psalm 146:6 - He is the maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them - he remains faithful forever.

There's so much to be hopeful for in this world. And it really is the little things in life that make you appreciate that. When the only angle you look at is the big picture, you can't help but be depressed, because it's all too big for one person to do. But if you just relax, take things one at a time, pray daily, things happen. Small things change in your life that can honestly make your day, every day!

Praise God!

Jacob

How dare he...

I've been told by some of my girlfriends that girls flirt with me and that sometimes I flirt back.

I really, really, really don't try to. Honestly. I just want to be friends. Girls, I respect you gals too much to mess with all the emotions, problems, and potential heartbreak that pursuing a romantic relationship entails. I've had this problem since high school; I'm blissfully unaware of other peoples' feelings.

Some guys express issues with the "friendzone". The friendzone is the best zone, hands down.

The so-called "friendzone" is a region to which I retain permanent residence. If you ever need some information, I have some brochures to hand out. Plus, we get cookies. :D

I guess if there's a point to this post, it's that I DON'T FLIRT INTENTIONALLY. Please, just assume I'm trying to be your friend and nothing else.

Isn't life easier that way?

Jacob

Credit

I often wonder if I am the only person in this world of six billion that obsesses over the future, the afterlife, and the choices I make now. Throughout the past few weeks, I have been borderline obsessive with thoughts about God, Christianity, and what has yet to be done. There aren't very many easy answers, at least ones we all can agree on, but even among these answers found in the Bible, which is "breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness," (2 Timothy 3:16), we Christians can't agree on what they all exactly mean for our lives. Quite frankly, we never will resolve all of these differences. I believe that, however, as long as our theology is the same - belief in a triune God, belief that Christ came down to save us and is the only way to heaven, those being the biggest ones - Christians of all denominations will be saved. The outside issues that the church likes to obsess over, such as tattoos, pregnancy, and countless more stupid things that really don't factor into the faith of most people are the issues that Satan has used to divide us and push people away from Christ and the church. As Gandhi said, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.". It saddens me when even today, among the small percentage of college Christians, that a few continue to harbor resentment and judgement on others for stupid such such as the aforementioned. God will be the final judge, and if those issues are really important to him, let him decide.

But on the title of this blog, I realized that among all of these theological babbles in my head and deep depressing thoughts, that ultimately it really doesn't matter what I do, because 1) I've already failed on my application for permanent residence in heaven, and 2) God will have his way with me one way or another, so why do I continue to fight and waste time against the inevitable? As Psalm 136 is dedicated to, "Praise the Lord! He is Good! His love never fails!" (Psalm 136). I also believe that it would take much more than one mess up in college to fall out of the faith. Seriously, I'm not downplaying my sinning, but my active conscious is perhaps one of the greatest gifts and greatest curses I have in my life. It helps keep me on the straight and narrow, but it also guilts me into worthlessness when I fall off that straight and narrow. After, thus beings the process of trying to atone for such sin and in the end, just falling deeper into more deep theological babble that really doesn't end anywhere helpful for my faith. God's got this; he's seen it all before and while I feel like I'm unique in a lot of the temptations I am facing, I surely am not. God has helped millions through similar struggles, so I really need to just stop worrying and let him take care of it. I also have to acknowledge that I will refuse his help sometimes and fall down again. No biggie; get back up, accept his help now and in the future, and know that Jesus paid the balance due for that sin. 

It's such a simplified version of what goes down in our Christian faith, but I honestly think it's the best and to the point. Jesus says that even those of small faith can "say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.'". This gives me a lot of hope for everyone. We all as Christians and humans encounter our relationship with God at different points in our life and consequentially at different levels of trust and intimacy. The great thing, though is that God is the non-variable; his commitment never changes, regardless of the meager circumstances in life that we use as justification for our errors. Just think about that, what that means, how comforting that is to know that God's always ready to take you back and help you, no matter from where you come. Again, it may be more simplified than some theologians like, but for those like me with the seemingly small mustard seed faith, it is everything.

Think not in a legalistic mindset, fellow Christians. Rules are important, but when we focus more on them than on Christ's love and commitment, we totally lose focus on everything important in Christianity. Try showing random love to strangers; it might just change to who you give the credit.

Jacob

I'm All Alone, there's no one here beside me....

Logging into my blog today, I realize that I am literally the only person updating their blog. The last person to appear in my feed updated their blog like a month ago.

It's okay, I don't need anyone. I'm an independent man. I don't need no-bady!

Not complaining friends, but, come on - get to my level.

Jacob

Return

Fall break was this weekend; I haven't been home in two months. While Minnesota and Wisconsin are just one interstate highway apart, the distance is still too great to warrant a bus ride for six hours each way. With this in mind, I only come home once a semester in between breaks, usually fall break, since Thanksgiving is spent at my Uncle who happens to live nearby my college.
I don't mind distance. I think it's healthy for development and making your own story in this life. I think about how different my story might be had I attended the University of Minnesota or a local community college. Instead, I went where I felt God pushing me to, a state over in foreign territory with complete strangers. Now I have to admit, Waukesha and Wisconsin as a whole really aren't bad places to live; quite good, actually! I thank God every day for the people I've met and the experiences - both good and bad - that I've had because of such people. Yet I still treasure dearly my friends from back home. This weekend was a testament to how much everything has changed.
No one was home. Like, seriously, everyone was at college. Not that I can fault them for that; school break schedules aren't just all on the same...(wait for it) schedule.


Yeah I'm funny. Sometimes, I'm really astonished that I'm single.


This place ain't the hometown I am used to. It feels empty. People have changed, people have left, and those that remain are very caught up in trying to survive that the habits of old can no longer be sustained. Yet it really isn't towards those old habits/traditions that I seek; I just want my friendships!

We're all still friends, I know that much. I have my close group of friends which I will always be close with, no matter the distance and circumstances. I also have my outer group, whose relations fluctuate based on the distance the amount of time seen. I do what I can with those, but I cannot promise anything regarding stability.
But ah, that close group. I love 'em. This weekend was simply further proof. We decided to make it a night and go out to the local club for Life in Color. It was an especially awesome event, especially considering it was the first time I've really gone out this semester.

Post Paint Party in approx. 30 degrees with no dry clothes. #MNprobs

Friends do last forever; I firmly believe that. This weekend felt like a call from God reminding me of all the good he has done in my life and that he still enjoys making me happy. I like that.
Oh, but there was even more.
We decided to go to our church service at the Upper Room. I usually don't go due to work conflicts and me not being instate. But thank God I went. The hour and fifteen minutes blended together into a message I truly don't remember (all of it), but a huge focus was put into focusing in on worship - something the Upper Room is very good at - as well as forgiveness and reconciliation at communion. I'll admit, the different worship styles required me to raise my hands in prayer; that's so not me, at all. I let that one be (to be conquered a different day, hopefully), but I really did well at the communion aspect. Again, it pushed me outside of my comfort zone, as the server looked me straight in the eyes and communicated to me about God's forgiveness and plans - that's SO not typical Lutheran, the way I was raised. But give me some time in prayer and all is forgiven (HA, get it?!).
What got me more, and I suppose I should have gotten to this first (but I can't, because the sermon is a book on itself), was how I related the prior service I had attended to this new-found focus. The earlier service was about mission work and summarizing the local church's efforts in supporting missions around the world. One of the target goals was the post-Christian urban youth in America and Europe. After shown videos and pictures, I was immediately thrown back to the paint party the night prior. That place was the epitome of that lost part of society. Now, I know clubs can be controversial, especially within the church, but I'll just go ahead and say that, along with everything in society, the clubs can be as dirty and clean as you make them. There was a couple essentially having sex on the dance floor behind me the entire night, a terrible image in which they used me for, ahem, support a few times. Those people need Jesus. Who am I to judge, however, about their spiritual situation? I only pray that God would somehow use our presence there to witness to them. On the flip side, there were also dozens of people simply letting loose on the dance floor, not grinding or engaging in questionable acts; simply enjoying the moment with their friends. We were among that group, and it was so satisfying and right. Clubs are not automatically sinful because of what they can be used for; each of our actions that we do inside of them determines its harm to us. But I can guarantee that there are plenty of hostile and bad churches out there that do much more damage to their attendees than those in the nightclubs in Urban America. For me, it boiled down to my personal strength in my faith and the ability to resist temptation. Personally, grinding and drinking aren't huge temptations to me, so I can handle it. The same is not true for everyone; to each their own! But I digress. God used this weekend in three interconnecting pieces to show me what I need to be doing better in terms of witnessing. The experience (club), the message (first church service), and the push (second worship service). I feel like I've found my niche to witness to, now I just have to get used to it.

Matt, the best buddy.

Amelia, Matt's girlfiend and one of my best friends.

All together, one last time before we depart..

Okay, admit it. I'm kinda feminine sometimes. Especially lately. Ugh. Should I be eating chocolate or something?

Jacob

4 Hilarious Stereotypes about Sex (Cracked.com article)

Hello, readers,

No, I did not write this article, nor do I pretend to. Cracked.com is a hilariously funny satire website in which you piss yourself and learn something new as well. If you're familiar with it, you might have previously laughed at my attempts to model my blog posts after their comedy style.


And if you haven't, feel free to join the others in laughing at my failures at said attempts.

Alright, enough from me. Get on with your life. Maybe go outside, or something?

Jacob



Standards - 1 in 30

So, here in college, we are trying to watch all episodes of How I Met Your Mother before the final season starts started (we failed...). Alas, it was a noble effort, as we powered through a couple of seasons in reasonable time. Other than being a hilarious-yet-eerily relatable show, one thing stuck out to me the other night as we watched it. I believe it was season three (I want to say the third to last episode, actually, but don't quote me), when Ted is dating Stella, a single mother. About two months in, Stella confesses that she hasn't had sex in five years. *gasp* Ted, being the womanizer he is, suddenly realizes that the expectations she has for him in bed will be much higher, as he can hardly contain himself for five weeks, much less five years. The typical episode hilarity then ensures, resulting in Ted digging himself a hole that is difficult to get out of.
But perhaps what more struck me is one of Lily and Marshall's lines early in. When Ted tells them about Stella's lack of sexual activity for the past half decade, they proceed to criticize and tease Ted, as apparently the universally accepted standard (Barney excluded) for going all the way is AT MAX two months. At this point, I actually was chuckling to myself, because I am 19 years old and that stuff still hasn't happened.
Okay, so it's just a TV show, right? Totally not a reason to get upset; it's just there for shits and giggles. True, but it seems like a lot of the TV series made nowadays reflect our culture, and speaking as a college student, they are completely correct about that part of our culture. I'd even go as far to say that two months is generous for some couples.

Alright, I will give them this; some of the people who chose to commit their bodies to each other like that are pretty serious and end up getting married, which admittedly, is better. Still, I can't help but feel our society - and probably world in general - has a very poor concept of what all goes on during that, that dirty s word - SEX. (I'm going to hell; I said it!)

At least that's what I keep being told.

I'm no biology major, nor do I even claim to act like I have a remote interest in knowing how all of it works. The only assurance I have is the advice I have received from friends who have crossed that border and regret it, from statistics, and from God.

1) Friends nearly always tell me that they wish they had waited, not necessarily for marriage, but for them to at least mature and understand everything that sex entails. You know what, I can respect that. I certainly am in no position to judge peoples actions with their bodies; hormones are a bitch to deal with, and very few people are immune to their decision-altering effects. Saying you are waiting for marriage is one thing; actually following through is a very, very different thing that seems to require you to lock yourself in your room away from opposite-gender interaction for twenty years until you meet your spouse on Christianmingle.com and then proceed to raise equally-as-awkward kids. So you know what, I'm not going to judge because quite frankly, it's not for everyone! (Though it is a goal we should strive for.)

2) Many studies have been done that link abstinence with higher marriage, sex life, and communication satisfaction rates. On the down side, 95% of Americans have reportedly had premarital sex. Links here, here, and here. Again, I'm no social scientist, but being a Criminal Justice courses, we are taught that a lot of the chronic criminals come from broken families with one parent - usually the result of a teen pregnancy. I stress I am not one to judge; many times the religious right hype up sex to be this huge pleasure demon that is only for grown-ups. Then when the (usually sheltered) teenager discover it, it appears as a ticket to adulthood.

3) The apostle Paul was probably one of the most down-to-earth yet holy men in the New Testament. He had lived the life of a sinner; an active persecutor of Christians, actually. He understood how bad things were "down here" when in comparison to heaven. If you study his letters, you will see a lot of patterns involving him giving instructions on how it should be, followed by instructions on what to do when they mess up. We are all sinners and it is inevitable (does that mean actively participate in sin, no; you should still try to flee) that our Adam nature will take over. 1 Corinthians 7 covers marriage and romance. Skipping forward a bit, he says in verse 7, "I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another." Paul was living the single life to the max. He traveled, met new people nearly every day, had encounters with hundreds of different cultures and beliefs, and did this all without having to worry about those pesky romantic relationships. Some do think he was married while a Jew, however, but I don't think we'll ever truly know that. Anyway, he mentions as a follow-up to that verse basically that, while he would prefer we all keep it in our pants and focus our attentions elsewhere, that "...because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband." (v. 2). Look guys, he's saying the single life is cool and all, but let's be honest here, we all like sex too much to be celebite, so here's what God says. Get a husband/wife, stick with them, and you can do it as much as your heart desires. In fact, the issue was so prevalent even back then, he dedicates an entire chapter of 1 Corinthians (chapter 5) to lecturing the church for how bad sexual immorality had become within it.

Now, there are lots of other Bible verses about sex within marriage (see the entire book of Song of Songs/Solomon and 1 Corinthians 7:5, which basically commands couples to keep doing it.), and I highly encourage anyone reading this blog to continue researching the matter. Shoot, you could even leave a comment/question and I can see if I can help!

Where was I? Shoot, I hardly remember. Oh yeah, HIMYM. Okay, so in summary, it's a great show that does a great job in showing our current societal strengths and flaws, sex included! But we don't have to cringe every time we say that word. It's completely normal and biblical, assuming that it's being treated correctly.

To those who have already crossed that boundary, you are by no means beyond repair! Virginity is simply the term we give to to the act (or lack thereof); believe me, there are many, many virgins who wish they weren't and dream as such. While you can never technically get that "term" back, you can still amend your current pledge!

To those who haven't, be like Paul! Go do something that your dating/married friends can't simply because of their status! Paul traveled and did cool things (as well as go through hardships, granted!), but enjoy it while you can, because marriage is (supposed to be) until death to us part.

Jacob

LOUD NOISES (in my head)

Ever feel like this?

I have. A lot recently. Thoughts on topics that I never thought possible have seemed to torment me in the past few weeks. Thoughts about the vast un-answered questions that we have in life. God, heaven, hell, life, you name it, I've thought it. It's like a really bad second-hand thrift store; the most common and used topics and theories, I just feel so special like I was the first to think them.

Please. If the answers were easy, there would be no debate over who's God is right; if their was literal 100% physical proof that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of the world, the harvest Jesus talked about in Luke 10:2 would be a lot easier to accrue.

But no, unfortunately we are still left in this reality of hard questions, difficult answers, and seemingly hopelessness. (At least that's how I feel sometimes.) In the end, I know God put me through these trials, however petty they may seem, to strengthen me. Not physically (though I wouldn't mind that, here God. Insta-workout would be a great miracle), but spiritually. Continuing with my Bible study in a year, I'm almost to the New Testament. I thank God for making me start this program, because there is truly so much untapped potential in the Bible. If you ever get the chance when you get the chance to read the Bible more in depth, start at some of the lesser known books, like Joshua and Judges. They're some great adventures, and great examples of how God comes through in the end.

IN OTHER NEWS. MARRIAGE. WHY IS EVERYONE GETTING MARRIED? 

It's climbin' in yo windows, snatchin' all yo friends up!

For real-zies, like, it seems everyone is. [I use everyone very liberally. I apologize.] But it is definitely to the point that I notice it more. As for me, pretty much the same as usual; hiding in my corner of singleness, content and curious as to how it all works. I've come to this realization;

Look, God has plans for all of us. We all also have plans for ourselves. Very rarely do those plans coincide and agree. When push comes to shove, God's plan will win, 10 times out of 10. Why do we fight? Why do we run? He'll get us sooner or later, and the later it is, the more painful it initially will be. The same applies to dating. We have our plans of who we want to marry and spend (what we think) the rest of our lives with. Sometimes, he gives our relationship of choice his stamp of approval; sometimes he discards it and says try again. And yet very rarely, he'll pull the not for you card. 

Stay with me. I'm not saying I believe I'm destined to be alone forever. Hey, the thoughts crossed my mind, but I don't think I really believe that (yet). What I have realized is that casual dating is pretty much behind me; the next one might be it, so no more dinkin' around. Obviously, that means I sit here in college-land USA watching my friends 140 character relationships come and go, along with all the problems that accompany them. It's hard, I'll admit, sometimes I just want that temporary pleasure. It ain't worth it, I know that much. And yet there is a strange peace with being at ease with ones singleness; a peace that I've only recently felt as I've thought and prayed more on the case. Again, it's not for everyone and results will vary, but still....it's always a mystery!

Future wife, if you're out there, this will be a pretty sick marriage. 

But more on that in the future....

Jacob

So Far Apart

We all feel (and fall) apart (yes, I recgonize that is not spelled correctly; go with it) at some point. The reasons and how we show it vary, but every person, from the strongest man to the quietest girl, feel apart at some point. From there, they might fall apart, which again manifests itself in different ways. It's an uncomfortable thought, especially in our individualistic "I'll take care of it myself" culture, but it's the unfortunate truth.

My inspiration for this title is KJ-52's song. I recently discovered it, and the lyrics definitely are relatable. KJ is a great rapper and someone to look up to as a role model, especially considering his upbringing in the slums of Florida. He is up there on the list, along with Lecrae, of rappers who should be more well known in today's society.

First off, let me clarify; my life is not really falling apart. Actually, it's quite awesome. I recently was blessed with the opportunity to study in Spain next semester. It's actually happening! Money has been put down, forms submitted, and more importantly, prayers answered. God definitely does work in awesome ways, and the old saying that sometimes he says "wait" to our requests has never been truer. Granada, Spain will be my home starting in January, and to say that I'm thrilled would be an understatement.

Uh, yes please.

Yet, God gives and he takes away. Other aspects of my life have not been as fun. Relationships end, friendships are strained, thoughts are corrupting; most of the time they are manageable, but man, does it get tiring constantly reinforcing the good things and fighting off the bad. We all fall, and in the American colleges and Universities, that is especially true. I mean, not all the stereotypes are true, but a large percentage of them. 

Not all stereotypes are true. For example, Netflix is much more attractive to me than going out on most Friday nights.

Yet the future terrifies me. Somewhere, among all the people I'll encounter, people I'll know forever are waiting. I'm guessing I already know some. But think of it! The future friend forever, the future travel buddy, maybe even the future wife! (what, you actually thought I was going to say that in certainty?) I'm discovering that as one relationship ends, the hardest part isn't getting over it, but moreover controlling your anxiety about the future relationships you'll be making.

So, to get to the point, I feel very far apart in many categories of life. Yet in others, I've never felt closer. How does this work? I really couldn't answer you. If I could, I wouldn't be blogging about it with so many question marks! The only thing that's been able to remotely control me is staying busy (not that hard), and meeting new people; not dwelling in the past.

So, future, let's do this. I can only imagine what it brings.

Jacob

A witty title can't even save this blog

Now now, the rumors are not true; I am not giving up blogging. I was just on an extended hiatus, which is code word for I was busy working all the-friggin'-time and had little inspiration to write about my life. But don't worry, you handful of followers and that one dude from Asia who stumbles upon this blog randomly, I am back and just as mediocre as ever!

I believe the last blog post I wrote was around the beginning of summer - late May/early June. Well, those days are long past, and as of tomorrow I'm heading back off to school. I'm simply thrilled. 

Not sure if he's being sarcastic or totally serious.

Oh, I'm both. I'm being a sarcastic asshole, yet being completely serious. Why? Mainly because I can, and because it helps me cope. How? Well, if you really understood how I process things, you'd know. I'm pretty excited about a few aspects of returning to college, namely the fact that I have an apartment, access to vehicles and off campus events, and more of an understanding of what the hell is going on around me in this crazy world of American college. But I'm really going to miss other aspects of home, namely, well, simply being home. I don't hate my parents/family; I actually love them. They're cool and I don't know why so many kids are so eager to leave their family behind. Maybe I'm just weird(er).

I also am really going to miss my job. Like, a lot. This past summer I managed to snag a job (through multiple rounds of job postings, begging, and favors - or maybe my friend just posted it on Facebook, that's pretty likely as well.) at the local YMCA day camp up the road. I had no idea how much fun it would be and the friends that I would make. Going out was a nightly occurrence and became almost too much for even me! (that is a mighty fine feat to accomplish; I love going out.) 

Possible, it is not. Jacob enjoys very much to go out and party with friends.

Don't worry guys, I stuck it out to the end and had a blast. Even still, besides the social aspect, I felt really fulfilled working with kids all the time for multiple reasons.

1) It's fulfilling work. Every day you come to work and interact with hundreds of different kids. They see everything you do and they all take it differently. I like to think a lot of what I did this past summer left a positive effect on those kids.

2) It's steady pay. 35 hours a week, every week. The wage could be higher, but there are some things worth more than money, no?

3) I get to dork around for my job. Obviously, I have responsibilities, being a lifeguard and all, but it's super chill too and playing with kids, joking with counselors and other guards is required!

4) It's great birth control. I see some of these kids and think, "No. Never. Never ever will one of these demon things be the result of my sperm and my wife's egg.". Why risk it now when I am even less ready to deal with it? You'd be surprised what can motivate you!

No honey, we can't make love. One of those...things...might pop out nine months from now.

I did more than work, I played as well. I ran some races, went to some concerts, stayed out late. Those Nights by Skillet pretty much sums up my social life this summer. Most of the time pretty clean fun that only drew us closer. I've also realized, through this, that I have too many friends with the name Matt. Below are pictures that sum up my summer. Try not to be too jealous (or bored).

The ever-beautiful girlfriend.

Just because some of us are in college doesn't mean they can drive; safe to say our life was in her hands.

Old church friends.

My fav group of all time.

My new friend Matt! Sleeping...

Sonshine!

Babies are pretty darn cute, though.

Family bonding time.

But time to move on; I soon move back to Wisconsin and to all the adventures that await me there. I can only imagine what God has in store for me. But as I've read my Bible over these months, this one verse seems relevant. 

The best that people can do is eat, drink, and enjoy their work. I saw that even this comes from God, because no one can eat or enjoy life without him. If people please God, God will give them wisdom, knowledge, and joy. But sinners will get only the work of gathering and storing wealth that they will have to give to the ones who please God. So all their work is useless, like chasing the wind. ~ Ecclesiastes 2: 24-26

So often I feel bad about having a good time, because somehow God is against us having fun. Nope! Their are times for everything, God says, and I want to focus on the good times just as much as I obsess about the bad. Both of those times are coming in my life. In the words of Prince, Let's get crazy...

Cheers to life and God! We'll overlook the fact that Jacob's search history looks like research for a bad porno to find these images.

Jacob

A small rant to my mind

I'll be honest, there's so much going on in my head right now; this blog won't make much sense.

So, I love my family!
I'm confused about relationships all around.
School scares me now!
I really enjoy reading the Bible; now if only I could actually follow it.
I'm fed up with some stuff.

I'll just close this little rant with a song that's really grabbed my ear this past week. Promises by Sanctus Real.

I'll expand later, but if you pray, do so for me. :P

Jacob

Back Up

So, the last week was amazing. I went to Sonshine festival for the third year, and it was just as amazing as the first two. I felt so refreshed and ready to take on everything the world can throw at me. I prayed a lot, dug into my Bible, and started deciding where I stand on many issues. One of the biggest decisions I made was to sponsor an Ecuadorian child through Compassion International. For $38 a month out of my pocket, this kid will get medical care, food, school and work training, and churched at home, nearly guaranteeing him a better life. I feel so lucky here in my comfortable suburban life that I thought, "why not?!"

Now, Sonshine is over. I'm back in the real world. And God, I could really use some of that courage you gave me days ago. Doubt has set in from my parents and others; temptations continue to rise; the old life beckons. I know what I need to do; read my Bible more, pray on these issues, and surround myself with good company. A lot easier said than done.
I know, he says not to worry, and I am really trying not to. But it is also hard not to freak out when thinking of the huge financial burden I just placed on myself. At least at this point in my life, it is.

It'll all be fine. Just keep trusting in him!

Jacob

Fading Anonomously

My first question: why is it 63 degrees in almost-July?

Answer: Because it's Minnesota and it can.

My second question: why do I have so many weird thoughts at night?

Answer: Because I'm alone and can think straight.

My third question: How am I doing in life?

Answer: Complicated.

So much can happen in a week, a month, a year. Barely one year ago, I didn't have any of the college experiences I do now, know any of those people, nor have any of these expectations. All I had was my high school diploma, my group of close friends and family, and my faith in God. I still remember that last day, at the All Night Grad Party, sitting on my cooler and resting as I waited for my ride. All of the students - if we could be called that anymore - started to limp out of the high school one more time, tired from a night of intense fun and hilarity. Yet as I sat there, the somber realization came upon me that I'm never going to see a majority of these people ever again. Granted, I knew but a fraction of my class, but it still was scary. Plus, hearing of all of their great plans and what they wanted to do in college and life made my plans feel inferior.
Let's fast forward a year, to now.
With my friend group reconvening and bonding again this summer, we all had stories to tell. Everyone seems to have that one drunk story, that one "I can't believe he did that" story, and that one heartbreak story from college. Yet, sometimes the most interesting stories are the ones that stayed back. I know for certain there are many kids whose college plans did not work out according to plan for various reasons, the most common being too much partying. So, they throw their current plans out the door and come back to work for a year or two. Now, it's not the end of the world, but it definitely doesn't help the overall goal. I guess my point is, am I really going to do something with this plan and aspirations that I have, or am I just going to fail and fade into anonymity like so many other of my former classmates? Classmates who, at the ten year reunion, look tired, out of shape, and just generally beaten down? Or am I going to be that one that everyone goes, "dang, couldn't have seen that one coming!"?

I will fight to be in the latter.

Jacob

Bosom and the Bible

So, I'm trying to read the Bible in a year. I'm in Proverbs right now, and it is one of the most interesting and influential books I've read in this interesting book. You know, I've been a Christian all my life and not once have I read through an entire Old Testament book; actually, I hadn't read through most books, spare the gospels and Acts. But I'm doing it. I've fallen off the commitment path a few times, but I've always picked it right back up and gotten back on it.
While I was catching up this morning, I was reading Proverbs 5. It is a warning against adultery, aimed primarily at men who might struggle with a wandering eye. And I thought to myself, this is pretty applicable, even though I'm not married, much less soon to be engaged or such. Solomon, that wise 'ol man, tells us starting in verse 3, "For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword."
Ain't that the truth. Here in the modern, secular era, we have a similar phrase: If she'll do it for you, she'll most likely do it to you.

Cheating is hard for many guys. We are simply programmed for that physical connection and act, more so than woman. But that's no excuse. God gave us sex and wants us to be happy, and he tells the married man and woman to enjoy each others company as much as they can! In verse 18 and 19, Solomon and God tell us to "...rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love."
Also, read through the Songs of Solomon once; you'll be surprised what is in the Bible. ;)

Jacob

Merp

You know, sometimes I really, really don't understand why we're made the way we are. We're programmed to be with people, yet sometimes I want nothing to do with them. We're programmed for sex, but I'm really starting to lean towards avoiding it at all costs. We're programmed to believe in a higher power, yet many don't and actively deny him.
I just don't get it...
Particularly with the second, I really ponder these a lot. I wish we could choose our priorities when we turned like, 14, or something. Like, I want job, travel, and worship to be my top priorities, and not be worried by sex, intimacy, or tough questions. Life would be so much easier.

Yeah, sure, that would probably include dying alone. But hey, everyone dies alone anyway! You can't take anyone with you. I really don't see the bad in that; one last hurrah to ponder with yourself, your life decisions, and the hopes for the next life.

Well, lets hope that never happens. In the meantime, I'm going to go to bed (all alone, and quite content) and tomorrow, I'm gonna go to work!

How revolutionary. :P

Jacob

It's a lot easier when looking back

Had you asked me three weeks ago what my life was like, it probably would have sounded something like this.
"It really sucks right now. I have absolutely zero idea as to where God wants me to go. I'm pretty much just a zombie everyday, doing the work I have to and then going home and surviving."
Please, spare me the pity, I gave myself enough of it. I'm not saying that I wasn't a little girl-ish in these thoughts, but considering all that had gone on in that short period [about a week], it seemed justified at the time:
1) the weather was literally hovering around 50 degrees daily...in May (as I write this in June, it's the same. I hate this state :P).
2) The job I really, really wanted wasn't calling me back, leaving me stuck at a dead-end job that I really didn't like.
3) My girlfriend was about to leave for Australia for two weeks. Okay, this is probably one of the most pathetic ones. Seriously, Jacob, you went nearly five months without seeing her and now two weeks is hard? To that I reply, I know. -_-
4) Not all of my friends were home yet, leaving a very empty feeling at my house.
5) The prospects of me studying abroad in the upcoming year were looking grim.
6) Did I mention that it felt like early March in what is supposed to be almost-summer? Yeah, I'm still bitter about that one...

Nature, you're really not helping anything here...

At that moment, I'll admit, I was a little frustrated with God. Every Christian is told, "Oh, he has a plan for you, just be patient." when put in a less-than-desirable situation. I've even used that saying before. It's a lot harder to believe when it's happening to you. Certainly, I knew things had to get better. They always do, right?

Well, lets fast forward about three weeks to now [early June]. It appears that God opens some doors and closes others, and in the case of my jobs, he did just that. While he did not grant me my prayer of working at Caribou, he gave me an equally-blessed job working with kids as a lifeguard and part time counselor at the local YMCA summer camp. This means that 1) I get more stable hours and pay, and 2) I get to enjoy my job a lot more than I currently do. Oh, and I'm not waking up at five AM every weekday. I like that...
In the other areas, things are even better! After a phone call involving my mom and study abroad counselor at school, we discovered it's more than doable for me to go to Barcelona next spring. It's nearly certain, the finances just need to be acquired, which the previous example will help secure. God really did provide when he gave me that money from the school to help me go; what he plans on having me do, I don't know. But I know it'll be fun and worth it!
And lastly, while it may seem trivial, the woman I enjoy calling my girlfriend gets back at somepoint tomorrow (I don't exactly know the details, given she's flying back from Australia). While the future and details of that relationship are still uncertain, God will lead us down his desired path concerning us and either way, I'll be happy.

So yeah, maybe things aren't so bad after all. Thanks God!
Psalm 106:44 Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry.

Jacob

Worry

So much has happened in these past few weeks and even more is set to happen in the next one! Potential jobs, new friends, new lessons. It's safe to say that I've experienced every side of all of the actions that make up these descriptions. Yet during all of the decisions, good and bad, this song kept on sticking in my head
If anything is certain, it's that my current beliefs are being tested much more at home than they ever were in college  It's sad, but it's also very true the saying that they get you when your guard is down and you're at home. Yet through all of my successes and failures, God has provided a better life for me.
I was fretting about another summer job? God literally handed me one. When I didn't enjoy that, he gave me the potential for another one, at a place I would enjoy working at.

Funny; I wrote the paragraph above more than a week ago. Looking back, I really don't take my own advice. I've been a nervous wreck this week, stressing out and being sad for multiple reasons. It just goes to show how short term my memory is and how hard it really is to cast all of my anxieties on him. Like, really, really, hard...

More posts comin'!

Jacob

STOP MOVING YOU'RE HURTING ME

Seriously, why is everyone getting engaged? Like, another one of my college buddies did. It's weird knowing that I hang out with these guys nearly everyday during the school year, and now they're going to be getting MARRIED. Well, I wish them the absolute best, and I'll be praying for them!
Now, about my whole relationship thing. Yeah, we just got this party started; we got some development to do...

Fo sho, what be happenin'?!

This is a blog about time, college, and change

In case you don't know, I'm in college. And if you remember that but managed to forget, it's almost summer. As in, I go home tomorrow. Dang; first year of college, pffow (is that the sound of "gone"? I don't know.) - it's gone. I theoretically only have two and half years of college left; some of my friends are even less. [You know I'm talking to you, overachiever.] So, the verdict?

College is possibly the most fun, confusing, and stressful time of my life. Granted, my ancient age of 19 is not much to compare to, but still, I've experienced things high school never could have given me. I would never go back; I've met people who said they would, and while I can understand them feeling that way, college is so liberating that you simply can't go back. Granted, this liberation comes with responsibility, the part of the equation that a lot of college goers fail to acknowledge.
I've made so many good friends at college and I am legitimately sad to see them go. For most of them, I'm sure I'll see them next year; for those that aren't returning, God will dictate if you're to stay or not, I'm not too worried. I've also realized how much I miss my friends back home. Seriously, it hurts sometimes. We have so many shared memories that we HAVE TO be friends forever. Seriously, it's inscribed in stone. Take that, society! We didn't even have to all sleep together to get this close.
Point being, I'm super-excited to get back home for a few days of R&R, catch-up, and then begin work. Yay real life. :P

New friends give new experiences. We learn from all of them, fun, sadness, mistakes and all.

Old friends become something new.

Friendships from before hopefully will remain after.

But what if they're all different? For a few friends, life is completely different. One is states away, another has a kid. Life will never be the same way again, so should we even try reverting back to the old normal? Or can we adapt to our new experiences and lives and make our friendship even better? My bets are on the latter, because it's like awesome friendship 2.0. It'll be awesome!

So, till next year Carroll, and hopefully Barcelona. I'm going to go enjoy the warm weather you seem to enjoy witholding from us till May.
Oh yeah, speaking of that. No more of this "snow in May" thing. I'm serious; I'm going to start complaining to the boss if this performance keeps up.

Jacob

That day when you realize you are (perspectively) old

Everyone has those days, regardless of age, where you look around you and are like "When did that happen? When did people start doing that? How long's that been going on for?" Face it, it's that day when we realize we feel really old and realize the future and all it contains - our plans, hopes, fears - is now and rapidly approaching.
I mean, not even a year ago, I was in high school, eagerly and fearfully anticipating the next step in life. And now, it's mid-April of my freshman year of college and I'll be going home for my first college summer in less than two weeks. I mean, dang, I look at my Facebook feed and see this year's high school seniors and just be like, "Yeah, been there done that. Oh, you'll find out."
Haha.  Like I'm some old wise scholar who has traveled the high school world and back and know all.

I wish. Actually, not really, there are cooler things to be well-cultured in.

Anyways, lately I've been talking to a bunch of my friends back home and I've realized that it ain't going to be the same. And you know what? I'm totally fine with that. I really enjoy my life here in Wisconsin and likely will stay for a while. Those friends who I still talk to from Minnesota, we share a strong bond of friendship that distance really can't get rid of, so I'm not worried. Yes, the relationship will surely be different and perhaps a little more awkward at points, but we can always recover.
Then again, it's gonna get really weird here when my friends start getting married. Which is happening, by the way.
It's already happening. :O
Seriously, once one person pops the question, two or three follow, and it's just a cascade effect. That's not necessarily a bad thing, the ones I know here who are engaged are older and defiantly have God's blessing in their planned marriage. But it's just a little scary when you think about how soon that happens and how likely it is in all of our futures. My mom got married when she was barely 23; that's less that four years from where I am now. :O Do I have to catch up, or should I be fine where I am now? I believe I'm perfectly fine here now, but it's a feeling that always persists.

Well, don't you all go off getting married now. There's so much more to do while I'm single, and I haven't experienced it all yet.

Till next blog (hopefully in summer...)

Jacob

Enough

Ain't college just full of wonders, both good and bad? I'll admit, I've never really enjoyed myself as much as I have in college at times, and I've never felt as hopeless as I have before either. With such a wide spectrum of emotions in one place, it's amazing that we pay this much for college.
Developments have definitely put an interesting twist on life in the past few months. People, both new and old, have entered my life with new significance and leaving me with new thoughts on how much I really value them and what they mean to me.

Summed up, they mean a heck of a lot. From the best friend to the forever friend. From that friend we love but acts stupid to the flirty relationship three years in the making.

I love these people and wouldn't give the world for them. I hope we have nothing but fun times in the future together.

Yet, what if they were all taken away?

I've been pondering that question a lot recently. Going back over break and seeing some old friends really made me realize how much I value and appreciate one. As I take more steps towards being a completely independent man, I have also realized the value of being dependent on someone else for things as well. The American culture hates that; we need to be able to do everything on our own, without assistance from a second or third party. You're weak if you can't give your best effort. I certainly believe in some of those standings, yet as a Christian, I realize how weak we truly are; how much we can't do on our own and what we really need.

A relationship with God is enough. Everything else is secondary. God blesses those who follow him; the entire book of Job is about a Godly man who is blessed, cursed, then blessed more than he was before that! Yes, Christianity should be one concerned for the poor, but many feel that you can't have abundant money and follow him. False. It can be harder, but it's definitely possible!

But I'm ranting, back to my point.

As Lecrae so accurately puts it, God is enough. My litmus test is this; am I so dependent on a person that I could not function were they not in my life? If so, I really need to adjust my priorities and relationships. Thankfully right now, there are no relationships where I would be non-functional without. Yes, their absence would suck a lot, but in the end, we would all survive.
That doesn't mean he is going to take away everyone we love. Sure, some challenges will be in our life that will change those, but in the end everything is for our benefit. It's a long race, as described in Hebrews, but we can be confident we'll cross the finish line alive if we just trust in him.

So, readers, how dependent are your relationships? Is God alone enough?

Jacob

My two cents

Nowadays, I really prefer to stay out of the public spotlight when it comes to controversial matters. You're hard-pressed to find me really ranting about anything political on Facebook anymore, and while I may have some political stuff in my feed, I don't share it. Reasoning? Everyone seems to have their opinion on everything and are simply looking for a fight. Anything I post, I usually offend someone. So, if you really want to know what I think, ask me. :P Is that so hard now?

I've had a few people ask me in the recent days, "Jacob, what's your opinion on gay marriage?". Oh boy, they just cut right to the chase, don't they? Well, I'm writing a blog post about it. Try to contain your pitchforks.

First off, let's get clear: same-sex romantic relationships are sinful and against God. The more-liberal churches in America like to selectively choose verses from the Bible that tell us to love everyone, like Luke 6:31, Mark 12:31, and Proverbs 10:12. They're all correct when they say we should love them as human beings; I agree, we're all terrible sinners who are destined to hell without Jesus. At the same time, we are also told to correct our brothers when we see them perpetually sinning. If my brother was addicted to heroin, I would say something, not because I hate him, but because I love him and want to see him get better. Galatians 6:1 says, "Brothers and sisters, if someone in your group does something wrong, you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently help make him right again. But be careful, because you might be tempted to sin, too." This is hardly ever an overnight transformation process; it usually takes a lot of time for the sinner to realize what they're doing and own it. It happens to me all the time, too; all of us have been approached at one point over an issue. 

The other problem is that the issue is so polarized. You have the Westboro Baptist Church on one end who calls for gays to be persecuted and you have the militant LGBT community on the other end that makes all gays look like complete assholes. I know that a majority of people aren't like that. I have gay friends and they're some of the nicest people I know. I would defend them like I would any other of my friends; their sexuality really isn't a factor for me (Am I saying I'm not concerned for their sin, no. But it isn't a topic where you can just jump in and tell them it as it is. You need to focus on helping them with other things, first.). The thing that really angers me is when people find out my view, they assume that I hate gays. Since when did disagreement=hate? I really don't understand. I don't agree with most of my friends on everything, and yet, they're my friends. It's so easy to blame the media for everything, but this time I believe it's warranted.

But I don't condone gay marriage any more than I condone murder or extra-marital affairs. To God, ever sin is equal, so why do we treat some sins as if they have priority over others? Politically-speaking, I really don't give a hoot about if gays can marry, because I think the government has different things they should be worrying about, but the unsolvable problem of beliefs influencing how we vote enters into the equation and it just is a big mess. From that view, yes, give them marriage. But the second you start informing or persuading the churches to accept it, then I take issue. Then again, the churches have been failing at the issue recently, haven't they? It's an issue that we honestly won't know the complete answer until Judgement Day, but until then we're left to pray and act off what the Bible says. My hope is that those who don't agree with me can see it from my point of view; it really is more of a religious thing than a political one. I could go so much further into more details, but I need to shower and get ready for the day. :P Oh real life....

To be expanded upon another time.

Jacob

Yeah you, guilted into a blog post

I'll admit it; the only reason I really summoned up the motivation to blog tonight was because my best friend is totally beating me in blog views - like by double the views - and I just watched a Criminal Minds episode about killer bloggers. Motivation level achieved.

Hear that, CBS bastards; you just don't do that. Yet you did. You did. 

Dammit, Mac. You just deleted my entire post; I don't even know what I did. -_- I swear, just when I think I'm getting the hang of it...

Then again, just when I think I'm getting the hang of life, it whips me around. Ain't that the truth?

Jacob

Spring!

As I type this, birds are outside my window chirping. YES. Winter, you're waning. Don't come back.

Of course, we all know Midwest weather; it'll be like 70 one day, then snow the next. I best not get my hopes up.
But I am, anyway.

Even though it's only a tad over freezing, it's sunny, meaning warmer! It's also amazing how much better of a mood you can be in when it's sunny and warm(er). I'm still holding out for those sunny summer days that I spend with my friends, working on my tan at work, and ultimately praising God in the various activities I do. Tough Mudder, anyone?

This summer'll be a good one. God has some great things in store for me and others. Ultimately, I don't know what they are; I have an idea of what I'd like, but we'll see!

Until I have time to blog after midterms...

Jacob

Worthwhile...

There. I did it again. You know what I've had multiple people ask me about?

"Jacob, what are the '...' for at the end of a text?"

I swear, I just put them there cause I'm bored. Honest. They don't mean anything.

Ahem. Continuing on. 

Being in college, I've come to understand the worth of someone/something. Quite literally, what is college worth? My bank account says it's worth about 20k a year (which I don't have); my brain says it's priceless because I get to travel abroad and learn things for my future career; sometimes I also feel it isn't worth it, because I feel like the first year and a half of classes are full of crap and useless.

College, depending on where you go, also makes you question the worth of many non-tangible things, such as friendships. Luckily, my old (back home) friends worth has only increased; I love them and hope it goes on forever. My new friends, their worth is still being assessed. Some will be allowed to stay, some will have to go, but that's life. 

As we continue on here, I'll discover old friends are worth more, and perhaps the best thing I have has really been by me all along. All of my friends, my family, other things that I took for granted, now they've been taken away. It'll take a lot of adjusting, but I know in the end it'll work out. Just gotta trust in God, and he'll lead you to whomever he pleases - odds are you'll like 'em too!

Jacob

Sex and Deceit

In college, I'm truly surrounded by sex. Everywhere. All my friends have/are doing it on a regular/semi-regular basis. It's a weekly occurrence in rooms. Only a brick wall separates me from it, sometimes. I find myself part of a increasingly-shrinking part of my friend circle that remain virgins. I'm pretty sure I can count the number of people on one hand, sadly.
And because of this, I'm faced every day with the opportunity to partake in these activities. Oh, believe me, I've debated it. But every time I make a remote step in that direction, my conscience drops like a rock and stops me. Gosh, thank God my parents instilled that in me.

I don't wanna be like that. I see all the heartbreak and drama that sexual activity causes; it is a slippery slope to a deep, deep ravine of depression and seemingly hopelessness, not to mention the hundreds of ways it complicates our lives everyday. I may be walking the unstable path next to it sometimes, but I'm still surviving. Luckily, lately I've had a very positive increase in affirmation of my goal to make it to the honeymoon bed. Cause that night with my wife, it's gonna blow our minds. ;)

We learned at church the other week that God made sex and is pleased with it. Unfortunately, we sinners like to corrupt a good thing; that's why my perception of it is terribly warped. I definitely don't view it in the goodness it should be viewed in. But physical affection is perfectly normal; that, I didn't know. God made Eve out of Adam because, as the pastor explained it, "there were some things Adam just couldn't do alone.". The problem arises here is that I'm a 19 year old male with raging hormones, and marriage is not in sight (that's a good thing, though). But it's all about perseverance.

Let me just show you what really, really gave me encouragement. The book of Song of Solomon is a little-known Old Testament book that depicts good sexual relations between newlyweds. While it also is considered to be a symbol of Christ's relationship with the church, it definitely can be directly interpreted too.
Proof?
Song of Solomon 5:4 My beloved put his hand to the latch, and my heart was thrilled within me
In other versions, the latch is called a crevice or hole.
Yeah....
How about one more?
Song of Solomon 7:7 Your stature is like a palm tree, and your breasts are like its clusters. I say I will climb the palm tree and lay hold of its fruit.
I am SO excited. :D :D



Basically, all of these sexual acts we feel are "dirty" really glorify God. Sure, that may seem a little weird, but God does take pleasure in it.

So, future wife, I may know you now or may not, but I am going to do my absolute best to make sure my love is shared with you and only you. Because that's how God intended for it, and that's how it's proven to work.

Jacob

Song time!

God Gave Me You

It's not the country song, which means it's that much better. :)
But seriously, this song can be applied to so many people in my life. To those I knew, I know now, and will know.

Thank you God!

Jacob

I don't have an eating disorder, I swear

It occurred to me the other night that I only eat about 1 meal a day, usually lunch. Now, is this odd? Yeah, but on the other end I'm not hungry, so I'm not going to spend money on food that's going to be wasted.

Who knows, maybe I'll just lose a lot of weight. :P That's one way to get rid of the freshmen 15, I guess.

Other than that, I'm just busy a lot, as well as stressed. Lot of homework which I don't understand, God questions, and just overall growing up going on.

Forward to the daylight!!!

Jacob

You know, just another Tuesday

It's definitely the hardest part of the year. I'm kinda missing home and my friends. It's constantly cold, and there's no break in reasonable sight. Homework is constant and motivation is a daily struggle. I'm actually doing quite well given the circumstances, but still, blah..
I keep thinking of summer and how I'm going to make the most of it. I need to. It's only three months, but they've always been the best three months of my life. I get so much done, I do so much with friends, I work a lot. It's so satisfying. It pulls me through the cold, dreary days of January and beyond.
So I'm sitting here in the library, listening to Mat Kearney and blogging. Yeah, not that bad, I guess.

Jacob

Life without hope

College. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear that word?



Probably something like this.

Now, when you think of God, what comes to mind?



(I actually don't have a picture to put here. Use your imagination.)

Well, anyways, the linking argument is that most people think we youngsters fall away from God during college. Now, there have been studies to show this to be true, and while that is sad, it is also a time of incredible transformation for many people. Not only do people discover (or re-discover) God in college, many times they pour out their entire lives to him! It's really an amazing period of life.
Yes, the parties can be fun, but a life full of purpose AND good fun is 10x better, I've discovered.

Why am I posting so seriously today? My my Jacob, you must have had a bad day...

No, actually not. I just started making plans to study abroad in Spain for a year. Holla gurl.

No, actually, the reason I bring this up is because lately me and few other friends have been going up against a guy on our floor who prides himself as the intelligent atheist. You know that stereotype you have of atheists? The young ones, angry at the world. hell-bent on destroying religion and proving everyone wrong? Yeah, that's him. It's sad, because I pray for him constantly (yet not as much as I feel I should), and it seems to make no difference. But God has a plan for all of us, no?
The thing I just can't understand is how atheists are so blind to their own fallacies?
I don't believe in something not proven by science.
Oh, that's my favorite. We can't prove a lot of things these days by science, yet we are grateful for them occurring. Also, when they start using the whole "it happened x amount of of years ago, therefore it can't be trusted" line, I only can smile and laugh, because we can't prove scientifically that anything happened in the past - we have to trust first-hand written accounts. Wanna prove George Washington crossed the Delaware? We can't; he didn't leave any footprint or evidence behind. We trust the accounts written are true, because nobody who saw it was alive.
If God's all powerful, why can't he stop starving children in Africa from dying?
He can, and he does sometimes, too. But he also is expecting us Christians - his followers - to step it up and show his love in physical form. Just because you have all the power, do you use it all the time? No; as a father, sometimes you allow your children to experience harmful things so that they know what not to do (yet we still do them) and that they know who really loves them.
We only have one life; we need to max it out.
Then why, in God's holy name, are you devoting your life being an ass to everyone else?! If you truly have one life, screw what we think; we should be irrelevant! Atheists should be skydiving, visiting foreign and exotic places, taking in all this awesome planet - whose creation was a total accident, by the way - has and live to the max. Because we only get these brief 80 some years, if you're lucky, then we're gone forever! But no, instead, they insist on mocking theists and religious people, tearing down good things that religion has built up over the years, and generally being angry at everything. Because guess what, religion is in everything. You can go about preaching it all you want, but people will always believe in something bigger than them.
Lastly, I just present a few questions. As one with no faith, where do you derive your moral standards? Christians bring it from the Bible, Muslims from the Koran, and others from their respective books. Atheists have no common book to gather around - Richard Dawkins The God Delusion hardly counts. Therefore, atheists cannot claim something that I do is "wrong" because their morals only apply to them; they have no universal atheist moral code. Christians do - granted it's not always followed - as do other religions. Atheists cannot claim the Holocaust was wrong, because at the time, people felt it was right.
Yes, I'm sure some atheist right now is coming up with a counterattack. But when they start diving into this realm, they gamble with their own logic, as we can't see or measure morals - therefore they can't exist, right?
Actually lastly, atheism in itself has become its own religion - believers of non-belief. Oppose it as you might, the collective group of new militant atheists is in tune with a religious cult.
I pray for them. While you may not agree with me, I definitely see no reason believers and non-believers cannot live in peace and harmony together. One day, we'll all come face to face with God, though, and we will be held accountable.

Jacob