Lately, since I've been back people have asked me why I didn't like it UNK very much, and why I'm transferring. I'll try to be somewhat nice but this is basically why it wasn't that great of an experience for me.
The students. Plain and simple. And I'm not saying every single one, they were a handful that I miss from there, of guys that I did actually enjoy spending time with, and I'm fairly sure they know who they are.
First of all, I'm sure you've heard the old quote "You can't spell drunk without UNK." Sadly, I found this to be true, and if you know me, you know that I definitely am not into that stuff. And yes, most college campuses have quite a bit of alcohol, but nevertheless, this was bad.
Secondly, I really did like the faculty, they knew what they were doing and I held them in very high regard. However, most of the students didn't respect them very much. Kids who don't even have Bachelor's or even Associate's degrees would openly make fun of professors, with doctorates. Which is absolutely ridiculous...
Thirdly, a lot of students assume that since they're music majors in a good Division II school, they're very good at what they do. You can always practice something, you are NEVER going to reach a day when you have nothing to practice because you're just that good. There's always something new to work on. Given, a few kids are extremely good at what they do, I could give you a few examples.
*On a small side note, I'd like to tell everyone how annoying I find when someone is irritated by a scale being played up to the 7th degree. "It has to resolve!" No, it doesn't. Get over it.
Lastly (this one may be a bit nasty), the student leadership was terrible. Coming in knowing that the drumline wasn't particularly good, I knew I'd be on snare. I'm not trying to be arrogant here, but only a couple other guys on the line could hang with me, and they were freshmen too. Instead of the "instructor" encouraging us, he dumbed us down, and praised the kids that weren't very good. I have no idea what his problem was. He tried to bring down the best players on the line and make the worst feel like they were carrying the group. This was incredibly frustrating to me as I, and these other 2 freshmen, practice the most out of anyone else on the line past, present, and future. I didn't want to be praised, but definitely didn't want to be made fun of because of the skills I've learned by practicing and working hard because I want to be very good at what I do, and to see the leader tell someone, who wasn't putting nearly enough time in as I was, that they were really good made me extremely angry.
In a drumline, especially as the instructor, you cannot afford to cause conflict, much less enjoy to do it. Sure, the guy that was doing this won't be there next semester, but I can sadly see signs of the upcoming section leader acting and doing the same things.
Wow, pretty sure I'm done with that, like completely. I have UNL drumline minicamp at the end of the month and I've been practicing at least a few hours a day. I'm ecstatic to play with some guys way better than me. Wish me luck.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
If God is Love, then...
Last night, Zac and I got into kind of a deep conversation. We had been out at the Shanno's just hanging out and our way back stopped at McDonald's for some cheeseburgers. My roommate was asleep 'cause he had a track meet today so we just chilled in Zac's room. I don't think we were looking to have a deep conversation; it just kind of happened. At different points, we both were teary-eyed.
We had been talking about girls and love and such. I'm sure what I'm about to say, if read by many, is going to cause TONS of controversy. We had been talking about friends of ours that were in relationships in where God wasn't number one. For the past few months, I have been a bit disturbed by non christian couples that say they love each other, and I really had no idea why, but realized it last night.
If God is Love, then how on earth can you say you love someone if you don't know God? I don't think you can truly understand love if you don't know God and are not pursuing a positive relationship with Him. Non believers have never truly felt the emotion and feeling of love.
Like I said, controversial. I'm sure I'm being "intolerant" and "close-minded" to many people, but I'd rather be on good terms with God than anyone else. I really believe what I just said. If you don't know God, you don't know love, no matter how much you say you do. Some of the most genuine couples I've seen are my parents. They really do love each other, because they both know God and have positive relationships with Him. I've also noticed this with their friends that are the same. One specific couple sticks out in my mind. They're a lot like my parents. They have 4 kids and it's obvious that they do just genuinely love each other because they know God.
There it is. Take what you will.
We had been talking about girls and love and such. I'm sure what I'm about to say, if read by many, is going to cause TONS of controversy. We had been talking about friends of ours that were in relationships in where God wasn't number one. For the past few months, I have been a bit disturbed by non christian couples that say they love each other, and I really had no idea why, but realized it last night.
If God is Love, then how on earth can you say you love someone if you don't know God? I don't think you can truly understand love if you don't know God and are not pursuing a positive relationship with Him. Non believers have never truly felt the emotion and feeling of love.
Like I said, controversial. I'm sure I'm being "intolerant" and "close-minded" to many people, but I'd rather be on good terms with God than anyone else. I really believe what I just said. If you don't know God, you don't know love, no matter how much you say you do. Some of the most genuine couples I've seen are my parents. They really do love each other, because they both know God and have positive relationships with Him. I've also noticed this with their friends that are the same. One specific couple sticks out in my mind. They're a lot like my parents. They have 4 kids and it's obvious that they do just genuinely love each other because they know God.
There it is. Take what you will.
Monday, March 9, 2009
The Funny One
So this a quick little post. I've been failing a bit with my devotions and quiet times and finally got back to it today and was VERY glad that I did.
If you talked to me at all in the past few months I may have told you about this girl I have known. We've been getting know each other better and such, but a couple weeks ago realized we weren't hearing God the same, however I told her I appreciated her honesty in the matter. Today, I was reading in Proverbs and read kind of a funny verse.
"An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips."
-Proverbs 24:26
I laughed. Who says God isn't funny!?
If you talked to me at all in the past few months I may have told you about this girl I have known. We've been getting know each other better and such, but a couple weeks ago realized we weren't hearing God the same, however I told her I appreciated her honesty in the matter. Today, I was reading in Proverbs and read kind of a funny verse.
"An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips."
-Proverbs 24:26
I laughed. Who says God isn't funny!?
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Because God told me so...
Have you ever had someone tell you, "because God told me?" This is usually said among christians about a various number of things. For example, where there are going to college, or why they're dating a certain person, or when they're going to give their testimony, or many other things.
But have you ever thought how easy it is to use, "because God told me" as an excuse!? Especially among your christian friends who will accept the idea. I came to this realization the other night, laying awake in bed. I had recently been told this, in different form, but the same concept nonetheless. However, I really did believe my friend in that what they were saying was what they received from God. But just think for a second how easy that would be to use to justify decisions. It could be a phrase simply used to get someone off of your back.
There have not been very many things I can say that I've felt God tell me to do. The only thing I am certain about is God's wanting me to be involved with music and worship. Whether that be writing songs or just playing, I need to worship Him with the gift He has given me. I feel He definitely has revealed where He wants me to be. Which is Lincoln. It has a more challenging music system, it's closer to home, it has many christian friends of mine, and the real clincher I discovered this weekend was the staff at UNL informed me of a new program they are starting which is music composition and education put together. It is exactly what I want to do. Write music and teach it.
I noticed then when I came to see what He had for me, I was doing well with my walk with Him. In John 8:47 it says, "He who is of God hears God's words." It checks out.
The friend I mentioned earlier had a different take on the situation than I. Looking back I can say that I wasn't right where I should have been with God, so I don't think I was hearing Him correctly. Now, before I even try to hear what God has for me; I make sure that I am right with Him and am completely humbled before our Lord.
Just a suggestion and something to think about.
But have you ever thought how easy it is to use, "because God told me" as an excuse!? Especially among your christian friends who will accept the idea. I came to this realization the other night, laying awake in bed. I had recently been told this, in different form, but the same concept nonetheless. However, I really did believe my friend in that what they were saying was what they received from God. But just think for a second how easy that would be to use to justify decisions. It could be a phrase simply used to get someone off of your back.
There have not been very many things I can say that I've felt God tell me to do. The only thing I am certain about is God's wanting me to be involved with music and worship. Whether that be writing songs or just playing, I need to worship Him with the gift He has given me. I feel He definitely has revealed where He wants me to be. Which is Lincoln. It has a more challenging music system, it's closer to home, it has many christian friends of mine, and the real clincher I discovered this weekend was the staff at UNL informed me of a new program they are starting which is music composition and education put together. It is exactly what I want to do. Write music and teach it.
I noticed then when I came to see what He had for me, I was doing well with my walk with Him. In John 8:47 it says, "He who is of God hears God's words." It checks out.
The friend I mentioned earlier had a different take on the situation than I. Looking back I can say that I wasn't right where I should have been with God, so I don't think I was hearing Him correctly. Now, before I even try to hear what God has for me; I make sure that I am right with Him and am completely humbled before our Lord.
Just a suggestion and something to think about.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Get Rich Quick
I saw something a bit disheartening the other night. A friend of mine asked me if I'd be interested in earning some extra money by doing some social networking stuff. Since I am in the need of some currency I decided well...I can at least check it out, so I did.
The meeting was at Ramada Inn and I wore jeans. I was a bit under dressed, but she said it was okay. We went into the meeting room where the guest speaker introduced himself and began to explain the whole thing. First impression was: "This is scam. No way anyone can make as much money as he's saying he did." It cost $175 to get going and you had to attend a conference about it in Nashville or Minneapolis, and they don't pay for those, but the business will in a couple months, sure. However, as he continued talking some of it did actually did make sense.
He first talked about how we have been "brain washed" in that we need to go to school to get a good job and do that for the rest of our lives when we can actually survive using this networking thing and earn a lot more extra cash by doing it. He worked at IBM for 20 years and apparently hated every minute of it. Since he got into this business he quit his job, doesn't wake up until 11, and takes vacations every 2 weeks.
He could tell I wasn't impressed by what he was doing with his money and as he was going through all the "glorious" things you can do with money, stopped by me and said "Or you could even give your pastor or church $20,000. Wouldn't he love that?!" I nodded, just to get him away from me because he had a creepy smile.
Basically this guy said, "Quit school or your job, do this, you'll make tons of money and barely have to do anything for it." Sounds easy right? Too easy, I'd feel so lazy if I did that. Imagine getting up at 11:00 AM every day and taking vacations every 2 weeks; what could you possibly get done? He also told he gets done every day around 3:00 PM.
I'm not trying to bash on the people that are interested in this and have gotten started with it. I can't say that everyone that has gone through that has not used their money very wisely, but I can say that I don't think I'd really want all that money. I'd have no idea what to do with it. I'd march drum corps and buy some gaming systems. That'd probably be the extent of it.
I left the meeting with a CD to give me more info about it. I threw it away. I got a call from someone about getting everything set up. I told him I wasn't interested, at all. Easy as that. I'd rather spend my hard earned money something worthwhile, not snowmobiles and fancy resorts.
The meeting was at Ramada Inn and I wore jeans. I was a bit under dressed, but she said it was okay. We went into the meeting room where the guest speaker introduced himself and began to explain the whole thing. First impression was: "This is scam. No way anyone can make as much money as he's saying he did." It cost $175 to get going and you had to attend a conference about it in Nashville or Minneapolis, and they don't pay for those, but the business will in a couple months, sure. However, as he continued talking some of it did actually did make sense.
He first talked about how we have been "brain washed" in that we need to go to school to get a good job and do that for the rest of our lives when we can actually survive using this networking thing and earn a lot more extra cash by doing it. He worked at IBM for 20 years and apparently hated every minute of it. Since he got into this business he quit his job, doesn't wake up until 11, and takes vacations every 2 weeks.
He could tell I wasn't impressed by what he was doing with his money and as he was going through all the "glorious" things you can do with money, stopped by me and said "Or you could even give your pastor or church $20,000. Wouldn't he love that?!" I nodded, just to get him away from me because he had a creepy smile.
Basically this guy said, "Quit school or your job, do this, you'll make tons of money and barely have to do anything for it." Sounds easy right? Too easy, I'd feel so lazy if I did that. Imagine getting up at 11:00 AM every day and taking vacations every 2 weeks; what could you possibly get done? He also told he gets done every day around 3:00 PM.
I'm not trying to bash on the people that are interested in this and have gotten started with it. I can't say that everyone that has gone through that has not used their money very wisely, but I can say that I don't think I'd really want all that money. I'd have no idea what to do with it. I'd march drum corps and buy some gaming systems. That'd probably be the extent of it.
I left the meeting with a CD to give me more info about it. I threw it away. I got a call from someone about getting everything set up. I told him I wasn't interested, at all. Easy as that. I'd rather spend my hard earned money something worthwhile, not snowmobiles and fancy resorts.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Be Still
Everyone loves music, but some appreciate more than others. I, being a music major, would say that I do and I truly realized it this past weekend. My mom's birthday was this weekend so I decided I should probably go home. College and home is a pretty good distance away, about 2 and a half hours, so I listened to a bunch of music on the way home and I took another 45 minute trip to see a certain someone. I went there and back so all together I had 6 and a half hours of intense music listening. It was good time.
Anyways, I've noticed that certain songs extract different emotions. This sounds really cheesy, I know. But for instance, All the Memories by The Classic Crime makes me a bit sad because it reminds me of my high school show choir and how much I loved it. A couple songs by Tool also do the same but with drumline, it reminds me of the winter shows in the past.
However, the most emotional ones I have found are songs I sang with Esprit de Corps. Every time I listen to Make Some Noyz I get chills, because I can remember exactly what it felt like to just praise with everyone together. It was one of the most awesome feelings I've ever had. But the best one out of that group was Still by Hillsong. It's easily one of my favorite songs of all time. I had heard it a few times before Esprit but never realized how awesome of a song it truly is.
We sang it at youth group tonight and I just listened to it again. I almost cried. There are so many things going on in my life right now that I lose sleep over. I don't have a job and need one badly. I know what's right, but don't necessarily do it all the time. My classes are stressing me out already. I'm worried about a developing relationship for no real reason. I'm scared that transferring won't go smoothly. I'm even worried about not getting into the School of Music at UNL. Everything just seems to be chipping away at me.
Yet, in spite of that, this song reminds me not to worry, to relax, to be still, and know that God is God. He is King over the flood. I know His power in quietness and trust. I will find rest in Christ alone. My favorite lyrics of the song: "I will soar with You above the storm."
*sigh* thanks God.
Anyways, I've noticed that certain songs extract different emotions. This sounds really cheesy, I know. But for instance, All the Memories by The Classic Crime makes me a bit sad because it reminds me of my high school show choir and how much I loved it. A couple songs by Tool also do the same but with drumline, it reminds me of the winter shows in the past.
However, the most emotional ones I have found are songs I sang with Esprit de Corps. Every time I listen to Make Some Noyz I get chills, because I can remember exactly what it felt like to just praise with everyone together. It was one of the most awesome feelings I've ever had. But the best one out of that group was Still by Hillsong. It's easily one of my favorite songs of all time. I had heard it a few times before Esprit but never realized how awesome of a song it truly is.
We sang it at youth group tonight and I just listened to it again. I almost cried. There are so many things going on in my life right now that I lose sleep over. I don't have a job and need one badly. I know what's right, but don't necessarily do it all the time. My classes are stressing me out already. I'm worried about a developing relationship for no real reason. I'm scared that transferring won't go smoothly. I'm even worried about not getting into the School of Music at UNL. Everything just seems to be chipping away at me.
Yet, in spite of that, this song reminds me not to worry, to relax, to be still, and know that God is God. He is King over the flood. I know His power in quietness and trust. I will find rest in Christ alone. My favorite lyrics of the song: "I will soar with You above the storm."
*sigh* thanks God.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Year's Resolutions
Well, it has been 2009 for a couple hours now. I have made a few resolutions, just like everyone else. I intend to keep them as well.
1) EXERCISE
I never really exercised a whole lot on my own after gym class. I've decided I'm going to work out/run at least two or three times a week. Nothing wrong with being healthy, and you gotta have some kind of cheesy cliche on the top of your resolution list.
2) BIBLE READING
I do read my Bible, but not quite as often as I should. I plan to read every day at least once if not twice. I got some big decisions headed my way. If I want to make the right choices, reading the Bible is a great place to look. I also have some friends that occasionally will ask me for advice. How am I supposed to help them if I don't have at least a small amount of wisdom?
3) QUIET DOWN
I know my roommate will love this one. I've been known for being a bit loud. I admit, sometimes it is a bit over the top. I actually read about it today, in my Bible. I have a good start on my 2nd resolution already. I was reading in 1 Thessalonians, in chapter 4 verse 11 it says, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life..." I figure it should be something I need to look into doing.
So there are my resolutions for 2009. Basically, I'm going to stay healthy physically and spiritually, and by being healthy and fit in both I will be healthy emotionally as well. Kind of confusing, but it's not, trust me. Here's an equation:
{{Healthy Physically + Healthy Spiritually = Healthy Emotionally}}
Happy 2009!
1) EXERCISE
I never really exercised a whole lot on my own after gym class. I've decided I'm going to work out/run at least two or three times a week. Nothing wrong with being healthy, and you gotta have some kind of cheesy cliche on the top of your resolution list.
2) BIBLE READING
I do read my Bible, but not quite as often as I should. I plan to read every day at least once if not twice. I got some big decisions headed my way. If I want to make the right choices, reading the Bible is a great place to look. I also have some friends that occasionally will ask me for advice. How am I supposed to help them if I don't have at least a small amount of wisdom?
3) QUIET DOWN
I know my roommate will love this one. I've been known for being a bit loud. I admit, sometimes it is a bit over the top. I actually read about it today, in my Bible. I have a good start on my 2nd resolution already. I was reading in 1 Thessalonians, in chapter 4 verse 11 it says, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life..." I figure it should be something I need to look into doing.
So there are my resolutions for 2009. Basically, I'm going to stay healthy physically and spiritually, and by being healthy and fit in both I will be healthy emotionally as well. Kind of confusing, but it's not, trust me. Here's an equation:
{{Healthy Physically + Healthy Spiritually = Healthy Emotionally}}
Happy 2009!
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