tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42517104272701576582024-03-19T03:40:50.757-06:00"Strike, but hear me!"The tale told by Plutarch is this: Themistocles strongly opposed the proposal of Eurybiades to quit the bay of Salamis. The hot-headed Spartan insultingly remarked that “those who in the public games rise up before the proper signal are scourged.” “True,” said Themistocles, “but those who lag behind win no laurels.” On this, Eurybiades lifted up his staff to strike him, when Themistocles earnestly but proudly exclaimed, “Strike, but hear me!”Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251710427270157658.post-68493466858560147712010-07-06T09:35:00.001-06:002010-07-06T09:36:58.502-06:00Recent Post on the Village Seven Blog:From July 2, 2010<div>Beneath the Wrapper</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrGUzADtZWqOnsYM_NUlAUHTlkX6nD9SMCETtj-RpCWHs9H2rJtqa4rj5VGQhzm99TdlhFBeaJVOXdSdjs4AkDsubTHZyY3gkBUQPEhAqbo-aCeVbJqMkGAES73lKuSWPfJf3tjK_lp0/s200/Coins.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490817584541957746" /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">I used to love getting chocolate covered golden coins at festive occasions. For a child, this delicious candy has two major draws. First, it resembles golden coins, which means it is "lost treasure" that promises adventures galore. More importantly, it has tasty chocolate just below the surface. In some ways, people are like these chocolate coins. We have a shiny exterior we want everyone to see. This is shallow and functions as a way to fool people into thinking we are something that we are not. Below the surface is our true nature, and like those chocolate coins, peeling back the outer later can be extremely difficult.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><br />Communities at Village Seven are one vehicle God is using to slowly reveal the inner layer of our people. As we read God's word, worship, pray and fellowship together, walls that have been built to keep others out begin to come down. This is certainly no easy process. Our communities have endured conflict, heartache, and pain over the years. In spite of this, God has been faithful, and as the Gospel penetrates us, we are able to be real with one another. As a result, people begin to truly love one another in a deep, personal way.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><br />Catalyst, our newest community, has begun this slow process. Less than a year old, it has been a privilege for me to watch this group of singles in their twenties share live life together and be refreshed by the word. At times, things seem to be moving at a snail's pace and relationships shallow. But I am encouraged as I hear them share about their experiences, needs, and how the Gospel has been impacting them. My prayer is that God will continue to grow this community and all of the others at Village Seven into places where the Gospel has stripped away those outer layers and God's people act as the salt and light of the world.</div></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251710427270157658.post-41482821094388003122010-07-06T09:34:00.001-06:002010-07-06T09:35:34.736-06:00Recent Post on the Village Seven Blog:From June 25th, 2010<div>Body Builders</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7NmBP89XG-zXLZ-_q1DI4CWALtec2tmXIFToErFYnj9tb7xAJZ7StbJFk67cSCNqHUaX0I4HaKnTCPb5fuYuGgOivXJQBIBlfoS2NE4gTGq-hluIvqnnV0KOw8vah99ureJ_lPLVwk8/s200/iStock_000004874297Medium.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490817142863556242" /><div><br /></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; ">Philippians 1:21-26 (NAS): "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. And convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again."<br /><br />I had to make a very difficult phone call this week. My grandmother is dying of cancer and as she nears the end of her journey, she is struggling with understanding how our earthly journey ends and our eternal one begins. After praying about what I should say and reading through some of my books on grief, I turned to the only thing I know as the solution: the Bible. One of the verses I read to her before praying with her over the phone was Philippians 1:21-26. I explained that Paul, while desiring to remain to be with the church he loved and was called to build up, also desired to be with Christ in eternity. For someone facing death, it is important to remember that this life is temporary and that we should be ready and even eager to "depart and be with Christ."<br /><br />Conversely, for those of us who are called to remain on this earth for a while, we should also be eager to continue on building up the body of believers we have been called to live with. This means that at Village Seven, we have each been called to use the gifts God has given us and use them for the sake of others. We do this not to be puffed up with pride in a job well done, but so their confidence may abound "in Christ Jesus" as they continue in their "progress and joy in the faith." By understanding this double-sided coin, we see that being "body-builders" shapes us into people who are eager for eternity but also eager to prepare others for this eternity!<br /><br />Being in a community at Village Seven has built me up in this way. Whether it is through corporate praise and worship, growing in knowledge and depth of insight, praying with others, or enjoying fellowship by breaking bread together or hiking the incline, God has strengthened my faith and joy. I want to encourage you to join a community if you have not found one; to be built up with others and do building yourself. If you have a community already, I pray you would think about those you know that are not plugged-in and are missing out on this body-building. Encourage them to join a community or pass on their information to a staff member. My prayer is that Village Seven and her communities continue to be a place where God is glorified and his people are built up daily.<br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251710427270157658.post-740229031084333222010-07-06T09:31:00.001-06:002010-07-06T09:34:06.930-06:00Recent Post on the Village Seven Blog:<div>From June 18th, 2010</div><div>Christianity: Living the Supersaturated Life</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfXmj6AhLOE55VSUJNl2H1v1qiMSFCXFBVXw1N16AW-Vya72m_4_IMIVuAjPW8yITzz6RBFrmvMQYKCPIAcbufpFFbAiCMqPeUqetS0xZ5zwp7cEIWiEFf2UY3Kh255kcB-BdqavtLq8/s200/iStock_000006461344Medium.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490816592950945954" /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Supersaturation: "To cause (a chemical solution) to be more highly concentrated than is normally possible under given conditions of temperature and pressure."</div><br /><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">In Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), Willy tells the children: "Invention, my dear friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation, and 2% butterscotch ripple." Mrs. Teevee, a teacher, replies: "That's 105 percent!"While Willy Wonka is a fictional character and may be certifiably crazy, we too defy the impossible when we tell others we expect 110% from them or that they should go above and beyond their potential. These expressions seem to be mathematically impossible, but we use them because we understand they are really saying: "You can do better." "Your schedule may be crazy, but you can fit more into it." "You may have missed the last two pitches, but you can hit this one." "You have studied for an hour and feel like your brain is full, but you can do another 15 minutes."</div><br /><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">I believe we put these concepts into practice when it comes to ministry at Village Seven Presbyterian Church. In young adult ministry, I tend to work with adults who have extremely hectic schedules. One of my leaders has a military career, a long distance relationship, friendships, leadership responsibilities, graduate school, and outdoor activities to pack into his schedule. Another leader stayed up three days for a political rally as a volunteer and then came to Sunday school because he had made a commitment to do so. I do not even want to think about the schedules our pastors have every week, because I know each of them has more to do than can be humanly done.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></div><br /><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">This is where life in the body of believers is different from life outside of the body. At Village Seven, we have something that allows us to keep going, to push our boundaries, and to keep giving and serving even when our limits are reached: the Gospel. We live for something greater. While we were sinners Jesus Christ died for us, has brought us into relationship with God, and empowers us with the Holy Spirit to do the work the Father has planned for our lives. It may seem impossible to fulfill the calling we have been given, but with God, we are able.</div><br /><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">This is one of the reasons I love working at Village Seven. I get to see God using his weak and limited people to do incredible things. He empowers, sustains, and grows us through difficult times to accomplish his will. When I see the "supersaturation" of the leaders in my communities, I cannot help but praise God for the great work he is doing. Therefore, we must take heart and trust that God is in control and that regardless of the problems we face in life, he will enable us. Praise Him!</div></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251710427270157658.post-86452965612986067492010-03-22T18:59:00.001-06:002010-03-22T19:02:29.532-06:00My recent post on the new Village Seven blog:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14WUKPnzmcQeZoLOdjjHbw91ksvcK6SGZuLatzEtyqHPQTi5qjBJNJHt-4vHJyROuYmoSGFfD2L1phlX_sJGTw0zvQO6YplOOhYbRxBrcW9ZnCMyzd8X0gChQGePIL_PGF_CIhKF_vp4/s1600-h/iStock_000003651112Large.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14WUKPnzmcQeZoLOdjjHbw91ksvcK6SGZuLatzEtyqHPQTi5qjBJNJHt-4vHJyROuYmoSGFfD2L1phlX_sJGTw0zvQO6YplOOhYbRxBrcW9ZnCMyzd8X0gChQGePIL_PGF_CIhKF_vp4/s200/iStock_000003651112Large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451628353028521458" border="0" /></a>Catalyst Defies Statistics!<br /><br />The statistics are against churchgoing young adults in America. These "twenty-somethings" who are seeking to build community with each other and the church at large are having a difficult time.<br /><br />Churches are struggling to provide ministries that meet the felt and real needs of these men and women; as a result, many of them have built their own communities outside of the church. The church must make an effort to reclaim this generation with and for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This means providing opportunities to build real community for believers in the church, believers who have left the church to seek their own community, and those who are unsaved and need Christ.<br /><br />At Village Seven, Catalyst was launched to provide a place for twenty-somethings to gather and fellowship, study God's word, and build real community together. As the staff member who oversees this growing community, I have been impressed with the dedication and passion of this group. The first study had 18 attending, and the numbers have stayed consistent in the last two months. I am excited to see how God will continue to draw His people together. Please pray for this young community and feel free to encourage twenty-singles you may know that are unconnected to give Catalyst a try.<br /><br />Catalyst is currently studying Philippians. My prayer for this group echoes the Apostle Paul's in 1:6: "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251710427270157658.post-56562697194488121402009-11-07T08:14:00.004-07:002009-11-07T08:33:06.401-07:00Hedgehog's Dilemma Contextualized:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkmZFD35ZGpXSwlLyr9v4ERoy-L6IZ9W-1rXafTMA1SMwk-b0tZVm6ecIkyaqRj6K9oGZvv1t1p5IrPv5PlPxPBLZABCfxZvyRZNpj3ubSMAba_ZLZFkPQaJ5yQwg9fEJ4XCu_i51GCQ/s1600-h/Nerv.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkmZFD35ZGpXSwlLyr9v4ERoy-L6IZ9W-1rXafTMA1SMwk-b0tZVm6ecIkyaqRj6K9oGZvv1t1p5IrPv5PlPxPBLZABCfxZvyRZNpj3ubSMAba_ZLZFkPQaJ5yQwg9fEJ4XCu_i51GCQ/s320/Nerv.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401380509999520786" border="0" /></a>The picture for this post is taken from <span style="font-style: italic;">Neon Genesis Evangelion</span>, a Japanese show about a young boy struggling with the hedgehog's dilemma (see below for details on this phenomenon). Shinji Ikari, a young teen, is the perfect candidate for psycho-analysis. He lost his mom at an early age, his father blames and despises him, and no one gives him the affirmation he desires. As a result, he fears getting too close to people to avoid being further injured and out of fear of injuring himself.<br /><br />Without giving too much away, the series ends with Shinji acheiving self-actualization. The final two episodes of the series leave the action element of the show unresolved, while instead focusing on Shinji's consciousness. In a moment of triumph, he realizes that he is "loved," and his personal understanding of who he is sets him free.<br /><br />Shinji's experience is nothing new. In fact, one needs only to flip through the channels, pop in a movie, read a few blogs, or read a book to see Shinji's struggle everywhere. People are hurting in a broken and painful world. You will also see the solution Shinji discovered all around you: Self-actualization. By realizing the full potential of you, accepting yourself and lacking prejudice, you can break-free of the problems plaguing you.<br /><br />Regardless of your personal take on self-actualization (or defenition, as they vary), a Christian must look at culture's response to the hedgehog's dilemma and find it lacking. The ultimate answer is for man to save himself through himself. One blogger wrote "If you think (decide) you are unhappy, you’ll always be right. If you think (decide) you are happy, you’ll always be right." This is a hopeless task.<br /><br />Ecclesiastes teaches this clearly. Man saving man is vanity, meaningless, chasing after the wind. Self-esteem is impossible to satisfy. Instead, Christians must find their joy and hope in Christ-esteem. Unless we are filled by the grace and peace of Jesus Christ, how can any of our problems truly be solved? Apart from the love and patience of a Father who will never abandon, a marriage that will never be broken, and a house that will always be filled with joy, how can man find satisfaction?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251710427270157658.post-46405954764170300362009-10-27T09:49:00.005-06:002009-10-27T10:19:30.656-06:00Hedgehog's Dilemma Explained:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyToIidg929WYQ7Bq1M62UQgNVAZ1daZGBwjqdWFi7Ctvg3Tm7Akmzrw9mdWUC1z9K2Wzc8TS3d5SKhJgbs87ZsAjJ7pE2XBABwu_C031hs36cWoKu2_Dxx-7X2gvyZEbuoKICmh_48I/s1600-h/I_m_not_prickley_on_the_inside%E2%80%A64xhDetail.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyToIidg929WYQ7Bq1M62UQgNVAZ1daZGBwjqdWFi7Ctvg3Tm7Akmzrw9mdWUC1z9K2Wzc8TS3d5SKhJgbs87ZsAjJ7pE2XBABwu_C031hs36cWoKu2_Dxx-7X2gvyZEbuoKICmh_48I/s320/I_m_not_prickley_on_the_inside%E2%80%A64xhDetail.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397307510712049026" border="0" /></a>The hedgehog's dilemma, also called the porcupine's dilemma, has been used by psychologists to describe intimacy problems in humans. To put it simply, because we are like hedgehogs, with prickly spines, intimacy can only lead to pain. The closer we get, the more we poke each other. As a result, as much as you are I might crave a close reciprocal relationship, we must keep our distance to avoid pain.<br /><br />While it can often take extreme cases like physical abuse for the dilemma to manifest itself in an obvious way, each of us have a tendency to avoid relationships because of the potential pain. If I invest in the lives of those around me, I will get hurt. This is the reality of the broken world in which we live. Even a spouse, best friend, or family member can cause us pain, whether it is intentional or not.<br /><br />As Christians, we are called to pursue relationships whether they hurt or not. We are called to make disciples of all nations, to love our neighbor, and to serve the "least" of those among us. The hedgehog's dilemma can be very real and painful for some people, but it is no excuse for us. We recognize that God restores relationships and brings healing. We know the joy of the Lord is our strength. Therefore we should boldly develop relationships with friends, family and even strangers, speaking the truth in love.<br /><br />I realize this is easier said than done, but one of the first steps must be identifying our "dilemmas" and crushing them with the truth of God's word so He can enable us to truly love our neighbors.<br /><br />What is your dilemma?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251710427270157658.post-81116462299706950602009-10-19T18:38:00.004-06:002009-10-19T18:42:16.834-06:00"Live Strong or Die Well?"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04qDdQtu0bM7ThpyvZjdYmheKKFZelA9-Ewj7k-1KoXqY6cm1XzIoXYsx6ZnbjFZFxs9r6W7ems7hKB5-OioWgUEXq_1DQrG5dXQGiHvAu6gTharv3aeE7m-k7SrzC2Tp4UHftehBDV4/s1600-h/Random+078.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04qDdQtu0bM7ThpyvZjdYmheKKFZelA9-Ewj7k-1KoXqY6cm1XzIoXYsx6ZnbjFZFxs9r6W7ems7hKB5-OioWgUEXq_1DQrG5dXQGiHvAu6gTharv3aeE7m-k7SrzC2Tp4UHftehBDV4/s320/Random+078.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394475280647256258" border="0" /></a>I was asked to write an article for the student paper at Colorado Springs Christian High School last year. Over the course of that school year, three of our students (Freshmen and Sophmores) lost a parent to cancer. The bracelets, pictured above, were made by me and the Bible study I lead to remember to pray for these families. Below is the article I wrote:
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New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt; line-height:115%;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">In 2004, the Lance Armstrong Foundation paired with Nike to produce the well-known “live strong” wristband. The band, symbolizing the fight against cancer, was instantly popular and inspired so many people there were bidding wars on EBay due to shortages. Even today, over four years later, these yellow wristbands are still found everywhere.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>As I was thinking about these wristbands, I was struck by a strange thought. “What message are these wristbands sending?” Or, in other words, what worldview is represented by these two simple words? The answer is not difficult to find. The battle against cancer is, indeed, a fight. It is about clinging to life with every breath; instead of giving in, those struggling against impossible odds are to live life for all it’s worth before it is too late in hopes of attaining the greatest meaning possible.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>In the meantime, money will be raised and research will be done to help prolong the lives of those with cancer. The goal is that one day cancer will be defeated and living strong will be even easier. As a result, human life will be extended and mankind will have conquered one more enemy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>While the battle against cancer is a worthy one and the idea of living strong is certainly not wrong, I have been wondering how the Christian worldview should fit with the idea of living strong. We are certainly called to run the race well, fight the good fight, and live passionate lives loving God and our neighbors while we are here on this earth. But there is something that should set us apart and give us a different perspective than others.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>We have hope that cannot be understood apart from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. While we are to live strong and use the opportunities God has given us, we are also to die well. We should be like the Apostle Paul, torn between living for Christ and yet yearning to be with Him (Phil 1:21-23). For us, death holds no sting (1 Cor. 15:55) but instead is our gain.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>This is something most of us have been told over and over, but have never really stopped to meditate on. We have great promises from the one who cannot lie that this life, full of evil, sickness, sin and death, is not the end. Instead we look forward to eternity without pain, sorrow and suffering. This means that we should not only live strong but also be sure of what we believe.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Are we just playing make-believe or do we truly trust that God is good and true to His Word? Whether cancer is defeated or not, do you intend to die well, putting you hope in the one who saves? I do not know what this year will bring for each one of the students and faculty at CSCS, but I know that God is faithful and I pray each of you will rest in Him.</p> (Thanks MacKenzie)
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251710427270157658.post-68558048033651567222009-10-18T17:55:00.009-06:002009-10-20T10:06:26.534-06:00Wild Rumpus Gone Wrong: How Self-Acutalization Infiltrated "Where the Wild Things Are"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrT_mIOJJtpEFBgtH1L0Slq6Za8TEh6v12jaZSG1t2anCF79IEndGt2ivKwDZSv9D_Xjg5rRduIFU8gZ4uGC6PBDlBYTCYgFTs9_PCm_nFaaW9NBd_chDuIAI4D8uoiJFVs9n4hjxTJXE/s1600-h/maurice-sendak-where-the-wild-things-are_5ca30.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrT_mIOJJtpEFBgtH1L0Slq6Za8TEh6v12jaZSG1t2anCF79IEndGt2ivKwDZSv9D_Xjg5rRduIFU8gZ4uGC6PBDlBYTCYgFTs9_PCm_nFaaW9NBd_chDuIAI4D8uoiJFVs9n4hjxTJXE/s320/maurice-sendak-where-the-wild-things-are_5ca30.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394093379092560178" border="0" /></a>"It's a movie about divorce angst!" one of my good friends commented as we left the theater last night. "Existential divorce angst!" her husband added. And they were right.<br /><br />When the previews finally ended and the movie began, I was extremely excited. My childhood nostalgia would be realized in spectacular Hollywood fashion; the reviews I had read had me pumped up. Unfortunately, they set me up for failure. While maintaining a likeness of the book, the spirit of a fun wild rumpus after an early-to-bed from mom lasted for less than thirty minutes in the film.<br /><br />Instead, we were treated to a complex movie about the fragmented human psyche and the fragile, angst-ridden nature of a nine-year-old boy. I felt bad for the parents who brought young children to this PG affair: there were dark, scary moments that bordered on verbal and physical abuse, several swear words, and no real resolution. Ultimately, while Max comes to self-realization that his explosive (wild) emotions are problematic for his family, we never see him apologize or admit wrongdoing.<br /><br />Nor do we see his imaginary monster-friends admit their faults. In the end, all that we feel good about is that Max did not end up dead in a gutter. The director, Spike Jonze, said he wanted a movie about an average nine-year-old. He was also told to make the story his own, personal and dangerous. By doing the latter, he neglected the former, making a movie undergraduate psychology students will have a field day with while nine-year-olds struggle to understand what is going on.<br /><br />Disappointed, two-thumbs-down.<br /><br />**Update: This is a quote from Brandon Fibbs, who reviewed the movie on his blog: "This is not a film for children. It’s not that the material is objectionable (it’s not) but the manner in which it unpacks its themes leads to a convoluted density and languid pace that will challenge many adult viewers, let alone kids. The film, which takes the classic book in some uncomfortable, melancholy new directions, fashions an emotional texture beguiling to most adults but likely bewildering to children."**<br /><br />**Also note <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);" href="http://www.worldmag.com/articles/16007">World Magazine's Review</a>, which is similar to my own. Also note I posted first (just kidding)**<br /><br />**Update: More <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);" href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/10/19/parents.wild.things.are/index.html">evidence from CNN</a>**Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251710427270157658.post-21430505900633272262009-10-14T09:41:00.003-06:002009-10-14T09:51:09.143-06:00Seminary Scholarship:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcep5TvD_l3lW8B2eLU2X3DfE6Mj8NgeI7SW5HcdORZlTX5dPR6XtviSsKWlTWdo4yOpsFGsIjOUeCHEf2i9JjquNT6tiVNv7fJNPv-_YYYG_omVr6weV-NlNogypomdMLgaISeoXTNQE/s1600-h/Study+Bible.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcep5TvD_l3lW8B2eLU2X3DfE6Mj8NgeI7SW5HcdORZlTX5dPR6XtviSsKWlTWdo4yOpsFGsIjOUeCHEf2i9JjquNT6tiVNv7fJNPv-_YYYG_omVr6weV-NlNogypomdMLgaISeoXTNQE/s320/Study+Bible.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392483379318052866" border="0" /></a><br />For those of you who didn't know, I am now finishing my fourth year at New Geneva Theological seminary. After this, I'll have 1.5 years to go. Language is almost finished, systematics winding down, and I still feel like I know too little. New Geneva has been a great school for me; God has clearly orchestrated everything from the order of classes I have taken to the people I sit with each semester. He has provided for me time and again and I am so grateful.<br /><br />As I "race" towards the end of my studies, I try to find helps to get me through this with less damage to the finances. Recently, I applied for a <a href="http://www.seminaryscholarship.com/">seminary scholarship</a>, where I may win some money to help me along. As I reflect on the end of seminary, which seems too far away and yet very near, I am most thankful for an incredible wife who has supported and loved me through each and every moment of study, test prep, complaining, and joy I have experienced. Thanks Nicole!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251710427270157658.post-77077599689988875872008-08-25T21:20:00.006-06:002008-08-27T20:49:23.652-06:00Blogs, Notes, and Forums...the dumbing down of an already stupid generation?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFJbAkHpdWN0OOhsQdF39TrvEi_pNEYRivFDT0zztcgAcXTLkQS3gg5rV1073NZm4MyzNS-JhJuAqehutY30DuCoUwH8l0v5g3BtKZYkODnsCOVKeC3vstlFRxdzxQfelLL9NSCbhnr8/s1600-h/Stranded+Boat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFJbAkHpdWN0OOhsQdF39TrvEi_pNEYRivFDT0zztcgAcXTLkQS3gg5rV1073NZm4MyzNS-JhJuAqehutY30DuCoUwH8l0v5g3BtKZYkODnsCOVKeC3vstlFRxdzxQfelLL9NSCbhnr8/s320/Stranded+Boat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238665712410522498" border="0" /></a><br />Sometimes I wonder whether it is wise or not to read some of the posts my former students have left in various places. Whether on Facebook notes, personal blogs, or forums, the younger generations are flocking to sites where people will listen to what they have to say. In fact, I am doing the same thing as I type! And yet, does this personal expression actually do anything productive or useful for them, those they debate or discuss with and culture in general? From what I have seen and read thus far, my answer would have to be "NO."<br /><br />Let me start by saying I do not believe these medias are bad at all. In fact, I believe these "journal-like" avenues of communication allow people to better express themselves and communicate with each other. What I am conflicted over, however, is the content of these communications.<br /><br />I am a presuppositionalist when it comes to logic. I enjoy evidential reasoning from time to time, but if you can cut to the chase and deal with the root of the issue philosophically, it saves a lot of time and energy. The main problem is, that many people do not know what they believe or why they believe it so they end up with a hodge-podge of mixed presuppositions that contradict each other. Unfortunately, these folks rant and rave about a great many things without ever stopping to smell the roots of their worldview. As a result, they just sound stupid.<br /><br />Case in point: I was perusing some notes on Facebook written by former Christian school graduates who are now in college and think they understand debate and philosophy. One of them posted about their problem with a God who judges people unfairly, condemns them to hell unrighteously, and then points to open-mindedness as a potential solution. Shortly after this post, along comes our Christian evidentialist, who does the old 1...2...3...4 throw Bible verses and argue point-by-point over the sub-issues instead of getting to the heart of the matter. From then on, for about 5 days, canned arguments, dated back to high school days, with a bonus helping of <span style="font-style: italic;">ad hominem </span>and a dose of Wikipedia links.<br /><br />My stomach sank as a read on and I left not feeling as though I had read a good paper between two intelligent men, but rather a laughable attempt at playing grown-up by six or seven fools who all think they are right. The saddest bit to me is that several of the posters were fence-sitters, who randomly threw in Amens! when they were not even sure where they stood.<br /><br />If I was in a less critical mood at the moment, I might have some constructive plan to help such people. Unfortunately, I just feel irritated and depressed, which is sad because I would rather be laughing at the antics of Miss Teen Usa South Carolina-esque people. Instead, I am saddened because I know them personally and I fear for where their logic leads!<br /><br />Wait...strike that...I suppose I have already suggested an answer. These young men and women simply need to learn to deal with the issues that govern their logic then they might get somewhere. The only other problem is getting people to see this...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">**If you have some time to peruse a blog a friend sent me on this similar wavelength, feel free to check this out: <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200807/google">http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200807/google</a> **<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251710427270157658.post-43373881927372322382008-07-30T12:35:00.010-06:002008-08-10T17:20:39.977-06:00"Another John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt?"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmsUVyK7oZbEnNfmKdnUeldydCacJiIDoG4hoRWMXsfxS0bDQgVkt1pRY5nJqbxbOzEeTLHkZPMWE94wGbonJfz-YRwLeZ-ecHOfG_7yroJL4vSCtJV8RPhsoYH42qR_QtOY-iSMtsY8/s1600-h/Name.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmsUVyK7oZbEnNfmKdnUeldydCacJiIDoG4hoRWMXsfxS0bDQgVkt1pRY5nJqbxbOzEeTLHkZPMWE94wGbonJfz-YRwLeZ-ecHOfG_7yroJL4vSCtJV8RPhsoYH42qR_QtOY-iSMtsY8/s320/Name.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228879780928040850" border="0" /></a>In <span style="font-style: italic;">Romeo and Juliet</span>, we see Juliet tell her lover that a name is, by itself, a meaningless thing. A rose would still be a rose and smell like a rose even if it had a different name. While it is true that the essence of a thing is not defined solely by its name, I would argue a name often carries part of the identity of a particular thing.<br /><br />In fact, names are so important they have been central to epic tales throughout history. In<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>both of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Neverending Story</span> movies, correctly naming a specific person or thing meant life or death for the entire world. Bastion, the boy who reads the story and is inevitably sucked in, must come to grips with what something is in its essence and then attach the proper name.<br /><br />Madeleine L'Engle, in <span style="font-style: italic;">A Wind in the Door</span>, makes an interesting connection between love and being. As the story progresses, Meg encounters three men claiming to be the school's principal. It is up to her to name the correct one "Mr. Jenkins" or tragedy will strike. As she struggles to decipher which of the three is the real Mr. Jenkins, she learns that in order to really name someone, you must first love them. Meg, therefore, has to put herself in Mr. Jenkins' shoes and empathize with him to correctly identify which one he is.<br /><br />Later in the story, it is revealed the Echthroi are unnamers, and are trying to destroy the world by "Xing" beings. Essentially, these creatures cause you to lose your essence, your very being. As a result, you are forgotten not only cerebrally, but are removed from existence as if you had never been there in the first place.<br /><br />While I would hesitate to say that names = being, I do believe names are an essential part of understanding who we are. I have heard the argument that names are just the label we wear. If you peel off the label and put a new one on, what is on the inside has not changed. I disagree with this. Our name is tied to who we are...if I pull the label off a bottle of water, residue is still left behind. People may not be able to identify what the original label said, but that does not change the fact the water bottle has been impacted by the residue left from the label.<br /><br />Many people love <span style="font-style: italic;">The Princess Bride</span>. It is famous for the clever writing and it is often quoted today in pop culture. Perhaps the most famous quote throughout the movie comes from the beloved Spaniard, Inigo Montoya: "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!"<br /><br />It is necessary at the end of the movie, when he finally takes his vengeance, that he includes his name. It is part of who he is, where he came from, and why he is in the belly of an enemy castle fighting a man with six fingers to the death. Things would not be the same if he triumphantly declared, "Hello. My name is unimportant and irrelevant to who I am. But you did kill my father, so prepare to die!"<br /><br />Scripture teaches us just how important names are. Every name has meaning in the Bible. While a person's name is not always tied to who they become, we often see this being the case. Ehud, Gideon, and <b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"></span></b>Cushan-Rishathaim are just a few examples from the Book of Judges; look up the names and see how the meaning ties to their lives.<br /><br />The best example of this, however, is found in Exodus when God reveals to Moses who He is. He uses the expression, "I AM," to describe Himself. Here, God's name is integrally tied to who He is. By using "I AM," or Yahweh, God is saying He is the Alpha and Omega. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the one true God, infinite, omnipotent and omnipresent. There is no other like Him. All of these descriptions and more are tied to just those two little words.<br /><br />I believe the modern American mindset has lost some of the value when it comes to understanding the power of names. And yet, even the one who changes their name wants to have the perfect name. The one who goes by a childhood nickname is endeared by it. The one who plays role-playing games will spend time thinking of the perfect name for their barbarian wizard. Companies and even churches will spend hundreds or thousands of dollars finding the name providing them with the ideal image.<br /><br />My hope is that we would all have a strong sense of who we are. The fight for truth is an ongoing struggle in this world. Many would have us believe that identity is what you make it. That truth is what you define it to be. This goes against the very foundation of what Scripture teaches. Words have meaning; names have significance. This means that we have significance. God planned that I am me and that you are you. What makes us unique (some would say I am special, not unique) is that we are different in our being, and our names are a part of this identity.<br /><br />There may be another John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt in the world. People may always shout when both of them go out. But in private or one on one conversations, the two Johns are different people and who they are <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> inexorably tied to the names they go by.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251710427270157658.post-37159696983889759202008-07-24T09:22:00.000-06:002008-07-29T11:20:35.348-06:00"I am a C...I am a CH...I am NOT a CHRISTIAN!"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfUXKx6OmlMDDi7babKiuZ4oL15EavvTDfBViN6ycLBJ5YLkfzB3ycWiwl1uN8M5m3IrUm7GjABx_Ey-sDv8V_MaM1deoNA6p-76FzIIDcKlyl8-kRL2BnASw1ET3b5EH73BlwLG2mRc/s1600-h/tombstone_celtic_cross1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfUXKx6OmlMDDi7babKiuZ4oL15EavvTDfBViN6ycLBJ5YLkfzB3ycWiwl1uN8M5m3IrUm7GjABx_Ey-sDv8V_MaM1deoNA6p-76FzIIDcKlyl8-kRL2BnASw1ET3b5EH73BlwLG2mRc/s320/tombstone_celtic_cross1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226602482295855058" border="0" /></a><br />Christ-follower. Jesus is my homeboy. I don't believe in religion but in relationship. I have faith, not religion. Follower of YHWH. I don't know. Some sort of Theist.<br /><br />These are just a few of the labels I have seen self-proclaimed Christians give themselves (yes, even "I don't know). There is such a stigma towards the word "Christian" these days that many are unwilling to associate themselves with the title. There are a few reasons this has become the norm.<br /><br />Due to the negative press Christians often give themselves, some who want to save face, represent God well, or avoid being stereotyped will label themselves as Christians without using the specific term. Because the world tends to see believers as hypocritical, right-wing fanatics, NRA spokesmen, narcissists, who push their system of unprovable faith on others. As one of my dear friends has mockingly sung, "It's all about me, Jesus" instead of "It's all about you, Jesus."<br /><br />The emergent church movement has really capitalized on the tactic of changing labels. If we can better reach people and avoid looking like the stereotype, then call yourself whatever you need to in order to get the message across. In their view, if I say I am a fallen truth seeker radically changed by the one who saves instead of "I am a Christian," I will have a more profound impact on those around me.<br /><br />Those who hold to a more postmodern paradigm also tend to avoid being labeled as a Christian. Because Christianity stands for moral absolutes, believing in the divinely inspired and inerrant Word of God, and clinging to miracles and prophecies, those who hold to a liberal and/or historically critical approach sometimes use other labels to avoid being thrown in with the mix. The main problem this group has is that they are really operating from a different worldview, often believing things or not believing things that destroy the integrity of Christian doctrine. Without the inspired Word of God, the entire religion would be absolutely pointless. Instead of dealing with these contradictions, however, many just stick a different label on themselves and make due with patchwork religion.<br /><br />Others have a big problem with organized religion. Either through study, where they have seen organized religion cause major problems (Crusades, Witch-trials, etc.) or negative personal experience in a church, Christian school or at home, some have decided to retain what they see as the heart of Christianity without being associated with the organization of the system. I have seen many who, if you pressed them, would sound like Christians with their beliefs, but label themselves as seekers of love or truth. Less radical people will just drop the organization all together, but sill refer to themselves as Christ-followers, etc. because they have relationship but do not want a religion.<br /><br />Still others are not really Christians at all but for some reason they still identify with Christianity enough to keep a spiritual label of some sort. I see this a lot with applications like Facebook and MySpace. The walk and the talk in no way matches their "follower of Christ" or other labels, but they cannot fully let go of the Christian faith. To be fair, I am sure there are many who would fit this description who truly are believers, but their lives are not in accordance with their beliefs. And, as harsh as it may sound, some will label themselves differently so they can feel more free to live the way they want. A Christian should not be a drunkard, but if I am simply a lover of Jesus, he'll take me no matter what flaws I have.<br /><br />I believe there is another group who has not really thought about this topic at all, and many of the Christians in this category just like to be called anything that shows they are a Christian. To these, Christ-follower, seeker of the Truth, Christian, and lover of Jesus are the same thing. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, of course, but in a world where words convey meaning, people have to be careful about what they say. Telling a random person on the street you are a Christian will almost certainly carry different stigmas than claiming to be a seeker of Truth or saying Jesus is your homeboy.<br /><br />The bottom line is that while there are a variety of different terms and phrases one can use to be associated with the Christian faith, one should be careful when deciding what to use. The word Christian, for example, is not a bad word. It may carry negativity for some, but it carries hope for others. The etymology of Christian is not Christ-follower, as many believe, but literally means "anointed one" or "Messiah." In Acts 11:26; 26:28 and I Peter 4:16, the word does describe disciples of Jesus Christ, but when you call yourself a Christian you are really saying Christ is the Messiah. Christ is the way, the truth, the life. I am a follower of the one who was prophesied and promised in Genesis 3:15.<br /><br />It is not bad to use some of the other labels for Christianity out there, but if a Christian wants a label that says it all, that relays truth, depth, relationship and hope, then he or she should proudly bear the name of Christian and be willing to tell others about what it means. It is an amazing thing that the word Christian is, in itself, a Gospel presentation. If you can explain what it really means to those around you, then you are really telling the story of Christ and what he did.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2