What government is right/wrong?

So I've been thinking about this a good bit lately. What government system is most-moral? Which one would God want? Democratic, Communist, Socialist, Anarchist, etc? I think I have the answer: all of the above as well as none of the above.

This is what I think, the PEOPLE determine which system is moral and working. Not the system itself. If you ask me, the first church in the Book of Acts was a socialistic community. They all sold their possessions, lived together, no man was above another, and they shared what God had blessed them with.

When it all comes down in the end, I believe the will of the leaders and citizens of the governments determine how it all works out.

As far as I've been able to tell, God doesn't ever really "condone" any certain type of government more than another. After all, if we really wanted to be legalistic and have "God's government of choice", then shouldn't we go with a monarchy? (King David, Solomon, etc..)

I think in the end, God just wants us to live together as humans in peace, loving each other, and worshipping Him. He doesn't care if we have a leader to keep us united, if we share all we have, or if we work for what we have. I think he just wants us to worship Him and keep Him first in our lives.

The matter of "good government" comes down to the people in the end, not the type. Granted, I believe certain government's probably make it easier to live God's will. Ideally, I think anarchy is what God intends. But unless the people take responsibility and fall in love with God (unlikely), then anarchy will only be chaos.

I guess I am an anarchist. 

That is all. God bless.

Major Blog Changes Soon!

In an attempt to keep up more and be more organized, I will be making some major changes due to my blog. I will be changing the appearance as well as creating 3 new blogs in addition to my current one. The new ones will be: everything related to music and film, my projects (movies and stories), school projects, and then my current one, which will focus on my personal thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Please bare with me as I do this. Thanks.

So This Is the New Year? And I Have No Resolutions...

First off, the title is a Death Cab quote.

Second off, I do not have any New Years Resolutions. I don't like that term. I feel that too often people decide to change for the better ONLY at the beginning of the year and not throughout the year. I think resolutions are great, but I prefer to make them all throughout the year. It just so happens that I have a few resolutions at the beginning of the year! Yay! Some are serious, some aren't all too important. Never-the-less, these are goals that I have set for myself and I want to make them public. I see no harm in that. Keep me accountable why don't you? :)

My Resolutions:

1. Spend More Time With God

This is something I have decided to do so many times and have failed every single one of them. This year, I want to develop a routine without feeling obligated to spend time with God. I want it to become more of a lifestyle rather than a checklist.

2. Help Others More Often

I am so selfish. I really realized that last semester. I want to help people whether it be giving directions or helping somebody who needs a meal. I just want to do what Jesus calls us to do- HELP OTHERS! I am sick of being the typical hypocrite "Christian".

3. Find A Girl

OK. So I am 19 and I've never had a relationship. This isn't a bad thing exactly; but I am lonely and I really want to end that. That being said, I am going to stay in God's will and not just settle for less than He has planned for me. I just want to keep my eyes open and be ready, anticipating her at any time- because really- you never know when God will place her in my life if He hasn't already.

4. 4.0

Simply put, I want all A's. But who doesn't?

5. Be a Guitar Hero

2009 will be the year that I learn to play the guitar I got in 2006. Hopefully with help from friends and dedication, I will be able to play more songs at a better quality.

6. Fike it Up!

With a buddy of mine, I plan to work out and exercise at least 3 days a week to get my body in shape and to maintain a healthy lifestyle (or start one should I say :) )

7. Sleepy Time

This year will be the year that I finally develop some sort of consistent sleeping pattern. Whether it be staying up late and sleeping late or vice-versa, I just want some consistency!

8. Shoot A Movie

I will make a YouTube movie or mini-series with the camera I received for Christmas. It will be good. Very good.

9. Make New Friends

I will make more friends and maintain the relationships I currently have. Sounds easy enough.

10. Quit Smoking

Just kidding I don't smoke.

Ok, so maybe those are more-so goals for the semester, but same thing. Like I said, I prefer to set goals and standards all throughout the year, not just at the beginning of the new one. I know I will stumble, but hopefully I won't fall.

That is all. God bless.

Share Your Wealth!

Ever since the election and since reading "Blue Like Jazz", I have been seriously questioning what I really believe politically and what Jesus thinks about politics. I have not quite reached a conclusion, but I have made some strides as I've been debating with myself on various topics.

To sum up what I've discovered so far, Jesus would not give a hoot about politics.

I started thinking about what Jesus discussed about politics and government while on earth, and the only things I could really come up with is that he just said to obey those who are over you. 

Now on to what I think about the government system and political parties and such.

There are some people in politics who use Jesus to justify their agendas regardless of what it is. They find scripture and manipulate it to support their cause. There are also those (Republicans in particular) who claim to be on the side of religious fundamentalists (Christians in particular) in order to win their votes. They take the stance that is popular with those they are trying to win over in order to get into office only to do nothing about it while they serve. Abortion anybody? Democrats are certainly just as guilty. Really, any political party is guilty of supporting a cause they really don't believe in just to win votes. That is what we have come to understand as the norm in politics, after all, is it not?

The abortion issue seems to be the most popular reason why many people I know vote Republican. The Republican party has seemingly been the party in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade, yet they don't do a thing about it when they have power.

Some people argue that abortion just cannot be overturned yet due to the Supreme Court. OK. I'm no expert, but if that is true, then that is justifiable; but does that mean we should just let the abortions continue to happen until it can be outlawed? Heck no! This is something Donald Miller of "Blue Like Jazz" discussed in an interview I recently saw. The Democrats are the ones who want to do more for the lower class, which is more-likely to get the abortions to begin with, by helping them financially, which is often a main reason abortions are gotten - financial reasons! I am all for overturning Roe v. Wade, believe me! But what happens if it is overturned? Are we just going to let these families who would have gotten the abortion raise a child in poverty and terrible circumstances? Certainly we should not want that. Overturning abortion is something I would very much like to see, but in the meantime, I'd really like to see these women who are getting the abortions to be reached out to. If we cannot outlaw abortion right now, then shouldn't we try to reduce them at least? I think so and I think you do as well.

Now comes the next big issue I've been wrestling with... who's job is it anyway?

So many people of all different groups think it is the government's job to take care of the poor. And to an extent, it is. However, when you seriously think about it, how often does the government do anything right? I think the responsibility to care for the poor lies within society and the church. Jesus told us to care for the poor and the widows. Sure, if they government can help, it certainly should! But it should not be what people rely on for the help they need.

I saw on ESPN the other day that the New York Yankees were going to pay some guy I had never heard of millions and millions of dollars to play baseball for them for a few years. I have heard of huge salaries among athletes for years but have never been seriously disturbed by them until the other day. It just started to get to me. Why should he make so much money to play a game while others are starving just outside Yankee stadium. It just doesn't make sense to me. For a brief moment, I thought to myself, "this is why socialism should be used more; to make sure these jerkwads don't get obscene amounts of money for no reason while others are freezing on the street". Don't worry though, that thought didn't last too long. I then thought to myself, you know, it isn't the government's job to make sure we are helping the poor. It is our job. 

The government should not have the power to tell Mr. Yankee Pitcher how to spend his millions of dollars. He should have the sense to realize that he really doesn't need that much money and help those who do need it. I don't know the man or his intentions with his money; but I hope he uses it for good and to help others to be quite honest.

I don't think the main issue we face today is the government and the people we put into office. I mean honestly people, they don't really care all that much about us and there is very little we can do about that. The government acts based on what the global economy is needing. Government is all about greed and I think we seriously need to stop relying on it for everything. Jesus certainly didn't.

I think the main problem we face today is ourselves. We just want want want. We never give anything. We live in a capitalist country that believes as long as we are making more and more money that we must be helping others by simply giving them the opportunity to work and make minimum wage (King of Queens scenario, hehe). I don't think this is true at all.

I know I am not a great example by any means. I am one of the cheapest and most selfish people I know; but this next year, I am really going to try to volunteer and help people who need it. Jesus has called us to help the people who are in need and I want to obey.

Ending on a political note, I think the change that President-elect Obama wants with helping the middle and lower class is good, ideally. I do not think the change begins by taking from those who have a lot of money and can afford to share their wealth (but at least he has good intentions). I think the change starts in reaching other people and changing their hearts so that they help the poor voluntarily in both a materialistic and spiritual way.

That is all. God bless.

Why does Santa have three gardens?

So he can ho ho ho.

Yes. Christmas is here! Sadly though, it is coming way too quickly! It is already the sixth of December and I've yet to do anything Christmasy. Perhaps that is somewhat my fault; but with classes finishing up and finals coming around, it is really hard to get too deep in the Christmas spirit, especially when you don't get to notice all the shoppers, lights,  decorations, etc due to being isolated on a college campus that is only Christmasy in one garden and a few people's dorm windows.

Thanksgiving came a week later than usually which gives us even less time to prepare for Christmas unless you did what I did and started listening to Christmas music in early November. 

I am just sad because the same thing happened last year and it seems that the same thing is inevitably going to happen again this year. I will be finished with finals next Wednesday. I will go home Thursday and only have two weeks before Christmas! That is not nearly enough time to go to Christmas parties, shopping, light looking and such... well maybe it is. But it is just enough time and it will feel rushed. The whole "rushing Christmas" concept is what was starting to ruin it to begin with before college. Now that I have even less time, it only seems to get worse.

That being said, I am not going to be victim to Scrooge. I intend on enjoying the two weeks I have before Christmas with Christmas movies with friends and family, helping out my little brother, Nick, and giving ridiculous gifts at the Chinese Christmas party.

Time may be working against me, but I intend on fighting it and having one heck of a holly jolly  Christmas.

Here are some suggestions for Christmas music and film:

Music:

1. Ray Charles

2. Reliant K

3. The Tempations

4. Bright Eyes

5. James Taylor

Film:

1. Christmas Vacation

2. The Santa Clause

3. Home Alone

4. The Nightmare Before Christmas

5. Santa Clause is Coming to Town (any clay-mations really)

That is all. God bless.

Dirty Mouth? Clean it up with Orbitz.

Or how about some good ole' common sense?

I am talking about the language you use and the effect it has on people.

There is one person that may think this is an attack on them, but really it isn't. This is something I have been wanting to get off my mind for a while now, a certain situation just finally motivated me enough to get it into the public. It should be known and understood that I am addressing this issue from both a Christian and intellectually-motivated perspective.

I will just start off by stating my opinion that: thoughtless and excessive cursing makes you look like an unintelligent potty mouth! There, I said it. I also think it can, and in many cases will, ruin your Christian witness to those around you.

James 3:9-12 says:

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."

Other verses that address this issue can be found in 1 Peter 3:10 and Ephesians 4:29.

One of the common arguments to the whole "is it a sin to cuss?" topic is that the Bible does not directly address this topic. The topic of "cursing" is addressed and condemned and some people view cussing as equal to cursing while others view them as completely independent concepts. 

First off, God condemns cursing an individual or object. Only He has the power to condemn ANYTHING and to curse it. We don't have that power to decide what deserves a curse and what does not.

Second off, this is extremely cliche, but you must think about it, would you cuss in front of Jesus? I know I wouldn't.

Thirdly, what point does it serve to mindlessly curse or cuss in casual conversation with both those of and not of the world? You have two possible outcomes from both groups. For the Christian group, your cussing may present a stumbling block to them and cause them to screw up in their walk with the Lord. For the worldly group, by mindlessly cussing you run the risk of ruining your witness with them. If there is one thing I know, lost people hate hypocrites and the Christian hypocrite is the greatest target of them all. Whether or not you agree that cussing should be avoided, why would you even want to run the risk of ruining your witness and pushing somebody farther from God by poor wording with the tongue?

Fourthly, you sound like an uneducated pirate, and I mean that in the nicest way possible. For me, one of the biggest turn-offs for both friendships and relationships is a potty mouth. I just don't want to be around it. It brings me down.

Fifth of all, yes, I admit, cussing can be funny in certain situations (movie quoting especially comes to mind) and sometimes it is nice to release frustration and anger by saying a simple word. That doesn't necessarily make it right though, and once again, we must consider those around us and the witness that we could be ruining.

Sixthly, I admit that sometimes a better sense of seriousness and direness can be communicated through cussing more-so than typical watered down words; but this is just another case where you must consider your witness and who is watching and whether or not it is worth risking in order to get your point across. Maybe it is? I know sometimes in the Bible extreme wording is used to get serious points to the readers. 

And last but not least, God's name in vain. This is not an issue that I consider to be controversial. The Bible clearly states in the 10 Commandments that you shall not take God's name in vain, ever. Any usage of God's name in a way that is not meant to bring glory to Him is absolutely unacceptable - always!

I hope you don't feel that I am being too judgmental about the way you speak. I am simply challenging you to think twice about the language you use and those who are around you when you use it. Maybe you think it is alright to cuss for fun when you are around certain friends out of good sport and you hold back when you are around those that you don't want to ruin a witness with. I know I can relate to that for sure, but I also don't like to make a habit of cussing at all, because all in all, nothing good can come from it (other than some cheap fun that could be found elsewhere) except a damaged witness that could prevent somebody from coming to Christ.

Overall, you must consider your witness in all circumstances and during all actions because you never know who is watching and what impact that will have on their life both here on earth and eternally.

That is all, God bless!

Music of 2008

This year has been one heck of a year for music if you ask me. We have seen quite a few new albums from bands from classic years to current established artists all the way to debut albums by bands that I hope to see much more of in the future. I have compiled a list with my thoughts that I will update as I more come out in the remaining months of the year. Enjoy.

Ben Folds - Way to Normal

This is a typical Ben Folds album. It is good and I enjoy it, but honestly, it is nothing all too new. The lyrics are still clever yet immature and dirty. While I do like it, I have heard better from Folds. Depending on whether you are a fan of the Five or his solo stuff will probably dictate your opinion on this album. 6/10

Cold War Kids - Loyalty to Loyalty

The indie-folk band, Cold War Kids are back with a pretty decent follow up album. If you liked "Robbers and Cowards" then you should enjoy "Loyalty to Loyalty", if not, you may want to steer away from this one. 7/10

Coldplay - Viva La Vida

An excellent album by Coldplay. Not my favorite by Coldplay but definitely worth picking up if you are a fan of the band. 7/10

Chris Walla - Field Manual

Death Cab for Cutie guitarist, Chris Walla, released a very surprising solo album. Upon listening to it for the first time, I immediately grew fond of it. It basically sounds like Death Cab without Gibbard and instead a more "girly" vocalist, but don't let this description deter you, it is quite excellent. 9/10 

Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs

This album is nothing like previous Death Cab albums. At first, I disliked it, but after repeatedly hearing it, it has quickly grown to be one of my favorite albums of all time. 9/10

Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

This is this bands first full album and I must say, it is my favorite of the year so far. It is truly amazing and brings a smile to my face every time I listen to it. If you enjoy folk-ish music with great instrumentals, this band is a must! 10/10

Jack Johnson - Sleep Through the Static

This album is exactly as you would expect, acoustic Jack Johnson with cute and catchy lyrics. This is certainly not a bad thing unless you hate being happy or liking the popular dude among the Hollister girls. 7/10

Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger

This album isn't necessarily bad. I wouldn't say it is nearly as good as "Everything in Transit",  which is one of my favorite albums ever, but it is certainly worth at least a chance. 6/10

Mudcrutch - Mudcrutch

In case you didn't know, Mudcrutch was Tom Petty's band before the Heartbreakers. They got back together to release this album which is amazing. I almost regret the Heartbreakers and wish Mudcrutch would have been the Tom Petty we have known over the years... almost. If you enjoy Tom Petty tunes, then you will almost certainly enjoy this. 9/10

Relient K - The Bird and the Bee Sides

Wow, who would have thought a Christian rock band would have been able to remain popular for 10+ years? Relient K doesn't cease to amaze. They are able to continually mature as a band, and while some may call it selling out, I call it being smart, as they are able to not stay with an old trend of music that nobody likes anymore like so many bands have done. It is obvious that Relient K believes in the music they are making now and "The Bird and the Bee Sides" has something for everybody regardless of what era of Relient K you are a fan of, although if you are like me, you are a fan of every era. 9/10 

Ryan Adams - Cardinology

This album is pretty good. It isn't spectacular nor is it Adams' best work with the Cardinals, but it is a solid album that you will probably enjoy if you are a fan of Adams' softer side with country influences. 7/10

Girls Girls Girls

Just been thinking about relationships and what I look for and don't look for in a girl. Thought I'd make it public and maybe challenge you to also think about the subject if you haven't before.

I want a girl that loves Christ.

I want a girl that is attractive (shallow but you know you agree with me).

I want a girl that is willing to venture into the outdoors for kayaking or backpacking with me.

I want a girl that will listen to new music with an open mind.

I want a girl who will let me be a gentleman and treat her like a lady.

I want a girl that has a caring nature for others about her.

I want a girl who is selfless.

I want a girl that loves to laugh.

I want a girl who loves her family.

I want a girl who loves my family.

I want a girl that would be okay with staying in and just relaxing with a movie occasionally.

I want a girl that wants to see the world.

I want a girl that will at least act interested in what I am saying even if she isn't in the least bit.

I want a girl that believes me when I tell her she looks beautiful.

I want a girl that is accepting of who she is.

I want a girl that is accepting of who I am.

Dolla Dolla Bills -- Gone Away?

First off, I used to song references in my title.

Second, we are possibly seeing what I predicted months ago when gas prices hiked to unheard of amounts. I predicted that gas would hurt the economy even more (which it has) and that this would in turn hurt the US dollar currency which would open the door to adopt a one world currency such as something like the Euro. Well, it seems that the theoretical possibility I presented months back has become a realistic possibility and is going to be discussed next week.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who I was actually praising yesterday for being a standup guy, has suggested that the age of the American dollar has come to an end and that one currency for the world would instead be the better option than what we have now.

You can view the story here. 

As you have probably heard me talk about before, a one world currency is just one of the many steps being taken towards a one world government which was predicted in the book of Revelations from the Bible. We are obviously living in the last days as other signs would suggest such as Russia's aggression and support to Iran, Iran's vow to destroy Israel, the temple of Solomon's reconstruction, climate change, the increasing severity and abundance of natural disasters and so-on and so-forth. Nobody knows the time and date that Christ will return, not even Christ himself, so we shouldn't worry about when it will happen but rather what we are doing in the time before it happens and those lives we can impact and potentially save.

Featured 80's Hair Band Video of the Week

Van Halen - Hot for Teacher

Just a side note, this may be the best video I've ever seen in my life! Seriously!