A current view into the evils and injustices of dictatorships.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Friday, August 08, 2008
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Letters From the Late Rev. William Romaine to a Friend
"...for Christ does not give us a stock of grace, and expect us to improve it by being faithful to grace give: no, no: that is not his way. Our souls must depend upon him, as our bodies do upon the elements of this world. Every moment we must live by faith upon his fulness, and be every moment receiving out of it grace for grace. And this is our happiness--to have all in Christ. A beggar in myself, but rich with unsearchable eternal riches in him. Ignorant still in myself, but led and taught by his unerring wisdom. A sinner still, but believing in his blood and righteousness. Weak and helpless still, but kept by his Almighty love. Nothing but sorrow in myself, nothing but joy in him. Oh! this is a blessed life. No tongue can tell what a heaven it is, thus to live by faith upon the Son of God." -William Romaine
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Sparkle City, Sparkle City!
This makes me miss Spartanburg like crazy. (And yes, I'm serious.)
Where's your city's rap song? 'Nuff said.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Spurgeon v. Hyper-Calvinism
I recently read a small book published by Banner of Truth Trust entitled Spurgeon v. Hyper-Calvinism: The Battle for Gospel Preaching. You must know, I am a huge Spurgeon fan. I have grown a great deal from reading his sermons and, over the years, have come to really cling for peace and assurance to some of his wonderful quotes about the greatness of God in meeting our needs as sinners. Therefore, I was very excited to get into this book, which, surprisingly, was very personal in nature, and had a great deal of history on his early years as a preacher and some of his early "differences" with the other Baptist preachers in London.
As the title reveals, the book highlights Spurgeon's lack of acceptance in his early career by the greatest Baptist preachers in his area at the time. This is all due to Rev. Spurgeon's unwillingness to waver in his free offer of the gospel to all sinners. That is to say, while he was unwavering in his defense of the glorious doctrines of grace (a dedicated Calvinist), he refused to take those beliefs to an extreme and unbiblical level which frowned upon the offering of Jesus as saviour to everyone (Hyper-Calvinism). In a nutshell, that was the main battle between Spurgeon as a Calvinist and his Hyper-Calvinist peers.
The book is an easy read, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about Spurgeon, Calvinism, or Hyper-Calvinism. In Reformed circles, we talk and hear a great deal about our differences with our Armenian brothers, but we take little time to articulate why we are not Hyper-Calvinists. After reading this book, I have begun to think about these differences, and have become aware of many dangerous Hyper-Calvinistic pit-falls I believe we have fallen into in certain churches and circles as Calvinists. I am speaking particularly of my experiences here in the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico and (gasp) even the Presbyterian Church in America. I won't go into great detail about these pit-falls here, but I hope that these quotes challenge you to examine your church's position as well as your personal life-style or verbal preaching. I should also add that, while I don't know a single self-proclaimed Hyper-Calvinist, I am confident of this book's importance because, in about 99% of the conversations I have had with Armenian friends, the conversation has included a question about why I don't believe we should evangelize (aka Hyper-Calvinism), followed by my explanation that I do and exactly how that gels with belief in God's sovereignty in salvation.
"Read, write, print, shout,--'Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.' Great Saviour, I thank Thee for this text; help Thou me so to preach from it that many may come to Thee, and find eternal life!' From his own early reading of the Puritans, Spurgeon was convinced that they were no supporters of the beliefs which Hyper-Calvinists claimed-'I have all the Puritans with me-the whole of them without a single exception.'"
"'I am afraid I am not elect.' Oh! dear souls, do not trouble yourselves about that: if you believe in your Christ you are elect: whosoever puts himself on the mercy of Jesus, and who has nothing at all tonight, shall have mercy if he come for it."
"The gospel is 'good news' which God would have proclaimed throughout the world and to 'every creature'. Its message is not simply a statement of facts. It also contains clear, unrestricted general promises, such as, 'He that believeth on him is not condemned' (John 3:18): 'Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be save' (Rom. 10:13); 'Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely' (Rev. 22:17). so the preacher has not done his work when he has spoken of Christ and proclaimed the historic facts of salvation. From there he must go on to urge the reception of Christ upon all men. In the name of God he must assure all of the certainty of their welcome and forgiveness on their repentance and faith. Thus Paul said to all his hearers at Antioch in Pisidia: 'Be it known unto you, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses' (Acts 13:38-9).'"
"...the apostles 'delivered the gospel, the same gospel to the dead as to the living, the same gospel to the non-elect as to the elect. The point of distinction is not in the gospel, but in its being applied by the Holy Ghost, or left to be rejected of man.'"
"'Repent and be battized every one of you,' said Peter. As John Bunyan puts it-one man might have stood up in the crowd and said, 'But I helped to hound him to the cross!' 'Repent and be baptized every one of you.' 'But I drove the nails into his hands!' saith one. 'Every one of you', says Peter. 'But I pierced his side.' 'Every one of you', said Peter. 'And I put my tongue into my cheek and stared at his nakedness and said, 'If he be the Son of God, let him come down from the cross!' 'Every one of you", said Peter. 'Repent and be baptized every one of you.' I do feel so grieved at many of our Calvinistic brethren; they know nothing about Calvinism I am sory to say, for never was any man more caricatured by his professed followers than John Calvin. Many of them are afraid to preach from Peter's text...When I do it, they say, 'He is unsound'. But I do not care for that: I know the Lord has blessed my appeals to all sorts of sinners, and none shall stay me in giving free invitations as long as I find them in this Book."
"I believe the tendency of that preaching which puts the warrant for faith anywhere but in the gospel command, is to vex the true penitent, and to console the hypocrite: The tendency of it is to make the poor soul which really repents, feel that he must not believe in Christ, because he sees so much of his own hardness of heart. The more spiritual a man is, the more unspiritual he see himself to be...Often the most penitent men are those who think themselves the most impenitent."
"The gospel is that you believe in Christ Jesus: that you get right out of yourself, and depend alone in him. Do you say, 'I feel so guitly'? You are certainly guilty, whether you feel it or not: you are far more guilty than you have any idea of. Come to Christ because you are guilty, not because you have been prepared to come by looking at your guilt. Trust nothing of your own, not even your sense of need."
"Sinners, let me address you with words of life: Jesus wants nothing from you, nothing whatsoever, nothing done, nothing felt: he gives both work and feeling. Ragged penniless, just as you are, lost, forsaken, desolate, with no good feelings, and no good hopes, still Jesus comes to you, and in these words of pity he addresses you, 'Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out'".
"'Him that cometh to me:'...the man may have been guilty of an atrocious sin, too black for mention; but if he comes to Christ he shall not be cast out. He may have made himself as black as night-as black as hell...I cannot tell what kind of persons may have come into this Hall to-night; but if burglars, murderers, and dynamite-men were here, I would still bid them come to Christ, for he will not cast them out. No limit is set to the extent of sin: any 'him' in all the world-any blaspheming, devilish 'him' that comes to Christ shall be welcomed. I use trong words that I may open the gate of mercy. Any 'him' that comes to Christ-though he come from slum or taproom, betting-ring or gambling-hell, prison or brothel-Jesus will in no wise cast out."
"These brethren [Hyper-Calvinists] spoke of sinners as people whom God might possibly gather in if he thought fit to do so; but they did not care much whether he did so or not. As to weeping over sinners as Christ wept over Jerusalem; as to venturing to invite them to Christ as the Lord did when he stretched out his hands all the day long; as to lamenting with Jeremiah over a perishing people, they had no sympathy with such emotions, and feared they savoured of Arminianism. Both preacher adn congregation were cased in a hard shell, and lived as if their won salvation was the sole design of their existence."
"Spurgeon believed all the truths commonly called Calvinistic but he did not believe that all the truths commonly so designated had to be presented to sinners in order to their conversion. as noted, he wanted to see both divine sovereignty and human responsibility upheld but when it came to gospel preaching he believed that there needed to be a greater concentraion upon responsibility. The tendency of Hyper-Calvinism was to make sinners want to understand theology before they could believe in Christ, as though 'they cannot be saved till they are through theologians.' But the non-Christian can hear 'the soul and marrow of the gospel', that is, Christ as the Saviour, and see his responsibility to repent and believe, whithout understanding 'the doctrines commonly called Calvinistic'. It is with his responsibility, says Spurgeon, that 'the sinner has the most to do', whereas God's predestinating grace is the subject with which 'the saint has the most to do. Let him praise the free and sovereign grace of God, and bless his name.'"
As the title reveals, the book highlights Spurgeon's lack of acceptance in his early career by the greatest Baptist preachers in his area at the time. This is all due to Rev. Spurgeon's unwillingness to waver in his free offer of the gospel to all sinners. That is to say, while he was unwavering in his defense of the glorious doctrines of grace (a dedicated Calvinist), he refused to take those beliefs to an extreme and unbiblical level which frowned upon the offering of Jesus as saviour to everyone (Hyper-Calvinism). In a nutshell, that was the main battle between Spurgeon as a Calvinist and his Hyper-Calvinist peers.
The book is an easy read, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about Spurgeon, Calvinism, or Hyper-Calvinism. In Reformed circles, we talk and hear a great deal about our differences with our Armenian brothers, but we take little time to articulate why we are not Hyper-Calvinists. After reading this book, I have begun to think about these differences, and have become aware of many dangerous Hyper-Calvinistic pit-falls I believe we have fallen into in certain churches and circles as Calvinists. I am speaking particularly of my experiences here in the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico and (gasp) even the Presbyterian Church in America. I won't go into great detail about these pit-falls here, but I hope that these quotes challenge you to examine your church's position as well as your personal life-style or verbal preaching. I should also add that, while I don't know a single self-proclaimed Hyper-Calvinist, I am confident of this book's importance because, in about 99% of the conversations I have had with Armenian friends, the conversation has included a question about why I don't believe we should evangelize (aka Hyper-Calvinism), followed by my explanation that I do and exactly how that gels with belief in God's sovereignty in salvation.
"Read, write, print, shout,--'Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.' Great Saviour, I thank Thee for this text; help Thou me so to preach from it that many may come to Thee, and find eternal life!' From his own early reading of the Puritans, Spurgeon was convinced that they were no supporters of the beliefs which Hyper-Calvinists claimed-'I have all the Puritans with me-the whole of them without a single exception.'"
"'I am afraid I am not elect.' Oh! dear souls, do not trouble yourselves about that: if you believe in your Christ you are elect: whosoever puts himself on the mercy of Jesus, and who has nothing at all tonight, shall have mercy if he come for it."
"The gospel is 'good news' which God would have proclaimed throughout the world and to 'every creature'. Its message is not simply a statement of facts. It also contains clear, unrestricted general promises, such as, 'He that believeth on him is not condemned' (John 3:18): 'Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be save' (Rom. 10:13); 'Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely' (Rev. 22:17). so the preacher has not done his work when he has spoken of Christ and proclaimed the historic facts of salvation. From there he must go on to urge the reception of Christ upon all men. In the name of God he must assure all of the certainty of their welcome and forgiveness on their repentance and faith. Thus Paul said to all his hearers at Antioch in Pisidia: 'Be it known unto you, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses' (Acts 13:38-9).'"
"...the apostles 'delivered the gospel, the same gospel to the dead as to the living, the same gospel to the non-elect as to the elect. The point of distinction is not in the gospel, but in its being applied by the Holy Ghost, or left to be rejected of man.'"
"'Repent and be battized every one of you,' said Peter. As John Bunyan puts it-one man might have stood up in the crowd and said, 'But I helped to hound him to the cross!' 'Repent and be baptized every one of you.' 'But I drove the nails into his hands!' saith one. 'Every one of you', says Peter. 'But I pierced his side.' 'Every one of you', said Peter. 'And I put my tongue into my cheek and stared at his nakedness and said, 'If he be the Son of God, let him come down from the cross!' 'Every one of you", said Peter. 'Repent and be baptized every one of you.' I do feel so grieved at many of our Calvinistic brethren; they know nothing about Calvinism I am sory to say, for never was any man more caricatured by his professed followers than John Calvin. Many of them are afraid to preach from Peter's text...When I do it, they say, 'He is unsound'. But I do not care for that: I know the Lord has blessed my appeals to all sorts of sinners, and none shall stay me in giving free invitations as long as I find them in this Book."
"I believe the tendency of that preaching which puts the warrant for faith anywhere but in the gospel command, is to vex the true penitent, and to console the hypocrite: The tendency of it is to make the poor soul which really repents, feel that he must not believe in Christ, because he sees so much of his own hardness of heart. The more spiritual a man is, the more unspiritual he see himself to be...Often the most penitent men are those who think themselves the most impenitent."
"The gospel is that you believe in Christ Jesus: that you get right out of yourself, and depend alone in him. Do you say, 'I feel so guitly'? You are certainly guilty, whether you feel it or not: you are far more guilty than you have any idea of. Come to Christ because you are guilty, not because you have been prepared to come by looking at your guilt. Trust nothing of your own, not even your sense of need."
"Sinners, let me address you with words of life: Jesus wants nothing from you, nothing whatsoever, nothing done, nothing felt: he gives both work and feeling. Ragged penniless, just as you are, lost, forsaken, desolate, with no good feelings, and no good hopes, still Jesus comes to you, and in these words of pity he addresses you, 'Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out'".
"'Him that cometh to me:'...the man may have been guilty of an atrocious sin, too black for mention; but if he comes to Christ he shall not be cast out. He may have made himself as black as night-as black as hell...I cannot tell what kind of persons may have come into this Hall to-night; but if burglars, murderers, and dynamite-men were here, I would still bid them come to Christ, for he will not cast them out. No limit is set to the extent of sin: any 'him' in all the world-any blaspheming, devilish 'him' that comes to Christ shall be welcomed. I use trong words that I may open the gate of mercy. Any 'him' that comes to Christ-though he come from slum or taproom, betting-ring or gambling-hell, prison or brothel-Jesus will in no wise cast out."
"These brethren [Hyper-Calvinists] spoke of sinners as people whom God might possibly gather in if he thought fit to do so; but they did not care much whether he did so or not. As to weeping over sinners as Christ wept over Jerusalem; as to venturing to invite them to Christ as the Lord did when he stretched out his hands all the day long; as to lamenting with Jeremiah over a perishing people, they had no sympathy with such emotions, and feared they savoured of Arminianism. Both preacher adn congregation were cased in a hard shell, and lived as if their won salvation was the sole design of their existence."
"Spurgeon believed all the truths commonly called Calvinistic but he did not believe that all the truths commonly so designated had to be presented to sinners in order to their conversion. as noted, he wanted to see both divine sovereignty and human responsibility upheld but when it came to gospel preaching he believed that there needed to be a greater concentraion upon responsibility. The tendency of Hyper-Calvinism was to make sinners want to understand theology before they could believe in Christ, as though 'they cannot be saved till they are through theologians.' But the non-Christian can hear 'the soul and marrow of the gospel', that is, Christ as the Saviour, and see his responsibility to repent and believe, whithout understanding 'the doctrines commonly called Calvinistic'. It is with his responsibility, says Spurgeon, that 'the sinner has the most to do', whereas God's predestinating grace is the subject with which 'the saint has the most to do. Let him praise the free and sovereign grace of God, and bless his name.'"
Friday, July 04, 2008
It's Time to Break the Silence
With a list.
On our last team getaway, we escaped to a nearby geyser with wading pools to relax and get to know each other better as individuals. It was a pretty relaxing time, and one of the funnest things was that we began asking each other very creative questions. One of my favorites, and one that (as you will see) I am still thinking about is this:
If you had to have a single song looping in your head (like your soundtrack) for a full day, what song would you choose?
As I said, I have continued to think about this. Thus, I have formed this list:
1) Seal--Kissed By a Rose
The not-so-official video
You remember this song from the Batman Forever soundtrack, right? I developed a deep love for this song after graduating high school when one of my good friends and I went to Cornerstone Music Festival. We camped all week right by one of the stages, and every morning they would blast this song over the speakers. I loved the music festival and it really helped me to appreciate this song. Seriously, I can't get enough of this song.
2) Mariah Carey--Always Be My Baby
This was a surprise pick, seeing as I had completely forgotten about this song. However, when a good friend casually mentioned that it was stuck in her head and then sent me the video it spawned a ton of memories and feelings. You see, my first slow dance, which was in the 5th grade, was to this song. For some reason, I remember almost everything about it. I remember that I was at a pool party. I remember that it started raining and we had to go into the dance room of the sports club. I remember how the room smelled. And, finally, I remember exactly how I felt as I slow dance to this song. I was entering into my teenage years and all the crushes and emotions that go along with that. Honestly, this comes in a very close second on this list. Such a great song. Thanks Mariah.
Note: I realize that David Cook's version of this song is very popular. However, David Cook's version was not playing when I had my first slow dance; therefore, in my mind, Mariah's version is infinitely better.
3) Puff Daddy--I'll Be Missing You
Now, before you question me on this, the answer is "Yes, I do realize that he ripped this off from The Police." However, I completely approve. If you haven't already realized this (and you probably have), Sting's version is extremely creepy. It's basically about a stalker. But what does Puff Daddy (oh how I miss when that was his name) turn the song into but a form mourning and remembering the death of a good friend. I will also note that this is the only P. Diddy song I have ever liked. But man, that guitar is so smooth. And then you have the choir that adds an uplifting tone. Plus, the bridge by Faith Evans is just incredible--I still remembered that melody from like 10 years ago.
4) Mims-This Is Why I'm Hot
Now, as far as quality goes, there is no question that this song doesn't measure up to the other selections on this list. In ten years, people will not be including it on their "If You Had to Listen to One Song Looped For a Whole Day" lists. But, I don't live ten years in the future and I am including it on my list. And here's why: it makes you feel cool. Now, some people might bash that reasoning, but they secretly want to sing the chorus-line: "This is why I'm hot, this is why I'm hot, this is why, this is why, this is why I'm hot." This song is fun, easy to sing, and very easy to "bounce" to.
But this isn't just about me! Leave a comment with what song you would choose if you had to hear a single song looped in your head for an entire day.
On our last team getaway, we escaped to a nearby geyser with wading pools to relax and get to know each other better as individuals. It was a pretty relaxing time, and one of the funnest things was that we began asking each other very creative questions. One of my favorites, and one that (as you will see) I am still thinking about is this:
If you had to have a single song looping in your head (like your soundtrack) for a full day, what song would you choose?
As I said, I have continued to think about this. Thus, I have formed this list:
1) Seal--Kissed By a Rose
The not-so-official video
You remember this song from the Batman Forever soundtrack, right? I developed a deep love for this song after graduating high school when one of my good friends and I went to Cornerstone Music Festival. We camped all week right by one of the stages, and every morning they would blast this song over the speakers. I loved the music festival and it really helped me to appreciate this song. Seriously, I can't get enough of this song.
2) Mariah Carey--Always Be My Baby
This was a surprise pick, seeing as I had completely forgotten about this song. However, when a good friend casually mentioned that it was stuck in her head and then sent me the video it spawned a ton of memories and feelings. You see, my first slow dance, which was in the 5th grade, was to this song. For some reason, I remember almost everything about it. I remember that I was at a pool party. I remember that it started raining and we had to go into the dance room of the sports club. I remember how the room smelled. And, finally, I remember exactly how I felt as I slow dance to this song. I was entering into my teenage years and all the crushes and emotions that go along with that. Honestly, this comes in a very close second on this list. Such a great song. Thanks Mariah.
Note: I realize that David Cook's version of this song is very popular. However, David Cook's version was not playing when I had my first slow dance; therefore, in my mind, Mariah's version is infinitely better.
3) Puff Daddy--I'll Be Missing You
Now, before you question me on this, the answer is "Yes, I do realize that he ripped this off from The Police." However, I completely approve. If you haven't already realized this (and you probably have), Sting's version is extremely creepy. It's basically about a stalker. But what does Puff Daddy (oh how I miss when that was his name) turn the song into but a form mourning and remembering the death of a good friend. I will also note that this is the only P. Diddy song I have ever liked. But man, that guitar is so smooth. And then you have the choir that adds an uplifting tone. Plus, the bridge by Faith Evans is just incredible--I still remembered that melody from like 10 years ago.
4) Mims-This Is Why I'm Hot
Now, as far as quality goes, there is no question that this song doesn't measure up to the other selections on this list. In ten years, people will not be including it on their "If You Had to Listen to One Song Looped For a Whole Day" lists. But, I don't live ten years in the future and I am including it on my list. And here's why: it makes you feel cool. Now, some people might bash that reasoning, but they secretly want to sing the chorus-line: "This is why I'm hot, this is why I'm hot, this is why, this is why, this is why I'm hot." This song is fun, easy to sing, and very easy to "bounce" to.
But this isn't just about me! Leave a comment with what song you would choose if you had to hear a single song looped in your head for an entire day.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
3 Future Album Releases That (Could) Have the Potential to Change My Life...
Death Cab for Cutie--"Narrow Stairs"
Augustana--"Can't Love, Can't Hurt"
Right Away, Great Captain!--"The Eventually Home"
Augustana--"Can't Love, Can't Hurt"
Right Away, Great Captain!--"The Eventually Home"
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Toby G In 'Da House
Just discovered this gem was online.
A few years ago, one of my best friends participated in recording this American Idol parody for his church's college group. I don't think anyone knew how amazing his character would be going into it. When the video was shown, people flipped out and thought it was the best thing ever. Probably, because it is. So this is P.J.'s (hilarious) breakout role as Toby G. You can imagine my excitement when P.J. called me up yesterday to tell me that he had just found the video online. Enjoy.
"I was like, workin' my moves, that God blessed me with, you know. And I was like, 'oh oh, show the guns, baby. Show the guns.'"
A few years ago, one of my best friends participated in recording this American Idol parody for his church's college group. I don't think anyone knew how amazing his character would be going into it. When the video was shown, people flipped out and thought it was the best thing ever. Probably, because it is. So this is P.J.'s (hilarious) breakout role as Toby G. You can imagine my excitement when P.J. called me up yesterday to tell me that he had just found the video online. Enjoy.
"I was like, workin' my moves, that God blessed me with, you know. And I was like, 'oh oh, show the guns, baby. Show the guns.'"
Thursday, March 27, 2008
In Music News
I've been both intrigued and utterly confused the last two times I've been to my local Mix-Up (the biggest chain of music stores in Mexico). In general, they have the same music section titles as we do plus an English section. So, when you're browsing, it looks something like this...Rock en español, Rock en inglés, Pop en español, Pop en inglés, Música electrónica, Música norteña, Soundtracks, Death Trash. WAIT...Death Trash? Both times I've been in this specific store, I have stopped, done a double take, and laughed. I suppose they are taking "death" from "death metal." As for "trash," I'm just gonna guess that it should be "thrash" stemming from "thrash metal." Regardless, the phrase "Death Trash" will forever make me chuckle.
ALSO on my latest visit to Mix-Up, I was enlightened to the fact that Milli Vanilli has a new greatest hits record. So many questions come to mind. Is this just a Mexico thing or is this world-wide? If it is just a Mexico thing, is there some secret Milli Vanilli following I don't know about here? Where is Milli Vanilli now? Where is Vh1's "Where Are They Now?" when you need it?
ALSO on my latest visit to Mix-Up, I was enlightened to the fact that Milli Vanilli has a new greatest hits record. So many questions come to mind. Is this just a Mexico thing or is this world-wide? If it is just a Mexico thing, is there some secret Milli Vanilli following I don't know about here? Where is Milli Vanilli now? Where is Vh1's "Where Are They Now?" when you need it?
Friday, March 21, 2008
"Cotton Crush" (In a Big Way)
Most of you who normally read my blog have already become acquainted with Kevin Devine through a previous video of his that I posted. However, you haven't seen anything until you've seen Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band. In this particular instance, based on my humble calculations, the band consists of:
5 guitarists
3 drummers
2 percussionists
1 keyboardist
and
1 bassist.
That's 12 people on stage at once.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
To Have Too Much is to Have Nothing
In Mexico, not many places take Credit or Debit Cards. The normal result of that is that one has to watch his or her finances as to not be stuck somewhere without any cash. However, it's not long before one realizes that the other extreme is quite plausible as well. Not only can I not have too little money, but I can't have too much money, at least not in large bills. The average establishment cannot make change for large bills, and many places (for example taxis, small restaurants, gas stations) will many times not accept large bills. Hence my yesterday's frustrations:
7am I need to be at church to serve at our Semana Santa community breakfasts. Since it is early, I decide to take a taxi to buy me some extra time to rest and get ready. When it is time to leave I check my wallet to see what kind of bills I have. Alas, I have only A SINGLE 500 PESO BILL. That's the equivalent of a 50 dollar bill. It is then that I realize that my day will be cursed. Knowing that no taxi driver will be able to make change for my bill (it takes about 3 dollars to get to church), I hope I will find a store that can give me change. However, since it is so early, no stores are open. I then begin my microbus, metro, microbus pilgrimage to the church. Arriving at the metro, I decide to check at a farmacy and a snack shop to see if by some miracle of God they have change. They do not.
10am After the church breakfast I am dead tired and need to get home for a solid nap. However, I still have "no" money. Thankfully, a friend from church offers to give me a ride.
4:30pm After English Club I am dying of thirst. But the puesto at the UNAM is not very well going to have change for 500 pesos. A friend is kind enough to lend me ten pesos (a dollar). I am now in debt because I have 50 dollars.
7:30pm I need to get back to my place quick to shower and change before I head out to have dinner and drinks with a friend. I need a taxi. But twelve hours after my original discovery of my 500 peso curse, I still haven't gotten rid of the maldito bill. Another friend is kind enough to lend me 3o pesos (3 dollars). I am now 4 dollars in debt because I have 50 dollars.
10pm After some delicious proof of God's goodness in the form of tacos al pastor, I lay down my cursed bill and cross my fingers that the waiter will accept this loaded offering. To my surprise he brings me back a tray full of change and I wonder at the fact that I actually have money now. The curse is passed on to some other poor joker who will go an entire day with a full wallet but be forced to live as if he had absolutely no money.
Moral of the story: In the Third World, to have too much is to have nothing at all.
7am I need to be at church to serve at our Semana Santa community breakfasts. Since it is early, I decide to take a taxi to buy me some extra time to rest and get ready. When it is time to leave I check my wallet to see what kind of bills I have. Alas, I have only A SINGLE 500 PESO BILL. That's the equivalent of a 50 dollar bill. It is then that I realize that my day will be cursed. Knowing that no taxi driver will be able to make change for my bill (it takes about 3 dollars to get to church), I hope I will find a store that can give me change. However, since it is so early, no stores are open. I then begin my microbus, metro, microbus pilgrimage to the church. Arriving at the metro, I decide to check at a farmacy and a snack shop to see if by some miracle of God they have change. They do not.
10am After the church breakfast I am dead tired and need to get home for a solid nap. However, I still have "no" money. Thankfully, a friend from church offers to give me a ride.
4:30pm After English Club I am dying of thirst. But the puesto at the UNAM is not very well going to have change for 500 pesos. A friend is kind enough to lend me ten pesos (a dollar). I am now in debt because I have 50 dollars.
7:30pm I need to get back to my place quick to shower and change before I head out to have dinner and drinks with a friend. I need a taxi. But twelve hours after my original discovery of my 500 peso curse, I still haven't gotten rid of the maldito bill. Another friend is kind enough to lend me 3o pesos (3 dollars). I am now 4 dollars in debt because I have 50 dollars.
10pm After some delicious proof of God's goodness in the form of tacos al pastor, I lay down my cursed bill and cross my fingers that the waiter will accept this loaded offering. To my surprise he brings me back a tray full of change and I wonder at the fact that I actually have money now. The curse is passed on to some other poor joker who will go an entire day with a full wallet but be forced to live as if he had absolutely no money.
Moral of the story: In the Third World, to have too much is to have nothing at all.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Free Keller Resources
While browsing for theological resources on Monergism.com, I discovered that Tim Keller (one of my favorite preachers and pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC) is the highlighted "Monthly Focus." Now, this would be only slightly exciting except for the fact that they also offer an entire page of FREE sermons and papers by Dr. Keller! This includes Keller's "Defeater" sermons (complete with study guides), which are the basis for his new book The Reason for God, sermons on "The Cross of Christ," sermons on "Smashing False Idols," and a 12-semonn series entitled "Redeemer's Vision Campaign: A Season of Covenant Renewal."
This will keep me occupied and happy for a good, long while.
This will keep me occupied and happy for a good, long while.
Monday, March 03, 2008
I just ordered these books...
and my parents are going to bring them down in late March.
Lectures to My Students by Charles Spurgeon
Monkey Hunting by Cristina Garcia
The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Tim Keller
The Question of God: C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God, Love, Sex, and the Meaning of Life by Armand M. Nicholi Jr.
Chuck Klosterman IV: A Decade of Curious People and Dangerous Ideas by Chuck Klosterman
A Royal "Waste" of Time: The Splendor of Worshiping God and Being Church for the World by Marva J. Dawn
The Pastor in Prayer by Charles Spurgeon
The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World by David F. Wells
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
Lectures to My Students by Charles Spurgeon
Monkey Hunting by Cristina Garcia
The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Tim Keller
The Question of God: C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God, Love, Sex, and the Meaning of Life by Armand M. Nicholi Jr.
Chuck Klosterman IV: A Decade of Curious People and Dangerous Ideas by Chuck Klosterman
A Royal "Waste" of Time: The Splendor of Worshiping God and Being Church for the World by Marva J. Dawn
The Pastor in Prayer by Charles Spurgeon
The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World by David F. Wells
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Black Coffee
It's been a while since I've posted any poetry. Honestly, I haven't written much since I graduated, but it is still something that I really enjoy. While flipping through a notebook to begin writing a Bible Study today, I found this poem that I wrote a month or two ago in a coffee shop. I really appreciate how the meaning still connects with me months after I wrote it, and it has even taken on new forms of meaning that I couldn't have had in mind when I wrote it. Such is the nature and beauty of poetry.
Black Coffee
There’s a soft folk song on the radio.
The feminine melody has me wanting to fall in love.
“Sometimes I pray for you” connects deep down
and gives me hope that I’m not alone. Gives
me hope that I’m not the only one longing
to be joined—pulled out of the lonely abyss
to empathy and passion and mirrored selflessness.
I take my coffee black.
B – L – A – C – K
It is the purest color.
P – U – R – I – T – Y
It is the most pleasingly bitter taste my tongue
has ever interpreted. I cannot help but find
sweet comfort in the physical.
Black Coffee
There’s a soft folk song on the radio.
The feminine melody has me wanting to fall in love.
“Sometimes I pray for you” connects deep down
and gives me hope that I’m not alone. Gives
me hope that I’m not the only one longing
to be joined—pulled out of the lonely abyss
to empathy and passion and mirrored selflessness.
I take my coffee black.
B – L – A – C – K
It is the purest color.
P – U – R – I – T – Y
It is the most pleasingly bitter taste my tongue
has ever interpreted. I cannot help but find
sweet comfort in the physical.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Spurgeon's Love of Cigars
"When I have found intense pain relieved, a weary brain soothed, and calm refreshing sleep obtained by a cigar, I have felt grateful to God and have blessed His name." -Charles SpurgeonWhile browsing a webpage full of resources by one of history's greatest preachers and pastors, Charles Spurgeon, I stumbled upon a complete page dedicated to his love of fine cigars. The following is just one of various excerpts from newspapers and biographies dedicated to this hobby.
The incident was reported in a church magazine, Christian World, on September 25, 1874:
LAST Sunday evening, Mr. Spurgeon, before beginning his sermon, announced that he should not preach long that night, because he wished his friend Mr. Pentecost, who was on the platform, to say a few words to the congregation.
Mr. Spurgeon then gave a very earnest address on the words, "I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord; I will keep Thy statutes. I cried unto Thee; save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies." (Ps. cxix. 145-6.)
He spoke strongly and plainly upon the necessity of giving up sin, in order to success in prayer for "quickening," and as an evidence of sincerity. Mr. Spurgeon, in concluding his discourse, said, "Now then, perhaps Brother Pentecost will give you the application of that sermon."
"Brother Pentecost" is an "open communion" Baptist minister, of the American city of Boston. He responded at once to Mr. Spurgeon's call, and, stepping to the front of the platform, gave some excellent remarks on the latter portion of the text, with much simplicity and force of manner.
Referring to one part of Mr. Spurgeon's sermon, he gave us an interesting bit of personal experience. He said that some years ago, he had had the cry awakened in his heart, "Quicken Thou me." He desired to be more completely delivered from sin, and he prayed that God would show him anything which prevented his more complete devotion to Him. He was willing, he thought, to give up anything or everything if only he might realise the desire of his heart.
"Well," said he, amidst the profound silence and attention of the immense congregation, "what do you think it was that the Lord required of me? He did not touch me in my church, my family, my property, or my passions. But one thing I liked exceedingly—the best cigar which could be bought."
He then told us that the thought came into his mind, could he relinquish this indulgence, if its relinquishment would advance his piety? He tried to dismiss the idea as a mere fancy or scruple, but it came again and again to him, and he was satisfied that it was the still small voice which was speaking.
He remembered having given up smoking by the wish of his ministerial brethren, when he was twenty-one years of age, for four years. But then, he had resumed the habit, for he declared during that four years he never saw or smelt a cigar which he did not want to smoke. How, however, he felt it to be his duty to give it up again, and so unequal did he feel to the self-denial, that he "took his cigar-box before the Lord," and cried to Him for help. This help he intimated had been given, and the habit renounced.
Mr. Spurgeon, whose smoking propensities are pretty well known, instantly rose at the conclusion of Mr. Pentecost's address, and, with a somewhat playful smile, said,
"Well, dear friends, you know that some men can do to the glory of God what to other men would be sin. And notwithstanding what brother Pentecost has said, I intend to smoke a good cigar to the glory of God before I go to bed to-night."If anybody can show me in the Bible the command, 'Thou shalt not smoke,' I am ready to keep it; but I haven't found it yet. I find ten commandments, and it's as much as I can do to keep them; and I've no desire to make them into eleven or twelve."The fact is, I have been speaking to you about real sins, not about listening to mere quibbles and scruples. At the same time, I know that what a man believes to be sin becomes a sin to him, and he must give it up. 'Whatsoever is not of faith is sin' [Rom. 14:23], and that is the real point of what my brother Pentecost has been saying."Why, a man may think it a sin to have his boots blacked. Well, then, let him give it up, and have them whitewashed. I wish to say that I'm not ashamed of anything whatever that I do, and I don't feel that smoking makes me ashamed, and therefore I mean to smoke to the glory of God."
.............................................
The phrase "smoking to the glory of God" quickly became associated with Spurgeon's name. As you might imagine, Spurgeon came under much criticism for what was reported in the newspapers and by word of mouth. This is an excerpt from a letter the pastor wrote to the editor of The Daily Telegraph:
The expression "smoking to the glory of God" standing alone has an ill sound, and I do not justify it; but in the sense in which I employed it I still stand to it. No Christian should do anything in which he cannot glorify God; and this may be done, according to Scripture, in eating and drinking and the common actions of life.
When I have found intense pain relieved, a weary brain soothed, and calm, refreshing sleep obtained by a cigar, I have felt grateful to God, and have blessed His name; this is what I meant, and by no means did I use sacred words triflingly.
If through smoking I had wasted an hour of my time—if I had stinted my gifts to the poor—if I had rendered my mind less vigorous—I trust I should see my fault and turn from it; but he who charges me with these things shall have no answer but my forgiveness.
I am told that my open avowal will lessen my influence, and my reply is that if I have gained any influence through being thought different from what I am, I have no wish to retain it. I will do nothing upon the sly, and nothing about which I have a doubt.
I am most sorry that prominence has been given to what seems to me so small a matter—and the last thing in my thoughts would have been the mention of it from the pulpit; but I was placed in such a position that I must either by my silence plead guilty to living in sin, or else bring down upon my unfortunate self the fierce rebukes of the anti-tobacco advocates by speaking out honestly. I chose the latter; and although I am now the target for these worthy brethren, I would sooner endure their severest censures than sneakingly do what I could not justify, and earn immunity from their criticism by tamely submitting to be charged with sin in an action which my conscience allows.
...................................
The matter of Christian Liberty requires much wisdom and maturity. I think that we would do well to learn about the manner in which we express, defend, and cede our liberties from the Prince of Preachers.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Morning Yearning
Thought I would post the video, which I just discovered, of my favorite song off of Ben Harper's "Both Sides of the Gun." The song is called "Morning Yearning," and, as you'll see, the video is really beautiful. The cinemotography leaves you speechless. Interestingly enough, it was directed by Heath Ledger. According to someone who posted this video on YouTube, Ledger actually asked Harper to right a song for his baby girl. Harper agreed and "Happily Ever After in Your Eyes" (the last track on the first disk of "Both Sides of the Gun" is what came out of the agreement).
On a wholly different note, aside from relationships, I think the thing I miss most about my life in the states is driving my car, rolling down the windows on a warm day, blasting a good cd, and singing along. There are very few things more relieving.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Pierced
Well folks, I finally took the plunge...I got my nose pierced! I've been wanting to do this for quite some time and I finally felt the time was right. So, accompanied by my good friends Josh and Amy, I wandered into a very clean, very professional tattoo parlor/piercing place in the Zona Rosa here in Mexico City. The following pictures document the results:
Before
Before
The needle is through my nose
Applying Pressure (Ouch!)
After...(sorry, the pics are so small it's hard to see the piercing)
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Eric Volz Update
Most of you know that, for the past year, I have been following the case of Eric Volz, an American wrongfully imprisoned in Nicaragua for allegedly having killed his ex-girlfriend. Eric was released, after more than a year in prison, this past January!! I just found this great interview with he and his mom that it definitely worth a watch.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Man Vs. Machine
It's funny...you get used to your computer and you start to think that it's on your side.
And then it crashes.
Like mine did at approximately 8:47pm last night.
Oh, it still works, don't worry.
But it deleted ALL of my files.
Thank God I backed up my Hymn Project files earlier in the day. No really, that is not normal for me, so I'm so thankful!
And then it crashes.
Like mine did at approximately 8:47pm last night.
Oh, it still works, don't worry.
But it deleted ALL of my files.
Thank God I backed up my Hymn Project files earlier in the day. No really, that is not normal for me, so I'm so thankful!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Blindsiding Prayers
I've noticed lately, something I am completely again when it comes to public prayer, and that is not warning people you are about to start praying. When I was in NYC for Pre-Field Training, I taught a 4th Grade Sunday School with another girl my age. Our 2nd week there (we taught for a total of 4 weeks), a man from the church came in to chat. It was just the 3 of us in the room for about 10 minutes. All of a sudden, he reaches out to shake my hand. I grasp his hand and look him in the eyes, and he closes his eyes and starts praying! No warning! I mean, seriously, I would like some sort of curtesy, "Let's pray." It's not that I don't want to pray with you, it's just that I want to know if we are shaking hands for the purpose of shaking hands or for the purpose of launching into a prayer. Because if I think w'ere just shaking hands, and you just burst into prayer (which gets really awkward for any third parties in the room by the way i.e. my teaching partner), I feel kind of betrayed. This exact same experience with the Hand Shake Prayer occured every week for the remainder of our time as Sunday School teachers.
IT happened again last night. I was having some post-dinner hot chocolate (from Oaxaca!) with the family I rent from. A missionary couple, who are friends of theirs from church, came over to visit as well. I was introduced to the missionaries and we chatted for 5 or 10 minutes about their work with YWAM. The husband missionary, who had been doing most of the talking, finally diverted his gaze from me, because our conversation had come to an end. He leaned back in his chair and randomly said, "Señor," which I assumed meant he was going to address the husband of the house sitting directly beside him. But no. He launches into this prayer out of nowhere. Warning please! IT's weird because in a moment like last night, you actually see everyone but the person praying trying to figure out what's going on. Sometimes you make eye contact, but at the very least, you see people looking around and then a light bulb goes off in each person's head. After a few seconds, everyone's eyes are closed, but you're still reflecting on what just happened. I would love to pray with you, but I'm just gonna need some warning so I don't feel blindsided. I mean seriously, why do people think blindsiding prayers a good idea?
IT happened again last night. I was having some post-dinner hot chocolate (from Oaxaca!) with the family I rent from. A missionary couple, who are friends of theirs from church, came over to visit as well. I was introduced to the missionaries and we chatted for 5 or 10 minutes about their work with YWAM. The husband missionary, who had been doing most of the talking, finally diverted his gaze from me, because our conversation had come to an end. He leaned back in his chair and randomly said, "Señor," which I assumed meant he was going to address the husband of the house sitting directly beside him. But no. He launches into this prayer out of nowhere. Warning please! IT's weird because in a moment like last night, you actually see everyone but the person praying trying to figure out what's going on. Sometimes you make eye contact, but at the very least, you see people looking around and then a light bulb goes off in each person's head. After a few seconds, everyone's eyes are closed, but you're still reflecting on what just happened. I would love to pray with you, but I'm just gonna need some warning so I don't feel blindsided. I mean seriously, why do people think blindsiding prayers a good idea?
Sunday, January 13, 2008
I know I just posted not 1 minute ago, but this just happened...
I downloaded a FREE David Bazan live show from here. At his shows, he does Q and A slots where anyone in the audience asks him any question he or she would like.
The Question: "What's your daughter's name?"
The Answer (that brought this post about): "Eleanor...she's the shit."
:)
The Question: "What's your daughter's name?"
The Answer (that brought this post about): "Eleanor...she's the shit."
:)
Evangelism and Rock and Roll
As a missionary, I do quite a bit of thinking about what evangelism should look like. No doubt, if you lived anywhere near the South or have any kind of contact with Christian people, evangelism has affected you in some way. (If you're not a Christian, that way has, I'm sorry to say, probably been very negative and hurtful.) Working with a campus ministry, I also hear a lot of students express their ideas of what Jesus meant when he told us to "go and make disciples of all nations." Opinions here in Mexico range from handing out tracks to "we should play songs at our Bible studies (which are heald outside in a very high-traffic area of campus) so that kids will here us singing about Jesus and come to our studies." Now, the purpose of this post is not to deconstruct these ideas of evangelism. Actually, I'm writing about evangelism because I was very encouraged a few days ago when I opened my Myspace account and saw a bulletin written by a band called Manchester Orchestra about a band called Anathallo. I have been following Anathallo for some years now, and have always been amazed by the mastery their music expresses as the gospel bleeds through every song. I have also had the opportunity to meet these fellows and have been humbled by the integrity between the things they express in their music and the way they live their lives.
The following is, in my opinion, what Christians in a band should be known for. Not for not using curse words, or for not playing/listening to "secular music," but for these things...
"When we started this band 3 or 4 years ago we had no idea what we were doing. Not that we know much at all now, but at least we know a little more. This is in part to two bands that at the time (all of us 17 and 18 years old) allowed our band to tag along. Anathallo and a band called Colour revolt decided to take a chance on us and give us almost every show they would play in our respective regional area. Not only this but seeing as MO had absolutely NO means of making money and no product to sell at these shows, we would of in any other circumstance come back home several hundred dollars in the hole. Anathallo was the "biggest" band we knew in the world, so they would be headlining all of these shows we would play. They didn't only treat us with respect and as equals, they would financially give us the same amount of money that they (the headliners) rightfully made... giving us (the shitty opening band) enough gas to get back home and eventually record an EP. I know its long winded but the guys in Anathallo have been the truest of older brothers to me, carefully guiding me through the idea and concept of touring, helping us in the band make wise and calculated decisions on management, label, distribution, and just troubled soul syndrome that most people acquire while on the road....
The following is, in my opinion, what Christians in a band should be known for. Not for not using curse words, or for not playing/listening to "secular music," but for these things...
"When we started this band 3 or 4 years ago we had no idea what we were doing. Not that we know much at all now, but at least we know a little more. This is in part to two bands that at the time (all of us 17 and 18 years old) allowed our band to tag along. Anathallo and a band called Colour revolt decided to take a chance on us and give us almost every show they would play in our respective regional area. Not only this but seeing as MO had absolutely NO means of making money and no product to sell at these shows, we would of in any other circumstance come back home several hundred dollars in the hole. Anathallo was the "biggest" band we knew in the world, so they would be headlining all of these shows we would play. They didn't only treat us with respect and as equals, they would financially give us the same amount of money that they (the headliners) rightfully made... giving us (the shitty opening band) enough gas to get back home and eventually record an EP. I know its long winded but the guys in Anathallo have been the truest of older brothers to me, carefully guiding me through the idea and concept of touring, helping us in the band make wise and calculated decisions on management, label, distribution, and just troubled soul syndrome that most people acquire while on the road....
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Ladies of the Night
You can't tell me that's not an intriguing title. Late Friday night, 3 friends and I decided to go to the Zócalo (center of Mexico City) to check out the world's largest ice skating rink which has been there for the entire month of December. This is not where the Ladies of the Night enter.
When my friends and I arrived at the Zócalo, the rink looked nothing like this:
When my friends and I arrived at the Zócalo, the rink looked nothing like this:
"Why?" you ask. Not only was it midnight and so the entire square was lit up with Christmas lights, but there were virtually no people downtown as the rink had already closed for the night. Now, living in a city with a population of somewhere between 25 and 30 million people can sometimes feel strange. But it doesn't get much stranger than living in a city with 25 to 30 million people and feeling like you're alone. My friends and I walked the perimeter of the square soaking in the sensation of living in such a grand, monstrous city and feeling like it was somehow, all of a sudden, all for us. We were the objects of the city's attention. It was made for us and not for anyone else. This is also not where the Ladies of the Night enter.
We were a bit disappointed to find that when the ice skating rink is closed, you actually can't even see the ice. So, we saw the perimeter of the rink, but not the actual ice itself. I am still glad that we went, seeing as this rink has caused a great bit of discussion, and even dissention, here in the Distrito Federal. There was a big stink amongst most of the people I know viewing the rink as a distraction from all of the poverty in Mexico, and that Mexican goverment funds, which could have been used to give people food and drink, were insted wasted on entertainment. However, I have now learned that the rink was completely paid for by private donors. I just read a very interesting article discussing the social implications of the ice skating rink.
In order to get home from the downtown area, we took a main road named Tlalpan. Enter Ladies of the Night. Now, I had been warned upon venturing to the Zócalo that Tlalpan is one of the main drags (at least in our part of the city) for prostitution. What really blew my mind though, was the organization of it all. I was told, "Just look for lines of cars stopped on the side of the road. That's where you'll find the Ladies of the Night." I should also add that this road does not have a shoulder. These cars, suitors if you will, were stopped in the far right lane of this major highway waiting for some midnight loving. And so, without fail, when we saw the lines of cars, which ranged from 3 to 6 or 7, there was always a group of scantily clad ladies waiting to do business at the front of the line of cars. I really couldn't believe that, without fail, every line of cars was waiting for a visit from the Ladies of the Night. I speak of it lightly now, but it honestly made me feel deep sadness at how used these women are and the temptation that their service brings to men.
As we passed the 5th or 6th group of cars waiting on the Ladies of the Night, I saw a police car turn onto the main drag. I asked, "So, what do the police think of the prostitution here? Do they arrest the ladies?" The response should not have shocked me: "Are you kidding? The police live it up. They are the pimps." There you have it folks, a corrupt legal system that actually feeds on illegal activity. Not only are they feeding on illegal activity, but they are feeding on the lives of precious women and the improperly used desires of men. How do you cure a sick system when the very people who should be upholding the law are the leeches that keep the system bleeding and broken? How do you cure it when the very people you claim to want to protect and deliver are the very people you oppress and abuse?
Lord Jesus, come quickly.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Context
I know that it's been forever since I posted, and I do apologize. You can thank a trip to the States and some great time with family and friends for a lack of interneting. (Yes I did just make that word up, and yes, I do think that it should be an actual word.) The same people who use internet slang in conversation (yes, I admit I'm guilty) could start working in "to internet." I personally think it's a great idea.
ANYWAY, I was explaining to a friend the other day that I actually think about blog posts all the time. As I've had plenty of airplane rides, airport waits, and good conversations with friends lately, I've had an abundance of ideas. I'll start with this...
I've been thinking about context a lot lately. Not literary context, as in where the plot is set, or even the context of a conversation, but the contexts that we live in. After going to college a few states away from home, studying abroad, and now living in Mexico, I've come to realize how much context matters in our lives (and somehow I feel that I've only scratched the surface of the matter). Particularly, I've been thinking about how we grow (or simply change) in a new context without even realizing it. Then, when we return to the "mother" context (i.e. where you grew up or even returning to the culture of your family) we actually see the growth.
In scientific terms (I know, I'm stepping out on a limb here since I haven't had a science class in quite some time, but I think it does help to explain what I'm talking about), the context of our lives can be thought of in terms of controlled groups and experimental groups. In my case, the controlled group would be my home-town culture. That is, my family, my friends, my church, and general Spartanburg, South Carolina culture. Although it does change, the change is much slower than the rate that I change at as I experience another culture. The experimental group of my "life experiment" would be moving to another location (although, as far as I'm concerned it could be a change as small as changing from one group of friends to another). The outcome of the experiment (a.k.a. the data that we note) is then the change in personality, emotion, will, etc. that develops in the individual because of a change in outer circumstances to said experimental group. Only because the controlled group remains constant (or at least virtually constant) can the end result be monitored.
Now, seeing as I am no scientist, it is very possible that there are errors in my whole "life experiment," (especially in terminology) but the point is that we are constantly changing, especially as we move to another culture or life situation, and the changes are best observed when we are plopped back into our mother culture.
To make this more personal (after all, that is what this blog is for, to express personal thoughts), I often feel like I am not growing spiritually, emotionally, and in maturity until I return home and see the contrast of my new growth with my former home-town immaturity. Not only do I not that I have matured in these areas but my friends and family, the livelihood of my former context, express their observations as well. Having put this in a positive light, we must also consider that returning to an old context can also reveal negative changes. For instance, for someone who has always been very patient with people, returning home to stay in a parent's household may reveal that the individual is now not so patient as he once was.
Another interesting facet of context is how we behave differently in different contexts. Although hopefully not to a large degree, we are on some level constantly defined by reactions to other people. For instance, someone who has been known for being at least mildly confident, who moves away for her first job may find that she is suddenly terribly intimidated by her boss or co-workers and it not the same confident person in her new context.
This has been made real to me with the issue of calling this past semester. After coming out of college being very convinced I was called to ministry, having the backing of many friends and family in that conviction, I suddenly found myself here in Mexico with many insecurities about my calling. Fear and intimidation began to rule my thoughts on my calling. Only after returning to the States (for RUF training and Christmas) and having a very encouraging talk with a pastor-friend who knows me very well, did I realize how much destruction to my perception of my calling that fear and intimidation had caused. My gifts have not changed. My experience has not changed. But my context did, and that (the combination of people and culture) was enough to shake up my ideas of who I was.
We cannot escape context. In the story that we have been written into, it is our setting and the characters that we come in contact with. My thoughts on context have not been exhausted, and I know that this issue will be a continual source of discouragement and encouragement. Thank God that I am shaped but not ultimately defined by my context and that His providence actually utilizes the "where" and "with who" of our lives.
ANYWAY, I was explaining to a friend the other day that I actually think about blog posts all the time. As I've had plenty of airplane rides, airport waits, and good conversations with friends lately, I've had an abundance of ideas. I'll start with this...
I've been thinking about context a lot lately. Not literary context, as in where the plot is set, or even the context of a conversation, but the contexts that we live in. After going to college a few states away from home, studying abroad, and now living in Mexico, I've come to realize how much context matters in our lives (and somehow I feel that I've only scratched the surface of the matter). Particularly, I've been thinking about how we grow (or simply change) in a new context without even realizing it. Then, when we return to the "mother" context (i.e. where you grew up or even returning to the culture of your family) we actually see the growth.
In scientific terms (I know, I'm stepping out on a limb here since I haven't had a science class in quite some time, but I think it does help to explain what I'm talking about), the context of our lives can be thought of in terms of controlled groups and experimental groups. In my case, the controlled group would be my home-town culture. That is, my family, my friends, my church, and general Spartanburg, South Carolina culture. Although it does change, the change is much slower than the rate that I change at as I experience another culture. The experimental group of my "life experiment" would be moving to another location (although, as far as I'm concerned it could be a change as small as changing from one group of friends to another). The outcome of the experiment (a.k.a. the data that we note) is then the change in personality, emotion, will, etc. that develops in the individual because of a change in outer circumstances to said experimental group. Only because the controlled group remains constant (or at least virtually constant) can the end result be monitored.
Now, seeing as I am no scientist, it is very possible that there are errors in my whole "life experiment," (especially in terminology) but the point is that we are constantly changing, especially as we move to another culture or life situation, and the changes are best observed when we are plopped back into our mother culture.
To make this more personal (after all, that is what this blog is for, to express personal thoughts), I often feel like I am not growing spiritually, emotionally, and in maturity until I return home and see the contrast of my new growth with my former home-town immaturity. Not only do I not that I have matured in these areas but my friends and family, the livelihood of my former context, express their observations as well. Having put this in a positive light, we must also consider that returning to an old context can also reveal negative changes. For instance, for someone who has always been very patient with people, returning home to stay in a parent's household may reveal that the individual is now not so patient as he once was.
Another interesting facet of context is how we behave differently in different contexts. Although hopefully not to a large degree, we are on some level constantly defined by reactions to other people. For instance, someone who has been known for being at least mildly confident, who moves away for her first job may find that she is suddenly terribly intimidated by her boss or co-workers and it not the same confident person in her new context.
This has been made real to me with the issue of calling this past semester. After coming out of college being very convinced I was called to ministry, having the backing of many friends and family in that conviction, I suddenly found myself here in Mexico with many insecurities about my calling. Fear and intimidation began to rule my thoughts on my calling. Only after returning to the States (for RUF training and Christmas) and having a very encouraging talk with a pastor-friend who knows me very well, did I realize how much destruction to my perception of my calling that fear and intimidation had caused. My gifts have not changed. My experience has not changed. But my context did, and that (the combination of people and culture) was enough to shake up my ideas of who I was.
We cannot escape context. In the story that we have been written into, it is our setting and the characters that we come in contact with. My thoughts on context have not been exhausted, and I know that this issue will be a continual source of discouragement and encouragement. Thank God that I am shaped but not ultimately defined by my context and that His providence actually utilizes the "where" and "with who" of our lives.
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