Welcome to Math Class

Since its the end of the semester, I was told by someone in my math group thought it would be a great idea to recount the adventures of my first college math class. Since it was called Intro to Finite Math, I was not expecting to be challenged greatly over the course of the next few months, but my expectations were turned upside down. So here's a typical day at Math Class. 

I sit down in my desk in the third row from the back. No one is in it, which I guess is typical because there's only 3 people in that row, but it's 1 1/2 minutes until class starts. Oh, here comes Mikayla. Yay, I won't be alone. Except she looks like she might fall asleep walking up to her seat. What about the other person in my row, you ask? I have no idea what her name is, and half the time she sits a row down with her math group. In fact, my row is where the people who don't have a place to sit go. 

Oh, class is about to begin. Tony has his hands folded and is looking around the room, waiting for people to be quite. He's very patient, which probably comes from the 60 years he's been teaching, or his numerous grandkids (which we all know by name now). Most people get the idea and stop talking with their neighbor. But of course, there are the 5 people, and always the 5 loudest people, who are completely oblivious to Tony's signal. Ok, it's kinda subtle, but STILL. Anyways, some students decide to kindly let these people know that class is about to start by shushing as loud as they possibly can. Thanks. That was really helpful. However, it works. Then (or someone he asked before) prays to begin the class. 

Here we go. 

Ok, everyone is quiet and listening intently. Oh hey, Tony has something written on the chalkboard today to keep our attention. It's some mathematical formulas and examples. And he explains them. Fairly well. There's some stuff I don't quite get, but I blame that on the inconsistencies between the Alberta and Saskatchewan ciriculum. Most of it makes sense and refreshes my grade ten memories of math. Ya, it's fairly basic stuff, but remember, I haven't done math in 3 years. I need refreshment. 

Tony is doing one of the examples and asks the class what the answer is. Believe it or not, no one answers. This is part because it's still kinda early in the morning (and some people have been up since seven), but another part is because Tony's pretty much deaf. You have to yell the answer from the back row, and if he doesn't hear you, you have to say it again. It gets kinda embarrassng when you yell the answer 5 times and it ends up being wrong. So i stopped speaking up in class. Wait, does this mean Dayton actually used to speak up in class? Max three times. It didn't take long for me to go back to old habits. But then Tony makes a joke that he doesn't know what he did to scare the class already, and we all laugh a little. Then someone answers. THANK YOU. 

However, it wasn't soon enough. Along with old guy ears and an old guy back, Tony has an old guy mind. He loves telling stories of his family. That last joke reminded Tony of a story of his kids, or grandkids, or great grandkids, or whatever. I can't keep track of all of them. But the story is good. Then he bugs one of the front row kids (usually Mark. He's a go-with-the-flow kinda guy) and we all laugh. Tony makes sure to let him know that he was just bugging though. He even once picked on me in class (and I thought I was in the safe zone) about something. After class as I walked out, he let me know he was just bugging on me and wasn't picking on me. I laughed and said it was fine. Obviously he has never met Brian Gobbett. 

Well, at least we got in a good 25 minutes before Tony got off on his stories. And though I enjoy them, his explanations of math usually deteriorate rapidly after the first one. He usually tells around 3-4 stories a class. Maybe that's why he has us work in small groups at the end of class. Anyways, I now don't quite understand what's being talked about and it's not because I fell asleep. I don't think I ever dozed off in this class. Other classes...well, that's another story. For a much later time. But Tony keeps going and people start to lose interest. I start doodling. I look up for a second to see that half the other people in my vision have little swirlies on their pages. Awesome. That means my Math Man is better than all of them. Mikayla looks over at my drawing of a superhero and I have to give the explanation of how he was created. She then realizes its a superhero and not a man with a mustache and M shaped hair. Freshmen...sheesh.  

With about 20 minutes left in class, he breaks us off into small groups. These are 4-5 people we are paired with all semester to work on projects and other assignments, as well to help each other out. What's so good about math groups? Well, Kevin is an accounting tutorial leader. He's pretty much a math machine. But, alas, he hates teaching it outside of tutorial. Thanks, KO. Then the buck is passed to me because I still have retained much of what I learned in high school (thanks, Mrs. Owen Brown).  So I start working on the stuff Tony said to do. Then we get talking. Really, the math group time at the end of class is a great excuse to not do work, but to make us look good, I do a little bit, just in case Tony makes it up the stairs to check on us. Which he usually doesn't (old man back, remember? Oh, also old man knees, and legs, and feet..). Then Mikayla says I should write a blog about Math class. Hmm...

Then Tony says class is done. It's a 50/50 chance that I'm content with the stuff I learned today or hate life because I don't understand a darn thing. Tony always offers a friendly smile, though, which usually helps the mood. However, this class has made me realize that a good teacher makes all the difference. My high school math teacher was the greatest. You can't argue against that. I won't let you. Tony was a good professor, but many people struggled with basic concepts that I had learned in high school, then had to explain to them, which wasn't made easy because Tony had left me partially confused as well. His most repeated phrase was "I'm not teaching math, I'm teaching you how to teach little children." So I guess he did his job. We had to teach each other a LOT. 

So thanks, Tony. You made math entertaining. 

Post this OR ELSE

You've seen them. Or maybe even done it yourself. The "repost this if you agree" facebook things. And though most are extremely annoying and sappy (I really need to get rid of the junior high girls on my facebook friends...unless you read these. Then stop posting sappy things) some are extremely funny. I think I've even reposted a few really good ones. But the ones that really bug me the most are the faith ones.

This you may find odd. I am a Christian and am not afraid to let people know. I've given my life to Christ to serve him and his plans. Many of the people I go to school with here are in the same boat (though it helps I'm in a Bible college). However, that opens my facebook up to status's and photos of "If you love God, then you'll repost this. If you love the devil or sin or starving puppies, you'll scroll on by". When I see these posts, I as a Christian feel somewhat guilted in to posting these things on my wall. But I don't, because I find issues in this theology.

I'm not against posting faith related items on social networking sites. In fact, I have great respect for people who do this from the heart. But when have you really thought long and hard about reposting something? It's like a junk email forward. "These pics are funny!" "This is so sad!" "What is this??" Brief emotions that cross your mind for a minute then they're gone. Rarely are people really affected by the side adds on websites, at least I'm not, because they are they're to draw attention. LOOK AT ME! I HAVE A SICK PUPPY HOLDING A STARVING CHILD IN AFRICA! AND THEY ARE HIV POSITIVE! Of course, your heart (if you have one) goes out to these depraved people and animals because they are suffering and need help. But you scroll by. You monster!

But you're not a monster, are you? You're a rational human who lives in a richer nation (like Canada) who can afford nice things. But you don't click and support every little thing that you see that is hurt and sad and sick. Why not? Part of it is probably selfishness and laziness. Admit it. I am. I don't have the time or money to help out. So we don't. But it's also the internet. Where people can create new lives and business's and whole cities that don't exist. It's a virtual world. They're just pictures. They could be fake, for all we know. So we avoid them.

The same goes for faith reposts. They are attention grabbers. Do you truly believe everything in it, or do you just feel guilty that you're not reposting it? If I don't repost this, am I saying "I LOVE THE DEVIL AND SIN AND SICK PUPPIES"? No. That's contradicted by how I live my life. Why must I prove my faith by a facebook post? Because who actually reads more than 2 lines on facebook? In fact, if those posts didn't have the last line they always do, they would be fine. My faith is not defined by a picture. It is defined every day of my life, by how I talk, act and think. I choose to not be pressured by spam faith posts that you've seen 2465 times before.

So if you truly believe what these say and think that it serves as a good witness to your friends, then repost these. But other than that, they serve to annoy more people than help. It plays on the whole "If you're not a Christian, you're going to burn" mentality. The mindset which non Christians have come to  label all Christians as. And we don't really want to feed any of that.

Ok, rant over. Also, I think I'll take a break from Facebook themed blogs for a while. But some things ANNOY ME SO MUCH!

The Etiquette of the Facebook Status

Ah, the Facebook status. Probably the most read words out of everything today. There are inspirational quotes, classic one-liners, funny pictures, and links to promote other websites. However, this is not the majority of status updates. Every time we log in to Facebook, we face a multitude of simply awful posts. I say, no more! It is time someone published a list of rules that outlined the correct and incorrect ways to put up a status. A guide to give integrity back to the Facebook authors and enjoyment back to it's readers. So here it is. The Proper Etiquette of Facebook Status's.

1. The Golden Question
Before you post ANYTHING on Facebook, ask yourself the Golden Question: "Does anyone care?" Yes, I realize that Facebook is your own personal page that you are free to customize and connect with your friends in any way you want. It is still no excuse for bombarding other people's home pages with "I read 23 pages today!" or "I can't decide on which sweater to where...green or blue?" Hundreds of people can see the stuff you post. And hundreds of people get slightly more annoyed with you while reading the things you posted on facebook. There's already a place for posting useless tidbits of information. It's called Twitter. So post that stuff there so we can ignore it easier.

2. Confusers
How many status's have you read that make you wonder what the person is talking about? Like an inside joke, or a comment on a movie that we don't know. As much as I want to know if "this is the worst!!!!" or not, I would like to know what is the worst. Is it a person? An event? Was I there? Was it my fault? Should I be sorry? Or am i related to this person? Or a friend? Do I have to find and beat you now? This will eventually lead to an aneurism and that person will have to be hospitalized because they couldn't figure out what the heck you were talking about. 
Just ask, you say? If you have to ask more than 1 question at a status, its defeats the purpose of a status and becomes more like philosophy. And no one likes doing philosophy at 2 in the morning or during a paper break. So be clear.

3. Depressors
You know these. The status that is so depressing that it makes you die a little inside and you wonder how this person was able to roll out of bed to type this. They're not even calls for help. They're just...depressing. Also falling under the fist two, these status's should be avoided. Why? Because if you're on your computer all day, constantly updating status's, and trying to chat to people who you rarely talk to, because you hide in your room all day, then I really don't feel sorry for you.

4. Sharers
These are similar to Depressors in that they deal with the emotional side of things, but it doesn't have to be sad. It's just way too personal. Don't tell me you got your rash reduced, or your ingrown toenail surgery (accompanied with pictures) or that the girl you like is not into you because you peed on her cat (hmm...maybe that last one's ok). I guess this kinda falls under 1, 2, and 3. So that makes it 3 times as much avoidable.

5. Likers
Are you a 13 year old girl? Because that is the only time you can EVER get any leeway with these. "Like if want me to message you something nice!!" Though, I am tempted to like them and see what they say. Especially when they are a 13 year old girl in my sisters class who added me because I was on her bus. So far, no responses...

6. The Reposters
A great way to let people know you haven't a creative bone in your body. I'm sure everyone loves reading about which friends you would have during a zombie apocalypse. Well, at least those 6 friends who were tagged in it might. Unless they've ever been tagged in one before. Ever. They get old REALLY quickly.

7. So Much Deepness
"Posting song lyrics on your facebook page and thinking you're deep is like taking pictures really close up and thinking your a photographer."
Thanks Joel. Sums it up very nicely.

8. The Haters
A good dose of hate and mocking is required every now and then. Politics. Sports. Facebook Status's. But don't hate EVERYTHING. Your ex. Your parents. Your job. Your teacher. Your facebook changes. People can SEE this stuff and find out your a annoyingly bitter person inside. And guess how many people want to hang out with someone on who complains all the time?
No one.
Guess how many people want to make fun of this person?

So then, what IS a good status? With all the stuff I've mentioned, some people now have nothing to post, which may be a good thing (did I miss any?). But I'm not outlawing all status's (though hopefully most of them). A status should have meaning. This is a line or two that ALL your friends can see. Don't make this a place to post random thoughts (again, Twitter). It can be so much more! Whenever I contemplate updating a status, it has to either be funny, or giving info. I hold status's as pretty important. Why? You have an automatic audience of every friend on facebook you have. That can be up to hundreds of people! Whether you like them or not! It's a free version to publish jokes, promote songs and videos and pictures you like, share experiences, inspire people, call people out or simply to brighten the day of your friend in Texas. So make a status that takes advantage of this amazing opportunity.

Or, try to get more likes than someone else. Preferably, chose an unpopular, unfunny friend. You win every time.

Highway to Halloween

Devils. Ghouls. Witches. Goblins. All sorts of unthinkable evil, lurking without restraint for one night of the year. A "holiday" for the dark, scary and gory, and for that weird kid you know who for some reason lives for the night of death, even more so that Christmas. These are thoughts that have probably crossed your mind on October 31, also referred to as Halloween. 

Or have they?

Today, Halloween can appear evil and devious to some, where as to others it is nothing more than a way to get free candy. Going to a Christian college, I have experienced much more of the evil side of Halloween. Because of the evil connotations behind it, some Christians believe that we shouldn't celebrate it. Except, how evil is Halloween?

With that question, I had to do a little research. So I went right to the extremely reliable source of Wikipedia to see what I could find. Apparently, the holiday of Halloween started through a combination of things. Some roots can be traced back to the Gaelic holiday of Samhain, which was basically a celebration of the end of harvest. It also marked the end of a "lighter" time of year and going into a "darker" time of year. This would be because of the shortening of days and the coldness that occurs in winter. It was also a day to set a place for the dead, which included people telling stories of their ancestors. Bonfires were also a large part of the celebration, which were seen as a way to unite the village and purify it. Since there was the connection to the dead, people would dress up as evil spirits to either copy them or ward them off. Turnips were also carved with faces and placed in windows to ward off the spirits as well. We know use pumpkins because its tough to get your hand inside a turnip to dig it out. Unless, of course, you don't pay attention to how big your hands are when cutting off the top and end up with a hole that would barely fit a twelve year old girl. Sorry Dad. 

Another source would be from the Christian holiday of All Saints Day. Ok, not specifically All Saints Day, but the day before it, All Hallows Eve. All Saints Day was a day set aside each year to honor all the saints, known or unknown. In early Christianity (apparently) it was believed that the souls of the departed wandered the earth until All Saints Day. The day before was their last chance to extract revenge on those who had wronged them during their lives. People would then wear masks to avoid being recognized by the souls looking for them. 

The origins of Halloween seem fairly innocent. These are not the only sources of the modern Halloween, but probably the most significant. It generally is a holiday associated with the dead, but more to do with honor than evil. Of course, pranks would spawn out of people expecting souls to get revenge on them. That's just how the mind of a teenager, apparently since the middle ages, works. In Gaelic tradition, "trick or treat" (it wasn't called that, though) was more of "trick and treat". Kid would perform for treats of coins. So, most of the traditions we now have are from immaturity and desperation for candy. Seems good to me. 

But, as you have realized if you have wandered outside during the month of October, its become a little more...scary. This would be due to more of the Gothic and horror genres of entertainment. People loved them so much, like Dracula and Frankenstein, that they became the "new" evil spirits. And because of the huge rise in media in the early 20th century, people wanted to mimic their favourite movies and such instead of random ghouls and goblins. As movies and literature became darker and gorier, so did Halloween. 

I grew up in a Christian home that "celebrated" Halloween. I have that in quotations because we never went all out with the death and evil, but we weren't discouraged from trick or treating or partaking in our elementary school's Halloween parties. However, I hated dressing up. So I only went trick or treating around 4 or 5 times. Probably less. We also lived half an hour from civilization, so trick or treating wasn't really an option all the time. I just wanted candy, which is easy to get if you wait until after Halloween. I was also never a horror movie fan, so I never got into that. Yet I know people who discouraged their kids from doing even grade 3 Halloween parties. I always thought this was weird when I was young. I understand it much better now, that it was just trying to avoid all the evil stuff that comes with it. 

But is Halloween itself evil? From what I can figure out, the answer is no. It's origins were created to honor the deceased. So it's not a worship of spirits and evil. It's more a "worship" of pop culture. Dracula. Frankenstein. Freddy and Jason. The cartoonified Devil that's all red and has a tail. These are all pop culture things, influenced by film and literature. And the pranks? That is still medieval immaturity. So before you go out and condemn Halloween as the worship of demons all all things that will eat your soul, remember that it never really was. If it does cause you to dip into things that maybe aren't that wholesome, it's probably best to avoid it, but kids and adults alike are far more creative with costumes that a witch. I've seen some great ones that are either epic or hilarious. However, the verdict is still up to you. I'll still tell my kids its a day for candy...if they dress up. 

Just Do It

If you're a Christian, you've probably heard these words and try to avoid being labeled as them. You may only associate these words with stubbornness, apathy, or falseness. In fact, no one really sees these words positively. Its always connected to a negative connotation. The phrase "Going through the motions." But what if I told you that it's biblical to do?

You see what I just typed. Going through the motions has biblical backings. Before you label me a heretic and get out the torches and ropes, let me clarify my point. Going through the motions (which I will now refer to GTM, because for some reason it annoys me to type) is not good when you're doing it to get that feeling or experience, then live your life as it always, unaffected by anything that happened. Using religion as a drug is not what I am recommending. However, how many times have you felt called to something by God, but can't really feel his presence, or it seems like he isn't even there? It's frustrating, and sometimes we will go in search of a religious high to get through it or to confirm our calling is true. That's GTM wrong. Rather, GTM should be used to get you to the place you have to be.

Take the Wise Men. Everyone loves the wise men. A group of guys from the Far East journeying to worship the new born saviour with riches beyond his parents imagination. I especially like them because my dad would make up funny lyrics to "We Three Kings" when I was little. Hey, at least I have a reason. But as I was reading in my Bible one day, I discovered something many people seem to read over:

                   "...And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went
                     ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they
                     saw the star, they were filled with joy!"  Matt 2:9-10, NLT                   


Did you catch it? Matthew says that when the kings saw the star in Bethlehem, they rejoiced. This seemed odd to me. If they had seen it the entire time they were traveling, why would seeing it in Bethlehem be that much more special? Would it not be that they would be filled with joy when they saw the house? Yet it says star.

The conclusion I reached was that there was a time in their journey when they didn't see the star. Obviously during the day, but I would guess at night as well (I would imagine they would travel by night and sleep during the day to follow the star, because that's kinda when stars are visible). What would the wise men thought? "Well, stars gone. I guess we'll go back home." Many of us would say that, but these men had committed to following this star because (I'm sure) they knew it was from God. During this time, though, it would appear like God had left them.

So what did they do? From history, we can say that they continued to Bethlehem, but how hard would it have been to continue their path? How long did they not see the star? They seemed perty darn happy that they star in Bethlehem (which I have never heard described as a magnificent city). So what kept them going?

GTM. They knew that God had given them a star to follow. Many historians (or just random people I hear) believe they were some sort of astronomers rather than kings, so that would help with tracking the star when it could not be seen. But until they saw that star again, they simply had to go through the motions. They weren't looking for spiritual highs. They didn't need a quick fix. They did what God had told them to do, even though he appeared vacant.

Many of us can feel abandoned and switch to look for the spiritual fix. I'll read my Bible every day. I'll raise my hands in worship. I'll lead a Bible study. All of these things are great if you do them regularly. Picking them up when times are tough and dropping them when they get better is meaningless and, frankly, what has caused the negative connotations of GTM. But if we press through the hard times with the skills God has given us to a goal God has called us to, we will get there. All we have to do is have patience and go through the motions.
                                           

Ahhh College

Its that time of year again. The weather gets just a bit colder (then immediately hotter...stupid southern prairies), the green of the land gets a little bit browner and school starts back up again. To many kids in grades 1 to 12...ok maybe 7 to 12...it is a time of agony. And schools don't make in any easier by starting earlier and earlier each year. But for the kids who have graduated high school, it is a time of great mystery and excitement. They get to go to college. Being in my third year at Briercrest College, the excitement lies in seeing all the people you met in the previous years and discovering how many of the kids on the hall you don't know. But for freshman, its a whole new world. For some of these, its scary. And I can understand that. New friends, new teachers, new home, almost a new life. But I am here to tell you that it is the most refreshing thing you will ever experience. It's like a breath of fresh air. No, better yet, its like a breath of pure oxygen. None of that stupid nitrogen.

I can think back onto my first year. I was finally surrounded by people who wanted to hang out with me and do stuff I liked, and I wanted to be around them. Learning stuff that I liked and would directly aid my future. It. Was. AWESOME. But I also can see that there was places in which I could have done things differently. Not that I would, because I am tickled peachy on how things have turned out, but some things that I can warn others to watch out for or do.

See where I'm going with this?

College is a time to figure out who you are. But I have discovered a few universally applicable things that will aid in your journey.

1. Get out. Where? Anywhere. Just don't hide in your room and wait for people. Don't get me wrong, I love my alone time, but to develop relationships with people and figure out which people you like and which ones you want to either avoid or duck tape takes experimentation. So talk to everyone you can. Hang out with people you normally wouldn't. Just go do something.

2. Buy Christmas lights. Dorms can be very dim, especially if you live in a dungeon like basement. Like me. Want some cheap lights that don't turn people into epileptics? The warm glow of Christmas lights are perfect. I have bought a strand of 70 (I think) for each year I've been here. So I have 2 strands. But they're great for times when its night (which actually happens a lot) or you don't want it to be really bright. Also great for movies. And Christmas.

3. Drink coffee. I know its not everyones cup of tea...mainly because its coffee, but you can't avoid it. It will find you. Besides, what are you gonna do when someone (especially if its a very pretty lady) asks if you want to go get some coffee?
"Sorry, I don't drink coffee."
NO

4. Meet girls. Yes, I realize this is more for the guys. But don't be the guy who has no friends that are girls. Because girls are awesome. You will discover that its essential to have girl friends (not girlfriends) to balance dude stupidity. Dupidity (as I will now call it) is present in all guys and is the inner voice that tells us to laugh at fart jokes and punch each other. Controlled, this is fine. Left unchecked, however, and it creates in us the "too old for high school" guy. Those are the guys who you look at and think, "When they will ever grow up?" Don't be that guy. Hang out with girls.

5. Be yourself. Cliche? Oh muchly yes. True? Very. College gives us opportunities to figure out who we are and experiment, but remember who you are. College is different than high school in that any disguises are seen through right away. So don't pretend to be someone your not to impress people. The beauty of college is that you will find people who like you for you. Everyone is basically an equal, no matter year or age or whatever. No more cliques or bullies or popular kids. You can actually do what you do and avoid mockery or judgement. You're free. See? Breath of pure oxygen.

If you remember these 5 tips, you'll be good to go. You'll be able to make the most of your college experience and be able to look back on these years with fondness and appreciation.



Oh ya, doing assignments and tests and stuff is kinda important too. You know, for your career and such. So do that too.

Girls and Kittens

There is a phenomenon in our world that has had science stumped for years. It's not the theory of evolution. It's not the size of our universe. It's the mystery of girls and kittens.

You may have witnessed this in your own home and with your own family and friends. When a girl is handed a kitten, her mind seemingly becomes mush. Instead of a typical response to cuteness, such as, "Aw, its so cute", a girl will respond with "AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW ITS SO CUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTE! Aren't you! Yes you awer! Yes you AWER!" It can be very disturbing. Even with extremely smart girls, the response is the same. Though some seem to have gained a mild resistance to it, none seem to be safe. Doctors and scientists have spent years trying to find out what causes this and possibly a cure, but, so far, to no avail.

 Until now

Recent discoveries have unveiled that when kittens are born, they have a special gland located at the bottom of their brain. Though the use of this gland is unknown, it does send chemicals throughout the body and releases them through the pores of the kitten. When the kitten grows into an adult cat, the gland is dissolved by the body and the remaining matter is absorbed into the brain. There are no negative side effects, though traces of the chemicals can still be found in some adult cats, but with significantly less potency. The chemical is odorless, colourless and tasteless but when this chemical is combined with chemicals in female humans, it creates a volatile concoction that quickly flows through the blood to the brain. Once in the brain, it reacts with the brain cells and causes a temporary numbing of the brain. Regular cognitive thought becomes slow and only the simplest thoughts can pass through. This is observed in childlike speech, possessiveness, and unintelligible sounds. To put it simply, the thought process is reverted to a toddler. 

Like many other chemicals exposed to the human body, overexposure can cause immunity. Females who have lived around cats for many years generally are not as affected as those who only see kittens every once and a while. This rule, however, is not solid. During the teenage and young adult years, which are years of great change, chemicals in people are much more susceptible to these kitten chemicals. Also, personality, maturity, even hair colour, can all effect the potency of the reaction.

As for a cure, none currently exist. To remove the kittens gland is an extremely invasive surgery and only has a success rate of approximately 20% in lab tests. Kittens that do survive tend to be more susceptible to diseases and suffer a major drop in cuteness. The chemical in a females blood is bonded to the chemical make up of the blood and is impossible to extract, and the surgery to remove a girl's blood has a success rate of 0%. Until technology advances enough to remove this gland or let people survive without blood, we simply cannot do anything to prevent it. 

I hope that I was able to bring light to one of the many mysteries of our world. Now, instead of laughing quietly to yourself at the unexplained behavior, you can laugh quietly to yourself and know what's happening. 

The Power of the Book

Tonight, as I mulled over several thoughts and frustrations in my mind that only come to me after midnight, I came to an interesting thought. How do friendships relate to the internet, specifically facebook? Can you have a successful relationship over the internet? Instantly, thousands of ideas flood into your head. What about the successes of eHarmony and other such sites? Long distance friends? Keeping up with old high school friends? While there is proof that relationships can be created and sustained over the internet, they also can fall apart. Now don't get me wrong. I'm not condemning the use of facebook or other internet social sites. I am rather going to look at the proper way to have a internet friendship.

Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with friends across the world. Where as texting, phoning or mail costs money, facebook is basically free (if you don't count the cost of internet). You can find where old friends you've lost touch with over the years have ended up. Its quick and easy to stay updated with other people's lives. But how much of this represents friendship? Because of my age, I have seen people adopt different personalities on the internet. Heck, I'm one of those people. On facebook, I have less restraints that hold me back from saying funny quips or sharing emotions and such. This is because I have a strength in the written word. Spoken word, not so much. So on facebook, I can appear more outgoing and social than I would in person, especially with a person I know little about. I think that the internet, for a lot of people, takes away many inhibitions that people have in talking to someone face to face. Its like a separate person for them. So to view what you see on facebook as the real person can cause some major problems in dealing with that person. You may gain expectations that they can't fulfill.  You may see things that don't seem of character of that person and taint your view of them, with a "what else are they hiding?" approach.

So how is this conquered? Basing the bulk of a friendship on facebook can turn it in the wrong direction. There are 2 things that we can do. First, simply, is to remember that this may not be the whole person you know. Especially if you don't know that person outside of the internet. Ask questions of why they put certain things on their page in person. That way you can get a better and more accurate answer. It may be a misunderstanding or hidden aspects you never knew. This way, you can learn more about the person that you ever could by simply creeping their profile. I'd say thats a win for face to face talking.

The second is a bit more complicated. It involves watching what we put on facebook. Whether we like it or not, it will affect parts of relationships, for better or worse. There are people I see on facebook that put just random thoughts that they would never say in public as their statuses. Then people get offended that you looked at this private information. We must realize that what we put on the internet can be views by anyone. It becomes public information. The internet is not our own private world. If you would never say something to someone's face, then leave it off facebook. That causes people to get confused and cause misunderstandings. Whenever I write something like this, I am fully aware that someone will read it. I write it so that people will read it and take something from it, whether its a deep thought or funny one liner. (Now I realize that you would not see me spewing this in person, but that's because I organize my thoughts better when I'm alone and I can type them out). Even inside jokes can confuse people. It is so important to remember that facebook is a representation of you to those you know. So be who you were made to be.

Facebook has become a major force in our society, as well as other social networking sites. Electronic talking controls much of our socialization today. Am I against using the internet as a social tool? No, I am simply saying that because it is so powerful, we must be as careful on it as we are with people around us everyday. There is so much potential in these things to expand our social barriers, but there is also dangers. I need to remember this as much as anyone. People can be stupid on facebook. It can look really bad on their part to you. But I will continue to try and represent myself as accurately as I can to those I call facebook friends.

I Swear This is About Swearing

Swearing. You hear it everywhere. It seems more and more like people consider those words as normal as the ones I am writing now, but are they? As a Christian, I have always considered these words to be "bad" and never to be said, yet as a get older and more experienced, I see fellow Christians using the words that I have avoided all my life. Have I been right to do so, or have I adopted an unnecessary abstinence from them? There's only one way to find out.

Blog.

First, what is a swear? I know, sounds kinda stupid, but its good to start at the basics. As I understand it, a swear is an emotional word that some people consider to be offensive. They can show extreme pain, anger, or any other intense emotion. A lot of people, myself included, are drawn to these words in those situations because they fit so nicely to what we feel we must express. And they are highly effective. But there is more to them than saying what we feel should be said. They are offensive to some people. Many songs offer a censored or edited version to explicit songs, many higher rated movies have to be edited for TV showing, and it is considered bad taste to say them in public settings. 

I have talked to a fellow Christian about this, and he said that when used in the proper situations, swears can benefit what is trying to be conveyed. To discipline someone becomes much easier if the occasional swear is slipped in to show the dissatisfaction and anger felt by the discipliner. People remember when they have been cussed out for legitimate reasons. They appear to hurt and affect us more than many other words can. I have also talked to non-Christian friends who get tired and annoyed at people who are constantly inserting f-bombs in anything they say. You know them. The every-second-word-is-a-swear person. It gets tiring. Of course, almost anything used in excess gets tiring and bothersome, if not bad for you. 

So what is the answer? For that, I look to the Bible. Though it never specifically mentions "do not swear," some other passages stand out to me. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29). This passage especially sticks to me. How often is a swear used that it helps build others up? Like my Christian friend said, it can be powerful when used correctly, but I cannot recall any time where I benefitted from being swore at. I remember being hurt, shocked, and scarred from it. Those aren't beneficial. 

As for being unwholesome, how many people tell their kids not to swear? Everyone knows that it's not good for little kids to be saying those things. So why is it ok for adults? The only things I have found that are allowable to adults and not to kids end up causing more problems than good, such as alcohol, gambling and "adult" entertainment. Jesus said that we should come to the kingdom of God with the innocence and excitement children do. Even adults must edit them from certain situations. A politician would not say that his new bill is going to be "f-ing perfect for the city." It portrays what he thinks of the new bill, but it is not appropriate. The same for a teacher calling a student's work "s***y" or a TV host saying the performance was "the f-ing s***." In a world that is so lax already with restrictions, is it really the best to push this one, too? 

Other passages back up the one in Ephesians. Proverbs 10:31 says, "a perverse tongue will be silenced." 15:4 says, "a perverse tongue crushes the spirit." "I will keep my tongue from sin" (Ps 39:1), "You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue!" (Ps 52:4), "no human can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:8), "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body" (James 3:6). Many people would argue that the tongue talked about here refers to lying and deceit and gossip rather than cursing and there are tons of passages that fully support that directly, especially in Psalms and Proverbs. Those types of speech destroy people and the results of such words are explicitly started. Yet the ones here lead to me to a different concept. Harmful words, evil, perverse...these all appear to be a bit more than those mentioned before. Our words are not to offend or hurt people, but bring hope and joy from the Kingdom of God. Does a swear do that? 

Paul said that "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial"(1 Cor 10:23). If a swear can be used to build others up and aim them towards God, then by all means, use it. However, I have not encountered any that have done that for me. If I utter one under my breath by accident, I immediately repent. I get uncomfortable when others I see as good people use those words. I've never heard a person say they wished they swore more, but rather that they did it less. So should a Christian swear? I have provided as unbiased position as I could with the evidence given and covered as much as I could think of. I think it all boils down to is the question, "Is what's coming out of our mouths pointing people up...or down?" 

Talking to Myself

I like to think. A lot. So it's no wonder to me that my thoughts have split into almost separate personalities. Certain emotions and ideas will trigger a certain chain of thoughts, sometimes even multiple chains that conflict with each other. Then I become some sort of judge, choosing which to believe and such. So for my first blog entry, I will give you a bit of insight into a typical conversation with my mind. Kind of a POV thing. And for added fun, I've given each "personality" a name. Guess who's who.

Hmm, new place, new people, no ties to any of them. I guess I can meet some new people and have a fun time. No expectations, no pressures, just me, my thoughts, and
Hugh: Whoa.
Me: What?
Hugh: Thats a good looking girl.
Me: Oh my. Yes it is.
Hugh: Do it.
Me: Do what?
Hugh: Talk to her. You know you want to. And she is gorgeous.
Me: She is...but I dunno...
Hugh: Just think. What happens if she likes you? Then who KNOWS what will happen. And if nothing happens, you at least have a friend who happens to be hot.
Me: That sounds pretty good...
Tom: WAIT!
Me: AHH! WHAT?!
Tom: What if she has no interest whatsoever? What if you make a terrible first impression that affects how she sees you forever? You will lose a friend you never even had!
Hugh: Wow. You're a ray of sunshine.
Tom: I'm a ray of reality. These things happen. Watch more TV.
Hugh: Really? TV is reality?
Me: Guys. Come on. We're losing daylight.
Antonio: You must go over there and sweep her off her feet. Bring her a rose. It never fails for a good first impression.
Hugh: Thats so lame.
Tom: IT'LL NEVER WORK!! She'll get creeped out and avoid you along with all her friends for the entire weekend!
Matt: Duuuuuude, go chill with the dudes. Actually, just sit on the ground. Chillaaaaaax, man.
John: Just go and show her kindness. She will respect you for being so normal around her and it could develop into a perfect friendship.
Jack: Punch her in the knees.
Me: GUYS! STOP! Wait, what?
Jack: ...For science.
All: ...
Me: You all are making this far more complicated than it needs to be.
Matt: ExACTly, dude. Just take in the view. Don't do a thing, man. It'll work itself out. It always does...
Tom: NO! Nothing will happen if you don't do something! Then she'll never know that you exist.
Hugh: All you gotta do is make your move. Girls love guys like that. She'll be all over you.
John: Don't do that! Respect her! Show her love that you want to be shown. Treat her as you would like to be treated.
Hugh: Well if it isn't mister Bible boy...
Antonio: Just listen to your heart. Take her to the top of the hill under the full moon, with the wind blowing softly in her hair, wafting her beautiful perfume to you...
Matt: Dude, you can't control nature. It's like...natural.
Tom: Act like him and people will think you're on drugs. Then no one-
Hugh: Will ever talk to us again and we'll die alone with our cats. I get it. We get it. SHUT UP.
Jack: Aim for her forehead. I bet you could make an indent of your knuckles.
Me: NONE OF YOU ARE HELPING.
John: Just be yourself. You've done this a million times. It always works out if you just do what you know. God made you who you are for a reason...
Hugh: Can it, apostle. Don't be yourself. Be the man that all the girls fall for. That's not you. You're a quiet goody two shoes. Girls want a guy who is out there...and stuff.
Me: What kind of stuff? What do girls like in guys?
Hugh: Pfff, how would I know? I'm a part of your mind.
Me: Well crap.
Hugh: Tell me about it.
Jack: If you cut your tongue down the middle like a snake tongue, would it still work? Could you taste sweet and sour stuff at the same time? Oh man, you gotta do it.
Me: That doesn't even relate!
Matt: What are we talking about again? Dude, This is totally wiping me out, man. I gotta go sleep, like, now.
Antonio: You should serenade her with flamenco guitar. Write her a song. The guitar is up in your room, you could practice the whole weekend. You must make the first moment you meet her perfect.
Me: Thats it. You're all useless. I'm going over there.
Tom: But what are you gonna do? Without a plan, you're doomed to fail!
Me: I'll figure it out when I get there. Anything to get away from all of you.
Bill: Wait! Only listen to John! He will get you far in life! ...where'd he go? Did I miss him AGAIN?
Hugh: Yup. Your timing is consistently terrible.
Bill: Shoot! Oh, wait! I got some awesome one liners that would be perfect! I hope I don't miss him again!
Tom: You're going to. And he's going to hate you for it. FOREV-
All: SHUT UP!