A New Beginning.

            Entry No. 30


            "The End."


            It has been a long semester for me. I have been through a lot. I have greatly enjoyed this blog, and it has in some ways challenged me. I love a good challenge. I do not know if I will continue to blog, but if I do I might blog about my interests. I won't be to different then this blog. I have learned a great deal about and in keeping this blog, and the foremost is how useful Google is. Overall it has been a good semester, but this is not the end. It is simply a new beginning.

The Best and Worst

         Entry No. 29

             "What was your best and worst Christmas gift?

          I can't name the worst Christmas gift I've had, but I can name the worst experience I've had with a Christmas gift. I received this huge Lego castle, and that day my dad put it together. The next morning as I woke up I watched my castle fall to the floor and shatter to pieces, and having screamed at my little brother the Legos were taken away. The castle was never rebuilt. Now my best gift I got was the Christmas before my dad's passing. I opened a small present, and it was a deep bronze like pocket watch with an eagle on it. I often wear it as a necklace now.

The Last Question

             Entry No. 28

             "Explain what scout understands as she stands on the Radly porch."

               She puts herself in Arthur's shoes. She sees the neighborhood the way he does. In her mind it is day time, and the neighbor hood is busy. She sees the past few seasons replay in her head, but they are from the perspective of Arthur. She sees how he watched them. She feels some kind of relationship with him, and is grateful for what he did. In the end she never saw him after that.  

Justice

       Entry No. 27

            "What is your idea of Justice, and has it changed or not?"

        For me Justice isn't an idea, but a thing. The root of it is the term Just, an attribute of God; and the end of it is Judgement. For me God is is the beginning and the end, and so he is the beginning and end of Justice. In the beginning everything was good, but God gave man Freewill. Man chose to be disobedience, and evil was consequential result. Evil is simply a lack of good. Justice is what God does to correct evil, and Judgement is when God make that correction. 

A Few Good Story Ideas

         Entry No. 26

                 Free Post

         I mentioned in an earlier post that I have taken up writing. I have found that a book needs good details as much as a good plot. Here are some of the ideas I have come up with. A nation known as the Realm Between is inhabited by a group of people called the Men of the Mountain, and they use Renaissance era technology as compared to the rest of the world still using 12th century technology. Going on that note, a group called the world travelers right griffins as mounts that are bred in that area; the Men of the Mountain live in the remains of the city built by an old empire long ago. I have to remember many a times not to get caught up in the details though. However, I have had a lot of fun with just the few ideas.

Theme of Perseverance

         Entry No. 25

             "What is the main theme of A Long Way Gone?"

           There are many prevailing themes in A Long Way Gone, but in my opinion the main theme is perseverance. Perseverance is going through great trial or duress, yet thought it you come through it as a better person. Ishmeal has been though much loss, suffering, and pain; but through it he has now come to be a respectable young man. He has new family, and now he works to help others like him. Working for UNICEF, Ishmael goes out to armed groups to negotiate for the release of child soldiers. At the rehabilitation centers, Ishmael can relate to the experiences of the rehabilitees. Finally talking in schools, Ishmael can I from young Americans of the reality of the world around them.

What Next

      Entry No. 24

        "What book do you want to read next?"

        I would have to say I would like to do something in regards to a mystery.

One Bag

         Entry No. 23

                  "If we were to be going to Sierra Leone right now, and you could only bring one bag what would you pack?"

            Well I would bring the following: a spare pair if clothes, my three Gideon New Testaments, my wallet, my phone and it's charger, 20$ in cash, and the journal my grandmother gave me with a G2 gel ink pen. These can kind of be divided into groups. The first group is my wallet, my phone and it's charger, 20$ in cash, and the spare pair of clothes, and these would be things I would bring on most trips. The second group is the Gideon New Testaments, father's pocket knife, and my journal with a G2 pen, and these are things which are for a purpose. I would bring the New Testaments because I would hope to participate in missions work, and if possible I would like to give them away. I would bring my journal to write about my time there. An after thought is that I might bring a book or handheld game to entertain me in between times.

Not Very Civil, Civil Wars

    Entry No. 22

          "What is the comparison between the U.S. civil war, and the Sierra Leone civil war?"

         In my comparison I see immediately one major similarity, and one major difference that would be the major end points. The similarity are the actions of the national military. The North decimated the South in a way that I am sure not Lincoln wanted, and the S.L.A. attacked civilians with no provocation. Now the major difference are those who were in power. The major characters such as Ulysses S. Grant, Lincoln, and Robert E. Lee were men of outstanding, and on both sides there was sympathy. Here are some other differences: U.S. didn't use child soldiers or fight over diamonds, and the slavery in Sierra Leone was not based on race. The other similarities are these: both left a horrific scar on the land, and the reconstruction process was (is in the case of Sierra Leone) arduous.

Peace Through It All

        Entry No. 21

           "What did you do on your day off?"

          The day started out like any other. I woke up to pray, and then I did my devotional. After I had breakfast, and then did the dishes. Next I was going to start homework when my older brothers friend came over, and they were willing to play a strategy game with me. So I decided to play before my homework, but it seemed as if God was telling me to do my work. The computers were not working properly. So I started my homework, and the subject was evolution. The way the book treats the subject everything was saying there is no God, albeit indirectly, and this grieved my soul. It seemed that the devil was having a hay day in my head, and it was at times hard for me to focus. I went to school to run three miles, but on my seventh lap the coaches said we were done. Then I went to parent-teacher conferences, and finally back to home. However when I arrived home I still had most of my homework to do. This is what I did for the rest of the night aside from eating dinner. I was heading to be at about 12:06, and with heavy heart I knelt for prayer before bed. Having surrender all my cares to Jesus, I layed my head down in peace and slept. 

Tides of Change

          Entry No. 20

                   Free Post!

         I have mentioned once before that I lIke to write. I am writing a novel called Tides of Change. It is an medieval adventure novel. The main character is Narin, and it his tale of how he becomes a World Traveler, how he begins to play a major role in the fate of an empire, and of the journey of faith. To make a long story short here are summarized previews.

         Life was simple, life was good. Family, friends, and faith all seem to just be given to Narin. However that changes when a mysterious boy arrives on the island of Narin's hometown. Narin befriends the newcomer not knowing how it would greatly affect his future. 
         Taking a job at the request of his father Narin works for a mysterious merchant. The man is not all he claims to be. The truth will set Narin on a path that he could never have seen. His faith will be tested, and much will be asked of him. Will he rise to the challenge or be swallowed by Tides of Change. 

         I plan on making an iTrailer or iMovie preview about it. I am looking for people (artist, writers, and readers) who may be interested in helping. 

Great Avarice

        Entry No. 19

         "How did the documentary help you better understand the war?"

           It showed the true causes of the war. It showed the avarice that wealth may arouse, and how power tends to corrupt. It displayed the true cruelty of war uncensored. I have to say the very thing that could have been a blessing has been a curse, and when you give yourself over to a lust for power; nothing but chaos will ensue. To such an end the one who loses themselves will be called to account for the crimes they committed. It takes a strong hand dedicated to peace to turn the tide. The aftermath also should be dealt with, with wisdom, justice, and mercy.

War

       Entry No. 18

           "When did you realize war was a real thing?"

          I admit that war to me when I was little was, knights in shining army charging into an army of bad guys. However I cannot really pinpoint when I realized it. I guess it really came with age. However I did for awhile struggle with the reality of war. At times it made me struggle with my faith. I knew God was good and war evil, and as I learned in my faith so did I machure. So I would have to say I realize war as a reality progressively. 

Breaking News

           Entry No. 17

         "If you were to be a news correspondent posted to any foreign country, where would you like to go? Where wouldn't you like to go?"

             If I was a news correspondent I would love to Scotland, Isreal, or China. I would go to Scotland because I would love to visit the highlands, and the history they entail. Isreal, because I would love to visit the Temple Mount and see Jerusalem. China, because once more the rich history in the culture. As for where I wouldn't like to go it would be hard for me to say. For me it would probably be any desert, or any large body of ice. I however would still go mainly for the job.

A Long Way Gone

           Entry No. 16

                "What are our thoughts on the novel (A Long Way Gone) so far?"

           Well I will admit that like the protagonist of the story I have always felt war a distant and far away thing. I myself have neve been through it, and Lord willing I never will. However that does not mean that we should neglect to learn, and know the reality of our world. It is a hard story full of conflict and strife, but there is hope and pesrseverence. There is evil, but in the end good still comes of it. It made a little depressed. I felt as though it had to deeply moved me every time I read, or that I had to do something thing special about it. However I know that was the devil, and in that realization I now read it with a sober minded acknowledgement.

Fading Posterity?

       Entry No. 15

           "What is your response to this claim on your generation?"

       Well after watching the video, I see not just a claim, but I also see a challenge. Towards the end he talks about speaking with conviction and standing up for what we believe in. Yes, I agree that my generation take for granted all that our fore bearers worked hard to achieve. However, I know that despite the majority there is yet a great number of my generation that stand for what they believe. I myself stand as a testament as such, and is it taken into consideration that my generation is more then just the youth of the U.S. In every generation there are those that choose to stand, and those who do not.

My Closest Friend

     Entry No. 14

             "What is the origin story of you and your best friend?"

        I have had many close friends over the years, and I would consider them brothers. However I have never had that one in a million chances friend. My freshman year I read the story the Inheritance Cycle. It was a book series of a dragon rider and his dragon. They were bonded in soul, and had a empathetic and telepathic connection. They knew and felt each others thoughts and feelings, and not even a word need be spoken. They were seemingly as close as friends could be, and I desired such a relationship. The ones I had at the current time did not satisfy, and I was left wanting.

      Due to many factors I slowly gave my self to deep sinful habits. After while I wanted to quit, and despite my best efforts I found myself powerless. Then in my heart there was a nudge to seek help, but for a while I resisted. In the end I listened, and with the help of my parents and a counselor. I slowly overcame the habits. That was only the beginning. Still I was not satisfied.

     Next I set up idols in my heart. I became obsessed with the Inheritance Cycle, dragons, adventure, and stories. I played three different MMOs, I was writing two different stories, I read on average 2-3 books every two week, and I subscribed to about three medieval RP sites. I knew something was wrong, but I didn't seem to care. Till finally I felt no peace, and I sought the advice of a pastor. He told me that I had set up idols in my heart, and that I had not put God first. I first denied, but I eventually I agreed. So I went on a nine day fast from all the things I did. That was first time I surrendered. Little by little after the fast I let go of one thing after another. That fast was the beginning of a long road of healing. I gave my heart  God, and he would not share my heart with any idols. I started to read the bible, then I did a bible study, and finally I started to memorize scripture. Along the way I began to pray, and step by step I surrendered my life to God. As I did I changed.

      I became satisfied with something that endures, and does not perish. I accepted Jesus into my heart, and made him Lord of my life. In doing so I gained a friend in who I can trust, who knows me through and through, and has proven himself to me. He carried me through the trials that were to come. Through the passing of my dad, the car wreck with my brother, and now the work load of my junior/senior year. I have an assurance for everyday.

Favorite School Project

               Entry No. 13

          "What is your favorite school project that you have ever done?"

       I have to say it would be when my entire class read a book called Medallion. It was a story that would probably still have great appeal to me even today. The story was entertaining enough, but my favorite part came after we read the story. When the class completed the book we were allowed to come to school dressed as knights. I came to school in a ten dollar suit of armor, and by the end of the day I had given all my armor to my friends. For me I was just thrilled to be in armor at school. It is probably one of the most memorable experience in my academic journey.

Confidence

        Entry No. 12

                  "When are you the most confident?" 

           For me, as one who reads my blog must know, everything thing revolves around my faith. So for me, it is when I trust in God. I think on his word, his commandments, and promises. Usually the latter two are paired together. As they are in Hebrews 10:35-36. "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." So it makes things simple, but not neccessarily easy. If I am confident in God, and wait patiently upon him. I can be confident that I will be rewarded.

Bluffton Street Fair

          Entry No. 11

            Describe "BFSF" (Bluffton Free Street Fair) to someone in a different country, be as descriptive as possible! Think about the food, atmosphere, rides, friends.

           Other towns have a street fair, but for me I have to say the Bluffton Street Fair is unique (Seeing as how it is the only street fair I have attended). For me it really brings out the community, the food is delicious, and it creates a friendly atmosphere excellent for having a good time. Even when it rains it is still a good time. It is a time for good memories to be made. The things sold are also interesting. They range from jewelry, cheap novelty items, real weaponry, and balloon swords. It is a very diverse experience.

           In the short five days that street fair is around, one can do much. There are a diverse number of rides to which you can thrill yourself with: such as the one great loop known as the Fireball, the classic Faris Wheel, or the whirling Vortex. The games range from easy to challenging, cheap to costly, and from corny to entertaining. The food it self would be a culture all it's own; from funnel cakes to deep fried corn-dogs. You can add in the the various booths that there are to purchase items from. There are concerts and other little independent events that go on throughout the week. Churches also takes this opportunity for out reach. They many a times will provide a cheap alternative to more expensive food at street fair.

               In my own experience no two years of street fair are the same. One of my earlier years my mom accidentally bought me a Chinese short sword. For several years I was a part of Boy Scouts. Thus I would work part time, and then I would have some spending money. Just last year I bought a plain stainless steel ring. To be honest it made me think of Lord of the Rings. I also found out at the end if that week that a Lego booth had open up. To top it off one night I asked God to help me, and my siblings enjoy an evening at street fair with no money. We ended up getting free nachos, free water from a church stand, and we just had fun.

All Serve The Lord.

          Entry No.10

                   "If you could eliminate a single type of animal forevermore, which would you choose?"

             I would have to say there are many animal that annoy me, but I know everything has a purpose. Nothing happens without the notice and foreknowledge of God behind it. For me Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭6‬, Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭91‬, and Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1 speak good points one this subject. "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?" (‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭6‬ KJV). "They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants." (‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭91‬ KJV). To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" (‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ KJV). Given what is said here I would believe that everything has a purpose. All animals past, present, and future are purposes by God, and that is enough for them to not be purposefully exterminated. 

I'm Fit

            Entry No.9

                    "If you had to exchange one physical attribute with someone in the room, who would you pick, and what would you exchange with them?"

           Had this been asked of me last year I might have picked someone, but seeing as how I have changed and grown I would not switch. Yes, there are still plenty of people who are faster, stronger, and have more physical endurance then me. However I have been diligent on what I have eaten, and made sure to be active. I took leisurely but long walks, went for bike rides, and walked out on the tread climber we have at home. Over the summer I lost twenty pounds, and went down about a pant size. So I have to say I a pleased with my work. Now what is needed is muscle.

           I am now taking weight lifting, and I enjoy the work. Since this summer I have lost more than another five pounds (I estimate). I have improved much on the amount of weight I can lift, and I have also seen the progress by the physical outline of my core, arms, and legs. It is more refined. It does not stop there though, for I have am training to try out for the basketball team. It is much tougher than  weightlifting, but it to is enjoyable. To top it off I have further increased my cardiovascular endurance. So I am content to do the work necessary to continue to improve my body,

Me

Entry No.7

            About me.

       Well that is a long story, but long story short I am unique. I am not who I was, I have been remade. My personality is the same, but I have a new foundation. For me everything revolves around faith, and now has new meaning. Jesus is my closest friend, my brother, and my Lord, and he is the example I try to follow in every moment. So because if this closeness every part of my life is more.

        Some of my likes are cooking (experimenting), cleaning (with in reason), writing, reading, physical exercise, work, breaking the norm, spending time with God, and solving things. I have learned to find joy in all the work I do be it school(work), a (work)out, or just hard(work). I don't minds getting my hands dirty, but I always like to wash up after. I can't leave things unorganized for the death of me.

       Some of my current hobbies are specifically writing a story called Tides of Change, reading Christian fiction or medieval fantasy (there are exceptions though), I like to play strategy games, and I also like photography. Tides of change is my third major attempt at writing. The other two were not God's will, and so they are no more. It still is however a medieval adventure book. My favorite book is either The Hobbit or This Present Darkness. I am however currently reading the rangers apprentice. Most of the pictures I have taken are of clouds at sunset, and they make think of heaven.

         

         

Big or Little?

       Entry No. 8

             "Is it better to live in a big city, or a small town?"

       I first take the stance of living in a big city. There is pros and cons to every place, and in abig city they both be numerous. In my experience one could say that I didn't have the big city experience. I was rbought up in an extended family, but we didn't all live in one house. However we were close both physically and personally, and on the other end it was the church. I was put in a private school, and was big. However it wasn't to big. It was both my church and school so I was there often. So I lived I more of a related sub-community.

       Now I live in the small town of Bluffton. It is very different, yet alike to my family structure. It is not hard to be known around town, and so the saying everybody knows everybody. The churches also are much smaller, and so the fellowship has the ability to be more intimate. The school is also similar for me, and it has about the same number of students. So in comparison to my upbringing, it seems to be very similar. So it seems to me I benefit more in a smaller community then a large one.

       I know my last statement is not a direct answer. So taking into consideration what's been said. I would have to lean toward a small town. It gives me a bigger chance to be more connected to my community. For me especially in churches that are smaller. However I digress, it is the people that make the town. So it is the people of Bluffton that have made this small town a good community.

Aaaaaahhhhhhhhcccchhhhhoooooooooo! *Sniff*

     Entry No.5

       "Name a time when you were sick?"

            I love spicy things. My favorite one was at the time, hot sauce. I would put it on everything, and I would have it on breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I would also add black pepper and sometime crushed chili peppers. My dad and my brother warned me to cut back on the hot sauce, but I didn't listen. Nothing happed at first, but it would come to regret it. I soon devoloped a condition.

            It started with bad stomach pains, then came the hiccuping and burping, and the bile. At first we didn't know what was happening. However after an endoscopy in my throne, we learned I had burnt part of my throat and stomach. The partially uncontrolled hiccuping and burping which made me slightly convulse got me kicked out of class often. That was because it was so loud. I probably could have restrained them to some degree, but because I was bullied at the time I didn't. However in my opinion the worst was still yet to come.

Changing School Brfore the World

       Entry No. 6

        "What good do you bring to school, or how do you change the lives around you for the better?"

             I have changed over the course of my high-school career. Now I come to school everyday with a smile on my day doing my best to set an example for others. I rejoice in the work set before me, and I work as hard a possible. I try to be respectful to the teachers, and polite to the staff. I try to be open about my faith, and to be a witness to others. My attitude reflects my love for God. He is good, and so I try to be each and everyday.

Robinson the Genie

      Entry No.3

               "What is your favorite William Robinson movie, and why?"

       

          I would have to say my favorite movie is Aladdin. I know that William Robinson put the same effort into every movie he made, but I just love the character genie. I like the charisma and enthusiasm behind the character. I have to say my favorite part of the movie is when he says 'Well don't I feel sheepish.' as he turns into a sheep. I also like the reaction genie has when Aladdin sets him free. It is sad what has happen to William Robinson. I do hope that we remember the good times he had. 

What is in a Name

        Entry No. 4
   
             "What is the story of my name?" 

         My first name is Matthew, which is originally derived from the Hebrew name Matatiyah of the Biblical apostle. It means in Hebrew 'gift of God'. Although both of those things are really cool I was actually named after one of my dad's friends. He is a pastor, and I met him for the first time at my dad's funeral. I like him he really cool, and we have a few things in common. I however have not seen him since.

         My middle name is Xavier which usually goes with the name Franics. Which is happens to honor the catholic saint Francis Xavier. I have to say I always thought my middle name was cool because it sounded out of the norm to me. I the information I had received is correct Xavier also means 'bright' in Arabic. To top it off because I am decently smart my older brother calls me Professor X. He doesn't do it often, but anything having to do with X-Men usually brings it up. I have to say though I always did like Charles Xavier.

         Finally my last name is Morales. I learned about my last name when my dad looked up our family crest. My last name comes from the Spanish word 'moral' meaning mulberry tree. It is funny because that is what is on our family crest. I have to say I seem to have a name full of history and meaning. However what is in a name, right? Well now I know what's in mine.

Child's Experience

    Entry No.2

             "What is one experience you would have your child experience?"

         I would have it to be to machure spiritually. This is not something that I could force or make happen, and there is no way to ensure it will happen.  It is something only God can do for it is him that brings true change. However I as a parent would have a great deal of influence in the matter. It is hard, but it is rewarding. It makes everyday a bit brighter, even when the sun is hidden. It makes trial bearable, work enjoyable, and joy complete. 

          I have been through great change and trial over the past three years. Each year bringing me to an new place. I fell into a pit, and I could not get out. I will be honest it is one that I tried time and time again. However as I gave my heart to The Lord I was freed with every step I took. However then came a time of trial to test the faith I had been given. My dad passed away, and less then six months after I was in a car wreck. Yet these things have only made my faith stronger. Putting gold through a fire refines it, and burns away the chaff.

          It is an experience like no other. One thing I desired was a friend, and in this experience I got more than I could have ever ask or hope for. Right now the verse that would probably speak for me on this is Psalm 34:8. 'O taste, and see that The Lord is good. Blessed is the man that take refuge in him.' I tasted and seen as such so I have chosen to take refuge in him, and he has been ever faithful. I do so really hope that my children be them son or daughter also take the refuge in The Lord. 

My Dogs Speak

           Entry No.1

        'What would you do if you could speak to animals?'

         If I could talk to animals, I would talk to my two dogs. From there actions and habits it is possible to discern the personality, but to speaking to them would be wholly different. My two dogs are Chocolate and Sandy. Chocolate is a big dog, but Sandy is a puppy. Both have rather unique personality.

                     Chocolate                                                                      

           If I were to have a conversation with chocolate than I think that it would be humorous more than anything. If he was asked about his hobbies, I know he would find some way to make each have to do with a ball. Since we got Sandy, Chocolate has been doing some thing he shouldn't (like digging, getting into the trash, etc.), and when he is caught he acts so guilty and penitent. To top it off he has thick tail, and I would have to ask if he knew how much it hurt to be whacked by it.

         





      Sandy


 Sandy is much different. I think a conversation with her would be like talking with a toddler. When she doesn't get her way she howls, and because of how much she howls I will not forget her. She is also like a little sister to Chocolate. Chocolate lies down, and Sandy won't leave him alone.

            I have to say just speaking with these two animals I live with would be interesting enough.