the looking glass was there
and it spoke of many things
i did not listen
for what i found ill in others
was yelling back at me
from myself
oh, the honest looking glass
and difficult.
4/26/10
4/25/10
act of will.
"Think of the impact if the first thing radical feminists thought of when the conversation turned to evangelical men was that they had the best reputation for keeping their marriage vows and serving their wives in the costly fashion of Jesus at the cross."
- Ron Sider
4/13/10
"No, not vainly there did I dwell, Nor vainly listen all the night long."
i find myself interested in the different types of blog hosts available to the would-be blogger. i also find myself trying to figure out the various processes that occur within that drive bloggers to blogspot as opposed to tumblr, or tumblr as opposed to wordpress, etc. Personally, i like tumblr, but it is way too busy for my diarrhea of the mouth (pen, actually. or in this case, keys). i dislike wordpress because of its name. Yes, that is silly. Mostly, i just chose blogspot because Google is best. And because you need not ask its purpose since its name is self-explanatory.
i don't understand at all more than half the things that go on in my mind, and i understand the rest of the things that go on in my mind less than half as much as i'd like.
i wish sometimes, and perhaps most times when i'm submitting my random thoughts to this blog, that i knew what you, the reader, think when you read what i have to write. i like very much to think, but i can pretty safely say, or at least with moderate safety, that to cause others to think is ever so much more intrinsically fulfilling. To me.
Now, let's say you are the type of person who only reads this blog when the posts don't require you to scroll down. You probably won't get this far. And that saddens me, because only those willing to scroll down will see that i wish so very much that you would take the time to read even the boring, longish posts. In reality they aren't too terribly long. Perhaps someone who scrolls down is a friend of yours and they will pass along this message from me.
For those of you who read at least with some care the majority of the things i post, a great deal of gratitude is always extended toward you. But i must entreat you to not just read this. i must entreat you to not just read this. As with anything you read, you must always look for truth. Truth can be found in very deceitful places. Truth can be found amongst liars and thieves. Truth can be found in darkness. Truth can be found anywhere, really. If someone says "There is no truth," they have given you a clue that to deny Truth is to create your own version of it, a version which is always striving to get back to the Truth, but refusing to come to grips with the fact that It must have originated before there was origin.
Here is a Truth that has changed the whole world forever. It is a Truth that flourishes during persecution of those who believe it, and it is a Truth that exists whether or not you believe it. It is this: Jesus died for the sin of humanity, but He is not dead anymore. He is not dead anymore. This is not religion, for religion is simply man's attempt to explain the unexplainable, or to describe the indescribable. No, this Truth is an event in history. Christianity was not built on the teachings of Jesus or on His perfection or on anything else but that event: The Resurrection. We as Christians don't place our faith in religion or doctrine or rituals or moralistic living; we place our faith in a Man who did, in history, what no one else could have done or will ever be able to do. He died and then He defeated death. That is profound and beyond explanation, but it is Truth.
i don't understand at all more than half the things that go on in my mind, and i understand the rest of the things that go on in my mind less than half as much as i'd like.
i wish sometimes, and perhaps most times when i'm submitting my random thoughts to this blog, that i knew what you, the reader, think when you read what i have to write. i like very much to think, but i can pretty safely say, or at least with moderate safety, that to cause others to think is ever so much more intrinsically fulfilling. To me.
Now, let's say you are the type of person who only reads this blog when the posts don't require you to scroll down. You probably won't get this far. And that saddens me, because only those willing to scroll down will see that i wish so very much that you would take the time to read even the boring, longish posts. In reality they aren't too terribly long. Perhaps someone who scrolls down is a friend of yours and they will pass along this message from me.
For those of you who read at least with some care the majority of the things i post, a great deal of gratitude is always extended toward you. But i must entreat you to not just read this. i must entreat you to not just read this. As with anything you read, you must always look for truth. Truth can be found in very deceitful places. Truth can be found amongst liars and thieves. Truth can be found in darkness. Truth can be found anywhere, really. If someone says "There is no truth," they have given you a clue that to deny Truth is to create your own version of it, a version which is always striving to get back to the Truth, but refusing to come to grips with the fact that It must have originated before there was origin.
Here is a Truth that has changed the whole world forever. It is a Truth that flourishes during persecution of those who believe it, and it is a Truth that exists whether or not you believe it. It is this: Jesus died for the sin of humanity, but He is not dead anymore. He is not dead anymore. This is not religion, for religion is simply man's attempt to explain the unexplainable, or to describe the indescribable. No, this Truth is an event in history. Christianity was not built on the teachings of Jesus or on His perfection or on anything else but that event: The Resurrection. We as Christians don't place our faith in religion or doctrine or rituals or moralistic living; we place our faith in a Man who did, in history, what no one else could have done or will ever be able to do. He died and then He defeated death. That is profound and beyond explanation, but it is Truth.
4/6/10
...
"Some people confuse life with God."
This is a problem. Let me clarify:
Often we look at our circumstances, the little story-lines and events that surround us throughout each day of our lives, and we mistake those bytes of reality for God and His character. The reason this is a huge problem is because circumstances are always changing and swinging back and forth like some proverbial metronome. God is constant and forever. Forever in the past, forever in the present, forever in the future. To confuse Him for the life we live and draw some crooked parallel is a huge danger, and it is why we so often have such an extremely skewed idea of who God actually is. Because God is "I Am," He doesn't look at our lives in such a "here and now" fashion. He sees how this present reality, for us, fits in with the whole story. And He is moving even when we can't see Him or feel Him or understand Him. Even when it seems like our present circumstances are proving that He isn't full of Love and Grace and Justice, and even when it seems like He is more of a distant godfather rather than God who is the Father to the orphans, even now, He is so much more than we can imagine.
In Him all things hold together.
This is a problem. Let me clarify:
Often we look at our circumstances, the little story-lines and events that surround us throughout each day of our lives, and we mistake those bytes of reality for God and His character. The reason this is a huge problem is because circumstances are always changing and swinging back and forth like some proverbial metronome. God is constant and forever. Forever in the past, forever in the present, forever in the future. To confuse Him for the life we live and draw some crooked parallel is a huge danger, and it is why we so often have such an extremely skewed idea of who God actually is. Because God is "I Am," He doesn't look at our lives in such a "here and now" fashion. He sees how this present reality, for us, fits in with the whole story. And He is moving even when we can't see Him or feel Him or understand Him. Even when it seems like our present circumstances are proving that He isn't full of Love and Grace and Justice, and even when it seems like He is more of a distant godfather rather than God who is the Father to the orphans, even now, He is so much more than we can imagine.
In Him all things hold together.
3/29/10
Torn from top to bottom, was the veil. Surely, He was innocent.
Wherever you are, be all there.
Jim Elliot.
It's been several years now, since my mother read that quote somewhere. It provided a sort of paradigm shift for her. My parents are relatively quiet about what they are experiencing spiritually and emotionally, yet i can distinctly remember her communicating how much of an impact those words had on her life. So much so that she asked me to make them the banner on her cell phone.
At any rate, although i certainly grasped the significance of "being all there" on a somewhat vague level, it only really impacted me the way a postcard would. Aware, yet completely oblivious to the depth behind a 3 x 5. i tend to be a daydreamer and somewhat irrational about my hopes for the future, but there's only so much damage that can do when you're 15. i'm beginning now to see why being all there was, and is, so important to my mom.
It really is a tension, is it not? To be a responsible adult in that we want to prepare for the future, and yet to live in the realization that today we have today, and that is it. i was talking to my best friend today about that line, that very fine line, and it hit me quite vividly that i often risk missing out on today because i want the tomorrows to be just how i plan for them to be. This day. Right now. It is the day that Jesus has made. Find joy in that. Find real, deep, life-giving joy in the fact that Jesus made today all that it is, and He offers something new today that tomorrow will have left behind.
Be all there.
3/27/10
cast me not away.
this. life. is. temporary.
forever is not temporary
it follows, then, that wasting the forever for the temporary is quite possibly the worst, most devastatingly tragic mistake anyone could ever make, and yet how many do?
it also follows that since so many waste the forever for the temporary, the best thing to do is "waste" the temporary for the forever.
How will you "waste" today?
forever is not temporary
it follows, then, that wasting the forever for the temporary is quite possibly the worst, most devastatingly tragic mistake anyone could ever make, and yet how many do?
it also follows that since so many waste the forever for the temporary, the best thing to do is "waste" the temporary for the forever.
How will you "waste" today?
3/24/10
get over the sun.
i would first like to say that i have a great number of doubts about the passage of the recent healthcare bill, the greatest of which is in regards to it actually fixing anything.
The reason that's the first thing i said was not because it's the first thing on my mind. i simply said it first to implicate myself of that which i am very shortly going to blitzkrieg. i am implicated because i would be lying if i said i had not been involved in at least two bitter conversations this week involving this specific matter (and many more involving the current administration, especially shortly after President Obama's inauguration) where absolutely nothing constructive was discussed or even thought about, really. Only an intense dislike, both verbally and mentally, of those in power in Washington, the center of "this great nation."
Onward. To "Conservative Christians." i am beyond appalled, and have approached disgust and anger, at the reaction you have given against not only this most recent bill, but against President Obama and his administration. It is legitimate hatred that many have given the President. The very same hatred given to President Bush during his term, over which you all weeped and wailed and gnashed your teeth.
Do i agree with President Obama's politics? Certainly not. Have i called my senator to voice any opinion besides the vote I cast in November, 2008? Certainly not, and as such is the case i find have no real grounds to complain about this recently passed bill. Have you called your senator? Can we complain about politicians not listening to us if there is nothing for them to hear?
Do you "Conservative Christians" agree with this healthcare bill?
It is EXTREMELY AND LOUDLY APPARENT THAT YOU DON'T. THE ECONOMY IS GOING TO FALL APART; OUR CHILDREN ARE GOING TO GROW UP IN A SOCIETY TOTALLY DEVOID OF SENSE AND MORALS; AND WE SHOULD MOVE TO NEW ZEALAND. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OUT OF COURTHOUSES. HOMOSEXUALITY IS MUCH, MUCH WORSE THAN THE PORNOGRAPHY ON MY HP LAPTOP. IN FACT, IT IS MUCH WORSE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD, AND THAT IS WHY I TREAT ANY NON-HETEROSEXUALS AS IF THEY ARE NOT REALLY HUMANS. I KEEP THE SABBATH HOLY AND THAT'S WHY I DO NOTHING BUT WATCH FOOTBALL WHILE MY WIFE COOKS AND CLEANS ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON. THE WAR IN IRAQ IS GOD'S WILL. YOU CAN'T NEGOTIATE WITH TERRORIST SONS OF BI...GUNS.
I LOVE JESUS.
really?
We--yes we, you and i, whether we are conservative or liberal or confused--we cannot continue in this manner. i am as guilty of the spewing of hatred as anyone else, but after being pointed to the following i don't see how myself or anyone who seeks to make Jesus' name famous can refuse to change the way we view those in leadership of our country.
Romans 13:1-7
i write this stuff because i've been charged, convicted and declared guilty--by my own actions--of that which i lament. i just want us to realize that what we have been in the habit of doing has built so many walls against the gospel that we now have this term, "Conservative Christian," which is the subject of much derision in our society. Much of the response we've received is the only response we could expect to be given to a grace-less group of people claiming to have been saved by Grace. Jesus was not a politician. He was not a conservative. He was not liberal. He was God. He is God. And here's the thing: He is in control. He is worthy of trust. He will take care of His sheep, even when it seems like the wolves outnumber the fold two to one. So be a responsible citizen. Vote and try to attain a clear conscience when you do. But think very, very carefully before you enter the political realm, for there is much harm that can be done there.
Jesus is King, and to His Kingdom there will be no end.
The reason that's the first thing i said was not because it's the first thing on my mind. i simply said it first to implicate myself of that which i am very shortly going to blitzkrieg. i am implicated because i would be lying if i said i had not been involved in at least two bitter conversations this week involving this specific matter (and many more involving the current administration, especially shortly after President Obama's inauguration) where absolutely nothing constructive was discussed or even thought about, really. Only an intense dislike, both verbally and mentally, of those in power in Washington, the center of "this great nation."
Onward. To "Conservative Christians." i am beyond appalled, and have approached disgust and anger, at the reaction you have given against not only this most recent bill, but against President Obama and his administration. It is legitimate hatred that many have given the President. The very same hatred given to President Bush during his term, over which you all weeped and wailed and gnashed your teeth.
Do i agree with President Obama's politics? Certainly not. Have i called my senator to voice any opinion besides the vote I cast in November, 2008? Certainly not, and as such is the case i find have no real grounds to complain about this recently passed bill. Have you called your senator? Can we complain about politicians not listening to us if there is nothing for them to hear?
Do you "Conservative Christians" agree with this healthcare bill?
It is EXTREMELY AND LOUDLY APPARENT THAT YOU DON'T. THE ECONOMY IS GOING TO FALL APART; OUR CHILDREN ARE GOING TO GROW UP IN A SOCIETY TOTALLY DEVOID OF SENSE AND MORALS; AND WE SHOULD MOVE TO NEW ZEALAND. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OUT OF COURTHOUSES. HOMOSEXUALITY IS MUCH, MUCH WORSE THAN THE PORNOGRAPHY ON MY HP LAPTOP. IN FACT, IT IS MUCH WORSE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD, AND THAT IS WHY I TREAT ANY NON-HETEROSEXUALS AS IF THEY ARE NOT REALLY HUMANS. I KEEP THE SABBATH HOLY AND THAT'S WHY I DO NOTHING BUT WATCH FOOTBALL WHILE MY WIFE COOKS AND CLEANS ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON. THE WAR IN IRAQ IS GOD'S WILL. YOU CAN'T NEGOTIATE WITH TERRORIST SONS OF BI...GUNS.
I LOVE JESUS.
really?
We--yes we, you and i, whether we are conservative or liberal or confused--we cannot continue in this manner. i am as guilty of the spewing of hatred as anyone else, but after being pointed to the following i don't see how myself or anyone who seeks to make Jesus' name famous can refuse to change the way we view those in leadership of our country.
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."
Romans 13:1-7
i write this stuff because i've been charged, convicted and declared guilty--by my own actions--of that which i lament. i just want us to realize that what we have been in the habit of doing has built so many walls against the gospel that we now have this term, "Conservative Christian," which is the subject of much derision in our society. Much of the response we've received is the only response we could expect to be given to a grace-less group of people claiming to have been saved by Grace. Jesus was not a politician. He was not a conservative. He was not liberal. He was God. He is God. And here's the thing: He is in control. He is worthy of trust. He will take care of His sheep, even when it seems like the wolves outnumber the fold two to one. So be a responsible citizen. Vote and try to attain a clear conscience when you do. But think very, very carefully before you enter the political realm, for there is much harm that can be done there.
Jesus is King, and to His Kingdom there will be no end.
3/21/10
Desiderata
"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence."
Max Ehrmann
Max Ehrmann
3/16/10
Goodness, me.
God is beyond
in every sense of that word
and in every sense.
In need i find,
whether his or hers, or mine
that He takes care
to care.
But still beyond.
For when He is not good
to me
He is still good.
See, i am small,
unaware,
and too scared to dare
that hard now
is Life later.
in every sense of that word
and in every sense.
In need i find,
whether his or hers, or mine
that He takes care
to care.
But still beyond.
For when He is not good
to me
He is still good.
See, i am small,
unaware,
and too scared to dare
that hard now
is Life later.
3/2/10
"Are you dumb because you know me not, Or dumb because you know?"
"We are treated as impostors, and yet are true;
as unknown, and yet well known;
as dying,
and behold,
we live;
as punished, and yet not killed;
as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;
as poor, yet making many rich;
as having nothing, yet possessing everything."
2 Corinthians 6:8-10
poetry. not for the faint of heart, though some would have you believe that.
as unknown, and yet well known;
as dying,
and behold,
we live;
as punished, and yet not killed;
as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;
as poor, yet making many rich;
as having nothing, yet possessing everything."
2 Corinthians 6:8-10
poetry. not for the faint of heart, though some would have you believe that.
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