Can someone really be renewed?

I was on the Dart this morning on my way to work and the bus driver and another passenger were having quite the conversation. Randomly the passenger brings up the Crips and was talking about the founder and how he was nominated for Nobel Peace Prizes (The picture is of the founder: Stan Tookie Williams).

I decided to read up on him a bit to figure out how in the world could a guy who started a deadly gang be nominated for something like that. It made me think, after reading a bunch of his history, and ask myself about being renewed. Are we ever fully renewed? I mean, seriously, someone who was convicted of killing four people can become good? Is there really a turning back from that?

I guess the idea of good vs evil is really difficult for me to completely grasp. I know that I am renewed as a child of God, but just the thought of a murder being praised for work he did while in jail is hard for me to understand. I guess we'll never know. Maybe he did change and maybe not. That is where we leave it with the Big Man on campus; it's in his hands.

Mary Poppins sang in the rain?

I'm not sure why, but this video makes me think of Mary Poppins. I think it has to do with the weather and the sign-song aspect of it. Then again, I could be totally wrong and there could be no connection. I really think it might be the umbrella opening.

His facial expression when he leans up against the light pole reminds me of Jim Carrey in The Mask. I always thought that face was creepy.

Tis all.

Connections

The Martin Agency

I really enjoy the series The Martin Agency put out for FreeCreditReport.com. These commercials have that point of difference quality in their advertising. Their product may not be different, but the way they advertise a credit check website is definitely not something I would consider the norm for that type of service.

This commercial portrays vertical intertextuality to me. The main portion of this commercial is of the three guys in the car driving and singing a song. I believe that indirectly creates a connection to Wayne's World when they are driving in the car singing that song. Definitely one of my fav older movies, and that is the first thing I thought about when I saw this commercial.

Also, it related to me with a tertiary text from my first job when I was sixteen. I was a carhop at Sonic Drive-In, and my manager drove that car that's in the commercial. I remembered how much of a p.o.s. that vehicle was and I definitely would check my credit at this website so as to never have to drive that car..ever.

And here's another one from FreeCreditReport.com just because I think they are funny. Rather stupid, but I think that makes them funny.

Why is it..

...that there is such rivalry between schools. A good friend of mine is a TCU alum, and she came in town for less than 24 hours to recruit at a career fair they had on campus. I decided that I would take her so that way we could catch up, and then when we get to campus I realize I'm wearing an SMU shirt. I thought to myself for a split second, "maybe I shouldn't walk on campus" because of what I was wearing. The only reason I say this is because at the TCU/SMU football game this past fall I heard some pretty harsh words from people around me who knew I was an SMU student.

Regardless, I debated with myself for about 2 minutes on whether or not I should run to the student center on TCU's campus to go to the ladies room. And then I sit there and laugh at myself. Why does it matter? Why is it that there is always such HUGE rivalry. Yeah, I get it your team vs my team and we both want to win. But should it really matter all that much? I mean Rachel and I are still good friends even though we went to rivalry schools.

I don't know; maybe it's a useless cause, but I think some students take rivalry a little too far.

Then again, I need to be careful of those around me who may have strong attitudes about rivalry.

I came across a site that had the top ranked cities with reported incidences of road rage across the United States. I was suprised to see Dallas/Fort Worth only ranked 21st. I realize that Dallas isn't the worst, but I know that I have been victimized and partaken in quite a bit of road rage.

Then it got me thinking even more.....why do we partake in this act of road rage? In case everyone didn't know the other people CAN'T hear you!!! I really need to remember that one....because I defintiely forgot about it today on my way home from work.

That's it.

Why don't people wake up?

Today in one of my psychology classes we were talking about the effects of drugs on our mental state. My professor mentioned a case with one of her best friend's sons; he died a few years back from an accidental overdose. She was quite cynical of this terminology "accidental" overdose. Do people not understand that there is the possibility of dying when doing something as stupid as drugs?

I really wish people, especially high school and college students would open their freaking eyes and realize that it COULD BE THEM! Why is that so hard to believe? Why do young adults make it so hard to believe that something really could go wrong? It would be really helpful to everyone (not just the young adult) if they would grasp the idea of life and how fragile it is. That way, we as friends and family members won't have to mourn another "accidental overdose" death. It is just too sad to see lives wasted that way.

((I don't mean to offend anyone by these statements. I just really don't want to hear about another SMU student or someone I know personally die from something that is SOO AVOIDABLE!!!!!!

Dear America,
Please wake up.
Thanks.

Wow, and you have a drivers license becase...

Did you notice the car in the far right lane? If not, watch it again closely.


Does this person NOT realize how valuable and precious our lives are? I really think there are so many people out there who don't understand the meaning our lives have. People...please, please wake up and realize that you need to live your life- except NOT like this person..

Encouraging Moment..

LAUGHTER is the key.



I happened to come by this movie looking for a picture of laughter.

Once a month I volunteer with my family to go to CityHouse to hang out and eat dinner with the kids there. CityHouse is an inbetween home (homeless shelter) for teens to get away from rough family situations and get the help they need.

Tonight was awesome. There was a young girl there that really opened my heart. She was full of laughter and you could see the joy in her eyes. For me, it was as if God was telling me that I didn't need to worry. Why do I get afraid or worried about little things when I have everything I need? I have the comfort of a home and a loving family, most of these children there may not. It was just inspiring to see these group of girls laughing (we were laughing so hard I couldn't stop crying!) and puttig their worries aside.

Why do we worry about the small things? Why is it that we take a lot of what we have for granted? Tonight really helped me to see that we are all truly blessed to be where we are. The young girl really helped me find a new love for life. I am so glad that CityHouse is a part of my life.

Many blessings.

What hurts the most...

This one is a really sad one. Why do we get so close to people that we could lose? Why is it as humans we strive for loving, personal relationships with others when there is always a chance of being hurt?

And why is it that we take the pain out on others? I think the whole concept of falling in love is amazing. I definitely believe it's an experience that we are meant to go through it, but why is it such a hard, painful path?

This is one of those songs that makes you realize never wait to say I love you, never wait to show how much you care. Never regret.

How to say goodbye..

So, yesterday was a pretty awesome day. My dad had emailed me this link to watch this music video by Michael W. Smith. Can I go ahead and say..grab tissues before you watch this!



I remember going through some of these similar feelings/events when I went away to school to SFA when I was a freshman. Being back at home these past two years has been really different from when I was in high school. Now, after just being offered a position as an RA for the next academic year I wonder...why is it so hard to move on? For example..SMU is only 25 minutes down the road from my house (which is why I still live at home), yet it will be hard to say goodbye.

Maybe this doesn't apply to the guys, but from a perspective of a girl who definitely spent the last three years as a "daddy's girl" I know it applies to a lot of girls. I just think this is an awesome display of what a lot of girls and their fathers go through when they move on to different stages of their lives.

Hope you didn't cry too much.

Talk about gentleman-like...

Keep in mind...not really an A&M fan...until tonight.

So, tonight I took my sister (who's a freshman at Collin College) to a transfer college fair. When we got there the place was packed with over 30 people standing in the back (which is where we were). This advisor from A&M gets up to speak on the panel and the first thing he does is commend this guy in the back that gave his seat up for a lady. And then he said, "come on guys, can we show some compassion for the ladies?"

These two guys in front of my sister and I are the first to get up after the Aggie guy said that; I was in a kind of shock. And you see all these men get up to give their seats to girls. It was really awesome and yet so simple. What ever happened to compassion and caring like that. And I'm not even talking about just when guys give up their seats for girls or hold the doors open for them, but what about when people do the same for disabled or elderly people? I mean, I know I try my best to go out of my way to help others when the opportunity is there, but what about the rest of America? When was the last time you showed compassion? Or like the organization from high schools across the U.S. "Random Acts of Kindness?"

Go out there tomorrow, and show some compassion.

The Face of Evil...

When I think of evil the first thing that comes to mind is Eve eating that Forbidden Fruit. That is the "route of all evil."

Evil is sin. Satan is sin, therefore satan is evil. Anything stemming from Satan is an evil. Anything that is against God is evil.

I think evil is something that eats you up inside. If you are doing something out of evilness then you KNOW it. You know when you are doing something evil.

Evil is definitely a killer.

Stop. Be different.

I really liked this idea. To me it has such a huge meaning of taking time to be different from the world.


We live in a society that is full of wordly views, worldy possessions, and the next-new-thing. I think their purpose in doing this FREEZE show is to exemplify the importance of being different. Stand out. Don't be afraid to look different than this world and the people of this world.


That goes for the people on campus. Haven't you ever though about NOT wearing the same thing as 1000+ people that you see everyday????


My suggestion...take time this week to notice something different and to be something different.

Divorced Couple Advertising??

This was an advertisment my fundamentals of marketing class watched a couple of weeks ago. I wasn't sure how to react to this ad. And I think for me it became personal because I come from a family of divorced parents. I think this ad shows false hope, but maybe that's what Ford was shooting for? I mean look at what happend with Ford & Firestone.

I just think this was a horrible way to market this vehicle. I mean what purpose does it do to advertise to people that hey, even if you get divorced, this is still the car for you! Seriously..it doesn't work out that way..and if it does it's on the rare occasion that it does.

If I would have seen this ad when I was younger when my parents divorced I think it would have caused that false sense of hope that maybe, just maybe things really would work out. And they almost never due, but hey, maybe it does for other people??

Judgment? Really?

About a year ago I was talking with a friend who came to the conclusion that I was judgmental. After explaining where I had come from and what experiences I had gone through to become the person I am, my friend began to understand where I was coming from.

Why is it that people automatically judge that just because I'm a Christian or a Follower of Christ that I am going to judge them? Being a Christian isn't about being judgmental or pointing out the faults of others; trust me...I have plenty of faults. I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I've also learned and moved on. I live each day to strive to be as close to God as I can, and sometimes I move closer and sometimes I take steps back.

I'm NOT perfect, and I DON'T judge people, so please quit judging me. Give me a chance.

Had to get that off my chest. It came up again today in a conversation.

Miracles do happen..

For those hockey fans out there...you should have already heard about this.



"Zednik was cut during the third period Sunday in Buffalo when Panther captain Olli Jokinen was upended and his skate swung up, hitting Zednik in the right side of the neck, nearly severing his carotid artery. He underwent emergency surgery and required five units of blood, and is recovering in a hospital. The accident happened almost 20 years after Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk severed his jugular vein when an opposing player's skate clipped him. He also recovered." - msnbc

This yet again proves the need to embrace life to the fullest. Say the things you want to say; don't hesitate. Zednik is lucky to still be alive; scratch that..he's BLESSED to be alive. This situation goes to show that it was definitely NOT his time to go. The possiblity of this injury occuring is so small; yet it does happen. I think that is definitely an eye opener for all those hockey players and their families.

I found out about this right after I left the STARS hockey game on Monday. I pray that no one has to go through this again. But I thank God for keeping Zednik safe!!

How old am I?

It's days like these that make me feel old!

One of my little sisters turned 19 today. And it's not like it's a shocker or anything (she is only a year and a half younger thanme), BUT that means I'm almost 21. Which to me...is so weird.

I remember vividly turning 14. How am I already almost 21? Where does time go? Where does life go? It's crazy to think that life goes so fast. But then that goes back to why we, as people of this world, crave to fill ourselves with busyness and forget to relax and ENJOY life.

If there is one thing that I have learned since I finished my freshman year of college is that life is short so do all you can. And ENJOY your time here on this earth. That is something I need to remember...spend less time being busy!!!!!!!! (Which is really hard for the type-A people of this world)

All for now.

....the grape lady...

I know this is horrible..



...why do people find humor in others' pain? I was at work the other day and a few of the staff members were sitting there cracking up about this video for probably 20 minutes. The first time I saw this film I wasn't sure if I was supposed to feel bad for her or laugh. That poor lady! Why do people find this so funny?

I'd like to see you laugh after YOU fall off a table stomping grapes and probably break your leg!

We never realize..

...how valuable life really is...

You will see what this picture has to do with it..

I was talking with one of my friends yesterday and she told me this horrible story about what happened to her on her first day of classes this semester.

She was driving to campus and while sitting at a stop light she sees this girl run full speed into this guy in a wheel chair (don't worry it wasn't House). But my friend is sitting their tramatized having seen this guy get hit by a car.

She told me this and how freaked out she was and it made me realize a couple things. One: people need to learn to get off the damn phone when they are driving, oh, and MAYBE pay attention to pedestrians??? The girl didn't even slam on her breaks...some people...

And another thing, it made me think about how valuable our lives are. We are only here on this earth for such a short amount of time, but I think, especially after hearing this story, that we need to take each day and live it to the fullest. I'm not saying party all the time (as I guarantee a lot of average college students would think), but live it fully. Take every chance you get to say "I love you" and to spend time with people you care about. Take the time for a phone call to a 'long lost friend' and plan as many girl or guy nights as you can. Realize that we should be lucky to live another day!

Sorry for the rather depressing post, but I feel like people need to remember this..

What about the soldiers?

So, I was at the grocery store the other day and this lady was talking on the phone about the war and how it's pointless and on and on she went. And I'm standing there at the check out and I want to yell at her.

I may not always support the war, but can we PLEASE freaking remember that there are men and women over there fighting and dying? Can we at least support and pray for those brave enough to go over there. I have friends in the war and thank the Lord one of them came back safely this past week, but we need to support them even if some don't support the war. These men and women need our love and our prayers to make it through what they go through everyday!

Please, even if you don't support the war think about the soliders over there. They need us just as much as we need them.

All for now..

Kill'em with Kindness

"Sometimes when I feel like killing someone, I do a little trick to calm myself down. I'll go over to the persons house and ring the doorbell. When the person comes to the door, I'm gone, but you know what I've left on the porch? A jack-o-lantern with a knife stuck in the side of it's head with a note that says "You." After that I usually feel a lot better, and no harm done." - Jack Handee, SNL

I bet there are a ton of people out there who feel like this sometimes. I can't say that I've ever wanted to kill someone though. Maybe we need to remember that in Romans 12 it says, " Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Like the whole idea of "Kill'em with kindess." I wish more people would think like that nowadays....