Jesus, life, thoughts

Fear & Joy

Why do I let fear grip me? Why do I let anxiety tear at me, peeling my skin until I am exposed and shaking, freezing in the bitter, piercing cold of [the false]* reality [I choose to let myself believe in]? How can I allow my soul to be afraid when there is truly nothing … Continue reading Fear & Joy

thoughts, updates

Why I Quit Social Media

You don't need to hear more statistics or listen to a lecture about the perils of Internet use to know that social media is not the best thing to invest your time in. Yet, billions of people are attached to internet services in a way that borderlines on addiction. Many people sleep with their phones underneath their … Continue reading Why I Quit Social Media

thoughts

Cultivating Understanding in a Severely Divided Society

Some say that everyone wants to be understood. Whether we all agree or not is secondary, and frankly, not a realistic goal to pursue. Seeking to understand, on the other hand, strengthens relational bonds and breaks down our black-and-white view of the world. At times, however, efforts to bring attention to common ground or highlight … Continue reading Cultivating Understanding in a Severely Divided Society

life

A Student’s Guide to Time Management

Last school year, I was a fairly average example of a high school student: if something was due Monday, I was sure to get it done by Sunday night. I might need to stay up until 1 AM and consume some sort of caffeinated beverage, but I'd get it done. Almost all of my student … Continue reading A Student’s Guide to Time Management

life, thoughts

The Internet

We've all heard the fear-mongering about the internet. "This is destroying our attention spans, our thoughts, our brains!" "Social media is a comparison trap, a breeding ground for depression!" "Hyper-connectivity has brought an end to true connection!" Some of this is a bit over-the-top, but I must admit that the internet, on the whole, does … Continue reading The Internet

thoughts

Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Why I Despise Republican and Democrat Politicians Alike

From Friday, the 22nd, to Friday, the 29th, I saw Star Wars: The Last Jedi three times. This is quite a feat for me, as this movie makes up about 1/5th of my theater-going, and I've never gone to see anything more than once. But this movie was worth each visit. I won't get into … Continue reading Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Why I Despise Republican and Democrat Politicians Alike

life, thoughts, updates

Christmas Thoughts

Merry Christmas, friends. It's almost difficult for me to believe that we are all here again. Another year has passed by. Freezing, snowing, hibernation... thawing, rebirth, warmth... heat, growth, sunlight... death, cold, migration. And then, back to snow. This earth has come to the end of yet another cycle around the sun, in God's Solar … Continue reading Christmas Thoughts

Jesus, life, thoughts

Anchors: an exploration of self-love, toxic people, and Jesus

If the entirety of your life is to give happiness to yourself, then it's a pretty meaningless life. Isn't it? Some people seem to have another view. You, it appears, should be placed at the center of the Universe. Love who you are, embrace who you are. Love yourself. When you love yourself, people can … Continue reading Anchors: an exploration of self-love, toxic people, and Jesus

writing

2017 WC – 3rd Place: Brooklynn Coopers

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writing

2017 WC – 2nd Place: Madison Edwards

“Be grateful for another day. Not everybody made it, so don’t take it for granted.” It was on a bright, humid day in the stunningly beautiful city of Naples, Florida, that I made my first kill. Looking back, I have only regret, shame, and the haunting memories that still stick with me. The sun was … Continue reading 2017 WC – 2nd Place: Madison Edwards