FYI
I started my own blog. www.mylifeyourscreen.wordpress.com
I just wanted to do something that would keep you guys connected to my life and make a place where I could share thoughts on things. So enjoy my life on your screen.
the Gaius project
“We consistently fail to experience the fullness of enjoyment that God has for us in artistic expression because we do not understand how our pleasures relate to the pleasure to be had in God (Eccl. 2:24-25, I Tim. 6:17). Or, we want to ultimately ascribe the glory of a work to man the creature rather than God, man’s creator (Romans 1:25). We forfeit so much joy to be had in art when we make man or art, and not God, the end of art.”
You guys need to check this out. This is a tremendous movement. I am very excited to watch what goes on over here. I have been watching with great joy as some of have been developing in your atristic expression and hope that you will join in.
Since I’m on the topic For more great reading on the role of imagination and art from a Biblical perspective check out this profound article by N. T. Wright.
Finishing the Race
Today was my last day of having to do homework in high school. I’m going to say that I did feel just a little bit emotional (only a bit). I started to think if I “ran the race” with full force and never giving up at all. I stumbled many times over my high school carreer but I have to say that I think that is going to help prepare me for what is to come in college. I learned many lessons like don’t wait until the night before to do your homework. That is going to be the biggest thing I will take with me next year. I am going to commit myself to running the next race with even greater force and determination. And I think that is something we all need to do. We need to never give up no matter what challenges may lie ahead.
Reflection
Reflections of the mind was a topic that was reoccurring this last year of high school. As I stop and reflect on this whole year and past high school experience I stop and think, “Did I leave my mark?” I do not want to leave this school without leaving some trademark and legacy. I believe my senior class as a whole has left their mark. The previous year was known for being over the top and crazy. My class was indeed very argumentative, debating, yet extremely witty and intelligent. But what about the individual? What about me? Did I leave something behind that would be remembered just “Go big or go home, leave it all out on the floor so that you dont leave wishing that you should of done more.”
Paradise Lost Part Deux
Something that has crossed my mind in my past readings and learning is the background stories on Anti Heroes. I have noticed that the reason why we enjoy these types of characters, is because it is tangible. I indeed could become a Jack Sparrow or even a Rooster Cogburn. It is their faults that make us like them and want to be like them. Everybody loves “the bad-boy” and it is true. As wicked as a hero might be morally, they are still a hero to us. Our fallen nature is what consumes us and declares in our hearts the envy to be like these Anti Heroes.
Paradise Lost
To be honest, I did not think I was going to like Paradise Lost. I was very reluctant after completing most of school and starting a very large topic and trying to overcome it all in a short amount of time. As the classes progressed, I have become infatuated with it all. It has helped broaden my senses and my learning capacity as a reader and even a student. I have noticed myself relating and applying things of my own life to this epic poem. In a way it has began to grow on me and consume me.
Romans 8
I am not a person to leave up for discussion. I often state my facts and leave it be. Truth and logic are important. I believe it may be my competitive nature. As a reflect on my previous memorization’s of Romans 8 this past semester, would it of been better to memorize or thoroughly study it? As I read through the passage for the final review of the passage, I truly read through it. Too often we become so influenced by getting a good grade that we overlook what we are memorizing. I believe the upcoming seniors should petition and truly study theologically the doctrine of Romans 8 rather then tediously stressing out over memorizing, or should I say mesmerizing?
AP Tests
As I have noticed in reflection of the AP tests this year, the tests we take in school are representative of the tests we are faced with in life. The thing is, when we come across a large task in our life, will we be able to take everything we have learned and throw it out in a moments notice? Will we be able to apply our knowledge in different forms like we do between multiple choice or short answer essay? It is something that has begun to really hit home lately. Will I personally be able to take the task at hand and ride the bull and come off safely. I sure hope everything I have learned these past four years of high-school have prepared me adequately for the future ahead.
The Forgotten Command
“Honor your father and mother” We probably hear this all the time. If you don’t know it is one of the ten commandments that God gave Moses to give to the people of Israel. I don’t know about you but my parents throw this in my face all the time. Everytime I say something out of line or don’t listen to them I get this verse pounded at me. As much as I hate hearing it all the time it is something I seriously need to listen to. God commands us to honor our parents and one of the rewards God says he will give us is a long life. As I get older this command gets harder and harder to follow. I sometimes think that I own the world and am the boss of myself, but my parents have been around the block so they know what is better for me than I would. This is one of my biggest struggles and I always am praying that God will help me in this much needed area of my life.
Moving Up
As the last days of school begin to come over many of us many thoughts have come into my head. All of the authors on this blog go to a Christian school so I came to think how many of the seniors are not going to go to a Christian college. Many are going to secular colleges and that got me to thinking. Without having a Bible class or chapel once a week how many seniors are going to find themselves drifting away from the things of God? The reality is I think that many are going to. This is really frightening and I hope I’m wrong, but without the push from our parents and our school it will be very hard to not endulge in the pleasures of the world. I think that it is important to get someone to hold you accountable NOW. Find someone that you will still keep in contact with to help pray, and encourage you as you go about your days in college. Most of all, stay involved in a church and pray to God to give you the strength to always seek Him and honor Him in all you do.
Since I can’t get enough Paradise Lost
After reading the latest chapters of Paradise Lost and watching a 4 hour special on Star Wars I pondered this… The parallels of Paradise Lost to modern works of Literature and Movie are way more prevalent than I thought. The first one I found was in class 5 days ago. The scene of Satan in hell gathering his army perfectly parallels the gathering of Saruman’s Army in LOTR TTT. Satan and Beelzebub stand over watch of the army, just as Saruman and Wormtongue stand over the army, they both view it as the greatest army ever to exist, and finally they both view the pikemans halberds are trees in the forest covering the landscape. This just shows the transcendence of both the story of Paradise Lost and the story of the Bible. The next two are far more intense. This was actually discussed in the Star Wars special I watched. Anakin parallels both Satan and Eve very deeply. Satan was one of God’s favorite angels, he was great and beautiful, he started to want power, this lust for power lead to his rebellion, this rebellion lead to his bounding in hell, this bounding lead to his suffering and loss of everything he once fought for. Anakin lives this exact tale. He is a member of the Jedi Council, one of the finest in fact, he starts to lust more power and when not granted the rank of master he rebels, he also thinks that his masters are trying to hold his back from his true potential, he lusts power and pursues that, after his rebellion he is crushed by Obi Wan and is maimed, this maiming binds him to a mechanical body, and he looses all he fought to save, Pad’me. He also parallels Eve, as Palpatine parallels Satan. Satan comes to Eve and presents a problem, she does not know good from evil, he presents a solution eating from the tree, he claims that God is trying to hold her back from her potential, he tells her that it will benefit her if she eats it. Palpatine does the same thing. He tells Anakin that Pad’me will die, he presents the solution of learning the skill of Darth Palages (saving a life), he says that the Jedi fear power and will not teach it to him, he says that if he rejects the Jedi Order he will teach it to him. These parallels are quite interesting. I do not know if they prove the literary skill of John Milton or the evaluation of sinful man by the Bible.
Celebrities
I hate to chew over such a unpertinent topic but I believe I must voice my opinion. Officially I am over news. I am over US weekly, I am over People, I am over E-xtra, I am over any other fake news production. All we talk about is how celebrities are failing at life. Whether is be
Paris going to prison, Hasselhoff being a binge drinker, or A-Rod and his allegations of cheating. I mean honestly the world has become so petty and absorbed with this “news” that is overshadows real issues. The media distorts the news yes, but at least it could distort what really matters! I think America and humanity in general has become so news hungry that we indulge ourselves with crap. So I beg of you, put down your tabloid, turn off Good Day LA, and put on Hannity and Coomes or Mad Money. Like G.K. says leave the slums and enjoy the feast. All I ask is to be aware of this insolence plaguing the media.
Paradise Lost graphic design (should count as blog)
This is a bookcover I made for my computer graphics class. It is also an homage to Paradise Lost. Left to right it is back spine cover. Enjoy
Look to God, not yourself
These past weeks have been crazy in school. It seems like all I have been doing lately is schoolwork. I have been very focused on getting everything done, and have been full of stress the entire time. But now, as I look back on it, I realize that I could have had a much easier time. I realize now, that I had been looking to myself to get things done. If I would have just given God my worries, it would have been alot less stressful, and my last weeks of high school would have been more enjoyable. I find that I do not look to God enough, even though He is always there for me, waiting for me to come to Him with my worries. I know now that I need to turn to God more in my time of struggles, because if I look to myself, nothing will get accomplished.
Celebrities Voicing Their Opinion
Most of the time, you can turn on the news and find a new report of some celebrity giving their opinion on some political views. They are either for the war, against the war, for same sex marriages or against, want to bring our troops home, or just hate President Bush. But is it okay for celebrities to voice their opinion in this manner? It is fine that they express their opinion because we have the right to, but a lot of the time they do it in a disrespectful and rude way. They almost appear to attack people who disagree with them. Take for example when the Dixie Chicks bashed President Bush. It is fine if they do not agree or like Bush, but it is not okay for them to say hateful and rude things about him. Another example that has happened recently is with the fight between Rosie O’Donnell and Elizabeth Hasslebeck of the daytime talk-show “The View.” O’Donnell seemed to attack Hasslebeck when Hasslebeck did not agree with Rosie on her view of the troops in
Iraq. I think it is completely acceptable and in their right for celebrities to voice their political views, but I just hope and wish that they would do it in a respectful manner. (P.S. I do not believe that every celebrity voices their opinion in this way, just some.)
Experience of Blogging
This entire experience of blogging for me has been a difficult one. I am not an argumentative person. I hate to debate and argue with people. I’m just not into it. So to be made to express my opinion about the world has been torture for me. I have my own opinions, but I do not feel the need to express every concern I have about this world and our society. I would enjoy it more if I was able to freely blog about things when I am really passionate or concerned about an issue, not just to blog to debate or argue for no reason about something I do not really care about.
In The World
Scripture encourages us to be in the world, but not of the world. But because we have so much homework assigned we can’t even be in the world. We never get a chance. We are trapped in our rooms doing homework.
Be Bold
As I have been working on my Bible paper that deals with different religions I have been realizing how I do not witness to people as often as I should. In my Bible paper I was assigned the section on two keys to witnessing to my specific religion, Buddhism. Going through the ways to witness to a Buddhist, I realized how I don’t even witness to my friends and family around me who are not Christians. I am too scared. Scared that they won’t like me or get offended or not talk to me anymore. Scared that I won’t know how to explain it clearly enough, Scared that I won’t know the answers to their questions. I try to live a life that would show that I am a Christian, but that is not enough. I need to become bold and be able to talk to people, especially my friends and family, about the Good News of Jesus Christ.
I Want to Be A Pirate!! ARGGHH!!!
This past weekend was the opening of Pirates of the Caribbean 3. If you don’t already know I work at a movie theater and it was insane!! Some people lined up 6 or more hours before their shows started just to make sure that they get that center spot in the theater. Fanatics dressed in full pirate garb complete with eye patches and peg legs. I am not personally hardcore about Pirates but I do find it enjoyable. One of the nights I was selling food inside the theater (yes my theater actually sells the food inside the actual auditorium) and I had a few minutes to relax. My mind started to drift and I started to think about a lot of different things. In our Christian society why don’t we approach God with the same earnestness as these “pirates” do to see a movie? The passion some of these people show is overwhelming yet we don’t see much of that in our churches or even our Christian schools. I’m not speaking as a general rule of thumb but typically many teens (including myself) haphazardly approach church with a “just here to get my brownie points” type of attitude. How can we do this? God has so many rich things to reveal to us if we only reach out to him. We need to approach God with the same passion and long to read the Bible, and pray, and go to church. There is so much to be found out if we only rely on God.
Which is it? All, or Nothing?
When did we become so stupidly selfish? When did we attain infinite knowledge of what we deserve? These questions convict be because I act as if I have no problems. What do I need God for? He can help me with these issues while I deal with my other issues on my own, right? What erroneous part of my being developed this great epiphany? We are so perfect that God is not of the greatest importance in all aspects of our lives. Have we so soon forgotten? All or nothing. God does not just want our hearts while the world can have our minds. Still we all suffer from the mindset that we do not owe God everything.
What fickle creatures humans are. Christ can have our love when the sun is shining and our disdain when a storm comes. How deprived of love are we? God sends his son to a brutal and unwarranted death to save our pathetic souls, so we curse the heavens when our lives turn wrong? No! We are so stupid. I cannot count the number of times I have blamed God for my own doing.
I’ll blame God for the death of an unsaved family member when I never bothered to talk with them. In this case how is God uncaring? We corrupt the world and then point our fingers yelling, “Injustice!” When will someone die, or a storm rage where we yell our praise? Is it not true that, “all things work together for those who love Him?”
We know the answer. We just need to act like it.
Senioritis
I know that we all have the worst cases of this disease right now since we are so close to the freedom that is being offered to us through college. We are all longing to cast aside the chains of our grueling and never ending classes. However, as our days of blissful independence approach we must remember that we are not free yet. There is still work to be done, and I know that it is extremely difficult to focus when you can practically smell the beach. Alas, we must finish strong and endure. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 it says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” We are all struggling with finishing our final projects, and turning in our last papers. However, I urge you to strive on, and finish what you started four years ago. If you will not do it for yourselves, then do it in honor of God. End your last year with all that you have left in you. And whatever you plan to do after high school, remember to do it for the glory of God.
America Desensitized
It seems like America is becoming more and more desensitized to the immoral behavior in our society. Most of the movies that come out now have excessive violence, language, and sexuality, yet we have no second thought about going out to see them. Alot of the music that is being produced has alot of explicit lyrics, but we listen to it anyways. Even T.V. shows contain very offensive material , that 10 years ago would never be allowed to be shown on television, especially during prime time. Now, even the video games that are being played by our nations youth are filled with violence and sex. Its sad, but it seems like America’s morals are headed in a downward spiral, and few are standing up for what is right. We have become numb to violence, and it is accepted in our country. Our country’s media shows more violence than any other of the countries in Europe. We have to be more careful and aware to what we are setting before our eyes and hearing with our ears. We must become more sensitized to what is going on around us, so we can help put an end to it.
Christianity and Dialogue? You tell me.
A couple evenings ago I was catching up on the news via Yahoo! News while trying to watch my usual Grey’s Anatomy. After the usual intense closing shots of the characters in distress I reopened by Apple and started reading a very interesting article about Christians and atheists communicating calmly. Yea thats right, calmly. The article addressed a growing trend of open dialogues between Christians and atheists over the internet and in person. Live discussions and conferences are sprouting up around the country calling for atheists to speak up about what they feel Christians are doing wrong or right. Church leaders like Phil Wyman, pastor of The Gathering, located in Salem, Mass. are inviting atheists to voice their opinion on why they don’t like church. Many pastors like Jim Henderson, a former Evangelical pastor form Seattle, are setting out to learn how the unchurched respond to various kinds of worship services.
Oddly enough, I have been working with my youth pastor on organizing a community wide program that would work with other churches on striking up this open dialogue between atheists and Christians. Instead of holding youth groups inside church walls, where people must come to us, we instead meet them where they are, their communities. Parks, parking lots, malls, whatever we can manage to get, we will go and talk. Simply share the gospel and actively engage with nonbelievers. Along with talking I wanted to just serve. To get out in the community and make it better. Plant, paint, fixing peoples yards, fix anything, meet the needs of the community. My hope is that many churches will join the campaign and come together as one and work together on correcting our communities “ideas” about Christianity. So many people think churches hate each other, or that Christians don’t care about the environment, and the list goes on of generalized myths. By being a presence in the community serving and talking I want our dialogue to pin point these myths and straighten them out so that people see who we represent, Christ.
So now that you know that this whole idea has been on my mind alot lately, I’m going to tie it back into the article. Doing a little investigation I found that most of these groups are affiliated with a movement entitled “the emerging church.” This movement carries along with it a heavy reliance on postmodern beliefs. It seeks to deconstruct and reconstruct Christian beliefs, standards, and methods to fit in the postmodern mold. One of the biggest ideas that this movement pushes is dialogue because it leaves room for a “natural progress” of doctrine as they might call it. Emergents see theology as an “icon” pointing to God rather than as a definition of God. By this they mean that they do not see any doctrinal expositions as definitive. The whole idea is very dangerous and could cause a huge avalanche.
But I think open dialogue, especially including people of other faiths is very beneficial to learning and discovering truth. But by no means do I think that truth is based in the interpretation and experiences of man. Truth does not hinge on a communities experience but only on the word of God. Yes culture has changed and it is far different from that of the Biblical times, but the truth has not. The metaphors may not make total sense at first glance like they may have in centuries past, but that is what dialogue is for. To pick apart the truth weaved into the analogies and to make it more clear. If used properly I think dialogue can strengthen peoples beliefs in the truths of scripture rather than tear it down and rebuild it. Its the motive of dialogue that I think truly matters, to either use it to make truth or to understand truth is what must be decided.
Now I want your opinion, can this work? Do you think this community project will help Christians better understand how to reach nonbelievers and help nonbelievers understand Christ through dialogue?
Prayers for Madeleine
Saturday, May 12 was Madeleine McCann’s fourth birthday. If the name sounds vaguely familiar, it is because the little girl’s story has been featured on news outlets all over the world. The child was taken from her parents’ holiday apartment in
Portugal on May 3, 2007. The story is heartbreaking, and we who sit so safely with our families cannot even imagine the McCann’s worry and heartbreak. I feel so sorry for her parents, who are probably at a loss with out their precious daughter.
Every few years I am struck with horror at the state of our world. Cases like Elizabeth Smart (thankfully found safe), Natalee Holloway (still unknown, but hopefully the recent leads will be helpful), and now a sweet-looking child on holiday, remind me of society’s evil and wretchedness, and it makes me terribly sad. Is there a way to fight it? Of course, wickedness in its entirety has deep roots, but I wonder if we can stop it with little actions. Perhaps we rebuke the violence and disgusting horror that is released in cinematic form. Perchance, we refuse music that has vile, filthy messages. They may not be loud measures singularly, but with many voices they can scream. A little girl is far from home. Will we let such malevolence stand? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeleine_McCann#_note-2
Necessary Encouragement
Human beings are curious creatures. It’s a rather amazing thing considering that mere words, a form of communication, can elevate or destroy the confidence of a person. At times it may seem that the will to carry on can be just as difficult a task as the scaling of a mountain.
Approaching the end of my highschool career I am faced with a challenge. I could so easily sit back and chill out for the remainder of the year. My grades are good enough and with little effort i could stick it out and still have reasonable grades. I am fully aware that I am not the only one faced with this option and temptation.
With this in mind I challenge you. Is it truly worth compromising your dignity in order to just take the easy route. As gifted young beings we should be convicted to utilize our gifts in order to glorify The Maker. What benefit is there for just taking the lazy way. It is in this situation that I pray for the strength to carry on, not just for myself but for my peers. Don’t give up now. Finish the race. End it with a glorious sprint that can never be forgotten.
Our world screams, “Paradox!!!”
Just a couple interesting thoughts for you. Someone sent me the following quote by Thomas Jefferson:
“Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of people that these liberties are a gift of God?”
Consider then, this man, who obviously had some affiliation with religion and God, proposing the “Wall of Separation”, aka separation of church and state. Why would a man who said the previous quote propose such a thing, unless he obviously had the safety of religion (as well as government) in mind? Now this is not a direction I originally pondered, but track with me on this. Some people propose that separation of church and state was not to protect government from religion, but religion from government. It is ironic to me that such a wall of separation would be so paradoxical, because in commanding that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;” (First Amendment), Congress just does that. It respects the establishment of religion. In realizing that religion must be protected from government, our Forefathers forged within the bill of rights a wall that cannot be torn down. Religion in our country is free. You are free to believe what you like. And that is good. Free will is good, and freedom of choice is an inherent right that has been given to us. (Now what you do with that choice is another matter) So, I believe that the Founders did include religion into the creation of our government. Because of their own personal religious beliefs and mindsets, and because they did not want government to tamper with faith, they created a wall to protect the freedom of belief, paradoxically by prohibiting government from making laws that respect religion (go figure). And in that act, they disprove that religion was not included in the creation of government. Purely by prohibiting overtly religious laws, one can argue that religion took a part in the creation of our government, even if only in a negation aspect.
Now, obviously, I don’t think that such a wall is impossible to bypass. Whether one chooses to acknowledge the fact or not, people carry their religion with them wherever they go. To say that the First Amendment nullifies religion within government is poppycock. But to say that the 1st Amendment nullifies government within religion is not. Government is not allowed to interfere with religion, but religion is allowed to interfere government. But then again, I define religion as a system of beliefs, not something that requires a holy book or a deity. Just something you believe that moves you to act a certain way. So principles like secularism or atheism I consider to be religion of sorts. And I consider such principles, as well as Christian ones, to influence politicians and politics. That’s just my two cents. Your thoughts?
Sources: Justin, Bill Van Workum, Wikipedia, and Cornell University
A Hummingbird
The life of a hummingbird seems to consist of carrying out a vast amount of tasks at a very rapid pace. Its delicate frame is maneuvered by the precipitous movement of its wings and at times it seems to freeze a moment of time as it takes an instant to collect its requisites.
Our whole lives we are taught to carry out specific tasks which will allow us to become better fit to be able to take on more tasks at one time. Society stresses getting as much done as possible in the little amount of time that we are given. We maneuver from one point to the next, accounting for each second, not willing to spare a moment to breathe. This becomes a very unfortunate predicament for us all, as we run ourselves down to our lowest points, often hurting ourselves more than any other bitter sting.
As I was carrying out one of my tasks in life, I nearly missed a symbol of great importance. A mirror image of myself. I assumed he had felt the bitter sting I felt, wanting to make the impossible, possible. He had run out of liveliness, for he had put all his energy into carrying out the “requisite” tasks of life, that he now was hopelessly hanging on to life. His life’s flame was about to be snuffed out.
The life of a hummingbird rapidly ends. Like the hummingbird, my life is temporary and quick. I get so caught up in the important tasks of life that I forget to live life. God is good. He has given me life, not to carry out pointless tasks, but to glorify Him. God used that hummingbird as a symbol to remind me to breathe, to realize that I cannot take on anything alone. He is my source of life, and if I overlook my source of life, I will soon become like that hummingbird, grasping onto any flicker of life that is left.
The God That Was Not There?
Recently in Mr. Nandor’s class some of us watched the video, “The God that was Not There.” The narrator/author of the video went to Village Christian, a school very similar to ours, but is now a devout atheist. The reason he is no longer a Christian is because he was taught that the most unforgivable sin is to doubt God exists. He says that “thinking” is an unforgivable sin and if you do think you are going to hell.
This point irritated me to my very core. Ever since I became a Christian I have been blessed enough to have teachers that make me question my faith, instructing me not to blindly follow.
Many atheists have this preconception that we are “blind followers,” idiots with no evidence to back up our faith. If this is true then we have failed Christ immensely. During biblical times the struggle was spreading the truth and message of Christ, and the Christians of the time got up to bat and came up swinging. The struggles of our Christian time are just as immense, if not more so. Abortion, relativism, and the entire “Bible-thumper” preconception of our faith are what we have to stand up against. It is our turn to bat, and if we don’t question our faith we won’t be swinging at all.
Our teachers and other theological geniuses tell us to question our faith not to see that it is found wanting, but to see that there are answers. The Bible causes many questions and each one has an answer, we just have to look.
Question, doubt, and look for the issues so that you can find the answers. If we don’t then we are failing Christ in the battle of our generation. We always expect that there is someone smarter and better known to deal with the issues. However, we are that person. We are the Christians that are called up to bat in our present struggles, and we do have the ability to swing.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond imagination. It is our light more than our darkness which scares us. We ask ourselves – who are we to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous. But honestly, who are you to not be so?” - Marianne Williamson in Return to Love: Reflections on a Course in Miracles
The First Postmondernist.
Two thousand years later and we are still stuck on the same question. “What is truth?” From the time of Pontius Pilate to the here and now, we grapple with the idea of truth. For many its just to loose of an idea to pin down. For many its a solid rock that is evident to all. But I ask this. What must it take for us to understand truth? What do we think we need to fully believe? How many facts or ideas do we need to memorize to be able to grasp truth. For Pilate, not even standing face to face with God himself was not enough to know.
As Pilate questioned Jesus as to who he truly was (I can just see Pilate hoping and wishing for Jesus to just come clean with his wrong doing) Jesus replies with a swift and nimble answer. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world-to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” And there we have it, our first postmodernist! Standing before God in the flesh, Pilate casts doubt as to what truth even is.
So I am let wandering, am I that much different from Pilate? Do I stand in the midst of beautiful truth, truth that will free me, truth that will give life to my flesh, and I answer to it or question it. Am I guilty of throwing a shroud over Christ’s truth every time I define truth wrong? When I grab onto the “truths” of this realm instead of His truth and when I listen to a different voice rather than His, am I mocking his purpose? The only difference I see is that Pilate did not take the time to search this man. He did care to find out what he was really about other than in that minute of dialogue. If you encounter Christ my prayer is that you will take that time to know him. Seize every moment you have to understand him and the truth he came to bear wittness to. Its an opportunity to actually feel that solid rock, that firm foundation that truth really is.
Why We Should Suffer
It was this Sunday morning at church, when the issue of suffering was addressed to me once again. My pastor started his sermon by throwing a difficult phrase at us, “Christians should not only desire but accept suffering.” “No one wants to suffer,” I thought to myself, but then as I continued to listen, more and more I desired this passion. I Peter 4:12-13 states, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” We should rejoice in our suffering of Christ, rejoice when someone strikes us down for what we believe in.
We could easily avoid this whole suffering issue if we really wanted to. To avoid suffering for Christ all you would have to do is keep your mouth shut; but to know that there are people who do not know the truth and could discover that truth about God should encourage all Christians to speak out and suffer for Christ. Matthew 5:10-12 says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is you reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.” Jesus is not saying in this passage poor you, but he is saying “blessed are you,” for those who suffer for God will receive their treasure in heaven.
No one wants to suffer for nothing, there has to be a just cause. It is easier to take the blame for someone else and even easier to suffer for ones you love. As a Christian, we are in a relationship with Christ, a “love” relationship. If we love God then why don’t we risk our lives for Him? Why are we careful in every decision we make? Is this what we call suffering for Christ?
“Christians should not only desire but accept suffering”
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. Philippians 3:10
An Enlightening Thought…
Recently, it seems that there has been an inescapable subject everywhere I go. At least it seems that way. Perhaps it had been there before, but because my mind wasn’t necessarily inclined to notice the matter it may have just gone right over my head. It truly seems that the conversation in regards to the problem of evil.
Just as I believe any Christian should struggle through the facets of his beliefs, I have found myself seriously challenging my own beliefs. This Sunday I was blessed to hear a great metaphor that helped to give light to the subject and a little more understanding.
There was a man that was in dire need of a haircut. His lovely locks were no longer lovely and he was starting to take on the shaggy look that no small business executive should ever have. So in order to restore his classy business man look, he took a trip to the barbershop (just as any man who knows the value of a buck would.) Being nothing more than an ordinary man at heart, he took a dive into a fantastic conversation with his barber, the man that you always feel you can trust. Conversation was refreshing, talking about life, politics, and other sorts of general small talk. Eventually, the conversation turned to religion. The business man was a believer, and a strong leader in the local church. Being aware of the religious beliefs held by the man, the barber made a bold statement along the lines that he could never believe in God simply due to the fact that suffering exists. The barber said that God cold not exist because innocent people are forced to endure the struggles of life all around the globe. Though the man desired to defend his beliefs, emotions could run high, and the barber was cutting his hair with very sharp sheers and the man would probably want to keep his ears. The man let the conversation pass, and finished out the haircut and paid the barber.
As he walked out the door, he noticed a man that was scraggly and obviously not had had the most fortunate series of events go his way. The homeless man looked as if he hadn’t had a haircut in months. Then the business man had an epiphany. He quickly ran back into the barbershop. And he told the barber this, “I do not believe barbers don’t exist.”
The barber responded with, “How can you say such things? I just cut your hair. You just paid me. How can you say that barber’s don’t exist?”
The business man concluded with this, “I just saw a man that was in dire need of a haircut. Obviously he hasn’t had one. So, I don’t believe that barbers exist.”
Help, by the Book.
Most of us are going to universities and collages next year and will be facing all kinds of expenses. According to a 2005 study by the Government Accountability Office, they have found that book costs have nearly tripled over some two decades. The state of Washington has just passed a law “requiring textbook companies to disclose prices and other relevant information when they market books to college professors in the state.” Lawmakers hope that professors will pick more reasonably priced textbooks, so students can afford them. This law is a good step toward lowering textbook prices. Well for now we just have to deal with the pakage of getting a good education, which includes high textbook prices.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/01/opinion/01tue3.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
Ecclesiastes!
The Book of Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon. Solomon was known to be one of the wisest man on earth. This book depicts Solomon’s search for the meaning of life. Solomon tries to find fulfillment in education, pleasure, wealth, materialism (etc.), but what he soon realizes is that life is meaningless and futile. A question to ponder is: if the wisest and richest man could not find fulfillment in these things, what chance do we have?
I recently read a blog titled “The Complete Book of Ecclesiastes.” In this blog they compare Ecclesiates to other religions such as Buddism, Hinduism, and Greek philosophy.They say it has that feel of “Eastern-sounding spititual advice.” This is very interesting but Ecclesiastes is found in the Bible. The Bible is God’s word, therefore it cannot be compared to other false religions and writings. David Ploz said, “It’s Godless, Weird, and Beautiful.” This is also interesting because Solomon mentions God in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”
The main point to be grasped from Ecclesiastes is that true fulfillment is only found in God. If we try to find the meaning of life with our human knowledge; we will left with the same pessimistic truth that Solomon found that life is futile. Life is futile outside from God. We should follow Solomon’s advice when he says, “Remember you Creator in the days of you youth, before the day of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, I find no pleasure in them.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1) We must enjoy God in our youth and not wait till it is to late.
http://www.slate.com/id/2164909/
Abortion Bombings
As I was reading the news today, I came across an article which covered a story about a bomb planted in an abortion clinic. As I read this, it made me think about all of the “Christians” in the past who have done this, and how they believe they were doing the right thing. Some people honestly think they have the right to plant these bombs to take the lives of abortionists and those who are having abortions. Now, do not get me wrong, I believe abortion to be completely morally wrong on every level, but I do not understand how people honestly think that it is their right to take the lives of those around us. Although these doctors are committing murderous acts, God did not give us the authority to carry out His punishments. God has given us direct orders to follow the law of our government, unless they go directly against His commands, and last time I checked, murder is defintley not legal in America.
I have heard Christians on T.V. say in the past that we should have the right to kill those who defile God’s law, but I honestly have no idea where they would have gotten this idea. Christianity teaches to but to hate the sin committed, but to love the person who is sinning. By murdering people that they believe deserve to die, they are not only committing a sin, but also turning others away from the idea of Christianity. Its “Christians” like these who are giving other Christians a bad name, when is reality they are disobeying the laws of Christianity. They make it seem like our faith is full of chauvinistic hypoctrites who belive that they are perfect, and are better than everyone else. I guess that my point is that we as Christians need to be more accepting of those who are not in our faith. We need to show love to all our neighbors, regardless of religious affiliation and moral behavior.
Check Yourself.
I have grown up in a Christian home, hearing many of the same sermons in church over and over again. Yet, occasionally, I hear those messages that hit me as something I had never even thought about. You would think that I could recognize anything out of the Bible, as it has been an influence in my life for so many years.
Recently, I heard one of these messages that just threw me off. Maybe I had skimmed over the passage one day, but never had it been thrown out and explained to me. 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 says, “I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people– not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. ‘Expel the wicked man from among you.’”
I sat there trying to figure out how many people I associate myself with, especially close friends, that say they are Christians, yet are “sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler.” I was sitting next to one of my close friends asking myself, “Does he think that of me?” How many people do you associate yourself with that are in constant sin, yet claim the name of Christ? Isn’t that degrading to His name? People that do not believe in Christ might look at the “church” full of immorality and assume that sin is accepted. It seems harsh for us to completely distance ourselves from these relationships, but God calls us to be holy. Check your friends. Check yourself. “And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.” –2 Thessalonians 3:13
all it took was a sandwich and a ride.
Last night my dad and I went to Albertsons at around 8:30 to buy some necessary foods to get us through this week. As we walked out we came in contact with a homeless women and my dad decided we should go back in to buy her something to eat. We came out with this foot-long sandwich and I kindly gave it to her. Unbeknown to us, she was not hungry but just needed a ride across the street to the laundry mat. She was a very heavy women with a wheel chair and a walker. The wheel chair would not fit in my car so my dad had to walk over to the laundry mat which gave me some time alone with the women. I helped her into my car and we drove away. She got a little loud and starting screaming bad language and asking me why the Lord has done what he has done to her. This really broke my heart because I could not respond. I stopped at 7-11 before I dropped her off at the laundry mat and hopped out to get her a cup of coffee. When I returned to my car she was asking me why I trusted her to be in my car alone and how I knew that she would not steal my processions. For one, I knew if she did steal them, she wouldn’t get away fast but I did not tell her that. I told her I had faith that God would bless me by blessing someone else. She again proceeded in asking me why God hated her. She also told us that we made her night and that she was very thankful. This really left me in a weird state of mind. I got her to the laundry mat and kindly said good-bye and told her to pray for comfort.
On the way home my dad made a statement regarding our culture and how much pain there is. This story was not meant to be a boastful one about my generosity. Really, I just want to encourage you to look at your surroundings. Most of the time we go to the grocery store buying more than what we need and then leave not even looking twice at the homeless person sitting at the doors as we walk out. Also we really need to realize just how good we have it. Most of us are going away to great colleges where we will get the chance to gain important knowledge that will provide us with good paying jobs for the rest of our lives. Do not take advantage of this opportunity! Please, I ask, count your blessings, and when your done, count them again.
95th…
Congratulations are in order.
Currently WordPress.com hosts 913,951 blogs.
As of Saturday April 28, 2007, Silent No More is 95th on the WordPress.com Top 100 Growing Blogs.
Let the good times roll.
Daydreamin’
I have thought about her ever since I was a little kid. Will she be kind, loving, and HOT! (Just kidding, but really if she’s not hot she can just pack her bags and leaveJ) Okay, I’ve had my fun, now let’s get serious. I’m talking about my future wife if you didn’t catch on. Here I go, I’m about to sound VERY girly…are you ready?…I don’t think you are….Haven’t you daydreamed about your future spouse? Stayed up all night long thinking about your future with them and wondering if you will have a beautiful marriage with a perfect life? I have. Actually this is what I was thinking about today.
Working at a movie theater I get to see a lot of bad dates. Imagine this: Couple walks up to the Box Office and the guy asks for two tickets for whatever. I tell them the total amount it is and both of them just stand there. The guy and the girl look at each other as if saying with there eyes, “Aren’t you going to pay?!” And like clockwork, the guy haphazardly reaches for his wallet and looks for that 20 bucks he supposedly had. The girl is already frustrated at this point and gets her wallet out and pays me. The guy then thanks the girl and gives her a kiss on the cheek as the girl rolls her eyes and they quickly walk away. Let’s just say this happens quite frequently. What I’m getting at is that there is a lot of good dates I see as well. The man acting like the perfect gentleman and the girl being grateful and giving as well.
All of that to say I want to be the second couple. I want to be able to go out in public and be able to show my love to her in every way that I can. I know the only way that we will have that great relationship is if we keep God in the center of our relationship. That’s what I’m afraid of. Finding a girl that is completely passionate for Christ. I want a girl that is able to support me in my relationship with God and vice versa. Looking out into this demoralizing world just scares me. Are there any more of these women out there? I hope so. I can’t compromise this part of the relationship no matter how “picky” it may seem.
Please God, I know my life is in your hands and I pray you may bless me with an upright woman that is right in your eyes. Help me too to become the upright man that you have called me to be. Amen
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (Proverbs 31:30)
The Spirit of a Child
The adventurous outlook on the world is what I miss most about being a child. Of course I still long for adventures outside of my present environment, but as a child I was completely content with the environment I was in.
I recently went to the park with two children whom I often baby sit. As they explored the nature around them, I sat on the grass and stared into the hills imagining a place other than where I presently was, disregarding all the adventure right in front of me. Luckily, I had my two little friends there to remind me that right in front of me was an acute world of adventure. We climbed trees, jumped in piles of leaves, and slid down dirt hills on our bottoms, giggling all the way down.
I wish I could have the spirit of a child, always satisfied with what God has to offer them. It is always good to be reminded to embrace what has been given, whether it be little to nothing, or in great abundance.
Blogging and Your Freedom of Speech
Blogger Josh Wolf has become quite famous these past few months. Apparently, he attended an Anarchist rally in San Francisco last summer, and filmed the whole thing. During the rally a cop was injured and a police car was damaged. After posting the footage on his blog, FBI agents showed up at his house, demanded that he give them the tape, and tell them who the people at the rally were. Wolf refused and claimed that since he is an Internet Journalist, he should be protected under the first amendment. However, he was thrown into prison for failure to cooperate with an investigation. After much deliberation he was released on April 3rd, 226 days later. The U.S. Attorney’s Office never thought of Wolf as a journalist. The FBI wanted him to tell them the names of the people responsible for the damage, but Wolf refused. The U.S. Attorney’s Office finally broke down, and said that he did not have to testify. Instead he had to release his footage, and swear that he had no knowledge of any criminal activity at the rally. Wolf agreed.
The point of this is to let all of you bloggers out there know that you need to be careful of what you post. I tend to agree with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we are not official journalists. Sure we are reporting the truth and giving valid opinions, but if that made us journalists then anyone could be one. We need to be respectful about what we blog, and realize that our words can have consequences.
Source: Rolling Stone Magazine
Call to Arms/Want to Help?
I’m currently engaged in debate with fitnessfortheoccasion right now, and one of our current topics is whether religion has any place in government. This blog is not so much to give my own opinion as it is to see what you guys have to say. Do you believe that separation of church and state is a good thing for our government? Do think that religion should be a part of all government action? Does your opinion fall somewhere in between those two extremes? If you’re in anyway interested in answering those questions, please do so, and also include why you believe what you do. That being said, I was going to say what I thought about the subject, but on further consideration I have changed my mind, because I don’t want my opinion to influence your answer. I will share my beliefs on the subject, but I guess it’ll have to wait till I get some comments, if I do get comments. I also wanted to ask another important question on the subject of religion in government. I made a remark about religion being rampant in our nation’s founding, and fitness disagreed with me. So what do you think? Did religion play a part in how our government was created? And if so, how?
I sincerely appreciate anything you guys have to offer on any of the topics mentioned above, and everyone is invited to respond. So please do.
Sorry
It has recently been pointed out to me that I am not very good at argument. I come across as snide, smug, overzealous, and blinded by emotion. I resort to shouting and yelling when people disagree with me, and I am rarely if ever respectful of my opponent’s opinions. So, I’d like to take a moment to simply say sorry. If I have ever wronged you in passing conversation, organized debate, or heated argument, I apologize. This is obviously a huge problem of mine that I am going to have to work on. Please bear with me as it could take awhile. That being said, let me say once again, apologies.
Choice or Duty?
You might recall that last month Prince Harry of Wales was in a group that was called to serve in Iraq. On previous occasions the Prince said that if called, he would serve, as that is his duty as a member of Britain’s armed forces. I read today on BBC News that officials are now debating whether it is wise to send the third heir to the British throne into the fray. His unit was scheduled to be deployed in a few weeks time and has been undergoing last minute preparations. According to the report, Prince Harry’s said that he would be dissappointed if made to stay, but he would finish his time in the Army, contrary to reports saying that he would quit.
The report made me wonder: Should the Prince choose his course, or should he put his royal duty to be available to his country above all else? This situation sounds like the plot of a movie, but it is interesting to think about. I suppose I believe that the Prince should be able to make that decision for himself, but I still understand the worries on the side of the officials. Where does one draw the line between what he is born to, and what he wishes to become?
let’s magnify our love
In 2003, three college students from San Diego went to Uganda to make a documentary film, and they found tens of thousands of people affected by the longest running war in Africa. (To see a very similar situation, watch Hotel Rwanda) The Lord’s Resistance Army has abducted thousands of children, subjected them to torture or sexual violence and forced them to fight in a violent guerilla army for 21 years. Their documentary was released in 2003 and can be seen here on Google Video, but the fight to raise awareness has not stopped.
What is a displaced camp?
In hopes of providing protection from this rebel militia, the Ugandan government forcibly evicted its Northern citizens from their homes—giving them 48 hours to relocate into camps. Today, more than 1.5 million Northern Ugandans remain far from secure, suffering nearly 1,000 deaths per week due to inhumane living conditions in the camps. Alcoholism, sexual abuse, HIV/AIDS, inadequate sanitation and lack of education have caused immeasurable damage to two generations and the near-total destruction of Acholi culture. People in these camps are reliant on foreign to deliver food and water aid. If the food isn’t delivered, the people starve. This April, the already meager rations delivered by the World Food Program to the camps will be cut in half due to lack of funding—with school feeding programs and support for HIV/aids victims soon to follow. This will indisputably increase the number of deaths among those already suffering from severe malnutrition—mostly among women, children and the elderly. That is why the timing of this event, and your participation are so crucial.
Displace Me is the nationwide event organized by Invisible Children, an organization started by those three college film students, giving Americans the chance to respond. On Saturday, April 28, by traveling to one of the 15 “camps” and gathering together, the strength of our size will make a visible statement to our government and media that the citizens of the U.S. demand action in ending the war in Northern Uganda, so that the people suffering in the camps and the abducted children can go back home. The point is to become displaced yourself.
Everyone please look into this! It is going to be an amazing night. If you have not yet seen the Invisible Children movie you can watch it on YouTube to get a better idea of what is going on in Uganda. I hope you will join me this Saturday at the LA Fairgrounds.
The Festering Wound (A Comment)
I attempted to put this video as a comment to jruxor’s courageous post yesterday, but the comments box couldn’t handle it. Lust is not new to the scene. History displays our hedonistic nature’s supreme desire for pleasure in sexual gratification, but if you remember C. S. Lewis’ comment this should not be surprising:
If we find within ourself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we are made for another world. (Mere Christianity, Book III, chapter 10, para. 5)
Yes, I just implied that our desire for sexual pleasure reveals an innate longing for heaven. This is a two minute excerpt from a sermon by John Piper, and I believe, if truly considered and understood, it is absolutely revolutionary.
There are many more of Piper’s sermon videos on YouTube. You can read and hear more from this series at his website.
My hopes…
I am home sick from school with a sinus infection. I thought all I would do is play massive amounts of video games. However I have been blogging since I got up. I started a abortion question with Fitnessfortheoccasion. Now I thought I knew it all. Nandor gave me a very solid foundation. However even though, not to brag, I believe I have perfectly represented Nandors argument and it isn’t sufficient. Please I beg of all of you take every single opportunity you can to prepare yourselves for life. Talk to people with differing views. Granted you might have times of doubt because you cannot solve the answers. But can you really truly go into the world believing something that has never stood the test of argument. I am not saying go on an argue spree I am saying test yourselves now when you have the wonderful resources of our Bible department. It is on going I have not been beat. Sorry for this relatively mushy post however I have gotten so much out of taking this a step further. God gave his best for you, give your best for him.
The Happiest Place on Earth
I am constantly shocked by what is allowed to be aired on national television. I recently heard the boundaries that MTV is supposed to abide by and I was stunned. Not only is just about every show these days consumed with sexual innuendoes, blasphemy, and profanity, but if they are not they will face rejection. Where will it stop? The style of bathing suit has changed dramatically over the years becoming more and more provocative. I guess these things just become accepted over time.
This brings me to my title: Disneyland. Why is Disneyland considered the happiest place on earth? I honestly think that the reason is that the entire theme park is rated PG. It is an extremely popular vacationing spot for many Americans. Though Disneyland has been brought down by rumors of improper drawings in a few movies it still recruits nearly thousands of Americans a day. I believe this is based upon the innocently inspired imagination it condones. There is no tolerated immoral use of profanity or sexuality.
My conclusion? There really isn’t one. We can’t stop the media from attempting to brainwash the youth of America into thinking certain things are ‘cool’. I can’t even truthfully say that I don’t watch MTV. I don’t think I’ve missed a Real World season since seventh grade. We need to be more cautious as to what images we put in our heads. And, in the end, glorify God with everything we do.
A Violent Necessity: Part Deux
Comment by fitnessfortheoccasion on April 17, 2007 11:29 pm War is sometimes necessary, but that cannot mask how utterly counter-productive the so called war on terror has been.Those “eggs” marcelonicus refers to are human lives. Human lives lost. Human lives ruined by displacement, torture, and violence without end.Do not try to stoop to religion to boost your argument for war either. There is nothing of God in war, and there never will be. War is a human necessity, one we ought to avoid, not pursue with fake patriotism, false piety and bloodlust.And for the love of God, do not speak for the dead. How dare you presume those lost to war would speak in its favor!
In Response, meant to be polite but of a differing opinion:
The War on Terror has been counter-productive? I guess that means I was foolish to think that the removal of Saddam Hussein was a positive event. And what of the elections that took place last year? Does not the freedom of the oppressed in at least a small way strike a blow at the terror-makers in that region?
And yes, people- entirely innocent people- have died as a result. While the living will mourn their deep losses they do see the results. Their children are able to attend newly built schools. Their wives, daughters, mothers, and sisters have been given protection and a voice in society. And Saddam Hussein is no longer able to slaughter the differing groups of Muslims. Great things are happening. There is still much to be done, but it has to begin somewhere.
Human lives indeed, but human lives with a hope for an existence better than such wretchedness. These lives are ‘ruined’ by the evil already running rampant within their streets. This evil is shedding blood, and will continue its slaughter until the brave and hopeful shed their blood to stop the evil in its entirety.
I am sorry, but in all respectfulness, I hardly wish to acknowledge the very disrespectful comment about ‘stooping to religion.’ If religion is what comes when one stoops, than I hope that I may stoop to the ocean’s floor.
War is fake patriotism? It seems rather foolish to so extensively pretend to love something that you would lay your life down to accomplish its means. It is not blood the courageous are lusting after, but the hope of freedom, justice, and equality.
I would be willing to assess that the dead would gladly die again so that their children, spouses, friends, countrymen, and future generations could live, grow, and thrive in a world that was safer, freer, and without a doubt better than the one they left behind. I know that I would be willing to make such a sacrifice.
