Thursday, January 29, 2004
Um. I have way too much time when I sub for my mom. Here is a Godfather Quiz. I got 9 out of 10.
Phew.
This morning as I considered the Godfather problem, I realized that the trilogy really doesn't glorify sin. Michael Corleone's attempt to control the world around him and achieve happiness and success through violence ultimately leads to the destruction of his family. In fact throughout the history of the genre (which finds its roots in the 1930s), gangsters have attempted to achieve happiness by obtaining the American Dream through crime and violence. In the end, the "dream" fails to satisfy and their lifestyle leads to death.
This still leaves me with questions...how do we discern whether or not we should watch this or that movie? Does the above justification mean that it is fine for me to watch this movie? And what are my motivations for watching this movie? Is it appreciation of the film as art? Is it the theme and story structure? Or is it the atractiveness of the portrayal of power? Ultimately...is watching this glorifying to God?
This morning as I considered the Godfather problem, I realized that the trilogy really doesn't glorify sin. Michael Corleone's attempt to control the world around him and achieve happiness and success through violence ultimately leads to the destruction of his family. In fact throughout the history of the genre (which finds its roots in the 1930s), gangsters have attempted to achieve happiness by obtaining the American Dream through crime and violence. In the end, the "dream" fails to satisfy and their lifestyle leads to death.
This still leaves me with questions...how do we discern whether or not we should watch this or that movie? Does the above justification mean that it is fine for me to watch this movie? And what are my motivations for watching this movie? Is it appreciation of the film as art? Is it the theme and story structure? Or is it the atractiveness of the portrayal of power? Ultimately...is watching this glorifying to God?
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Please Prove Me Wrong
I apologize up front about the ridiculous length of this post, but I’ve been pondering this for several weeks now. As an avid moviegoer, this could potentially be life changing. I respect all of you who read this blog, and REALLY want your opinions on this. Take your time, think about it, pray about it, and make a comment (or send me an email).
Many of us have had this debate before—back in college when we were trying to figure out how to live in the world without being of the world. Back then, it mainly dealt with music as folks tried to decide whether or not they would allow themselves to listen to secular music. Within our one campus ministry, people found themselves in many different camps on this subject—each camp armed with different scripture and coming to some type of armistice with the other camps based on the idea that each person needed to decide between themselves and God what they could “handle.”
We respected each other’s choices, but in our hearts, most of us had prideful thoughts similar to those mentioned by Joshua Harris in his book Not Even a Hint:
“Anyone whose standards were half a step lower than mine was sinning, and anyone with standards half a step higher than mine was probably legalistic and too uptight.”
Several events and readings got me thinking about this subject again. First of all, Adam and I found ourselves challenged by the statement of a friend who said that personally he doesn’t want to watch anything unless afterwards he can honestly bow his head and thank God for it. Wow. We claim that our desire is to glorify God with our whole lives. Doesn’t that include how we spend our time and what we choose as entertainment?
Less than a week later, I watched Ten Things I Hate About You, a seemingly innocuous PG-13 modern teen adaptation of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. Because of it’s literary allusion and light humor, I have watched this movie several times over the past few years and even shown clips in class. As I watched this with the recent challenge in mind, I began to see the rampant sexual innuendo that formed the basis of the film’s humor. Had I become so desensitized to sexual immorality in the media that I mindlessly accepted this form of humor coming from the mouths of teenagers and targeted at them? The movie did make several attempts to portray the negative side of sex at an early age, but this message was buried within two hours of comedy derived predominantly from making light of something that God desires to be holy and sacred.
It is not a matter of what we can “handle.” Watching this movie did not inspire me to lower my standards or consider sex before marriage, but neither did it glorify God or inspire me to “hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). As Christians, God is calling us to “flee from sexual immorality” and “avoid every kind of evil”. Perhaps the most convicting argument I’ve heard was from Josh’s book:
“Jesus Christ died to rescue me from darkness and sin. How can I willingly immerse myself in that darkness for the sake of entertainment? What a tragedy it is that I’ve sat idly by during movies and television shows and watched the very sin for which Christ had to die being laughed about, even celebrated.
Even if I could somehow prove from Scripture that I’m allowed to watch this, why would I want to? Why would I want to gain enjoyment or soak my mind in the sins that Jesus had to shed His blood to free us from?”
I hate to resort to WWJD, but perhaps a good test for entertainment would be this: if Jesus was sitting in the room with you (which he is), would he enjoy the movie or TV show?
Now to the really scary part…what are the implications of what I am saying? Believe me…I am in no way suggesting that I will give up all secular movies (heaven forbid that I be reduced to watching only Omega Code and Left Behind—*shudder*). There are many secular movies that accurately portray sin and its effects without exploiting or glorifying it. But...If we really commit to not watching TV shows and movies that glorify and exploit sin, what does that mean? No more Friends, no more Godfather, no more Ten Things I Hate About You. That seems like crazy talk.
Believe me, I know all the justifications and excuses. I don’t want to live totally sheltered in the Christian bubble. I do want to remain culturally relevant and connected to my students. I know that Jesus went to the sinners to love and minister to them on their turf. I know that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. I realize that we live in a broken, fallen world and that much of what is portrayed in media is a reflection of what our world is really like. As an English major, I know that I could write a pretty strong paper complete with scriptural and anecdotal support for watching whatever I want, but we have all learned that what is acceptable or even good, isn’t necessarily best.
To further complicate things, how do we commit ourselves to pursuing holiness in the area of entertainment without walking in the frightening realm of self-righteousness and legalism?
I have much more I could share on this topic, but I want to hear your thoughts. Part of me is really hoping that someone will provide a solid justification for me to watch the last episode of Friends and follow through with my plan to get the Godfather DVD box set.
I will leave you with some scripture to ponder:
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” Ephesians 5:3-4
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:8-11
“Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” 1 Thes 21-24
"Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Cor 6:12
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…But do not use your freedom to indulge your sinful nature.” Galations 5:1,13
“I will set before my eyes no vile thing." Psalm 101:3
“You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” Psalm 45:7
I apologize up front about the ridiculous length of this post, but I’ve been pondering this for several weeks now. As an avid moviegoer, this could potentially be life changing. I respect all of you who read this blog, and REALLY want your opinions on this. Take your time, think about it, pray about it, and make a comment (or send me an email).
Many of us have had this debate before—back in college when we were trying to figure out how to live in the world without being of the world. Back then, it mainly dealt with music as folks tried to decide whether or not they would allow themselves to listen to secular music. Within our one campus ministry, people found themselves in many different camps on this subject—each camp armed with different scripture and coming to some type of armistice with the other camps based on the idea that each person needed to decide between themselves and God what they could “handle.”
We respected each other’s choices, but in our hearts, most of us had prideful thoughts similar to those mentioned by Joshua Harris in his book Not Even a Hint:
“Anyone whose standards were half a step lower than mine was sinning, and anyone with standards half a step higher than mine was probably legalistic and too uptight.”
Several events and readings got me thinking about this subject again. First of all, Adam and I found ourselves challenged by the statement of a friend who said that personally he doesn’t want to watch anything unless afterwards he can honestly bow his head and thank God for it. Wow. We claim that our desire is to glorify God with our whole lives. Doesn’t that include how we spend our time and what we choose as entertainment?
Less than a week later, I watched Ten Things I Hate About You, a seemingly innocuous PG-13 modern teen adaptation of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. Because of it’s literary allusion and light humor, I have watched this movie several times over the past few years and even shown clips in class. As I watched this with the recent challenge in mind, I began to see the rampant sexual innuendo that formed the basis of the film’s humor. Had I become so desensitized to sexual immorality in the media that I mindlessly accepted this form of humor coming from the mouths of teenagers and targeted at them? The movie did make several attempts to portray the negative side of sex at an early age, but this message was buried within two hours of comedy derived predominantly from making light of something that God desires to be holy and sacred.
It is not a matter of what we can “handle.” Watching this movie did not inspire me to lower my standards or consider sex before marriage, but neither did it glorify God or inspire me to “hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). As Christians, God is calling us to “flee from sexual immorality” and “avoid every kind of evil”. Perhaps the most convicting argument I’ve heard was from Josh’s book:
“Jesus Christ died to rescue me from darkness and sin. How can I willingly immerse myself in that darkness for the sake of entertainment? What a tragedy it is that I’ve sat idly by during movies and television shows and watched the very sin for which Christ had to die being laughed about, even celebrated.
Even if I could somehow prove from Scripture that I’m allowed to watch this, why would I want to? Why would I want to gain enjoyment or soak my mind in the sins that Jesus had to shed His blood to free us from?”
I hate to resort to WWJD, but perhaps a good test for entertainment would be this: if Jesus was sitting in the room with you (which he is), would he enjoy the movie or TV show?
Now to the really scary part…what are the implications of what I am saying? Believe me…I am in no way suggesting that I will give up all secular movies (heaven forbid that I be reduced to watching only Omega Code and Left Behind—*shudder*). There are many secular movies that accurately portray sin and its effects without exploiting or glorifying it. But...If we really commit to not watching TV shows and movies that glorify and exploit sin, what does that mean? No more Friends, no more Godfather, no more Ten Things I Hate About You. That seems like crazy talk.
Believe me, I know all the justifications and excuses. I don’t want to live totally sheltered in the Christian bubble. I do want to remain culturally relevant and connected to my students. I know that Jesus went to the sinners to love and minister to them on their turf. I know that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. I realize that we live in a broken, fallen world and that much of what is portrayed in media is a reflection of what our world is really like. As an English major, I know that I could write a pretty strong paper complete with scriptural and anecdotal support for watching whatever I want, but we have all learned that what is acceptable or even good, isn’t necessarily best.
To further complicate things, how do we commit ourselves to pursuing holiness in the area of entertainment without walking in the frightening realm of self-righteousness and legalism?
I have much more I could share on this topic, but I want to hear your thoughts. Part of me is really hoping that someone will provide a solid justification for me to watch the last episode of Friends and follow through with my plan to get the Godfather DVD box set.
I will leave you with some scripture to ponder:
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” Ephesians 5:3-4
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:8-11
“Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” 1 Thes 21-24
"Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Cor 6:12
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…But do not use your freedom to indulge your sinful nature.” Galations 5:1,13
“I will set before my eyes no vile thing." Psalm 101:3
“You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” Psalm 45:7
Monday, January 26, 2004
If anyone is curious, here are the Golden Globe Nominees and Winners.
Sunday, January 25, 2004
Fun Activities
I first heard about Urban Challenge in Runner's World. It looks way fun and we have plenty of time to train for the next one in Atlanta. I think we should all do it. You need to have a partner, and it helps to have support people with access to a computer that you can call via cell phones.
I also think this week long Bike Ride Across Georgia would be fun!
I first heard about Urban Challenge in Runner's World. It looks way fun and we have plenty of time to train for the next one in Atlanta. I think we should all do it. You need to have a partner, and it helps to have support people with access to a computer that you can call via cell phones.
I also think this week long Bike Ride Across Georgia would be fun!
Saturday, January 24, 2004
Grace
“God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
The other night I went to see Les Miserables performed by North Springs High School (I know it seems insane for a HS to do this but they actually more than pulled it off). Les Mis has been one of my favorite musicals since high school, well before I actually began to understand the meaning of the story and songs. Until I really understood God’s grace, sacrifice, and salvation, I was not able to see those themes, which are the central focus of the play.
After accepting Christ, I began to understand and really appreciate the play. I still get chills when Valjean steals the silver, and the Bishop, instead of punishing him, gives him more silver and sends him on his way to become a better man. Valjean then sings a song in which he acknowledges the gift and chooses to live a new life in the light. This is such a beautiful example of our own salvation. Christ died for us while we were still sinners. His salvation is a gift of grace that we certainly do not deserve. And the gift of grace is there whether we accept it or not. We, too, must make a decision. Good stuff.
The other night, however, I saw something else that I had not noticed before. Javert, the jailor who spends his life chasing Valjean, is a great representation of the evil one who spends eternity pursuing us. Javert knows nothing of grace and mercy. All he knows is the law. The law itself is not bad; in fact, Valjean himself acknowledges that it is good and necessary. However, Javert only focuses on the fact that he is a servant of the law and tells Valjean that he was a criminal, is a criminal, and always will be a criminal. Javert refuses to recognize that Valjean is truly a new man ever since that simple act of grace the Bishop showed toward him so many years ago. Javert offers no hope or mercy, only condemnation. How often do I listen to the lies of the evil one who tries to tell me that I am still not good enough because of past sin or current failures? I know that I have been forgiven, but Satan would certainly like it if I let my guilt over past sin and fear that I am not good enough keep me from serving God as I am called to do. The fact is that I am not good enough and never will be on my own. But in Christ, I am a “new creation”(2 Cor 5:17) and “I can do everything through him who gives me strength”(Php 4:13)
“But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished-- he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. “
Romans 3:21-26
“God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
The other night I went to see Les Miserables performed by North Springs High School (I know it seems insane for a HS to do this but they actually more than pulled it off). Les Mis has been one of my favorite musicals since high school, well before I actually began to understand the meaning of the story and songs. Until I really understood God’s grace, sacrifice, and salvation, I was not able to see those themes, which are the central focus of the play.
After accepting Christ, I began to understand and really appreciate the play. I still get chills when Valjean steals the silver, and the Bishop, instead of punishing him, gives him more silver and sends him on his way to become a better man. Valjean then sings a song in which he acknowledges the gift and chooses to live a new life in the light. This is such a beautiful example of our own salvation. Christ died for us while we were still sinners. His salvation is a gift of grace that we certainly do not deserve. And the gift of grace is there whether we accept it or not. We, too, must make a decision. Good stuff.
The other night, however, I saw something else that I had not noticed before. Javert, the jailor who spends his life chasing Valjean, is a great representation of the evil one who spends eternity pursuing us. Javert knows nothing of grace and mercy. All he knows is the law. The law itself is not bad; in fact, Valjean himself acknowledges that it is good and necessary. However, Javert only focuses on the fact that he is a servant of the law and tells Valjean that he was a criminal, is a criminal, and always will be a criminal. Javert refuses to recognize that Valjean is truly a new man ever since that simple act of grace the Bishop showed toward him so many years ago. Javert offers no hope or mercy, only condemnation. How often do I listen to the lies of the evil one who tries to tell me that I am still not good enough because of past sin or current failures? I know that I have been forgiven, but Satan would certainly like it if I let my guilt over past sin and fear that I am not good enough keep me from serving God as I am called to do. The fact is that I am not good enough and never will be on my own. But in Christ, I am a “new creation”(2 Cor 5:17) and “I can do everything through him who gives me strength”(Php 4:13)
“But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished-- he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. “
Romans 3:21-26
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Reality Rant
For a great discussion of "reality" shows, check out [ex]changed life.
Ain't Technology Grand?
And check out this fun site that I found a link to on emerging minister.
For a great discussion of "reality" shows, check out [ex]changed life.
Ain't Technology Grand?
And check out this fun site that I found a link to on emerging minister.
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Let's hear it for David on Average Joe 2!
Exposing Lies
“I’m so tired of all my toys;
they never last for long.
They keep feeding me dreams and wishes
through the big dish on my front lawn.”
--Vigilantes of Love “Double Cure”
In a recent sermon entitled “Learning to Love Ourselves,” one of our pastors talked about how advertisements fill our heads with lies about what we want and need. Over the past week, through this sermon as well as other messages, books, and personal experiences, God has been showing me how much the media really does influence us—distorting our self-image and shaping our desires.
If Satan can convince us that we are deficient and unsatisfied with who we are and what we have, then we will be distracted from things above—looking to the world to satisfy us. If only I can lose a few pounds. If only I buy this moisturizer and had better skin. If only I had this car or this computer or that outfit or that tent.
The world through the media says that we have to be unattainably thin and tan with flawless skin. We need to have the right clothes, furniture, and cars. We need to eat this pizza and this chocolate. We need to watch this TV show or this movie. Once we spend our time and money (which are actually God’s resources that he has entrusted to us) to get these things, then we will be happy. The problem is that even if we were able to attain all of these, we still won’t be happy—look at anyone in Hollywood. Not only will we still be unsatisfied, but we will have wasted the precious gifts that God has given us to use for his glory.
Steve Fee at 7:22 made the simple point that when we eat dessert first, we feel too full to eat a real meal but are not nourished. In the same way, we fill our lives with so much junk that we don’t have room for what will really satisfy and nourish our souls. Here is part of a song from that night:
“All of you is more than enough for
all of me.
For every thirst and every need.
You satisfy me with your love.
And all I have in you
is more than enough.”
Dr. Phil with his whole dieting thing is always telling people that they need a lot less food than they think. They just need to make sure they are eating foods which their bodies actualy need. We need a lot less material things as well. And we could probably live with a bit less time in front of the TV (and maybe even computer). For many of us it will be hard to remove the unnecessary junk from our lives. For me, the hardest things has been and will be recognizing and getting past the lie that I have to somehow achieve a body type that God never intended for me to have. But a good first step in accomplishing this is simply to expose the lies presented by the media and recognize that there is actually only one thing that we need and only one source of true satisfaction.
“Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me;
hear me, that your soul may live.”
Isaiah 55:1-3
Sorry that this was so long. Just living up to the name of my blog!
“I’m so tired of all my toys;
they never last for long.
They keep feeding me dreams and wishes
through the big dish on my front lawn.”
--Vigilantes of Love “Double Cure”
In a recent sermon entitled “Learning to Love Ourselves,” one of our pastors talked about how advertisements fill our heads with lies about what we want and need. Over the past week, through this sermon as well as other messages, books, and personal experiences, God has been showing me how much the media really does influence us—distorting our self-image and shaping our desires.
If Satan can convince us that we are deficient and unsatisfied with who we are and what we have, then we will be distracted from things above—looking to the world to satisfy us. If only I can lose a few pounds. If only I buy this moisturizer and had better skin. If only I had this car or this computer or that outfit or that tent.
The world through the media says that we have to be unattainably thin and tan with flawless skin. We need to have the right clothes, furniture, and cars. We need to eat this pizza and this chocolate. We need to watch this TV show or this movie. Once we spend our time and money (which are actually God’s resources that he has entrusted to us) to get these things, then we will be happy. The problem is that even if we were able to attain all of these, we still won’t be happy—look at anyone in Hollywood. Not only will we still be unsatisfied, but we will have wasted the precious gifts that God has given us to use for his glory.
Steve Fee at 7:22 made the simple point that when we eat dessert first, we feel too full to eat a real meal but are not nourished. In the same way, we fill our lives with so much junk that we don’t have room for what will really satisfy and nourish our souls. Here is part of a song from that night:
“All of you is more than enough for
all of me.
For every thirst and every need.
You satisfy me with your love.
And all I have in you
is more than enough.”
Dr. Phil with his whole dieting thing is always telling people that they need a lot less food than they think. They just need to make sure they are eating foods which their bodies actualy need. We need a lot less material things as well. And we could probably live with a bit less time in front of the TV (and maybe even computer). For many of us it will be hard to remove the unnecessary junk from our lives. For me, the hardest things has been and will be recognizing and getting past the lie that I have to somehow achieve a body type that God never intended for me to have. But a good first step in accomplishing this is simply to expose the lies presented by the media and recognize that there is actually only one thing that we need and only one source of true satisfaction.
“Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me;
hear me, that your soul may live.”
Isaiah 55:1-3
Sorry that this was so long. Just living up to the name of my blog!
Monday, January 19, 2004
Trail Angels
I just thought I'd share this link to a new Appalachian Trail Ministry being started by a young couple in Cleveland, GA. Please pray for them as they trust God's call on their lives. So many folks who begin hiking the AT are looking for something without realizing that what they need is God. They don't even need to leave their hometowns to "find" Him, but how wonderful would it be for them to begin the hike as a seeker and finish as a believer and follower of Christ. There is no doubt that thru-hiking the AT would be an amazing experience, but think about how much more life-changing it would be for folks who encounter the living God along the way. Good stuff...
I just thought I'd share this link to a new Appalachian Trail Ministry being started by a young couple in Cleveland, GA. Please pray for them as they trust God's call on their lives. So many folks who begin hiking the AT are looking for something without realizing that what they need is God. They don't even need to leave their hometowns to "find" Him, but how wonderful would it be for them to begin the hike as a seeker and finish as a believer and follower of Christ. There is no doubt that thru-hiking the AT would be an amazing experience, but think about how much more life-changing it would be for folks who encounter the living God along the way. Good stuff...
Sunday, January 18, 2004
I couldn't resist. This quiz will only be fun for girls (although I would love to know which character you boys are), and probably only for girls who know all the Jane Austin heroines. My only problem with the quiz is that it is very easy to tell what character each response represents (since they often use direct quotes). It was very tempting to purposely pick the Elizabeth Bennet options. I'm actually surprised that I didn't end up with Elizabeth or Anne.
Take the Quiz here!
Friday, January 16, 2004
OK, OK...I give up on winter. The Today Show kept showing images of ice in the Hudson River while raving about about near zero temperatures. Meanwhile, it is near 60 AGAIN today. I must admit that it is absolutely gorgeous out there. I have decided to stop complaining about the warm weather and just enjoy the heck out of it. So...I will now stop blogging and go...to Caribou. Um...bye.
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Simple Truth
Twice today I heard this classic of contemporary Christian worship on the radio. It is such an old and simplistic song (even I can play it), but the local Christian station, for whatever reason, decided to play it twice today. It was two different versions, and both times I was struck by the simple truth of the lyrics.
Oh God, You are my God,
and I will ever praise you.
I will seek you in the morning,
and I will learn to walk in your ways.
And step by step you'll lead me,
And I will follow you all of my days.
A good summary of the basics of the Christian walk. Doing these things will inevitably lead to other fruit such as loving and serving others.
Twice today I heard this classic of contemporary Christian worship on the radio. It is such an old and simplistic song (even I can play it), but the local Christian station, for whatever reason, decided to play it twice today. It was two different versions, and both times I was struck by the simple truth of the lyrics.
Oh God, You are my God,
and I will ever praise you.
I will seek you in the morning,
and I will learn to walk in your ways.
And step by step you'll lead me,
And I will follow you all of my days.
A good summary of the basics of the Christian walk. Doing these things will inevitably lead to other fruit such as loving and serving others.
Thought for Food
Morning Coffee has some interesting thoughts on food for those of you contemplating the whole post-holiday/new-year dieting thing.
Morning Coffee has some interesting thoughts on food for those of you contemplating the whole post-holiday/new-year dieting thing.
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Blogging in the News
The Today Show had two segment of its show this morning devoted to blogging. Katie Couric thought a blog was a marshy area in England, and Matt Lauer thought it was a classic horror flick (strangely, no one shared Jruss's opinion that a blog was a Native Alaskan dessert). Matt then began to interrogate his guests about the dangers of teen blogging. It was a rather limited view of the whole blogging phenomenon, but it made me laugh over my oatmeal. They did point out that part of the reason why blogging appeals so much to teens is that they are very egocentric. At least I'm not egocentric...BTW, did all of you read my post about me finishing my first marathon?
The Today Show had two segment of its show this morning devoted to blogging. Katie Couric thought a blog was a marshy area in England, and Matt Lauer thought it was a classic horror flick (strangely, no one shared Jruss's opinion that a blog was a Native Alaskan dessert). Matt then began to interrogate his guests about the dangers of teen blogging. It was a rather limited view of the whole blogging phenomenon, but it made me laugh over my oatmeal. They did point out that part of the reason why blogging appeals so much to teens is that they are very egocentric. At least I'm not egocentric...BTW, did all of you read my post about me finishing my first marathon?
26.2 Miles
Well...I did it. I ran my first marathon. It was quite an experience in mental, spiritual, and physical endurance. I'm not even sure how to begin to describe it. I told many people before I went that it would probably be my last. The training was just so painful and boring. Then there was the early morning cold on the day of the race. We got up at 3am to catch a 3:45 bus to the staging area. There we checked our bags and joined the mob waiting to be led to the corrals. At 5, they walked us to the corrals that were about half a mile away. Then we just sat in the sub 40 windy air and froze our rear ends off until Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy began the race with fireworks and music. I have never been so cold in my life (and I lived in Alaska for three years). I did a lot of praying in those 30 minutes before the race. But once the race began, it was awesome. I could hardly stop smiling from mile 1 to 26.2. We ran through Epcot while it was still dark, and it was absolutely beautiful with the lights and fountains and music. At mile 10, we arrived at the Magic Kingdom, where characters began to greet us every mile or so. There were water stations, snack stations, characters, and cheering crowds throughout the course. So I never had a chance to get bored. There was even a gospel choir at mile 20! MGM and Animal Kingdom were both beautiful as well. I was surprised at how encouraged I was by the ever-grinning and waving characters. I also smiled as I high fived toddlers who lined the course. At mile 23, I was actually sad that I only 3.2 miles to go.
The only down side was the post-race recovery. But even that was somewhat amusing. Sally, Jay, and I simply slept and moaned venturing out of our hotel room only twice in 24 hours to get food (which was the best hamburger, fries, milkshake, and breakfast buffet we ever experienced). On Monday, we actually went to a movie because we simply could not fathom walking around a park all day. But I must say that it was totally worth it, and I feel much better today. The fun of the race was definitely worth the training and the post-race pain. At this point, I can't imagine running a marathon anywhere else, but half-marathons...I'm thinking Rome, Paris, Kenya...
I know you are all eager to hear how I did: I took 5643rd place overall!!!! My official time was 5:20:47, my net time was 5:15:08, and my unofficial time (the one I count) was 5:08:34 (this was the time on my watch from start to finish with stopping my watch for my bathroom break which involved waiting in a line that I would not have had to wait in if I were a guy). As a point of reference, the top female finisher took 37th overall. She is 42 and her official time was 2:59:13 and her net time was 2:59:11.
You can register for the 2005 Disney Marathon and Half Marathon now! Hehehe!
Well...I did it. I ran my first marathon. It was quite an experience in mental, spiritual, and physical endurance. I'm not even sure how to begin to describe it. I told many people before I went that it would probably be my last. The training was just so painful and boring. Then there was the early morning cold on the day of the race. We got up at 3am to catch a 3:45 bus to the staging area. There we checked our bags and joined the mob waiting to be led to the corrals. At 5, they walked us to the corrals that were about half a mile away. Then we just sat in the sub 40 windy air and froze our rear ends off until Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy began the race with fireworks and music. I have never been so cold in my life (and I lived in Alaska for three years). I did a lot of praying in those 30 minutes before the race. But once the race began, it was awesome. I could hardly stop smiling from mile 1 to 26.2. We ran through Epcot while it was still dark, and it was absolutely beautiful with the lights and fountains and music. At mile 10, we arrived at the Magic Kingdom, where characters began to greet us every mile or so. There were water stations, snack stations, characters, and cheering crowds throughout the course. So I never had a chance to get bored. There was even a gospel choir at mile 20! MGM and Animal Kingdom were both beautiful as well. I was surprised at how encouraged I was by the ever-grinning and waving characters. I also smiled as I high fived toddlers who lined the course. At mile 23, I was actually sad that I only 3.2 miles to go.
The only down side was the post-race recovery. But even that was somewhat amusing. Sally, Jay, and I simply slept and moaned venturing out of our hotel room only twice in 24 hours to get food (which was the best hamburger, fries, milkshake, and breakfast buffet we ever experienced). On Monday, we actually went to a movie because we simply could not fathom walking around a park all day. But I must say that it was totally worth it, and I feel much better today. The fun of the race was definitely worth the training and the post-race pain. At this point, I can't imagine running a marathon anywhere else, but half-marathons...I'm thinking Rome, Paris, Kenya...
I know you are all eager to hear how I did: I took 5643rd place overall!!!! My official time was 5:20:47, my net time was 5:15:08, and my unofficial time (the one I count) was 5:08:34 (this was the time on my watch from start to finish with stopping my watch for my bathroom break which involved waiting in a line that I would not have had to wait in if I were a guy). As a point of reference, the top female finisher took 37th overall. She is 42 and her official time was 2:59:13 and her net time was 2:59:11.
You can register for the 2005 Disney Marathon and Half Marathon now! Hehehe!
Friday, January 09, 2004
Boy Meets Girl
Well, folks...I did it. I actually succeeded in reading a relationship book without throwing up or giving up. Girls can probably relate more than guys, because guys never pick them up in the first place. But many of you ladies, like myself, have tried to read these books hoping to gain some much needed insight into relationship with the opposite sex. Well, I finally found a book that I found to be enjoyable, scripturally solid, and not too mushy. Boy Meets Girl is by Joshua Harris, famous for kissing dating goodbye several years ago, and it includes some beautiful insights into how to pursue God-centered relationships. I highly reccommend it for my single friends out there, but below I included some quotes that I hope will bless both singletons and smug-marrieds.
"Sincere, Christlike love for the guy or girl that you are in relationship with is the natural outgrowth of love for God. The two are so closely intertwined that it's diffilcult to tell where one ends and the other begins--they weave in and out of each other. This is why when Jesus was asked to name the greatest commandment, He gave two--to love God and to love others. They can't be separated. When we serve others, we're serving our Lord (Mat 25:40). Jesus laid his life down for us to show us what love is, and He calls us to follow his example (1 John 3:16). The Word tells us to humble ourselves, to consider others better than ourselves, and to look to their interests first (Php 2:3-4)."
"God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him. What does that mean? It means that we can glorify God by trusting Him and desiring Him above anything else in life--more than companionship, more than romance, more than marriage."
"Eve was not taken out of Adam's head to top him, neither out of his feet to be trampled by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected by him, and near his heart to be loved by him."
"Right now God is working all the elements of your life together for your good (Romans 8:28). This time in your life is part of your story. Maybe it's not what you had planned...But God is right on schedule. He knows exactly what he's doing. He sees you right where you are. He hasn't forgotten you. He hasn't overlooked you. The circumstances you're going through--no matter how difficult--are part of the very happy ending he has planned. God is greater than your circumstances."
Well, folks...I did it. I actually succeeded in reading a relationship book without throwing up or giving up. Girls can probably relate more than guys, because guys never pick them up in the first place. But many of you ladies, like myself, have tried to read these books hoping to gain some much needed insight into relationship with the opposite sex. Well, I finally found a book that I found to be enjoyable, scripturally solid, and not too mushy. Boy Meets Girl is by Joshua Harris, famous for kissing dating goodbye several years ago, and it includes some beautiful insights into how to pursue God-centered relationships. I highly reccommend it for my single friends out there, but below I included some quotes that I hope will bless both singletons and smug-marrieds.
"Sincere, Christlike love for the guy or girl that you are in relationship with is the natural outgrowth of love for God. The two are so closely intertwined that it's diffilcult to tell where one ends and the other begins--they weave in and out of each other. This is why when Jesus was asked to name the greatest commandment, He gave two--to love God and to love others. They can't be separated. When we serve others, we're serving our Lord (Mat 25:40). Jesus laid his life down for us to show us what love is, and He calls us to follow his example (1 John 3:16). The Word tells us to humble ourselves, to consider others better than ourselves, and to look to their interests first (Php 2:3-4)."
"God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him. What does that mean? It means that we can glorify God by trusting Him and desiring Him above anything else in life--more than companionship, more than romance, more than marriage."
"Eve was not taken out of Adam's head to top him, neither out of his feet to be trampled by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected by him, and near his heart to be loved by him."
"Right now God is working all the elements of your life together for your good (Romans 8:28). This time in your life is part of your story. Maybe it's not what you had planned...But God is right on schedule. He knows exactly what he's doing. He sees you right where you are. He hasn't forgotten you. He hasn't overlooked you. The circumstances you're going through--no matter how difficult--are part of the very happy ending he has planned. God is greater than your circumstances."
Thursday, January 08, 2004
I'm Back! I'm Back!
Did ya miss me? Sorry for those of you who didn't know: I have been on vacation in North Carolina and Maryland for the past week. It was quite an adventure complete with shotguns, cows, and cold coffee. I shot at skeet for the first time. Notice I said "shot at" rather than "shot." I succeeded in getting only one. I also ate lots of broccoli and met many awesome folks that blessed me with their love, hospitality, and prayers. It even snowed for us as we walked down the historic main street of Ellicott City Maryland. Unfortunately, I am back for only two days before heading down to Disney World for the marathon. I hope everyone is having a great new year!
Did ya miss me? Sorry for those of you who didn't know: I have been on vacation in North Carolina and Maryland for the past week. It was quite an adventure complete with shotguns, cows, and cold coffee. I shot at skeet for the first time. Notice I said "shot at" rather than "shot." I succeeded in getting only one. I also ate lots of broccoli and met many awesome folks that blessed me with their love, hospitality, and prayers. It even snowed for us as we walked down the historic main street of Ellicott City Maryland. Unfortunately, I am back for only two days before heading down to Disney World for the marathon. I hope everyone is having a great new year!
Thursday, January 01, 2004
There was a time when I could get only 3-4 hours of sleep and still make it through the next day. That time is not now. I'm getting old. And I want to go to sleep.
music
fiction
- Sophie's World Jostein Gaarder
- Atlas Shrugged Ayn Rand
- The Name of the Rose Umberto Eco
- Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen
- War and Peace Leo Tolstoy
- I'm sure I'm forgetting many!!!
things above
- The Consolation of Philosophy Boethius
- Desiring God John Piper
- Mere Christianity C.S. Lewis
- The Ragamuffin Gospel Brennan Manning
- Jesus with Dirty Feet Don Everts
random
- metanoia
- runner's world
- relevant magazine
- jane austen society
- tununak
- appalachian trail conference
- espn
blogs
archives
- 08/01/2003 - 09/01/2003
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