Olivet Pong Shots

Okay, not much today except this wicked-sweet video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLByTnNwico

It is made by a bunch of college students, who are apparently Christians as well.

It's one of the coolest Youtube videos I've ever seen and kinda makes me want to try some of the stuff they do. Make sure you have your volume on!

CAUTION: This video you are about to see is HIGHLY ADDICTING.

Future of Forestry

Hey all! So, yes it has been forever since I've posted anything and I don't necessarily expect a whole lot of people to pay attention to this and "no" I'm not making any more statements right now about how "I'm going to try to post a lot more now" and stuff like that. I just don't know what's going to happen. I would love to, but there are so many things for me to do. Does anyone else identify with having so many things to do that you just feel that you can't get them all done without exhausting yourself? Better question: Does anyone not identify with this?

How should I spend my time? I feel so often that I should be doing constructive things every second that I'm awake, but isn't that just a perfectionist attitude? Isn't it important to have no plans, no agenda sometimes? Isn't it important to relax without having to force yourself to relax?

I was recently on a church conference/retreat in Duluth and I went to a session there called "Getaway Like Jesus." In this session, we studied and discussed many Jesus' numerous "getaways." These were the times where he would leave to pray to His Father or to focus on His disciples or maybe even (what a shocking thought) to relax and recharge! Anyway, I was convicted that I need to take more time to go off and pray and be in solitude and try just not speaking for an hour. Can you imagine how difficult that will be for Uber-extroverted me?!! However, I think it is important to rest from speaking and to allow the hectic thoughts of the mind to be soothed. We live in such a high-energy, "GO! GO! GO!" society, that I think we've forgotten what it's like to be quiet. Maybe this is sort of what God was talking about when He said in Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God..."

So, even a week and a half later I have still not followed through on taking that time of solitude, but I hope that it is coming soon. Ultimately, I think it'll be about making time for that solitude that I need.

Now, for the reason I originally started writing this post: my favorite band, Future of Forestry has just released its new album entitled Travel. The name Future of Forestry comes from an obscure C.S. Lewis poem about a time in the future when the trees are gone and industry and "progress" has taken over everything. I think this is actually very symbolic of what I've been talking about in this post. It is symbolic of what can happen inside of us. If we are so focused on work and progress, we will slowly "destroy" beauty that was once there: the beauty of being a to pause in a hectic world and be still before God.

Future of Forestry is an excellent band in many ways and they mean very much to me.

So, take some time to relax and enjoy the free music at the bottom of the page!

Status Posts: Is There Any Point?

Okay, so this post is a little different, but it is stemming from a thought I had recently. Do status posts (such as those on Facebook) have any deep purpose? Can God use them? For those who might not know, status posts is where one states his/her current status. For instance, my current status is this: "Joshua is run... though bruised and bloodied, you are not done... run." Lately, this is how I like to use my status. I want to say something that conveys an idea, that is therapeutic for me, that makes one think, and that is art. I would rather not say something that is just a fact, such as, "Joshua is working out" or "Joshua is at school" or "Joshua is hanging out with friends." It's not that I'm against telling people what I'm doing... I think that can be good, but far more intimate is telling your friends what you are thinking.

Someone may ask, "Well, your not just sharing that info with your closest friends. You are sharing it with everyone you have "friended on Facebook." True and for me that amount of people is in the 200 range. However, that doesn't bother me. Even if I shared something more serious like "Joshua is depressed." Why? Because those who don't care, I don't care much about what they think and those who do care, I went to see how I am feeling and what I am thinking.

Now, I think some feel uncomfortable with the idea of broadcasting your emotions in such an open way. Shouldn't we all be sharing such things with family or close friends? Yes. However, I don't think that saying "Joshua is depressed" on my status is such a bad way to do that. (Take note though that I don't know if I've ever actually said something that blatant.) I believe there are advantages to saying such things on one's status. 1. The friends that can help and do care can choose to find out what is going on. 2. The friends who aren't interested in finding out what is going on or who can't handle sharing that burden, can choose to not go into it rather than getting stuck in a difficult situation where someone is sharing a burden with them that they can't handle at the time.

Now that I have shared my thoughts, I would LOVE to hear yours. Are status posts good or bad? What is appropriate to write on them. Do you think they should be used as therapy/a place to vent? Also, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on my current status.

Da Da DAAAAAAA!

Hey everyone! I'm back! Isn't this exciting?

So, as a sort of blog ice breaker, here are some film thoughts for 2008.

This has been a very interesting year for film. At least for me anyway. I recently typed up a list of my five favorite films this year. At the beginning of the year, I don't think I would have imagined it looking like this:

1. Twilight

Okay, so this very scandalous for me. I have avoided reading the series partially because so many people have been crazed over it (I have a tendency to be contrary like that.) However, I went to see because my girlfriend wanted to on her birthday... plus I think I was curious. I was very impressed with the film. It maybe wasn't the best technically, but I chose it not so much for technical reasons. I chose it because the film had such a positive feel about it and it gave more to chew on than anything I have seen in a long time. Twilight wrestles with temptation and shows love in a way that reminds me of God's love.

2. The Tale of Despereaux
This is another surprise for me. Recently, I have not been impressed by very many animated films outside of Pixar. However, I quickly fell in love with this unusual film. The Tale of Despereaux is taken from the book of the same name. Now, I have not read this book either and I hear that it differs considerably from the film (my younger sister has read it), but I think this film has done what few other animated films dare to do: Be serious. Shocking isn't it? This film is not a comedy and if you watch it continually hoping for it to become funny, you will probably be disappointed. It's not that the film doesn't have funny moments, but they are more true-to-life moments. Therefore, if you can't laugh at awful situations, then this movie will probably strike you as terribly serious. I could go on and on about this film: it contrasts dark and light in a refreshing way, brings in some of the darkest parts of historic cultures, and shows that a person does not have to be Hollywood gorgeous to be worthy of love and respect.

3. Kung Fu Panda
I love this film! Before the previous two came along, I think this was an easy winner for me. Why do I love this animated, also not Pixar, film? It is beautiful, funny, and has enough meaning to satisfy. Jack Black is the lead vocal talent and, like David Spade in The Emperor's New Groove, is just funny to listen to. Furthermore, anyone who is interested in martial arts and Asian culture will probably appreciate Kung Fu Panda. It manages to both parody and honor martial arts and Asian culture at the same time. When I want a film that makes me laugh, this is one of the first I turn to.

4. WALL-E
This is a film that has grown on me more and more every time I watch it. Although it may not be my favorite Pixar film (Ratatouille probably holds that spot), it is possibly in a category of it's own. One reason why is that this film is different in that it has very little dialogue for much of the film (I think the first 20 minutes have zero actual dialogue.) However, this fact only makes the film more endearing. There are many interesting things to be taken away from WALL-E, but I think the greatest is the beautiful love between the two main characters. Inspiring.

5. Iron Man or Prince Caspian
This is a difficult choice for me because these two films are very different. Therefore, I will simply leave them as a tie for now. Here is what I love about these films: Iron Man fascinates me because of the technology in the film. It doesn't matter if it's real or not. It's cool! I love that the film takes so long in setting up the character of Iron Man. Also, I LOVE the acting. Robert Downey Jr.'s performance should win him an Oscar. He plays the role of Tony Stark (Iron Man) so calmly, but I don't think it's nearly as easy as he makes it look. Truly though, it is the connection that I see between Robert Downey Jr. and Tony Stark that I think will keep me coming back for more. Robert Downey Jr. has had a very troubled career. He has fallen into substance abuse problems over and over. However, those problems seem to be over. I think Robert Downey Jr. was able to connect with the character of Tony Stark (who goes through a major focus change) because of the troubles he has experienced. I think this is the main reason of love Iron Man so much.

Why I enjoy Prince Caspian is not very difficult to explain. Unfortunately, no character in the film really gets to me personally. However, it is moments here and there that really affects my emotions. Prince Caspian is much like the book in that respect. C.S. Lewis always managed to put small but meaningful messages throughout the Narnia Series. I'm glad Prince Caspian has done that as well. It also has captured the excitement and adventure of the books (something I felt that the recent film version of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was missing.) Even though it does not follow the books like many wish. It has the feel of Narnia and because of that I am glad. If you have not yet seen this film, then do.

Well, there are my top five as of right now. I say "as of right now" because I have only seen the top two once each. We will see if anything changes with further viewings.

Now it's your turn: What films did you enjoy that were released this year? What older films have you discovered?

Henna Tattoos!

I was at a friend's 16th birthday party and a friend of hers was giving a bunch of people Henna Tattoos. For anyone who doesn't know, Henna is a reddish-brown that lasts for about 1-4 weeks.

My tattoo is almost faded now, but here is what it did look like:

In case anyone can't tell what it is, it's a tree with the trunk being on my wrist and the roots being on my forearm.

Much thanks to the artist! You are amazing!

Music: An Idol?

Since I have been carrying over PSEO this summer, I have still been writing papers. Here is one I just wrote for my Intro to Music class. Although I had multiple topics to choose from, I chose this particular one because it seemed like something I needed to think about. As is said in the film Luther, "We preach best, what we need to learn most."

Here is my essay. I hope you enjoy!

Music: An Idol?
Can music become a “god” for a believer? Can and do some Christians use music as a substitute for God? My answer to these questions: “yes, I believe it is a definite possibility that music can become an idol.” I believe this because of two reasons: first, music is emotional and second, because the statistics show that American’s are heavily focused on music. Furthermore, once believers realize the potential problem, I believe there are several steps they can take to safeguard themselves.
I think music can become a “god” because music is emotional and more and more it seems that people are looking for emotional experiences to fulfill them. However, instead of looking to God, they are looking to things to fulfill them, such as love, sex, sports, hobbies, philanthropy, and all media, which includes music. All of these things are good in their own right and I think they can point us to God, but they should never be used in place of God. 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, “‘Everything is permissible for me’-but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible for me’-but I will not be mastered by anything.” Paul here is talking about things of a sexual nature, but the same concept applies to music. I know that it is far too easy for me to turn to music for comfort rather than to God.
I think music can become an idol because the statistics show that American culture focuses heavily on music. I would argue that the people of today don’t know what it’s like to be without music for just a week. I’m not just speaking of the Ipod Generation, but most Americans 40 and younger. In America, we have music constantly filling our day. Even if someone doesn’t often buy CDs or doesn’t own an Ipod, he or she can still hear music on the radio, in stores, at church, and from friends. However, not just American culture is focused on music. Most, if not all, other cultures have deep roots in music as well. However, no other country focuses on music as much as the U.S.
If anyone isn’t convinced that music is a gigantic piece of American life, then consider that according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, the global market for the music industry in 2004 was estimated at $32 billion! Consider also that from the 1900s-2000s the United States has led in album sales share for the entire world (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_industry)! The United States is listed at 37-40% of the world’s album sales. The second is Japan at only 9-12% (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_industry).
Is this love of music wrong? No! Music is something that God created and is pleased with. However, can one put music in the place of God? I believe that that is possible. When we turn to anything for help rather than turning to God, that thing becomes an idol. Exodus 20:3 says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Consequently, believers ought to be very careful that our music does not come before our Lord. How can we do this? I don’t think there will ever be a simple solution, but I think these three things will help: First of all, music influences us strongly. We need to make sure that what we listen to is not separating us from God. Secondly, when we are struggling with something, we need to turn to God instead of turning to our music. Letting music be therapy is not wrong, but music should not get in the way of the Lord’s healing work. If it seems at some point that music is part of God’s work in us then we need to go with His leading. What is important is that we are receiving God’s healing however it comes. Thirdly, we need to not confuse an emotional experience with a God experience. Certainly, music can bring us closer to God and God affects us emotionally, but let us not fall in love with music or musical worship. Let us fall in love with God.
None of these are cut and dried. They are only beginning ideas. We need to follow what God tells us about our relationship with music and our relationship with Him. In this way I hope that music will not become an idol for any believer.

Jon Foreman!!!

Hey guys! Sorry I haven't posted in so long! Honestly, things have just been busy and I haven't really made time for blogging, but I'm back now. :)

Jon Foreman In Concert

On July 11th I got to see Jon Foreman play at the Coffee Bene in St. Paul. For those of you who don't know, Jon Foreman is the lead singer for the band Switchfoot. However, over the last year he has put out four solo EPs named after the four seasons. Each EP contains his own musings on numerous subjects, but they are also in the style and feel of the particular season. "Summer" was the last EP so we were able to pick from all of his songs (he had the audience write down what songs they wanted to hear.)

The Coffee Bene is no larger than your everyday Caribou and even though my friends and I managed to get there early, I still ended up in the fifth row back. About 45 minutes before the performance was supposed to begin, Jon Foreman walks in with some of his friends. He shakes some peoples hands, they order their drinks, and then began to set up. The cool thing is that it was one of the most natural things ever. It just felt like a bunch of friends hanging out.

The concert itself was amazing. It was as Jon said, "professional" because it was free. I just love the fact that he did four free shows just because he wanted to give to his fans and because he loves performing like that. I didn't know all of the songs, but I still thoroughly enjoyed them. The only performers were Jon Foreman (playing acoustic guitar and harmonica) and another man on a cello (which happens to be one of my favorite instruments so I was VERY excited.) The music was beautiful and Jon's voice is amazing. Also Jon was so laid back as he talked to the crowd, it just gave a feeling of family.

Afterwards, tons of people wanted to talk to Jon and he still had another show to play at 11:00 that night so I only got to talk to him for 30 seconds to a minute. However, I got to talk to Chad, the drummer for Switchfoot (he was just chillin' there), for about 15 minutes. That was a very cool experience. Both Jon and Chad are extremely friendly people who have the love of Christ overflowing from them. That was the first time I got to see Jon Foreman playing solo. I sure hope that I will see him again in the future.