"Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." 2 Timothy 3:5

I've often wondered what makes Disney World the "right of passage" that it is. How did we create this? This day in age, if some guy decides he's going to start a park after a movie or two, he's going under for sure. Then again, this is a different time, a bigger world, yet a smaller one, too. What is it that makes strive to make the best out of a child's life? In everyday life, I am more likely to speak in a positive manner to a child rather than an adult. I think we all do that. Why? Why can't I be just as positive? Does it make me naive to engage in positivity? Then why push our children to be naive? Is it because, deep down, we hope they keep that light? At first I think we do and then we suddenly bear down on them at 18 or sometimes even younger. It is time to be "responsible," whatever that means. I think we have summed responsibility up to paying taxes, recognizing and vocalizing negativity, and reproducing to ensure the process is continued. Is it in our genes to make sure our race survives like this? What's it like to be cherished and protected for one thing growing up and then punished later? Sure, maturity levels differ, but I wouldn't say you're a mature adult just because the only way you know how to start a conversation is to complain about the weather. We should be humiliated that we have churned social activity into robotics. No wonder our kids are so confused. I guess we should just raise them in big beautiful corporate offices with the noise of stories of disappointments within the nine o clock news- stories to encourage you that you, good citizen, are living the right and "responsible" life. At least there would be consistency. If that's responsibility and reality, then count me out. I would rather raise my kids in the ghettos of Detroit actively listening to cries of help of those who have more to talk about than the weather or a confused criminal. Mind you, this is all written by a girl raised in private school and suburbia- the epitome of sheltered life, guided by all the "right" people. None of which were necessarily wrong in any way. But continuing that path definitely is not my calling anymore, so here's to discovering a more sustainable lifestyle!

"A true friend unbosoms freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, & continues a friend"

I have never realized how much people make the world go round until I stepped foot into college. Once I left a world where money covered a lot of things, life was different. I've realized that no matter how much money I have, I won't be happy without the consent of myself and others. No one and no thing alone can make you happy. You must first allow yourself to be happy and part of that will always involve sharing it with others. No wonder betrayal is one of the most horrendous emotional and relational experiences. Believing that you had a friend or a lover when they actually were not. It hurts. We take it personal, naturally. Its a pain you literally feel in your heart and those are the worst kind of hurt. Its a false happiness. It leads you to question everything on so many levels from the past and lack faith for the future. You will never fall in love again. You can't trust anyone to be a good friend, obviously. When someone betrays our trust, it is a big deal. You can do anything. You can walk away numb. Or angry. Essentially apathetic or productive in a way that involves lashing out at those who have done nothing. Or you could face it and leave with a clear conscious, no matter what side of the situation you are one. One thing I have learned about friends over the past year is that a true friend will make mistakes, maybe even break your trust some, but always be willing to discuss it, even have it out, before walking away. A true friend or lover would rather face it than give up on the relationship, because it is just worth it. I have really found some great friends that I would have a thousand uncomfortable conversations with to keep. And we have all had it out a time or two, because we aren't afraid to say how we feel. Our friendship is not founded on every changing great times or listening to complaints. Because the foundation is stronger, we don't fear the storms. We all have faith that the other won't walk out because of a difference. Don't live with the regret of losing a friend. I hate to bear it, and I haven't the past year. Because someone who walks out wouldn't have stuck around much longer anyway.

“Above all, be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it.”

True passion cannot be forced. It is purely genuine. I have found so much happiness in seeing and experiencing passion in others. It's easy to enjoy someone's passion when it is beneficial to you. It's harder to notice and appreciate passion when it is irrelevant to your life. I think the most noticable passions are those that conflict with yours. It's like we seek opposition. I think everyone's passions can be used for greatness. And even if they aren't, thank God you even have something to be passionate about. The most depressing thing I have seen in humans is a lack of passion or forced ones. Without it, who are you? Where are you going? What does anything matter if nothing matters? One of my favorite writers, Rob Bell, speaks of the purpose of the church when he asks, if the local government was to shut down, would anyone care other than its members? Essentially, is your church making any difference in the community? Would atheists care? Widows? Orphans? Poor? Anyone? For example, do you think the world would be worse off without these folks.Would anything in your life genuinely suffer without you? If you didn't show up to work tomorrow, would there be a difference? Do you just show up and get the job done? If you do I hope to God that you have the courage to change that. Cut your losses and realize the gains. Discover something new.

Because you count far more than the birds

While pushing myself to just make it through the five minute walk to class in this unforgivable heat, for whatever reason, fear came to my mind. Maybe because I feared passing out, a decently probable situation. I started worrying about my flight at the end of the month. I've never flown by myself. How will I remember everything and keep up with all my stuff? How in the world will I avoid getting lost!? What if my flight's the next 9/11-like flight!? (Sorry mom) A slim chance. Of course I wouldn't be the only one scared for my flight's safety. I wouldn't be surprised if at least a quarter of Americans are deathly afraid of flying. American Airlines has overseen the most flights in it's career. 4.04 have been fatal. Out of 20.2 million. That's a .0000002 percent chance that you will crash. In all reality, safety is such a top priority that a small number like that would not register. If one percent of those flights were fatal that would be 202,000 flights. So 99% accuracy doesn't seem so great anymore. Even 100% doesn't really please us ( again, that percentage would keep it at 100) because everytime one happens, it's all over the news. I'm not saying they shouldn't be covered, but no one ever tells you percentages like that when they are trying to scare you out of flying. You are more likely to kill yourself in a car than to be killed in a plane. Did you get that? You are more likely to be killed when YOU are in control (in a car). I guess I'm glad I don't run the world. I believe that fear has a purpose. For now, all I've discovered is that it can bring you strength you never thought you had in yourself. And most of the time we fear the stupidest things. I have no control over that plane or the layout of the airport. I only have control over conquering it. One of my favorite Bible verses is Matthew 6:25, and it is spoken so well in "The Message" version:

"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds."