Friday, December 22, 2006 - Jonathan     

Tuesdays with Morrie: Book Review - Part 2

An example from the book of personal knowledge that Morrie shared with Mitch is when he talks to Mitch about the benefits of marriage and families. Morrie tells Mitch that he cannot tell him what to do (to have kids or not, or for people to be married or not) but that based on his own experience he would definitely recommend that everyone have someone who they can love and share their lives with. He had experienced the joys of fatherhood, and of being a husband, and he would not trade those for anything in the world. He had also learned what it took to have a successful marriage, knowledge he passed down to Mitch, “There are a few rules I know to be true about love and marriage: Respect the other person, compromise, and if you don’t have a common set of values in life, you’re gonna have a lot of trouble. Your values must be alike.” (Albom, 149) And on the topic of family Morrie said, “The fact is, there is no foundation, no secure ground, upon which people may stand today if it isn’t the family… If you don’t have the support and love and caring and concern that you get from a family, you don’t have much at all.” (Albom, 91) As for his children Morrie believed that “there is no experience like having children.” (Albom, 93)

The thing that impressed me the most about Morrie is also the very thing that left me feeling kind of sad. It was interesting to see how Morrie seemed to come to grips with his disease and the prospect of death, I really was impressed with how someone could go through a slow death with such grace and dignity, and as I mentioned before I was able to sympathize since I saw much of the same characteristics in how my mom went through her sickness. But at the same time after I read the last page I was struck with sadness that much of all that Morrie went through, and for as much as he believed he was ready to die and that he had made lasting contributions to mankind, at the end of the day he died without really coming to peace with the most important person of all: Jesus Christ. I do not mean to make this into a sermon, but my point is that it was amazing that a person who did not profess any believe in Christianity (if anything he seemed to be skeptical of Christianity, saying that he borrowed a bit of philosophy from all religions) could possibly be so calm about death and the prospect of dying. This was amazing and sad to me at the same time, since I am a Christian, and I believe that the only real source of true peace is Christ.               

The process Morrie went through the last few months of his life was a long and painful one. Morrie never was placed in a full time care facility, but he definitely required full time assistance as the disease progressed. One thing the author pointed out about Morrie’s battle was that the cost of his care was very high. This, is a growing problem among all of the elderly population in the US. Cost of care and treatment along with the medication that elders must often take is sometimes more then a person can manage.

I got a lot out of reading this book. The most important things that I took from reading this book though were the aphorisms, or little sayings that Morrie had. He basically put his little philosophies and wisdom into little phrases and quotes, for example, “Don’t let go too soon, but don’t hang on too long.” One of Morrie’s favorite poems was from an ancient poet named Auden. In one his poems he has a line that Morrie uses, which in my opinion basically sums up everything that Morrie tries to emphasize to Mitch in all of their conversations, and I will wrap up this update by quoting it: LOVE EACH OTHER OR PERISH.

Friday, December 15, 2006 - Jonathan     

Tuesdays with Morrie: Book Review - Part 1

Friday, December 1, 2006 - Jonathan     

Random Nonsense

So hope everyone hasn't missed me too much. It's busy times for college students. Finals right around the corner, and that becomes more crucial considering that by this point most of us have tuned out mentally and could care less about keeping on top of things... Or wait maybe that's just me. I kid, I kid. But really I hope that all of those that are reading this and are in school still will be able to finish up strong.

So this week was kind of an interesting one for me. On Tuesday there was a big Christian concert on our campus and a lot of students went out for it. The headliner was Tobie Mac (of DC Talk fame) and included bands such as The After's, Family Force Five, Aisha Woods, and Hawk Nelson. Now if you're like me you might not have heard about some of these groups, but if you are big into Christian Contemporary music then you may recognize them. Any how, I decided to use my back door access and get in for free just to see what it was all about. I probably took in about 15 minutes of it, getting to see Tobie Mac and his group perform, and I was impressed. They seemed to put on a great show. The interesting part was that after the show Tobie Mac and his bad mates, as well as the other groups decided to play some hoops in our gym. Having received an invitation from Mac's drummer before the concert to come play with them, I decided to join them in some pick up games.

Now I will admit, I enjoyed DC Talk growing up, and I think they put out some really good music. So for me to get a chance to shoot some hoops with the guy was pretty neat. He was a very nice guy and his musicians were pretty cool people. The only thing is that they were not much good! And I have to say, musicians are a strange breed. Well that's it for now, I guess I can now say that my claim to fame is hooping it up with semi-famous musical artists, lol.  Peace I'm out!

Friday, November 10, 2006 - Jonathan     

Pre-Dawn Thoughts (Sleep Eludes Me)

It's about 2am in the morning here in Chicago and I cannot seem to sleep. A lot on my mind I guess. It's been a very up and down week, I'm sure everyone can relate to having days where you seem to hit just about every emotion possible, and at the end of those days, you just are worn out.

As I sit here at my computer, on an early Friday morning, on a campus where everyone is getting geared up for the big Homecoming weekend, I am just worn out. It hurts when I think of what some of my friends are going through, I must have had two or three phone conversations this week with close friends of mine, people I love and care for, who just seem to be be going through a lot. The thing that hurts the most is that in one case, I really feel like I have failed my friend by not being there for him, and the other is that I want to reach out and take their pain away but I don't know how.

After I got off the phone with this buddy of mine I was hit with the awful feeling that I share in his struggles.  Somewhere along the line I became so involved in myself and my own little world that I failed to reach out and help a friend in need. In the other situation it is almost as if I can only stand on the outside and look in. I realize that prayer can conquer all, but for some part of me that just doesn't seem to be enough, part of me wants to just run to the person and do what I know only God can do, take their pain away. We can all relate to the feelings of total helplessness when we are faced with situations where we really cannot solve the problem.

The other thing on my mind this early morning is the holidays. Here we are just a couple weeks away from Thanksgiving and the thought of facing my first holiday season without my mom really has hit me. You never really think about sharing Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas morning without a loved one until it actually happens. The moments I took so much for granted really are coming back and flooding my mind.  When my mom passed it was like a piece of me passed to, and that part of me will not be enjoying the holidays (my favorite time) this year. I know there are people reading this who may be going through this with me, maybe you have lost someone you love, however you may have lost them, in some way we will be going through this together.

Thanks so much for allowing me to just kind of get some things out this week guys. I promise next week I'll be back with something a little less personal, and a bit more controversial!  Believe that!

Peace, I'm out! (lets see if I can get some sleep now that I have cleared my head)

Friday, November 3, 2006 - Jonathan     

Purity: Who Cares? (You Should)

This week I have chosen to write on a topic that may not be for everyone. I wish to specifically talk to MY generation and those of you who are in your teenage years. I am not intending to offend or rile anyone, I just want to talk from the heart. The topic of PURITY, specifically sexual purity is a loaded one. The struggle to remain sexually pure is one that all young people struggle with. Sexuality is something that is so much a part of today's culture that it is impossible for anyone to avoid being bombarded by it, everywhere you turn there are stimulating billboards, sexually explicit commercials, and raunchy movies. It is a shame that kids have to grow up in this environment but it is the reality of the day. I say all of this to express that I understand the battle, today's generation is in for a real fight to keep its sexual purity. I understand that parents have their children's best at heart, but I believe they are falling short in the area of teaching their kids about sexual purity.

Friday, October 27, 2006 - Jonathan     

Just Thinking.....

Though there has been a lot of things going on in my life this past year, somehow I found some time to just sit and think for awhile. I know I know, I have to much time on my hands. But yeah it is nice to kind of take a step back sometimes and just reflect on life. Earlier in the week I had been talking with a close friend of mine who kind of brought up the topic of what people say about them when they are not around. My friend had been going through some down times and was just contemplating on how their influence and actions would be spoken of by others in years to come. As I began to reflect I got to thinking about death. No not that I am planning on dying anytime soon, but rather I began to reflect on how life will go on without me when I die. This got me thinking about legacies. Each and every one of us will one day die and leave behind some sort of legacy, whether it be a good one or a bad one, whatever we do here on earth and the effect we have on people, will be the legacy we leave behind.

Saturday, October 14, 2006 - Jonathan     

Boast about Da Bears?  Naaa.....

On Monday my man Chris, made a point of letting you all know that the Chicago Bears are the most dominating team in the NFL up to this point, and I know Chris is expecting me to come out and boast about my Bears. But guess what!? I'm not going to do that!  Yes I agree that the Bears have been extremely dominating this year, but you know what, they are not the best team in the NFL!!!!!  Now understand, I am as die hard a Bears fan as you will find, but I am also (at least I like to think so) a level headed, reasonable guy. The best team? No question about it, the Indianapolis Colts. And you know what I am fine with them being better then the Bears at this point.

Sunday, September 10, 2006 - Jonathan     

LET US NEVER FORGET

"God bless America, Land that I love...."

Tears run down my eyes as I sit here watching a documentary on the 5 year anniversary of the attacks on America, on September 11, 2001. The words just seem to escape me, and those I can put together just seem so inadequate. On that clear blue morning, our nation, even greater, our world was forever changed. On September 11, 2001, our way of living and those things we took for granted in life were no more. Generations of Americans, who could never have imagined our great nation facing such a deadly attack, came face to face with what evil man is capable of. What hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world live through every day, the fear of attack and death, we as Americans tasted, but if only for a few hours. The first thought on millions of Americans minds was "we are under attack." The thing that gets me the most is the thought of those 2,973 who met their maker that morning.

I struggle with feelings of anger and rage at those who were responsible for the deaths of all those innocent people. And my heart goes out to the families and loved ones of all who perished. How many of those who perished could have imagined that morning, as they got up and prepared to live out their normal routine that day, would be their last? That in only a few short hours their very lives would be taken? Lord have mercy on all those people. And may justice come to those who committed such acts of hatred. Lord forgive me for any bitterness I may have towards those evil doers, for I do hold resentment against them. I struggle with thoughts of how many that died that died were even ready to meet their God. It makes all the silly, selfish issues I face in everyday life seem so trivial.

The only bright spot amongst all the tragedy that day, from those who were crumbled under the collapsing buildings, to those who lost all hope of survival and jumped to their deaths, was the hundreds of heroes who stepped outside of their own selfish worlds that day and gave their lives trying to save others. From the civilians who took time to help others get out of the building, to the hundreds of firemen and police men and women who gave their lives entering the burning towers to rescue others, to those on flight 93 who bravely fought to take back control of the plane. All these men and women are HEROES! Let us never forget their sacrifice.  I now want to speak to my generation, the generation of today. Those of you who will one day tell your kids and grand kids about that day. Those of us who will be able to clearly share what we were doing and how we felt when we first heard the news. My only request is that we never forget, that we take the events of 9/11 and learn from it. Let us not simply cast aside the memories and let our guards down thinking that what happened that day will never happen again. We lived through a big part of human history, so lets learn from history, and do our part to not let history repeat its self.

This Monday September 11, 2006, on the 5th anniversary of 9/11 take a moment to remember that day. Put aside all the busyness in your lives, if only for a brief moment, to say a prayer for the families of those who lost someone, for our country, for our leaders, and a prayer of thanks for those who gave their lives. 

"...stand beside her and guide her, through the night with the light from above... God bless America, my home sweet home!"  

WE WILL NEVER FORGET! GOD BLESS.

Friday, September 1, 2006 - Jonathan     

2006 BSC CHAMPS!! - Chicago UntouchaBULLS!

I write this week from my dorm room (as I sit here enjoying the start of the college football season on ESPN U, wow! I love college) But seriously, so I moved back into school this last Sunday. It was really bitter sweet for me. On the one hand, I really have been anxious to just get back into the swing of things and get the semester started. But on the other hand, I am sad to see some things about this past summer end. I made a lot of memories, met many new people, made new friends for life, and tested the depths of other friendships. I am thankful for all the experiences this summer, even those that maybe were not very happy or pleasant. I can honestly say that the one thing I have learned this summer is that God has his hand in everything, and that even though I may not be able to see His master plan now, He has a plan and a purpose in everything. So, having come to that realization, I am excited to start another semester. I am anxious to see what is in store for me this semester and in the future.

Friday, August 18, 2006 - Jonathan     

Constructive Criticism & 2006 BSC Preview....

I recently had an interesting conversation with someone very close to me, who offered up, in her words "constructive criticism". Seems that my friend enjoys my writing, but is turned off by my choice of topics (that and she believes I need to incorporate spell check more often lol) Turns outs I write about sports and movies too much. THE NERVE! What this friend failed realize is, that is so UNTRUE!!!! I always try to mix it up! OK OK OK maybe I do write about sports a lot but that's just because that's my passion. So if you don't like it, DON'T READ ME!!! Just kidding. (oh yeah, and I do make a lot of grammatical errors, I'm working on that. But I did fail freshman English in
high school)  All that being said lets talk a little....... SPORTS!

Of course as all of you probably know by now, next week is the 4Th annual BSC basketball tournament. First off I must regretfully say that I will not be in attendance for this years tournament, but nonetheless Chicago is still my heavy favorite to repeat as this years Champions.

Houston who???? Alright I'm just playing, but seriously this year figures to be a much bigger challenge for Chicago in their quest for a repeat. An always tough Houston squad is only bolstered this year by a hopefully healthy Benson Samuel (who, insiders have told me, looked pretty healthy walking the isle not to long ago at his wedding. Congrats by the way man) If Benson can stay healthy, and hasn't gained too much weight from his honeymoon, then I just may have to pick the squad from down south as my early overall favorites. And I know I'm gonna really piss some folks off with this one, but if Chicago and Houston are both playing the way they are capable of, no other team in this tourney (meaning all you people from the east coast) has any business hanging with them.  I'M OUT!!!

Friday, August 4, 2006 - Jonathan     

Heat & Heart Ache

Unless you are just crawling out from a hole that u have been in for the last week or so (an air conditioned hole for that matter) you are well aware that a large portion of the country has been under a very intense heat wave. Now for those of you who are from Texas or southern Florida, no big deal, you live through this all  summer long. But for the rest of us anytime its in the upper 90's, we run for the inside of a well cooled shopping center. I must say though, I personally enjoy this kind of hot weather. It is a great chance to get out and break a sweat.

You know it's hot when the second you walk outside you feel the top of your forehead begin to sweat. But it's so funny to see how people react to the heat. I mean you would have thought that some people had never been through a day over 85 degrees in their lives. People begin to talk of death and losing the ability to work! Come on now people relax. I must say I was astounded to hear a number on the radio of how many people in Chicago alone died as a result of the heat wave we had here in 1995. That summer 700 PEOPLE fell to the heat!  So while I make light of the heat and enjoy it myself, it can literally be a killer.

Heart ache.. You might be wondering why I mention such a sappy subject. I don't think I ever understood what the concept of heart ache was until this past year.  The idea of ones heart being broken never registered with me. Is heart ache a literal pain in the heart?  Sounds silly I know. Or is it a frame of mind? A deep depression? A emptiness at the pit of your stomach? I don't pretend to have all the answers but I know I have experienced "heart ache". For me it has been a little bit of a few things. In the case of my mother passing away, I have felt this "heart ache" in different ways. One thing I know is that every day since my mom passed, whether it's a good or bad day, I live with an emptiness inside of me. It is almost like a void was created inside of me the day she passed.

For me the heart ache is the result of death, for some heart ache may come from someone they love. I think the toughest feelings to deal with are those of loving someone with all you have but not getting that same type of love in return. Nothing hurts more then pouring yourself out to someone, and just feeling like you didn't get through. I think anyone who has ever had that happen to them can in some small way see how God must feel, when, having made the ultimate gesture and act of love, we as men and women reject that love. To pour out oneself and come up empty is a real heart ache. Hard to describe how it feels, but not very fun to live with.

Having said all that, I believe (and I speak from personal experience) often times we bring heart ache upon ourselves, when we stress over the things that we cannot control. Or when we have unrealistic expectations for things, and try to make everything perfect. I'll leave you with a quote I came across the other day. "Being happy isn't about things being perfect. Happiness is being able to look past the imperfections."  Peace, I'm out! 

Friday, July 14, 2006 - Jonathan     

Home Alone 6: Now Playing

Friday, June 16, 2006 - Jonathan     

It's OK to be Silly Once in a While

So it's summer time and wedding season is in full throttle. I swear I have about a dozen weddings that I have been invited, not all of which I will be attending. I can't remember a past summer where I had so many to go to. Oh well , I guess there is just
something about unbearable heat and long summer nights that just screams "LETS GET MARRIED!" How about getting married in say February.

Yeah there's an idea, a beautiful mid-February wedding with all the trimmings. Sleet on the ground, snow drops rushing from the sky, the bride sniffling all the way to the limo, and the groom catching a nasty cold after the ceremony. Now that's romantic. OK maybe not, I jest. But at least spread'em out a bit for my sake.

Seriously though, my sister got married a few weeks back and it was a very nice time. She looked so beautiful, wow, I got to give it to her. Oh, and ladies, it is so true what they say about weddings. They do make make you emotionally vulnerable :)

OK I am being kinda silly but there is a point here somewhere. I can honestly say that being at the wedding, seeing how happy Dave and my sister were, got me thinking about one day getting married. I know I know, cheesy. But if I got caught up in all the wedding fever, imagine the ladies.

All right this update was very serious and light hearted but I hope at least one person out there got at least a slight chuckle.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - Jonathan     

The Da Vinci Code....Can You Say Flop!

Saturday, May 13, 2006 - Jonathan     

Back in Action

Alright here we go, I'm back in action! After taking a couple months off for personal time, I feel like it's time for me to get back into action. For those of you who have read my columns in the past (as few of you as there really is) you know that I have made it a point to be free with my opinions. I make no apologies for that, and as a matter of fact from now on I tend to be even more opinionated. Fact is, I think this website has enough "inspiration" writer's, so there is really no need for me to be that kind of writer. I want to bring this site, through my columns a bit more of an edge. I'll leave the spiritual, inspirational stuff to those who know what they are talking about, and give you all more of what I do best, OPINIONS. I'll touch on anything that is in my mind that week (yes I plan on writing a weekly column from now on. Nothing, within good taste will be off limits. If it bugs me, I'll let you know. If it's heartwarming I'll let you know. If it's just plain stupid I'll let you know. So bear with me for the rest of the summer, and I hope I give everyone something provocative to think about each and every week. 

Ok this week I just have one news story I want to mention (Cause I know if I get started on gas prices we will be here forever). Recently a man in LA filed suit against the LA Angels (for those that don't know, that is a professional baseball team). OK, he is suing the team for gender discrimination, because (and here is where it gets stupid) they wouldn't not give him one of the free handbags that they were passing out as a promotional gift to the first 10,000 women to enter the stadium.

This idiot alleges that the team discriminated against him and all the males in the stadium that night. And he is claiming that the team should pay each male present at the game that night, $4,000 in damages!!!!!! I mean I know we live in a country were dumb people can spill coffee on themselves and then collect millions, but come on. Give me a break, this just once again affirms the long standing belief that I have, that a good portion of Americans are truly DUMB PEOPLE!

Alright that's it, see you all back here next week.  Peace.

(R.I.P., gone but never forgotten. In my heart forever)

Friday, March 24, 2006 - Jonathan     

Remembrance

First off I would like to thank everyone who has kept my family and I in their prayers these past months. It has been kind of rough for me and my family but I know I  have many friends that I can lean on for support.  Losing my mom was a total shock for me, I can not describe the shock of all that has taken place. It has almost been like one big bad dream, it seems so surreal to not talk with my mom on the phone anymore, or to not see her in her feeding my nephews when I come home from school for the weekends. I never thought I would be one of those people who has so much regret about the time they had with a loved one before they passed away. I have regrets. I regret not being there with my mom as she was going through her battle with cancer, I regret not being there at her bed side as she passed away.

But most of all I regret the things I should have said to her but didn't, and the things I wanted to say but that I kept to myself. I always wondered how I would react if someone I loved was to die, and now I know and it eats away at me.  The one, I guess you could say, good thing that has come out of this is that I believe my family has become much closer for it. I believe that at a time like this we have just begun to lean on each other. I also have to say that I am very proud of my younger brother Jeremy, who throughout my moms sickness was right by her bedside. Until the end he was their to comfort her and let her know that she was loved.

I loved my mom and my life will never be the same without her. But I know things will get better and she will always be in my heart. I love you mom, Rest In Peace.

Friday, January 6, 2006 - Jonathan     

Good to be Home, NFL & Random Thoughts....

So I got back this morning after spending 8 days of fun in the sun. Wow it is so beautiful in Hawaii this time of year!! Living in Chicago, where it is about 25 degrees on average during the winter time, I really appreciated the 80+ degrees it was every day there.  Though I really have never really cared much for beaches and swimming, it was loads of fun getting tossed around by powerful waves, I even had a chance to climb one of the tallest mountains on the island. But the highlight of the trip was the trip we took to the USS Arizona Memorial.

For me history is something I love and am enthralled by, so being able to visit such a historic memorial was a once in a lifetime opportunity. This particular memorial is the sight of one of the battleships sunk on December 7, 1941, during Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. To this day the Arizona lies at the bottom of the ocean harbor, parts of the ship actually protrude out of the water, and oil still can be seen leaking from the ship. We were taken by boat out to the platform they built on top of the Arizona, there it was reverently quiet out of respect for the dead, and in honor of their sacrifice.  It just gave me an appreciation and a sense of pride in our military. They put it all on the line every day to protect our country.

But at the end of the day it is really good to be back home. Vacations are nice but there is no place like home. This brings me to the NFL.  Big weekend coming up, of course my team is chillen at home this weekend, NO not because they didn't make the playoffs but because they earned the bye. So I get to spend this weekend with no worries, watching other teams beat each other down. Now let me get this out of the way, congrats to the Redskins for returning to the playoffs for the first time in six years, but I am rooting for them to lose. Now it's not because I don't like them (I really don't like them) it's because I would rather face the Bucs.

Well that's about it for this week. Before I go I have two prayer requests that I would like for you all to keep in mind, please keep praying for Sony's mom, and also keep my mom, Sis. Rosemary in your prayers. She has been suffer from a pretty bad illness the last couple years, and in the last couple of weeks she has really been suffering. My family and I would really appreciate the prayers. Peace out all, God Bless.