My life this week has been consumed with events, activities, and practices to the point where I really haven't had any room for free time... because by the time I finish with homework or scholarship applications at night, my eyelids are getting heavy and it's time to pray and go to bed.
Last night I got done with all of my work and realized that I wasn't ready to fall asleep yet.
I was thinking about turning on my Xbox 360 and continuing with my playthrough of Assassin's Creed II, but I didn't want to do that or I would end up staying awake for too long. I looked around for a book so I could do some light reading, and my eyes fell upon the Bible. I admittedly have not made it a priority in recent months to sit down and read chapters and verses from it, but I figured that I could check something out in my spare time.
I played eenie-meenie-miny-mo between the four gospels, and I ended up with Mark. So I read the first chapter of Mark.
It's kind of amazing how much I got out of 45 verses that I initially was just casually reading. In those 45 verses, I established that Jesus became so popular from his healing ability that he literally had to move to a secluded place so that the crowds wouldn't overwhelm him. I already knew of stories like Lazarus and Jesus calming the storms, but these verses go over several things - Jesus casting away dark spirits and demons, curing a fever, ridding of leprosy, etc.
Mark 1:27 - "Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. 'What new sort of teaching is this?' they asked excitedly. 'It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!'"
If I were an evil spirit and I saw Jesus, I would probably be high tailing it out of there too...
Friday, February 28, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
For the love of music
Today I was listening to the recordings that the judges from the Indian Hills Jazz Fest gave to our jazz band after we performed this past Saturday. The judges like to make comments to show us our strengths and weaknesses and to help us find new ways to improve our performance.
One of these judges teaches at Missouri Western State University, and he made a lot of comments about me, the bass trombonist, in particular. In fact, near the end of the recording, he said "Man, bass bone... you play with some sound and power... if you lived a little closer, I'd give you a scholarship on the spot to come play in my band."
As much as I hate to sound big-headed over here... I was a little flattered to hear someone say that!
But more than that, his comment got me thinking about college. It's no secret to anyone reading this blog that I'm really nervous about the fact that in less than six months I'll be a college student.
And yet...
Music! Why had I not thought about this before? I love music. It's been engrained in my life ever since junior high. I love playing the bass trombone. Why haven't I been looking into band programs at either of the two universities I've been looking at? It's almost as if I told myself at some point that I wasn't good enough to be a music major or whatever... but I don't have to be a music major at all to go on with it in college. Even if it just means marching band or pep band, I can continue playing after high school. Not only can I keep doing what I love, but I could make so many new friends in the process.
:-)
One of these judges teaches at Missouri Western State University, and he made a lot of comments about me, the bass trombonist, in particular. In fact, near the end of the recording, he said "Man, bass bone... you play with some sound and power... if you lived a little closer, I'd give you a scholarship on the spot to come play in my band."
As much as I hate to sound big-headed over here... I was a little flattered to hear someone say that!
But more than that, his comment got me thinking about college. It's no secret to anyone reading this blog that I'm really nervous about the fact that in less than six months I'll be a college student.
And yet...
Music! Why had I not thought about this before? I love music. It's been engrained in my life ever since junior high. I love playing the bass trombone. Why haven't I been looking into band programs at either of the two universities I've been looking at? It's almost as if I told myself at some point that I wasn't good enough to be a music major or whatever... but I don't have to be a music major at all to go on with it in college. Even if it just means marching band or pep band, I can continue playing after high school. Not only can I keep doing what I love, but I could make so many new friends in the process.
:-)
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Reflections
Tonight at youth group we talked about how God puts people into our lives at different times to help expand our faith. As I was driving home, I began thinking about all of the people who've played some role in building my relationship with God, and one of those people texted me right as I was arriving home. She said that she was so appreciative of the Lord allowing us (including other friends who received the text) to grow up together.
Coincidence? I think not!
In conclusion, I think I just want to spend a little more time this week rejoicing over the fact that God put so many wonderful people into my life. After all... these people aren't there by accident; He had a hand in my relationships with them, and for that reason I should be grateful.
Coincidence? I think not!
In conclusion, I think I just want to spend a little more time this week rejoicing over the fact that God put so many wonderful people into my life. After all... these people aren't there by accident; He had a hand in my relationships with them, and for that reason I should be grateful.
Friday, February 21, 2014
A loaded plate
As February winds down, it seems like every single day brings something to do or something to look forward to. I've never been so busy in my life. Earlier today after school we set up for the FFA Farm & Home Show, which was chaotic. When I got home I helped my dad tag and dock baby lambs and goats. Tomorrow I'll be at the school at 8:00 to help vendors set up, and then we're leaving for jazz band at 10:00. There's the performance, and then we have a clinic afterwards. Then with Bible Study at night... that Saturday is loaded full. Sunday will luckily be more of a breeze, but the next week will bring practicing for All-State Jazz auditions, District FFA CDE's on Saturday (since I moved on from Sub-Districts with Job Interview... yay!!!), a call night for our NHS blood drive, more mock trial practices (The actual competition is quickly approaching... and I still have to put together an opening statement for the defense.), more work to be done on the farm, and probably more snow. Just taking a wild guess there.
That doesn't sound so bad, but then pile on the scholarship applications that are due and all of the tests, projects, and homework and... it's like I'm drowning in all of the stuff.
But for some odd reason, I like it that way.
I thrive off of having things to do. I'm introverted, of course, but I'm not the type of introvert that wants to stay in a little bubble at home. I'd rather be out doing things while having limited interaction with others, if that makes any sense. That's why I've absolutely loved my Senior year. From the weeks of practicing for the musical to the craziness of everything I've been involved in over the past few months, it's kept me busy. I like it that way. It really contrasts to the boring times as a Freshman when I would sometimes be home every single night, every day of the week.
I don't want that to go away during the summer, either. Last summer I literally sat at home every day and played video games and worked with my sheep... by myself. I want to do something with my friends and my family. If you're reading this, let's go to Kansas City guys! Even if it's just hanging out in Osky and screwing around in Wal-Mart, that's cool. God wants me to fill every moment with the people that really matter, and I want to do that.
Holy cow, that post was a lot longer than I thought it would be.
That doesn't sound so bad, but then pile on the scholarship applications that are due and all of the tests, projects, and homework and... it's like I'm drowning in all of the stuff.
But for some odd reason, I like it that way.
I thrive off of having things to do. I'm introverted, of course, but I'm not the type of introvert that wants to stay in a little bubble at home. I'd rather be out doing things while having limited interaction with others, if that makes any sense. That's why I've absolutely loved my Senior year. From the weeks of practicing for the musical to the craziness of everything I've been involved in over the past few months, it's kept me busy. I like it that way. It really contrasts to the boring times as a Freshman when I would sometimes be home every single night, every day of the week.
I don't want that to go away during the summer, either. Last summer I literally sat at home every day and played video games and worked with my sheep... by myself. I want to do something with my friends and my family. If you're reading this, let's go to Kansas City guys! Even if it's just hanging out in Osky and screwing around in Wal-Mart, that's cool. God wants me to fill every moment with the people that really matter, and I want to do that.
Holy cow, that post was a lot longer than I thought it would be.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Warm Weather
A few days ago, I walked outside to do afternoon chores and didn't have to wear five layers.
We opened all the barn doors and released all of the gases that been building up, replacing it with gusts of warm, fresh air.
I watched a lamb running up and down the lot outside. He was a happy little fellow.
I took off my chore gloves since I no longer had to protect my fingers from frostbiting cold.
And then...
... it snowed again...
...
:(
But be patient! Spring is almost here, folks!
We opened all the barn doors and released all of the gases that been building up, replacing it with gusts of warm, fresh air.
I watched a lamb running up and down the lot outside. He was a happy little fellow.
I took off my chore gloves since I no longer had to protect my fingers from frostbiting cold.
And then...
... it snowed again...
...
:(
But be patient! Spring is almost here, folks!
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Tyler the Time Traveler
I spent my snow day yesterday plowing through a video game called Assassin's Creed II. I've played this game a few times before, but it keeps drawing me back due to its rich historical value. Granted, I highly doubt that some of the plot-related aspects of this game (and series) are true, but at the same time the historical accuracy is actually really amazing. 15th-century Venice just oozes with this rich atmosphere that makes me want to travel back in time to the Italian Renaissance.
If only scientists hadn't declared time travel impossible back in July...
If there was one supernatural "fantasy" that I wish would become a reality, it would probably be time travel. I want to go back to Renaissance Italy and speak to the one and only Leonardo da Vinci, just like Ezio does in Assassin's Creed II. I want to watch the parting of the Red Sea. I want to travel 100 years into the future and see how the world has changed. I want to go back to the 80's and see what my mom and dad's hair looked like.
Actually, I refuse to believe what those scientists said about time travel. I'm just going to keep believing that some genius is going to come along someday and figure out how to bend time or whatever. And that he'll choose a completely random person like me to go on adventures with him through our world's history.
Because really... who doesn't want to time travel.
If only scientists hadn't declared time travel impossible back in July...
If there was one supernatural "fantasy" that I wish would become a reality, it would probably be time travel. I want to go back to Renaissance Italy and speak to the one and only Leonardo da Vinci, just like Ezio does in Assassin's Creed II. I want to watch the parting of the Red Sea. I want to travel 100 years into the future and see how the world has changed. I want to go back to the 80's and see what my mom and dad's hair looked like.
Actually, I refuse to believe what those scientists said about time travel. I'm just going to keep believing that some genius is going to come along someday and figure out how to bend time or whatever. And that he'll choose a completely random person like me to go on adventures with him through our world's history.
Because really... who doesn't want to time travel.
Rainbows
I was trying to think of a name for my blog, and for some reason I started thinking about rainbows.
Rainbows were one of my favorite things to draw when I was a kid. It's a simple thing to make, and when all of the colors come together it looks really bright and cheerful. From the outside to the inside, I would color with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple in that order.... every time. I've always had a fascination with colors and what emotions they evoke within us. For instance, my favorite color - blue - stimulates us mentally and acts as a calmer. Since my brain is always ticking (often times more than it should), it makes sense that blue is my favorite color.
But anyway, back to rainbows. Only a few sentences into my first blog post, and I'm already getting way off track.
Rainbows symbolize so many things. They symbolize cheerfulness. They symbolize diversity. They symbolize beauty after a storm. That last one in particular is really striking to me. Isn't it odd that one of life's coolest visual masterpieces comes in the aftermath of dark and drenching weather? Mind you, I love a good summer rain; I love the pattering of rain against the windows, or the feeling of stepping outside and letting the falling water consume me. But there are some storms that are downright nasty to live through. You know, the ones with the pounding winds, the cracks of thunder across the sky, and the bolts of lightning that look like a light show from inside the window.
Yet after all of that... a rainbow pops out.
Genesis 9:13 - "I have set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the earth."
We're all going to go through tough times. We're all going to have those periods in our life where nothing seems to go our way. We may go hours, days, weeks, months, or even years stuck in a rut that we feel we'll never get out of. But we always have the opportunity to see that rainbow at the end of a storm. It may be a brief rainbow, or it may be one that covers our skies for a long time, but it's there. We just have to press through the hard times to see it. God will provide us with that rainbow, just like He provided Noah with one to signal the end of the flood.
Rainbows were one of my favorite things to draw when I was a kid. It's a simple thing to make, and when all of the colors come together it looks really bright and cheerful. From the outside to the inside, I would color with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple in that order.... every time. I've always had a fascination with colors and what emotions they evoke within us. For instance, my favorite color - blue - stimulates us mentally and acts as a calmer. Since my brain is always ticking (often times more than it should), it makes sense that blue is my favorite color.
But anyway, back to rainbows. Only a few sentences into my first blog post, and I'm already getting way off track.
Rainbows symbolize so many things. They symbolize cheerfulness. They symbolize diversity. They symbolize beauty after a storm. That last one in particular is really striking to me. Isn't it odd that one of life's coolest visual masterpieces comes in the aftermath of dark and drenching weather? Mind you, I love a good summer rain; I love the pattering of rain against the windows, or the feeling of stepping outside and letting the falling water consume me. But there are some storms that are downright nasty to live through. You know, the ones with the pounding winds, the cracks of thunder across the sky, and the bolts of lightning that look like a light show from inside the window.
Yet after all of that... a rainbow pops out.
Genesis 9:13 - "I have set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the earth."
We're all going to go through tough times. We're all going to have those periods in our life where nothing seems to go our way. We may go hours, days, weeks, months, or even years stuck in a rut that we feel we'll never get out of. But we always have the opportunity to see that rainbow at the end of a storm. It may be a brief rainbow, or it may be one that covers our skies for a long time, but it's there. We just have to press through the hard times to see it. God will provide us with that rainbow, just like He provided Noah with one to signal the end of the flood.
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