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| It always amazes me how I'll sit down to write about something and nothing arrives to write. I suppose I find this amazing for several reasons; not the least of which is that I always seem to have something to say when I'm out with friends. I suppose it's true what they say, that writing is more intimate that speaking in person. Owning, no doubt, to the fact that a writ can be as deeply personal, or as shallowly meaningless as the writer intends. It is more difficult in conversation to keep to a given level.
I once had a young woman complain that whenever a certain group of people got together, there was usually a lack of "deep conversation." I heartily agreed, but upon my request that she suggest a topic of discussion, she could think of none. This made me sad. I'd like to say that I gently steered the conversation in a meaningful direction, and singlehandedly led the whole group in a rousing and emotional volley of exchange. To my shame, I did not. No doubt there is room in everyday conversation for talk about the weather, news, and who got kicked off the Island last night. I will also agree that in this fast paced life there is poor opportunity to delve into the waters of personal convictions around the water-cooler. And yet, I think when the writer of Hebrews wrote,
"23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let
us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but
let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day
approaching." (Hebrews 10:24, 25)
He didn't mean meeting for hot-dogs to talk about the world series. I also don't see how I could "spur another on towards love and good deeds"(pariph) if I don't get to know him first.
Second to our inability to hold deep conversations with one another is the issue of transparency. How will you be able to minister to me if I am not wholly honest about who I am? We must be able to believe that others are being honest about their struggles. I probably won't spend time helping you through a painful situation if you tell me, "every thing is fine."
I'm inclined to think this word is broken,
not to be restored before it dies.
But we were meant to keep the hope of heaven
to keep it alive.
'Cause it's a long way home.
Yes, it's a long way home
So let's walk together instead of alone
on this long way home.
~Ginny Owens, "Long Way Home"
~Paul
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|  | Currently Watching
Miss Potter
By Ren�e Zellweger, Ewan McGregor, Emily Watson, Barbara Flynn, Bill Paterson
see related |
Get off my lawn!!!
So the other day I was talking to a coworker and he told me about a degenerative kidney disease that he has. told me that he likely has between 2 and 5 years left to live. He's in his late thirties, I think He's definitly one of those people who understands the Grace of God in his head, but I don't know whether he knows it in his heart. It's a little rough, actually. I've been praying for him, sharing my faith with him, talking about the actual life-changing effects of the gospel. I honestly don't know how much of it is sinking in. Be in prayer for him when you have a chance. His name is Chris.
So I bought 'Miss Potter' today. Mom, Dad, and Katy were watching it at the house when I stopped in this evening. What a wonderful movie that was. If you haven't seen it, see it.
That's really all I have.
~Paul
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| | Would you survive in the wild? Your Result: Yesiree!.... You could live in the wild if you wanted to! You know what to eat, do, and stay away from! You could get shelter, food, water fast and easy-and the right treatments to injuries, snake bites etc...You know the outdoors like the back of your hand!! | | Most likely you'll survive.... | | | Maybe........ | | | Not to sure... | | | Wouldn't last 2 minutes!..... | | Would you survive in the wild?
Quizzes for MySpace |
Well, Jeff would be proud. The test was really easy though. Incidently, I haven't been hiking in too long.
~Paul
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So I bought the new Newsboys album, and I really like it. It was one of those, "I didn't know this existed and now I can't live without it." kind of purchases. It was cheap, I am exonerated. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for remixed music. (provided it's good.) Something about taking the creative work of someone and applying your own to it as well has always fascinated me.
Secondarily, I see you've dropped by to check my update. Welcome. I came across several pictures in my recent travels that I thought you might enjoy. These were two of them. Maybe I'm just an oddball, but I found them funny. Here's one that some of you will understand. At least, I know Maylin will. I hope the rest of you get it, but if you don't, it's not the end of the world:
And finally, I'm going to Washington DC for a few days. I haven't been for several years, so I thought it was a good opportunity to do so. I get to go with some friends and see the usual sights. I haven't been to the Smithsonian in forever. All in all, I have to say...
Love you all.
~Paul
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| An update
I wrote a thesis before this sentence on the struggle of the inner man with pride. Unfortunately, it was not really post-worthy and, while insightful, was not very easy to follow. Thus, it has been uncreated.
And the "Gap" theorists all said, "See, I knew I was right."
I was having a rather profitable discussion with a wonderful friend of mine and she said she was finally starting to "loosen up" a little. I smiled and told her that I was finally starting to take life seriously. I suppose that statement is funnier if you know me. For several reasons. One is that there are some of you out there who undoubtedly know me as a stodgy, stubborn person who never seemed to know how to "have fun." Well, this may be true from a perspective, but the truth of the matter is that ever since I was a little kid, I thought life would work out just because it always had. It wasn't until a couple years ago (and affirmed recently) that I began to learn that what I wanted and what God wanted were different things. Thankfully, through the prodding of a loving family other godly counsel, and the mercy of a loving God, I have remained in good standing. I could bee upset that the Lord has not allowed me to do some of the things that I wanted to, of feel bothered by the number of things that I have not been able to have that I thought should be my right, but in the end, what are the things of this world but fleeting pleasures, and the gratification of the flesh but a vain pursuit?
In the end, life is either a pursuit of a breeze, or the pursuit of a loving and faithful, wise and powerful, merciful and gracious God who is full of every delight. So I guess a part of taking life seriously is realizing that it is meaningless, another part of taking life seriously is remembering that we were commanded to do whatever we did as unto the Lord.
Grace and peace to you all.
P.S. I just bought this cd tonight from the interweb. Thanks, Jeff.
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