A Truth...

I have to admit that my faith in the Lord has gathered a lot of cobwebs over the last few months (actually, if I'm honest, since I graduated college in May of 2008). It is easy to put God in the passenger seat or on the back burner when life is going well. The harder truth is to find joy and happiness in the Lord when disaster strikes.

Thankfully, God does something miraculous to our hearts when life is at it's worst: He gives us the opportunity to rest completely in Him. And I have to say: these past few months have been really tough. Last April, I was diagnosed with another incurable disease that attacks my bladder. Clint's beloved Grandpa Bill passed away in October. My dear Grandma is undergoing a throat procedure that will leave her unable to talk for three weeks. And just this past Friday, Clint was laid off from work. My first reaction to these trials was to sinfully question God: Why me? Haven't I suffered enough? This isn't fair!!

Wrong reaction. Those questions reveal how spoiled I really am, and how prideful. In reality, we all deserve eternal damnation. The fact that I have life, and not only life, but dear husband, a wonderful family, and amazing friends, attests already to the overwhelming grace of God. But beyond that, these trials attest to His goodness. Why? Because God promises that the Christian life WILL be one of suffering. And that suffering is meant to 1) strengthen our resolve and faith in Christ and 2) trust in His mighty provision and wisdom. These valleys are a time to really see and reflect in His Sovereign Will--because nothing happens outside of His perfect plan. And most importantly we NEVER face anything alone when we have Christ.

For those reasons, I am truly thankful for the current spot God has placed me and Clint in. It has awakened and renewed my faith in Him, and I am actually joyful. I do not know how God is going to lead us through or out of our current valley, but that's just it: I don't need to know. God is completely in control and is giving us the opportunity to rest completely in Him. No, we may not know how we're going to pay the bills next month, but we do know that God will provide something. He always has.

...

"“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” - C.S. Lewis

A Recipe...

1 Book (preferably by Jane Austen, C.S Lewis, or Charlotte Bronte)
1 Cup of coffee
1 Blanket
2 Slippers
1 Sunset (optional)
Candles


Preheat room with heater and/or fire at 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix ingredients well. Add candles to taste. Bake for at least 2 hours. Top with plenty of dark chocolate and music of choice (Ingrid Michaelson, Michael Buble, and Regina Spektor come highly recommended). Serve and enjoy.

A Reflection...

It's come to my attention lately that everyone wants one thing: to be the ruler of their own universe. Not that I didn't already know this--growing up, I was often reminded by Mom and Dad that, contrary to my own beliefs, I did NOT control the world--but thanks to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Blogs, etc...we are daily able to see just how selfish we all are.

Aside from the fact that the Internet Age offers a unique glimpse into original sin (and our collective desire to do anything and everything in opposition to God) it also throws a spotlight on this: we are all huge, giant hypocrites. We all have an opinion. And we're dying for others to know. Whether it be about fashion, the latest Obama speech, a recently-released film, or the coworker we dislike, we want YOU to know exactly what we're thinking and feeling.

But this word-vomit cannot accomplish anything--thereby making us hypocrites unless we're willing to take action. Our culture has lost all interest in the importance of hard, honest work. Need proof? No problem. We just rewarded our President with the Nobel Peace Prize for his expected achievements, not actual accomplishments. To put it even more plainly, President Obama was given a coveted honor because he is a great speaker. He says things that we want to hear. And based on the experience of Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Blogs, etc....isn't that an easy thing to do??

I think this realization affords a great opportunity to live by our words. Especially for Christians. I am extremely frustrated (and convicted) by a lot of the behaviors exhibited by self-proclaimed Christians on the Internet (Facebook in particular). It is dangerously easy to believe that our religious knowledge makes us better than those around us. God-forbid we EVER use the Internet as a means to lord our theology over others. That makes us WORSE than anything or anyone we are railing against; they do not understand the Grace that has saved us. We do (or at least we claim to). So when we beat our fellow non-believers over the head with our convictions (which are rooted in GRACE), that makes us the worst kind of hypocrites. Christ-followers who do not live like Christ. I don't know, but something tells me that hypocrisy does very little to grow the Body of believers.

Just some things to think about.

A Collaboration...

I've always admired teamwork (probably because I'm terrible at it, haha). This video, made by students at the University of Quebec, speaks to some AMAZING collaboration and teamwork. The whole video is composed of one long shot...incredible.

Not to mention, it's just plain fun. Enjoy!

A Rant...

I don't know exactly where I'm going with this post, so bear with me. It is, after all, a rant. I've been extremely upset by something I see happening within the Christian community lately, and I need to get some thoughts out before they drive me crazy.

Let me begin by saying that as a Christian, I have not forgotten the first and greatest commandment Jesus gave us in Matthew 22:36-40: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Knowing, understanding, and living by these verses is hugely important, and something I try (very imperfectly) to do each and every day.

My specific problem is this: I think Christians have misinterpreted and misrepresented the second half of that verse. In an effort to love their neighbors (good), I see a lot of Christians ignoring the TRUTH (bad), in favor of melding in with the accepted cultural norm (also bad). The USA has undergone some major shifts within the last 50 years, the greatest being that our media and celebrity culture are almost entirely responsible for influencing the way we think. There is an overwhelming call from our larger community to live by one rule alone: TOLERANCE. The modern-day interpretation of love.

I think this 21st century concept is one of Satan's most brilliant lies. Instead of allowing for a distinction between RIGHT vs. WRONG and GOOD vs. EVIL, we are taught to accept and "love" everything and everyone. Tolerance, BY ITS DEFINITION, calls us to uphold, accept, and protect where there is NO truth, NO trust, and NO faith.

This way of thinking is SO dangerous, and is one of the biggest problems facing the Church today. We have forgotten that part of LOVING those around us means that we will take a stand AGAINST evil when and where we see it. For example: the overwhelming support for Polanski and his "artistic contributions" is just plain wrong. The man drugged and raped a minor. That is evil, and he should face the proper punishment under the law. The tendency (among Christians specifically) to advocate socialism? Also wrong. It is simply not a Christian concept. We are ALL sinners, and are totally bent on moving away from God. A political theory that bases its success in the inherent GOODNESS of man, therefore, is not only WRONG, it's prideful. Remember the 2 Kingdom concept: Kingdom of God vs. the Kingdom of Man. We need to keep the distinction between the two.

Now, what I'm NOT saying here is that we should ignore helping those in need, stop working with people in opposition to our faith, or forget our calling to be servants to our fellow man. No. What I AM saying is that Christians CANNOT uphold our culture's definition of love and tolerance in PLACE of the Gospel. There is real evil in the world, and we need to take a stand against it. Now.

A Moonman...

The MTV VMAs are a yearly spectacle, and have been since 1984. While I appreciate musical talent and good music, I think this awards show serves only as a window into the ever-increasing decadence and frivolity of the pop-culture world. It's a "one-stop shop" experience for the eye and ear, featuring no-holds-barred performances, self-indulgent (and uninformed) political and social commentary, and idolizing fans.

At this year's VMAs, it's no question what event caused a scandal. Two words: Kanye West. From the moment he interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for Video of the Year to loudly proclaim Beyonce the "real winner," it has caused a media upheaval, the likes of which we haven't seen since MJs untimely death. News stations and sites across the country made it the headlining story. Countless celebrities updated their Twitter accounts, loudly defaming Kanye for his actions. President Obama even took time away from his health care plan to call the rap artist a "jackass."

My response to all of this, instead of the typical shock and horror, is to ask, "who cares?" Yes, I do understand that Kanye's actions violated our propriety norms, and in that sense, I empathize with Taylor Swift for being the victim of his bad behavior. Her "moment" (as Beyonce coined it) was robbed from her. But what kind of a "moment" are we talking about? An occasion to gratefully reflect on a God-given talent? A chance to mention the many musical artists who influenced her? An opportunity to showcase her gift through a modest performance? No. An MTV Moonman Award is 100% about the "carnal self": how hot and desirable you are, and how well you paraded your sexuality throughout your latest music video. In other words, a Moonman defines shallow superficiality.

Rather obviously, this exhibits the MTV Awards as a navel-gazing free-for-all, which is exactly why I don't care about this supposed "scandal." It was a rude thing for Kanye to do. But his behavior was merely an outward reflection of the inner mindset of all the celebrities there: me, myself, and I. Don't forget what the show, in its entirety, is about: worship. Celebrities worshiping themselves for their celebrity. Yes, even Taylor Swift, in all of her victimized, "pity-me" sweetness.

My only concern regarding the VMAs is this: why do we need them? Self-worship should be BORING. It's the smallest, most abusive form of love. Reserve it all for self-indulgence and self-adoration and it immediately degrades its meaning to the lowest possible point. We were created to adore and worship God, so love is really about serving someone outside yourself. And that reality is almost completely ignored in our culture today.

Now, to answer my own question. Why do I think we "need" shows like the MTV VMAs? Simple. It's easy to pretend you're the center of your own created universe. Being held accountable to God? THAT'S hard.

A Pipe Dream...

Many of us heard President Obama's speech last night, addressing his health care reforms. It was about time. Most Americans, after all, have loudly protested the government-supported health care movement from the start. Unfortunately, President Obama changed nothing about his plan. His speech did not move Congress any closer to reforms that would put patients first.

Instead, President Obama did what he was famous for: orated in his favor. Rather then address the valid concerns of the people (regarding a health plan that does not uphold America as a republic), the President openly accused his critics of "scare tactics," and told the American people that if we don't get behind his plan - which he calls doing "nothing" - "more will die as a result." What a brazen attempt to lay guilt on people for having a (valid) differing opinion.

So what is Obama's heath care "reform", where, supposedly, nothing will change (begging the question: so of what use is the word "reform"?)? Just this: a public, government-controlled health insurance plan; a new federal definition of acceptable health insurance; an individual mandate that everyone purchase that insurance OR face a tax; and an employer mandate increasing the burden on the engine of jobs. Hmm. That does not sound like "nothing" to me.

President Obama ended by saying that his "door is always open" to discuss alternatives to his plan. So far, however, we have seen little consideration given to the types of reforms we have openly supported - such as buying health insurance across state lines, tax credits for Americans of all incomes, etc. These are real reforms that would work for real people. Unfortunately, as we've seen before, President Obama seems to care more about furthering his agenda. So the people lose.

I honestly wish that the president's quasi-socialist plan would work. And it would, if socialism was a successful theory of social organization. But as history has proven, time and again, socialism CANNOT work. Why? Because it relies on the inherent goodness of man; something that Christians (in particular) know to be false. We are a fallen world, full of fallen people. We will never band together as equals (on this side of eternity), because there will always be the few who do not work as hard to earn the privileges that socialism provides. Am I saying that we shouldn't look after the well being of our fellow man? Of course not. After all, Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

What I am saying is that we cannot place our hope or trust in a political theory that has been tried, tested, and has failed. That's confusing the two kingdoms: the City of Man vs. the City of God. At it's most basic, we cannot operate as if man was inherently GOOD, when we know the opposite to be true.

What we need politically is what capitalism offers: INCENTIVE. Our democracy has always stood strong under the weight of that political ideal, so let's not drop it now, when we most need it.

A Status...

Well, we're all subjected to them. Multiple times a day. At any time. STATUSES. Facebook asked the question, and we are all are rushing to answer it. What's on your mind? Seems simple enough, but the answers are more varied then anything you'll find within the social-network spectrum.

In my opinion, this short question has popularized the notion that self-indulgence is worth while. Of course! We want to know where you are, who you're with, and what deodorant you're wearing. We don't mind if you're giving us a blow-by-blow account of your colonoscopy, please! Enlighten us with details!!

I couldn't help but laugh (and take a long look in the mirror) when this article came out a few weeks back. I'm including the link here, so please enjoy reading about the "12 Most Annoying Types of Facebookers".

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/08/20/annoying.facebook.updaters/index.html

Along with the "The Let-Me-Tell-You-Every-Detail-of-My-Day Bore," the "Bad Grammarian," and the "The Self-Promoter" (etc.) there are a few I'd like to add to the list. Of course, when you point a finger, 3 are pointed back at you, so no reminders are necessary: I'm well aware that my statuses have often fallen under one of the annoying categories.

13 (continued from the 12 in the link). The Political Zealot. Are you a Democrat? Are you a Republican? These are not questions you need ask the political zealot. Along with links to articles, news briefings, and the occasional quote from either Steven Colbert or Ann Coulter, the political zealot makes his political opinion VERY clear via status. Any opposing opinions are met with indignation or a heated rebuff. And yes, he will die on every hill to have the last word.

14. Captain Obvious. "100 degrees sucks," "DMV workers are RUDE," "The Beatles are AMAZING!!!" Yes, all true. Blindingly so. While we appreciate Captain Obvious's desire to share genuine feelings with us, some creativity would be nice. Think of a status as a "first impression."

15. The Pious Offender. This is where Facebook catches many at their own game. The Pious Offender might enlighten us with a religious quote or Bible verse, but somehow, their latest photo album seems to speak more loudly: "Vegas 2009~What Mama Don't Know, Won't Hurt."

Although this blog is intended mostly for humor, it does speak to something deeper. My desire to share exclusively about MYSELF (via status) tells me something about my sinful nature: I want to be my own god. I want control over the universe as I see it, and Facebook has allowed me, albeit in a small way, to indulge that selfish desire. Of course, that is in direct conflict with my faith, as Christ should have all of me, while I die to self. That truth is a powerful reminder amidst the pull to answer: What's On Your Mind?

A Fire...

Just a quick blog to request prayer for all the men and women directly affected by the LA area Station Fire. I've been listening to the news today at work, and the details are a bit frightening.

Just a few updates:

- This fire is particularly dangerous because it is not fueled by the Santa Ana winds (as the normal CA fires are). Rather, it is gaining power from the 40-year old brush and the triple digit temperatures.
- Over half of the $182 million fire budget has been spent already on the Station fire alone. Schwarzenegger has requested help from the federal government.
- The fire now covers an area of 200 square miles.
- It takes the fireman 10 hours to cover a distance that the fire is moving in 2.
- Two fireman have lost their lives already. One of them was about to welcome a child in 3 weeks.
- 75 homes have burned and 12,000 are now threatened.

Of course, we know that God is totally in control, even over this seemingly erratic fire. Although it is scary to see such a display of nature, it is encouraging to know that it is all being led under His Sovereign hand. We can trust and have hope in His infinite wisdom and guidance.

Please pray for the safety of the men and women affected, and for the brave firefighters who are working to get the fire under control.

A Wolf...

I'll always be grateful to my parents for instilling me with a love of classical music. Of course, when I was young, I had no idea that Swan Lake and The Nutcracker (to name a few) were stunning pieces of musical genius; I simply enjoyed the "princess stories." And therein lay the real cleverness of my parents: they got me hooked early on.

I was reminiscing the other day about one musical piece in particular: Peter and the Wolf. Mom and Dad bought me a Disney book + tape combo, so I could listen to the music while following the book (via classic Disney-esque illustrations).

I will never forget my childhood fascination with this piece, and to this day, I LOVE listening through Peter's little adventure. Its real beauty is contained within the story, told entirely through music. Each character is so expertly personified by instruments, that it's easy to forget that the only speaking character is the narrator. THAT is an example of art as substance: while the narrator is necessary to establish a frame of reference, the music tells the real story.

I've been reliving part of my childhood the last few days by listening to this wonderful little story, told through music. I added it to my playlist so feel free to join in!

A Twilight...

If you have a television or computer, you have heard of Twilight. A novel series by Stephenie Meyer, the Twilight series chronicles a "forbidden" love affair between a vampire and a human girl. I read the books, and did enjoy them. But there are a few reasons that I find the pop culture's over-the-top, seizing obsession with them a bit concerning.

1) Evil is Sexualized. Vampires in the Twilight series are tied to their blood lust. While the Cullen coven seeks to abstain from feeding on humans (a good plot choice by Meyer), it is a temptation that is not actively quelled. Edward is constantly telling Bella that he yearns, desires, LUSTS after her blood. The evil is thereby sexualized, and although he never ends up killing her, the harm has been done. The Bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians that we "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Obviously, the series is not "Christian" and cannot, therefore, be expected to abide by Christian commands, but the principle remains. If Edward truly wished to free himself from his blood lust, he would not invite Bella into his sexualized fantasy.

2) Evil is Glorified. If Meyer wanted a true hero in her novels, she should have kept Bella a human. The vampiric lifestyle is an evil one, a point stressed by Meyer again and again. But then our heroine becomes one? That is an unoriginal cop out. Because the evil is sexy, alluring, and promises immortality, we eventually want Bella to become the very thing that, throughout the novels, comes close to destroying her. For Meyer to allow that to happen is to follow the romantic and sexual intrigue of the story, as opposed to having her character stand up for what is right.

3) Evil is Overlooked: Bella is a character totally lacking in depth. Once Edward enters her life, he swallows her identity (which, up to that point, had only been outlined in a few sentences about her being quiet and clumsy) . He is God to her, the person for whom she lives and breathes. This masochistic self-denial (which leads Bella to ignore her own safety and well being) offers us a glimpse into the complete opposite of a healthy relationship. Love, for Bella, requires that she forfeit her family, her values, her conscience, all in order that she devote herself more fully to Edward. If Edward was a character who knew what real love meant, he would never have allowed Bella the freedom to throw away her life as she does. Real love has natural limitations: until both parties realize that they serve God first, they cannot fully serve each other. Additionally, Jacob (Bella's friend and eventual werewolf) represents another love temptation for Bella. Really? Were Bella so overtly in love with Edward, as Meyer seems to indicate, wouldn't it be contradictory to introduce another love interest? Yet it remains so. Jacob is a man who tempts Bella to deny her love for Edward and follow a human life. It would seem the healthier option, but Edward wins out in the end, making Jacob's contribution to the novels nothing more then a sexually charged intrusion.

I know these points may seem rather serious, given that Twilight is a fictional series. But the obsessive following the books (and ensuing films) have garnered has been enough to turn the Twilight novels into a cult phenomenon. Girls swoon at the thought of Edward luring them into the dark, vampiric dream. Obviously, wishing for a vampire boyfriend can do nothing but harm. A violent and lustful creature, whose very life is consumed by an overwhelming desire to kill humans, should not be an idol for young girls today.

But that is exactly what is happening.

A Mourning...

I don't know about you, but when I hear the names John Calvin, Martin Luther, Augustine, etc., I cannot help but imagine brilliant, SERIOUS theologians, complete with robes and a frown.

What we quickly forget, however, is the incredible amount of humor and passion these great men had. And in some cases, this passion for the dramatic was shared by the women standing alongside them.

Katie Luther was an incredible woman. I could spend hours talking about her incredible influence in Martin's life, but one story stands out to me as a perfect example of her wit and wisdom.

Martin Luther was a deep thinker. His thoughts often carried him into the depths of man's sinfulness, which would leave him depressed for weeks or months at a time.

Once, when Luther was so depressed that no words of counsel seemed capable of penetrating this darkness, Katie decided to don a black dress. Luther asked: “Are you going to a funeral?” “No,” she replied, “but since you act as though God is dead, I wanted to join you in the mourning.

He quickly recovered.

I love this. What a wonderful reminder that God appreciates humor, and drama queens. I have a feeling that Katie and I will make great friends someday.

A Vow...

Although it is not surprising to me that marriage is given little to no respect nowadays (what with our media, in particular), it does make me sad. I have watched, among people who view marriage incorrectly, one over-arching philosophy emerge: marriage is a "trap." Of course, I wouldn't expect people who aren't Christians to view marriage in any other way, but in reality, this view is gaining ground among believers as well.

So, why do people believe marriage is a trap? Pretty simple. They look to the media for their answers. Have you ever noticed how marriages are (largely) portrayed on the television and in movies? Tell me if this sounds familiar: a stupid, blundering husband is verbally beaten down by his over-worked, haggard housewife. Disrespectful kids run rampant in the home, complaining to both parents about their latest relationship, and nothing is ever solved without a huge fight. And then there are shows like Friends. Young, beautiful, single men and women have consequence-free sex, steady jobs, and friendships that last through anything; even sleeping around with each other. Which would you pick?

Of course most of the misconceptions about marriage have to do with one thing: sex. The reason that shows like Friends are so immediately successful is because they advertise great, guilt-free, disease-free sex, with endless and beautiful partners (something that is clearly NOT happening in most shows/movies that showcase a marriage). I will agree that sex is powerful, but I cannot support or adhere to the idiotic notion that marriage prevents a person from experiencing "all that life has to offer." Yet this belief is the main reason marriage is SO looked down upon today.

I could argue against that logic from many different positions, but there is really only one point to make: the media has it backwards. They have put sex in the position of power, ahead of marriage. Unfortunately, that cannot be true. Outside the Utopian bubble of shows and movies that sell sex as "completely without boundaries or consequences" there is an ugly reality. Sexually transmitted diseases are rampant, pornography is on the rise (along with rape and adultery), and men and women, as they grow older, are becomingly increasingly more dissatisfied and disillusioned with the "anything goes" lifestyle. Why? Because sex requires context.

Imagine if you were shown Mel Gibson's battle speech as William Wallace in Braveheart. Would it mean anything to you if you hadn't seen the rest of the film? Yes, that scene might be worth watching on its own, but it has none of its power without the entirety of the film to give it gravity or weight. It requires context in order to be worthwhile.

So it is with sex. Sex cannot mean anything unless it is fulfilled within the context God gave it: marriage. Marriage is a commitment to serve another person completely selflessly. It is God's gift to us, and it is meant to clearly demonstrate Christ's relationship to His bride: the Church. Sex within marriage, therefore, is an outpouring of love and a testament to the permanence and oneness of being husband and wife. Instead of being an entrapment, sex within marriage is totally freeing, because it allows a husband and wife to serve each other selflessly. And THAT is where its true power lies.

Without marriage to give it context, sex is purely carnal, and has nothing to do with a promise to serve another person. It is entirely selfish, and it is WHY men and women who have sex outside of marriage are left dissatisfied and disillusioned: it simply has no meaning.

A Discernment...

I have been thinking a lot lately about Christian discernment, particularly as it relates to the media. American pop culture adopted, long ago, the "Oprah Winfrey" view of life and faith, i.e. "all roads lead to Heaven." Celebrities have become increasingly more infamous, garnering news features and front page spots for their more amoral acts, NOT moral ones. Men and women are singled out as "important" based on the car they drive, the purse they carry, the neighborhood they live in, or the clothes they wear. Character, honor, and modesty--these words are facing death under the ever-building popularity of others: money, beauty, and fame.

So what are Christians to do in the face of this? Interesting question. It might be easier to answer this by pointing out the responses that, I believe, are the wrong ones.

1) The Rejection: Many Christians take one look at our media, the Hollywood scene, and the film/television industry, and completely reject all of it. "There is no redemptive value in the media arts" or "God left Hollywood a long time ago" are common phrases amongst many believers. I cannot agree with this. God's perfect creation has fallen into sin, yes, but we often forget how big He is. While I do believe that much of the media is speeding away from anything of redemptive value, I know and trust that God is still at work there. Though they represent an almost invisible fraction of the industry, there are Christian artists seeking to reflect the Lord in their work. And perhaps more poignantly, God works to use non-believers as well. Look at films like The Kite Runner, The Painted Veil, or Gran Turino. Christian works of art? No. But the powerful stories of redemption within, touched by His gift of common grace, may be leading countless people to search for the true Redeemer. So let us never throw the baby out with the bath water; God DOES work in mysterious ways.

2) The Acceptance: More Christians fall into this category, I believe, than the former. Instead of carefully evaluating our media world with wisdom and discernment, many Christians simply accept the popular trends as "inevitable," or worse, look for ways to justify said trends through a "Christian" lens. The result is a "Christian-lite" view of reality, which is worse in my mind then atheism. Why? God demands TOTAL recognition, glory, and worship; to accept anything besides that, or along with that, is to lessen what is rightly due unto Him. This is, simply put, dangerous and wrong. The Oprah Winfrey all-paths-lead-to-Heaven mentality is VERY appealing, but what it invites is self-absorption, pride, and ignorance. And despite a common misguidance that is particularly rampant among younger Christians: it is NOT wrong to speak out against people who worship the creation rather than the Creator. Otherwise, how do we expect to gain any ground through evangelism? There has to be a right and a wrong.

Speaking with regards to recent history, I have noticed two prevalent examples of this "acceptance" view: 1) Obama's presidency and 2) Michael Jackson's legacy.

1) Obama's Presidency: I will not speak to party politics or debate the wisdom in voting for Obama. I will say, however, that I've been disappointed by people who follow this man based on what he SAYS alone. How long will it take men and women to recognize that words are deceitful, and it is ACTIONS that tell the truth? Satan had a lot of "convincing" things to say in the Garden of Eden, but his actions encouraged rebellion against God. I'm not calling President Obama Satan, of course, but I am asking men and women to get smart: a man's words mean only as much as the actions he chooses to support them. When the two do not match, it is time to be cautious. And no one can deny that we have seen this disjunction between words and actions from our President. So be careful.

2) Michael Jackson's legacy: I will be the first to say that Michael Jackson was an incredibly gifted artist. His talent for singing and dancing was (and is) unmatched. I will not, however, follow the hordes of men and women who are deifying this man based on his celebrity. We have lost the art of discerning where true value and admiration should be placed. Michael Jackson was hugely talented, but he was not honorable. No one can argue with this; look at the man's life. A series of tragedies that was marked by a selfish desire to attain worldly gratification and success; a goal that he achieved. But to what end? Did Michael Jackson seem or appear to be fulfilled, joyful, or at peace? No. It is important, therefore, that we distinguish between those we appreciate, and those we respect. A real hero is one who seeks fulfillment outside of himself, who worships the Creator (not the creation), and whose LIFE is carried out with dignity and honor. And Christians ought to be the FIRST to recognize this.

Of course, by recognizing that some people appear to be leading lives outside of God's grace, Christians are called judgmental and heartless. This should not deter us from telling the truth, however: God has told us what we need to know. Am I better then others, for knowing this truth? Of course not. I have been saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. But we're still called to evangelize, which naturally means that there are MANY outside of the faith who need to hear God's Word. I cannot pass judgment on a person's heart of hearts, or claim to know who is truly saved or not. But again, actions are rather telling. If someone claims to have God's truth but is acting in direct opposition to it, then we can make the case that they are not following the Lord at all. Sadly, this does appear to be the case Michael Jackson. I cannot, therefore, support him as a man worthy of the glory or honor he is receiving, though I do enjoy his musical gifts.

All in all, I think Christians in this category would be well served by remembering Matthew 10: 16: "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." That says it all.

A Rerun...

Do any of you feel like the media is on repeat lately? You cannot turn on the television without at least 5 channels featuring some story about the late Michael Jackson. While I see and admit that he had a good amount of talent, I cannot support the legacy of this man. Take away the voice, the Moonwalk, and the family name, and you're left with a confused pervert whose only claim to fame should be jail time.

There is a trend in our society to worship and idolize celebrities. I am not sure what appeals to us about them in particular, besides their enormous wealth and larger-then-life presence on TV and in film. Perhaps it's the "look where I am now" or "in your face" aspect of fame that we all wish we could share in. Who knows.

What I do know is that to idolize and celebrate the life of a man who denied his heritage through a plastic surgery overhaul, and who openly admitted to sleeping with young boys, is to completely overlook the general qualities of good vs. evil. Look at the heroes of ages past: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Helen Keller, to name a few. Men and women of honor and faith, who stood for principles outside of themselves and challenged others to lead lives of faith, trust, and humility. Now take one look at the life Michael Jackson and see if you can find any principles other than self-glorification and visceral gratification. Hero? I think not.

Of course, many disagree with me. So many, in fact, that the Cox Arena is selling tickets for his funeral, a nationwide event that will be broadcast on all the main networks. To me, this voyeuristic obsession with Jacko's death is just sickening, and speaks more to the glory days of the Roman Colosseum then it does to a nation founded in God for honor and liberty. What do we have to celebrate, besides a few hit songs and some ingenious dance moves? His addictions to prescription drugs? An idolistic obsession with his looks that resulted in a barely human appearance (and paid no respect to his black heritage)? His abuse (cue balcony scene) and exploitation of his children (all named after himself)? His fetish for young boys that not only resulted in law suits, but also extracted a confession from Michael himself that there was nothing wrong with "sleeping with boys"?

Come on, folks. This man was no hero. Our respect should be reserved for those who uphold the sanctity and honor of human life....besides our own.

A Treat...

This very random blog is dedicated to something I rarely eat: candy. On my lunch break today, I went to Henry's and passed through the candy aisle: rows and rows of bright colors, pretty wrappers, and....calories. And it got me thinking.

I do not think the allure of candy has much to do with the flavor. In general, the tastes are pretty standard, and either sweet or sour. The real draw is the look; candy is beautiful. The colors, the shapes and sizes, it's really magical.

Candy is also intrinsically linked to childhood: taffy on the boardwalk, a candied apple at the fair, a foot of Bubble Tape on the walk home from school. I will never forget the trips to Disneyland growing up; besides the rides and the occasional meet-and-greet with a Princess, I could NOT wait for my exiting souvenir: a GIANT swirl lollipop. I would literally fall asleep in the midst of that sticky mess on the car ride home. And to this day, I can't resist treating myself...even though I prefer chocolate any day.

It's the memory that counts.

A Crush...

I am IN LOVE with this musical compilation. Featuring two of my all-time favorite songs, I think this artist made a wonderful choice by combining them. And there is something so powerful about musical simplicity; the piano and cello are the only focal points of this piece.

Without further ado, here it is: the "Love Story" and "Viva la Vida" compilation.

A Marriage...

Social networking sites offer many unique opportunities, one of which is to share political ideals. With the ability to update current moods/thoughts/feelings, share articles, and link to videos, it comes as no surprise that many people use their page to stand on a political soap box. My turn.

I am tired of the "Marriage Equality" fights going on around our nation, and throughout California in particular. The gay community is outraged that a recent ruling prohibits same sex marriage, citing that this mandate is "unconstitutional" and "unloving."

This is utter nonsense. First of all, civil unions are legal. They offer the same benefits as a marriage without that term applied to them. Gay and lesbians are free to live jointly, simply barring the use of the term "marriage."

It shocks me that this word, and its original meaning, are being so forcefully attacked. You simply cannot call the union of a same sex couple a "marriage." Monogamy MEANS, by definition: one man, one woman, for life. It cannot include more. Why? Because to change this word and its meaning is to wipe out the significance of the family, and the significance of our relationship to God. Secondarily, language is of the utmost importance for the survival of culture. When we disrespect our words, their origins, and their meanings, we are behaving no better then animals.

Biblical marriage is modeled after Christ's relationship to the Church. To open this word up for any other interpretation is to spit on a holy covenant that God has established for our good.

Are we fighting a losing battle (politically)? Perhaps. Marriage laws will probably change one day to accommodate same sex couples (and who knows what else). But that does not lesson our call to action, and our need of truth. In a culture that praises open-mindedness and complacency, which usually comes at the cost of wisdom and modesty, it is essential that Christians fight for what we know to be right.

Time to swim against the current.

A Reality...

Everything I love about men and women is tied up in this clip. Brought to you by one of my favorite romantic comedies, Sleepless in Seattle, this scene sheds light on the male vs. female psyche.

Obviously, the main point of this clip is to offer some comic relief. There are deep underlying truths here, however, that are made all the more winsome simply because they're relayed lightheartedly.

1) Men are pragmatic. They see a problem, develop a plan, and fix it. They spend less time on emotions/feelings, and more time on reality. In my opinion, a very healthy way to approach life's problems.

2) Women are emotional. We want a happy ending, a love story. We favor "romance" and "true love" over pragmatism and common sense. Perhaps a more idealistic approach to life, but sweet nonetheless.

Of course, life can be pretty "perfect" when these two are happily joined. God intended it that way. Which is why I get irritated when women spend so much time nagging at men for trying to "fix everything." Come on ladies...we're the idealists. They're the pragmatists. If anyone should get a nagging, it SHOULD be us.

Of course, I'm guilty of demanding empathy and understanding (and NOT a solution) when I'm upset, but I realize more and more that men are not appreciated enough for being MEN. We wanted that knight on a white horse, remember? A man cannot rescue us if we force him to sit there and "just listen." Happily, that's why God made girlfriends.

Enjoy the clip!!

A Frustration...

It's often hard for me to deal patiently with things in life, and even harder for me to wait on the Lord. I have a sinful tendency to worry about everything, without trusting that God is holding me in His hands, and has already planned out my every breath.

Right now, I am struggling a bit with getting a doctor to listen to me. It's been really frustrating, but I often forget that there IS a reason I haven't gotten an answer yet. Lately, I've started to wonder if the answer won't come until I really, truly trust in God alone. I haven't given over my every care and concern to Him, and I know that's wrong.

One helpful reminder for me came in the form of a Martin Luther quote:

"Pray, and let God worry."

There it is. My daily reminder. I've got some work cut out for me :)

A Teaser...

It's on its way. The final portion of a trilogy that began all the way back in 1995.

I. Can't. Wait. Disney got this one right.

A Judgment...

If you haven't heard already, a striking news report has hit San Diego within the last two days. A San Diego bureaucrat is shutting down a Christian Bible study that is held in a private residence, citing that it is "an unlawful use of land."

This report disgusts me for one reason only: it clearly violates our Constitution. A Constitution that was formed to honor FREEDOM of religion. To so blatantly ignore THAT fact is to forget the reason that our nation was founded in the first place.

Besides that, I am actually encouraged by this attack on Christianity. To me, the fact that this official is SO offended by a small Bible study readily proves that Christianity is the Truth. No other religion is met with such hostility, because Christians actively move against the grain of popular culture. So we offend. We will not cater to general definitions of "love," "success," or "happiness," but instead hold firm to the reality of sin, and the consequences of leading a life without Christ at its center.

I do think we should fight against these attempts to quell freedom of religion, but I also take hope. God is Sovereign over all, and this recent attack on Christians may be His reminder to us that we cannot serve the Lord half-heartedly. It's time to take a stand.

A Review...

Just a quick plug for the BEST cookbook I've ever read: The Golden Door Cooks at Home by Dean Rucker.

I was privileged to sit in on a cooking class with Dean, and was astounded by the fresh simplicity of his recipes. Forget all you knew about healthy cooking: this book revolutionizes good eating. And with so many options, and such fresh ingredients, it would not be hard to maintain this diet forever!

If you purchase it now at Amazon.com, you get 40% off. Go buy it! It's a must have.

A Joke...

We hear it all the time. Mothers, especially, love to say it. I'm beginning to wonder, however, if the mantra "use common sense" has lost all meaning. Common sense, it appears, is altogether uncommon.

For reference, take a look at some actual warning labels printed on products today (these are all real):

1) Liquid Plummer
Warning: Do not reuse the bottle to store beverages.

2) Windex
Do not spray in eyes.

3) Bowl Fresh
Safe to use around pets and children, although it is not recommended that either be permitted to drink from toilet.

4) Toilet Plunger
Caution: Do not use near power lines.

5) Endust Duster
This product is not defined as flammable by the Consumer Products Safety Commision Regulations. However, this product can be ignited under certain circumstances.

6) Baby Oil
Keep out of reach of children

7) Hair Coloring
Do not use as an ice cream topping.

8) Wet-Nap
Directions: Tear open packet and use.

9) Stridex Foaming Face Wash
May contain foam.

10) Zantac 75
Do not take if allergic to zantac.

These are all rather funny, but unfortunately they reveal a larger problem within our society today: greed. Because suing has become a popular pastime in recent years, companies are now having to print warnings to minimize the possibility that someone, somewhere, will find a reason to file suit.

In one famous case, a college student sued a washing machine company after he got drunk, climbed into a washer, turned it on, and was injured. As a result of his poor behavior, he not only received a huge reparations check, but all machines are now required to display the warning: "Do not put yourself, or any other persons, inside this washing machine" as well.

Yes, we might be able to take advantage of the system, but the joke is on us: our product warnings do a great job of making us look stupid.

A Comedian...

Despite bad hair and worse dress, Elaine Benes (Julia Louise Dreyfuss) is my favorite female sitcom character. It's not often that you find a woman whose performance is so organic, so comfortable, so winsome. Most sitcom women are grating, nagging, and bitter house wives, whose sole purpose in the show is to punish and berate their husbands.

What I love most about Julia's performance are her fearless displays of emotion. Her physical comedy, facial expressions, and precise timing are truly noteworthy. Acting opposite of 3 men, it would be easy for her to get lost under the uneven male to female ratio. But she doesn't. Instead, Julia has created a character who stands out for being brash, clumsy, and always lovable: Elaine Benes.

(My favorite moment from his compilation is Elaine's fight with George, over his horrid toupee. Her expressions and blocking are flawless.)

A Struggle...

This post is dedicated to my own version of the forbidden fruit: COFFEE.

I had to give it up recently, and while I don't often miss it, I am this morning. A lot. After a poor night's sleep and a headache on the horizon...I would love nothing more than to brew myself a pot and enjoy a cup before work.

Oh well. Life is full of sacrifices, and I know I can resist this temptation. But, there's till that little voice in my head: Sumatra blend. Half-and-half. 1 Splenda Packet. Stir. Serve.

Enjoy your Friday!!

A Kiss...

It is easy to overlook the importance of subtlety in film today. After all, we are a society that worships immediate gratification. The result? Films that glorify sex, violence, torture, murder, infidelity, homosexuality, lewdness, and gore. That is not art. It is a cheap turn-on.

Needless to say, one of the great artistic masters of film is Alfred Hitchcock. I have always had a great respect for this man, despite his eccentric and often frightening obsessions and oddities. Why? Because he viewed film as a true art form. An opportunity to relate the intricacies of the human mind. And he did so, again and again, with deceptively obvious genius.

I say deceptively obvious because Hitchcock never misses a moment. Although his story lines are rooted in psychological complexities, he shows us exactly what we are meant to see. The camera is our world: every spoken word, every shadow, every movement, every musical note...ALL serve to drive the plot, his plot, in the right direction. Even the suspenseful moments in his films are captured with an effortless grace. And his stories always unfold with meticulous detail and precision, like watching a beautiful dance.

My favorite Hitchcock film is Rear Window. Here, Hitchcock proves his artistic genius by filming a murder/suspense within the confines of a single room. And he does it all with subtle class (which bears zero resemblance to the trashy suspense movies spewed out today).

In the following scene, Grace Kelly is introduced. Although this portion of the movie does not speak for the white-knuckled moments to come, it does provide a perfect example of an onscreen romance as art. I think I can safely say that this is one of the most beautifully choreographed kiss scenes in all of film. It begins quietly, with a slow pan around the apartment complex. It is early evening. A woman is quietly singing scales in the distance. Cut to a high-angled close up of James Stewart, asleep. A shadow softly rises over his body. Cut to low-angled shot of Grace, beautiful. Cut back and forth between Grace and Jim, eyes locked. Finally, the kiss, shot with a soft lens in slow motion. It is perfect. Hitchcock would approve of no less.

Here's to you, Alfred Hitchcock, for creating art through your films.

A Smile...

I borrowed this video from a friend's blog (Colleen Huston), but it helped remind me what an incredible blessing it is to live, work, and play where I do.

Wednesdays are notorious for being a "slump" day. Middle of the week, work piling up, deadlines approaching, etc. But some truths never change, no matter how bleak, stressful, or tiring a day may seem.

1) God is good, all the time.
2) God provides exactly what we need, when we need it.
3) God never gives us more than He has equipped us to handle.
4) God hears our prayers and praises to Him.
5) God holds each moment of our lives in His hands.

It is such a blessing to hold to these truths. So much so, that they can even make a Wednesday as special as a Friday.

A Choice...

In a recent news report, The Obama administration announced plans to reverse a regulation allowing health-care workers to refuse to provide services based on moral objections. The law, expanded on by the Bush Administration, was written 30 years ago. Essentially, it established a "conscience clause" for "health-care professionals who do not want to perform abortions."

If this reversal passes, it would no longer offer doctors the choice to refuse performing abortions on moral grounds. The liberal media is praising President Obama for this decision, claiming that he is putting the best reproductive health care options before ideological demands.

The BEST reproductive health care? Really? This just astounds me. For anyone to stand up and say that killing unborn children, the MOST innocent and helpless population in our society, is to provide the best health care options possible, is simply to ignore basic human facts.

Aside from the fact that abortions kill the child and are dangerous and damaging to the mother, which should be reason enough for any mildly ethical person to reject them as WRONG, it is an egotistical cop-out to include them as a viable option for "reproductive health care." If a woman is irresponsible, lazy, or immoral with her choices regarding sex, the logical result is pregnancy. This is not rocket science; it's basic cause and effect.

Of course, our society has totally ignored these truths in favor of the feminist movement. Women should be free to have sex as they please, with whomever they choose, and not have to pay for the inevitable "consequence:" an unwanted child. The result? Reproductive health "care" now includes murder, simply because the mother does not wish to be held responsible for HER actions.

Let's be frank: there is no valid or reasonable argument in favor of murdering a child. Any rhetoric that validates abortion in our society is focused solely on the woman and her "rights". No terms like mother, child, life, death or murder are used, which, to me, further proves that people know, inherently, that abortions are wrong. After all, there is no way to ignore the scientific fact that conception produces life. But, as this reversal of the conscience doctrine shows, we would rather blind ourselves to the truth in favor of having what we want, when we want it. And not only that, we are now eliminating the right to call it wrong.

I'll leave you with this, a quote from President Obama: “Look, I got two daughters — 9 years old and 6 years old. I am going to teach them first about values and morals, but if they make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby."

I think that says it all.

A "Queen"...

After watching the above clip on America's Home Videos, flashes of my childhood bounced into my mind's eye. Coined a "Drama Queen" by Dad, I think it's safe to say that even that term is being gracious.

Among other instances, I can vividly recall crying spells carried out in front of my mirrored closet (always better to watch yourself indulge in rant); placing my hand on my forehead in a conceited attempt to convince Mommy that I was ill; holding the thermometer under hot water to display just how much I NEEDED to stay home (it never worked...or it worked too well, 109 degrees tipped Mom off immediately); setting up elaborate stages in the hallway where I would perform beautiful plays and operas to a full house (of stuffed animals and Barbies); making up names and characters so elaborate for myself that it prompted my brother to regularly ask me, "Who are you today, Sarah?"; accepting my Oscar (a soccer trophy) time and again in front of the bathroom mirror, beautifully adorned in a sheet or dress (stolen from Mom); and barricading myself into my room, along with a poor little playmate, simply because she would not adhere to the Barbie fantasy world I had created.

Today, I can clearly reason two things from this:

1) God has given me a very clear desire-of-the-heart to act.

2) If and when Clint and I have a daughter someday, it will be the best poetic justice ever.

A Terror...

I am never ashamed to call myself an American. I am, however, appalled by the actions of many colleges around the United States, who have substituted dignity and respect in favor of political correctness. Funny turn of phrase, "politically correct". In my view, there is nothing correct about kow-towing to the radical demands of hate-filled religious groups, as the University of California at Irvine has done for the Muslim Student Union.

Of course, I am deeply grateful for the Freedom of Speech doctrine, as it applies to different religions. I count myself daily blessed to live in a country where I have the right to speak freely about the Truth of Christianity. But I think we're forgetting that "freedom of speech" naturally requires some limitations. The value and functionality of a State is directly linked to how well a law is defined and applied. No one would argue that religious groups should be able to speak openly about their faith under the protection of "free speech." But what if those groups are actively promoting hatred, torture, and murder of another set of people? Is that what we want to aspire to as a nation?

UCI, by allowing the Muslim Student Union free reign on campus, has implied that their aspirations, in part, fully support religious radicalism and hatred. Extracurricular activities, clubs, and religious groups are an essential part of the college experience, but they should never overshadow a secular school's first priority: a great education. And when a secular school does support religious groups or clubs, it ought to serve as the neutral host, not a biased "politically correct" coward, as UCI has done here.

Let's take a look at some facts:

• Every year, the Muslim Student Union (MSU) hosts an event in the Spring called "Holocaust in the Holy Land." A literal "wall of shame" is resurrected with anti-Israel propoganda covering it.
• Attempts by other students or other religious groups to dialogue with the Muslim Student Union are met with violent retorts. This event does not promote education or understanding. Rather, its sole purpose is to demonize Israel and Jews.
• Over the past few years, the MSU has regularly sponsored similar programs. Jewish student groups have repeatedly pleaded with the MSU to invite more moderate speakers and to engage in dialogue instead of hate-filled rhetoric. They are ignored.
• The UCI administration has remained totally deaf to Jewish groups’ concerns, claiming "free speech" trumps all else. Events have been allowed to continue as scheduled. The result? A week-long assault against Israel and Jews that is blatantly anti-Semitic and has glorified violence and terrorism.
• Muslim speakers have included such radicals as American born Imam Muhammed Al-Asi, who is notorious for his anti-Semitic comments, such as "You can take the Jew out of the ghetto but you cannot take the ghetto out of the Jew," and for claiming that Nazi anti-Semitism was justifiable.
• Despite a general public outcry against the events (which included the voices of many conservative Muslims), the administration at UCI has not only allowed them to continue, but has provided financial support and police protection for the Muslim Student Union.
• Other groups aiming to speak out against the MSU, including Christians and Jews, are encouraged by the administration at UCI to keep quiet and are given little to no financial support or protection.
  

What stands out to me amongst these facts is the simple line "UCI claims that free speech trumps all else." Really? So, freedom of speech is more important than the value and respect of another human life? It is more important than protecting peaceful students, who are being personally attacked and maligned simply because of their heritage? It is more important than remembering the simple fact that we are ALL image-bearers of our Creator?

You decide.

A Glimpse...

What is beauty? It seems like such a simple question, but posed to 20 different people, I'm sure there would be 20 different answers.

Skimming the surface of the word "beauty," we come in contact with the pop-culture mantra: beauty is purely physical. Height, weight, dress size, hair color, eye color, skin color...the list goes on, but it all points towards the same end: beauty is defined simply by external appearance. If you look right, you can do or have anything you wish; the prettier you are, the more successful or happy you will be.

Modern-day artists (authors, poets, painters, actors, etc.) define beauty with more sensory terms: feeling, line, form, rhyme, taste, sound, rhythm, or song. Beauty is a relative experience to the modern artist; you define beauty as you see it, therefore it is neutral. There is no right or wrong.

Religious groups (namely Christians) define beauty by adhering to a misguided belief that self-denial is the way to achieve spiritual blessing (i.e. true beauty). External appearance has no place or value, and those who do appreciate it are condemned.

So, what is beauty? Is it an adherence to the pop-culture's ever-changing-outer-only view? Is it an artist's post-modern reflection on thought and feeling? Is it a rigid religious denial of the outer-self in favor of the inner?

I would argue that God is bigger than all of this. It is myopic and sinful to reduce beauty to any one of the above views. Besides, these views are defining beauty by itself, or what they wish it to mean. A word, of course, has no meaning unless it is defined by its source, or Creator.

God is a God of beauty. Proof of this is present all throughout the Bible. The intricacy and detail of our created world is a daily reminder that God is actively present over His work. And in the first chapter of Genesis, not only are we reminded that God brought light and life out of nothing, He also called it "good." Of course, the theological complexities of these passages run deep, but one obvious key truth is this: God's creation is something that ought to be admired, appreciated, respected, loved and cherished. Beautiful? Indeed. This truth has particular relevance for the artists; sensory reflections on beauty are important, but only insofar as they flow out of joy and wonder for the Lord's handiwork. Our artistry ought to praise and glorify Him.

What we often skip over in an effort to define beauty is God's view of man. In our culture, we are apt to think of ourselves in one of these two ways (as I said before): man's beauty is either external, or internal, exclusively.

To the "beauty externalist": To focus merely on the outward appearance of man is to forget God's investment in our souls. The internal workings of our hearts and minds must be a daily outpouring of our faith in, love for, and worship of Christ, for His life, death, and resurrection. The life we have has been given to us by God, it is not for ourselves or for a worship of self: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20). 1 Peter 3: 3-4 calls women in particular to remember that "beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." It is easy to see that the Lord places primary emphasis on our hearts as a source of beauty. Our hearts are regenerated, transformed, beautiful if we believe in what Christ accomplished on our behalf, and live in accordance with God's will with joy and humbled thankfulness.

To the "beauty internalist:" To focus merely on inner self-discipline is to rob ourselves of the joy God intended us to have as His image-bearers. Yes, our hearts are of primary importance to the Lord as sources of beauty, but they are not of sole importance. God intended for us to place value in physical appearance. Psalm 139 expresses that He "knit us together" in our mother's wombs; and in Genesis 1:31, God calls his creation of man "very good." Both point to the intimate relationship God has with us, a relationship that encompasses both soul AND body. This, along with the truth that our bodies "are temples of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:9) , ought to compel us to treat our bodies with respect and honor.

Perhaps the most clear proof that God intended for us to admire physical beauty is Song of Solomon. A love song, Song of Solomon is a Biblical book full of adoration and love for the body. Of course, this joy and appreciation for physical beauty is only experienced fully within the confines of marriage, a covenant that God has established between one man and one woman. When the culture refuses to abide by the standards of marriage God has set forth, it immediately cheapens physical beauty, and produces the lurid, immodest images that are rampant in our society today. Marriage increases the importance and beauty of the body by raising it to a place of honor and value. Matrimony does not put limitations on beauty; rather, it frees a couple to love and celebrate each other the way Christ loves and celebrates His bride: the Church.

A Beginning....

It's hard to know where to begin a blog. So I'm not going to try. I think life is better when it's simpler.

Today, I've had a recurring thought, brought about by one of my favorite sounds: a Cessna engine. When I was a little girl, I practically lived on the beach. Boogie-boarding, building sand castles, playing mermaids, and swimming until my fingers and toes turned blue. My favorite pastime was to race out of the water, roll in the hot sand, and stare up at the sky, waiting for the planes. They would arrive, many times in a long line, with beautiful advertisements flowing behind them, in all sorts of bright colors. I would lay there hours, watching the planes fly by, never forgetting that distinct sound of the engine drone.

Today, I've heard a few planes fly overhead, and my mind has rushed back to those long, sun-filled days at the beach. I wish I was there, without a care or worry. Just sand, sun, water, and time.

This longing is no accident. I've experienced it before: during a great party, around the Christmas tree with family, even just listening to a beautiful song. C.S. Lewis describes this feeling when he describes Heaven:

"We cannot name it because it is a desire for something that has never actually appeared in our experience. We cannot hide it because our experience is constantly suggesting it, and we betray ourselves like lovers at the mention of a name. Our commonest expedient is to call it beauty and behave as if that had settled the matter. Wordsworth's expedient was to identify it with certain moments in his own past. But all this is a cheat. If Wordsworth had gone back to those moments in the past, he would not have found the thing itself, but only the reminder of it; what he remembered would turn out to be itself a remembering. The books or the music in which we thought the beauty was located will betray us if we trust to them; it was not in them, it only came through them, and what came through them was longing. These things—the beauty, the memory of our own past—are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of their worshippers. For they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited."

That's it. A little gift from God, given freely through a simple sound. My memories, those longings, are a tiny glimpse into the reality of eternity, and Heaven. I cannot wait.