shalom

Now, you know I am all about learning about church practices, throughout different denominations, especially the ancient ones, but the past few months I have become completely fascinated with anything to do with liturgy! Yes, how very un-Baptist of me, but oh well. I personally believe that if something helps you grow spiritually, why not take part in it? I like the structure of liturgy, the prayers, everything. Don't hate. It's interesting. I think everyone should at least read up on liturgy and see what's it all about.

Anyways, a couple of months ago I got this liturgy book, that is awesome. "Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals", by Shane Claiborne has a little bit of everything in it for liturgical purposes. It has a plan for mornings, along with evening prayers and prayers designated for specific purposes. And while it's made for a group of people to do together, considering liturgy means public worship, I enjoy doing it by myself. The morning setup consists of prayers listed, singing a hymn (all the classics are in the back of the book to reference to), reading/singing/praying a part of a Psalm, two different Scripture readings, praying for others, and a closing prayer. It's pretty rad, if I do say so myself. I have found myself enjoying structure in everything I do spiritually now and this is perfect for me.

At the beginning of each month, there is an intro to the month's liturgy and it usually has a theme. This month's theme is peace, and I had to share it with you devoted readers. All two or three of you. Such sweet people you are...

PEACEMAKING
        Peace is not just about the absence of conflict; it's also about the presence of justice. Martin Luther King, Jr. even distinguished between "the devil's peace" and God's true peace. A counterfeit peace exists when people are pacified or distracted or so beat up and tired of fighting that all seems calm. But true peace does not exist until there is justice, restoration, forgiveness. Peacemaking doesn't mean passivity. It is the act of interrupting injustice without mirroring injustice, the act of disarming evil without destroying the evildoer, the act of finding a third way that is neither fight nor flight, but the careful, arduous pursuit of reconciliation and justice. It is about a revolution of love that is big enough to set both the oppressed and the oppressors free.
        Peace is about being able to recognize in the face of the oppressed our own faces, and in the hands of the oppressors our own hands. Peace, like most beautiful things, begins small. Matthew 18 gives us a clear process for approaching someone who has hurt or offended us; first we are to talk directly with them, not at them or around them. Most communities that have been around a while (like a few decades or centuries) identify "straight talk," or creating an environment where people do not avoid conflict but speak honestly to one another, as one of the core values of healthy community. Straight talk is countercultural in a world that prefers politeness to honesty. In his Rule, Benedict of Nursia speaks passionately about the deadly poison of "murmuring" the negativity and dissension that can infect community and rot the fabric of love.
        Peacemaking begins with what we can change- ourselves. But it doesn't end there. We are to be peacemakers in a world riddled with violence. That means interrupting violence with imagination, on our streets and in our world. This peace that is "not like any way the empire brings peace" is rooted in the nonviolence in the nonviolence of the cross, where we see a Savior who loves his enemies so much he died for them. Peace is often not our instinct, which is why it must be cultivated and grown in us. Even Jesus' key disciple, Peter, picks up his sword when the soldiers approach Jesus. Jesus' response is brilliant; he scolds Peter, and then he heals the wounded persecutor, only to be dragged away and hung on a Roman cross. If ever there were a case for "just war" or justified violence to protect the innocent, Peter had it. Yet Jesus rebukes his logic of the sword.
        The early Christians said, "When Jesus disarmed Peter, he disarmed every Christian." For hundreds of years, Christians were never seen carrying swords, and they followed the way of the Prince of Peace even unto death, loving their enemies and blessing those who cursed them. It doesn't look like a good strategy for running an empire, but it is the narrow way that leads to life. Undoubtedly, it doesn't always seem to "work." As we look at history, and even as we read the Scriptures, there seems to be evidence that violence has worked at times and failed at times, just as nonviolence has worked at times and failed at times. In the end, the question is, which looks most like Jesus? For we are called not just to be successful but to faithful to the way of the cross, even unto death. The way of the cross did not seem to work on Friday, but the promise is that Sunday is coming. In the end, love wins.
        This can be hard to remember as we go about our lives. But the transfiguration reminds us how the disciples' eyes were opened to the reality of Jesus' power even before the resurrection. If we have eyes to see, the lightning that flashes east to west in the nonviolent coming of God can illuminate the world wherever we are. "If you are willing," one of the desert fathers said, "you can become all flame."

folk folk folk

Alright folks, if I give good advice on anything, I do believe it's music. It's my thing. Take my advice and look up these three bands/artists and listen to some of their stuff. It's good, trust me. Well, it's good according to my musical tastes. But, I'm awesome, so shouldn't all of these people be amazing? And if you already listen to/have listened to them, you rock. Five gold stars. You know I speak the truth. Okay...go.

#1: Mumford & Sons

Well, first off...they are British. That's instantly a good sign. Or it is to me. I'm an avid fan of British bands. They are very bluegrassy and folk rockish. Top 40 radio needs more bands like this playing constantly, to rid the world of all of pop rubbish. Yes, I'm guilty of listening to it, but it's incredibly bad. I mean really, is it necessary to T-Pain up every single song? Artists are missing the point of harnessing their talents and actually using them to their full potential. Ahh. My bad, I got on my soapbox for five seconds. I'm just saying though. Anyways, back to Mumford. Check them out. You've probably heard some songs by them and saw them at the Grammy's. They were nominated for best new artist. They are pretty deep, all in all. In their songwriting, they use tons of literary references. Good stuff... 

I recommend---
"Little Lion Man"
"Roll Away Your Stone"

"Awake My Soul"

#2: Brooke Fraser
I guess I'm into folk rock people these days. She's not as folk rockish as Mumford & Sons though. And don't judge me for saying "folk rockish." You know you secretly love it. Anywho, she is a blend of folk rock and pop and she is a Christian artist, but she has strived to stay distant from the Contemporary Christian Music scene though, which I can respect that. Her sound is just unique and so wonderful. All her albums are just splendid. I've been listening to them literally all day. No, but really. By the way, did I mention she is from New Zealand? Awesome. Go, go, go...look her up.
I recommend---
"Albertine"

"C.S. Lewis Song"

"Something in the Water"

#3: The Civil Wars
Yep, another folk band. They are more on the country folk side, rather than folk rock. They are very indie folkish. Alternative country...I'm a fan. Just so you know. It's the good type of country type music. So, in case you didn't know, they are a duo consisted of a guy and a chick. They harmonize super good, which automatically makes me love love love them. I don't even know how to describe how amazing they are. Just go listen to them now, alright?
I recommend---
"Barton Hollow"
"20 Years"
"Poison and Wine"

unum

"Earth is to be one race, one nation of believers. Earth as a whole is meant to be like this, not just bits and pieces of it, one village here, one town there, one country here, one denomination there. Christ's resurrection has created the possibility of a redeemed global humanity and despite all our diversity, it is unity and equality that are to be paramount." -Murray Andrew Pura

Ecumenism (oecumenism): a movement promoting unity among Christian churches or denominations.
touchy subject for some folks, mostly because they sometimes confuse it with the contrasting term-
Interfaith: a movement promoting worldwide unity among religions though greater cooperation and improved understanding.
Basically, all of this is somewhat controversial, depending on who you talk to about it.

I'm a fan of both Ecumenism and Interfaith...to a certain extent. You could probably say that I have conservative views on them. Yeah, I know...conservative...scary.

Here is what most people think the pattern of religious unity consists of:
1. A tolerant perspective of other denominations in Chrisitianity (Ecumenism).
2. Acceptance of cults.
3. Desire for unity within all religions (Interfaith).

Do you seriously think I will I ever accept a cult? No. And that is where I draw the line. Now people, unity is important. You know that, I know that. But, I know what the foundation of my faith is though, and I won't compromise that. In Christianity, I do think that each denomination should live in harmony with others. Despite all of our differences, regarding worship styles, practices, and the way we interpret the Scriptures, we should be united in by one thing- our faith in Jesus Christ. A single Christian church? I don't know how I feel about that. That is one of the literal meaning of Ecumenism though. I believe that God gives us unique personalities and the ability to worship and serve in whatever context necessary.


On the subject of Interfaith, I think that we should indeed coexist with one another. I believe that everyone has a right to be a Christian, Jew, Muslim, Atheist, or whatever he or she chooses to be. And while I believe this, I do believe that everyone should hear about Jesus Christ though. This should be done by persuasion of the power of the Holy Spirit, not by force or coercion of any kind. I will never, ever force my beliefs upon someone and that is something I feel strongly about. I think all Christians should respect other believers of other worldly religions, not condemning them with hate, but expressing love, to create a certain amount of unity among everyone.

I guess I'm done with ranting...for tonight.

peace and love, man.

      Most people are associated with a certain decade, according to their personality and such, and several people have told me in my lifetime that I should have been a part of the Sixties. I've always adored the Sixties and if only I could travel back in time to be a part of it. If only...sigh.
      I don't think anything could describe or tell the story of the Sixties as well as the music that was present during those years. From the British invasion of several different bands to the artists who led anti-war protests and promoted peace, the music of the Sixties was a reflection of the counterculture and social revolution during that time. I may be a tad bit cheesy, but I feel like honoring the music of this decade, by sharing five of my favorite songs from the era. Basically, what I'm really saying is, you haven't lived yet until you've listened to these songs. So listen to them okay? Okay, groovy.

1964:  "House of the Rising Sun", by the Animals

1967:  "White Rabbit", by Jefferson Airplane

1965:  "Turn! Turn! Turn!", by the Byrds

1963:  "Ring of Fire", by Johnny Cash

1962:  "Love Me Do", by the Beatles

small rebellions

It’s definitely been a hot minute since the last time I blogged. My deepest apologies go out to the one or two people that actually read my blog. Such a sad blogger existence that is my life… so much for my nerdy dream of my blog becoming famous one day. Now, don’t go telling everyone that the possibility of my blog becoming famous one day excites me. I only told you because we’re on that level to where you read my blogs. Yeah, that’s right. I said it.

Well, in case you’ve misplaced your calendar, been living in an underground cave for months, or really just haven’t been paying attention to the SWELTERING temperatures, it’s officially summer time. And by now, summer is basically half over. May and June literally flew by. Can I get an Amen? It’s July 10th. JULY 10th. What in the world? I’m pretty sure I was just stressing over my spring semester finals like yesterday.  That is crazy.

What have I done this summer? Why, you’re ever so thoughtful for asking. Well, I’ve definitely gotten a whole lot of rest, let me tell you. From having days upon days where Kristen and I would just be a bum at her apartment, to the times I watched full seasons of Dawson’s Creek within 48 hours, I’ve had some LEGIT chill time the last two months. And while I enjoy doing nothing, sometimes it’s the last thing I want to do.

Of course, my summer started out incredible, as I spent ten days in Jacmel, Haiti. As cliché as it sounds, it did change my life and I want to go back to that little orphanage every single day and see those sweet little faces. When we were there, the Haitian people kept telling us how much of a blessing we were to them by being there, but I think they were more of a blessing in our lives. As I am writing this, I am looking at pictures I have hanging up in my apartment of the kids, and I can’t help but smile, when I think of them. The time I spent with them was very little, but I love them so much.

After I returned from Haiti, I was excited to see all of my friends and family, but underneath all the excitement, I felt uneasy. As badly as I wanted to be home, at the same time I wanted to be back in Haiti. Along with that, I had a great sense of uncertainty, considering I had absolutely no plans for the summer. No summer missions plans. I wasn’t taking classes. I wasn’t planning on getting a job. The only hope I had to do something productive was to do WIRED again, but that fell through. I felt like I was going to waste my summer away. Every single day, I woke up telling myself, I should have done this, I should have done that. I was regretting the decisions I made regarding my summer, and I never ever regret things. It was very discouraging. I sit here writing this, and just like a great big puzzle (which I have been forced to do several times this summer, so sad), all of the pieces are coming together, and I am beginning to see why my summer has turned out like it has.

I’ve been growing all summer. No, not physically. Can you imagine me getting any taller? Honestly, I don’t think I or the world couldn’t handle that. I don’t know if it’s possible to mature to a certain extent over the course of a couple of months, but I am certain that it’s happening. I just feel different. There have been times where I have felt distant from God, only to have Him pull me even closer than I was ever before. He is showing me things that I never would have imagined. I feel like He is using the time I have this summer for something like spiritual renewal. I remember praying a short time ago, asking Him to send me anything that would reignite my passion for Him, ultimately bringing me closer to Him, away from all of the distractions I had at that time. After that cry to Him, I had one of the worst weeks imaginable. I didn’t see it then, but God had answered my prayer. As much as I hated and loathed those seven days, I am thankful for them. He was testing my faith in Him, and the trust I have in Him. It may sound odd, but I feel like I am becoming my own person. It’s like I’ve been searching for something all summer, and now, I have found it. I have a renewed sense of self and I’ve finally awaken from the comatose state in my faith. I am developing my own opinion on things now. I have my own beliefs on things regarding the Church, politics, etc, and I won’t compromise on them. I just feel amazing!

So far this summer, I’ve grown closer to some people, while some relationships have just completely ended. I’ve tie-dyed shirts and socks; modge podged a couple of random things. Books and books have been read. My apartment has been semi-redecorated. I’ve eaten a lot of Moe’s and listened to tons of Jars of Clay. Met some cool freshmen at orientation and made a lot of stuff out of bandanas. And most of all, I’ve rediscovered, with a craving passion, the reason why I am on this earth…

all to thee

We've all been in church services. We've experienced the invitation time at the end of the sermon. And you know exactly what hymns are on the cycle to be played during that time each and every Sunday. Be honest with yourselves. And I'm completely guilty of this sometimes, so I won't deny it. Most of the time, you completely ignore anything that is happening in that invitation, because it is the end of the service and you are ready to go get some lunch. Oh yeah, I just went there. Don't act like you've never done that! Anyways, my point is that the hymns used in the invitation part of the service are some of the best ones out there and that's exactly why they are used then. They are responsive. They are the most memorable. Just As I Am; Have Thine Own Way, Lord,; Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling; What a Friend We Have in Jesus- CLASSICS! This is tieing into my main point, eventually.

As weeks go by, every couple of weeks or so, my life seems to develop a theme and revolve around a single word that describes how I feel, what I'm dealing with, or what is happening, for a certain amount of time, and then I move onto a different word. It may seem odd, but I think it is pretty awesome. I think about that word, dive into it, and it really gives me a new perspective on things. Don't judge! Anywho, my word right now is surrender. Completely surrendering to God and His will for me. The past few weeks, and really the past month, I have seen myself completely ignore and look over what God has for me, to focus on what I want, living selfishly. I have been needing to just break completely down and be humble before my God, and surrender every single thing to Him. My mind has just been cloudy lately, full of things that just seem pointless now, things that I have worried about, stressed over, and just completely dwelled on for weeks, when my mind should have been clear and on God. 

Thoughts of what I will do after I graduate college are always on my mind, and yes, I know I'm only a sophomore, but it's never too early to think about it, and who will tell me that plans don't change? Yeah, exactly. These same thoughts never go away, and when I think I have it figured out, I doubt myself. Why do I doubt myself? Because I am scared. I'm not trusting God with this, when I know for sure this is what He has made me to do. I have a calling...

Surrender is a pretty legit word. It's intense, just like the actual meaning. And it's hard. This surrender is taking me time, to clear my mind, to get priorities in order. He is revealing things I never would have thought He would show me...

What's my favorite invitation hymn? So glad you asked... I Surrender All! Have you ever read and actually taken in the words? Beautiful...

All to Jesus I surrender; 
 all to him I freely give; 
 I will ever love and trust him, 
 in his presence daily live. 

 I surrender all, I surrender all, 
 all to thee, my blessed Savior, 
 I surrender all. 

 All to Jesus I surrender; 
 humbly at his feet I bow, 
 worldly pleasures all forsaken; 
 take me, Jesus, take me now. 

All to Jesus I surrender; 
 make me, Savior, wholly thine; 
 fill me with thy love and power; 
 truly know that thou art mine. 

All to Jesus I surrender; 
 Lord, I give myself to thee; 
 fill me with thy love and power; 
 let thy blessing fall on me. 
 

All to Jesus I surrender; 
 now I feel the sacred flame. 
 O the joy of full salvation! 
 Glory, glory, to his name! 

change, change, change

Change is inevitable. Change is constant.
How many times have we heard this in our lives?

Webster’s dictionary defines change as the act, process, or result of changing---an alteration, transformation, or substitution. Would we be who we are today without change? Absolutely not. Changes in our lives can break us, mold us, and in the end, they let us become, well…us. Good and bad changes. Happy and sad changes. Easy and difficult changes. Heart-warming and heart-breaking changes. No matter the type of changes, they make up our lives more than we know.

The theme of my second year of college has been change. Of course, you could probably also say that moving to college and my whole first year was based around change, duh. But, this whole year so far has been the perfect example of how things are constantly changing, for the good and the bad. As I’m writing this, and in the past few months, I keep thinking about last year and the things I did, the friends I had, the way I felt, just everything, and it can’t even compare to this year. So much, SO MUCH has changed since then. It’s kinda crazy and scary really.

What’s the most obvious change to me? My relationship with my Savior.
It has evolved, matured, and I think I am beginning to truly see my calling in life. It’s amazing to look at all of the things I have accomplished in Him and how He has been using me the past year, through various opportunities and experiences. Even looking back two or three years, it’s absolutely astounding to see myself and Him now.  He continues to bless me, even when I don’t deserve it or appreciate it and I am eager to see what He has in store for me in the future!

I wake up each day, and I rarely see how blessed I really am with the people that are in my life right now. Some of the most wonderful and happiest, yet sometimes painful changes I have experienced this year have been involving relationships in my life. All of my relationships continue and continue to change and when I think about it, it makes me smile, but then other times, makes me upset to think about it. I have new people in my life and then some people have slowly went out of it. This time last year, my closest friends don’t match up with the set of people I consider my closest friends at this very moment. We’ve grown apart, moved on, really found out who each other is, and as a result of that, I don’t have that “closeness” with some people anymore. In some way, I feel like this was meant to happen. The relationships that have resulted from growing apart from other people in my life have caused me to become much more closer with different people and these relationships have been like no others I have ever been in. These friendships are more than what they look like from the outside. There are those connections, where you just know you’ve have got it right. It’s those types of relationships that make your heart smile.

You have that deep trust, a feeling of comfort in telling them absolutely everything. A sense of sadness comes over you when you go more than a day without seeing or talking to them. You experience those times when you laugh and laugh with them, over anything and everything. Sometimes, they may upset or hurt you in small or big ways, but in the end none of it really matters because forgiveness is always there and you love them no matter what. And you finally reach that point with them when being the cheesiest friend ever doesn’t even bother you anymore.

As much as I miss those relationships I have had in the past, I don’t regret anything that has led me into the wonderful relationships that are right here, right now. Now, do I think there will be a time when we will never grow apart in some way? Of course not. Every relationship has its strains and difficulties, causing some distance, but I don’t think they will ever go away forever. I don’t know about the other sides’ thoughts are on this matter, but I’m in this for the long run and I plan on keeping some of the most amazing people I’ve ever came across in my life forever, by doing anything and everything I can.

So, once again I say:
Change is inevitable. Change is constant.

BRING IT ON!