Well friends, here I sit - an hour and 32 minutes before the start of my final class for the term. Here I sit, one blog post away from completing my blogging assignment. I like to think that now that I've started a blog and kept it updated for 7 weeks, that I'll continue the trend on into the future. I honestly hope I do. The reality, however, is that Seven Days might get pushed to the wayside. I may forget. Or not feel like it. Or (most likely) I'll get busy with work, and school, and summer living, and (hopefully) finding a young miss to marry and neglect the blog.
I hope this isn't the case, BUT, I'm just warning you! Thanks to everyone for your comments and input. As of right now, 19 people have taken and offered feedback on the survey I posted last week. If/When I get back to the blog, your suggestions will be helpful in turning this blog into exactly what interests and benefits more people.
Again, thanks for reading...and until next time, take advantage of every seven days God gives you!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
integrity
in•teg•ri•ty |inˈtegritē|
noun
1 the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness : he is known to be a man of integrity.
2 the state of being whole and undivided : upholding territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
• the condition of being unified, unimpaired, or sound in construction : the structural integrity of the novel.
• internal consistency or lack of corruption in electronic data : [as adj. ] integrity checking.
This past weekend has been a hectic one. I try not to complain or vent about life and I won't do it here. But, a lot's been on my mind and on my plate. Tonight in class, we had a discussion about the word shown above - integrity. The lecture focused on the second definition and developed into how we can become whole or one with God.
It made me think about a YouTube video I used to watch everyday. At one point, I had it memorized, but over the past month and a half, I haven't made it a priority. During tonight's class, I realized that part of the reason why I've been feeling overwhelmed has been because I've been focusing on the details of my life and not on the big picture. I've needed to get back to the most important things and the smaller matters will take care of themselves. That's how it's worked for 24 years of my life, at least.
The video I mentioned, will help in achieving personal integrity. It helps in focusing your mind on what matters most. It can change your perspective and your attitude. I've posted it on my Facebook page before, but here it is again. Enjoy! And let it improve the integrity - the wholeness - of your life!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
do you really want to go there, Kev?
I don't like confrontation. Anyone that knows me well, knows this. I love talking with anyone I can about most topics, but I don't usually let those conversations get too heated or political. Tonight, however, after a conversation with a couple of my best friends, I've got some thoughts. So, just to warn you, if you're looking for a happy-go-lucky post about nothing, stop. Save your time. But if you're hoping to know me a little bit better and understand my feelings on one of the most important topics of the day, then continue on...
I'm a Mormon. Although that's a nickname that members of my church have been given, the actual name of the church I attend is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." I know - it's a long name that may be a little hard to say, but that title means a lot to me. In every sense of the word, members of the church, myself included, try to follow Jesus Christ. In all that we do or say, we try to follow Jesus Christ. The keyword in each of the two prior sentences is "try." Does any member of the LDS faith bat 1000%? In one word - No.
Recently, I've seen quite a few posts among members of the same church as me regarding same-sex marriage and same-gender attraction. These posts are coming from Mormons that I know from Pennsylvania, to Utah, to California, to Idaho, to Washington (to name a few states). It's fine to me that these friends of mine are posting about modern-day topics. It's fine that we are staying current and up-to-date on the issues that surround our time. When these friends undertake to support and condone actions and lifestyles that we are taught are not part of God's plan...that's when I take exception.
Now, don't get me wrong. I don't dislike, shun, avoid or ridicule any person that may fall into the same-gender attraction demographic. I understand that getting into this topic puts me at risk of being labeled a "bigot" or "not understanding" and "not loving." That's not it and I hope no one gets that impression. Above all the labels I hope to obtain, however, is that of a disciple of Jesus Christ. And in my course to achieve such a label, I have found that the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lead me in this path. Along this path and as part of LDS doctrine, we understand "that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children."
To me, it's clear how the LDS Church views the same-sex marriage debate. We are aware that it is an issue, but that doesn't make it okay. Even though it's happening, that doesn't make it okay. And even though an increasing number of LDS members are coming out and admitting their same-gender attraction, it is still not okay. In the world of 2012, with media and Facebook and Twitter and 24/7 coverage of every, little detail concerning everything you can imagine - it seems to be okay. But to an unchangeable, perfect, all-knowing and all-concerned God, it's not okay.
As I mentioned before, I don't like controversy. But, I do seek truth and knowledge. I believe that the leaders of the LDS church are inspired as to what truth is and has been and always will be. To God, marriage will continue to be between a man and a woman. To me, marriage will continue to be between a man and a woman.
In short, none of us make these rules. But a perfect God does and I'm willing to trust Him. Because I trust Him, I will continue to love others. Because I trust Him, I will do my best to respect others and the decisions they make as His children. What I won't do, is say that the definition of marriage is outdated. Or apologize for the values I hold. Or try to say that sin is not sin.
There you have my two (or three...or four) cents. Let the comments begin.
I'm a Mormon. Although that's a nickname that members of my church have been given, the actual name of the church I attend is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." I know - it's a long name that may be a little hard to say, but that title means a lot to me. In every sense of the word, members of the church, myself included, try to follow Jesus Christ. In all that we do or say, we try to follow Jesus Christ. The keyword in each of the two prior sentences is "try." Does any member of the LDS faith bat 1000%? In one word - No.
Recently, I've seen quite a few posts among members of the same church as me regarding same-sex marriage and same-gender attraction. These posts are coming from Mormons that I know from Pennsylvania, to Utah, to California, to Idaho, to Washington (to name a few states). It's fine to me that these friends of mine are posting about modern-day topics. It's fine that we are staying current and up-to-date on the issues that surround our time. When these friends undertake to support and condone actions and lifestyles that we are taught are not part of God's plan...that's when I take exception.
Now, don't get me wrong. I don't dislike, shun, avoid or ridicule any person that may fall into the same-gender attraction demographic. I understand that getting into this topic puts me at risk of being labeled a "bigot" or "not understanding" and "not loving." That's not it and I hope no one gets that impression. Above all the labels I hope to obtain, however, is that of a disciple of Jesus Christ. And in my course to achieve such a label, I have found that the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lead me in this path. Along this path and as part of LDS doctrine, we understand "that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children."
To me, it's clear how the LDS Church views the same-sex marriage debate. We are aware that it is an issue, but that doesn't make it okay. Even though it's happening, that doesn't make it okay. And even though an increasing number of LDS members are coming out and admitting their same-gender attraction, it is still not okay. In the world of 2012, with media and Facebook and Twitter and 24/7 coverage of every, little detail concerning everything you can imagine - it seems to be okay. But to an unchangeable, perfect, all-knowing and all-concerned God, it's not okay.
As I mentioned before, I don't like controversy. But, I do seek truth and knowledge. I believe that the leaders of the LDS church are inspired as to what truth is and has been and always will be. To God, marriage will continue to be between a man and a woman. To me, marriage will continue to be between a man and a woman.
In short, none of us make these rules. But a perfect God does and I'm willing to trust Him. Because I trust Him, I will continue to love others. Because I trust Him, I will do my best to respect others and the decisions they make as His children. What I won't do, is say that the definition of marriage is outdated. Or apologize for the values I hold. Or try to say that sin is not sin.
There you have my two (or three...or four) cents. Let the comments begin.
Friday, June 8, 2012
survey time!
Hey everyone! As part of the assignment for which I began this blog, I
need some reader input. How would you feel about helping me out and
filling out the survey below? I really appreciate the feedback and hope
to implement your suggestions as I keep the blog going. Thanks,
everyone!
Click here to start the quick, 3-question survey!
That wasn't too hard, was it? Stay posted as I will try to use some of your suggestions from the feedback area into my upcoming posts. Again, each of your responses will be confidential, so be honest, be brutal, be helpful!
I've always enjoyed writing, but never put anything out there for the world to see until now. I appreciate all the comments and "likes" you've given me so far and look forward to creating future posts about topics that will make your days just a little bit better.
Thanks again, everyone! Have a great Friday :)
Click here to start the quick, 3-question survey!
That wasn't too hard, was it? Stay posted as I will try to use some of your suggestions from the feedback area into my upcoming posts. Again, each of your responses will be confidential, so be honest, be brutal, be helpful!
I've always enjoyed writing, but never put anything out there for the world to see until now. I appreciate all the comments and "likes" you've given me so far and look forward to creating future posts about topics that will make your days just a little bit better.
Thanks again, everyone! Have a great Friday :)
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
travel
After creating a bucket list about my top sports “to-do’s”, I thought that I should show my well-roundedness and share my travel bucket list. Although I’ve seen a lot throughout the United States, I’ve never left the country. I’ve seen the Empire State Building in New York City, the Space Needle in Seattle, Yellowstone, the Smithsonian in Washington D.C., and the strip of Las Vegas.
Still, there are places I’d like to go in the U.S. and plenty outside of the States. So, indulge me for a few minutes we make our way back into another bucket list.
U.S.A.
Hawaii!
Alaska
Golden Gate Bridge
Redwood National Forest
Yosemite Park
The Hollywood sign
San Diego, CA
Grand Canyon
San Antonio, Texas
The Alamo
St. Louis Arch
Chicago
Charleston, South Carolina
The Bayou in Louisiana
Disney World!
Everywhere else
Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
South Africa
Dubai
Egyptian Pyramids
Great Wall of China
Amazon Rain Forest
London
Paris
Rome
Jerusalem
Mt. Everest - to look at...not to climb!
And oh yeah - I WILL live in Washington again (at some point in my life).
And oh yeah - I WILL live in Washington again (at some point in my life).
What places have I missed? Any of your favorite spots?
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
the ultimate bucket list
As many of you know, I'm an avid sports fan. I love everything about sports. I love the sights, sounds, and smells of a ballpark - whether it's at a little league game or a big league stadium. I love the marching band on metal bleachers at a Friday night football game just as much as being in a college football stadium on a Saturday afternoon. The squeaking of sneakers on a hardwood gym floor brings a smile to my face every time. In this spirit, I'd like to present to you, my ultimate sports bucket list. The must-see sporting events that I hope to see before I die.
Baseball
Wrigley Field
Fenway Park
Yankees Stadium
World Series
A Pittsburgh Pirates playoff game at PNC Park
MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY
College Baseball World Series
Football
Steelers Super Bowl game
Monday Night Football
Penn State Bowl Game
A Penn State win at Ohio St.
A Penn State win at Michigan
A BYU win at Utah
Basketball
Phog Allen Fieldhouse
Duke v. North Carolina
Cameron Indoor Stadium
Men’s Final Four
Everything Else
Winter and Summer Olympics
Kentucky Derby
Masters at Augusta National
The British Open
Appear on ESPN's SportsCenter
Not too much to ask, right?
Comment here or on Facebook what your additions/subtractions would be!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
serenity now
Everyone deserves some time to unwind. One of my favorite places to unwind is anywhere near water. Ponds will do the trick. Rivers hit the spot. The beach is of course the ultimate, but this weekend, I had a lake, a boat, a fishing pole, and great people to enjoy it with.
There's something about water that soothes me. Maybe it's easy going, free flowing way of doing things is what calms me. Perhaps, it could be that while I watch a sunset or a mountain range reflect off it's surface that I'm able to reflect on my life. It could be how water cleanses, washes, gives life and offers second chances. Whatever it is, I feel at peace when it's me and the water.
When I go to clear my mind, I end up thinking about life and the bigger picture. That's an odd phenomenon to me, but that's how it goes. Although it's strange how it works, it's usually just what I need. On this trip, water cleansed my mind, washed away doubts, gave life to my thoughts and goals and opened doors that were shut by doubt and uncertainty.
When you began reading, you didn't even think that there would be a free gift from me to you at the end, but there is! It's an invitation to find your place to unwind. To slow down, take a deep breath, collect your thoughts and give some thought to this life of yours. Whoever or wherever you are, you've got a place. Maybe you've haven't found it yet, or maybe it's a place you visit everyday. Regardless, GO.
And remember Kevin from "Seven Days" sent you.
When I go to clear my mind, I end up thinking about life and the bigger picture. That's an odd phenomenon to me, but that's how it goes. Although it's strange how it works, it's usually just what I need. On this trip, water cleansed my mind, washed away doubts, gave life to my thoughts and goals and opened doors that were shut by doubt and uncertainty.
When you began reading, you didn't even think that there would be a free gift from me to you at the end, but there is! It's an invitation to find your place to unwind. To slow down, take a deep breath, collect your thoughts and give some thought to this life of yours. Whoever or wherever you are, you've got a place. Maybe you've haven't found it yet, or maybe it's a place you visit everyday. Regardless, GO.
And remember Kevin from "Seven Days" sent you.
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