1 Peter 1:3-9
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
I'm Beautiful Beacuse I'm His Glory
Tonight my prayer time was spent out at alumni park. It is so beautiful there you know? Anyway, while I was siting there, all alone in the dark with God, I had absolutely the coolest thought [from Him] come into my head. God and I were having a nice chat about lots of stuff. When we were talking about one specific thing, guess what I realized? No matter how beautiful and exquisite the world is [ the ocean, the birds, Spring, Winter snow, a child's laugh] or even the universe and all the planets, I'm even MORE beautiful. God thinks I'm even more beautiful then any starscape. How unbelievable is that??
The creator of all things, the ruler of the heavens thinks I'm more breathtaking than even the most beautiful of star-scapes.
I am His Glory.
Righteous.
The creator of all things, the ruler of the heavens thinks I'm more breathtaking than even the most beautiful of star-scapes.
I am His Glory.
Righteous.
Now You've Done It!
You know what really annoys me? When people say they are going to be somewhere and they are not. Worse than having someone hang up on you [or have their phone cut out] is when they tell you to call and then don't answer. Especailly when it is important...
It's even worse...so I've been told...when they turn it off next...
Goodnight...more on this tomorrow.
COMING SOON TO A BLOG NEAR YOU: AFTERNOON STUDYING IN ALUMNI PARK!
It's even worse...so I've been told...when they turn it off next...
Goodnight...more on this tomorrow.
COMING SOON TO A BLOG NEAR YOU: AFTERNOON STUDYING IN ALUMNI PARK!
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
My Altar Cloth
When a woman makes an altar cloth, so far as she is able, she makes every flower as lovely as the graceful flowers of the field, as far as she is able, every star as sparkling as the glistening stars of the night. She withholds nothing, but uses the most precious things she possesses. She sells off every other claim upon her life that she may purchase the most uninterrupted and favorable time of the day and night for her one and only, for her beloved work. But when the cloth is finished and put to its sacred use: then she is deeply distressed if someone should make the mistake of looking at her art, instead of at the meaning of the cloth; or make the mistake of looking at a defect, instead of at the meaning of the cloth. For she could not work the sacred meaning into the cloth itself, nor could she sew it on the cloth as though it were one more ornament. This meaning really lies in the beholder and in the beholder’s understanding, if he, in the endless distance of the separation, above himself and above his own self, has completely forgotten the needlewoman and what was hers to do. It was allowable, it was proper, it was duty, it was a precious duty, it was the highest happiness of all for the needlewoman to do everything in order to accomplish what was hers to do; but it was a trespass against God, an insulting misunderstanding of the poor needle-woman, when someone looked wrongly and saw what was only there, not to attract attention to itself, but rather so that its omission would not distract by drawing attention to itself.
Kierkegaard's Purity of Heart Is To Will One Thing is my favorite book. I must be truthful and say that I appreciate all of his works. I'm not certain what exactly called my mind to this passage this evening [or rather early this morning], but I know why my thoughts recalled it: I am trying to make my altar cloth.
I have spent the last 8 hours or so working on my job application for IJM's summer internship. I am absolutely exhausted, but am ready and willing to accept that my sleep will be minimal until Christmas comes. In all honesty, I have never slept here as I could sleep at home. [My father once said I'd learn that home wasn't a real place, and you could never go home again, but I disagree.]
Either way, I have been beating myself senseless to get my resume perfect, my cover letter praiseworthy, and my writing samples impressive beyond doubt. Then came the part that was most difficult: my statement of faith.
I'm still working on it of course, and exhausting is teeming over my weary eyelids. Somehow though, I am embolden to press on, because there is something more at stake here than how tired I am tomorrow morning. This is my altar cloth. I watched Chariots of Fire Today and the line that caught me was "God made me good. But he also made me fast. When I run I feel his pleasure."
I am ready and willing to recognize this post makes no cognitive sense, but I'm not sure that matters. After all, this is my talking to my father and the words don't always have to be lyrical for Him to hear me. When I'm on my knees I feel so powerful - the God of the universe is LISTENING to me, for as long as I would like. Oh the love in my heart...
That is what I pour into my quest: the love He shows to me, the blessings he has given me, the love that is overflowing in me. I pour it into this one thought, the unitary goal of being where I need to be to do what I need to do to BE whom He wishes me to be. If you cannot understand this, this quest, this goal of mine, look past the crooked stitching please. Please. Please hear their voices and please see the infinate depth of the Almighty's love for them behind my tears.
Please.
Kierkegaard's Purity of Heart Is To Will One Thing is my favorite book. I must be truthful and say that I appreciate all of his works. I'm not certain what exactly called my mind to this passage this evening [or rather early this morning], but I know why my thoughts recalled it: I am trying to make my altar cloth.
I have spent the last 8 hours or so working on my job application for IJM's summer internship. I am absolutely exhausted, but am ready and willing to accept that my sleep will be minimal until Christmas comes. In all honesty, I have never slept here as I could sleep at home. [My father once said I'd learn that home wasn't a real place, and you could never go home again, but I disagree.]
Either way, I have been beating myself senseless to get my resume perfect, my cover letter praiseworthy, and my writing samples impressive beyond doubt. Then came the part that was most difficult: my statement of faith.
I'm still working on it of course, and exhausting is teeming over my weary eyelids. Somehow though, I am embolden to press on, because there is something more at stake here than how tired I am tomorrow morning. This is my altar cloth. I watched Chariots of Fire Today and the line that caught me was "God made me good. But he also made me fast. When I run I feel his pleasure."
I am ready and willing to recognize this post makes no cognitive sense, but I'm not sure that matters. After all, this is my talking to my father and the words don't always have to be lyrical for Him to hear me. When I'm on my knees I feel so powerful - the God of the universe is LISTENING to me, for as long as I would like. Oh the love in my heart...
That is what I pour into my quest: the love He shows to me, the blessings he has given me, the love that is overflowing in me. I pour it into this one thought, the unitary goal of being where I need to be to do what I need to do to BE whom He wishes me to be. If you cannot understand this, this quest, this goal of mine, look past the crooked stitching please. Please. Please hear their voices and please see the infinate depth of the Almighty's love for them behind my tears.
Please.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
The Lord's Day
The Lord is so unbelievably faithful y'all. I just am amazed each and everyday not necessarily at what He can do, but what He chooses to do.
First, I see the Lord very clearly in my friends. Last night I was so tired and stressed and it didn't seem to me that my eye was getting any better. My best friend Andrew, well he seemed to know JUST what would make me feel better. It started out as our usual AIM chat, and then voice chat, and sharing music. Then, it evolved to him creating my very own radio station: D-MAN Radio! For quite some time, both to encourage me to keep studying and to make me feel less homesick, he broadcasted from Austin, Texas, right to my computer music and sound effects just for me! That was the coolest thing ever and I smiled. Goofy as some of his music choices might be, nothing says home to me like the randomness of my best friend.
Secondly, I woke up early this morning, just about half-an-hour ago [ok, late for me, but early enough still for most] and I actually feel rested. God has blessed my sleep and I don't feel tired. More importantly however, as I rolled out of bed to go put more medication in my eye, I stopped cold when I looked in the mirror. The redness in my eye, it's COMPLETELY GONE Y'ALL! Sure it hurts still, but I can open it now! The redness is all gone! The only red still there is the actual ulcer on my eye but who cares! I feel so much better! I got really excited, and went outside and sure enough, I can look toward the ocean and the sunlight doesn't hurt anymore! Ok, so it still hurts when the light is bright but I can notice a SUBSTANTIAL difference. I can go outside, I can drive, maybe. But again, I can see! Oh I'm so happy!
I once heard this Bill Cosby routine that one of the reasons we should not say God's name in vain, is because God is busy. True. So, every little now and then I have to ask myself the obvious question, how does my life have such cosmic significance, that God would help me? love me? comfort me? Answer? It doesn't. That, in my opinion, almost makes it better! God loves me not because I'm me, but because I'm His. It's so wonderful. The lilies look beautiful today, and so do I.
Thank-you Abba.
And now, Yahweh, I have some business to be about, and I believe it's yours.
First, I see the Lord very clearly in my friends. Last night I was so tired and stressed and it didn't seem to me that my eye was getting any better. My best friend Andrew, well he seemed to know JUST what would make me feel better. It started out as our usual AIM chat, and then voice chat, and sharing music. Then, it evolved to him creating my very own radio station: D-MAN Radio! For quite some time, both to encourage me to keep studying and to make me feel less homesick, he broadcasted from Austin, Texas, right to my computer music and sound effects just for me! That was the coolest thing ever and I smiled. Goofy as some of his music choices might be, nothing says home to me like the randomness of my best friend.
Secondly, I woke up early this morning, just about half-an-hour ago [ok, late for me, but early enough still for most] and I actually feel rested. God has blessed my sleep and I don't feel tired. More importantly however, as I rolled out of bed to go put more medication in my eye, I stopped cold when I looked in the mirror. The redness in my eye, it's COMPLETELY GONE Y'ALL! Sure it hurts still, but I can open it now! The redness is all gone! The only red still there is the actual ulcer on my eye but who cares! I feel so much better! I got really excited, and went outside and sure enough, I can look toward the ocean and the sunlight doesn't hurt anymore! Ok, so it still hurts when the light is bright but I can notice a SUBSTANTIAL difference. I can go outside, I can drive, maybe. But again, I can see! Oh I'm so happy!
I once heard this Bill Cosby routine that one of the reasons we should not say God's name in vain, is because God is busy. True. So, every little now and then I have to ask myself the obvious question, how does my life have such cosmic significance, that God would help me? love me? comfort me? Answer? It doesn't. That, in my opinion, almost makes it better! God loves me not because I'm me, but because I'm His. It's so wonderful. The lilies look beautiful today, and so do I.
Thank-you Abba.
And now, Yahweh, I have some business to be about, and I believe it's yours.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Mystery Man
Well it is official; people crack me up.
As part of this blog, I write not only about my own personal business, but about the business of others when it intersects with mine. So, in the interests of personal privacy [and good, clean fun] I preserve the privacy of all those involved
There have been many questions about what Mystery Man's name is. The answer I continually give is "Mystery Man". This ladies and gentlemen is his name.
There have been many guesses about what other name or names he may go by, and all of them WRONG. Is it important? No, not really. At least, not to the point where any of you should be all that worried about it. Of course if it weren't THAT important, you're saying to yourself, she'd just tell us. Perhaps, perhaps. Or, perhaps I am just keeping private what isn't mine to tell.
Take Note:
1. If you look carefully, he's in MANY posts on this blog.
2. His clothing taste ought not be questioned.
3. You'll note, that he is the one who decided to be called this.
4. You'll see he makes apperances at most all our group activities but only in somewhat of a nonchalant manner.
5. He and my Jonathan are in fact NOT the same person. Jonathan, aka. Wonderboy, who has met my family, is NOT Mystery Man. Why would he be if he's already met you. Keep guessing, I'll entertain your guesses. :-)
6. He usually has very important things to do on weekends.
7. His real home is very far away.
8. He can easily illicit a laugh from the entire class.
9. He is heads above most everyone I know.
That Is All.
End Transmission. Secret Squirrel Out.
You may make your comments as you wish.
As part of this blog, I write not only about my own personal business, but about the business of others when it intersects with mine. So, in the interests of personal privacy [and good, clean fun] I preserve the privacy of all those involved
There have been many questions about what Mystery Man's name is. The answer I continually give is "Mystery Man". This ladies and gentlemen is his name.
There have been many guesses about what other name or names he may go by, and all of them WRONG. Is it important? No, not really. At least, not to the point where any of you should be all that worried about it. Of course if it weren't THAT important, you're saying to yourself, she'd just tell us. Perhaps, perhaps. Or, perhaps I am just keeping private what isn't mine to tell.
Take Note:
1. If you look carefully, he's in MANY posts on this blog.
2. His clothing taste ought not be questioned.
3. You'll note, that he is the one who decided to be called this.
4. You'll see he makes apperances at most all our group activities but only in somewhat of a nonchalant manner.
5. He and my Jonathan are in fact NOT the same person. Jonathan, aka. Wonderboy, who has met my family, is NOT Mystery Man. Why would he be if he's already met you. Keep guessing, I'll entertain your guesses. :-)
6. He usually has very important things to do on weekends.
7. His real home is very far away.
8. He can easily illicit a laugh from the entire class.
9. He is heads above most everyone I know.
That Is All.
End Transmission. Secret Squirrel Out.
You may make your comments as you wish.
A Fluke That's Good For You
Well, I'm not usually the BIGGEST Destiny's Child fan, but this song is unbelievable. It made me cry last night during my devo time. Maybe it's the minor chords, who knows really? I can't really say anything else. Here it is.
Destiny's Child - Stand Up For Love
#1's
2005
[Beyonce]
There are times I find it hard to sleep at night
We are living through such troubled times
And every child that reaches out for someone to hold
For one moment they become my own
And how can I pretend that I don't know what's going on?
When every second, and every minute another soul is gone?
And I believe that in my life I will see(oh yea) an end to hopelessness, of giving up, of suffering
[Chorus:]
If we all stand together this one time
Then no one wil be left behind
Stand up for life
Stand up and hear me sing
Stand up for love
[Kelly]
I'm inspired and hopeful each and everyday
That's how I know that things are gonna change
So how can I pretend that I don't know what's going on?
When every second, with every minute another soul is gone?
And I believe that in my life I will see(I will see yeah)
An end to hopelessness(Hopelessness), of giving up(Giving Up), of suffering
(Suffering yah, yah)
[Chorus]
If we all stand together this one time(Time)
Then no one will get left behind
Stand up for life
Stand up for love
[Michelle]
And it all starts right here
And it starts right now
One person stands up and the rest will follow
For all the forgotten, for all the unloved
I'm gonna sing this song
And I believe that in my life I will see (yes, yes) an end to hopelessness, of giving up, of suffering
[Chorus]
If we all stand together this one time
Then no one will get left behind
Stand up for life
Stand up and sing yah
Stand up for love (for love, for love)
Destiny's Child - Stand Up For Love
#1's
2005
[Beyonce]
There are times I find it hard to sleep at night
We are living through such troubled times
And every child that reaches out for someone to hold
For one moment they become my own
And how can I pretend that I don't know what's going on?
When every second, and every minute another soul is gone?
And I believe that in my life I will see(oh yea) an end to hopelessness, of giving up, of suffering
[Chorus:]
If we all stand together this one time
Then no one wil be left behind
Stand up for life
Stand up and hear me sing
Stand up for love
[Kelly]
I'm inspired and hopeful each and everyday
That's how I know that things are gonna change
So how can I pretend that I don't know what's going on?
When every second, with every minute another soul is gone?
And I believe that in my life I will see(I will see yeah)
An end to hopelessness(Hopelessness), of giving up(Giving Up), of suffering
(Suffering yah, yah)
[Chorus]
If we all stand together this one time(Time)
Then no one will get left behind
Stand up for life
Stand up for love
[Michelle]
And it all starts right here
And it starts right now
One person stands up and the rest will follow
For all the forgotten, for all the unloved
I'm gonna sing this song
And I believe that in my life I will see (yes, yes) an end to hopelessness, of giving up, of suffering
[Chorus]
If we all stand together this one time
Then no one will get left behind
Stand up for life
Stand up and sing yah
Stand up for love (for love, for love)
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