Monday, February 27, 2006

Hmm...

Maybe I'm just not being creative, but I can't think of anything to write about. At least not anything that takes minimal brain power.

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Sheep = Stupidity

Sheep are stupid. With nothing guarding them, they tend to wander and get themselves into trouble, like say, attacked by lions or bears or maybe tigers, depending on the part of the world. If they eat all the grass in one small area of the pen, they have to be led to another spot by Someone else. They aren't bright enough to find it on their own. And I know that everyone thinks sheep are fluffy and nice, but they're really dirty and smelly unless they are cleaned. Stuff gets stuck in their wool like crazy. In the summer, they can't shed their fleece, giving them relief from the warmer weather. Let's just say that they aren't very brilliant.

I am a sheep.

Hmm... That doesn't really help my ego, which is good...but hard. I am glad, though, that I have a Shepherd watching over me and that His gate is around me to keep me from wandering and being attacked.

(look at...John 10)

Monday, February 20, 2006

Help?

I was wondering if anyone had any good verses for proving that God the Father = God the Son = God the Spirit. I know that basically all of John proves that God=Jesus and I know that in Acts 6 (I think) it talks about lying to the Spirit and then lying to God and how that's the same, and I know that at the end of 2 Cor., there is a trinitarian (sp.?) benediction, but are there more verses?? If anyone can help me out that would be great. I want to be as prepared as possible for the next time someone tells me that the Bible never actually says right out that there is a Trinity.

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Word

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons;
Neither the present nor the future, nor any powers;
Neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation
Will be able to separate us from the love of God
That is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

Amen.

"Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.
This is how God showed His love to us: He sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: Not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us." 1 John 4:8-12

Monday, February 13, 2006

Cool

This bumper sticker caught our (collective) eye:
The Big Bang Theory:
God spoke, and BANG, it happened.

Sunday, February 12, 2006

Oh Man

Today was pretty crazy, but it was fun. (I think.)

We started out by going to church at a large Baptist church around the corner. It wasn't very good...it was a little surprising to see the pastor dressed up in a robe. It was pretty formal.

Next we went to a UT women's basketball game. They played against UConn and lost, but it was still exciting, even for a non-basketball fan.

The real fun started, though, when we went to see Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby as the star. This was the last show in Austin, and it was very well done. I'd have to say that the scene changes were better even than Broadway, and that is saying a lot.

My dad ordered tickets to the show ahead of time, on the internet (what would we do without it?). He found some seats based on the little map that they show of the auditorium and they looked like they would be okay. You know, not too pricey, but not a bad view. Well, we arrived, and the ushers said, "Just take the elevator to the sixth floor and some people up there will show you your seats." Oh. Sixth floor??! Who goes to auditoriums six stories high?? We followed the directions/command and arrived at our destination. It was pretty spacious and we didn't see anything to complain about. Until we were shown in. We were a little late (big surprise) so all of the lights were out. There was a nice usher(ette?), though, who took my sister and I under her wing. (My dad was otherwise occupied for the time.) She gave us very careful instructions to follow her closely and to not let go of the rail, whatever happens. Okay. Again, we follow the command and are led to our seats. You know, the seating arrangement reminded me of the old cities that you might see engraven on the side of a mountain: sheer cliffs with little houses carved out of them. Going down the stairs to our seats was like taking a winding narrow staircase down a lighthouse or something. We happened to be seated on the second balcony, apparently six floors up from solid ground, with nothing but a knee high guardrail to protect us from empty theater space. Peter Pan might have been comfortable; we were not. The usherette wouldn't even take us to our actual seats because it was too dangerous; we had to wait until the house lights were up during the intermission. It was so steep and so scary.

We ended up not going to our actual seats. We thought it might be safest to stay as still as possible, not moving too much for the fear that some bigger force would make us jump the rail or push us head over heels into the great abyss. However, not everyone was as concerned about our precarious position as we were. So there was this mother there with her son. The boy was maybe five or six (he kind of reminded me of my brother). He was a typical boy, always looking for adventure. (He can't just watch the boys onstage) During the intermission, while my dad, sister, and I were safely glued to our seats, the mother let her little boy go up to the edge and stand there looking over. If she had been there with him, it might have been okay, but she stayed in her seat, not really paying close attention. By the time we noticed him, he was climbing up onto the railing, trying to do goodness knows what. My dad made some sort of exclamation, and the lady suddenly noticed how her darling was jeopardizing his life. She got him and went back to her seat, looking a little sheepish, while my dad and I were sitting there with our blood running cold. If possible, we were stiffer than before due to fear, and still soundly glued to the seat. (Heights really aren't our forte, and this was really high with no safety.) The lady wasn't very attentive during the rest of the night, and we prayed that there wouldn't be another intermission. There was supposed to be one, but it didn't happen. Later, as we were walking to our car, we saw the same woman and boy, and the boy was about to run into a street were many cars were. Is this a pattern??

I just don't understand.

Saturday, February 11, 2006

...

Not to beat the chivalry theme to death, but the men down in Texas are so nice...

Friday, February 10, 2006

God is so Trustworthy

So, we're here in Texas!! My dad decided to take my sister and me with him on his business trip. So far it's been fun, but it has also made us step back and look at how good God is to us.

First, there's the airplanes. Now, there's nothing wrong with them, but given our recent plane history (I mean 9/11) it is always a little bit of a test in faith to be able to get on one. However, that all went well, and we got into the Austin airport and got our luggage and got our rental car.

This is when the fun began. In Austin, a relatively small city, there are many one way streets. Actually the whole city is pretty much comprised of one way streets. It's really confusing. (Burlington doesn't offer much in the way of city knowledge.) Anyway, we were trying to get to our hotel. We found the right streets and were trying to follow them. It wasn't until we turned left when we realized that left wasn't an option. Yeah, it was pretty scary. You know, lots of traffic, horns, and a very surprised driver. But it was also cool, because God gave us a way out. On this particular street, there were many parking spaces that were open on the side of the road. Even though it was a busy time of day, there was practically another lane made up of parking. God was kind to us. Besides saving our lives, he taught us a good lesson in humility. For my dad, the lesson was kind of obvious, but my sister and I also realized that no matter how much experience we have, we can not achieve perfection. Also, we re-learned that God can be absolutely trusted in whatever situation and He will provide, no matter what His plan. It might not be what we want, but it is good. We got to the hotel without any more troubles.

Besides having to wait for an hour and a half for our room to be cleaned, we had fun looking around the hotel and standing in awe of the 19 story building with scary glass elevators that go up rather quickly. (I'm not fond of heights...there is a pool on the roof, as well) We got to our room and then decided to get a feel for the city and go out for dinner.

Our second adventure happened during this little exursion. Our rental car was brand new and had only had 200-something miles on it. It was really nice. However, the engine pretty much failed in the middle of a huge traffic flow. (That description is probably not technically correct, but the idea is there.) We were able to bump along and swing off onto a side road, but it was obvious that the car was being obstinate and rough. We started again, but the "check engine" light remained, proving that everything was not okay. But again, God provided. We found a little Hertz shop nearby, thanks to the definitive Hertz map that they gave us with the car, and stopped in for help. It was actually a car breakdown service, but it worked with Hertz. We got there just as they were closing, but the men who worked there were willing to help us out. They looked at it and decided to give us a different car so that the Hertz company could work on it. While my sister and I were waiting for my dad to finish "doing business" with the guy, at least two other workers came up to us and asked us if they could help us. Even though they were technically done, they made sure that everything was taken care of. God provided the right people, the right place, the right exchange car, and everything else.

Our day could have ended very differently, but God was so good to provide us with exactly what we needed and took care of us, as He always does. As we were talking about it over dinner, I think we were all amazed and thankful to God. It may seem silly, but sometimes it is so hard to trust God from situation to situation, and it is so easy to panic. God worked with us, though, and proved to us how He can be trusted, which He didn't have to do.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Oops....

I forgot...

the last two lines of the second stanza actually say "Though the storms may come and go, the peace of God you will know."

It's been awhile since I sang the real version.

Say What??

You know when you hear something in the right context, and then it is thrown out of context by some hopefully well-meaning person? For example, in the book A Rumor of War, by Philip Caputo, one of the subtitles to a chapter is a verse from Matthew. (I don't remember the verse) The verse is used completely out of context and I addressed that in a paper that I had to write about the book (about a year and a half ago). The teacher wrote on my paper that not everything has to be used in it's correct context. I can't help but think that he meant the Bible is the only thing that is "o.k." to use out of context. Using something out of context just doesn't make sense.

Anyway, back on track. (Apparently I haven't quite gotten over that.) In my chorus class we sing a nice little refrain as part of our warm-ups. Perhaps some of you are familiar with it:

"Don't build your house on Sandy Land.
Don't build it to close to the shore.
Well, it might be kind of nice,
But you'll have to build it twice,
Yes you'll have to build your house once more.

You've got to build your house upon a rock.
With a strong foundation on a solid spot.
So when the rains come tumbl'n down,
You won't have to build no more."

It's a really cool song, especially in a round. However, in chorus, there is a slight variation on words. Instead of building your house "upon" a rock, you have to build your house "just like" a rock. Now, probably no one in the class even cares, much less knows the backgroud of the song, or what it is referring to, but that one slight variation changes the whole meaning in a huge way.

The song is taken from the parable in Matthew 7, talking about a life with Christ vs. a life without. Building upon the rock is to submit and take delight in Christ's gift of salvation and in recognizing that He is the one who does the life-changing work and that I am incapable of building without Him. Building just like a rock is to try and copy Christ and to take control of life and circumstances, missing the point of the song and parable entirely.

Unfortunately, most of the world falls into the "I can do it" mindset, not even understanding that they are doomed from the start. As I have been thinking about this, I think I need to be admonished for not sharing the gospel more to those who are confused between true salvation and a copycat version that won't last. Also, it serves as a good reminder that I need to not forget that Christ is my foundation. It is so easy to get cocky/proud and then I try to take over the wheel. Not in my life as a whole, but in certain areas. God has been kind to point this out when it happens, even though it is a tough lesson.

Sunday, February 05, 2006

My New Favorite Scripture


I have really enjoyed reading this passage:

Psalm 19:7-11
"The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the Lord are sure
and altogether righteous.
They are more precious that gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward."

What a sweet and beautiful passage, pointing to Christ and His beauty! This has really served to focus my heart more on Christ and to be reminded of who He Is, and who I am not. The Lord is so kind in saving me!!!
I think that I owe Linda an answer. Linda, sorry it took so long and thanks for being patient.

Here's the question/thought:

Linda's Comments

First, why did women turn feministic?? Why am I/we feministic??
Well, I think it is partly both the fault of male and female alike. When God first created male and female, there were distinct roles assigned. Those roles seem to be generally followed throughout the Old and New Testament. While women were not placed in positions that men should be in, like a pastoral role, they were given wonderful opportunities to step up and use their gifts to the glory of God. There are countless women in the Bible who do this. Some include Esther, Ruth and Naomi, Rahab, Mary, Elizabeth, Priscilla, Persis, etc. etc................... Those were off the top of my head. These women were truly submissive and Godly women who knew the definition of a woman. The problem is, today we don't even know the true definition of a woman. I don't know it. The lines between woman and man have become sadly muddled and foggy. It probably started when men abused their gift of manhood and used their strength, stature, social status, and privileges in a way they are not meant to be used. The women were not much better. They were not content with their position, strength, stature, etc., and wanted to change. The two situations combined to form the world that we currently inhabit. I don't really have any facts to back this up, this is just my conjecture. In my Opinion, neither sex was content with their role and each wanted more, especially the women.

In this sense I am a feminist. I am not always content with what God has blessed me with. Generally I love being a girl, but there are many instances when I have what could be called sinful thoughts in that area. However, God has really been working in my heart on contentment. I couldn't say for sure where I am right now. Part of the problem is that I'm not very clear on my view of the matter. Maybe I should think more carefully before I post any brazen ideas or thoughts. : )

Secondly, I Peter 2:20
"But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God."

Quite frankly, that is hard to figure into the whole argument. I struggle with that because it is so hard to do something good and then be punished for it, in whatever form the punishment comes in. I'm not very good at suffering, especially not when I have done something that I think ought to be commended here on earth. I guess this should reproach me for my unwillingness to let go of my pride and, to go back to the contentment theme, it should remind me that my reward is in Heaven and Jesus Christ, not here where everything under the sun will perish and pass away.

Does anyone have and thoughts or words of advice?? I feel like there is so much more to glean from this verse and so much more to learn about humility and perserverance.

Thanks Linda : )