We've all heard the verse that says "God works all things for good". But I don't think we realize how true it is most of the time. Monday was an opportunity for me to see the truth of it first hand (as opposed to hearing the amazing stories...form some sad reason, those seem to be considered a dime a dozen today).
On Monday my sister and I had class until 2PM. After class, we were going to go out to lunch with some people, but it didn't end up working out (really, these details are important to the story. I promise. =P) So instead, we went to pick up chairs from one house and deliver them to another for a club meeting we had that night. After dropping off the chairs at the house, we decided to go out to lunch anyway. We found a nice little cafe ("California Crisp") in Westlake/Agoura, took our time, then took a side road back to the freeway. It was then that we passed a man sitting on the curb of the onramp, apparently out of gas. I turned around the block and came back to him, asking if he needed any help. He did. Steve (that's his name) was on his way to the bank to withdraw some money for gas when, ironically, he ran out of gas. I told him we'd take him to the bank and gas station, and then back to his car. On the way down to the bank, I started asking him about himself, and a sad but hopeful story came out. Apparently he had just moved out of his parents house and into a new apartment, but shortly after lost his job. As of now he's looking for work (clerical mostly), so if any of you know of anything, please let me know! But he seemed like a pretty well-put together guy, if with a few nervous habits. For those of you who have seen the Narnia movie, he reminded me of Mr. Tumnus, the Faun. The hopeful part is that he is (I'm hoping) a believer. I'm not one to judge, but he said he was going to a Mormon church in Thousand Oaks. That raised a red flag, but he seemed right on in what he was talking about. I guess only God knows the heart. It's our part to act as brothers in love, no matter what the circumstances. We took him back to his car, helped him get the gas into the vehicle, gave him my number, and sent him on his way with a handshake and a promise to call me if he needs any help. Only time (and God) will tell if I see Steve again in this life or the next, but I thank God for the opportunity to meet him.
Now, here's where the details are important. Remember how God promises us He'll work all things together? Remember that part? Well, think of this story. Originally, we were going to take the chairs over on Sunday. If we had, we wouldn't have even been in that area on Monday. That's one thing. Then, if we really did go out to lunch with the friends after class, then we wouldn't have gone to that cafe, and wouldn't have been on that road. That's a second thing. If we had gone to a faster place, instead of a sit-down place, we probably would have passed by before Steve even broke down. That's a third thing. Coming out of the cafe, it was a right-turn only, which caused me to take the side road instead of the freeway (my apologies to those who don't know the geography. You'll just have to take my word for it). That's a fourth thing. Kind of getting the idea? I'm not one that believes in predestination, but I can definitely recognize when God works things out. And it was awesome.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Word of the Day
Sunday, March 22, 2009
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picaresque (adj): of or relating to rogues or rascals; also: of, relating to, or being a type of fiction which presents the adventures of a usually roguish character.
Did you know? -
"Picaresque" derives from Spanish "picaresco" which means "of or relating to a picaro." What is a picaro? This word, which also derives from Spanish, means "rogue" or "bohemian." "Picaro" describes a type of character that has long been a popular subject for fictional narrative. Typically, the picareesque novel centers around a wandering individual of low standing who happens into a series of adeventures among people of various higher classes, often relying on his wits and a little dishonesty to get by. The first known novel in this style is Lazarillo de Tormes (c. 1554), about apoor boy who works for a series of masters of dubious character. The novel has been attributed to Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, but his authorship is disuputable.
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(Did Pirates of the Caribbean come to anyone's mind reading this? =P)
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picaresque (adj): of or relating to rogues or rascals; also: of, relating to, or being a type of fiction which presents the adventures of a usually roguish character.
Did you know? -
"Picaresque" derives from Spanish "picaresco" which means "of or relating to a picaro." What is a picaro? This word, which also derives from Spanish, means "rogue" or "bohemian." "Picaro" describes a type of character that has long been a popular subject for fictional narrative. Typically, the picareesque novel centers around a wandering individual of low standing who happens into a series of adeventures among people of various higher classes, often relying on his wits and a little dishonesty to get by. The first known novel in this style is Lazarillo de Tormes (c. 1554), about apoor boy who works for a series of masters of dubious character. The novel has been attributed to Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, but his authorship is disuputable.
---
(Did Pirates of the Caribbean come to anyone's mind reading this? =P)
The Lester in all of us
This past week I started thinking about how much of our time is spent thinking about either the past or the future.. and how little is spent working diligently on the now, or just sitting and relaxing in the present. When we wake up in the morning, our focus is on the class that we have in a couple hours..when we get to class, our focus is on the hour and 45 minutes we have left until class is over.. when we get out of class, our focus is on getting to lunch. When we're at lunch, our focus isn't on lunch, but what we have to do/where we have to go after lunch. And on and on that goes all day until we lay down in bed and think about what we have to do tomorrow. The only time we have is *right now*. There's the terribly cliche proverb "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present".. but you know what? The reason it's so cliche is because it's so true. I don't think we even realize how little of our thought process is focusing on the present. I'd encourage you to take at least 15 minutes this week to just sit.. on the roof, in a park, on your bed, whatever. Enjoy what God has given us, right now. Maha...this reminded me of a poem I wrote last year.. it's not much good, but it gets the point across -
Daytime
Nighttime
Sometime
Anytime
There's no time
Like this time
There's no time
Like now
The past has already happened
It's no use to regret
The future's already determined
There's no need to fret
So live your life in the present
This moment is all you have
Do good in the time that's given to you
Serve the one that created you
Then comes the time
Sometime, anytime
When you're called home
It's then you rejoice.
God brought two things to my attention yesterday that are somewhat related to my week-long thought process on that subject. The first was at bible study last night.. we were talking about Matthew 6:19ish. About not storing your treasure on earth, but in heaven instead. I think most people take this to mean that as we do good works here on earth, we're storing up treasures and glories for ourselves up in heaven, that we'll receive as soon as we leave our earthly bodies and transcend to that glory. But I think that's a bit to cut and dry (and Catholic) for God. What I take it to mean that our focus should be vertical/transcendental instead of horizontal, no matter *what* we're doing. Work, school, relationships... they should all keep heaven in mind. By doing that, we're keeping our treasure in "heaven"..or, the spiritual world. Not necessarily the place with the golden gates and paved streets. A way we can do that is by living in the *now*...remember, it's called the present right? That's a treasure. Live in the now, focused on God.
The second reminder came in a bit less "religious" form. I was reading "Where the Sidewalk Ends" yesterday morning, and came across the poem "Lester". It's so true, and so applicable to all of us. Not only does Lester have his "treasure" on earth, but he's constantly preparing for the future by trying to store up as many wishes as possible, instead of using them in the present. I learned a lesson from this boy Lester. You probably could too.
-----
LESTER
Lester was given a magic wish
By the goblin who lives in the banyan tree,
And with his wish he wished for two more wishes--
So now instead of just one wish, he cleverly had three.
And with each one of these
He simply wished for three more wishes,
Which gave him three old wishes, plus nine new.
And with each of these twelve
He slyly wished for three more wishes,
Which added up to forty-six--or is it fifty-two?
Well anyway, he used each wish
To wish for wishes 'til he had
Five billion, seven million, eighteen thousand thirty-four.
And then he spread them on the ground
And clapped his hands and danced around
And skipped and sang, and then sat down
And wished for more.
And more...and more...they multiplied
While other people smiled and cried
And loved and reached and touched and felt.
Lester sat amid his wealth
Stacked mountain-high like stacks of gold,
Sat and counted--and grew old.
And then one Thursday night they found him
Dead--with his wishes piled around him.
And they counted the lot and found that not
A single one was missing.
All shiny and new--here, take a few
And think of Lester as you do.
In a world of apples and kisses and shoes
He wasted his wishes on wishing.
-Shel Silverstein
Daytime
Nighttime
Sometime
Anytime
There's no time
Like this time
There's no time
Like now
The past has already happened
It's no use to regret
The future's already determined
There's no need to fret
So live your life in the present
This moment is all you have
Do good in the time that's given to you
Serve the one that created you
Then comes the time
Sometime, anytime
When you're called home
It's then you rejoice.
God brought two things to my attention yesterday that are somewhat related to my week-long thought process on that subject. The first was at bible study last night.. we were talking about Matthew 6:19ish. About not storing your treasure on earth, but in heaven instead. I think most people take this to mean that as we do good works here on earth, we're storing up treasures and glories for ourselves up in heaven, that we'll receive as soon as we leave our earthly bodies and transcend to that glory. But I think that's a bit to cut and dry (and Catholic) for God. What I take it to mean that our focus should be vertical/transcendental instead of horizontal, no matter *what* we're doing. Work, school, relationships... they should all keep heaven in mind. By doing that, we're keeping our treasure in "heaven"..or, the spiritual world. Not necessarily the place with the golden gates and paved streets. A way we can do that is by living in the *now*...remember, it's called the present right? That's a treasure. Live in the now, focused on God.
The second reminder came in a bit less "religious" form. I was reading "Where the Sidewalk Ends" yesterday morning, and came across the poem "Lester". It's so true, and so applicable to all of us. Not only does Lester have his "treasure" on earth, but he's constantly preparing for the future by trying to store up as many wishes as possible, instead of using them in the present. I learned a lesson from this boy Lester. You probably could too.
-----
LESTER
Lester was given a magic wish
By the goblin who lives in the banyan tree,
And with his wish he wished for two more wishes--
So now instead of just one wish, he cleverly had three.
And with each one of these
He simply wished for three more wishes,
Which gave him three old wishes, plus nine new.
And with each of these twelve
He slyly wished for three more wishes,
Which added up to forty-six--or is it fifty-two?
Well anyway, he used each wish
To wish for wishes 'til he had
Five billion, seven million, eighteen thousand thirty-four.
And then he spread them on the ground
And clapped his hands and danced around
And skipped and sang, and then sat down
And wished for more.
And more...and more...they multiplied
While other people smiled and cried
And loved and reached and touched and felt.
Lester sat amid his wealth
Stacked mountain-high like stacks of gold,
Sat and counted--and grew old.
And then one Thursday night they found him
Dead--with his wishes piled around him.
And they counted the lot and found that not
A single one was missing.
All shiny and new--here, take a few
And think of Lester as you do.
In a world of apples and kisses and shoes
He wasted his wishes on wishing.
-Shel Silverstein
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Letter to a Future Child (Assignment #2)
So, my psychology teacher is pretty chill.. for all of our assignments, she comes up with a creative way of working with the textbook material. Last paper we had to go and observe people in the caf, and report on their behavior. This time, we had two options: Write a letter to a future/current child, or dress up as an old person, go into public, and write a reflection. I went with the letter. We had to include points from lecture and textbook, too.. I guess that's how she justified it relating to psych. The whole tennis ball/rock thing is an analogy she drew in class. It's a pretty good picture. Heh, anyway... it was a pretty interesting thing to write (and yes, Mycroft is an actual name, and is being considered. ^^)
------
Dear Mycroft,
When your mother and I first decided to have a baby, we had no idea what was in store for us. We had heard things from our own parents, and friends with children, but none of that could have prepared us for you (and I mean that in the best way possible). After 18 years, hundreds of changed diapers, countless fights, and an infinite amount of smiles, we can now say it was more than worth it. It was an amazing journey for both of us.
Now you are starting out on your own, and most likely will become a parent yourself in a few years (scary thought, isn’t it?) Well, I’d like to play the ultimate ‘dad card’ and try to impart as much knowledge as I have about the most important characteristics of being a parent. First of all, hold your young children as long as possible. You can totally feel the connection; you both become emotionally attached to each other. I can’t explain it, but I know psychologists have some pretty fancy terms for it. And I know it’s the most amazing feeling in the world (compare it to…well, let’s just say some things your mom and I experience together.)
And, of course, your parenting style is key too. Remember Elementary school? In those days, your favorite things were roasting marshmallows, playing tennis, and collecting rocks (I know, convenient, right?) Well, your mom and I raised you on the ‘tennis-ball’ philosophy; not too hard, not too soft. We tell you what to do, but leave it open to discussion if you have genuine argument or concern. A rock is too hard. It won’t allow for any give. Believe you me; if you parent your children like that, they’ll get frustrated real fast. A marshmallow, on the other hand, is too soft. Your kids will get spoiled faster than you can say “some more s’mores”. There are technical names for all this stuff, but I like the rock, marshmallow, and tennis ball example better. If you ever need advice on this parenting business, just let me know. Your mom and I are experts by this point (we’re also very humble).
Some of the strengths your mom and I needed to develop were patience, understanding, teaching skills, and a balance between flexibility and rigidity. But all of these came back to patience: Patience when teaching how to learn, patience when trying to understand your point of view, and patience in sticking with our original rules, no matter how you reacted to them. Unfortunately they don’t teach patience in a class; it’s something you’ll have to develop on your own. And I hope you do.
I’ve watched as you’ve developed outstanding qualities over the years: willingness to work, steadfast faith, an understanding mind, and a comforting way with words. I hope you keep these qualities and develop others: unconditional love for your wife and children and an intimacy with family and friends. There is no greater gift that God gave us than the ability to love each other.
My dream for you is that you will be the best you can be, no matter what career you go into or where you go. Live your life to it’s fullest; you only get one on this earth. Stand firm no matter what the opposition, keep your eyes up, and hold on to the hope and love that you have. No one can take that away from you.
Love, Your Father
------
Dear Mycroft,
When your mother and I first decided to have a baby, we had no idea what was in store for us. We had heard things from our own parents, and friends with children, but none of that could have prepared us for you (and I mean that in the best way possible). After 18 years, hundreds of changed diapers, countless fights, and an infinite amount of smiles, we can now say it was more than worth it. It was an amazing journey for both of us.
Now you are starting out on your own, and most likely will become a parent yourself in a few years (scary thought, isn’t it?) Well, I’d like to play the ultimate ‘dad card’ and try to impart as much knowledge as I have about the most important characteristics of being a parent. First of all, hold your young children as long as possible. You can totally feel the connection; you both become emotionally attached to each other. I can’t explain it, but I know psychologists have some pretty fancy terms for it. And I know it’s the most amazing feeling in the world (compare it to…well, let’s just say some things your mom and I experience together.)
And, of course, your parenting style is key too. Remember Elementary school? In those days, your favorite things were roasting marshmallows, playing tennis, and collecting rocks (I know, convenient, right?) Well, your mom and I raised you on the ‘tennis-ball’ philosophy; not too hard, not too soft. We tell you what to do, but leave it open to discussion if you have genuine argument or concern. A rock is too hard. It won’t allow for any give. Believe you me; if you parent your children like that, they’ll get frustrated real fast. A marshmallow, on the other hand, is too soft. Your kids will get spoiled faster than you can say “some more s’mores”. There are technical names for all this stuff, but I like the rock, marshmallow, and tennis ball example better. If you ever need advice on this parenting business, just let me know. Your mom and I are experts by this point (we’re also very humble).
Some of the strengths your mom and I needed to develop were patience, understanding, teaching skills, and a balance between flexibility and rigidity. But all of these came back to patience: Patience when teaching how to learn, patience when trying to understand your point of view, and patience in sticking with our original rules, no matter how you reacted to them. Unfortunately they don’t teach patience in a class; it’s something you’ll have to develop on your own. And I hope you do.
I’ve watched as you’ve developed outstanding qualities over the years: willingness to work, steadfast faith, an understanding mind, and a comforting way with words. I hope you keep these qualities and develop others: unconditional love for your wife and children and an intimacy with family and friends. There is no greater gift that God gave us than the ability to love each other.
My dream for you is that you will be the best you can be, no matter what career you go into or where you go. Live your life to it’s fullest; you only get one on this earth. Stand firm no matter what the opposition, keep your eyes up, and hold on to the hope and love that you have. No one can take that away from you.
Love, Your Father
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
If God throws you over a cliff, that's His business.
Last night I saw the sun set twice. ^^ Driving West on the 118 from 6:47-6:53 is now my favourite time to drive. I could look right at the huge disc in the sky without blinking.. it was a reddish yellow hue. I could almost see the edges burning with solar flares and such. I watched it until it set behind the hill on the West side of Simi. I went through the pass.. and the Sun was there to greet me again, still steadily heading towards the new horizon. I watched it again until it set all to soon behind the edge of the earth I could no longer see. Goodnight sun, hello moon.
(maha...lamely poetical.)
Last semester a friend gave me a "Word of the Day" calendar..and it's proved to be truly amazing. Maybe I'll start posting some of the words.. now, mind you, some are more amazing than others. Today was somewhat boring.. but hey, it's a word. ^^
Word of the Day: (Wednesday, March 11, 2009)
enclave (n): a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit enclosed within or as if within foregin territory.
(Did you know?) Looking for the keys to the etymology of "enclave", you'll find them in French and Latin. English-speakers borrowed "enclave" from French in the 19th century. The French noun derives in turn from the Middle French verb "enclaver", meaning "to enclose." Enclaver itself can be traced to the Latin prefix "in-" and the Latin noun "clavis", meaning "key". Clavis opened the door to a few other English words, some of which might seem unlikely relatives of "enclave." "Clavicle", the word for the bone that joins the breastbone and the shoulderblad, comes from "clavis", as does the music sign "clef".
(maha...lamely poetical.)
Last semester a friend gave me a "Word of the Day" calendar..and it's proved to be truly amazing. Maybe I'll start posting some of the words.. now, mind you, some are more amazing than others. Today was somewhat boring.. but hey, it's a word. ^^
Word of the Day: (Wednesday, March 11, 2009)
enclave (n): a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit enclosed within or as if within foregin territory.
(Did you know?) Looking for the keys to the etymology of "enclave", you'll find them in French and Latin. English-speakers borrowed "enclave" from French in the 19th century. The French noun derives in turn from the Middle French verb "enclaver", meaning "to enclose." Enclaver itself can be traced to the Latin prefix "in-" and the Latin noun "clavis", meaning "key". Clavis opened the door to a few other English words, some of which might seem unlikely relatives of "enclave." "Clavicle", the word for the bone that joins the breastbone and the shoulderblad, comes from "clavis", as does the music sign "clef".
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Slithergadee
Heh, so I know this is the third post for tonight, but I have to share. Tonight's highlight was sitting on the floor in Target, reading Shel Silverstein's poems. That guy is highly hilarious, and we were laughing hard. This one was my favourite:
The Slithergadee has crawled out of the sea.
He may catch all the others, but he won’t catch me.
No you won’t catch me, old Slithergadee,
You may catch all the others, but you wo–
Shel Silverstein
colour of the mountain
All that said about photographs, here's an awesome shot that was captured on the Malibu hike.
Subject: Ryon Flack
Photographer: Genna Cragoe
Editor: Brooklin Nash
Subject: Ryon Flack
Photographer: Genna Cragoe
Editor: Brooklin Nash
Capture Satisfaction
I love photography. I really do. Taking pictures, looking at pictures, editing pictures.. the camera was a somewhat magical invention. But something I've been thinking about in this last week is how much the camera pales in comparison to the human eye.
The other day I went on a hike in Malibu Creek with a couple friends. When we got to our destination, we were looking down into a canyon, with rays of sunshine blinding us only if we looked up, or casting amazing lighting as we looked down. When we tried taking a photo of this awesome (literally) sight, it simply did not capture the epicness of the moment. On the return trip, the sun was just setting, and the moon was up. Seeing it was just.. amazing. But, again, when we tried taking a picture of the moon, it just showed up as a dot on the screen.. with the exception of Grace's camera, which has a 18x optical zoom. =P
There is just no way to replicate what God has made. Of course, there are still amazing photographs and such (whether they're edited or not). But those moments at sunset or sunrise, sitting on top of a mountain or next to a river bed, just cannot be fully capture by a camera. And that is just one thing of the many things that separates us from God. ^^
The other day I went on a hike in Malibu Creek with a couple friends. When we got to our destination, we were looking down into a canyon, with rays of sunshine blinding us only if we looked up, or casting amazing lighting as we looked down. When we tried taking a photo of this awesome (literally) sight, it simply did not capture the epicness of the moment. On the return trip, the sun was just setting, and the moon was up. Seeing it was just.. amazing. But, again, when we tried taking a picture of the moon, it just showed up as a dot on the screen.. with the exception of Grace's camera, which has a 18x optical zoom. =P
There is just no way to replicate what God has made. Of course, there are still amazing photographs and such (whether they're edited or not). But those moments at sunset or sunrise, sitting on top of a mountain or next to a river bed, just cannot be fully capture by a camera. And that is just one thing of the many things that separates us from God. ^^
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Good old Lewis ^^
It may be possible for each to think too much of his own potential glory hereafter; it is hardly possible for him to think too often or too deeply about that of his neighbor. The load, or weight, or burden of my neighbor's glory should be laid daily on my back, a load so heavy that only humility can carry it, and the backs of the proud will be broken. It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilization--these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit--immortal horrors or everlasting splendors. This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of that kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously--no flippancy, no superiority, no presumption. And our charity must be real and costly love, with deep feeling for the sins in spite of which we love the sinner--no mere tolerance or indulgence which parodies love as flippancy parodies merriment. Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses.
—"The Weight of Glory," in The Weight of Glory (Eerdmans, 1949)
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Good Old Days
In the last few weeks I've been reminded how good children's television programs used to be. We all remember the classics like Sesame Street, Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, and the Muppet Show. Then there were the newer, only slightly less amazing shows like In Between the Lions, Big Comfy Couch, and the Puzzle Place. I must say, I never really watched much of The Muppet Show when I was little.. but I was with some friends the other day, and one of the season's was playing. Heh, it still makes me laugh big.
It used to be so simple, but so good. Admittedly, there are still some good programs out there.. but they could probably be counted on just one hand. Here's a tribute to some of the best:
(If you're reading this on facebook, you probably can't see the videos. So go to www.take92.blogspot.com)
Enjoy! :)
It used to be so simple, but so good. Admittedly, there are still some good programs out there.. but they could probably be counted on just one hand. Here's a tribute to some of the best:
(If you're reading this on facebook, you probably can't see the videos. So go to www.take92.blogspot.com)
Enjoy! :)
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