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.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
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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