Heaven

In a far distant land, there is a place where people run freely, where pain does not exist, where sorrow ceases to uprise, where the water flows like sparkling silk, and endless singing heard from every corner of the universe. This is a place like no other. None of the wisest nor the smartest human can comprehend of power and glory of this place. We can stretch out our imagination for miles, until we reach the ends of the earth, and we will still have nothing but our imagination. Books, drawings, painting, songs, and movies, are a thousand miles off the course of Heavens description. For in the words of Hamlet, "The undiscovered country from whose bourn, no traveller returns".

Heaven has always been a thought of paradise. We always here the phrase, "This tastes heavenly", or "This place is like Heaven". Heaven is paradise, but nothing compared to human simplicity. A piece of chocolate is nothing compared to Heavens paradise. However, Heaven is a very real, non-fictional place. It is the place where God dwells and his followers go after we pass this life.

Of course, there are many different aspects of Heaven. As a Christian, I believe the only way to get to Heaven is to accept Jesus Christ as the Holy Father and accept Him into your life, believe that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of humanity, and confess your sins to Him. By doing this, you are suppose to live a Godly life. That doesn't mean you'll be perfect. No, you'll still sin, but God will forgive you a thousand times seven. Now, there are other religions, such as Mormonism, which believes in doing good deeds, going on missions and so on will get them to various levels of Heaven (Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial). Some Eastern and Western religions don't even believe in a Heaven, but reincarnation-- or karma --after death. In my belief, Heaven is a place that God created for those who accepted His son Jesus and will live with Him for all eternity.

Through out the years, musicians, film makers, and authors have created ideas of what Heaven is. In the Hollywood hit, What Dreams May Come, Robin Williams dies and goes to Heaven, created out of his wife's paintings. In the movie, Gladiator, Russell Crowe dies and enters a garden that is completely white, which symbolizes the holy spirit. Also, in the movie, The Omega Code 2: Megeddo, Michael Bien's character is killed by his brother, the Anti-Christ, and later wakes up in a beautiful aspect of Heaven.

Like movies about Heaven, songs were also written about God's kingdom. One of the most famous songs about Heaven is Bob Dylan's, Knockin' on Heavens Door, which is about a cop who was shot and now entering Heaven. Another song that describes Heaven is U2's, Where the Streets Have no Name. Of course, one of the most famous Christian worship songs about Heaven is, I Can Only Imagine, which is about imagining what it will be like when we are standing before God in Heaven.

Next, authors have even described what Heaven will look like. A very well known author, by the name of Dante Alighieri, wrote three epic poems about a mans great adventure to Hell, Purgatory, and then finally Heaven. The book, El Paridiso, goes into great description of Heaven. Another book, called The 5 People You Meet in Heaven, is about a man who enters Heaven and encounters five people who have affected his life, whether he knew it or not. Each character tells him the importance of life. The final book is, called 90 Minutes in Heaven, which is a true documentary of a man who was clinically dead for 90 minutes, went to Heaven, and then came back. He briefly describes Heaven, but not in the greatest detail. He states that there was various music being sung by the angels. He says,"Although they [angels] were singing different songs at the same time, it sounded so beautiful and perfect". Imagine listening to five different songs at the same time. Not only will it sound confusing, but it will give the biggest headache.

Now, here's my description of Heaven. I imagine Heaven to be this place where the impossible is possible. It's a place where logic no longer exists and our imaginations come true. The streets stretch out as far as the eye can see, but they continue forever. The streets are made of pure gold, which illuminate the sky. I don't think there is a sun, because if there was a sun then that means there's a universe like ours. I believe that Gods light brightens Heaven, so it will never become night. It'll be so bright that it would blind the living. God describes mansions in the Bible. I think everyone will have their own personal mansion. But for whatever reason, it will bigger than any Hollywood mansion. People will be walking, but it'll never seem crowded. Wherever you may look, Jesus will be right there in view. Nothing will be heard but the music sung by the angels. Mountains are off in the distance, but somehow they aren't far away. One long, single river will run through the valley. We will be able to recognize every person, even those we've never met. Thoughts of the past life will no longer be present. Everyone will speak in the same language. One day in Heaven will be a thousand years. I don't know if any animals or plant life will exist. I think we can look however we want in Heaven. God says that our names will be different than the ones we have now. Although our names will be different, we will respond when we are called. Finally, we will be able to communicate with God anytime we want and we will literally hear from Him.

the 5 Keys to Happiness

So my friend Matt and I created this list that includes five essentials to live a happy and fulfilling life. We were thinking of things that almost everyone has or the things we want to have. Those things that we want to have or do have will make us feel a sense of joy in our own way. Now, don't take this too seriously. This is merely a comical idea. Anyway, let's begin with the list.


5. Girlfriend/Boyfriend: Everyone wants to have a partner who they can be with forever--or at least a long period of time. Through out our lifetime, we will experience many relationships. Some good and some not so good. Especially if we're at a young age where we want to date everybody. As we grow up, we don't really have the need to rush into a relationship. We have school, jobs, extra curricular activities, and a career search. To most people, having a relationship is sometimes at the very bottom of the list. However, that doesn't mean we don't need a partner. Everyone is meant for someone.

4. iPod: In 2001, Apple Inc. came out with one of the most ingenious contraptions in the world of technology. Yes, I do mean the iPod. Since 2001, there have been about 16 types of iPod creations. First, there was the basic ipod, which felt like a brick. Eventually, they became smaller and thinner. Billions of them have been sold. Anyone would have to be crazy not to have one. Music has become one of the biggest essentials. We are capable of downloading thousand among thousands of songs that we love. We are able to bring our favorite bands and songs with us wherever we go. Going on a trip? Bring the iPod. Going to a boring meeting? Bring the iPod. Going to school? bring the iPod. Going to a funeral? Bring the iPod. I'm kidding on the last one. That's up to you. But you get the idea. CD players have become a thing of the past. I mean, even though I have an iPod, I still use my CD's for my car stereo. But, iPod's are seriously one of the most useful inventions ever...next to the lightbulb.

3. Car: Indeed, a car is everybody's potential need. Ever since we were young, we dreamed of having the coolest, fastest car out there. Of course, my dream car was the Batmobile and James Bond's tripped out BMW. Most teens receive a car right after they get their license. Sometimes they get a car when they don't even have their permit. I feel that a person should get a car when he/she gets a job and has to go to college. I didn't have a car until I was almost 18. Men created bikes and God created legs...just a thought. Like I said, we all want the fast car. The Honda Civic's, BMW's, Mustang's, Corvette's, Pontiac's, Vipers, and of course the Ferrari's are the cars we all dream of having one day. I myself wouldn't mind having a Mustang, but the way the economy is shaping out to be, I think I'll stick to the basics. Getting a car is basically the next step towards adulthood.

2. Cell Phone: Today, the cell phone has become one of our essential needs for survival. Well, not my survival, but others survival. There are so many phones out there such as the Black Berry, Black Jack, Chocolate, Razor, Envy, Sliver, and now the iPhone. The cell phone has come a long way since its brick form. I myself have a phone, which is not a brick, but feels like one. A cell phone has kinda lost its way through out the years. People no longer need them for calling, but only for texting. They should just make a cell phone that only texts. It'll be cheaper and easier. Let's face it, none of us can survive a second without our phone. It's basically become another body part and when someone removes that part, it hurts. It hurts really bad. Otherwise, cell phones can basically do anything, well except not break. They can call, text, IM, send pictures, internet service, download songs, watch Youtube videos, take pictures, take videos, watch TV, and call 911...very useful. I don't know any teenager or young adult who uses their house phone anymore. I don't.

1. Job: We all want a job. We all need a job. We all need a job to get money that will buy the car, cell phone, the iPod, and pay for the expenses of a relationship. Having a job is the key foundation to be happy. If you have a job, you are well respected, mature, and ready for what life has to throw at you. We may not all have the best jobs, but I have respect for anybody who at least has a job and not living out on the streets holding up signs. We need a job to support a lot of things. If we ever move out on our own, we need to pay for housing, school, car/gas, food, and other various essentials. Having a job is definitely the number one key to happiness.

Now, everything here is just our everyday wants and needs. I want to make it clear, don't completely follow or listen to this list. Again, this was just an amusing idea. I always joke around by saying, "If you have one of these things, then you are one step closer to happiness". But not all these things bring happiness. Happiness is what brings joy and comfort to us. Our country is based off the line, "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". Find your own happiness.

Jonas-Mania

In 2005, three brothers by the names of Kevin, Nick, and Joe Jonas started a pop rock band, known as The Jonas Brothers. In 2006, they released their first album ''It's About Time", which didn't take off anywhere, but in 2007, everything changed. The Jonas Brothers released their self-titled album. They had hit songs, which included ''Hold On", "SOS", and "We Got the Party ft. Hannah Montana". Immediately, these three boys became star icons. Everywhere they'd go, girls were soon to follow.

Nick is the youngest, Joe is the middle child, and Kevin is the oldest. Out of the three, Nick and Joe receive most of the attention from their screaming fans. They have done opening acts for groups such as Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson, the Click 5, and Jesse McCartney, and have also appeared on the hit Disney show Hannah Montana.

Eventually, Nick and Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana) dated, but broke up due to complications. Rumors go around that Nick is now dating Selena Gomez (star of Wizards of Waverly Place) and Joe is dating country music star, Taylor Swift.

The Jonas Brothers is a group that is like no other. Though they are a typical boy band, they set themselves apart from all the other pop icons out there. All the boys in the group are Christian and have committed themselves to abstinence by wearing a Purity Ring. They seem like they know what they want and they know how to get it.

In 2008, they starred in their first full length movie with Hannah Montana in "Hannah Montana: Best of Both Worlds Concert". Then again in the Disney movie "Camp Rock" with Disney's short series "As the Bell Rings" star, Demi Lovato. The movie was a huge success among Jonas fans. Target retail stores everywhere obtained Jonas/Camp Rock merchandise. During their rise to success, they released their third album "A Little Bit Longer". "A Little Bit Longer" is a song Nick wrote about his struggle with diabetes at such a young age. It immediately became their number one single along with "Burning Up".

Today, they continue with their highly successful career, playing sold out concerts and selling millions of albums worldwide. I would be surprised if no one knew who the Jonas Brothers were. The Jonas Brothers are not my type of band, but they certainly have the skills to win over the hearts of million young teens. The Jonas Brother have been called the next Beatles generation. Is it possible for another band to live up to the success of the highly acclaimed Fab Four? I don't know. That's all up to the music industry and the fans. But who knows? But for now, we live in Jonas-Mania.

Paranormal State

Notice: I do not believe in the existence of ghosts or alien creatures for any reason whatsoever. However, I do believe in the existence of Satan and his demonic followers that dwell, not only in Hell, but here on Earth as well.
2 Corinthians 11:14 (KJV)
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."

On A&E, there's a television show, called "Paranormal State". It follows a group of college kids who seek out answers to the supernatural world. They are called to many different cases, but they only go to the most severe cases. This is not like any other ghost hunting show. About 99% of what they seek are of demonic forces. In one episode, an elderly woman is obsessed with contacting the dead. Everyday, she would set up an EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) tape and record voices. EVP is basically an open door for demons to come through. Demons are very common within the shows boundaries.

Again, I do not believe in ghosts, but I have had some pretty scary encounters in my younger days. I will tell you my two stories, whether you believe in them or not, that's all up to you. This is just from my experience, what I've seen and heard. I'm not even sure if I believe in what I heard or saw, but anyway, here are my two stories...

When I was about 11 or 12 years of age, I suppose I had my first scary moment. This was a moment that I'd never, ever forget. I remember it was a school night, so I had to go to be early. My bed was against my wall, under the upper window in my room. With that, I could see into the hallway and the light shining from downstairs. My mom and my brother were downstairs. My mother was watching TV and my brother was doing his homework. I know that my dad was asleep because he had to get up early for work the next day. So, I was lying in bed trying to go to sleep. I heard these kids skateboarding outside by the grinding of the wheels on the pavement. I got up and stood on a shelf that was behind my bed. It was easy access to look out the window. When I peered out the window, there was no one there. I swear, I heard at least three kids out there. Not only was no one there, but the sound of the skateboards suddenly stopped. As I'm looking out the window, I hear a faint whisper in my ear. It whispered, "Get down". Immediately I sank into my bed. No one was in my room nor in the hallway. I knew it wasn't my parents because no one just tells you to get down in a whispered voice. Parents always say, "Hey, get down. Go asleep". But, as soon as I dropped into my bed I looked into the hallway and I saw a shadowy figure swoop by my bedroom and into my brothers bedroom. It looked about six feet tall, but without a head. At least it looked like it didn't have a head. And that was that.

My next story freaked me out even more. Again, this happened when I was in bed. I was just laying there and all of a sudden I hear this pounding on the roof. I knew it was not a cat because I've had many cats on the roof and I know the sound their paws make when walking. It sounded as if someone was dropping heavy boxes onto the roof. It kept on going and going. Immediately, I ran into my parents bedroom to tell them what had just happened. Of course, like any parents, they don't believe the child. They thought I just had a bad dream or I was just imagining it all. No, I was not. Believe it or not, I wanted the pounding to continue so that they'd believe me. Finally, it started up again. My parents heard the pounding and my dad got out of bed and ran outside to check the outside of the house. No one or anything was on the roof.

After those two experiences, nothing ever happened again. But I've always been somewhat fascinated by the supernatural. Whether it's the Mothman, Chupacabra, Shapeshifters or anything abnormal, I find it very interesting. You don't have to believe in anything in order to like something.