Oct 5, 2010
John Piper: Do Something Risky and Find Your Niche
John Piper: Do Something Risky with Your Life - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AZVkexI1qQ&feature=related
John Piper: Find Your Niche - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XFPbRzFpi4&feature=related
Oct 4, 2010
John Piper's New Jacket
I found this rather hilarious. Made me laugh. Have a wonderful day.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRg7lpozNzU&NR=1
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRg7lpozNzU&NR=1
Oct 2, 2010
Megan's Note
Megan left me this note on a "floating post-it" as my dad calls them. They're the post it notes that you can put on your computer desktop. It's from early January of this year, but I saved the message and found it not long ago. Basically, my little sister is amazng. Enough said.
Love you, Megs!
Love you, Megs!
Oct 1, 2010
Quirks
It wasn't long ago that I started wondering about my subtle (and some not so subtle) quirks. So, out of sheer curiosity, I decided to think about it for a while and make a list. Sarah offered her two cents at the end.
I...
- Can't stand/sit still when I'm on the phone.
- Hate sitting "properly" in a chair.
- Can't seem to talk without my hands moving.
- Use the word "basically" far to often.
- Try to use the word "inexorably" in sentences where it never fits.
- Chew gum to a beat.
- Giggle at circumstances of assumed or expected etiquette and protocol.
- Like Gregorian Chants.
- Could listen to online sermon podcasts/media all day long.
- Keep singing along with the music, even after Sarah turns it off mid-song.
- Am the quiet girl in class.
- Would eat steamed broccoli for breakfast.
- Don't wear shoes when I can get away with it.
- Hate scholarship applications and water chestnuts with an inexorable passion.
- "She's a wreck! But it's awesome!" - Sarah
I'm sure there are more, but we'll leave it at this for now.
I...
- Can't stand/sit still when I'm on the phone.
- Hate sitting "properly" in a chair.
- Can't seem to talk without my hands moving.
- Use the word "basically" far to often.
- Try to use the word "inexorably" in sentences where it never fits.
- Chew gum to a beat.
- Giggle at circumstances of assumed or expected etiquette and protocol.
- Like Gregorian Chants.
- Could listen to online sermon podcasts/media all day long.
- Keep singing along with the music, even after Sarah turns it off mid-song.
- Am the quiet girl in class.
- Would eat steamed broccoli for breakfast.
- Don't wear shoes when I can get away with it.
- Hate scholarship applications and water chestnuts with an inexorable passion.
- "She's a wreck! But it's awesome!" - Sarah
I'm sure there are more, but we'll leave it at this for now.
Sep 29, 2010
It's Easy Until It's You
Worldview class last year was spent studying subjects, issues, and perspectives at a distance. I read about them; I watched videos about them. These worldviews were real, but they occured or existed in a place far away from my experience. Our class never met these people. Our textbook quoted them, the speakers spoke of them, but we didn't know them. We studied from a distance.
However, there comes a point where the subject matter breaks from a level of mere intellectual stimulation and floods your personal experience. Its wonderful when this event is thrilling and enjoyable, an experience that makes the content one's poured over for hours tangibly and appealingly evident.
It's not always like that. It’s easy until it's unpleasant. It's easy until it's disappointing. It's easy until its disconcerting. It’s easy to distantly handle the problems with the New Age movement until you come to find out that your grandfather has embraced a "Christianized" form of cosmic humanism. It’s fairly easy to handle the problem of evil and suffering until you or someone close to you faces physical or emotional pain. It's easy to handle agnosticism until a friend you've known for years embraces it and then leaves for California. These truths are relatively easy to handle distantly until they begin to play a sad song on our emotional heartstrings.
That song seems to build a level of deep authenticity behind our intellect because what we know is more than subject matter. Rather, it’s tied to relationship and experience. But also, the heart-wrenching melody seems to try our dedication to what we know to be true. While it's important to experience the content as well as know it, its imperative that we do not lose the content for the sake of how we feel towards it in that moment of true experience. Would I confront my grandfather, or avoid conflict? Would I praise God when life hurts, or despair? Would I labor in prayer for my friend, or distance that uncomfortable twinge? ...Would I allow what I know to penetrate further than head knowledge, or would I try to forget that life is war.
It's easy until it's you. Yet, until its you, it's not nearly as meaningful.
However, there comes a point where the subject matter breaks from a level of mere intellectual stimulation and floods your personal experience. Its wonderful when this event is thrilling and enjoyable, an experience that makes the content one's poured over for hours tangibly and appealingly evident.
It's not always like that. It’s easy until it's unpleasant. It's easy until it's disappointing. It's easy until its disconcerting. It’s easy to distantly handle the problems with the New Age movement until you come to find out that your grandfather has embraced a "Christianized" form of cosmic humanism. It’s fairly easy to handle the problem of evil and suffering until you or someone close to you faces physical or emotional pain. It's easy to handle agnosticism until a friend you've known for years embraces it and then leaves for California. These truths are relatively easy to handle distantly until they begin to play a sad song on our emotional heartstrings.
That song seems to build a level of deep authenticity behind our intellect because what we know is more than subject matter. Rather, it’s tied to relationship and experience. But also, the heart-wrenching melody seems to try our dedication to what we know to be true. While it's important to experience the content as well as know it, its imperative that we do not lose the content for the sake of how we feel towards it in that moment of true experience. Would I confront my grandfather, or avoid conflict? Would I praise God when life hurts, or despair? Would I labor in prayer for my friend, or distance that uncomfortable twinge? ...Would I allow what I know to penetrate further than head knowledge, or would I try to forget that life is war.
It's easy until it's you. Yet, until its you, it's not nearly as meaningful.
Sep 28, 2010
Sep 26, 2010
"Lukewarm and Loving It!" presented by Fancis Chan
You can find it in better resolution here: http://www.cornerstonesimi.com/special/media_player.html (October 1st, 2006)
Sep 23, 2010
30 Questions about Colossians 2:1-5
One of my homework assignments in my Bible Study Methods class is to ask 30 questions of a given text. I was assigned Colossians 2:1-5. The questions have given me a lot of material to occupy my thought life for a while. This exercise caused a much more in depth reading of the text than I've ever experienced. I'm not that good at it yet, but I'm rather elated. David's exhortations in Worldview Class about asking questions of Scripture suddenly make an incredible amount of sense.
Colossians 2:1-5 (NAS)
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.
30 Questions:
1. What kind of struggle is Paul talking about?
2. Why would Paul’s struggle encourage them?
3. Who are “all those” others who have not personally seen Paul’s face?
4. Where is Colossae?
5. Where is Laodicea in relation to Colossae?
6. Did the Colossians know those individuals in Laodicea?
7. Why didn’t Paul visit them during his journey through Asia Minor?
8. Is the knowledge of Christ considered spiritual “wealth”?
9. Is wisdom and knowledge considered spiritual “wealth”?
10. How do you gain full assurance of understanding?
11. How can wisdom and knowledge result from the knowledge of a mystery?
12. Does “full assurance” of understanding mean that you understand everything?
13. Does “full assurance” of understanding mean that you are confident in what you know?
14. Does “full assurance” of understanding mean that you know enough to be confident?
15. Does “full assurance” of understanding result in the knowledge of Christ?
16. Does “full assurance” of understanding result in wisdom and knowledge?
17. Doesn’t the term “mystery” mean that we don’t understand everything about it?
18. How can you have a true knowledge of a mystery?
19. If you can have “full assurance” in your understanding, then why is Christ called a mystery?
20. Are persuasive arguments bad?
21. What does “good discipline” look like practically?
22. What is the practical application of the “stability of faith” that Paul is observing?
23. What is going on in Colossae that would cause Paul to warn them of deluding arguments?
24. Why does Paul warn them to not be deluded by persuasive argument and then say that he has observed their stable faith?
25. Is being knit together in love a precursor to attaining spiritual wealth?
26. Does being knit together in love result in encouragement?
27. Does spiritual wealth result in the knowledge of Christ?
28. Does the knowledge of Christ result in wisdom and understanding?
29. Is the fact that Christ is a mystery the factor of doubt that would cause the Colossians to be deluded by persuasive argument?
30. Is Paul “with them in spirit” through prayer?
Colossians 2:1-5 (NAS)
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.
30 Questions:
1. What kind of struggle is Paul talking about?
2. Why would Paul’s struggle encourage them?
3. Who are “all those” others who have not personally seen Paul’s face?
4. Where is Colossae?
5. Where is Laodicea in relation to Colossae?
6. Did the Colossians know those individuals in Laodicea?
7. Why didn’t Paul visit them during his journey through Asia Minor?
8. Is the knowledge of Christ considered spiritual “wealth”?
9. Is wisdom and knowledge considered spiritual “wealth”?
10. How do you gain full assurance of understanding?
11. How can wisdom and knowledge result from the knowledge of a mystery?
12. Does “full assurance” of understanding mean that you understand everything?
13. Does “full assurance” of understanding mean that you are confident in what you know?
14. Does “full assurance” of understanding mean that you know enough to be confident?
15. Does “full assurance” of understanding result in the knowledge of Christ?
16. Does “full assurance” of understanding result in wisdom and knowledge?
17. Doesn’t the term “mystery” mean that we don’t understand everything about it?
18. How can you have a true knowledge of a mystery?
19. If you can have “full assurance” in your understanding, then why is Christ called a mystery?
20. Are persuasive arguments bad?
21. What does “good discipline” look like practically?
22. What is the practical application of the “stability of faith” that Paul is observing?
23. What is going on in Colossae that would cause Paul to warn them of deluding arguments?
24. Why does Paul warn them to not be deluded by persuasive argument and then say that he has observed their stable faith?
25. Is being knit together in love a precursor to attaining spiritual wealth?
26. Does being knit together in love result in encouragement?
27. Does spiritual wealth result in the knowledge of Christ?
28. Does the knowledge of Christ result in wisdom and understanding?
29. Is the fact that Christ is a mystery the factor of doubt that would cause the Colossians to be deluded by persuasive argument?
30. Is Paul “with them in spirit” through prayer?
Sep 11, 2010
Three Weeks into College - Update #1
I'm in college. I finally made it. Praise the Lord.
I have to be honest. I'm rather timid to write about college at the moment. I feel as if I'm smack dab in the middle of a game of dodgeball. It's rather exhilerating, but I spend most of my time trying to successfully navigate my way through the objects flying my direction, all the while apprehensively contemplating the probability of getting smacked good a hard. While I have college assignments to get turned in on time, I'm also involved in life at home, life not-at-home, teaching Speech, teaching Apologetics, and wondering if I'll ever get around to painting my room... probably not. My new comforter will have to sit in the corner for a little while longer.
As soon as I get a break from this game of dodgeball and can sit on the sidelines for a little bit, my perspective will most likely be a bit clearer. At this point, I'm just trying to stay in the game.
But! I did promise dear Shelby Bennett that I'd blog about bible college, so I'll do a more informational report at this point in time. I'm attending Eternity Bible College's Portland Extension Campus. I'm taking Intro to Discipleship Counseling and Bible Study Methods at the extension campus in Tigard, OR and Old Testament Survey through their distance learning program.
My professors are great. Geoff Leatherman is a really easy going professor who handles class in a casual but productive manner. Justin Peterson's authenticity is encouraging, and I can tell he truly desires for us to have a grounded understanding of the Scriptures. Chuck Bomar is the substitute professor for Mr. Leatherman and Mr. Justin, but I haven't seen him much. Scott Newman, my distance learning professor, has graciously allowed me to add his class two weeks late and has answered my abundance of questions. I can tell that they are all great men who are committed to God and the work of His ministry.
More to come... when I get a break from the dodgeball game. Right now, it's back to Exodus.
Aug 27, 2010
On Teachers and Students...
Being a teacher has taught me to want to be the type of student that teachers love to have in their class. After experiencing the receiving end of a students attention and effort, I've begun to see what my high school teachers and my college professors really want(ed) for and from me.
Now I try to come to a class attentively listening for the mission the professor wants me to accomplish. Previously, I'd almost thought of myself as a leech or a sponge sucking up the professor's knowledge and experience and having to complete the course work to get a good grade. Now I feel like the task of "being a student" exists in a different dimiension than before. A teacher who so badly desires their student to understand their point, be impacted by the coursewok, and truly understand its importance is rewarded and encouraged by the apparent effort of a student to do so.
After being in their shoes, I understand how it feels. After setting a mission in front of my students that I saw was so important and would truly impact their lives, I was so encouraged by those who responded. I want to be a student that encourages her professor. Not to get a good grade, not to be liked or favored, but to truly give back to them what they're giving to me, and to catch the vision they so desire for me to see.
On a practical level, working to fulfill that mission oftentimes means going beyond the course work. In order to accomplish this, a student must understand how the course work accomplishes the mission. Giving a little extra effort and doing something that's not required but that furthers the teacher's mission for you as a student confirms that you understand the mission and have caught the vision. It communicates that the teacher has succeeded.
Now I try to come to a class attentively listening for the mission the professor wants me to accomplish. Previously, I'd almost thought of myself as a leech or a sponge sucking up the professor's knowledge and experience and having to complete the course work to get a good grade. Now I feel like the task of "being a student" exists in a different dimiension than before. A teacher who so badly desires their student to understand their point, be impacted by the coursewok, and truly understand its importance is rewarded and encouraged by the apparent effort of a student to do so.
After being in their shoes, I understand how it feels. After setting a mission in front of my students that I saw was so important and would truly impact their lives, I was so encouraged by those who responded. I want to be a student that encourages her professor. Not to get a good grade, not to be liked or favored, but to truly give back to them what they're giving to me, and to catch the vision they so desire for me to see.
On a practical level, working to fulfill that mission oftentimes means going beyond the course work. In order to accomplish this, a student must understand how the course work accomplishes the mission. Giving a little extra effort and doing something that's not required but that furthers the teacher's mission for you as a student confirms that you understand the mission and have caught the vision. It communicates that the teacher has succeeded.
Aug 19, 2010
Old-Earth vs. Young-Earth: "Oh Look, There's an Elephant in the Room"
Young-Earth Creationism and Old-Earth Creationism have battled themselves out inside my head ever since I was in eighth grade. My science teacher in my physical science class stood up and wrote something to the effect of "God created the world 14.1 billion years ago" on the white board, turned around, and proceeded to lecture for two hours on arguments for OE Creationism. That experience scarred me for life. I dare say I'm better for it, but it did leave a mark. That mark is a constant reminder of the day that I finally figured out that there was an elephant in the room.
Up to that point, I never even knew that that the controversy existed. The Creation/Evolution controversy was all that I knew about the debate concerning earth's origins and development. There really is a debate within the debate.
And then, as if the situation wasn't complicated enough already, I come to find that there is debate about the importance of the debate within the debate. There are those who believe that it doesn't matter how long it took God to create the world. The fact that He did it is satisfactory, and it sufficiently fulfills doctrinal necessity. Then, there are those who believe that OE creationism is complete heresy. Not taking Genesis 1-2 literally destroys the innerrancy of the Bible, the foundation of the gospels, and the basis for morality and salvation.
All of this controversy sometimes makes me wish that Genesis 1:1 was the only portion of Genesis 1-2 that existed. After reading Genesis 1:1 part of me wants to shut the book and call it a day. However, such an action is rather foolish considering the fact that God wrote Genesis 1-2 into the Bible for a reason. I don't know why, but I'm not one to make that call.
From a layman's perspective, it says "day". That's just what it says. When I say "day", I mean a 24-hour day. When I hear the word "day", I think of a 24-hour day. And then I read things like this and this, and I have to concede that they have a very good point.
All I can do is look at what the Bible says, always keeping in mind what my worldview teacher so rightfully drilled into my head during class. "Where revelation stops, I stop." I end up reading through Genesis 1-2 asking a ton of questions. "Wait, so this means...and that there....but what if.... and how can.... if that then...." I reach the end of Genesis 1-2 a bit befuddled and not quite sure which end is up. Then I have to wonder, "If it really mattered as much as some say, why isn't it more clear?"
What makes me incredibly uncomfortable is when, in the midst of my internal struggle, someone comes along and tells me that "the authority of the Scripture, the character of God, the doctrine of death, and the very foundation of the gospel" depend on a specific exegesis of this passage. God knew how controversial this would be. I can't help but wonder why God would base His entire plan for the salvation of mankind on a certain (and very controversial) passage at the beginning of the Pentateuch. Hanging your proverbial hat on Genesis 1-2 feels like dangerous business.
So, those are my ideas about the elephant in the room. My conclusion at this point? I've employed the tactic used many a time by actors on a stage. I've built a "fourth-wall" in front of the elephant. I don't think it matters. However, I'm still very ready to listen.
Up to that point, I never even knew that that the controversy existed. The Creation/Evolution controversy was all that I knew about the debate concerning earth's origins and development. There really is a debate within the debate.
And then, as if the situation wasn't complicated enough already, I come to find that there is debate about the importance of the debate within the debate. There are those who believe that it doesn't matter how long it took God to create the world. The fact that He did it is satisfactory, and it sufficiently fulfills doctrinal necessity. Then, there are those who believe that OE creationism is complete heresy. Not taking Genesis 1-2 literally destroys the innerrancy of the Bible, the foundation of the gospels, and the basis for morality and salvation.
All of this controversy sometimes makes me wish that Genesis 1:1 was the only portion of Genesis 1-2 that existed. After reading Genesis 1:1 part of me wants to shut the book and call it a day. However, such an action is rather foolish considering the fact that God wrote Genesis 1-2 into the Bible for a reason. I don't know why, but I'm not one to make that call.
From a layman's perspective, it says "day". That's just what it says. When I say "day", I mean a 24-hour day. When I hear the word "day", I think of a 24-hour day. And then I read things like this and this, and I have to concede that they have a very good point.
All I can do is look at what the Bible says, always keeping in mind what my worldview teacher so rightfully drilled into my head during class. "Where revelation stops, I stop." I end up reading through Genesis 1-2 asking a ton of questions. "Wait, so this means...and that there....but what if.... and how can.... if that then...." I reach the end of Genesis 1-2 a bit befuddled and not quite sure which end is up. Then I have to wonder, "If it really mattered as much as some say, why isn't it more clear?"
What makes me incredibly uncomfortable is when, in the midst of my internal struggle, someone comes along and tells me that "the authority of the Scripture, the character of God, the doctrine of death, and the very foundation of the gospel" depend on a specific exegesis of this passage. God knew how controversial this would be. I can't help but wonder why God would base His entire plan for the salvation of mankind on a certain (and very controversial) passage at the beginning of the Pentateuch. Hanging your proverbial hat on Genesis 1-2 feels like dangerous business.
So, those are my ideas about the elephant in the room. My conclusion at this point? I've employed the tactic used many a time by actors on a stage. I've built a "fourth-wall" in front of the elephant. I don't think it matters. However, I'm still very ready to listen.
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