As Christians, we are called to show Christ's love to the broken, the poor, and the hurting. Here are some great ways to do that...
1) Sponsor a child through Compassion International
www.compassion.com
2) Buy Product (RED)
www.joinred.com
3) Join the ONE Campaign
www.one.org
Be aware of World AIDS Day.
"It’s not a coincidence that in the Scriptures, poverty is mentioned more than 2,100 times. It’s not an accident. That’s a lot of air time."
- Bono
12.01.2008
10.16.2008
10.15.2008
9.20.2008
This Is College
Naps are always needed, but usually dorm life keeps you up. Play some beach volleyball. Stay up till 6:00 AM working. Go to class from 6:30 AM till 9:00 AM. Sleep till 2:45ish. Go to meetings, meetings, and more meetings. Pick on the Freshmen as much as possible.
Learn some Greek - talk some end times. Learn some evangelism - talk some church education. Hangout at your friend's house - watch a movie. Watch your school's baseball team play at the nearby stadium. Lead worship after curfew. Go work in the office for a little bit. Spend time in prayer.
Miss out on the cafeteria food you already payed for and eat Chinese buffet food that costs a lot JUST because you want to.
A date here, a date there. Homework everywhere.
Agendas, meetings, good conversations, dumb conversations, social overload... accomplishments, failures, lessons learned, friendships made, money lost, life goes on and life is good.
THIS IS COLLEGE.
Learn some Greek - talk some end times. Learn some evangelism - talk some church education. Hangout at your friend's house - watch a movie. Watch your school's baseball team play at the nearby stadium. Lead worship after curfew. Go work in the office for a little bit. Spend time in prayer.
Miss out on the cafeteria food you already payed for and eat Chinese buffet food that costs a lot JUST because you want to.
A date here, a date there. Homework everywhere.
Agendas, meetings, good conversations, dumb conversations, social overload... accomplishments, failures, lessons learned, friendships made, money lost, life goes on and life is good.
THIS IS COLLEGE.
8.27.2008
8.14.2008
Credo's Junior Year
For 1st Semester:
1) Seminary - 6 credits
2) College - 12 credits
3) Work Security
4) Work Underground Cafe
5) Student Body President
6) North Valley Community Church
7) Parker Hill Community Church
This keeps me off the streets, so to speak...
1) Seminary - 6 credits
2) College - 12 credits
3) Work Security
4) Work Underground Cafe
5) Student Body President
6) North Valley Community Church
7) Parker Hill Community Church
This keeps me off the streets, so to speak...
7.18.2008
The Dark Knight Midnight Showing Review
I'll try to describe this film in two-word descriptions.
Pure Genius
Astonishingly Creepy
Wacked Out
Amazingly Stellar
If you're going to go watch the film - be forewarned - it just might be one of the best films you've ever seen while at the same time being the creepiest film you've ever seen. It deals with issues like anarchy, psychopathic mania, morality/ethics, social experimentation, and the age-old question - "What is Truth?" My friend also pointed out that the film makes light of death.
The movie is rated PG-13 for action/menace.
The movie could be rated X for worldview/philosophy.
Here's an excerpt from www.pluggedinonline.com...
"Without a doubt, then, The Dark Knight is mesmerizing and thought-provoking. It's guaranteed to become a critical darling while scooping up a bazillion dollars at the box office. But its dark side cannot be ignored.
The Chicago Tribune leads its review with this warning: 'Sensational, grandly sinister and not for the kids.' The New York Daily News tells us, 'The PG-13 rating seems tame; this sucker is rough.' You're seeing it advertised on everything from cereal boxes to candy bars, but that doesn't make Knight's violence, it's aura of menace, any more digestible. It's not just kids who'll walk out of the film shaken.
When you see Harvey Dent's new look for the first time, you barely notice his still pretty-boy right side. The left side—charred, unblinking, horrific—seems to fill the screen. And the same could be said for this movie. Yes, it's undeniably well-crafted. But it's a harsh creation, and by all rights shouldn't have been named after the good guy. The Dark Knight is the Joker's court, and he's not looking for a laugh. "
Pure Genius
Astonishingly Creepy
Wacked Out
Amazingly Stellar
If you're going to go watch the film - be forewarned - it just might be one of the best films you've ever seen while at the same time being the creepiest film you've ever seen. It deals with issues like anarchy, psychopathic mania, morality/ethics, social experimentation, and the age-old question - "What is Truth?" My friend also pointed out that the film makes light of death.
The movie is rated PG-13 for action/menace.
The movie could be rated X for worldview/philosophy.
Here's an excerpt from www.pluggedinonline.com...
"Without a doubt, then, The Dark Knight is mesmerizing and thought-provoking. It's guaranteed to become a critical darling while scooping up a bazillion dollars at the box office. But its dark side cannot be ignored.
The Chicago Tribune leads its review with this warning: 'Sensational, grandly sinister and not for the kids.' The New York Daily News tells us, 'The PG-13 rating seems tame; this sucker is rough.' You're seeing it advertised on everything from cereal boxes to candy bars, but that doesn't make Knight's violence, it's aura of menace, any more digestible. It's not just kids who'll walk out of the film shaken.
When you see Harvey Dent's new look for the first time, you barely notice his still pretty-boy right side. The left side—charred, unblinking, horrific—seems to fill the screen. And the same could be said for this movie. Yes, it's undeniably well-crafted. But it's a harsh creation, and by all rights shouldn't have been named after the good guy. The Dark Knight is the Joker's court, and he's not looking for a laugh. "
6.22.2008
6.19.2008
We Need to Open Our Eyes
My friend Tom e-mailed these to me - I don't know where they came from originally, but these photos are incredibly humbling and convicting to me.
6.14.2008
Quick June Update
1) Saw Cynthia graduate from Heritage Christian Academy.
2) Spent a week in Michigan with Mom, Dad, Cynthia, Grandma, and Grandpa.
3) Visited friends in Cleveland.
4) Finished Starving Jesus and Waking the Dead.
5) Moving into new Student Leadership Council office next week.
6) Moving through Greek one page at a time.
7) Traveling to Camp Burton, Skyview Ranch, Camp Patmos, Emmanuel Baptist Church, and Willo-Hill Baptist Church to visit leaders and do admissions work: June 26 - July 1.
2) Spent a week in Michigan with Mom, Dad, Cynthia, Grandma, and Grandpa.
3) Visited friends in Cleveland.
4) Finished Starving Jesus and Waking the Dead.
5) Moving into new Student Leadership Council office next week.
6) Moving through Greek one page at a time.
7) Traveling to Camp Burton, Skyview Ranch, Camp Patmos, Emmanuel Baptist Church, and Willo-Hill Baptist Church to visit leaders and do admissions work: June 26 - July 1.
5.20.2008
Leadership in Prince Caspian
King Peter attacks King Miraz's castle - but his motive is for himself.
Queen Susan keeps asking King Peter why he's doing this.
He never responds because he knows the answer.
Many of his soldiers die because their retreat is cut off.
King Peter looks back to see the gate close on his warriors.
He attacked for selfish motives.
In the end, it was King Peter who killed his people.
Selfish leadership results in death.
This reality hit me in the movie theatre.
Queen Susan keeps asking King Peter why he's doing this.
He never responds because he knows the answer.
Many of his soldiers die because their retreat is cut off.
King Peter looks back to see the gate close on his warriors.
He attacked for selfish motives.
In the end, it was King Peter who killed his people.
Selfish leadership results in death.
This reality hit me in the movie theatre.
5.11.2008
4.28.2008
So...My Parents Drove Out From Michigan
Yeah - my parents surprised me here at school on Friday morning. They drove all the way out from Michigan just to spend a day at college with me... how awesome is that!!! Sometimes God chooses to give us incredible blessings on earth - here's two - better than anyone could ask for.
4.27.2008
Spring Banquet 2008
For a more personal post - thought I'd show some pictures from this year's Spring Banquet. Pictured are my friends Rob, Steph, Kristi, and Jared. Click on the pictures for a larger image.
Yes, trying to steal BOTH ladies...
Yes, trying to steal BOTH ladies...
Toasting with "water" mugs...
Wearing our sweet shades at the anchor...
The gang at the anchor...
Slightly tired at T.G.I. Fridays...
Limos are over-rated...
Posers... that's all we are...
4.22.2008
(Product) RED
"(RED) was created by Bono and Bobby Shriver, Chairman of DATA to raise awareness and money for The Global Fund by teaming up with the world's most iconic brands to produce (PRODUCT)RED branded products. A percentage of each (PRODUCT)RED product sold is given to The Global Fund. The money helps women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa." [http://www.joinred.com/red/]
The products include Dell, IPOD, Gap, Armani, Hallmark, Motorola... see the link in my "Links" section for more information. Christ helped people with their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs. We can do BOTH!!!
I've just bought 2 (RED) shirts...I've put up the (RED) Manifesto. Click on the picture, and then you'll be able to read it a whole lot easier. I'm going to attempt to buy my new cell phone (RED) as well as my new laptop once this one is unusable.
The products include Dell, IPOD, Gap, Armani, Hallmark, Motorola... see the link in my "Links" section for more information. Christ helped people with their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs. We can do BOTH!!!
I've just bought 2 (RED) shirts...I've put up the (RED) Manifesto. Click on the picture, and then you'll be able to read it a whole lot easier. I'm going to attempt to buy my new cell phone (RED) as well as my new laptop once this one is unusable.
4.11.2008
Guitarra Espanola
Check out my friend Elisabet and I playing "Baja a Dios De Las Nubes" for BBC's Got Talent.
4.06.2008
Calmenianism
I love making fun of labels and stereotypes (even though I use them all the time). Right now we're studying Calvinism in Romans class, and I'm learning a lot. At this stage in my life though - I love telling people that I'm a "CALMENIANIST." In this crazy, mixed-up brain of mine, I'm stupid enough to think that Calvinism and Armenianism can somehow coexist. A good friend/mentor of mine named Bill summed it up perfectly back in high school...
"God is sovereign. Man is responsible."
That's reality people - take it or leave it.
God doesn't care whether you're a 5 pointer, 4.5 pointer, or a 2,337 pointer...
God cares whether you study His Word to form a theology for your HEART AND HANDS, not just your HEAD.
"God is sovereign. Man is responsible."
That's reality people - take it or leave it.
God doesn't care whether you're a 5 pointer, 4.5 pointer, or a 2,337 pointer...
God cares whether you study His Word to form a theology for your HEART AND HANDS, not just your HEAD.
3.30.2008
What Happened to March?
It's been 3 weeks... here are some highlights...
1) Finished Lead Like Jesus - I strongly recommend it.
2) Visited my amazing Aunt, Uncle, Cousins, and Grandparents in Harrisburg, PA. (This happened three times in the past three weeks...) Pictures at the bottom.
3) Worked Security at BBC for most of Spring Break.
4) Spent Easter with the Overholsers.
5) Shaved my head.
6) Traveled back home to Cleveland, OH - Stayed with my friends the Listers, caught up with old friends, spoke in chapel at my old high school Cornerstone Christian Academy, and worked on Project 20Ten promotion.
7) FINISHED ALL MY HOMEWORK FOR THE SEMESTER!!!
1) Finished Lead Like Jesus - I strongly recommend it.
2) Visited my amazing Aunt, Uncle, Cousins, and Grandparents in Harrisburg, PA. (This happened three times in the past three weeks...) Pictures at the bottom.
3) Worked Security at BBC for most of Spring Break.
4) Spent Easter with the Overholsers.
5) Shaved my head.
6) Traveled back home to Cleveland, OH - Stayed with my friends the Listers, caught up with old friends, spoke in chapel at my old high school Cornerstone Christian Academy, and worked on Project 20Ten promotion.
7) FINISHED ALL MY HOMEWORK FOR THE SEMESTER!!!
3.09.2008
Psalm 8
Reading through John Eldridge's book Waking the Dead has been an amazing experience. I read Psalm 8 today - it basically sums up the thesis of the book.
Psalm 8:5-6 - "You made him [mankind] a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet."
That glory and honor only comes through the icon of God stamped on us at the time of Creation.
We need to LIVE that way!!!
Psalm 8:5-6 - "You made him [mankind] a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet."
That glory and honor only comes through the icon of God stamped on us at the time of Creation.
We need to LIVE that way!!!
3.02.2008
God's Will = The Word, Community, and Prayer
In Church Ministry class this semester, we're studying the life of Bonhoeffer - the German pastor who was hanged for trying to assassinate Adolf Hitler. He was a brilliant author, teacher, and student of God's Word. His life has impacted me - especially these past 3 weeks because I've had some incredibly important decisions to make, and I've been trying to answer that old, burned out question, "What's God's Will?" Can it be specific today - 2008, America, Baptist Bible College - to a 19 year old, middle class, pastoral ministry student?
I'm sure it can.
But how?
Bonhoeffer believed there were two ways to find God's Specific Will - the Word and the Community. The Word of God provides the framework - there are parameters, guidelines, principles, and commands that provide the "borders" for God's Will.
However...
The Community of God is a little tricky. Christians can be great people - even well-meaning, but their interpretations and expectations of my life can sometimes be extremely misguided. However - Bonhoeffer discouraged this skeptical attitude of Community which was a real challenge to me. Personally - I've struggled trusting the Community of Christ because of my background in church and relationships.
But that skepticism isn't from God.
It's from Satan.
God's design for His Body is to form a Community - a trusting, loving Community where we can share, confess, and encourage each other in our walks with Christ. So these past 3 weeks, I've been trying to reach out and utilize the power in Community as I try to find God's Specific Will for these decisions I need to make. The third element of prayer has rounded out the process. A week long visit with my dad didn't hurt either...
All that to say - God's Will is Specific - and it takes Faith.
Faith in God, His Word, Community and Prayer.
I'm sure it can.
But how?
Bonhoeffer believed there were two ways to find God's Specific Will - the Word and the Community. The Word of God provides the framework - there are parameters, guidelines, principles, and commands that provide the "borders" for God's Will.
However...
The Community of God is a little tricky. Christians can be great people - even well-meaning, but their interpretations and expectations of my life can sometimes be extremely misguided. However - Bonhoeffer discouraged this skeptical attitude of Community which was a real challenge to me. Personally - I've struggled trusting the Community of Christ because of my background in church and relationships.
But that skepticism isn't from God.
It's from Satan.
God's design for His Body is to form a Community - a trusting, loving Community where we can share, confess, and encourage each other in our walks with Christ. So these past 3 weeks, I've been trying to reach out and utilize the power in Community as I try to find God's Specific Will for these decisions I need to make. The third element of prayer has rounded out the process. A week long visit with my dad didn't hurt either...
All that to say - God's Will is Specific - and it takes Faith.
Faith in God, His Word, Community and Prayer.
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