Thoughts of a Southern VA Boy

2004-01-28T14:40:00.000-05:00

I guess it is about time to update the blog. I have been dreading writing my own but have enjoyed reading everyone else's in the meantime. The new semester has calmed down a little. I finally have a stable schedule, with no Spanish! The addition of horn choir promises to be an exciting experience with some really cool musicians. I hope they can handle my rusty skills, but they will have to live with it. I haven't quite gotten into study mode, frequently nodding off during class. I can't help it if classes are that boring. But soon enough I will get back into the swing of studying.

I once again have been pondering such great questions as "the meaning of life" and "what in the world am I supposed to do with my life"? And it just hit me....don't worry about it! If we are still questioning these things, it is surely not time for the answer. The answer will come soon enough if we would only wait for it. I find myself ending my life before it has even started. The present is what matters and if I keep looking to the future I will never have lived at all. Sure, it is great to know what we will do 1,5,10,20 years down the road, but we can't change the future by worrying. When we are in the right situation, our decisions will mold our future, but not sitting in constant deliberation. Don't get me wrong, I love to think as much as the next person, but I 'think' I do too much of it sometimes. My goal for the rest of the week at least, and hopefully for a lot longer, is to live in the present....forever. There are too many great opportunities and people around me to let go to waste.

So God, thank you for today and the power of this moment.

Something else was also best said today by my friend Bryan Bennett. He told me, "Love can break all barriers." I totally agree with him.

Enjoy the moment!

Peace

2004-01-14T23:57:00.000-05:00

"Buenos Noches"! NOOOOOT! "Good Evening" I mean. I have come to the conclusion that Spanish is not going to be in my repertoire of languages in this lifetime. You might think Spanish 101 would be a nice introduction into Spanish, but you were WRONG! Ten minutes into class, there were unfamiliar words ringing in my ear with no comprehension happening in any of my lobes. So I headed to the computer for 4 hours of toil and pain on ISIS. Finally, I accomplished my goal - dropping Spanish 101 from the face of the Earth!

Sorry for the dramatic prose, but it did not make my day. I thankfully added a computer science course and switched from Environmental Science to Astronomy in that 4 hour sitting. The semester did not begin as I expected, but does it ever?

Let me turn back a few days to the Duke game. (Duke is puke!) What looked to be a good game suddenly turned into a massacre. I was somewhat upset with the officials' biased calls in favor of the #2 team in the country. But life isn't perfect. So we lose by 20+, not the game I was hoping for. The day was not a waste however. There was a lot of catching up to do with friends, and it was so fun. I thank them all for being kind, caring people that you can always trust. I enjoy their sense of humor most of all. Monday and Tuesday were two more days of catching up. Some great times I have to say.

Maybe there are some things we should learn from starting this new year and semester. We are always not going to get our way. Whether it is with school work or basketball games, the disappointment and sadness will always be there. It makes me think why even bother trying to win or succeeded when pain is so near. But we do try and we accomplish amazing things. Those superb moments of joy outweigh all of the heartbreak that we experience. That is why I continue on and why all of us should.

I resolve this new year to share my thoughts with the people I love, but also with the people I don't. Those people are the ones that need my attention. Things are surely not meant to be stored in my head all my life. I feel led to a life of service, so I need to start acting on what I feel. It is going to be a long, hard journey, but I have some great people on my side.

I am so thankful and absolutely overjoyed with the experiences of the new year. I certainly hope they will continue in a postitive and loving direction. Take time this new year to be thankful for all that you have and all that you will receive in the future. Life is too short for you to let it pass by you.

Shalom.

Victory!

2003-12-28T22:08:00.000-05:00

I'm back with just a little tidbit of information. The bowl game was excellent. The team did not let us down. It was great to see my UVA friends there, and to meet some new and sometimes unusual UVA fans. I am disappointed at the basketball team's performance tonight. They did not live up to the hype, and surely did not play to their potential. But there are 15 more ACC games to go, hopefully we will win some out of those left.
Well, Christmas was a good time seeing family and friends. I just wish the spirit that we experience at Christmas would continue all year. That is only a dream, but dreaming never hurt anyone. I marvel at the experiences that I have with the people I love. My family is so great and I am blessed to be with them each and every moment. I can't help but think however of the thousands of people that died in the earthquake in Iran and the many more injured and homeless. What can we do? Pray and help in the aid in anyway possible. But there are also problems at home we must look to as well. We cannot overlook the people who need our love and aid every single day of the year. So, my resolution for the new year is to live and breathe the spirit of Christmas everyday of 2004. Because really, that is what Christians are supposed to do. Short and sweet, that's it from Danville, VA.

Shalom

Let's get this over with!

2003-12-16T23:08:00.000-05:00

My first full day in Danville has gone pretty well. I slept fairly late, or as much as I had slept the previous two nights combined. I was so lazy I didn't even take a shower. Then I headed to Bojangles' for their awesome chicken and fries. Charlottesville doesn't know what they are missing. I visited with grandparents and saw some friends that came home from college and some that still live in Danville. Above all, it just was good to be back in a familiar place. Although I really missed seeing so many people at school.

Why the title? Well, tomorrow is the big day. Wisdom teeth. I am nervous but at the same time calm. It is going to feel so strange with blood and holes in my mouth. But I know it won't last long. Looking at the big picture, my pain is nothing. It will be over soon enough and just a memory. So, I don't really have much to say besides have a good day tomorrow everyone. Whoever reads this anyway!

Shalom

2003-12-15T23:50:00.000-05:00

I have made it back to big Danville, VA, but I thought the day would never come. I nearly thought that I was going to explode on Sunday, anticipating two exams on the last day possible. But actually, it wasn't quite as bad as I thought. I survived both exams even though my essays were a little blunt and dry, a result of my anxious state of mind. I really think everything went off well considering the way I was feeling. Looking back, I have no idea why I worried so much. It just wasn't worth it.

Since I started my blog kinda late in the week, I guess I should rehash some of the amazing experiences that I had earlier in the week. In other words, my study buddies got a head start on me, now I have to catch up.

Who knew that going for a massage at church could lead to such an exciting week? I signed up for a 1:15 massage on Dec. 8. Then I decided that I would study for my exams upstairs at the Wesley Foundation after the massage . From there, the rest is history.

The crowd slowly filtered in that day, without me having any idea of what to expect in regards to people or atmosphere. Afterwards, I would say that the people were totally wacky and the atmosphere extremely jovial. All in the best possible way. Lisa, Kristen, and Rachel learned a new song that I am sure they will never forget. "In the da Tub." This song has some sketchy lines in it which I will not repeat, considering the girls have used them in about every conversation they have had this week! After Monday, the jokes became funnier and the atmosphere continued to get lighter and more relaxed. Were we really studying? In and out. But every exam I studied for with that crowd, I did amazingly well on. Giving me the new idea that studying doesn't always have to be serious and quiet. You just need to let your emotions go. Did I mention that these funny lines we were saying should never be repeated in front of an audience? But we didn't care. We felt so comfortable talking to one another, that whatever was on our mind, we let go. I think it was an awesome way to relieve the stress and pressure of the exam week.

As the culmination of the week, we decided to watch 'Old School' and 'Zoolander.' I would have to say that 'Old School' is still my favorite, but 'Zoolander' did have its moments. These movies probably summed up our week pretty well - goofy, spontaneous, out of place, ridonculous (not a misprint), dangerous, and just plain fun. But not found in these movies was the tremendous bonding that we experienced. I never imagined that I would feel so comfortable around three, older, VERY good looking girls. They are amazing people and I cannot put into words what their friendship has meant to me over the semester. The fact that they welcomed people into their community, says volumes about who they are as people. Ladies, you are the best!

That is a pretty good summary of the week. But it leads me to some deeper thoughts that I wish to consider now. I realize that these awesome moments, both at study camp and at college in general will not last forever. They are but a moment of our lives that we cannot relive. It makes me want to break down in tears to think that what I have experienced this week, will never happen exactly the same again. Our lives are only these events and experiences that we encounter for a short period of time. So what do we do when we know that these times will not last forever? 1. Treasure each and every person you meet. Every person provides a tremendous insight into living a meaningful life. 2. Embrace long lasting relationships. These relationships will provide you with joy in your most ecstatic times and comfort in your darkest times. 3. Most of all remember that your life is a precious gift. It can be taken away at any moment. Don't be foolish in your living, but be willing to take chances when necessary because you can't go back and change your actions.

"What is the meaning of life"? was the topic of our last philosophy lecture this semester. And the answer to the million dollar question is ----- live your live according to what you find enjoyable. There is not an answer set in stone. The meaning of life is different for everyone. What I can say is that friendship, giving, and unconditional love provide true meaning. Always strive to do YOUR best. In the end, you will be the one that knows your accomplishments and feels contentment from your choices.

Sorry for the deep stuff. I guess I have been at school too long and studied too hard. Leave me comments on what you think. I hope you can identify with what I have experienced. Thanks for reading.

Shalom

2003-12-15T02:15:00.000-05:00

So, this is the first one! I couldn't stand studying for exams any longer, so I figured starting a blog was the next best thing.

I am going to try and stay light on the comments tonight, considering I really should be studying. I am totally stressed out about my last two exams, but I keep reminding myself that it will be over soon. This has been without a doubt the best week at UVa. so far. Who knew study camp girls (I guess guys too) could be so fun? The humor, openness, and friendship has totally amazed me. I can only attribute it to something not of this world. Maybe the very fact that all of us were people of strong faith gave us that overwhelming ability to bond. It was truly amazing.

I thought I would leave with you one of my favorite songs, courtesy of my good friend Levi. I found myself constantly thinking of the words throughout the semester and even more so tonight. When I get stressed out, I realize what this song says is really all that matters. I promise to write more next time. Have a great break everyone and keep in touch.

Shalom

Place me, Lord Jesus,
In the center of your will.
Though all around me may crumble and fall,
In You, I'll be standing, still.

Though clouds may hide the sun,
your truth shall light my way.
All I ask...one prayer is mine,
In your will, your perfect will, let me stay.

Let my heart overflow with your love,
let my being reflect your grace.
Ever walking closer to you...
always beholding your face.

You're the song that I sing . . .
all of me I bring to you....

So place me, Lord Jesus,
in the center of your will.
Though all around me may crumble and fall,
in you, I'll be standing, still.

Though clouds may hide the sun,
your truth shall light my way.
All I ask, one prayer is mine:
In your will, your perfect will, let me stay...

In your will, forever..I'll remain.