I watch the Bachelor.
I admit it. I know, it's tasteless and tacky but I watch the Bachelor, I tweet about it as if I actually know these people, the works. With that being said, I do NOT worship everything that every bachelor or bachelorette does. So it may be obvious to you and that I am not the biggest fan of Kaitlyn, this season's Bachelorette.
This season has a big scandal to it (mostly to get more viewers, I know ABC's tricks) where Kaitlyn does the unthinkable with one of the contestants and then lives in regret. I watched the airing of the show in outrage at the comments that Kaitlyn and Nick (the "lucky" contestant) made about the act, and even some of the tweets from viewers. Kaitlyn's guilt rested mostly in the fact that she had just shared an intimate moment with this man even though she is technically in a relationship with a handful of other guys. However, she said over and over and over again that she did not feel guilt about the act, just about the fact that she hurt the other guys. Tweeters all over said the same thing.
What?
Correct me if I'm wrong here, but isn't that the same thing?
I read other articles, including one E!online wrote, stating that a girl simply has to sleep with a guy that she is considering a deeper relationship with to know if they're compatible.
You're kidding, right?
Many people out there, Christians included, do not understand why God put some seemingly strict rules in front of us. No sex? Are you being serious, God? To a lot of people it seems simply like what I just referred to it as: a rule. This couldn't be further from the truth.
One reason (and the main reason, might I add) that God commands purity until marriage is because sex creates a tie between two souls that should only be shared in a marriage. Some say that sex is a reward for a marriage, and I guess that is somewhat true. But I think God meant this as protection for us. One of the most cheesy points to purity before marriage is saving yourself for you future spouse. As cheesy and awkward as that it, it's true. On the Bachelorette it's more obvious being as she is literally in a relationship with like a ton of guys at the same time, but in real life we don't see like that. We, girls especially, tend to think "things are so great right now, I'm going to be with this guy for the rest of my life" and then two weeks later you're splitsville. How much pain is involved in that breakup if you have shared intimate moments before? You, my friend, aren't going through a breakup, you're going through a divorce. I'm not just talking about couples who have been together for two months, but also years. How many couples do you know that called it quits after dating 5 or 10 years? I know a surprising amount. Ontop of that, if you lose your purity in a relationship before marriage, how are you going to do a reality check in that relationship? If your dating someone that just isn't right for you but you have had sex, it's going to be pretty difficult to do what is right and end it. No one willingly wants to go through the pain of a breakup, but like I said, you have shared parts of your souls with each other. Breaking up at that point is like splitting a part of yourself in two and you are not going to want to do that. I honestly believe this is a large reason we have so many dead marriages in America. We lose ourselves too quickly to the wrong one and then it's too painful to leave.
On top of those two really good reasons, God has some other reasons in mind too, I'd say. STDs, unwanted pregnancies, all that good stuff. The point is, purity is more than just a rule. It's very practical. But society today makes it so incredibly hard to say "wait". We live today in a world that is all about instant gratification. Fast food, instant messages, sex whenever you want it. Why would we say no when everyone else is saying yes? Which is why what E magazine wrote absolutely killed me. You have to have sex with someone to date them? Really? Sounds like a case of "I wanna so I'm gonna" to me. Justifying the wrong does not make it right. Just because you want to do it doesn't make it right either.
On a less serious note, if you are a watcher of the Bachelorette and you actually like this season's bachelorette, thats fine. If you claim to be a christian and you glorify this bachelorette, that is not okay. Take a look at the message you are sending the rest of the world, because she is no role model for Christ.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Saturday, May 30, 2015
And to Our Old Girls State,
2 years ago and some change, my high school guidance counselor very forcibly handed me an application to Volunteers Girls State. He told me he thought I would be perfect for it despite my "I don't know"s and my skeptical looks. When I brought the application home with even more skeptical "Im not quite sure what this is all about, better not go" comments, to my dismay I was met by a mother who reminded me that I really should go, you know, for my college applications and what not. So, reluctantly, even though I distinctly remember trying to get out of it a few times, I sent in an application for Volunteer Girls State and was accepted into the program as a Delegate in 2013. And then my world was changed. Here it is, 2015, and I just finished up my second year as a counselor. Yeah, you could say that it left an impact on me.
I'm not going to try to explain Volunteer Girls State because no matter how elegantly I write or how competent you are, you will never get it. Yes, we teach citizenship, but not in the way you're thinking. Yeah, it involves creating a government, but not the kind you're used to. Sure, we make sisterhood-type bonds, but none like you've ever experienced before. No offense to you, reader, but you just won't understand.
And that's okay, because you don't need to understand. That's a phenomena that we joke about every year- explaining to your friends why you wore a costume made entirely of trash bags and paper on stage while singing a song that doesn't make sense, or why you stood up on night one and introduced yourself during your first election. At Girls State those memories will bring back chuckles, even tears. To you, reader, it brings back nothing. No words can describe what we experience, no pictures drawn can fully help you get it. But you get that we love it. You understand that we are changed, and that is all that you need to know.
And boy, are we changed. I tell my citizens every year that when I was that tiny, scared delegate back in 2013 who didn't really want to even go to VGS, I ran for every office I could get my hands on. Thing is, I didn't win any of those elections. Not a single one of them. At first fear visibly enters into that sweet little scared-to-death delegate. "You didn't win ANYTHING??". No, I did win something, I usually reply. It may not have been a tangible title, but I won something a lot deeper, more beneficial. I won a chance to get up and share my beliefs, whether it be beliefs on a made-up city/count issue or beliefs on a bill that I myself wrote. I found my voice when I got up in front of a room and spoke passionately (though also nervously) and for that I owe a debt to Girls State that I will never be able to repay.
When I returned as a counselor for the first time last year, I was able to actually work with the amazing women that changed my life just the year before. Engineers, Harvard grads, politicians, military women, business women, presidents/vice presidents of companies, the list goes on. Bottom line was I felt even smaller than I had felt as a delegate. How in the world amongst a group of women this amazing and distinguished was little ole me going to make an impact on 40 some odd high school junior girls? I looked up to these women, stood in awe of how much wisdom and knowledge they had. I wanted their humor, their passion, their articulate speaking habits, I wanted all of them. A famous quote from Newton says that he is only able to see as far as he did because he stood on the shoulders of giants, and I wanted these women to be my giants.
But forget that superficial attributes these women had, what else did they contribute to make mine and countless other girls' experiences to magical? It was the love. As a delegate, I just thought the program kind of just happened. As a counselor, I see the intentions. I see these women assuring that every girl is reminded we are so glad she's here, that her voice matters, that she is loved and safe here. I also see those women assuring each other of that, even after they've been there for 50 years. I see love, friendship that lasts forever, growth. I am so glad that that group of ladies, wether they know it or not, are my giants.
.....
Friday and Saturday. The counselors arrive for orientation. We go over philosophy, emergency plans, decorating, meals, the works. For two days we buzz with excitement, dreaming of what our little delegates will be like, which city will hold the governor, how are lives might be changed this week. Nerves mix with waves of excitement and I am filled with love before I even meet my girls.
Sunday. Nervous citizens and anxious parents arrive at dorms. I lug a suitcase up a flight of stairs, show them to their rooms and hand them their new name tags. I welcome them home and see who they might become in just about 5 days before they even unpack. They usually glance at their parents, teary-eyed, because they don't want to stay at this place. I don't let it phase me because I know that in a few short days, they will be crying because they never want to leave this place.
Monday. We make nervous small talk. We begin to form a city from the ground-up, electing a mayor, city council women, party delegates. The girls aren't sold just yet, some even seem miserable. Just give it some time, I tell myself.
Tuesday. We combine with another city to form a county. We elect county officials, make more nervous chit-chat. Tonight, however, is Fast Song- a most magical night. Tonight the girls laugh and dance and sing and bond. Tonight, Friendships are formed.
Wednesday. Our girls write bills over ideas they are passionate about. We combine with yet another city to form a legislative district and elect representatives and senators based off of those ideas. They immediately head to legislature to begin. Our governor candidates debate.
Thursday. We watch the TN Supreme Court, hear speeches from our own Supreme Court nominees. That night is Olympics, where we dance and cheer each other on with as much love as we can muster. Tonight, friendships are strengthened.
Friday. We elect our governor and have an inauguration for her, complete with a ball. We begin the rounds of good-byes from the stage and the girls cry together, their bodies shaking because they know that this will never happen again. Tonight, they realized they are sisters.
Saturday. I give those bright young women who are completely different one last squeeze as they meet their parents again. Their parents are shocked. Who is this girl? Not their daughter, that's for sure.
And that's Girls State. What's the big deal though, right?
There is one particular night of Girls State that I arrive to already with fresh tears in my eyes. Before I left this week for VGS, I was laughing at why we all blubber like babies that night. I mean, after all, it's not like we're graduating or anything! We get to come back in one year and do it all over again. This week I was reminded why that night always gets me.
As I watch the procession of the governor, the legislature, the chorus members, I look at my city. They are sitting close, tears streaming down their faces, confident still. These are not the same young ladies I met not 5 days ago, no sir. These ladies know where they are going. They are confident. Those who were once shy now say what is on their minds. Those who were once to boisterous now listen to what others have on their minds as well. These ladies found their purpose, where they belong. They found that their ideas and thoughts mattered, that someone not only cared but loved them for it. They found a home for their heart, a home that for some of them is the first home they've ever had. I bawl like a baby because I see the leaps and the bounds these women made this week and it wrecks me. Absolutely wrecks me.
And then in come the letters. The girls will write notes of thanks, and this is my second favorite part of the week only next to when they first arrive in our city. I get to read about how these girls who I am amazed by look up to me. I read about how I helped them to get out of their comfort zone, let loose, find who they were. I get called a role model, a sister. I get met with tear-filled hugs because they will miss my inspiration. I get told that I am actually these girls' giant. And it might be the most magical feeling I have ever experienced in my life.
On Sunday I make final rounds, making sure nothing was left in the dorm rooms in the chaos of moving out. Rooms there were once filled with decorations and beautiful smiles and laughter are empty and dark and lonely. For a moment today I almost let this make me sad, but then I remembered that left scattered amongst the leftover bobby pins on the floor were memories, legacies. This process doesn't stop here for the girls, no ma'am. They will now vote as an informed citizen. They will say the pledge of elegance correctly. They will ask questions, speak up, continue to grow for the rest of their lives. Girls State can not be contained on one college campus. And that make my heart smile.
So no, readers, you may still have no idea what Girls State is. In fact, I may have even confused you more. But now you know how I feel about it, why I go back again and again, why I dream about it year-round. Girls State is magical. There's something hidden in the walls, something tucked away under the beds. Its those 20 seconds of insane, embarrassing courage that everyone wishes they were brave enough to take hold of them. Here at Girls State, we do.
Raise your voices, raise them high
Sing to Girls State and here's why
Look to Girls State and you'll find
Tomorrow's leaders of mankind
We are the future builders,
builders in a band
And we come from Girls State
The best state in the land
We are up and coming,
progressive, kind and strong
And to our old Girls State
We proudly sing our song!
I'm not going to try to explain Volunteer Girls State because no matter how elegantly I write or how competent you are, you will never get it. Yes, we teach citizenship, but not in the way you're thinking. Yeah, it involves creating a government, but not the kind you're used to. Sure, we make sisterhood-type bonds, but none like you've ever experienced before. No offense to you, reader, but you just won't understand.
And that's okay, because you don't need to understand. That's a phenomena that we joke about every year- explaining to your friends why you wore a costume made entirely of trash bags and paper on stage while singing a song that doesn't make sense, or why you stood up on night one and introduced yourself during your first election. At Girls State those memories will bring back chuckles, even tears. To you, reader, it brings back nothing. No words can describe what we experience, no pictures drawn can fully help you get it. But you get that we love it. You understand that we are changed, and that is all that you need to know.
And boy, are we changed. I tell my citizens every year that when I was that tiny, scared delegate back in 2013 who didn't really want to even go to VGS, I ran for every office I could get my hands on. Thing is, I didn't win any of those elections. Not a single one of them. At first fear visibly enters into that sweet little scared-to-death delegate. "You didn't win ANYTHING??". No, I did win something, I usually reply. It may not have been a tangible title, but I won something a lot deeper, more beneficial. I won a chance to get up and share my beliefs, whether it be beliefs on a made-up city/count issue or beliefs on a bill that I myself wrote. I found my voice when I got up in front of a room and spoke passionately (though also nervously) and for that I owe a debt to Girls State that I will never be able to repay.
When I returned as a counselor for the first time last year, I was able to actually work with the amazing women that changed my life just the year before. Engineers, Harvard grads, politicians, military women, business women, presidents/vice presidents of companies, the list goes on. Bottom line was I felt even smaller than I had felt as a delegate. How in the world amongst a group of women this amazing and distinguished was little ole me going to make an impact on 40 some odd high school junior girls? I looked up to these women, stood in awe of how much wisdom and knowledge they had. I wanted their humor, their passion, their articulate speaking habits, I wanted all of them. A famous quote from Newton says that he is only able to see as far as he did because he stood on the shoulders of giants, and I wanted these women to be my giants.
But forget that superficial attributes these women had, what else did they contribute to make mine and countless other girls' experiences to magical? It was the love. As a delegate, I just thought the program kind of just happened. As a counselor, I see the intentions. I see these women assuring that every girl is reminded we are so glad she's here, that her voice matters, that she is loved and safe here. I also see those women assuring each other of that, even after they've been there for 50 years. I see love, friendship that lasts forever, growth. I am so glad that that group of ladies, wether they know it or not, are my giants.
.....
Friday and Saturday. The counselors arrive for orientation. We go over philosophy, emergency plans, decorating, meals, the works. For two days we buzz with excitement, dreaming of what our little delegates will be like, which city will hold the governor, how are lives might be changed this week. Nerves mix with waves of excitement and I am filled with love before I even meet my girls.
Sunday. Nervous citizens and anxious parents arrive at dorms. I lug a suitcase up a flight of stairs, show them to their rooms and hand them their new name tags. I welcome them home and see who they might become in just about 5 days before they even unpack. They usually glance at their parents, teary-eyed, because they don't want to stay at this place. I don't let it phase me because I know that in a few short days, they will be crying because they never want to leave this place.
Monday. We make nervous small talk. We begin to form a city from the ground-up, electing a mayor, city council women, party delegates. The girls aren't sold just yet, some even seem miserable. Just give it some time, I tell myself.
Tuesday. We combine with another city to form a county. We elect county officials, make more nervous chit-chat. Tonight, however, is Fast Song- a most magical night. Tonight the girls laugh and dance and sing and bond. Tonight, Friendships are formed.
Wednesday. Our girls write bills over ideas they are passionate about. We combine with yet another city to form a legislative district and elect representatives and senators based off of those ideas. They immediately head to legislature to begin. Our governor candidates debate.
Thursday. We watch the TN Supreme Court, hear speeches from our own Supreme Court nominees. That night is Olympics, where we dance and cheer each other on with as much love as we can muster. Tonight, friendships are strengthened.
Friday. We elect our governor and have an inauguration for her, complete with a ball. We begin the rounds of good-byes from the stage and the girls cry together, their bodies shaking because they know that this will never happen again. Tonight, they realized they are sisters.
Saturday. I give those bright young women who are completely different one last squeeze as they meet their parents again. Their parents are shocked. Who is this girl? Not their daughter, that's for sure.
And that's Girls State. What's the big deal though, right?
There is one particular night of Girls State that I arrive to already with fresh tears in my eyes. Before I left this week for VGS, I was laughing at why we all blubber like babies that night. I mean, after all, it's not like we're graduating or anything! We get to come back in one year and do it all over again. This week I was reminded why that night always gets me.
As I watch the procession of the governor, the legislature, the chorus members, I look at my city. They are sitting close, tears streaming down their faces, confident still. These are not the same young ladies I met not 5 days ago, no sir. These ladies know where they are going. They are confident. Those who were once shy now say what is on their minds. Those who were once to boisterous now listen to what others have on their minds as well. These ladies found their purpose, where they belong. They found that their ideas and thoughts mattered, that someone not only cared but loved them for it. They found a home for their heart, a home that for some of them is the first home they've ever had. I bawl like a baby because I see the leaps and the bounds these women made this week and it wrecks me. Absolutely wrecks me.
And then in come the letters. The girls will write notes of thanks, and this is my second favorite part of the week only next to when they first arrive in our city. I get to read about how these girls who I am amazed by look up to me. I read about how I helped them to get out of their comfort zone, let loose, find who they were. I get called a role model, a sister. I get met with tear-filled hugs because they will miss my inspiration. I get told that I am actually these girls' giant. And it might be the most magical feeling I have ever experienced in my life.
On Sunday I make final rounds, making sure nothing was left in the dorm rooms in the chaos of moving out. Rooms there were once filled with decorations and beautiful smiles and laughter are empty and dark and lonely. For a moment today I almost let this make me sad, but then I remembered that left scattered amongst the leftover bobby pins on the floor were memories, legacies. This process doesn't stop here for the girls, no ma'am. They will now vote as an informed citizen. They will say the pledge of elegance correctly. They will ask questions, speak up, continue to grow for the rest of their lives. Girls State can not be contained on one college campus. And that make my heart smile.
So no, readers, you may still have no idea what Girls State is. In fact, I may have even confused you more. But now you know how I feel about it, why I go back again and again, why I dream about it year-round. Girls State is magical. There's something hidden in the walls, something tucked away under the beds. Its those 20 seconds of insane, embarrassing courage that everyone wishes they were brave enough to take hold of them. Here at Girls State, we do.
Raise your voices, raise them high
Sing to Girls State and here's why
Look to Girls State and you'll find
Tomorrow's leaders of mankind
We are the future builders,
builders in a band
And we come from Girls State
The best state in the land
We are up and coming,
progressive, kind and strong
And to our old Girls State
We proudly sing our song!
Thursday, May 21, 2015
A Response to the Josh Duggar "Scandal" and A Note to Society
As I sit on Facebook reading people's comments in light of Josh Duggar's recent confession, I am in absolute disgust at the society we live in. Josh Duggar, who is the oldest of the Duggar clan and is now 27 years old, confessed today that when he was 14 years old he molested 5 girls, some of which were his sisters. In NO WAY is this a post defending his actions. I want that to be clear. What he did was so wrong, disgusting, and I don't understand it one bit. That's not the point. I don't think any one of us could argue that. I'm disgusted with how society is handling it.
After I read more of the story, I am among those who do not think that the situation was handled correctly at the time it happened. I am not defending Josh's actions. What I am defending, however, is how he is handling the situation now. How hard would it be to, at 27 years old with a family of your own, to admit this to the entire world, ESPECIALLY as a Christian? So incredibly hard. You know now that your reputation is shot, that your image is tainted, and that even the image of your God to some of the secular crowd is now broken. But He did it. And the family's comments on it were flawless. I have no criticism of that whatsoever.
However, as I began reading comments on the stories, I was just repulsed. Countless comments about how they saw it coming, how the family is completely nuts or "sick", how he shouldn't be allowed to be a father anymore. Now, if this were someone else more secular, say Kanye West or Channing Tatum, both of whom have families, what do you think the public's response would be? A COMPLETELY different slew of posts would come in.
The comments that aggravated me the most were about how the family is either "hypocritical" or how they are sick and they are shoving things like heterosexual couples' rights down our throats and touching little girls all at the same time. If you have EVER watched the show (and not just persecuted the Duggars from what you've heard or merely based your dislike with them on that fact that they are a christian family on TV), you know that they have NEVER once claimed to be anywhere near perfect. Just the other night Michelle admitted to a lot of hard things she went through as a young adult and how she regrets them. She and Jim Bob are very open about the mistakes they made in their dating life. Even in the statement about Josh's ordeal, most of what they are saying is along the lines of "we are nowhere near perfect and it allowed us to trust God a lot more and get closer as a family". That comment drove people the wildest I think, because multiple people said that was sick....why? When Bruce Jenner announced he is changing into a woman, America showed him full support, even though it was deeply affecting his children. When Miley Cyrus went absolutely crazy, the world embraced it, saying almost the same thing as the Duggars. Nobody is perfect, be who you are. Well, newsflash society, The Duggars are CHRISTIANS. And if you are gonna shove acceptance of homosexuals, illegal aliens, transgenders, Muslims, whatever it is, You HAVE to accept us too.
Christians today are called hypocrites so much it makes my stomach hurt, but guess what society?
You are the biggest hypocrite and oppressor there is.
You choose to make the Christian beliefs the outcast ones. You choose to question the religious convictions of us, while glorifying an Islamic conviction. You choose to make nasty comments, calling us every name in the book. You choose to make the stereotype, not us.
I personally don't know a single Christian who is prejudice towards the homosexual/transgender community. I do not know of a single church who would turn anyone like that away. I have multiple gay friends, but I'm not tolerant? I respect their rights while still holding my beliefs without shoving them in their faces, but I'm a biggot?
Stop taking away my rights, America. Stop calling me names that aren't meant for me. Stop stereotyping. YOU are the problem, not me. God Bless.
After I read more of the story, I am among those who do not think that the situation was handled correctly at the time it happened. I am not defending Josh's actions. What I am defending, however, is how he is handling the situation now. How hard would it be to, at 27 years old with a family of your own, to admit this to the entire world, ESPECIALLY as a Christian? So incredibly hard. You know now that your reputation is shot, that your image is tainted, and that even the image of your God to some of the secular crowd is now broken. But He did it. And the family's comments on it were flawless. I have no criticism of that whatsoever.
However, as I began reading comments on the stories, I was just repulsed. Countless comments about how they saw it coming, how the family is completely nuts or "sick", how he shouldn't be allowed to be a father anymore. Now, if this were someone else more secular, say Kanye West or Channing Tatum, both of whom have families, what do you think the public's response would be? A COMPLETELY different slew of posts would come in.
The comments that aggravated me the most were about how the family is either "hypocritical" or how they are sick and they are shoving things like heterosexual couples' rights down our throats and touching little girls all at the same time. If you have EVER watched the show (and not just persecuted the Duggars from what you've heard or merely based your dislike with them on that fact that they are a christian family on TV), you know that they have NEVER once claimed to be anywhere near perfect. Just the other night Michelle admitted to a lot of hard things she went through as a young adult and how she regrets them. She and Jim Bob are very open about the mistakes they made in their dating life. Even in the statement about Josh's ordeal, most of what they are saying is along the lines of "we are nowhere near perfect and it allowed us to trust God a lot more and get closer as a family". That comment drove people the wildest I think, because multiple people said that was sick....why? When Bruce Jenner announced he is changing into a woman, America showed him full support, even though it was deeply affecting his children. When Miley Cyrus went absolutely crazy, the world embraced it, saying almost the same thing as the Duggars. Nobody is perfect, be who you are. Well, newsflash society, The Duggars are CHRISTIANS. And if you are gonna shove acceptance of homosexuals, illegal aliens, transgenders, Muslims, whatever it is, You HAVE to accept us too.
Christians today are called hypocrites so much it makes my stomach hurt, but guess what society?
You are the biggest hypocrite and oppressor there is.
You choose to make the Christian beliefs the outcast ones. You choose to question the religious convictions of us, while glorifying an Islamic conviction. You choose to make nasty comments, calling us every name in the book. You choose to make the stereotype, not us.
I personally don't know a single Christian who is prejudice towards the homosexual/transgender community. I do not know of a single church who would turn anyone like that away. I have multiple gay friends, but I'm not tolerant? I respect their rights while still holding my beliefs without shoving them in their faces, but I'm a biggot?
Stop taking away my rights, America. Stop calling me names that aren't meant for me. Stop stereotyping. YOU are the problem, not me. God Bless.
Friday, May 15, 2015
An Open Letter to My High School Best Friends
Dear High School (and present-day) Friend-group,
Wow. One year ago from this very date, our lives were changed forever. On May 15th, 2014 we took pictures, smiling in red shiny robes laden with ropes of colors that represented all of the organizations that allowed us to make memories, and we pushed worries to the back of our minds for the camera. We knew that everything would be different from that point on whether we wanted to admit it to ourselves or not. No longer would I get the comfort of walking down the hall to one of your lockers or looking forward to another day of lunch with you all. No more parking lot after-school talks or Jonah's pizza runs. After that night, we all would be going to different schools in different parts of the state and we didn't really know what was next. On May 15th, 2014, a piece of my heart broke forever that I let no one know was missing.
Now, one year later, I still get to be blessed by your friendship. I see that even though we may not see each other every day like we used to, we always make time for a reunion. I know now that just because graduation is long over doesn't have to mean that our friendship is too. That, I believe, will never end. And as I look at the 2015 graduates to see how they are handling this phenomenon, I notice a lot of differences in our friend group than most others and I just had to tell you all:
-Thank you for being there with me. Some of you I had been friends with since forever. Some of you I met Freshman year. Some of you I got close to Senior Year. All of you had a lasting impact on me. A lot of growing up happens in high school and I'm so lucky I got to do it with you all. On days I thought were the "worst days of my life", I knew I had someone to lean on. On days where I was over the moon, I was able to accept "congratulations" from you all. I never once doubted that I would receive support from you all.
-Thank you for being Jesus to and with me. As I said, a lot of growing up happens in high school. I see status after status about parties for the graduates and remember even my last few years in high school where I was often ridiculed for not taking part in the party crowd and I am forever thankful I had a group of people who supported me the entire time. Instead of going to bonfires with alcohol,we had bonfires with s'mores, Jesus, and parents. I can't count the number of times I was able to have in-depth biblical conversations with you all and that really stuck with me. When most kids talked about nothing with their friends during lunch, we organized a 30 minute devo/worship session for our high school. Instead of curse words, old Spongebob quotes filled our mouths (I can't believe I just wrote that in a somewhat mushy blog post...). Even the summer before we went to college when most kids were out getting sloppy, we spent our Tuesdays at a church in Nashville, worshiping together. I could go on and on here, but the point is I am thankful I had a group I could be an "outcast" with. I had good people with good intentions. I never once felt pressured to do anything and that is HUGE. I don't know how it would have been had I never found my way to you all, but I sure am glad I did.
-Thank you for continuing to want to be in my life. As I said before, I know now that we still get to see each other and hang out. That's huge to me. I'm so grateful that you all consider me a big enough part of your life to continue to want to invest in me. I look forward to our "reunions" any chance I can get them.
I was blessed to have walked the halls with you all for four years. I am more than blessed to continue to have you in my life. I catch myself laughing over an old joke or something funny that happened a few years ago constantly. My memories of us from high school will never fade. My experiences of us from now until we are too old to physically see each other will never end. Love you all, thanks for being there.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
It's 3 a.m. and I'm Tired of Silence
It is 2:29 a.m. on a Saturday morning and I have absolutely no idea where this blogpost will go.
I do know,however, that I just returned from David Platt's Secret Church and that I am completely and utterly moved by Jesus Christ in so many ways. If you don't know what Secret Church is then I encourage you to find out more, but basically David Platt teaches the 100% gospel truth for 6-7 hours straight, highlighting areas around the world that actually do have to gather in secret churches. If you have read his book "Radical" then you know how this got started and the meaning behind it and how incredibly powerful it can be not only for those who are actually meeting in secret churches, pouring over the word of God with their lives literally at stake, but also for those of us who just want more Jesus. If you have time, then I think you might even be able to find the podcast of the secret church and I HIGHLY encourage you to spend 7 hours with David Platt exploring some of the most crucial, controversial topics that Christians have to deal with these days. I do not know what I am about to write, but I do know that God did not make me to be silent and I can not be silent after what I just heard.
Tonight we dealt with a number of topics, some of the major ones being abortion, homosexuality, sexual immorality, marriage problems, slavery, poverty, racial boundaries, among many other things. Ultimately the main thing that really resonated with me was that the truth on these controversial topics can not simply be glossed over because we as a church have an utter fear of society.
When is the last time you sat down at a church sermon and your preacher talked at length about how homosexuality is a flat out sin? Or how abortion statistically has defeated the number of deaths in the holocaust again and again? Racial Discrimination? The government? Yeah, I can't remember either. That's because churches just don't. We as a Christian society have completely bought into this whole idea of "come as you are" and "judgement free zones". While these types of things are very important and should indeed be regarded as gospel truths, we have completely blown them out of context. We have let society scare us into avoiding pointing out the wrongs of sin in fear of the hundreds of thousands of fingers pointed at the church with the labels "hypocrites", "bigots", "homophobes", "racists", you name it. We have churches today that preach that being gay is perfectly acceptable, that being faithful to God will result in financial blessings of which you should not have to share, that knowing Jesus should be comfortable, and more. And to what prevail?
BILLIONS of people are dying without the gospel. People who will never know the forgiveness, the wholeness, the never ending love that is Jesus Christ who died for our sins! As a church we should realize that the sins of a homosexual are no worse than the sins of sexual impurity that a heterosexual couple may commit, however we must not remain silent on a controversial issue in fear that it will offend someone. In case you haven't read the very words of Jesus, almost everything that Jesus calls us to do are completely controversial! We just don't read it as this way because our modern westernized culture has taken the radical words of Jesus Christ and shaped them into something we can find comfortable. Spoiler alert, Jesus calls us all to a radical life. We were made to be absolutely uncomfortable. We were destined to work and then work and then work some more and to give most of what we make to the poor or the widowed or whatever other cause you feel like you should give to. We were called to die to the desires of our own flesh, flee from sin as much as we can, and let Jesus walk with us every step of the way. We were not called to live as we please, to buy multiple homes and store up possessions for ourselves, to utterly ignore the problems around us or the billions dying in the world without Jesus. We were not called to live only in America, to justify that people in America "need Jesus too", simply as an excuse to not go to the nations. (If you are called to America, by all means, serve America! If you are using it as an excuse to provide yourself comfort, that is a sin and a direct violation of the Bible). Contrary to popular belief in the south, the white race is not the superior race. It is very biblically evident that we all came from the same race, therefore how can we possibly regard one as better? How could we possibly justify opposing things such as interracial couples? As long as both parties revere God, it is completely biblical (The only times God told his people to not marry interracially were in times when the other race were not godly and would lead his people astray). Opposing everything Dave Ramsey might teach, our finances are not ours. We should handle God's money with care and with education, but we should not hold on to it. I, as well as most of North America, am so incredibly guilty of this. While most of the world is living on $1-$2 dollars a day, the average American lives on no less than $90. This should shake us all to our very cores. My heart hurts thinking that I as well as almost everyone I know has bought into the world's view on material objects. The effects of our lust of money are deadly. It is complete foolishness to tell ourselves it is not our jobs to support others financially, be it someone who lives down the street from us, across the country, or across the world. There is nothing in the Bible that tells us this is okay, that your hoarding of money can be justified because someone in another country doesn't deserve it. That they don't handle it in an educated way, therefore they don't deserve it. Please, tell me where Jesus said anything close to that, because so many of us live as if he said it time and time again.
I realize that was a lot of biblical vomit, but my heart is absolutely full. 200 pages of a study guide filled with truths that for so long I have felt guilty for believing. Living in a society where anything goes while I believe very controversial biblical truths, especially in positions with political influence, has been one of if not the biggest struggle in my life. To take a stance on something knowing someone will call me a bigot, tell me that I serve an oppressive religion (Oh my goodness, if only they knew...Forgive them, Father), write off my beliefs as irrelevant because I live in the bible belt, am white, for the most part attend church at baptist churches.... that, readers, has been so hard.
I don't stand by my beliefs because "that's how I was raised". I don't stand by my beliefs because that's what white southern baptists in the bible belt of middle-class believe. I stand by my beliefs because they're biblical. I stand by my beliefs because they are 100% without a doubt biblically supported and truthful. They are things that are biblical fact and to argue them is to change the very words of God and at that point change a religion. I stand by them because at one point in my life I hit rock-bottom and knew that I was void of God and I was in need of a Savior. I felt Jesus Christ, I knew without a doubt that God was real and that I was feeling him and absolutely nothing anyone can ever tell me will ever change that belief. I stand by them because I am a sinner in so many different ways, no better than any gay, feminist, receiver of an abortion, killer, rapist, you name it. I stand by them because I have seen utterly broken people in the midst of the darkest points of their lives turn to our God, cry out his name, and have their lives absolutely changed. I believe in them because I have seen the hand of God reach down and touch my life forever. And believe me when I say that even the thought of death in persecution will never EVER make me back down from those beliefs. I will defend my Jesus until the very end of my human body if that is what it takes because, though most of our modern day church simply doesn't want to hear it, that's what we are called to do if it comes down to it.
So, after a very long post that probably doesn't make a whole lot of sense but is just what is swimming around in my heart right now, I challenge you to discover God's truths. In the next few days I might be writing a post on each issue addressed tonight. The thoughts portrayed in this blog are very honest, but I assure you they are all grounded in truth and scripture, and most of all love. I believe we were not called to serve ourselves or to twist the words of the bible into things that benefit our sinful desires, and I probably offended quite a few-if not all of my readers. Not a single person does not struggle with a sin addressed in this, including myself. And that's okay. But we MUST be aware of it. I hope you look for the posts to come on topics, my takes of what David Platt led us through, and again I encourage you to look for his secret church podcast.
I do know,however, that I just returned from David Platt's Secret Church and that I am completely and utterly moved by Jesus Christ in so many ways. If you don't know what Secret Church is then I encourage you to find out more, but basically David Platt teaches the 100% gospel truth for 6-7 hours straight, highlighting areas around the world that actually do have to gather in secret churches. If you have read his book "Radical" then you know how this got started and the meaning behind it and how incredibly powerful it can be not only for those who are actually meeting in secret churches, pouring over the word of God with their lives literally at stake, but also for those of us who just want more Jesus. If you have time, then I think you might even be able to find the podcast of the secret church and I HIGHLY encourage you to spend 7 hours with David Platt exploring some of the most crucial, controversial topics that Christians have to deal with these days. I do not know what I am about to write, but I do know that God did not make me to be silent and I can not be silent after what I just heard.
Tonight we dealt with a number of topics, some of the major ones being abortion, homosexuality, sexual immorality, marriage problems, slavery, poverty, racial boundaries, among many other things. Ultimately the main thing that really resonated with me was that the truth on these controversial topics can not simply be glossed over because we as a church have an utter fear of society.
When is the last time you sat down at a church sermon and your preacher talked at length about how homosexuality is a flat out sin? Or how abortion statistically has defeated the number of deaths in the holocaust again and again? Racial Discrimination? The government? Yeah, I can't remember either. That's because churches just don't. We as a Christian society have completely bought into this whole idea of "come as you are" and "judgement free zones". While these types of things are very important and should indeed be regarded as gospel truths, we have completely blown them out of context. We have let society scare us into avoiding pointing out the wrongs of sin in fear of the hundreds of thousands of fingers pointed at the church with the labels "hypocrites", "bigots", "homophobes", "racists", you name it. We have churches today that preach that being gay is perfectly acceptable, that being faithful to God will result in financial blessings of which you should not have to share, that knowing Jesus should be comfortable, and more. And to what prevail?
BILLIONS of people are dying without the gospel. People who will never know the forgiveness, the wholeness, the never ending love that is Jesus Christ who died for our sins! As a church we should realize that the sins of a homosexual are no worse than the sins of sexual impurity that a heterosexual couple may commit, however we must not remain silent on a controversial issue in fear that it will offend someone. In case you haven't read the very words of Jesus, almost everything that Jesus calls us to do are completely controversial! We just don't read it as this way because our modern westernized culture has taken the radical words of Jesus Christ and shaped them into something we can find comfortable. Spoiler alert, Jesus calls us all to a radical life. We were made to be absolutely uncomfortable. We were destined to work and then work and then work some more and to give most of what we make to the poor or the widowed or whatever other cause you feel like you should give to. We were called to die to the desires of our own flesh, flee from sin as much as we can, and let Jesus walk with us every step of the way. We were not called to live as we please, to buy multiple homes and store up possessions for ourselves, to utterly ignore the problems around us or the billions dying in the world without Jesus. We were not called to live only in America, to justify that people in America "need Jesus too", simply as an excuse to not go to the nations. (If you are called to America, by all means, serve America! If you are using it as an excuse to provide yourself comfort, that is a sin and a direct violation of the Bible). Contrary to popular belief in the south, the white race is not the superior race. It is very biblically evident that we all came from the same race, therefore how can we possibly regard one as better? How could we possibly justify opposing things such as interracial couples? As long as both parties revere God, it is completely biblical (The only times God told his people to not marry interracially were in times when the other race were not godly and would lead his people astray). Opposing everything Dave Ramsey might teach, our finances are not ours. We should handle God's money with care and with education, but we should not hold on to it. I, as well as most of North America, am so incredibly guilty of this. While most of the world is living on $1-$2 dollars a day, the average American lives on no less than $90. This should shake us all to our very cores. My heart hurts thinking that I as well as almost everyone I know has bought into the world's view on material objects. The effects of our lust of money are deadly. It is complete foolishness to tell ourselves it is not our jobs to support others financially, be it someone who lives down the street from us, across the country, or across the world. There is nothing in the Bible that tells us this is okay, that your hoarding of money can be justified because someone in another country doesn't deserve it. That they don't handle it in an educated way, therefore they don't deserve it. Please, tell me where Jesus said anything close to that, because so many of us live as if he said it time and time again.
I realize that was a lot of biblical vomit, but my heart is absolutely full. 200 pages of a study guide filled with truths that for so long I have felt guilty for believing. Living in a society where anything goes while I believe very controversial biblical truths, especially in positions with political influence, has been one of if not the biggest struggle in my life. To take a stance on something knowing someone will call me a bigot, tell me that I serve an oppressive religion (Oh my goodness, if only they knew...Forgive them, Father), write off my beliefs as irrelevant because I live in the bible belt, am white, for the most part attend church at baptist churches.... that, readers, has been so hard.
I don't stand by my beliefs because "that's how I was raised". I don't stand by my beliefs because that's what white southern baptists in the bible belt of middle-class believe. I stand by my beliefs because they're biblical. I stand by my beliefs because they are 100% without a doubt biblically supported and truthful. They are things that are biblical fact and to argue them is to change the very words of God and at that point change a religion. I stand by them because at one point in my life I hit rock-bottom and knew that I was void of God and I was in need of a Savior. I felt Jesus Christ, I knew without a doubt that God was real and that I was feeling him and absolutely nothing anyone can ever tell me will ever change that belief. I stand by them because I am a sinner in so many different ways, no better than any gay, feminist, receiver of an abortion, killer, rapist, you name it. I stand by them because I have seen utterly broken people in the midst of the darkest points of their lives turn to our God, cry out his name, and have their lives absolutely changed. I believe in them because I have seen the hand of God reach down and touch my life forever. And believe me when I say that even the thought of death in persecution will never EVER make me back down from those beliefs. I will defend my Jesus until the very end of my human body if that is what it takes because, though most of our modern day church simply doesn't want to hear it, that's what we are called to do if it comes down to it.
So, after a very long post that probably doesn't make a whole lot of sense but is just what is swimming around in my heart right now, I challenge you to discover God's truths. In the next few days I might be writing a post on each issue addressed tonight. The thoughts portrayed in this blog are very honest, but I assure you they are all grounded in truth and scripture, and most of all love. I believe we were not called to serve ourselves or to twist the words of the bible into things that benefit our sinful desires, and I probably offended quite a few-if not all of my readers. Not a single person does not struggle with a sin addressed in this, including myself. And that's okay. But we MUST be aware of it. I hope you look for the posts to come on topics, my takes of what David Platt led us through, and again I encourage you to look for his secret church podcast.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Is It 2016 Yet?
If you know me, you know that there are some things that I am slightly obsessed with, a few of which are Lilly Pulitzer anything, anything related to dogs, and the US of A. I am involved with various political organizations, such as the American Legion Auxilary Volunteer Girls State, my school's Student Government Association, Tennessee Intercollegiate Student Legislature (TISL), and other small things. I have had a love of America ever since I remember, always holding the upmost respect for those in the armed forces, even seriously considering joining myself as an engineer for the Air Force. I believe in voting informed, holding the government accountable, and knowing what is going on in the government. I also believe in voting for the best candidate for any race. The one that lines up with what you believe on individual topics, not just what you think you believe in a political party. If you look at the history of political parties, you will see that what we deem "democratic" or "republican" was actually the opposite at one point, which explains why we see a lot of old timers who obviously believe in Republican values voting die-hard Democratically until they die. This is one of many examples that I use to urge you not just to look into candidates within the party you think you are affiliated with, but to both parties. Not only will it help you better select, it will also assist you in not sounding like an idiot when someone asks you why you don't like a certain candidate.
With that being said,
Party politics by rule works something like this:
-Members of the Republican/Democratic party are SUPER Republicans/Democrats. They are usually much more concerned about getting their party re-elected than they are about electing a candidate somewhere in the middle. So as we can see in our Republican primary candidates, for example, the candidates all "believe" the most Republican things they can support. Anti-abortion, traditional definition of marriage, lower taxes, border control, repealing Obamacare (my new favorite because that will be a really big disappointment whenever they get elected into office), all that jazz. When the Republicans elect their super Republican and they have to begin campaigning to the rest of the nation, their views tend to get a little less Republican-ized. Funny, huh? Then, when they get to office, we see that almost all of the things that they promise actually do not happen. Did Obama fix the economy? No! Does Obama even have control over the economy? Not a lot, no. Sure, presidents can do some things to help boost the economy, but for the most part (unless they pull an FDR and do some things that are actually kind of illegal) presidents have no control. This phenomenon in which almost every citizen slowly becomes dissatisfied with the president that they loved so much when they voted is called the Expectations Gap, and you can thank the Great Depression for the fact that we now expect much more from our President than he can actually legally deliver. Which is the long way of saying that the best Presidential candidate for the nation actually is probably somewhere between a Republican candidate and a Democratic candidate but they don't have a snowball's chance in hell of getting elected, so to speak.
*takes deep breath*
Now that that's out of the way, I will say that for the upcoming Presidential election I will be voting Republican. I find that I (most of the time) agree with Republicans more, however I ALWAYS will make sure I know what every candidate believes.However, there is no Democratic candidate that I agree with (in fact I would almost sell a limb to assure that Hillary does NOT get elected, jokingly saying that the only person that has been in office dumber than her was Jimmy Carter), so I will have to vote for the "lesser of two evils", a super Republican. Luckily I really am liking the Republican candidates and honestly can't choose who I like most. In all honestly, they all believe almost the same things (at least for the primary, for reasons described above). So here are my notes on 3 (excluding Jeb Bush, because lets not kid ourselves)
Rand Paul: We've seen some good things come out of Rand Paul, such as his 2013 fillibuster moment which was AWESOME (political nerd coming out, sorry). I really like knowing that he is willing to stand up (for long periods of time, even!) for what is right. As I said, he pretty much thinks the same way right now as the rest of the candidates, so that's all I got.
Ted Cruz: I've heard good things and I've read some of the things he has voted on/believes in, but honestly I don't know much about him besides the fact that my parents like him. So for right now, I'm still soul searching on this one.
Marco Rubio: This is where it gets interesting, if you like strategy. We have also seen good things out him, but strategy is where it gets really important for the Republican party. First off, Marco Rubio has gotten some national recognition before which is really important for portions of citizens who vote on names that they may have heard before, not on policy. Also, he is a Latino American. Our Latino numbers are increasing very rapidly and they stereotypically vote democratically, as that's usually who gives them the most benefits. However, if we had a presidential candidate that was one of them, would that make them more inclined to vote for him? Granted, Jeb Bush is also a friend of the Latinos, however I believe that Marco Rubio has the upper hand being as he is one. And 3/4ths of America doesn't hate his brother. That helps too. Anyway, this fact could really assist the Republicans in getting the upper-hand of what is bound to be some lame feminist movement with Hillary (I am a woman engineer, if anyone knows about sexism it is me. So believe me when I say we have far fewer issues than what feminists will lead you to believe).
That's just my two-cents on the whole issue there. We still have a large chunk of time before we need to seriously start considering who to vote for, but it's nice to know where they stand now and where their platforms morph to over the process as a whole. With that being said, I want to take some time to debunk what so many Americans believe:
The President is not our King. No matter whether you like Obama or dislike Obama (Or Bush, or any other president), he (or she?) does NOT hold all of the power. Take it from someone who takes Government classes because I think they are fun, the American Government system is so incredibly in-depth and well thought-out that our checks and balances really do work. Yes, there have been historical instances where presidential power probably did come a little close to over-stepping it's bounds. There are probably other instances involving Congress or the Supreme Court, but was there an uprising about that? No. MUCH more Americans vote in the presidential election than in the congressional election, which is really crazy because CONGRESS WRITES YOUR LAWS. Congress is the most important branch of the government (not just my opinion, read the constitution) and next to no one gives a flip about them because this country is under the impression that the President runs this thing. HE DOES NOT. Now, do I want to see Hillary Clinton elected? Heck no! I don't agree with literally anything that she says. While the executive branch does not have all the power, it does have some and that should be respected and accounted for. But if Hillary Clinton becomes president do I honestly think that America will burst into flames (aside from the jokes I will inevitably make)? No, of course not. Because when that happens she will suck so bad that Republicans will inevitably have control of the House and Senate and the whole system will jam up as it is now and policy will get nowhere until we can get someone else in there. That's exactly what we are seeing in the office today. I do not like Obama even a little, however he has not run our country into the ground. He has done some really stupid things, like Obamacare for example (something I hope gets taken care of in the next few years, though it will be a booger to revise). He also has over-utilized executive actions (most of what he has done has been executive actions, not orders as the media would have you to believe, which means that it is much less formal and holds much less legality, making it much less scary. Feel better?), I agree, but in all honestly all he has done, with the help of Congress, is make a bunch of gridlock on legislation and taken a lot of vacations. So that's my long spiel about how 'Merica actually works. Sorry, it had to be said.
I hope that was coherent as describing the many facets of our government is way complicated. Again, we will have to see where candidates are in a year or so, but that's just my thoughts on where it is going. Remember to be informed and read up on what is going on for the election next year and to vote at all costs! Not everyone (intact almost no one) has the right and the power that you hold and it's only by you holding the government accountable that we get to keep America great. God bless.
With that being said,
Party politics by rule works something like this:
-Members of the Republican/Democratic party are SUPER Republicans/Democrats. They are usually much more concerned about getting their party re-elected than they are about electing a candidate somewhere in the middle. So as we can see in our Republican primary candidates, for example, the candidates all "believe" the most Republican things they can support. Anti-abortion, traditional definition of marriage, lower taxes, border control, repealing Obamacare (my new favorite because that will be a really big disappointment whenever they get elected into office), all that jazz. When the Republicans elect their super Republican and they have to begin campaigning to the rest of the nation, their views tend to get a little less Republican-ized. Funny, huh? Then, when they get to office, we see that almost all of the things that they promise actually do not happen. Did Obama fix the economy? No! Does Obama even have control over the economy? Not a lot, no. Sure, presidents can do some things to help boost the economy, but for the most part (unless they pull an FDR and do some things that are actually kind of illegal) presidents have no control. This phenomenon in which almost every citizen slowly becomes dissatisfied with the president that they loved so much when they voted is called the Expectations Gap, and you can thank the Great Depression for the fact that we now expect much more from our President than he can actually legally deliver. Which is the long way of saying that the best Presidential candidate for the nation actually is probably somewhere between a Republican candidate and a Democratic candidate but they don't have a snowball's chance in hell of getting elected, so to speak.
*takes deep breath*
Now that that's out of the way, I will say that for the upcoming Presidential election I will be voting Republican. I find that I (most of the time) agree with Republicans more, however I ALWAYS will make sure I know what every candidate believes.However, there is no Democratic candidate that I agree with (in fact I would almost sell a limb to assure that Hillary does NOT get elected, jokingly saying that the only person that has been in office dumber than her was Jimmy Carter), so I will have to vote for the "lesser of two evils", a super Republican. Luckily I really am liking the Republican candidates and honestly can't choose who I like most. In all honestly, they all believe almost the same things (at least for the primary, for reasons described above). So here are my notes on 3 (excluding Jeb Bush, because lets not kid ourselves)
Rand Paul: We've seen some good things come out of Rand Paul, such as his 2013 fillibuster moment which was AWESOME (political nerd coming out, sorry). I really like knowing that he is willing to stand up (for long periods of time, even!) for what is right. As I said, he pretty much thinks the same way right now as the rest of the candidates, so that's all I got.
Ted Cruz: I've heard good things and I've read some of the things he has voted on/believes in, but honestly I don't know much about him besides the fact that my parents like him. So for right now, I'm still soul searching on this one.
Marco Rubio: This is where it gets interesting, if you like strategy. We have also seen good things out him, but strategy is where it gets really important for the Republican party. First off, Marco Rubio has gotten some national recognition before which is really important for portions of citizens who vote on names that they may have heard before, not on policy. Also, he is a Latino American. Our Latino numbers are increasing very rapidly and they stereotypically vote democratically, as that's usually who gives them the most benefits. However, if we had a presidential candidate that was one of them, would that make them more inclined to vote for him? Granted, Jeb Bush is also a friend of the Latinos, however I believe that Marco Rubio has the upper hand being as he is one. And 3/4ths of America doesn't hate his brother. That helps too. Anyway, this fact could really assist the Republicans in getting the upper-hand of what is bound to be some lame feminist movement with Hillary (I am a woman engineer, if anyone knows about sexism it is me. So believe me when I say we have far fewer issues than what feminists will lead you to believe).
That's just my two-cents on the whole issue there. We still have a large chunk of time before we need to seriously start considering who to vote for, but it's nice to know where they stand now and where their platforms morph to over the process as a whole. With that being said, I want to take some time to debunk what so many Americans believe:
The President is not our King. No matter whether you like Obama or dislike Obama (Or Bush, or any other president), he (or she?) does NOT hold all of the power. Take it from someone who takes Government classes because I think they are fun, the American Government system is so incredibly in-depth and well thought-out that our checks and balances really do work. Yes, there have been historical instances where presidential power probably did come a little close to over-stepping it's bounds. There are probably other instances involving Congress or the Supreme Court, but was there an uprising about that? No. MUCH more Americans vote in the presidential election than in the congressional election, which is really crazy because CONGRESS WRITES YOUR LAWS. Congress is the most important branch of the government (not just my opinion, read the constitution) and next to no one gives a flip about them because this country is under the impression that the President runs this thing. HE DOES NOT. Now, do I want to see Hillary Clinton elected? Heck no! I don't agree with literally anything that she says. While the executive branch does not have all the power, it does have some and that should be respected and accounted for. But if Hillary Clinton becomes president do I honestly think that America will burst into flames (aside from the jokes I will inevitably make)? No, of course not. Because when that happens she will suck so bad that Republicans will inevitably have control of the House and Senate and the whole system will jam up as it is now and policy will get nowhere until we can get someone else in there. That's exactly what we are seeing in the office today. I do not like Obama even a little, however he has not run our country into the ground. He has done some really stupid things, like Obamacare for example (something I hope gets taken care of in the next few years, though it will be a booger to revise). He also has over-utilized executive actions (most of what he has done has been executive actions, not orders as the media would have you to believe, which means that it is much less formal and holds much less legality, making it much less scary. Feel better?), I agree, but in all honestly all he has done, with the help of Congress, is make a bunch of gridlock on legislation and taken a lot of vacations. So that's my long spiel about how 'Merica actually works. Sorry, it had to be said.
I hope that was coherent as describing the many facets of our government is way complicated. Again, we will have to see where candidates are in a year or so, but that's just my thoughts on where it is going. Remember to be informed and read up on what is going on for the election next year and to vote at all costs! Not everyone (intact almost no one) has the right and the power that you hold and it's only by you holding the government accountable that we get to keep America great. God bless.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Dear Class of 2015
I am about 3/4ths of the way finished with my first year of college and I inevitably have great amounts of wisdom to pour out on the class of 2015,right?
Wrong. Truth is, I'm learning as I go. I want to share some of the things I have learned, but I'm definitely still learning. I am going to be 100% bluntly honest on what you should expect going into college, some practical tips for success, and even some very poorly taken pictures of items that I didn't think to get for my dorm at first but ended up saving my life (literally and figuratively).
What is college REALLY like?
I am an engineering major. My view on college looks radically different from another major's view. My experience is also very different than someone who is a super genius, so if that is you, this post probably won't help you much. So if you are planning on majoring in something science related (or medical, maybe), this will run pretty close to what you should expect. If not, or if you scored a 36 on your ACT, this could be drastically different.
College is hard. I went from making high As in high school without trying, competing in math competitions, and being in the top 5% of my class without even studying to becoming a "study zombie". Most of the classes you take as an engineer throw a lot of complicated information at you and you are expected to master it in no time. For me, this meant that I no longer had a life and became a slave to books (I will talk more on this later... just know I am by no means actually advocating this). It is really tough for me to transition from the student I was in high school to the one that I am right now. I know when I was in your shoes and people told me it would be hard, I didn't believe them. I thought if I just studied 24/7, how could I not make an A? You won't realize it until you're here, but that's how college works. It's really really intentionally tough.
So, for most engineers, the college experience is different than what other people might get to experience. My social life outside of study groups and talking to my mom on the phone at night doesn't really exist. I don't always get to attend sporting events or other events on campus because every day calls for hours of studying. I even left our homecoming game at half-time to study for a chemistry exam (that I made an 88 on, might I add). I sleep as much as I can, I go to the gym whenever I can squeeze it in, and that's about where it ends.
I'm not exaggerating here. I have many many friends in engineering and their experiences are very similar. It's tough and taxing, but it's not all bad. It's interesting and you reach a level of pride in yourself you never have before because you never thought you were capable of doing these things (at least I didn't, maybe you do). It's definitely going to be worth the effort put in, and almost every day I think about the moment when a diploma gets put in my hand.
Tips for Success:
1) Get a planner! I will talk more about this later, but my planner literally saved my life. It honestly holds my life together. I know what I need to do and when every thing is due and when my next test is and scholarship deadlines. It has my life in there. Every school year I tried to keep a planner and without fail after two weeks I never touched it again. In college, its impossible to be a sane person and not have some planner-type item. My first semester I did not have one and I constantly had nightmares of missed deadlines and tests I didn't study for. I was on the verge of a mental breakdown (no exaggeration) and my planner saved my life. It's that important people!
2) Mentally Prepare Yourself: I still work at this every day. The probability of failing a class or making a C is very high as an engineer. Around 50% of engineering students fail their first semester of Calculus, let alone the other classes. I have scholarships that I am determined to keep as long as possible, but I make sure that I tell myself if I lose them it's okay and its not the end of the world. College is very much of a mind game.
3)Come here with a purpose/GET INVOLVED WITH CHURCH: I can not stress this one enough. I would have no drive some days to get out of bed and do the things I do if I did not wholeheartedly believe that God put me on this earth to be an engineer and to serve him through it. Sunday mornings are heaven on Earth for me. Jesus carries my burdens. I am always worth it in his eyes. I draw my strength from my God and oh my gosh I can't imagine trying to tackle this without him. It couldn't be done, not for me. The first Sunday you are in college, find a church. (If you are going to Tech, Steven's Street Baptist is a WONDERFUL church and I'd be delighted to take you).
4) Try your best to live like a normal person: It's stereotypical that engineers don't have a life, but I encourage you to try to live as normally as possible. I try to go to the gym at least 2 week nights and every day on the weekend. I get 8+ hours of sleep best I can whenever I can. I eat healthy things so I feel good. I try to relax every now and then and watch a movie or hang out with someone. You have to have an outlet.
5) Get a strong support system. As I said before, I couldn't do this without Jesus, but I also couldn't do this without some other people. My family. When I think I fail a test, my mom is the first person that I call. She is able to talk me out of the "post-test insanity". I'm constantly given money by family members to get whatever I need, being encouraged by them that I can do this. My boyfriend, who is also an engineering major, and I try to talk each other up as much as possible. My room mate is always there to listen when I need to vent. I don't care who you get to listen (even though Jesus does need to be one of those people), just make sure you have somebody.
THE PICTURE SHOW!
This is a smallish list of things that I did not think to get before college started and then realized I desperately did need them, so I thought I would share these with you. But first, heres some pictures of my dorm al together!
1) As I already said, a planner. Mine is the Lilly Pulitzer Agenda. I got this because, as I said, I don't have a very great history of keeping up with a planner, so I decided if it was pretty enough I would have to use it. I love love love it and I will forever buy one now.
Wrong. Truth is, I'm learning as I go. I want to share some of the things I have learned, but I'm definitely still learning. I am going to be 100% bluntly honest on what you should expect going into college, some practical tips for success, and even some very poorly taken pictures of items that I didn't think to get for my dorm at first but ended up saving my life (literally and figuratively).
What is college REALLY like?
I am an engineering major. My view on college looks radically different from another major's view. My experience is also very different than someone who is a super genius, so if that is you, this post probably won't help you much. So if you are planning on majoring in something science related (or medical, maybe), this will run pretty close to what you should expect. If not, or if you scored a 36 on your ACT, this could be drastically different.
College is hard. I went from making high As in high school without trying, competing in math competitions, and being in the top 5% of my class without even studying to becoming a "study zombie". Most of the classes you take as an engineer throw a lot of complicated information at you and you are expected to master it in no time. For me, this meant that I no longer had a life and became a slave to books (I will talk more on this later... just know I am by no means actually advocating this). It is really tough for me to transition from the student I was in high school to the one that I am right now. I know when I was in your shoes and people told me it would be hard, I didn't believe them. I thought if I just studied 24/7, how could I not make an A? You won't realize it until you're here, but that's how college works. It's really really intentionally tough.
So, for most engineers, the college experience is different than what other people might get to experience. My social life outside of study groups and talking to my mom on the phone at night doesn't really exist. I don't always get to attend sporting events or other events on campus because every day calls for hours of studying. I even left our homecoming game at half-time to study for a chemistry exam (that I made an 88 on, might I add). I sleep as much as I can, I go to the gym whenever I can squeeze it in, and that's about where it ends.
I'm not exaggerating here. I have many many friends in engineering and their experiences are very similar. It's tough and taxing, but it's not all bad. It's interesting and you reach a level of pride in yourself you never have before because you never thought you were capable of doing these things (at least I didn't, maybe you do). It's definitely going to be worth the effort put in, and almost every day I think about the moment when a diploma gets put in my hand.
Tips for Success:
1) Get a planner! I will talk more about this later, but my planner literally saved my life. It honestly holds my life together. I know what I need to do and when every thing is due and when my next test is and scholarship deadlines. It has my life in there. Every school year I tried to keep a planner and without fail after two weeks I never touched it again. In college, its impossible to be a sane person and not have some planner-type item. My first semester I did not have one and I constantly had nightmares of missed deadlines and tests I didn't study for. I was on the verge of a mental breakdown (no exaggeration) and my planner saved my life. It's that important people!
2) Mentally Prepare Yourself: I still work at this every day. The probability of failing a class or making a C is very high as an engineer. Around 50% of engineering students fail their first semester of Calculus, let alone the other classes. I have scholarships that I am determined to keep as long as possible, but I make sure that I tell myself if I lose them it's okay and its not the end of the world. College is very much of a mind game.
3)Come here with a purpose/GET INVOLVED WITH CHURCH: I can not stress this one enough. I would have no drive some days to get out of bed and do the things I do if I did not wholeheartedly believe that God put me on this earth to be an engineer and to serve him through it. Sunday mornings are heaven on Earth for me. Jesus carries my burdens. I am always worth it in his eyes. I draw my strength from my God and oh my gosh I can't imagine trying to tackle this without him. It couldn't be done, not for me. The first Sunday you are in college, find a church. (If you are going to Tech, Steven's Street Baptist is a WONDERFUL church and I'd be delighted to take you).
4) Try your best to live like a normal person: It's stereotypical that engineers don't have a life, but I encourage you to try to live as normally as possible. I try to go to the gym at least 2 week nights and every day on the weekend. I get 8+ hours of sleep best I can whenever I can. I eat healthy things so I feel good. I try to relax every now and then and watch a movie or hang out with someone. You have to have an outlet.
5) Get a strong support system. As I said before, I couldn't do this without Jesus, but I also couldn't do this without some other people. My family. When I think I fail a test, my mom is the first person that I call. She is able to talk me out of the "post-test insanity". I'm constantly given money by family members to get whatever I need, being encouraged by them that I can do this. My boyfriend, who is also an engineering major, and I try to talk each other up as much as possible. My room mate is always there to listen when I need to vent. I don't care who you get to listen (even though Jesus does need to be one of those people), just make sure you have somebody.
THE PICTURE SHOW!
This is a smallish list of things that I did not think to get before college started and then realized I desperately did need them, so I thought I would share these with you. But first, heres some pictures of my dorm al together!
1) As I already said, a planner. Mine is the Lilly Pulitzer Agenda. I got this because, as I said, I don't have a very great history of keeping up with a planner, so I decided if it was pretty enough I would have to use it. I love love love it and I will forever buy one now.
2) Good sheets: I love my bed. My bed is where I go to destress, and it's likely to become yours too. With that being said, I can't stress enough how important it is to get good sheets. Let me clarify: good does not necessarily mean most expensive. I got mine at Target for $14.99 mostly because they were the right color of royal blue. However, I had not yet tapped into the magic that are the Target sheets.For years when I went to things such as Girls State or church camp, I used my brothers old knit sheets from his college years and HATED THEM. I always woke up in a cold sweat, and then lay awake fearing what might happen when I start college. Would I sweat ice water? Would my sheets bring me pain??? Then I slipped into these babies. Miraculously, when its hot outside they keep you cool inside. And then when it's cold outside they keep you nice and toasty. Also, they don't get stained from benzol peroxide, a common agent used in acne medication (that I use, and most of my towels are bleached from). And finally, they wash up so nicely which is very important to me because I wash my sheets like a obsessive freak. Sheets are important people.
3) A bedside fan. Depending on your sleeping arrangements, this may or may not apply. However, most college dorms include a loft setup of some sort and as we all know, heat rises. After one night of sleeping in a lofted bed without a fan, I knew something had to change. So my parents and I searched until we ran across this 10 dollar wonder from staples. Not only can it be used as a clip-on fan, it also comes with a stand to use on your desk. Mine is stylishly fashioned to the side of my bed with duct tape because the clip isn't technically big enough for the railing, but it gets the job done. I am not exaggerating one bit when I say that I would burst into flames at night without this baby.
4) Similarly, a beside lamp: Again, I am in a lofted bed, so lamps that hang up in the air aren't very prevalent. Investing in a clip-on lamp is essential. I have a room mate who also likes her sleep, but I also want to go through flash cards in bed or read my bible in a more relaxed setting. This bad boy solved the problem. Now I don't have to worry about waking up my room mate from her slumbers and I also don't equate my desk with a place where relaxation goes to die. Sometimes it's nice to crawl into bed and study.
5) Keeping along the same lines, a lap desk. This is something that I knew I needed before college and my sweet Nana actually got this for me for Christmas in 2013. To actually get into bed and do work requires some form of desk in a lot of cases, and this one is perfect for that. It also comes in handy when I go to do laundry and am waiting on my clothes to wash. I just take it with me and sit in the lounge and study why my laundry finishes up. Thanks Nana!
6) Finishing up with the things that can be used in bed, it's also beneficial to have a back rest(I'm not actually sure what these are called). It makes doing work in bed (or even just reading) a lot more comfortable. Again, thanks nana!
7) I lied, one last thing for your bed. If you are in a lofted bed, a mattress caddy is essential. Mine holds things like my retainer, my bible, my headphones, glasses, lotion, and phone. You don't really think about things you might need by your side in bed until you're suspended in the air without a night stand. I got this off of ebay for probably 8 bucks. (props to me for this sweet aerial view, right?)
8) A yoga mat. For the nights I don't really have time to go to the gym, I pull out my yoga mat and exercise in my dorm. Yoga not only is a great work out, but it also helps you de-stress. There are lots of videos on youtube specifically for college students. Its great for sleep, digestion, studying, you name it. It also is one of the only forms of exercise you can do in your dorm room. This was another item I got beforehand, actually as a graduation present, thanks to my brother.
9) Dry Erase Markers: For engineers, this is so important. I invested in the 18 pack at Sams club because I use them that much. The library is covered in white boards, the study room in my dorm has one, I even have a small one in my room. I keep expo markers in storage, on my desk, and even in my backpack with me because you just never know. I use these probably every day. Great for doing math/chemistry. I swear by these.
10) For my ladies, a jewelry carrier. This works so perfectly and I am so in love with it. If you are like me, you have lots of fashion jewelry and you are really stressing about how you are going to lug all of that bag and forth with you. I come to you with a solution: This holder comes with a hook. At school I leave it hanging on a command hook for easy access. It rolls up for travel, and in .5 seconds I have packed all of my jewelry to go home. It really is THAT simple. I keep earrings, headbands, hair bands, necklaces, and bobby pins in there and it works wonders. My nana got mine from 31 gifts and it is a life saver.
11) Finally, A comfy chair. I use this one separate from my desk chair that comes in the dorm. I learned last semester that it is good to have places in your dorm for you to relax and unwind and without them you learn to hate your desk. I use this to watch the occasional movie or tv show mainly. It also works great with company. When not in use, it folds up and slips between my desk and the wall. It also looks super cool because its a BUNGEE chair! Cool, right? Unfortunately I think I raided every Target in Nashville looking for the last one in Middle Tennessee, so you might have to find a substitute.
Of course, this list doesn't include the obvious. You know you need bedding and flash cards and pencils. These are just things that improved my life so much that I realized I could not possibly live without them, no exaggeration there. Remember, you are moving away from home. This new place you are moving into is your new home, make it as comfortable and accommodating as possible.
So, we have come to the conclusion of a very long blogpost. I hope you all are enjoying the last few months of your senior year. These months were by far my favorite ones, so take it all in and please do not rush to this moment. Senior year is very unique. I wish you all lots of success and happiness in your years to come and if you have any questions, want more advice, anything, please contact me. God bless!
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