Post #6: Happy New Years.

So this is it: 2012.
Doesn't feel very different, and yet it's preparing to dump prom, grad, and an IB Certificate into my hands.
I'm pretty stoked. These 12 years of education, are finally going to mean something to me.
Sure, some of it--actually, the majority of it--sucked. But that's just it.
It's like I can almost see the light....
I'm almost done.
Highschool drama will finally come to an end.

12 years of preparation for the real world... will finally come into play... and I will be released to explore the world, and make what I can of it.

The thing is, last year... in 2011... it took me months to debate over what YWAM DTS program I had wanted to do.
See, this whole time I've wanted to push myself, take a risk, and do something crazy.... that 'something crazy' turns out to be a 6 month discipleship training school... overseas.

I wanted to go to Hawaii, and the "Engage"DTS had really captured my attention, only to find out this year that in September 2012, the only base in Kona that is for 'someone like me', does not happen to be "Engage."
I had thought that was the one.

Apparently not so.

So here goes, again.

Man. Hello 2012, and the confusion you have brought.

Time to trust God like there's no tomorrow.
Pray for me folks ! I need to figure out what I want to do ASAP.
University or YWAM.
YWAM or University.

:O

Other than that, I'm so excited.

Why is this a "justification post?"

I need to justify myself.
Do what's right.
Be myself.
Intercede.
Love.
Complete my new years resolutions:
   -to stand up for myself
   -say "yes" to things I normally would say "no" to, without breaking moral values (haha, yes, like "Yes man!")
   -Exercise more--> +blog+write music+draw more tooooo. :)

I need to justify myself in order to bring justice into other situations.

This probably doesn't make a whole lot of sense...

Maybe, if I tell you this is one of those "New Years Moments," you'll understand.

A "New Years Moment" where I feel inspired to become a better person, in order to change the world.

Post #5: Happy Christmas

Well.
It's that time of year.

Holy Wookie, the mall is the scariest place to be. Unfortunately I have been dragged into that torture chamber a lot this week! It is an entirely maddening experience for me. Honestly, I love shopping, I love meeting people, and people watching is a great thing to do around this time of year.... but it can be so frustrating !

I mean, the fact that people are running down the wrong side of the mall-- is the most annoying experience for me.
People. Walk on the right side. Don't go towards people.... !
I mean, sometimes it's not all that bad... but when they stop in the middle of "traffic," it tends to make me want to pull my hair out.

If that's not enough, the screaming kids sure do make me smile. 0_0
Not.


I'm quite the scrooge this year.
The fact that Christmas has become so commercialized is disgusting. In reality, it's just another Hallmark day.

I don't care about presents. I wish people would see it was much more than that.

The fact that people are complaining about the jingling bells that Sally Anne Kettle volunteers shake all over town, really made me rage.
You know, HP Sauce and I volunteered for a total of 6 hours shaking those bells-- and it's really NOT A BIG DEAL. People walking by, only hear it for like, 2 seconds.

How dare you complain. :)

When did Christmas become such a gimmick.

OMGSH! I KNEW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I TOLD YOU ALL! YODA DIDN'T DIE--> OBVIOUSLY HE JUST USED THE FORCE TO TRANSPORT HIMSELF TO THIS END OF THE GALAXY!!! I KNEW WE'D FIND HIM EVENTUALLY! HATE TO SAY I TOLD YOU SO....BUT.......


HOLY WOOKIE!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS AMAAAAZING!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/8939138/Kepler-22b-the-new-Earth-could-have-oceans-and-continents-scientists-claim.html

Post #4: Justification for the Music Realm.

I figured it would be best for me to include at least one "justice blog" on music... considering I love it so much. Music is a wonderful thing... it allows us to express who we are. Every song in the world is like a piece of soul... every word and every genre explode in such hype... it allows anyone to be who they want to be.

I guess my first question in writing this blog was, What exactly does music have to do with justice? And I thought about how many kids around the world don't get the same opportunities that we do: like being able to take piano lessons, or jam out on banjos, cranking up the bass, screaming in microphones. In North America, we're lucky in a sense.

Then again, we are also limited. On Friday, I attended something we call IB World Music. It's pretty much a bunch of IB kids coming together to dance and play instruments. I rather enjoyed it! I heard of some new instruments and listened to some tunes and beats they play around the world.

I find that we can get so stuck in our own little worlds of pop numbers, that we forget the rest of the world has their own instruments that are not at all similar to our own. A great majority of the student population defines music as anything that can make it on the Billboard Top 100. IB World Music, however, reminded me of the good old days, when I could make music out of banging pots and pans together. Or how about those ancient guitars of elastic bands and tissue boxes!

One of the performances featured a man who brought along some rocks he naturally found to have holes in, as well as a few whistles, and culturally traditional instruments from Vietnam and Japan.
The rocks were my favourite.

In all, I suppose that's what justification in music means to me. We as North Americans need to remember that music doesn't always have to be perfect. Music comes from the heart... and that is what matters most.

As a goal, I'm going to pick up my old guitar again. I know like... 5 chords... and I am determined to make a song before the year ends. It'll be like hitting some old natural roots... playing a song in 5 chords.

Post #2 Cont: I Am Silent

Just as an update, our school of +900 students raised a total of over $2600 for Free the Children! I am so excited about this! :) Each one of those dollars is worth a smile to me, as well as to those children found all around the world! :)

If you would like to donate, check out the website! For more information, check out that site, or read up on my last blog about I Am Silent! :)

http://www.freethechildren.com/vowofsilence/

Post #3: "As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is." -Eric Sevareid

I am not sure if I am supposed to know who Eric Sevareid is, but I do approve of the quotation. :)

I thought I would take a different outlook on justice... but... it is rather similar to my passions: Justice For The Children.

For the past two-three weeks, our school has been handing out Operation Christmas Child boxes... and I had the pleasure of stuffing a box for a little girl 5-9 years of age.
I wish I could see her face... when she opens that box and finds pink frilly things and a teddy bear. I wish I could see her face change, a smile spreading from ear to ear.

It just got me thinking about the fact that there are many children who will not get presents this year... and I wish I could do something about that. I know that Christmas is supposed to be about the bigger picture... about the heart... but I'd still like to give to all these kids. I'd just like to see smiles on everyone's faces. :)

And another thing... what about all these kids growing up in our North American culture? Christmas is used as propaganda to get people to buy and buy and buy! It's just another Hallmark Day for most businesses.
...I know that we'll just lose more kids to the belief that "Santa Claus doesn't exist," because not everyone is lucky enough to get a present around this time of year.
Living in this society is not easy... We all need to be reminded of the deeper meaning of Christmas.

(That Smile.)

I just want to make a difference.

I wish I was a trillion dollars richer... I would use it towards endless supplies of teddy bears, hot cocoa, and sugar cookies... every kid deserves that much.

Anyways... I guess the purpose of this blogpost was to challenge you during this season. Volunteer. Do something you normally wouldn't do.

Be the justice our world needs. Spread the love. That's what Christmas is about to me. Spreading the love. :)

xoxo
jazzy

Oh Love Is In the AIR!

Nooo? You think not???

Well then.

Jazzy would like you to step outside, sniff in a great breath of air, breathe deeply, *make sure your eyes are closed!* Now smile. :) Feels good, right?

That my friend, is the deeply invigorating love of Mr.Snow telling you that he is on his way. Vastly enchanting, is it not?

Mmmmm!

I canNOT wait! :) This winter break I plan on having an ADVENTURE!

Even though it's nearly a month away.

You know, this time last year, I was preparing for a dream-awakening trip to Disneyland.

Not this year.

No. This year, I am stuck analyzing "That Scottish Play." What more can I do but paraphrase dialogue? I do not know how I am to dissect every bit of this play. It barely makes sense as it is.

Oh IB. Why must you hate on me like so?

Post #2: I Am Silent: A Protest Against Injustice

I AM SILENT


In 10 days, I shall be abstaining from speaking, miming actions, texting, facebooking, twittering, and blogging. I do not think that being away from the World Wide Web for 24 hours will be much of a challenge... but heck, I'll do it anyway.

On the other hand, I don't know how I am not supposed to talk... or make actions.
But I've decided that this is something I am definitely going to do. It's a small sacrifice.

I am taking a vow of silence on November 24th, to raise awareness about the many people living in a state of poverty, facing such vivid states of exploitation.
A while ago, I told you about a documentary that focused on the unfortunate circumstances that cause young women and children to be forced into human trafficking. At least, I think I did. If I did not, than I will tell you about it another time. It's quite a long story.

In any case, I'm taking this vow of silence to raise money that will go to people like those in poverty, child soldiers, sex slaves, etc.

People in third world countries do not have the opportunities like we do. We are extremely blessed to live in a democratic state, where our freedoms can sometimes be taken for granted (*ahem*occupy wall street*ahem*).

I am choosing to remain silent because it's like a choice to be in their shoes, for just 24 hours. It's not a large price to pay. I am choosing to be silent for one day, because billions of children are forced to remain silent  every day.

I want to stand up for them, because they are not allowed to stand up for themselves. We take our human rights for granted... where as in these third world countries, they are forced to live in environments where their human rights are never met.


I hope this is all making sense to you. If not, here's a link to the website. I encourage you to join me in vowing to remain silent for children around the world. If I know you in the real world and we have personally met, but I have not told you much about this fundraiser, please contact me, and I can totally get you involved.

http://www.freethechildren.com/vowofsilence/

Just To Add...

Regarding Post #1 of my new blogging aspiration to inform you about injustice/social issues happening around the world, I thought I'd add this picture...

Ok. Tried uploading the picture. Can't.

Here's the link. Check it out. Tell me what you think. :)

Declaration of the Occupation of New York City

I'll Give You Some, If You Give Me Some First.

re·spect/riˈspekt/

Verb:

Admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

Sometimes I get super tired of those kids I used to be close to, who don't respect my favourite choices of music. I've been a strong supporter of one of my most inspirational artists (Young Chozen) for a couple of years now, but some people think he's just too "preachy," as I've heard it called before. 

My non-Christian friends don't understand why I'd support someone who remixes songs by their most inspirational artists. The way I see it, Young Chozen makes secular music healthy to listen to. No swearing, No inappropriate phrases. Nothing dirty. He tries to glorify God by making these mix-tapes. 

I'll take a swing at it and say that most of my friends don't like him because he isn't their kind of "party" music.

But here's the deal.

I don't disrespect your favourite artists, kid. I think that what they have to say isn't healthy to living the greatest life all the time. What I respect is the fact that you look up to something. You have someone of great influence in your life, who happens to work in the music world... I just disagree with some of the messages they stand for. Another thing I do respect about these secular artists you are a fan of: most of the time, they're absolutely genuine. 

Sometimes Christianity is inaccurately portrayed by hypocritical people of the Church. And that is extremely unfortunate for the people who are actually trying to do good by what they do. 

The thing is, Young Chozen is one of those Christians who isn't a hypocrite. He's made a life out of following God. He's not the Churchy person who acts like he's perfect 100% of the time, and back stabs non-Christians. Young Chozen admits his downfall all the time, and this is personified throughout the great majority of his songs.

Isn't that what you want to see? You're tired of Christians pointing the finger, and doing wrong against their own words...? Like the "Christian" who'll party it up during the week by losing all of their core values, then put on the "fake face" and go all religious on you. 

I'm trying to live my life by being a Jesus-follower every day. I try my best. I really do.

But I'm only human.

I think thoughts like any other human does.

I want to do things that most teens my age do... but instead I remember the biggest promise I've made to God: to represent Him accurately.

I hold myself to many values that a lot of people don't understand. That's part of the sacrifice of being a "Jesus Freak." We put up with a lot of crap thrown at us. We are ridiculed and picked on for listening to the apparently "stupid" tunes. We listen to Christian music by Young Chozen, Lecrae, Tedashi.... (I could go on!) because it enhances our relationships with God, and aids us in bettering our own lives. True Christian music that's real and alive... it helps us be real. No acting. It teaches us how to teach others. It teaches us that being a hypocrite is terrible. 

Christian music IS preachy. Sure it is. But that's not always a bad thing.

Its message is to help us become better people.

I guess what you don't realize is that our Christian music is always positive. Nothing is ever negative. 99% of the Christian music we have is supposed to encourage people.

I've noticed that 99% of secular music can encourage all sorts of unhealthy emotions, though. It warps depression, anger, sadness, love, and false hope all together.... Do you not find that confusing? 

What I like about Christian music is that it's real. It gives me true hope. It's always about true love. 

Maybe what you don't like to hear is the fact that it will always glorify God. Real Christians and Real Christian Music suggest that no one else is number one, but God; that the world doesn't revolve around you. 

Well. Maybe this will change your mind...? 

Though the world revolves around God... His love revolves around you. 

That's what keeps me going. When I am ridiculed for who I stand for, I remember that at least His love is saving me each and every day. 

Because Jesus loves me... I can be unafraid to live. 

I am 'Unafraid' to die. 

I am 'Unafraid' of fear itself. 

Post #1 Con't: Occupy Wall Street to Occupy Vancouver

Occupy Vancouver protesters disrupt mayoral debate

Enlighten yourself by clicking the above link.

Your thoughts?

I for one and terribly disappointed with both sides of this picture, and this is me being the 99% speaking up against what's really wrong.

Dear Mr. Zimmerman,


If you feel the need to exploit your ideas about how corruption has taken over the government, please do. One thing, however, needs to be made clear. How many people are going to vote for you if you're yelling at them? That was quite a diplomatic approach you made.


I commend you for expressing the values we all hold towards democracy, and am certainly in agreement with that side of your argument... but the other question I hold to being of great value, is how will you act if you become mayor of Vancouver? Do not you think you would seize the opportunity to celebrate your victory, with the salary of the position, by having a lobster dinner? What if you enjoyed it so much that you continued indulging in such unpolitical affairs afterwards?


If you're greatest wish is for the money to be going to the people, and not towards corporate greed, what differences are you going to make that will actually happen?


I have seen promise after promise being made by all candidates in my lifetime, and those who make it big, tend to break their promises in the end anyways. I'm tired of liars running in elections. I want change. I know that you stand for change... 


So what are your promises that will be of effort towards democratic change? How will you make democracy actually happen?


Now, as I have said, I am not in complete disagreement with this man. He has made a point about a crucial matter that needs to be addressed by current mayor, Mr. Roberson, and other mayoral candidate Mrs. Anton.

Dear Mr. Robertson,


What are your true feelings about democracy? I agree, Occupy Vancouver has turned the city into a slum-case-scenario.... But let us disperse with the loitering and the ignorance amongst the crowd, and pull out the few who stand for reason.


The 99% are being oppressed by money factors, as the government stuffs their pockets full of dough. It has been revealed as though you care only for how it is effecting your campaign. Understandable..... but I don't think that saying the following:

“It is your right to protest but it is not your right to have an encampment in our downtown from here on,” he said. “We want to see a resolution that is peaceful and respectful of all the citizens and that enables you to keep protesting but that ends the encampment as it now exists.”

Read more: http://www.vancourier.com/Occupy+Vancouver+protest+disrupts+mayoral+debate/5610666/story.html#ixzz1bwvmij98

is really going to make a difference. Citizens are being dramatic because changes are not being met. 


What are your ideas for change? Your ideology says you lean towards conservatism, so how can you encourage your own campaign, as well as encouraging democratic movements by sufficing the people? You cannot have one without the other in this case.


It is interesting to note that if Mr. Robertson leans towards the democratic changes, he'll lose major conservative supporters. On the other hand, if he disagrees with everything Occupy Vancouver stands for, and is appalled by their "discretion," he will look like quite an oppressor.

Your thoughts? How can this situation be justified and how should Mr. Zimmerman be treated?

Post #1 Continued

Post #1: "To co-operate passively with an unjust system makes the oppressed as evil as the oppressor."-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Occupy Wall Street

In accordance to my blogging oath to update my dear readers on social justice movements and such, I have decided to take a different route on discussing our number one North American Pleasure: democracy.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/oct/20/martin-luther-king-protest

I recommend that, first of all, you check out the above website. It links to an article that intertwines the similarities of citizens protesting and Martin Luther King Jr.'s message.
I'm obviously oblivious as to knowing where you stand upon this subject, so I would be more than happy to hear your opinions on Occupy Wall Street.

For the purposes of trying to discuss this article, without showing my own personal bias towards the event, I have decided to touch upon the information brought about within this article relating it towards the doctrines of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that, "To co-operate passively with an unjust system makes the oppressed as evil as the oppressor."
Obama has addressed the world by saying this: "If [Martin Luther King, Jr.] were alive today, I believe he would remind us that the unemployed worker can rightly challenge the excesses of Wall Street without demonizing all who work there."
The question, however, that both I and the article dare to ask humanity, is this: Would King really have stood aside and lightly addressed what is happening with our economy?

Considering the circumstances, it is a waste to challenge this topic because we will never really know what he would have said.

The question we should be asking, is whether or not we are taking democracy seriously or not? Has Occupy Wall Street turned into a revolutionizing protest that will forever stand to be a world-wide known movement, heaving upon the government's shoulders the soul substance of a phenomenon called change? Will people look back 100 years from now and say, "Boy, I'm glad my ancestors took a stand against the government for the sake of economical suffice." Or, will the enhanced subject be the mockery of the role of the ordinary people? Has Occupy Wall Street damaged our alleged democracy? Are the brawls of protest in favour of change, or in favour of a lazy population taking democracy for granted? It's one thing to be an activist about standing for what's right, and be organized and lawful about it, but it's another to turn the protests into chaos.

I found out more about Occupy Wall Street whilst I was watching the Pierce Morgan Tonight show. Then, it made sense to me why people were taking a stand. Some of the activists that were interviewed were able to clearly say why they were protesting.

Weeks later, it seems like trashing land and brawls are all a lot of people care about. It makes the oppressed look like oppressors! It's demoralizing the faith of the true activists who are there with a purpose.

It doesn't look like I did a very good job of disguising my bias, but I leave you with this quotation:

"In these turbulent days of uncertainty, the evils of war and of economic and racial injustice threaten the very survival of the human race."

How will justice interfere with our democratic policies? If the fate of our political world can rest within our own democratic beliefs, is the outcome most likely to be negative or positive?


What can we do to make an outstanding change, without risking the destruction of democracy? 


Your thoughts?

“If to be feelingly alive to the sufferings of my fellow-creatures is to be a fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be at large.” - William Wilberforce

I have been awakened.
My eyes... are now open.
Now, more than ever before.

Did you know that there are over 10 million child sex slaves?
I am appalled at this disgusting, perverted number.

On Saturday, I attended a "movie night" at a friend's church, with my Mumsie. It turned out to be a documentary on human trafficking. I definitely learned some new things. Who knew I could become such a changed person.... more passionate about justice.... within a two and half hour time span.

I didn't know about the Red Light District before.
I didn't know that prostitution was legal in some places! So gross. About a quarter of the way through the documentary, I actually felt like throwing up (this coming from a person with a normally strong stomach).
Why?
Prostitution globally, is never a choice in the end.

In school, I've heard my friends joke about prostitution and pimps before.
But now, I'm determined to never pass it off as something slightly humorous. These poor girls... all of them were caught in these traps (whether they wanted the luxuries portrayed through films like Pretty Woman, or just wanted to obey their parents and bring in the money).

I couldn't believe that there are actually parents out there who will sell their little children (not even 10 years old!) for $3000.
I went home Saturday night feeling blessed to have such a loving Daddy, and a Mumsie who would never dare give up my brother or me for some extra money.

We are all so blessed.

For the next 30 days I am determined to update you guys on justice movements, the injustice happening around the world, and information on what you can do to stop it. I'm tired of pimps and perverted people taking over young women, little girls, and even boys. They have absolutely no right to destroy the innocence of such beautiful people.
I cannot let this rest. Now that my eyes have been opened to the fact that prostitution is not at all a choice (they are being forced to act like it's their own choice so that there pimps don't hurt or kill them, or harm their loved ones), I want to make a difference.

Justice.

We need justice.

"I dare you to trust that I love you just as you are, and not as you should be. ..because you're never going to be as you should be."

Something I Support

In reference to my visit to the library, 

I came across this picture (and yes, I know that it is quite old): 

:) But it was definitely quite lovely to see once again (:

Invest In An Umbrella, Folks.

The rainy season has arrived.

Today, I will admit, I did grumble just a tad as I had to walk home with about 20pounds on my back. I honestly do not understand why these teachers must load us with papers and textbooks. Do they do it just to take pure enjoyment and laugh as their lessons disfigure our backs?

In any case, I had walked for about 15 minutes, before I realized I had left something in my locker. So....I walked all the way back.
Whence forth, came the groans.
Usually I don't mind walking home. I rather do enjoy it, but I think the idea of retracing my steps turned out to be quite the downer.

Anywho, I walked home and fed the fish. Then, I decided it would be best to walk to the library. :)
Oh, how I love going to the library on such rainy days as these. 
But, today I had to not only walk home with my back pack...but also to the library, due to certain circumstances.
More grumbles.


The thing is, God always has this way of putting things into perspective for me. I was walking past Safeway, and a middle-aged woman with no umbrella, walked past me with the faintest of smiles upon her face. I can tell you right now, that is not an easy thing to do when you're caring about 5 heavy bags of groceries.
So I took time to meditate on the fact that, I don't have it as hard as I think I do. In fact, most of us have it way too easy.

The next time you open your mouth to complain about something, I dare you to put it into perspective.

There is probably someone around the world facing much more than a heavy backpack full of education items...that a lot of children in any third world country would die for.

Also.

Who in Denmark and the UK is reading my blog?! :) Comment!!!!
One of my vain endeavourments is to travel around Europe!!
I'd love to hear what you have to say! :)

Albums I NEED To Purchase.

Vice Verses - Switchfoot

The Help Soundtrack - from the Motion Picture, The Help

The Craziness of Post-Grad Options

So with the end of highschool days, come the moments where I feel faint (thumbs up for relient k wording). I have been researching like crazy for the past three years at least, wondering what options are out there and what I should do....
I'm sure that I've mentioned the YWAM: DTS programs out there.... I was thinking of going to the UK... because we all know how much I love Britain, yo! :)
But, uni wise, I've told my fellow IB nerds this monstrosity of a plan: ima get my bachelor of fine arts degree, double major in public history and french, then become a museum operations worker. Bahahah! who knew you had to have a BFA in order to work as that! CrZy. Anywho. They just be jokes :) leaving my plans up to God, because I'm so unsure as to what I want to do. :)