I love Christmas. Really, I do. I was born 10 days before it at 9:37AM on a Thursday. I love it. I've been enjoying my break from 18 hours of school and stuff. I've been reading C.S. Lewis' space trilogy and an apologetic book: I don't have enough faith to be an atheist. Here's an adapted outline:
Problems with Christianity
Emotional obstacles to Christianity: Christian exclusivism, the doctrine of hell, and the hypocrisy of Christians are emotional roadblocks to just about everyone.
Volitional obstacles: Morality, which seems [my emphasis] to restrict our choices in life. We don't want to answer to anyone, especially an omniscient being: the God of the universe - especially one who spoke billions of galaxies into existence. Scary? The issue is not refusing the evidence. It's not wanting to accept the evidence. It's a choice, based on a desire. And since there is more evidence for God and Creation, it takes more faith to be an atheist. (Premise of the book)
Geisler and Turk also have a great section on agnosticism. It's like being empty minded they say - a refusal to do anything with the evidence. They'd rather say, "I don't know" about the question of God, then "Yes" or "No."
Just read the book. I am. :-)
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Palindrome Days 1-9, 11, 22
11/3/11
These days I spend most of my time running in the rain to train for a 5K, killing demonic trespassing centipedes for my wife, studying my brains out for my second to last semester at school, going on dates with my wife for seafood and ice cream, hanging out with a young guy from my youth group (you could call it discipleship), studying lessons for AP bible study for senior high students at my church (HUMC), studying for Wednesday night lessons at church, preparing sermons for my professor, getting excited about spending the holidays with my families, going to a costume party at a friend's house, reading lots, watching lots of episodes of NCIS and Monk, eating food whenever I can sneak any and not endure pain as a result, take lots of medicine, commute to work and school with Switchfoot (music), go to the doctor for a 2nd opinion (after 2 years of Crohn's), practice 300+ minutes a week of piano, play guitar, drink cider and coffee galore. And I apologize not for the run-on, or the bad grammar.
These days I spend most of my time running in the rain to train for a 5K, killing demonic trespassing centipedes for my wife, studying my brains out for my second to last semester at school, going on dates with my wife for seafood and ice cream, hanging out with a young guy from my youth group (you could call it discipleship), studying lessons for AP bible study for senior high students at my church (HUMC), studying for Wednesday night lessons at church, preparing sermons for my professor, getting excited about spending the holidays with my families, going to a costume party at a friend's house, reading lots, watching lots of episodes of NCIS and Monk, eating food whenever I can sneak any and not endure pain as a result, take lots of medicine, commute to work and school with Switchfoot (music), go to the doctor for a 2nd opinion (after 2 years of Crohn's), practice 300+ minutes a week of piano, play guitar, drink cider and coffee galore. And I apologize not for the run-on, or the bad grammar.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
What I Love About Fall
1) How the moon looks when it wanes in the black sky.
2) The smell of spiced apple cider as it wafts into my olfactories.
3) The light of the sun through yellow maple leaves in my neighborhood.
4) The coolness in the morning and the warm sunshine in the afternoon.
5) Chili. Enough said.
2) The smell of spiced apple cider as it wafts into my olfactories.
3) The light of the sun through yellow maple leaves in my neighborhood.
4) The coolness in the morning and the warm sunshine in the afternoon.
5) Chili. Enough said.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
How To Perpetuate the Rumors that Christianity is Boring
Someone once said, "It is a sin to bore people with the gospel of Jesus Christ."
Following is a true story:
How To Be Ineffective
There's a man standing in a suit when you first come into the building. If you're lucky he may open the door for you. You're supposed to shake his hand and ask him how he's doing. He'll tell you things like "I'm doing." or, "I'm hanging in there." He sounds like he's divorcing his wife or she has cancer or something. I want to tell him how much Jesus makes me better than just being able to hold on.
At this place they have key phrases like "minding the Lord," "praying through," "looking to the Lord in prayer." If you're above 50 and meet certain qualifications you can stand up and tell about how horrible your life is, but how much Jesus is helping you with stuff. The tears are socially awkward, but I think you get extra points for it.
Earlier I followed people into a room in the basement. If it weren't for the attitude of my fellow students I would have though they were going to come tell us to strip off our clothes and "take a shower." Then this man who forgot about us, but said he didn't, came into the room. It got worse.
"My name is Paul. To your dismay, I'm the teacher."* Paul talked about many things. In particular there was a book named Ruth that he taught from. "Dedication" was his topical theme. How he got that from Ruth I am still not sure. "Babcock and Wilcox. I worked there for 15 years until an outside corporation took over. No dedication for the worker from the corporation." he lamented. "This is the way it is today in our society. No dedication. No effort. No pride. It is not seen in our world today. We should show the world a life that hasn't been seen."
People told Paul, "I can tell the difference in the way you work, act, and talk."
"It's nothing I've done." he said. "It's what Christ has done for me."
After relaying this conversation Paul told us, "I did the right thing. Yes, there is problems in the church. The devil's fighting us. Sometimes we have to square our shoulders and go to God and tell him our failures. We have decisions. If we didn't, we'd be a robot."
Then he told us more about Ruth and that affection toward the opposite sex is not wrong. "The lady is a weaker vessel. The Bible says so. You don't want a wife that's lazy. You want a companion. I don't ever have to remind my wife to pack my lunch. I PACK MY OWN! This is part of growing up and adulthood. Ruth had shown that she would be a good wife - clever, industrious, dedicated. Christ is saying that we can get to heaven if we overcome our perfections."
He ended with a little advice. "Be dedicated to yourself."
"My wife wants me to wear a tie." he said, wearing a tie. "I'm in a position: Sunday School teacher, usher. There will be rewards."
A bell rang later. We escaped.
Upstairs, the bass player practices his octaves and runs, during a set order of songs. I'm not sure if they're pre-set or not. Maybe they're so good the leader can pick any song at random and voila, everyone knows it. If so, I'm not sure how many is in their repetoire. The song leader looks like a Mormon convert. I'm afraid if I shook his hand it'd fall off. For a man wearing a suit he was very effeminate.
They also have unpaid actors. They're young stars - toddlers. They perform great stuff for you. Unfortunately, you can tell they are flagrantly upstaging the pastor, but we don't care, right?
*(Not his real name)
Following is a true story:
How To Be Ineffective
There's a man standing in a suit when you first come into the building. If you're lucky he may open the door for you. You're supposed to shake his hand and ask him how he's doing. He'll tell you things like "I'm doing." or, "I'm hanging in there." He sounds like he's divorcing his wife or she has cancer or something. I want to tell him how much Jesus makes me better than just being able to hold on.
At this place they have key phrases like "minding the Lord," "praying through," "looking to the Lord in prayer." If you're above 50 and meet certain qualifications you can stand up and tell about how horrible your life is, but how much Jesus is helping you with stuff. The tears are socially awkward, but I think you get extra points for it.
Earlier I followed people into a room in the basement. If it weren't for the attitude of my fellow students I would have though they were going to come tell us to strip off our clothes and "take a shower." Then this man who forgot about us, but said he didn't, came into the room. It got worse.
"My name is Paul. To your dismay, I'm the teacher."* Paul talked about many things. In particular there was a book named Ruth that he taught from. "Dedication" was his topical theme. How he got that from Ruth I am still not sure. "Babcock and Wilcox. I worked there for 15 years until an outside corporation took over. No dedication for the worker from the corporation." he lamented. "This is the way it is today in our society. No dedication. No effort. No pride. It is not seen in our world today. We should show the world a life that hasn't been seen."
People told Paul, "I can tell the difference in the way you work, act, and talk."
"It's nothing I've done." he said. "It's what Christ has done for me."
After relaying this conversation Paul told us, "I did the right thing. Yes, there is problems in the church. The devil's fighting us. Sometimes we have to square our shoulders and go to God and tell him our failures. We have decisions. If we didn't, we'd be a robot."
Then he told us more about Ruth and that affection toward the opposite sex is not wrong. "The lady is a weaker vessel. The Bible says so. You don't want a wife that's lazy. You want a companion. I don't ever have to remind my wife to pack my lunch. I PACK MY OWN! This is part of growing up and adulthood. Ruth had shown that she would be a good wife - clever, industrious, dedicated. Christ is saying that we can get to heaven if we overcome our perfections."
He ended with a little advice. "Be dedicated to yourself."
"My wife wants me to wear a tie." he said, wearing a tie. "I'm in a position: Sunday School teacher, usher. There will be rewards."
A bell rang later. We escaped.
Upstairs, the bass player practices his octaves and runs, during a set order of songs. I'm not sure if they're pre-set or not. Maybe they're so good the leader can pick any song at random and voila, everyone knows it. If so, I'm not sure how many is in their repetoire. The song leader looks like a Mormon convert. I'm afraid if I shook his hand it'd fall off. For a man wearing a suit he was very effeminate.
They also have unpaid actors. They're young stars - toddlers. They perform great stuff for you. Unfortunately, you can tell they are flagrantly upstaging the pastor, but we don't care, right?
*(Not his real name)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Why I Hate Introductions
I confess: I hate introductions - hate, not dislike - really hate them. I also hate prologues, prefaces, and epilogues - pretty much anything that comes between the first and last chapter. Maybe it's because I was raised on reading books like the Bible or Little Golden Books that needed no preface! Maybe it's because sometimes it informs you of unnecessary information! Maybe it's because some books have an introduction, introduction to the second edition, author's preface, preface to the second edition, and prologue, complete with epilogue, end notes, bibliography, index, and guide to astrology! I don't know.
Recently, I found an introduction that was actually useful, and this is one redeeming introduction that I can hold up as beneficial. So here is what I would list as a good introduction: 1) Five pages or less. 2) Gives a brief summary of the book. 3) Does not bore me out of my mind. Thankfully, the introduction to D. Michael Henderson's book on discipleship "One Conversation at a Time." meets these qualifications, and it's three pages in length!
Also, what is with these people that list nouns as chapter titles? Are you that unintelligent? Here are two examples from actual books: Robert Coleman's "Master Plan of Evangelism," lists its table of contents as: 1) Selection 2) Assocation 3) Consecration 4) Impartation 5) Demonstration 6) Delegation 7) Supervision 8) Reproduction. But wait, there's more! Jesse Rice's "The Church of Facebook: How the Hyperconnected Are Redefining Community" lists its table of contents as: 1) Connection 2) Revolution 3) Dispensation 4) Illumination 5) Adaptation 6) Regeneration. Are you kidding me? Could you get any more vague and unhelpful?
I recently read a 618 page version of Count of Monte Cristo, (Not Crisco) and flagrantly did not read the 19 page introduction. No thanks. I don't need that much historical background to understand what is going on in the book's plot. Frankly, the prologue in Sheldon Vanauken's "A Severe Mercy" was labeled - "I. Prologue: Glenmerle Revisited" - that horrible little Roman numeral! Chapter 2 is actually chapter 1! Oh, the humanities! And after reading the fourteen page prologue where he reminisces at the bridge, I realized that I could have really skipped it. But, no, I was deceived into thinking it was actually a part of the book!
Frankly, if the introduction was labeled "Chapter 1" I might read it. Otherwise, my hatred continues...
"And well you see, I die...in the prologue." -Jane Powell in Two Weeks with Love
Recently, I found an introduction that was actually useful, and this is one redeeming introduction that I can hold up as beneficial. So here is what I would list as a good introduction: 1) Five pages or less. 2) Gives a brief summary of the book. 3) Does not bore me out of my mind. Thankfully, the introduction to D. Michael Henderson's book on discipleship "One Conversation at a Time." meets these qualifications, and it's three pages in length!
Also, what is with these people that list nouns as chapter titles? Are you that unintelligent? Here are two examples from actual books: Robert Coleman's "Master Plan of Evangelism," lists its table of contents as: 1) Selection 2) Assocation 3) Consecration 4) Impartation 5) Demonstration 6) Delegation 7) Supervision 8) Reproduction. But wait, there's more! Jesse Rice's "The Church of Facebook: How the Hyperconnected Are Redefining Community" lists its table of contents as: 1) Connection 2) Revolution 3) Dispensation 4) Illumination 5) Adaptation 6) Regeneration. Are you kidding me? Could you get any more vague and unhelpful?
I recently read a 618 page version of Count of Monte Cristo, (Not Crisco) and flagrantly did not read the 19 page introduction. No thanks. I don't need that much historical background to understand what is going on in the book's plot. Frankly, the prologue in Sheldon Vanauken's "A Severe Mercy" was labeled - "I. Prologue: Glenmerle Revisited" - that horrible little Roman numeral! Chapter 2 is actually chapter 1! Oh, the humanities! And after reading the fourteen page prologue where he reminisces at the bridge, I realized that I could have really skipped it. But, no, I was deceived into thinking it was actually a part of the book!
Frankly, if the introduction was labeled "Chapter 1" I might read it. Otherwise, my hatred continues...
"And well you see, I die...in the prologue." -Jane Powell in Two Weeks with Love
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Essence of a Easy Essay
I sleep warmly - on my side, with one pillow, one sheet, one blanket, one comforter, and my feet poking out from the bottom of said laundry. Within the last week I've dreamed every time I've slept - some pleasant, and some fearful. I always sleep with a fan or some sort of white noise. It circulates the air and keeps the room cool. In fact, as a warm sleeper, I'd rather have a chill in the building - 0ne that makes the tile in the bathroom feel like walking on ice at 3:18 am, but makes your bed feel oh so warm at 3:24. I've rested on a pillow named Carlisa for 5 or more years. I bought her at a hotel in the Virginia's while on the road for work. Alas, she is growing old and slowly dying. Recently, a clearanced pillow came into my usage which was so oddly named "The Hunk" which conjures up cartoon characters or cheesy macho masculinity. It's a striped case of fluffiness. Frankly, I don't know why 100% polyester microfiber overfill should be thus termed. Also, while I'm in this department, am I the only one who believes that there is no difference between grades of pillows? Superfirm feels the same as every other pillow to me, unless there are duck, duck, geese and gander involved. And it's been entirely too long since I've whammed someone in the midriff with a pillow. I hope Mr. Profitt's proud of me.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Transport
I work as a patient transporter at a hospital. Here's a list of things that I have been asked or things told to me while at my job.
"Do you have a driver's license?" (To which I quickly reply, "Yes, do you want to see it?")
"How long have you worked here?"
"Do you ever get lost?" (No)
"How long did it take to learn the hospital?" (2 weeks)
"Do you ever race in the wheelchairs?" (No.)
"This hallway looks like Holiday Inn."
"You're a good driver." (Thank you)
"Can I just walk from here?"
"Have you ever thought about just letting go of the chair?"
"You have nice shoulders."
"Those people in green shirts are good drivers."
"Do you work here?" (Yes)
"You smell good."
"How old are you?" (No, not 18. I'm a senior in college)
"Are you using that wheelchair?"
"Doctor! Doctor!" (Um, that's not me...)
"Can you tell me where ______ is?"
"What floor are we going to?" (C level)
"We aren't taking any more admissions."
"You can't take that bed!" (Yes, I will)
"No, you're not!" (When told I was going to transport them)
"Something smells good." (Coffee Shop)
"I can't remember where we parked." (I hope you remember soon)
"Which entrance?"
"Where are you taking them?"
"I don't have that room." (Then please connect me to the nurse that does!)
"Did you have to receive training?" (Yes)
"Wow, I would get lost in here."
"Are you a volunteer?" (No, I get paid)
"Which floor? What number?"
"Have you ever gotten stuck in the elevator?" (Sadly, no)
"Oh! You're here already." (Did you want later?)
"You should get paid by the mile!" (I wish)
"You can just let go of the chair now." (While wheeling people down the front ramp)
"Do you have a driver's license?" (To which I quickly reply, "Yes, do you want to see it?")
"How long have you worked here?"
"Do you ever get lost?" (No)
"How long did it take to learn the hospital?" (2 weeks)
"Do you ever race in the wheelchairs?" (No.)
"This hallway looks like Holiday Inn."
"You're a good driver." (Thank you)
"Can I just walk from here?"
"Have you ever thought about just letting go of the chair?"
"You have nice shoulders."
"Those people in green shirts are good drivers."
"Do you work here?" (Yes)
"You smell good."
"How old are you?" (No, not 18. I'm a senior in college)
"Are you using that wheelchair?"
"Doctor! Doctor!" (Um, that's not me...)
"Can you tell me where ______ is?"
"What floor are we going to?" (C level)
"We aren't taking any more admissions."
"You can't take that bed!" (Yes, I will)
"No, you're not!" (When told I was going to transport them)
"Something smells good." (Coffee Shop)
"I can't remember where we parked." (I hope you remember soon)
"Which entrance?"
"Where are you taking them?"
"I don't have that room." (Then please connect me to the nurse that does!)
"Did you have to receive training?" (Yes)
"Wow, I would get lost in here."
"Are you a volunteer?" (No, I get paid)
"Which floor? What number?"
"Have you ever gotten stuck in the elevator?" (Sadly, no)
"Oh! You're here already." (Did you want later?)
"You should get paid by the mile!" (I wish)
"You can just let go of the chair now." (While wheeling people down the front ramp)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Incantation.
As a Christian, I seek to entertain myself with good entertainment. Animated movies just happen to be about the only thing I can watch as far as movies go. And I only mentioned them as part of a finale to my Voicemail post. But you said...
Animated movies are NOT for children. I hope that I have not deeply offended the amazing adults who read my blog.
Please do not ever get the idea that Pixar makes movies for children, or produces such films to sell stuffed versions of animated characters. These animated movies are rated G and PG and therefore are only suited for the ears and eyes of adults.
Let's see here...
Toy Story? Not for kids.
Finding Nemo? Not for kids.
Cars? Not for kids.
The Incredibles? Not for kids.
Up? Not for kids.
Monsters Inc? Not for kids.
Ratatouille? Not for kids.
Despicable Me? Not for kids.
You get the idea.
-
"Animated children's movies are for children? What are you talking about?"
-
"I will watch animated children's movies as long as there is breath in my body!"
"You may want to print a retraction on the children's movies...you could shatter countless lives with such a revelation."
- So...
Animated movies are NOT for children. I hope that I have not deeply offended the amazing adults who read my blog.
Please do not ever get the idea that Pixar makes movies for children, or produces such films to sell stuffed versions of animated characters. These animated movies are rated G and PG and therefore are only suited for the ears and eyes of adults.
Let's see here...
Toy Story? Not for kids.
Finding Nemo? Not for kids.
Cars? Not for kids.
The Incredibles? Not for kids.
Up? Not for kids.
Monsters Inc? Not for kids.
Ratatouille? Not for kids.
Despicable Me? Not for kids.
You get the idea.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Voicemails
This is a transcript of the opening to a voicemail from a friend of mine sent July 18, 2009: "Sam, I'm so disappointed. What's happened to us all? Our voicemails are so bland and boring. 'Hi, this is Sam. Sorry I missed your call.' What's that about?"
Okay, all you young people, your "Please-enjoy-this-music-while-your-party-is-reached" music may be enjoyable for your friends, but enjoy it while it lasts. As soon as you get a semi-professional job you'll succumb to the professional voicemail syndrome. HR just doesn't want to hire people with sappy country or raunchy rap as their ringback tone.
And to all of you who hate my voicemail and how short and boring it is. Blame my job. Hate it even. And welcome to the real world. The boring adult world where people think animated children's movies are for children!
PS: Hello Dr. Muir
Okay, all you young people, your "Please-enjoy-this-music-while-your-party-is-reached" music may be enjoyable for your friends, but enjoy it while it lasts. As soon as you get a semi-professional job you'll succumb to the professional voicemail syndrome. HR just doesn't want to hire people with sappy country or raunchy rap as their ringback tone.
And to all of you who hate my voicemail and how short and boring it is. Blame my job. Hate it even. And welcome to the real world. The boring adult world where people think animated children's movies are for children!
PS: Hello Dr. Muir
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