First Day of Class

            The first day of class featured Mr. Michael Mandt, president of Fluidyne Corporation, a globally recognized leader in wastewater treatment technologies. He earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees through Ohio State University. His lectures and discussions of the day covered mainly the ideas of science vs. religion.

Although the first few segments of class felt like mere introductions to the instructor and his teachings, Mr. Mandt got a good feel for the student body and our understanding of the current times and knowledge of Biblical truth. I personally admired and appreciated his easing us into the topics at hand as much was revealed and refreshed to my current understanding of evolutionary ideas conflicting with the ideas of intelligent design. Knowing that science is more on the side of Christianity than it actually is to secular science and evolution is quite the comforting and encouraging thought as we were later able to conclude after going thought the motions of what each school of thought actually believed in and how they came to such conclusions.

Just by comparing and contrasting our supposed origins showed a lot of what true science is capable of revealing. Romans 1:18-25 plainly shows us that God is revealed in all things and even the wickedness and perversion of humanity is without excuse. It is their suppression of the truth in unrighteousness that continues to cause them to tell vicious lies against the Christian faith and I feel that it is highly imperative that believers across the globe should better equip themselves with the knowledge of God to combat such deceit and further expand the Kingdom and love of Christ.

A lot of what Mr. Mandt lectured on toward the end of the day felt to go a little over my head. I can’t quite decide whether that was due to my fatigue or that it just was too deep in science for me to completely understand. I thought it all rather intriguing all the same despite my ability to understand it fully. Although I feel like I could ask him plenty of questions to help solidify and clarify his teaching, I have an inkling it will just take a little bit of reading for me to really begin to grasp such subjects of time and space. Despite the difficulty and ambiguity of it all based solely of course on my lack of knowledge, I know what was discussed last evening will have a lasting impact and the truly mysterious and magnificent work of God our creator.  

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

Hectic but Providential

Adventure is usually what comes to my mind whenever something doesn’t go quite according to plan. I usually tell people when I’m lost, “I’m not lost, truly” , and “I’m just on an adventure.” A charming thought only if you have nowhere to go or punctuality is not entirely of the essence. In this case, just recently on my decent to Pegosa Springs, I made my way to Denver Colorado an entire hour short of my flight. Having never been in this situation before, I managed to keep calm. Having my iPod touch with me nearly everywhere I go with big friendly letters on the lock screen that say, “Don’t Panic.” This is, of course, a little something I carry with me for reassurance but mostly a comedic relief I typically get when recalling the muses of British humor easily found in Douglas Adam’s Hitchhiker’s Guild to the Galaxy. Reading the words “Don’t Panic” was very affirming and calming—the Denver airport was not.

Continental airlines was as accommodating as they could: the earliest flight they could confirm for me was only seven hours past my intended schedule and to make matters more complicated, it was with another airline at another terminal. Long story short, there was a lot of walking involved with this little excursion of very little pleasure. Having not only my backpack loaded with computer gear but also my camera bag didn’t make matters any lighter. At least there were the automated walkways making my trudging across the terminal back and forth between United and Continental costumer service. Little did I know that the merge between these major airlines was still in flux and United couldn’t help me very much with Continental’s issues: one in particular was accommodating me with a ticket that had no value to Frontier. A misfortune to say the least for it required further trudging in the airport and even more stress to my senses. At least I had my iPod to boom the Tron: Reconfigured soundtrack to make things a little more interesting. Also looking at the situation as a sort of action flick made things a little better. I started to pretend that I was on a high-stakes mission and would walk back and forth between terminals to the Italian Job soundtrack.

After determining that only Continental was the only factor among airlines that could fix the problem they created for me, I decided to finally sit for a meal for after spending sometime at their assigned gates, there was not a Continental soul to be sought. Further waiting took place after dinner but I finally managed to speak with a representative of Continental and set things straight with my reservation with Frontier and getting a valid ticket to board their plane. After a prolonged phone call with Frontier, my reservation had been confirmed and I was instructed to head back to Terminal A to speak with gate 37. Once there, several minutes later, I spoke with Frontier’s customer service and was handed not a ticket but a boarding pass! I was overwhelmed at this point and couldn’t help but gasp with success at the end of my anxious concern for confirmation of my flight into Durango.

I suppose after looking back at all this now, it indeed was all a hectic mess and quite stressful. I am glad now, however, because I’m all the more experienced especially in regards to Denver’s airport. Hopefully next time the aeroplane I’m on won’t need last minute maintenance on a broken latch and I won’t miss my connecting flight. On the other hand, if I had made my flight that fateful morning, I wouldn’t have run into a fellow student of mine who is also attending Summit Semester. While waiting for my 7:45 flight to Durango through Frontier Airlines, Amy from California was waiting for the same flight as I. I had been wearing a Summit Ministries T-shirt at the time, but she claims to have recognized my face from the start and the T-shirt only confirmed that she knew who I was. Although I didn’t recognizer her at first, it was an extreme delight and refreshment to meet a face I felt like I could actually get to know and not complain to. It was also nice to know I wouldn’t be heading to my final destination alone. Figuring I probably would have gotten to meet her sooner or later in Pegosa, it’s still a rather interesting story to look back on and tell as I hope you have enjoyed this experience as much as I did after everything has been said and done. Looking back now, although rather hectic, it was intriguing and inspiring all at once to see the providence of it all. And that’s how I physically got to Summit Semester, ten hours off schedule and exhausted, yet satisfied with learning a few new tricks, meeting a new friend, and gaining a story to tell. 

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

My Journey to the Summit

           Hardly twenty-four hours has past since I first arrived to Snow Wolf Lodge in Pegosa Springs, Colorado and I could already begin to feel an amazing change in my life—the perspective of it, the purpose of it, the understanding of what my life really means was in a flux and I was enjoying every moment of it. My name is Robert Oakley, and this is how my journey to The Summit began.

Summit Semester has and will serve many purposes this season of my life but essentially it is an academic gap-year program founded upon Biblical standards. It is a means to an end by which every student has arrived seeking with intrigue and desire not solely exclusive to myself for I have already gotten to know most if not all 31 students who have arrived. We all share the same interest and passion for doing well deep in the Mountains of Pegosa Springs and we’re all highly looking forward to it.

Getting here in the first place is quite the story within itself, as I would officially like to begin there. You could all say it started when I was born: into a Christian home to parents who both had no clue what to do in raising me as their first born but knew and understood and submitted to teaching me about their faith and bringing me up to claim it as my own. When I was the age of eight years old, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and savior by His perfect will and grace. From that day forward I knew and felt His presence influencing my life every day. It wasn’t up until my later years in high school, however, that I really began to explore for myself life’s great questions, and coming to understand and know not only what I believed but also why I believed what I believed.

It was through my mother’s teaching and her desire to home educate me that fully allowed me to have the recourses, capacity, and freedom to explore these pressing topics without the pressure and exclusiveness of secular society. Though a great part of my education was founded on a Biblical foundation, one other book that has played a major influence in my life was Dr. David Noebel’s Understanding the Times.

Coming back to the topic of Summit Ministries and Semester, I actually had very little recollection or understanding of the ministry even a long time after reading Dr. Noebel’s work. Little did I know how drawn in to the ministry I would become years later. My parents along with many elders from my church have also made a huge impact in my life along with authors such as C.S. Lewis, and the many missionary stories I would have read to me or heard about in church.  I was also very fortunate to attend Houston Baptist University near the city of Katy where I grew up getting a solid Biblical teaching in my core education.

It wasn’t really enough, though, to have such a strong connection with my heavenly creator, my family, my church, and my mere existence on such a flourishing emotional level. There needed to be so much more and I had lots of questions. This is one of the many areas Summit Semester has promised to touch on in regards to further developing my relationship with Christ and those around me. Semester’s mission is also to make my understanding on an intellectual level bringing even more meaning and balance to my own conscience. I am fully intrigued with the idea and pursuit of “knowing thyself” and am confident that in ever seeking for truth, yet seeking first the Kingdom of God, I will know myself according to my creator, my master, and my teacher. This is only part of what Summit Semester is all about and for the next 12 weeks I looking forward to sharing even more.

Although my access to the outside world will be limited, this time will be one of little distraction and incredible focus on the meaning of life as not just a human being, but a soul created in the likeness of Christ. I plan to write as regularly as I can, but promise only to post updates every Sunday when I can since that is the only time I expect to have internet access. So consider this your first update! I am alive, well, and looking forward to telling you about my great journey through Summit Semester.

I am praying for you all as image bearers of Christ—Imago Dei.

Noblesse oblige,

~Rob Oakley

Dear Friend,

One of the unique qualities of a letter is the way it seems to slow down time or even move it in the opposite direction. We can take a moment and breathe words of wisdom, encouragement and recollection.

I would find myself writing more if it wasn't for the expediency of our generation. I realize more and more that a conversation isn't merely waiting for your own turn to speak--it is rather, a chance to learn more about the ones you care about.

The act of conversing and exchanging information ultimately requires a kind of reaction. Being that a letter would require you my dear friend to wait and receive the letter, read the letter, reflect and respond to the letter... The reaction to everything I have shared with you would then be subject to incredible delays.

Which is why my writing letters amongst our more immediate and instant forms of communication has halted...

Realizing this mistake, I undersatnd how much I have come to take our friendship for granted. The fact that our ability to communicate could be totally lost due to an inability or unwillingness to write is absurd and to think it could all go out with the magical forces of electricity which holds us all together.

This intricate universe we call the "web" I have come to discern as a world that makes thinner, less solid relationships... Not stronger ones...

Among the old fashioned letter, the phone call is also being lost...

I conclude then with a charge to be more "intentional" with my relationships. It is no excuse to not speak with someone simply because he or she is not "online"

It is our intensional and purpose driven conversations that lasts a life time...

It is my hope that you are in good health and to hear from you soon...

Always your friend,

~Rob

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

Red Movie Review

DC comics’ “Retired and Extremely Dangerous,” aka Red, came into theaters just last week offering an explosive movie going experience along with an armed and dangerous cast. Starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker, and Helen Mirren, Red takes place around Frank Moses, a retired special ops veteran. In his late years of age, Frank Moses still packs a punch and an outwitting mind for his opponent’s attempts of assassination while cleaning up a mysterious past linking Frank and of his close companions.

Though Frank now only wants to live the simple life, his current pursuits of the sweet life and hotline to love gets put on hold. Along with Frank, special interest Sarah, Mary-Louise Parker, is now in danger due to their close connection, there is no choice but to rescue her from his pursuers. To clear his name and end the deadly chase, Frank contacts and puts back together his comrades to form a deadly force. What they uncover in the end is both shocking and malevolent.

Red is an amazing adaptation. Due to the nature of its origins, it is beyond simple to except some of the more exaggerated effects and supernatural feats of strength. Still, realism is left intact along with the story and beloved characters of DC Comic fans. The cinematography and editing was near flawless aside from a few minor continuity errors. With smooth transitions and action packed effects, Red is as slick as it is entertaining. Though it is a bit different from previous Marvel and DC releases, comic fans should still find Red an exceptional addition to their collection.

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

thePROJECT

thePROJECT-Behind the Scenes from Rob Oakley on Vimeo.

This is the official and final version of the behind-the-scenes video for the Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston and The Project. Watch as Steve Hebert explains in great detail our nine month journey to completing more than just an Eagle Project, but a short documentary of the lives of humble individuals and their incredible stories and experiences. For the benefit of potential volunteers, contributors and even clients in search for answers, please pass this video to others on along with our project website.

http://stephen-hebert.blogspot.com/

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

Dionysus Theatre

I've been rehearsing with a group of people from Dionysus Theater who all have some kind of disability: A young lady is blind, another can't speak well, two boys and a girl have a type of autism, a young man with down syndrome and a women who has no arms and legs. Though, when you stop and sit still just to listen to them and watch them perform, you realize there is so much of something they have that you don't. What they do have are beautiful voices, gleaming eyes so bright with genuine curiosity, and when they laugh and smile, what they say and do just proves there's a God in heaven that loves them: it is so pure and true. And all they want in life is to share that truth so we can be just like them--albe children of God.

We are the ones who cannot see, we are the ones who cannot speak, we are the ones who have a lack of control, capability to think, and even the ability to move our hands and feet.

Tonight they're having a performance for some who are interested in learning more about the wonderful world of theatre. Tonight I pray they'll get a lot more out of it than just that. Tonight I hope we all leave with so much more--that our eyes will be open, our hearts will see, that there's a God in heaven that loves you and me.

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

Renaissance Man Set in Motion

Scott and I wearing hats Edward Brought us from Indonesia

Day One. Judging form the above picture, need I really say more? *smiles*

My anticipation over the end of summer, the day just before yesterday, is gone. It has happend and I will not frown because it is over but instead smile because it happend--that is what makes all the difference for me.

So the past is past: my studies at Lone Star and my work at Chick Fil A are complete. Now I am officially moved into campus at Houston Baptist University for my second year of school and third semester at the university where I'll be continuing my undergard studies in Spanish, Christianity, Chemistry, and continuing my specific interest and major field of study in Mass Communications and Film Production.

For any of you who are interested in the specific courses I'll be taking, I have Spanish Proficiency, Christian Doctrine, Intro to Chemistry, and TV Production II.

Along with my studies I'll also be actively working with the Rex Fleming Players, a student organization dedicated to providing a visual arts experience in performance and technical theatre. I am the Players' Historian and am looking very much forward to taking pictures of our activities and writing stories of our adventures.

Speaking of adventures...

I got to go on one just last night but I'll chronicle that a little later...

For now I just want to send a brief update of my life's happenings--I am safe, I am content, and I am deeply blessed.

Though I'll be living on campus, I am very happy to be living so close to home giving me the opportunity to spend great quality time with the family on the weekends.

As for some of my projects and challenges...

The Library is still under construction but has gone through great progress. The shelves and books are very organized though I am yet to archive them into my computer and was recently informed that along with the four some odd boxes stacked in the corner of the room there is also a closet full to sort through.

I do not believe I've taken the time to report on the pleasure of my recent readings of CS Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. Another challenge I set for myself is to read the entire Chronicles out loud to my siblings. Right now we're nearly finished with Voyage of the Dawn Treader and is turning out to be quite the favorite among Russell and Madylin who are nine and seven years old respectively. Sometimes I have some difficulty getting Madylin to sit still and listen. Russell on the other hand is so intrigued by the readings that sometimes he won't let me tuck him into bed unless I try to read at least one more chapter. Even if I did succumb to his demands, he'd still want to stay up and listen to another so I often must refuse him; however, it's such a wonderful delight to see how much they both are enjoying the stories. Just before tucking them in, I also do a small scripture reading in proverbs and always try to emphasize in our prayers the importance of wisdom before understanding and the fear of the Lord and constant pursuit of Him and His Kingdom--walking with Him always and forever.

We use to be able to read nearly ever night but now that I'm on campus, I'll have to reserve a very special time over the weekend to continue reading to them. I hope to read to them many stories by many authors before the Fall and Winter are through.

Along with that I also hope to do some of my own reading. I've become so intrigued by literature lately that I've decided to really get involved with the classics and catch up on some of the greatest literature, romantics, and even fairy tales. I owe a dept of gratitude to some very special students--who are very special friends--for this new passion of mine. Their interest in traditional art and the amount of knowledge and experiences they have had and shared is far beyond describable and it is difficult to fully express how thankful I am to receiving such a wealth of unsurpassable desire for that which is truly worth pursing--worlds created with words.

With such words I hope to transport to places and experience things I've never even dreamed of or seen in life or movie screens.

Though many of us age physically and may only apear to be a certain age, something I've discovered about learning and reading is the gaining of experience. Though one may look and even feel old physically it is not quite the same as looking and feeling old with experience and thus I believe I've discovered a way to feel more alive with longevity and while also gaining a more satisfied and prudent devotion to God and His wonderful creation.

So this semester's theme and focus:

"Aging with Experience, Experience with Reading, Reading with Passion."

Of course I plan to chronicle and write here daily or as often as I can. For now expect some of my in-depth discoveries from my classes and my readings and even more so with the social happenings here at the school. I also have some pretty amazing friends here on campus that are really more like family whom I also wish to share many great and amazing adventures with.

The curent party and story continues with Myself, Edward, Gabrielle, and John and...

"The Midnight Wal-Mart Raid"

Peace Out! ^_^ \/

~The Renaissance Man aka Rob :)

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

Fire Eyes

by Rob Oakley

Passion filled desires leaves it's presence on a weary heart

Fire Eyes stare back and scream it's never easy for a start

working night and day on things that never really seem to pay

my head is sweaty, these hands are bloody, and I'm still not listening

dreams seldom put to sleep these visions

all I thought I needed was a little provision

like fire needs air while chocking on it's smoke

Light a flame

watch embers burn

slowly vaporized

Light my eyes

See a soul that's torn

now only tranquilized

For Fire Eyes stare back and scream it's never been easy

can't feel the passion, can't see through my gaze

Fire Eyes fixed betwixt a promise of heaven and this hellish haze

What feels so temporary and worth only something in the end?

Fire Eyes now turned to ash,

blind (so blind)

but can finally see...

this passion filled heart of mine was never meant for me.

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

A Simple Nothing

Some beginnings start with a simple nothing. A quite sort of nothing, the nothing you might have heard just before opening the cover of a book. Quietly turning a few pages, the eyes close for a moment just before the first chapter seeing nothing but the back of the eye lids and a dark sort of nothing; a familiar yet queer darkness that one rarely sees. The page turns, a slight rubbing of fine paper grains grind together—a sound much like the string of a universe colliding with another. The eyes open wide to gaze upon a title and a descriptive line of entire realms one may have only dreamed. To think it all could be created within a blink. But that is just the start as one begins to read, a world begins to grow! Though as loud as a bang and quick and bright as lightning an adventure then unfolds leading you, dear reader, wherever you want to go.

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."