I attended Vespers (Thursday Night Chapel) last night to only be stirred in an interesting fashion.
Advent is anticipation, and the Advent season is anticipating Christmas- Christ's Birth.
I cannot remember the last time that I actually looked forward to celebrating the birth of my savior.
I always say how I hate the commercialization of Christmas and how it has lost its' meaning through all the traditions, Santa, and all that crap, but honestly I'm just as caught up in that stuff as the next person, in a different way though.
Most people spend all their time enjoying all the festivities and partaking in whatever Christmas has been made into. I spend all my time hating what its' become in America's eyes.
This year I'm going to have Christmas mean more to me in a few different ways.
1. I'm going to focus on being joyous about the birth of Christ
2. I'm not going to worry about how other people celebrate the holiday
3. I'm going to take the holiday seriously as well, remember that its' about Christ
I think that's a good start.
This Christmas will symbolize not only the birth of God in flesh (symbolize since its' not the actual date) to me this year but also the birth of a new way of thinking in me and a new love for Christ and joy about his coming to the earth.
Love,
Carl
Friday, December 7, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Blue Like Jazz
I finished the book in 4 days. This might be a record for me since childhood when I used to read.
I hope I start reading like this again, it's a very fulfilling activity unlike playing video games for hours just to be distracted from learning about how to live our lives better. (nothing against video games, I do love me some Halo 2)
This book has moved me. It first had me question myself as a Christian (as seen in my last post) and whether I have struggle to look forward to or not...but at the end of the book I was left with a different feeling, a much more satisfying feeling.
In the book Donald Miller talks about a pastor, Bill Bright, that his friend Alan met with. Bill, when asked about what Christ meant to him, was reduced to tears. This man has such a passion and deep appreciation for Christ and such a relationship with him that merely hearing his name can bring him to tears.
Miller then continues to talk about seeing a program on tv about a woman whose son was on death row. He then talks about what it was like seeing her pain when she got the call that he had been executed. He compares this to what Mary must have felt. The feelings that overwhelmed me just reminded me how much of a tradition and how numbed down Christ's death seems to us sometimes, what I felt hurt, but I loved it.
From reading this book I have gained a new perspective, I'm not going to try to find new ways to force God in my life, he has already said he will be with us and I think we need to stop looking for new ways to find God. God reveals himself in so many ways to us and we just are too busy to see them. I don't necessarily need a huge event in my life to define my relationship with Christ, he will connect in whatever he sees fit and I trust that.
I am ready to let Christ move in my life in whichever ways he chooses too, after all, I do not know what is best for me.
I also am ready to just love, as Christ calls us to, I am a huge jerk, usually sarcastically, but sometimes that's even too much. I need to reflect Christ more in my life.
Please call me out on it if you're seeing something I'm doing which does not resemble this, I'm asking you.
Love,
Carl
I hope I start reading like this again, it's a very fulfilling activity unlike playing video games for hours just to be distracted from learning about how to live our lives better. (nothing against video games, I do love me some Halo 2)
This book has moved me. It first had me question myself as a Christian (as seen in my last post) and whether I have struggle to look forward to or not...but at the end of the book I was left with a different feeling, a much more satisfying feeling.
In the book Donald Miller talks about a pastor, Bill Bright, that his friend Alan met with. Bill, when asked about what Christ meant to him, was reduced to tears. This man has such a passion and deep appreciation for Christ and such a relationship with him that merely hearing his name can bring him to tears.
Miller then continues to talk about seeing a program on tv about a woman whose son was on death row. He then talks about what it was like seeing her pain when she got the call that he had been executed. He compares this to what Mary must have felt. The feelings that overwhelmed me just reminded me how much of a tradition and how numbed down Christ's death seems to us sometimes, what I felt hurt, but I loved it.
From reading this book I have gained a new perspective, I'm not going to try to find new ways to force God in my life, he has already said he will be with us and I think we need to stop looking for new ways to find God. God reveals himself in so many ways to us and we just are too busy to see them. I don't necessarily need a huge event in my life to define my relationship with Christ, he will connect in whatever he sees fit and I trust that.
I am ready to let Christ move in my life in whichever ways he chooses too, after all, I do not know what is best for me.
I also am ready to just love, as Christ calls us to, I am a huge jerk, usually sarcastically, but sometimes that's even too much. I need to reflect Christ more in my life.
Please call me out on it if you're seeing something I'm doing which does not resemble this, I'm asking you.
Love,
Carl
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Is Safety So Bad?
I have read countless blogs and a few books by Christians who have had their faith shaken completely to it's core.
They all write about how it's what ends up defining their faith and it makes their relationship with God even stronger.
I personally have never been shaken in my faith.
Maybe it's because I didn't quite grow up in a Christian home and wasn't really introduced to Christianity until about 4th grade (not really that late except in perspective of the length of my life so far). Could this have some effect since I didn't have a chance to get caught up in a motion, I came willingly.
It's not like my faith is necessarily "safe" I don't stick with easy faith issues or avoid things that might disturb my faith, if anything I sometimes draw towards those.
However, I'm still firm in my faith, I find it more each day and have never felt closer to God.
Is it possible that some people just don't need to be shaken? Some people just have the faith they need from all they've been through but have never quite fallen?
Maybe there's more to come, maybe something will rock me horribly, I'm only 18.
-----------
I'm currently reading Blue Like Jazz, that's what sparked this for me...great book
They all write about how it's what ends up defining their faith and it makes their relationship with God even stronger.
I personally have never been shaken in my faith.
Maybe it's because I didn't quite grow up in a Christian home and wasn't really introduced to Christianity until about 4th grade (not really that late except in perspective of the length of my life so far). Could this have some effect since I didn't have a chance to get caught up in a motion, I came willingly.
It's not like my faith is necessarily "safe" I don't stick with easy faith issues or avoid things that might disturb my faith, if anything I sometimes draw towards those.
However, I'm still firm in my faith, I find it more each day and have never felt closer to God.
Is it possible that some people just don't need to be shaken? Some people just have the faith they need from all they've been through but have never quite fallen?
Maybe there's more to come, maybe something will rock me horribly, I'm only 18.
-----------
I'm currently reading Blue Like Jazz, that's what sparked this for me...great book
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Vampires, Werewolves, and Slayers, OH MY!
For anyone who uses facebook I'm sure you've either added one of the zombie, vampire, werewolf, or slayer applications or you absolutely hate all the invites you get for it.
I hate them. They're stupid applications, and there's way too many applications on facebook.
I realize some applications are pretty cool...but I almost feel like it would be better to go back to no applications instead of all these stupid ones.
Sorry about the rant.
♥ Charl
I hate them. They're stupid applications, and there's way too many applications on facebook.
I realize some applications are pretty cool...but I almost feel like it would be better to go back to no applications instead of all these stupid ones.
Sorry about the rant.
♥ Charl
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
FAST
God really just put it on my heart this morning [or night, whichever it is right now] that I really need to fast to focus on him.
This is the result of it.
for the actual file please follow this link: http://www.mediafire.com/?591mymkd1lm
FAST
A two-day journey to grow closer to God
Morning of October 17th- Night of October 18th
2007
A little bit of background on fasting and the guidelines
Who was the first person in the bible to fast?
Moses was the first person in the bible recorded to have fasted.
What is the longest amount of time anyone has ever fasted?
40 days is the longest time anyone has ever fasted.
Why fast?
We fast to completely focus on our communication and relationship with God. (Yes you can pray when you’re not fasting, but you can’t fast without praying)
God said, "When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you" (Jeremiah 29:13,14)
What does this fast restrict us from?
We will keep from eating or drinking.
What will we do differently besides not eat or drink?
We will have biblical readings to look over and contemplate on. We will pray quite a bit more than usual and have a few times of worship.
What happens if we break the fast?
Nothing. This is completely between you and God.
Optional additional fast- MEDIA FAST
- Don’t get on the internet unless it’s for school
- Don’t watch TV.
- Don’t listen to music (participating in worship is allowed)
- Don’t watch movies (unless for class)
- Refrain from using your cell phone unless necessary
Day 1: Wednesday, October 17th, 2007
Suggestions:
- When reading the bible passages try to find a secluded place where you won’t be distracted
- Sing to the Lord whatever’s on your heart
- Anytime you feel lead to read something else go ahead and do that
Morning Bible Reading
Read Ezra 8:21-23; 10:6
What is your personal reason for fasting for these two days?
Think of what you hope to accomplish in yourself through this.
Suggested prayer topic: Pray to God that he would move you during this time.
Mid-day Bible Reading
Read Psalm 69
How often do you feel like life is too hard to get past?
Do you generally look at God in these times? What about when things aren’t going too bad?
Suggested prayer topic: Pray to God that you would make this Psalm your own
Afternoon Bible Reading
Read 2 Corinthians 11:16-33
Many boast for their success…is it wrong to boast about our sufferings?
What does fasting symbolize to you?
Suggested prayer topic: Pray that God would use today and tomorrow as an experience of suffering to connect you to Christ’s suffering for us.
Congratulations! You made it through the first day!
Make sure as you fall asleep that you pray for strength for the day ahead and continued focus.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
Day 2: Wednesday, October 17th, 2007
*REMINDER- MAKE SURE TO DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND TO EAT BREAD SO THAT YOU DO NOT GET SICK OR DEHYDRATED*
Morning Bible Reading
Read Matthew 4:1-4
What does man live off of if it is not bread alone?
How does this verse represent Christ in relation to food?
Suggested prayer topic: Pray that God would use this experience to teach you to rely on Him and realize he is more important than and physical thing.
Mid-day Bible Reading
Read Matthew 6:16-18
Why is it that we don’t want to make it completely apparent to others that we are fasting?
What is our reward from fasting? Is it tangible?
Suggested prayer topic: Pray to God that he would humble you through fasting and not make you feel higher spiritually than anyone else.
Afternoon Bible Reading
Read Matthew 9:14-16
Why do we fast if the disciples didn’t fast?
If we are new in Christ why do we need not only new life spiritually but also outwardly?
Suggested prayer topic: Pray that this experience would not be forgotten and that you would have benefited greatly spiritually though these two days.
Congratulations! You made it through the second day! Enjoy your food tomorrow and don’t forget where your food comes from.
“Every good and perfect gift comes from above”
James 1:17
Check out www.new-life.net/fasting.htm for more info regarding fasting. It is a very helpful website and was a huge source in making this event happen!
This is the result of it.
for the actual file please follow this link: http://www.mediafire.com/?591mymkd1lm
FAST
A two-day journey to grow closer to God
Morning of October 17th- Night of October 18th
2007
A little bit of background on fasting and the guidelines
Who was the first person in the bible to fast?
Moses was the first person in the bible recorded to have fasted.
What is the longest amount of time anyone has ever fasted?
40 days is the longest time anyone has ever fasted.
Why fast?
We fast to completely focus on our communication and relationship with God. (Yes you can pray when you’re not fasting, but you can’t fast without praying)
God said, "When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you" (Jeremiah 29:13,14)
What does this fast restrict us from?
We will keep from eating or drinking.
What will we do differently besides not eat or drink?
We will have biblical readings to look over and contemplate on. We will pray quite a bit more than usual and have a few times of worship.
What happens if we break the fast?
Nothing. This is completely between you and God.
Optional additional fast- MEDIA FAST
- Don’t get on the internet unless it’s for school
- Don’t watch TV.
- Don’t listen to music (participating in worship is allowed)
- Don’t watch movies (unless for class)
- Refrain from using your cell phone unless necessary
Day 1: Wednesday, October 17th, 2007
Suggestions:
- When reading the bible passages try to find a secluded place where you won’t be distracted
- Sing to the Lord whatever’s on your heart
- Anytime you feel lead to read something else go ahead and do that
Morning Bible Reading
Read Ezra 8:21-23; 10:6
What is your personal reason for fasting for these two days?
Think of what you hope to accomplish in yourself through this.
Suggested prayer topic: Pray to God that he would move you during this time.
Mid-day Bible Reading
Read Psalm 69
How often do you feel like life is too hard to get past?
Do you generally look at God in these times? What about when things aren’t going too bad?
Suggested prayer topic: Pray to God that you would make this Psalm your own
Afternoon Bible Reading
Read 2 Corinthians 11:16-33
Many boast for their success…is it wrong to boast about our sufferings?
What does fasting symbolize to you?
Suggested prayer topic: Pray that God would use today and tomorrow as an experience of suffering to connect you to Christ’s suffering for us.
Congratulations! You made it through the first day!
Make sure as you fall asleep that you pray for strength for the day ahead and continued focus.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
Day 2: Wednesday, October 17th, 2007
*REMINDER- MAKE SURE TO DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND TO EAT BREAD SO THAT YOU DO NOT GET SICK OR DEHYDRATED*
Morning Bible Reading
Read Matthew 4:1-4
What does man live off of if it is not bread alone?
How does this verse represent Christ in relation to food?
Suggested prayer topic: Pray that God would use this experience to teach you to rely on Him and realize he is more important than and physical thing.
Mid-day Bible Reading
Read Matthew 6:16-18
Why is it that we don’t want to make it completely apparent to others that we are fasting?
What is our reward from fasting? Is it tangible?
Suggested prayer topic: Pray to God that he would humble you through fasting and not make you feel higher spiritually than anyone else.
Afternoon Bible Reading
Read Matthew 9:14-16
Why do we fast if the disciples didn’t fast?
If we are new in Christ why do we need not only new life spiritually but also outwardly?
Suggested prayer topic: Pray that this experience would not be forgotten and that you would have benefited greatly spiritually though these two days.
Congratulations! You made it through the second day! Enjoy your food tomorrow and don’t forget where your food comes from.
“Every good and perfect gift comes from above”
James 1:17
Check out www.new-life.net/fasting.htm for more info regarding fasting. It is a very helpful website and was a huge source in making this event happen!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Emery- I'm only a man
1. "Rock-N-Rule"
Favorite line from this song: "This is a waking up, This is your final call and I would never want to see you get torn apart"
Reasoning for liking this song: Personal connection- "I drove around Chicago, headed to Champaign, I passed right through the country, where the corn is as high as any God has ever made"
Rating for the song: 8/10
2. "The Party Song"
Favorite line from this song: "This is my last advice leave with me cause you could die tonight"
Reasoning for liking this song: Personal connection- lots of my friends party and I really wish they wouldn't because they're screwing up their lives.
Rating for the song: 7/10
3. "World Away" (one of my favorite songs off the album)
Favorite line from this song: "No, I don't want to be, The one who lives a lie But never knew it."
Reasoning for liking this song: music feel- has a very catchy beat
Rating for the song: 9/10
4. "After the Devil Beats his Wife"
Favorite line from this song: "This is the pain of believing"
Reasoning for liking this song: personal connection- We can't save all our friends on our own and it really hurts
Rating for the song: 9/10
5. "Can't Stop the Killer"
Favorite line from this song: "She was never perfect, oh, my friend, neither were you."
Reason for liking this song: musical feel- has a very catchy beat
9/10
6. "Story About a Man With a Bad Heart"
Favorite line from this song: "I'm only a man."
Reason for liking this song: musical feel and very moving and climatic
9/10
7. "Don't Bore Us, Get Us To The Chorus"
Favorite line from this song: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger"
Reason for liking this song: very catchy and I've had the opening line stuck in my head all day
What I don't like about this song: The chorus besides the techno beat sounds exactly like "The Party Song", the intro is horrible...it should start from when he says "As we sit and wait for the curtains to fall"
6/10
8. 'What Makes A Man A Man"
Favorite line from this song: none
Reason for liking this song: Pretty acoustic intro, amazing beat once all instruments come in
8/10
9. "The Movie Song"
Favorite line from this song: "its your face I can't take and my knees are about to buckle the same way as they did the night you walked through my door"
Reason for liking this song: Sounds similar to "The Party Song" at first like it's supposed to but is completely different and extremely catchy
9/10
10. "You Think You're Nickel Slick (But I Got Your Penny Change)"
Favorite line from this song: "Your conscience is pleading as you start believing that what you’re doing is not for you"
Reason for liking this song: very catchy and good music
8/10
11. "From Crib to Coffin"
Favorite line from this song: "I used to be a better man. But the regret came, and here I am"
Reason for liking this song: it's very epic, and when you have time to listen to the whole song it's very moving
9/10
Emery- I'm Only A Man
8/10 based on this CD
6/10 in comparison to their other CDs
I thought I didn't like this CD as much as I do until I really listened to it this way and read all the lyrics.
♥ Carl
New Stuff Coming
I am going to do some album reviews soon...look forward to those...here are some to look for:
Emery- I'm only a man
Dashboard Confessional- The Shade of Poision Trees
Cartel- Cartel
Waking Ashland- The Well
♥ Charl
Emery- I'm only a man
Dashboard Confessional- The Shade of Poision Trees
Cartel- Cartel
Waking Ashland- The Well
♥ Charl
Friday, October 12, 2007
Change
Have you ever noticed how apprehensive we are sometimes when it comes to change?
Why do we let it bother us?
Have you ever done something the old way even though it's harder?
Even though the new way is simple and in no ways bad?
Why is this?
Because we strive for familiarity.
We want what we're used to and what we know.
Change
changes
everything
or at least in our minds.
Try and change up your life a little and do stuff in a different order this week and see how that goes...enjoy life and don't let it just become a chore, that's not what the God of the universe made it for.
♥ Charl
Why do we let it bother us?
Have you ever done something the old way even though it's harder?
Even though the new way is simple and in no ways bad?
Why is this?
Because we strive for familiarity.
We want what we're used to and what we know.
Change
changes
everything
or at least in our minds.
Try and change up your life a little and do stuff in a different order this week and see how that goes...enjoy life and don't let it just become a chore, that's not what the God of the universe made it for.
♥ Charl
Monday, October 1, 2007
My Emotions
We're so quick to let the moment catch us.
Is this really such a bad thing?
Not always.
It's really easy to look at a situation and not see hope even if it's right around the corner and you know it.
We exaggerate time in our minds.
Life is short.
Why do good things always seem so far away?
Because we block out everything else as just decent compared to what we look forward to.
Today I would describe how I feel as "Inevitable" (If you don't know what I mean by that, that's alright), but as I was driving back to college I felt run over with how far away next weekend seems...but then I realized that this week will be fun too.
We need to learn to look forward to moments, but also to enjoy what we have at the time.
I really hope this isn't taken the wrong way...I'm in possibly the best mood of my life, I'm just catching myself from letting time get on my nerves.
If this post confuses you please ask me about this!
Is this really such a bad thing?
Not always.
It's really easy to look at a situation and not see hope even if it's right around the corner and you know it.
We exaggerate time in our minds.
Life is short.
Why do good things always seem so far away?
Because we block out everything else as just decent compared to what we look forward to.
Today I would describe how I feel as "Inevitable" (If you don't know what I mean by that, that's alright), but as I was driving back to college I felt run over with how far away next weekend seems...but then I realized that this week will be fun too.
We need to learn to look forward to moments, but also to enjoy what we have at the time.
I really hope this isn't taken the wrong way...I'm in possibly the best mood of my life, I'm just catching myself from letting time get on my nerves.
If this post confuses you please ask me about this!
Monday, August 20, 2007
My Starbucks
There are several things you find on every [paper] starbucks cup.
These things are:
-The Starbucks Logo
-A Warning of The Extreme Temperatures residing within the cup
-Something letting you know what special thing is in that cup
-A Quote, usually called "The Way I See It #[?]"
These are all part of what makes the starbucks cup what it is.
Believe it or not, one of these gave me a revelation.
...not the logo [which the actual company logo not seen on the cups is quite odd]
Whenever a Christian sees something refering to God in a good way in an unlikely place [such as a starbucks cup] he/she is contented, but when he/she sees something demoting God in an unlikely place [as aforementioned] they are not quite thrilled...but who can blame them
what
about
the
others
Do you think that an athiest smiles when they hear of someone who they don't believe in referenced or refered to in a good way?
or
Do you think they enjoy it more to hear of this "God" who for some reason is not important to them being referenced to as something imaginary?
...it's most likely the second
but it's so easy for us to just think about ourselves when we read things and not think, well what if I wasn't Christian, would I maybe actually enjoy this?
I feel like it's not a matter of respect when you give an opinion, it's a matter of letting someone have their own opinion and not being bothered by it. Loving whether you agree with their beliefs or not.
just love.
-Carl
feel free to leave comments letting me know your opinion on this matter
p.s. if you haven't noticed...i've decided that I will try to stick to revelations and college updates on here
These things are:
-The Starbucks Logo
-A Warning of The Extreme Temperatures residing within the cup
-Something letting you know what special thing is in that cup
-A Quote, usually called "The Way I See It #[?]"
These are all part of what makes the starbucks cup what it is.
Believe it or not, one of these gave me a revelation.
...not the logo [which the actual company logo not seen on the cups is quite odd]
Whenever a Christian sees something refering to God in a good way in an unlikely place [such as a starbucks cup] he/she is contented, but when he/she sees something demoting God in an unlikely place [as aforementioned] they are not quite thrilled...but who can blame them
what
about
the
others
Do you think that an athiest smiles when they hear of someone who they don't believe in referenced or refered to in a good way?
or
Do you think they enjoy it more to hear of this "God" who for some reason is not important to them being referenced to as something imaginary?
...it's most likely the second
but it's so easy for us to just think about ourselves when we read things and not think, well what if I wasn't Christian, would I maybe actually enjoy this?
I feel like it's not a matter of respect when you give an opinion, it's a matter of letting someone have their own opinion and not being bothered by it. Loving whether you agree with their beliefs or not.
just love.
-Carl
feel free to leave comments letting me know your opinion on this matter
p.s. if you haven't noticed...i've decided that I will try to stick to revelations and college updates on here
Monday, July 30, 2007
My Perilous Sneeze
No the title is not a misspelling or freudian slip, this week I had a perilous sneeze.
Let me start with this bit of info:
Because of my surgery I am not supposed to sneeze with my mouth shut. Strange? Yes, but this is because of all the pressure that comes with a sneeze.
Turns out I only need to sneeze once since my surgery so far, and I freaking blow it. I forgot to open my mouth and right afterwards the only thought in my mind was "crap."
It came to get me saturday night. I was in a lot of pain and trying to sleep, but by 4 in the morning [sunday] not having had any luck with that I finally decided to tell my dad that I am in desparate need of pain pills. I was also bleeding quite a bit [not as gross as it sounds...I have to wear a cotton ball in my ear with medicine on it, so it's not like blood was dripping out of my ear].
I take them and sleep comes quickly.
So Sunday around 12 my dad and I go to the hospital to find out that it was just the sneeze and I'm fine, so they gave me some more pain meds just in case.
I feel great now and don't even have drainage, this is defiantely a prayer [or a few] answered!
Carl
Let me start with this bit of info:
Because of my surgery I am not supposed to sneeze with my mouth shut. Strange? Yes, but this is because of all the pressure that comes with a sneeze.
Turns out I only need to sneeze once since my surgery so far, and I freaking blow it. I forgot to open my mouth and right afterwards the only thought in my mind was "crap."
It came to get me saturday night. I was in a lot of pain and trying to sleep, but by 4 in the morning [sunday] not having had any luck with that I finally decided to tell my dad that I am in desparate need of pain pills. I was also bleeding quite a bit [not as gross as it sounds...I have to wear a cotton ball in my ear with medicine on it, so it's not like blood was dripping out of my ear].
I take them and sleep comes quickly.
So Sunday around 12 my dad and I go to the hospital to find out that it was just the sneeze and I'm fine, so they gave me some more pain meds just in case.
I feel great now and don't even have drainage, this is defiantely a prayer [or a few] answered!
Carl
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
My Inspiration
I love when I am inspired by others work.
Today I finally decided to give the band As Cities Burn a chance.
I listened to their music and was suprised in my enjoyment of it as compared to previous memory of not liking it.
This wasn't was sold me though. I then decided to take a look at their lyrics.
I was blown away.
Their lyrics are not only full blown straight forward praises to God, but they also are written in a beautiful poetic stylic which sets them above mere modern rhymes.
Example:
"oh how sweet the sound
I know it saved but is it changing a wretch like me
oh my God how sweet is the sound
I once was blind but now I just look away"
-from their song "Thus From My Lips, By Yours, My Sin Is Purged" off of their record Son, I loved you at your darkest
This kind of music not only inspires me musically, but spiritually and mentally. I hope that reading lyrics and listening to music with this poetic sense gives me another way to connect to God and to praise him.
Music is a beautiful thing...and this is what it was meant for.
Carl
My New Music
I have gone through a series of music phases in my lifetime.
At one point in my childhood I loved radio disney, despite the horrible quality of the station.
[I liked Brittney, N'SYNC, Backstreet Boys, and Christina too]
When I was in 5th grade my favorite artist was Eminem.
Somewhere between 6th and 8th grade [possibly that whole time] I indulged myself in sum 41, simple plan, pop punk bands.
The summer before my freshman year I was invited to a concert at my church with my friend's older brother's band Fast Falls the Eventide. They were a hardcore band. From then too my sophmore year, I would not listen to anything if it did not have screaming [I wasn't really into death metal and all that though, I thought it was scary].
My junior year I began branching out more into emo music with singing but continued my love of hardcore.
Now I will listen to basically anything. My favorite bands right now range from Nickel Creek to Maylene & The Sons of Disaster [the only similarity there being their southern flavor]. To list every genre I now can enjoy or at least appreciate would take too long, but some quick ones. I enjoy some classical, bluegrass, rock, pop punk, hardcore, metalcore, emo, death metal, metal, black metal, southern metal, southern rock, jazz, rap, etc.
I still however am not a big fan of blues or country. Will this change? I hope not.
Carl
At one point in my childhood I loved radio disney, despite the horrible quality of the station.
[I liked Brittney, N'SYNC, Backstreet Boys, and Christina too]
When I was in 5th grade my favorite artist was Eminem.
Somewhere between 6th and 8th grade [possibly that whole time] I indulged myself in sum 41, simple plan, pop punk bands.
The summer before my freshman year I was invited to a concert at my church with my friend's older brother's band Fast Falls the Eventide. They were a hardcore band. From then too my sophmore year, I would not listen to anything if it did not have screaming [I wasn't really into death metal and all that though, I thought it was scary].
My junior year I began branching out more into emo music with singing but continued my love of hardcore.
Now I will listen to basically anything. My favorite bands right now range from Nickel Creek to Maylene & The Sons of Disaster [the only similarity there being their southern flavor]. To list every genre I now can enjoy or at least appreciate would take too long, but some quick ones. I enjoy some classical, bluegrass, rock, pop punk, hardcore, metalcore, emo, death metal, metal, black metal, southern metal, southern rock, jazz, rap, etc.
I still however am not a big fan of blues or country. Will this change? I hope not.
Carl
Monday, July 23, 2007
My Surgery
I thought it would be best if I wrote out what happened [the whole story] of how I got an infection, why I needed surgery, and what's going on now.
How I got the infection:
There is no clear-cut answer to this. It started as swimmer's ear from moisture being trapped in my left ear during my youth group's winter retreat. What I'm guessing happened is snow from a snowball got trapped in my ear since I wear hearing aids and that held the moisture in.
I went to the doctor for medicine to get rid of the swimmer's ear. This worked...but the infection came back even worse as soon as the medicine was done. We followed the same process to get help again, and the same thing happened...leaving me with an excruciatingly painful infection. So finally our ENT [ear, nose, and throat doctor] sent us to a specialist at Loyola Hospital in Wheaton.
Why I needed Surgery:
When we visited the specialist at Loyola he told my dad and I that I had two holes in my left eardrum, one slightly larger than the other. He said that he would put strong medicine in my ear to kill the infection and to come back in a month. This medicine was very painful...however, it was less painful than the infection itself.
We then came back in a month and he said the same thing, put the medicine in and said he would see us back in a month.
When we came back he said that the eardrum was not healing itself fast enough and that I would need to have surgery. So we set the date for right after my mission trip and cornerstone.
What's going on now:
I had the surgery July 19th [5 days ago] and apparently there were some complications. To warn you...I am not 100% sure what is going on right now, so not everything I say here may be a fact, I have been on a lot of medication.
The surgery had a complication and lasted two and a half hours instead of one. This complication was that my ear did try to heal itself but the skin growing in my ear took over completely. They had to remove this. I am not sure what part of the surgery they did successfully complete, but they had to take out a bone that the skin was around and when I go back in 5-6 months, they need to reconstruct a new one.
It has been 5 days so I should be able to go back to life with only a few restrictions:
-no bending over, if I drop something I need to sit down to get it or have someone else get it
-no lifting more than 10 lbs [so much for getting big guns haha]
and a few other rules that I can't remember
Please pray for guidance and solace for me because I am very confused and kind of scared.
Thanks!
Carl
How I got the infection:
There is no clear-cut answer to this. It started as swimmer's ear from moisture being trapped in my left ear during my youth group's winter retreat. What I'm guessing happened is snow from a snowball got trapped in my ear since I wear hearing aids and that held the moisture in.
I went to the doctor for medicine to get rid of the swimmer's ear. This worked...but the infection came back even worse as soon as the medicine was done. We followed the same process to get help again, and the same thing happened...leaving me with an excruciatingly painful infection. So finally our ENT [ear, nose, and throat doctor] sent us to a specialist at Loyola Hospital in Wheaton.
Why I needed Surgery:
When we visited the specialist at Loyola he told my dad and I that I had two holes in my left eardrum, one slightly larger than the other. He said that he would put strong medicine in my ear to kill the infection and to come back in a month. This medicine was very painful...however, it was less painful than the infection itself.
We then came back in a month and he said the same thing, put the medicine in and said he would see us back in a month.
When we came back he said that the eardrum was not healing itself fast enough and that I would need to have surgery. So we set the date for right after my mission trip and cornerstone.
What's going on now:
I had the surgery July 19th [5 days ago] and apparently there were some complications. To warn you...I am not 100% sure what is going on right now, so not everything I say here may be a fact, I have been on a lot of medication.
The surgery had a complication and lasted two and a half hours instead of one. This complication was that my ear did try to heal itself but the skin growing in my ear took over completely. They had to remove this. I am not sure what part of the surgery they did successfully complete, but they had to take out a bone that the skin was around and when I go back in 5-6 months, they need to reconstruct a new one.
It has been 5 days so I should be able to go back to life with only a few restrictions:
-no bending over, if I drop something I need to sit down to get it or have someone else get it
-no lifting more than 10 lbs [so much for getting big guns haha]
and a few other rules that I can't remember
Please pray for guidance and solace for me because I am very confused and kind of scared.
Thanks!
Carl
Sunday, July 22, 2007
My First Post
I guess it's about time I made myself a blog [besides a xanga account from 7th grade]. I probably will not update this very often, but I might be wrong about this as well, considering I generally get pretty addicted to things related to the internet [I've definintely had a myspace addiction, and still going strong with facebook.].
Maybe this will just be an opportunity and place for me to update with how things are going in my life at school and in other ways as well.
Carl
Maybe this will just be an opportunity and place for me to update with how things are going in my life at school and in other ways as well.
Carl
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