Have you ever heard of Chris Rice? I hope so! I love his songs. The words to his lyrics are like a little kid trying to show you a tiny, magical glow of heaven cupped in his hands. They create such a yearning for my true home: heaven. It reminds me that this is just a temporary stay, kind of like a hotel: It has it's dirtiness, but dude! It's got a jacuzzi! :)
Some of my favorites are "Untitled Hymn," "The Final Move," "When Did You Fall," and "Smile." And who can resist liking "Cartoons!"
Speaking of music, I had a piano festival today. I had to play two memorized pieces in front of a judge at a localish university. I was nervous, even to the point of grouchiness...oops! It turned out wonderful however! I did great! What a relief! And thank the Lord! I mustn't forget Him in anything...
I must apologize to anyone who ever reads this blog...I haven't had the time or the Internet service to faithfully blog lately.
Anywho! May you walk in the way everlasting!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
His Will, My Will
I have big upcoming decisions in my life, and I am realizing something--AGAIN. It is this: how much the world throws at you to knock you off the path. It sends things to dazzle you, to stroke you, to depress you, and to confuse you. It's staggering to imagine what the spiritual world looks like with all this warring. Staying on the path of the great race is sometimes like trying to cling to rocks by the sea during a tempest. It makes me weary just writing the sentence!
Still, we have to stay strong! To not lose hope! To not be sucked in by our own pride! If we do give into the world, we are taken captive. The Bible warns us not to be taken captive. ( And for the life of me, I can't remember what the verse or even the book is!)
We--I don't want to be pulled out of His will by the world, and the world deceives so easily sometimes! To be a Christian, is to do His will. This starts out at listening to His call to accept Christ. The few that read this post, I pray you hold to this premise of a Bible verse as something to follow: His will, My will. I just sent a prayer up for my self as well. :)
Soap box! Soap box! Whose got the soap box? I do! :)
Still, we have to stay strong! To not lose hope! To not be sucked in by our own pride! If we do give into the world, we are taken captive. The Bible warns us not to be taken captive. ( And for the life of me, I can't remember what the verse or even the book is!)
We--I don't want to be pulled out of His will by the world, and the world deceives so easily sometimes! To be a Christian, is to do His will. This starts out at listening to His call to accept Christ. The few that read this post, I pray you hold to this premise of a Bible verse as something to follow: His will, My will. I just sent a prayer up for my self as well. :)
Soap box! Soap box! Whose got the soap box? I do! :)
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Worldview of Narnia
Ok, there might be some typos in here, but cut me some slack. :) Also, I wrote this over six months ago, so I am very critical of this paper. It's really not that good by my standards now! I hope, however, that you enjoy it!
The Worldview of Narnia
Many children and adults have read the Chronicles of Narnia and have delighted in its magic and beauty. Unlike our world, Narnian inhabitants are fauns, dwarves, talking animals, mermaids, dryiads, and centaurs. They are ruled by the Christ like figure Aslan, a great lion. The Narnians also have their own culture and worldview. By discussing the topics what the god of Narnia and what the nature of the Narnian world is like, the cause of evil and suffering in Narnia, and the meaning of history in Narnia, the worldview of this fictional world will be explained.
First, the god of Narnia is called Aslan. He is a large talking lion, and is referred as not being tame; meaning no one in Narnia can control him. For example, Mrs. Beaver, a Narnian in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, explains to four children new to Narnia, “…if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.” However, Aslan is good and full of love. In the same book, Aslan took the place of a child who was to be punished by death for wrong deeds. With power and love, Aslan won the devotion of true Narnians. Aslan is significantly involved with the nature of the Narnian world.
Second, the nature of the Narnian world has two main ideas: to live for and under Aslan and to live in a free society. The true Narnians swear “by the mane of Aslan”; this is considered a sign of devotion. In The Magician’s Nephew, the newly created Talking Animals of Narnia follow Aslan with a wonderful devotion, and in and the other Chronicles of Narnia, the people long for Aslan to appear. Continually, the Narnians just want to live free and happy to pursue their own separate lives, though they are patriotic about their country. As described in The Horse and His Boy, “…they walked with a swing and let there arms and shoulders go free, and chatted and laughed. One was whistling. You could see that they were ready to be friends with anyone who was friendly, and didn’t give a fig for anyone who wasn’t.” Though these Narnians sound amiable, there was still evil and suffering.
Thirdly, the cause of evil and suffering in Narnia was existent in the beginning of its being. In the first chronicle The Magician’s Nephew, a young boy Digory succumbs to temptation and accidentally brings a witch, Queen Jadis, to Narnia. Aslan explains to some Narnians, “ ‘You see friends,’ he said, ‘that before the new clean world I gave you is seven hours old, a force of evil has already entered it; waked and brought hither by this son of Adam.’” That was the first evil. Also, those against Aslan were against Narnia and created evil and suffering. The White Witch in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe fought against Aslan, as well as Rabadash in The Horse and his Boy; both were evil and caused suffering. Because of Digory’s bringing the witch to Narnia, it affected Narnia’s history.
Fourthly, Narnia’s meaning of history is characterized by how our world interacts with Narnia and Aslan’s appearances. Due to Digory, “Adam’s race shall help to heal” the harm it had brought; Aslan commanded it. With this in mind, boys and girls were sent into Narnia to help combat evil in the land and complete Aslan’s plan. Aslan’s appearances were also important. Aslan created Narnia The Magician’s Nephew, and he defeated the White Witch in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. He always served an important part in history, and he was continually looked for by the Narnians, since a great event was usually connected to his coming.
In conclusion, these topics describing how Narnia works show that Aslan is a big part of a True Narnian’s worldview. Aslan, the god of Narnia, has power and love earning devotion from his followers. Aslan is also part of the nature of Narnia since Narnians want to live peacefully following him. Showing importance again, those against Aslan cause evil and suffering. The meaning of history in Narnia is hinged on Aslan’s plan of appearances by children and himself. Noticeably, the god of Narnia Aslan is prevalent. Like the God of this world, the view of Aslan in Narnia defined the world’s whole worldview.
The Worldview of Narnia
Many children and adults have read the Chronicles of Narnia and have delighted in its magic and beauty. Unlike our world, Narnian inhabitants are fauns, dwarves, talking animals, mermaids, dryiads, and centaurs. They are ruled by the Christ like figure Aslan, a great lion. The Narnians also have their own culture and worldview. By discussing the topics what the god of Narnia and what the nature of the Narnian world is like, the cause of evil and suffering in Narnia, and the meaning of history in Narnia, the worldview of this fictional world will be explained.
First, the god of Narnia is called Aslan. He is a large talking lion, and is referred as not being tame; meaning no one in Narnia can control him. For example, Mrs. Beaver, a Narnian in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, explains to four children new to Narnia, “…if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.” However, Aslan is good and full of love. In the same book, Aslan took the place of a child who was to be punished by death for wrong deeds. With power and love, Aslan won the devotion of true Narnians. Aslan is significantly involved with the nature of the Narnian world.
Second, the nature of the Narnian world has two main ideas: to live for and under Aslan and to live in a free society. The true Narnians swear “by the mane of Aslan”; this is considered a sign of devotion. In The Magician’s Nephew, the newly created Talking Animals of Narnia follow Aslan with a wonderful devotion, and in and the other Chronicles of Narnia, the people long for Aslan to appear. Continually, the Narnians just want to live free and happy to pursue their own separate lives, though they are patriotic about their country. As described in The Horse and His Boy, “…they walked with a swing and let there arms and shoulders go free, and chatted and laughed. One was whistling. You could see that they were ready to be friends with anyone who was friendly, and didn’t give a fig for anyone who wasn’t.” Though these Narnians sound amiable, there was still evil and suffering.
Thirdly, the cause of evil and suffering in Narnia was existent in the beginning of its being. In the first chronicle The Magician’s Nephew, a young boy Digory succumbs to temptation and accidentally brings a witch, Queen Jadis, to Narnia. Aslan explains to some Narnians, “ ‘You see friends,’ he said, ‘that before the new clean world I gave you is seven hours old, a force of evil has already entered it; waked and brought hither by this son of Adam.’” That was the first evil. Also, those against Aslan were against Narnia and created evil and suffering. The White Witch in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe fought against Aslan, as well as Rabadash in The Horse and his Boy; both were evil and caused suffering. Because of Digory’s bringing the witch to Narnia, it affected Narnia’s history.
Fourthly, Narnia’s meaning of history is characterized by how our world interacts with Narnia and Aslan’s appearances. Due to Digory, “Adam’s race shall help to heal” the harm it had brought; Aslan commanded it. With this in mind, boys and girls were sent into Narnia to help combat evil in the land and complete Aslan’s plan. Aslan’s appearances were also important. Aslan created Narnia The Magician’s Nephew, and he defeated the White Witch in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. He always served an important part in history, and he was continually looked for by the Narnians, since a great event was usually connected to his coming.
In conclusion, these topics describing how Narnia works show that Aslan is a big part of a True Narnian’s worldview. Aslan, the god of Narnia, has power and love earning devotion from his followers. Aslan is also part of the nature of Narnia since Narnians want to live peacefully following him. Showing importance again, those against Aslan cause evil and suffering. The meaning of history in Narnia is hinged on Aslan’s plan of appearances by children and himself. Noticeably, the god of Narnia Aslan is prevalent. Like the God of this world, the view of Aslan in Narnia defined the world’s whole worldview.
Randomness
Well, I haven't thought of anything in particular to say, so I am just going to be random.
How about the Prince Caspian movie coming out? Excitement? You bet your dirty socks!!!!
I am so ready to see, and I am hoping it is way better than the last one. Honestly, I disliked the way they portrayed Susan in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wadrobe movie. But hey! Just my opinion! I can't wait to really see how all the Pevensies have grown in Prince Caspian!!!!
Life has been stressful. I have descions, descions, descions!!!!! I have a large turning point looming before me, and I will have to pick which path I want to follow. I am anxious about the consequences of whichever path I pick. Prayer from my fellow brethren would be most welcome! Prayer for peace in making up my mind!!!!
Whew! That was therepy.
Hey! I just remembered! I have a Narnia essay I wrote last year for somehthing or other. I am going to hunt it down, and see if it is postable! Wish me happy hunting!!!!!
How about the Prince Caspian movie coming out? Excitement? You bet your dirty socks!!!!
I am so ready to see, and I am hoping it is way better than the last one. Honestly, I disliked the way they portrayed Susan in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wadrobe movie. But hey! Just my opinion! I can't wait to really see how all the Pevensies have grown in Prince Caspian!!!!
Life has been stressful. I have descions, descions, descions!!!!! I have a large turning point looming before me, and I will have to pick which path I want to follow. I am anxious about the consequences of whichever path I pick. Prayer from my fellow brethren would be most welcome! Prayer for peace in making up my mind!!!!
Whew! That was therepy.
Hey! I just remembered! I have a Narnia essay I wrote last year for somehthing or other. I am going to hunt it down, and see if it is postable! Wish me happy hunting!!!!!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Me Writes
For the few that visit, Me Writes is a stupid name for another one of my blogs where I just let creativity do its thing.
So check it if you are bored!
So check it if you are bored!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Pride
Ha! Pride! What a block that continually makes me stumble! What a net hidden in the pathway of life!
I recently had a conversation with a friend about our first responses to The Passion of the Christ directed by Mel Gibson. Everyone was warning us about the amazing amount of brutality. When we saw it, we were affected, but not as much as others because we were expecting it to be much more brutal. I confess, somehow pride slithered it's way into my soul in that conversation. That was about a week ago.
Tonight, I came home from a Bible study where someone was talking about the sovereignty of God and all His great majesty. The Passion was playing on my television when I walked through the door. I watched it for about one minute. Then, I went to my room, and Christ flayed my soul open with the sounds of the movie. My pride had grown so huge! How could I feel larger than the fact that God came as a human and died one of the most horrible deaths for me? For a world that first turned it's face from His Holiness? And we chose lies of this earth!
I wept for my Savior.
Christ died for me. The God who made me and Saturn died for me. The God who never changes died for me. And He has conquered the death in my heart with His death and resurrection.
I recently had a conversation with a friend about our first responses to The Passion of the Christ directed by Mel Gibson. Everyone was warning us about the amazing amount of brutality. When we saw it, we were affected, but not as much as others because we were expecting it to be much more brutal. I confess, somehow pride slithered it's way into my soul in that conversation. That was about a week ago.
Tonight, I came home from a Bible study where someone was talking about the sovereignty of God and all His great majesty. The Passion was playing on my television when I walked through the door. I watched it for about one minute. Then, I went to my room, and Christ flayed my soul open with the sounds of the movie. My pride had grown so huge! How could I feel larger than the fact that God came as a human and died one of the most horrible deaths for me? For a world that first turned it's face from His Holiness? And we chose lies of this earth!
I wept for my Savior.
Christ died for me. The God who made me and Saturn died for me. The God who never changes died for me. And He has conquered the death in my heart with His death and resurrection.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Mass
I was reading Psalm 8 today, and I got to thinking about something so shockingly obvious: God does not take up space. The concept of mass is an earthly thing. God created the universe; He could be much bigger than His creation. Or is God big or small at all?
This leads me to wonder more. Does heaven have mass? That could explain why people haven't found it so far, besides the universe being unfathomably huge. Will we have mass in heaven? I know we have bodies made new. Or will this concept not exist when we reach paradise? Will there be any measurement at all?
God is the Creator of all we know and don't know, after all.
I don't know. It is just strange to think about.
This leads me to wonder more. Does heaven have mass? That could explain why people haven't found it so far, besides the universe being unfathomably huge. Will we have mass in heaven? I know we have bodies made new. Or will this concept not exist when we reach paradise? Will there be any measurement at all?
God is the Creator of all we know and don't know, after all.
I don't know. It is just strange to think about.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The Long Fall by Penelope Wilcock
The Long Fall is the final book in the Hawk and the Dove trilogy. It is an awesome book! It teaches so much, if you let it.
So, what I learned from what it taught. :)
Let's see...a very beautiful quote from it is this: "That love has no defences, and you only know that it is love when it hurts."
The trilogy's setting is a monastery in the middle ages. It goes through the monastery's time period under Father Abbot Peregrine. The monks go through so much it seems, and it really makes you think.
Anyway, in the third book Father Peregrine is dying, and one of the monks closest to him, Brother Thomas, is having a hard times of it. The Long Fall is their journey through the pain.
One of the interesting points was what our view of glory is. We can never visualize perfect, beautiful glory and majesty because we are not perfect. However, Christ's real glory was on the cross. His suffering is his real majesty. His brokenness is beautiful, even though in a worldly sense it is dirty, bloody and horrible.
I don't know, just a thought. And my head is fuzzy.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Why saved monster?
If anyone actually reads this blog, they might be wondering why I am a "saved monster." Am I a really bad person? Kind of.
You see, I am a Christian. That means I believe I was and am a horrible person and need a Savior. Jesus Christ is my Savior, and is the only Savior, might I add. Everyone on this planet needs my Savior--my Shepherd.
Now, I grew up in a Christian home with great parents, but I know that without Christ I would be an awful individual. I continually fight hate, bitterness, sadness, meanness, pride, vanity, doubt, and probably more. I have lacked the want to live. I know that I might not be struggling with all of these things acutely right now, but I know I very well can and have. There is no knowing what I could have done without the sustaining hope of Jesus Christ, my Prince of Peace.
Anything good that comes out of me is not me. It is Christ in me. My life is forever dependent and intertwined with the God on High, ever since I confessed my sin and put my faith in the cross. When Christ rose from the dead and defeated death, He took my lifeless gargoyle spirit and saved it from a lonely, painful eternity. He saved this monster soul of mine.
I praise Him for it with tears! Amen.
"...That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
You see, I am a Christian. That means I believe I was and am a horrible person and need a Savior. Jesus Christ is my Savior, and is the only Savior, might I add. Everyone on this planet needs my Savior--my Shepherd.
Now, I grew up in a Christian home with great parents, but I know that without Christ I would be an awful individual. I continually fight hate, bitterness, sadness, meanness, pride, vanity, doubt, and probably more. I have lacked the want to live. I know that I might not be struggling with all of these things acutely right now, but I know I very well can and have. There is no knowing what I could have done without the sustaining hope of Jesus Christ, my Prince of Peace.
Anything good that comes out of me is not me. It is Christ in me. My life is forever dependent and intertwined with the God on High, ever since I confessed my sin and put my faith in the cross. When Christ rose from the dead and defeated death, He took my lifeless gargoyle spirit and saved it from a lonely, painful eternity. He saved this monster soul of mine.
I praise Him for it with tears! Amen.
"...That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
New Years!
Well, it's 2008!
It is weird to think that 2007 can never be reached again. However, it is really exciting to see what 2008 is going to be like. So much happened last year, so a lot could happen this year. There is no knowing where this year will take and place me. Surely, it's an adventure!
Last night I went to a friend's house to celebrate New Years, and I had a blast! My friend made this awesome popcorn stuff with m&ms and almond bark...it twas good! :)
It is great to have Christian friends. I am truly blessed, and as I look back at last year, I remember all the fun times I had with them. Of course, we had our differences to work through, but I think it makes stronger friendships.
God has shown me so much this past year, and I pray He shows me even more of His glorious presence this coming year!
Hurrah for 2008!
It is weird to think that 2007 can never be reached again. However, it is really exciting to see what 2008 is going to be like. So much happened last year, so a lot could happen this year. There is no knowing where this year will take and place me. Surely, it's an adventure!
Last night I went to a friend's house to celebrate New Years, and I had a blast! My friend made this awesome popcorn stuff with m&ms and almond bark...it twas good! :)
It is great to have Christian friends. I am truly blessed, and as I look back at last year, I remember all the fun times I had with them. Of course, we had our differences to work through, but I think it makes stronger friendships.
God has shown me so much this past year, and I pray He shows me even more of His glorious presence this coming year!
Hurrah for 2008!
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