I haven't done an abstract post in a while, for I felt them becoming a bit repetitive. A friend I spoke to in person told me that my long stream of thought lasting about three minutes straight through mild tangent links, told me that my fears were unfounded. I needed to stop worrying about what others thought of myself. For the most part, I don't mind, but still... there are some actions and comments that are implicitly not socially responsible.
It is an unspoken code of behavior, one partly self policed and community based - it keeps things pleasant and on the surface level of small talk. Some people possess a wide base of knowledge that is appropriately shallow for such occasions. Others are a one-hit wonder, but are exceptional at their tune. Most of us fall between the lines and mentally scale others along the axis, depending on how well we know them.
I am a Christ-follower, and desire to live a life reflective of this. You see, I haven't the immediate nerve or personality to be a street witness for Christ. Some in His family have that calling and gifting and I wish them well in their missions. But for me, it is like telling smokers that they should stop - it will kill them. If they haven't a relationship with me, they might brush me off: they already know the risks of their lifestyle. If I offer literature as documentation to prove my point - the smoker would find me particularly obnoxious and, if gracious and patient, excuse themselves for a "prior engagement."
If I choose to live a clean life, void of smoking, alcohol, and even sugar abuse - I will live longer, healthier and more richly. If people inquire as to how I do it, I could respond with a clearer direction and explanation as to why I live how I live and how it has worked for me.
"You defend Christ like you defend a lion. You get out of its way." - C.S. Lewis.
For me - it is the same way with my relationship with Christ. If I live my life as a testimony, not showy or pretentious, but genuinely loving and joyous. People will eventually see the light and want to know why. God will draw those as he sees fit - I live in service to Him, for He first chose me and won my heart. I am His child, as are we all. I want to live my life in truth, not fear. I cannot force people to love my Father, but I can radiate joy, love, and energy in my life as a sign of the freedom He gives.
I wake every morning and sleep every night, knowing that my Father is looking out for me and smiles. I want to do Him proud like my terrestrial mother and father - I see on a daily basis how much they love and care for me, and yet, my Creator's love is boundless and infinite, endless and beautiful. I cannot fathom it, I cannot fail it, and I will refuse to admit defeat. I live in wonder of the glory He has wrought on the earth, and know that it is but a shadow of what is to come in the wake of the Son's triumphant return in the last days.
Is that not cause for joy? We live with open and beating hearts, let us show the world Our God with the landscapes of our lives!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Meat - Bread
I felt feverish over the weekend, but was determined to go on a trip with my family and two others. It was an annual tradition, started about 5 years ago, a trip to watch an MLB team in another state play America's game. We were all packed in a 15 passenger van with the first seat taken out for storage space. Each row of seats held a different group. The back held the elder girls, all in high school, they conversed and listened to music on a set of portable speakers. The next row had an assortment of junior high girls, laughing and chatting animatedly, they were the energy of the vehicle's atmosphere. Then, there was my row, held by my friend and me, with a father on the end. We were listening to the back and front, amused at the first, and intent on the latter. The front two chairs held my Dad and the other father, discussing current events, scripture, and family.
The game in itself was low scoring, a pitching slugfest with a high strike-out count. Impressive, but not compelling to watch every at bat, as the sides were retired so soon. The joy in the trip was the camaraderie and the food. What food! For our dinner, I had a healthy slab of honeyed meatloaf, with sides of mashed potatoes and mac & cheese. For dessert, I chose a piece of coconut meringue pie. I couldn't devour the entire serving and boxed it up for later.
The following day, we visited an indoor market for tasty meat, fresh baked bread, and tongue tickling pastries. I requested the bread, reasoning that the savory beef jerky that we were after needed something dry, fresh, and spongy as contrast. The desserts were delicate and tasteful, but I wanted something solid and substantial in my lunch.
“Every commandment which I command you today you must be careful to observe, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers. And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD." - Deuteronomy 8:1-3
That bread was even better than I first reckoned it. It was seasoned with rosemary, a unique taste of flavored air texture that I had hardly experienced before. And the jerky?
Those strips came tender and stringy in teriyaki, tough and lasting peppered, stiff and blacked barbecue, and melt-in-your-mouth tasty buffalo chicken.
The days were sunny and breezy, the highway home had living landscapes of green stalks and brown trunks woven wonderfully. My friend inquired as to whether I regretted the school I could have gotten finished over the weekend instead.
I smiled and replied. "I will have many such opportunities to study over the the weekend this fall. I will not always have opportunities like this to spend with family and friends for this amount of time. This is an investment - I will look back on this and know that whatever comes, I had this one spot of brightness in this tunnel of school. This is my motivation, I would give up much more for this."
The game in itself was low scoring, a pitching slugfest with a high strike-out count. Impressive, but not compelling to watch every at bat, as the sides were retired so soon. The joy in the trip was the camaraderie and the food. What food! For our dinner, I had a healthy slab of honeyed meatloaf, with sides of mashed potatoes and mac & cheese. For dessert, I chose a piece of coconut meringue pie. I couldn't devour the entire serving and boxed it up for later.
The following day, we visited an indoor market for tasty meat, fresh baked bread, and tongue tickling pastries. I requested the bread, reasoning that the savory beef jerky that we were after needed something dry, fresh, and spongy as contrast. The desserts were delicate and tasteful, but I wanted something solid and substantial in my lunch.
“Every commandment which I command you today you must be careful to observe, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers. And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD." - Deuteronomy 8:1-3
That bread was even better than I first reckoned it. It was seasoned with rosemary, a unique taste of flavored air texture that I had hardly experienced before. And the jerky?
Those strips came tender and stringy in teriyaki, tough and lasting peppered, stiff and blacked barbecue, and melt-in-your-mouth tasty buffalo chicken.
The days were sunny and breezy, the highway home had living landscapes of green stalks and brown trunks woven wonderfully. My friend inquired as to whether I regretted the school I could have gotten finished over the weekend instead.
I smiled and replied. "I will have many such opportunities to study over the the weekend this fall. I will not always have opportunities like this to spend with family and friends for this amount of time. This is an investment - I will look back on this and know that whatever comes, I had this one spot of brightness in this tunnel of school. This is my motivation, I would give up much more for this."
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Pitch - Black
*Hiss-sssss-**Crack**-sss* The chilled beverage in my hand expands slightly, taking in air to its sealed contents. It gives off a strong scent of sweet grape concentrate - the quest for it is always a serendipitous tale. It is Mountain Dew: Pitch Black, an elusive and difficult find. The brilliant manufacturers of the drink ensured that it would be available for a limited time over the summer. Its existence would be sustained through online voting and intercession online.
However, until it is solidified as a MD mainline, it is frustratingly hard to obtain: It is only available at the occasional drugstore or gas station convenience stops. Its only incarnation is in an aesthetically pleasing, but otherwise cumbersome 20 oz bottle.
No 2-liters, or even 12 packs of cans. Why is this brilliant? Because this difficulty adds to the mystique of the drink - it intrigues MD fanpeople to seek it out and pay more for less. It is usually offered at $1.59 for the 20 oz bottle, 2 for $2.50 at select gas stations. A 2-liter of MD mainline or Voltage (the blue raspberry flavor which I prefer) can be found easily at the buck and a quarter proportion of the latter, with over three times the capacity at 67.5 oz.
Mountain Dew is fortunate - this venture could have sunk useless bottles in overstock everywhere, but their gambit paid off. Fans on Facebook may complain, but they are also secretly conceited to have stockpiles of Pitch Black in the event of a cancellation.
However, I am sure that Pitch Black will override the berry-flavored SuperNova and the citrus-inspired WhiteOut, to make it as a permanent flavor until the next annual competition. What fools are all of us to participate in this marketing game.
*gulp-"ahhhh!"-(sigh)* Oh well, it tastes like cough syrup with a sugar boost and caffeine kick.
However, until it is solidified as a MD mainline, it is frustratingly hard to obtain: It is only available at the occasional drugstore or gas station convenience stops. Its only incarnation is in an aesthetically pleasing, but otherwise cumbersome 20 oz bottle.
No 2-liters, or even 12 packs of cans. Why is this brilliant? Because this difficulty adds to the mystique of the drink - it intrigues MD fanpeople to seek it out and pay more for less. It is usually offered at $1.59 for the 20 oz bottle, 2 for $2.50 at select gas stations. A 2-liter of MD mainline or Voltage (the blue raspberry flavor which I prefer) can be found easily at the buck and a quarter proportion of the latter, with over three times the capacity at 67.5 oz.
Mountain Dew is fortunate - this venture could have sunk useless bottles in overstock everywhere, but their gambit paid off. Fans on Facebook may complain, but they are also secretly conceited to have stockpiles of Pitch Black in the event of a cancellation.
However, I am sure that Pitch Black will override the berry-flavored SuperNova and the citrus-inspired WhiteOut, to make it as a permanent flavor until the next annual competition. What fools are all of us to participate in this marketing game.
*gulp-"ahhhh!"-(sigh)* Oh well, it tastes like cough syrup with a sugar boost and caffeine kick.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Night - Hope
I am sheathed in darkness on my trip home today. I am at peace in the silence, knowing that I am never alone. I am in communion with my Savior, every moment of this life.
(May I not squander it in frivolity.)
A.W. Tozer said in a prayer, "Let me not see You for who I think You are, but as who You know yourself to be." Even in the night. Andrew Peterson has a lovely, understated song on his album Counting Stars.
In the Night, My Hope Lives On" is a ballad telling the story of God and man. The prophets, the faithful, and the promised Savior. We yet have hope, even when darkness surrounds us physically or spiritually. Hope is undying, a gift from Our Father, an assurance of better and brighter days.
The Song ends triumphiantly, like few others in my experience - Peterson doesn't need to blast his audience with noise and flurries. The victory is a quiet fact, a remarkable truth in a world of illusions, so Peterson uses emphasis and passion in the line. "No they didn't take his life - He laid it down." Amen.
(May I not squander it in frivolity.)
A.W. Tozer said in a prayer, "Let me not see You for who I think You are, but as who You know yourself to be." Even in the night. Andrew Peterson has a lovely, understated song on his album Counting Stars.
In the Night, My Hope Lives On" is a ballad telling the story of God and man. The prophets, the faithful, and the promised Savior. We yet have hope, even when darkness surrounds us physically or spiritually. Hope is undying, a gift from Our Father, an assurance of better and brighter days.
The Song ends triumphiantly, like few others in my experience - Peterson doesn't need to blast his audience with noise and flurries. The victory is a quiet fact, a remarkable truth in a world of illusions, so Peterson uses emphasis and passion in the line. "No they didn't take his life - He laid it down." Amen.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Faceless - Barrier
I walk through crowds who part my way
A sight in denim, polarized sunshades paint world in grey.
I run with a burden on my back -
Daring the world to try an attack.
My coat flies freely in the breeze,
I am armored in a black shirt and jeans.
My helmet is a baseball brim,
Slanted backwards with sweat-stained trim.
I am released into the sun,
I gaze at the throng, observing everyone.
I watch as they laugh and giggle with glee
They are caught up in a bubble of their own,
They do not notice me.
Corner of their eye, edge of their vision.
It is Someone Else's problem, not one that they are given.
Fortunately, I am benign -
I am silent out of interest, for I may be quite shy.
Though I know that their are others like me.
Who thirst for contact and interactions like water for trees.
I have great friends who listen with care,
While the quiet majority fade under curtains of hair.
They are defensive to phantom dangers lurking out there.
Being introverted is a habit of mine,
But I should look out and engage one day at a time.
For who can measure the restoration of a timely word?
The kindness of strangers given with merit unearned?
I thank those who coaxed me from my shell
If I had not been blessed with friends, this would be my testimony as well.
A sight in denim, polarized sunshades paint world in grey.
I run with a burden on my back -
Daring the world to try an attack.
My coat flies freely in the breeze,
I am armored in a black shirt and jeans.
My helmet is a baseball brim,
Slanted backwards with sweat-stained trim.
I am released into the sun,
I gaze at the throng, observing everyone.
I watch as they laugh and giggle with glee
They are caught up in a bubble of their own,
They do not notice me.
Corner of their eye, edge of their vision.
It is Someone Else's problem, not one that they are given.
Fortunately, I am benign -
I am silent out of interest, for I may be quite shy.
Though I know that their are others like me.
Who thirst for contact and interactions like water for trees.
I have great friends who listen with care,
While the quiet majority fade under curtains of hair.
They are defensive to phantom dangers lurking out there.
Being introverted is a habit of mine,
But I should look out and engage one day at a time.
For who can measure the restoration of a timely word?
The kindness of strangers given with merit unearned?
I thank those who coaxed me from my shell
If I had not been blessed with friends, this would be my testimony as well.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Entertaining - Messengers
I am finding myself increasingly speaking aloud, threshing my thoughts to the air. I have had an earful of my favorite music while traversing the campus - "Joshua", by Lifehouse (an unreleased fan favorite) and Newsboys' vintage classic: "Entertaining Angels." The former makes me wistful for those in whom the memory of the song was enshrined in my own mind. The second's beginning is so pure, lovely, and longing with a violin. Entertaining Angels is an interesting composition that provokes me to think.
At one point in my life, I was actively searching my everyday interactions for proof of angelic intervention. I thought, I found one; but he laughed me off gently when I confided this hunch in hindsight. "I am just another human, sorry to say. But I am trying hard to live like a Christian."
Are not we all a little hopeful that we might have an experience with a heavenly messenger - a piercing of the veil of spirituality?
"Entertaining angels by the light of my TV screen. 24-7 you wait for me. Entertaining angels by the time I fall to my knees. Host of heaven, sing over me." - "Entertaining Angels" Newsboys.
I know that I am important to the Most High, as are all of us as His children. I lift my eyes and my voice to the heavens. With whispers, smiles, and hopes, I will conquer small victories in the extra-ordinary days I've been given.
I woke this morning with a prayer - "Lord, I am ready for today. Lord, I am prepared to take on today's challenges. Lord, I will await the adventure that you have for me. Thank you for this day."
At one point in my life, I was actively searching my everyday interactions for proof of angelic intervention. I thought, I found one; but he laughed me off gently when I confided this hunch in hindsight. "I am just another human, sorry to say. But I am trying hard to live like a Christian."
Are not we all a little hopeful that we might have an experience with a heavenly messenger - a piercing of the veil of spirituality?
"Entertaining angels by the light of my TV screen. 24-7 you wait for me. Entertaining angels by the time I fall to my knees. Host of heaven, sing over me." - "Entertaining Angels" Newsboys.
I know that I am important to the Most High, as are all of us as His children. I lift my eyes and my voice to the heavens. With whispers, smiles, and hopes, I will conquer small victories in the extra-ordinary days I've been given.
I woke this morning with a prayer - "Lord, I am ready for today. Lord, I am prepared to take on today's challenges. Lord, I will await the adventure that you have for me. Thank you for this day."
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Company - Chili
I am grateful for the lovely weather of late - it has a cheerful effect on my days. I was invited to lunch with some of my friends. Men who are worthy of the name, raising their sons in the way straight and narrow. I am grateful for their examples in my life, and am studying in the footsteps of one of their careers.
The chili parlor's menu doesn't have any poor choices - everything is tasty, meaty, and fresh. This is a favorite frequent of the group, with the bar-stools arranged around a glossy, hardwood table. The men chat about the state of our nation and its leaders, of the news of outrageous happenings in their beloved country. I listen and sip my Pepsi Dew, a fountain special that causes the regular cashier's eyes to roll. He claims that my Dad has "wacked out taste buds," but services my requests nonetheless.
I soak in these men's company, wistfully hoping that I will have an equivalent some day in the future. I want to have this kind of group to surround me in the future - a fellowship of God-fearing men who enjoy life and delight in each others' different perspectives.
After the last spoonful of chili is scraped from the bowl and final morsel of burger is swiped from the basket, the men laugh and disperse back to their offices, conversing excitedly about their next rendezvous and plans. I gain so much from these days, and am strengthened by the truth and righteousness reflected in their hearts. For they are all serving their Savior, then their families. It is a beautiful and holy sight for my youthful eyes to witness.
"The Glory of God is man fully alive." - Saint Irenaeus (From Waking the Dead, by John Eldredge.)
The chili parlor's menu doesn't have any poor choices - everything is tasty, meaty, and fresh. This is a favorite frequent of the group, with the bar-stools arranged around a glossy, hardwood table. The men chat about the state of our nation and its leaders, of the news of outrageous happenings in their beloved country. I listen and sip my Pepsi Dew, a fountain special that causes the regular cashier's eyes to roll. He claims that my Dad has "wacked out taste buds," but services my requests nonetheless.
I soak in these men's company, wistfully hoping that I will have an equivalent some day in the future. I want to have this kind of group to surround me in the future - a fellowship of God-fearing men who enjoy life and delight in each others' different perspectives.
After the last spoonful of chili is scraped from the bowl and final morsel of burger is swiped from the basket, the men laugh and disperse back to their offices, conversing excitedly about their next rendezvous and plans. I gain so much from these days, and am strengthened by the truth and righteousness reflected in their hearts. For they are all serving their Savior, then their families. It is a beautiful and holy sight for my youthful eyes to witness.
"The Glory of God is man fully alive." - Saint Irenaeus (From Waking the Dead, by John Eldredge.)
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