"Freely you have received; freely give."

So, the exciting news is I'll be at Pepperdine for sure starting next fall! It's amazing how everything worked out so quickly; two months ago I had no idea where I wanted to go or what I was going to do come next school year. I'm not one that belives in a "crown of favour" from God; in other words, I don't think every single thing in life is decided or prohibited by Him. But He definitely does intervene in our lives when it is in His will. This was one of those times. My academic record is not that impressive at all, especially compared to incoming Pepperdine Freshmen. I barely even made the SAT requirement for admission: the requirement was a 1930, I got a 1940. Don't get me wrong; I'm not a slacker. I really do like learning about things, for the most part. But I honestly haven't pushed that hard in this last year to apply to scholarships and colleges and such; no offense to those diehard academics, but to a certain extent it's "meaningless under the sun", as my dad likes to say. That's why both me and my parents were extremely surprised that not only was I accepted to Pepperdine, but it was possible through financial aid for me to attend. This was, and is, definitely a "God thing"; I'm just hoping and praying I won't take it for granted.

The school's motto is "Freely you have received; freely give." I've found that pretty hilarious, considering school tuition is far from me; but I suppose it still applies to life. I wasnt aware of the context of the verse until this last saturday, when a couple of us guys went over John 10. The command is found in John 10:8, and is given immediately following other commands: Heal the sick. Raise the dead. Cleanse the lepers. Cast out demons. John 10 is Christ's "instructions for service" to His disciples; He's sending them out on a mission. On saturday we talked about which verses were given specifically to the disciples, and which still apply to us today (take the time to read John 10. Don't see your bible? Go get it. =P). It was awesome, because verses 9 and 10 speak exactly to my attitude towards college/careers. They say, "Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money elts, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support." For the last year or so I've been struggling with the concept of college. It's not that I have a negative view towards it; I just don't put as much importance on it as most people. It's a tool that we can use to serve God, and that's the extent of it. But the focus should never be on things like getting good grades, getting a high-paying job, things like that. I don't know quite how to express it... if I try any further, I'll probably end up just rambling. But it is something I like to talk about with people, so feel free. :)

Pepperdine does seem to be a good fit, most definitely. I googled student reviews for the place a few weeks ago, and the results were pretty hilarious. Many were positive, and those that were "negative" were actually positive for me. They said things like, "Christianity is way prevalent here; if you're not religious, don't come". Maha. On the other hand, some hard core conservative Christians complain of it being too "liberal"; the inbetween sounds just about perfect for me. :)

One review I found summarizes it pretty awesomely:

Most Pepperdine students are happy with the college they picked, their minor critiques of particulars giving way to an overall appreciation of the experience and benefits Pepperdine has granted them that no other school could. Students who don’t gush forth wholehearted and unwavering words of love usually cite the school’s size and social climate as the source of whatever dissatisfactions they may have. When people decide to transfer from Pepperdine, it isn’t because of the lack of dining halls and parking availability, or some qualms they have about student housing; it’s because of the other Pepperdine students and the community environment they create. For example, some religious students are dismayed to discover that many don’t share their Christian enthusiasm. Others, in contrast, find the Christian atmosphere to
be overwhelming.

Many students complain that the high schools they attended were larger and less strict than Pepperdine, with more to do on the weekends, while others with similar high school experiences find Pepperdine a welcome respite. And while some find the small campus and even smaller student population comforting, others find that Pepperdine’s quaintness inhibits their growth and restricts their social life. There’s nothing small, though, about the 125-foot cross that stands at the forefront of the Malibu campus the job of which is to proclaim loudly and clearly that Pepperdine’s mission is not merely academic.

Ultimately, Pepperdine’s considerable Christian affiliation defines it as a school. More specifically, it’s the interaction between the religious emphasis and seemingly contradictory elements—luxury automobiles, non-Christian students, high heels and mini-skirts, a broad liberal arts education with its overwhelming price tag, the desire to let loose and party once in a while—that makes Pepperdine a dynamic and truly unique environment. The most amazing thing about Pepperdine may be that it has managed to hold onto its religious inclinations while still maintaining an excellent academic reputation. The University’s mission statement affirms that “the educational process may not, with impunity, be divorced from the divine process.” This language contrasts markedly with the prevailing public opinion that religion and academic rigor simply don’t mix, and it highlights Pepperdine’s willingness to approach higher education in unconventional ways. In the end, Pepperdine is a small Christian school that really wants its students to grow into people who might make the world a better place. It is not for everyone, but it offers plenty of rewards to those willing to take advantage of the educational and spiritual environment that is, after all, the reason they built Pepperdine in the first place.

Complacency

He's a real nowhere Man,
Sitting in his Nowhere Land,
Making all his nowhere plans
for nobody.

Doesn't have a point of view,
Knows not where he's going to,
Isn't he a bit like you and me?

---------

Fumbling his confidence
And wond'ring why the world has passed him by
Hoping that he's meant for more than arguments
And failed attempts to fly, fly

Dreaming about providence
And whether mice or men have second tries
Maybe we've been livin' with our eyes half open
Maybe we're bent and broken, broken

Art-ness

Yesterday was spent fantastically with 4 friends at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. I'm no artist, but I definitely have a taste in art... I'll leave it up to you to decide whether it's a good taste or not. =P I don't really understand modern art, and in most cases think it's quite stupid. There was a special gallery on display for this one modern photographer. One piece was a photograph of an egg on a block of wood. Apparently it was supposed to represent the fragility of life, while displaying a typically domestic object in a non-domestic environment. Pardon my French, but I think some people just try to make up symbols to make a shite photograph meaningful. There's my little rant about that part of the museum. =P

On the other hand, my favourite gallery was the "Impressionist". I just love the variety and colours, and yes, symbols. A lot of those paintings actually do have symbols and meanings within them, purposefully painted by the artist. But I think the *most* meaningful paintings were from the 17th ish century, like "Allegory", painted around 1670. Every single detail and character depicted holds symbolic meaning. Because I'm not an artist, usually I can't look at the painting and appreciate it for it's "paint" value, because I don't know how much or how little work went into it, but my favourite paintings in the museum again and again ended up holding a meaning or a plot from myths or biblical stories. The best of the day, though, wasn't even a painting. It was a gold-gilded wall clock. I'm not sure why it fascinated me so much, but I just loved the message it had. The symbols came together to give the message "Love conquers Time" (death and progression of minutes). Which is so true. You'll see it below, and I'll explain a little more. Plus it was just a gorgeous piece of ornament. I would love it in my house. ^^

Here are some of my favourites that I managed to get pictures of (props to Genna for the use of her camera):


The Woman represents Justice, the Lion is an attribute of Fortitude and Prudence, and the little winged dude with the chain shows Temperance. All of these together are the four cardinal virtues.



When Mary Magdalene first discovered the empty tomb, she thought that Jesus' body had been stolen. This depicts the exact moment that Mary Magdalene realizes that Christ is risen from the dead. She is facing her Lord. The gold in cloak shows the radiance of her risen Lord.




Van Gogh's Irises are just classic. I don't think there's that much symbolism, but I just love the colours.. and the fact that he painted it when he was recovering from mental illness. He was a strange fellow, but produced excellent art. I would've loved to see Starry Night much more, but I'm satisfied with Irises.




I don't remember the exact story behind this, but I know the fair-haired boy is leaving for an extensive amount of time.. or maybe it was infinitely. Mh. I must remember. Anyway, I just love the colours in this one, and the expressions.




Mh, even though it doesn't look like it, there is hope in this painting. This is how the museum described it: "His head bowed, a man walks alone in the silvery, cold moonlit night while contemplating a megalithic tomb and its implicit message of death. It is winter, and all around him nature is dying. Leafless trees loom behind like specters, but a grove of verdant oaks rises through the mist in the background with the promise of life. The waxing moon, high in the sky, also acts as a counterbalance to death, symbolizing Christ and the promise of rebirth." I love. :)




Here's the clock of fascination. :) You can't see the detail that well in the picture, so I encourage you to visit the Getty for yourself, eh? On the top, above the clock-piece, are two Cherubs, who have just stolen the two tools of Chronos, the Greek god of time; the scythe and the hourglass. Chronos is seen below the clock-piece, being beaten down by his own tools: a globe, a protractor, and a pair of compasses. The message is clear: "Love Conquers Time".



Allegory of Fortune. This one was great, not only because of the symbols, but also the story behind it (just disregard the maybe-scandalous nature of the lady =P). This is what the museum had to say about it:

"Found at a flea market and purchased for a modest sum by an anonymous buyer, the unwrapped, seven-foot Allegory of Fortune was strapped to the roof of a car and brought to Christie's auction house in New York City. There experts recognized it as an important, long-lost allegorical scene by the Ferrarese master Dosso Dossi.

While the painting's precise meaning remains a mystery, Dosso's message seems to be that prosperity in life is transitory and dependent on luck. The nude woman represents Fortune, or Lady Luck. She holds a cornucopia, flaunting the bounty that she could bring, but sits on a bubble because her favors are often fleeting. The billowing drapery is a reminder that she is changeable like the wind. Her single shoe symbolizes her ability to bring not only fortune but also misfortune.

The man on the left personifies chance. He looks over at Fortune and holds up a stack of lottery tickets, which he is about to place inside a golden urn, a timely reference to the civic lotteries that had just become popular in Italy. The tickets may also refer to the painting's probable patron, Isabella d'Este, Marchioness of Mantua. One of her emblems was a bundle of lots, denoting her personal experience with fluctuating fortune."

---

It's lookin' like a beautiful da-ay. :)

Beat Boxing Oddness

Beatbox Fame Game
by loranger

Animula

I like to think of this as a sort of "call" to life... at first he lives in the simplicity of childhood, but then gives up his adulthood to the daily burdens and hurtful desires of life. In part it is a reflection on the beauty of the little things in life.. and in part, a warning against being caught up in the "may and may not's" and "desire and control". That's what I think, anyway. Read, and let me know what you think! (Animula, by the way, means "soul")

Animula

'Issues from the hand of God, the simple soul'
To a flat world of changing lights and noise,
To light, dark, dry or damp, chilly or warm;
Moving between the legs of tables and of charis,
Rising or falling, grasping at kisses and toys,
Advancing boldly, sudden to take alarm,
Retreating to the corner of arm and knee,
Eager to be reassured, taking pleasure
In the fragrant brilliance of the Christmas tree,
Pleasure in the wind, the sunlight and the sea;
Studies the sunlit pattern on the floor
And running stags around a silver tray;
Confounds the actual and the fanciful,
Content with playing-cards and kings and queens,
What the fairies do and what the servants say.
The heavy burden of the growing soul
Perplexes and offends more, day by day;
Week by week, offends and perplexes more
With the imperatives of 'is and seems'
And may and may not, desire and control.
The pain of living and the drug of dreams
Curl up the small soul in the window seat
Behind the Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Issues from the hand of time the simple soul
Irresolute and selfish, misshapen, lame,
Unable to fare forward or retreat,
Fearing the warm reality, the offered good,
Denying the importunity of the blood,
Shadow of its own shadows, spectre in its own gloom,
Leaving disordered papers in a dusty room;
Living first in the silence after the viaticum.

-T.S. Eliot

Highlighted Week

This week has truly been amazing.. and honestly, it wasn't until Saturday night that I gave God credit for it. Funny how when things go good, we tend to forget God.. it's when things are bad, when we 'need' Him, that we remember Him. How sad. I need to work on that.

#1: Had some friends over to watch Seven Pounds. It was just as excellent the second time through, and amazing to see how they worked all the details together to lend to the plot. I know I keep harping on it, but see this movie. :)

#2: I visited Pepperdine twice, Wednesday and Friday. Wednesday I went for an "official" visit; tour, meeting with a counselor, all that. I was very impressed. Friday, a friend of mine from China was in So Cal visiting colleges, and she was going to Pepperdine that afternoon, so I decided to join up with her. All in all I love the school, and it seems like a good fit. Right now it's about 95% certain I'll be going there this upcoming fall. I'll be commuting from home, but I think I'll like driving through Malibu Canyon everyday. ^^

#3: I've kept my "classic rock" playlist on whenever I've been in the car this week. Gosh, the 80's were such good years for music. Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Asia, Eagles, Van Halen, all that good stuff. :) Here's a wonderful bit from Asia's debut album (that I consequently have had stuck in my head for quite some time.) Asia really has one of the most "classicly 80s" sound I've ever heard. If that makes sense. =P

Only Time Will Tell - Asia

#4: I *finally* was able to go into Teavana at the Oaks. It was a friend's birthday, and we were hanging out around there, when suddenly I saw it. I could feel it drawing me. As I entered, the aroma of heavenly tea surrounded me. Heh, it was almost that dramatic. =P Anyway, I didn't have money with me, but I found two teas that I'm definitely going back to get: a chai mate (not sure how those to mix), and Jasmine Oolong. Very good smelling, and I'm sure they taste even better. That time at the mall was grand... got to spend some time with people I haven't spent time with in a long while.

#5: I had my first experience with Wii this weekend. First was Friday night, when I was ridiculed by the Wii Fit's board. I was hanging out with the friend from China and another good friend, and got to play some balance games with her family. It was tough stuff. But almost more hilarious than DDR. =P Ah, and apparently Mr. Sahakian thinks I look like Philipp Lahm from the Munich soccer team. I'm not so sure...


#5: The second experience with Wii was on Sunday at the Cragoes house. I was playing Sammie, Gracie, and Danielle at SupermarioKart. I can't say I was *that* great at it, but I got 1st out of 12 once, and I'm very proud of that. I think Wii did a great job of adapting the game from the original. That's one videogame I've always enjoyed... especially when I get to be Luigi.

#6: I think I'm finally coming around to So Cal weather. Even though it was blazing hot on sunday, it was gorgeous in it's own way. We took a lovely walk to the park. I love parks... they usually tend to show the community side of people. It's beautiful.
(Photography credits: Danielle Cragoe)

Hugging

A hug is worth a thousand words,
And sometimes a smile is all it takes.
If I know that you're hurting,
I'll share in your pain, knowing that endurance brings joy.
If you're happy, I won't just be happy for you,
I'll be happy with you, knowing that it is a great gift.
I'll help you through the hard times,
And laugh with you in the joyful ones.
But throughout all, I will be your friend and brother
Our friendship will grow
In this deafening silence, known as love.

---

Found this video... free hug guy + Dave Matthews Band = amazing. It wouldn't let me embed it, so just follow the link here: Dave Matthews "Everyday"

2000 Years Ago

Happy Easter everyone! Hope you had a great day, remembering Christ!

"Rescue" is a music group that I spent middle school-ish listening to; they're quite a good a Capella group. Here's one of their songs, "2000 years Ago". The line that clinches it for me is, "Though my foolish heart finds it hard to believe, 2000 years ago He was thinking of me."

How amazing is that? I am the reason, you are the reason, we are the reason He died and rose again. And He knew that. He knew us. He knows us.

2000 Years Ago - Rescue

I was also trying to find another video. At Cannon Beach, a place we go every year in Oregon, there was a guy that recited an intense crucifixion/resurrection poem for a few years in a row. Unfortunately I couldn't find the video or the poem, but I came across this one in the process. Still pretty intense.
---

The night was a veil of darkness,
Throughout the land was a mode of quietness,
For the dear Son of God was on trial before men.
Was it for justice or was it for sin?

Here was my Lord, standing guiltless before men
And all the crowd could say was "Crucify Him".
Yes, they wanted to crucify my Lord, crucify the only One I love.
How could men hate this One sent from God above?
Just like we do today,
No matter what we do, no matter what we say,
With our sin, we are still crying
"Crucify Him."

He stood before Pilate with His back bleeding
Yet, in all His pain, did you hear Him pleading?
No, not my Lord, He had no defense
Through all His suffering, He kept His silence.
Here was my Lord, standing silent before men
Forgiving the mob who cried "Crucify Him!"

Death could not claim the Lord I love
He is standing at the portals of Heaven above.
He arose from the grave built by men.
He loves even those who cry, "Crucify Him".
Yes, we are nailing Him to the Cross again
We're driving the nails in with our sin,
We are standing with the mob crying "Crucify Him!"

Forgive us Lord, of our sin,
Never again let us stand with them
And never again shout with the crowd as they cry -
"CRUCIFY HIM!

3 Wonderful Movies

I don't watch movies all that often, in all honesty. It's not that I don't like them.. it's just that I'm very picky about the ones I watch. Most modern comedies are just a waste of time, and the rest either focus on romance or rely on the heavy graphics of today to make it a "good" movie. That being said, I've watched a movie every night for the last three nights. But they were all 5 stars out of 5, at least. The first, I already commented on below, Seven Pounds. Again, I don't want to say much about it if you haven't seen it, but I highly recommend it. Last night was the new hit, Slumdog Millionaire. If you haven't heard of it, you're probably living under a rock, and wouldn't even be reading this right now. But I was a bit behind on the actual seeing of the film. I finally caught up with the rest of the world last night. It was a very good movie, don't get me wrong, but I don't think it deserved quite as many Oscars as it got. It was a simple but intriguing plot, great acting for the most part, and intensely realistic all throughout (except for the classic Bollywood musical number at the end... which was highly entertaining). Even the little kids they used were great actors. All in all a great, feel-goodish movie. (Sorry guys, I'm not much of a critic/reviewer). The last I saw was tonight... the 1963 classic It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World. A few of my friends highly recommended it months ago, and I finally watched it over a plate of tater tot casserole tonight. Man, was it hilarious. Slapstick, with a ton of classic actors like Don Knotts, Spencer Tracy, and Mickey Rooney, to name a few. One of those Comedy of Errors type of comedy, with each turn becoming more and more preposterous and, well, funny. If you haven't seen it in the 55 years it's been in existence, please do. I'm not much one for comedies, usually. But this was a keeper. Here's the title sequence (which was entertaining to watch... I can imagine the animation was ahead of it's time).



There was also a hilarious (and very true) monologue by the British actor Terry-Thomas. Unforunately, I couldn't find a clip of it, but here's the text of it:

As far as I can see, American men have been totally emasculated- they're like slaves! They die like flies from coronary thrombosis while their women sit under hairdryers eating chocolates & arranging for every 2nd Tuesday to be some sort of Mother's Day! And this infantile preoccupation with bosoms. In all time in this Godforsaken country, the one thing that has appalled me most of all this this prepostrous preoccupation with bosoms. Don't you realize they have become the dominant theme in American culture: in literature, advertising and all fields of entertainment and everything. I'll wager you anything you like that if American women stopped wearing brassieres, your whole national economy would collapse overnight.

Seven Pounds

One of the best films of 2009 so far. I won't say much about it, because it'll just give it away if you haven't seen it. My advice, rent it, watch it. Let me know what you think! It's got some great discussion material; the main point of the movie, that is. Not only was it a great plot with an amazing message (I thought), it had great acting (Will Smith, of course), good directing, and a classy soundtrack. It all came together for an intense and affecting film. See it, and I'm looking forward to discussing it with you!

Here's one of the songs from the soundtrack. One of my favourites (there was also a great piano concerto-ish, but I have no idea what it's called.) Don't watch the video, it's just pictures, but listen to it! You know what? They need a youtube for just songs. That'd be the next best internet thing.

East Coast, Soiree(Prom), sunshine

The last week has been amazing. :)

Last thursday through this tuesday I was on the East Coast with my sister and dad. It was greatness. One of the main reasons we went was to look at Patrick Henry, a college that both of us are considering, but we spent most our time in and just out of DC (the District of Columbia, for you unpatriotic types). We spent a full day on the National Mall and Capitol Hill. A lot of people and tourists because of the Cherry Blossom Festival, but it was way worth it. Sometimes I like to avoid tourist spots, but sometimes you just have to be like "Well, there's a reason a lot of tourists come here. Because it's amazing!" So yes, that was what the national mall was. The Washington Monument was a lot taller than I expected. I guess it's around 500 feet. That's half the height of the Eiffel Tower! (Which is another amazing structure I've been up. :) ) We saw it before we even got over the bridge going into DC.
The last full day (Monday) we went to Mt. Vernon (Washington's place of residence). That was pretty much my favourite place ever. I would give a lot of money (if I had it) to have that be my home. It's a fully working farm (even though there aren't half as many livestock as when George was alive), and has a great view of the Potomac (pronounced Pah-toe-mic. We had a long debate about this). Here's a couple pictures that sum up why I loved it so much:



We also sat in the sunroom with two "characters" that "lived" on the estate. The first was Washington's head slave, who went with him wherever he went during and after the war. He had a great old American proper accent, but as soon as the presentation was over and people started asking questions that the character wouldn't know, he dropped the accent and sounded like a regular black guy from New Jersey (which he was). Same with the other guy, who played Washington's lifelong friend and physician. He had a Scottish accent, which I was pretty convinced was the real thing. But then he "cleared his throat", and almost sounded southern Hill billyish. It was great fun to hear their accents. That's always been something that fascinates me, how people can put on accents and such. If you've never listened to "His Last Bow", a reading of Doyle's Sherlock Holmes', do. It's read by Frederick Davidson, and he does so many accents it's crazy! Cockney English, proper English, American, Spanish, even girls voicese. It's quite convincing and very entertaining to listen to. Click right here to listen to some of it! It's the 3rd down. Let me know what you think!

The day we flew back was our school's dance, which they insist on calling the "Soiree". This year's theme was 1920's Paris, which followed through in the decor, menu, and entertainment of the evening. There was a live accordion playing, a mime (a great friend of mine, but I didn't even recognize him until later on), and a caricature artist. It was a great night of dancing, talking, and laughing! I think I'm a bit bias, but I never think there're enough ballroom songs. There were, of course, the feel-good slow dance songs like You and Me and Iris, but we only got a few swing songs in, and even less of classics like Frank Sinatra. But it was great dancing, and a great night all in all. :)



And last but not least, is hiking! I went on a short one yesterday with friends Rebekah, Grace, and Twyla, who was down visiting from SF this week. :) The hike itself was pretty uneventful, but we sat at this lovely spot on top of a rock near the pond in Malibu State Park. I think I fell asleep for a little bit in the sun. Quite lovely, to sound proper. =P It was a perfect day for hiking and sitting on rocks. We also spent quite a bit of time watching these two guys try to cross over the rock face down above the pond. We came up with names and a plot, to boot. The first guy (who made it over)'s name was Ted. He has a younger sister named Sara, who is the second guy's fiancee/boyfriend. The second guy (Jason) is Ted's prospective brother in law, so Ted decided to take him out for "male bonding".. or, in other words, to test him. Jason went along with it, claiming he was great at rock climbing. So poor Jason was having a hard time getting around one part in the cliff, but he felt that he *had* to make it in order to prove himself to Ted. It was all very entertaining. We even clapped and cheered for Jason when he made it over. :)