Thursday 30 May 2013

I'm Sorry ... I Think?

I'm sensing some foolishness in using replacements for crude language (both in the "Fudge" post and in general). It is not my intention to come across as an "everything is okay if I use euphemisms" type of person. I'm sorry if I make Christians look bad. I'm sorry if I make God look bad. So, why do I use those words? I think they sound stupid / funny, and sometimes I enjoy stupid and funny things. That was a repetitive sentence. I don't think of myself as being "cool" for using them, as it's more of a joke than anything. I should take the words that I write and speak into deeper consideration. And while I'm writing this, I may as well add: I think that there are appropriate times to use explicit language. I also believe that explicit words should not be used glibly, but carefully. That is only my opinion though, and that's as far as I'm going with this topic. The End.


The Late Night Show with Graham?

I like asking questions. Do you like asking questions? I'm not even sure how many people see this blog! Haha. Anyway, I'm thinking of starting this "Late Night Questions with Graham" video series sorta thing. I think it might be fun. I also think that it may not go anywhere. But, if you would like to contribute a question for me to make a video response to ... you can email me at theblueskyembrace@gmail.com or you can leave a comment under the post. Thanks.


Monday 27 May 2013

Fudge

Expletive replacements: fudge, and Bob Saget ... I did not actually use expletives while I was writing this article.

It's frustrating living in a world that's so far away from God, and observing certain people who view his character with such clarity. This isn't to say that their view is warped or distorted. When it really comes down to it, I'm partially upset due to the fact that I don't see him with that clarity. God, you know that you're really confusing to me. He sees me as I'm writing this. That's kind of scary! I don't want to believe what any society or culture believes about God. What I am after are God's thoughts: unadulterated and true. (frantically screams) I want the Truth so badly! Will I learn everything that I want to learn? No, I will not. Bob Saget! Sure, I can read The Bible, but there are so many details to take into consideration. It's hard to take anything at face value, because there are many paradoxes attached to what is written in there. I want to believe that God is a caring God. I want to believe that God wants me to treat humans, animals, and nature with respect. I want to believe that he doesn't hate anybody. But what if he doesn't care, and what if he does hate certain people? Fudge! Maybe I am a heretic for considering such ideas, or perhaps the common Pharisee. If I am, I will accept such a diagnosis. If I'm not okay, I'm not okay. If people need to tell me that I'm out of line, than I'll do what I can to listen to them. I'm not very concerned about being judged. At the end of the day, I'm only a person, struggling to know the identity of Christ, the identity of God. Are the two the exact same or do they differentiate? I'm microscopic ... and maybe that's why it's difficult for me to think well of others, and to think well of myself? I don't think we're that significant, in actuality. Believe me, I wish that I thought differently, and maybe I should think differently. God is in Heaven, I am on earth. I'm not trying to create meaningless drama through what I write. I think that society in general has deemed eager and honest intentions as being "rude" and "politically incorrect". So, what are you trying to do Graham? the questioning characteristic of Graham says to the tired aspect of Graham. I am trying to be honest and open; I am trying to make progress. I am a flawed person who is trying to please God.

Saturday 25 May 2013

The Fragility of Beauty

What is physical beauty in the eyes of God? I don't know a lot about The Bible, but I can't recall one verse that explains what physical beauty is. Who am I to say that another human being is beautiful or not beautiful? Dear God, tear the scales of Western society away from my eyes.

Favorite Albums from 2012

These are some of the albums which stood out to me the most from 2012:

1. Heath McNease - Thrift Store Jesus

 

2. Jack White - Blunderbuss



3. Help - A Viper In The Mind





















4. Maranatha - Incarnate



5. The Used - Vulnerable



Side note: I recognize that the album cover with the upside down cross might cause some controversy. Here is a further explanation from the musician about the cover: 

"...The inverted cross has also had a place since the early years of the church. Legend has it that Peter requested to be crucified upside-down because he felt unworthy to be crucified like Christ. So the Petrine Cross, as it’s called, is a symbol of humility. All of Maranatha’s lyrics are calling the Church to a posture of humility (including myself), and it just made sense to really drive that point home.

Secondarily, when you flip an American flag upside-down, it’s not disrespectful, but a symbol of distress. I thought stealing that idea and using a cross instead logically accompanied the meaning of the word “maranatha.”

And in the end, have we not as a community of people turned a Roman execution device into nothing but a logo? We have to remember that Jesus is the one we worship, not two intersecting lines..."

Friday 24 May 2013

Pushing Death Away

Do we spend our whole lives trying to avoid death? This might sound like a preposterous question, but please bear with me. Why do we eat and drink? Our bodies need food and water to operate on a day to day basis. In a way, when we are eating and drinking, we are pushing death away from us. As much as I like to eat, and as much as I enjoy the taste of certain foods, it is rather depressing to think about it. I am subconsciously running away from the one promise that every human has in this life: death. Nevertheless, I should be thankful for what I have, and I pray to God that I will become truly thankful (I actually do discuss this with God, and I am not throwing his name around to be trendy). Why should people wear clothes? Why should people live in houses, or inside of any building for that matter? The physical warmth holds the unavoidable death captive for the time being. Although death is inescapable, many of us live with the thought that "we are eternal". I know that I have that thought in the back of my mind, unfortunately. I also believe that people have souls, and I trust that the soul is the only part of the human body which lasts forever. Personally, I don't want to live as though I'm going to exist on this earth for all eternity though. This (cult)ure (in which I am referring to the world in general) is built around meaningless distractions. 2 Timothy 3: 1 - 5 ... "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these." When simplified, death is a step into a haze. It is studied, yet it is also unseen. Bodies can undergo autopsies, but the inspectors won't know where that soul has stepped. Death is ubiquitous, yet so many live in fear of it. A quote comes to mind, which is taken from the song "The Calm Before" by Mars Ill: "... genocide, it happens globally / we just get shook up when it happens locally ..." 


   

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Judgmental?

It seems as though seeing problems in other peoples lives has become synonymous with "being judgmental". But God, why is that wrong, or why would that be wrong? That simply does not make logical sense to me. What should I do: should I live in ignorance, should I not bring it up with them, should I live in constant irritation? I am a very insecure human being. Once again though, people are yours, and they are not mine. But I'll admit Lord, I'm scared that I'll be fighting with my insecurities about others for the rest of my life! I don't really care if I'm insecure about myself, but I don't want to be insecure about others. Why don't I want to be insecure about others? Reason being, so that I will not hurt them. I'll end with the following question: in the eyes of God, what does a judgmental person actually look like? 

The Nothingness of Life

Nothing is mine God; there is no person, place, creature, ability, interest which is mine to keep. My life isn't even supposed to be my own. They belong to you. May I act as you intend, may I think with the right mindset, may my heart be in the correct place. Amen.




Tuesday 21 May 2013

Video of the Day

The music video for "Rose Garden" as performed by Shad (quick plug: if anyone does watch this, I would definitely recommend watching in HD). Also, if anybody has some encouraging music to recommend to me, you can leave a comment with some artists listed, if you so please. Or, you can email me at: theblueskyembrace@gmail.com ... thanks everybody =)


Monday 20 May 2013

Mascara

My face is naked
No mascara
No mask

Care?
Uh ... ?


Please hold those questions
I am an anomaly
But, I am not autonomous
My skin is autumn brushed
with winter's gentle kiss
Gentle kiss, gentle wind
There's that ever penetrating myth
Myth of youth that makes me think upon elation
One may call that stargazing, one might call me sick
Please be patient! (sirens)
And just breathe ...
I'm commonly misconstrued

but I'm not out to be rude
Some say that I'm quite polite
Don't know which of the two
I pertain to more so
I'm two one-sided coins
that are glued to form gold
What?
It's 12:00, I'm rather droll
Lately, I lack desire
Searching for Holy fire
But God is in Heaven, so let my words be few
I choose to end this poem
Like I said, I'm misconstrued


Friday 17 May 2013

Traffic Button

What if God was like a traffic button, a safety traffic button?
Pedestrian prognosis that yells “higher something”?
An indication of avoiding death
Stop the cars, keep the lights talking, and censor any threats
What if God was a placebo?
Some cross shaped sugar pills
A cross contaminated faith that suits the mentally ill
What if everybody’s sick, in actuality?
Those of faith, the gay, the straight, 
the drunkard that can’t think at the time, 
the Buddhist monk who clears their mind
We’re sick, we need a doctor!
Lord, I'm sick, I need a doctor!
Help us please!
Show the darkness, so that we can see the light
We’re all diseased
In the dark, on our knees,
searching for some keys
God, I consecrate you!
Become my coronation, become my absolute
God was not poured inside an urn
Now let my inner nihilism burn

Question of the Day

Can "true science" form a pathway to God, or is God the starting point of all scientific discoveries? 

I.C.O.S.Y.W.M.E.C.

The moon, a hole punch in the sky 
The sun, an ever glowing eye 
People write careless words
in the sand, while their hearts hurt
Again


Alone, alone, alone
These closed eyes become my friends
My dreams are etched in faces
that I will never see again

To close my eyes and see

that you aren't really here
I don't want to fall asleep
I don't want to fall asleep

To open my eyes and find
another day without you
I don't want to wake up
Don't wake me up



Wednesday 15 May 2013

getting over you

Song of the Day: The Used - Getting Over You

Tuesday 14 May 2013

my favorite 50 albums

This was one of the most pointless, yet fun activities that I have dived into.

1. Underoath – The Changing of Times (2002, Metalcore)



2. Showbread – No Sir, Nihilism is not Practical (2004, Screamo) 
3. Mars Ill – Pro Pain (2006, Underground Hip-Hop) 
4. The Used – The Used (2002, Emo / Post-Hardcore) 
5. DJ Shadow – Endtroducing….. (1996, Electronic / Instrumental-Hip Hop) 
6. Butch Walker – Letters (2004, Pop Rock) 
7. Slow Coming Day – Farewell to the Familiar (2003, Emo / Indie Rock) 
8. Kids in the Way – Safe from the Losing Fight (2003, Alternative Rock) 
9. BT – These Hopeful Machines (2010, Electronic / Dance)
10. Adeem – Sweet Talking Your Brain (2002, Underground Hip-Hop) 
11. Underoath – They’re Only Chasing Safety (2004, Screamo) 
12. The Devil Wears Prada – Dead Throne (2011, Metalcore) 
13. Smoke of Oldominion – Bleed (2007, Underground Hip-Hop) 
14. The Cinematic Orchestra – Ma Fleur (2007, Downtempo) 
15. Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory (2000, Hard Rock) 
16. The Spill Canvas – Sunsets & Car Crashes (2005, Emo / Acoustic) 
17. The Used – In Love and Death (2004, Emo / Post-Hardcore) 
18. Anathallo – Floating World (2007, Indie / Folk) 
19. The Remnant – Anthem of a Life (2006, Underground Hip-Hop) 
20. He Is Legend – I Am Hollywood (2004, Post-Hardcore) 
21. Across Five Aprils – Living In The Moment (2004, Post-Hardcore) 
22. Thrice – Vheissu (2005, Alternative Rock) 
23. J Dilla – Donuts (2006, Instrumental Hip-Hop) 
24. Mr. Del – The Future (2005, Southern Hip-Hop) 
25. Dead Poetic – New Medicines (2004, Emo / Post-Hardcore) 
26. Skillet – Collide (2004, Hard Rock) 
27. Balam Acab – Wander / Wonder (2011, Ambient / Electronic) 
28. Forever Changed – The Need to Feel Alive (2005, Emo / Indie Rock) 
29. Haste the Day – Burning Bridges (2004, Metalcore) 
30. Rob Hodge – Born King (2005, East Coast Hip-Hop) 
31. Odd Thomas – The Divine Use ... (2006, Underground Hip-Hop) 
32. Demon Hunter – Summer of Darkness (2004, Metalcore) 
33. Number One Gun – The North Pole Project (2008, Emo / Indie Rock) 
34. Impending Doom – There Will Be Violence (2010, Metal) 
35. Corey Red & Precise – Resistance Iz Futile (2004, East Coast Hip-Hop) 
36. Cas Metah – Guest Room (2009, Underground Hip-Hop) 
37. The Joe – Ut Oh (2009, Abstract Hip-Hop) 
38. Trenches – The Tide Will Swallow Us Whole (2008, Ambient Metal) 
39. Glue – Sunset Lodge (2005, Underground Hip-Hop) 
40. Lucerin Blue – Tales of the Knife (2003, Alternative Rock) 
41. Boards of Canada – Music Has the Right to Children (1998, Ambient / Electronic) 
42. Lifesavers Underground – Shaded Pain (1987, Goth Rock) 
43. Deepspace 5 – Unique, Just Like Everyone Else (2005, Underground Hip-Hop) 
44. Derek Webb – Stockholm Syndrome (2009, Electronic / Pop) 
45. Orion Walsh – Tornado Lullabies (2008, Folk) 
46. Mars Ill – Backbreakanomics (2003, Underground Hip-Hop) 
47. Heath McNease – Thrift Store Jesus (2012, Hip-Hop / Folk / Alternative)
48. Beloved – The Running (2002, Emo / Post-Hardcore) 
49. Slow Coming Day – Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace (2006, Folk/Acoustic) 
50. Good Charlotte – The Chronicles of Life and Death (2004, Pop Punk) 

church and introverts

A note to those who are reading: this is not intended to insult the Christian church, or to personally offend anybody. I think that offending people without a purpose is idiotic (and I'm guilty of committing such a crime). "Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

"Where do introverts belong in God's churches?" is a question that has come to mind lately. I'll admit, I'm somewhat bewildered that this question hasn't danced in my mind earlier. Catch as catch can though. Anyway, I had an epiphany regarding this topic: being a part of a church is difficult for me, because I am an introverted person. I've finally come to discover that the pinnacle of church is community, instead of lessons being taught inside of the building. Side Note: I won't hold any resentment against you if you think that I'm an imbecile for just realizing that. I struggle with talking to others, with shaking their hands, with hearing people pray, with paying attention to what's being spoken about from the stage. I don't like listening to myself a lot of times, which also makes listening to others difficult for me. I like the music though; I like studying the lyrics, and singing parts of the songs. Being with other people is quite tiring to me, all around. I learn more when I study Biblical passages on my own, than I would with a group of other people. When I study with others I obtain headaches for some reason (and I get headaches on a daily schedule, so this doesn't really help me out). When I am by myself, I often times feel more tenacious, and more rejuvenated. I can be an eager young gentleman sometimes. But as soon as I have to encounter people, I feel weak and defeated. God, where do I belong in the church? 

Song of the Day: Brand New - Jesus Christ



concealed sorrow (music video of the day)

Please note: This video contains sensitive subject matter.

God, do I ever wish I showed your love to people more often.


Monday 13 May 2013

My Time at Capernwray

Some random footage from my time in British Columbia.



Album of the Day: The Used - Vulnerable


Sunday 12 May 2013

Romans 9: the vindictive unwinding

I would be lying if I said that this passage didn't trouble me, or create some bitterness inside. Even in my lack of understanding though, I desire to trust in the Lord.

Romans 9: 18 - 24

So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. 
You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?” On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use? What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.

Does this, in actuality, indicate that there are some people who are predestined to not have a relationship with Jesus Christ? Did God not choose them, thus obstructing them from choosing light over darkness? I thought that He chose everybody, yet allowed people to not choose Him. Will everyone in Hell even hate it, wherever such a world even exists? I'm not set to disprove Biblical teachings, but I really seek some understanding, if I can find any.

Album of the day: Anathallo - Canopy Glow

Saturday 11 May 2013

Outcasted: The Rebuttal Between Natural & Normal

I write with a deep aching inside of me this morning. From what I understand, my heart, mind, and soul are being affected. My body is simply tired though. God, do I honor you with my life? I do not want to use my natural and parochial mind, but I want to hold to your thoughts. Natural is not synonymous with Normal (in this case, referring to what God's intentions for humanity are). Sometimes I sense that people think I'm a lunatic when I share my perspectives though; the perspectives that I obtain as I learn more about who you are, Jesus Christ. Surely I wasn't meant to belong within the limitations of this society, was I? I don't want to be Natural, I want to become Normal. I feel alone, but I thank you God for your unconditional love. May I not forget what you have told me.

Album of the day: For Today - Portraits


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGWa7St2EtE