Get out of my Face, Your in my Space!

One thing I can't stand in life are people that condemn others based on their interpretation of the bible. Usually, these people are also the ones that try and force religion down your throat. If you aren't a Christian but are seeking a relationship with Christ, you can feel overwhelmed or even turned off to the whole idea when someone confronts you the wrong way.

For the most part, Methodists are pretty passive. We give a message and you receive how you feel fit. We avoid phrases like: "Your going to burn in hell if you don't believe...". Other popular denominations love these phrases and use them liberally.

I have friends at school who are very closed minded about their religion. It's their way or the highway sort of thing. You can never have a conversation with them because they are so set in their theology. Think of how much better we would be if we stopped and learned from one another. So many non-believers don't believe because today's Christians are painted in such negative light. Others are pushed out of the church for their beliefs.

So... do you think you can meet me in the middle next time?

Questioning the Purpose

For the past 2 years of my life I have been involved with a club at my school named S.T.A.R.S Peer Leaders. I have loved that group. It has kept me grounded and given me reason to conduct myself in a moral manner. We are a group of 14 who work on ways to cut the drug use down at our high school. I came into maturity of the real issue a few months ago.

My 10th grade year was simple, I knew very few people who were into the drug/party scene. I didn't think drugs were a big deal at HHS. Most everyone I knew still said that they were never going to do it.

My 11th Grade year was a bit more complicated. I became more aware of my surroundings. I knew that a few certain groups of my peers were occasional drinkers. I noticed that most of the parties were held at upperclassman homes. Most parties were not the type you see on movies either. The parents were home and knew what was going on, there wasn't ridiculously loud music playing, and the houses weren't huge. Pot also started coming into the scene.

This summer, I wanted to see what the scene was like, (if it had grown any, if something interesting had happened, etc.). I started hanging out with the party animals to see why they did it. My findings are quite simple:

Most teens see it as a new way to be with each other
Some do it for attention
Others do it because they like the risk of getting caught

There are a few more. Now as I sit as a Peer Leader going into my senior year of high school I ask myself, what is our real purpose? Why do we concentrate so much on drinking and drugs? Have I made an impact on a peers life? We break rules everyday, so why do we decide that to take a right stand means just to pledge that we won't drink or smoke some a little weed? I love the people in this group and I have loved being a part of it.

My viewpoint has changed to this: We (S.T.A.R.S) are here to educate the public. We are not here to condemn the public for the choices they make. We are a peer counciling group. We will help anyone in crisis or in need.

The Recent Termination of the Youth and Children's Offices of the Tennessee Conference

If you have not herd about the recent news, then I suggest that you check out Gavin's website for all the details. The following letter will make more since after you read his blog.

I sent an email to the Bishop earlier tonight, This is what it said...

Dear Bishop,

My name is Johnathan Jones, I am Communications Coordinator for the CCYM of the Tennessee Conference. The recent terminations of both the Youth and Children's Ministries jobs have caught me very off guard. As a member of the CCYM, I should have been one of the first notified about this issue. I would like to ask why we (the CCYM) were not asked about this topic? Why didn't we get a formal letter or email about this matter? The communication of this was very he said, she said. I still feel like I am in the dark about this whole topic. 

In a few months, we will embark on a new year for the CCYM, if there still is such a committee. We will start with FRESH. Who will facilitate this event? I am very concerned that if this event does not go as planned, the youth of the Tennessee Conference will not have a voice. As of the moment, I feel like I do not have a voice.
Thank you for your time and I am awaiting your reply.

J

Agnostic Andy

I found out yesterday that one of my friends has claimed himself as agnostic. This did not come as a complete shock but it was a little awkward to hear. Andy has had a lot of things go wrong in his life. He has had some tough times. I just can't help but think that if he would trust in God things would be a little easier. He is pushing God away when he needs him the most. Then again, most people tend to do that. I guess that is just a test.

Out of Control

Sometimes I feel like things are out of my control. Good things happen, bad things happen. It is a cycle that continues in my life here in this recent past of mine. Everything is just out of my control. What I do have control over is going ok. I just need to let what is out of my control happen!

Commando Tennis

Last summer, a few of my buddies and myself decided we were going to go out for the tennis team at school. Well we did and now we are on the team. We started practice 2 weeks ago. Private Lessons and strength and conditioning occurred before that. Anyway, we started Challenge matches a few days ago. Challenge matches are the factor that determines your ranking on the team. I have had two challenge matches and won them both. One match was against one of my good friends (he was pretty mad that I beat him). The other was just another kid on the team. I don't know my actually ranking but I do know that I'm not last!

J

Those Who Trust...

In the Lord, are a strong mountain, they will not, oh no not, not be moved. I sang that song a few months ago. I felt like I understood the meaning and I feel like i still do. But what about those who trust in other people? Seems like they will always be let down at some point or another, It is human not to live up to someone elses expectations, right? I have always believed to give someone a chance until they screw it up. After the screw up I decide if I will give them another chance. I don't know what hurts more, being let down, or giving that second, third or even tenth chance. Like I said I am a trusting person, this is a quality that is both good and bad to have. You always seemed to be deceived by someone or something. Never forget to read the fine print! 

4 Day weeks keep adding up

I have lost count of how many weeks straight we have been out of school for at least one day a week. These 4 day weeks are starting to become a regular part of my lifestyle, I am not complaining! This gives me a chance to catch up on due dates for projects and such. Snow days are usually the best days of the year. To bad I won't have that leisure when the college years start, not to mention when I begin a career. 

In other news, I scheduled my classes for the last two semesters of my high school life. It was pretty easy and I like the idea of me becoming a Senior. Class of '09! When I scheduled I told myself I didn't want a complete easy ride, but I also didn't want to be in the books either. I feel like I found a happy medium. Nothing like going to school late and getting out early!

I had a run in with an old friend today. She used to be one of my best friends, I confronted her about her new habit of smoking. She kind of laughed it off like it was no big deal. I asked her why she did it, she said she didn't know. I sometimes think that I can prevent peoples problems. To her, smoking doesn't seem like a problem. She complimented me on my scent, unfortunantly I could not return the complement. Disappointment is quite a bummer.

J

Ski Recovery

Arrived back from Perfect North last night around 10:30pm. The trip was a lot of fun. The night skiing was amazing as well as all day saturday. I am very tired and a little sore in my forearms. It was all worth it, Gavin might put some pics up soon!

preparations for Perfect North

I just finished packing for my ski trip which I will depart for tomorrow. I have most of the required gear packed and ready. We leave around 4 tomorrow and will get up there in time to night ski that night. This is my first night ski, i hear it is very icy and cold. Can't wait I hope the weather is good. Last time I checked all the lifts and runs are open. See you guys on Sunday!

J

Events Events Events

Not really much new to say today. The only thing out of the ordinary was that I practiced a ton for coffee house. Which you should all come and see! I will you the rest of this space to plug my flickr. it is where i keep all my pictures. New one are up from this past weekend. Check them out!

On and off the record

On the record.

Where to begin on what I learned today in this world? Oh... yea, i know where. So I went back to the doc today, he I am recovering from what ever I had. I was afraid it would get worse but  it hasn't. I just hope there isn't a relapse. I over heard someone talking today about there gut instinct. Well my opinion on those is that your gut instinct is for what is right at that moment. Your gut instinct can change many times. 

I learned about dreams too. I have dreams that one day I will be very comfortable with the life that I live and how I make my living. I believe there are always variables in dreams. Such as where I live, who I marry, what my kids look like, etc.  Just know that dreams change everyday.

Off the record.

I started something new, Tennis. I am on my school's tennis team. We started practice today. I forgot how rewarding it can feel to ace your oppenent, or put so much top spin on a ball that you bounce it over the other persons head! It really can make you forget about what is going on off the court.

Did you know, that mistakes happen everyday? Well, the do. The first step is realizing that you messed up. Then apologize. Try not to dwell on it. 

On and off the record, I kind of like this. I Love You!

J

my Untitled

Have you ever been called something your not? Have you ever been something your not? My guess is yes, that is also my answer.  Have you ever lost your smile? Have you lost your reason for caring so much? My guess is yes, that is also my answer. Have you lost your reason to help, have you lost your longing to try and make things ok again? My guess is yes, that is also my answer. Have you lost your reason to strive to be perfect, not for everyone, just for one person? My guess is yes, that is also my answer. Have you lost hope? My guess is yes, but that is not my answer. My answer is,  I will never lose hope, I will never lose sight of what could possibly be right. Yes I am an optimist and I am a problem solver, never have I claimed to solve everything. I know I cant solve this problem, but I can listen, I can be a vent.  I can't be perfect, nor do I want to be. But I can be here. I am here. Never to leave or giveup.

J

On this Presidents Day!

So I have had a really stressful number of days. I haven't been 100 percent you could say. I have come to realize that you should never try and be selfish, that can sacrafice something that could come in the future. You should always try and make the best of something horrible. You should always give someone a chance. Always try and forgive. Take a breath! Be yourself! Say what you mean and do what you feel. Go with your gut, but against the grain. Live your life. Don't get to caught up in the past, present, or future. I told you it has been a very stressful number of days! I am trying to recover from a little illness I have, the doctor says that time is the only medicine. I hope that whoever reads this understands what im talking about!

J

First College Visit

Last night, we went to a play that Rhodes put on, It was called “How I Learned to Drive”. It was intense, it touched on very serious topics. That is all I can really say at the moment. Google this play and check it out!

 

Now we are off to the College, Marissa is chating with her friends about Valentines Day. This one girl she is talking to is talking about how some band popped out of her car or something, sounds really crazy! We shall see what the rest of the day brings.

 

5:08pm. We are leaving Memphis after a long day of auditions and interviews. Marissa did great. Her audition at 11:20am went very smoothly. When that was through we went downtown and at at Café 61. I do not recommend it! I had a cup of Gumbo and it was not good at all. Anyway around 1 she had her CODA interview. CODA is a little two complicated to explain in a blog. I suggest you check it out on Rhodes Website. The interview went very well from what I could tell. It surprised me how layed back everyone was. There was lots of laughter and what not.

 

We then proceeded to Graceland. We were all Graceland virgins. The tour was a bit over priced. ($24.33), but Cindy footed the bill. I took a lot of pictures which will end up on my flickr pretty soon.

 

Now we are on the road back home. We decided to skip out on an optional dinner so we could try and get back home before its gets so late. I am very excited to start up my blogging again and I hope it continues at a steady pace.

                                                                  J