Dr. Adonna Otwell (sp?) preached in chapel this morning. She preached about being holy and seperate from the world, not compromising with sin. She listed various earthquakes in recent history, saying that they were God's judgement on unbelieving wicked nations. Some people might be taken aback by such an idea, but read your Bible, her delarations went right along with the God described in scripture. She talked about the rapture and heaven and she got me all excited about the fall festivals. She doesn't even know that's what she was talking about. During the last 10 minutes of her sermon, I wrote a couple of posts in my head that I will put up in a few months when the fall feasts are near.
Chapel went long and when I went to class, Professor Logue had already started... and locked the door. After they prayed he let in the group of us who were standing outside the door. It doesn't make sense to me that he wouldn't allow us to hear people's prayer requests and to join in prayer because we were 5 minutes late because of chapel. I asked someone who got to class on time what the deal was. She said it was so that people wouldn't walk in while we were praying. But people don't walk in during the actual praying time. They stand outside the door until the praying is finished, which I think is dumb. I agree with Dr. K who would encourage students to come right into class even while the class was praying. "If the Spirit is moving," she would say, "I want you to be a part of it. Don't miss out on what the Lord is doing by staying out in the hall until we are finished praying." Dr. K is so cool. I have great respect for the female Professors on campus.
This afternoon I went to the new Starbucks in the new Target with my girlfriend. We got frapuccinos (I think I might be spelling a lot of things wrong today). Joy got a haircut. She's so stinkin' cute.
About half an hour ago I paid off my school bill. $2,630. I'm almost broke. So I came back to my room and looked at apartments on the internet. I should have enough money by the end of the month so that I can get an apartment.
I'm gonna take a Logue test in 10 minutes. I'm leaving for work in an hour.
I'll probably write again Saturday night. Until then, leave some comments!!!
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
stream of consciousness 30.03.05
it's a beautiful day today. it was nice out two days ago, too. but yesterday, my day off, was rainy. know thyself. that can be so difficult. is the word individual closely related to the word indivisible. that's what one wise guy thinks. it's quite possible. a person who is a whole person and who is part of the whole. independent, though, is very different. a person who thinks that he or she is independent is actually delusional. we are always dependent. children want to be free from parents. parents can't stand their boss. the boss is restricted by the government. officials have to look out for the voters. the president is weighed down by checks and balances. a dictator has to look out for assassins. poor men want to be rich, rich men want to be kings, kings want to be gods. we are never satisfied. we are never free. but there's an unless. your attitude is more powerful than your situation. a believing slave is the Lord's freeman. every man is a slave either to sin or to the Lord. people who are oppressed in an oppressive country may be more inwardly free than a person in america held in bondage to his appetite. back to individuals. individuals are made by having their strengths recognized and their weaknesses supported. do I know my own strengths and weaknesses? locus of control. you are responsible. is your locus external? do you blame everyone and everything else for what has happened to you? or do you have an internal locus of control? do you take responsibility for your choices, actions, attitude? that was kind of fun. hope some of it made sense to you.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Consuming Fire
Nadab and Abihu were going to burn incense before the LORD, something they were supposed to do. But the way they went about it was wrong. So they got struck dead with fire from God.
Man, God was so stinkin' picky back then. Nadab and Abihu were most likely at fault in one or both of two areas: The How and/or The When. They brought fire from the wrong source and/or they brought it at the wrong time.
I bet if they hadn't been struck down nobody would have thought they were at fault. People would have probably thought that they did a good thing.
I see the same thing today. Stuff that seems good, but it's done at the wrong time or in the wrong way.
After striking down two of Aaron's sons God had a little talk with Aaron and made a big deal about distinguishing between the holy and profane, clean and unclean. Then in the next chapter God makes a big deal about what animals his holy people can or cannot eat.
Peter repeats God's command from this chapter, "Be holy because I am holy." What God has called clean or unclean, holy or common no man has the authority to call otherwise. And God doesn't change his Word, Thank God.
Holiness is a very tricky thing. It's an impossible thing. It always has been and always will be. But God can see us as though we are holy even though we're not. It has always been this way. If God calls a person holy, then that person is holy, no matter what.
God's word is final and unchanging. If only more people could accept that wonderful fact.
But it's more comfortable to pretend that God is an easygoing guy that just lets stuff slide. Some people like the thought that God is too big to care about the minute details of each person's life. The thought that God doesn't care about every little thing would terrify me.
God is holy. God is picky. God is who God is.
Man, God was so stinkin' picky back then. Nadab and Abihu were most likely at fault in one or both of two areas: The How and/or The When. They brought fire from the wrong source and/or they brought it at the wrong time.
I bet if they hadn't been struck down nobody would have thought they were at fault. People would have probably thought that they did a good thing.
I see the same thing today. Stuff that seems good, but it's done at the wrong time or in the wrong way.
After striking down two of Aaron's sons God had a little talk with Aaron and made a big deal about distinguishing between the holy and profane, clean and unclean. Then in the next chapter God makes a big deal about what animals his holy people can or cannot eat.
Peter repeats God's command from this chapter, "Be holy because I am holy." What God has called clean or unclean, holy or common no man has the authority to call otherwise. And God doesn't change his Word, Thank God.
Holiness is a very tricky thing. It's an impossible thing. It always has been and always will be. But God can see us as though we are holy even though we're not. It has always been this way. If God calls a person holy, then that person is holy, no matter what.
God's word is final and unchanging. If only more people could accept that wonderful fact.
But it's more comfortable to pretend that God is an easygoing guy that just lets stuff slide. Some people like the thought that God is too big to care about the minute details of each person's life. The thought that God doesn't care about every little thing would terrify me.
God is holy. God is picky. God is who God is.
Monday, March 28, 2005
One day at a time
Can I live life one day at a time? Do I live life one day at a time? What does it mean to live one day at a time? I think it means focusing on the here and now and not on your future plans or past failures. I don't want to let days and weeks slip by meaninglessly because I'm focused on some far off date. I need to give each day meaning. Find the worth in each day. Maybe, once I get the hang of one day at a time, I'll move on to one hour at a time. I think the ultimate fulfilled, joyful life would be when a person finds value in every moment of life. I want to see each situation that I'm in as a precious jewel, valuable, that I ought not waste or ignore. Soak in each fleeting bit of beauty. In the happy times, the sad times, and the boring times. But for now I'm going to try to at least live one day at a time.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Counting the Omer
Today is the Feast of Firstfruits. Messiah was not resurrected when the gentiles of his day were celebrating Easter. The day of his resurrection was when the Jews were celebrating Firstfruits.
Sunday does not replace the seventh day as Sabbath because Jesus was raised on a Sunday. It wasn’t “Sunday” on which he was raised, it was “Firstfruits.” The resurrection may have been Saturday night. The first day of the week is Saturday at sunset until Sunday at sunset (Sunday night services aren’t on the first day of the week). Jesus had already been resurrected while it was still dark (John 20:1).
Pentecost (Hebrew: Shavuot. Feast of Weeks) is 50 days after the Feast of Firstfruits. Pentecost and Shavuot are always on “the day after the Sabbath.” There’s no reason to say that Sunday is special because of the resurrection and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. Especially since they didn’t technically happen on Sunday (which includes the first and second days of the week), but on the first day of the “Jewish” (biblical) week.
Leviticus 23:15,16 says that you’re supposed to count 50 days, day after sabbath to day after sabbath. To aid in this counting, Jews have developed a tradition called The Counting of the Omer (not Homer).
40 of these 50 counting days, Jesus spent walking the earth after his resurrection explaining from the Law and the Prophets and the Writings everything that was written about him (since he is the Word, that’s a lot of stuff). The next 9 days the disciples spent preparing for Shavuot (which I will write more about later).
I have put in some omer links. Each week explores a certain aspect of our being, such as humility or love, and each day explores a different feature of that aspect. It’s a great read if you’re into psychological philosophical stuff like I am. (Remember, day one is Saturday night to Sunday night, day four is Tuesday night to Wednesday night, and the like).
As with many things, when it comes to the counting of the omer most Jews follow tradition rather than scripture. They put Firstfruits on the day after Passover instead of the day after Sabbath, so the 50th day could be any day of the week and not necessarily the day after the seventh sabbath as scripture says.
Sunday does not replace the seventh day as Sabbath because Jesus was raised on a Sunday. It wasn’t “Sunday” on which he was raised, it was “Firstfruits.” The resurrection may have been Saturday night. The first day of the week is Saturday at sunset until Sunday at sunset (Sunday night services aren’t on the first day of the week). Jesus had already been resurrected while it was still dark (John 20:1).
Pentecost (Hebrew: Shavuot. Feast of Weeks) is 50 days after the Feast of Firstfruits. Pentecost and Shavuot are always on “the day after the Sabbath.” There’s no reason to say that Sunday is special because of the resurrection and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. Especially since they didn’t technically happen on Sunday (which includes the first and second days of the week), but on the first day of the “Jewish” (biblical) week.
Leviticus 23:15,16 says that you’re supposed to count 50 days, day after sabbath to day after sabbath. To aid in this counting, Jews have developed a tradition called The Counting of the Omer (not Homer).
40 of these 50 counting days, Jesus spent walking the earth after his resurrection explaining from the Law and the Prophets and the Writings everything that was written about him (since he is the Word, that’s a lot of stuff). The next 9 days the disciples spent preparing for Shavuot (which I will write more about later).
I have put in some omer links. Each week explores a certain aspect of our being, such as humility or love, and each day explores a different feature of that aspect. It’s a great read if you’re into psychological philosophical stuff like I am. (Remember, day one is Saturday night to Sunday night, day four is Tuesday night to Wednesday night, and the like).
As with many things, when it comes to the counting of the omer most Jews follow tradition rather than scripture. They put Firstfruits on the day after Passover instead of the day after Sabbath, so the 50th day could be any day of the week and not necessarily the day after the seventh sabbath as scripture says.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Gimme some Comments
I figure this is a good day to talk a little about Jesus' sacrifice. I am fascinated by the parallels between the sacrifice of Jesus and Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac. If you want, read this article about how the Abraham/Isaac sacrifice was linked to the temple sacrifices.
Below, I copied a section I especially like.
From a Jewish source,
Instead, "Yitzchak's [Isaac's] fire" can refer to the spiritual reality and commitment he personally "ignited" that day when he, recognizing that he was to be the sacrifice, abandoned himself completely to the will of His Father in Heaven, and his father on earth. This, the commentators explains, is the meaning of the verse:
" ... And they walked together as one."
That is, with a single heart (Rashi) ... even after the realization that the "missing sacrifice" that Yitzchak had asked about was in fact not missing at all, but was he himself.
What is the "wood of Avraham"? Wood is fuel for the fire, and this is what Avraham had provided his son. It had been Avraham's test to bring Yitzchak up as an offering to G-d; who had set up the situation so that Yitzchak could choose to be bound and offered to G-d. This is the ultimate "gift" a parent can give to a child: the opportunity to know G-d, to love G-d, and to choose His way.
And here are some snipits from a discussion in the comments section of Why Not Remember?:
No One You Know said...
So, this has just been going around in my head for awhile, and I'd like to get your perspective on it: It's the story of when God tells Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. God tells Abraham to break one of the commandments. Now, I understand why Abraham could obey God, knowing that God would keep His promise no matter what. But, it's still murder. How can God tell Abraham to premeditate a murder, when God has forbidden this?
Joshua said...
I like to focus on Isaac in this occurrence. How much wood does it take to completely burn a person? Probably a whole lot. Isaac was strong enough to carry it (Gen 22:6). Many commentaries say that Isaac was pretty grown up at that time. Possibly 33. There was no way that Abraham could have overpowered Isaac and tied him to the altar (without supernatural intervention). Isaac had to submit to being the sacrifice.
The Word of God that Abraham had was God’s Voice. And he obeyed that Word no matter what his understanding was, and no matter what he saw around him.
No One You Know said...
I don't believe God ever intended for Abraham to kill Isaac. I think Abraham knew God's heart well enough to know that God would either provide a way out of the death of Isaac or raise him from the dead. Plus, Abraham clearly heard God's voice, so there wasn't confusion over whether or not it was God telling him to do it like there would be today.
Joshua said...
A question for you: How is Jesus’ death just? Is it righteous to kill the innocent in place of the guilty?
No One You Know said...
Good question about Jesus' sacrifice, which brings up another question, did Jesus choose to die for us. I mean, Jesus and God knew what it would take to bring restoration to the world, so did Jesus choose to be the sacrifice and God allow it? Or, did God make Jesus be the sacrifice? Do God and Jesus have a free will? Could Jesus have decided He did not want to die on the cross?
So, what do you think about any of this?
Below, I copied a section I especially like.
From a Jewish source,
Instead, "Yitzchak's [Isaac's] fire" can refer to the spiritual reality and commitment he personally "ignited" that day when he, recognizing that he was to be the sacrifice, abandoned himself completely to the will of His Father in Heaven, and his father on earth. This, the commentators explains, is the meaning of the verse:
" ... And they walked together as one."
That is, with a single heart (Rashi) ... even after the realization that the "missing sacrifice" that Yitzchak had asked about was in fact not missing at all, but was he himself.
What is the "wood of Avraham"? Wood is fuel for the fire, and this is what Avraham had provided his son. It had been Avraham's test to bring Yitzchak up as an offering to G-d; who had set up the situation so that Yitzchak could choose to be bound and offered to G-d. This is the ultimate "gift" a parent can give to a child: the opportunity to know G-d, to love G-d, and to choose His way.
And here are some snipits from a discussion in the comments section of Why Not Remember?:
No One You Know said...
So, this has just been going around in my head for awhile, and I'd like to get your perspective on it: It's the story of when God tells Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. God tells Abraham to break one of the commandments. Now, I understand why Abraham could obey God, knowing that God would keep His promise no matter what. But, it's still murder. How can God tell Abraham to premeditate a murder, when God has forbidden this?
Joshua said...
I like to focus on Isaac in this occurrence. How much wood does it take to completely burn a person? Probably a whole lot. Isaac was strong enough to carry it (Gen 22:6). Many commentaries say that Isaac was pretty grown up at that time. Possibly 33. There was no way that Abraham could have overpowered Isaac and tied him to the altar (without supernatural intervention). Isaac had to submit to being the sacrifice.
The Word of God that Abraham had was God’s Voice. And he obeyed that Word no matter what his understanding was, and no matter what he saw around him.
No One You Know said...
I don't believe God ever intended for Abraham to kill Isaac. I think Abraham knew God's heart well enough to know that God would either provide a way out of the death of Isaac or raise him from the dead. Plus, Abraham clearly heard God's voice, so there wasn't confusion over whether or not it was God telling him to do it like there would be today.
Joshua said...
A question for you: How is Jesus’ death just? Is it righteous to kill the innocent in place of the guilty?
No One You Know said...
Good question about Jesus' sacrifice, which brings up another question, did Jesus choose to die for us. I mean, Jesus and God knew what it would take to bring restoration to the world, so did Jesus choose to be the sacrifice and God allow it? Or, did God make Jesus be the sacrifice? Do God and Jesus have a free will? Could Jesus have decided He did not want to die on the cross?
So, what do you think about any of this?
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Yeastless
Friday night begins the week-long feast of unleavened bread.
I wrote most of this a year ago:
Exodus 12:14-20; 13:6-10
"Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast - as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth." 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
It is interesting that God commanded aliens and foreigners to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread, but commanded that only Jews and converted foreigners eat the passover meal (The Lamb). Most of us are familiar with the symbolic significance of the passover lamb and Christ. And it was in his sacrifice that Messiah brought unity between Jews and Gentiles who trust in him.
It is required for all people of all times to get the yeast out. As a person goes throughout the house searching for crumbs of leavened bread to throw out, they are also praying and searching their heart for sins to get rid of. Traditionally, Jews use a candle, a feather, and a wooden spoon in their search for leaven. What do you think these items might symbolize?
Even the small and/or hidden sins can have a devastating effect on the whole of our being.
Try going a week without leavened bread, maybe even go buy some matzah; and at each meal when you decide not to have a burger, sandwich, or a roll, ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart for crumbs of malice and wickedness and to fill you with sincerity and truth.
I wrote most of this a year ago:
Exodus 12:14-20; 13:6-10
"Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast - as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth." 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
It is interesting that God commanded aliens and foreigners to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread, but commanded that only Jews and converted foreigners eat the passover meal (The Lamb). Most of us are familiar with the symbolic significance of the passover lamb and Christ. And it was in his sacrifice that Messiah brought unity between Jews and Gentiles who trust in him.
It is required for all people of all times to get the yeast out. As a person goes throughout the house searching for crumbs of leavened bread to throw out, they are also praying and searching their heart for sins to get rid of. Traditionally, Jews use a candle, a feather, and a wooden spoon in their search for leaven. What do you think these items might symbolize?
Even the small and/or hidden sins can have a devastating effect on the whole of our being.
Try going a week without leavened bread, maybe even go buy some matzah; and at each meal when you decide not to have a burger, sandwich, or a roll, ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart for crumbs of malice and wickedness and to fill you with sincerity and truth.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
File & Sort
I've known for a while that my girlfriend has an affinity for filing and sorting stuff such as papers, mostly money related.
I just realized today how much filing I have done in my life. But not having to do with money.
At my tutoring job, I file student's folders all the time and don't mind it one bit. At my practicum I've been doing a lot of filing of clients' charts and don't mind it. At Central Market we each have a little file pouch with sections in which we file the reciepts for the different credit card brands and cupons.
I remembered today how, when I was younger, I would spend hours organizing my baseball, basketball and football cards according to my favorite players, favorite teams, all star players, card brand, card number, etc.
I also had my kid novels organized according to author, subject, book distributor, etc.
I don't remember what else I sorted like that. Anywho, I guess I'm an organized guy. You can believe that because you can't see my desk.
I just realized today how much filing I have done in my life. But not having to do with money.
At my tutoring job, I file student's folders all the time and don't mind it one bit. At my practicum I've been doing a lot of filing of clients' charts and don't mind it. At Central Market we each have a little file pouch with sections in which we file the reciepts for the different credit card brands and cupons.
I remembered today how, when I was younger, I would spend hours organizing my baseball, basketball and football cards according to my favorite players, favorite teams, all star players, card brand, card number, etc.
I also had my kid novels organized according to author, subject, book distributor, etc.
I don't remember what else I sorted like that. Anywho, I guess I'm an organized guy. You can believe that because you can't see my desk.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Time and Sacrifices
Today I worked at Central Market from 7:15 am to 6:20 pm. It was fun. It's illegal to sell alcohol before noon on Sunday. There's signs all over the beer and wine section on Sunday morning stating this fact. But this foreign guy came up at 11:30 and wanted to buy a bunch of beer and wine. The checker explained that it was illegal to sell alcohol before noon on Sunday. The guy said, "but I'm going to be late for church." as if that would change the law, or cause the checker to want to break the law so this guy could get to church. He kept coming back every 5 minutes to see if he could buy it yet. I laughed at myself when I wondered if the guy had to get drunk before church or if he could just wait until it was over. Not funny though. But he waited and bought the stuff at 12:01 and was off to church.
In the Torah readings, we're in the beginning of Leviticus which describes a lot about the sacrifices; this article from torah.org brings to life what the temple was like.
Friday night my congregation will be having a Passover Seder. It will be "Good Friday" according to the Catholic calendar, but that's just a coincidence. Your calendar probably says that Passover is April 24. That's according to the traditional rabbinical timing of the holidays. But the Bible lays out a different way of keeping track of days and months. It has to do with barley and the moon. If you care at all, you can read this article about it.
Just as the temple was holy space, the Sabbath day and the biblical (not "Jewish") feast days are holy time. Just as in the temple, everything had to be done just as God said, so God is in control of times and seasons and everything should be done as he said. The feast days are closely linked with the appearances of Messiah. There is some overlap, but for the most part the Spring feasts point to Messiah's first coming (all of which he fulfilled to the very hour) and the Fall feasts point to His second coming (which will most likely be fulfilled just as precisely). The Jewish leaders in the first century didn't understand what God had been communicating to them. Now it seems Jewish and Christian leaders are missing what God has put in scripture about Messiah's second coming.
The Jews will celebrate the spring feasts a month late and ignore Jesus' role in them. The Christians will ignore the spring feasts and celebrate Jesus the way the pagans celebrated their fertility goddess.
The Jews will celebrate the fall feasts a month late and ignore Jesus' role in them. The Christians will ignore the fall feasts and celebrate Halloween inside a church building so that it doesn't seem as pagan.
All that seemingly superfluous stuff (Laws, etc.) that some Christians ignore and some make fun of and that Jews argue about, why is it in the Bible?
Why are there so many stories and illustrations in the Bible?
Why did Jesus speak in parables?
In the Torah readings, we're in the beginning of Leviticus which describes a lot about the sacrifices; this article from torah.org brings to life what the temple was like.
Friday night my congregation will be having a Passover Seder. It will be "Good Friday" according to the Catholic calendar, but that's just a coincidence. Your calendar probably says that Passover is April 24. That's according to the traditional rabbinical timing of the holidays. But the Bible lays out a different way of keeping track of days and months. It has to do with barley and the moon. If you care at all, you can read this article about it.
Just as the temple was holy space, the Sabbath day and the biblical (not "Jewish") feast days are holy time. Just as in the temple, everything had to be done just as God said, so God is in control of times and seasons and everything should be done as he said. The feast days are closely linked with the appearances of Messiah. There is some overlap, but for the most part the Spring feasts point to Messiah's first coming (all of which he fulfilled to the very hour) and the Fall feasts point to His second coming (which will most likely be fulfilled just as precisely). The Jewish leaders in the first century didn't understand what God had been communicating to them. Now it seems Jewish and Christian leaders are missing what God has put in scripture about Messiah's second coming.
The Jews will celebrate the spring feasts a month late and ignore Jesus' role in them. The Christians will ignore the spring feasts and celebrate Jesus the way the pagans celebrated their fertility goddess.
The Jews will celebrate the fall feasts a month late and ignore Jesus' role in them. The Christians will ignore the fall feasts and celebrate Halloween inside a church building so that it doesn't seem as pagan.
All that seemingly superfluous stuff (Laws, etc.) that some Christians ignore and some make fun of and that Jews argue about, why is it in the Bible?
Why are there so many stories and illustrations in the Bible?
Why did Jesus speak in parables?
Saturday, March 19, 2005
nonstop
This week was superbusy. I barely had time to breathe; no way I could have blogged. It was Spring Break, but I couldn't wait for school to start so I can get a break. Since I didn't have classes, I decided to knock out as much practicum as I could. So I was at practicum all morning and then working at Central Market all afternoon and evening. I spent the last hour or so before curfew with Joy. I squeezed in as much sleep as I could. I barely had time to eat. I have tests coming up that I haven't studied for and probably have homework that I haven't done. But I'll be done with my practicum in 3 weeks. yay! In 6 weeks I'm gonna move into my own apartment! And in 7 weeks I'm gonna graduate!
Monday, March 14, 2005
update 314
I've been enjoying the song "Lonely" by Akon. It sounds like alvin and the chipmunks singing background vocals. It's such a fun and depressing song.
I talked to my mom on the phone tonight during a break at work. She gave me an update on Nathan (I wrote about him a little here) whom I have been thinking about a lot (and praying about a little) this last month. He had/has some kind of viral disease (menengitis?) and had a big fall down last friday and was hospitalized. It was really serious.
I talked to my mom on the phone tonight during a break at work. She gave me an update on Nathan (I wrote about him a little here) whom I have been thinking about a lot (and praying about a little) this last month. He had/has some kind of viral disease (menengitis?) and had a big fall down last friday and was hospitalized. It was really serious.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
A Really Long Post - Japanese Book, Denim Baptist, Australian Anglican, CoworkerstudentPKgirl - With A Really Long Title
A guy and his 5 year oldish son were in my line. The guy handed his son a book and said, "hold your book." I looked at the book and saw cartoon animals and symbols, the animals and symbols looked kinda Japanese. I asked the dad sortof jokingly, "Is he learning Japanese?"
Dad guy answered, "Yes, actually he is. His grandma is Japanese."
I said, "He should be able to learn it starting out this young."
"Right. I only wish I could learn it"
My mind went through thoughts about the plasticity of the young mind and how children can learn languages more readily than adults, because that's what their brains are wired to do at that age, and it's just not as easy for adults to learn new languages because they already have well worn paths in the language section of their brains. And I blurted out, "But your brain doesn't work right." Excellent.
Then my mind raced through do-something-you-idiot mode. I thought, I don't think they sell those books at Barnes & Noble. So I asked the guy, "Where did you get the book?"
And he told me that he has family in Tokyo and they mailed him the book and he said that they have really crazy stuff in Japan like cell phones the size of a pen.
Later at work, I saw a guy with a denim shirt with a clerical collar, and it made me think of Real Live Preacher, because he has one, too. I wondered for a second if it could be him, but then I realized that it wasn't because that guy didn't look like any picture of RLP, Gordon, that I have seen on the site.
This reminds me of a customer at work who I have seen a couple of times (a week ago and a couple of days ago). He wears black pants, black shirt with the clerical collar, a black vest, and a big fat crucifix. I was sliding his groceries along the scanner, and there was the big ol' cross with a guy on it hanging around an old guy's neck. He was a friendly old man. He had an accent. British I thought. So I figured he must be Anglican. I felt like talking to him, so I thought of the most original, creative thing I could, "So you're a minister."
"A Priest," he corrected me, as if it was an insult to call him a minister. Yikes, I didn't know. I knew not to call him "a Pastor" but I thought "minister" would be OK. Then he added, "An Anglican Priest."
You weren't supposed to tell me! I was gonna guess and impress you. I'll show you anyway, "Yeah, that's what I figured because of your accent. British, right."
"Close. Australian"
ooookaaaay. "Not really even close." Guess I'm not gonna be impressing you much.
A coworker and I had a break at the same time today. This coworker is also a classmate, and a friend and a PK (Pastor's Kid). I think she's curious about what I believe about Torah and whatnot, and I think she thinks I'm a little wacko. We should really talk about the Bible sometime. That's something I've noticed, all these spiritual people don't really discuss scripture much, instead they talk about what the lord told them. But I digress. The coworkerstudentPKgirl asked me about work today, like how long I had been there. I worked all day today 9:30am-7:30pm.
"Don't you feel bad about that [working instead of going to church on sunday morning]?" she asked.
"No. It's not like it's the Sabbath." (I'm such a snot)
"But that's not how you were raised."
"I wasn't raised Muslim either." Really, this is why I prefer writing to talking. When I talk, I sound so weird. The Muslim comment made no sense unless you could read my mind. I was thinking about how if someone was raised Muslim and then converted to Christianity, this girl would not be saying the same thing (i.e. "Do you feel bad about not praying to Allah 5 times a day?" "That's not how you were raised"). I don't think I'm explaining it very well. I'm just weird.
Then she asked, "If you were back home would you go to church?"
I think I answered with a "maybe." It doesn't make much difference. I would go to church back home to see friends from the past. I've seen church (as in the sunday morning church service) as pretty whack for much longer than I've observed Sabbath and all that. My apathy towards the sunday morning church service is not a result of observing the 7th day Sabbath and stuff.
I would much rather hang out with a community of believers (why can't I find one on this Christian university campus) and discuss scripture and spirituality with them. I have some friends on campus, but it's so hard to talk about God. And when we do, they get all weird. I guess I'm weird too. I dunno.
Dad guy answered, "Yes, actually he is. His grandma is Japanese."
I said, "He should be able to learn it starting out this young."
"Right. I only wish I could learn it"
My mind went through thoughts about the plasticity of the young mind and how children can learn languages more readily than adults, because that's what their brains are wired to do at that age, and it's just not as easy for adults to learn new languages because they already have well worn paths in the language section of their brains. And I blurted out, "But your brain doesn't work right." Excellent.
Then my mind raced through do-something-you-idiot mode. I thought, I don't think they sell those books at Barnes & Noble. So I asked the guy, "Where did you get the book?"
And he told me that he has family in Tokyo and they mailed him the book and he said that they have really crazy stuff in Japan like cell phones the size of a pen.
Later at work, I saw a guy with a denim shirt with a clerical collar, and it made me think of Real Live Preacher, because he has one, too. I wondered for a second if it could be him, but then I realized that it wasn't because that guy didn't look like any picture of RLP, Gordon, that I have seen on the site.
This reminds me of a customer at work who I have seen a couple of times (a week ago and a couple of days ago). He wears black pants, black shirt with the clerical collar, a black vest, and a big fat crucifix. I was sliding his groceries along the scanner, and there was the big ol' cross with a guy on it hanging around an old guy's neck. He was a friendly old man. He had an accent. British I thought. So I figured he must be Anglican. I felt like talking to him, so I thought of the most original, creative thing I could, "So you're a minister."
"A Priest," he corrected me, as if it was an insult to call him a minister. Yikes, I didn't know. I knew not to call him "a Pastor" but I thought "minister" would be OK. Then he added, "An Anglican Priest."
You weren't supposed to tell me! I was gonna guess and impress you. I'll show you anyway, "Yeah, that's what I figured because of your accent. British, right."
"Close. Australian"
ooookaaaay. "Not really even close." Guess I'm not gonna be impressing you much.
A coworker and I had a break at the same time today. This coworker is also a classmate, and a friend and a PK (Pastor's Kid). I think she's curious about what I believe about Torah and whatnot, and I think she thinks I'm a little wacko. We should really talk about the Bible sometime. That's something I've noticed, all these spiritual people don't really discuss scripture much, instead they talk about what the lord told them. But I digress. The coworkerstudentPKgirl asked me about work today, like how long I had been there. I worked all day today 9:30am-7:30pm.
"Don't you feel bad about that [working instead of going to church on sunday morning]?" she asked.
"No. It's not like it's the Sabbath." (I'm such a snot)
"But that's not how you were raised."
"I wasn't raised Muslim either." Really, this is why I prefer writing to talking. When I talk, I sound so weird. The Muslim comment made no sense unless you could read my mind. I was thinking about how if someone was raised Muslim and then converted to Christianity, this girl would not be saying the same thing (i.e. "Do you feel bad about not praying to Allah 5 times a day?" "That's not how you were raised"). I don't think I'm explaining it very well. I'm just weird.
Then she asked, "If you were back home would you go to church?"
I think I answered with a "maybe." It doesn't make much difference. I would go to church back home to see friends from the past. I've seen church (as in the sunday morning church service) as pretty whack for much longer than I've observed Sabbath and all that. My apathy towards the sunday morning church service is not a result of observing the 7th day Sabbath and stuff.
I would much rather hang out with a community of believers (why can't I find one on this Christian university campus) and discuss scripture and spirituality with them. I have some friends on campus, but it's so hard to talk about God. And when we do, they get all weird. I guess I'm weird too. I dunno.
Friday, March 11, 2005
A break?
It's Spring Break. So I'll be working more hours at Central Market and at my practicum site.
I was thinking the other day, Mr. Bean would definitely be a customer at Central Market.
Today is the birthday of Beautiful Joy. Happy Birthday!
I was thinking the other day, Mr. Bean would definitely be a customer at Central Market.
Today is the birthday of Beautiful Joy. Happy Birthday!
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
thrice
Tame the Tongue
Today I heard evil tongue. Jesus and James talked about our words. The rabbis also talk about the power of speech.
Saying something negative about someone else is called lashan hara. This is not just lying about someone. It is even saying something true but negative. Lashan hara kills three people. The speaker, the listener and the one being spoken about. If the speaker or the listener is the one being spoken about it is still dangerous. (I know of four people who have definitely been hurt by the words of this one person.)
Now there are some cases where it is necessary to say something negative about someone. For instance, if someone poses a threat, the person in danger needs to be warned. But then there is no need to go telling people who have no involvement in the matter.
Words are powerful. God created the world with words. Humans also have the ability to create with words. Once a word is spoken, it is filled with power that can bring life and death.
Before you say something harmful about someone else, stop and think about whether or not you need to say it. You probably don’t. We might not have much to talk about if we’re not bashing other people, maybe we should work on that.
Coincidence?
Today I left my backpack in the cafeteria. I got to my room and realized I had to go back and get it. Outside the cafeteria I saw Robert, the other guy on campus who believes somewhat like me. We talked for a few minutes. I now know where he lives, but I don’t have his number. I’m sure I’ll bump into him again.
Wish You Were Here
I’m so stinkin busy. On the days when I’m not busy I feel stressed because I keep thinking that there should be somewhere I need to go within the hour. Every once in a while, when I’m not focusing on what I’m doing right now and what I’m going to be doing next, I think about people that I know. But I don’t get to do this very often. I want to keep in contact with the people that I know and care about. I wonder if she’s still on the other part of the world, and where in America she is, and what he’s doing, and what he’s pondering now. I gotta make time for emailing and phone calling.
Today I heard evil tongue. Jesus and James talked about our words. The rabbis also talk about the power of speech.
Saying something negative about someone else is called lashan hara. This is not just lying about someone. It is even saying something true but negative. Lashan hara kills three people. The speaker, the listener and the one being spoken about. If the speaker or the listener is the one being spoken about it is still dangerous. (I know of four people who have definitely been hurt by the words of this one person.)
Now there are some cases where it is necessary to say something negative about someone. For instance, if someone poses a threat, the person in danger needs to be warned. But then there is no need to go telling people who have no involvement in the matter.
Words are powerful. God created the world with words. Humans also have the ability to create with words. Once a word is spoken, it is filled with power that can bring life and death.
Before you say something harmful about someone else, stop and think about whether or not you need to say it. You probably don’t. We might not have much to talk about if we’re not bashing other people, maybe we should work on that.
Coincidence?
Today I left my backpack in the cafeteria. I got to my room and realized I had to go back and get it. Outside the cafeteria I saw Robert, the other guy on campus who believes somewhat like me. We talked for a few minutes. I now know where he lives, but I don’t have his number. I’m sure I’ll bump into him again.
Wish You Were Here
I’m so stinkin busy. On the days when I’m not busy I feel stressed because I keep thinking that there should be somewhere I need to go within the hour. Every once in a while, when I’m not focusing on what I’m doing right now and what I’m going to be doing next, I think about people that I know. But I don’t get to do this very often. I want to keep in contact with the people that I know and care about. I wonder if she’s still on the other part of the world, and where in America she is, and what he’s doing, and what he’s pondering now. I gotta make time for emailing and phone calling.
Monday, March 07, 2005
No, it's MY birthday.
So Wild. Today I met someone who's been on earth the exact same amount of time as me, give or take a few hours.
That's strange in and of itself, but the odds of that happening are mindblowing (unless I had a twin).
I met him by selling him beer. Now it's already unlikely that two people with the same birthdate, down to the year, would be in the same building.
He had like 8 cashiers to choose from and he came to my line.
He could have gone to the express line. I wasn't even working express.
He was buying beer, so I had to card him. That's how I found out that we have the exact same birthday. If he wasn't buying alcohol we never would have known.
I sold him the beer 5 minutes before I got off work. A matter of minutes and I might not have met him.
His name is Zack. His birthday is the same as mine. I'll probably never even see him again. But WOW.
That's strange in and of itself, but the odds of that happening are mindblowing (unless I had a twin).
I met him by selling him beer. Now it's already unlikely that two people with the same birthdate, down to the year, would be in the same building.
He had like 8 cashiers to choose from and he came to my line.
He could have gone to the express line. I wasn't even working express.
He was buying beer, so I had to card him. That's how I found out that we have the exact same birthday. If he wasn't buying alcohol we never would have known.
I sold him the beer 5 minutes before I got off work. A matter of minutes and I might not have met him.
His name is Zack. His birthday is the same as mine. I'll probably never even see him again. But WOW.
Why Not Remember?
Today is the Feast of Perpetua and her Companions. We're in between the Feasts of Valentine and Patrick. Why don't we have some way of remembering these martyrs? Read the second link above.
It is also the anniversary of a Bloody Sunday in Alabama. Take a minute to read the above link and think about the brutality and sacrifice that was displayed just forty years ago today.
It is also the anniversary of a Bloody Sunday in Alabama. Take a minute to read the above link and think about the brutality and sacrifice that was displayed just forty years ago today.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
TWIRP'd
Tonight I went on a TWIRP (The Woman Is Required to Pay) date. It was a “blind twirp” for everyone except Joy and me. She set up four of her girl friends with four guys, and we all went out as a group. I suggested one of the couples, and I’m sure most of the group would agree they were the best match.
The guys all got mysterious notes. We met at the fountain at 8 pm. Then a group of girls came. With a row of guys and a row of girls standing there it looked and felt like a reality show. They stood anxiously waiting to be paired up. One of the guys didn’t show. Phil, my roomate, and I ran and grabbed another guy to come along with us.
So we all paired up and went to Starbucks. Our group of 11 (a sixth girl came along) busted into Starbucks at the same as another smaller group, and the “baristas” (which I learned today is Italian for bartender) were freaked out. The oldest barista asked quite rudely, “Where are you all from?” It was just kinda scary the way she asked it. We hung around the Corporate Monster Cloned Coffee house long after our overpriced unextraordinary drinks and desserts were finished. We were going to possibly do some other things like go to a drive in, ice skate or go bowling, but after Starbucks we went to a house and talked and played Cranium.
Before the date I was in my room singing “Love Me Do” by the Beatles. I stuck in the CD that Wonderful Joy bought me and listened to it. During Cranium, one of the Humdingers was “Love Me Do.” And then at the end of the night we all listened to the song.
It was a super-fantastic night. My girlfriend rocks.
The guys all got mysterious notes. We met at the fountain at 8 pm. Then a group of girls came. With a row of guys and a row of girls standing there it looked and felt like a reality show. They stood anxiously waiting to be paired up. One of the guys didn’t show. Phil, my roomate, and I ran and grabbed another guy to come along with us.
So we all paired up and went to Starbucks. Our group of 11 (a sixth girl came along) busted into Starbucks at the same as another smaller group, and the “baristas” (which I learned today is Italian for bartender) were freaked out. The oldest barista asked quite rudely, “Where are you all from?” It was just kinda scary the way she asked it. We hung around the Corporate Monster Cloned Coffee house long after our overpriced unextraordinary drinks and desserts were finished. We were going to possibly do some other things like go to a drive in, ice skate or go bowling, but after Starbucks we went to a house and talked and played Cranium.
Before the date I was in my room singing “Love Me Do” by the Beatles. I stuck in the CD that Wonderful Joy bought me and listened to it. During Cranium, one of the Humdingers was “Love Me Do.” And then at the end of the night we all listened to the song.
It was a super-fantastic night. My girlfriend rocks.
Friday, March 04, 2005
And he gathered
I recently heard someone’s definitions of religion and spirituality. I’m not quoting him exactly, but. Religion or going to church is not what you do to experience or worship God. It is a gathering of individuals who have similar spirituality. Spirituality is a person’s daily private encounters with God. Spirituality is private prayer, a life of worship and an ongoing inner communion with God. Religion is where these individuals get together and symbolically express their spirituality. For example, worship songs are symbols of love for and recognition of God (words are symbols), baptism and communion are symbols. These, along with sermons and testimonies (words are symbols), are expressions of what the person has already experienced personally (spirituality).
Moses gathered together the congregation, then he re-commanded sabbath yet again. Then he commanded whoever had a willing heart to bring gifts for work on the tabernacle. They brought more than enough. As I was reading Exodus 35, I was reminded of what Paul wrote to the Corinthians concerning their giving. When we decide to give/do something for someone else, we ought to carry it out. I like to give when it’s of my own initiative, I don’t like being forced or coerced into giving. I think that most people are the same way.
Spirituality is very important. Without it, religion would be worthless. But religion is also very important. A building is non-existent without the individual stones that make it up.
Today I met someone on campus who believes similar to me. Viva community.
Moses gathered together the congregation, then he re-commanded sabbath yet again. Then he commanded whoever had a willing heart to bring gifts for work on the tabernacle. They brought more than enough. As I was reading Exodus 35, I was reminded of what Paul wrote to the Corinthians concerning their giving. When we decide to give/do something for someone else, we ought to carry it out. I like to give when it’s of my own initiative, I don’t like being forced or coerced into giving. I think that most people are the same way.
Spirituality is very important. Without it, religion would be worthless. But religion is also very important. A building is non-existent without the individual stones that make it up.
Today I met someone on campus who believes similar to me. Viva community.
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