The Official Website of Bebo Norman
Clever Bebo has tricked me into purchasing his latest CD (he won me over by offering a free t-shirt with it). I also bought his first CD, from 1996. Weird thing was, the new CD, with the t-shirt, was much cheaper than his oldest CD.
Monday, August 30, 2004
Lies your momma told ya
As I was loading my laundry into the washer this evening, I thought about my mom's policy on laundry:
Laundry must be decided into no fewer than four groups, as such:
lights, darks, whites, jeans
Other categories may be represented at times as well, such as subgroups including only washclothes and towels of the stated category.
Then came the day, in college, when I learned that this was indeed, a lie. A deception. Laundry does not need these categories. After this knowledge, I can now do things like I just did, like put lights, darks, and jeans all in one load of laundry, without fear of retribution.
One other lie from home was about what sorts of dishes are dishwasher-safe. All plastic will surely perish in the heat of a dishwasher, and pots and pans shall not be cleansed there either. Ha!
Anybody else got any more domestic untruths to share?
Laundry must be decided into no fewer than four groups, as such:
lights, darks, whites, jeans
Other categories may be represented at times as well, such as subgroups including only washclothes and towels of the stated category.
Then came the day, in college, when I learned that this was indeed, a lie. A deception. Laundry does not need these categories. After this knowledge, I can now do things like I just did, like put lights, darks, and jeans all in one load of laundry, without fear of retribution.
One other lie from home was about what sorts of dishes are dishwasher-safe. All plastic will surely perish in the heat of a dishwasher, and pots and pans shall not be cleansed there either. Ha!
Anybody else got any more domestic untruths to share?
Sunday, August 29, 2004
Are you a Taoist Evangelical Christian?
This author writes about what he sees as common ground between Taoist philosophy and evangelical Christianity.
It's kind of long (okay, I thought it was really long honestly). And I think the guy writes pretty clearly, communicates pretty effectively.
After I finished the article though, I began to ask myself, "Nick (that's what I call myself when no one else is around), what is really different about that against which he argues and that for which he argues?" (Okay, honestly my question ended in a preposition but cut me some slack I want to sound smart.)
Basically he compares wu wei, this Taoist idea of inaction... that you do things by not doing things... you go with the flow of the Tao, which is the supreme... thing, ... to the idea of walking in the Spirit, which he explains as a central Evangelical Christian idea, as such:
" In other words, by setting aside the 'flesh' and allowing oneself to be empowered by the Spirit of God instead. To walk by the Spirit is to have the ability to keep one's individual human self--one's flesh--passive and inactive so that it does not block or interfere with the inner power of God flowing through one."
So perhaps you can see the analogy he uses... letting God's power work rather than our own is comparable to wu wei, being inactive and letting the Tao flow through you.
He states that if you look at scripture with this Taoist philosophy in mind then you will see it all over the place, but he contends that it is incorrect. He then chooses one passage to analyze: Galatians 5:16, where the phrase "walking by the Spirit" is actually used.
Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. (NASB)
Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. (RSV)
Anyway, I won't walk through his analysis of the passage, but ultimately he says that walk by the Spirit means doing good, or:
It seems almost like the two competing ideas are:
a) choosing to allow God to work through you
vs.
b) choosing to live in such a way that is consistent with what God wants
His argument for B as an interpretation of Galatians 5:16 doesn't really rattle me. B doesn't seem crazy. In fact, it seems that A can be reconciled with B if we believe that God works through us. However the author seems to not simply reject not just an A interpretation of Galatians 5, but to reject A in general. In saying that I feel like I must misunderstand him, because I wouldn't expect this to be what he rejects. But if it's not what he rejects, then again, I wonder what the difference in the two sides he is arguing really is.
Okay, that's enough of that.
It's kind of long (okay, I thought it was really long honestly). And I think the guy writes pretty clearly, communicates pretty effectively.
After I finished the article though, I began to ask myself, "Nick (that's what I call myself when no one else is around), what is really different about that against which he argues and that for which he argues?" (Okay, honestly my question ended in a preposition but cut me some slack I want to sound smart.)
Basically he compares wu wei, this Taoist idea of inaction... that you do things by not doing things... you go with the flow of the Tao, which is the supreme... thing, ... to the idea of walking in the Spirit, which he explains as a central Evangelical Christian idea, as such:
" In other words, by setting aside the 'flesh' and allowing oneself to be empowered by the Spirit of God instead. To walk by the Spirit is to have the ability to keep one's individual human self--one's flesh--passive and inactive so that it does not block or interfere with the inner power of God flowing through one."
So perhaps you can see the analogy he uses... letting God's power work rather than our own is comparable to wu wei, being inactive and letting the Tao flow through you.
He states that if you look at scripture with this Taoist philosophy in mind then you will see it all over the place, but he contends that it is incorrect. He then chooses one passage to analyze: Galatians 5:16, where the phrase "walking by the Spirit" is actually used.
Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. (NASB)
Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. (RSV)
Anyway, I won't walk through his analysis of the passage, but ultimately he says that walk by the Spirit means doing good, or:
In this passage, Paul is not suggesting that the Spirit
(analogously to the Tao for the Taoist) is the power by
means of which we are to live and conduct ourselves--as
the Taoist Evangelical is want to believe and as the
translation "by the Spirit" can tend to suggest.
Rather, Paul is suggesting that if one does conduct
oneself in a manner consistent with those desires and
passions which the Spirit of God produces in those
whom He is saving apart from the Law, then the result
will be a life of goodness and righteousness, not a
life of evil and sinful indulgence.
It seems almost like the two competing ideas are:
a) choosing to allow God to work through you
vs.
b) choosing to live in such a way that is consistent with what God wants
His argument for B as an interpretation of Galatians 5:16 doesn't really rattle me. B doesn't seem crazy. In fact, it seems that A can be reconciled with B if we believe that God works through us. However the author seems to not simply reject not just an A interpretation of Galatians 5, but to reject A in general. In saying that I feel like I must misunderstand him, because I wouldn't expect this to be what he rejects. But if it's not what he rejects, then again, I wonder what the difference in the two sides he is arguing really is.
Okay, that's enough of that.
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Recent Reading
Here's an interesting article on "decisional regeneration". It speaks about modern preaching and evangelism methods.
In some ways it seems like a re-iteration of James writing about faith and works, but it seems to be more than that. Certainly being "saved" isn't signing of affirmation of a set of facts.
I can certainly stand by to speak against some evangelism techniques. I helped counsel a handful of elementary school kids after they were threatened with Hell-fire. Good thing they had those decision cards. *blah* I believe I locked eyes with one kid as my partner led them in a prayer to accept Christ. (Yeah, I peeked.)
I guess... I look at a "decision to accept Christ" as something that is a response to God, involves a committment, a placement of trust. Perhaps I have sometimes separated repentance, or at least considered it an unstated given.
Anyway, the article made me think, and I hope it does the same for you, at least.
In some ways it seems like a re-iteration of James writing about faith and works, but it seems to be more than that. Certainly being "saved" isn't signing of affirmation of a set of facts.
I can certainly stand by to speak against some evangelism techniques. I helped counsel a handful of elementary school kids after they were threatened with Hell-fire. Good thing they had those decision cards. *blah* I believe I locked eyes with one kid as my partner led them in a prayer to accept Christ. (Yeah, I peeked.)
I guess... I look at a "decision to accept Christ" as something that is a response to God, involves a committment, a placement of trust. Perhaps I have sometimes separated repentance, or at least considered it an unstated given.
Anyway, the article made me think, and I hope it does the same for you, at least.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Encouraged
I must say that since my recent move, I have been encouraged in a big way by what I have found here. The previous times I have lived here, I have really seen few people that demonstrate an effort to pursue God's will in their life (with the exception of a small minority).
This semester has been kind of different, already. Seeing a couple of people that I just met praying before eating. Seeing CS Lewis and Rick Warren books on my roommate's dresser. Seeing another roommate, looking for a texture to use with his graphic design, and using his leather-bound Bible. Then seeing him drag himself out of bed and go to church.
It's easy to let a commitment to worshipping with other believers go, when you're hundreds of miles away from your "home" church, from your friends, and an environment you're used to. You walk into a sea of faces that you don't know, but you feel like they all know that you don't belong. Probably some of that is in your head, and some people are very welcoming, but still it can be uncomfortable. Yet all of that is no excuse for giving up.
Makes me even more thankful that I have found a church home here.
But I'm off-topic, I was sharing good news. I know that external motions such as attending a church or praying before a meal aren't magical signs of close relationship with God -- but for me coming into this environment, they are encouraging. Like tonight I had dinner with a group of people, and as dinner progressed, I learned that, eating dinner hundreds of miles from home, the guy sitting across from me:
*goes to my school
*has the same major as me
*is involved with a campus ministry at my school
And that was nice to learn.
And now I want to know what to do. Before my last tour, I felt like I needed to try to lead a Bible study, and God was very faithful in providing me contacts and conversation with people that led into the formation of a Purpose-Driven Life study. I haven't really felt like that's what I need to be doing this tour, but, even moreso than before, it seems like there are people who are seeking God in some way around me, that I might could minister to and grow with.
I don't want to miss out on what God wants me to do, simply for a lack of obedience. But I don't know what I need to do. I don't think it's a matter of simply laziness. I definitely do need to pray more about it. And listen. I really struggle with this sometimes. A lot of times.
And then if I did do a study what would I do? Another book study? The Life You've Always Wanted might be good and feasible to do in a semester. Plus the BSU at home is doing it and... well I don't know if they'd have any materials that would help me, but it might be interesting to stay on the same page as some of my friends. Or maybe Desiring God. I have only just now started it, so I wouldn't be coming in having already read it. But that might be okay... we might not finish it in the semester, though. I've heard really good things about it though. Or some other book, that I haven't read or don't even own.
Anyway, that's what's on my mind. I'm so happy to see all these people, and I don't want to miss out if God will let me lock arms with them and walk toward Him. Maybe I'm just supposed to use my mad guitar skills to lead them in praise choruses. If that's the case, they're in for a big surprise!
This semester has been kind of different, already. Seeing a couple of people that I just met praying before eating. Seeing CS Lewis and Rick Warren books on my roommate's dresser. Seeing another roommate, looking for a texture to use with his graphic design, and using his leather-bound Bible. Then seeing him drag himself out of bed and go to church.
It's easy to let a commitment to worshipping with other believers go, when you're hundreds of miles away from your "home" church, from your friends, and an environment you're used to. You walk into a sea of faces that you don't know, but you feel like they all know that you don't belong. Probably some of that is in your head, and some people are very welcoming, but still it can be uncomfortable. Yet all of that is no excuse for giving up.
Makes me even more thankful that I have found a church home here.
But I'm off-topic, I was sharing good news. I know that external motions such as attending a church or praying before a meal aren't magical signs of close relationship with God -- but for me coming into this environment, they are encouraging. Like tonight I had dinner with a group of people, and as dinner progressed, I learned that, eating dinner hundreds of miles from home, the guy sitting across from me:
*goes to my school
*has the same major as me
*is involved with a campus ministry at my school
And that was nice to learn.
And now I want to know what to do. Before my last tour, I felt like I needed to try to lead a Bible study, and God was very faithful in providing me contacts and conversation with people that led into the formation of a Purpose-Driven Life study. I haven't really felt like that's what I need to be doing this tour, but, even moreso than before, it seems like there are people who are seeking God in some way around me, that I might could minister to and grow with.
I don't want to miss out on what God wants me to do, simply for a lack of obedience. But I don't know what I need to do. I don't think it's a matter of simply laziness. I definitely do need to pray more about it. And listen. I really struggle with this sometimes. A lot of times.
And then if I did do a study what would I do? Another book study? The Life You've Always Wanted might be good and feasible to do in a semester. Plus the BSU at home is doing it and... well I don't know if they'd have any materials that would help me, but it might be interesting to stay on the same page as some of my friends. Or maybe Desiring God. I have only just now started it, so I wouldn't be coming in having already read it. But that might be okay... we might not finish it in the semester, though. I've heard really good things about it though. Or some other book, that I haven't read or don't even own.
Anyway, that's what's on my mind. I'm so happy to see all these people, and I don't want to miss out if God will let me lock arms with them and walk toward Him. Maybe I'm just supposed to use my mad guitar skills to lead them in praise choruses. If that's the case, they're in for a big surprise!
Monday, August 23, 2004
Like any normal 22-year-old male
So I'm sitting at my computer browsing the internet and I come across an article giving advice on a specific career field, and I think, "Hey, this looks interesting".
Actually what I thought was more like: "Hey, I'd better read this, maybe I'll do that [with my life]."
And there, within a split second, following the heels of that thought were tears in my eyes. That such a thought would cross my mind so easily seemed repulsive to me.
Like any normal 22-year-old male, I then bolted for my bedroom and cried in my pillow and prayed to my God.
Should it really be like this? That a hyperlink on the internet should send me trotting down some mental path of a plan for my life? Surely I shouldn't be dangling in such a way that the slightest thing will possibly hold a magic key to open the door to my future. I know I'm not alone in my uncertainty about the future, but this just doesn't seem the way it ought to be.
I'm not sure what will freak out my new roommates more, seeing me seemingly go to bed at 7:30, or finding me crying at my computer a couple of hours later after they've all gone to bed.
I've counseled young people before, that trust is something that is built over time. God has proven Himself more than worthy of my trust over the last twenty-two years. This too shall pass.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Actually what I thought was more like: "Hey, I'd better read this, maybe I'll do that [with my life]."
And there, within a split second, following the heels of that thought were tears in my eyes. That such a thought would cross my mind so easily seemed repulsive to me.
Like any normal 22-year-old male, I then bolted for my bedroom and cried in my pillow and prayed to my God.
Should it really be like this? That a hyperlink on the internet should send me trotting down some mental path of a plan for my life? Surely I shouldn't be dangling in such a way that the slightest thing will possibly hold a magic key to open the door to my future. I know I'm not alone in my uncertainty about the future, but this just doesn't seem the way it ought to be.
I'm not sure what will freak out my new roommates more, seeing me seemingly go to bed at 7:30, or finding me crying at my computer a couple of hours later after they've all gone to bed.
The pathway is broken
And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to
No I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will go through the fire
If You want me to
It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone
So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering that Your love put You through
And I will walk through the darkness
If You want me to
Cause when I cross over Jordan
I'm gonna sing I'm gonna shout
I'm gonna to look into your eyes and see
You never let me down
So take me on the pathway that leads me home to You
And I will walk through the valley if You want me to
Yes I will walk through the valley if You want me to
Ginny Owens
I've counseled young people before, that trust is something that is built over time. God has proven Himself more than worthy of my trust over the last twenty-two years. This too shall pass.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Sunday, August 22, 2004
"..."
Truth without love has no decency;John MacArthur, Twelve Ordinary Men
it's just brutality.
On the other hand, love without truth has no character;
it's just hypocrisy.
Ooooooo
With my change in location, I thought I'd share a pic of my church with you all back home-ish. Isn't it beautiful?! :-)
Thursday, August 19, 2004
Update
I've been on the road a lot lately, so that's my excuse for not having posted any. But, as usual, I'm not dead. So no worries there, mate.
The day after I finished my internship, I took off for beautiful Colorado, to visit my family out there. My brother flew into Colorado Springs so we met him at the airport and he spent time with us as well.
It was a nice, relaxing week. My mom just received a Yorkshire Terrier puppy for her birthday, so it was along for the ride and it helped make the trip go faster, I guess. It's terribly cute and perhaps I will post a picture of it someday. It weighs ~ 2 pounds.
It was nice to spend some time with my brother; he's the one who left my books in Jamaica. We went to Denver one weekend and hung out with 3 of my cousins that I don't get to spend much time with. We caught a Rockies game, and we hiked on Mt. Bierstadt, one of Colorado's 14,000-foot mountains. I was not able to make it the summit; I wimped out at 12,500 feet. Here is a pic of the route: Edit: looks like they don't like me imbedding that image or something so here's a link to the web site with the pic and the route. The image is Photo #1 near the bottom.
We took route #1 and I stopped on the ridge where it hooks back to the right.
Oh yeah, and on the way home we almost died in a crazy windstorm.
Well maybe not died but it was pretty crazy.
That's enough about Colorado. Soon I should have a post relating to Maryland, the Great Flood, the biggest reception ever, white-water rafting in West Virginia, and... well who knows what else.
The day after I finished my internship, I took off for beautiful Colorado, to visit my family out there. My brother flew into Colorado Springs so we met him at the airport and he spent time with us as well.
It was a nice, relaxing week. My mom just received a Yorkshire Terrier puppy for her birthday, so it was along for the ride and it helped make the trip go faster, I guess. It's terribly cute and perhaps I will post a picture of it someday. It weighs ~ 2 pounds.
It was nice to spend some time with my brother; he's the one who left my books in Jamaica. We went to Denver one weekend and hung out with 3 of my cousins that I don't get to spend much time with. We caught a Rockies game, and we hiked on Mt. Bierstadt, one of Colorado's 14,000-foot mountains. I was not able to make it the summit; I wimped out at 12,500 feet. Here is a pic of the route: Edit: looks like they don't like me imbedding that image or something so here's a link to the web site with the pic and the route. The image is Photo #1 near the bottom.
We took route #1 and I stopped on the ridge where it hooks back to the right.
Oh yeah, and on the way home we almost died in a crazy windstorm.
Well maybe not died but it was pretty crazy.
That's enough about Colorado. Soon I should have a post relating to Maryland, the Great Flood, the biggest reception ever, white-water rafting in West Virginia, and... well who knows what else.
Sheep to the Slaughter
I'd be lying if I said that didn't cross my mind. I'm back on campus right now, the week before classes start - sorority rush week.
They are lined up, mostly clad in brightly colored snug-fitting dresses. Waiting outside of the doors they hope to be their home for the next four years. Or five. Or six. Inside is the dog and cat show where the first impression will set them up to be picked or passed over like children choosing teams on a playground.
I know it's not all bad. Certainly there are great things. And it's not simply buying your friends. And it's not all partying, and within their own social groups there are going to be great people.
Greek life comes in many different flavors, and it varies between campuses. I know that in some places Greeks are the majority, and people fall into place and if I was there maybe I would be a part of it too. Here they are not the majority, but they are a big enough, organized enough group that they can run the student government.
But I really don't care so much about them running things, I think, as I care about the individual lives that are being shaped and pressured and, I fear, sent off down the wrong path with friendships that, while perhaps not shallow, don't have a strong foundation.
It's painful to watch.
They are lined up, mostly clad in brightly colored snug-fitting dresses. Waiting outside of the doors they hope to be their home for the next four years. Or five. Or six. Inside is the dog and cat show where the first impression will set them up to be picked or passed over like children choosing teams on a playground.
I know it's not all bad. Certainly there are great things. And it's not simply buying your friends. And it's not all partying, and within their own social groups there are going to be great people.
Greek life comes in many different flavors, and it varies between campuses. I know that in some places Greeks are the majority, and people fall into place and if I was there maybe I would be a part of it too. Here they are not the majority, but they are a big enough, organized enough group that they can run the student government.
But I really don't care so much about them running things, I think, as I care about the individual lives that are being shaped and pressured and, I fear, sent off down the wrong path with friendships that, while perhaps not shallow, don't have a strong foundation.
It's painful to watch.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
I feel like perhaps I should preside over a funeral.
My brother moved back from Jamaica. (He's fine, don't worry. But if you know of anyone looking for a good environmental engineer, let me know.) Anyhow, he shared with me the news that in the pinch for space in his bags, he had to leave two of my books in Jamaica. Now, the Jamaica Peace Corps Office's library has a copy of Church: Why Bother and The Bible Jesus Read both by Philip Yancey. Someone volunteered to organize the library there, and it looks like my books are probably filed with Crazy Dan's Mystical Books or something like that.
Perhaps they'll serve a better purpose on that shelf than on my own. Or, in a box that is. Maybe someday I'll settle down enough to have a shelf with books on it like a normal person.
But I don't much like the idea of repurchasing books. Perhaps I can find them used somewhere, someday.
I'm safe and sound in Colorado now. It's been pretty relaxing. The drive wasn't bad. My parents just got a Yorkie pup, and it came along with us. It didn't have a single accident in the truck so I am glad of that. I finished up Boy Meets Girl on the way here. I'll probably post a review of sorts sometime.
Now I'm reading Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur. I have liked reading about Peter in the past. I guess that should be no surprise, as much text as is devoted to him, and considering what crazy stuff he does and says. I like MacArthur's description of Peter: the apostle with the foot-shaped mouth.
If only I could learn from him.
Perhaps they'll serve a better purpose on that shelf than on my own. Or, in a box that is. Maybe someday I'll settle down enough to have a shelf with books on it like a normal person.
But I don't much like the idea of repurchasing books. Perhaps I can find them used somewhere, someday.
I'm safe and sound in Colorado now. It's been pretty relaxing. The drive wasn't bad. My parents just got a Yorkie pup, and it came along with us. It didn't have a single accident in the truck so I am glad of that. I finished up Boy Meets Girl on the way here. I'll probably post a review of sorts sometime.
Now I'm reading Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur. I have liked reading about Peter in the past. I guess that should be no surprise, as much text as is devoted to him, and considering what crazy stuff he does and says. I like MacArthur's description of Peter: the apostle with the foot-shaped mouth.
If only I could learn from him.
Oh, it’s another social casualty
Score one more for me
How could I forget?
Mama said think before speaking
No filter in my head.
Oh, what’s a boy to do?
I guess he better find one soon
-John Mayer
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