Wow... Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I've been really busy. In the course of a few days I almost got killed in a plane crash, took a sweet helicopter ride, went to a baseball game, got my SAT scores back, watched a couple of movies, stayed up till ungodly hours of the morning, and started a Facebook profile. So I've been kinda swamped.
First off thanks Matthew for the insightful comment. I think you sum up the feelings of a lot of people I've talked to. I guess the question boils down to this: Do you ignore the abortion issue and vote for a Democrat to reverse the questionable policies of the Bush Administration, or do you vote for a party who uses the the abortion issue to gain the conservative vote and then ignores it while in office. I think it would be awesome if we had some sort of discussion on this topic. Please leave comments discussing your views on this issue. Maybe we could get some sort of political forum going.
Well, it's like 3:30 in the morning here in SD, so I better go to bed. Oh Mikey, one last thing. If you are for McCain, just come out and say it. Don't keep up this "I hate McCain, he's a total jerk, I like McCain, I'm gonna vote for him". Love ya, man!

God Bless,
Aaron

The agony of politics...

This is sort of how I feel:

Oh the agony of politics...Well, actually before I get into my comment I'll introduce myself as a fellow Sovereign Grace Ministries guy. I'm from Minnesota and attend Sovereign Grace Fellowship, what a blessing that church has been in my life!...This blog hits home for me. I am pro-life to the core and frustrated beyond belief by the state of politics. I am convinced that abortion is the slavery of our day, an issue where there is no moral middle ground. And I pray that by God's grace subsequent generations will look back on this period and marvel that anyone ever argued for murder of innocent babies. To quasi-quote Piper as you did, "I'm all for woman's rights, but there has to be a better way than killing babies."I'm a guy who voted for Bush twice and am utterly torn about his legacy (that could be an entirely separate comment). But more than that, I feel that the Republican party has sold the pro-life movement a bill of goods. They've convinced us to back them, knowing they can drag their feet for introducing real change. So frustrating!! I'll stay tuned to follow your dialogue on these issues.

PS. I love the tone of this blog, talk about Godly fellowship, dialoguing over differences while knowing that you have the gospel in common...what more in common do you need than the cross!!

Thank you, Matthew. Aaron, this is the middle ground that I believe it is my right and duty to stand on.

in Christ,
mpsnizzle

CAUTION!

I just want to give a warning to anyone considering Aaron's book list. These are not PG books, these are not very patriotic books either, and these are not easy reads (except for Calvin and Hobbes). Be warned!

a surfer dude's summer reading:

Sup guys! I'm still at Biola with my wacko relatives having a family reunion, drinking like five sodas a day. There's not a whole lot to do, so that's why I'm blogging so much. It's like one hundred degrees outside. Anyway, I decided to write a list of my summer reading recommendations (not that anyone cares). Here we go:

Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo: Incredible, incredible book. Most of you know what it's about, so I won't explain it. Give it a try before you dismiss it as retarded. It'll change your perspective on war forever. And don't listen to anything Mikey says about it 'cause he didn't even read the whole thing and he's unwilling to admit that it totally destroys all his pro-war arguments. :)

No Country For Old Men by Cyrus McCormack: A really compelling and disturbing tale of the consequences that assail a society which has forsaken morality. McCormack writes with simplistic force, creating a tale that is all the more powerful for its everyday style. It's pretty violent and kinda scary, so be careful.

C.S. Lewis' space trilogy: A really interesting sci-fi trilogy by the master of English fiction. The first installment is Out of the Silent Planet, followed by Perelandra and That Hideous Strength. They can get kinda weird, but they're worth the read.

Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson: Read this. It'll change your life. Forever.

Well, gotta go. I'm gonna go surfing this week! California waves rock!!!!!!!!

God Bless,
Aaron

I respond!

Okay, sorry it took so long for me to get this post written.
I don't agree with Barrack Obama's position on abortion. I've said it before, and I'll say it to anyone, Democrat or Republican. The killing of unborn babies is a huge issue for me. But lately, I've grown increasingly frustrated with the Republican Party's positions on probably most of the other issues. John Piper pretty much sums up how I felt. He said something like, The Republican party campaigns to save the babies, but ignores the suffering of America's lowest class. In the same way, The Democratic party campaigns to bring justice and love to the impoverished, but ignores the murder of thousands of innocents. Piper stated that "One party says keep your hands off of my body, the other says keep your hands off my pocketbook." So which is the greater evil?
At the beginning of the 2008 Presidential Campaign, I decided I was tired of sitting on the fence and had to make a choice of which party I wanted to support. I wanted to work for a campaign. I began to examine the candidates' views on the different issues and asked the Lord who he would want me to side with. And the more I read, the more I realized I could not side with John McCain. A huge problem was his voting record on abortion. Please look this up. As a Senator, he prided himself on being a maverick and bucking traditional positions on certain issues. His record shows that he tended to vote pro-life, but on bills that involved government spending he balked. Statements he made also showed that he didn't believe in a Federal ban on abortion. Come the 2008 election, he is trying to present himself as more of a conservative. But from his record and statements he's made, John McCain will not try to overturn Roe vs. Wade. Bush promised to ban abortion, but he accomplished little. While he did pass a ban on partial-birth abortion, he did not overturn Roe vs. Wade. And if you look at the way he pressed his agenda on different issues, bypassing certain laws he felt unconstitutional, it's clear that he could have overturned Roe vs. Wade if he had really wanted to. I think he played to the evangelicals during the campaign and promised what he did not deliver. And I think John McCain is doing the exact same thing.
So I sided with Barrack Obama. I will not try to defend his position on abortion. It is wrong. But the arguement comes down to what the candidate will do about the issue while in office. I believe that McCain will do nothing to ban abortion, and neither will Obama. Therefore I will support Obama because of his positions on the other issues. It's up to us as Christians to endeavor to change people's hearts on the abortion issue and stop the genocide. Politics is not a solution, and never will be.
In direct response to Mikey's post, Barrack Obama was against the Iraq war from the very beginning, even when the American public was in favor of it. So to say that he is against it because the people don't like it is inaccurate. John McCain stated that he would stay in Iraq for a hundred years if it took that long to get the job done. All this will do is drain our nation's resources, take countless lives and mess up countless others, and hamper our ability to fight terrorism abroad. And I don't know what McCain means by finishing the job. Democracy will not work in that culture and if that's what we're aiming for, no matter how long we are there, the country will fall apart when we leave. And staying in Iraq will not finish our country's fight with terrorism, it will hamper it.
Well, that's all for now. Sorry again for such a long post.

God bless,
Aaron

Signing in from SD!

Hey everyone! This is Aaron, blogging from sunny Southern California. Right now I'm in Los Angeles at the Biola University Library, and this stupid computer won't let me upload any images, so I can't make this post look cool. My family and I flew out to SD on Thursday, and then drove up to Biola on Friday for our family reunion. The flight was really long, but I had a really cool book with me, A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS, by Khaled Housseni, or something like that. It's the story of a few different woman growing up in Afghanistan, and how their lives are thrown together by war and suffering. Amazing book, I highly recommend it to anyone. On second thought, it does have some objectionable content, so I don't recommend it. Anyway, I'm gonna try and get my Mom to go take me to see Get Smart, so I gotta go. Over the next few days, I plan to write a thoughtful and compelling response to Mikey's recent political post. It'll probably be really boring.

Aaron

Thanks, but...

Mr. Murray,

Thanks for your comment. It is very helpful to get feedback from men who are far wiser than I am! I fully agree with you that abortion is murder. And I deeply disagree with Senator Obama's position on the subject. But I do not believe he is promoting abortion. It is a huge issue for me, and hopefully I'll be able to write a post addressing your concerns soon. I want to explain why I have no faith in Senator McCain's ability to change Roe vs. Wade.

God Bless,
Aaron

Ya, what he said...

This is totally what I'm trying to say:

Grammyblogger said...
Aaron...what makes you think that Obama has all the answers to those issues you mentioned? Abortion is murder and Obama even agrees with killing a baby born from a botched abortion. God will judge those promoting abortion and those voting them into office!
June 15, 2008 5:52 PM
-my grandpa: Bob Murray

If Obama agrees with murder, that gives us a look into his rationale for the way he will execute the office of President of the United States. Also it is wrong to vote or give power to a man who is ok with killing. He isn't ok with fighting a war in Iraq because the people don't like it, but he is ok with killing Americans: the unborn (or in some cases, newborn). He follows today's culture: not killing in Iraq, but killing in hospitals all around our country. I'm going to stick with the man who, while it may not be the most popular decision, believes in finishing our country's fight with terrorism and in saving 38 million Americans a year: John McCain.
- mikey

THE summer books 2 read

Warning: They books may influence your intellect, emotions, and/or interests if read. They are also thought provoking, and are proven to affect your normal sleeping habits. (in which case, please consult your doctor to see if these books are right for you.) Please Read Responsible.

• The Bible (do I need to say more?)
  


• Safely Home by Randy Alcorn - This is a rich story of two totally different dudes who see their lives in two very differents lights. Five exciting, eye-paralysing hours later, you may see your life in a very different, eternal light. (Theological Fiction)
  


• Killer Angels by Michael Shaara - A retelling of the famous Battle of Gettysburg through the lenses of the pivotal men who dated destiny and emotionally quake the events that etch their names into history. Prepare to admire, detest, and cry. (Historical Fiction but only just, factual to a tee)
  


• Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies by C.S. Forester - The last in a series of simply amazing novels about a Napoleon-era British naval officer who is, basically, the dude. He is a genius for calculation and decision, making pinpoint acurate risks to do his duty for his country. But he only sees his mistakes, his fears, and their consequences. The whole series is worth reading over and over again, but for a glimpse into this unique human's mind, this book is perfect. (Historical Fiction)
  


• The Inferno by Dante Alighieri - Besides being proclaimed an epic by experts for over seven hundred years, this book (and I advise the one with the synopsis in the front of each chapter) will bring allegory alive to you in a most excellent and, excuse me but, much needed way. You may have to read it several times to fully reap its meaning, but it's worth it. (A comedy, or more acturately, a Divine Comedy)
  
  
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis - THESE ARE NOT JUST CHILDREN'S BOOKS! Do I need to say it again? After you read the Inferno, this will be an easy and gentle read, but also a rich and comfortable chance to gain from the tool of symbolism and allegory again. I have not grown tired of any of them, and I'm somewhere around my, literally, fiftieth time reading them. So I recommend you at least try them once through. (Awesome Fiction, a new genre made especially for these books)

• Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris - This book is directed to teenagers who need to or are ready to revolutionize the teen culture by, what else, doing hard stuff. Check out their website at http://www.therebelution.com/ and you will see that these twin ninteen year olds speak from experience and provide their greatest example. I firmly believe that everyone who reads this with an open mind will benefit and be inspired no matter what season of life they are in.

• The Incarnation by St. Athanasius, translated by C.S. Lewis - Even though this book is sixteen hundred years old, the clarity that C.S. Lewis brings makes Athanasius' truth come alive. An easier read than most theological books and most sixteen hundred year old books. But much richer in revelation than most.

Wacked out again!

Game 4 was wacked out too! How can a team blow a 25 point lead in the Finals????????? Especially if that team is the Lakers, who have the best player on the planet and were 9-0 at the Staples Center in the playoffs before last night???? The Celtics were amazing!!!!! I never thought they could pull that one off, but they did. Paul Pierce took the lead in the third quarter and from there on out it was all Boston. They're up 3-1 in the series. If anyone deserves the championship, it's them. I think I'm supposed to be writing about my life, but this is way cooler than anything that could ever happen to me.

Welcome to Hollywood.....

Game 3 of the Finals was wacked out. The Lakers 87-81 victory wasn't very convincing, and it didn't really feel like a match-up between the two best teams in the NBA. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were pretty much nonexistent for the Celtics, and Kobe Bryant singlehandedly won the game for the Lakers because none of his teammates looked like they knew what they were doing. Gasol had like, 5 points? Sasa Vuja-whatever had 17, but he played with no class. My uncle said he played like a Chiuaua on steriods. Add the bias officiating and you have a really big mess on your hands. Maybe I'm just bitter because the Celtics lost.

Aaron

'Viva la vida' to be released over the next few days....

After years of waiting, Coldplay's new album, "Viva la Vida, or Death and All His Friends", is going to be released THIS WEEK!!!!! If you don't want to wait, go to www.iheartmusic.com and listen to the entire album. I'm listening to it now, and I have to say it sounds awfully good. The songs have the signature Coldplay style, but Martin and his other bandmates experimented a good deal. They added different musical influences to the songs, breaking out of the alt-rock mold. And it seems to work really well. It's too early to say which songs are my favorite. I like them all!

Aaron

More politics....

I was only speculating about Obama switching sides. I know he won't, and I said he wouldn't. I do have a question: Is same-sex marriages and abortion the ONLY issues that count? What about Iraq, healthcare, green energy, and care for the poor? I'd say those issues count, too. And McCain and Obama have the same position on same-sex laws. They both believe it's up to the states to decide. I will acknowledge that the Republican party has the right position on abortion. It's murder, and it should be outlawed.

Aaron

What do you make of this?

I have never seen a squirrel quite act like this one:

Maybe it was sick, maybe it was gorged, or maybe it was just sunbathing.

The Move

Monday afternoon, my family moved all my stuff from the frog where I had been sleeping with my two brothers:

I had sprained my ankle on Sunday, so I wasn't able to help. I do owe a lot of gratitude to them for their work. My new room (rob's old one) is spacious and, best of all, quiet (except when I make the noise).

I just want to thank Tim and Brett for their hospitality while Rob was here:

What if...pigs can fly

Sure. What if...all the Muslims suddenly renounced Allah and became Christians. What if my butt. The only reason I vote republican is because of their pro-marriage and pro-life stand. And Obama is determined to carry those who vote the opposite way. (which will keep him in the party and probably keep a lot more voters, sadly) McCain doesn't have all the issues right, just the ones that count, which is more than can be said for Obama.

What if....

So the lines are set for the 2008 presidential race. The parties have their candidates, the positions are pretty clear-cut, and the propaganda machines are warming up.
I recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal comparing the candidates and their positions. Obama follows his party's age-old positions almost to the letter. McCain, on the other hand, is a bit of a maverick. His sketchy voting record on moral issues has many Republicans unsure of his qualifications. So what if Barack Obama bucked tradition and went right on ethics, supporting a pro-marriage amendment and an anti-abortion law?
Yeah, I know it's impossible. But it might pay huge dividends. While he would lose a substantial amount of support from within his own party, he would gain the vote of the evangelicals, who are already outspoken in their criticism of McCain. And most importantly, he would win over the "silent majority", the huge number of Americans who hold ethical issues first and foremost when voting for a president, but aren't necessarily outspoken in their views. Bush won their support in 2004, and creamed John Kerry in the general election. And with an increasing number of Americans in this group who are dissatisfied with the war in Iraq, a swing in positions by Obama would have them flocking to the polls in his support.
Of course the movement might be political suicide. There's no telling what would happen to the Democratic Party if Obama bailed on their positions. Already portrayed by the Republicans as something of a flipflopper, a sudden switch in views by Obama might sink his candidacy once and for all.
That's enough politics for today. Sorry if this post was too long. I probably sound like a nerd.

God bless,
Aaron

Look who's Moving Out!

After almost 2 yrs. of fun, work, and late nights: Rob's moving out! Its sad that he has to go, but he rented a nice place behind the driving range down the road and will be married in July. Good luck, Rob!

Check out Aaron destroying a Sandwich

Aaron vs. Triple Whopper

Aaron wins.

Just to let y'all know, the Celtics are gonna win the Finals. They rock. The Lakers put on a good show last night, but they aren't going to be stopping Garnett & Co. any time soon!

YES YOU ARE!

Mikey doesn't know what he's talking about. Like most Republicans :)

When is Austin coming back?

We all would like to know. Our favorite Chicagian is busy making plans for his next visit, hopefully here for good. He says he probably won't be here until the end of summer, and has made plans to work on his bball with the local team so he'll be in shape for varsity next season with us! Pray that the Wynsmas find the right house, and soon!me and aus

jon, bosh, aus, and hulme

I'm not a McCain-lover!

Just because I can't stand the

Yes We Can

chant doesn't mean I believe McCain has it perfect. I am simply here to keep Aaron on a leash and rebutt his absurd Osama arguments.

FIRST POST!!!!!!

Hey everyone! This is Aaron, or smurferboy. Mikey started this sweet blog and asked me to join. I don't know what I'm gonna write about. I have a boring life, so there's not much to say, but..... whatever. I think I'm supposed to write about politics and Mikey is supposed write about everything else.
Okay, about me. I support Barack Obama, and if you don't like that you can leave a strongly worded comment for me and I'll try to respond. Mikey likes McCain. Poor dude. Anyway, I love guitar, surfing, listening to music, working out, etc.... I go to the same church Mike does, SGC in Chesapeake. Best church in the world. I took the SAT on Saturday and it was really long and I think I did really bad. And if I come up with any more info about myself I'll let you know.

God Bless,
Aaron

We're Here! A Blog from Mikey and Aaron!

We're here! Aaron and I have started a blog and we have no idea how we did it, what we're going to do, and where it will end up!