December 2012
2 posts
11 tags
How Her Story Became Apart of Mine: Jesus Redeems...
Below is a speech I recently gave to my class about storytelling, our stories, and how Jesus redeems it all. As the fourth anniversary of the death of Rachel Daggett occurred last Sunday, December 9th, I’m reminded that even in tragedy, Jesus is always working.
I had a previous speech written up on why we should care about the achievement gap. But then I realized that as passionate as...
7 tags
The Good, The Bad, The Bitter
Throughout my four years at Biola U., I have found myself answering the infamous “What do I do?” question when it comes to the lovely world of complex metaphysical nature of the heart (also known as relationships and dating). These thoughts are not limited to just dating though – often they can be applied to all relationships. So, with all of that in mind, let’s dig in!
Question: What do I...
November 2012
1 post
6 tags
Letting Go of the Soul
I sit here, staring blankly at the blank white pages in Word. Sufjan Stevens is quietly playing over the sounds of the traffic outside, and the smell of freshly grounded coffee is eradicating itself from the coffee pot as it sits in its glory awaiting the delay brew to click in the morning.
It’s dark in my kitchen corner, with the Bible on one side, rent checks on the other, and my phone laying...
October 2012
3 posts
Love Lingers
It’s not often that I write off the cuff of my jacket, with the filter turned down, and the lights dimmed low.
Theoretically, it’s because often I want to balance the reality of the strong convictions I hold in my life and not overwhelm it with emotion that tends to either get me into trouble or situations that I’d much rather avoid.
As the temperature (finally) cools down here in Southern...
“…only because (Tebow) he requested the session (of a national interview).”
– “The more you read between the lines, the more you see the truth about the joke known as Tim Tebow’s marketing faith ploy…Skip Bayless: My Year of Tebow - ESPN
“The more you read between the lines, the more you see the truth about the joke...”
– Skip Bayless: My Year of Tebow - ESPN
September 2012
2 posts
5 tags
Sexuality Matters: Homosexuality, Biola, and Jesus
When I took over the Religious Lectures Coordinator position at Biola University, I knew that in order for my “department” (my staff member and I) to succeed, a few things needed to take place.
First, we can’t shy away from anyone or any issue. Christians face a plethora of controversial topics, theological debates, and cultural pressures that tend to be divisive among the visible church of...
6 tags
All Aboard and Full Steam Ahead: Adulthood Here We...
Two years ago, I was awkwardly picking up the man I would room with (little did I know, only for a far-too-short semester). If you know anything about me, my college career can be marked by roommate changes, housing changes, major changes, involvement, crushes, and diet changes.
It’s hard to wrap all these thoughts into a cohesive and clean blog, mainly because there is no way to wrap so much...
July 2012
2 posts
13 tags
Brilliant at 14, Stupid at (Almost) 22: How...
When I was 14, I was brilliant. I knew the answers to the questions that mysterious women brought on. My life plan was soundly rooted in logic: become an NFL superstar, make money, marry a smoking good looking rich girl, go to church, and start some amazing non-prof that would serve others. If this failed, I’d go to college and become a college football star, and the rest would remain. I figured...
9 tags
Dating Jesus vs. Being On Mission: How to avoid...
The past year I have seen a good friend of mine go through trial (and error) with a relationship with a young man and its effects on her relationship with Jesus.
Her story, while unique, is something I have experienced, both personally and vicariously through others. In a nutshell, a long time friend of hers has been on and off with his pursuit of Jesus but has always been on in his pursuit of...
7 tags
5 Things I Learned from 500 Days of Summer
I hate watching movies twice. Very few movies make the cut of “films worth seeing twice” much less on a regular basis in my mind.
That being said, I love 500 Days of Summer. I’ve watched it numerous times, and each time, it becomes a little more thought provoking.
Summer is one of those movies that people love-to-love or hate-to-hate. Some enjoy its factual “reality” while hopeless romantics...
May 2012
1 post
9 tags
The Underground, Biola, and What Homosexuality...
EDITORS NOTE:
The past few weeks have been rather stormy at Biola University to say the least.
Everyone who attends this university is aware of the situation at hand, but for those who don’t know what happened, I’ll briefly cover the situation before going into this blog.
A few weeks ago, a group came forward anonymously, calling themselves “Biola Underground.” While claiming that they are...
April 2012
1 post
9 tags
Sexual Assault and a Christian College: Why We Are...
A few months ago, I had the chance to meet with a woman and fellow Biola student over coffee. While on the one hand, I was excited to catch up with a woman who had grown in her faith tremendously – from what I would argue was nonexistent to someone who was really searching for real Peace and Hope. On the other hand, I wanted to apologize for some of my actions that occurred with her during my...
March 2012
7 posts
6 Things about Singleness I Learned from Real... →
A great post by Deacon Katie on lessons singles can learn from Real Marriage
19 tags
Never Say Never: Why Jesus Agrees with Justin...
Never Say Never – Why Jesus Agrees With Justin Bieber
Bible schools are stereotyped to be places to become pastors and places to become pastors’ wives.
There’s no way around the fact. But wait, before you roll your eyes and think that I’m about to strum on the same old six-string chords of love, I’ll ruin the suspense: it’s not about dating. (Editor’s note: we’re aware that about half our...
“It’s sad that the city of Denver will be losing a man as giving and...”
– I love Rick Reilly. Man is ALWAYS putting stuff into perspective. Manning is a Christian too…ironic…and, Christians are going to be pissed that a Christian got replaced…oh wait. Let’s put down our idols.
Elway lands Manning - ESPN
7 tags
Leaving a Legacy, Trusting Jesus, and Frodo...
To my wonderful friends:
Wow, what an exhilarating ride.
From the very beginning, I told Ann Marie the following.
1. We weren’t going to care about what everyone else was doing – we would worry about ourselves.
2. We would take the high road, not participating in mud slinging and if anything from our (specifically my) past came up, we would use it to point people to Jesus.
3. We...
“This might be the beginning of something better. Might be the end of everything...”
– Beautiful.
Thanks for the memories Peyton Manning - ESPN
18 tags
Depression, Sexual Assault, and Porn - What We...
There is no easy way to get into this subject. I want to keep it concise, to the point, and pointed. The stats I will provide you will be heavy, painful, and thought provoking. I am writing this blog to fellow believers, leaders, and hope that it points people to Jesus and helps us process what’s going on in our direct ministries and communities, taking us from the broad spectrum we all focus on...
16 tags
1,500 Facebook Friends: 10 Real Ones
I’ll never forget one of the key conversations that started transforming my mind to start thinking differently about friendships.
I was sitting outside the Student Union Building with my friends Taelor and Jean, both sisters whom love Jesus dearly and were always kicking my sorry butt about stuff I did.
While our conversation was in essence about a girl I was interested at the time, it...
February 2012
1 post
11 tags
The "D" Word: When are guys ready to date?
“The Happiest Place on Earth” is forever claimed by Disneyland. I’m not sure how long lines, loud and obnoxious guys in Big Dog shirts, and overpriced soft drinks can lead to my well being, but I digress.
I recently caved and renewed my pass. Still don’t know why – other than a lot of my friends have them, I love going, and yes, I probably have an addiction to All Things Disney. Plus, it makes...
January 2012
1 post
10 tags
God's Legacy Unfolding
Hey everyone!
I will be posting an official update with more concrete details, but I thought I would give a short blurb to clarify and to bring clarity to my recent tweets and rumors!
The 2012-2013 academic school year will prove to be an exciting and difficult challenge (as it is my senior year), and I will still be attending Biola University (although some rumors have stated otherwise!)
I...
December 2011
6 posts
My God My Father
This is a song We sing at my church. We sing an adapted version but here is the original hymn.
1. My God, my Father, while I stray
Far from my home on life’s rough way
Oh, teach me from my heart to say,
“Thy will be done.”
2. Though dark my path and sad my lot,
Let me be still and murmur not
Or breathe the prayer divinely taught,
“Thy will be done.”
3....
How to Talk with People about the Gospel | The... →
As a follow up to my previous blog from Sunday entitled, “Dear Rachel” - here is a great resource for how to share the Gospel from the wonderful leaders at The Resurgence Blog
What Dan Can't Do
I’m going to write this in response to this article, about “What Tebow Can’t Do.”
Dan Orlovsky is a successful man. He once threw 58 touchdowns as a high school senior at Shelton High School in Connecticut. He graduated from University of Connecticut with a degree. He led his team to a bowl game.
Dan can probably whistle. He can probably dance pretty well too. Shoot, I bet he’s not bad at math,...
11 tags
Dear Rachel: Things You Now Know That I Wish I Had...
It’s been three years since my life and faith took a radical change. I’ve taken the last two years to write about the specific, personal events in my life leading up to the death of a classmate that would forever affect my views on life, death, and Jesus Christ.
I won’t take time to succumb to elicit details in this blog, because I don’t ever want her death to become something that is sanctioned...
“The first LSU-Alabama game was more boring than Tim Tebow’s porn stash. To...”
– Rick Reilly - No rematch for BCS title game - ESPN
“Lesson of the day: When I tell you to do something, do it.”
– The Holy Spirit to Sarah (via sarahblooming)
Truth
November 2011
5 posts
1 tag
“Roll out the scarlet carpet. Ohio State has never seen anything quite like this....”
– Is Ohio State ready for a rock-star coach? - Big Ten Blog - ESPN
11 tags
How a 15 Year Old Girl and a Cake Changed My Life
I am a person of structure. When I lack structure, it normally means I lack discipline, and when I lack discipline, I normally end up with an anxiety attack and the making of an ulcer in my system.
So when August rolled around, and I made the tough decision to talk to my parents about missing Thanksgiving 2011, I knew it was going to be an interesting Fall Semester.
It wasn’t that I didn’t...
I caved today.
It was a bad decision. It was something I’ll regret in a few weeks. It’s probably going to cause a few stumbling blocks in my life. But I did it.
I tuned onto Coast 103.5 today and listened to Christmas music while running errands. It’s not even Thanksgiving. What’s wrong with me?
It’s never a good combination to listen to Christmas music, see...
October 2011
5 posts
3 tags
Gracious Falls and Eternal Pick Ups
Sometimes a quick post is valid - albiet unreasonable and when coming from me, lacking coherence.
When I was 15 years old, I misread a play on the football field. I got stuck in a “run-read” and didn’t drop back into pass coverage enough. Needless to say, the quarterback threw a dump pass to the tight end, who got behind me, for a touchdown. They would go on to win 7-6....
13 tags
So, you have issues with "iMessage" and "iOS5"
Hey guys!
Alright, I’m a huge nerd. I love that Apple finally has incorporated a system that looks like the Blackberry system, only better. Yet, the iOS5 has some bugs, issues, and quirks that are bound to frustrate people. In order to help, I’ve decided to come up with a list of simple solutions so that you don’t have to deal with the stress of perusing blogs for hours!
...
8 tags
The Day the Music Will Die
I’m going to admit this publicly, once and for all, something I’ve admitted privately for years. The day Manning retires - no matter the circumstances - will be a day I shed some tears, and the day the last part of my childhood youth dies away.
Manning is the reason I approached football the way I did…and though I’ll probably never meet him, he has certainly had a big hand...
“Staring at his football mortality has rattled him. “Football is his...”
– NFL - Peyton Manning confronts his body’s own limitations - ESPN The Magazine - ESPN
September 2011
8 posts
“Jersey Rule No. 2: You may not wear a jersey without a shirt underneath it,...”
– Rick Reilly - Jersey Rules - ESPN
Anonymous asked: I double dog dare you to come to Ilderton.
4 tags
3 tags
“Hero! I’m the furthest thing from a hero,” - Marine Cpl. Dakota...”
– Ex-Marine who saved dozens to get Medal of Honor - US news - Life - Military - msnbc.com
3 tags
If Life Was Like the NFL...
…then I could declare a daily injury report, and my ability to report to school, work, or any other commitments could be soley based on my health. It could go:
“Name, Occupation/Position/Activity, Injury, Availability”
“Injury report for Thursday, September 9, 8:00am EST:
Matthew Fier, Jr. Biola University/AS Web Manager/Coach, strained calf, status: Doubtful”
And...
14 tags
Hellish Weekend and Hope for Eternity
To say that the last 48 hours have been the hardest of my life would be a slight exaggeration. Make that slight.
On Friday night, I witnessed a (presumably) fatal car accident. As a male who has been ‘roided up with hero movies, you always dream of a moment where you hear screeching car tires and a crash, so that you can possibly be of help and maybe even be a hero in that situation.
How wrong I...
Anonymous asked: What is your biggest regret in life?
August 2011
7 posts
4 tags
“That reminds me, it’s my duty to pass along these five rules for anyone...”
– Bill Simmons, ESPN - http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/6896998/dawn-mailbag
Where The Hell Is Matt? - Videos →
Saw this in class once. Found it again tonight. Matts FTW
2 tags
6 tags
The Tebow Thing
For a few years now, I’ve avoided writing about sports on this blog. After covering sports in high school (specifically girls soccer, volleyball, girls basketball, and softball…yeah, I picked those on purpose), I was a little burnt out and decided to turn my hand and mind into the world outside of sports.
But, the last few weeks has shaken that, mainly in my disappointment over the NFL Labor...
