So, is anyone else troubled by the fact that Matt Carson romps around the blogosphere leaving his comments on everyone else's posts but does not reciprocate the opportunity in kind? I mean, don't get me wrong; I love Matt Carson (like a rash loves salve) but I think that he is shortchanging us. His responses to our posts are, every single time, poignant and entertaining. Matt, this is an intervention.
I propose the following: Matt should create a blog that is more than just his name on a page. He should have a viewable profile and should grace us with his musings from time to time in true blog fashion, not just responses to our posts.
The long and short of it is that I crave something more. That's right Matt, I crave you. Oh, and then I could also take Matt seriously when he calls me out for not posting in a while. He could "lead by example".
In closing, Matt Carson, consider yourself on notice. I expect your prompt attention to this matter. Granted, this is Memorial Day weekend. Out of consideration for you and your family I will understand if you don't have it up and running by Tuesday. Wednesday will be fine. Oh, and use pictures. Not too many, though. It's not a scrapbook.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Save the Cheerleader, save the world.
Have you been following this NBC show, Heroes? I have. It's awesome. A little far fetched but awesome nonetheless. Last night was the season finale. All season long they have been reciting this mantra "Save the cheerleader, save the world." in the promos like some clue to the plot of the show. After seeing last night's episode I'm still a little confused about the whole cheerleader/world thing. If anyone can tell me how saving the cheerleader directly or indirectly contributed to the saving of the world I'd appreciate it.
Moving right along.......One thing that I love about the show Heroes is that all the main characters have some sort of super-human power that is a result of, as we are lead to believe, evolutionary advancement. One guy can fly, another heal, another reads minds, one travels time and space, while yet another absorbs the powers of those he comes in contact with. He's probably my favorite. He has a veritable smorgasborg of super powers.
So, what's the freakin' point? I am getting to that. For all of this to make sense I should tell you that I am currently reading a book called "The Spirit of the Disciplines". It's a tough read but so far I believe it's about living the life God intended for us by practicing certain spiritual disciplines like praying and fasting. The purpose of the disciplines is to get, and keep, your body in check and right relation to God. It offers the view that "the flesh" or our body itself is not inherently evil but it is when we allow our bodies to submit to "the world" and its desires that we run aground. In a nut shell, you have been redeemed by Christ but your body is still subject to the old life patterns and behaviors. Because our bodies were never meant to be viewed as separate from our "spiritual" being but rather inextricably joined there is potential to actual use our bodies, "the flesh", for God's glory. Of course, as we all know this is easier said than done. Naturally, we find ourselves settling for a sub-par relationship with God as a result and we often times sit and wonder why we feel defeated. The concept of overcoming the world's sway on our bodies becomes a pipe dream as we grind it out in hopes to "make it out alive" and not botch the whole thing.
What if it were possible to really live a disciplined life? What if we really could reconcile our bodies to our Christianity? What if we only did what we really meant to do instead of the impulsive things we say and do? What might we be capable of? Are we selling ourselves and, consequently, others short? By neglecting our bodies as an essential component of the spiritual being we are limiting what we can accomplish as followers of Christ. Why are we walking when we could be flying? Why submit to the decay around us when we could be bringing healing? Why stop in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles when we could be walking right through them? I am speaking figuratively, of course. (You can't really walk through walls, or can you......)
I am beginning to believe that through practiced discipline we could truly know the secret of the easy yoke. I for one am growing weary of living in defeat. We have all heard it said that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. I believe God has placed desires in each of us but that to live out and realize these desires is going to take more than will and intention. Concerted, disciplined action is required. I look forward to the rest of the book as it explains methods to become more disciplined and mold my body into a vessel capable of carrying out the tasks of God's Kingdom. I anticipate the results will be a welcomed change.
Moving right along.......One thing that I love about the show Heroes is that all the main characters have some sort of super-human power that is a result of, as we are lead to believe, evolutionary advancement. One guy can fly, another heal, another reads minds, one travels time and space, while yet another absorbs the powers of those he comes in contact with. He's probably my favorite. He has a veritable smorgasborg of super powers.
So, what's the freakin' point? I am getting to that. For all of this to make sense I should tell you that I am currently reading a book called "The Spirit of the Disciplines". It's a tough read but so far I believe it's about living the life God intended for us by practicing certain spiritual disciplines like praying and fasting. The purpose of the disciplines is to get, and keep, your body in check and right relation to God. It offers the view that "the flesh" or our body itself is not inherently evil but it is when we allow our bodies to submit to "the world" and its desires that we run aground. In a nut shell, you have been redeemed by Christ but your body is still subject to the old life patterns and behaviors. Because our bodies were never meant to be viewed as separate from our "spiritual" being but rather inextricably joined there is potential to actual use our bodies, "the flesh", for God's glory. Of course, as we all know this is easier said than done. Naturally, we find ourselves settling for a sub-par relationship with God as a result and we often times sit and wonder why we feel defeated. The concept of overcoming the world's sway on our bodies becomes a pipe dream as we grind it out in hopes to "make it out alive" and not botch the whole thing.
What if it were possible to really live a disciplined life? What if we really could reconcile our bodies to our Christianity? What if we only did what we really meant to do instead of the impulsive things we say and do? What might we be capable of? Are we selling ourselves and, consequently, others short? By neglecting our bodies as an essential component of the spiritual being we are limiting what we can accomplish as followers of Christ. Why are we walking when we could be flying? Why submit to the decay around us when we could be bringing healing? Why stop in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles when we could be walking right through them? I am speaking figuratively, of course. (You can't really walk through walls, or can you......)
I am beginning to believe that through practiced discipline we could truly know the secret of the easy yoke. I for one am growing weary of living in defeat. We have all heard it said that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. I believe God has placed desires in each of us but that to live out and realize these desires is going to take more than will and intention. Concerted, disciplined action is required. I look forward to the rest of the book as it explains methods to become more disciplined and mold my body into a vessel capable of carrying out the tasks of God's Kingdom. I anticipate the results will be a welcomed change.
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