The Adventure

Flag Football is Not My Friend

2007-10-07T18:34:00.000-04:00

In case you haven't heard, on Sept. 29 I broke my ankle playing flag football. I had surgery on Oct. 5. and have been in a cast and on crutches ever since. I broke the end of my tibia and tore the outer sheath of a major tendon in my ankle. My doctor originally told me I would be in a hard cast and on crutches for 8-10 weeks from the date of the surgery, however, yesterday I was told that in 4 weeks (Nov. 19) I would likely be put in a walking boot and begin physical therapy three times a week. Although I may be on crutches for 1-2 weeks while wearing the boot, it appears I will be done with the crutches sooner than the doctors expected. So many people have been praying for me and it is clear that God is in control. The whole situation hasn't been fun, but God has taught me so much about patience and perspective through it. My family, friends, professors, and especially Jackie and been extremely helpful and caring. The process will still be long, but an end is in sight. Below are pictures of the play that caused the break (I was playing safety and mistimed/misread a pass resulting in the collision) and of the incision prior to having my staples removed. Thank you for your prayers!

It's Been Too Long

2007-09-23T18:22:00.000-04:00

For those who care, the blog is back after nearly 3 months off. Recently I've been writing a lot in my journal and haven't been motivated to blog. Now that school is a month underway and I have my daily study-class schedule set, I will try my best to blog more routinely.

A lot has happened since I last blogged. I'll try to keep it brief. I finished my internship at the courthouse at the end of July and a week later my parents, Nick, Amanda, and Alex came down for a week. We spent the entire week at their condo at Sandbridge on the ocean. It was an awesome time. The next week Jackie and I moved into our apartment at Regent Village. Our new place is much nicer, bigger, and cheaper than our last place and it is only 3/4 mile from Regent. We're definitely happy we moved. Shortly after, classes started and Jackie's mom and Lexi and her friend Cassie visited us for the weekend. The next weekend the college football season began...and quickly ended for UM with a loss to Appalachian State (the season may have been saved yesterday with a victory over Penn State--we can still win the Big Ten!). The only good part of the weekend was that I watched the game with my buddy Jake. He and his girlfriend Amira stayed with us for the weekend (they live in NY). Amira and Jackie ran Virginia Beach's Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon that Sunday. It was a huge accomplishment for Jackie and I couldn't be more proud of her. I still don't know how she did it!

Classes have been going well so far. I'm taking five courses--Wills, Trusts, and Estates, Drafting Contracts, Individual Federal Income Tax, Constitutional Law I, and Sports Law. I was also chosen to be a member of the Regent Journal of International Law, thus I have to write a 30 page paper this semester as well as complete a number of editing assignments. I've slowly begun researching for my paper in which I will be analyzing the laws against child soldiers (mainly in Africa). I also just started intramural flag football and have been playing basketball with my friends on Tuesday nights. Jackie meanwhile has been working hard and recently traveled to Maryland for a few days. She also just started her BSF bible study on Monday nights and a hip-hop dance class with friends on Wednesday nights. We're busy but life is good.

I also recently interviewed for a summer associate position with a firm in Richmond called Hirschler Fleischer. The interview process was long and grueling, but the firm was unbelievable. I would love to work there and if God wants me there I know I will be chosen. If not, I'll be disappointed, but I know that He has another plan for me. He has already taught me a lot about trusting Him throughout this process and I am thankful for that.

Last weekend, Jackie and I went home for the UM-ND game. I forgot how amazing football Saturdays are in Ann Arbor. The trip made me miss Michigan, but any sadness quickly disappears when I think of the awful winters there.

Well, that's as brief of an update as I can give. I will try my best to blog more frequently this year. Below are random pictures from the past few months.

Peace

2007-06-05T15:37:00.000-04:00

Lyrics from a song called "Dearly Loved" by Jimmy Needham

Please lay down your arrows
For they’re sure to pierce the skin
And water from a broken well
Will make you thirst again
When all things you’ve acquired
Are tested by the flames
And you can see them melting
Then will you call his name

It’s worth it brothers
It’s worth it friends
To know your maker
To lose your sin
Did you know that you are dearly loved

To the slaughters you are being led
Being told that it’s a party
That this God is in your head
And every single lie
Sounds just like the greatest truth
But the one truth you’re not hearing
Is that he died for you

No greater joy
No greater peace
No greater love than this

It’s worth it brothers
It’s worth it friends
To know your maker
To lose your sin
Did you know that you are dearly loved

Where do I begin?

2007-05-05T16:48:00.000-04:00

Well, I have officially completed my first year of law school. I celebrated my cutting off all of my hair (it was time for a change). Actually Jackie and I celebrated by using the money I got from selling my books back to have an awesome dinner at Outback. It was partly to celebrate my accomplishment but more to show my appreciation for Jackie this year. She was unbelievable. She pushed me when I was slacking, comforted me when I was down, cheered for me when I did well, and made sure I didn't waste all my time studying. I'm not sure if I could've made it through law school had I not been married. I either would have overworked myself by studying too much and quickly burning out or I would've been too lazy to accomplish anything. The Lord really taught me about balance this year and being married made that lesson much easier to learn. I realized I could always be studying and doing more than what I was, but I had to draw the line somewhere, put forth my best effort, but not sacrifice my time with others (especially my wife), and be at peace with the results. You only live once and as much as I want to be excellent at my future career, I will not be a slave to school or work.
I'm not sure how many people still read this blog because I was unable to update it frequently, but I'll give a quick update on what has been going on the past few months. Jackie is now a transfer counselor at ODU rather than an admissions counselor which means she has her own office and won't be required to travel as much or as far which is a very good thing. My IM basketball team finished in second place at Regent (we couldn't overcome the poor officiating to beat the 2Ls). My parents visited in March and we went to historic Williamsburg which was really cool. Our friends John and Abbi had a baby girl and our other friends Ari and Victoria learned they will be having a boy in September. We saw the film "Amazing Grace" which is the story of William Wilberforce who fought to end the slave trade in Britain--definitely recommend it, very inspirational. I was able to "study" at the beach one day and got sunburned pretty bad. The Golden State Warriors pulled off the biggest and most exciting upset in NBA history by beating the Dallas Mavericks while the Pistons continue to roll and look very focused (I truly think they are going to win it all). UofM hired John Beilein as its men's basketball coach. I am very excited about this hire as I have been a huge fan of West Virginia's style of play the past few years (his old team) and cannot wait for him to restore UofM's basketball program. A few friends and I celebrated our last day of school by seeing Will Ferrell's latest ridiculously stupid but hilarious movie Blades of Glory. Oh and Jackie and I also attended the Barrister's Ball, a dinner/dance cruise around Norfolk for law students held on the Spirit of Norfolk.

I'm really excited about this summer, but it will be very different not being home. Actually, it will be my first summer away from home. I'm participating in Regent's Judicial Internship Program where I will work 8 weeks at Chesapeake District Court alongside its judges and clerks. The internship is unpaid, so I'm also working at the law library Tuesday and Thursday nights as well as Friday afternoons. Jackie and I also plan on going to the beach as much as possible and are planning on going back to Michigan sometime in July.

My goal for the summer is to learn to better discipline myself. The Lord has been so good to us throughout this year and has been so faithful, but I can't say I have been as faithful as I should have. Although I'm learning to balance my life, there were definitely times when I still put law school and other things first. Therefore, I'm going to focus on disciplining myself and really forming some good habits of spending time with God. Our pastor has challenged us recently as far as spending time reading the Bible and in prayer and I plan on answering such challenges. I also have a list of books to read (which I have already begun) and a few movies to watch. Although I wish I was doing some more meaningful work (where I actually got paid), I know this summer is going to be exciting and beneficial.

Like I said, I'm not sure who still reads this, but if you are reading, Jackie and I miss you and can't wait to see you again. Thanks for all of your prayers--they were certainly felt and answered! Peace out.

Much Needed Update

2007-04-01T17:15:00.000-04:00

More pictures and update coming soon...

Don't Want to be Typical

2007-02-26T20:04:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I feel like I am living in the Matrix. I think I just need a break from school (good thing spring break begins Friday). I've been thinking a lot lately about what God has planned for me and Jackie. I really think He wants me to follow my heart and do something I love which may or may not be "typical." Either way, I'm gonna try to intentionally live a life that isn't typical.

The lyrics below are from a song by Mutemath. It's a great song and means a lot to me.

Typical

Come on cant I dream for one day
Theres nothing that cant be done
But how long should it take somebody
Before they can be someone

Cause I know theres got to be another level
Somewhere closer to the other side
And Im feeling like its now or never
Can I break the spell of the typical

Ive lived through my share of misfortune
And Ive worked in the blazing sun
But how long should it take somebody
Before they can be someone.

Cause I know theres got to be another level
Somewhere closer to the other side
And Im feeling like its now or never.
Can I break the spell of the typical.
The typical
Im just the typical
Can I break the spell of the typical

Because its dragging me down
Id like to know about when
When does it all turn around

2007-01-15T16:42:00.000-05:00

We are back in Virginia and slowly getting used to our daily routines. Recently, the weather has been amazing (low-mid 70s). On Saturday Jackie and I went to Mount Trashmore (pictured here) which is a landfill turned park. It was pretty cool and it had an awesome skateboarding park/halfpipe where we watched a bunch of skaters do insane tricks.

Jackie is still working hard at ODU and just started a dance class on Wednesday nights. I am trying to get back into studying and reading all day. My schedule is a little weird this semester--4 classes MWF but just 1 class on T and TH. I have also been applying for summer jobs. To work in Michigan upon graduation, it would be smart for me to work there for a few weeks this summer. I'm applying for a few positions there, but lately I've been thinking and I realized that I don't really want to be away from Jackie that long. I mean it would help to work in Michigan this summer, but I don't know if its worth it. I have faith that I will get a decent job this summer and that I'll find the job where God wants me to be after I graduate.

I've also been trying to do more reading outside of my classes this semester (rather than watch as much TV). One book I am currently reading is The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. I'm reading it as part of my devotions. It is unreal. The author is the founder of a Simple Way church in Philadelphia. A few years ago he wanted to work with Mother Teresa in Calcutta. So he called her on the phone and ended up spending a summer in Calcutta helping those truly in need. He also traveled to Iraq when the war began to reach out to the Iraqis. The guy is ridiculous. Needless to say, the book is really challening me.

For those we saw over break--it was great. It was difficult to adjust to bouncing back and forth between the Greens and Lepris, but we couldn't really complain since we are fortunate enough to have two amazing families. We already miss you all very much.

1/6 DONE!

2006-12-18T22:48:00.000-05:00

I am officially done with me first semester of law school...and I am still alive! It was definitely the hardest semester of my life. I have never been challenged as much as I was the past few months...mentally and spiritually. God taught me so much about letting things go and being content with my best effort. He also taught me the importance of accepting the peace He has for me. My exams were about as difficult as I expected and I think my grades will refelct how well I understood the material. The only class I feel awful about is property. The exam was ridiculously hard and on top of that I don't think I did as well as I could have (in other words, I choked!). Anyways, I am so happy to be done. Jackie and I cannot wait to come home and see everyone! See you all soon!

I posted several pictures below such as a team photo of my flag football team, the Christmas ball, and our first Christmas tree (it's fake because we aren't allowed to have real trees in our apartment).

My Gift

2006-12-01T17:59:00.000-05:00

Even though I am currently studying my butt off in the library, I had to post this. Below are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs. It's called "The Gift" and it's by Angels & Airwaves (think Blink 182). I listened to the song a lot the morning of my wedding and am listening to it now because it reminds me of my gift...my wife Jackie. The lyrics are awesome.

Artist: Angels And AirwavesA lbum: We Don't Need To Whisper Year: 2006 Title: The Gift

There's a strangest excitement today
If you’re awake then you’re welcome to hear
I’ve got a gift and it blew me a way
From the far eastern sea straight to here
Oh God I feel like I’m in for it now Its like the rush has gone straight to my brain
But my voice is as lonely as loud As I whisper a joy of this pain
And suddenly You’ve done it all You won me over In no time at all

And now I’ll stop the storm if it rains I’ll light a path far from here
I’ll make your fear melt away And the world we know disappear
If you ask I will do what you say All we have is this night to get through
With the cheeks to the smile you’re only You left me all up in arms and confused
Oh God I feel like I’m in for it now And how this kiss will be one roughly vague
I swear I’ll melt if you touch me at all But then I’ll ask you to do it again, and again
And suddenly You’ve done it all You won me over In no time at all

And now I’ll stop the storm if it rains I’ll light a path far from here
I’ll make your fear melt away And the world we know disappear
I’ll stop the storm if it rains I’ll light a path far from here I’ll make your fear melt away
And the world we know disappear

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T15:50:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I can't believe I haven't posted anything in a month! I have been busy to say the least. I'll post an update soon...but not now because a n-a-p is calling my name. Enjoy the pictures!

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-29T21:38:00.000-05:00

2006-10-15T21:00:00.000-04:00

Another week has come and gone. Hard to imagine it's mid-October already. Jackie continues to travel so we are trying to cherish our weekends together. Law school continues to be a challenge. I was called on in Contracts and Torts this past week. I was interrogated for the entire hour in Contracts! It was insane, but luckily it was in my favorite class with my favorite professor (Eugene Elser--he's hilarious and extremely nice). I had another memo due this past Friday and, although I did well on the first memo, I'm disappointed in the last half of my paper. I worked really hard on it but I don't think I did very well. I can't stop thinking/worrying about it, but I guess I just need to let it go. My flag football team improved our record to 2-1 over the weekend. Playing with some other 1Ls has been a blast and a great escape from class. Michigan continues to dominate...I can't wait for the showdown with that team from Ohio. Not to mention the Tigers are in the World Series! The WORLD SERIES! The TIGERS! Unbelievable. On a side note, while leaving Regent on Friday I noticed a car in the parking lot with the following bumber stickers..."Jesus is my Best Friend"; "Abortion is Murder"; and "Guns Save Lives." Interesting combination huh? Anyways, I thought it was funny.

Go Blue. Go Tigers.

Peace and Love.

Hello

2006-10-02T19:09:00.000-04:00

Tim and Christy visited me and Jackie this past weekend. They arrived Saturday evening just in time to watch UM beat Minnesota and stayed until Monday morning. It was a great time! Jackie and I were so glad they came! We went to the beach on Sunday--it's amazing to be able to lay out and swim in the ocean in OCTOBER!!! The waves were enormous which made boogie-boarding fun. The boardwalk was packed on Sunday--there was a ton of stuff going on. In fact, the sand castle pictured happens to be the largest sand castle ever built--it was huge! Apparently it broke a Guiness world record. Sunday night, the four of us went to Il Giardino's by the beach. The food was unbelievable.
Law school has been going well. The pace is picking up and it is becoming more difficult to organize all of the information in my brain...but I am learning. I've also realized I enjoy my contracts class the most. The professor is awesome and I really like the material. Property continues to be a struggle--I like the material but it is extremely demanding/difficult. My professors (especially Dean Brauch) continue to amaze me. They are all hilarious in their own way. It has surprised me how diverse the school is as well (not racially by any means). Not everyone is a Bible-thumping ultra conservative Republican. The school isn't focused on making us that way either. We look at scripture to determine how lawyers should approach different situations, but the school's main objective is to make us excellent lawyers. If we are going to call ourselves "Christian lawyers" we better strive for excellence and be the best representatives we can be.
On a side note, this is a good week for 3 reasons: 1. Tigers are in the playoffs. 2. LOST season premier on Wednesday. 3. UM-MSU on Saturday. Life is good, God is good. We miss you all and appreciate the comments.

ahhhhhh!!

2006-09-20T22:31:00.000-04:00

This week has been tough--Jackie has been gone all week and classes have been extremely difficult! I have a Legal Research & Writing memorandum due on Friday and it is killing me. But, at least UM beat ND!!

(look for a real post in the next few days)

UM v. Notre Dame (2006)

2006-09-14T17:25:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it took this long before I wrote about my true love...Michigan football. Once again, our first road game of the year will define our entire season. I really like our chances...in fact I am so confident that I wore my Michigan t-shirt today despite the fact that my civil procedure professor is a Notre Dame fanatic. He's also a very strict but hilarious guy. After hearing some of the comments he has made thus far (asking if he could call a student named Michael Weiss "Charlie" and stopping class to make sure a particular student was wearing an Ohio State Big Ten Champions t-shirt and not a 2006 Fiesta Bowl Championship t-shirt) I expected him to lay into me in front of the class. Well, I lucked out and wasn't noticed. But my point remains...I feel good about our chances. Of course, I ALWAYS DO! There hasn't been a road game in September I didn't think we would win. But, we NEVER do win! Losing our first road game of the year and failing to escape September undefeated is what Lloyd Carr does best. Needless to say, I'll fall into the trap again, get my hopes up, and expect a Michigan victory. Here's why:
1. Michael Hart. ND's rush defense isn't great and Michael Hart is amazing.
2. Ron English. He's no Jim Hermann...thank God. His aggressive, attacking defense led by Lamar Woodley will put constant pressure on Brady Quinn and disrupt the ND offense.
3. Touchdown Jesus. He's sick of always being on the side of the Irish--thus we'll finally get the "lucky" breaks ND always seems to get.

Final Score UM 16 ND 14.
(expect a post on Sunday in which I rant about Lloyd Carr and his awful coaching which costs us the game)

2006-09-10T21:12:00.000-04:00

I decided to post this picture because it represents what I have been thinking about a lot this past week: it's me and Jackie for the next three years. In other words, I've been a little homesick lately. Don't worry, I'm not crying, I'm not going to drop out and run home, and I'm not depressed or anything. It's just that now that we're in a routine and things have slowed down a bit, I've realized we'll be here awhile. That's not a bad thing--we love it here! But, I miss my family, Ann Arbor, 436 S. Division, football Saturdays, Tuesday night Bible Study, Sunday dinners (mom's roast beef), and big screen TVs!

Missing home has made me realize how awesome home, and Michigan, are. At the same time, these next three years will be great. Jackie and I had an awesome week. We were both really tired Tuesday (hard to get back into things after a four day weekend), but we made it through. I was able to play basketball with five of my buddies from school Wednesday night which was great! We're going to make it a weekly thing so we'll be prepared for intramurals. Law chapel on Thursday was sweet. A few students did a skit where one student stood before a judge and pled guilty to his sins (not doing his assignments, sacrificing time with his wife to get ahead in school, being in love with pleasure, not putting God first, etc.). The judge then sentenced him to death, but then removed his chains and took his place. The student asked him, "What are you doing? You're my judge." The judge replied, "Yea, but I'm also your savior." It was powerful to say the least. It made me realize how quickly I had lost my perspective. I was already too caught up with schoolwork and my responsibilities. I had lost my focus and the real reason I am here. I was so consumed by being a law student. I love being a law student, but it's not who I am. More than anything I am a follower of a Christ. I'm also a husband, a son, a brother, a cousin, a grandchild, an uncle, a friend, a sinner. As important as law school is, it doesn't define me. I don't know if this makes sense, but oh well. Anyways, on Thursday night Jackie and I were invited to eat dinner at my friend John's house with him, his wife, and his six-month-old son Richard. It was a great time--we ate tacos and learned a new card game. John and his wife are from Utah. They're really nice and it was great to hangout with them. I also had an exam in Legal Research & Writing on Friday--I think I did pretty well. Jackie and I were able to relax and begin watching season two of LOST over the weekend. We also attended a church called Acts 2 on Sunday. The people were very nice, but we're not done with our "church search."

Everything else has been great. I love law school more and more each day--it's great learning about the law and discussing it with my classmates. It feels like we're discovering something brand new and truly trying to figure out a big mystery called the law. It's awesome. I'm looking forward to this week, especially the weekend when UoM goes into South Bend to play Notre Dame (I'll be posting some thoughts on the game and other sports related topics soon). I don't want the week to go by too quickly though--Jackie will be traveling all next week! I won't see her for five days. That'll be tough, but we'll be alright. Thanks for reading! By reading it shows that you care, which makes me feel good. Thanks for your comments, too. We miss you all!

Officially a 1L

2006-09-02T11:06:00.000-04:00

My first week of law school as a 1L is over and I absolutely loved it. I spent more time studying and reading this week than I ever have in a single week before. My routine for the next three years will be no different than this first week: Jackie drops me off at Regent at 715; I study and attend 3 classes from 730 until Jackie picks me up around 6; after dinner, I usually have another 1-2 hours of work. Normally I would be absolutely drained after such long days, but God has really motivated me and energized me every day. Not to mention, I love the material! I have actually enjoyed reading and taking notes and studying! Of my 6 classes, contracts is definitely my favorite. I also enjoy torts and property. Christian Foundations of Law, taught by the dean, is intersting, as well. My most difficult classes will undoubtedly be civil procedure and legal research and writing. The courses and professors at Regent are very demanding and intense, but I truly believe that is necessary to train me and my classmates to be good lawyers. All of my professors are hilarious in their own way. I have also met some awesome people. There's a group of guys I have really clicked with and I can tell we will be good friends for the next 3 years. We already have our 1L flag football team setup too. As for Jackie, she is doing just as well. She enjoys her job as an Admissions Counselor at Old Dominion University. She continues to be the best wife in the world.

On a side note, Jackie and I were given the day off on Friday. Because of Hurricane Ernesto and the rain/tropical storm in our area, almost everything was closed, including Regent and ODU! There was some considerable flooding in Norfolk and Portsmouth, but we were safe in Chesapeake. I've had plenty of snow days before, but this was my first "rain day." The worst has definitely passed though. Today is actually cool and cloudy--it reminds me of a nice fall football weekend!

Thanks for all of your prayers and feel free to comment and communicate to us through this site. We miss all of you a lot!

Our First Home

2006-08-22T21:37:00.000-04:00

As promised, here are some pictures of our apartment. I added a few pictures of the beach which is just over 15 minutes from our place, too. Our wedding pictures are also posted at hicksstudio.com under sessions. Simply log on under green_events and enjoy!

Our First Home continued.

2006-08-22T21:22:00.000-04:00

An Update

2006-08-21T18:10:00.000-04:00

I began law school today....well kinda sorta. The 4 day mandatory orientation began this morning. It went well, but was a little boring/redundant. I did meet some really nice and interesting people. Unfortunately, I was also given my assignments for the first day of class which begins next Monday and even have homework to complete tonight for tomorrow's orientation session. Everything else has been going well-Jackie and I love our apartment. There is still a lot for us to do this week and we have been a little stressed trying to get everything setup. But, we're doing okay and are learning to adjust to this new amazing chapter of our life. I'll keep you updated and will post pictures of our place once our final furniture pieces arrive.

Amazing Friends and Family

2006-08-13T23:12:00.000-04:00

I never thought I would be able to say my wedding day was the best day of my life...but it was. Jackie and I were so overwhelmed by the support and love we received from our friends and family. Honestly, I wasn't exactly looking forward to the wedding. I couldn't wait to get married, but I was nervous about the actual wedding and wasn't looking forward to being the center of attention for an entire day. Needless to say, the day was awesome. During the ceremony it truly felt as if Jackie and I were the only two people in the entire church. The reception that followed was so much fun, too. On our honeymoon, Jackie and I couldn't stop talking about how wonderful our friends and family are. To see everyone enjoying themselves and hearing the things certain people had to say and receiving so many great gifts was unreal! We are truly blessed. For some reason God has surrounded us with incredibly supportive, loving, caring, and faithful family and friends. And although we are far away in Virginia now, we still feel surrounded by all of you!

I am Married

2006-08-13T22:43:00.000-04:00

In case you missed it...Jackie and I became husband and wife on August 5, 2006. She was the most beautiful bride ever. I am a happy man now.

Angels & Airwaves

2006-07-28T23:47:00.000-04:00

the new Angels & Airwaves album is amazing. the title is "we don't need to whisper"...I highly suggest purchasing it.

I am so lucky...

2006-07-28T23:30:00.000-04:00

jackie = the girl of my dreams...and the woman I get to spend the rest of my life with.

My First Official Piece of Writing

2006-07-28T22:50:00.000-04:00

So I wrote this stupid article and submitted it to one of my favorite websites, www.burnsidewriterscollective.com. The site is "an online resource for Christians looking for a connection with the world outside of franchise Christianity. As such, readers will find articles on issues relating to social justice, novels relating to humanity, music expressing reality and books strengthening our understanding of God’s heart for the world, for equality and whole morality." Apparently the site forgot to mention they post idiotic sports articles because they posted mine. The title of my article is "Federer vs. Nadal on a Sunday Morning...WWJD?" Check it out--its pretty sarcastic but hopefully you'll get a laugh. Does this mean I'm a writer now?

Thought of the Day

2006-07-28T22:49:00.001-04:00

Enjoy the moment.

The Rich, the Poor, and the Kingdom of God

2006-07-28T22:49:00.000-04:00

The other day I was thinking about whether the rich or the poor, in general, have a harder time becoming a Christian. Jesus explains that it is very difficult for a rich man. In fact, He says it is easier for a camel to fit inside the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Logic tells me otherwise--at least initially. I believe it is much harder for a poor person to become a Christian than it is for a rich person. You see, a rich person has stuff. A rich person owns things. A rich person is often successful. A rich person has everything he or she needs to survive. For the most part, life for the rich is easy. And because the rich have a good life, they are more likely to feel blessed which causes many, but not all, to look to the heavens and thank God. The poor, however, have nothing. Each day is a struggle. It is so difficult for them to be thankful. As a result, the poor are more likely to question God and be skeptical of the Christian faith. My train of thought, however, is flawed for several reasons. Let me explain. I mentioned it is harder for a poor person to become a Christian--but does that answer the question I was pondering? No, it does not. What does "become a Christian" even mean anymore? To me it means very little. It is an empty label--it is meaningless nowadays. So many of us identify ourselves as Christians much like we call ourselves Republicans or Democrats. Being Christian has almost become a cultural thing. In today's world, if your parents are Christian or you go to church on Sundays, then you are a Christian regardless of whether you know Jesus Christ. My hypothesis that the rich are more likely to become Christians then holds. I truly believe the wealthy will identify themselves as Christian more so than the poor. However, my question leads to nothing. I must rephrase it. How about, which group is more likely to encounter Jesus Christ and come to know him and walk with him--to have a genuine faith? Now that's an easy answer, and that is what Jesus was speaking of in the book of Matthew. I believe it is easier for a poor person to know Jesus than a wealthy person because the wealthy have much more distractions. The poor are also much more likely to completely rely on God. We clearly pay more attention to God when we are struggling than when everything is wonderful. Therefore, the rich are less likely to experience daily hardship which causes them to use God as their rock. Simply put, the poor have more opportunities and more reasons to build faith in God. It is this faith that will save us. It is this faith in God and His Son Jesus that makes us Christian. This is not to say the poor no longer should strive to make it out of poverty or that we should not help them. But, maybe we shouldn't pity them as much as we do. After all, they are more likely to have a real faith and a real relationship with our Creator. They have the advantage because they learn how to trust in God and ultimately receieve true salvation--the most valuable gift there is. Maybe that is why Jesus tells us to give everything away--to get rid of the distractions and to know what it feels like to be competely dependent on God. Maybe the poor should be helping the rich understand what it means to be a Christian. Maybe.

Invisible Children Screening and Benefit Concert

2006-07-28T22:48:00.000-04:00

A few friends and I are planning a screening of the Invisible Children documentary and a benefit concert. The event is scheduled for Saturday July 22, 2006. The screening will begin shortly after 6 pm. Afterwards, we will be selling t-shirts, dvds, bracelets, and writing letters to our state representatives regarding the injustices in northern Uganda. A few bands (Arcadia, Los Constantinoples Cuatros, and a couple of others yet to be determined) will then play. We will be accepting donations throughout the night. For more information on our event check out http://www.myspace.com/invisiblechildrenflint . For more information about the entire Invisible Children movement check out http://www.invisiblechildren.com/ . Also let me know if you would like to pre-order a t-shirt for $15. They are carolina blue with an outline of Uganda and across the front it says, "My heart beeps for Uganda." That's all for now. Peace.

Contact Info

2006-07-28T22:42:00.000-04:00

Address: 1300-G Ivy Trail Chesapeake, VA 23320

General e-mail: TroyDavidGreen@gmail.com (e-mails from family and friends)

School e-mail: troygre@regent.edu (e-mails regarding or relating to law school)

Junk e-mail: TroyDavidGreen@aol.com (junk and spam e-mails I will rarely check)

Cell Phone: (810) 730-5125

Apartment Phone: (757) 609-3261

AOL/AIM Screenname: TroyDavidGreen

In My Lifetime I Want to...

2006-07-28T22:39:00.000-04:00

Write a book.
Learn to play the guitar.
Take a road trip through the West and climb into and out of the Grand Canyon (I have been inspired by Don Miller and Through Painted Deserts).
Go on a missions trip to Africa.
Go to Wimbeldon and/or the French Open and/or the U.S. Open.
Travel through Europe.
Go surfing.
Watch UofM win a national championship at the Rose Bowl...in person.
Marry a certain girl named Jacquelyn.

Completed Summer Reading

2006-07-28T22:37:00.000-04:00

Good News About Injustice by Gary Haugen
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
Through Painted Deserts: Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Road by Don Miller
To Own a Dragon by Don Miller
currently reading The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton