Writing Prompt #13

If you could spend an entire day with any celebrity or athlete, who would it be and why? What activities would you want to do with this person, and what would you want to talk about with this person?

JENNIFER LAWRENCE!!!! We would get married, have babies, and spread good will across the universe. . . . . . .all in one day. We would also shoot a movie with Meryl Streep, Jean Dujardin, Morgan Freeman, and of course, Sandra Bullock. We would then purchase a home in LA and Venice, Italy. It would be a very joyous life with each other. I would also get a restraining order against any man that looks at her, talks to her, or thinks about her.

I would do all of this because I love Jenn. Our love for each other will NEVER BE BROKEN.

Writing Prompt #12

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and why?

Honestly, being a born-again Christian, I suffer an enormous amount of persecution for my faith, what I believe, why I believe that, and Whom I serve.

Many people freely share their opinions on certain topics and issues and expect everyone to "side" with their point of view, but when I am asked what I believe on the same topic, I am automatically ridiculed for believing that because it is not in line with their view point.

People ask me what I believe, and before I explain why I believe that, they attack me for what I stand for. I am automatically labeled an "arrogant, narrow-minded, intolerant, hypocrite" who does not care for other people and thinks he is better than everyone else.

I have chosen Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and I have dedicated my life to Him. I devote my heart to Him daily. I stand on His Word and His Word alone. Many people here the title "The Holy Bible" and instantly think of it as a book filled with a bunch of "dos" and "don'ts"...

The Word of God is not this at all. It is a God-breathed message to His people on how to be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He expects us to follow His Word, not because He's a selfish God who loves tradition and a bland life (which is such a stereotypical thing people have said I can't even explain how wrong that is), but because He wants us to live life to the fullest  by following It, which leads to true joy, prosperity, and righteousness.

The typical Christian stereotype is someone who: is not tolerant of ANY other views/opinions, lives the life of a hypocrite, hates anything and anybody that  goes against God's Word, wears Amish clothing, and carries a Bible with them wherever they go.

It's kind of funny to me how society thinks that Christians are the only people who are  not allowed to mess up, and if they do, it needs to be pointed out immediately! ..We're human. EVERYONE messes up. Yes, everyone sins. Yes, everyone makes wrong choices every now and then. Yes, we are already forgiven for those "mess-ups." If a "hypocrite" is someone who does something wrong after stating that thing is wrong, then yes, I am most definitely a hypocrite.....we have ALL done this. No, I am not proud of those things, but I have asked for forgiveness for those wrong-doings.

This may sound weird, but I most definitely stick by the title "narrow-minded." God's Word says that "wide is the gate that leads to the path of destruction, and many enter it. Narrow is the get that leads to life, and few find it." Meaning that there is only one way to Life, and that is choosing to stand for what He says is right and living accordingly. I refuse to believe what  someone else may believe just because it has “become the norm” or that society says it is okay. If God does not approve of something, neither do I. Christ came, died, and rose again so that I could spend eternal life with God through a relationship with Jesus. I have devoted my life to following Him.

I get accused of “not being tolerant” of others’ views often. It is not that  I dislike the person or have any animosity towards them or anything, I am simply standing be what God says is right and what is not. People also say that Jesus was tolerant of everyone, which is not true. When He was on Earth, he showed love to every single person He came across, even those who said they hated God. He showed love to those people and showed them that what they were doing would not lead them to an eternal life, but to eternal death. He loves His children, and He wants them to dedicate their lives to Him so that they may spend eternity together. He accepted the PERSON, not  the things they did or the wrong things they stood for. When I stand by God’s word, it’s because I know Jesus did the same thing, and He saved LIVES by doing so.  

If I could change one thing in the world, I would bring more love and patience to everyone. To those Christians who ridicule those who go against God’s word and refuse to show love to those people for doing so…and to society, so that they would not persecute those who follow Christ as their Lord and Savior, and that THEY would be more “open-minded” and “tolerant” of what  God says is right and wrong. What we choose to do now determines where we end up after this life. Whether you believe in God or not, you need to be aware that He is a real, true, and beautiful God that wants to spend eternity with you. Make the Right choice, not what society says is right, but what His says is right.  Hey, we’re all human. We all make mistakes. We all have fallen short of the glory of God. Love needs to be given from BOTH sides.

Writing Prompt #11

What is your legacy? What are you leaving behind for others? (or what do you hope you are leaving behind for others)  Another way to think of this question: how do you want to be remembered by future students? Or do they want to remembered at all? If not, why not?
Being an upperclassman to juniors, sophomores, freshman, and the rest of the school district is a huge honor. Not only do you show kids what it's like to be older, but you show them how they can succeed by the choices they make.

I love getting to go to school with this year's underclassman. This has been my favorite year in high school so far. When looking at this set of kids, I hope I have made a positive impact on their lives. Not just by how well I have done in speech, drama, and choir, but how well I have stayed true to myself. A lot of high school students choose to "go with the flow" because they find that it is easier to be accepted that way, and they know that they will most definitely gain approval from the people who are also doing the norm.

I have not been one of those people. I have chosen to stay true to who I am as a person, a student, and a role model. When underclassmen look at me, I want them to see someone who has not gone with the flow, but instead has chosen to go against the crowd for the sake of not losing himself. I want kids to know that, though it gets tough, you can stay true to who you are. Things actually turn out better when you are confident in who God created you to be. He brought you into this world in the year you were born, put you around the  family you were born into, and placed you into the school you are in for a purpose. He does not want you to waste time in your life by trying to be someone else He has not created you to be. You were designed to be the person you are for the specific generation you were born into, and the other generations around yours. I want people who are younger, and older, than I am to see an example of what  it is like to think positively, be optimistic, love others, and be yourself.

You were place in this world, designed, and appointed to your community for a reason. Don't waste your time there.

Writing Prompt #10

What are your five favorite songs at this point in time? Why?

1. "Above the Storm" by The Hunts - I love this song. It sets the perfect visual of the outcome of looking past the hurts, trials, and terrible circumstances that we go through I life. Under the clouds, complete and utter chaos roams the sky and everything under it...but above the clouds, past the chaos, hurt, and pain, there is light, warmth, and peace.
2. "Come To Me" by Jenn Johnson - The song is from the point of view of God. The song is sung to everyone who may be going through rough circumstances, He is always there for His people. He is our steadfast, anchor, and peace. We need to keep our eyes on Him, through the good and the bad. He makes all things work for our good, and this song is a reminder of that.
3. "Colors" by April Smith & the Great Picture Show - I love this song!! It's happy and it gets stuck in my head every time I listen to it. It's about a girl who promises to wait for her sailor man to return from the sea!
4. "The Sound of Sunshine" by Michael Franti & Spearhead - This is also a happy tune that I love to listen to. It's very upbeat and I have it set as my alarm in the morning:) It gets my day goin!
5. "Lifting the Sea" by The Hunts - this is probably my favorite song. It has the ukulele in it (my favorite instrument), and the girl that sings it has a beautiful voice. Her sister does harmony throughout the song and it is gorgeous. The song is beautiful. The message of the song is that though you may be far apart from someone, you can always find something to keep you close, in this case, the sea.

Writing Prompt #9

If you could create a movie of your life, who would you cast and what would the story be?

I would most definitely cast Angus T. Jones as me!! That kid rocks. I would cast Sandra Bullock as my mother and Daniel Day Lewis as my father. They are both amazing actors and I would enjoy watching them. I would cast Jennifer Lawrence as my wife and Meryl Streep as my neighbor (they would play themselves of course). I would probably cast Tom Cruise as Aaron and Will Smith as Nick, but I might have Russell Crowe on standby if Tom Cruise does not work out. I would cast Dakota Goyo as my son and Quvenzhane Wallis as my daughter. The film would be set in 2020, and Jenn and I would be working on a new project together with the oh-so-famous Harvey Weinstein. The movie would be about my family's new life living in a home with a rich architectural pedigree. . .specifically the Crespi Hicks Estate.

Writing Prompt #8

All of these pictures mean a lot to me in some way, shape, or form, but the one that I really like is the one that says “BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD.” I love impacting people through little things whether it is a smile going down the hallway, making someone laugh, or helping someone out. They are all little things that make a huge difference in someone’s day. It is easy to get discouraged if you are not a part of something “huge” in someone else’s life, like helping someone with cancer, starting a fundraiser for someone who is less fortunate, or doing a large project for your community, but you don’t need to do all of those things to make a huge difference; whatever YOU are doing for the people in YOUR life is all that is needed from you. “Be the change you want to see in the world”, whether by going out into it, or impacting where you are right now: your family, friends, and the strangers you pass on the sidewalk. The first step you take into someone else’s life is the first step they take in another person’s. You may not be the full wave of change in the world, but you can choose to start a ripple-effect.

Writing Prompt #7

There are many people whom I would like to meet. Looking back on history, there are many people that I admire.

My first is a very cliche Christian boy thing to say, but Jesus Christ is at the top of my list. Being in the presence of Someone who is so sweet, kind, truthful, honest, and loyal would be breath-taking. He is the air that I breathe and the reason that I live, so why would I pass up that opportunity? So many people depict Him as being solemn and serious, but they do not realize that He is joyful, had a sense of humor, and only said what was true. I would have loved to see Him face-to-face when He was on earth, but I know I will in the future.

Marilyn Monroe is another person that I would have loved to have been acquainted with. I am basically obsessed with finding more about her life (not in a creepy way). She is probably the saddest human being I have ever heard of. Her life was a show: she created the character of "Marilyn Monroe" and constantly put on a mask to hide her feelings. I would go back to give her a hug, tell her that life is sweet and worth-living, and that she was loved...not for her fame, her fortune, or her posessions, but for herself. I don't think a lot of people showed her  that. She need to hear that she was loved.

Writing Prompt #6

What are you most proud of?

It is easy to answer this question with regards to accomplishments that are mainly focused on yourself. I am proud of the things that I have done, but I find it more rewarding and easier to be proud of someone else. Seeing another person's accomplishments, and taking the step to become proud of them, is an inspiration in itself.

I have accomplished many things in my life, and all were rewarding and honorable, but I am most proud of a group of kids. Kids are so inspiring, care-free, and hard-working. I am extremely proud of a group of kids that I am a group leader of for a children's program for my church. The program is called "SHOUT" and it is for 5th and 6th graders. I lead a small group of about five boys, and I've gotten to know them very well. Each kid is individually set apart from the other through their own special talents, skills, and personalitities. Each one is dedicated to making other kids around them happy and to feel special. They all love life to the fullest, and I am honored to be a part of their lives. I am proud of them for sticking up for each other, being themselves, and respecting everyone (including me, their group leader).

Writing Prompt #5

What motivates you?

Knowing that I have one life to life, and that the people around me are there for a purpose is what motivates me. I love getting the chance to impact people in everything that I do. Whether it be in Speech, fall play, the musical, at church, or just in school, I take every opportunity to impact people in all that I do by remaining positive, supportive, encouraging, and uplifting to the people around me. I do not know what people go through outside of the walls of this school building, so why not be the (possibly) only encouraging person they face today? Why not be the smile that they see going down the hallway. My positivity and joy is not faked for the sake of someone else feeling good, it is genuine joy. It comes out of my love for people.

Seeing the impact that is  left when I encourage people is amazing. I say so many stupid things (puns, jokes, and random comments), but that's who I am. Even though it's incredibly random, people usually get a laugh out of me being myself. If that's the kind of joy someone else needs to flow into their life, I'll always be willing to provide that!

The most courageous thing you can possibly do is leave a huge impact on someone's life with one act of random kindness.

Writing Prompt #3

What characteristics do you value most in a friend? Explain why they are important.

The characteristics that  I value most in a friend are honesty, loyalty, and a sense of humor.

When I choose friends, I choose them carefully. I feel that there is a difference between befriending a person, and just being friendly to them. I believe that friends are people you deliberately put yourself around to strengthen your qualities as a human being, as well as your characteristics as a friend. There is nothing wrong with just being friendly to someone. That just means that you are being wise as to not putting yourself around them as much as you would your friends. You have to be friendly to people, regardless the attitude they may have or the dislike they may have against you. You are wise in not setting yourself around them on a regular basis.

1) If you are deliberately setting yourself around people who you want to call "friends", people who will support you and build you up as a human being, then the need to do just that: support and build. A key characteristic in doing that is honesty. They need to hold you accountable for all that you are doing. Whether it be through encouragement in something positive that you  are  doing, or by telling you that what you are doing might have a negative effect on your life, they need to be honest about how they feel you are doing as a person. This doesn't mean that they are condemning you, it just means that they are giving you input. You should trust this input since you have chosen them as friends, so you should expect them to do so.

2) I also feel that loyalty is a good characteristic to have in a friend. If a person is one way when they are around you, and then completely different when they are around someone else, talking about you behind your back and putting on a mask to please others, do not label them as "friend." Set yourself around someone who will support you, stick up for you, and does not change who they  are when around others.

3) You can't have  a good friendship without a good sense of humor! It is healthy to, after a long and stressful day, to have someone to share a laugh with. It will benefit you physically, emotionally, and mentally to have the ability to joke with someone who you trust, are honest with, and loyal to.

Without these characteristics, it wouldn't be called a "friendship". . . it would just be an "acquaintance"

Writing Prompt #4

What is your personal credo (belief)?
I personally believe that a contributor to happiness is being real. Real with who you are, who other people are, and real about life. You don't have to put on a show around one group of people, and then turn and be a different person with another group. By being real, you are yourself around people and behind closed doors.

Self-respect is also something that I believe everyone needs to practice in their own lives. So many people in today's sociey demand respect when they are not even respecting themselves. Whether it be putting themselves down, flashing almost every inch of their bare skin, or deliberately building a poor reputation, a person needs to ground themself in good morals, values, and decent self-respect. Others will see that and give automatic respect without the person even asking for it, or realize they are even getting it.

My final belief is that everyone deserves a chance at being joyful in something that benefits them and the people around them. I think there is a huge difference between being happy and being joyful. I feel that happiness is something that only last for a short while, while joy is infinite. Joy is something that is hard to break down, and sometimes hard to build  up. But that is what makes joy so strong; going through times of trouble to build a foundation of confidence, self-acceptance, and wisdom. I believe that every single person, regardless of what  they have done, deserves a chance to experience joy. Happiness can be acquired through doing something totally destructive, but doing something that is positive and benefits everyone around a person doing so brings joy to every person involved and watching.

Writing Prompt #2

"You don’t get to pick where you’re from, but you always have control of where you’re going."

Proverbs 16:9
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

I have had the privilege of attending Clarinda Academy once a month for a a little over a year now, and I have gotten to know quite a few of the students there. I am thrilled each time I go because I know that each student there is excited to see the group that I go with for their church services. I have heard many of the kids' stories...each one heart-breaking. They all have homes, families, and "friends" that they are not excited to go back to once they get discharged from The Academy.

Every Sunday, the boys and girls have separate church services. They are split according to gender. I have grown especially attached to the guys' group. When we go, they get into the music, they are attentive, and they love talking after the service. I have had many guys come up to me and tell me that they are seniors. I ask what they're going to do once they graduate, and they say, "I'm going to college. First one in my family to go." They have a mindset of what they want to do, where they want to go, and how they want to do it. However, the enviornment that they go back to is a huge obstacle that they have to go through. Either their friends, family, or a combination of both influence them in a very negative way, tempting them to tap back into drug use, criminal behavior, or other addictions. They tell me that they don't want to go back to that enviornment, and I pray with them about it each time. I remind them that though they're going into a dark enviornment, they can be a light that changes it. My friend Roberto just got discharged last week. He was not excited at all to go back, but he is determined on where he wants to go, when he wants to do it, and how it needs to get done.

It is true that you can't change where you came from, but you can be the light that helps change its negative traits, if any. Then you, and those in that darkness, will be brought to a better place than where you came.

Prompt #1

If a handful of people can change the world for the worse, then I am certain that a handful of people can change the world for the better.

What will you do do to make this world of ours, which feels so broken right now, a better place?

 

Some would say that the brokenness found in the world today is because previous generations failed in providing beneficial growth to our nation in every way, shape, or form imaginable. Wars have happened, nations have fallen, and people have been hurt. Older and previous generations have directed where the world goes, and where younger generations will end up. Many of them have directed our younger generations into destruction and despair out of careless actions.

I have had the privilege of hanging out with several incredible kids in the past two years. They each have their own lives, stories, personalities, and interests. They are all different…but they have one thing in common: they all look up to the older generation. I have had a lot of one-on-one time with two specific boys, kind of on a mentor basis. They both really look up to me. It’s strange how quickly we bonded to each other. I see them both as my little brothers, and I want to see them succeed in life.

As an adult, I have the duty of setting the example for others who are younger than me. My life a walking visual for what being older looks like. I must choose wise decisions, I need to be kind to others, and it is necessary to be morally structured. This isn’t only to benefit my faith, personal beliefs, or opinions, but to show younger generations that you can succeed without following the footsteps of someone who does not care where they end up.  This does not mean that I put on a “I am against destructive behavior because I want the little ones to succeed” show. Then it would not be sincere. It would be pointless. Being morally structured in my own life will flow naturally into my everyday actions, will be seen by everyone around me, and will pour into someone’s life.

We can’t change the brokenness in the world at this very second, but we can prepare the way for a younger generation that will bring healing to wounds, success to failure, recovery to destruction, and light to the present darkness.

College

Yes; I have applied to Azusa Pacific University. . . and that's it.