The End of the World?

So May 21st was supposed to be the end of the world (or the beginning of the end of the world)? As far as I know, not too much happened. From what I've read, Harold Camping's prediction was for the rapture to occur two days ago. Are the believers still here? Did I get left behind? The complete end of the world, however, is supposed to happen on October 21st of this year. This is all quite humorous but the fact is, many people are being seriously misled by this man and his false teachings, and that is no laughing matter. I was driving back from California yesterday and I saw one of these signs:

As I understand it, the only thing the Bible guarantees is this: "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of the heaven, nor the son, but the Father alone." - Matthew 24:36.

It's very sad that the picture a lot of people have of Christianity is paranoia, worry, "conspiracy theory," and all of that other junk. At times like this we need to grow in our knowledge of God and His word because although the end of the world may not happen on October 21st, it will happen soon and there are still many people who are unsaved in the world. We should also be finding comfort in the fact that we'll be meeting our Lord very soon. It's important that we are able to answer people's questions about why these earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, wars, etc. are all piling up. I'm getting very excited though! The end of the world means I get to meet my God soon, and that's a fantastic truth that gives me peace.

Whenever I hear about all of this, I can't help but sing "it's the end of the world as we know, and I feel fine..." in my head.

Siblings

Not too many of you know that I have two beautiful sisters, but I do. I am very blessed to have these awesome women in my life. They have always been there for me and have shown me unconditional love despite the fact that I was far from deserving it. Their names are Liliya and Inna and it's wonderful to see what God does in their lives and in the lives of their families (they are both mothers to two beautiful children, and are married to two very lucky gentlemen). These people are VERY important to me and we've quite recently resolved to spend more time with one another. This last Saturday we got to hang out at our house, spend some time talking, then go do some grocery shopping (and had a little dance party in the car on the drive). I love my sisters very much and I hope if you have siblings you jump on every opportunity to spend time with them and be as close to them as possible. It's a beautiful thing to have a friendship with your siblings.

Bowties & Ties

I wonder, how many of you gentlemen can tie a tie? Or, how about a bowtie? Although knowing how to tie a bowtie isn't a necessity; I think a bowtie provides a great classic look, especially with the right bowtie. But, knowing how to tie a tie is a must for a man (your mom or dad can only do it for you up until a certain point). A proper gentleman should be able to tie a tie and help a comrade out who doesn't know how to do it. Below I've attached instructions on how to tie a half windsor knot (my personal favorite tie knot), as well as how to tie a bowtie. Put this information to good use!

Jade Teahouse & Patisserie

I just enjoyed a wonderful lunch at this place called Jade Teahouse & Patisserie. They have great food, good tea, and pastries. Everything was fresh, delicious, and well-priced. I've had co-workers telling me about this place for quite some time now and I am glad I finally checked it out for myself. I would HIGHLY suggest grabbing some lunch there (or some loose leaf tea to enjoy at home like I did), you won't regret it. And if you do, I'll reimburse you for your lunch*. Take a gander at their menu on their website here.

*This offer only valid until 12:50 PM, May 12, 2011.

Madlib

Great song by Madlib, enjoy!

Interesting Encounter

I had a chance to talk with a man at my college today, and it was quite an interesting  conversation. We got into a deep talk and I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with him. His response was one that's not all that common... He blatantly said, "You're brainwashed man! I am shocked that you believe this crap." I had to respond to him without letting my emotions get in the way and all I said was, "Yeah, my brain has been washed, and all the junk has been filtered out." He was quite surprised by my response and just said he wanted to drop the conversation. We're all 'brainwashed' to a certain extent, it's just a matter of what your brain is washed with.

It's interesting to think that God "washes" our brain when He saves us. There's such a strong stigma attached to brainwashing, and there should definitely be some concern that tags along with the word. But, I (as well as other believers) should feel extremely privileged to have had the filth of sin and selfish desire washed out of our brains. It is unfortunately all too easy to picture the loss of our selfish inner longings or aspirations as a negative thing, but when our heart and brain are "washed" by the Lord, it becomes quite clear how detrimental and realistically dark these things truly are.

I'm glad God has washed my brain :)

#1

The first post is the first impression of blogging, so much pressure! I had to dress up and shave* for the occasion.

This blog is called 'A Proper Gentleman' but I hope that ladies will also indulge and have a read, enjoy the pictures, listen to the music, watch the videos, etc. One thing I'll attempt to accomplish with this blog will, however, be to (hopefully) reinstill those qualities of a gentleman that would bring chivalry back to our generation. It's a big goal but I intend to take on the challenge with force. More importantly than that though, I'd like the main focus to be sharing what God does in my life through His word, through people, and through daily lessons/trials.

So I ask you to join me on this wild blogging adventure, give feedback, and help keep conversations flowing. Much love and God's blessings.

*Obviously I would never shave.