There is a jubileeTambourines; colors flying
Singing, shouting, dancing.
I have never seen such joyful faces.
They have come to dance undignified.
Swinging, jumping, laughing.
And no one, young or old, tires.
Water springs in beat with music.
All the colors bleed into one.
My feet have begun the Dance.
I look down and watch them,
Skipping along the golden path.
And then you whisper to me,
Yes, my child, you may dance barefoot.
30 September 2006
bare feet
Seems to be a theme but this has nothing to do with my last post. Just a poem I thought I'd share.
28 September 2006
Don't Take Your Socks Off Yet
Some debates unfolded last night in Bible study that I felt were unsatisfactorily explored, due to limitations on time and knowledge. Not claiming to have all knowledge here, just wanted to flesh this out further and hopefully get some more input.
Why do we focus on some significant acts and not others?
The act in question here appears in John 13. Jesus is preparing to eat His last Passover meal with the Disciples. As customary when entering a house, guests' feet required washing. This was typically done by slaves. As the Disciples enter, Jesus makes preparations as if He is going to conduct the feet-washing. Peter, ever bold and impetuous, questions the Lord, "Are you going to wash my feet?" (vs. 6)
You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand. (vs. 7)
He goes on:
A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. (vs. 10)
He washes their feet, returns and says:
Do you understand why I have done for you? You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (vs. 12-15)
So, why do we not wash one another's feet, just as we partake in the Lord's Supper?
I started looking into this by first asking, Did the early Church practice foot-washing? And, if so, why was it abandoned? Why is it not considered a sacrament as well?
Though I did not find an authoritative source, I found enough cross-references to believe that yes, it was practiced by the early Church, though how much so is unclear. And, that the common list of seven sacraments was not established until the thirteenth century. There are still some denominations that practice foot-washing today, primarily on Maundy Thursday.
My best guess for why foot-washing is not a sacrament is derived from the Reformed view that the two common sacraments, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, are both tied to Old Testament rites connected with the Covenant. Reasonable explanation.
All sacraments are seen as holy signs instituted by G-d; Christians have disagreed over the nature of these signs. Some argue they are mere memorials. Others that they are visible signs of invisible grace.
I understand the exclusion of foot-washing based on lack of evidence it is connected with any Covenant rites. My counterargument is based on vs. 10: A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean.
Calvin comments:
"G-d's children are not totally regenerated on the first day so that they only live a heavenly life. On the contrary, the remnants of the flesh remain in them, and they have a constant struggle all through their lives. For if the Spirit occupied every part of us, we should no longer have anything to do with the pollutions of the world. But as it is, in the part in which we are carnal we crawl on the ground, or at least our feet stick in the mire and we are to that extent unclean. Therefore Christ always finds something in us to cleanse."
I agree. Calvin takes this as a metaphorical cleansing. I'm not convinced either way. Any thoughts from the peanut gallery?
Why do we focus on some significant acts and not others?
The act in question here appears in John 13. Jesus is preparing to eat His last Passover meal with the Disciples. As customary when entering a house, guests' feet required washing. This was typically done by slaves. As the Disciples enter, Jesus makes preparations as if He is going to conduct the feet-washing. Peter, ever bold and impetuous, questions the Lord, "Are you going to wash my feet?" (vs. 6)
You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand. (vs. 7)
He goes on:
A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. (vs. 10)
He washes their feet, returns and says:
Do you understand why I have done for you? You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (vs. 12-15)
So, why do we not wash one another's feet, just as we partake in the Lord's Supper?
I started looking into this by first asking, Did the early Church practice foot-washing? And, if so, why was it abandoned? Why is it not considered a sacrament as well?
Though I did not find an authoritative source, I found enough cross-references to believe that yes, it was practiced by the early Church, though how much so is unclear. And, that the common list of seven sacraments was not established until the thirteenth century. There are still some denominations that practice foot-washing today, primarily on Maundy Thursday.
My best guess for why foot-washing is not a sacrament is derived from the Reformed view that the two common sacraments, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, are both tied to Old Testament rites connected with the Covenant. Reasonable explanation.
All sacraments are seen as holy signs instituted by G-d; Christians have disagreed over the nature of these signs. Some argue they are mere memorials. Others that they are visible signs of invisible grace.
I understand the exclusion of foot-washing based on lack of evidence it is connected with any Covenant rites. My counterargument is based on vs. 10: A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean.
Calvin comments:
"G-d's children are not totally regenerated on the first day so that they only live a heavenly life. On the contrary, the remnants of the flesh remain in them, and they have a constant struggle all through their lives. For if the Spirit occupied every part of us, we should no longer have anything to do with the pollutions of the world. But as it is, in the part in which we are carnal we crawl on the ground, or at least our feet stick in the mire and we are to that extent unclean. Therefore Christ always finds something in us to cleanse."
I agree. Calvin takes this as a metaphorical cleansing. I'm not convinced either way. Any thoughts from the peanut gallery?
Merged like two competing paths,
Vying for dirt and grass.
With you I fold into the darkness
of a thousand shimmering stars.
24 September 2006
And now, for the rest of the story
It's comical how quickly I forget Biblical stories. Parables, at least, have a 'moral-of-the-story' thread through them. But remember those Sunday School stories with the felt cut-outs and story board?
Tangent: As a child, I hated apples because I was convinced, from Adam and Eve of course, that apples were evil and could not understand why everyone still ate them.
Just for fun I reread the story of Jonah a few weeks ago. Jonah disobeys G-d's command for him to go to Nineveh. Got that. Runs and hides. Ends up on ship in storm. Ok, kind of remember the storm. Into belly of whale. Yep, definitely remember that part. Repents, praises G-d, and boom- out of whale. Jonah obeys G-d and goes to Nineveh. End of story.
And now, for the rest of the story, forgotten by Sunday School teachers and kids everywhere.
Jonah arrives in Nineveh and proclaims its' imminent doom. Nineveh temporarily repents and G-d temporarily shows compassion. I find this intriguing on two levels. The Lord's punishment seems ethically conditioned, though the prophecy given through Jonah is absolute: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned."
However, He knew Nineveh would not maintain their faith, and when the city did return to wickedness, it was completely destroyed. So, why bother? Is this just to display His temporary compassion? He later tells Jonah: "Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left. Should I not be concerned about that great city?" His compassion for people He has already chosen to destroy is profound. (See this, too.)
It is in Jonah's response to G-d that I find the most enduring element of the story. Jonah is 'greatly displeased' and becomes angry with the Lord's compassion on Nineveh. In Jonah's mind, Nineveh was a deplorable city, sinful and perhaps unworthy of any saving intervention. G-d's actions did not appeal to Jonah's sense of justice. Even though he admittedly recognizes the compassion of G-d's character (4:2), he's disgusted that justice has not been served, and would rather die than see Nineveh redeemed.
My first reaction to Jonah: What a moron! Didn't you just get swallowed by a whale? Why on earth are you questioning G-d? Stubborn mule.
My second reaction to Jonah: Hum. I'm about that stubborn, too.
My third reaction to Jonah: Well, he seems to be a pretty normal bloke. He wants to obey G-d. He even tells G-d when he's mad at Him. Might be a little foolish to ask to die, but at least he is seeking G-d. And, G-d still uses him.
Jonah easily could end in Sunday School. But, when we see the rest of the story, we are reminded that for reasons I do not fully understand, He uses stubborn, regular, and even sinful people to display His glory and achieve His purposes. His saving Grace continuing to sanctify, making all the more evident His complete justification and redemption of those chosen to be called sons and daughters of G-d.
Tangent: As a child, I hated apples because I was convinced, from Adam and Eve of course, that apples were evil and could not understand why everyone still ate them.
Just for fun I reread the story of Jonah a few weeks ago. Jonah disobeys G-d's command for him to go to Nineveh. Got that. Runs and hides. Ends up on ship in storm. Ok, kind of remember the storm. Into belly of whale. Yep, definitely remember that part. Repents, praises G-d, and boom- out of whale. Jonah obeys G-d and goes to Nineveh. End of story.
And now, for the rest of the story, forgotten by Sunday School teachers and kids everywhere.
Jonah arrives in Nineveh and proclaims its' imminent doom. Nineveh temporarily repents and G-d temporarily shows compassion. I find this intriguing on two levels. The Lord's punishment seems ethically conditioned, though the prophecy given through Jonah is absolute: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned."
However, He knew Nineveh would not maintain their faith, and when the city did return to wickedness, it was completely destroyed. So, why bother? Is this just to display His temporary compassion? He later tells Jonah: "Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left. Should I not be concerned about that great city?" His compassion for people He has already chosen to destroy is profound. (See this, too.)
It is in Jonah's response to G-d that I find the most enduring element of the story. Jonah is 'greatly displeased' and becomes angry with the Lord's compassion on Nineveh. In Jonah's mind, Nineveh was a deplorable city, sinful and perhaps unworthy of any saving intervention. G-d's actions did not appeal to Jonah's sense of justice. Even though he admittedly recognizes the compassion of G-d's character (4:2), he's disgusted that justice has not been served, and would rather die than see Nineveh redeemed.
My first reaction to Jonah: What a moron! Didn't you just get swallowed by a whale? Why on earth are you questioning G-d? Stubborn mule.
My second reaction to Jonah: Hum. I'm about that stubborn, too.
My third reaction to Jonah: Well, he seems to be a pretty normal bloke. He wants to obey G-d. He even tells G-d when he's mad at Him. Might be a little foolish to ask to die, but at least he is seeking G-d. And, G-d still uses him.
Jonah easily could end in Sunday School. But, when we see the rest of the story, we are reminded that for reasons I do not fully understand, He uses stubborn, regular, and even sinful people to display His glory and achieve His purposes. His saving Grace continuing to sanctify, making all the more evident His complete justification and redemption of those chosen to be called sons and daughters of G-d.
22 September 2006
Splurging
Yes, I splurged. This is a rare occurrence for me. I bought a pair of corduroys not on sale. Shock! Ok, I actually have to take that back. There was a special on corduroys, $10 off, or something like that. But still, they were not on the sale rack.
And, I purchased two new cd's. KT Tunstall's Eye to the Telescope and Madeleine Peyroux's Half the Perfect World. Both are excellent.
I got fingerprinted for the second time today. (For work)
Apparently I smudged the first set.
Also got my second rejection from the Agency. I'm on a roll.
Oh yeah, ABC is in Spanish again. But only for the shows, not for the commercials. I did understand more of Grey's Anatomy than I thought I would.
Best news this week: Edinburgh verbally accepted my application. Waiting for an official letter once I get the application packet in the mail. Of course, this all depends on scholarship funding, which ultimately all depends on Him.
And, I purchased two new cd's. KT Tunstall's Eye to the Telescope and Madeleine Peyroux's Half the Perfect World. Both are excellent.
I got fingerprinted for the second time today. (For work)
Apparently I smudged the first set.
Also got my second rejection from the Agency. I'm on a roll.
Oh yeah, ABC is in Spanish again. But only for the shows, not for the commercials. I did understand more of Grey's Anatomy than I thought I would.
Best news this week: Edinburgh verbally accepted my application. Waiting for an official letter once I get the application packet in the mail. Of course, this all depends on scholarship funding, which ultimately all depends on Him.
21 September 2006
But, is he right?
I've been following the uproar over the Pope's quotation of Manuel II on Islam; "Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached."
I am in no way defending the infallibility of the Pope, however, I find it interesting that his words have caused such offence in the West, and am particularly curious to see the reaction of the Church. As a scholar of Islam, and someone who hopes to someday have tenure at a respectable academic institution, it's difficult for me to talk openly about my opinions of Islam. However, after expressing them in private to a few close friends, and after reading this on The Reformed Evangelist, I'm taking the risk of ruining my academic career.
A good friend accused me of having a pure disgust for Islam. I made very clear to her that my distaste was with the religion itself, not those who practice it in good faith. I also laid out two key reasons for my opinion. First, from a theological standpoint, Allah in the Qur'an is damagingly inconsistent in character. Second, the circular reasoning that provides a safety net against textual criticism of the Qur'an conveniently allows all loop-holes and contradictions to become off-limits for discussion. That's an unacceptable cop-out academically, rationally and theologically.
And so, I have to agree with Catholic theologian and papal biographer George Weigel, who believes that the Pope knew exactly what he was doing when he quoted the 14th century Byzantine emperor. Essentially, Pope Benedict XVI raised the question: "Does Islam have the capacity to be self-critical?" What does this say about a faith that responds to criticism about it's violent contributions to history with more violence?
I am in no way defending the infallibility of the Pope, however, I find it interesting that his words have caused such offence in the West, and am particularly curious to see the reaction of the Church. As a scholar of Islam, and someone who hopes to someday have tenure at a respectable academic institution, it's difficult for me to talk openly about my opinions of Islam. However, after expressing them in private to a few close friends, and after reading this on The Reformed Evangelist, I'm taking the risk of ruining my academic career.
A good friend accused me of having a pure disgust for Islam. I made very clear to her that my distaste was with the religion itself, not those who practice it in good faith. I also laid out two key reasons for my opinion. First, from a theological standpoint, Allah in the Qur'an is damagingly inconsistent in character. Second, the circular reasoning that provides a safety net against textual criticism of the Qur'an conveniently allows all loop-holes and contradictions to become off-limits for discussion. That's an unacceptable cop-out academically, rationally and theologically.
And so, I have to agree with Catholic theologian and papal biographer George Weigel, who believes that the Pope knew exactly what he was doing when he quoted the 14th century Byzantine emperor. Essentially, Pope Benedict XVI raised the question: "Does Islam have the capacity to be self-critical?" What does this say about a faith that responds to criticism about it's violent contributions to history with more violence?
18 September 2006
Another Meme
A Piece of Art that you Love
A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte by George Seurat, 1884-86. If you're not familiar with the piece, it is huge (81in x 121 in), all in dots about the size of dimes. Impressive.
I love this piece for two reasons: a) it is an incredible display of patience and b) it is housed at the Art Institute of Chicago and makes me think of home.
A Line in a Song or Line of Poetry that Reaches Your Core
I'll refrain from citing U2.
Oh that I would have despaired if You had not come found me there,
I can lean against Your Throne and find my peace.
An Experience in Nature that was Really Special and/or Spiritual.
Riding a camel up Mount Musa ("Mount Sinai") in the dead of night. The camel part was not very spiritual, except praying that it would not bite me. But the STARS... oh, wow. I have never seen so many stars in my life, but I know what people speak of when they say 'under a blanket of stars.' We were in the middle of the desert at 3am, and the only lights we had to go by were the moon and stars. Awesome.
The Movie that Changed the Way you saw the World.
Um, no. Movies are great but they are not World Changing. Although, I did name my cats Luke and Leia.
A Piece of Music That Makes You Cry.
Blessed be the Name of the Lord
We sang this at Mercy's funeral. The refrain You give and take away, You give and take away/My heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be Your name is really, really hard for me to sing without thinking of her, and so I cry.
I'm tagging Pto, Shayna, Carl, Nathan and Dave.
17 September 2006
Trust, Part I
Do you ever have those repeat lessons? Yes, I know this in my head.. yes, yes, You've taught me that before. Hum, maybe I'm still being stubborn.
I imagine this issue comes up often during the transitional phases of our lives. We seek guidance and direction a little more when we've just finished or just started a phase of life. Less than two months ago, I was seeking His provision for a job and He provided. But now what? This is where the thoughts start to race through my head. Do I stay here? Go for the PhD? Just look for a job in my field? Apply for a Fulbright? These are all pretty silly questions in the grand scheme of things. I am not asking where my next meal will come from or how I will pay rent. But I want to be obedient to His will, so I ask. And, the center of all my questions is the same: Will You answer the desires of my heart?
Do you trust Me?
This was a quiet whisper, almost as it hurt Him to have to ask. It reminded me of John 21, when Christ restores Peter, and made me wonder at the interconnectedness (is that a word?) of trust, love and faith.
Do you love Me? Obey Me.
Do you still believe I am who I say I am? Trust Me.
A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trust in the Lord will prosper.
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. (Pr. 28:25-26)
Perhaps the difficulties of my past cloud my view, but trust is a much harder and higher call than love. Maybe I can still convince myself to love you, but I'm not sure I can trust that you won't hurt me again. This certainly applies to human interactions and separates the emotion of love from the decision to love. Can we separate trust in the same way? Can I choose to trust you even when I'm not sure I will like the results?
I've been digging to unearth the root of my hesitation to trust our Lord. For countless reasons, He should be my first trust. His history is perfect, even when I did not see it at the time. His presence permanent, His love complete, and His Grace unmistakably claimed me for His purposes. So why do i fight His perfect plan?
It boils down to the root of all sins: Pride, and I will tell you how it gets there.
I can only speak to my experiences growing up in Western society, which I blame for much of the problem, but Pride is the root of the first and last sin, so I suppose this applies overall. We are trained that being dilligent and a having a strong work ethic will produce desired outcomes in achieving our goals. You can do anything, if you set your mind to it. We teach our kids that with effort comes rewards. If you want A, do B and C well, and you will get A. Sure, there may be strokes of luck along the way, but for the most part, it's all on us to earn what we want.
This falsely teaches that we are in control of our lives. And, once we've come to expect this level of control, we do not know how to function without it. Anxiety, worry, fear, depression, feeling like things are spinning out of control, all stemming from our improper understanding of the relationship between effort, control and outcome.
This false sense of control encourages the belief that I know what is best for me. This is Pride, plain and simple.
I do not trust in His plans because it means I have to give up control. I have to admit I don't know what's best and that His way is undoubtedly better. While it is easy to give lip service to the perfect nature of His plans for our lives, letting go of control is a far more challenging obstacle.
I imagine this issue comes up often during the transitional phases of our lives. We seek guidance and direction a little more when we've just finished or just started a phase of life. Less than two months ago, I was seeking His provision for a job and He provided. But now what? This is where the thoughts start to race through my head. Do I stay here? Go for the PhD? Just look for a job in my field? Apply for a Fulbright? These are all pretty silly questions in the grand scheme of things. I am not asking where my next meal will come from or how I will pay rent. But I want to be obedient to His will, so I ask. And, the center of all my questions is the same: Will You answer the desires of my heart?
Do you trust Me?
This was a quiet whisper, almost as it hurt Him to have to ask. It reminded me of John 21, when Christ restores Peter, and made me wonder at the interconnectedness (is that a word?) of trust, love and faith.
Do you love Me? Obey Me.
Do you still believe I am who I say I am? Trust Me.
A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trust in the Lord will prosper.
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. (Pr. 28:25-26)
Perhaps the difficulties of my past cloud my view, but trust is a much harder and higher call than love. Maybe I can still convince myself to love you, but I'm not sure I can trust that you won't hurt me again. This certainly applies to human interactions and separates the emotion of love from the decision to love. Can we separate trust in the same way? Can I choose to trust you even when I'm not sure I will like the results?
I've been digging to unearth the root of my hesitation to trust our Lord. For countless reasons, He should be my first trust. His history is perfect, even when I did not see it at the time. His presence permanent, His love complete, and His Grace unmistakably claimed me for His purposes. So why do i fight His perfect plan?
It boils down to the root of all sins: Pride, and I will tell you how it gets there.
I can only speak to my experiences growing up in Western society, which I blame for much of the problem, but Pride is the root of the first and last sin, so I suppose this applies overall. We are trained that being dilligent and a having a strong work ethic will produce desired outcomes in achieving our goals. You can do anything, if you set your mind to it. We teach our kids that with effort comes rewards. If you want A, do B and C well, and you will get A. Sure, there may be strokes of luck along the way, but for the most part, it's all on us to earn what we want.
This falsely teaches that we are in control of our lives. And, once we've come to expect this level of control, we do not know how to function without it. Anxiety, worry, fear, depression, feeling like things are spinning out of control, all stemming from our improper understanding of the relationship between effort, control and outcome.
This false sense of control encourages the belief that I know what is best for me. This is Pride, plain and simple.
I do not trust in His plans because it means I have to give up control. I have to admit I don't know what's best and that His way is undoubtedly better. While it is easy to give lip service to the perfect nature of His plans for our lives, letting go of control is a far more challenging obstacle.
16 September 2006
From the Picnic
What is a picnic with no potato salad? Or any form of potato for that matter. Next time, I will know what to bring.
At least it was a beautiful day.
Julie and I stumbled upon this incomplete sentance spray-painted on the parking lot blacktop.
Ok... Shayna pointed out this was kind of hard to see. It says: Im the Bes. Julie is the T. There was no one else around, or I would've made someone be the ' for I'm.
Dave has pics from his and V's wedding, too.
At least it was a beautiful day.
Julie and I stumbled upon this incomplete sentance spray-painted on the parking lot blacktop.
Ok... Shayna pointed out this was kind of hard to see. It says: Im the Bes. Julie is the T. There was no one else around, or I would've made someone be the ' for I'm. Dave has pics from his and V's wedding, too.
14 September 2006
On Autumn and Remembrance
I love Autumn. I hate Winter (well, I hate Winter in Chicago, when you see maybe an hour of real sunlight, your backside gets chapped from the cruel wind, and your feet never really thaw even with two pairs of thermal socks on under the covers). Winter in DC is not quite so bad, but the farther South I get, the more I'd like to be. However, I'm afraid I'd miss the changing of the seasons.
The onset of Autumn brings a flood of memories and enjoyable moments. And, there is this duality of Autumn unlike any other season. In Spring, the earth is coming to life. In Summer, life is at it's peak. And in Winter, all things are dead. Autumn, however, brings both the slow, strangely beautiful onset of death - the changing of leaves, the shortening of days, the grass fades and the temperature drops. It is gradual, as if the Earth knows that we are creatures of habit that do not like sudden change. And yet, as a good Midwestern and farmer's granddaughter should note, with Autumn comes the harvest. There is provision for the Winter; hope to get through until Spring.
I walked to work this morning in a chilly drizzle. I laughed to myself, thinking if I were still in college I would not bother with the umbrella. Umbrella's are for wimps. But in the real world, I attempt to pull-off 'professional,' and semi-soaking wet doesn't cut it. Remember when you could just run home from class (in the rain), change into pj's and an oversized sweatshirt, curl up under a quilt with a cup of hot tea and read all day?
This line of thought took me on a journey of Autumn memories. The start of a new semester, football games, apple cider, pumpkin pie, Friends night with the Locust Street Girls, swing dancing, the leaves changing colors on campus, Quad squirrels attacking my lunches, driving to G & G's in a car that didn't go over 50mph (without serious consequences) for Thanksgiving, etc. Memory is such a powerful element in our lives. The same session of memories that bring happiness can also bring sorrow.
I was struck by how often G-d calls us to remember. His Covenant, His wonders, His mercy, His deeds. In the Old Testament, when His people are stubborn, He reminds them to reflect on His history with them. Remember who brought you out of slavery? Who parted the Sea and delivered the Promised Land? Now stop being mules, and place your faith in He Who Is Your History as a People.
I lost sight of this history once, and let the memories of His work in my life fade, until hope faded with them. It is a strange feeling when the soul longs for the life you do not let it remember. I could say that my soul overpowered my mind, but that would attribute too much to my doing. The Grace that called me to Him was stored in my soul's memory, and called me once again to remember His goodness, mercy, provision and hope.
Remember this, fix it in mind,
take it to heart, you rebels.
Remember the former things,
those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say: My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.
(Isaiah 46:9 & 10)
I remember the day He reminded me He Is My History, my beginning and my end. My mind walked through both good and bad memories. Memories of His provision, His comfort, His love. And memories of my pride, my sinfulness, and my selfishness. The contrast of His History in my life vs. My History in my life... that is the power of memory. It humbles us, calls us to repentance, fills us with joy and wonder at the mercy of our King, and compels us to worship Him.
The onset of Autumn brings a flood of memories and enjoyable moments. And, there is this duality of Autumn unlike any other season. In Spring, the earth is coming to life. In Summer, life is at it's peak. And in Winter, all things are dead. Autumn, however, brings both the slow, strangely beautiful onset of death - the changing of leaves, the shortening of days, the grass fades and the temperature drops. It is gradual, as if the Earth knows that we are creatures of habit that do not like sudden change. And yet, as a good Midwestern and farmer's granddaughter should note, with Autumn comes the harvest. There is provision for the Winter; hope to get through until Spring.
I walked to work this morning in a chilly drizzle. I laughed to myself, thinking if I were still in college I would not bother with the umbrella. Umbrella's are for wimps. But in the real world, I attempt to pull-off 'professional,' and semi-soaking wet doesn't cut it. Remember when you could just run home from class (in the rain), change into pj's and an oversized sweatshirt, curl up under a quilt with a cup of hot tea and read all day?
This line of thought took me on a journey of Autumn memories. The start of a new semester, football games, apple cider, pumpkin pie, Friends night with the Locust Street Girls, swing dancing, the leaves changing colors on campus, Quad squirrels attacking my lunches, driving to G & G's in a car that didn't go over 50mph (without serious consequences) for Thanksgiving, etc. Memory is such a powerful element in our lives. The same session of memories that bring happiness can also bring sorrow.
I was struck by how often G-d calls us to remember. His Covenant, His wonders, His mercy, His deeds. In the Old Testament, when His people are stubborn, He reminds them to reflect on His history with them. Remember who brought you out of slavery? Who parted the Sea and delivered the Promised Land? Now stop being mules, and place your faith in He Who Is Your History as a People.
I lost sight of this history once, and let the memories of His work in my life fade, until hope faded with them. It is a strange feeling when the soul longs for the life you do not let it remember. I could say that my soul overpowered my mind, but that would attribute too much to my doing. The Grace that called me to Him was stored in my soul's memory, and called me once again to remember His goodness, mercy, provision and hope.
Remember this, fix it in mind,
take it to heart, you rebels.
Remember the former things,
those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say: My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.
(Isaiah 46:9 & 10)
I remember the day He reminded me He Is My History, my beginning and my end. My mind walked through both good and bad memories. Memories of His provision, His comfort, His love. And memories of my pride, my sinfulness, and my selfishness. The contrast of His History in my life vs. My History in my life... that is the power of memory. It humbles us, calls us to repentance, fills us with joy and wonder at the mercy of our King, and compels us to worship Him.
12 September 2006
11 September 2006
God is Good (All the Time)
In my groggy state of waking-up (late) this morning, I managed to mumble a prayer to the following effect:
Father, I know You've blessed me with this job. I am grateful for it; help me to appreciate where You've placed me and be mindful of Your purposes while I am here. Help me to not see this as 'just a job for a year,' but as part of Your plan for my life, and for those around me. Thank You for the people in my office. Help me to be a Christ-like example in my daily interactions with them, and maybe even share the gospel of Your Grace with whomever You have called. Help me to use this job as an opportunity to share You with those around me.
I arrived late (due in large part to my 9:15 Theory, which I will explain to anyone who really wants to know). My boss, who was at The Building five years ago today, was not expected in the office today. So, I wasn't really sure what to do with myself for a whole 9 hours. I knew there was a memorial service and planned on attending with a co-worker, not really knowing what to expect. I'd been told military chaplains tend to be ecumenical, a little too PC and certainly not vocal about any evangelical positions.
This was not to be the case this morning, "for where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Certainly, the organizers of the service attempted to offer a multi-faith service. There was the Muslim representative for the invocation; the Jewish reading/singing of Psalm 23. And even the chief of chaplains delivering the message tamely referred only to "God."
But, someone at the chaplain's office invited Selah to provide "uplifting music" for the service, and any if anyone thought they'd come to have a nice quiet time of remembrance, they were wrong. I'm the first to admit I was skeptical about Selah... I find most Christian music cheesy and in poor musical taste. (There are exceptions to the rule and I do like Selah's worship songs).
However, I still did not expect a full-on Worship Hour. Certainly not here. Really? You've come here? But He did, and He had work to do. I found myself scanning the room, just saying Amen, Amen, Amen. And here I stood, after praying that prayer just a few hours before, witnessing His Spirit moving. I felt His presence, His peace, and His healing power at work in that place.
I am humbled by our great King. That He would fill my cup so that I might share with others... that is truly a gracious mystery.
Father, I know You've blessed me with this job. I am grateful for it; help me to appreciate where You've placed me and be mindful of Your purposes while I am here. Help me to not see this as 'just a job for a year,' but as part of Your plan for my life, and for those around me. Thank You for the people in my office. Help me to be a Christ-like example in my daily interactions with them, and maybe even share the gospel of Your Grace with whomever You have called. Help me to use this job as an opportunity to share You with those around me.
I arrived late (due in large part to my 9:15 Theory, which I will explain to anyone who really wants to know). My boss, who was at The Building five years ago today, was not expected in the office today. So, I wasn't really sure what to do with myself for a whole 9 hours. I knew there was a memorial service and planned on attending with a co-worker, not really knowing what to expect. I'd been told military chaplains tend to be ecumenical, a little too PC and certainly not vocal about any evangelical positions.
This was not to be the case this morning, "for where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Certainly, the organizers of the service attempted to offer a multi-faith service. There was the Muslim representative for the invocation; the Jewish reading/singing of Psalm 23. And even the chief of chaplains delivering the message tamely referred only to "God."
But, someone at the chaplain's office invited Selah to provide "uplifting music" for the service, and any if anyone thought they'd come to have a nice quiet time of remembrance, they were wrong. I'm the first to admit I was skeptical about Selah... I find most Christian music cheesy and in poor musical taste. (There are exceptions to the rule and I do like Selah's worship songs).
However, I still did not expect a full-on Worship Hour. Certainly not here. Really? You've come here? But He did, and He had work to do. I found myself scanning the room, just saying Amen, Amen, Amen. And here I stood, after praying that prayer just a few hours before, witnessing His Spirit moving. I felt His presence, His peace, and His healing power at work in that place.
I am humbled by our great King. That He would fill my cup so that I might share with others... that is truly a gracious mystery.
10 September 2006
Rich List
We did this at church a few weeks ago... just kind of makes you think. I am so, so blessed. Even when I was 'poor' I was still rich. I'm not sure how they calculate their numbers, but if it's on the internet, it must be true, right? ;) It's still something to ponder (and hopefully move to action).
I'm the 57,476,149 richest person on earth! Discover how rich you are! >> |
07 September 2006
Positional Salvation
What does it mean that salvation is not just positional?
I've been thinking lately about the relationship between grace and salvation... the love that compelled Him to the cross, and the grace manifest in Christ's essence. A few days ago, I posed the above question to myself. What does it mean that salvation does not simply define our position to the Father (meaning He sees us a righteous through the lens of the cross), but that it also defines our relationship with the Father (meaning how we interact based on our position secured through the cross).
My study Bible has a footnote on salvation that helped me grasp its more active aspects: the inclusive word in the Gospel encompasses all redemptive acts and process: justification, redemption, grace, propitiation, imputation, forgiveness, sanctification and glorification. Salvation has been (deliverance), is being (healing), and will be (preservation). It is complete, yet ongoing.
Salvation is by grace and through faith. (See Eph. 2:8)
The grace makes it once sealed and forever secure; the faith makes salvation active.
Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Phil. 2:12b)
The Grace that drew me to Him guarantees my salvation positionally, and faith serves to deepen my relationship with Him, thus allowing He who began a good work to carry it on to completion, bringing Himself the Glory He rightly deserves.
It is such a small role we play... it is His calling Grace and His work in us, yet He lets the faith of a mustard seed, in imperfect and stubborn human beings, display His goodness to the world.
I've been thinking lately about the relationship between grace and salvation... the love that compelled Him to the cross, and the grace manifest in Christ's essence. A few days ago, I posed the above question to myself. What does it mean that salvation does not simply define our position to the Father (meaning He sees us a righteous through the lens of the cross), but that it also defines our relationship with the Father (meaning how we interact based on our position secured through the cross).
My study Bible has a footnote on salvation that helped me grasp its more active aspects: the inclusive word in the Gospel encompasses all redemptive acts and process: justification, redemption, grace, propitiation, imputation, forgiveness, sanctification and glorification. Salvation has been (deliverance), is being (healing), and will be (preservation). It is complete, yet ongoing.
Salvation is by grace and through faith. (See Eph. 2:8)
The grace makes it once sealed and forever secure; the faith makes salvation active.
Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Phil. 2:12b)
The Grace that drew me to Him guarantees my salvation positionally, and faith serves to deepen my relationship with Him, thus allowing He who began a good work to carry it on to completion, bringing Himself the Glory He rightly deserves.
It is such a small role we play... it is His calling Grace and His work in us, yet He lets the faith of a mustard seed, in imperfect and stubborn human beings, display His goodness to the world.
04 September 2006
Everyday Hero
I am now a seven year-old's spider-squashing super hero. This was no simple feat. The spider was climbing out of reach, even when I was equipped with a borrowed Coke bottle. But I did manage to destroy the poor bug and save the day. And, my super hero status increased when I showed Dylan that I, too, knew how to cast a fishing rod. Yes, girls can be cool.
Dylan is my roommate's little brother. We many adventures this weekend... chasing cats, 'catching' fish (in the living room...it rained until right before we left), and killing spiders. All this on top of seeing New York (mostly Long Island) for the first time, and experiencing my first Tea Party Bridal Shower. (Note to friends: Please never make me do this.) Oh, and my first experience at a very small Brethren church. All in all, New England was quaint, beautiful and charming. But still some place I'd rather visit than live.
I must say that 7 hour car rides are far more enjoyable with someone. Well, you'd have to ask Carolyn if my singing was obnoxious. Our conversations reminded me how blessed I've been these last 2 1/2 years with her as my roommate. For two girls who'd never really met until the day I moved in, we've done quite well. And watching G-d work in her life, in her engagement, her family.... awesome. She's taught me much about patience with and submission to your family. This is the best living situation I've had since college, and I'm grateful for such a provision of friendship.
Dylan is my roommate's little brother. We many adventures this weekend... chasing cats, 'catching' fish (in the living room...it rained until right before we left), and killing spiders. All this on top of seeing New York (mostly Long Island) for the first time, and experiencing my first Tea Party Bridal Shower. (Note to friends: Please never make me do this.) Oh, and my first experience at a very small Brethren church. All in all, New England was quaint, beautiful and charming. But still some place I'd rather visit than live.
I must say that 7 hour car rides are far more enjoyable with someone. Well, you'd have to ask Carolyn if my singing was obnoxious. Our conversations reminded me how blessed I've been these last 2 1/2 years with her as my roommate. For two girls who'd never really met until the day I moved in, we've done quite well. And watching G-d work in her life, in her engagement, her family.... awesome. She's taught me much about patience with and submission to your family. This is the best living situation I've had since college, and I'm grateful for such a provision of friendship.
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