Monday, July 25, 2005

They are at it again...

A friend of mine came over today to visit me. Before I got home, my dad sat him down and told him to set me straght. My friend listened and then didn't say anything much. He did tell my parents that he is from a messed-up family. His home had lots of turmoil growing up. He got into drugs and other things, and I think he is on anti-depressants now. He also has a brother who is in prison--his brother has a drug problem and recently started robbing banks to support the habit. He got caught and is in prison. My parents are really out of the loop--they think people are perfect. They have no idea, they don't even know me, and the things I have been through.

Indian kids are the same way as American kids--especially today, they have access to all the vices that American kids get into. But the Indian kids are experts at hiding things. The parents have no idea what goes on, it is well hidden so that the family maintains their "respect" and "dignity." I have heard of some Indians getting married--these are "good" people. And then the husband gets an STD, and finds out that he got it from his wife (or vice versa, lets not blame any specific person here). The point is, Americans know, for better or worse, what their spouse has done. Indians keep it hidden, for as long as they can.

In any case, my girl is wonderful. Everyone who meets her and knows her agrees. Everyone praises her beauty and her love and compassion. She is a Godly woman. One example is that she is currently taking a paraplegic to church every week. She drives 30 minutes out of her way to take the wheelchair bound girl to church every week. That says it all. I can't wait to marry this woman, she is a treasure and so special. I can't wait....

Sunday, July 17, 2005

Dreams

I met some friends today. One of them, an old friend, said he had a dream about me. My church encourages us to write down our dreams, perhaps they are from God. There were many in the Bible who God spoke to in dreams. I certainly think that is possible.

My friend dreamt that he saw me near some buildings and asked me if one of those were my church. I said no and pointed out the right building. He saw me standing in line with a longish shirt on. And no pants on. And there were others there, all wearing these long shirts and no pants. In the dream, I told my friend that he would have to be dressed the same way to enter.

So what does this mean? In the past, I have shared to my friend about how important my church is to me, and about my relationship with God. He asked me if I thought everyone who didn't accept Christ would go to hell. I avoided the question, and told him that in the Bible, Jesus rarely spoke about condemnation, and more about love and uplifting topics. Somehow, I feel that there may be a connection between my friend's interest in my relationship with God and his dream. He might be thinking about that a little bit, so I invited him to Church.

I never dream much, and if I do, I forget them easily. They never make sense. Maybe I will start writing them down...

Sunday, July 10, 2005

Church

Today we had "invite a friend to church" day. I didn't invite anyone, because I have been so busy. But I came with my friend, who I normally come with. I saw some others there who I had brought to church before, and they had brought a friend. These people are an Indian couple, and they had a friend that they brought. At the altar call, I kept looking over to see the reaction. I really think that is kind of rude. I shouldn't have done it. But, it is the voyeur in us, I guess. But she didn't go up, nor did she show any emotion. That doesn't mean a thing though, cause when I was not going to church, I came to my present church with my parents. I was petrified that the pastor would point me out, or say something. I felt deep guilt and an incredible heaviness in my heart. Only after the second or third time, I finally gave in and let God back into my heart. It was a huge relief, and the peace...if I was truly brainwashed how do you explain those emotions?

Today the pastor mentioned how it was easier to give in and repent than to continue in sin and continue to cover up sins. He is right, my life is so much easier now (well almost), I just have to follow my conscience...which is not that easy. In any case, that girl that "didn't respond to the altar call," at least not visibly, well she seemed to love the church, when we spoke afterwards. So much for my intuition!

Saturday, July 02, 2005

Live8?

Today is the Live8 concert to raise awareness about the problems in Africa. Surprisingly they aren't asking for any donations, I guess they want the people to ask their governments to forgive the debt that many of these African countries have. I think it is a just cause, but I doubt it will be effective.

But at least they are doing good and not criticizing and doing what is within their realm of what is possible. Tom Cruise was on American television criticizing Psychiatry and showing how ignorant he is. I am happy that the music world by doing Live8 is distancing themselves from the craziness that is in Hollywood. Is it any wonder that the Hollywood box office is not doing well at all this summer? I heard Matt Drudge mention how much the villified Passion of the Christ and the hated Mel Gibson were treated last year at this time. They were going to bring back anti-Semitism and they were arrogant and the movie wouldn't succeed. What would they give to have another Passion of the Christ? But, back to Live8...

From a musical standpoint it was disappointing to see all the artists who are coming to Live8 and comparing them to the post-911 concert (that was amazing). Half the names, I don't know. The only ones I would consider watching would be U2. But perhaps they are trying to bring on the next generation. Well why not let them prove themselves before giving them the world's stage? I suspect that the quality of new music is just not going to get much better that what we have now. I am not going to watch Live8--because I have studying to do and because my girlfriend is coming down to see me. It feels so good to be loved and wanted. I can't wait to see her. It literally has been months....