I took my daily trip to punknews.org today and I found some sad news. Mitch Dubey from The Flaming Tsunamis passed away this past Thursday.Honestly, I'm not even a fan of The Flaming Tsunamis. I think I listened to like three songs by them once and thought they were pretty bad. What caught my attention was the way he died. He was killed in an effing home invasion.You know, when a musician dies it's usually something cliche like a drug overdose or a drunk driving accident. But no, Mitch Dubey was apparently vegan and straight edge. None of that for him.
I have a feeling it was premeditated murder. He lived with a couple other roommates which were all there with him at the times, and no one else even got injured. According to them, he was trying to reason with the gunman before he was shot. Then, the gunman just ran off. The guys also reported that they were robbed a couple days before, probably by the same gunman. It was cold-blooded murder. Needless to say I'll be following this case.
I didn't know anything about this guy before hearing about this. Gosh, he seemed so awesome. And he was only 24 years old. Just starting to live. He was in all these bands and worked in a bike shop. He apparently really dug bikes. Also, him being straight-edge strikes a chord with me. I guess you're never completely safe. Props to him for keeping the edge strong all his life. Make sure to pray for him and his loved ones
News artciles on his murder:
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/bike_enthusiast_shot_dead
http://nhregister.com/articles/2011/03/26/news/doc4d8d94530db0c791019583.txt
Short little video of him at a show:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmh9FBDAvwo
And most importantly, donations and such:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=205290239499972
Even though I knew nothing about him before today, it's sad to see such a bright, happy young man go. Rest in peace, Mitch.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
He was there, He is here. He is peace.
This is my 50th post! I can't believe I wrote that much in a matter of months. And I would've written more if I hadn't held back. But in other good news, my grandfather is finally coming here from Cuba. I'm excited, and a bit nervous, since I've never met him. I've only spoken to him a couple times and I barely know what he looks like. I know he's coming because we've been praying strongly for it for months. Which kind-of ties into today's subject.
So do you remember that entry I wrote once about that Christian hardcore band For Today? Well, there's some Youtube videos of their singer preaching in a church someplace and I watched them today. His name's Mattie Montgomery and he's a really cool guy. And like I said in that entry, I like For Today and a lot of their peers because they make honest Christian music. Anyway, a point that he touched on in his preaching was one that really caught my attention and tied into something that I've thought about. He started out by explaining he meets a lot of young Christian musicians who don't talk about faith because they don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable. He also said that a lot of Christians live their lives as if Jesus has given up on us and He's not coming back. He goes on to urge people that it's not just that, "Oh, it's nice if Jesus would come." It's that he MUST come, or we're going to perish. He spoke some really strong words. Which is what I like about him. But he said that caught my attention the most is that as a Christian, people should feel uncomfortable around you.
Now that sounds a bit weird at first, but it's true. I don't think he meant that people should feel scared. He meant that people should get a foreign feeling from you. Back when I was atheist, I used to get that feeling around religious people, so I know what he's talking about. (And just an interesting tidbit; ever since I became a serious Christian, I don't really remember much about being an atheist. I seem to only remember what's necessary for me to understand their point of view. I'd say that's the Holy Spirit.) It was an indescribable feeling. The closest word to describe it is "uncomfortable". As if, I was in the presence of total truth. Which I was, even if I didn't completely realize it at the time.
But that statement got to me because sometimes I feel as though I don't express my faith enough. It's not as though I don't want to, it's more like I don't know how to. Of course, I'm scared of getting into arguments. I know I'll win, but it's still a day-ruiner, you know. Kids nowadays have hearts that are calloused. Their minds are totally closed up. The moment you mention God, they start spouting nonsense. I remember just a few days back, some guy asked me the meaning of my name, and I told him proudly.Just that instant some kid shot off with his nonsense. I manage to stay calm in situations like that, but like I think I said before, it hurts to see how lost they are. And that's something I struggle with. How can I possibly show these kids the way to Jesus? I tried to figure it out by myself, but it just couldn't happen. So I asked Jesus to speak for me at times when it's necessary. I want my statements to be bolder, but for kids my age to understand them. I mean really understand them, in their hearts. Because no one knows when Jesus is going to return. I don't want to see my friends burning. (Another side note: I know God has mercy on young people. But people grow up so fast that the line between "kid" and "adult" is blurred.) And some people say, "Well if God is so loving, why do we end up in Hell?" Because there's no excuse to not believe in Him and love Him. Why do you think there's millions of people that give up their lives to Him? It's to reach people who are lost. If you reject God in your life, He will reject you after your life. And it's not mean or unfair. It's totally fair, because He loved you under all circumstances and He sent you people. Still, you rejected Him.
Aside from that, it bothers me when people get all surprised when I say I'm Christian. It's not like I dress or act outrageously. Sure I act like a fool, but that's to be funny. So you're saying that a Christian doesn't listen to punk music, or drop some f-bombs on accident, or be into "nerdy" stuff, or run around with shovels during Horticulture class? C'mon. I know that they have this image in their mind of a stereotypical Christian girl. That's what makes me angry. The stereotype which we know barely exists. I know a lot of modern Christians who break that stereotype. I want to break that stereotype too. Because that isn't fair. I also used to get mad when I mentioned God or Jesus and people got all pissy. But I'll try not to. After hearing Mattie's preaching, I think they get pissy because deep inside, they know it's true. The more you try to ignore God, the more He'll call you. It's because He wants to be in your life. He's knocking on your door. Not vice-versa.
Long entry is long. Oh well, see ya next entry.
So do you remember that entry I wrote once about that Christian hardcore band For Today? Well, there's some Youtube videos of their singer preaching in a church someplace and I watched them today. His name's Mattie Montgomery and he's a really cool guy. And like I said in that entry, I like For Today and a lot of their peers because they make honest Christian music. Anyway, a point that he touched on in his preaching was one that really caught my attention and tied into something that I've thought about. He started out by explaining he meets a lot of young Christian musicians who don't talk about faith because they don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable. He also said that a lot of Christians live their lives as if Jesus has given up on us and He's not coming back. He goes on to urge people that it's not just that, "Oh, it's nice if Jesus would come." It's that he MUST come, or we're going to perish. He spoke some really strong words. Which is what I like about him. But he said that caught my attention the most is that as a Christian, people should feel uncomfortable around you.
Now that sounds a bit weird at first, but it's true. I don't think he meant that people should feel scared. He meant that people should get a foreign feeling from you. Back when I was atheist, I used to get that feeling around religious people, so I know what he's talking about. (And just an interesting tidbit; ever since I became a serious Christian, I don't really remember much about being an atheist. I seem to only remember what's necessary for me to understand their point of view. I'd say that's the Holy Spirit.) It was an indescribable feeling. The closest word to describe it is "uncomfortable". As if, I was in the presence of total truth. Which I was, even if I didn't completely realize it at the time.
But that statement got to me because sometimes I feel as though I don't express my faith enough. It's not as though I don't want to, it's more like I don't know how to. Of course, I'm scared of getting into arguments. I know I'll win, but it's still a day-ruiner, you know. Kids nowadays have hearts that are calloused. Their minds are totally closed up. The moment you mention God, they start spouting nonsense. I remember just a few days back, some guy asked me the meaning of my name, and I told him proudly.Just that instant some kid shot off with his nonsense. I manage to stay calm in situations like that, but like I think I said before, it hurts to see how lost they are. And that's something I struggle with. How can I possibly show these kids the way to Jesus? I tried to figure it out by myself, but it just couldn't happen. So I asked Jesus to speak for me at times when it's necessary. I want my statements to be bolder, but for kids my age to understand them. I mean really understand them, in their hearts. Because no one knows when Jesus is going to return. I don't want to see my friends burning. (Another side note: I know God has mercy on young people. But people grow up so fast that the line between "kid" and "adult" is blurred.) And some people say, "Well if God is so loving, why do we end up in Hell?" Because there's no excuse to not believe in Him and love Him. Why do you think there's millions of people that give up their lives to Him? It's to reach people who are lost. If you reject God in your life, He will reject you after your life. And it's not mean or unfair. It's totally fair, because He loved you under all circumstances and He sent you people. Still, you rejected Him.
Aside from that, it bothers me when people get all surprised when I say I'm Christian. It's not like I dress or act outrageously. Sure I act like a fool, but that's to be funny. So you're saying that a Christian doesn't listen to punk music, or drop some f-bombs on accident, or be into "nerdy" stuff, or run around with shovels during Horticulture class? C'mon. I know that they have this image in their mind of a stereotypical Christian girl. That's what makes me angry. The stereotype which we know barely exists. I know a lot of modern Christians who break that stereotype. I want to break that stereotype too. Because that isn't fair. I also used to get mad when I mentioned God or Jesus and people got all pissy. But I'll try not to. After hearing Mattie's preaching, I think they get pissy because deep inside, they know it's true. The more you try to ignore God, the more He'll call you. It's because He wants to be in your life. He's knocking on your door. Not vice-versa.
Long entry is long. Oh well, see ya next entry.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Japan!
I wasn't planning on making another entry so soon, but I feel this is necessary. I donated to Japan today. I wasn't going to at first because I was like, "Oh, other places need it more." But I changed my mind. I don't think statistics really matter in this situation. Plus, there's a lot of cool ways to donate now.
Blink-182 released a limited edition shirt and all proceeds go to Japan. That's how I donated, and it's only $15 plus shipping. It's a pretty rad shirt too. Check it out here: http://shop.bompa.com/blink182/
Some prominent pop-punk and indie bands teamed up to make a compilation album to help out. That's only $5, and it's got great bands and hard-to-find songs by them. So you can help out and check out new music at the same time. I'd buy it, but I'm out of cash. The comp is here: http://vstheearthquake.limitedpressing.com/products/8564
Or you could find other ways to help. It's cool to see everyone getting together and helping out Japan in their time of need. I've seen a donation thingy at DeviantArt too, I think. They need it. It's one of the worst catastrophes ever according to some professionals. Japan has given us a lot of awesome stuff, so it's only right that we give back. And you know, it's sort of heart-warming to see everyone scrambling to help out.
Make sure to brighten up someone's day. See ya next entry
Blink-182 released a limited edition shirt and all proceeds go to Japan. That's how I donated, and it's only $15 plus shipping. It's a pretty rad shirt too. Check it out here: http://shop.bompa.com/blink182/
Some prominent pop-punk and indie bands teamed up to make a compilation album to help out. That's only $5, and it's got great bands and hard-to-find songs by them. So you can help out and check out new music at the same time. I'd buy it, but I'm out of cash. The comp is here: http://vstheearthquake.limitedpressing.com/products/8564
Or you could find other ways to help. It's cool to see everyone getting together and helping out Japan in their time of need. I've seen a donation thingy at DeviantArt too, I think. They need it. It's one of the worst catastrophes ever according to some professionals. Japan has given us a lot of awesome stuff, so it's only right that we give back. And you know, it's sort of heart-warming to see everyone scrambling to help out.
Make sure to brighten up someone's day. See ya next entry
Saturday, March 12, 2011
"and in the loneliness of my life,"
So, Jean-Louis "Jack" Kerouac would have been 89 years old today if he hadn't succumbed to alcoholism in 1969. And if he hadn't run into any other trouble along the way. People know I'm a Kerouac fanatic. I mean, it's hard not to be. His works just have that kind of aura surrounding them.
I read his most well-known book, On the Road, earlier this year, and it totally changed my life. Now I'm reading Visions of Cody, and I think the same thing will happen again. I also hope that once I have my record player, I can buy good versions of his audio recordings.
Just wanted to show some love to my favorite writer, and one of the human beings I admire the most. See ya next entry. And happy birthday to Jack Kerouac,
"...because the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones that never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes 'Awww!'"
I read his most well-known book, On the Road, earlier this year, and it totally changed my life. Now I'm reading Visions of Cody, and I think the same thing will happen again. I also hope that once I have my record player, I can buy good versions of his audio recordings.
Maybe Jack Kerouac wasn't the best writer, and to some he's grossly over-sentimental. But I think what made him so great was just that. He was writing from his heart. He could give the most mundane of things this dream-like aura about them. And what also makes his books so enchanting is that they're all autobiographical. He just wrote them all as fiction. It's amazing how he could capture so many sides of the same people (as many of the characters are recurring). Lately, I've become convinced that if I ever got to meet Jack Kerouac in real life, I would be totally enamored. We saw the same things, and maybe shared the same kind of soul, if you get what I'm saying. I'm just as "grossly over-sentimental" as he was.
Just wanted to show some love to my favorite writer, and one of the human beings I admire the most. See ya next entry. And happy birthday to Jack Kerouac,
"...because the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones that never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes 'Awww!'"
"And I will die, and you will die, and we all will die, and even the stars will fade out one after another in time."
Friday, March 4, 2011
may we all make it home safely.
At my school, we have gold/black days. So, on gold days I have my first four periods and on black days I have my last four. I'm starting to hate gold days. I either go home way too happy or very frustrated, and it tends to be the latter. You see, there's a bunch of very rude atheists in my third period. It bothers me. It's really sad to see how empty all of them are, and to think they're too blind to see it.
This one boy today said the most ridiculous thing. He must have been showing off or something, because it would be totally preposterous if he was serious. The kids were talking about heaven and hell, right? And that one boy just goes, "If I get to heaven, I'm going to slap God across the face and say 'I don't believe in you' and go down to hell and party." Add some sickening enthusiasm to that, and that's what he said. Maybe to people other than me it's not that big of a deal. But I think that all Christians should take concern over statements like that. I'm not even going to go into all the scientific/theological inconsistencies of what he said, because then I'll lose my mind. I felt so hurt when he said that. It's hard to describe. I wasn't hurt because he offended me. Or because he offended God, because God can't be mocked. I felt hurt for him. It's quite pitiful. He's talking so big and he has no idea what's coming. The thing is, he's such a nice boy. But once the subject of religion comes along, he gets so hostile. My grandma always says that, "El que no este con Dios esta con el Diablo". Which translates to, "Anyone who is not with God is with the Devil. It's true. That's why they get so hostile when you say something positive about Christianity. It doesn't mean they're actually possessed or anything crazy like that, but they're lost. The world is in a way the Devil's temporary kingdom. If you don't claim Heaven to be your home, then your home is Earth. If your home is Earth, your king is the epitome of all that is evil.
I was on christianpost.com earlier today and I found this article over these atheist billboards that are popping up in some places. It's referring to how atheists claim they can be good people without a deity to communicate these moral values with. You know what I mean. They say they just know what's right. They also say that humans created the concept of a deity to enforce these moral values. I think it was C.S. Lewis who touched on this once. He said that if there was no God, there would be no atheists. It's like how people who lived in total darkness wouldn't have to say there's no light. Because it was never there, and there was never an apparent sign of it. They wouldn't know of it at all. The thing is, us humans live in light. If you go out early in the morning when there's a lot of light, you'll see signs of God everywhere. The most obvious is the brightness of it. But you'll still see darkness in some places. Like in shadows or in the privacy of people's homes. Some people choose to hide in life's dark spots and deny the light no matter how bright it is, and they think they can hide from the light. Those who live in the light have nothing to fear except God. And it truly isn't a bad thing to fear God. That's why our eyes our brighter, our voices bolder, and our lives so purposeful.
"Now is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It won't last forever. We must take it or leave it."
--C.S. Lewis (spread the Lewis love!)
Thanks for reading and see ya next entry.
This one boy today said the most ridiculous thing. He must have been showing off or something, because it would be totally preposterous if he was serious. The kids were talking about heaven and hell, right? And that one boy just goes, "If I get to heaven, I'm going to slap God across the face and say 'I don't believe in you' and go down to hell and party." Add some sickening enthusiasm to that, and that's what he said. Maybe to people other than me it's not that big of a deal. But I think that all Christians should take concern over statements like that. I'm not even going to go into all the scientific/theological inconsistencies of what he said, because then I'll lose my mind. I felt so hurt when he said that. It's hard to describe. I wasn't hurt because he offended me. Or because he offended God, because God can't be mocked. I felt hurt for him. It's quite pitiful. He's talking so big and he has no idea what's coming. The thing is, he's such a nice boy. But once the subject of religion comes along, he gets so hostile. My grandma always says that, "El que no este con Dios esta con el Diablo". Which translates to, "Anyone who is not with God is with the Devil. It's true. That's why they get so hostile when you say something positive about Christianity. It doesn't mean they're actually possessed or anything crazy like that, but they're lost. The world is in a way the Devil's temporary kingdom. If you don't claim Heaven to be your home, then your home is Earth. If your home is Earth, your king is the epitome of all that is evil.
I was on christianpost.com earlier today and I found this article over these atheist billboards that are popping up in some places. It's referring to how atheists claim they can be good people without a deity to communicate these moral values with. You know what I mean. They say they just know what's right. They also say that humans created the concept of a deity to enforce these moral values. I think it was C.S. Lewis who touched on this once. He said that if there was no God, there would be no atheists. It's like how people who lived in total darkness wouldn't have to say there's no light. Because it was never there, and there was never an apparent sign of it. They wouldn't know of it at all. The thing is, us humans live in light. If you go out early in the morning when there's a lot of light, you'll see signs of God everywhere. The most obvious is the brightness of it. But you'll still see darkness in some places. Like in shadows or in the privacy of people's homes. Some people choose to hide in life's dark spots and deny the light no matter how bright it is, and they think they can hide from the light. Those who live in the light have nothing to fear except God. And it truly isn't a bad thing to fear God. That's why our eyes our brighter, our voices bolder, and our lives so purposeful.
"Now is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It won't last forever. We must take it or leave it."
--C.S. Lewis (spread the Lewis love!)
Thanks for reading and see ya next entry.
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