Where did we go wrong?

How did someone who lived during the 13th century seem to get something so right, yet 8 centuries later, the christian church and society as a whole has not come anywhere close to this.

Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

Boys And Girls In St. Louis

I just got back from seeing The Hold Steady and The Thermals at the Off Broadway Club in South St. Louis. I went with a couple of buddies from school and I am pretty sure they had as much fun as I did. The club was packed, the bands were great, I danced like I've never danced before. I say all this to get to my main point: I think the thing that impressed me the most tonight was how many older (relative term) people were at the show. By older, I mean the 30-45 age range. I have never seen that many people from that age group at a "Rock N' Roll" show before. Not only were they there, they were enjoying themselves. They were rocking out: going crazy, dancing, and all around having a good time. I hope that when I reach that age, I will not lose that zeal for music and more importantly, for life.

I don't know why it has taken me this long .........

But I have finally come to the realization that I should probably leave Lindenwood. I am not getting anything from it, so why should I stay here. I have not decided what I am going to do next year, but I know I won't be here.

Oh, What Trouble Cough Medicine Can Get You In

I had my first real encounter with the Lindenwood disciplinary system late last night and early this morning. I found the whole situation extremely humorous and I will probably be chuckling to myself about this for a long time. I am beginning to realize that I disagree with pretty much every aspect of the University's management policy. I have not had many thoughts about going somewhere else this year, but the week to sign up for classes and housing for next school year has arrived, and I am coming to the much belated revelation that this school is not a very good fit for me, and I should probably think about going elsewhere.

Joe Rogan calls out Carlos Mencia

Now I don't have as much disdain for Carlos Mencia as I do for Dane Cook, but I have never really liked Mencia. Recently, Joe Rogan confronted Mencia about stealing material from other comic acts. I love the fact that Mencia has nothing to say back to him besides calling him a "little bitch."

Beatle Bob

Looking back at this evening's events, I was reminded of how much I enjoy people. They are such unique creatures. I love when I see people doing something they are passionate about. I spent most of the night watching a show at The Billiken Club on the campus of SLU. Richard Buckner and The Six Parts Seven were the featured artists. There is something remarkable about being able to share in the experience of live music. These people get up on stage and create art, and we get the privilege of being a part of it. They spend countless hours creating and practicing their craft, and then come on stage in a full room of people and spend an hour or so sharing the experience. I am so grateful for music. Not learning to play music at a young age is something I truly regret. Back on point (Passion), there is a local legend in the St. Louis area named Beatle Bob. He is an older gentleman (guessing mid 50's) that is a snappy dresser (slacks, blazer) with a signature Beatles-esque "mop top". He will show up at concerts throughout the area, and just start to dance. He doesn't care what people are thinking of him, but chooses just to enjoy the music and have fun while doing it. I must admit, his dancing style isn't necessarily pleasing to the eyes, but I admire him for doing what he loves. Every time I glance over at the man, I can't help but smile. It seems so many people live life with no passion. They are just there. Doing the same things just to get by. What is life? Really? It seems so many people are living life. Aren't experiencing, aren't learning, aren't expanding their own personal horizons. What is the point of living life if you don't care? I guess what I am trying to say is: Thanks to Beatle Bob for showing me what life is about.