Resisting the Urge

Social Media can be a dangerous place. 

It can be so easy to fall into the trap of debating beliefs with others in the comments section of a post. 

But this is no place for important debates.

I recently read a post, as well as some of the comments, that both saddened and angered my soul.

Sad for what the world is coming to—that everything is about me, me, me, me, and my happiness.

Even those that claim Christ sometimes have this mindset; that is what saddens me most.

This mindset couldn't be more wrong.

When we become a Christian, we no longer live for ourselves, we live for God.

It's no longer about what makes us happy, but about glorifying God.

There are so many references in the Bible about this. Here are just a few: 

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galations 2:20

"But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life." Romans 6:22

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Romans 12:1-2 is one of the reasons this saddens me so much.

It is fellow brothers and sisters in Christ conforming to the world, which can only lead to destruction.

"Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, form the Spirit will reap eternal life." Galations 6:8

As I continued to read the comments, I started getting angry at all the hate, fighting, and worldly comments—people without God's truth or have not studied God's word enough to understand its meaning, or just choose to reject it.

And this. This is where I encourage you to resist the urge.

Resist that burning fire inside that you have to speak Truth, but get nowhere.

Don't get me wrong. Spreading God's truth is so very important, but we also need to spread his love.

Just speaking truth to someone, someone you have no relationship with, over social media will always be a loosing battle. 

We have a relationship with Christ and the best way to spread his truth and love - the Gospel message - is to first build relationships with others as well.

Without that relationship established, you will come across as some rando that they don't care about butting in your opinions and beliefs they don't share.

If you have a relationship with the person first, they will be more willing to listen to what you have to say.

You'll have built a mutual respect and understanding of one another, which will allow them to know you're not saying these things from a place of judgement or a self-righteous attitude, but from love, even if they end up never agreeing with you.

That's God's job. We are just the messengers, but He softens hearts and gives understanding of his Word in order for others to choose Him.

So next time you get fired up as you read through a thread of toxic comments and want to respond, I encourage you to take a breath and close the tab. 

"Be like Elsa. Let it go." Dean Winchester, Supernatural.

We All Do It, But Not Proud Of It

I was driving down an old country road late at night heading for the city of Macomb in Illinois when a car on the opposite side of the road suddenly turned on their bright lights completely blinding me.

This is one of my pet peeves so I immediately got frustrated and started hollering to the air, "You big jerkface! Why on earth would you suddenly turn on your bright lights! You were just about to pass me, but had to turn them on before you did. Why?! Just why!"

Then I looked down seeing the light on my dashboard informing me that my bright lights were on...

The feeling of shame rushed over me and my cheeks flushed. I hung my head for a moment and quietly mumbled, "Wow, I'm sorry." 

Then a little louder, "Gosh, I'm the jerk who had my brights on and you were just trying to let me know to turn them off and I called you the jerk. I'm sorry person I don't know."

It hit me that we have all done this. Everyday, in other instances and circumstances, we are the first to point the finger and blame someone else instead of first examining ourselves. 

We as human beings are so hypocritical. We are eager to tell others their wrongs even when we are doing the exact same thing.

It reminded me of this Bible verse, "3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." Matthew 7:3-5(NIV)

Let us all try to do a little better at following this verse and be slower to point the finger at someone else.

Justice League Movie: Who Has Great Potential?

By KARA SASIELA

November 5, 2015

We all have our favorite superhero and superhero universe and superhero nerds all over the world will fight for why they believe their hero is the best.

I’ve always been more partial to the DC universe, but love both Marvel (The Avengers, X-men and Spiderman are all a part of the Marvel Universe) and DC (The Justice League with heroes like Batman, Superman and The Flash).

With the planned release of “The Justice League” scheduled for Nov. 17, 2017, I thought I would share who I think should be cast to play these famous heroes.

1. Superman: Matt Bomer

Photo by Gage Skidmore

Matt Bomer would be super for the role because he looks the part and can definitely act it as well.

He’s already played the voice of Superman in 2013’s “Superman Unbound”.

He also has played action roles in past in shows such as “Chuck”, where he played a C.I.A. agent named Bryce Larkin, and “White Collar”, where he played the role of a con-artist going by the alias of Neal Caffrey.

However for this movie, Henry Cavill will continue his role as Superman.

2. Batman: Robbie Amell

Photo by Greg Hernandez

I think Robbie Amell would be a fantastic Batman. He looks like Bruce Wayne and could totally pull off the billionaire playboy.

With his role in the CW’s “The Flash” as Firestorm, we know he can definitely play the part of a superhero, but I think he can pull off a hero who is more in the spotlight than firestorm.

However, for this movie it is already confirmed that Ben Affleck will continue the role as Batman, so, hopefully he plays it well in the upcoming “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice” movie.

3. Wonder Woman: Cobie Smulders

Photo by Gage Skidmore

I think Cobie Smulders would be the perfect Wonder Woman.

She looks like Princess Diana and has the ultimate mix of beauty and toughness to her look.

Smulders’ role as Agent Maria Hill in the “Avengers” and on “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” provides ample proof that she can play this beautiful, strong warrior.

Unfortunately they have already cast the role of Wonder Woman to Gal Gadot for the upcoming “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice” movie and she will continue to play the role in “The Justice League.”

However, with her role as Gisele in “The Fast and the Furious” series, hopefully she will live up to the role of Wonder Woman.

4. The Flash: Ryan Reynolds or Seth Green

Photo by Flickr user piguino/piguino k

Photo by Sgt. Michael Connors

       

                   

Originally when they cast Ryan Reynolds for the role of Green Lantern in 2011 I thought it was a weird choice because I always thought if he was going to be cast as a DC superhero it would be the Flash.

Reynolds has the right type of humor for the role and could pull off a leather red costume, which, now he will in his return to the Marvel Universe as Deadpool.

Without Reynolds being cast for Green Lantern, it brings to my attention he would be a better Flash, but my No. 1 choice to play The Flash is Seth Green.

Green naturally has red hair like in the “Justice League” and “Justice League Unlimited”, but he can also pull off blonde hair if the makers planned to go based off of the comic books and dye it blonde.

Green has the right kind of humor to be great, and the slightly cocky Flash that we know.

Green is also a really big nerd to all things superhero-related and would probably jump at the chance to play the role of this iconic superhero.

However, they have already cast Ezra Miller to play the role of Flash in the Batman Vs Superman movie and he will most likely continue the role in the Justice League movie.

5. Green Lantern: Morris Chestnut

Photo by Gage Skidmore

I think Morris Chestnut would play a wonderful Green Lantern, at least the John Stewart version of the hero, which is a later Green Lantern that comes after the original Hal Jordan.

He definitely has the voice and the looks to be John Stewart and I think it is time for John Stewart to appear in a live action film.

6. Hawkgirl: Jennifer Lawrence

Photo by Media Mingle TV

Jennifer Lawrence would be a phenomenal Hawkgirl.

She’s tough as we can see from her role as Katniss and Raven/Mystique in the Hunger Games and X-men series.

She also can show the attitude and determination of Hawkgirl really well through her acting skills.

7. Martian Manhunter: Carl Lumbly

Photo by Marin Theatre Company

Carl Lumbly played the voice of Martian Manhunter in the TV animated series “Justice League” and “Justice League Unlimited:" in 2001-06, making him the most qualified to play the role.

With the character being a Martian, there will probably be a lot of CGI on the character, so you won’t be able to tell age.

Martian Manhunter also has the ability to shapeshift into a human, so when he does this, age still won’t matter because he can simply say he wants to blend in and make himself more unexpected of being the Martian.

8. Aquaman: Jensen Ackles

Photo by Charlotte Kinzie

Jensen Ackles has the best look, with his spiky blonde hair and strong body, but not overly muscled, to pull off that old style Aquaman sporting the green and orange suit.

He already has some experience being on the set of a superhero show; he played the role of Lana Lang’s boyfriend in the CW’s hit show “Smallville.”

Ackles also plays a big role in the CW’s “Supernatural,” playing the role of the older brother, Dean Winchester.

I think both of these roles give him plenty of experience to command the sea and the creatures within.

9. Green Arrow: Luke Mitchell

Photo by Eva Renaldi

I think Luke Mitchell would play the role of Green Arrow splendidly.

Though I love the CW’s Stephen Amell as the Arrow, it looks like they want to keep the movies and the shows separate, which is a smart decision since DC movies haven’t been the most successful in the past and the CW is currently doing a phenomenal job.

Mitchell has the looks and the experience having to channel power for good with his role as Lincoln in “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”

This time though it will be natural strength instead of a power that he will be using for good.

I don’t think playing a Marvel role will hinder his chances either because plenty of other actors have played multiple roles in both of the universes.

10.Black Canary: Hayden Penettiere

Photo by Raven Underwood

I can’t picture anyone more fit for the role of the Black Canary than Hayden Panettiere, even after watching the “Arrow” on the CW.

Panettiere has the looks, the toughness and the experience to be this strong character.

With roles in productions such as “Heroes” and “Scream,” as well as many other roles, gives her great experience to play the role of the Black Canary.

11. Supergirl: Yvonne Strahovski or Sabrina Carpenter

Photo by flickr user Genevieve 719

  Photo by Mingle Media TV

I think Yvonne Strahovski would be a wonderful Supergirl.

She’s played the role of a hardcore spy in the show “Chuck” and played a significant role in the movie “I,Frankenstein” which  gives her excellent experience to play this role.

However, if they wanted to go with a younger version of Supergirl, which I would prefer since CBS is currently covering the adult storyline of Supergirl, I think Sabrina Carpenter would be fantastic.

Carpenter is currently on the set of “Girl Meets World” and has had smaller roles in bigger productions like “Orange is the New Black” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”                                                                                                                                                               

I think these roles give her the perfect experience needed to play a young teenager gaining control over her power, wanting to be a hero, and learning under her almost perfect cousin.

I think all of these actors would be marvelous for the roles of these well-known superheroes, but what do you think.

Do you agree or disagree with me?

Feel free to leave a comment below.

Which Wich Review

By KARA SASIELA

Need a quick, delicious, and cheap meal?

Well if you’re tired from all the fried foods you get at normal fast food restaurants, I recommend going to Which Wich.

Which Wich is a different style sandwich restaurant where the name Which Wich, stands for which sandwich would you like?

It is similar to Subway, but they put their own twist on how you order.

When you walk in, there will be a bar with paper bags and sharpies on it for you to grab.

The menu will be hung over head, so you can see your choices as you construct your own personal sandwich.

The bag starts off by having you put the number of the kind of sandwich you would like.

Once that is picked, you select the kind of bread you want: white, wheat, lettuce, or a bowl wich. 

Next, you decide if you want your wich hot or cold and select the size.

Which Wich if fairly cheap starting their smallest sandwich, which is 7 inches, at $5.50, their 10 and a half inch at $8.25, and their 14 inch at $11.

Then you select any extra toppings you would like on your sandwich including, cheeses, spreads and sauces, mustards, mayos, dressings, onions, veggies and more, and oils and spices.

Once your masterpiece is complete, you write your name on the bottom of the bag and simply give the bag to the employees, pay, and wait for your name to be called to receive your creation.

Their service is great and their food is even better than Subway.

Not only are they great at making sandwiches, but they also provide a great community service called Project PB&J.

This project allows Which Wich to help the community by providing PB&J’s in a natural disaster or even to  local businesses that need help.

Which Wich also helps support the troops by asking you to flag you bag.

This entails that you draw or write a message on the back of your bag in blue and red sharpies, give it to the employees at Which Wich and they will fill the bags with goodies and deliver it to service members and veterans.

The two Which Wich locations that are located closest to Missouri Baptist are at 1762 Clarkson Road Chesterfield, Mo and 11935 Manchester Road Des Peres, Mo.

Hope you’ll try this amazing restaurant the next time you’re out!!

Maggiano's Little Italy Review

By KARA SASIELA

Maggiano’s Little Italy is a fantastic Italian restaurant!

With delicious food and great service, Maggiano’s is great for a classy date night with your significant other.

The prices are a little more expensive with a single dish ranging from 13-15 dollars, but just right for a special occasion.

They have special’s like Marco’s Meal for two, in which you can order an appetizer, two dishes of any classic pasta, a dessert, and get two dishes to go for only 40 dollars as well as the Family Menu which includes, 3 appetizers or salads, 4 pastas or entrees, and 2 desserts for only $28.95!

Their menu includes famous Italian dishes like: Spaghetti, Four-Cheese Ravioli, Chicken Parmesan, Mom’s Lasagna, and, my personal favorite, Fettuccine Alfredo.

When going to Maggiano’s, you may see customers in anything from jeans and a T-Shirt to semi-formal wear.

Their setting is quaint and lit with soft lights, great for a romantic setting!

Maggiano’s is great for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and even wedding proposals.

In fact, my brother proposed to his girlfriend at Maggiano’s!

They were kind enough to let him pose as a waiter and bring out the bread for his fiancee and her friends.

Maggiano’s is usually pretty busy so you may want to call in a reservation at 314-824-2402. 

They also accept walk-ins, but be prepared for a possible wait.

Maggiano’s Little Italy is located at # 2 The Boulevard Saint Louis, Richmond Heights, Missouri and is right across the street from the Saint Louis Galleria Mall.

Hope to see you there soon!

Crown Candy Kitchen Review

By KARA SASIELA

Crown Candy Kitchen is a unique, old-fashioned, cheap restaurant special to the St. Louis area. 

Their lunch and dinner menu consists mostly of sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, and chili.

They have simple sandwiches like a Grilled Cheese and more notable creations like their most popular sandwich, the Heart Stopping Blt, which is layered with a wall of bacon so high it may be hard to bite into.

You can also have one of their famous malts or shakes to drink with your meal, but be careful: they’re 24 ounces and are tough to finish.

They also have plenty of other ice cream desserts to choose from after your meal.

If you don’t feel like ice cream you can always buy some of their homemade candy or take some for the road.

The options of candy are limitless!

They have chocolate, assorted chocolates, chocolate shaped figures, jawbreakers, toffee, and much more.

All of this food is really cheap and you get plenty to eat.

The sandwiches range from 5 to 9 dollars, the malts and shakes are about $5, and the candy depends on if you buy single items or their set boxes of candy.

Crown Candy Kitchen had fantastic service and everyone was extremely friendly and willing to help.

This restaurant has an old feel to it considering that they opened in 1913 and haven’t changed the look of the restaurant much.

They have old style booths, a jukebox, and low lighting.

They are located in Old North St. Louis at 1401 St. Louis Ave, St. Louis,Mo.

Matthias' Lot Church Review

By KARA SASIELA

New school, new city, new church.

If you’re new to the area and seeking a church to go to while at college, I recommend Matthias’ Lot Church.

It is a non-denominational Christian Church that targets college students and young adults, but everyone is welcomed at Matthias.

When they first started out, they decided they wanted to create a church that would attract college students to help prevent them from falling away from church.

Matthias believes that the Bible is the word of God written by men through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

The pastor, Marc Sikma, preaches the scripture verse by verse trying to stay true to what God is saying, as well as encouraging us to make our own interpretations of the scripture.

I personally think that Sikma is great.

I can tell that he is well-connected to God and only preaches what God is calling him to say.

He is humble, admitting his faults, and will be straight with members, sugar coating nothing.

The band is another great thing about Matthias that is geared towards young adults.

The music is loud, but just right for us young adults, and they put together great worship songs. 

Matthias meets on Wednesday nights at either 6:45 or 8:30.

They also meet on Sunday mornings at 10:30 in the homes of different leaders called Lot Families.

Matthias also has a website and app where you can listen to any sermons that you may have missed.

Matthias is located in St. Charles at 2645 West Clay.