100th post

Wow. We've got 100 posts. I just saw that as I started to write this. Impressive.

I won't lie, it has been rocky at times through this but I hope we still have some of you here on this blog. We love you all through it all.

A couple things that I would like to write. Some may call it a compound entry.

While I was in the Nerf gun aisle at Target last night, two kids came up next to me looking at something totally different. They were probably 6 and 7 or somewhere close to that. The younger one said to the older one, "Anthony! Look! Look!" The older kid replied, "Why would I care about that?" "Because it's cool!" The younger one replied. I can only assume they were brothers and hearing that kinda tugged at my heart because the older bro was so harsh to his little brother that looked up to him. So I want to apologize to my bro because I know I was like that growing up. You're the man. Sorry bro.

2nd on the agenda, I'm totally psyched for Tenth Avenue North to come to Northwestern on September 3rd. That's going to be amazing.

Finally, I want to thank everybody that is praying for me while I'm at college, I've really started to feel them and I've really appreciated thinking about you while here in my dorm room. It's normally before I go to bed that those thoughts seep into my mind. So, thank you so much.

Love,
-sam

College Life

Phew! College. I love it.

Dorm life is a blast. Last night there was a 30-player game of Apples to Apples, a group of guys playing tackle football in a 10 foot by 20 foot area, and two crazy guys climbing up to the second floor balcony. It may sound chaotic, but it was all good. :)

I'm still trying to shake a cold that I've had for a week. It has sucked especially starting school with it, but I've gotta cling to the promise that God has a good and perfect plan for me.

Godspeed,
-sam

Beauty

Psalms 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky displays what his hands have made."

Being out in the Black Hills astounds me. I'm not the type to be completely mushy and say "Awww it's so cute." But there is something about nature that just makes me stand in awe. Put me in front of a mountain with snow caps and I won't talk for at least a couple of minutes.

Beauty. God intertwined it in nature to show us a glimpse of who He is. It's all part of the void in our heart that God created in us that only He can fill.

Beauty. It is also part of the traits that God has given us, more namely, women. Let me explain. I was talking with one of my friends tonight and we were talking about how different guys and girls are. If the traits from guys and girls are combined, they show us a clearer picture of who God is. For example, God made women the beauty of the earth. That gives us such a small glimpse of beauty so that when we get to Heaven, it's totally going to blow us out of the water at how beautiful He is.

Those are just some thoughts.

Love ya,
-sam

Priorities

Where we spend our time is ultimately what we treasure most.

Holy smokes.... If that saying is true, I need to re-prioritize things.

I'll be honest with you, my friends. My list probably goes as follows:
1) Computer
2) Xbox
3) Hanging with people (family, friends)
4) Doing nothing
5) Reading the Word

I'm having a hard time getting into the Word. I think I'm thinking that, since I grew up in the church reading the Bible, I know a lot of it. So the novelty has worn off.

This is kind of extreme but nonetheless a very unsettling thought as I type it. Today I did get back in the Word by following along to a podcast from Steven Furtick at Elevation Church. The series was on James 1:13-18.

It says God does not tempt us. He's brings us trials but He is not the one that tempts us. And it's not even that He puts us in the trial to see us fail. It's the very opposite. He puts you in trials so that you might have the opportunity to conquer in His name and you can learn from the situation if you fail.

So don't blame God for bad circumstances. Instead, turn to Him and ask Him to help you along. He's on your side.

-sam
Song of the Day: You're On Fire by MXPX

Lessons from Norway

I saw a guy smoking while riding a mo-ped.

Kids, first of all, don't smoke. But if you are going to smoke (which I really hope you don't) don't have the audacity to smoke while riding a motorcycle or mo-ped or anything of the sort.

Anyway, that was my random sighting today. Onto some other content...

I had the privilege to sit down and have some ice cream with one of the Norwegian foreign exchange students that I had the pleasure to get to know better this year. She went back today (wednesday). This morning to be more precise. But we had a good talk before she left. The thing that really stuck out to me when we were talking was what she had to say about Christianity over in Norway.

She said that people here in America focus and talk a lot more about Heaven while in Norway they focus more about the journey, (life). I like this because this causes people focus on the road getting to eternity rather than jumping straight to the ending.

This is one lesson that I have learned this year, as I look back at this crazy fast year. If I would have fast-forwarded time straight to the end of the school year, I would have missed out on the lessons I learned such as being patient when you really want something, being intentional about living and talking about my faith, and also trying to not to place myself on a pedestal and love others like Jesus loved others, which is no small feat.

All in all, I'm a wretch trying to obey God and help others along with me. The road is rocky and may have lots of potholes, but be encouraged, Christian; you're not alone. As Red Green says, "Keep your stick on the ice. We're all in this together."

Go serve your King.
-sam
Song of the Day: Healing Begins by Tenth Avenue North

Whadda Year

How fast has this year gone? How many memories have been made? How many lessons have been learned? How many friendships have been furthered? How many lives have been changed?

All are questions that have been bouncing around in the cortex of my brain.

I've been doing a lot of thinking and reflecting on this year. It especially hit me at about 4 in the morning at the senior party. I'm not going to see about half these people ever again. The friends that I've spent 13 years of my growing up years with will be off in their different directions, with most of them never being seen again... It's daunting, really.

It makes me ask myself, "Have I done everything I can do to make sure my peers know the love of Christ?"

You can always do better, I know. But have you legitimately made an effort to try and get that goal out there.

Don't worry, you still have the summer to make a difference. Don't be afraid to engage in that deeper conversation. Be bold and ask them, in love, where they are at with God.

Go serve your King,
-sam
Song of the Day: Safe by Phil Wickham

The Glory of It All

As you can tell by "song of the day" choices that I love David Crowder. It's true.

Anyway, life is so great for me. The World Cup started today! I love it. One month of pure soccer. God is good. My recap of today (and I think I'm going to recap every day for the month on how each day went and how I felt about it) :

The opening match was South Africa vs. Mexico. I wanted South Africa to win cause you've gotta rep the host country, especially since it's South Africa. But it ended up in a tie 1-1, with no overtime because it's just group play. No overtime until they get out of group play.

The second game I was a little more torn on. It was France vs. Uruguay. I love Thierry Henry of France but not too many others so I ended up cheering for Uruguay and Henry. Anyway, that also ended in a tie, except this one 0-0.

I really don't like games ending in a tie, but overall, this was a great kick-off to the World Cup. Go Spain and U.S.

Keep it real, and if you live in Alex, go to McDonald's North to check out our shake day picture. I guess it's next to the pop machine. I, myself, have yet to see it so lemme know if it looks cool.

Peace,
-sam
Song of the Day: The Glory of It All by David Crowder*Band

Lessons from a Pup

Alright... This puppy pictured above is both the cutest and the most frustrating object of our attention lately.

He doesn't quite understand the meaning of no, nor the importance of that simple word. I know it might just be a puppy thing but he just won't stop biting. He doesn't know when it's time to wrestle and when to settle down to just be petted.

But of course now as I'm writing this, I call him over and he is not biting and allowing me to pet him. Ironic.

Anyway, I can't help and think that this can be used as an analogy with our relationship with God. God plays the part of the human, we play the part of the dog. Though we have some smarts and common sense to go fetch a ball or follow our human, sometimes, we are dumb. We don't know when to stop biting things or ripping up pillows. And if we could only see it from God's angle, I think we would realize that what we are doing as a society is so far off the path He created for us that it's like we keep rejecting the "No" command from our master. I believe that's why there is so much suffering in the world. It's not that God wants to or He's even doing any of it. But I believe that He is allowing it. He is a just God and He will follow through on what He said in Romans 6:23. "For the wages of sin is death." But that's not it. The rest of that verse says, "But the gift of God is eternal life." This is great news for those who realize their sin! Their future can go from gloom to brighter than the sun.

Imagine with me for second: Eternity. Think about it for a second...

Seriously, think about it.

When I think about it, it makes my stomach feel weird. So then I move on to thinking about eternity in Heaven. Wow, what a glorious time of celebration, fellowship and worship. Being together with all the Christians over the ages. It will have no end.

Other end of the spectrum: eternity in Hell. This is a never-ending time of isolation. Burning both in your body and the fact of being totally separated from God. Forever.

I've heard a saying once that said this: Earth is as close to Hell that Christians will get. On the other hand, Earth is as close to Heaven that non-believers will get to.

It's true. One of my fellow shakers made the observation that he thinks the physical pain will be very much secondary compared to being apart from God for eternity. I agree whole-heartedly.

I can't stand to think of any of my friends going to spend eternity from God forever. This is my motivation to love others like Christ did.

So repent of your sins. Even if you are already saved. Repentance should be one of our biggest acts of worship because we are realizing how wretched we truly are and how much we are in need of a Savior.

I'm right there with you guys. Keep on the straight and narrow.
Love,
-sam
Song of the Day- Searching for a Savior by Building 429

James 1:22

"Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

Straight from the Word. There it is.

Hypocrisy is probably one of the biggest things I see in America among Christians, myself included sometimes. It bugs me how often I see it around. It's at that moment where I catch myself judging others when it's not my place to judge.

I'm sorry I haven't been writing lately. I just have not been feeling it. I'm going to get in the Word a lot more and I'll get back to you on what I've been learning.

Again, apologies. Keep it real.
-sam
Song of the Day: My Generation by Starfield

To My Brother in Christ

This one is for my brother in Christ that I have just recently been getting close to over the past year.

You are a stud. It's unbelievable how you have changed my walk with God. For real. You've caused me to look at things from a complete different view. It's crazy how many views there are to God but for Him to still be the same, solid Being forever. He has never changed. So you have completely rocked that part of me.

I also wanted to apologize.

I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I know it may have seemed that I was crossing you on every quote you read to me but you gotta understand I've been raised pretty conservative. Some of that stuff is a total new way of thinking for me. When I said that they "threw flags" in my mind, I didn't mean for you to think that I hated the author. I just wanted to either check it out for myself or I didn't understand it and I needed further explaination. I didn't mean for you to think I hated all of those books.

Dude, I'm not gonna lie though. It's tough not having been able to talk to you lately. I feel like you're trying to distance me. So I hope this helps. I don't want some books to come in between us. We should at least be sharing the living Book that matters the most over all.

I love ya buddy. I'm ready to talk with you when you are.

-your brother in Christ

Song of the Day: Until My Heart Caves In by Audio Adrenaline

Too Techinical

Luke 14:1-6 NLT

"One Sabbath day Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees, and the people were watching him closely. There was a man there whose arms and legs were swollen. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in religious law, 'Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?' When they refused to answer, Jesus touched the sick man and healed him and sent him away. Then he turned to them and said, 'Which of you doesn't work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don't you rush to get him out?' Again they could not answer."

Jesus was so ridiculous to the Pharisees. I love reading about everytime He came in contact with them. The Pharisees thought that they had everything right and they were so much more "holy" than everybody else. So much so that when Jesus came, their vision was blind to seeing who he really was because they were so blinded by trying to keep the law and pointing out faults in everybody else. But when Jesus came, He set a whole new standard. The adultery bar was set even higher to the point of lusting after a woman was adultery. The murder bar was pushed up to even looking at your brother in hate was just as bad as killing him.

But in this particular passage, He makes the point that we're not supposed to be complete bums with the Sabbath day. Yes, it is good to have a day of rest, but that shouldn't keep you from continuing your witness and testimony to Christ. We're not supposed to be 6-days-a-week Christians. We should always be ready to give an answer for our faith. (1 Peter 3:15-16)

So don't run yourself into the ground by being so busy. Take a rest, in that sense. But never stop living the way we ought to. This life that we have now been called to.

Galatians 2:20 "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Live by the Word,

-sam

Song of the Day: Beautiful King by Danyew

Wedding Day

Today is the day this trip is all about.

The Wedding.

This morning at 10 is when it goes down. This blog post goes out to my cousin and his fiance. I love you guys and make no mistake that we will be praying for God's blessings in your marriage. I look up to you both in your faith. Keep reflecting the Light and loving each other like Christ does to the church.

Peace out, readers.
-sam
Song of the Day: Love Never Fails by Brandon Heath

The Word

Where are getting our info?

Often times, and a lot more lately for some reason, I find myself getting good quotes from books and preachers I've been reading or listening to, respectively. But I've been thinking to myself, "Where am I getting my food for the day?"

Of course when I say food I don't mean physical food. Don't get smart with me. ;)

I mean my spiritual food. What I learn from. Where I get my substance. And lately I've been realizing that it all seems to come up empty. Don't get me wrong, there are some ridiculously good quotes out there that I adore, but when it stands by itself and that's all we listen to, how am I getting my fill from that alone?

I've been putting too much weight on these books and quotes. I need to get back to what I was doing before.

Revelation 2:5 "Think about where you have fallen from, and then turn back and do as you did at first. If you don't turn back, I will come and take away your lampstand."

There we go. It's all about...

The Word

-sam
Song of the Day: I Am New by Joel Hanson

The Trek

Here we come, Kentucky.
My family and I are making a trek to Lexington, Kentucky.

Day 1- No casualties... Yet. My bro made some glances at me that made me think he was getting shifty but I think all is well in this clan so far.

I'm very happy in making the choice to come and spend this time to make one last endeavor with my family -whom I love to no end- instead of going to conference. Although it turned out that I couldn't with the whole ordeal with my foot.

Anyway, just to keep you guys posted, everything is well. I will ask for prayer though tonight as I climb into the bed I have to share with my bro-bro. Pray he wouldn't beat me up in his sleep or kick me as hard as he kicks the soccer balls on the field. The past record has been clean but there are firsts for everything.... :)

Have a good night, my friends. Love somebody. Don't get nit-picky on details between each other. Love them for who they are and continue to grow in friendships. This is what I'm trying to do also.

Peace,
-sam
Song of the Day: Born Again by Newsboys

Master of Emotions

I don't think I've written for a while because I'm getting a little lazy. Hahaha when I saw Connor's last post I was like, "Holy crap... It's so long." hahaha

But anyway, I've been trying to make the best out of the situations I'm placed in. For example, I'm getting really anxious about leaving for college. But I'm feeling the need to try and pick out what I love about the present instead of complaining about the stuff I don't like. I think this is what God is telling us about when He told us we can live life to the fullest if we stick with Him (see John 10:10).

He wants us to experience all of these emotions that He has created in us. Sad, happy, angry, confused, helpless, joy, being content. Once we have experienced them, we can learn how to deal with them. Once we learn to deal with them, we master them (with the help of God of course). It's at that point where we can truly experience all life has for us.

I'm not saying I'm at that point at all. I'm just thinking out loud and trying to understand stuff with you.

Peace,
-sam
Song of the Day: Like It, Love It, Need It by dc Talk

Tomorrow, my friends

i'll be writing tomorrow.

Sorry i haven't written in a while. i've been busy.

Love ya'll,
-sam
Song of the Day- All My Balloons by Children 18:3

Return of the Ginger

It's upon us.

The redhead is home today.

Hide the children, lock your doors, get your guns at the ready.

I'm joking, this particular ginger is my brother. Don't shoot him. Or hide from him. That would hurt his feelings. He's a nice guy.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. If you can't tell, I'm pumped to see my brotha from another motha, Luke Eberly.

This post is for you buddy.

Lemme tell you what, we've got some great days ahead buddy. From touching Crowder's beard, to living next to each other when we're old and our kids being best buddies. Dude, continue to be rock solid. You have been someone I've looked up to for quite a while now. Even before I knew you I admired your leadership in FCA.

I'm going to miss you this summer. But I'll see ya tonight, buddy.

You're the man.

To everybody else, continue to shower your friends with mushy love notes. ;)

Joking. But make sure they know you care about them.

Go serve your King,

-sam

Song of the Day: Oh Happiness by David Crowder*Band

It's all Love

Short one tonight then I'll do a deeper/longer one tomorrow.

I miss Connor.

The moral of this blogging story is tell one of your friends that you love them tonight or tomorrow.
Let them know you care.

I love you Con. You're the man.

Peace,
-sam
Song of the Day: I Love You by Sanctus Real

This one's for my Mum...

Hey Mom,

First of all, I want you to know I love you. No matter what decision or advice you have for me, I consider it. Even though I don't like it, you are the voice of reason in our family and I weigh your opinion fairly.

I'm sorry that it seems like I've been going against you. It might just be me wanting to go to college and be independant. I've got to work on that.

I'm sorry that I have such a bad memory. Even though it doesn't seem like it sometimes, I am trying. It's hard focusing on things when life blindsides me. That's no excuse because that's life but I will do better before I leave this fall.

I'm sorry when I tell you I will do something and I don't. Often times it's when I'm playing games and I just shrug you off. This is tough for me to write because I'm starting to realize how annoying some of these things are....

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry for not spending a lot time with you since this is my last year here. I should be more sensitive to what you are going through. If you could just be patient with me. And I know or at least have a little idea with how patient you have been with me already. For that, thanks mum. I love you.

Finally, I'm not writing this on a public blog for my own reputation or build myself up. I'm writing this on here because often my writing flows a lot better on here.

So mom, what i'm trying to say is... that even though I still want to hang with my friends especially being my senior year and grad parties are coming up, I will try to devote more time at home and spending time with you.

I love you mum,

-sam

Song of the Day: Be Praised by Michael Gungor Band

The Gospel

The following is what Christians believe to be true:

We are sinners. All of us. Christians, non-Christians, Caucasians, African-Americans, men, women. All of us. No one is left out. Romans 3:23 says it pretty clearly.

"For all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God."

From my theological background and extensive research, the word "all" means "all". I'm just saying. None of us are good enough to make it into Heaven. The Bible says that even our greatest acts here on earth are like dirty menstrual rags to God. We are wretched.

But thanks be to God that this isn't the end of it. He sent us His son, Jesus, to come and live a perfect life. Jesus was fully God but yet fully man, also. Which really blows my mind...

Jesus came so that He could atone for our sins by dying on the cross. He took the sins of the world, people in the past, present and anyone yet to come, upon Himself. He did all of this just so that you can spend eternity with Him in Heaven.

If you don't make this decision to accept the gift He's given you by repenting of your sins and turning from your old, sinful ways, you will go to Hell. It's a real place.

(Just a quick break from the action, please do not think I'm trying to be mean or pushing anything on you. I do NOT want to come across that way to anyone. This, however, is the Truth. And if you kind of feel like you are getting your toes stepped on, maybe that's the Holy Spirit getting at your heart. But I am saying this because I love you guys and I don't want any one of you going to Hell.)

So if you haven't made a decision to accept Christ into your life and repent your sins to God, I strongly urge you to think about it. Tomorrow is not guaranteed and eternity is right around the corner. If you have any questions about this, please don't be afraid to come to me (Sam Olson) or your pastor.

Love you guys. Keep it real.
-sam
Song of the Day: Praise and Adore (Some Live Without It) by Wavorly