Random thought from a Rob Bell podcast this last Sunday. It is awesome!
"Spiritual maturity is when you do the right thing with or without the accompanying feelings and thoughts.
Or some of you may prefer a metaphor...
Maturity is when your convictions and beliefs drive the bus and say to your thoughts and feelings “You sit there!” "
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
worship
Last quarter I wrote a final paper for my "Postmodern Theology, Film, and Youth Culture" class. We had to discuss one aspect from any of the categories, or combine them if we liked, and I had some specific ideas bouncing around in my head for a while and figured this would be a good chance to try to study and sort them out. So, I wrote about worship.
I didn't put it up for a long time (it's been almost 3 months now) because I didn't know how I felt about it. It's easily the most personal paper I've ever written. I was worried that I would get marked down for my honest and open style of writing, but I had to do it that way. This is stuff that is really on my heart. I want to learn this aspect of life more than anything else. So it's hard to share that, but I guess now or never. I also don't know about it theologically, which is another reason I'm afraid to put it up. But it's what I was thinking and wrestling with at the time, and I still am.
If you wanna read it, you can get it right here. It's about 7 pages, and hopefully you will find it interesting. Please leave comments with your thoughts, good or bad. I certainly don't think I have this figured out yet, but I tried to put a little bit of form to some vague ideas... Thanks.
I didn't put it up for a long time (it's been almost 3 months now) because I didn't know how I felt about it. It's easily the most personal paper I've ever written. I was worried that I would get marked down for my honest and open style of writing, but I had to do it that way. This is stuff that is really on my heart. I want to learn this aspect of life more than anything else. So it's hard to share that, but I guess now or never. I also don't know about it theologically, which is another reason I'm afraid to put it up. But it's what I was thinking and wrestling with at the time, and I still am.
If you wanna read it, you can get it right here. It's about 7 pages, and hopefully you will find it interesting. Please leave comments with your thoughts, good or bad. I certainly don't think I have this figured out yet, but I tried to put a little bit of form to some vague ideas... Thanks.
Something you may not have been aware of...
I highly encourage any of you who have facebook accounts to join the group so that all can be made aware of this great discovery.
Thank you.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
me
So while avoiding a paper I'm supposed to be working on, I found a free personality test. I guess most people seem to hate these things, but I find them fascinating. I take them every time I find them (My facebook profile has a different one on it, if you are interested). I guess it is always encouraging to me because so often I feel like nobody "gets" me and I don't feel like I fit in with most people. These help me feel that it's okay to be who I am. So anyway, I thought I'd post the results on here so you can check it out, if you care. Click here.
It puts me as way over on the Introvert, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving side (as opposed to Extrovert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging), which they call a "Dreamer". I kinda wasn't expecting that, but it really fits with where I'm at right now. Here are some quotes from that page that I really identify with...
"They are on a continuous mission to find the truth and meaning underlying things. Every encounter and every piece of knowledge gained gets sifted through the INFP's value system, and is evaluated to see if it has any potential to help the INFP define or refine their own path in life."
"creative, smart, idealist, loner, attracted to sad things, disorganized, avoidant, can be overwhelmed by unpleasant feelings..."- hahaha, all too true.
"An INFP's feelings form the foundations of the individual. They are sacred and binding, in the sense that their emergence requires no further justification. An INFP's feelings are often guarded, kept safe from attack and ridicule. Only a few, close confidants are permitted entrance into this domain."
"Their job must be fun, although not racous, and it must be meaningful to them. They need a strong purpose in their work." ...or they get distracted, avoid their work, play guitar, video games, and take personality tests instead...
"INFPs never seem to lose their sense of wonder." - This one is exactly what God has put on my heart, and what I am so afraid of losing by being so cynical.
I knew I would end up way introverted, and the judging/perceiving slider has a lot to do with organization, planning, and closure, things I avoid at almost all costs, so that seems pretty clear too. But the personality types that came in real close are interesting to me.
For instance, if I was more of the thinking, logical, fact-based decision maker, I would have tested as an Engineer. Sounds familiar... The last 2 years or so have been all about leaving behind the safe, logical thing and trusted the dreams God's put in my heart, so you can see the changes that have happened there.
And if the judging/preceiving had swung the other way, I would have been a Confidant, which they describe as a safe, trusted person, someone who listens, someone who just wants to help others. I think that fits me pretty well too, and is what I love about discipleship. I just want to help people live the life God wants them to live.
What is most interesting is that many of the questions that I was indecisive on related to these specific areas. It was really hard for me to answer if I trusted my head or my heart more in making decisions, for example, just as it was hard to decide between whether I like things sequential and logical or loose and free. I feel more comfortable when things are open, but I know I don't get a whole lot accomplished unless I have a list of what needs to happen when!
So anyway, I thought it was kinda cool. You all should take the test now yourself and post the results in the comments (which are open to anyone now- you don't need a google account).
It puts me as way over on the Introvert, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving side (as opposed to Extrovert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging), which they call a "Dreamer". I kinda wasn't expecting that, but it really fits with where I'm at right now. Here are some quotes from that page that I really identify with...
"They are on a continuous mission to find the truth and meaning underlying things. Every encounter and every piece of knowledge gained gets sifted through the INFP's value system, and is evaluated to see if it has any potential to help the INFP define or refine their own path in life."
"creative, smart, idealist, loner, attracted to sad things, disorganized, avoidant, can be overwhelmed by unpleasant feelings..."- hahaha, all too true.
"An INFP's feelings form the foundations of the individual. They are sacred and binding, in the sense that their emergence requires no further justification. An INFP's feelings are often guarded, kept safe from attack and ridicule. Only a few, close confidants are permitted entrance into this domain."
"Their job must be fun, although not racous, and it must be meaningful to them. They need a strong purpose in their work." ...or they get distracted, avoid their work, play guitar, video games, and take personality tests instead...
"INFPs never seem to lose their sense of wonder." - This one is exactly what God has put on my heart, and what I am so afraid of losing by being so cynical.
I knew I would end up way introverted, and the judging/perceiving slider has a lot to do with organization, planning, and closure, things I avoid at almost all costs, so that seems pretty clear too. But the personality types that came in real close are interesting to me.
For instance, if I was more of the thinking, logical, fact-based decision maker, I would have tested as an Engineer. Sounds familiar... The last 2 years or so have been all about leaving behind the safe, logical thing and trusted the dreams God's put in my heart, so you can see the changes that have happened there.
And if the judging/preceiving had swung the other way, I would have been a Confidant, which they describe as a safe, trusted person, someone who listens, someone who just wants to help others. I think that fits me pretty well too, and is what I love about discipleship. I just want to help people live the life God wants them to live.
What is most interesting is that many of the questions that I was indecisive on related to these specific areas. It was really hard for me to answer if I trusted my head or my heart more in making decisions, for example, just as it was hard to decide between whether I like things sequential and logical or loose and free. I feel more comfortable when things are open, but I know I don't get a whole lot accomplished unless I have a list of what needs to happen when!
So anyway, I thought it was kinda cool. You all should take the test now yourself and post the results in the comments (which are open to anyone now- you don't need a google account).
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Preach It Preacha!
Hi all, I'm back in LA and trying to adjust to a new quarter and all that. There has been a lot going on but nothing that is helpful to share. It is really tough learning lessons the hard way, especially when those lessons seem to teach harsh, negative things.
I came across an article through Catalyst that addressed some questions I've had for a little while. It is an article that deals with preaching, it's role in the church, it's Biblical basis, it's effectiveness, the dependancies it creates, and other issues of that sort. I have never questioned having teaching in a church service, but I have wondered how to make it more effective because I can never remember even the most superficial things about a message within a few hours. I don't remember what the main ideas were, what verses were used, or how I realized that I could apply this in my life. I remember that it was a good message, that they had great points, and that I needed to apply that, but I don't really remember how anymore which is really frustrating and disappointing. And this probably happens before dinner that night.
So how do get this to actually stick? How do we get the info out of short term memory and into our mindset so we actually see life differently the next day? I had a couple thoughts, but I would really like to hear your thoughts on this. Do you agree or disagree with the article? Are there things you emphasize to increase the effectiveness of teaching? What do you think a church service could/should look like?
You could limit the teaching time to 20 minutes, and then spend 20 minutes of real ministry time. Let people break up into groups to discuss it, pray for each other, worship, whatever, but you can't leave! Churches always leave time for ministry at the end, but the implication always is "If you are screwed up and need help, come up front and we will fix you. If you are perfect like us, then go enjoy lunch!" and who wants to be the screwed up dude? Plus the emphasis is on the "leadership" doing the praying and healing and fixing, so what good is everyone else? But if everyone started praying and discussing...
It would be cool if you had lots of people who taught, not just one. Anyone who had a story to tell could share it. The multiple teachers would be able to really dig deep and live out an idea before they taught it. Unfortunately, now nobody is going to come to your church just for the charismatic preacher/entertainer. Interestingly, Rob Bell is probably the best teacher I've found, and if anyone could get away with just talking all the time it would be him. But Mars Hill is also the church that uses the most guest preachers of any that I know (22 in 2007 alone). They also have church members share their stories on the stage all the time, and often Rob will use their story to back what he says- it puts all the emphasis and focus on the people living the teaching, not the ones teaching the teaching.
So gimme your thoughts on this, and...
GO CHARGERS!
I came across an article through Catalyst that addressed some questions I've had for a little while. It is an article that deals with preaching, it's role in the church, it's Biblical basis, it's effectiveness, the dependancies it creates, and other issues of that sort. I have never questioned having teaching in a church service, but I have wondered how to make it more effective because I can never remember even the most superficial things about a message within a few hours. I don't remember what the main ideas were, what verses were used, or how I realized that I could apply this in my life. I remember that it was a good message, that they had great points, and that I needed to apply that, but I don't really remember how anymore which is really frustrating and disappointing. And this probably happens before dinner that night.
So how do get this to actually stick? How do we get the info out of short term memory and into our mindset so we actually see life differently the next day? I had a couple thoughts, but I would really like to hear your thoughts on this. Do you agree or disagree with the article? Are there things you emphasize to increase the effectiveness of teaching? What do you think a church service could/should look like?
You could limit the teaching time to 20 minutes, and then spend 20 minutes of real ministry time. Let people break up into groups to discuss it, pray for each other, worship, whatever, but you can't leave! Churches always leave time for ministry at the end, but the implication always is "If you are screwed up and need help, come up front and we will fix you. If you are perfect like us, then go enjoy lunch!" and who wants to be the screwed up dude? Plus the emphasis is on the "leadership" doing the praying and healing and fixing, so what good is everyone else? But if everyone started praying and discussing...
It would be cool if you had lots of people who taught, not just one. Anyone who had a story to tell could share it. The multiple teachers would be able to really dig deep and live out an idea before they taught it. Unfortunately, now nobody is going to come to your church just for the charismatic preacher/entertainer. Interestingly, Rob Bell is probably the best teacher I've found, and if anyone could get away with just talking all the time it would be him. But Mars Hill is also the church that uses the most guest preachers of any that I know (22 in 2007 alone). They also have church members share their stories on the stage all the time, and often Rob will use their story to back what he says- it puts all the emphasis and focus on the people living the teaching, not the ones teaching the teaching.
So gimme your thoughts on this, and...
GO CHARGERS!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
A Northe Christmas
This is a video my brother made for the youth group he leads- Northe. It tells the story of the real St. Nick, and I think it's pretty rad.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Babel
I'm working on my last paper right now, and I thought I would upload a paper I finished last week. It's on the Tower of Babel. If you want to read it, download it from here. I think it's about 7 pages, and I reformatted it to be more readable. It probably sounds kinda snooty and scholarly. I hate it but it is kind of what is expected... Anyway, if you read it let me know what you think.
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