Umm... My Bad, Y'all

First off, I want to apologize to all the non-Shalom people for this post. It's in-house business, but honestly, I figured that this would be the easiest way to talk to you guys about it...

Okay, so I said I would order Simply Christian a long time ago, and I still haven't. I'm sorry. But here's the deal: The cheapest I've found it online is like $13 plus shipping (which is usually around $5) and I just don't feel comfortable ordering $18 books without talking to everyone first. So at this point, if you want to get them before the summer, I either need to know like tomorrow that that's what we want to do, or we just need to get them however we want separately.

Okay, that's all. Let me know what you want to do. I'm happy with whatever. And I'm sorry that I've put this off until the last minute. I just honestly didn't realize how close to the end of school it is. But I'm still sorry and you can beat me for procrastinating if you want.

For Efficacy's Sake

I heard one of the most distinctly applicable Christian realizations shortly ago from a rather eccentric man. He said something to the effect of the following: "Christians are notorious for one thing in this society above all other. We use the worst deep grammar ever. That is to say that when someone says 'Lord, we know you are among us because we can feel your presence,' the first question to any atheist is, 'Ok, so can you actually explain what that "feels" like?' and we do not, quite frankly have an answer for it."

I do not mean to imply that we are mistaken in so many things that we say, but simply that it seems we are often careless when we fail to consider that those we mean to reach out to simply think us fools, not because the message of the cross is foolishness to them (though it often is as a sidepoint), but because we speak foolishly and carry on without thinking about what we actually say. I cringe at statements like "as surely as the Lord lives, etc." or something of the sort, simply because what follows is rarely so sure as that. I wonder at the audacity with which we address certain issues that we claim to believe so firmly on because it has been made clear in scripture what stance the Lord has on it, yet when confronted with societal opposition we cower behind "opinion" so as not to offend. Quite frankly, Paul makes it clear that the cross cannot help being offensive at times. Granted, the one thing that can be seen as an absolutely certainty concerning undeniable truths is that there will always be someone willing to deny them, but that does not keep us from speaking them where they are required.

It is a concern I think must be dealt with soon before it becomes too much an epidemic to even realize the existence of later on.

Soul Force

So I hate to cut the discussion of Barret short... (I know Doug will be especially crushed)
As everyone at ACU knows, Soul Force is coming to campus on Monday. And we have been engaging in some discussions concerning the upcoming event. All this discussion has me thinking about the balance between not judging and keeping one's standards. Obviously, this is a tough line to draw, and no one is going to have the perfect answer, but I think it's a topic worth discussion. How and when is it appropriate to confront people? When should we just keep our mouths shut? All of this is really important to think about, since most of us won't be spending the rest of our lives in the buckle of the Bible Belt.
In my opinion, I think confrontations should be done very carefully, and only in certain circumstances. I feel like confronting someone with whom you have a very intimate relationship (not in a sexual way) is very appropriate, but otherwise I think it's best to avoid passing judgement. Coming across as too harsh is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to drive people away from Christ.
On the other hand, I'm not going to ignore my values or go against them just because I'm with people who don't feel the same way about things. Just because everyone around me isn't acting the way I think they should doesn' t mean that I can't. If people ask why I don't do certain things (or do certain things), I'm more than happy to tell them. But that's a door that they need to open for themselves. Of course, if I'm close to somebody I will be more likely to express my opinion and tell them what they should do, but if you're just acquaintances I hardly think that's appropriate.
Anywho, comment. I want to know what you guys think, whether or not you agree with me. I obviously don't have all the answers, but now at least I'm asking the right questions.

Feelings

Sorry about the title, but I couldn't come up with anything witty...
So I've been thinking a lot about feelings and the effects they have on life lately. CS Lewis says that feelings are a lot less important than actions. For instance, if you act like you love someone, regardless of a lack of warm fuzzies, your actions will lead you to love. I'm pretty sure that I agree on this point; actions speak louder than words and if you act a certain way long enough it eventually becomes a feeling as well, at least usually. But this really has very little to do with my particular question.
What I'm really wondering is if depression is a rejection of Christ's love and comfort. My aunt told me one time that if I really loved Christ I wouldn't be depressed. I'm not inclined to take her seriously (for a number of reasons), but I've heard similar things from a lot of people. So I'm just wondering if somehow the fact that I have trouble dealing with stuff means I'm not allowing the Spirit to work in my life. I wonder if I'm allowing myself to feel bad for some bizarre masochistic reason when in actuality all I have to do is embrace the comfort Christ freely gives. Obviously, I need Christ to heal me in numerous ways. I'm not saying that that isn't still true. I'm just wondering if it's quite as extreme as some people make it.
Anywho, this is something that has really been bothering me lately (as opposed to a purely hypothetical discussion), so I'd really appreciate thoughts.

reserves... oh what a feeling.

Since there's an obvious lack of people feeling compelled to blog here... I think I'll delve into the reserve topics and hope people feel more like commenting than they do posting. Watch out. Some of us have talked about this already, but it will be good to reiterate and get new ideas from other people as well. So as big of a topic as it is, let's talk about prayer. I think to make is easier I'll just pose one question and we can discuss it for awhile or whatever and then we can move on to other topics or we can keep talking about prayer if people have more questions they would like to post about. *coughreallyloudlycoughandincesantlycoughcough Up to y'all.

I'm wondering what you guys think about a certain way of feeling during prayer. I find a lot of times I end up trying to 'compose my heart' and make it Feel a certain way instead of focusing on the actual thoughts that are being conveyed one way or another. Good, Bad, Indifferent? Start commenting : )

Haircut!

Keeping blogging.
I just wanted to share a picture of the new Marcella!!!!
For more pictures, go to facebook.

doug posted first, read his.

I don't want to take away from Doug post - we're glad you're here, Douglas - but I just posted on my other blog about Invisible Children and I'd really like some feed back on it. You can comment over there so as to not take away from Doug's post (where you can also comment). I suppose if for some reason you have to, you can also post comments here. Whatever. I'd really appreciate it. Thank you.

Procrastination Station

First off, don't stop commenting on Laura's last entry. I think it deserves some serious discussion. But...


Okay, so I should be doing homework right now. I really should, but instead I'm blogging. And checking email. And looking at other people's blogs. And listening to music. And... you get the picture.
Last year, I was the most dilligent student ever. Okay, not exactly, but I worked really hard. Ask Marcella. Fast forward to this year, and I'm awful. I don't do all of my reading (and by that I mean I do about half). I put off writing papers until the night before they're due. I sleep instead of catching up. I don 't study for tests (or at least, I study very little).
Now to the question, why do I do this? Is there something about college that makes me lazy? I know I'm not the only one here. Why do we procrastinate? We're supposed to be adults, learn responsibility and all that. So why do we put everything off until the last minute? And is this always a bad thing?
Okay, I'm going to do homework now. Seriously.

let's talk - cheesiest title ever!

I've decided that communication is important. I've also decided it's aggravating! I'm sure you've all been there. You have something on your heart to convey, whether it's simple or complex, and you just can't make the person you're talking to understand what you're saying. Maybe I am the only inarticulate one in the group. If that's the case, y'all should help me out! Miscommunication doesn't happen with everyone. There are certain people - more than one – to whom I just cannot seem to make my point clear. It's there. It's all there. The thoughts are clear in my head, but somewhere along the line they get jumbled. So I guess what I'm saying is let's talk about communication. It fascinates me that there are so many different ways of telling and talking and hearing and listening and understanding! It's really complex, and it amazes me quite frequently that we are ever able to convey our points to anyone. Far more amazing than that, to me though, is that God understands every single beat of my heart… and Melanie's heart and Kayla's heart and Michelle's heart... So many different things being communicated, but He's big enough (and at the same time small enough) to hear and comprehend every thought more clearly than we can even imagine. Prayer, though, isn't exactly where I want to go with this post. How do we translate that understanding to our own heads? We are meant to be in community with each other and to do that we HAVE TO actively seek understanding (of one another). Surely the only way to really do this is through the understanding of God like I mentioned before. How do we do that everyday? Where's the switch? :) I'd like to know.

Another thing I've been pondering is what place sarcasm has in communication. This has been addressed some before, but maybe we could talk about it in depth. How does sarcasm build people up? How does it help us understand each other? I think this has quite a bit to do with communication because the obvious opposite to understanding people is making ourselves clearly understood. I'm not sure sarcasm cuts it here. At the same time... it's fun sometimes! It's witty. I, for one, like to be sarcastic (if you knew me before college you would know this to be even more true than it has been at college, really), but where's the line? That is all for now. I think I have more to say, but I'm anxious to hear what you guys have to say before I say more. Maybe y'all will say it for me...

wow, thanks

I would just like to send out a general post to all of you, saying thanks. I am so incredibly blessed to have you all as friends. I'm loving life because I'm surrounded by loving people who offer me their friendship. I'd like to put a shout out there to my amazing roomie Marcella: Marcella, I have really appreciated the way that you have been there as a non-judgemental listening ear recently. Whatever your opinion or desire, you have supported me in my ponderings and I want you to know that I noticed. That sounds to concise and unfeeling to express what I mean, but just know that I love you a whole lot. So, I have now posted twice in succession so I will electronically shut up and leave the blog to new and better posts. I love you all oodles of noodles!

So, calling all you blogger friends. How do you guys analyze what you're feeling? How do you objectively look inside yourself and figure out what is going on? How do you make decisions? I don't know if I am just a stupid fickle girl, or if I've thought/talked my way into feeling a certain way, or there is a logical reason behind all my ponderings and emotions. Right now I feel like my life is paralyzed by unkown and indecision, and I don't know how to escape from that. Or maybe I just prefer chaining myself to indecision because it's easier than being afraid of chaining myself to a decision I'll regret or close myself off to an opportunity I would've wanted. I Just Don't Know! Help!

and kayla posts

My very first post, and I decide to be negative. Go figure.
Let's just say that I had an annoying personal experience lately with someone who is mired in the past. Is there any reason to dwell on past negative experiences? Being filled with self-pity, while granted at times is basically unavoidable, should not be a basis for general every day life. Are some people just not taught how to healthily deal with rejection?
I do not see any reason to complain about something unless I have a serious desire to change it. Sure, sometimes it's a great release of stress to just run off at the mouth about pesky situations. But if it is really a bother, get up and do something about it. Change! It's not the monstrosity some people make it out to be.
Does anyone have insight on how I can learn to have patience with a person wallowing in self-pity? Or is there something that should be done on my part to help others when they are stuck and refusing to move on? Maybe I'm being too harsh, and please forgive me if I am, but I'm fed up with people who shirk the responsibilities that naturally come with living life among other human beings, like dealing with emotions and moving on.

Happy Bunny Thought of the Day

This isn't important. At all. Really. It just makes me happy.

Always remember:
You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family......

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*Drumroll*



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But you can choose the insane asylum where you have them all put away.

control issues

So I've been out of the blogging business for a couple of days, and am finally catching up. I'm sorry, Laura. I promise that quitting my job won't keep me from posting. Anywho, my point is that I read the last 3 posts after church today, and I thought Laura's was especially interesting in light of the mini-discussion we had today in class about material goods.
All of my life, I've held the view that it didn't matter how much we had as long as we "used it for Jesus," which seems to be the generally held opinion. But over the summer, and Marcella could probably tell you about this in more detail than I could, we were talking about material possessions in class at church and Jim Cooke said that he thinks it's ridiculous to say that it's all right to be a rich Christian and that having more than we could ever need is just fine as long as we have the right attitude. I think he's right. I don't think Jesus was metaphorically calling us to give up the world and follow him. I think he was telling us that we really do have to give things up. Just how far to go on this, I don't know, but I do know that listening to people defend spending $50k on a car was very frustrating to me. Obviously, I don't practice this very well, but I do think it's important to realize just how pervasive materialism is when we, as Christians, can sit in church defending our materialism.

the red pill or the blue pill?

So this idea got started in my head because of another blog. I'd recommend looking at it because it's kinda cool to hear the opinions going on over there... http://trajan86.blogspot.com/ . They were talking about consuming, more specifically but I think this is a valid question in general as well. I’d like to put forth that every mind in human kind is controlled by something. The majority of the world lets their minds be controlled by things around them in society. In the U.S. the things that do this controlling on a regular basis are (WARNING... generalization ahead) products. We need stuff. We're too busy to make the stuff ourselves. We have to buy stuff. The real problem comes when people are on a search for the best stuff. If it's not the best stuff then it's the newest stuff. If it's not the newest it's the oldest. If it's not the oldest it's the stuff that fits our personality best, our taste. You get the point, I'm sure. Materialism. The general population is controlled by a want for stuff, and because of this they (we) are slaves to the people selling the stuff. Now, I think most people agree with the idea that, in general, Americans are controlled by a want for stuff. If you don’t, feel free to comment on that as well… What I'd like to hear your views about is if there's really a way anywhere to "free our minds" (like in the Matrix : )). Do our minds have to be controlled by something? Free will comes into this and I guess, but what I mean is... is there anyway to put our free will in anything that doesn't control us? As Christians, I think we put our free will in God's hands and let him control us sort of. If we weren't Christians and we had decided we hated Christianity because it was God controlling our minds then wouldn't we be putting our free will into the hands of our defiance? Can we really be, as the Simon and Garfunkel song suggests, “a rock… an island”? Just wondering what y'all thought. Hope that made sense. It was a little hard for me to put down. Apologies.

What's the difference?

So this is starting a new conversation, please feel free to still leave comments in the comment section of previous blogs if you’re not done talking about them…

I once had a friend ask me what the difference about Christians was. I think it’s a really great question and I’ve been thinking about it quite a lot after that, and I start reassessing how that should look in my life. What makes me different? Is it just being a good person? Is that the only way you can see the difference? There are plenty of “good” people in humanity that don’t really call themselves Christians. Since we believe Christ was more than just a good moral teacher, shouldn’t our lives look different than the rest of the world, even the good people, if we are being made into Him?

I’ve heard the term counter-cultural thrown around. This sounds like a great concept from the name of it, but are we misusing it? Are we really set apart from our culture while we’re still surrounded by it? Is there any way to be truly counter-cultural?

The Sound of a Dying Blog

Fizzle fizzle. Is this topic fizzling out? Do we need a new one? Okay. Here's a thought... There's a trend lately of thrill seeking. People are parachuting, bungee jumping, etc. Middle schoolers are playing the choking game, and self-mutilation is at an all time high. Just look at this month's reader's digest and you'll know what I'm talking about. Why is this? Is there some key component missing in our society? Is it because parents aren't watching their kids closely enough? Why are we like this? Give me your thoughts, people.

Dante and other thoughts

So this thought is pretty obviously connected to humanities, but... What do you guys think about the classification of sins? Are sins divided at all, and if so, how? What exactly is sin? Do we sin only by actively rejecting the will of God, or is apathy also a sin?
Important things to think about, no?

God's Love

I think an important thing to point out about God's love is that it isn't always "nice." Obviously, we need to support those around us and show compassion, but it's also important to realize that sometimes the most loving thing to do is sit someone down and tell them that their attitude or behavior isn't acceptable. Also, showing God's love means stepping in where other people aren't and making changes in the world that are sometimes difficult (ie racial integration of the church). Love isn't always making everyone happy. It's about doing what's best for people in the long run. We need to be careful in the way we do this, obviously, but it still needs to be done. So that's not all there is to love, but it is an aspect of love that is often ignored. And that's my profound thought for the day.

So---I'm not exactly sure what the point of this is, but it's cool that I have something else to check up on the aid in my homework procrastination. Woohoo! So what is our first deep topic of debate or discussion...or blogcussion as the case may be?