Easter Blessings

There are so many things I'm thinking about that I want to cover in this blog post. I just opened my Easter devotional book from last year and read the Holy Saturday one (a little late but I think it means more right now). "Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by. (Jn 19:41-42)" The writer goes on to point out that only in John is it mentioned that the tomb is in a garden. He relates the beginning and middle and end to the garden. Man was created in a the garden of Eden. Jesus and his disciples went to a garden before Judas betrayed him and he was taken. Now Jesus was buried in a garden however this is also the location of the resurrection which begins new life.
As I read these thoughts, the gardens of my own life came to mind; places that have great significance in the full story. Every time I've come home lately I realize the beauty of "home". It is my garden of origin. Most of what I knew and experienced so far in my life occurred in this place but it is only now that I recognize the significance of my original "garden". This is where it all began; where I learned the things that I know; where memories exist in every unexpected corner. I guess that makes Grantham a new and significant garden of my life. It has changed me and shaped me so much in just the short time I've been there. I take a step back and notice things about myself now. There is still a lot that I don't know or haven't formed opinions on but I have found new strengths and weaknesses, truths and understandings, and by learning about the world outside of my initial garden I have come to understand more about what makes mine what it is to me.

That aside, I'll explain why tonight was so great. I have been studying nonstop for chem over the past 2 days. I actually might almost understand a little of it too (what a great concept!). Point is, I almost turned kyle down when he asked if i wanted to go to an Iron Pigs baseball game with him tonight becuase i knew i should stay home and study. Well i caved (baseball tends to do that to me). The Matika family and I found our field level box seats, devoured plates full of baseball food, and enjoyed a great game and great entertainment and company. It was so good I almost didn't care that it was beyond freezing out and that the Pigs lost miserably. It was such a great way to experience home like it was last summer. Even though this is only the Pigs second season it seems like such a permanent part of what home is. Maybe the way it causes... the "C" word that every Messiah student knows so well. Come on first years, we know this one: COMMUNITY. In reality, until just now, writing that last sentence I couldn't place why Coca Cola park and the Iron Pigs seemed so much like home to me when they were so new to the area. It truely is the community. It has brought together the valley in ways that I have never seen it before. We all have something in common to root for. Even when they lose (as they often do) its a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. You cant go to a game without seeing at least a few people you know. You don't have to know anything about baseball to enjoy the game either, there is so much entertainment involved. Maybe I'm just bias because I find baseball fields refreshing to begin with but coca cola park is beautiful and well maintained and when the sun sets over the field I am overwhealmed by the stunning sights and the atmosphere of the park . (You think I'm exaggerating... I'm not).

After the game Kyle and I went over to Mel and Matt's house. We hung out with them and Logan and Nick for a bit while playing Wii bowling and caught up on life. Intelligent conversation, a little reminiscing, and great moments spent together.

Now its 1:45 and I could get on facebook since its technically Easter. Its bitter sweet. As much as I said that I couldnt wait to have it back, I almost don't really want it back. Sure, its nice for keeping in touch with people but in reality its more of a hinderence on life than anything. I realize how addicted I was. I relyed on it and often did not even notice that it was habit. Just a click away and I was reading about other people's lives rather than living my own. There was a time when I would think in terms of facebook. How I felt, what I was doing, or the song lyrics I was listening to were automatically translated into a facebook status in my mind. Things that happened in life were related to bumper stickers or groups. Conversations began with "I was on facebook and saw..." or "i was stalking... on facebook and..." I would enter my dorm room, open up my computer, and click on the conveniently placed link without a second thought as if I would miss something without frequently logging on.
Maybe I did miss some gossip while I've been away... But through it I gained a better grasp on real life instead. I'd love to say that I accomplished my goals of writing more or conciously spending the time usually wasted on facebook by catching up with friends in person or on the phone. I'd love to say it drastically improved my spiritual life. I dont think the change was drastic but it was a small step. It's what I really needed. I began to forget that it was even gone from my life. I don't need the distractions of this world and the attachment I have to some of them is unhealthy. I think that it was a great experience because although during these 40 days it may not have seemed like a huge deal, in the end I recognize the difference it made to give it up. The difference between addiction and going "cold turkey". Rather than spending all of my time living through the internet, I lived my own life and related to people in real ways rather than clicking through their pictures to see who they have been hanging out with.
I guess it may be counterproductive to write about this on a blog- yet another potential internet addiction- but I loved the challenge and may have to do it again some time. Not necessarily just with facebook (although the possibilities for that are strong) but with anything that seems to be hindering truely living life and relying on God.

On that note, I'll close by saying how thankful I am on this Easter that I am blessed in so many ways.

Cole Still Rocks

If one more person makes a pun about Cole Hamels being "Rocked by the Rockies" or Hamels having a "rocky" start, I'll throw rocks at aforementioned pun-maker.


Have a great Holy Saturday :-)

Just for tonight

I forgot my journal at school and just decided that I wanted to write. I created a blogspot account last week and am considering using it but I’m not sure if I will continue yet. Who knows, I guess I'll see how this goes!

I’ve been listening to this song called “Mystery” by Michael Logen and I’m addicted to it.

There are some days when music really just moves me so much. How is it that simple words put together and recorded can affect feelings so deeply or completely change my mood?

Landon played Mystery for me in the van on the way back from the track meet on Saturday. That was such a great ride, I opened the door of the packed van and asked Wicks if there was room for me. “Hey guys, is there room for Giggles back there?” he called back to the others (yes, Giggles. He has always called me Giggles because before I even really knew him we were in a van on the way back from a meet and he got a terrible leg cramp and was spazzing out and all I could do was laugh. It was funny, what can I say?) Anyway, I spent the ride back from the meet listening to new music with Landon and singing old songs (mainly country) with Landon and AJ. Our highlight performance was “Something like that” by Tim McGraw (aka the barbecue stain song!!!). The rest of the van was either laughing at us or giving us dirty looks. They love us. Really.

Right now I love rocking out in the car with Brandon, crisp apples, and my own bed at home!!