9.26.07 :: Concerned
Wow, I am wiped. But apparently not wiped enough to update this blog. Thank goodness for Wednesdays off.I woke up at 5:45am to a report about troops moving in on the demonstrating monks and civilians in Myanmar, and it's been on my mind all day. Reminds me of The Genesee Diary where Nouwen talks about political demonstrations by monks in the 70s, I think in Latin America. Or maybe it was the same region. The CBC said that in 1988, 3000 people were killed because of their non-violent protests for democracy. That set me off for the morning.
When I came home this evening, I tuned into BBC World (thank goodness for actual world reports on the BBC) to see any updates about the situation. I watched as they showed footage of the monks and civilians chanting and demonstrating peacefully in Yangon (Rangoon) as troops edged in. Commentators were saying that in this day and age, with the world (especially the nosey but powerful West) being able to witness events unfolding instantaneously, it's unlikely the military action (i.e. slaughter) would happen to the degree that it did in 1988. But who knows?
I can only stared at the screen, scared for the lives of the monks and civilians. What a brave front. We can only watch now and pray that nothing serious will happen.
In other news, Bush described the Myanmar dictatorship as a "19-year reign of fear." He also threw in the word "terror" somewhere in his speech at the U.N. yesterday. He seriously needs to adopt some new words.
Write comments -:- Read comments -:- Restore screen
-:-:-:-
9.22.07 :: A Franciscan Benediction
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heartMay God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.Amen
I found the above while procrastinating and stumbling onto Stephen Christian's blog (he's the lead singer of Anberlin). I love monks. And people like Stephen Christian. ;o)
Oh, and so I took this "spirituality type" quiz (haha, Vivian would enjoy this one) in class and came out a... dun, dun, dun... pietist??? Can you imagine me with a headcloth, and an apron over a heavy skirt, baking pies and bouncing kids on my knee?
I'm kidding, of course. Well, maybe I'll take the pies. And the kids, given a few more years.
But, in fact, I do like to see an "outward expression of an inward change," as Sherbino put it. And here I thought I was into societal regeneration, when I actually enjoy theological renewal (?!?). It's good to know my preferences so I know how to deal with others!
Well, Uncle Victor is downstairs. I guess we're going out for dinner soon.
Write comments -:- Read comments -:- Restore screen
-:-:-:-
9.20.07 :: A disclaimer, courtesy of FM Static
And if you don't know what I'm talking about
It's probably better 'cause I'm working out"Something To Believe In" by FM Static
Write comments -:- Read comments -:- Restore screen
-:-:-:-
9.19.07 :: In a size too small
I was the best man in a size too small
You were my best friend, going at it all
What if I put off my inheritance?
Where is the best man?
All arise us all in peace
I still know you
And I still like you, the best man
I still owe youEverything rises, going at it all
All the surprises in a size too small
And what if I told you
I was still in love with this?
Would you surprise us
In a size for all of me?
I still know you
And I still like you, the best man
I still know you, the best man
I still owe you"Size Too Small" by Sufjan Stevens
I love the excerpts of Sufjan's explanations and consequent fan interpretations found on SongMeanings.net about the deeper meanings contained in his songs. It's funny how he doesn't intend for any profound meanings (at least on the surface), but people take his words and really run with it. I especially liked NightNeverSleep's take on it (with slightly edited punctuation):
Sufjan spoke of the confusion of adolescence... it's a time where you don't know who you are, and you always feel awkward and strange. [A]lmost like "you don't fit in your clothes anymore."Like I said before, his songs get me thinking about my spirituality. This particular song made me think about me in seminary, completely inexperienced in full-time ministry, filling up on all these broad theological and ministerial concepts that go way over my head sometimes. In one way, I'm preparing myself for a truly biblical-based lifestyle, but in another way, am I indoctrinating myself into becoming some sort of Bible-thumping, holier-than-thou, narrow-minded person? I'm at times glad for my youth, since it's an excuse for being thoroughly confused with what I'm supposed to do with myself. At the same time, I feel like I need to justify my actions, like being able to give a reason for being in seminary.
It somehow all boils down to the need for more grace, from me for others in a similar confused state, for me to accept where I am, and from others to also accept where I am. God gave us abundant grace. We need to do the same. I'm just hoping that people will see beauty in me (and you) being dressed in clothes from my "youth" (or as we say in seminary, my "former life") that are now a size too small.
Write comments -:- Read comments -:- Restore screen
-:-:-:-
9.11.07 :: The transfiguration
To transfigure:
1. to change in outward form or appearance; transform.
2. to change so as to glorify or exalt.Well, I'm certainly no Christ, but I'm going through transfigurations of sorts. There's the whole "hey, I'm a commuter student!" thing. Home to Square One. Square One to Islington. Islington to Yonge/Bloor to Sheppard/Yonge to Bayview. Bayview to Garnier Court. Garnier Court to Ballyconnor Court. Two plus hours, then back again. It's going to be goooooooooooooooooood. (Please note sarcasm.) Outward transfiguration: baggy eyes and dull eyes.
Then there's the education. This is the first time I've been to a school where profs really, and I mean really stress a balanced, holistic lifestyle. "If you have to choose between ministry and doing homework," Kessler's research assistant and stand-in said on Monday, "I pray that you'll choose ministry." "Grades are not a reflection of your spirituality or your character." "Pray and ask God which assignment He wants you to do and learn from." Well, this is new! Refreshingly, breathtakingly new. And that was just the first class.
Today, and every Tuesday from now until December, I have my Spiritual Formation class. Kudos to Joey for advising me to take it in my first semester. "Really," quipped David Sherbino, "this is a 3-month behavioural modification class." Sweet. I'm up for some behaviour modification, especially if it draws me closer to God. One of the books we have to read in this class is Henri Nouwen's The Genesee Diary, which really, I'm not supposed to read until October because it's supposed to be for our class retreat, but started anyway. What encouraging words he offers. Nouwen struggles with distractions, anger, frustration, jealousy, and everything else, all while he's pursuing intimacy with God. I'm so there with him. It's going to be a good class of self-reflection.
Yeah, this is definitely a well-rounded and holistic education, and it's exactly what I need. And I'm ready to be transfigured into a person that can exalt and glorify God. I'm intrigued to see how this might happen as I am nowhere near this lofty goal. But hey, God makes the changes happen, right?
To cap off, the song lyrics below have little to do with this post (or maybe it does...), but it always gets me thinking about God.
When he took the three disciples to the mountainside to pray
His countenance was modified, his clothing was aflame
Two men appeared; Moses and Elijah came
They were at his side
The prophecy, the legislation spoke of whenever he would dieThen there came a word
Of what he should accomplish on the day
Then Peter spoke, to make of them a tabernacle place
A cloud appeared in glory as an accolade
They fell on the ground
A voice arrived, the voice of God
The face of God, covered in a cloudWhat he said to them
The voice of God: the most beloved son
Consider what he says to you, consider what's to come
The prophecy was put to death
Was put to death, and so will the Son
And keep your word, disguise the vision till the time has comeLost in the cloud, a voice: Have no fear! We draw near!
Lost in the cloud, a sign: Son of man! Turn your ear!
Lost in the cloud, a voice: Lamb of God! We draw near!
Lost in the cloud, a sign: Son of man! Son of God!"The Transfiguration" by Sufjan Stevens
Write comments -:- Read comments -:- Restore screen
-:-:-:-
9.9.07 :: Whistler, among other things
After a lovely lunch with Ceci (thanks again!), I compiled my reading and assignments list for the term (yes, the geek at work). Might I just warn you to stay far away from me in the month of November. Especially the last week. Yeah. Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to school.So I caught an episode of Whistler last night after watching Black Hawk Down. Yes, Whistler is the Canadian version of The O.C. but I think is a tad racier and brainier. And I like, okay? One thing that draws me to Whistler is that they have an awesome soundtrack in every single episode. I'm not even kidding. I always wonder where they find their music from. And I had the suspicion that it's Canadian artists they play. So I finally found After The Drop, a "fictional blog" of a few characters from the show, which has full-length streams of some of the songs aired on every episode. Craziness! And by golly, there's a soundtrack out. AND they're back for another season September 29th. Sweet!
But really, who in their right minds have time for television???
Write comments -:- Read comments -:- Restore screen
-:-:-:-
9.4.07 :: A beginning
Back from the Leading From Within retreat this weekend. It was nice to not think about all the things that I still needed to do for a while, although it cropped up in mind one too many times. We just shared life together, and genuinely shared our joys, scars, hopes, and fears. It was refreshing to hear the real struggles and dreams of life, the stuff that really takes a primary role than the things we do. The church needs to enforce more time to allow people to retreat and really see each others' faces instead of being so task-oriented. These breathers are necessary in life!This retreat launches me into my next life. I've been trying to gather my thoughts about seminary life (actually, about life in general, but let's keep it simple). It feels surreal to actually begin at Tyndale. It'll be different from my previous life, where I lived away from my parents' home and ran life on my own. My mom rightly said that it'll be less of an academic education and more of an education about life and community. I'm scared and excited about what that might bring. I'll probably see a lot of nasty stuff about myself, but find ways I can change.
I'm in the midst of setting up what I call "safeguards" in my daily schedule. Retreats are good for the soul, but they are only treats in life. The real challenge is to practically "retreat" from the daily grind on a weekly basis. Pastor Sharon challenged me to enforce the discipline of accountability as I pursue my education, and I'm thankful to have such individuals in my life to do so. Now I only have to figure it all out in my schedule (yes, I'm anal like that).
I can't believe I'm in seminary!