Do you ever feel you've set your standards so high that it inhibits you from ever trying to reach them?
I see the beauty in a woman's manicured hand.
Yet, it seems so beyond reach that I don't dare try.
...testifies my short, hastily cut fingernails.
I see the beauty in careful, flowing handwriting.
Yet, legibility seems to be my most attainable goal.
...testifies my future students while attempting to read the chalkboard.
I see the beauty in well formulated speech.
Yet, while always desirable, disillusionment ensues from lack of clarity and timeliness.
...testifies my friends who wait patiently as I stumble through my thoughts.
I see the beauty in a lifelong friendship.
Yet, the burdens of distance and the anticipation of new associations make me falter.
...testifies life-changing relationships that have come and gone.
Where is the beauty?
I see the beauty in God:
Does (blank) draw me closer to Him? -James 4:8
Does (blank) please Him? -2 Corinthians 5:9
Is (blank) done in the name of the Lord Jesus? -Colossians 3:17
Does (blank) increase my knowledge of Him? -Ephesians 1:17
Where is the beauty?
I see the beauty in God:
A father embraces a son who has squandered his inheritance.
A man returns again and again to his adulteress wife.
The majestic presence of a mighty God is found in the silence of a whisper.
A flower of the field, here today and gone tomorrow, appears more beautiful than the richest king's robes.
A new covenant for all people arrives wrapped in the vulnerability and dependency of a small child.
I see the beauty in God.
A beauty worth pursuing.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
What I love about teaching
You can be as creative as you want.
Teach multiplication of negative and positive numbers by asking the students to write a short story about how the positive number became negative. Ask, "Have you ever had an experience in your life when your positive attitude turned negative? What was the cause?" Bring the numbers to life. Sure, it may not have much to do with numbers, but it has everything to do with life.
Teach someone not to fear by practicing putting on the imaginary "armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17)." Buckle on the belt of truth. . .(Show her how to do the same). . .Fasten the breastplate of righteousness to your chest. Put on your sandals, with which to carry the Gospel of peace to the nations. . .(When she cowers in fear, take her hand and help her to continue). . . Take up the shield of faith, and put on the helmet of salvation. . .(When she loses heart, urge her on). . .Finally, take up the sword. And, stab the evil in the throat. . .(When she shrinks back, wrap your arms around her and hold her close. Never give up.)
Teach someone to understand the spiritual by teaching the physical, as Jesus did. So much is packed into the parables that Jesus told. The Prodigal Son. The Woman at the Well. The Wedding at Cana. The Samaritan man. Even at hearing the names of these parables, I am reminded of forgiveness, salvation, hope, newness, grace. While at first just words, these promises come alive in the stories of real people and circumstances.
Teach everything by learning it first. Learn it: Not just for the test, as a list of remote facts in one's mind. Not just for the pride of knowing it. Not just for apprehension. But, rather, for comprehension. Teaching facts that we've memorized and regurgitated is not teaching at all. It would be easier for the student to simply read it in a book. No, we teach what we have learned, using every sense and perception in our body. We've touched it, smelled it, seen it, heard it. Our mind and our spirit tells us it is true. We see it in the sky, in our neighbor, and in the work of our hands. We can bend it and twist it, yet it doesn't break. We can say it with confidence.
We can teach it, as creatively as we want.
Teach multiplication of negative and positive numbers by asking the students to write a short story about how the positive number became negative. Ask, "Have you ever had an experience in your life when your positive attitude turned negative? What was the cause?" Bring the numbers to life. Sure, it may not have much to do with numbers, but it has everything to do with life.
Teach someone not to fear by practicing putting on the imaginary "armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17)." Buckle on the belt of truth. . .(Show her how to do the same). . .Fasten the breastplate of righteousness to your chest. Put on your sandals, with which to carry the Gospel of peace to the nations. . .(When she cowers in fear, take her hand and help her to continue). . . Take up the shield of faith, and put on the helmet of salvation. . .(When she loses heart, urge her on). . .Finally, take up the sword. And, stab the evil in the throat. . .(When she shrinks back, wrap your arms around her and hold her close. Never give up.)
Teach someone to understand the spiritual by teaching the physical, as Jesus did. So much is packed into the parables that Jesus told. The Prodigal Son. The Woman at the Well. The Wedding at Cana. The Samaritan man. Even at hearing the names of these parables, I am reminded of forgiveness, salvation, hope, newness, grace. While at first just words, these promises come alive in the stories of real people and circumstances.
Teach everything by learning it first. Learn it: Not just for the test, as a list of remote facts in one's mind. Not just for the pride of knowing it. Not just for apprehension. But, rather, for comprehension. Teaching facts that we've memorized and regurgitated is not teaching at all. It would be easier for the student to simply read it in a book. No, we teach what we have learned, using every sense and perception in our body. We've touched it, smelled it, seen it, heard it. Our mind and our spirit tells us it is true. We see it in the sky, in our neighbor, and in the work of our hands. We can bend it and twist it, yet it doesn't break. We can say it with confidence.
We can teach it, as creatively as we want.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Two words.
Isabel Allende, one of the most famous latina authors, writes her story "Dos Palabras" under the genre of magical realism. As real events become abnormal and impossible events become reality, magical realism both frightens and intrigues its readers.
"Dos Palabras"
Two words.
The two words that drive this thought-provoking and heart-wrenching story are never actually explicitly stated but the reader slowly settles on their interpretation in the last line of the story which is below written in the native language followed by my translation, not free of mistakes.
"Los hombres comprendieron entonces que ya su jefe no podía deshacerse del hechizo de esas dos palabras endemoniadas, porque todos pudieron ver los ojos carnívoros del puma tornarse mansos cuando ella avanzó y le tomó la mano."
The men finally understood that their leader could not undo the spell of the two words which had possessed him because they could see his eyes like those of a ravenous cougar become tame when she walked towards him and he took her by the hand.
How powerful is love between a man and a woman!
Yet, even as I grow to learn more about the love between a man and a woman, between a mother and a daughter, between two sisters and two friends, between a disciple and a discipler, it is then that I grow in deeper understanding of the love of God.
It happens through these thoughts...
Why not translate the way I treat my loved ones here on earth to the way I treat my Father in Heaven? Why not learn from the love I receive here on earth about the love I receive from my Father in Heaven?
"I wonder if he's thinking about me." => "I wonder if He's thinking about me."
"I want to do something special for him." => "I want to do something special for Him."
"She understands me so well." => "He understands me so well."
Your love is incomprehensible, Father. Only is it more fully comprehended through a reflection on the earthly relationships that You have ordained. What a master architect You are!...using Your own creation to point more perfectly towards Your holy identity. Amen.
Two words.
(In English, it's three.)
"Dos Palabras"
Two words.
The two words that drive this thought-provoking and heart-wrenching story are never actually explicitly stated but the reader slowly settles on their interpretation in the last line of the story which is below written in the native language followed by my translation, not free of mistakes.
"Los hombres comprendieron entonces que ya su jefe no podía deshacerse del hechizo de esas dos palabras endemoniadas, porque todos pudieron ver los ojos carnívoros del puma tornarse mansos cuando ella avanzó y le tomó la mano."
The men finally understood that their leader could not undo the spell of the two words which had possessed him because they could see his eyes like those of a ravenous cougar become tame when she walked towards him and he took her by the hand.
How powerful is love between a man and a woman!
Yet, even as I grow to learn more about the love between a man and a woman, between a mother and a daughter, between two sisters and two friends, between a disciple and a discipler, it is then that I grow in deeper understanding of the love of God.
It happens through these thoughts...
Why not translate the way I treat my loved ones here on earth to the way I treat my Father in Heaven? Why not learn from the love I receive here on earth about the love I receive from my Father in Heaven?
"I wonder if he's thinking about me." => "I wonder if He's thinking about me."
"I want to do something special for him." => "I want to do something special for Him."
"She understands me so well." => "He understands me so well."
Your love is incomprehensible, Father. Only is it more fully comprehended through a reflection on the earthly relationships that You have ordained. What a master architect You are!...using Your own creation to point more perfectly towards Your holy identity. Amen.
Two words.
(In English, it's three.)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Living with disregard to the Truth
"...that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Sin has lost its power,
Death has lost its sting,
From the grave you've risen,
Victoriously!
-Marvelous Light, Charlie Hall
the battle has already been won!
the battle has already been won!
why then? why do i continue on struggling with my flesh...desiring to do evil...liking the taste of sin in my mouth...forgive me O God...i am careless, thoughtless, selfish, only your love can undo this. set me free, take me back, let me rest in your arms, for it is your love that i seek the kind that cannot be removed, the kind that never ends...
Sin has lost its power,
Death has lost its sting,
From the grave you've risen,
Victoriously!
-Marvelous Light, Charlie Hall
the battle has already been won!
the battle has already been won!
why then? why do i continue on struggling with my flesh...desiring to do evil...liking the taste of sin in my mouth...forgive me O God...i am careless, thoughtless, selfish, only your love can undo this. set me free, take me back, let me rest in your arms, for it is your love that i seek the kind that cannot be removed, the kind that never ends...
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Thoughts on fearing GOD...
We fear that which we believe has power over us...
We fear the unknown.
We fear the dark.
We fear disease and sickness.
We fear death.
Has not GOD overcome all evil, even death? "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Why should we have need to fear anything but GOD?
And, we should fear GOD.
"Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!" Deuteronomy 5:29
He alone has the power to destroy us, body and soul.
Yet, how satisfying that the only entity worthy of our fear is He that loves us the most!
Furthermore, what is grace without a healthy fear of justice and punishment?
Punishment: "For the wages of sin is death..." In other words, eternal separation from GOD, from all that is good and loving and righteous and true and merciful. The wrath of GOD is something to be feared.
But, the verse doesn't stop there. And, neither should our hope. For the Great "I AM," has made a way for His people to be with Him forever.
Grace: "but the gift of GOD is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
So, what does it mean to fear GOD?
"To this man will I (the Lord) look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." (Isaiah 66:2)
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Proverbs 1:7
Oh GOD, grant that we may learn what it means to fear You, that we could worship You in truth.
We fear the unknown.
We fear the dark.
We fear disease and sickness.
We fear death.
Has not GOD overcome all evil, even death? "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Why should we have need to fear anything but GOD?
And, we should fear GOD.
"Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!" Deuteronomy 5:29
He alone has the power to destroy us, body and soul.
Yet, how satisfying that the only entity worthy of our fear is He that loves us the most!
Furthermore, what is grace without a healthy fear of justice and punishment?
Punishment: "For the wages of sin is death..." In other words, eternal separation from GOD, from all that is good and loving and righteous and true and merciful. The wrath of GOD is something to be feared.
But, the verse doesn't stop there. And, neither should our hope. For the Great "I AM," has made a way for His people to be with Him forever.
Grace: "but the gift of GOD is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
So, what does it mean to fear GOD?
"To this man will I (the Lord) look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." (Isaiah 66:2)
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Proverbs 1:7
Oh GOD, grant that we may learn what it means to fear You, that we could worship You in truth.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Dark Circles
that which you justly procrastinate,
or contemplating the political debate,
what keeps you up so late?
music of all genres,
blogs written to discuss,
why put up such a fuss?
does it rule me?
or am i still free
to say yes to sleep.
under the eyes
you see what lies
in the recesses of minds
are you sleepless
by the thought of missing this
or fighting the injustice
morning bring the light
may i not put up a fight
for you shine on insight
what keeps you up so late?
or contemplating the political debate,
what keeps you up so late?
music of all genres,
blogs written to discuss,
why put up such a fuss?
does it rule me?
or am i still free
to say yes to sleep.
under the eyes
you see what lies
in the recesses of minds
are you sleepless
by the thought of missing this
or fighting the injustice
morning bring the light
may i not put up a fight
for you shine on insight
what keeps you up so late?
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Birds can't swim
a bird above
the vast sea, you fly
a refuge you seek,
rest for weary wings
though a Rock is nearby
solid and strong
you don't see it, though you try
even I don't know why
you've been so blind, open your eyes
how is it that you've spotted me?
such a small yet swift fish
sure, it was I who came to the surface
thinking I could show you to your place of rest
now you've forgotten where your need is
is it rest you need or sustenance
though you're hungry for fish,
it's for rest that you truly wish.
you're flying too close, you're swooping too near
it's not my own life that I fear
rather where you'll be when death draws near.
I'm swimming circles 'round the rock now,
don't miss it or you'll die
your strength is running thin now,
yet this Rock is here to stay.
You can believe it if you see it.
these fish scales can't carry me through the air
your bird wings won't do you any good under here
our only refuge is the Rock from which
our source of strength comes
find your rest in Him and be
a beloved of the King eternally.
the vast sea, you fly
a refuge you seek,
rest for weary wings
though a Rock is nearby
solid and strong
you don't see it, though you try
even I don't know why
you've been so blind, open your eyes
how is it that you've spotted me?
such a small yet swift fish
sure, it was I who came to the surface
thinking I could show you to your place of rest
now you've forgotten where your need is
is it rest you need or sustenance
though you're hungry for fish,
it's for rest that you truly wish.
you're flying too close, you're swooping too near
it's not my own life that I fear
rather where you'll be when death draws near.
I'm swimming circles 'round the rock now,
don't miss it or you'll die
your strength is running thin now,
yet this Rock is here to stay.
You can believe it if you see it.
these fish scales can't carry me through the air
your bird wings won't do you any good under here
our only refuge is the Rock from which
our source of strength comes
find your rest in Him and be
a beloved of the King eternally.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Bricklayer
I am a bricklayer
careful and true
Ensuring the bricks lay flat
without angle
Lest the house begin to lean
and risk toppling over
The level is a tool I use most often
Watching the bubble
glide left and glide right
Speculating and adjusting
may it settle in the center.
Wavering too far to the right,
I'm afraid I've applied too much pressure.
Leaning to the left,
Maybe I've not made my wishes known.
For if each brick does not lay flat
and lay level,
I fear that this brick house may surely topple over.
For such a tedious task as this,
I must confess the wages are high.
I entreat you then sir,
Are you still willing to buy?
(I wrote this poem a while back)
...Has anyone ever felt this way before in a relationship?
careful and true
Ensuring the bricks lay flat
without angle
Lest the house begin to lean
and risk toppling over
The level is a tool I use most often
Watching the bubble
glide left and glide right
Speculating and adjusting
may it settle in the center.
Wavering too far to the right,
I'm afraid I've applied too much pressure.
Leaning to the left,
Maybe I've not made my wishes known.
For if each brick does not lay flat
and lay level,
I fear that this brick house may surely topple over.
For such a tedious task as this,
I must confess the wages are high.
I entreat you then sir,
Are you still willing to buy?
(I wrote this poem a while back)
...Has anyone ever felt this way before in a relationship?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
What a great weekend at Fall Retreat!
This past weekend...October 10-12...I spent one amazing weekend in Hartford City with students on campuses all over Indiana who are a part of the evangelical ministry, Campus Crusade for Christ. Here's a collection of my favorite memories...
~Singing "Reign in Us" by Starfield in worship with my brothers and sisters, a glimpse of the unending praise we'll offer to Our Father in Heaven for eternity.
~star-tipping...I didn't know what it was either before this weekend...if you're up for the experience, just take a friend and go out under the night sky... stare up at the sky, choose one star, and lock your eyes onto it while you spin around 20 times (I lost the game), then ask your friend to shine the light directly into your eyes and.....try to remain standing, just try it.
~hearing about the greatness of God as expressed through an exegesis of Isaiah 40..."who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand..."
~savoring each bite of a large ice cream masterpiece by none other than the famous Ivanhoe's (choose from 100 combinations of sundaes and 100 combinations of shakes)
~trying to reach the dock after shoving off in a paddle boat that seemed to only turn left....a losing battle...
~enjoying the scene of multi-colored trees reflected off the still lake in the cool, quiet morning, a scene like only the midwest can promise
~screaming "freedom" from my open car window while listening to an original worship song of my sister's on the car ride home, a result of embracing the freedom that comes from receiving forgiveness that is free, love that is free, salvation that is free, and all these at an unconditional and everlasting rate.
~Singing "Reign in Us" by Starfield in worship with my brothers and sisters, a glimpse of the unending praise we'll offer to Our Father in Heaven for eternity.
~star-tipping...I didn't know what it was either before this weekend...if you're up for the experience, just take a friend and go out under the night sky... stare up at the sky, choose one star, and lock your eyes onto it while you spin around 20 times (I lost the game), then ask your friend to shine the light directly into your eyes and.....try to remain standing, just try it.
~hearing about the greatness of God as expressed through an exegesis of Isaiah 40..."who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand..."
~savoring each bite of a large ice cream masterpiece by none other than the famous Ivanhoe's (choose from 100 combinations of sundaes and 100 combinations of shakes)
~trying to reach the dock after shoving off in a paddle boat that seemed to only turn left....a losing battle...
~enjoying the scene of multi-colored trees reflected off the still lake in the cool, quiet morning, a scene like only the midwest can promise
~screaming "freedom" from my open car window while listening to an original worship song of my sister's on the car ride home, a result of embracing the freedom that comes from receiving forgiveness that is free, love that is free, salvation that is free, and all these at an unconditional and everlasting rate.
Washing my own feet...
Three things occurred to me the other day as I was giving my feet a very hot bath and a good scrub down to try to remove the blisters built up from a long summer at camp and a stinginess for buying quality anything, nonetheless shoes...
1. "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15 Something tells me the feet referred to in this passage wouldn't be recruited to advertise the latest foot fashions. Consider Mother Teresa's feet who were severely deformed. Why? Because she selflessly allowed everyone else to have the first pick from the shoes that were sent, choosing the worst ones for herself.
2. It's really difficult to wash my own feet. (especially since I've lost some flexibility) No wonder Mary Magdalene washed Jesus' feet and Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. It's such a blessing to be a part of a body of believers that serves and loves one another.
3. In washing my own feet (or allowing my feet to be washed), I have a clearer picture of how to best wash other's feet. "You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself." Matt. 22:39 How will I know how to love others unless I know what it means to love myself? For instance, if I don't know how scalding the water can feel to my feet even though it felt fine to my hands, I would never know how to adjust as such in serving someone else.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
May the poetry set you free
Trapped in class today, drowsy from lack of sleep and disinterest, I was transported from the present boredom with this short poem that came to mind...
i'm not afraid of working hard
but time gone by in waste
thought and ponder that which i hate
yet doing what i love in haste.
Writing poetry intrigues me. Especially the fact that it usually only comes when I'm experiencing the most intense feelings, particularly sadness or disappointment. And, the freedom that comes along with it is irreplaceable. It is an outward expression of inward toil, and thankfully, producing art out of such confusion is satisfying. For example, the following poem which I dug up from the past: (I like the imagery)
i'm holding on, not letting go
to what? is the question i don't always know
the memories of old, the hope of a future
how i feel, is sometimes still very unsure.
give me a reason, please don't make me ask
to confirm or deny the feelings of the past
a fire burns within, sometimes the smoke i cannot hide
may it warm, not burn those who've heard, though i've tried
to swallow the flames, too many times
may scar the heart and tear the eyes, is it a crime?
to fuel the fire, keep it burning low and strong
or let forth from my mouth the flame, is it wrong?
what will be left of me if it burns, burns, burns
please, come near and feel its warmth
else i drink of cool water, may it never return.
i'm not afraid of working hard
but time gone by in waste
thought and ponder that which i hate
yet doing what i love in haste.
Writing poetry intrigues me. Especially the fact that it usually only comes when I'm experiencing the most intense feelings, particularly sadness or disappointment. And, the freedom that comes along with it is irreplaceable. It is an outward expression of inward toil, and thankfully, producing art out of such confusion is satisfying. For example, the following poem which I dug up from the past: (I like the imagery)
i'm holding on, not letting go
to what? is the question i don't always know
the memories of old, the hope of a future
how i feel, is sometimes still very unsure.
give me a reason, please don't make me ask
to confirm or deny the feelings of the past
a fire burns within, sometimes the smoke i cannot hide
may it warm, not burn those who've heard, though i've tried
to swallow the flames, too many times
may scar the heart and tear the eyes, is it a crime?
to fuel the fire, keep it burning low and strong
or let forth from my mouth the flame, is it wrong?
what will be left of me if it burns, burns, burns
please, come near and feel its warmth
else i drink of cool water, may it never return.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Lost in the shuffle: forgot to post this one...
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3
I spent two hours preparing for Bible study tonight because I saw that a lot of changes needed to take place after last week. And, of all the questions that I planned out, the one that I did NOT plan turned out to be the most thought-provoking and caused the most girls to speak up.
What a telltale event of the life of one following Christ. Even though I often rate the success of my Bible study, I know that it is futile because the Lord chooses to bless it as He wills. Don't be mistaken, I will prepare for Bible study and pray for the Lord's blessing. And, I do think that it was beneficial that I sat down to reflect on changes that needed to be made. However, I pray that God would continue to humble me in this way so that I know that it is Him who deserves all the glory.
I spent two hours preparing for Bible study tonight because I saw that a lot of changes needed to take place after last week. And, of all the questions that I planned out, the one that I did NOT plan turned out to be the most thought-provoking and caused the most girls to speak up.
What a telltale event of the life of one following Christ. Even though I often rate the success of my Bible study, I know that it is futile because the Lord chooses to bless it as He wills. Don't be mistaken, I will prepare for Bible study and pray for the Lord's blessing. And, I do think that it was beneficial that I sat down to reflect on changes that needed to be made. However, I pray that God would continue to humble me in this way so that I know that it is Him who deserves all the glory.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Pretzels
Besides the tasty lil' pretzel goldfish I've been munching on all week...
The pretzel has been the theme of the day.
I was eating lunch with a friend (how sweet it was to enjoy her presence!), and she shared an interesting fact. Did you know that the significance of the three holes in a pretzel originally represented the trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Not to mention, the upfolded pattern was to symbolize prayers sent heavenward, ending in a finished product that resembles arms folded in prayer. Neat.
THEN, I had the further privilege of going swing dancing tonight at Indy Fountain Square with my lovely suite mates. And, what new dance step do you think I learned? None other than "the pretzel." It looks a lot like it sounds: twisting and turning, seemingly endlessly, until your arms are linked in the pretzel-shape. How I love dancing! Often, my thoughts drift into an image of myself dancing in a "broad place"...my feet perfectly in time, my arms and hips moving fluidly to the rhythm. In this dream, it doesn't appear that I have a partner; nonetheless, it is natural and complete, not forced or awkward. Instinctively, I know that God is my leader in this dance. And I, the follower, am kept in time by His loving guidance. It is how I longingly imagine my relationship with God: never-ending, knowing, exhilarating, trusting, beautiful.
"He brought me forth also into a broad place;
He rescued me, because He delighted in me."
Psalm 18:19
Eat a pretzel.
The pretzel has been the theme of the day.
I was eating lunch with a friend (how sweet it was to enjoy her presence!), and she shared an interesting fact. Did you know that the significance of the three holes in a pretzel originally represented the trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Not to mention, the upfolded pattern was to symbolize prayers sent heavenward, ending in a finished product that resembles arms folded in prayer. Neat.
THEN, I had the further privilege of going swing dancing tonight at Indy Fountain Square with my lovely suite mates. And, what new dance step do you think I learned? None other than "the pretzel." It looks a lot like it sounds: twisting and turning, seemingly endlessly, until your arms are linked in the pretzel-shape. How I love dancing! Often, my thoughts drift into an image of myself dancing in a "broad place"...my feet perfectly in time, my arms and hips moving fluidly to the rhythm. In this dream, it doesn't appear that I have a partner; nonetheless, it is natural and complete, not forced or awkward. Instinctively, I know that God is my leader in this dance. And I, the follower, am kept in time by His loving guidance. It is how I longingly imagine my relationship with God: never-ending, knowing, exhilarating, trusting, beautiful.
"He brought me forth also into a broad place;
He rescued me, because He delighted in me."
Psalm 18:19
Eat a pretzel.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
In remembrance....
Moment of silence for the lives lost 7 years ago on this date.
God bless the families and friends of those who lost their lives.
As hard as it is to believe in the face of trials such as these, the echo of God's words in Genesis still ring in my ears: "God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good." Genesis 1:31 (My brother reminded me of this in a time of need.)
Sadly, it has been recklessly abused by humans since the beginning.
Yet, I offer up these words of hope in the closing paragraph of Simply Christian by N.T. Wright (essentially, an updated version of Mere Christianity), "...new creation has already begun. The sun has begun to rise. Christians are called to leave behind, in the tomb of Jesus Christ, all that belongs to the brokenness and incompleteness of the present world. It is time, in the power of the Spirit, to take up our proper role, our fully human role, as agents, heralds, and stewards of the new day that is dawning."
"A new heaven and a new earth." ...here we come.
(Rev.21:1)
God bless the families and friends of those who lost their lives.
As hard as it is to believe in the face of trials such as these, the echo of God's words in Genesis still ring in my ears: "God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good." Genesis 1:31 (My brother reminded me of this in a time of need.)
Sadly, it has been recklessly abused by humans since the beginning.
Yet, I offer up these words of hope in the closing paragraph of Simply Christian by N.T. Wright (essentially, an updated version of Mere Christianity), "...new creation has already begun. The sun has begun to rise. Christians are called to leave behind, in the tomb of Jesus Christ, all that belongs to the brokenness and incompleteness of the present world. It is time, in the power of the Spirit, to take up our proper role, our fully human role, as agents, heralds, and stewards of the new day that is dawning."
"A new heaven and a new earth." ...here we come.
(Rev.21:1)
Hello? Anyone there?
Wow, writing to an unknown reader. This is intimidating for me, but it's worth the risk. I'll explain that in a second. First, I must admit what an honor it is to post my very words on this site and, furthermore, that you have chosen to read it, whoever you may be and however you may know me. So, I will begin by thanking you. Any feedback or response that you wish to offer will be most appreciated.
So, why start blogging? And why such a title?
The two questions are really one in the same for me.
Consider this verse from the book of Ecclesiastes (1:9):
"That which has been is that which will be done. So, there is nothing new under the sun."
Growing up, the most common words of comfort and encouragement that I received from my mother have simply been the reminder that I am not the only one. Whatever I'm going through, has been gone through. However much I've struggled, others have struggled in a similar way. This gives way to my purpose in blogging...to share my humanity with others. Granted, I will try to impress you with poems, song lyrics, thoughts, etc. but don't be fooled. (If there is indeed any reason to be fooled.) I do not seek to be alone in trial, nor in triumph.
In closing, I did decide to revamp the verse a bit to reveal my true identity. In the words of the Apostle Paul, I am a "new creation" because of the sacrifice of my Savior, the Son of God, Jesus.
Thanks be to God!
So, why start blogging? And why such a title?
The two questions are really one in the same for me.
Consider this verse from the book of Ecclesiastes (1:9):
"That which has been is that which will be done. So, there is nothing new under the sun."
Growing up, the most common words of comfort and encouragement that I received from my mother have simply been the reminder that I am not the only one. Whatever I'm going through, has been gone through. However much I've struggled, others have struggled in a similar way. This gives way to my purpose in blogging...to share my humanity with others. Granted, I will try to impress you with poems, song lyrics, thoughts, etc. but don't be fooled. (If there is indeed any reason to be fooled.) I do not seek to be alone in trial, nor in triumph.
In closing, I did decide to revamp the verse a bit to reveal my true identity. In the words of the Apostle Paul, I am a "new creation" because of the sacrifice of my Savior, the Son of God, Jesus.
Thanks be to God!
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