Hey there again Blog world. It has been a long time since I've gotten my thoughts down, much less on the internet.
I just read an add about people being pissed off because on Black Friday, there are only going to be "limited quantities" of the big things they want to buy. Under 5 plasma screen tv's of a particular type of deal. Its so sad that people feel so cheated. First of all, you don't really need that. Secondly, the retailer wants to get you there and have you buy things that allow it to make money. They don't really care about you or want to give you a great deal. They want your money! People confuse this for the stores being nice or whatever. Grr. Its not where we should be outraged!
I just got back from skid row, and there were people that weren't going to be able to go home, or even find a home for thanksgiving! We should be ABSOLUTELY FURIOUS that this can go on in an affluent country such as our own. There are some people who are a little bonkers down there, but they are people just the same. And the dirt or smell on them is not at all a reflection of the person within. I have met so many beautiful people on skid row...I know why Jesus could hardly stay away! I feel guilty for being so wealthy when so many people are without, but I have hope in God. But I'm not just going to sit patiently. He asks us to be his hands, his feet, the body of Christ actively moving in the world.
Did you know there is a fine for having a shopping cart in LA? Neither did I! But apparently its $300 so even the most wealthy of those on the street are kept from moving along. Talk about something outrageous. And people may say its a public safety thing...well, If they repaired the things in Skid row, I'd be fine with that. But there are concrete slabs that are busted open leaving giant holes in the sidewalk...I think that is the greater hazard.
Anyhow, it does no good to be furious and ranting about these issues, but I cannot help but say that I am angry. And I do believe God is as well.
We had a sermon on gratefulness this morning at church, and it took on quite a different meaning. What does it mean to be grateful for the little things. SO often we stress over what we eat, versus whether we eat! And Jesus calls us not to even worry about that! What would it look like to live in the truth that each time we eat is a blessing. Each breath is another chance from God. It might cease to be a stressor, rather something to be thankful for! Quite a mind shift. I never really understood praying and thanking God for a meal before today...but somehow it took on some real meaning for me today.
Well, I'll stop my ramble for now, but I'll have more in the coming days!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Reflections on the LA Fires
I'm really unsure of what they are doing. Certainly nothing good. But they aren't as bad as they could be. At least they are still in the mountains. I think I read that firefighters were making some progress too.
Still, I can't help but think back to LAUP and Amos study. I have always wondered how God could be present in situations like this. In this situation at least, I think we can ask that. Why would God allow this? It is a sign of His weakness...well, I would say no. Well, is it a sign of His judgement...I would say that it could be a very true warning. Amos 3:6-> "If there is a calamity in a city, will not the Lord have done it?"
In that, if God is supposed to be a loving God, then why does he take such an active role in destruction. Chapters one through three go through all the way God reveals that He has had patience with groups, but now it is time to have some reminder of their evil. Fire is a sign of judgment in almost all the descriptions. God also uses other groups (in their own evil) to bring judgment...which makes me think of 9/11. Also coming up soon.
I think God has had a hand in these fires. And I know that there are many things in LA that do not quite line up with where God is at...some redemption is necessary. Someone is needed to stand in the gap.
This may be just a sign of things to come. In chapter 4 of Amos God mentions all the things that did not make the Israelites choose to change. Mostly famine and such. For us, in the US, that is unthinkable...but I believe there is a famine among many within this city.
I don't know exactly what it looks like for me to bring justice to the gates and be one who stands up for good things and actively fights against evil, but that is what I must do.
Still, I can't help but think back to LAUP and Amos study. I have always wondered how God could be present in situations like this. In this situation at least, I think we can ask that. Why would God allow this? It is a sign of His weakness...well, I would say no. Well, is it a sign of His judgement...I would say that it could be a very true warning. Amos 3:6-> "If there is a calamity in a city, will not the Lord have done it?"
In that, if God is supposed to be a loving God, then why does he take such an active role in destruction. Chapters one through three go through all the way God reveals that He has had patience with groups, but now it is time to have some reminder of their evil. Fire is a sign of judgment in almost all the descriptions. God also uses other groups (in their own evil) to bring judgment...which makes me think of 9/11. Also coming up soon.
I think God has had a hand in these fires. And I know that there are many things in LA that do not quite line up with where God is at...some redemption is necessary. Someone is needed to stand in the gap.
This may be just a sign of things to come. In chapter 4 of Amos God mentions all the things that did not make the Israelites choose to change. Mostly famine and such. For us, in the US, that is unthinkable...but I believe there is a famine among many within this city.
I don't know exactly what it looks like for me to bring justice to the gates and be one who stands up for good things and actively fights against evil, but that is what I must do.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
A quest for meaning
It is no wonder the sun was something worshiped. In many senses, it embodies the qualities of God, at least the God I understand to be out there. First of all, I'm not exactly sure how it works, or why. Pretty self-explanatory. It is quite a glorious thing too. It is so bright that you cannot stare at it, for you own personal safety. It can be a source of light and heat and we need it, but sometimes those things can be prety difficult to suffer through. Its an interesting balance. Anyhow, I was watching the sun set, and just thinking about how beautiful that is. I hope we keep spinning and it keeps burning so that I can see another one (cuz I'll be sleeping through the sunrise...=p). But in that sense, it can be alot like life. Its exciting when you're at the beginning of something, and there is he monotony of "just getting through" and seeing the beautiful end. I think oftentimes we take fr granted the middle section of just getting through. Because it can be a drag, and it can be hot, but it is also the peak of how/when we experience the sun. Now I don't know if all of this metaphor actually holds true for God, but I do know that I suffer when things cease to be new. Instead of hoping for more sunsets/sunrises, I want to see each of the little motions of the sun as it moves across the sky as something valuable, something important, with a chance to grow in each instant. Sometimes, that can be growing in faith, or in a friendship. Growing sin strength, or weakness. Anyhow, this portion of the blog is going on for a long time, so apparently I have something to say about it, and I need to write more.
The word of precious came to me as I was thinking about God while watching the sunset. And having just read "Fellowship of the Ring" it is no wonder that I think of Gollum when I hear that word. But I wonder if he was not on to something. He dedicated his whole life, his whole being to one thing. That sort of die-hard attitude has always been hard for me to come by. I wonder if Gollum had not been trapped seeking ever after an item that caused pain, suffering, death and destruction, if he would not have been portrayed as the hero. Perhaps he is offered as a foil to Frodo. Frodo is quite dedicated to his purpose of the destruction of the Ring, even if he must die, he says. Anyhow, that sort of dedication is pretty cool, and can be admirable. Just gotta pick the right thing to follow I guess.
I've read malachi like three times in the past week. Its really an awesome book. I've always had trouble matching the Old testament with the New...and you would think...that being the last OT book, it would have made sense that it could act as a bridge to the NT. It totally sets up some of the things you see in Mark, and helps to understand the context and need for Jesus, and what exactly his mission was. It is an interesting dialogue between God and Mankind. I'm having a hard time understanding some of the answers, but nonetheless, I have something to study at least!
been reading Vonnegut (go figure) and I've discovered that I like him even when he writes in a non-Vonnegut way. His ideas still shine through brilliantly, and its awesome. the last chapter I read in Player Piano really sets up and interesting question. there is a protagonist and a main story, but there is sort of this side story about a religious leader from some far off country. There are some really awkward interactions, especially as they relate to the religious leaders' idea that the "average person" is in his language a slave. In some ways, we are, and I think always will be. It is important that Paul calls himself a slave to the Lord. I think the one choice we get as slaves is who our master is...but a different point. He is exploring all the modern conviniences of this new society, and all the household chores now take a few minutes. He asks "what is she in such a hurry to get at? What is it she has to do that she mustn't waste any time on these things (cooking, cleaning, etc)?" And one person answers "Live! Get a little fun out of life."and then the religious leader asks "and how is it that you live and get so much fun out of life?" and they answer with an explanation about TV, and spending time with the kids, and that the kids are probably watching tv at some other persons house. Even the religious guy from another country, who should be impressed with all this technology recognizes that there is something lost there...not just in TVbut in the whole of Vonnegut's created world. There is something missing. And he commands them to "live" in his own special way. It was quite a powerful scene. and I'm not all sure why it hit me, but there are obviously times when I feel like I'm living and times when I feel like I'm just wasting time and claiming to be living. There is much more to be said, but I'm beginning to fade. and this is a long blog.
The word of precious came to me as I was thinking about God while watching the sunset. And having just read "Fellowship of the Ring" it is no wonder that I think of Gollum when I hear that word. But I wonder if he was not on to something. He dedicated his whole life, his whole being to one thing. That sort of die-hard attitude has always been hard for me to come by. I wonder if Gollum had not been trapped seeking ever after an item that caused pain, suffering, death and destruction, if he would not have been portrayed as the hero. Perhaps he is offered as a foil to Frodo. Frodo is quite dedicated to his purpose of the destruction of the Ring, even if he must die, he says. Anyhow, that sort of dedication is pretty cool, and can be admirable. Just gotta pick the right thing to follow I guess.
I've read malachi like three times in the past week. Its really an awesome book. I've always had trouble matching the Old testament with the New...and you would think...that being the last OT book, it would have made sense that it could act as a bridge to the NT. It totally sets up some of the things you see in Mark, and helps to understand the context and need for Jesus, and what exactly his mission was. It is an interesting dialogue between God and Mankind. I'm having a hard time understanding some of the answers, but nonetheless, I have something to study at least!
been reading Vonnegut (go figure) and I've discovered that I like him even when he writes in a non-Vonnegut way. His ideas still shine through brilliantly, and its awesome. the last chapter I read in Player Piano really sets up and interesting question. there is a protagonist and a main story, but there is sort of this side story about a religious leader from some far off country. There are some really awkward interactions, especially as they relate to the religious leaders' idea that the "average person" is in his language a slave. In some ways, we are, and I think always will be. It is important that Paul calls himself a slave to the Lord. I think the one choice we get as slaves is who our master is...but a different point. He is exploring all the modern conviniences of this new society, and all the household chores now take a few minutes. He asks "what is she in such a hurry to get at? What is it she has to do that she mustn't waste any time on these things (cooking, cleaning, etc)?" And one person answers "Live! Get a little fun out of life."and then the religious leader asks "and how is it that you live and get so much fun out of life?" and they answer with an explanation about TV, and spending time with the kids, and that the kids are probably watching tv at some other persons house. Even the religious guy from another country, who should be impressed with all this technology recognizes that there is something lost there...not just in TVbut in the whole of Vonnegut's created world. There is something missing. And he commands them to "live" in his own special way. It was quite a powerful scene. and I'm not all sure why it hit me, but there are obviously times when I feel like I'm living and times when I feel like I'm just wasting time and claiming to be living. There is much more to be said, but I'm beginning to fade. and this is a long blog.
Monday, June 1, 2009
kinda pissed!
Grr. So I love my family, and most of the time they have done things way too good for me. I can't hardly complain about anything they've done, its mostly been out of love. But I don't know whether it is the fact that I'm growing up and becoming more aware, or just recent developments, but there have been a few incidents that have just really pissed me off over the past two weeks or so.
First, my uncle always comes out here, so I'm used to seeing him, but my uncle from Texas came out too, so my dad could be together with his brothers...I think they said it was the first time since 1985. That is way too long. But the one Uncle from Salt Lake City refused to come over when we planned a large get together. He wouldn't even stop by any other time. I really don't understand what his problem is, its hard to pray for him, and I don't know what to address with him. After he left, too, he called to talk to my dad about his health! Rrrg. He was here for a whole week, and all he did was watch people play golf! I am not sure he ever grew up.
Secondly, my brother planned a trip to come visit for TWO WEEKS, during which time he knew that I would be away. He has supposedly like 2 + months of vacation time (that he has to use by the end of this year!), and could have planned it for a week or two later, or right now! I'm really upset that I won't get to see him or my niece or my sister-in-law. I just don't get it. My sister will also be busy during that time too. So it just seems inconsiderate, or maybe he doesn't want to spend time with us. I don't think thats true, but thats what this message implies to me. Same thing, I don't know how to pray for them, or what to say to them. Furthermore, they said that I owe my Niece a trip! Because they planned theirs when I wasn't available!!!
Not very happy with parts of my family. Love 'em dearly, but they're hurting me right now.
First, my uncle always comes out here, so I'm used to seeing him, but my uncle from Texas came out too, so my dad could be together with his brothers...I think they said it was the first time since 1985. That is way too long. But the one Uncle from Salt Lake City refused to come over when we planned a large get together. He wouldn't even stop by any other time. I really don't understand what his problem is, its hard to pray for him, and I don't know what to address with him. After he left, too, he called to talk to my dad about his health! Rrrg. He was here for a whole week, and all he did was watch people play golf! I am not sure he ever grew up.
Secondly, my brother planned a trip to come visit for TWO WEEKS, during which time he knew that I would be away. He has supposedly like 2 + months of vacation time (that he has to use by the end of this year!), and could have planned it for a week or two later, or right now! I'm really upset that I won't get to see him or my niece or my sister-in-law. I just don't get it. My sister will also be busy during that time too. So it just seems inconsiderate, or maybe he doesn't want to spend time with us. I don't think thats true, but thats what this message implies to me. Same thing, I don't know how to pray for them, or what to say to them. Furthermore, they said that I owe my Niece a trip! Because they planned theirs when I wasn't available!!!
Not very happy with parts of my family. Love 'em dearly, but they're hurting me right now.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
i should at least write a little bit
my day was extraordinarily ordinary It was not particularly awesome day, but it was, just for the sheer fact that I choose to enjoy it. To do things that were awesome, and were accomplishing my goals. I had a certain amount of tasks to do and then I played and worked at being good athletically. I really enjoyed kicking and working out, and shooting my bow and playing basketball. I wish I had other people to do it with me sometimes, but it was nice.
Ps-I was going to play tennis, but I sneak into the park without paying the fee, and the park ranger was right next to the courts...so i decided against it. Its crazy that they want you to pay $6 for a day parking pass. Sigh.
My uncle had to leave today. That was kinda sad. I really enjoyed him being here. Its really nice to get to know my family as an adult. They can be a little more uncensored now, and a little bit more real about their lives. Its pretty awesome.
I prayed for quite a few things today. It was amazing how many were answered almost immediately. Even now I fight them off and try to take away the role God had in them, but it was kinda amazing to see. Right as I run out of money to spend with many things to buy, I got my last paycheck from Cherry on top. pretty awesome. and the park was open after I prayed for it to be (it usually isn't). I also just started praying, and it was amazing how many things i have going on in my life, or in the lives around me. I trust those prayers will be answered too. Good day for prayer.
I'm excited for tomorrow.
Ps-I was going to play tennis, but I sneak into the park without paying the fee, and the park ranger was right next to the courts...so i decided against it. Its crazy that they want you to pay $6 for a day parking pass. Sigh.
My uncle had to leave today. That was kinda sad. I really enjoyed him being here. Its really nice to get to know my family as an adult. They can be a little more uncensored now, and a little bit more real about their lives. Its pretty awesome.
I prayed for quite a few things today. It was amazing how many were answered almost immediately. Even now I fight them off and try to take away the role God had in them, but it was kinda amazing to see. Right as I run out of money to spend with many things to buy, I got my last paycheck from Cherry on top. pretty awesome. and the park was open after I prayed for it to be (it usually isn't). I also just started praying, and it was amazing how many things i have going on in my life, or in the lives around me. I trust those prayers will be answered too. Good day for prayer.
I'm excited for tomorrow.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Same ol'-Same ol'
Vonnegut wrote a story called "Timequake" in which people were forced to repeat the last ten years of their life. They know what was going to happen, but they let it happen anyway. It keeps going through in a boring replay. And there was nothing to do to stop it. And when the Timequake ends, people don't know what to do since they no longer have to watch their lives.
Sometimes I feel like that in my life. I make the same mistakes over and over. Don't like the things I do, but the moment I'm freed from them, I don't know what else to do, so I go right back into them. It feels kinda hopeless sometimes. Actually specific situations, all the time.
I want to pray against them. But there is a reason I hold on to them. I'm not willing to let God interact in those situation. I still want to own those things.
Sometimes I don't know how I can be willing to offer things to God. I mean, I know in theory, but i don't know practically. Or I'm not willing to.
Well, my summer is running short really fast. I can see the end coming up way too soon. Which means I've gotta start knocking out some of my goals pretty quick here.
That will count as my blog for tonight...
Sometimes I feel like that in my life. I make the same mistakes over and over. Don't like the things I do, but the moment I'm freed from them, I don't know what else to do, so I go right back into them. It feels kinda hopeless sometimes. Actually specific situations, all the time.
I want to pray against them. But there is a reason I hold on to them. I'm not willing to let God interact in those situation. I still want to own those things.
Sometimes I don't know how I can be willing to offer things to God. I mean, I know in theory, but i don't know practically. Or I'm not willing to.
Well, my summer is running short really fast. I can see the end coming up way too soon. Which means I've gotta start knocking out some of my goals pretty quick here.
That will count as my blog for tonight...
Sunday, May 24, 2009
I've been getting behind...
So, I need to start writing, reading, working out, etc. This is a reminder for me. I'll just start typing to destress at the end of my day. Hopefully I'll be able to start dragging myself out of bed early for a run. We'll see about that. Pray for consistency, and to break out of oldness and embrace the new wineskin.
I had a great conversation the other day through AIM. Probably one of the best ever despite the AIM. Oh well. Will discuss in greater detail later. My fam is here, and we're going to go visit more fam.
I had a great conversation the other day through AIM. Probably one of the best ever despite the AIM. Oh well. Will discuss in greater detail later. My fam is here, and we're going to go visit more fam.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
