When she smiles, well it's got nothing to do with me....

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away people’s initiative and independence.
You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.

--Abraham Lincoln

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

Love Like Woe.

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

The scene of a silent cry for help...

 Ever feel like you're being watched?

Welcome home...

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

Let them weave their little webs to snatch the sunlight from the lens...

Ever feel like you're being watched?

Welcome to the city...

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

Ice.

"I play it cool
I dig all jive
That's the reason
I stay alive
My motto
As I live and learn
Is dig and be dug in return."

-Langston Hughes

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

Grabbing credits and maybe transfers...

 Man... I have some violet mood swings during COMM classes.

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

Just make your way to the door...

Imagine for a moment that you're walking down narrow sidewalk in the midst of a smokey city street. As the rain falls all around you, the only source of comfort comes from the lights of the city flooding the airwaves high above your head. Every teardrop that hits the ground echoes down the corridors on your right. Suddenly the wind rips your umbrella from your grasp and you're left standing exposed to the earth and elements. You can say, "I believe!"  all you want but until what you believe means something, you are nothing. Of course what one believes is only relative as long as you're in a position of power. When all of the floors collapse and you're left staring down the side of the gulf, tell me who's opinions matter then? I'm in the midst of something large, and they can't take my faith from me, cuz at the end of the day...it's all I really have. I might be losing, but I'm still fighting.

That's why true leaders have no emotions.

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

It's in my blood...

Now what if I told you my city was the best
And my city was a threat to the rest
And my city was a threat to the rest

This city is my city
And I love it, yeah I love it
I was born and raised here
I got it made here
And if I have my way, I'm gonna stay

From every corner
To every block yeah
And whether it's warm or storming or downright stupid hot, hot
From the problems all the way to the solutions yeah
Forget all the drugs and gangs, corruption and pollution no!

Cause this city is my city
And I love it, yeah I love it
I was born and raised here
I got it made here
And if I have my way, I'm gonna stay here
For life, uh huh
For life, uh huh
For life, uh huh
For life, uh huh
For life, uh huh
For life, uh huh
For life, uh huh
For life, uh huh

Now what if I told you my city was the best
And my city was a threat to the rest
But you can't rest inside my city
My city's so cold if you ain't dressed
And what they accept, better had a right address
Parts of my city, certain colors can't step
And sadly I'm talking about the color of your skin
Sorry my brother, I can't let you in
Cause the property value might go down to a level that's
Economically unacceptable and socially taboo for us to live around you
Uh, uh, is this what it's down to?
Root for the same team, maybe had the same dream
Not the same reality,
Actually, mines is a bad education and gentrification
Despite all the above I love...

This city is my city
And I love it, yeah I love it
I was born and raised here
I got it made here
And if I have my way, I'm gonna stay here
For life, uh huh
For life, uh huh
For life, uh huh
For life, uh huh
For life, uh huh
For life, uh huh
For life, uh huh
For life, uh huh

You can take my picture,
You can take my name,
But you're never gonna take my city away
Cause you can burn it to the ground
Oh or let it flood, but it's in my blood

Cause this city is my city
And I love it, yeah I love it
I was born and raised here
I got it made here
And if I have my way, I'm gonna stay here

For life...



"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

Zzzzzzz.

"Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co-workers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation"  - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

Your lips give you away...

August, 2011
To my beloved Nightingale,

              Thank you so much for your previous letter. I keep it with me at all times in my breast pocket and read it several times a day. Your sweet words give me strength I need to face the day before me. It is so wonderful to hear about the comings and goings from back home! In the midst of all the pain I see around me, it's such a blessing to know that the war has not touched every place. It also gladdens my heart to hear of your mother and her recovery, may God heal your afflictions and bring you as much peace as He has brought our family in years past!

            Our company will be moving from our current encampment within the next two days; and during the day the entire camp is bustling with the movements of men as they pack the supplies and prepare for the long march ahead of us. However, as I write to you now at twilight the sounds of frogs in the woods, and the distant tones of a guitar on the other side of the ridge drift through the air. I can hear the heavy breathing of men as they sleep. Some dream while others do not. But the camp is always alive, even in the dead of night, I can only begin to imagine every whimsy that walks these streets and lanes during the heat of day and peace of night.

             My bunk mate has proved to be an excellent fellow so far. I had entered a few light skirmishes with his company previous to the current campaign, and he had always struck me as a rather clever fellow, if not a unique one. That's turned out to be exactly what he is. He spurs me on to action in ways I hadn't thought of before, quite a charming fellow who gives himself fully to the duties around him. I'm honored to have him around. When we're out amongst the other soldiers, I constantly find myself looking for others like him, often praying that each man will simply remember what they forgot they once knew.

    A humming bird watched me from behind as I cleaned my boots today! It was probably the most peaceful thing I've had the privilege of seeing in a while. I have been spending the past few mornings waking earlier than usual to full fill duties assigned to me by the Colonel himself. I'll tell you it's not the most pleasant of tasks to be down in the trenches, clearing the paths and making room for incoming troops. Down there one becomes close friends with his shovel for the other men are not much for conversation. However, as I wiped the grime from my brogans, I couldn't help but wonder if the small creature flitting behind me had seen you as he traveled through the air. Surely she had passed by your house on her way out to greet me. It was just another one of the ever present reminders that the number of miles in between you and I and have not ceased to grow since I left.

     It's strange, my dearest, when walk the streets at night thinking of you, I can picture your face and I can see it clearly. Every edge  is outlined so sweetly as the sun glints off your skin. Your lips curl back in a soft smile as you are about to speak...

I just wish I knew who you are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwuLm1HPpSY

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

You've got to try this sometime.

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

I hope one day I'm stronger than I feel, and I hope that it feels different than today...

"If there is another day, it will be tomorrow."

Goals....aren't too bad of a thing to have...right?

#1. Be positive about every circumstance, seeing an opportunity or lesson in life.
#2. Be more patient.
#3. Speak love a little more than truth.
#4.Cry again.
#5. Be more decisive.
#6. and turn this whole wide world on it's face!

School is here, and everything is about to change.

Fall 2011 playlist anyone?

Sunday - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7h_b-YA5qM
 Monday - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-ru2glqXAg
Tuesday- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZqzd3AhWVI
Wednesday - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7Ilpnhr0kM
Thursday - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0GVoqsJr_s
 Friday - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhQUyeQf01Q
Saturday - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7uoC-YTQy8&feature=related

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

I'm not one for complaining, but...

"We're all living Pinocchios..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hDrfOXGeM0&feature=related

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

All you can do is try to know who your friends are, as you head off to the war...

 "Put ethics and philosophy together and you get religion..."

"You're a chuggernaught!"

“Alright! Devotion begins on the floor!”

“If I ever hear you say the book of Deuteronomy is irrelevant to your life, I will personally come to your house and slap you. I will slap you in front of your mama...”

“Song of Solomon has got to be one of those earlier engagements, by number one-thousand he’s got to be like… ‘You’re hot.’”

“That’s how we grow up in Christ, we stop putting weed killer in our bodies and start putting in miracle grow…”

“What is the carnage of our redemption?”  *Chuckles*

“Don’t think evangelism is about having a parking place near the door!”

“Wait, is your shirt in a different language?”

"Holocaust jokes aren't funny, Anne Frankly, I won't stand for them..."

“You see, she gets angry with drama the way I get angry with stupid people!”

“I like my beard, but I always have to trim my sideburns. One time I didn’t shave them, and they started to whistle. They would whistle when I would run…then I thought I had a hearing problem.”

"You know, I think you're the first boy I've talked to all week..."

“Don’t be gross to fit in, It never works…”

“Oh no! It’s the vampire, mummy, elephant squirrels! They’re coming to get us!”

“Someone may be sincerely wrong, but when exposed to the truth, they will either cease to be wrong, or cease to be sincere…”

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

Name.

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw within the moonlight in his room,
making it rich and like a lily in bloom.
An Angel writing in a book of gold:-
 Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And To the Presence in the Room he said,

"What writest thou?" The Vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord
Answered, "The names of those who love the 'Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay not so,"
Replied the Angel. Abou spoke more low.
But cheerily still; and said, "I pray then then,
Write me as one who loves his fellow-men,"

The Angel Wrote and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God has blessed,
And Lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest!

-James Henry Leigh Hunt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_Aq8doNNmA

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

The indications reveal that few of us realize life is quite surreal...

I did it.  But I'm not done...

I guess that's just the Pete Rose in me.

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#Owl%20City%20Angels/all/1
"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

Bottle Rocket.

"God came from Teman, 

The Holy One from Mount Paran.  

Selah  

His glory covered the heavens, 

And the earth was full of His praise.   

His brightness was like the light; 

He had rays flashing from His hand, 

And there His power was hidden. 

Before Him went pestilence, 

And fever followed at His feet.  

He stood and measured the earth; 

He looked and startled the nations. 

And the everlasting mountains were scattered, 

The perpetual hills bowed. 

His ways are everlasting. 

I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;

The curtains of the land of Midian trembled.

O LORD, were You displeased with the rivers,
Was Your anger against the rivers,
Was Your wrath against the sea

That You rode on Your horses, 

Your chariots of salvation? 

Your bow was made quite ready; 

Oaths were sworn over Your arrows.  

Selah  

You divided the earth with rivers. 

The mountains saw You and trembled; 

The overflowing of the water passed by. 

The deep uttered its voice,
And lifted its hands on high. 

The sun and moon stood still in their habitation; 

At the light of Your arrows they went, 

At the shining of Your glittering spear. 

You marched through the land in indignation; 

You trampled the nations in anger. 

You went forth for the salvation of Your people, 

For salvation with Your Anointed. 

You struck the head from the house of the wicked, 

By laying bare from foundation to neck.  

Selah  

You thrust through with his own arrows 

The head of his villages. 

They came out like a whirlwind to scatter me; 

Their rejoicing was like feasting on the poor in secret. 

You walked through the sea with Your horses, 

Through the heap of great waters. 

When I heard, my body trembled; 

My lips quivered at the voice; 

Rottenness entered my bones; 

And I trembled in myself, 

That I might rest in the day of trouble..."

 Habakkuk 3:3-16

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

Assuming all the wrong reasons...

I listened to your message,
Over and over again.
Thought about how I let you down.
Thought about who I am.

I felt hopeless,
I got caught up in this life.
I'm such a mess,
I wonder how I looked through your eyes.

We've all got a past...

Baby, take your time.
Stop and see for once in your life
The things you're missing out on.

I look out on the city lights
Wonder where you are tonight?
There's so much that I wanna say
Will you ever let me?

And if I pour my heart out
Do you want the truth?
Yeah, I'd pour my heart out
I at least owe that to you.

Baby, take your time,
Stop and see for once in your life
The things you're missing out on.
Like me, like me in the sunshine
The summer's almost over,
We're running out of time.

I at least owe that to you.

Open up your eyes
There's so much I have to say, will you ever let me?
I'm right in front of you
There's so much I have to say, will you ever let me?

It's too cold for June.
How come I only hear from you when you're liquored up?
I've heard all about the others
And this side of you that you discovered this summer.

Baby, take your time,
Stop and see for once in your life
The things you're missing out on.
Like me, like me in the sunshine
The summer's almost over,
We're running out of time...


"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

We've got trouble, yes! Right here in River City!

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."

This is the best feeling in the world. :)

"I get so distracted by some people's reactions that I don't see my own faults for what they are. At times it's so self destructive, with no intent or motive, but behind this emotion, there lies a sensible heart..."