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Rob's Status

    Tears in Rain

    Psalm 45:1

    "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."

    Galatians 2:20

    I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

    <---Posts--->

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    Monday, March 29, 2010

    You know that feeling...




    The feeling you get when you’re asleep but you still feel like you’re awake?

    It’s a restless tossing and turning that all thanks goes to having too much on the mind...

    I understand the necessity of resting the eyes and the feet, I tend to do it even when I feel the need during the day. But my mind... My mind seems to never sleep, never rest.

    And it’s not a simple shutdown that I’m looking for, but a pattern of thought that ends.

    To take everything I was thinking about the day before, or anything I’m worried about, and just stop thinking about it...

    Being anxious for nothing isn’t nearly as easy as it seems...

    But I would do good to at least put myself in a position where I didn’t have to worry about anything because I took the responsibility of securing whatever it is I’m concerned about. I asked questions, I did my research, I tied the loose ends, I even said I was sorry...

    Yet still, I feel like I can never get any sound and peaceful rest...

    Sometimes I get too much sleep... In fact, I think sometimes I get just enough and the truth behind my lack of rest is I’d rather be resting then living... This would explain why I’m so worried about getting up the next day, the tossing and turning comes from me not wanting to face any present or future consequences.

    I’m really not afraid of getting dirty... But I tend to avoid it whenever I can.

    This will surely lead me to failure and even. . .

    Death.

    They say that one third of your life is spent sleeping...

    Let’s start making more of what two thirds we have left...


    "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."

    Sunday, March 28, 2010

    Straylight Run and my 100th blog post









    For the Best

    by

     Straylight Run



    And it takes more time than ive ever had,



    drains the life from me, makes me want to forget.
    As young as i was, i felt older back then, 
    more disciplined, stronger and certian. 
    But i was scared to death of eternity,
    i was saved by grace and destroyed by naivety,
    and i lied to myself and said it was for the best.

    So now faith is replaced with logic so cold,
    ive disregarded what i was now that im older.
    And i know much more then i did back then,
    but the more i learn the more i cant understand.
    And ive become content with this life that i lead,
    where i drink to much and dont believe in much of anything.
    And i lie to myself, and say its for the best.

    Were moving forward but holding ourselves back, and were waiting on something that will never come...
    Were moving forward but holding ourselves back, and were waiting on something that will never come

    Were moving forward but holding ourselves back, and were waiting on something that will never come (And i lie to myself, and say its for the best)
    Were moving forward but holding ourselves back, and were waiting on something that will never come(And i lie to myself, and say its for the best)
    Were moving forward but holding ourselves back, and were waiting on something that will never come (And i lie to myself, and say its for the best)
    Were moving forward but holding ourselves back, and were waiting on something that will never come (And i lie to myself, and say its for the best)



    This song was sent to me by a dear friend of mine and I wanted to pass it on myself...


    I suppose this is a large stepping stone for me. Not only is this my 100th post but I'll also be turning 20 years old with in the next 48 hours. 


    I'll put it in the way my friend did.


    I'm not scared.


    I'm terrified.


    It's not that I'm scared of change or getting older...


    I'm scared of not knowing, not seeing, not hearing the sweet abyss speak to me the words of wisdom and devine counsel... To know, to see, to hear what the future holds for me...


    There's plenty of knowledge in the world and the writing of many books there will be no end...


    But to be wise in knowing, to understand, to discover--who I am and what I am for. . .



    My life isn’t as typical as I once thought... I feel that I now live with a much higher purpose and I continue to suppress all that would make me ordinary. I long to make my mark in this universe, but am without means or desire... Because it would not be for my own glory but of that which made me... There is no more authentic originality in my work for it is nothing more than reflections of what has already been made; wherefore, I am a procreator that projects life on the walls of emptiness and nothing more...

    I long to create life just as my creator before me. To breathe into new worlds of my own inspiration, to share such worlds with others through whatever effective means I have to my disposal.

    To release from this flawed earth and escape my shell is what I long for most. . .

    For I am indeed a spirit going though a painful and confusing human existence...

    Yet I endure for the sheer pleasure of life--The taste of the air is sweet and the sights are even more desirable...

    But there is nothing to gain, nothing worth while, nothing worth pursuing without the love, without the grace, without the glory of God being the central purpose.



    I was created to serve.

    And before man, I will serve the Lord.

    Although I'll begin to change outwardly, bodily, and ideally, I hope and pray that my heart will never change.

    I will always look at the universe not for it's complexity...

    But for it's wonder.

    God, make in me a true servent that longs for nothing but you and you alone.

    Grant me the faith of a child and the love of a son.

    Amen.





    "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."

    Friday, March 12, 2010

    Review of Actors from the London Stage Performance of Romeo & Juliet



         
    by 

    Robert Oakley 

         Thirty-five years of performance delight while touring over 15 universities  all the way  from  Notre Dame to our very own HBU Huskies, this “truly unique” program guarantees to deliver a show sure to entice the imagination and give a surreal perspective of the Shakespearian era.

         Actors from the London Stage come to Houston Baptist University with Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet--a most famous romance between “star-crossed” lovers never meant to be.

         Granted the stage was small being the limited but infamous Mabee Theatre, one should expect this minute space to widen as the characters develop one scene to the next while transporting the audience into a tale set in Italy long ago.

         Actors of the London Stage rapture themselves not from Notre Dame nor London but the land of Shakespeare itself. A stage richly designed with high walls, narrow streets, lush meadows, and exquisite skies; the characters with elegant costumes and shimmering blades of combat; the drama, action, and romance--all were there but in the imaginations of a captive audience. For Shakespeare, all that is needed are actors, a stage, and a whiteness to the magic.

         English director Peter Brook used the term, “Empty Space” when referring to the theatre. This empty space for Thursday night’s performance was little Mabee theatre and was quickly filled with participants of many walks of life longing to connect through a classic presentation of a truly romantic but tragic tale.

         As the lights dimmed, the audience prepared themselves. Walking upon the stage five modern thespians appeared on the thrust not in beautifully designed wardrobes of Shakespeare's time but all in blue hoodies and black cargo-pants. And not upon a well dressed stage but merely a single row of chairs on either side. If this was disconcerting and uncomfortable for some, the actors presented a most creative illusion which would veil the critical eye as the players introduced themselves as not only one but many characters disguising between themselves with colored scarves of green, red, and white.

         For starters, Geoffrey Lumb and Jennifer Higham introduced themselves as Romeo and Juliet  followed with a bo. Proceeding after was Martin Parr who introduced himself not as Friar Lawrence as his tall masculine stature would suggest at first but as “Lady Capulet,” which assured the audience that tonight would indeed be a delightful evening and hold true to Shakespearian  tradition. Among the other players were Liz Crowther and Marshall Griffin--all experienced and talented performers. After these quick and humorous introductions, the play officially began.

         The audience was truly engaged as they laughed to not only crafty dialog but convincing body language as the troupe of players used every part of their being to convey their characters. Starting off with a friendly soccer game--a fascinating ploy to suggest how the initial argument  between  the families of Capulet and Montague began--a quarrel soon started and swords were drawn setting the mood, imbruing the imagination and making the mundane of props magnificent. It is this way all throughout the play: from the beginning of the first act to the tragic end of the second.

         The London Stage Actors delivered their performance in a most simplistic but complex way and yet they deserve so much credit, let not one forget the genius behind the writing but none other then William Shakespeare himself. Without him, the story, and the compelling characters, the play would be nothing. A standing ovation to the London Stage Actors as they presented a classic holding true to tradition yet adding a modern twist that made it enjoyable for all.


    "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."

    Thursday, March 11, 2010

    Review of Actors from the London Stage Up Coming Performance of Romeo & Juliet



    Mabee Theatre, March 11th, 2010

    By

    Robert Oakley





    35 years of performance delight while touring over 15 universities  all the way  from  Notre Dame to our very own HBU Huskies, this “truly unique” program guarantees to deliver a show sure to entice the imagination and a surreal perspective of the Shakespearian era.

    Actors from the London Stage come to Houston Baptist University with Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet--a most famous romance between lovers never meant to be.

    For tonight’s review I will take several questions into consideration. Although I’ve not seen anything from the London Stage before nor have I seen Romeo and Juliet, I expect nothing more then a superb performance (It is Shakespeare after all). Granted the stage will be small being the limited but infamous Mabee Theatre, I expect the minute space to widen as the characters develop one scene to the next and transport the audience into a tale set in Italy long before any of us were born.

    How well do the London players portray their interpretation of a classic?

    •     Verbally
    •     Physically
    •     Emotionally
      
    Setting and Mood: How well does the structure of the stage portray the Shakespearian Atmosphere?

    •     Lighting
    •     Set-props
    •     Devices
      
    Was he audience engaged  into the performance and in what ways?

    •     Laughing, crying, etc. . .
    •     Will the actors dare to break the fourth wall and ask the audience questions? 
    Story and Character Development being of the most important question I shall consider.
    As I experience visual story telling more, the more I realize what that experience is for--to escape and at the same time experience reality. Though different this reality may be, it's an experience through different shoes allowing an opportunity visually answer the question "What if?"

    And with that, I will have to just wait and see how it goes... So tonight, seven o'clock sharp we'll know for sure as I fully intend to report on tonight's festivities.


    "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."

    Friday, March 5, 2010

    My Upcoming Research Paper in Summary


    Describe your topic:


    My literature review investigates media literacy and the effects there of in social, educational, and political arenas. These studies bring into perspective the use of media in schools to educate and to prevent cultural decline and adolescent behavior—taking the current and next generations ahead into the future of communications.

    What is the most important thing you have found to date?

    The most important thing I have discovered is the positive enforcement of “experience” learning in education presenting students more hands on opportunities to engage the world around them.

    Rather than reading and hearing about the universe, students can visually interact with it creating a stronger and concrete understanding.

    What is the weirdest/strangest/most unexpected thing you have found to date?

    Whether I have yet to find—or perhaps I’m not looking close enough—most of the research I have found has been done outside of the US. For example, many studies are being done in Canada, Tokyo, and even the Netherlands; however, I have found very few articles concerning the United States of America (being so media centered in its communications I found this somewhat odd. . .). This leaves me to question as to whether or not proper steps are being taken to better educate society and prepare them for the changing times. Perhaps some experts feel that these new technologies and methods will progressively become more and more common; on the contrary, I feel that some education in media literacy—the proper interpretation of media—is a crucial study especially in early development.

    What argument could you be making on your topic?

    Some of the advantages in media education are not yet fully realized in the US and improper interpretation of media (i.e. political propaganda) can lead US citizens astray. Furthermore, individuals may lose educational opportunities, jobs, and even citizenship if left to fend for themselves in understanding new media, new technology, and new communication.


    "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."

    Wednesday, March 3, 2010

    Lyrics to Green Grass Of Tunnel :






    Down from my ceiling
    Drips great noise
    It drips on my head through a hole in the roof

    Behind these two hills here
    There's a pool

    And when I'm swimming in
    Through a tunnel
    I shut my eyes

    Inside the cabin I make sounds
    In through the tubes I send this noise

    Behind these two hills here
    Fall asleep
    And when I float in green grass of tunnel
    It flows back

    Down from my ceiling
    Drips great noise

    It drips on my head through a hole in the roof

    Behind these two hills here
    There's a pool
    And when I'm swimming in
    Through a tunnel....
    I shut my eyes.

    I shut my eyes 


    "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."

    Monday, March 1, 2010

    Fixing a Hole [The Beatles]




    Instructions: 
     
    1. Put your iPod on shuffle 
    2. Press "Next" for each question 
    3. Use the title of the song to answer the question 
    4. No cheating
     
    
    
    HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
    "Better Is One Day" [Kutless]
    Amen. That's something... Cause, lately I've not exactly known how I've been feeling but this 
    song (Which I've never really analyzed before) really nailed it for me ^_^ 
     
    WHAT'S YOUR OUTLOOK ON LIFE?
    Homeward Bound [Simon and Garfunkel]
    This is interesting because, though, my outlook is not necessarily bound on wordily merit, my outlook in life is reaching my final destination: home with my Heavenly Father.
    
    WHAT DOES YOUR 
     
    FAMILY THINK OF YOU?
    Looking Back [Phi Keaggy (Acoustic Sketches)] 
    This is a little cryptic ^_^ The song is 40 seconds long and is playing backwards...
    Does this mean my family thinks I'm abstract and heading in the wrong direction? :P 
     
    WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
    Blue Skies [Landon Pigg]
    Intriguing. . . One of the lines is "You could be my unintended friend"
     
    WHAT DO STRANGERS THINK OF YOU?
    From Me to You [The Beatles]
    Creepy. . . :\
     
    HOW WILL YOUR LOVE LIFE BE IN THE FUTURE?
    Julia [The Beatles]
    Does this mean I'll fall in love with someone near the beach? ^_^
     
    
    
    WILL YOU GET MARRIED?
    Upside Down (Remix) [Jack Johnson and Money Mark]
    You bet ^_^
     
    
    WILL YOU HAVE KIDS?
    Walk on Your Knees [Aaron and Jeffery] 
    Laugh Out Loud! I guess so! ^_^
     
    ARE YOU GOOD AT SCHOOL?
    
    Take Me to Your Leader [The Newsboys]
    Okay... This song kinda goes all over the place (just like my mind). . . In other words, I tend to 
    day dream, but this could be a good thing XD
     
    WILL YOU BE SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE?
    
    
    
    El Mañana [The Goriilaz]
    This song always reminds me of the music video. . . It's very depressing :(
     
    WHAT SONG SHOULD THEY PLAY ON YOUR BIRTHDAY?
    Away From the Sun [Three Doors Down]
    Wake up call. . . :\ 
     
    WHAT SONG SHOULD THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
    The Zephyr Song [Red Hot Chili Peppers]
    I guess this would be appropriate ^_^
     
    
    
    
    
    Main Entry: zeph·yr 
    Pronunciation: \ˈze-fər\
    Function: noun
    Etymology: Middle English Zephirus, west wind (personified), from Latin Zephyrus, god of the west wind & zephyrus west wind, zephyr, from Greek Zephyros &zephyros
    Date: 1611
    1 a : a breeze from the west b : a gentle breeze
    THE SOUNDTRACK OF YOUR LIFE:
    Always Something There to Remind Me [Naked Eyes]
    Too True. . .
     
     
    YOU AND YOUR BEST FRIEND ARE:
    
    Tangerine [Led Zeppelin]
    ... *shrugs*
     
    HAPPY TIMES:
    Sway [Michael Bublé] 
     
    
    SAD TIMES:
    Tourniquet [Evanescence]
    Yeah... Sometimes it feels like that :'( 
     
    EVERY DAY:
    
    Panoramic (Eaten By Earth Remix) [Atticus Ross (The Book of Eli)]
    
    
    I will never forget this film. . .
     
    FOR TOMORROW:
    The Return [Joe Hisaishi & New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra (Spirited Away)] 
    Cool! Love this Anime ^_^\/ Go Hayao Miyazaki! 
     
    FOR YOU:
    The Boxer [Simon and Garfunkel]
    Whoa. . . 
     
    WHAT DOES NEXT YEAR HAVE IN STORE FOR ME?
    Alone [Sanctus Real]
    Another song kinda sorta about the beach. . . VERY interesting ^_^ *is hopeful*
    
    WHAT DO I SAY 
     
    WHEN LIFE GETS TOO HARD?
    Girl Can't Help It [Journey]
    Awww. . . :( 
     
    WHAT DO I THINK WHEN I GET UP IN THE MORNING?
    Must Have Done Something Right [Reliant K]
    Awesome! Ironically, this song use to be a part of playlist I would wake up to in the morning
    ^_^ 
     
    
    
    WHAT SONG WILL I DANCE TO AT MY WEDDING?
    The Phantom of the Opera [Phantom of the Opera Soundtrack]
    Okay, that is awesome! :D 
     
    
    WHAT DO YOU WANT AS A CAREER?
    
    Every Move I Make [David Crowder Band]
    I guess this means: No matter what I do, it's going to be for Jesus. Amen!
     
    YOUR FAVORITE SAYING?
    Time and Tide [Basia]
    Ah, yes. . . Keep moving with the times and the tides :) Patience has it's great rewards. Let life take it's course/ There's no rush ^_^ 
     
    FAVORITE PLACE?
    Pray for Rain [Pray for Rain] 
    Ah yes, to dance in the rain... I actually walked in the rain today... Though I'm not sure what this song has to do with a place... Maybe it represents a place of mind?
     
    
    
    WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
    Carry On Wayward Son [Kansas]
    *smiles*
     
    
    
    DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
    Wonder Why [Pray for Rain]
    this is accurate. . . I am my own worst enemy. 
     
    
    WHAT DO I LIKE DOING MOST?
    Only a Northern Song [The Beatles]
    If this is another way of saying "Confusing People," then yes! ^_^
     
    WHAT IS MY STATE OF MIND AT THE MOMENT? 
    What is this Thing Called Love [Frank Sinatra]
    
    Intriguing and very true. . .
     
    HOW WILL I DIE?
    Fur Elise [Beethoven]
    Epic :)
     
    THE SONG THAT YOU'LL PUT AS THE TITLE?
    Fixing a Hole [The Beatles]
    Wow. . . My Itunes sure does like to play the Beetles. . .


    "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."