School is closed on Sunday because of the provincial elections. I hope to see some excitement (of the good kind)!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/world/middleeast/31primer.html?_r=1&hp
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Faith from miracles or miracles from faith
"Miracles are never a stumbling block to the realist. It is not miracles that prompt realists to belief. The genuine realist, if he is an unbeliever, will always find strength and ability to disbelieve in the miraculous, and if he is confronted with a miracle as an irrefutable fact he would rather disbelieve his own senses than admit the fact. Even if he admits it, he admits it as a fact of nature till then unrecognized by him. Faith does not, in the realist, spring from the miracle but the miracle from faith. If the realist once believes, then he is bound by his very realism to admit the miraculous also. The apostle Thomas said that he would not believe till he saw, but when he did see he said, 'My Lord and my God!' Was it the miracle that forced him to believe? Most likely not, but he believed solely because he desired to believe and possibly he fully believed in his secret heart even when he said: 'I do not believe till I see.'"
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Movie Review
The other night I went to see The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, a British film based on the novel by Irish author John Boyne. I highly recommend that you go see it in the theater.
I came away realizing how relevant to us this film is as well as the time period that it depicts. How many holocausts are occurring around the world at this very instant, and how much do we choose to ignore? How often are we taught lies that are guised as common sense?
Each of the characters conformed to their expected roles -- all except for one character, an eight year old boy, who wasn't consciously standing up against discrimination or stereotypes, but rather acting out of love. He demonstrates the essence of friendship to someone who is meant to be his enemy.
Watching films like these often makes we wonder which character I would be if I lived during that time period: would I think for myself, or would I let others think for me? Would I stand on truth or would I buy into the lies? Perhaps I AM in that situation, and I don't have the clarity to understand it. God, open my eyes to the justice that you desire. I want to better understand what it means to be a minister of reconciliation.
"For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." (Romans 5:10).
I came away realizing how relevant to us this film is as well as the time period that it depicts. How many holocausts are occurring around the world at this very instant, and how much do we choose to ignore? How often are we taught lies that are guised as common sense?
Each of the characters conformed to their expected roles -- all except for one character, an eight year old boy, who wasn't consciously standing up against discrimination or stereotypes, but rather acting out of love. He demonstrates the essence of friendship to someone who is meant to be his enemy.
Watching films like these often makes we wonder which character I would be if I lived during that time period: would I think for myself, or would I let others think for me? Would I stand on truth or would I buy into the lies? Perhaps I AM in that situation, and I don't have the clarity to understand it. God, open my eyes to the justice that you desire. I want to better understand what it means to be a minister of reconciliation.
"For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." (Romans 5:10).
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Seashells and dead butterflies
I think I made mention of my homeschooling past in an earlier post. Beware, this post is even scarier.
When I come home, the relics of this past haunt me. I went into what my mom calls "The Little Room" -- where she keeps my old wicker furniture, stuffed animals, Boxcar Children books and American girl dolls. Everything in there really is little -- and somehow reminds me of Alice in Wonderland.
Yesterday I went into The Little Room to put something into storage, and I discovered (or rediscovered) yet another trophy of my homeschool days: two drawers stuffed full of seashells, some of them even neatly stacked on top of one another -- biggest on the bottom, smallest on top. Are you kidding me? Where did all these sea shells come from? And why has my mom tolerated it all these years?
Then I began to recall the various things I used to collect, and the list forming in my head began to weigh heavy on my spirit: Pencils. Stamps. Stickers. Rocks, for which I even had my grandfather build a customized box. Pretty paper. Dead butterflies. Book marks. Anything shiny. Ribbons. Glass bottles. Beads. Leaves. Little tea sets, little cars, or anything that was cute and little. And last but not least, seashells.
Sometimes my poor mom, overwhelmed with the clutter, would kindly suggest that I go through my stuff and decide what I might like to throw away. To me, that was like asking me to give up my life's work.
What was the obsession? Why would I have "rescued" an expired butterfly and gently placed it in a jewelry box (other than to give it a proper burial, I suppose)? Why did I enjoy taking the handles off J.C. Penny paper bags and tying them around glass bottles? What was with the seashell Tower of Babel?
Even last night I was faced with a freakishly strong desire to keep the ribbons that held together a discount down blanket I had just bought at a department store. I spent 10 minutes trying to decide what I could do with them, battling the practical side of me that was saying, "Throw them away, throw them away!"
The only answer I can begin to give myself is that by nature I am a sub-creator. Though nowadays the practical side of me is more likely to kick in, I used to enjoy taking what was already out there in nature, categorizing it, giving it purpose, and sometimes combining two things to make something "new." Sometimes it was disastrous, and sometimes it was actually kind of cool. Now it's a little scary, but who knows what impact it made on the way I think about the world around me. Perhaps I have a better appreciation for the way God created order out of nothing, and will one day restore order to the chaos around us. He has promised to make everything new and right.
What did you collect as a kid, and why did you do it? What lessons can you learn from your strange past?
When I come home, the relics of this past haunt me. I went into what my mom calls "The Little Room" -- where she keeps my old wicker furniture, stuffed animals, Boxcar Children books and American girl dolls. Everything in there really is little -- and somehow reminds me of Alice in Wonderland.
Yesterday I went into The Little Room to put something into storage, and I discovered (or rediscovered) yet another trophy of my homeschool days: two drawers stuffed full of seashells, some of them even neatly stacked on top of one another -- biggest on the bottom, smallest on top. Are you kidding me? Where did all these sea shells come from? And why has my mom tolerated it all these years?
Then I began to recall the various things I used to collect, and the list forming in my head began to weigh heavy on my spirit: Pencils. Stamps. Stickers. Rocks, for which I even had my grandfather build a customized box. Pretty paper. Dead butterflies. Book marks. Anything shiny. Ribbons. Glass bottles. Beads. Leaves. Little tea sets, little cars, or anything that was cute and little. And last but not least, seashells.
Sometimes my poor mom, overwhelmed with the clutter, would kindly suggest that I go through my stuff and decide what I might like to throw away. To me, that was like asking me to give up my life's work.
What was the obsession? Why would I have "rescued" an expired butterfly and gently placed it in a jewelry box (other than to give it a proper burial, I suppose)? Why did I enjoy taking the handles off J.C. Penny paper bags and tying them around glass bottles? What was with the seashell Tower of Babel?
Even last night I was faced with a freakishly strong desire to keep the ribbons that held together a discount down blanket I had just bought at a department store. I spent 10 minutes trying to decide what I could do with them, battling the practical side of me that was saying, "Throw them away, throw them away!"
The only answer I can begin to give myself is that by nature I am a sub-creator. Though nowadays the practical side of me is more likely to kick in, I used to enjoy taking what was already out there in nature, categorizing it, giving it purpose, and sometimes combining two things to make something "new." Sometimes it was disastrous, and sometimes it was actually kind of cool. Now it's a little scary, but who knows what impact it made on the way I think about the world around me. Perhaps I have a better appreciation for the way God created order out of nothing, and will one day restore order to the chaos around us. He has promised to make everything new and right.
What did you collect as a kid, and why did you do it? What lessons can you learn from your strange past?
1st Day of Advent
"All heaven and earth resound with that subtle and delicately balanced truth that the old paths are the best paths after all."
- J.C. Ryle
Prayer for the First Sunday of Advent
Book of Common Prayer, 1789
Almighty God, give us grace
that we may cast away the works of darkness,
and put upon us the armor of light,
now in the time of this mortal life
in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility;
that in the last day,
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge both the quick and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who liveth and reigneth with thee
and the Holy Ghost,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
- J.C. Ryle
Prayer for the First Sunday of Advent
Book of Common Prayer, 1789
Almighty God, give us grace
that we may cast away the works of darkness,
and put upon us the armor of light,
now in the time of this mortal life
in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility;
that in the last day,
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge both the quick and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who liveth and reigneth with thee
and the Holy Ghost,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Tyranny guised as freedom
I might be taking a risk here -- but I'm getting on a "conservative soapbox" for just a minute.
One of the basic premises of Obama's speech at Planned Parenthood seemed to be this: conservatism is obsolete ("culture wars are just so nineties!"), progressivism must take its place, and choice is common sense. Virtues such as fidelity and abstinence are good and all, but these are ideals, not reality. Unintended teen pregnancies are a tragedy, an illness, and we need to give girls access to the medicines that will help them get rid of it. Unintended babies are a national health problem, a limitation to our dreams.
My response: Can we seriously be tolerant of a policy that suggests that it is "tragic" for a girl to have to sacrifice her own dream and raise her child, but it is not a tragedy to vacuum a child from its mother's womb? At the heart of "choice" is a demand for freedom to do whatever we want, whenever we want. A society that values this false sense of freedom, and a government that encourages (and I fear even enforces) this type of mindset, I believe will never "prosper" (a word Obama also used).
If our government has the power to make policies regarding life, I believe it is not just Obama's mistake, it's a mistake on all of us who tolerate it. I believe we have two dangers on our hands: 1) We have invaded the prerogative of God, who is the creator and sustainer of life, and the One who determines from whence it comes, and 2) we are once again limiting freedom by legislating it. Freedom to pursue your dreams will not come from a set of laws or acts. Regulated freedom is no freedom at all, but rather tyranny in the guise of freedom and choice.
"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
"Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. A world of automata-- of creatures that worked like machines-- would hardly be worth creating. The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each other in an ecstasy of love and delight compared with which the most rapturous love between a man and a woman on this earth is mere milk and water. And for that they must be free." -- C.S. Lewis
One of the basic premises of Obama's speech at Planned Parenthood seemed to be this: conservatism is obsolete ("culture wars are just so nineties!"), progressivism must take its place, and choice is common sense. Virtues such as fidelity and abstinence are good and all, but these are ideals, not reality. Unintended teen pregnancies are a tragedy, an illness, and we need to give girls access to the medicines that will help them get rid of it. Unintended babies are a national health problem, a limitation to our dreams.
My response: Can we seriously be tolerant of a policy that suggests that it is "tragic" for a girl to have to sacrifice her own dream and raise her child, but it is not a tragedy to vacuum a child from its mother's womb? At the heart of "choice" is a demand for freedom to do whatever we want, whenever we want. A society that values this false sense of freedom, and a government that encourages (and I fear even enforces) this type of mindset, I believe will never "prosper" (a word Obama also used).
If our government has the power to make policies regarding life, I believe it is not just Obama's mistake, it's a mistake on all of us who tolerate it. I believe we have two dangers on our hands: 1) We have invaded the prerogative of God, who is the creator and sustainer of life, and the One who determines from whence it comes, and 2) we are once again limiting freedom by legislating it. Freedom to pursue your dreams will not come from a set of laws or acts. Regulated freedom is no freedom at all, but rather tyranny in the guise of freedom and choice.
"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
"Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. A world of automata-- of creatures that worked like machines-- would hardly be worth creating. The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each other in an ecstasy of love and delight compared with which the most rapturous love between a man and a woman on this earth is mere milk and water. And for that they must be free." -- C.S. Lewis
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Prayer
"Prayer in the sense of petition, asking for things, is a small part of it; confession and penitence are its threshold, adoration its sanctuary, the presence and vision and enjoyment of God its bread and wine. In it God shows Himself to us. That He answers prayers is a corollary—not necessarily the most important one—from that revelation. What He does is learned from what He is...'God,' said Pascal, 'instituted prayer in order to lend to His creatures the dignity of causality.'"
- C.S. Lewis
John Piper articulates the privilege of prayer in John Piper's way:
- C.S. Lewis
John Piper articulates the privilege of prayer in John Piper's way:
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
E-Day Consolation
“In government, the sin of pride manifests itself in the recurring delusion that things are under control.” George Will
"He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:32-33
"If God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:28-32
"He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:32-33
"If God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:28-32
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Bookshelf
Two books I'm excited to be reading:
"The fundamental principles of a culture, the story it accepts as true, its people's dreams, ideals, and vision, provide the foundation for its development."
"For much of the twentieth century, an intellectual war as raged within Christendom between those who would give priority to either evangelism or social action. Both sides are right, and both are wrong. Transformation means nothing less than radical change, in all spheres of life, as when a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. It is not merely a change in religious sentiments but a radical reorientation of a person's life."
"From the moment I arrived in Kurdistan, I felt as if I had fallen through the back door of the world and into a tragic magic kingdom -- the kind of place where tyrants' castles reigned over mist-filled valleys, beautiful damsels ran away with doomed princes, and ten-foot-tall heroes battled scaly green dragons as good clashed swords with evil."
"The fundamental principles of a culture, the story it accepts as true, its people's dreams, ideals, and vision, provide the foundation for its development."
"For much of the twentieth century, an intellectual war as raged within Christendom between those who would give priority to either evangelism or social action. Both sides are right, and both are wrong. Transformation means nothing less than radical change, in all spheres of life, as when a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. It is not merely a change in religious sentiments but a radical reorientation of a person's life."
"From the moment I arrived in Kurdistan, I felt as if I had fallen through the back door of the world and into a tragic magic kingdom -- the kind of place where tyrants' castles reigned over mist-filled valleys, beautiful damsels ran away with doomed princes, and ten-foot-tall heroes battled scaly green dragons as good clashed swords with evil."
Monday, October 27, 2008
New York Times article on Kurdistan
The famous NYT spotlighted Arbil, Kurdistan in their travel section last week. Check it out!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Fast Food Devotional Books and Puritans
Help me to honor thee by believing before I feel, for great is the sin if I make feeling a cause of faith.
I've never been much of a "devotions book" girl, but I do remember one time, back in Jr. High, when I gave one of Rebecca St. James' devotional books my best shot. Unfortunately, as a 7th grader, my "devotion" time was probably more about hero-worship than God-worship. (Confession time: I totally wanted to be Rebecca St. James then, and devoutly practiced my singing of "It's God! Truly Go-hod!" every day after school. Sigh.)
Since then, I suppose I've not been too keen on Christian devotional books that start out as a devotional book. What I mean is, a book that was meant to sell itself to people looking for that perfect devotional book. If the writer puts together a work with their eye on its publication, I venture to say it's more often geared toward someone like me with hero-worship tendencies. For example, Christianbook.com's best-seller list includes:
1 - A book by "America's best preacher," Max Lucado, an iconic figure in today's Christian book club.
2 - A book featured on Kirk Cameron's movie, Fireproof. 40 days of learning the true nature of love based on a catchy game of truth or dare.
3 - A leadership expert's meditations on success and teamwork.
4 - An inspiring teen devotional meant to encourage youth "embarking on a new path in life."
Don't get me wrong, I don't think best-sellers are bad. And I don't think there is anything wrong with a book that appeals to a certain generation, or even a book that sells because of the reputation of the author. But among the books I mention above, one common selling-point seems to be: uplifting, inspiring and brimming with hope. Of course. Because it's no mystery that we all crave positive reinforcement. Me especially.
I like searching for fast-food answers to my greatest failures. When I've genuinely screwed up, I want instant reprieve, a quick fix: how do I cover this one up? What do I do to make people realize this just isn't as it seems? I admit to feeling a little boost of confidence when someone tells me, "Oh, you're just wonderful. Don't be too hard on yourself. You didn't mean it." The high lasts for a minute, and then fades, strangely. Fortunately, I've been blessed with some very true friends who help me admit my failures. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy." (Proverbs 27:6). I hope you have friends like these in your life. If you don't, call me and I'll set you up.
I suppose the real reason for my search for easy answers is that I don't know where my true encouragement comes from. There's the self-gratifying illusion of encouragement: "You're not as bad as you seem. Buck up!; It could be worse. Besides, Jesus wants you to be happy." And then there's the self-deprivating, lazy form of encouragement: "You're God's puppet; give it up, check out -- let go and let God." I'm not sure which is worse. But I fluctuate between both when my security is not in Christ alone.
All that to say (finally), I'm currently a fan of The Valley of Vision, a compilation of Puritan Prayers. The prayers are full of depth -- themes of depravity, God's grace, redemption, sanctification. I find them powerful to pray, because I am speaking of all these things simultaneously, not thematically. As I am uncovering some of my sin, I'm also discovering God's infinite mercy and sovereignty.
As an example, one of the prayers I read recently was entitled, "The Divine Will." The quote at the beginning of this post is from this prayer. This sentence struck me because I was reminded of how readily I test the truth and validity of God's promises for me based on how I feel about them... and I do this before I believe them.
I received an email from a fellow believer who recently decided to go back out on the mission field. In the email, he repented of this same tendency. He said, "Being the control freak that I am, I wanted to see how God would work out all the physical details. In prayer, God showed me that I wouldn't accept similar behavior from one of my own children. I would want my kids to trust me, obey, and patiently wait to see how I've arranged things."
When I read that, I was reminded of my own faithlessness... and how I try (and fail) to diminish God's glory by glorifying my own feelings. I thought about that one sentence I had read: Help me to honor thee by believing before I feel, for great is the sin if I make feeling a cause of faith. .
In short (because this post is getting awfully long): I crave positive feelings. But great is my sin if I turn to my own feelings before trusting and relying on Him.
A great lesson learned from a dead Puritan guy's words.
I've never been much of a "devotions book" girl, but I do remember one time, back in Jr. High, when I gave one of Rebecca St. James' devotional books my best shot. Unfortunately, as a 7th grader, my "devotion" time was probably more about hero-worship than God-worship. (Confession time: I totally wanted to be Rebecca St. James then, and devoutly practiced my singing of "It's God! Truly Go-hod!" every day after school. Sigh.)
Since then, I suppose I've not been too keen on Christian devotional books that start out as a devotional book. What I mean is, a book that was meant to sell itself to people looking for that perfect devotional book. If the writer puts together a work with their eye on its publication, I venture to say it's more often geared toward someone like me with hero-worship tendencies. For example, Christianbook.com's best-seller list includes:
1 - A book by "America's best preacher," Max Lucado, an iconic figure in today's Christian book club.
2 - A book featured on Kirk Cameron's movie, Fireproof. 40 days of learning the true nature of love based on a catchy game of truth or dare.
3 - A leadership expert's meditations on success and teamwork.
4 - An inspiring teen devotional meant to encourage youth "embarking on a new path in life."
Don't get me wrong, I don't think best-sellers are bad. And I don't think there is anything wrong with a book that appeals to a certain generation, or even a book that sells because of the reputation of the author. But among the books I mention above, one common selling-point seems to be: uplifting, inspiring and brimming with hope. Of course. Because it's no mystery that we all crave positive reinforcement. Me especially.
I like searching for fast-food answers to my greatest failures. When I've genuinely screwed up, I want instant reprieve, a quick fix: how do I cover this one up? What do I do to make people realize this just isn't as it seems? I admit to feeling a little boost of confidence when someone tells me, "Oh, you're just wonderful. Don't be too hard on yourself. You didn't mean it." The high lasts for a minute, and then fades, strangely. Fortunately, I've been blessed with some very true friends who help me admit my failures. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy." (Proverbs 27:6). I hope you have friends like these in your life. If you don't, call me and I'll set you up.
I suppose the real reason for my search for easy answers is that I don't know where my true encouragement comes from. There's the self-gratifying illusion of encouragement: "You're not as bad as you seem. Buck up!; It could be worse. Besides, Jesus wants you to be happy." And then there's the self-deprivating, lazy form of encouragement: "You're God's puppet; give it up, check out -- let go and let God." I'm not sure which is worse. But I fluctuate between both when my security is not in Christ alone.
All that to say (finally), I'm currently a fan of The Valley of Vision, a compilation of Puritan Prayers. The prayers are full of depth -- themes of depravity, God's grace, redemption, sanctification. I find them powerful to pray, because I am speaking of all these things simultaneously, not thematically. As I am uncovering some of my sin, I'm also discovering God's infinite mercy and sovereignty.
As an example, one of the prayers I read recently was entitled, "The Divine Will." The quote at the beginning of this post is from this prayer. This sentence struck me because I was reminded of how readily I test the truth and validity of God's promises for me based on how I feel about them... and I do this before I believe them.
I received an email from a fellow believer who recently decided to go back out on the mission field. In the email, he repented of this same tendency. He said, "Being the control freak that I am, I wanted to see how God would work out all the physical details. In prayer, God showed me that I wouldn't accept similar behavior from one of my own children. I would want my kids to trust me, obey, and patiently wait to see how I've arranged things."
When I read that, I was reminded of my own faithlessness... and how I try (and fail) to diminish God's glory by glorifying my own feelings. I thought about that one sentence I had read: Help me to honor thee by believing before I feel, for great is the sin if I make feeling a cause of faith. .
In short (because this post is getting awfully long): I crave positive feelings. But great is my sin if I turn to my own feelings before trusting and relying on Him.
A great lesson learned from a dead Puritan guy's words.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Arbil
Well, it finally hit me. A few nights ago, at 4 am, I sat straight up in bed and thought, "I'm going to Iraq. Huh. Are you kidding?" And then I went back to sleep and dreamed about shopping. (Which is weird, by the way, that I was dreaming about something so ordinary. Usually my dreams are about talking raisins or quadratic equations -- funny that those rhyme kind of.)
Preparing for this trip has been unlike any other experience. I feel like I should be getting some sort of a how-to manual in the next few weeks...? This just might be a defining moment in my history of adventures! Truly, I do feel that God is preparing my heart. I can't explain it, but He's been at work.
In the meantime, I'm learning all I can about the city of Arbil, where I'll be living. Arbil was once a Jewish kingdom, then became the center of Christianity (around AD 100). It wasn't until around the 13th century that it became predominately Muslim. Below are some cool pictures I found:
_of_Hewl%C3%AAr_(Erbil).jpg)
Preparing for this trip has been unlike any other experience. I feel like I should be getting some sort of a how-to manual in the next few weeks...? This just might be a defining moment in my history of adventures! Truly, I do feel that God is preparing my heart. I can't explain it, but He's been at work.
In the meantime, I'm learning all I can about the city of Arbil, where I'll be living. Arbil was once a Jewish kingdom, then became the center of Christianity (around AD 100). It wasn't until around the 13th century that it became predominately Muslim. Below are some cool pictures I found:
_of_Hewl%C3%AAr_(Erbil).jpg)
Sushi the Cat
My roommate Chelsea and I somehow managed to adopt a neighborhood cat named Sushi. Every morning as I'm about to leave, she bounds up to the front porch step and begs for attention. Occasionally I'll bring her a little dish with water or milk. Today I finally stooped down to give her a little TLC. She was in kitty heaven.
Can I come in, please?
Can I come in, please?
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Good Cup
I've been housesitting in Franklin this week, 5 minutes away from one of my all-time favorite Franklin spots: The Good Cup.
It's Saturday morning and I'm sitting here while an older gentleman plays classical guitar softly in the background. Someone just requested "Moon River," one of my favorites. Ah, I could stay here all day. But there's much to be done today.
It's a mere 10 minutes south of Green Hills, so if you're ever passing through, be sure to stop in, buy a cup of coffee and greet my old neighbors. It's right off Hillsboro Road, on your right, across from Grassland Market.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
ESV Study Bible -- coming Oct. 15
I'm all about The English Standard Version. It's a precise translation, and yet beautifully written and easy to read.
I was excited to discover that the ESV is coming out on October 15 with a study version. It includes commentary produced by over 95 contributing scholars, full color illustrations and maps, and if you buy the hard copy edition you get the online edition for free. Considering that more often than not my experience reading the Bible is usually characterized by a few "huhs?" here and there, I trust that this is going to be a really helpful tool.
I was excited to discover that the ESV is coming out on October 15 with a study version. It includes commentary produced by over 95 contributing scholars, full color illustrations and maps, and if you buy the hard copy edition you get the online edition for free. Considering that more often than not my experience reading the Bible is usually characterized by a few "huhs?" here and there, I trust that this is going to be a really helpful tool.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Third Party Candidate Debate - Revolution vs. Reformation
A typical vice of American politics is the avoidance of saying anything real on real issues.
-Theodore Roosevelt
The room was small, not all the chairs were filled, and the signs were home-made. But the air was thick with fervor. Those who did fill the chairs were more than likely eager to hear something different than the Obama/McCain rhetoric. (It's all a blur to me now -- I can't pick out who's who anymore.)
And in light of all the finger-pointing that happened during last night's presidential debate, I feel that the third party debate was a little more dignified. There was less smooth-talking and more passionate blundering. There was more substance, despite the abundance of mistakes. In short, it didn't trigger my gag reflexes.
In some ways, I am thankful that there are third party candidates running. I would like to say that it's a trademark of our American heritage of freedom to see so many views represented in one room. The sad thing is, however, that it's a remarkable achievement if one of these candidates can even make it onto a ballot.
Despite my appreciation for different views, I still found myself a little worn down by political rhetoric and, in my opinion, unrealistic ideals... basically there was some mumbo jumbo polluting the air, topped off by a little Kumbaya speech. One of the candidates present (though actually the VP candidate) I couldn't completely write-off, however. And this candidate, thankfully, received the most applause during the whole evening. My friend Josh gives his take on the evening in his blog. As he says, the constitutionalist candidate basically articulated that the federal government is "a bloated entity that has overstepped its bounds of authority, and that the vast majority of problems it causes could be almost immediately remedied by returning to a 'Constitutional' Federal Government."
People feel the weight of corruption, even if they can't rightly point fingers at the source. (Though obviously McCain and Obama are experts at this.) I suppose it's part of the tension of living in a fallen world and yearning for something good. You never hear presidential candidates admitting this, however. Instead, they promise real change using revolutionary tactics. They are going to start something new, risking the very same mistakes we've always made in the past. I just fear that revolutionary approaches like the one that the socialist party offers, more often than not, create a model for a "Nanny government."
Yes, people are ready for change. We've seen what "doesn't work." But haven't we already changed enough? Have we not veered from the original intent? Shouldn't we look back at the past and discover what has worked? There is always room for change, but I don't think we understand the dangers of overturning a system. That's why I lean most heavily toward the constitutionalist approach.
To me, revolutionary tactics often fail to recognize that people are the problem, not the system. Power and money is a driving force -- it motivates some of the most hideous acts. Reformation recognizes that we need to reevaluate our motives and ideas, take the bull by the horns and re-commit ourselves to a standard.
As long as power and money are a driving force behind politics, we might always be running in these circles. I don't know about you, but I feel a little dizzy.
-Theodore Roosevelt
The room was small, not all the chairs were filled, and the signs were home-made. But the air was thick with fervor. Those who did fill the chairs were more than likely eager to hear something different than the Obama/McCain rhetoric. (It's all a blur to me now -- I can't pick out who's who anymore.)
And in light of all the finger-pointing that happened during last night's presidential debate, I feel that the third party debate was a little more dignified. There was less smooth-talking and more passionate blundering. There was more substance, despite the abundance of mistakes. In short, it didn't trigger my gag reflexes.
In some ways, I am thankful that there are third party candidates running. I would like to say that it's a trademark of our American heritage of freedom to see so many views represented in one room. The sad thing is, however, that it's a remarkable achievement if one of these candidates can even make it onto a ballot.
Despite my appreciation for different views, I still found myself a little worn down by political rhetoric and, in my opinion, unrealistic ideals... basically there was some mumbo jumbo polluting the air, topped off by a little Kumbaya speech. One of the candidates present (though actually the VP candidate) I couldn't completely write-off, however. And this candidate, thankfully, received the most applause during the whole evening. My friend Josh gives his take on the evening in his blog. As he says, the constitutionalist candidate basically articulated that the federal government is "a bloated entity that has overstepped its bounds of authority, and that the vast majority of problems it causes could be almost immediately remedied by returning to a 'Constitutional' Federal Government."
People feel the weight of corruption, even if they can't rightly point fingers at the source. (Though obviously McCain and Obama are experts at this.) I suppose it's part of the tension of living in a fallen world and yearning for something good. You never hear presidential candidates admitting this, however. Instead, they promise real change using revolutionary tactics. They are going to start something new, risking the very same mistakes we've always made in the past. I just fear that revolutionary approaches like the one that the socialist party offers, more often than not, create a model for a "Nanny government."
Yes, people are ready for change. We've seen what "doesn't work." But haven't we already changed enough? Have we not veered from the original intent? Shouldn't we look back at the past and discover what has worked? There is always room for change, but I don't think we understand the dangers of overturning a system. That's why I lean most heavily toward the constitutionalist approach.
To me, revolutionary tactics often fail to recognize that people are the problem, not the system. Power and money is a driving force -- it motivates some of the most hideous acts. Reformation recognizes that we need to reevaluate our motives and ideas, take the bull by the horns and re-commit ourselves to a standard.
As long as power and money are a driving force behind politics, we might always be running in these circles. I don't know about you, but I feel a little dizzy.
Jesus + nothing
24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” - John 6
God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. - C.S. Lewis
Every day, I wearily, fruitlessly, search for personal happiness, freedom, strength, peace -- whether within myself, within my community, or in other peoples' words. I swim across the sea and arrive at Capernaum, looking for false hope...quick fixes to my hunger for something real. I'm allured by the same old same old, captivated by the worldly wise, impressed with my own ability to simulate some degree of okayness, and then utterly discouraged when all of this fails me. What can I do to make myself feel okay about myself again? There's nothing I can do that will solve this problem completely, because I was never meant to live for myself.
But then even when I realize this, I want to tack things on to my relationship with Jesus. Jesus + my own efforts. Jesus + the compliments of others. This is where I truly miss the boat.
Christ and his fullness are all that I can hope in. I gain from him, because he is complete. As much as I try (and will continue to try) to make amends with myself and lick my wounds, I'm lost without his salvation, grace, and completion.
Oh heart, believe and trust on Him again this morning -- He is all you need.
God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. - C.S. Lewis
Every day, I wearily, fruitlessly, search for personal happiness, freedom, strength, peace -- whether within myself, within my community, or in other peoples' words. I swim across the sea and arrive at Capernaum, looking for false hope...quick fixes to my hunger for something real. I'm allured by the same old same old, captivated by the worldly wise, impressed with my own ability to simulate some degree of okayness, and then utterly discouraged when all of this fails me. What can I do to make myself feel okay about myself again? There's nothing I can do that will solve this problem completely, because I was never meant to live for myself.
But then even when I realize this, I want to tack things on to my relationship with Jesus. Jesus + my own efforts. Jesus + the compliments of others. This is where I truly miss the boat.
Christ and his fullness are all that I can hope in. I gain from him, because he is complete. As much as I try (and will continue to try) to make amends with myself and lick my wounds, I'm lost without his salvation, grace, and completion.
Oh heart, believe and trust on Him again this morning -- He is all you need.
Friday, October 3, 2008
But it's just not fair. So let's tax 'em.
"We don't call a redistribution in my neighborhood...not giving Exxon Mobil another $4 billion tax cut...and giving it to middle class people to be able to pay to get their kids to college, we don’t call that redistribution. We call that fairness.”
-Joseph Biden
While I think that his definition of fairness is as lacking as his syntax in this sentence, Mr. Biden probably appealed to most American's definitions of fairness...you know, the stuff we learn in pre-school; "everyone should have a turn." And while I agree that people making $250,000 should be using their wealth to benefit others, should they be forced to do so by the government? I'm not sure I can give a good answer -- but I can say that I think we have a higher calling than that:
8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 10 And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness."
- 2 Corinthians 8:8-14
So while I may agree with Mr. Biden on some level, I think I have to disagree.
-Joseph Biden
While I think that his definition of fairness is as lacking as his syntax in this sentence, Mr. Biden probably appealed to most American's definitions of fairness...you know, the stuff we learn in pre-school; "everyone should have a turn." And while I agree that people making $250,000 should be using their wealth to benefit others, should they be forced to do so by the government? I'm not sure I can give a good answer -- but I can say that I think we have a higher calling than that:
8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 10 And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness."
- 2 Corinthians 8:8-14
So while I may agree with Mr. Biden on some level, I think I have to disagree.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
All this talk about numbers
Sometimes I don't pay attention to my verbage. I use the word "awesome" to describe something that is nice, and I use "horrible" to denote something that is relatively bad.
I admit I haven't really paid much attention to the words being used on Wall Street and Congress... until recently... when someone shared with me this analogy:
1 million seconds = 11 days
1 billion seconds = 32 years
1 trillion seconds = 317 centuries
If you use copy paper...
1 million sheets = 330 feet
1 billion sheets = 62 miles
1 trillion sheets = 62,000 miles
(the earth's circumference is 24,900 mi.)
My mouth is still dropping.
I admit I haven't really paid much attention to the words being used on Wall Street and Congress... until recently... when someone shared with me this analogy:
1 million seconds = 11 days
1 billion seconds = 32 years
1 trillion seconds = 317 centuries
If you use copy paper...
1 million sheets = 330 feet
1 billion sheets = 62 miles
1 trillion sheets = 62,000 miles
(the earth's circumference is 24,900 mi.)
My mouth is still dropping.
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