Decent Conversation, Anyone?

Now, when I say decent conversation I mean one with purpose. One that does not include swear words, the word "like" [which it's entire meaning has become completely degraded] one that will go somewhere and is not someone simply talking about all the problems in THEIR life. Face it, EVERYONE will ALWAYS have PROBLEM. It's a fact of life; NOW GET OVER IT!

Now, I understand that there is severity to some problems. However, it is my belief that it has gone too far. Some people will use their problems as a way to get attention and sympathy from other people because they do not get it at home. There are also those times when you simply need someone to talk to to feel a little bit of relief from stress. I have done it myself and it is a great way to relax. But it is a common habbit to simply talk about problems to replace regular conversation and get attention for negativity rather than being positive.

Do you want to know a word that is hardly used anymore, but still has a great and significant meaning?

Appreciation

I heard it tonight and a few weeks ago for the first time in a long time. A very long time. I know this one is coming a little bit off topic, but then again, there never is a point to why I say what I say. Why is it that people don't express that they appreciate what people do for them. Don't they realise?

Here is something that really annoys me...

"Why do you think that?" - "I don't know, I just do."

"Why do you feel like no one likes you? Is it because of [insert something you're done to a friend here that is of little relevance] - "I don't know. Ugg, no it's not like that, you just don't understand."

THE THING IS THAT I AM TRYING TO UNDERSTAND!!!

I get this from a lot of people. No one can back up what they think or say. And why is that. If you can't back up what you say, then DON'T SAY IT!

I'm just trying to stir the pot. [Thank you, Ms. G.]

What Not to Wear Or How To Get Dressed?

There was one day at school when someone tried to insult me by what I was wearing. I laughed at them.

I wear what I wear because that's what I want to wear. I want to look like a freak and turn heads because I'm not into all the American Eagle "Must Have" crap. But the question I must ask, is why someone would dare to insult what I wear when I'm just like a conservative punk. I layer stuff and nothing "hangs out." I don't wear mini skirts that just barely cover my underwear unless it's right on top of the comfiest pair of jeans I own. I don't wear tank tops to school unless it's ontop of a nice tee-shirt. So, why?

Is it because I don't feel the need to conform? Because I don't want every head staring and looking at what's down my shirt? Or up my skirt? I think it is becoming the "cultural norm" to show things off. Especially for girls and women. Can't people just take the time and, GET DRESSED! People go to school and wear less than a Barbie doll and get away with it! The only time I see the dress code enforced is when I was talking to a ninth grade class for my Art teacher and told a girl to put her sweater on! That was almost five months ago!

I find it incredibly stupid actually. That girls feel the need to dress the way they do. I dread going into Garage with my sister or friends and listening to their, "This is so cute!"s or "That's so hot!"s or "Oh my gosh, I HAVE to get it"s. It's really annoying after awhile.

But aside from all of my little ranting here, it being late and I'm tired, what can anyone do to fix this problem? MANY people need to start getting their act together. But it can start with one. Parents, being that I work in retail and see this, dress inapropriately and their children come in with them-and this is a pet store mind you....- and their thirteen year old girls look as if they were twenty six and ready to go to a bar or a club! WHAT IS UP WITH THAT!

Either way, I do believe that most things can be blamed upon parents and the media. TV shows advertise kids dressing a certain way and kids are like, "Hey, that looks cool. I want to wear what they're wearing!" and then the chain begins.

I like my style. No one can change that.

How I live Now

The Rebelution's Do Hard Things Tour came to seven major cities across the United States in 2008 -- Charlotte, Portland, Denver, Minneapolis, Dallas, Des Moines, and Washington, D.C. We're not about the numbers, but we love to share numbers that show God is working in our generation:

16,200 teens, parents, and youth workers reached in 2008, up from 4,200 in 2007.

14-year-olds worked with Convention Centers, 15-year-olds manned $50,000 robotic cameras, 16-year-olds managed grassroots publicity, 9-year-olds ran Audience Response Technology, etc. These were events for teens, by teens.

8,800 miles: The farthest distance traveled to attend. Represented were Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and 43 of the 50 states.

500 bold professions of faith in Jesus Christ with every head up and every eye open.

3,200 attendees at the final conference outside Washington, D.C.

This is what the Rebelution can do. This is what it is. This is how I live now.

The Rebelution