tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48344879854806091502024-03-08T05:28:04.591-08:00Life Through This WindowBenjamin4927http://www.blogger.com/profile/02464199803668679552noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834487985480609150.post-81405289891341858822011-08-15T00:21:00.000-07:002011-08-15T00:22:50.041-07:00You, Me, & a MicrophoneI want to play in a band with a crazy name.
<br />
<br />Maybe something semi-emo with pseudo-poetic lyrics
<br />
<br />about how miserable we are.
<br />
<br />Toothpick Backpack, we could go by.
<br />
<br />You can play the guitar and sing; I will play the drums.
<br />
<br />No, the bass. Yes, and your name will be the known one, but
<br />
<br />I will know that I am the backpack, and you, the toothpick.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Our hit single will be called: “If Only Yesterday She
<br />
<br />Would Have Noticed Me Instead of the Rims on His Car.”
<br />
<br />We’ll get a hip hop dj to produce it, and we’ll sound cool.
<br />
<br />I’ll wear large-framed sunglasses. You can sag your pants
<br />
<br />and wear a gold cross, even though you’re an atheist.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Or maybe not that. We could form
<br />
<br />a Led Zeppelin tribute band, and call ourselves
<br />
<br />Tin Blimpie. Oh? Too much like Thin Lizzy? Ok,
<br />
<br />perhaps China Cabinet with Blonde Bangs. Better?
<br />
<br />Crazy enough? It sounds mysterious enough,
<br />
<br />and once we get famous as a cover band (acronym CCBB)
<br />
<br />we’ll write our own songs and everyone will love them.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Or instead: something smoother, jazzy. We’ll call ourselves:
<br />
<br />Saturdays in Saskatchewan. Just rolls of the tongue.
<br />
<br />On the nights when we perform (including
<br />
<br />but not limited to Saturdays and in more places than just the one
<br />
<br />province) you will sit slyly at your drum set and nod hypnotically
<br />
<br />like you’re constantly agreeing with the sharp rumble of your snare drum.
<br />
<br />I’ll play the keyboard for this one. Maybe we could do something like
<br />
<br />The Roots but call ourselves The Nodules. No? Ok,
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />now let’s imagine we’re on stage. We’ll need a singer. She’ll stand
<br />
<br />in the front. And of course a bass player since I’ve switched to keys.
<br />
<br />And whatever else (what else do jazz bands have?). You’ll look at me
<br />
<br />and nod. And there will be at least one girl in the crowd who’s never heard
<br />
<br />of us but liked our name and came with her boyfriend. I’ll look at her
<br />
<br />while we’re performing our last song. And then she’ll make her way backstage
<br />
<br />so she can see me smile again.Benjamin4927http://www.blogger.com/profile/02464199803668679552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834487985480609150.post-61798792177957323522011-07-16T13:10:00.000-07:002011-07-16T13:11:02.656-07:00O. M. G.“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7<br /><br /><br />This is a verse that many people are familiar with; one of the Ten Commandments. There are a few different views on how this verse should be understood and applied, but most Christians hold this view: In order to uphold the instructions of this commandment, it tis not proper for a Christian to say things like “Oh my God” or “Oh Lord.” That is using God’s name in vain, right? And we should not mention God in such phrases unless we are directly and intentionally speaking to or in regards to God. Maybe that’s true. But here’s the issue with that: that may be all good and dandy, but that’s not what the verse says.<br /><br />The verse clearly says to not take the LORD’s name in vain. In the Old Testament, the use of LORD is the accepted English translation of what was believed to be God’s name, which we understand from translation to be the equivalent, from Hebrew, of the English letters YHWH. Many people pronounce this name as Yahweh (Yah-way). So, this means that saying “God” and “Yahweh” are two very different things. It’s the difference between saying “Oh brother” and “Oh Johnny,” for example. Brother is not a name. Neither is God. It is the word we have assigned to designate any supernatural deity, essentially.<br /><br />Now, I am not saying that I condone phrases like “Oh my God.” But what I am saying is that God never said to not say things like it. I am simply encouraging us to examine context and what was actually said, not what we think it means or what we have been taught growing up, or what people tell us. There is fuller truth imbedded in many things, especially religious text such as the Bible.<br /><br />While we’re on this topic, let us examine some similar things. For example, let’s look at the Commandment that reads in the King James “Thou shalt not kill.” Now, what exactly is being said here? This is a topic of controversy, though it seems to come up less than a lot of other verses. Let’s look at it from this perspective: if we take this verse entirely literally and completely obey it, then a few things are wrong in any context: The death penalty. Killing in self defense. Killing animals for food (the verse definitely does not specify humans). Squashing bugs and spiders. Euthanizing sick pets.<br /><br />Obviously, the verse does not apply to all of these situations. In other places in the Bible, God definitely condones killing animals for food and clothing as well as the death penalty in certain situations. And actually, this verse reads as “Thou shalt not kill” in very few English translations of the book of Exodus. But that is how it is quoted far more often that not when in fact most translation use the word “murder” rather than kill. The NIV, the Amplified, and even the New King James versions are examples that use this word instead. Now, that completely changes the meaning of the verse. Murder carries entirely different connotations and context. It’s a different situation, and a different commandment altogether now.<br /><br />This forces of to do a few things if we wish to have fuller, more complete understanding. One is to examine different translations of the Bible, as no one translation can be perfectly accurate. Also, this shows how important it is to understand that Bible verses exist in dialogue with other verses, even ones in different books of the Bible. If there were no examples of God mentioning eating animals or consequences for certain crimes, then there might be a stronger argument that we are meant to take this commandment more literally. We must examine the big picture of what the text is communicating in conjunction with other parts of itself and with what God is still speaking today, if you believe that He is still speaking new things. But that raises an entirely different set of questions that we will not explore in depth until another time: What about Holy texts not found in the canon of what we call the Bible? What about things that God is still communicating through writing and through his people, especially prophets, that are not found or addressed in the Bible? There are definitely changes between the Old and New Testament, even if some are understood to be symbolic to illustrate a point. What if things have changed since the near two millennia that the books found in the Bible were written? Doesn’t the Bible have examples of God changing his plans because of the prayers of his people? What if the prophecies in the Bible, especially in the book of Revelation, are no longer applicable?<br /><br /><br />And one last things to look at while we’re still examining parts of Exodus 20. But this time, let’s look at context in the sense of audience. Near the beginning of the chapter, there is a verse that reads: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”<br />Now last time I checked, I was not a slave in Egypt that God delivered. Now, we could understand this to be symbolic of the individual bondages that God delivers each of us from. But then why mention Egypt explicitly? And if it is symbolic and not literal, then we must acknowledge that, perhaps, other passages are not literal as well.<br /><br />And even beyond that, does this mean that these commandments are for the Israelites at the time? Or for all believers in the God of Abraham and Moses? If we, today, are observing these commandments, why is it not a problem not to observe all of the rules and laws that God outlined to Moses and Aaron around that same time period? Why do we observe the Ten Commandments, but not Passover? Hanukkah? Growing up in Jewish culture, it is highly likely that even Jesus observed the Jewish laws, customs, and holidays growing up. If not, it seems that there would have been enough controversy about it that it would’ve made it into at least one of the four accounts of the Gospel.<br /><br />And of course, there’s the whole Sabbath issue. We won’t go too far into this either, at least not this time. But a few quick notes in the form of questions: Why do we take this Commandment more lightly than the others? The day, as observed by early believers was from sunset the previous night to the next sunset (at least, from what I understand through researching the culture of the people and the way some of the terms were translated), so why do we observe a “Sabbath” from morning to night and not from sunset to sunset?<br /><br />Some things to consider. And I hope and pray that you will walk with me on this continued journey toward actual truth and a wider view, not just the opinions, perspectives, and accepted beliefs that we have been spoon fed all of our lives.Benjamin4927http://www.blogger.com/profile/02464199803668679552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834487985480609150.post-52336343840697109062011-07-07T17:50:00.000-07:002011-07-07T17:51:24.690-07:00MotivationsThis post is going to be short and to the point, but it’s something that’s been on my mind.<br /><br />There are many things that we do without thinking about the real reasons why. We lose sight of things that we learn when we are young and fall into cultural fallacies that have become the norm.<br /><br />For example, simple everyday things. What’s the main reason why we brush our teeth? Shower? etc. etc.<br /><br />If everyone suddenly lost the sense of smell, how much less likely would people be to<br />brush their teeth? It’s not just an issue of cleaning our mouths, but rather a way to prevent the social issues that come with having bad breathe. A lot of people only brush once a day. It is better (at least from what my dentist tells me) to brush and floss at night; that way, all the guck in your mouth doesn’t sit and rot in your mouth all night while you sleep. Plenty of people brush only in the morning. But who is going to brush only at night? Nobody. <br /><br />Here’s a better example: The idea behind not speeding when driving is because it’s safer. Most people don’t speed because they don’t want a ticket. How backwards is that?<br /><br /><br />Usually, it’s not too hard to figure out what the ‘right’ thing to do is. That’s not, much of the time, that hard to figure out. The hard thing is the motivation as to why one does (or does not) do the right thing.<br /><br />There’s a huge difference between doing the right thing only because it’s the right thing to do and doing the right thing because you want to do the right thing. The second is much more active, and while it’s a subtle difference, there’s a huge gap on the two sides of that fine line.Benjamin4927http://www.blogger.com/profile/02464199803668679552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834487985480609150.post-52450157605339836762011-06-28T22:34:00.000-07:002011-06-28T22:38:36.823-07:00A note on the preceding post:I realize, after rereading the preceding post a few times, that there are a couple of ideas presented that are ill-developed and somewhat unsupported. Feel free to disagree, and, if you wish, comment with your thoughts and views.<div><br /></div><div>However, I realize that I am taking a leap with a few of the statements and I will be revisiting that particular post, especially two specific parts of it (at least), for discussion points for future posts.</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe that it would be better to leave the post as is and use the material later that edit and omit portions of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for your understanding, and I thank you for the time you have spent reading.</div>Benjamin4927http://www.blogger.com/profile/02464199803668679552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834487985480609150.post-87388465361369329742011-06-28T22:25:00.000-07:002011-06-28T22:38:58.547-07:00What is Love? Baby, don't hurt me no more.<p class="MsoNormal">Today, we’re going to be talking about religion.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kind of.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But we’re looking at the topic from two sides.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hear me out: if you’re one of those people that are instantly turned off by the idea of discussing religion, then this post is for you.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you’re one of those people that read the preceding statement and became troubled and upset merely at the thought of people who dislike religion, then please, keep reading.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is more for you than anyone.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One thing I shall never understand is how ridiculous people can be.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Laughably open, I know, but for this discussion this statement refers to the judgment and hate passed upon those of different groups; specifically between Christians and atheists (for this post, these two groups will be the easiest to talk about; however, this surely applies to other groups as well). </p> <p class="MsoNormal">There are plenty of atheists who have no respect for Christians or believers in any faith, for that matter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Understandable.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But let’s think about this for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One of the biggest reasons why Christians are hated is because they are seen as hypocritical and judgmental.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In essence, intolerant.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Many people who are not Christians dislike, or even hate, Christians because of the hate they show.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s like a brother and sister who refuse to be nice to each other because the other one won’t be nice first; neither is willing to be the bigger person. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And that is the issue of true hypocrisy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Being a hypocrite against hypocrites, both parties just as bad as the other.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Please understand that I am not stereotyping here.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am speaking about trends of individuals who share these negative character traits.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But unfortunately, it is the negative individuals in the groups that often are the face of the group.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Negativity gains more attention.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you are buying strawberries and one or two in the package are spoiled, you will pass it up and look for another, right?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Of course, people are much more complicated than strawberries, but the same concept remains intact.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am a Christian, proudly and openly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But I am neither too proud nor too blind to see the problems that exist within Christian culture and modern, fabricated views of the Christian belief system.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Reading the Bible apart from the way most Christians observe it is a separate experience.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ignoring context is both foolish and dangerous.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The words of the Bible exist(ed) in both the context of the time period and culture of where they were written as well as through the filter of the writers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Much of contemporary church culture is disconnected from the culture of the early church.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For the most part, this is not a bad thing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But when this disconnect fosters negative actions and mindsets, that is where the issue lies.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Surely, passing judgment is not exclusive to a modern-day context.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jesus spoke of its dangers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But the issue becomes exacerbated by the largeness of today’s Christian community.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Much of the way modern Western church culture acts is not directly the result of Christian teachings, but rather groupthink and the accepted interpretations of the teachings.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There are good Christians out there; just because someone believes something strongly does not make them narrow-minded or hypocritical.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It may make it easier if one is not careful, but the beliefs and mindsets/actions are far from inseparable.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So here is my challenge to you, the reader.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In you are a believer in Christianity, do not allow yourself to tarnish the face of yourself, and your brothers and sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Be sure to observe the essential, core teachings of Christianity that teach love, acceptance, reaching out, community, and charity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These things are the epitome of what a Christian should observe, and you are not a Christian if you cannot observe them (the Bible says so; I will not quote them, but rather let you find them yourself so maybe, if you don’t agree with me already, you can find it in yourself to learn something).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Or if you are not, whether a nonbeliever or believer in another faith, please realize a few things.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One, I, as a human and as one following the teachings of Christianity, accept and respect you, even if I do not agree with your beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And I am not the only one; we are few but we are out there.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Also, never let yourself stoop to the same low level as the misguided Christians who would judge you and look down upon you.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everyone is better off when we can learn to respect each other and coexist.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After all, we are all observers of Faith.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Whether your faith is in monotheism, polytheism, science, logic, or yourself, no one exists with no measure of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Faith is simply a belief or trust/confidence in something.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It takes faith to not believe in something just as it takes faith to believe in it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Semi-sidenote: Most of the disputes over religion are not over religion, but rather the underlying issues.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And that’s what we are dealing with here.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The issue is not simply belief.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But rather the issues are intolerance, misunderstanding, narrow-mindedness, and sometimes, immaturity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Religion just makes it easier to find things to disagree about.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But that is a complex topic for another time…</p>Benjamin4927http://www.blogger.com/profile/02464199803668679552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834487985480609150.post-39085139383726859862011-06-24T13:54:00.001-07:002011-06-24T13:54:57.983-07:00Consistency<p class="MsoNormal">So, it has been quite a while since I have posted anyone on this blog.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Quite a while, in fact; much more time that I had hoped.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But in theory, today will be fixing this issue.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is nice to be consistent, which I think it a more-than-perfect topic for this post.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But first, a quick update for those who care and/or happen to stumble across this and would like to know what’s going on in the life of this blogger (if I can, yet, call myself a blogger): As a college student, this is my summer—one that I had hoped would be filled with reading, writing, and a summer job.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fortunately, two of those things have been happening.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have been reading some fantastic stuff, most of it for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In the last month, I have finished books/collections by Billy Collins, Heather Sellers, Ciaran Carson, Maya Angelou, and Carolyn Forche.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I also have been reading a fantastic book by Rita Dove, as well as a lot of work by Ernest Hemingway, and I should be completely Jean Toomer’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Cane</i> within the next week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I love reading, especially when it’s on my own time and of my own want to read.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I also have been doing some writing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not as much as I would like, and I’ve actually been doing more editing and revising of work than actual writing, but it has been enough to keep my going strong over the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hopefully, this blogging thing will help me to keep up practice of writing craft.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And that leads us directly into the topic for this post: consistency.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am finding more and more how gravely important it is.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It what makes our habits, actions, and hobbies act in a way that’s adhesive.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It keeps us going and keeps us steady.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Even looking at the word itself helps us get a truer understanding of its essentiality.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>CONSISTancy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What do your days consist of?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Your thoughts?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Your actions?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What makes up the fabric of what makes you you?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is not the individual acts of whim or will, but the character traits, the actions, the outlook properties that recur.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is one of my goals for this summer and for the rest of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Let those things that are important be ones that repeat, constantly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Let the things that are passions not fade or fizzle.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It will be terribly ironic for me to post this and not maintain the content of what I’m discussing through this blog itself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But to that I say: I am going to try, and often, that is all that I can do.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For the most part, at least.</p>Benjamin4927http://www.blogger.com/profile/02464199803668679552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834487985480609150.post-19340567123063275352010-10-05T04:43:00.000-07:002010-10-05T04:44:20.926-07:00Balancing Pride<p class="MsoNormal">College has taught me so many things so quickly that it’s ridiculous.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Most recently, I have realized two things: 1) that I am a swirling mess of emotions, and 2) that I need to get over myself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s really easy to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">say</i> what we think or what we feel, or what we want to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But how often do we take the time to truly understand what we are actually feeling?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’m still struggling with this blogging thing in a couple of ways.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For one, I have not posted anything in far too long.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I plan on changing this.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One of the main reasons for starting this was to have a place to vent what’s on my mind in a semi-organized way—to have a medium for “putting myself out there.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Also, there is this delicate balance between what one can and cannot (or should and shouldn’t) actually post online.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But then again, if I just decided to journal, I’m pretty sure I would have no motivation to actually do it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now, on the first topic, sometimes I feel like such a mess.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I let my emotions run so out of balance that I’m not really sure how to even begin to articulate them, or even know for sure if I’m “ok” or not.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then add to that the sleep deprivation that comes with college.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not a pretty formula.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am learning to find balance in that area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think I’m learning to find balance in just about everything right now.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s really easy to just say: “emotions are stupid” and try to move on.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But there’s no moving on without first confronting what you feel, head on.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Things don’t just go away.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Oh, how I wish life was Dora the Explorer and problems were Swiper.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But life doesn’t work like that.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One of the beauties of life is that we don’t have an easy button.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We have to find ways every day to realize how beautiful what we feel is.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our emotions, as we understand them, are one of the many things that make us human.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We should rejoice in our pain because we can recognize it and move through it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Imagine a life where everyone was great all the time—we wouldn’t grow.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It would be taking rain away from a tree.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We would die without the things that we feel are sucking the life from us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the second note, I’ve found that it’s way too easy for me to develop a warped sense of pride.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s an odd paradox.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think that I’ve been trying so hard to be humble that I’ve forgotten the reasons why and I’ve been attempting to wear it on my chest like a button.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’ve tried so hard to push myself to a higher standard that I’ve subconscious developed a sense of feeling that I’m “better” than other people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I know that sounds terrible, but think about it: we try to be something better than what is around us, and something better than what is expected of us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, if we become a better person, is it wrong to say that we are “better” than those who aren’t trying to push themselves?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Is it so wrong to compare ourselves to others when we have such a nature for competition?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We are taught that we are all equal, and we are, in a sense.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>No one of us is any less valuable than another in terms of the value of our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But how can you compliment someone without that compliment being based on comparing that person to other people?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In saying someone is a great man or woman, really we are implying that others are not, or at least that the average person at least not as good of a person.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But culturally we have been taught that it’s wrong to think you’re “better” than anyone else, even though we are also taught to make ourselves into better people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a thin line, and I expected to have some conclusion to share on this by the end of writing this.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But I’m pretty sure that this is a question I’ll never have an answer to.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pretty sure that English needs some more concise words to explain some of these topics so we have a better point of reference to think about them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Either way, I am learning every day how important it is to be involved with the lives of other people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To feed and be fed, to correct and be corrected, to love and be loved back.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’m especially struggling with the being loved back part—not that is’ not expressed, but that I can’t always receive it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I know that I have been blessed more than I know what to do with, and I’ve arrived at the conclusion that feeling alone does not mean that there is no one there for you; instead, it is usually you (or me in this case) failing to realize who is there and in what ways.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Feeling alone is the ultimate way to slap your friends in the face and stab them in the back.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pride in the only thing that stands in the way of receiving the love people naturally try to give.</p>Benjamin4927http://www.blogger.com/profile/02464199803668679552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834487985480609150.post-30238815935484931142010-07-03T23:09:00.000-07:002010-07-03T23:10:32.939-07:0050 things that make me happySo, I saw someone do something like this on Facebook, and thought it would be a good idea.<div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Washing my hands</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Long showers</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Good friends</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Saginaw valley state university</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">5.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Songs that seem really random but actually have a deeper meaning</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">6.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Music in general</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">7.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Poetry</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">8.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Dance (esp. West coast swing, ticking, and breaking)</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">9.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>When two people are thinking the exact same thing</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">10.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Making people smile</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">11.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>The city of Woodhaven, MI</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">12.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Facebook</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">13.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Conversations about Christianity</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">14.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Church</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">15.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>My church family</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">16.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Pictures</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">17.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Videos</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">18.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Contact lenses</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">19.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Winter</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">20.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Being positive</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">21.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Expensive headphones</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">22.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Being able to feel sound</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">23.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Words</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">24.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Black Paper-mate pens</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">25.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Watching west coast swing videos on Youtube</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">26.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Learning west coast swing moves from Youtube</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">27.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Watching music videos on Youtube</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">28.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Youtube in general</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">29.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>The internet in general</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">30.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>When my hair has waves in it</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">31.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Girls with red hair</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">32.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>My cd collection</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">33.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Dvds</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">34.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>When Arby’s had wraps</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">35.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>The word divergent</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">36.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Clothes fresh out of the dryer</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">37.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>The word bizarre</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">38.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Bible study</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">39.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Green dove soap</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">40.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Traditional Indian music</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">41.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Pachebel’s canon in d</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">42.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Talking to people in person</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">43.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Watching people as they walk by</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">44.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Good movies</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">45.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Prayer</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">46.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Sharing music</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">47.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Laptop computers</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">48.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>iPods</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">49.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Laughing</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">50.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Good pictures</p></div>Benjamin4927http://www.blogger.com/profile/02464199803668679552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834487985480609150.post-2708844639397068082010-06-17T00:29:00.000-07:002010-06-17T02:03:10.137-07:00Far Away PerformanceIf you haven't seen it already, check out this video of me rapping with the band from my Bible study group up at SVSU. It's an adaptation of Lecrae's "Far Away."<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrnaopcsbPo">Video Link Here</a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's a little hard to hear the words, but the lyrics are in the description to help to follow along. Let me know what you think!</div>Benjamin4927http://www.blogger.com/profile/02464199803668679552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834487985480609150.post-64538554577164320272010-06-17T00:07:00.001-07:002010-06-17T00:08:01.683-07:00Fight With Tools--"There's a War Going on For Your Mind"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 14px; ">I love this piece of spoken word from the intro to the Flobots cd "Fight With Tools." Thought it was worth sharing.<br /><br /><br />There's A War Going On For Your Mind<br /><br />Media mavens mount surgical strikes from trapper keeper collages and online magazine racks<br />Cover girl cutouts throw up pop-up ads<br />Infecting victims with silicone shrapnel<br />Worldwide passenger pigeons deploy paratroopers<br />Now it's raining pornography<br />Lovers take shelter<br />Post-production debutantes pursue you in Nascar chariots<br />They construct ransom letters from Biblical passages and bleed mascara into the holy water<br />supply<br /><br />There's a war going on for your mind<br /><br />Industry insiders slang test tube babies to corporate crack heads<br />They flash logos and blast ghettos<br />Their embroidered neckties say "Stop Snitchin"<br />Conscious rappers and whistle blowers get stitches made of acupuncture needles and marionette<br />strings<br /><br />There is a war going on for your mind<br /><br />Professional wrestlers and vice presidents want you to believe them<br />The desert sky is their blue screen<br />They superimpose explosions<br />They shout at you<br />"Pay no attention to the men behind the barbed curtain<br />Nor the craters beneath the draped flags<br />Those hoods are there for your protection<br />And meteors these days are the size of corpses"<br /><br />There's a war going on for your mind</span>Benjamin4927http://www.blogger.com/profile/02464199803668679552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834487985480609150.post-49292184759344754322010-06-17T00:04:00.000-07:002010-06-17T00:05:25.011-07:00Pride<p class="MsoNormal">Often when people talk about pride, it’s from the standpoint of having too much and needing to be humble.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If I may, I’d like to talk about it from another angle—healthy pride.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It is so important in this life to try to figure out who we are as people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A big part of this is developing a sense of being proud of ourselves and the things we hold dear to us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Very often, I look back at who I was, even just a few short years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I wasn’t proud of the person I was, but over time I made sure that I developed into someone that I could be proud of—someone that I hope others can honestly say they are proud to know.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When I was a younger teenager, I had to do a lot of catching up and growing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I spent a lot of time being fed up and losing hope.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I felt awkward.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At times, I just didn’t care about much anything.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But all the while I knew that there was some form of greatness within me that I just needed to tap in to (and I’m sure this sounds quite typical and/or cliché, but there’s more to it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Maybe we’ll come back to this later…).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am the type of person that believes in putting my all into whatever it is I get myself into.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If I’m not in it, then I have a hard time being motivated to do it at all.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A few months ago, a good friend got me involved with dancing—west coast swing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And I love it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I can barely put into words what it feels like for me to dance.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I can feel myself getting better at it and growing continually.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Every time is a new experience.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And there’s so much support in the dance community; it is truly a beautiful thing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am so proud of myself as a dancer, the club at SVSU that I am a part of (Music n Motion, w00t w00t!), the people who have taught me, and the dance itself.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Also, I am learning to take pride in my writing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Four years ago, I wasn’t even writing poetry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And when I tried, I was terrible at it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have come so far, and I know that I am still beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just a day or so ago, I wrote a poem that I honestly believe to be the best one I have written yet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I can feel the power in it, and I know that I love it beyond just being its author.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Having healthy pride is so important, and I’m sure this is a topic I will revisit with more specific emphases.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Still, there are things that I am working on, as far as taking pride in myself and who I am.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But, I am working on fixing the things that can be fixed, and accepting those that I cannot.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Shame is an ugly thing.</p>Benjamin4927http://www.blogger.com/profile/02464199803668679552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834487985480609150.post-20807439488017834712010-06-14T20:37:00.000-07:002010-06-14T20:56:35.494-07:00MediocrityOne thing that bugs me more than anything is complacency. There's this idea that floats around that makes us think we don't need to rise up. This constantly conflicts with our ingrained desire to achieve. The contradiction forces us to fight against our nature and decide who we want to be. The result: a ton of people who don't make any effort to change the world on any scale, or even become something on a personal scale. People settle for making it by instead of realizing that they deserve the best, and it's sad.<div><br /></div><div>I'm sure this is a topic I will often revisit, especially in the context of race.<br /><div><br /></div><div>The way I was raised, I was never used to going out of my way to achieve. I was blessed to be book-smart, so achievement in school wasn't a problem. I was circumstantially permitted to do very well in martial arts at a young age. But, I didn't realize for a long time how important it was to push myself past my natural ability or how things already were.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some people say that they believe they can accomplish anything. I do not, but I love proving myself wrong.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>It's sad how often people fall into a broken mindset. Our souls become crippled through life experiences and negativity. Then often when we do achieve, not everyone, if anyone, is supportive.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I saw this quote as part of a piece of art once:</div><div>"The higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly"</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't mind appearing small, because I have become someone that I can be proud of.</div></div>Benjamin4927http://www.blogger.com/profile/02464199803668679552noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4834487985480609150.post-90630277249714687462010-06-14T19:55:00.000-07:002010-06-14T20:12:41.841-07:00Welcome<div>Today I decided that I need to do something worthwhile with myself over the summer. I suppose this is the start.</div><div><br /></div><div>My purpose for starting this blog is twofold. Firstly, it is a personal thing. It will help me get my thoughts out in some type of semi-organized manner while keeping up the flow of writing something so that I don't get rusty. Kind of a release type of thing, like an open book journal. But what good is an open book without a reader? Hopefully, someone, somewhere will read this so that my outlet doesn't fall upon deaf ears. This is also for you, the reader. Hopefully you can find something that is interesting and/or helpful. Most of what I talk about (or blog about, I suppose) will be about my values, things I have observed, things that bug me, God and religion, music, movies, or whatever else I feel needs to be shared, which many times will probably be a ton of random stuff. The goal is to broaden my perspective and hopefully, in turn, help to broaden the perspective of anyone who might be reading.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wish to uphold my motto of changing the world one person at a time, beginning with myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome to <i>Life Through This Window.</i></div>Benjamin4927http://www.blogger.com/profile/02464199803668679552noreply@blogger.com0