Stage Fright

What is it about the stage that scares some people to death? Is it the fact that you become part of the center of attention? Is it the fact that everything you do comes under the scrutiny of many more people than normal? Maybe its the fact that we don't trust ourselves. To be honest with you, I have no clue why people are so scared. I could care less if I'm up on stage. When I am on stage, I'm crazy, I have fun, and if people think I'm weird, well good, I am...

The real reason for the post is that I love to drum. When I'm up there I have fun, I don't care what other people think. Again, why is drumming so much fun, I don't know, it just is. It makes me really happy. To be honest there's no reason why it should. I mean, you're beating a bunch of round things, two year olds do that (granted, without the intensity I do). There's just something about it thats appealing. To be able to play the drums is an awesome experience.

James 1:22-27

Here's some interesting (self explanatory) verses from the book of James that kind of fall along my line of thinking.

Enjoy

²² But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. ²³ For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.²⁴ You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. ²⁵But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

²⁶ If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. ²⁷ Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

The Mentalist

If you haven't seen CBS's new show The Mentalist then you're missing out. Its really awesome, especially the main character Jane. He's some sort of super genius who solves crimes. Jane is just different. People notice that about him. In fact there is no doubt that he is undeniably different, and better than most people. Thats what we as Christians need to be. We need to be so different from the normal people in this world that we stand out. We need to live our lives so devoted to God that people can't help but notice that we have something they don't.

Another interesting thing about Jane that applies to Christianity is that he can become whatever is needed using his smarts. We also need to be able to do that. Paul became what the people who he was trying to convert needed him to be.

Anyway, that was just another brief one. Eventually I will try to get back to longer stuff and to writing more of my book.

Another Update

Alright, here's another update on my life.

First, I've started College applications. I'm pretty sure I'm applying to Carnegie Mellon, University of Pitt, Elon, WVU, Grove City, Messiah, and possibly (depending on the price of applying) John's Hopkins or Princeton, just to see if I can get in.

Second, I've been reading a magazine in the library called Scientific America (or science something it says Origins on the front). Its really interesting (though I don't agree with everything, especially the part about the origins of the Universe) and if you go to Spring-ford I would recomend it.

Finally, I've noticed something. High school seems to be the time when people really make their faith their own. I know a lot of people who are "active" Christians who don't go to my church. Before high school I couldn't really say that. The oposite is also true however, I know a lot more full blown aetheists now as well. Once again, just something I noticed.

In closing, to all my friends worrying about college, or other stuff, a quick verse for you.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."

Matthew 6:34

btw, to those of you who read this as a facebook note, this comes from my blog drummingandrew.blogspot.com, and I would greatly appreciate it if you went there to read it, or leave a comment here, just so I know how many people actually read what I write.

Get off the couch and get in the game

Recently while on facebook I saw that a friend of mine had become a fan of Christianity. I too clicked become a fan. Something struck me then, perhaps this is why Christianity has become stagnant. Too many people are too busy being fans. They want to sit on the sideline and cheer it on. They have good intentions but really don't do anything for their "team." For Christianity to help this world in the way it should, we need more than a small group of people everyone else cheers on. We need everyone to get involved in some way or another. As Christians we need to "get off the couch and get in the game" as one commercial fondly tells us. We need to be the players in this game, we need to be the team.

Anyway, that was just some quick thoughts. It wasn't the best post i've done but I definitely think it has some good points.

100

so yeah, this is my 100th post. Yay... haha

If you're ever bored and want something to think about (well a lot of things) read a chapter of Proverbs. every verse has something to offer. Here's a chapter i read this morning.

Proverbs 18
1 Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.
2 Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
3 Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
4 Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
5 It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.
6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.
7 The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.
8 Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.
9 A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
11 The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
12 Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.
13 Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
14 The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.
16 Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!
17 The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.
18 Flipping a coin[a] can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.
21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.
23 The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.
24 There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Tomorrow

Hey all,
Tomorrow the Spring-Ford High School Marching Band is having their preview night along with the middle school at the football field. It starts around 6ish. the High school should have all of their 48 pages of drill for the opener prepared (the largest we've had for an opener). Come on out and see us perform

My Bucket list

A list of things I want to do before I die.

Go sky-diving

Go diving

Go on multiple out of country mission trips

Attend a Flyers and Phillies playoff game

Go rock climbing on actual rocks (not in a rock gym)

Learn how to surf

See our church's campus completed

Play on a large scale stage with a rock band (will already be doing it with our wind ensemble :) )

Get married and have children

Thats about all I can think of right now, anything you'd like to do? leave a comment