Sunday, February 27, 2011

What the world is asking....



Used Google's instant search auto-complete: non-bold is what I typed in, bold is auto-complete answers. This is based off millions of searches by people around the world.

What the world is asking about....

Life
Why is life
1. so hard?
2. worth living?


Why is life not
1. fair?
2. easy?


Is life really
1. worth living?
2. a dream?
3. short?
4. worth it?


Religion
Is religion
1. fake?
2. real?
3. good?
4. dying?


Is religion really
1. necessary?
2. evil?
3. important?
4. true?


Why are atheists so
1. angry?
2. intolerant?
3. smug?
4. bitter?


Why are Buddhists so
1. happy?


Why are Jews so
1. cheap?
2. smart?
3. successful?
4. rich?


Why are Mormons so
1. hot?
2. happy?
3. nice?
4. attractive?


Why are Christians so
1. mean?
2. ignorant?
3. judgmental?
4. hypocritical?


Christianity
Why is Christian music so
1. bad?
2. boring?
3. dull?
4. awful?


Why is church so
1. boring?
2. important?


Do Christians
1. sin?
2. believe in ghosts?
3. believe in aliens?
4. overemphasize Christmas?


Why do pastors
1. lie?
2. have affairs?


Jesus and God

Is God
1. real?
2. just a human invention?
3. an alien?
4. dead?


Why was Jesus
1. born?
2. crucified?
3. killed?
4. baptized?


Why did Jesus
1. die?
2. come?
3. have to die?
4. come as a baby?


Is Jesus
1. God?
2. real?
3. a myth?


Is Jesus really
1. God?
2. the reason for the season?
3. the Son of God?
4. real?



Does God really
1. exist?
2. love me?
3. care?
4. answer prayers?


Saturday, February 12, 2011

Prince of Persia and Tamina


I just finished watching the movie Prince of Persia with my family. Although I could write out a full review, I'm really itching to comment on the main female character (Tamina). 

SPOILERS AHEAD! :)

If you're a girl like me, you see Tamina in the opening scenes and think to yourself, "Oh, what I would do to get to wear that dress, have that henna design painted on my hands, and have those silver flowers in my hair. Then I would be so beautiful!" Throughout the movie, it's hard to ignore that Tamina has beauty beyond outer adornments: her hair, eyes, and complexion are gorgeous (not to mention her slim figure). 

As if that's not enough to envy, she's a princess with a cute/hot guy following her around--FOLLOWING her around. She's quite in-control, agile, and skillful, and a strong leader. She has all the independence, success, attention, and beauty we dream of as teenage girls.

But I want you to realize something very important: you have a lot in common with Tamina.

When God looks at you, He sees His beautiful bride. I want you to always envision yourself in the outfit Tamina wore in the opening and closing scenes. After all, that's how God sees you: Isaiah 61:10 says, "I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Psalm 139:14 says, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Your body shape, your eyes, your hair--they're beautifully crafted by God. Your salvation and righteousness before God is, to Him, like the most beautiful dress a bride could wear, along with all the jewels you'd use in your hair and your jewelry. Even when you can't see your beauty, look at yourself and tell yourself the truth: Tamina may not have always seen her beauty, but she certainly was beautiful; likewise, I may not see my own beauty, but Jesus has made me dazzlingly beautiful.

Something else about Tamina: She had strength, and with that came freedom--perfect independence. Not only that, but she was aware of and confident in her beauty and intelligence and independence. She knew she could have (or not have) the finest man in the world as her husband--accordingly, she was picky. As teenage girls, it's easy for [most of] us to have what I call a "man void." For those of us who can relate, this boils down to our longing to find and settle with our future husband. We tend to gravitate toward the current guys in our life right now, whether or not they're "quality" guys, just because it's so difficult to imagine ourselves marrying somebody we haven't even met yet. "How do I even know a guy like that actually exists? I'll believe it when I see it," we say, "And right now, I see this guy, and he's the best I've found." We don't act like we could have anyone in the world; instead, we take what we can get. That's a dangerous, dangerous road. Every time you find yourself falling for someone low-quality, just imagine yourself as Tamina. You're perfectly independent. You don't NEED a guy. If you do marry someone, he MUST be someone who will actually greatly improve your ability to love and serve God, not someone who will tear you down. Even Tamina looked beyond appearances: when conquerors (against whom she had no power) requested that she marry someone--first Tus, then Dastan--she didn't immediately accept. She said she would rather die than marry Tus! You have that same strength. If a guy isn't worth your effort, don't be so generous with it. Have high standards. God has called you to it. If a guy doesn't meet your high standards, don't expect him to be the one God has for you.

Throughout the movie, I enjoyed watching the (albeit overly-bossy) Tamina as she showcased her independence and strength, even in the face of dealing with attractive men. There isn't much more to learn from the Prince of Persia; nevertheless, this one lesson alone is a priceless jewel. Girls, never forget your identity as God's princess! It's a joy and a privilege too good to surrender.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Convo Starters: Wish Right Now

This is going to be a short little post because there's only a short little part of this song that anybody ever remembers. Quite honestly, it's the only part of the song that you really need to know to start a fantastic conversation. The rest is junk that you don't need to put into your head (after all, nobody else is putting it in theirs).

That little part goes like this:

Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars?
I could really use a wish right now...
Wish right now
Wish right now

This is a fantastic conversation starter! You can do one of two things:

1) You can say, "Oh, if I had that wish, I would wish for _____." Then let your friend tell what they'd wish for. Ask why they would wish for that, and build a conversation on their wish.

2) You can outright ask your friend, "If you had one wish, what would you wish for?" Then (like in the first method) ask why they would wish for that and build a conversation on it.

You might be surprised at what you get. This little song clip has potential for opening big doors!

Convo Starters: Forget You

I caught a friend of mine singing this yesterday, and (after being informed that the ultra-sucessful teen TV show Glee had covered the song) decided to use it in today's post. And yes, I'm posting the Glee video. Forgive the language, please. 




(Chorus)
I see you driving 'round town
With the girl I love and I'm like,
Forget you!
Oo, oo, oooo
I guess the change in my pocket
Wasn't enough, I'm like,
Forget you!
And forget her too!
Said, if I was richer, I'd still be with ya
ha , aint that some shit?
ain't that some shit
And although there's pain in my chest
I still wish you the best with a...
Forget you!
Oo, oo, oooo

Yeah I'm sorry, I can't afford a ferrari,
But that don't mean I can't get you there.
I guess he's an xbox and I'm more atari,
But the way you play your game ain't fair.

I pity the fooool that falls in love with you oh
(oh shit she's a gold digger)
Well
(just thought you should know nigga)
Ooooooh
I've got some news for you
Yeah go run and tell your little boyfriend

I see you driving 'round town
With the girl I love and I'm like,
Forget you!
Oo, oo, oooo
I guess the change in my pocket
Wasn't enough, I'm like,
Forget you!
And forget her too!
Said, if I was richer, I'd still be with ya
ha , aint that some shh?
And although there's pain in my chest
I still wish you the best with a...
Forget you!
Oo, oo, oooo

Now I know, that I had to borrow,
Beg and steal and lie and cheat.
Trying to keep ya, trying to please ya.
'Cause being in love with you ain't cheap.

now, I pity the fool that falls in love with you ohh
(oh shh she's a gold digger)
Well
(just thought you should know nigga)
Ooooooh
I've got some news for you
uh! I really hate your friend right now!

I see you driving 'round town
With the girl I love and I'm like,
Forget you!
Oo, oo, oooo
I guess the change in my pocket
Wasn't enough, I'm like,
Forget you!
And forget her too!
Said, if I was richer, I'd still be with ya
ha , aint that some shh?
And although there's pain in my chest
I still wish you the best with a...
Forget you!
Oo, oo, oooo

Now baby, baby, baby, why d'you wanna wanna hurt me so bad?
(so bad, so bad, so bad)
I tried to tell my mamma but she told me
"this is one for your dad"
(your dad, your dad, your dad)
Uh! Whhhy? Uh! Whhhy? Uh!
Whhhy lady? Oh! I love you
I still Love you!! Ohhhh...

I see you driving 'round town
With the girl I love and I'm like,
Forget you!
Oo, oo, oooo
I guess the change in my pocket
Wasn't enough, I'm like,
Forget you!
And forget her too!
Said, if I was richer, I'd still be with ya
ha , aint that some shit?
And although there's pain in my chest
I still wish you the best with a...
Forget you!
Oo, oo, oooo



Conversation starters:
This is actually a great conversation starter. The song is rich and deep, but on its own it's not going to do much good to a worldview. It needs a little help--which you can provide in a little conversation.


REJECTION/WORTH/GREED: It's so sad that the girl rejected him just 'cause he didn't have enough money! Some people. *pause for response* I mean, I can see where some people might want the money, but things happen, you know? That rich guy could lose all his money in a flash, and then where would she be?


WORTH/GREED/PRIORITIES: I think it's sad that the girl didn't see character first. I mean, yeah, it's nice to have money, but money isn't what makes you happy. *have conversation about money not making you happy*


REJECTION/GRACE: Okay, you know the one problem I have with that song? I mean, sure, she rejected him, and sure, he didn't deserve to get treated that way, but did he really have to get so angry at her in return? It's not like his anger did anything except stress him out. And you know, some people take their anger farther, and when you start getting into revenge, that's a vicious cycle that doesn't accomplish anything. He'd be much better off just being like, "Well, that's her problem!" and finding someone else.


And the review...

Synopsis: A guy loves a girl, but she is only dating wallets (so to speak)--so he angrily lashes out at her.


Background: Couldn't find anything on Wikipedia. Let me know if you research and come up with something.


Central theme: Rejection


Good points: It gives a voice to those of us who aren't filthily wealthy, and hints that there's more to a person than the "change in their pocket."


Bad points: Language. #1. You really don't need to use dirty words--and there's a reason they're called "dirty" words!--to get your point across. Secondly, the song responds to rejection with anger. A better response would be sympathy; after all, if a girl is only dating for money, you have to be sympathetic. She's got some pretty pathetic priorities and probably isn't very happy.


Overall: Not a great song, but it does show the reality of human nature: we're prone to falling into love of money over love of character, and it's easy to get angry when you're rejected. However, those aren't character traits to emulate! 
And I have to add...You gotta admit, the first verse is pretty sweet (from a lyricist's viewpoint, anyway).

Worth and Accomplishment


I've been trying to earn my worth.

After all, I mean, to be worth something in the world's eyes, you have to be great.

And I want to be great.

I want to be the best...the best at something. 

The trouble is, I'm not.

I'm not the best writer I know. I'm not the best student I know. I'm not the best friend I know. I'm not the best mentor I know. I'm not the best pianist I know. I'm not the best songwriter I know. I'm not the best blogger I know, the best fundraiser I know, the best teacher I know, the best artist I know.

I heard a song the other day. It came just as I was struggling with this issue of not being the best--of feeling like I'm worthless because I haven't done anything that others consider very worthwhile, and of feeling like I haven't found a purpose yet because I haven't found anything that I excel at.

The song (my new favorite) is Shadow of Angels by Building 429. Here are the lyrics that spoke to me:

I haven’t found me yet...
I got caught in the memories
Cause they never fail to prove
I’m insecure and incomplete
It’s a stinging point of truth
So I will never find the best of me
Until I find myself in You, I’ll find myself in You
Cause I believe that when I call for you
You hear the plea for my rescue
And You lift me up above the world I know
And I know that when I speak Your name
You hear my voice and send your saints
To cover me in the shadow of angels

Of course, on my iPod, this song was followed by Third Day's Who I Am ("This is who I am/This is who I am/So take me and make me something so much more") and Matthew West's More ("You are one in a million/And you belong to Me/I love you more than the sun and the stars that I taught how to shine/...And you shine for me"). 

Talk about signals from God.

I am not my own. I am God's child first and foremost, and nothing I do can make me great. On the contrary; anything good I do must come from God and not myself. I need to live in God's will, remembering His love each moment of each day, and His work will be done. Even if the world says that I'm not great, He says I am great. Even if I can never write, play music, cook, photograph, draw, teach, fundraise, or do anything else "great," if I am living in God's love, I am living out my purpose--better, even, than those who do "great" things but don't pay attention to God.

My devotionals today "happened" to include John 15:5, which is extraordinarily applicable to this situation. It says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." 

Think about that.

In God alone do we bear much fruit.

Apart from God, we can do nothing.

As humans, we tend to be outcome-oriented. No matter how much work you put into that assignment--what was your grade? I don't care about how many fast-food places you applied to--do you have a job yet? You say your church is great, so prove it--how many people attend?

And the list goes on.

The problem is that when we look at results, we don't see the whole picture. We don't see motives. We don't see character. We don't see worship. We don't see, in reality, the most important part of the task: the part that involves the eternal things.

Someone who cheats in school can get an A from their teacher but an F from God. Someone who works their butt off looking for a job can fail in the world's eyes but gain valuable experience (and grow in patience!) with God. A church may be small, but its heart and devotion to the word of God could be bigger than the biggest megachurch.

As Christians, we're called to a different lifestyle. We're called to a whole lifestyle, which doesn't just include a whole bunch of results that can be listed. It's a journey. It's the stuff that doesn't show up on paper, but shines through in our life. If God only liked results, then He wouldn't leave us on earth--He'd just kill us off after we became Christians so that we could get right to His result, which is perfect life with Him in heaven. Instead, He gives us time here to develop our character. See? Even God is journey- and character-oriented.

So the next time you're discouraged, remember: growing your character and relationship with God is infinitely more important than all other "accomplishments."

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Convo Starters: Grenade


I looked in the top 10 songs last night for ideas on what to blog on. This song was #1. And I love that, because when I listened to it, I realized that it's a great song--it can be sung from the perspective of guy-to-girl OR God-to-sinners-before-they're-saved. :) So without further ado, here's Grenade by Bruno Mars.



Easy come, easy go, that's just how you live 
Oh, take, take, take it all but you never give 
Should've known you was trouble from the first kiss 
Had your eyes wide open, why were they open? 

Gave you all I had and you tossed it in the trash 
You tossed it in the trash, you did 
To give me all your love is all I ever asked 
'Cause what you don't understand is 

I'd catch a grenade for ya 
Throw my hand on a blade for ya 
I'd jump in front of a train for ya 
You know I'd do anything for ya 

I would go through all this pain 
Take a bullet straight through my brain 
Yes, I would die for you, baby 
But you won't do the same 
No, no, no, no 

Black, black, black and blue, beat me 'til I'm numb 
Tell the devil I said, hey, when you get back to where you're from 
Mad woman, bad woman, that's just what you are, yeah 
You'll smile in my face then rip the brakes out my car 

Gave you all I had and you tossed it in the trash 
You tossed it in the trash, yes, you did 
To give me all your love is all I ever asked 
'Cause what you don't understand is 

I'd catch a grenade for ya 
Throw my hand on a blade for ya 
I'd jump in front of a train for ya 
You know I'd do anything for ya 

I would go through all this pain 
Take a bullet straight through my brain 
Yes, I would die for ya, baby 
But you won't do the same 

If my body was on fire 
Ooh, you'd watch me burn down in flames 
You said you loved me, you're a liar 
'Cause you never, ever, ever did, baby 

But darling, I'd still catch a grenade for ya 
Throw my hand on a blade for ya 
I'd jump in front of a train for ya 
You know I'd do anything for ya 
I would go through all this pain 
Take a bullet straight through my brain 
Yes, I would die for you, baby 
But you won't do the same 
No, you won't do the same 
You wouldn't do the same 
Ooh, you never do the same 
No, no, no, no
[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/grenade-lyrics-bruno-mars.html ]

Conversation starters:
Like Single Ladies, Grenade doesn't really need much. It's already impacting worldviews. However, if you'd like to start a conversation with someone over it, go ahead! Here are some ideas:

FORGIVENESS/GRACE: I think it's so interesting that, at the end of the song, he says he'd STILL do all those things for her--even though she treated him so awful. I think it would be really hard to love someone that much, you know. She didn't really deserve that. But you know, I guess that's how Jesus loves us, too.
End with: (Important note! This is a really good lead-in to the gospel if you have an unsaved friend. If you're talking with another Christian, however, you can end with talking about how love is so often portrayed as just a warm fuzzy feeling when it's not. Then, to move off the heavier notes, you can lightheartedly make fun of a movie or a song that does just that--then move to other songs or movies or whatnot). 

COMMITMENT/LOVE: I think it's so cool that he would do all that for his girlfriend. (If/When) I get a boyfriend, I want someone who would do that for me. 
(If your friend comments that no one would ever do that stuff for her, be sure to say that you would--and that Jesus did! Another great lead-in to the gospel)

DATING/LOVE: You know, it's interesting, because you think--the girl in the song might've just said yes to dating Bruno to avoid hurting his feelings, you know, but not really cared about him. And it ended up hurting him MORE, in the long run.

Review:

Synopsis:  Mars gives all his devotion to a girl who turns out to be flippant.

Background: Not much background to this one. According to Wikipedia, Mars heard a similar, unpublished song, and liked it so much that he wrote his own version.

Central theme: Sacrifice

Good points: Where do we begin? Bruno Mars reminds us that true love is self-sacrificing ("I'd catch a grenade for you/Put my hand on a blade for you/I'd jump in front of a train for you...Yes, I would die for you, baby"). He details the hurt that can come from dating just for fun, especially when the other person is serious ("To give me all your love is all I ever asked...I would die for you, baby, but you won't do the same/Black, black, black and blue/Beat me 'till I'm numb"). (Girls sometimes only say "yes" to a date to avoid hurting a guy's feelings. This song shows that saying yes can be even more hurtful to the guy in the long run.) He also shows the pain that indifference can bring to a relationship ("If my body was on fire/You'd watch me burn down in flames/You said you loved me, you're a liar/'Cause you never ever did") Finally, at the end, like Hosea loving his wife even though she didn't love him (click here to read the story) or Jesus loving humans before they loved Him back, Mars decides to continue to devote himself to his girlfriend even though she won't give anything back ("You said you loved me, you're a liar/'Cause you never ever did/But darling, I'd still catch a grenade for you").

Bad points: Well, he kissed her before they were married ("Should've known you was trouble from the first kiss")--not that there's a biblical doctrine against that, I just personally want to save my first kiss for my wedding day. And his remark about his girlfriend being from hell ("Tell the devil I said hey when you get back where you're from") isn't super nice or something we should repeat to our friends/boyfriends. But that's pretty much it.

Overall: I love this song, because not only does it tell us about true love and sacrifice (too often, love is portrayed as a warm fuzzy feeling) but it also could be seen as a song Jesus sings to us. Helps us get a grip on His amazing love, doesn't it? :)

Monday, February 7, 2011

Convo Starers: Single Ladies

Yes, I'm actually posting about a Beyonce song. It's a song many of us will be hearing in the next week (some of us might be singing the opening line to ourselves as we walk past huge pink heart displays ;).

I'm not going to post the music video to this one, just because I didn't feel the need to post a video of three ladies in black swimsuits looking at the camera and shaking their hips. Seriously, that's pretty much the whole video. While, as a dancer, I can appreciate the tremendous amount of work that must have gone into the dance for the music video, as a Christian I don't support dances that are created to make guys lust. 

Instead, I'm posting a video that just has lyrics. I'll also put the lyrics below just in case the video doesn't work for you.

All the single ladies (7x)

Now put your hands up
Up in the club, we just broke up
I’m doing my own little thing
you Decided to dip but now you wanna trip
Cuz another brother noticed me
I’m up on him, he up on me
dont pay him any attention
cuz i cried my tears, GAVE three good years
Ya can’t be mad at me

[Chorus]
Cuz if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don’t be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it

wo oh ooh oh oh ooh oh oh ooh oh oh oh x2


(Chorus)Cuz if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don’t be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it


I got gloss on my lips, a man on my hips
hold me tighter than my Dereon jeans
acting up, drink in my cup
I couldnt care less what you think
I need no permission, did I mention
Dont pay him any attention
Cuz you had your turn
But now you gonna learn
What it really feels like to miss me

(Chorus)

Cuz if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don’t be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it

woo oh ooh oh oh ooh oh oh ooh oh oh oh 2x

Don’t treat me to the things of this world
I’m not that kind of girl
Your love is what I prefer, what I deserve
Is a man that makes me, then takes me
And delivers me to a destiny, to infinity and beyond
Pull me into your arms
Say I’m the one you WANT
If you don’t, you’ll be alone
And like a ghost I’ll be gone

All the single ladies (7x)
Now put your hands up
woo oh ooh oh oh ooh oh oh ooh 
oh oh oh 2x

Cuz if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don’t be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it woo oh ooh 2x
http://www.elyricsworld.com/single_ladies_lyrics_beyonce.html

Conversation starters:
Actually, this song's a pretty poor conversation starter. It has some pretty applicable messages, but nobody pays attention to them--most people just remember "All the single ladies *repeat a random number of times*/If you liked it then you should've put a ring on it *repeat a random number of times*/Oh oh oh *repeat a random number of times*" 

Believe it or not, though, that can be a good thing! Those lyrics by themselves provide enough information to encourage girls to wait for a boyfriend who will commit to them--you really don't need to add much, if anything. 

For those rare cases where your friends might pick up on the second verse ("I got gloss on my lips/A man on my hips/Hold me tighter than my Dereon jeans..."), you could mention that it's sad that, while Beyonce claims to find power in being single and getting to flirt with other guys, she's really still obsessing over her ex-boyfriend and trying to get his attention--and she isn't happy at all. Be sure to mention that she really just needs to let go of her ex-boyfriend and accept that he's a jerk. Alternatively, you could bring up thoughts about how a guy who really loves you isn't going to love you for your body. Remind your friends that a good guy loves you for your heart. You might mention that Beyonce probably got into trouble the first time because her boyfriend only loved her for her body, and that by the second verse she really hasn't learned her lesson. 

In any case, your conversations will really depend on the situation. Read over the main themes of the song (below) so that you're ready for any opportunity!

Synopsis: Beyonce breaks up with the boy she's been living with for the past 3 years, goes to a club to party, and finds another man--all in an effort to make her now-ex-boyfriend jealous (and possibly inspire him to chase her and marry her).

Background: According to Wikipedia, the song's inspiration was Beyonce and Jay-Z's secret marriage.

Central theme: Commitment

Good lessons: Beyonce breaks off an unhealthy relationship ("Up in the club/We just broke up") and doesn't mope over it ("All the single ladies/Now put your hands up"). She tells her ex-boyfriend that if he really loved her he would have married her ("If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it")

Bad lessons: Beyonce turns to anger and revenge ("Don't be made once you see that he want it/...I got gloss on my lips/A man on my hips/Hold me tighter than my Dereon jeans/...You had your turn/Now you're gonna learn/What it really feels like to miss me"). Despite her peppy lines about "single ladies," she's really still obsessing over her ex-boyfriend. 

Overall: This song, while it makes good points about commitment and marriage and is a powerful "theme song" for those of us who are single, in reality promotes an unhealthy attitude. Listen with caution...there's only one line in this song that's golden, and it's one you should repeat often: "If you liked it then you should've put a ring on it." Don't go out with a guy who isn't serious about honoring you!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Convo Starters: Back to December




Hi everyone! I'm starting a new series called (oh-so-cleverly) "Convo Starters." I'll post (can you guess?) natural conversation starters that can be used when your friends bring up a song. That way, the next time your friends start singing one of these songs, you can say, "Oh, hey, did you ever think about ___?" It's a great way to get them to start thinking about God, spiritual things, and the gospel--especially since they will hopefully think about what you said every time they hear the song. These simple conversations could positively impact the person's worldview and lifestyle. 

Today's song is "Back to December" by Taylor Swift. In case you live in a cave somewhere and haven't heard this song yet, I've provided the music video and lyrics below for your benefit. If you've heard the song already, go ahead and skip down to the convo starters :)



I'm so glad you made time to see me
How's life, tell me how's your family
I haven't seen them in a while
You've been good, busier than ever
We small talk, work and the weather
Your guard is up and I know why

'Cause the last time you saw me
Still burned in the back of your mind
You gave me roses and I left them there to die

So this is me swallowing my pride,
Standing in front of you saying I'm sorry for that night
And I'd go back to December all the time
It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
Wishing that I'd realized what I had when you were mine
I'd go back to December, turn around and make it alright
I go back to December all the time

These days I haven't been sleeping
Staying up playing back myself leaving
When your birthday passed and I didn't call
And I think about summer, all the beautiful times
I watched you laughing from the passenger side and
Realized I loved you in the fall
And then the cold came, the dark days when fear crept into my mind
You gave me all your love and all I gave you was goodbye

So this is me swallowing my pride,
Standing in front of you saying I'm sorry for that night
And I'd go back to December all the time
It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
Wishing that I'd realized what I had when you were mine
I'd go back to December, turn around and change my own mind
I go back to December all the time

I miss your tan skin, your sweet smile, so good to me, so right
And how you held me in your arms that September night,
The first time you ever saw me cry
Maybe this is wishful thinking
Probably mindless dreaming
If we loved again I swear I'd love you right

I'd go back in time and change it but I can't
So if the chain is on your door, I understand

But this is me swallowing my pride,
Standing in front of you saying I'm sorry for that night
And I'd go back to December
It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
Wishing that I'd realized what I had when you were mine and
I go back to December, turn around and make it alright and
I go back to December, turn around and change my own mind and
I go back to December all the time
http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/t/taylor_swift/back_to_december.html

Conversation starters:

REGRET/GRACE: Have you ever felt like that? You know, regretting something you did, and just re-living it over and over? *tell a little about a time you felt like that, then let your friend open up and share.* 
End with: It's a relief to know that Jesus isn't going to leave us no matter how many mistakes we make.

COMMITMENT/LOVE: I think it's so sad, the way she treated her boyfriend! She just left his flowers out to die, and forgot to call--I'd be pretty mad, if I were him. It can be easy to take people for granted, I guess, but [when I get a boyfriend] I know I definitely want to remember to make a point to show my boyfriend he's valued. *if you already have a boyfriend, point out an area where you can improve in this area, then let your friend share*
I guess love isn't worth as much if you're not showing the other person they're loved. *let your friend comment. If they want, you can talk more about this. If not, or when you're ready to move on, you can go to the next point*
You know, that's kinda like what the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13. Love isn't so much as a feeling as it is an action.
*possibly apply this to family relationships and friendships*
End with: *make a pact with your friend. You each name one specific area where you'll make an effort to show someone your love in action. If possible, name some specific things you'll start doing*

FORGIVENESS: 
I think it's so sad, the way she treated her boyfriend! She just left his flowers out to die, and forgot to call--I'd be pretty mad, if I were him. But I guess everybody makes mistakes. I know I haven't been perfect. *name a time when you were negligent or did something that hurt someone you loved, but looking back you regret it.* 
End with: It's nice to know that NO ONE is perfect. I think knowing that makes it easier to forgive each other.

And, of course, I can't finish this post without reviewing the song.... ;-) 

Synopsis: Taylor Swift, known for demanding apologies, for the first time offers her own apology to one of her ex-boyfriends.

Background: According to Wikipedia, this may have been written about her Twilight-famous ex Taylor Lautner--but that's just unconfirmed rumors.

Central theme:  Regret

Good lessons: Taylor humbles herself and apologizes ("This is me swallowing my pride/Standing in front of you saying I'm sorry for that night"), admits that what she did was wrong ("If we loved again I swear I'd love you right" implies that the previous time was wrong), and acknowledges that she may never get back what she lost in her carelessness ("I'd go back in time and change it but I can't/So if the chain is on your door, I understand"; carelessness in letting the roses he sent die and in not calling on his birthday).

Bad lessons: The only bad point of this song is in the bridge, when Taylor references the boy's physical features ("I miss your tan skin") instead of his character qualities. The first thing that comes to mind when you think of a man should not be his looks (yes, those are important, but they're not the most important thing!) but his character (after all, if you get married, when he's 80 he probably won't have the same good looks you see today!). In addition, she talks about a...ahem...not sure I want to use the word "intimate"...but, you know, a moment when he saw her cry and held her in his arms ("And how you held me in your arms that September night/The very first time you saw me cry") which might cause us girls to fantasize about hugs from our crushes while we cry. That's really not something we should fantasize about until after we're married.

Overall: This song is actually a Taylor Swift song I'd recommend. It shows that relationships require commitment. It encourages humility, without the deception of a false apology (think "I'm sorry I don't have a boyfriend anymore" versus "I'm sorry I hurt you.") However, obsessing too much over past mistakes can be a bad thing, so don't over-listen to the song.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Right To Live: An Anti-Trafficking Event

On March 19, 2011, something exciting is going to happen: Colorado teenagers who are determined to stop modern-day child slavery will meet, learn how they can work together to fight human trafficking, and start making a difference.

Right To Live is an event created to help teenagers begin working against human trafficking. Speakers, videos, games, activities, and take-home resources are all a part of the 2-hour schedule that covers both sex and labor trafficking, both domestically and internationally. The information-packed event is entirely free and will be held at the Parker Library conference room on Saturday, March 19 from 2 to 4 PM.

View the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=183629824988960&ref=ts