Nov 21st, 2008
7:15ish
Life changes.
For the best :)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
lunchbox
Clanking clumsily at my side, I put the box in its proper storage. I walked to the long table strategically placed against the wall, adjacent to her desk. I took my seat. Another day had begun. After standing to recite the the morning pledge I busied myself with with some basic problems and whispered to the boys beside me. It seemed like forever before the awaited moment...Then, at last it came. I walked back over to the wooden frame and retrieved the box. It was fronted by the Chip n' Dale Rescue Rangers. I sat it down on the table. How did that dragon sticker get there? hmm...I quickly opened the latch and picked up the thermos. After flipping the lid, I drank. Mmm...so juicy. Underneath there lay slightly smashed two white squares. She had cut the ends! Man, it was really good now! The peanut butter stuck to my palate and I washed it down by the thermos. Lunch was so good.
And it hasn't been the same since.
There are certain memories you remember. Ones that you can smell and taste. They remind you of what life was like- maybe how simple it was. Maybe how some things were just more important. Maybe how each phase of the day took longer. These memories I often wish I could relive.
It just tasted better out of that lunchbox...
I remember creating countless plays for my imaginary football teams. And the rosters- in depth. Each person had a ranking, possibly falling if they were injured. That thin, acre strip of grass was my stadium. And the rustle of the Mississippi breeze gave the trees incentive to cheer. I scored alot of touchdowns those years. Broke alot of records. Lived alot of youth.
What memories...
Though I would never achieve those outstanding stats in my single year tenure as a li' dolphins running backer- and though the lunchbox that magically made things taste better became a crayon storage, Those memories are never lost. These mental photographs reconnect me to my days as a carefree little boy in Hurley, watching Dad wash vehicles and mom make hamburger steak. It's a way for me to feel...to sense that life doesn't always have to be weighed down with ways to survive our seemingly complex society. There's release in retaining that inner child. He tells me to go create, play and let the world worry with its problems.
Live free.
And it hasn't been the same since.
There are certain memories you remember. Ones that you can smell and taste. They remind you of what life was like- maybe how simple it was. Maybe how some things were just more important. Maybe how each phase of the day took longer. These memories I often wish I could relive.
It just tasted better out of that lunchbox...
I remember creating countless plays for my imaginary football teams. And the rosters- in depth. Each person had a ranking, possibly falling if they were injured. That thin, acre strip of grass was my stadium. And the rustle of the Mississippi breeze gave the trees incentive to cheer. I scored alot of touchdowns those years. Broke alot of records. Lived alot of youth.
What memories...
Though I would never achieve those outstanding stats in my single year tenure as a li' dolphins running backer- and though the lunchbox that magically made things taste better became a crayon storage, Those memories are never lost. These mental photographs reconnect me to my days as a carefree little boy in Hurley, watching Dad wash vehicles and mom make hamburger steak. It's a way for me to feel...to sense that life doesn't always have to be weighed down with ways to survive our seemingly complex society. There's release in retaining that inner child. He tells me to go create, play and let the world worry with its problems.
Live free.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
wikincredible!
When I search for information on the internet, wikipedia is the first place I look. It is an extreme database of knowledge on virtually (literally) anything you could possibly want to know- a collection of facts built by the individuals across the world. It is an interesting concept- this free-flowing of information. The scholarship of facts has been decentralized to anyone willing to share and edit a page. Sounds like a nice neo-movement for everyone, everywhere to have the human race's span of knowledge at their fingertips. Founder Jimmy Wales seems to think so.
Why are these wikians working for this accessible utopia of knowledge? Wales says:
It is a noble cause. And I love it. I love having a site where I can find information on ANYTHING. I completed a lot of college papers this way (even though it is not recognized as a legitimate source). I find information about my favorite artists and people. If I have the slightest question about a topic or issue- I go to wikipedia.
Questions about wikipedia's credibility?
Observations:
- In wikipedia, there are no barriers to what the individual can learn.
- In wikipedia, the individual can contribute to the wealth of knowledge.
- The knowledge cannot be controlled by any one structure. It is eternally open.
Moving on, I understand that Wiki is not alone in its endeavor. In fact, it is the reflection of something much deeper. The cultural shift taking place is one of access, freedom and openness. There is not one corner of the earth that can't be virtually touched. Look at an obscure streetview in Beijing from your web-browser. Post your opinion or daily rambling on a page-for all to see (yes, i know). Chat with someone across the world-and see their face. The Internet has completely decentralized the flow of information out of the hands of political and established power. If you don't like what the news station is telling you, then you can sure find something on the Internet that supports your opinion. Get maps to anywhere in the world...
The point is, times are changing. There exists a lack of mystery and wonder in our complex brains. I'm even convinced that the vast wealth of information hasn't made us better people-only a little more spread out in what we know.
In Jesus time, heck, up until the printing press, stories were carefully passed down by word of mouth and written in ancient languages. People rarely left their hometowns. The world was flat. The sun revolved around the earth and we were the center of the universe. And we still think we are. Our bustling, constantly improving culture doesn't know how satisfy the longings of the human condition. Indeed it complicates it.
Of course, there's always knee-mail... ;)
Why are these wikians working for this accessible utopia of knowledge? Wales says:
"I can’t speak for everyone, but I can speak for myself. I’m doing this for the child in Africa who is going to use free textbooks and reference works produced by our community and find a solution to the crushing poverty that surrounds him. But for this child, a website on the Internet is not enough; we need to find ways to get our work to people in a form they can actually use.
And I’m doing this for my own daughter, who I hope will grow up in a world where culture is free, not proprietary, where control of knowledge is in the hands of people everywhere, with basic works they can adopt, modify, and share freely without asking permission from anyone." A Personal Appeal from Jimmy Wales, 31 Dec 2005.
It is a noble cause. And I love it. I love having a site where I can find information on ANYTHING. I completed a lot of college papers this way (even though it is not recognized as a legitimate source). I find information about my favorite artists and people. If I have the slightest question about a topic or issue- I go to wikipedia.
Questions about wikipedia's credibility?
Observations:
- In wikipedia, there are no barriers to what the individual can learn.
- In wikipedia, the individual can contribute to the wealth of knowledge.
- The knowledge cannot be controlled by any one structure. It is eternally open.
Moving on, I understand that Wiki is not alone in its endeavor. In fact, it is the reflection of something much deeper. The cultural shift taking place is one of access, freedom and openness. There is not one corner of the earth that can't be virtually touched. Look at an obscure streetview in Beijing from your web-browser. Post your opinion or daily rambling on a page-for all to see (yes, i know). Chat with someone across the world-and see their face. The Internet has completely decentralized the flow of information out of the hands of political and established power. If you don't like what the news station is telling you, then you can sure find something on the Internet that supports your opinion. Get maps to anywhere in the world...
The point is, times are changing. There exists a lack of mystery and wonder in our complex brains. I'm even convinced that the vast wealth of information hasn't made us better people-only a little more spread out in what we know.
In Jesus time, heck, up until the printing press, stories were carefully passed down by word of mouth and written in ancient languages. People rarely left their hometowns. The world was flat. The sun revolved around the earth and we were the center of the universe. And we still think we are. Our bustling, constantly improving culture doesn't know how satisfy the longings of the human condition. Indeed it complicates it.
Of course, there's always knee-mail... ;)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
the political aspiration
Few things are as divisive as politics and religion. Put them together and let the hate begin!
Possibly one of the most important elections of all time lay at the hands of American voters- in 27 days. With all the rhetoric and sub-divided niches of people there is quite the array of opinions and suggestions aimed at pushing our stand-still nation through the crossroads. With the economy teetering on the scales of an unstable market, many Americans are waiting for a leader to emerge and lift the nation atop what seems to be the brink of Great Depression Dos. Many are ready for change, some not ready for the image change that electing Obama would signify, and others are in the independent outskirts of political society. Now that I've given my brief, inconcise run-down of the political state of America, I have a few things to discuss.
1. I want to speak in a way that can't be spoken on the political platform. I want to ignore statistics and political theory. I want to see the country in the green terrain that it is, rather than the personified red and blue.
In reference to the current economy, one word comes to mind. Greed. Yes, I said it. It's a moral/virtuous term only brought out of the closet for Sunday School lessons and Parenting points aimed at getting children to share. Yet completely applicable to Wall-Street and mainstream-suburban America. If you want more in this society, you take it from someone else. Giant mortgage lenders that feed on citizens with bad credit and unrealistic aspirations have taken the hit. Return void. Prospective home-owners that feed on the unattainable American Dream are just as responsible. Greed works both ways. It feeds the ego, regardless of what side of the economic spectrum one is on. Hmm...this isn't addressed from the platform. It's the corrupt corporation! We need regulation! We need to filter in $700 Billion dollars in money that we don't have so people will buy more of what they don't need! This is the great paradox of politics. It is driven to make a society better while repressing the issues that need to be addressed the most. These are issues that can only be addressed on a personal level. Which brings me to...
2. Jesus was a liberal. Jesus was a socialist. Jesus was a white middle-class republican.
Jesus was none of these things. Jesus was actually the Son of God. Not much room for a political agenda there...the coming Messiah that spoke of loving your neighbor as yourself and caring for the widows and homeless had one agenda on his mind: the will of His Father. Everything fell under this ultimate purpose. The titles above have all been written about or conveyed through the various sub-groups and cultural identities of people across the world. But Jesus cannot be politicized. He is and will be who He said He was. Yes, he disrupted the political empire of his time by being a radical and agitated the religious by hanging around prostitutes, tax collectors and thieves. But his mind, energy and focus was still on the ultimate work of salvation that would occur through the final act of the cross. Understand that Jesus' life was the living, breathing example of how His children are to live, not a story for political cut and paste.
I am not divorcing Jesus and his teaching from political life, but I am divorcing Him from political labeling- whether outright or implied. The "social gospel" idea that is emerging in the world is limited in its scope. There are millions of people here and abroad in dire need of basic food, clothing and shelter. But the Christian community mustn't sell the heart-changing aspect of the Gospel for something simply seeking to satisfy our earthly cravings. It must be the Gospel in its fullness, the good news that Christ has come to seek and save that which was lost. And that covers all socio-economic levels.
3. This Nation was founded on Christian principles.
I'm not sure I even understand what that means anymore. Regardless of whether our founding fathers were deist or Neo-Evangelicals ahead of their time, we don't live in the 1700's. Christians cannot hold high the flag or political and legislative authority any longer. The culture is not willing to acknowledge Jesus Christ as authority of the Constitution. Gasp! Does this mean that Christians no longer have rights? No, I think its more along the lines of Christians being scared of not having political and legal power the way it seemed they use to. We can't look to the past and wish for a time where Ward comes home, kisses June and has a nice meal with the family. The mass media has made it easier to access all kinds of crap. (this goes for Christian programming, too.) Knowing this, we should be aware that sin has always been prevalent in our culture and well, our hearts. There aren't any new sins coming on the airwaves today. In response, Christians shouldn't be afraid of the meaningless garbage that fights for our attention. We should 1) be glad the Glory of Christ is much more evident and 2) be willing to fight it with the truth of the Gospel, not the moral majority. Yes, it's scary for our future children. But, if we don't do something about it, we'll passively watch our kids be educated by a culture lacking Biblical authority.
It's not the Christian's job to make sure that He has political power. It is his job to have the power of Jesus Christ and change lives through some classic interpersonal communication.
Well, I didn't say it would be easy, now did I?
Possibly one of the most important elections of all time lay at the hands of American voters- in 27 days. With all the rhetoric and sub-divided niches of people there is quite the array of opinions and suggestions aimed at pushing our stand-still nation through the crossroads. With the economy teetering on the scales of an unstable market, many Americans are waiting for a leader to emerge and lift the nation atop what seems to be the brink of Great Depression Dos. Many are ready for change, some not ready for the image change that electing Obama would signify, and others are in the independent outskirts of political society. Now that I've given my brief, inconcise run-down of the political state of America, I have a few things to discuss.
1. I want to speak in a way that can't be spoken on the political platform. I want to ignore statistics and political theory. I want to see the country in the green terrain that it is, rather than the personified red and blue.
In reference to the current economy, one word comes to mind. Greed. Yes, I said it. It's a moral/virtuous term only brought out of the closet for Sunday School lessons and Parenting points aimed at getting children to share. Yet completely applicable to Wall-Street and mainstream-suburban America. If you want more in this society, you take it from someone else. Giant mortgage lenders that feed on citizens with bad credit and unrealistic aspirations have taken the hit. Return void. Prospective home-owners that feed on the unattainable American Dream are just as responsible. Greed works both ways. It feeds the ego, regardless of what side of the economic spectrum one is on. Hmm...this isn't addressed from the platform. It's the corrupt corporation! We need regulation! We need to filter in $700 Billion dollars in money that we don't have so people will buy more of what they don't need! This is the great paradox of politics. It is driven to make a society better while repressing the issues that need to be addressed the most. These are issues that can only be addressed on a personal level. Which brings me to...
2. Jesus was a liberal. Jesus was a socialist. Jesus was a white middle-class republican.
Jesus was none of these things. Jesus was actually the Son of God. Not much room for a political agenda there...the coming Messiah that spoke of loving your neighbor as yourself and caring for the widows and homeless had one agenda on his mind: the will of His Father. Everything fell under this ultimate purpose. The titles above have all been written about or conveyed through the various sub-groups and cultural identities of people across the world. But Jesus cannot be politicized. He is and will be who He said He was. Yes, he disrupted the political empire of his time by being a radical and agitated the religious by hanging around prostitutes, tax collectors and thieves. But his mind, energy and focus was still on the ultimate work of salvation that would occur through the final act of the cross. Understand that Jesus' life was the living, breathing example of how His children are to live, not a story for political cut and paste.
I am not divorcing Jesus and his teaching from political life, but I am divorcing Him from political labeling- whether outright or implied. The "social gospel" idea that is emerging in the world is limited in its scope. There are millions of people here and abroad in dire need of basic food, clothing and shelter. But the Christian community mustn't sell the heart-changing aspect of the Gospel for something simply seeking to satisfy our earthly cravings. It must be the Gospel in its fullness, the good news that Christ has come to seek and save that which was lost. And that covers all socio-economic levels.
3. This Nation was founded on Christian principles.
I'm not sure I even understand what that means anymore. Regardless of whether our founding fathers were deist or Neo-Evangelicals ahead of their time, we don't live in the 1700's. Christians cannot hold high the flag or political and legislative authority any longer. The culture is not willing to acknowledge Jesus Christ as authority of the Constitution. Gasp! Does this mean that Christians no longer have rights? No, I think its more along the lines of Christians being scared of not having political and legal power the way it seemed they use to. We can't look to the past and wish for a time where Ward comes home, kisses June and has a nice meal with the family. The mass media has made it easier to access all kinds of crap. (this goes for Christian programming, too.) Knowing this, we should be aware that sin has always been prevalent in our culture and well, our hearts. There aren't any new sins coming on the airwaves today. In response, Christians shouldn't be afraid of the meaningless garbage that fights for our attention. We should 1) be glad the Glory of Christ is much more evident and 2) be willing to fight it with the truth of the Gospel, not the moral majority. Yes, it's scary for our future children. But, if we don't do something about it, we'll passively watch our kids be educated by a culture lacking Biblical authority.
It's not the Christian's job to make sure that He has political power. It is his job to have the power of Jesus Christ and change lives through some classic interpersonal communication.
Well, I didn't say it would be easy, now did I?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
recently...
Barack Obama
Sarah Palin
John McCain
The Economy
Oil
Iran's President
W
The End of The World As We Know It.
Seems there is plenty to talk about. But...I'd rather reflect on my own life. So-
I've been traveling around northern Alabama recruiting souls for the University of Mobile, eating on the school and sleeping in nice Hampton beds. It has allowed me to be away from everyone and gain some time alone. It has allowed me the opportunity to be lonely. It has allowed me the joys of reading and writing. And television. (which I never watch!) All the while just being patient, attempting to understand this unique point in my life where nothing is really...going on. Sure, there is plenty going on in this crazy world of ours, but zoom in on the life of Trey and it appears rather quiet. And I like it. Having bills and responsibilities renders life more simple than class and a lack of structure. I wake up a little earlier, go to work, then go home and spend time with those that I love. I get tired right around 10:30 and thus begin again. 6 months ago, I thought that life this way would destroy my creative, impulsive attitude. But it has actually given me a little more time and space to breathe.
This past weekend I trekked to Huntsville with my dad. Besides the fact that his truck purchase was quite the wise one, I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I was reminded why I've always looked up to dad. He maintains a keen sense of reality at all times. Never scared of the possibilities, or the truth- he faces every situation with an attitude of courage and bold optimism. He's the kind of man that gives direction, not by silly ideals, but with sincerity in his eyes as he leads his family into the next day. Not one to extend his sentences, he sees things for what they are without losing sight of what they could be. A rock he stands for his wife and children. I love him for that. He reminded me that my head is somewhat twisted-on correctly and that I will take care of mine the way he takes care of his. I felt empowered.
Refreshed.
Sarah Palin
John McCain
The Economy
Oil
Iran's President
W
The End of The World As We Know It.
Seems there is plenty to talk about. But...I'd rather reflect on my own life. So-
I've been traveling around northern Alabama recruiting souls for the University of Mobile, eating on the school and sleeping in nice Hampton beds. It has allowed me to be away from everyone and gain some time alone. It has allowed me the opportunity to be lonely. It has allowed me the joys of reading and writing. And television. (which I never watch!) All the while just being patient, attempting to understand this unique point in my life where nothing is really...going on. Sure, there is plenty going on in this crazy world of ours, but zoom in on the life of Trey and it appears rather quiet. And I like it. Having bills and responsibilities renders life more simple than class and a lack of structure. I wake up a little earlier, go to work, then go home and spend time with those that I love. I get tired right around 10:30 and thus begin again. 6 months ago, I thought that life this way would destroy my creative, impulsive attitude. But it has actually given me a little more time and space to breathe.
This past weekend I trekked to Huntsville with my dad. Besides the fact that his truck purchase was quite the wise one, I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I was reminded why I've always looked up to dad. He maintains a keen sense of reality at all times. Never scared of the possibilities, or the truth- he faces every situation with an attitude of courage and bold optimism. He's the kind of man that gives direction, not by silly ideals, but with sincerity in his eyes as he leads his family into the next day. Not one to extend his sentences, he sees things for what they are without losing sight of what they could be. A rock he stands for his wife and children. I love him for that. He reminded me that my head is somewhat twisted-on correctly and that I will take care of mine the way he takes care of his. I felt empowered.
Refreshed.
Monday, September 8, 2008
waves
Don't ever ignore your friends.
It becomes easy to isolate ourselves in the culture of "instant connection." At the touch of our fingertips is the opportunity to connect- across geographic and cultural barriers, through the ever-expanding population of frequency waves in our atmosphere and into homes everywhere. Instantaneous relationships. There you have it! The world's solution to the traditional issues of distance and time. Phone plans that have expanded to make an entire country- your local calling area. Online profiles that give people an incredibly intangible way to...well, get to know you. Ideas that surf back and forth through cyber waves of knowledge and information flow providing wiki-answers to anything.
All of this...quite the Babel of human achievement and excellence.
The only problem is- despite our contained world of connection, we have continued to grow farther and farther apart...The insubstantial level of intimacy and honesty that is shared in relationships only reflects our current state. The innate desires of human touch and presence cannot be replaced by a mere replica of intentional connection. It is the cry of the human heart- to be one with the Creator- and to share life with His creation. And while prayers to Him may seem to get lost in the rapid circulation of the universe, it is the consistent affinity for our brothers and sisters that confirm the reality of His presence. A love for others must never be replaced by frequency waves- though grand findings- the closeness of a friend providing truth and accountability exceeds the perceived need for inter-continental connection.
Jesus had twelve men with Him- all the time. They changed the world. And the only waves they encountered were the ones their Friend and Teacher put to rest.
Never ignore your friends.
It becomes easy to isolate ourselves in the culture of "instant connection." At the touch of our fingertips is the opportunity to connect- across geographic and cultural barriers, through the ever-expanding population of frequency waves in our atmosphere and into homes everywhere. Instantaneous relationships. There you have it! The world's solution to the traditional issues of distance and time. Phone plans that have expanded to make an entire country- your local calling area. Online profiles that give people an incredibly intangible way to...well, get to know you. Ideas that surf back and forth through cyber waves of knowledge and information flow providing wiki-answers to anything.
All of this...quite the Babel of human achievement and excellence.
The only problem is- despite our contained world of connection, we have continued to grow farther and farther apart...The insubstantial level of intimacy and honesty that is shared in relationships only reflects our current state. The innate desires of human touch and presence cannot be replaced by a mere replica of intentional connection. It is the cry of the human heart- to be one with the Creator- and to share life with His creation. And while prayers to Him may seem to get lost in the rapid circulation of the universe, it is the consistent affinity for our brothers and sisters that confirm the reality of His presence. A love for others must never be replaced by frequency waves- though grand findings- the closeness of a friend providing truth and accountability exceeds the perceived need for inter-continental connection.
Jesus had twelve men with Him- all the time. They changed the world. And the only waves they encountered were the ones their Friend and Teacher put to rest.
Never ignore your friends.
Friday, September 5, 2008
miles to go
It has been quite the steady summer-but a colorful change comes as fall exhales its first breathe. I have made the transition from carefree to determined in a matter of miles. I left my dorm room to live in a not-so-well-insulated home built in the black & white era. I left the education I received, well, to return and find more people to educate. I left the money I didn't make to, well...give the money I do make to the powers that allow me to live comfortably. I left sleeping through classes to saying hi to the sun when he rises. And all is well.
I have learned some serious-somewhat painful- lessons about honesty. That there is often a disconnect in who we portray and what lies within our heart. These truths seem too painful to display- but too risky to hide. I found myself in some patterns of dishonesty, ignoring what needed to be opened in the name of protection. And it failed. Facing my demons was emotionally disturbing- but I had to do it. I had to face up. The funny thing is- I experienced a release, a freedom only found by shining a light. The darkness scattered and my heart is illuminated. Jesus' imagery about being a sword and a light meant to divide and scatter the things of evil. As His son, the light must shine in me at all times.
There is a change that happens when you leave a surrounding- a continuing system that holds your world and all of its contents. It causes you to start over and re-define who you're supposed to be. It causes you to do things you wouldn't have done in the other system. It causes you to stop, think and move forward in a new direction.
More as I keep changing...
I have learned some serious-somewhat painful- lessons about honesty. That there is often a disconnect in who we portray and what lies within our heart. These truths seem too painful to display- but too risky to hide. I found myself in some patterns of dishonesty, ignoring what needed to be opened in the name of protection. And it failed. Facing my demons was emotionally disturbing- but I had to do it. I had to face up. The funny thing is- I experienced a release, a freedom only found by shining a light. The darkness scattered and my heart is illuminated. Jesus' imagery about being a sword and a light meant to divide and scatter the things of evil. As His son, the light must shine in me at all times.
There is a change that happens when you leave a surrounding- a continuing system that holds your world and all of its contents. It causes you to start over and re-define who you're supposed to be. It causes you to do things you wouldn't have done in the other system. It causes you to stop, think and move forward in a new direction.
More as I keep changing...
Monday, June 16, 2008
learning something new everyday...
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Paris, France
The city of Paris has been a non-stop experience into some of the most beautiful historical churches and museums in the world. These places display the glory of God in ways that I have never seen. The feeling of walking into a church with almost 1,000 years of history is mind-blowing...the architecture, the murals, the chills that run through your bones as you smell of the ancient air. The reverberating sounds of ancient chants tingle the hairs on your skin. It is indescribable-so different from the quaint southern charm of hometown churches. I have seen the Mona Lisa and the palaces in Versailles. I have overlooked the city from the dome of the Sacre Cour Basillica and top of the Eiffel Tower. I have beheld the French countryside and the beaches of Normandy. These things have blown me away.
A trip as this one has the tendency to be discouraging. If conversations don't lead to something about Christ, it would be easy to discard them as pointless. What I've had to remind myself is that God is the Author of Salvation. No conversation I could muster- or building I could build- or small child I could hug could ever bring someone to the revelation of Christ. It is by His Spirit that people are drawn-not by conniving or wise words. I am so humbled and excited to be used. I will continue to be a tourist- experience this creation, breathe the air and feel these emotions. And Jesus will continue to work, whether I am here, there or back home. What a blessing to be a child of God and see grace- in all parts of the world.
my little box of Jesus
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Amsterdam, Holland
It has been cold and rainy these past two days. Gloom aside, plenty of interesting things have ensued, which have given way to expert wisdom:
-If you try to cross the street before a bicycle, train or car, they will hit you. Seriously.
-Dutch farmhouse cheese might be the best in the world, second only to the Italian truffle cheese. Please folks, let your cheese lie dormant for three years. It will do it and you a great flavor...(pun on favor, get it?)
-If you see a woman posing in a window, it’s probably not a mannequin. They require money.
-Don’t sleep with your windows open. You’ll hear too many things not conducive to sleeping.
-If you buy 5 packs of batteries to last the rest of your trip, make sure they say “alkaline”. If they don’t, they will not work in your digital camera. Not that I’m telling you from experience or anything.
Jokes aside, the trip thus far has been refreshing for me. Getting out of the South is good for anyone, proving that there is a world of people that don’t view life the same. It breaks the monotony and staleness that often accompanies good ole’ boy faith. It also reflects the beauty of our Creator in a unique way. It sometimes happens that mission trips become rallies for the American idea or an opportunity to see “how God has blessed America.” But I declare that God’s love and workmanship is displayed just as much across the world. We in America are not the key holders to the doors of His blessings. Though we may value size and materials more so than other parts of the world, it doesn’t equate into God’s favor. Even our ideas, doctrines and theologies don’t convey the fullest expression of The Sovereign God. His grace extends to the poorest, coolest, hippest and ugly parts of this world- unconditionally. His power strengthens the weakest and most feeble of his children. His peace comforts the most confused and painful of hearts.
I’m glad that I can see Christ somewhere else- even if there isn’t a church on every corner.
well hello there
I'm back from Europe and all is well- life sets in.
I'll be periodically posting blogs from my trip on this page so look for them! :)
If you're the of visual kind- I also have a new little site for my photo-taking skills.
Look at Me!
Enjoy!
I'll be periodically posting blogs from my trip on this page so look for them! :)
If you're the of visual kind- I also have a new little site for my photo-taking skills.
Look at Me!
Enjoy!
Monday, April 28, 2008
exitlude...
Life happens so fast.
When you least expect it, it has grazed the your cheek and left its blessing. The four years of college I looked forward to with eager anticipation are complete. The friends I've made, the lessons I've learned and the love I have found seem to be a blur...like it was never supposed to take place so quickly. I'll be moving on to a new chapter soon. Adulthood- synonymous with responsibility, maturity and direction. Scary for the little boy trapped inside this near twenty-two year old frame. All the joys of pointless late nights and horrible eating habits must be left behind (or at least reduced, thanks body) I am now beginning to see life differently. Once again the world is opening...
May I breathe in life as fresh air and love without abandon.
When you least expect it, it has grazed the your cheek and left its blessing. The four years of college I looked forward to with eager anticipation are complete. The friends I've made, the lessons I've learned and the love I have found seem to be a blur...like it was never supposed to take place so quickly. I'll be moving on to a new chapter soon. Adulthood- synonymous with responsibility, maturity and direction. Scary for the little boy trapped inside this near twenty-two year old frame. All the joys of pointless late nights and horrible eating habits must be left behind (or at least reduced, thanks body) I am now beginning to see life differently. Once again the world is opening...
May I breathe in life as fresh air and love without abandon.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
stop and breathe
The beauty of simplicity is scattered throughout the day. It is crafted by our Creator. They are obvious interventions in a complicated world, each special in communicating its message. The reflections of peace and stability we never question, as if the sun would never cease to rise, the breeze will always blow and the clouds will forever weave themselves a tapestry in the sky. These seem programmed into our day, clinging to our anchors of time, money and space. Yet these regretfully normal occurrences are birthed and sustained by a powerful One who seeks not to satisfy with wealth and power but an all-encompassing grandeur of His own glory. It is why this sun warms our bodies and alters tiny pigments in our skin. It is why this breeze kisses our cheeks ever so gently and we rest in its embrace. It is why these clouds are the scribbles of a mighty Hand, framed by an atmosphere outside of our comprehension.
This beauty earns us no money, but fills our hearts with the splendor and freedom of our Maker.
Monday, February 18, 2008
her royalty...
Grace is queen.
Why the difficulty? Why the resistance? Why the avoidance? A religiously spoken word has never been more silent in the poetry of our day. Something so beautiful and magnificent seems a fairy tale in a culture of pain and bitterness. Tapestries of defense are woven everyday over broken relationships, torn marriages and interpersonal conflict. But She is quiet. Not because She chooses to be, but her people have chosen to give her no power over the selfish ambition of their hatred. They lead lives of anger and distrust, roaming about the world with no connection outside of their pain. They are lonely. They are miserable. They are chained.
Nothing quenches love quite like the absence of grace. We are a people hurt and lonely because of our rejection. We choose bitterness over contentment, war over peace and hate over love. This grace we claim from Christ himself is not lavished upon others. Do we have a hard time accepting his grace? I guess claiming it subscribes us to the Christian system, but does not sustain us through our pain. If we truly accept grace, it changes us. We can no longer feel sorry for ourselves, cast a judgement on another, or even hold onto the mistakes of the past. And our response to this grace is its constant outpouring to others.
Forgiveness is her sister.
"Forgive and forget" might win as the worst statement of the century. Anyone who has been hurt knows that the pain of the past is not easily forgettable. But the source of our pain must be forgiven. Not only is it commanded by Christ, but our well-being hinges on our ability to forgive. When we choose forgiveness, we release our grip on the chains of bitterness. When we choose forgiveness, we release our transgressor's right to control our joy. When we choose forgiveness, we release Satan's right to have power in our lives. When we choose forgiveness, we experience freedom. The freedom Jesus talks about. Not a freedom from future pain, but a release from our past, our mistakes and our fears. We can then walk with our heads held high. We are then able to accept and give grace freely. And until then- we will never experience true joy and happiness.
Accept grace.
Forgive your past and others.
Experience freedom.
Why the difficulty? Why the resistance? Why the avoidance? A religiously spoken word has never been more silent in the poetry of our day. Something so beautiful and magnificent seems a fairy tale in a culture of pain and bitterness. Tapestries of defense are woven everyday over broken relationships, torn marriages and interpersonal conflict. But She is quiet. Not because She chooses to be, but her people have chosen to give her no power over the selfish ambition of their hatred. They lead lives of anger and distrust, roaming about the world with no connection outside of their pain. They are lonely. They are miserable. They are chained.
Nothing quenches love quite like the absence of grace. We are a people hurt and lonely because of our rejection. We choose bitterness over contentment, war over peace and hate over love. This grace we claim from Christ himself is not lavished upon others. Do we have a hard time accepting his grace? I guess claiming it subscribes us to the Christian system, but does not sustain us through our pain. If we truly accept grace, it changes us. We can no longer feel sorry for ourselves, cast a judgement on another, or even hold onto the mistakes of the past. And our response to this grace is its constant outpouring to others.
Forgiveness is her sister.
"Forgive and forget" might win as the worst statement of the century. Anyone who has been hurt knows that the pain of the past is not easily forgettable. But the source of our pain must be forgiven. Not only is it commanded by Christ, but our well-being hinges on our ability to forgive. When we choose forgiveness, we release our grip on the chains of bitterness. When we choose forgiveness, we release our transgressor's right to control our joy. When we choose forgiveness, we release Satan's right to have power in our lives. When we choose forgiveness, we experience freedom. The freedom Jesus talks about. Not a freedom from future pain, but a release from our past, our mistakes and our fears. We can then walk with our heads held high. We are then able to accept and give grace freely. And until then- we will never experience true joy and happiness.
Accept grace.
Forgive your past and others.
Experience freedom.
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